Heaps: Seahawks’ draft haul shows commitment to philosophy
May 4, 2022, 1:55 PM
Michigan State RB Kenneth Walker III looks for yards against Michigan in an Oct. 30, 2021 game. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Seahawks used the 2022 NFL Draft to load up on both sides of the ball with their nine-man class.
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Seattle added two offensive tackles, two receivers and a running back on offense while selecting two pass rushers and two cornerbacks on defense.
Former NFL quarterback Jake Heaps said the Seahawks’ nine selections sent a clear message.
“The statement that they made was their commitment to their philosophy and emphasizing that philosophy,” Heaps said this week during an edition of Jake and Stacy on Seattle Sports 710 AM.
It started on the offense for the Seahawks, with the team using the No. 9 overall pick on tackle Charles Cross, who figures to be Seattle’s next left tackle. In the third round, the Seahawks drafted Abraham Lucas, a right tackle. Getting those two to anchor the offensive line was huge, Heaps said.
“Both those guys can really help in pass protection and also fit this style of run scheme that they want to have here in Seattle with (offensive coordinator) Shane Waldron and (offensive line coach) Andy Dickerson. I thought that that was an incredible get for them,” Heaps said.
Using the 41st overall pick on running back Kenneth Walker III was scoffed at by some due to the perceived value in the position, but Heaps thought that was a great addition to the Seahawks’ offense.
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“Then you go out and you get Kenneth Walker, a running back out of Michigan State who is one of the most dynamic running backs in this draft and someone who fits directly into what they want to do, the style of play in which the Seahawks want to play, (which is) under center, handing the ball off, coming downhill,” he said. “Kenneth Walker, you’ve seen him at Wake Forest and at Michigan State run in between the tackles at an incredibly high level. (He’s) tough, physical and fits their style.”
Seattle’s other second-round pick, edge rusher Boye Mafe, also is a great fit for the Seahawks’ new-look defense.
“Boye Mafe fits what they want to do from a 3-4 perspective (with) athletic rangy guys out on the edge that bring incredible speed and instinct against the run and in the passing game,” Heaps said.
“They made a statement about emphasizing their philosophy, getting premium positions and adding competition to those premium positions,” he added. “The Seattle Seahawks definitely got better after this draft.”
Listen to the full conversation from Jake and Stacy at this link or in the player below.
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