Seattle Seahawks Mock Draft: Post-first wave of free agency

Trade! Seahawks trade Pick 20 to the New York Giants for Picks 25 & 89

Round 1 Pick 25- Mazi Smith, Defensive Tackle, Michigan

The freakiest of the freaks, Mazi Smith may be the most physically imposing and gifted defensive tackle the Seahawks have had at that position in years. A man that’s 6’3″ and weighs 327 pounds should not move and be as athletic as Smith. Smith is not a sack guy, but he will eat up blocks and double teams in the run game, creating opportunities for the defense to improve their rush defense significantly.

When this draft process started, there were questions about Smith with the gun charges he was facing, but after this dropped, his stock skyrocketed. A guy that was looking like a late 2nd to 3rd rounder, is now getting meetings with the Pittsburgh Steelers, with some believing that he may end up being their selection in the first round. Considering all the needs that the Steelers have, I still find it hard to see the Steelers taking him at their pick.

With Seattle falling back 5 spots in exchange for an extra 3rd round pick, they choose the perfect time to jump in on a defensive tackle. Imagine a defensive front over the next few years with Uchenna Nwosu, Dre’Mont Jones, Mazi Smith, and Will Anderson, Jr. It is going to be hard to find a group as young and as talented as this squad. I believe Mazi works, and some of the character concerns are not as extreme as some other prospects, so he’s Seattle’s new defensive wall at pick number 25.