Mock Draft Monday: Seahawks go defense early

Round 4, first pick: Seahawks select Nick Harris, C Washington

Nick Harris is one of those players that will never wow you athletically and nobody will celebrate his addition to your favorite team. But so often, those are exactly the type of players who help you the most.

The Seahawks have a need at right tackle and guard, but they cannot overlook center. Justin Britt is a potential cap casualty coming off an ACL tear. Ethan Pocic hasn’t stayed healthy or consistent in his entire career. And while Joey Hunt played admirably in their place in 2020, he certainly isn’t a guy you want starting 16 games.

Harris isn’t what you would typically think of a Mike Solari interior lineman. He isn’t a road grader, but is incredibly intelligent in his angles and surprisingly strong for his 6’1″, 290 lbs frame. He excels at the combo block game and understands how to use his leverage and quickness to his advantage.

He can be beaten on a strong bull rush inside but uses his guile and intelligence to win far more often than he loses. He may be the most athletic interior lineman in the draft and has no issue getting to the second level quickly.

A 3-year starter who played guard and center, Harris can at least provide game day depth at both spots, a plus when considering the 46-man game-day roster.

The only question surrounding Harris’ fit with the Seahawks is if they think he is physical enough in the run game. But Harris is a good football player who understands the position. He’s a technician with a good football mind whose absolute floor is Joey Hunt. He is worth considering this late in the game.

Round 4 (2nd pick): Seahawks select Luq Barcoo, CB San Diego State

Yeah, it’s time for the Seahawks to grab their annual late-round cornerback, this time snagging Luq Barcoo with their second compensatory selection. Barcoo stands at 6’1″, 180 lbs and has a lot of traits Seahawks fans should love.

He is an excellent tackler for a corner who isn’t afraid to stick his nose in the run game or lay the wood against wide receivers. He had 55 tackles as a senior. But perhaps most importantly to Seahawks fans are his 9 interceptions.

While the Mountain West isn’t a premier conference, it is still a pretty solid level of competition and Barcoo owned wideouts in it. As with all corners, the testing will be key. It is tough to scout arm length on film, but I’d guess Barcoo doesn’t make the 32-inch requirement.

Barcoo will also need to put up an impressive 40 time or his stock could plummet. I’d predict he would run in the 4.55 range, which would put him in the fringe territory, especially if his length scares teams away. Whether or not he is a nickel corner or outside guy, I cannot say. But the ability to take the ball away has to be intriguing to every team.

Seattle has had good fortune developing corners recently, including their starting duo of Shaq Griffin and Tre Flowers, but neither one has developed an elite ability to take the ball away. Seattle needs to find a way to get more plays from their corners, and Barcoo at least has that going for him. It is a dart toss to be sure, but one with a decent payoff.