On March 16, 2022, the Seattle Seahawks traded quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos in exchange for five draft picks spanning two years: first and second-round picks in 2022, a fifth-round pick in 2022, and first and second-round picks in 2023. This exchange became a crucial factor in Seattle’s subsequent success, as nearly every pick transformed into a significant contributor to their roster, culminating in a Super Bowl victory.
The 2022 picks led to the selections of Charlie Cross (offensive tackle in the first round) and Boye Mafe (defensive end in the second round). The fifth-round pick was later traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. The 2023 first-round pick was used to draft cornerback Devon Witherspoon, and the second-round pick secured defensive end Derick Hall. This haul of talent from one trade set the foundation for Seattle’s championship run.
Development and Impact of the 2022 Seahawks Draftees
Heading into the 2022 NFL Draft, Seattle did not possess their own first-round pick, having traded it to the Jets in 2020 for Jamal Adams. Needing to address the loss of left tackle Duane Brown in free agency, the Seahawks used the first-round pick acquired from Denver to select Charlie Cross. While it took Cross some time to adjust, he developed into a dependable lineman, offering solid protection and performance, especially compared to other top tackles drafted nearby.
In the second round, the Seahawks capitalized on possessing two picks. Acquiring Boye Mafe at 40th overall turned out positively, though he showed promise rather than stardom. Immediately following Mafe’s selection was Seattle’s own pick, which they used to draft running back Kenneth Walker III. Walker would go on to become the MVP of the Super Bowl and arguably the most outstanding performer in the entire postseason.
Interestingly, the fifth-round pick Seattle received from Denver was traded to the Chiefs, who used it to select Darrian Kinnard, a player who contributed to their recent Super Bowl-winning teams. This indirect benefit adds a fascinating layer to the Seahawks’ trade outcome, even if those players did not impact Seattle’s rise directly.
Seattle’s 2023 Draft Picks Reinforce Team Dominance
The 2023 draft further solidified Seattle’s advantage, as the team held two first-round selections. Using Denver’s pick at fifth overall, they selected Devon Witherspoon, a cornerback who quickly established himself as a three-time Pro Bowler and a 2025 All-Pro. Later in the first round, at pick 20, they chose wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who earned the 2025 NFL Offensive Player of the Year honor.
The success extended to the second round as well, where the Seahawks took Derick Hall with the 37th overall pick (Denver’s second-round choice). Hall made a critical impact in the Super Bowl with two sacks, including a pivotal strip sack that disrupted the Patriots’ rhythm late in the game. Additionally, Zach Charbonnet was drafted to complement the running back corps, creating a near-even workload split with Kenneth Walker III. Charbonnet’s value was clear when his ACL injury in the playoffs left Walker to perform without significant wear, enabling Walker’s dominant postseason performance.
Evaluating Seattle’s Strategic Win from the Wilson Trade
The Seahawks’ ability to trade an underperforming quarterback and leverage the resulting draft capital into multiple impact players highlights a masterclass in roster rebuilding. While their former quarterback, Russell Wilson, initially seemed to justify the high cost in picks, his time in Denver featured disappointed seasons and an $85 million dead cap hit after his release.
In contrast, Seattle took those assets and turned them into cornerstone players who contributed to winning a Super Bowl, demonstrating that the trade was one-sided in favor of the Seahawks. This outcome underscores the importance of savvy draft management and long-term planning in team success.
As Seattle moves forward, the players acquired through this trade are poised to define the team’s competitive window, while Denver’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of paying a premium for short-term star power. Ultimately, the Seahawks’ accomplishment in this trade exemplifies how calculated moves in the NFL draft can yield championship results.
