Seattle Seahawks draft targets that weren't invited to the NFL Combine

Not all NFL draft picks are invited to the NFL Combine each year. Last year, 32 players (and entire round’s worth of selections) were drafted despite not attending the combine. The Seahawks are no exception, drafting non-combine players like tight end Luke Wilson and Eric Pinkins in recent years.

This year, there are a number of non-combine players that should interest the Seattle Seahawks as potential draft targets. Most are developmental projects, but each has the athleticism to become solid NFL players if given a chance by a patient team.

Shaq Mason, OG/OC, Georgia Tech

The Georgia Tech multiple-option offense makes it tough for any of their offensive players other than their running back to get an NFL job. Mason should be one of the few exceptions. He’s a 302 pound guard that moves like a tight end. He’s strong, agile, and blocks as well in space as he does in tight quarters. Once he learns how to pass block, he’ll be an ideal guard or center for a zone blocking team like the Seahawks.

Jordan Leslie, WR, BYU

Leslie has a rare combination is size (6’2″ and 204 pounds) and speed that NFL teams look for. Throw in great hands, and Leslie has some of the skills necessary to become a very good NFL receiver. It is still unclear if he is more than just a straight-line Richard Lockette type, or if he can change direction well enough to get open in the NFL, but it is worth a late-round flyer for the chance to find out.

Shaq Riddick, DE/OLB, West Virginia

The Bruce Irvin comparison here is simply too easy. Riddick is a superb athlete who is able to get after the quarterback using only his speed. He lacks well-developed pass-rush moves, and will need to learn quickly if he is going to stick at defensive end at the next level. If not, then a move to strong side linebacker will be in order, but he has the athleticism necessary for that position as well.

Kristjan Sokoli, DT, Buffalo

Sokoli is a massive project, but he has almost unlimited upside. He is a freakish athlete, but is still learning the football at a fairly basic level. The Albanian immigrant played out of position at nose tackle in college, but has the body and skills necessary to become a Warren Sapp type three-technique eventually.

Quayshawne Buckley, DT, Idaho

Buckly is a lot like Sokoli. He didn’t start playing football until high school, and playing at Idaho didn’t force him to develop the technical side of his game because he was able to get by using just his strength and athleticism. He’ll have a lot of work to do to make it at the NFL level, but he has the talent to become a tremendous professional defensive tackle.

Trey Walker, CB, Southern Texas

Walker has the length that the Seahawk covet at cornerback. He doesn’t have great straight-line speed, but has very good overall athleticism. His technique is still raw, but it isn’t more so that Richard Sherman’s technique was coming into the NFL. Give defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach Kris Richard a chance to work with him, and Walker could be the next late-round CB steal for Seattle.

Next: 7-round Seahawks mock draft version 2.0

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Seattle Seahawks draft targets that weren’t invited to the NFL Combine

By Keith Myers | Apr 17, 2015