Pre-combine 7 Round Seahawks Mock Draft
By Brad Howell
Second Round
2-1 (32nd overall, from CLE): Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi St
While Seattle typically targets their interior defensive linemen in free agency or the middle rounds of the NFL draft, this year has such depth at the position they can grab elite talent early in the second round.
At 6’6” and 308 pounds, Chris Jones displays great power in his ability to shed blocks in both the run and pass game. He also possesses rare quickness and agility for a man his size.
Watching his film, I came away most impressed with his ability to maintain awareness on the runner while working through the line. Like many college players he could use refinement in his pass rush skills but the raw talent is certainly there. Jones offers a lot of pass rush upside without sacrificing anything as a run stopper – something Seattle values over anything at the defensive tackle position.
2-26 (56th overall): Nick Martin, G/C, Notre Dame
Seattle desperately needs help on the interior of their offensive line and Nick Martin has the ceiling of a Pro Bowler and the floor of a serviceable starter. He has the size, tenacity, and technical ability to immediately start at either guard or center.
I watched his film against Ohio State, a defense littered with NFL talent, and he did not miss a block while showing power in the run game and good strength and movement in pass protection. Martin handled interior power as well as speed from blitzing linebackers. He displayed enough quickness when pulling and in getting to the second level. Furthermore, he played through the whistle and displayed toughness in finishing his blocks, something Tom Cable values.
Next: Third Round