Dream draft target is likely no longer Seahawks-bound after 2024 NFL Combine

Among the many needs that the Seattle Seahawks have entering free agency and the 2024 NFL draft is the interior of the offensive line. Making matters worse, Seattle might still have a need at right tackle as well. A lot depends on how healthy the team believes that Abraham Lucas can remain over the course of the next couple of seasons.

Lucas is capable of being a very good right tackle, but he has also dealt with a chronic knee issue since college. He had a second surgery on his knee after this past season was over. Hopefully, that will correct everything. But he was only able to play in six games in 2023 and did not play at all between Week 1 and Week 13. After he returned, he often had to be rotated out as his knee could not hold up for entire games.

The hope is that Seattle is set at offensive tackle for the foreseeable future. Charles Cross is a solid left tackle and Lucas would be the same on the right side. Assuming that Lucas can stay healthy, Seattle still needs upgrades at right guard and center. The team potentially has to replace left guard Damien Lewis, who could leave in free agency, too.

Seattle Seahawks should take Troy Fautanu but he might not be available

One player that would be a fantastic pick when the Seahawks choose in the first round of April's draft (Seattle is set to choose at pick 16) is Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu. He is capable of playing multiple spots along the offensive line and doing that at a high level. He played tackle much more in college, but some national pundits project him to play guard in the NFL.

But Fautanu was absolutely brilliant at the recent NFL Combine. Already expected to go in the first round, after his performance at the combine, Fautanu could even go in the top ten. The 6'4" and 317-pound prospect has 34.5-inch arms and ran a great 5.01 40, had a 32.5-inch vertical jump, and a 9'5" broad jump. He also continues to prove he is as technically sound as any offensive lineman entering the draft.

If Fautanu remains around at pick 16 and after Fautanu played under Seahawks offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb at Washington, Seattle choosing him seems like a no-brainer. He would be a Week 1 starter at either right tackle if Seattle doesn't think Lucas can stay healthy and Seattle wants to find a different starter at the spot, or either guard pot. But several teams who pick ahead of Seattle in the draft need a good offensive tackle and Fautanu simply could be gone before the Seahawks can choose him.

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