Players meeting with Seahawks at the NFL Combine are interesting

The Seahawks have met with many players already at the NFL Combine. Who they are meeting with might show Seattle’s thinking in this year’s draft.

The Seahawks have several needs this offseason. One is either extending or resigning to a long-term deal defensive end Frank Clark. Two is seeing how much the health of Doug Baldwin might affect the receiving group next season. Three is drafting players to fill positions of need.

So far we know of several players Seattle has interviewed at the NFL Combine. The Combine runs through Monday with players of different position groups running through drills, medical examinations and team interviews. The players we either assume or know that Seattle has spoken with might show the direction the team wants to go in the draft.

Offensive line

Seattle interviewed Washington State offensive tackle Andre Dillard this week. Dillard may not be around, though, for Seattle to take should they keep their current spot at number 21 in the draft order. (Hint: Seattle will trade down as they almost always do.) Dillard had a great workout on Friday. His stock was already high and it is only going up at this point.

Another state of Washington native Seattle has talked with is Kaleb McGary for the University of Washington. McGary is tall at six-foot-seven but needs to work on balance. He might be around for Seattle to take when the Seahawks inevitably trade down.

Blockers

Seattle has always loved having a fullback in the mix on run downs. In 2018, they probably didn’t have anyone they really trusted. But Wisconsin fullback Alec Ingold has been interviewed by the Seahawks. And so has tight end Josh Oliver from San Jose State. Oliver is seen more as a tight end backup in the NFL and that is all Seattle needs at this point.

Receivers and running back

Especially with the offseason surgeries to Baldwin, Seattle has to find a capable receiver to go along with Tyler Lockett. Seattle has talked with several receiving prospects including explosive and tall Hakeem Butler from Iowa State. The Seahawks need explosive but they must get a tall receiver this offseason.

Seattle has also met with Myles Gaskin for Washington. Gaskin would need to add some bulk to be a true Pete Carroll-style running back, but he has speed. Adding Gaskin could be the answer to who backs up Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny in 2019.