NFL Mock Draft: Seahawks looking at offensive line?

In the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select: Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State. That’s the prediction that was made this week by the staff Fansided.com. That’s an interesting selection for a number of reasons.

Decker is a senior that has anchored the offensive line for the past two seasons at LT, including last season’s national championship team. They think Seattle will move him to RT, but I’m not so sure about that part.

"He is first and foremost a left tackle, but can play right, and will probably end up on the right hand side with Seattle if the Seahawks select him. He is also a monster of a man at 6-foot-7 and 315 pounds. That is the kind of heavyweight anchor you want protectiong your star quarterback who just signed a huge contract extension. Decker also adds flexability to move to the left side of the line if called upon in the future."

CBS Sports currently lists Decker as the third OT in the draft class and the 22nd player overall. That is also right now, before any of the underclassmen declare. Seniors like Decker are likely to drop slightly when juniors land above them.

That means that the guys form CBS think that Decker will likely be available when the Seahawks pick late in the first round. So at least one source thinks that this pick is good value.

There is no doubt that the Seahawks need help on the offensive line. Things get even worse when you realize that both Russell Okung and JR Sweezy are set to become free agents. The Seahawks also lack the salary cap space to keep both without cutting major costs elsewhere on the roster.

If Seattle does look for help on the offensive line in the first round, Decker isn’t a bad suggestion at all. He has the combination of length, size, and athleticism that the Seahawks look for.

There is limited tape available on Decker at this time. From what is out there, his technique looks solid. He has a quick kick-step, good arm extension, and isn’t a waste-bender.

The one downside is that with his 6’7″ frame he will occasionally get his pad level too high as a run blocker. That’s correctable. It also isn’t an every-down problem like it can be for current Seattle RT Gary Gilliam.

Overall this is a good pick. It fits a need that the Seahawks have, represents value, and is a player with the correct skill set for what the Seahawks look for.

Next: With Rawls injured, Seattle adds another RB

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