5 bold predictions for the Seahawks 2020 NFL draft

Draft experts are luckily to hit on just 50% of their draft prospects. However, I’m going to try and beat the odds. I wanted to put forth my 5 bold predictions for the Seahawks 2020 NFL draft.

Seattle has a clear set of needs. However, Seattle is one of the most difficult teams to predict. The Seahawks will undoubtedly surprise us with more than one selection. This article is intended to go through the 5 bold predictions which I believe will occur during the 2020 NFL draft.

Bold prediction 1: Seahawks will draft an offensive tackle with one of their day 2 picks

This offensive tackle class is one of the best I have seen in quite some time. Seattle will likely target a developmental tackle that possesses a great deal of athleticism. This player will need to be versatile enough to replace Brandon Shell at right tackle or take over for Duane Brown once he retires at left.

Regardless of the fact, Seattle now has 18 offensive linemen on the roster. There is no clear heir to the thrown for either tackle position. Seattle would be wise to draft a developmental player and let him learn for a year or two. This could pay dividends for years to come and keep Russell Wilson‘s streak of playing in every game alive.

Potential targets: Matt Peart, Lucas Niang, Prince Tega Wanogho and Saahdiq Charles.

Bold prediction 2: Seattle will draft a wide receiver within the first 3 rounds

Similar to the offensive tackle class, the wide receiver group is incredibly deep. In fact, I would say it is the strongest position in the draft. While you could argue that means Seattle should wait and draft in later rounds. It also appears evident that Seattle is focusing all its efforts on supporting Russell Wilson. Between the 18 offensive lineman on the roster, and several newly signed receivers, they are on a mission to give Russell as many weapons as he can handle.

What I can tell you from looking at their recent draft history is that Seattle has tapped into the strength in each of the last 3 drafts early. Last year, it was LJ Collier in a front heavy but talented defensive line class with their first pick. In 2018, it was Rashaad Penny in a deep running back class with their first pick. In 2017, in the year of the cornerback, Seattle took Shaquill Griffin in round 3. This is the earliest a corner has been taken under John Schneider and Pete Carroll. Look for the trend to continue.

Potential targets: Jalen Reagor, Michael Pittman, Bryan Edwards, and Chase Claypool.

Bold prediction 3: The Seahawks will trade for defensive end help

To date the only moves that have been made on the defensive line are re-signing Jarran Reed, tendering Branden Jackson, signing Bruce Irvin, and signing Benson Mayowa. This is a far cry from what fans and analysts believed would happen during free agency. However, there is still time to right the ship.

A couple of notes I took away from Tuesday’s pre-draft press conference with Pete and John. First, they aren’t happy with the job they have done filling the defensive line. Second, they did not sound overly optimistic about Jadeveon Clowney coming back. Finally, John Schneider specifically mentioned they need to do a better job acquiring defensive line talent. A couple of names I have in mind are Yannick Ngakoue, Matthew Judon and Carlos Dunlap. If you want to read what I think it would take to trade for them click one of the following links:

• Seahawks trade for Yannick Ngakoue.
• Seahawks trade for Matthew Judon.
• Seahawks trade for Carlos Dunlap.

Bold prediction 4: Seattle will have a total of 4 trades

Yeah, I know, very original. Hear me out though. This draft is unlike any other. John Schneider stated that he is only 80% comfortable with trades in the draft due to working remotely. Considering Seattle has been one of the most trade-happy teams in the NFL over the years, I can only imagine how uncomfortable other teams are with draft-day trades. This could be problematic when looking for trade partners. However, Seattle should be fairly motivated to make this work.

Tony Pauline reported, Seattle has only 16-17 prospects labeled as first-round talents. He also stated Seattle has the same grades on players between the middle of round 1 to the middle of round 3. It wouldn’t surprise me a bit if they trade back multiple times with their first pick to try and acquire more picks, perhaps even into the mid-40s. This should help Seattle acquire another early to mid 3rd round pick, totaling 4 picks in this range.

Bold prediction 5: Seattle will draft a safety in round 3

This draft possesses some very Seahawky prospects in the day 2 range for safeties. Considering Bradley McDougald is only under contract through this season and Marquise Blair is still an unknown, Seattle could tap into the draft. The Seahawks will likely be hoping a player will fall like Kyle Dugger, Jeremy Chinn or Brandon Jones.

Dugger is an alpha male who could help bring Seattle bad boy vibe back with his phenomenal open field tackling and vicious hits. Chinn is simply an unbelievable athlete, with great range and a lot of untapped potential. Lastly, they could look for a hard-hitting safety with superb ball skills in Brandon Jones. Seattle is all about competition (as we can clearly see from 18 offensive linemen on the roster) and they shouldn’t stand idle with the players they have if one of these players falls into round 3.

Targets: Jeremy Chinn, Kyle Dugger and Brandon Jones

A quick note on Blair: I’m very high on Blair, however, it’s not yet clear what his pro position will be (slot corner, free safety or strong). I would grade all 3 of those players higher than I did Blair last year. If they view Blair as the free safety heir apparent, they could target Dugger or Jones. If they view Blair as McDougald’s replacement at strong safety, they will likely target Chinn.

A couple of other quick predictions:

• Seattle will target a running back toward the beginning to the middle of day 3. Lemical Perine could be a preferred pick up in that range.
• Seattle will finish the draft with 12 picks.
• Seattle will take a quarterback in round 6-7.
• Seattle will not draft a cornerback until round 4 or later. This is a bad draft for outside corners. However, there are some great prospects to battle Ugo Amadi and Tre Flowers (and maybe Blair) at the slot.