Seattle Seahawks mock draft 8.0: A dream draft to help rebuild

The NFL Draft is just a week away. We are almost there folks. The Seattle Seahawks have made some huge moves this off-season, effectively resetting the roster from the ground up.

The surest way for this reset to be successful is to nail the NFL Draft. This is something that the team has struggled mightily with over the last half-decade.

The Seahawks have too often pigeon-holed themselves into ‘having to’ draft specific needs. If a run goes on that position group before they pick, they still pick the position. This is how we end up with an LJ Collier (round 3 grade) in the first round. Sheer panic.

Seattle Seahawks mock draft 8.0: A dream draft to help rebuild.

It is because of this, I believe a mix of using the best player available and drafting for needs strategies is the best move. Let the board fall to you and make the best possible selection given the players available. Avoid over-drafting because you ‘have to’ take a defensive end or a quarterback.

I have researched the draft extensively, including who the teams are likely targeting. Below are a couple of my notes:

• There will be 3 QBs taken in the first round. None will be selected in the top 10.
• The top 10 is going to have a huge focus on the trenches. There is going to be a run on pass rushers and offensive tackles.
• This draft is one of the deepest in recent years. Legit second-round talent can be found throughout round 3.
• If all the premier trench players have been taken, the Seahawks are expected to trade back with a team that is targeting the premier cornerback/ wide receiver.
• These players are all expected to be off-the-board when the Seahawks pick: Aidan Hutchinson, Evan Neal, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Travon Walker, Jermaine Johnson, Garrett Wilson, and Ikem Ekwonu.
• The Vikings, Ravens, Saints, Chargers, and potentially the Steelers are all trade candidates with the Seahawks.

None of the players the Seahawks are likely targeting will be available at 9. A trade back is the most likely outcome. Below is the only trade I am building into this mock.

The Seahawks accumulate a third-round selection this year and a fourth round selection next year. The Ravens get nervous with the run on premier trench players and trade up for a player that they reportedly covet greatly in Trevor Penning (LT). Follow me through the next slides to see whom I think the Seahawks will select.