Predicting future success of each Seahawks 2019 draft pick
By Lee Vowell
Rounds five through seven
Round five has been great to the Seahawks over the last decade or so. But in 2019 Seattle had just one pick in the fifth round, but it could be a long-term home run pick. More on that in just a minute. But to finish out the last three rounds of the draft, Seattle had four picks. This is how I think they will do.
Ben Burr-Kirven, linebacker, fifth round, 142nd overall
The great thing for Seattle and Burr-Kirven is that the Seahawks do not need him to have a big impact on the defense in 2019 or probably 2020. Seattle is loaded at linebacker with Bobby Wagner, K.J. Wright and Mychal Kendricks under contract next year at least. Burr-Kirven knows how to tackle, though, and that will keep him playing in Seattle, most likely with a bunch of special teams work his first year or so. We loved this pick on draft day and gave Burr-Kirven an A.
Completely unfounded prediction for Burr-Kirven’s career: The first two years of Burr-Kirven’s career will be quiet but he will be very productive on special teams. Beginning in year three, though, Burr-Kirven will get a lot of reps at starting at what will then be K.J. Wright’s old spot. He will be a solid linebacker for 10 seasons.
Travis Homer, running back, sixth round, 204th overall
What Seattle wants from Homer is for him to replace Mike Davis. Homer is able to catch passes, has decent speed and strength and can pass-block very well. In other words, he is a slightly smaller version of Davis. Homer also runs really hard which is what Seattle looks for in every back. We gave Homer a B on draft day.
Completely unfounded prediction for Homer’s career: Homer won’t ever be the long-term start in Seattle but that wasn’t the expectation with this pick. He will be a serviceable back for three seasons with the Seahawks and will play with a couple of other teams in a seven year career. He will take the place of Davis in Seattle but won’t be as productive.
Demarcus Christmas, defensive tackle, sixth round, 209th overall
Christmas received a C from us of draft day. This grade is really fitting because there is no way to know what Christmas will turn out to be. He has tons of potential and could become a great bull-rushing tackle who can stop the run. Or he simply could eat up cap space and not get many reps. His motor is in question.
Completely unfounded prediction for Christmas’ career: I really want Christmas to be good (no pun intended), but I think it’s difficult for a player who hasn’t met his potential in college to suddenly be a great pro. Christmas will probably make the practice squad and end up playing on a different team in 2019.
John Ursua, wide receiver, seventh round, 236th overall
Ursua was a great receiver in his final year in college and caught 16 touchdown passes. But he is small and not overly fast. Think Tyler Lockett yet without the speed. The reason Ursua might make the team, though, is he has excellent hands.
Next. The Seahawks can dominate phase three of free agency. dark
Completely unfounded prediction for Ursua’s career: Ursua will make the practice squad and get a chance to play later in the season and has one or two catches that make him look great. But his lack of speed and size hurts him and he plays in the NFL for a total of three seasons.