Seahawks 7-round draft: Final mock before the 2020 NFL Draft

First round, pick 27 – Justin Jefferson, receiver, LSU

The Seahawks take a receiver in the first round? Probably not. In fact, Seattle will probably trade their first pick and trade down and into the second round to pick up even more choices. But let’s pretend the Seahawks will not do what they always do and trade down. In that case, yes, I have Seattle taking a receiver with their first pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. That receiver is Justin Jefferson.

The Seahawks still need a slot receiver. Sure, they signed Phillip Dorsett this offseason and Dorsett isn’t bad, but he is just on a one-year deal and for not much. Seattle could cut him and not lose much. And they would probably if they take Jefferson.

Think of Jefferson as a bigger Doug Baldwin. Jefferson is a pure slot receiver with extreme quickness, especially with his first step, and can get open quickly. In other words, exactly what a slot receiver can do. But Jefferson has enough speed to bounce outside at times too.

In 2019, Jefferson led the National Champion LSU Tigers in receptions and touchdowns with 111 and 18, respectively. The 111 tied for the top of college football and the 18 touchdowns was second.

Jefferson will need to gain strength to go up against more physical NFL corners and his LSU offense was situated to spread the field and allow him to get open quickly. But like Baldwin, Jefferson is going to catch anything thrown his way and is quick enough to miss the first defender once he catches the ball. With Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf on the outside, Jefferson is going to see a lot of throws from Russell Wilson.

And if Jefferson seems like a reach, remember that the Seahawks took Rashaad Penny first in the 2018 draft when a running back wasn’t their highest priority. John Schneider and Pete Carroll aren’t afraid to do things differently and take some risks.