NFL First Round Mock Draft, Seahawks get defensive
By Dan Viens
Pick #31: Denver Broncos – Shon Coleman, OT, Auburn
The biggest question facing the reigning Super Bowl champs is, will Peyton Manning retire? All signs point to yes. The next question is, can they re-sign backup QB and impending free agent Brock Osweiler, who played well in Peyton’s place while he was injured? I expect Osweiler back, but if he were to chase bigger money or a different opportunity elsewhere, the Bronco’s could take a QB such as Michigan State’s Connor Cook here. But a massive right tackle with the skill set to eventually move over to the left side seems much more reasonable.
Coleman is simply one of the most fascinating stories in this year’s draft, and how highly he’s drafted will depend heavily on his medical reports. We’re not talking about a knee injury here, Coleman was diagnosed with Leukemia his freshman year at Auburn after arriving as a 5-star recruit. He missed the next two seasons undergoing treatment and was deemed free of the disease after 30 months of chemotherapy.
Once healthy, Coleman claimed the Tigers left tackle job and started 25 straight games. He has the size and skill set to succeed in the NFL if he’s given a clean bill of health. He would fit in well on the right side as a bookend to Ryan Clady, with the ability to succeed Clady at some point if necessary.
Next: Five positions the Seahawks MUST address in free agency
FINAL POSITIONAL SUMMARY:
- DE – 5
- OT – 5
- CB – 4
- DT- 4
- OLB – 4
- QB – 3
- RB – 2
- WR – 2
- ILB – 1
- G – 1