From the gritty, blue-collar roots of their inaugural season to the deafening roar of the 12th Man lifting a Super Bowl champion, the Seattle Seahawks have built a rich, often improbable, history through the NFL Draft. It's where legends are born, franchises are forged, and dreams are realized. While every team hopes to unearth a diamond in the rough, few have struck gold with the consistency and profound impact that the Seahawks have, especially in some of their most iconic selections.
Join us as we count down the absolute best draft picks in Seattle Seahawks history – players who not only wore the uniform but defined an era, captivated a city, and left an indelible mark on the NFL landscape. These are the selections that changed everything, cementing their place in the heart of the Pacific Northwest and the annals of football greatness.
10. Kam Chancellor
Drafted in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft, Kam Chancellor was more than just a strong safety; he was the intimidating enforcer and the emotional heartbeat of the legendary Legion of Boom. "Bam Bam Kam" delivered bone-jarring hits that resonated through opposing offenses and sent seismic waves of excitement through Lumen Field. His physical play, leadership, and uncanny ability to set the tone established a defensive identity that fueled a Super Bowl championship and multiple deep playoff runs, making him one of the most beloved and feared players of his generation. He redefined the strong safety position with his unique blend of size, speed, and ferocity.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Interceptions (SEA) | 12 |
| Career Sacks (SEA) | 9.0 |
| Career Forced Fumbles (SEA) | 8 |
| Pro Bowls | 4 |
9. Kenny Easley
The fourth overall pick in the 1981 Draft, Kenny Easley quickly established himself as one of the most dominant safeties in NFL history. "The Enforcer" was a rare talent who combined elite athleticism, ball-hawking instincts, and vicious hitting power. He patrolled the secondary with an unmatched intensity, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1984 and leading the Seahawks to their first-ever playoff appearance. Though his career was tragically cut short by kidney disease, his impact was so profound that he was rightly enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a testament to his sheer brilliance on the field.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Interceptions | 32 |
| Pro Bowls | 5 |
| First-Team All-Pro Selections | 3 |
| AP Defensive Player of the Year | 1 (1984) |
8. Shaun Alexander
Selected 19th overall in the 2000 NFL Draft, Shaun Alexander became the engine of the most potent Seahawks offenses of his era. A smooth, patient runner with surprising burst and power, Alexander dominated the mid-2000s, peaking with his historic 2005 MVP season where he set an NFL record for touchdowns. He was the focal point of the team that reached the franchise's first Super Bowl, consistently piling up yardage and finding the end zone. Alexander's quiet demeanor off the field belied his fierce determination on it, making him a cornerstone of a pivotal period in Seahawks history.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Rushing Yards (SEA) | 9,429 |
| Rushing Touchdowns (SEA) | 100 |
| AP NFL MVP | 1 (2005) |
| Pro Bowls | 3 |
7. Richard Sherman
A fifth-round gem from the 2011 Draft, Richard Sherman evolved from a raw, outspoken corner to one of the most cerebral and dominant defensive backs in NFL history. His towering presence, incredible ball skills, and uncanny knack for making game-changing plays defined the Legion of Boom's identity. Sherman wasn't just a shutdown corner; he was a master of mind games, a vocal leader, and a pivotal component of the Seahawks' Super Bowl XLVIII championship. His iconic "You mad, bro?" moments and post-game interviews were as memorable as his defensive heroics, solidifying his place as a true Seahawks legend.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Interceptions (SEA) | 32 |
| Passes Defended (SEA) | 99 |
| First-Team All-Pro Selections (SEA) | 3 |
| Pro Bowls (SEA) | 3 |
6. Earl Thomas
The 14th overall pick in the 2010 Draft, Earl Thomas was the indispensable centerfielder for the Legion of Boom, revolutionizing the free safety position with his unparalleled range and instinct. His ability to cover sideline-to-sideline and make plays on the ball was the linchpin that allowed the aggressive cornerbacks to thrive. Thomas's fearless play and innate understanding of the game made him a perpetual All-Pro, a true game-wrecker who dictated offensive strategy. His electric energy and consistent excellence were vital to the Seahawks' Super Bowl championship and their sustained run as a dominant defensive force.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Interceptions (SEA) | 28 |
| Forced Fumbles (SEA) | 11 |
| First-Team All-Pro Selections (SEA) | 3 |
| Pro Bowls (SEA) | 5 |
5. Bobby Wagner
Another monumental pick from the legendary 2012 draft class, Bobby Wagner, selected in the second round, has become arguably the greatest middle linebacker in franchise history and a certain future Hall of Famer. From the moment he stepped onto the field, Wagner was a tackling machine, a defensive general who consistently called plays, covered ground, and made impact tackles. His intelligence, leadership, and relentless effort were fundamental to the Seahawks' Super Bowl success and his incredible longevity as an elite player. Wagner's dedication to the game and his community has made him a beloved figure in Seattle, a true pillar of consistency and excellence.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles (SEA) | 1,568 |
| Sacks (SEA) | 32.0 |
| Interceptions (SEA) | 11 |
| First-Team All-Pro Selections (SEA) | 6 |
| Pro Bowls (SEA) | 8 |
4. Russell Wilson
Words can barely capture the seismic impact of Russell Wilson, chosen in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft, on the Seattle Seahawks and the entire city. Undersized by conventional standards, Wilson defied all expectations, swiftly becoming one of the most dynamic and clutch quarterbacks in league history. He led the Seahawks to their first-ever Super Bowl championship in just his second season, transforming the franchise into a perennial contender. His uncanny ability to extend plays, make impossible throws, and deliver in the biggest moments captivated the 12th Man, creating a bond with Seattle fans that ran incredibly deep. Wilson wasn't just a quarterback; he was a magician, a leader, and for a decade, the unquestioned face of Seattle sports, defining an era of unparalleled success and thrilling football.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Passing Yards (SEA) | 37,059 |
| Passing Touchdowns (SEA) | 292 |
| Rushing Yards (SEA) | 4,689 |
| Pro Bowls (SEA) | 8 |
| Super Bowl Wins | 1 |
3. Cortez Kennedy
The third overall pick in the 1990 NFL Draft, Cortez Kennedy was a force of nature, a mountain of a man who dominated opposing offensive lines during an era where the Seahawks often struggled. "Tez" was an immovable object and an unblockable pass rusher, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1992 despite the team finishing with a losing record—a testament to his individual brilliance. He was a beacon of excellence, combining raw power with surprising athleticism, consistently commanding double and triple teams. Kennedy's unwavering commitment and consistent Pro Bowl play earned him a well-deserved spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, reminding everyone that greatness can shine even in challenging times.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Sacks | 58.0 |
| Pro Bowls | 8 |
| First-Team All-Pro Selections | 5 |
| AP Defensive Player of the Year | 1 (1992) |
2. Walter Jones
When the Seahawks drafted Walter Jones with the sixth overall pick in 1997, they secured not just a left tackle, but a generational talent who would redefine the position. "Big Walt" was a graceful giant, combining unmatched athleticism, brute strength, and textbook technique to become arguably the greatest pass-blocker in NFL history. For over a decade, he was the impenetrable wall protecting the blind side, rarely allowing a sack and consistently opening up gaping holes in the run game. Jones's quiet dominance and consistent excellence earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and secured his legacy as the gold standard for offensive line play, anchoring the franchise's first Super Bowl team.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Games Started | 180 |
| Pro Bowls | 9 |
| First-Team All-Pro Selections | 4 |
| NFL 2000s All-Decade Team | Yes |
1. Steve Largent
The original Seahawks legend, Steve Largent, drafted in the fourth round of the 1976 NFL Draft after being traded from Houston, is the undeniable choice for the greatest draft pick in franchise history. Largent arrived as an unheralded receiver and left as a Hall of Famer and the NFL's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns at the time of his retirement. His unparalleled work ethic, precise route-running, and fearless play over 14 seasons established the standard for all Seahawks who followed. Largent wasn't just a player; he was the first face of the franchise, a beloved icon whose legacy of excellence, toughness, and humility continues to inspire. He truly built the foundation of what it means to be a Seattle Seahawk.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Career Receptions | 819 |
| Career Receiving Yards | 13,089 |
| Career Receiving Touchdowns | 100 |
| Pro Bowls | 7 |
| Pro Football Hall of Fame | Class of 1995 |
From the early pioneers who etched their names into the franchise's nascent history to the dynamic playmakers of the Super Bowl era, these draft picks represent the very best of the Seattle Seahawks. Each name on this list tells a story of talent, perseverance, and profound impact, forever linking their personal legacies to the collective memory of the 12th Man. The draft remains the lifeblood of any successful NFL team, and for the Seahawks, it has been a wellspring of iconic figures who brought glory to the Pacific Northwest.