The debate over which Seattle Seahawks' draft class was the best of all time comes down to two years: 2010 and 2012.
The 2010 class featured four Pro Bowl players.
But the nod here goes to the 2012 group for its overall depth and the Russell Wilson pick in the third round. The Seahawks selected 10 players that year. Here are some of the names that are still making an impact:
Bruce Irvin, LB/DE, West Virginia, first round, 15th overall: He didn't end up producing the pass-rushing numbers that the team might have expected, but Irvin filled a versatile role as the defense's SAM linebacker and right defensive end. He started 37 games and had 22 sacks. When Irvin was on the team from 2012 to 2015, the Seahawks defense led the NFL in fewest points allowed. This offseason, he signed a four-year, $37 million deal with the Oakland Raiders as a free agent.
Bobby Wagner, LB, Utah St., second round, 47th overall: The Seahawks hit big with Wagner. He has made two Pro Bowls, earned one All-Pro nod and will be only 26 years old when next season starts. Wagner is a three-down linebacker who can do it all, and he's in charge of setting up the defense before the snap. He signed a deal last offseason that will keep him under contract with the Seahawks through 2019.
Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin, third round, 75th overall: He's the reason this class gets the nod. In a league in which teams explore any and all options to find a franchise quarterback, the Seahawks nabbed theirs in the third round. In his fourth season, Wilson set career highs in completion percentage (68.1), yards per attempt (8.3) and touchdowns (34). In 2015, no quarterback had a better overall passer rating (110.1). Wilson is only 27 years old, and he has never missed a game or practice. With him at quarterback, the Seahawks figure to be contenders for years to come.
Jaye Howard, DT, Florida, fourth round, 114th overall: He lasted only one year in Seattle, but has turned into a quality defensive tackle with the Kansas City Chiefs. Howard has started 24 games the past two seasons and signed a two-year, $10 million deal as a free agent this offseason.
Jeremy Lane, CB, Northwestern State, sixth round, 172nd overall: Lane has been a quality, versatile cornerback for the Seahawks, and he signed a four-year, $23 million extension to return to Seattle this offseason. Lane's floor is a high-level nickel corner, but he has shown he can play outside as well. If the season started today, he'd be the Seahawks' starting right cornerback opposite Richard Sherman.
J.R. Sweezy, OG, N.C. State, seventh round, 225th overall: He played on the defensive side of the ball in college, but the Seahawks converted Sweezy to guard, and he started 49 games there in four seasons. This offseason, Sweezy cashed in with a five-year, $32.5 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Perhaps what's most remarkable about this class: All 10 players (including Robert Turbin, Korey Toomer, Winston Guy and Greg Scruggs) are still on NFL rosters.
And the Seahawks also hit big on undrafted free agents that year, such as wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (36 starts) and defensive back DeShawn Shead.
Next-best Seahawks draft class: The 2010 group featured nine players, and four of them have made at least one Pro Bowl. Free safety Earl Thomas (first round, 14th overall) was the headliner. He has started 96 straight games and is a five-time Pro Bowler. Kam Chancellor was a home run in the fifth round (133rd overall). And Russell Okung (first round, sixth overall) was a six-year starter before venturing to Denver.
The Seahawks also came out of that draft with wide receiver Golden Tate (second round, 60th overall) and defensive back Walter Thurmond (fourth round, 111th overall).
It wasn't as deep a group as the 2012 class, but the Seahawks still got an impressive haul in 2010.
