Seahawks 2020 Mock Draft 1.0 because it is never too early to talk draft

Seahawks Round 5, Pick 135: Claude Edwards-Helaire, RB LSU

The running back position is relatively stocked with Carson and Penny manning the backfield. However, after the 2020 season, unless an extension is put into place, Carson will be an unrestricted free agent. Seattle may be wise to tap into another of the strengths from this draft class to bolster the depth in case Carson takes his talents elsewhere.

Clause Edwards-Helaire has been compared by The Draft Network to Mark Ingram. He runs downhill with a full head of steam, he is very difficult to take down with a low center of gravity. This is partially due to his stature at just 5’9” and 212lbs. This year, Helaire has one of the highest broken tackle rates in the NCAA. He simply plays tough football and has no hesitation going into contact with a goal of trucking opposing defenders.

In today’s NFL, a 3 down running back can’t just run the ball they have to be able to play in the passing game. Fortunately, Helaire has a knack for that as well. He plays with very sure hands and precise route running. His big draws come from his lack of speed, he is more of an agile player with great quickness as opposed to a burner. If Seattle can snag Helaire this late in the draft they would be wise to do so.

Seahawks Round 5, Pick 155: Cesar Ruiz, IOL Michigan

The interior offensive line could go through some changes just like the tackle position I mentioned earlier in the article. Mike Iupati and Joey Hunt will be a free agency after the season, and Justin Britt could be a cap casualty due to his untimely injury and his ballooned cap hit in 2020. This leaves a massive hole at the center position for the 2020 season.

Outside of the first round the depth in this class is very average. However, in recent weeks there is a player who has come out of nowhere who could be a target later in the draft, Cesar Ruiz. Ruiz was likely a return candidate before the season but after some stellar play in recently, he may elect to go pro as opposed to returning for his senior year.

Ruiz has played both guard and center in his three years starting. He has very strong blocking mechanics and is impressive when blocking in space. His overall quickness makes him an ideal lineman to kick out for second-level blocks. Ruiz was the top tested center back in 2017 at a 97.92 score (SPARQ).

There is great potential he could shoot up into the earlier rounds if he tests well at the combine, which I halfway expect him to do. He is uber-athletic and has lots of potential with well above average athleticism. At this point in the early draft process, Ruiz remains a potential late-round steal for the Seahawks.