NFL Draft 2013: Potential Late Round Sleepers For The Seattle Seahawks

Predicting what John Schneider is going to do on draft day is nearly impossible. About the only thing I’ve come to expect from him is that he’ll doing something that was absolutely unexpected.

Despite that, I’ve put together a list of draft prospects that should be available in the 7th round, or very late in the 6th, that I think have “sleeper” potential for the Seahawks.

I have no idea if any of these players are one the Seahawk’s radar, but each makes sense in some way for this team. All of them are good scheme fits, and all offer significant upside in a way that I think will interest Schneider and Pete Carroll.

Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl south squad offensive lineman Garrett Gilkey of Chadron State (65) against the Senior Bowl north squad during the second half of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The South squad defeated the North squad 21-16. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Garrett Gilkey – OT, Chadron State

Gilkey is a versatile lineman who can play both RT and guard. He answered some questions about “level of competition” concerns at the senior bowl. Can play inside in year 1 if needed, but is still a developmental project at RT, but shows promise that he could develop into a very good player.

Mychal Rivera – TE, Tennessee

Rivera lack ideal size, and doesn’t have the frame to add more weight. Because of this, he’ll never be a decent blocker. What he does well though is get separation in the passing game. He’s a smooth athlete who can make people miss, and is known for making acrobatic catches. He also has a famous sister, who I’ve been told in on the show Glee.

Travis Long – DE, Washington State

Long is thought of as a 3-4 OLB mostly, but has the fame to add 10 lbs and play the Leo DE in Seattle’s scheme. Long has been one of the nation’s most productive pass rushers over the last 4 years, even though he lacks ideal athleticism. He has great instincts, an unstoppable motor, and a large array of well developed pass rush moves.

Brandon Kauffman – WR, Eastern Washington

Kauffman has great size (6-5, 216) to go along with great hands. What he lacks is ideal speed. He’ll never be a deep threat, but he should be able to get open because of his surprising quickness for someone his size. He’s also very good at using his body to keep defenders away from the football so he can make the catch. He’ll remind many Seahawks fans of Big Mike Williams.

Vernon Kearney – CB, Lane

Kearney is the type of big (6-2, 179) physical corner that the Seahawks love. It’s a huge jump from the Lane to the NFL, but Kearney showed at the Raycom all-star game that he’s up to the challenge. He just needs time to make the adjustment, and with the Seahawks he’d have all the time he needs.