Seahawks mock draft version 1.0: Seattle gets an edge rusher

The Seahawks have needs in the 2019 NFL Draft. And one position in particular might get extra special attention.

The Seahawks have just four picks in April’s NFL Draft. 12s all know this will change. There is no way that John Schneider and Pete Carroll do not pick up more picks. Seattle currently holds the 21st overall pick in the first round. That will change, too. The Seahawks likely will trade down out of the first round.

Seattle always trades their first pick. In fact, if they didn’t trade their first choice there would be actual news. Therefore, you see, doing a mock draft based on the picks that the Seahawks have in January is a silly thing to do. So, you’re welcome for me doing this ridiculous thing.

But Seattle is in need of some high-end talent at certain positions. The most glaring need is at defensive end. Seattle needs a pass rusher to go with Frank Clark. I realize Clark is a free agent but there is no way he leaves the Seahawks. He will either get the franchise tag or, better yet, be extended for several more seasons.

Beyond defensive end, Seattle’s needs are a lot less. Seattle would like to get a good wide receiver, maybe a great safety, offensive line depth and help at defensive tackle. John Schneider chose a running back – Rashaad Penny – in last year’s first round even though running back did not seem an obvious need. Really, anything can happen in a Seattle draft. Here’s my best (and likely wrong) guesses at who Seattle takes this year.

First round, pick 21

Montez Sweat, Defensive end/outside linebacker, Mississippi State

Sweat is a bit small currently for a defensive end, but has really good height at six-feet-six-inches. He is very explosive as well. Plus, he has played against elite linemen while in the SEC. Sweat also can add weight and still be quick.

In 2018, Sweat had 11.5 sacks and 14 tackles-for-loss. In Senior Bowl practice this week, Sweat has been dominant. He could move up the draft and be picked well before Seattle has a chance to grab him. But in most mock drafts, Sweat was projected to go middle-to-late first round before this week. His Senior Bowl practice performance might help him temporarily but other players might move up due to the raw abilities in the NFL combine or pro days too. Sweat could still be available at 21.

If Sweat is gone

Beyond Sweat, Seattle, if they stand pat at pick number 21 (which they won’t), still has a lot of possibilities at edge rusher. Brian Burns from Florida State is has good height but needs to add a lot of weight. His 40-time is 4.72 and wonder could wonder that if he adds too much weight he could lose his explosiveness.

Zach Allen from Boston College is much stouter than Burns and is really aggressive. Seattle might go with Allen simply because they love his attitude.

No matter if it is Sweat, Burns or Allen, I think Seattle goes edge rusher first in the 2019 draft.

Round three

B.J. Autry, Guard, Jacksonville State

Autry is a beast of young man. The Seahawks got back to a run-heavier team in 2018 and it paid off. Without focusing more on the run, Seattle would not have won 10 games. Seattle’s tackles are pretty much set with Duane Brown at left tackle and Germain Ifedi at right tackle. But the guards aren’t.

Both J.R. Sweezy and D.J. Fluker are free agents. One or both could be re-signed this offseason. But if they do sign, it could be for just a year. Autry is big enough to play in the NFL now. He weighs 340 pounds. Autry played at a smaller college and might need time to adjust to bigger players, though.

I think the Seahawks take Autry for the long-term. If he comes to Seattle and learns Mike Solari’s system for a season and learns what is like to play a few levels up, he could be a good player for several years.

Also, Sweezy and Fluker haven’t shown the ability to stay healthy for long stretches. And Ethan Pocic hasn’t shown the ability to be good for long stretches. Seattle needs offensive line help for the long-term and Autry fits the mold of what the Seahawks want to do. He is a road-grader and a good one.

Rounds four and five

Round four – Greg Gaines, Defensive tackle, Washington

The Seahawks aren’t afraid of sticking close to home and choosing a player from the University of Washington. In fact, they did it last season when they took Will Dissly. Seattle needs defensive tackle help, though, and especially tackles who can stop the run. Enter Gaines.

Gaines was a nose tackle at U-Dub and a very good one. His lack of versatility actually hurts him in the draft as NFL teams want pass rushers instead of run stoppers. But the Seahawks were not good many times stopping the run. Gaines coupled with Poona Ford could be an excellent duo for several seasons on obvious run downs.

Round five – Shareef Miller, Defensive end/outside linebacker, Penn State

Miller is a bit smaller but still has good height. And Pete Carroll likes taller ends and will take a chance on their weight. Even Michael Bennett wasn’t huge, but Carroll used him in areas where he could be successful. Miller can get after a quarterback, though, and that is what Seattle needs.

So, that’s it. Just four picks for Seattle in the 2019 draft. As I said, though, you know this will change. The Seahawks should end up with about six to eight picks and probably none in the first round. Still, assuming everything stays as is, these four players could help Seattle in future seasons.