2014 NFL Draft: ‘And the Seattle Seahawks select…’

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been exactly a week since the clock struck triple zero and the Seattle Seahawks held up the Lombardi Trophy. They’ve had a week to celebrate and bask in their victory, but it’s time to get to business looking for the right personnel to keep up their streak.

Although, they had a great 13-win season and topped it off with a championship title, they have a few holes that they need to fill.

The biggest weakness is on the inside of their offensive line. Albeit that they had Michael Bowie, a midseason replacement starter, the offensive line ranked 20th as a unit in pass-blocking, and 24th in run-blocking, according to Pro Football Focus.

So, I’m thinking of a player.

He’s a junior. He’s strong. He’s quick. And I believe he could make an significant impact right off the back. He’s a perfect fit for the Seahawks’ zone-blocking scheme, so he’s strong enough to anchor down against big rushes but he’s fast and athletic enough to move along the line. I’m seeing multiple Pro Bowls in his future. It’s UCLA’s very own guard Xavier Su’a-Filo. Su’a-Filo has experience at both left guard and left tackle for the Bruins.

What Seattle doesn’t have is a No. 1 receiver. Yes, they have amazing receivers like Doug Baldwin, Golden Tate, Jermaine Kearse and hopefully now Percy Harvin, why not stockpile and draft Martavis Bryant from Clemson? He could still be an available at the bottom of the second round. Although he’s a high risk pick, he has the most raw talent and he’s absolutely somebody they can wait for. Bryant could sit for a year or so behind Sidney Rice, whose had a couple of injuries this year. Bryant’s size and speed make him an fascinating prospect, and the depth at wide receiver could drop him in the draft. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has said good wide receivers will still be available in the middle rounds of the draft. Bryant, who averaged a whopping 22.2 yards per catch at Clemson, seems to fit the profile of wide receivers who will still be available if the Seahawks pass on one in the first couple rounds.

Now to Seattle’s defensive line, which is great with Brandon Mebane, Tony McDaniel and Clinton McDonald. On top of that, they have breakout players like Jordan Hill and Jesse Williams to add to the mix. But the defensive end position, on the other hand, could use a lift. Now yes, Seattle has three defensive ends including Michael Bennett, who are ranked in the top 20 out of the 52 defensive ends graded by Pro Football Focus. Unfortunately, Michael Bennett is a free agent this offseason and it’s been said that starter Red Bryant may not play with the same intensity he had this year. Coming from the University of California, standing at 6-foot-5, weighing in at 315 pounds, we have No. 91 Deandre Coleman whose projected to go in the sixth round.  His best asset is his run defense. He has good athleticism and speed for his size and sets the edge well against the run. Coleman fits perfectly for the Seahawks defense.

So who will the Seahawks pick during the NFL Draft? Find out on May 8-10,2014.