The Seattle Seahawks rookie class came out on top in the NFC West rookie grades, receiving an A- from Eric Edholm of NFL.com.
“It’s not a stretch to say that the Seahawks might not have returned to the postseason without the contributions of their rookie class,” Edholm writes. “They received notable playing time from six first-year players — three on offense, three on defense — and replenished some of the depth issues that plagued Seattle down the stretch in recent seasons.”
Seattle selected two offensive tackles last April, Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas, who both earned starting roles in their first season. The Seahawks also picked up running back Kenneth Walker III, who actually received more first-place votes for Offensive Rookie of the Year than the winner Garrett Wilson.
The Seahawks rookies shined on the defensive side of the ball as well.
“Tariq Woolen and Coby Bryant might be the Seahawks’ starting corners for the next few years,” Edholm continued. “How Woolen fell to Round 5 is anyone’s guess, but he’s a Seattle-style corner if there ever was one, tying for the league lead in picks with six (one pick-six) and flashing outstanding playmaking ability. Bryant opened eyes with four forced fumbles and has the makings of a quality slot corner if he can clean up his tackling and tighten his coverage a shade.
“Boye Mafe brought energy as a subpackage rusher and figures to reprise that role — or even start — in 2023.”
