How the Seahawks can fix the offensive line this offseason

Step 3: The 2020 NFL draft

Seattle is very fortunate for the depth this draft possesses on the offensive line. The Seahawks would be wise to utilize this and scoop up two players to fill the remaining positions of need. WIth 6 picks in the first 4 rounds, the Seahawks have plenty of ammunition to make this happen.

Drafting a starting-caliber prospect at center

The first and most important need come the draft is to get a player who could immediately start at the center position. Cesar Ruiz is about as polished of a prospect as they come. He is athletically gifted and technically sound. At the combine, he put up some impressive number including 28 bench press reps, 33 inch vertical and 113-inch broad jump.

These 3 drills are known to be crucial for offensive lineman. They help teams gauge the players strength, and explosiveness. He was top 6 in each of these drills signaling he has both. His impressive play wasn’t just from the combine either, when you watch his film it is quite clear how talented he is truly is.

Ruiz was voted the best pass blocking center in the NCAA last season by PFF. In 447 pass-blocking snaps he only allowed 8 quarterback pressures (and no sacks). He played with consistency and dependability that teams covet beyond all else.

Due to Ruiz’s impressive combine performance, he has likely cemented himself into a late first, early second-round pick status. Seattle would be wise to use their number 1 pick to secure the center for years to come by drafting Cesar Ruiz at number 27 overall.

Drafting a right tackle prospect for the future

Seattle possesses 2 second round draft picks, one of those two should be used to draft a developmental prospect at the right tackle position. When it comes to overall talent and potential, Isaiah Wilson is about high on the board as they come.

Wilson is a redshirt sophomore from Georgia. He was part of what was considered one of the best offensive lines in NCAA last season. He has all the physical tools that a team looks for at the right tackle position. He has a red-hot motor, excellent size (6’6, 350lbs), and solid footwork. He also placed in the top 15 in bench, vertical and broad jump.

While he showed some inconsistency last season, he also showed a lot of growth throughout the year. There is absolutely no reason to think he is close to his peak right now. Drafting him in a position to sit behind a seasoned veteran like Bryan Bulaga should give him enough time to learn how to play in today’s NFL and capitalize on the exposure.

I see no reason with Wilson’s physical toolset and rapid growth that he couldn’t become a top tier right tackle by the end of his rookie deal. The Seahawks would be wise to target Wilson at the end of the second round. This selection has the potential to pay dividends for years to come.