NFL First Round Mock Draft, Seahawks get defensive
By Dan Viens
Pick #26: Seattle Seahawks – Sheldon Rankins, DT, Louisville
Everyone is aware that the Seahawks have glaring needs along the offensive line. But under Pete Carroll and John Schneider, this is an organization that never panics and always has the big picture and long range plan in mind with every move they make, minor or major. They also have a unique view of the type of offensive linemen Tom Cable likes to run his system and feel they can find those guys in later rounds.
Some will argue (convincingly) that philosophy hasn’t exactly panned out for them, but you can bet on two things: 1) Carroll and Schneider don’t care what you think and 2) they aren’t going to reach for a tackle or guard just because they have their first 1st round pick in four years. The offensive line will be addressed, but with the Seahawks defense will always come first.
Enter Rankins. Both of the Hawks starting defensive tackles are set to be unrestricted free agents, but even if one or both or Ahtyba Rubin or Brandon Mebane return, Rankins is still a perfect fit as a long term fixture and immediate asset in a rotation.
Rankins is an outstanding all-around interior lineman, and even bounced outside to end on occasion for the Cardinals. The Seahawks love that kind of versatility. He’s a stout run defender, able to hold blockers at arms length while redirecting them, and moves well laterally down the line.
He has a tenacious motor and will chase plays downfield, and he has the burst and agility to stunt and beat offensive linemen off the snap. He needs to continue to develop and refine his pass rush moves, but was still able to get to the QB 18 times the last three years despite regular double teams. In his career at Louisville he recorded 133 tackles, 31.5 of those for a loss.
The 6’2″ 304 pound Rankins had an outstanding week at the Senior Bowl to solidify his first round status. The Seahawks would be thrilled add another young potential star to their already outstanding front seven.
Next: On the clock: Green Bay