The Seahawks hit several home runs in the 2022 NFL draft, most importantly securing two probable long-term starters at the offensive tackle positions.
The team’s No. 9 overall pick Charles Cross had a strong rookie season at left tackle, posting a respectable 63.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, which ranked him No. 67 at his position. The real find was third-round right tackle Abe Lucas from Washington State, though. Lucas earned a 68.4 overall grade, which was enough to crack the top 40 players at his position.
Their early success is particularly impressive given how Seattle deployed them. Only Tampa and Philadelphia left their tackles on an island at a higher rate.
The Eagles have left their offensive tackles on islands (no double team or help from guards or tight ends) at the highest rate of any offense in the NFL this year. Curious to see if they continue to do so at this rate against the fearsome 49ers defensive line pic.twitter.com/AnpG4wN74r
— Arjun Menon (@arjunmenon100) January 27, 2023
Cross is 22 and Lucas is 24, so the best is likely yet to come.
Here’s the complete top 40 OT rankings from PFF.