How Seahawks ended up with just three 2021 NFL draft picks

With the draft about just three weeks out, the Seattle Seahawks seem to be taking a very unconventional approach as they currently hold the fewest picks in the 2021 NFL Draft. But, then again, nothing was conventional about 2020. Perhaps, that is the reason they find themselves in the current position with only three draft picks.

With COVID-19 derailing the majority of sporting events this past year, the NFL Combine was just one of many to feel the ripple effects.

With no combine, teams are left to sketch up their big board with game film and pro days. I am not sure if I am in the overwhelming majority or minority when I say, pro days seem to develop fake hype. Let me elaborate. On a pro day, there are no defenders, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise when a quarterback drops a dime.

Seahawks with just three picks in 2021 NFL draft so far

For example, Zach Wilson took the league by storm when rolling out and completing a ball down the field. Yet, the irony in all of this is, Sam Darnold actually completed a very similar pass early in the 2020 NFL season against the San Francisco 49ers and got little to no praise for it.

At least with the combine, the rookies are competing with one another. There is a chance for teams to see who has the alpha mentality. They get to witness firsthand who embraces the big stage and who shies away.

Although it is quite odd for Seattle to only have three picks, I think most Seahawks fans are learning to live with it. In fact, the reason they only have three picks is that they used the others to acquire more talent.

• Jamal Adams Blockbuster — last offseason, Seattle gave up a 2021 first-rounder, 2021 third-rounder, 2022 first-rounder along with Bradley McDougald.
• Mid-season Carlos Dunlap trade — Seattle traded B.J. Finney and a 2021 seventh-rounder.
• Gabe Jackson offseason trade — In an attempt to please Russell Wilson, Seattle acquired Gabe Jackson from Las Vegas for a 2021 5th round pick.

After those moves, we are left with the following draft picks:

• Round 2: Pick 56
• Round 4: Pick 129
• Round 7: Pick 250 (via DET)

Remember, in the Quandre Diggs trade, the Seattle Seahawks received a 2021 seventh-rounder from Detroit. Last year, they also traded their 2021 sixth-rounder for Miami’s 2020 seventh-rounder.

What To Expect from the Seattle Seahawks in the 2021 NFL Draft:

When most Seattle fans play the word association game and hear the word “draft”, the first thought that probably pops into their head is “trade down”. Over the last couple of years or so, Seattle has had a tendency of trading down.

Now, on the surface, it makes sense because they acquire more draft capital and still end up getting their number one guy on the board. But, given the circumstances of this offseason, should we expect a Seattle trade on April 29 or April 30?

Most have the Seattle Seahawks further addressing their offensive line with their second-rounder selection. But, then again, if a team calls looking to move up and Seattle feels they can still get their guy by trading down, chances are, they will do that.

Or, do they look to take a WR in the second round given the fact that David Moore left in free agency? These questions will certainly be answered later this month.

Let’s also keep in mind that K.J. Wright and Richard Sherman are still two viable options in free agency post-draft if Seattle elects to hold onto their three picks and address offensive issues. I will say, thus far, I’ve thought Seattle has done a nice job in this offseason.