2 Seahawks Takes: Which rookies will have immediate impact?

The Seahawks have a large rookie class for 2022, and one that’s been getting positive reviews in the two-plus weeks since the NFL Draft ended.

How much of an impact will the rookies have this year, though?

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On Tuesday’s edition of Seattle Sports Station’s Mike Salk Show, former NFL wide receiver and current Seahawks analyst Michael Bumpus was asked a question along those lines. Specifically, Mike Salk wanted to know out of the nine Hawks draft picks, which ones would have the most immediate impact on offense and defense. After Bumpus shared his answers, Salk also provided his own opinion.

Here’s a look at each of their two takes.

Which Seahawks rookies will have the most immediate impact?

• Bump’s Take: Offense

“Here’s the tough one about on the offensive side of the ball, because the guys that I think are going to make the immediate impact are on offensive line. But how do we judge that? Obviously, it’s giving up sacks, giving up pressures or whatnot. But I’m gonna have to go with (first-round offensive tackle) Charles Cross because we know he is going to play. He is the starting left tackle for the Seattle Seahawks right now; he’s gonna get every opportunity. I think (third-round offensive tackle Abraham) Lucas maybe works his way in, I think we’re gonna see (second-round running back) Ken Walker, and I think we’ll see see a receiver or two on special teams. But I’m gonna go with Charles Cross because of his athletic ability and his composure in his game, the way he approaches the game. I think he plays now, he has success and he does his thing.”

• Bump’s Take: Defense

“I’m gonna go with (fourth-round cornerback) Coby Bryant… just because of his football IQ, the way he attacks the football, and the confidence this young man has. I mean, he’s ready to go. You cannot tell Coby Bryant that he’s not going to be a starter in this league for a very long time. And we know that teams are going to test this (Seahawks) defense – they’re going to want to throw the football, put it in the air, try the secondary out. (Seattle) hasn’t had a lot of success in the back end of this defense. I like Coby Bryant. Now, I think (second-round pass rusher) Boye Mafe is real close, too, because he has such a high ceiling. He has so much to learn yet he’s had so much success. I’m excited to see how they mold this young man. But I think Coby Bryant is ready to go right now.”

• Salk’s Takes

“I think I probably agree with you (on defense) – I would say Coby as the immediate impact, Mafe for a longer-term impact. And on offense, I’ll disagree. I’ll take a big swing: (seventh-round wide receiver) Bo Melton. Bo Melton has the biggest short-term impact on the Seahawks. Now I think long-term, I love the two tackles, I like Walker, but the idea of a receiver kind of caught in the middle of nowhere – talk about being in purgatory at Rutgers – I think he’s more talented than people give him credit for.”

You can listen to the full discussion between Salk and Bumpus, including two more big Seahawks questions answered by Bump, in the podcast here.

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