Seattle Seahawks Mock Draft: Post-first wave of free agency
Seahawks round 1 pick 5- Will Anderson Jr, Edge, Alabama
When the Carolina Panthers decided to trade up so early in the NFL draft, it became clear that the top of the draft was going to be dominated by the quarterback position. With Carolina jumping the herd of QB-needy teams, it appears that Arizona, sitting at number 3, is set up nicely for the Cardinals to select the best defensive player. But will they stay there?
Considering how far Arizona is from contention, would it make more sense for the Cardinals to trade back (potentially with Las Vegas)? In my scenario, the Cardinals get a nice haul to move from 3 to 7 and the Raiders get the number 3 quarterback off the board. With the likelihood of QBs going in the top 4 picks, this puts Seattle in an incredible position. I have the Seattle Seahawks selecting my number 1 player in this class at number 5, Will Anderson, Jr.
Anderson Jr is a 6’4″ and 235 lbs edge rusher that has been one of the greatest defensive players college football has seen in decades. During his three seasons under the legendary Nick Saban down in Tuscaloosa, Anderson, Jr. has 34.5 sacks, 58.5 tackles for loss, and over 200 tackles. As a freshman, Anderson, Jr. was a rookie in college football, playing a key cog in Alabama’s national championship season.
As a sophomore, Anderson, Jr. put together arguably the greatest season from an edge rusher that we have ever seen. In a year where he should have won the Heisman, Anderson, Jr. posted 17.5 sacks, 3 passes deflected, and an NCAA record 31 tackles for loss. Anderson, Jr. carried the Crimson Tide back to the national championship game.
While his junior season may not have been as dominant as the year prior, Anderson, Jr. still managed 10 sacks in just 13 games. At the end of the day, Nick Saban speaks highly about his work ethic, character, and leadership. He has proven to be a strong rush defender, with the ability to drop and not be a liability in coverage while bringing a blue chip number 1 potential pass rush to the field. He’s not perfect, and probably won’t be viewed as highly as a Nick Bosa or Myles Garrett, but this guy has some real Von Miller traits and that ceiling is worth a number 1 overall pick, let alone at number 5.
If this scenario comes to fruition, I think this will be a special day in Seahawks history, a day where the Seahawks get their next Hall of Fame talent on defense. Teams win Super Bowls with a guy like Will Anderson, Jr., and Seattle gets him here.