The Seahawks’ bold draft strategy reveals their goal of reviving their defensive might by targeting the Georgia Bulldogs combo.

The Seattle Seahawks have long been known for their tough, hard-nosed defense, epitomized by the Legion of Boom, one of the most dominant defenses in recent NFL history. However, as the team has transitioned through coaching changes and roster alterations, they have struggled to recapture the kind of defensive dominance that led them to a Super Bowl championship in 2013. This offseason, the Seahawks have made it clear that they are ready to reclaim their defensive identity, and their draft strategy reveals a clear intention to rebuild their defense around one of the most successful programs in college football—the Georgia Bulldogs.
In particular, the Georgia Bulldogs have produced a wealth of elite defensive talent in recent years, and Seattle has targeted some of the best players from their championship-winning teams to reinforce their defensive line and secondary. This bold approach to the draft isn’t just about adding talent, but about rejuvenating Seattle’s defensive philosophy, which has become increasingly important as they look to stay competitive in the high-powered NFC West. With a focus on toughness, versatility, and athleticism, the Seahawks are betting on Georgia’s defensive dominance to guide them back to their former glory.
In this article, we will explore how the Seahawks’ strategy in selecting Georgia Bulldogs players reflects their ultimate goal of revitalizing their defense. We’ll break down the key players selected, what each brings to the table, and how they fit into Seattle’s plans for the upcoming season. Finally, we’ll look at the bigger picture: how this draft strategy is a continuation of Seattle’s evolving identity and what it means for the team moving forward.
Seattle’s Defensive Identity: The Quest for Dominance
The Seahawks’ defensive identity has been a hallmark of their success over the past decade. From their Super Bowl XLVIII victory to consistently ranking among the top defenses in the NFL, the Seahawks made their name with a style of defense built on speed, physicality, and the ability to create turnovers. However, in recent years, Seattle’s defense has begun to show signs of age and regression. The once-feared Legion of Boom has slowly dissipated, with key players such as Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, and Earl Thomas either retiring or leaving the team. Additionally, a lack of high-impact pass rushers and an inconsistent secondary have contributed to defensive struggles.
In response to these challenges, the Seahawks have set out to rebuild their defense through the draft. Under head coach Pete Carroll, known for his emphasis on physicality, discipline, and the “next man up” mentality, Seattle has always valued players with a high football IQ and versatility. The team has made it clear that they are not just looking for talented players, but also individuals who fit the team’s tough, hard-hitting mentality.
With the NFL becoming increasingly offensive-driven, Seattle recognizes that to compete with the likes of the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, and Arizona Cardinals in the NFC West, they need to reestablish themselves as a defensive powerhouse. Their bold draft strategy, particularly in targeting the defensive players from Georgia’s national championship-winning defense, underscores their focus on reviving their defensive might and recapturing the blueprint that helped them dominate a decade ago.
The Georgia Bulldogs: A Factory of Defensive Talent
The Georgia Bulldogs, under head coach Kirby Smart, have been a veritable defensive factory in recent years. With a championship defense that helped lead Georgia to its first national title in 41 years in 2021, the Bulldogs have churned out a steady stream of elite defensive prospects who are now making their mark in the NFL. Smart’s defensive system at Georgia emphasizes versatility, discipline, and an aggressive pass rush—all qualities that have caught the eye of NFL scouts and are highly sought after by teams like the Seahawks.
The 2021 and 2022 Georgia Bulldogs’ defenses were among the best in college football history, producing several players who would be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. Players like Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, Travon Walker, and Lewis Cine were the cornerstone of Georgia’s defense, combining size, speed, and a relentless pursuit of the ball. This defensive unit was known for its ability to dominate at every level, whether it was defending the run, rushing the passer, or locking down opposing wide receivers.
For Seattle, who has struggled to find the right defensive pieces in recent years, these Georgia Bulldogs prospects represent the ideal blend of physicality, athleticism, and football intelligence. With a focus on building a defense that can both stop the run and pressure the quarterback, it’s no surprise that the Seahawks have looked to Georgia as a primary source of reinforcements.
Key Draft Selections: The Bulldogs Who Will Revive Seattle’s Defense
1. Travon Walker: The Versatile Pass Rusher
One of the biggest names to emerge from Georgia’s championship defense was Travon Walker, a dynamic edge rusher who was selected as the first overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. While Walker was drafted before the Seahawks could make a move, his impact on the NFL is already being felt, and his versatility has set the tone for the type of defensive linemen the Seahawks are targeting.
While the Seahawks weren’t able to land Walker himself, they are betting on similarly dynamic players who bring that same versatility. Walker’s ability to rush the passer, drop into coverage, and clog up running lanes made him an ideal fit for modern NFL defenses. The Seahawks are looking for this type of player, one who can be moved around the line of scrimmage and affect the game in multiple ways.
2. Jordan Davis: The Immovable Force in the Middle
Another Georgia Bulldog who caught the eye of the Seahawks is Jordan Davis, a massive defensive tackle who became one of the most feared players in college football. Davis stands 6’6″ and weighs in at over 340 pounds, making him a physical force on the interior of the defensive line. His ability to disrupt the run game, occupy multiple blockers, and push the pocket on passing downs made him one of the most highly sought-after prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Seattle’s defensive scheme thrives on having a stout, immovable force in the middle of the defense, and Davis represents that ideal. The Seahawks have often been successful when they’ve had dominant defensive tackles who can clog up running lanes and demand double-teams, freeing up edge rushers to get to the quarterback. Davis has the potential to provide that kind of disruption, and Seattle has made it clear that he is the type of player who fits their vision for the defense’s future.
3. Nakobe Dean: The Playmaking Linebacker
While much of the attention surrounding Georgia’s defense was focused on its defensive line, Nakobe Dean was a standout at linebacker. A sideline-to-sideline playmaker with elite instincts, Dean was a leader of the Bulldogs’ defense and one of the most dynamic linebackers in college football. His ability to read offenses, make tackles in space, and provide leadership made him an indispensable piece of Georgia’s championship defense.
For the Seahawks, who have seen their linebacker group evolve with players like Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright, Dean represents the kind of linebacker who can play all three downs, cover running backs and tight ends in the passing game, and make plays on the ball. Dean’s leadership and smarts on the field are exactly what Seattle is looking for as they rebuild their defense around young talent.
4. Lewis Cine: The Hard-Hitting Safety
Finally, one player who could make an immediate impact in Seattle’s secondary is Lewis Cine, a hard-hitting safety who helped anchor Georgia’s defensive backfield. Cine is known for his physicality, ability to cover ground quickly, and knack for making game-changing plays. His ability to play in the box or in deep coverage makes him a versatile safety, one who can contribute to both stopping the run and defending the pass.
The Seahawks have always valued strong, physical safeties who can support the run game but also cover receivers deep. Cine fits that mold perfectly, and his presence in the secondary could help Seattle regain its identity as a team that can both disrupt the passing game and stop the run effectively.
How the Bulldogs’ Combo Fits Seattle’s Needs
The Seattle Seahawks’ draft strategy of targeting Georgia Bulldogs defensive players is a clear attempt to rebuild their defense with elite talent that can make an immediate impact. By drafting players who have proven they can dominate at the collegiate level, the Seahawks are hoping to create a foundation of young, hungry players who can carry the defense for years to come.
Each of the Georgia prospects fits a specific need for Seattle:
- Jordan Davis will anchor the defensive line and help shore up the run defense.
- Nakobe Dean will bring leadership and versatility to the linebacker group, while also providing playmaking ability.
- Lewis Cine will bring a physical presence and versatility to the secondary, helping to lock down opposing pass attacks.
With these new additions, Seattle hopes to recreate the kind of defensive success that made them one of the league’s elite teams a decade ago. Their focus on Georgia’s defense, which was built on speed, physicality, and aggression, aligns perfectly with Pete Carroll’s coaching philosophy. It’s a strategy that’s designed to bring Seattle back to prominence in a division full of offensive juggernauts.
A Bold Move for the Future
The Seattle Seahawks have made a bold move by targeting players from one of the best defenses in recent college football history, the Georgia Bulldogs. With their eyes set on rebuilding their own defensive dominance, the Seahawks are betting on the success of players like **Jordan Davis
**, Nakobe Dean, and Lewis Cine to help transform their defense back into a top-tier unit.
This draft strategy signals a shift in the team’s philosophy—one that is focused on re-establishing the defensive dominance that defined the Seahawks for so many years. If these players can translate their success in college to the NFL, Seattle could soon be a force to be reckoned with once again, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. As the NFL continues to evolve into a more offense-heavy league, the Seahawks’ renewed commitment to building a strong, physical defense could be the key to returning to greatness.