When it comes to the draft, the Seahawks are predictably unpredictable

The NFL Draft is officially upon us. Like every year, there has been all sorts of speculation as to who the Seahawks might take. When it comes to the 2017 draft recent history allows us to know one thing for certain: The Seahawks always seem to surprise.

The Seahawks are predictably unpredictable

Just when you think you know what the next move is for Pete Carroll and John Schneider, they draft Bruce Irvin.  Or they might address a need that everyone expected, but shock many with the player they chose to fill the position. For example, they might have a need on the offensive line, but then draft a college defensive lineman in J.R. Sweezy and decide to convert him to the other side of the trenches.

Aside from the player surprises, the Seahawks also tend to keep fans guessing as to when they will actually use their assigned pick. Schneider definitely likes to wheel and deal. In fact, in three of the past four drafts the Seahawks have traded out of the first round. The strategy here would indicate that the team believes that a higher volume of mid-round picks is generally of more value than one late first round pick. This makes sense given the success the franchise has had with finding mid-round gems like Russell Wilson, Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, and KJ Wright.

Even with a bit of an established pattern of trading back to stockpile picks I’m still not confident that the Seahawks will continue the trend. Outside of defensive back, this class doesn’t seem particularly loaded or deep. I could definitely see Schneider holding on to the 26th pick and using it on someone he believes is worthwhile. Then again, they might go ahead and trade back if the right deal is offered.

Regardless of what the Seahawks end up doing tonight (or the rest of the weekend) I’m sure there will be surprises along the way. If I’ve learned anything in the Carroll-Schneider era it’s that trying to guess what comes next is a fools errand.