12th Man Rising
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Predicting Which Seahawks Rookies Make the Cut

By Luke Allen

Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Amara Darboh (82) gestures after a first down during the first half of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Amara Darboh (82) gestures after a first down during the first half of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Seattle Seahawks drafted eleven players in the 2017 NFL Draft. That’s enough for a starting NFL lineup.

However, as we all know, not every player the Seahawks draft end up making the final cut. I’m predicting the following seven players to make the grade for 2017.

Who makes the final cut for the Seahawks on defense?

Malik McDowell.  After taking the defensive tackle from Michigan State with their first selection to the dismay of many 12’s, there’s virtually no way McDowell does not make the team. Look for him to be in the starting rotation.

Nov 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; UCF Knights defensive back Shaquill Griffin (10) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. South Florida Bulls defeated the UCF Knights 48-31. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; UCF Knights defensive back Shaquill Griffin (10) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. South Florida Bulls defeated the UCF Knights 48-31. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Shaquill Griffin. Griffin was one of the draft’s most underrated defensive backs, and the 6’1 corner from UCF will look to have an immediate impact for Seattle’s deteriorating cornerback position. As Deshawn Shead will likely not be able to play at the start of the season, that may be Griffin’s time to shine.

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Delano Hill. Seattle’s first Michigan Wolverine in this draft should look to provide depth at the safety position after the team let go of Kelcie McCray. As a result, Hill should be a safe bet to make the team as Chancellor’s backup.

Nazair Jones. Jones will most likely be able to hold a spot on this defensive line that lacked youth last year because of his age and potential.

Mike Tyson. I’m not going to make any Mike Tyson references here. The Cincinnati product will be relied on to provide depth to the cornerback position, which is not where it was in 2013. He’ll be competing with bubble guys like Neiko Thorpe, DeAndre Elliott, and Pierre Desir.

Who makes the final cut for the Seahawks on offense?

Ethan Pocic.  This one may not be as obvious as McDowell, but Seattle didn’t draft him in the second round to just dump him. His versatility on the offensive line has to make Tom Cable’s mouth water.  Look for him to potentially have a starting job.

Amara Darboh. Seattle may have just found their new Jermaine Kearse in the 6’2″ Amara Darboh from Michigan. Kearse has been extremely unproductive and is sucking up quite a bit of the salary cap. So I believe Darboh’s best chance of making the team is replacing Jermaine Kearse as Russell Wilson’s tall possession target.

These are just my predictions, and I didn’t even mention any of the undrafted free agents. How accurate will I be? We’ll just have to find out.

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