Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner: Seattle’s All-Time Best NFL Draft Pick?

Sports Illustrated recently ranked Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner as the top draft pick in franchise history.

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner is enjoying quite the renaissance in the Emerald City.

Not only has Seattle’s prodigal son returned for the upcoming season on a one-year contract worth $7 million, he has also earned a gratifying distinction amid the growing draft nostalgia across the NFL landscape. 

Wagner, drafted by the Seahawks in the second round (47 overall) in 2012 was recently ranked by Sports Illustrated as the “best pick of all time” in franchise history. 

Bobby Wagner, LB, 2012

“Pick your fighter from the Legion of Boom era. A case could be made for quarterback Russell Wilson or corner Richard Sherman. Yet nobody in Seattle played at a higher level for longer than Wagner, a second-round pick out of Utah State.

In 10 years with the Seahawks, Wagner was named to eight Pro Bowls and earned six first-team All-Pro honors. A two-time Super Bowl participant and one-time champ, Wagner led the league in tackles twice while totaling 13 interceptions and 29 sacks.” - Matt Verderame, Sports Illustrated 

While the case can be made for such Seattle legends such as Wilson, Sherman or defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy, it is hard to argue against Wagner’s selection as the organization’s top NFL Draft pick. In addition to his six All-Pro selections and eight Pro Bowls, he also compiled 819 solo tackles, 23.5 sacks, 11 interceptions, one of which he ran back 98 yards for a touchdown in 2018 - his first career pick six - to set the Seahawk franchise record for longest play.

Overall, the Utah State product has consistently been one of the NFL’s most tenacious defenders in the NFL while wearing a Seahawks uniform. 

In addition to his prowess on the field, Wagner has also been one of the franchise’s most well-respected leaders. In 2017, he was honored with the Steve Largent Award, which is given annually to the team contributor best exemplifying the spirit, dedication, and integrity of legendary Seahawk wide receiver Steve Largent.

Though the list of Seahawks’ draftees is distinguished, listing Wagner as a cut above the rest is a fitting tribute to one of the organization’s favorites.

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