Things have drastically changed for the Seattle Seahawks ever since my Mock Draft 2.0 about a month ago. The outlook of this franchise has dawned on a brand new horizon after trading Russell Wilson and releasing Bobby Wagner. Something that I quite frankly never saw coming.
The good news for the Seahawks is they were able to get a top 10 pick along with a 2nd and 5th rounder in the upcoming draft while also obtaining a 1st and 2nd in next year’s draft with three other players: QB Drew Lock, TE Noah Fant, DL Shelby Harris. The bad news is they now have a major void at the most important position in the sport entering a draft with a weak quarterback class.
Even after the trade when evaluating the roster, the personnel problems are relatively the same. Seattle still needs to improve both the offensive and defensive lines as well as the back end of the secondary. Certainly, they were able to clear up more cap space and can address some of those needs through free agency. But nothing is better than bringing in a rookie who can make an impact on day 1 at a cheap cost for a couple of years.
Seattle Seahawks Mock Draft 3.0: Finding the future
Unlike my previous two mock drafts, I have the Seattle Seahawks making a trade this time around. In previous years, the Seahawks have been known to trade down in drafts. That way, they are able to acquire more picks and still end up with the player they want. It’s a smart technique, yet last year with only 3 total picks in the draft, Seattle stayed put.
Two of the three picks — WR Dee Eskridge & CB Tre Brown — were hurt for the majority of the season. But, they are going to play an important role on this team moving forward. Even un-drafted free agent, RT Jake Curhan, made a strong push at the end of the season when stepping in for Brandon Shell.
With the draft just over a month away and pro days coming up, more attention is going to be put on potential prospects. I see the Seattle Seahawks once again breaking headlines with another blockbuster move.
Making a splash before the draft
When I put my GM hat on and pretend I am in the position to make decisions for a football team I ask myself the following question: What do we have vs. what do we need?
The foundation on which that question is based upon is what do we need in order to win the Super Bowl? For the Seahawks, the answer is pretty obvious: a quarterback. Yes, they will still have other holes in certain positions, but what team is perfect? Each team has its strengths just like they have their weaknesses. Seattle has experienced that themselves for the last five years. The dynamic player that Russell Wilson was enabled him to mask some of Seattle’s other problems.
Thus, they need to find themselves another dynamic playmaker. That’s where Deshaun Watson comes in. I believe when all the smoke clears for Watson and his legal issues, the Seahawks will acquire the former Clemson Tiger.
Many will pushback on this as Watson’s character has seriously been scrutinized with all the sexual misconduct allegations he is facing. All I’m asking is that you hear me out.
Like Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson has a no-trade clause. Meaning, he holds all the leverage in trade negotiations. The Houston Texans can only send him where he wants to go. Just like Wilson only wanted to go to Denver, Watson may very well only want to go to Seattle. The Seahawks knowing this can simply just flip the assets they acquired from Denver and give Houston much-needed picks as they are in a clear rebuild.
With a 71-year old head coach, I find it hard to believe the Seahawks want a rookie quarterback under center. In the end, Russell Wilson will have served as a chess piece. If this were to happen, the Seahawks would have traded Russell Wilson for Deshaun Watson, Noah Fant, Shelby Harris and Drew Lock while still keeping all of their 2022 draft picks. Fant and Harris fill voids at TE and DL and allow Seattle to use their draft picks on other positions of need.
Round 2, Pick 41
After promoting Clint Hurtt to defensive coordinator, it appears the Seattle Seahawks will be transitioning to a 3-4 defense. This was something Pete Carroll touched upon at the NFL combine. Evidently, given the current depth of their defense, the switch makes sense. That is why I see them selecting Arnold Ebiketie out of Penn State with the 41st overall pick.
Ebiketie has been climbing up draft boards. PFF gave him a 91.7 passing rush grade in his final year at Penn State. He also earned 1st-team All Big Ten honors in 2021. He is known for his explosion at the line of the scrimmage. He can make an impact on day one for this Seattle team as a rotational piece in certain pass rush packages in nickel and dime while also seeing snaps as a rushing linebacker in 3-4 packages. He and Darrell Taylor would both bring good size and speed off the edges.
Round 3, Pick 72
This is one of my duplicates from the last mock draft. I think the Seahawks have a great chance of acquiring Max Mitchell with their third-round selection. Now that Russell Wilson is gone, maybe LT Duane Brown decides to go elsewhere. But, if Seattle is able to pull off this trade for Deshaun Watson, Brown may be convinced to stay as he did protect for Watson in Houston. Regardless, Mitchell is versatile enough to play both tackle positions.
Also, this is a very deep draft class for the offensive line group. I just see them taking Mitchell as he will fit the mold of what Pete Carroll is looking for. Mitchell’s strength is his run blocking. He cuts back well, turns his hips fast to seal off blocks and has good hands. Of what will be available at this particular position group at this time in the draft, I think Mitchell is the best fit for Seattle.
Round 4, Pick 107 (via NYJ)
As we enter the later rounds of the draft, it is critically important that the Seahawks find players who can develop a role on this team. The loss of Bobby Wagner is a substantial one. The fourth round would be a good time to find his potential replacement. Again, the shift to 3-4 is going to require two inside linebackers. Damone Clark out of LSU could serve as a nice development piece for the Seahawks.
At LSU, he showed up in the big moments — particularly against Alabama back in November. His most appealing trait to Pete Carroll would be his football character, which is considered “exceptional”. At the combine, Clark ran a 4.57 40-yard dash and put his skillset on display. He has tremendous athletic ability coupled with toughness and good tackling technique. He finished 2021 with the most tackles in the SEC and 4th in the nation. Pretty good for a team who is looking to replace one of the better tacklers in the NFL over the last decade in Bobby Wagner.
Round 5, Pick 151 (via DEN)
Believe it or not, Bryant has slipped down the draft board and there is some potential the Seahawks can get him in the fifth round. Coming out of Cincinnati, Bryant is known for his good instincts in coverage. He is better in zone than man, which might be a problem for most teams. But, for Seattle it allows him to develop over time. While I expect them to play more man-to-man and to address this need through free agency, Bryant can still get reps in certain zone coverages.
At 6-foot-1, 193 pounds, he has the size to play outside. He can play physical at the line if needed. Over the years, we have seen Seattle’s corners incorporate the press and go, which could potentially fit well for Bryant. Regardless, if they are able to get him in the fifth round, I would consider that a steal.
Round 5, Pick 152
After a very strong finish, many aren’t sure whether or not the Seahawks will be able to afford Rashaad Penny. The cheaper option would be in the draft. That is why I have them selecting Zamir White. White is a physical downhill runner who excels and in zone and gap run schemes. Although he has had two torn ACL surgeries, he ran a 4.4 at the combine and is considered the perfect thunder to pair with lightning.
Round 6, Pick 181 (via HOU)
Center Alec Lindstrom is known for his competitive spirit. He will fit in well with the Seahawks culture as he will be fighting for a spot on the roster and/or practice squad. He has certain things he needs to work on, but he has the intangibles to make a roster. He plays with grit and has a solid understanding of reading things at the line of scrimmage. As a prospect, I think he is what Pete Carroll is looking for this late in the draft.
Round 7, Pick 226
Alontae Taylor impressed at the combine as he ran one of the fastest 40-times. At 6-feet tall, 199 pounds, he is worth taking a chance on. The Seahawks secondary has had its struggles over the years, so it couldn’t hurt taking a guy who fits the mold of what they are looking for. He is physical, has good leadership skills and can probably make an early impact on special teams if he were to make the team.