Seattle Seahawks 2022 Mock Draft 2.0: Pass rush help with the first pick
By Jake Luppino
Round 3, Pick 72
In my first mock draft edition, I had the Seattle Seahawks selecting an offensive lineman in the 2nd round. But, this time around with the defensive line being a bigger need, I see the Seahawks selecting an offensive lineman in the third round. Over the last month or so of the season, the Seahawks might have found a solid front five to protect Russell Wilson.
Although LT Duane Brown is a free agent, I do believe there is mutual interest for a return. RT Brandon Shell is also a free agent, although, the emergence of Jake Curhan may have cost Shell his starting position. On the interior, there is Damien Lewis, Ethan Pocic and Gabe Jackson. G Phil Haynes got some starts late in the season and showed some promise. What Seattle may want to look for is some depth to add to this offensive line with the potential of becoming a starter.
That is why I have them selecting OT Max Mitchell in the third round. At 6-foot-6, nearly 300 pounds, Mitchell has experience playing both tackle positions throughout his collegiate career. More so, at Louisiana-Lafayette, he was featured in a run-first offense where he excelled in cutting the backside of runs and getting to the second level quickly. Something we saw Seattle do towards the home stretch of the season, incorporating trap run schemes with Rashaad Penny.
Being a third round selection and Coach Carroll known for his competitive environment at practices, Mitchell would have a chance to earn the starting position. Seattle has some versatility on their current offensive line. We have seen Curhan play guard — even though he is better at tackle — and Lewis start at center. Regardless of whether he’s a day one starter or not, Mitchell’s strong suit blends in well with what Seattle is going to want to do with both Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny if Penny were to return.