The Seattle Seahawks pulled off a massive trade just days before the NFL new league year, sending nine-time Pro Bowl QB Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos for a massive haul of draft picks. As such, the Seahawks’ list of draft needs saw an enormous overhaul. Quarterback is now their top priority in the 2022 NFL Draft. Here’s a list of the options that should be available for the Seahawks in Round 1.
Top 2022 NFL Draft quarterback targets for the Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks will absolutely be in the market for their next quarterback of the future. Despite Drew Lock being included in the trade, Seattle will likely have their choice of the top option at the quarterback position. With pick No. 9 in hand from Denver, here are the top options at quarterback for the Seahawks.
Malik Willis, Liberty
The Liberty quarterback not only won over scouts in attendance during his games over the past two seasons, but Malik Willis has also won over everyone in his presence since. Willis has a terrific arm, incredible athleticism, and a franchise-changing personality. In fact, Willis may be the only option on the table at pick No. 9 that isn’t available for Seattle to select. That’s how special he is.
Willis can make every throw but presents a challenge with his athleticism. He’ll maneuver the pocket with the greatest of ease and maintain vision downfield, looking to pass first. Sounds almost similar to their former nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback, actually.
Sam Howell, North Carolina
The Seahawks could look just a bit past Willis and latch directly onto Sam Howell. Proving that his 2021 season was more of an outlier than the quarterback he is, Howell has risen back up draft boards this offseason. The troubles that saw him have to rush the ball for nearly 1,000 yards in 2021 have seemed to be more isolated to play call and system than Howell the quarterback.
Howell makes NFL throws look easy, routinely hitting receivers in stride on out-breaking routes or throwing his receivers open. His athleticism is also intriguing, but mainly his ability to stand tall in the pocket and throw from a variety of platforms is what is so enticing about Howell.
Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
Betting on himself in Year 5 at Pittsburgh, Kenny Pickett put forth one of the best college football seasons in recent memory at the position. In fact, his career actually wrapped up as one of the best in ACC history, let alone Pitt history. Pickett surpassed all of Dan Marino’s legendary records at Pittsburgh in a dramatic final season.
He throws a crisp ball with more than enough velocity to rifle it past defenders. Pickett also layers throws with ease over a variety of coverages. His hand size measurements took the world by storm, but there is no mistaking the fact that he can still sling it with the best of them.
Matt Corral, Ole Miss
Though Matt Corral hasn’t thrown since sustaining an injury in the Sugar Bowl earlier this year, his athletic profile and arm talent are certainly top-notch. Corral models his game after Aaron Rodgers, and those similarities are visible. Like Rodgers, Corral can launch throws from any platform with velocity and accuracy.
Corral also possesses a rare athletic profile that allows him to dictate what happens if a play breaks down. He doesn’t use his legs too often to scramble on pure passing plays, but if he does, he’s a tough runner to bring down. Corral throws better on the move, signaling the area for growth from the pocket.
Carson Strong, Nevada
A big man with a bigger arm, Carson Strong needs little introduction to the West Coast. Strong is more than a statue in the pocket, as some reports have pegged him. He’s a dynamic man in the pocket with a proven ability to maneuver around flying bodies within the structure of the offense. Strong also possesses the strongest arm in the class.
He can hit every level of the field with ease while also presenting the ability to throw receivers open at every level all the same. Strong has a great arm and was terrific during the interview process at the Combine, showcasing growth from his Senior Bowl performances.
