The construction of a Super Bowl-caliber team can take many forms, as demonstrated by recent examples in the NFL. The Los Angeles Rams faced scrutiny in 2021 for trading significant draft picks to acquire star players, yet they ultimately emerged victorious. In contrast, the Kansas City Chiefs captured the Vince Lombardi Trophy in 2022 by integrating a core of four rookies into their winning lineup.
There is no definitive strategy for assembling a competitive roster through the NFL Draft, which requires general managers to exhibit astute talent evaluation skills, particularly in the later rounds and among undrafted free agents. The Seattle Seahawks are fortunate to have an exceptional GM in John Schneider, who has carved a unique path in roster-building.
John Schneider has made history as the first GM to lead the same franchise to multiple Super Bowl appearances with wholly different rosters and coaching staffs. His approach this time highlights the effectiveness of scouting, as he has amassed more undrafted free agents—29—than first and second-round picks combined—14.
Currently, the Seahawks roster includes seven first-round picks, such as Grey Zabel, Charles Cross, and Devon Witherspoon, along with seven second-round picks like Kenneth Walker III and Boye Mafe. Additionally, the team features a significant number of undrafted free agents, including Jake Bobo, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Rashid Shaheed, showcasing a depth of talent that extends beyond traditional draft channels.
Despite facing criticism during the transition from the Legion of Boom era, Schneider deserves recognition for successfully rebuilding a competitive team. His bold decisions, including trading away Russell Wilson and signing Sam Darnold, have proven to be strategic as evidenced by the direction of the team.
With the Seahawks projected to have the sixth-most cap space, they are well-positioned to remain competitive in the coming seasons. General Managers often shoulder the blame for team failures without receiving due credit for successes. However, John Schneider’s exceptional eye for talent and strategic moves have certainly earned him commendation in the league.