12th Man Rising
FanSided

Offensive tackles the Seahawks should target in the draft

By Geoff Shull

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 31: Jack Driscoll #71 of the Auburn Tigers during the Advocare Classic at AT&T Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 31: Jack Driscoll #71 of the Auburn Tigers during the Advocare Classic at AT&T Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Seahawks could tab the next Trent Brown
(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Seahawks target two: Lucas Niang, Senior RT, TCU

In terms of potential, I believe Niang is likely one of the top players in this draft. He possesses all the intangibles a player could need. All the weaknesses are coachable. With the right coach and time, Niang could end up being the steal of the draft.

Niang stands at 6’7” and weighs in at 330lbs making him another massive player to target on the right side of the line. His tape is very clean, without many mistakes. Niang has exceptional hand placement, his strikes rarely miss the breastplate making him effective in engaging the defender. His football IQ is off the charts, helping him pick up stunts, blitz’s and effectively countering the movements. Lastly, he plays with great tenacity to his game that helps redirect defenders effortlessly, making him a fit in a run-first scheme.

His biggest weaknesses would be quickness out of his stance, and balance. The two usually coincide together. A quicker defensive end could get leverage on him from the get-go and keep Niang from getting balanced, causing him to get blown up. The good news, its coachable, and Niang has exception hand placement so he can typically get a jab or two in while getting set up to keep the defender from establishing control.

Niang reminds me of Trent Brown of the Oakland Raiders. Both players in the draft process were labeled with above-average athleticism despite their massive frames. Both players had slightly below average burst off the line and both were labeled as stash and develop picks. Fast forward to 2019 and the potential label would prove to be accurate for Brown. Brown was named a Pro Bowl tackle this year and had only allowed one sack before being placed on the IR.

Niang got hurt toward the end of his senior year, this will likely hurt his stock. I project he will likely be pushed from a sure-fire first-round talent to a late second round, an early third-round pick. With the Seahawks possess 2 second-round picks it wouldn’t hurt to take a waiver on him and hope he can develop.

Player comp: Trent Brown

Round projection: late second round

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