Mock Draft Update: Seahawks Picks Through 2 Rounds

We’re almost through 2 rounds of this draft for MockOne.net, and so far I’m very excited on how things have unfolded for the Seahawks.

In the first round, I knew I had to achieve one of 2 objectives. I either needed to get a impact defensive linemen, or trade back, and there was really only 1 lineman I expected to be there at pick #25.

One by one, all the impact defensive linemen came off the board in the very early going. I knew they wouldn’t last, but I was ready to take one if they fell to me. Even Star Lotulelei, who couldn’t participate in the combine because of a serious heart condition, was gone by pick 18. All of that was expected, unfortunately.

Trades offers simply weren’t there. Everyone in the 20’s was working to trade back.  My goal was to drop down from pick number 25 somewhere into the 30’s. How far into the 30’s really didn’t matter how far, but I simply couldn’t get a deal.

When pick 25 finally came up, I was happy to see that my one target was still on the board. Poised to select my guy, I suddenly got a last second trade offer.

The Texans decided to seriously overpay to move up 2 spots, netting me a 4th round pick in the process. I knew they Texans weren’t after the player I wanted, and I was fairly sure the Packers weren’t going to take him either, so I decided to take the deal.

It worked out perfectly for me. When I was back on the clock, I wasted no time in getting in my pick:

Nov 17, 2012; College Park, MD, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Cornellius Carradine (91) prior to the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Cornellius (Tank) Carradine, DE, Florida State

Tank is a top 10 talent, maybe top 5, who dropped because he blew out his knee last season. When healthy, he’s the best 4-3 pass rusher in this draft, and unlike Bruce Irvin, doesn’t have any trouble against the run either. He might not be ready at the start of the season, but once healthy Tank will be Von Miller type playmaker.

The 2nd round was a different beast. The Seahawks already had too many picks, and I had added another one in the 1st round. At this point, I was looking to move up. Again, I only had one target, and this time I couldn’t wait. He wasn’t going to fall to me.

After plenty of negotiations with many teams, and with my primary “fall back” option already off the board, I was finally able to get the Panthers to trade me the 14th pick of the 2nd round. To get there, it cost me my 2nd round pick, and both of my 4th round picks. It sounds like a lot, but I actually got a deal if you look at the pick value chart.

This deal was the entire reason I traded back in the first. Doing so gave me the ammo to move up in round 2 without giving up my 3rd or gutting the rest of my picks. It worked out, and I was able to pick:

Oct. 13, 2012; Provo, UT, USA; Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Markus Wheaton (2) scores a touchdown against the Brigham Young Cougars during the fourth quarter at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas C. Pizac-USA TODAY Sports

Markus Wheaton, WR, Oregon State

Wheaton is a premier deep threat WR, who also shows polish in his routes so he’ll be able to get open consistently for Russell Wilson. Great hands are combined with good strength to beat the press. Wheaton reminds me of a taller version of Carolina’s Steve Smith. He’s a first round talent in most WR classes.

So that’s where we tand right now. 2 rounds down. 2 trades. 2 picks for outstanding playmakers. And one extremely happy general manager so far.