3 potential first-round picks the Seahawks should not say no to in 2024 NFL draft

Trade back in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft? No, the Seattle Seahawks should not do that, right? Instead, assuming who is potentially around at pick 16, Seattle should stand pat and make the franchise better by choosing someone. Sure, Seattle does not have a second-round selection currently, but if you can get a winner in round one that's what you should do.

If bets are being placed, though, the safe money probably has Seattle moving back, potentially even out of the first round, and taking a...Well, whatever you guess is as good as anyone else's. That's the fun part of being a 12; No one can be sure what general manager John Schneider will do. Don't need a quarterback? That's fine because Seattle will take one anyway.

In the 2024 draft, however, the Seahawks have to address some needs. Drafts are not just about the season coming up but about years past that. For instance, Seattle isn't going to take Jaxon Smith-Njigba and hope he is good in 2023 only. JSN's job is to eventually replace Tyler Lockett and his production. If these three players are still around at pick 16, Seattle should stand pat and take them for future success.

Seahawks should not pass up any of these three players at pick 16 in the 2024 NFL draft

Troy Fautanu, offensive lineman, Washington

Fautanu could go well before pick 16 depending on how other teams see him. He was a left tackle in college and a great one. One important thing to note with Fautanu is that while left tackles normally protect the blindsides of their quarterbacks, Fautanu was more like a right tackle the last two seasons since his quarterback, Michael Penix, Jr., was lefthanded.

This should still work for Seattle, however, if they see Fautanu as a tackle and not a guard. He could start at right tackle and Abe Lucas could back him up. This would be a move that would keep Lucas healthier, too, as he clearly has a knee issue that could be a concern for the rest of his career.

If Fautanu is around as pick 16, Seattle must take him. He could then play right guard in year one as Seattle signed Laken Tomlinson in free agency and he is purely a left guard. Fautanu could then flip to the left side in 2025 if needed. Or Fautanu could start at right tackle. No matter where he plays, he should be near Pro Bowl level eventually and he gives the Seahawks a player with position flexibility.

Byron Murphy II, defensive tackle, Texas

Murphy is likely the closest player to former Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald in the draft. Murphy is relatively short for a defensive lineman - he is only 6'1" - and he weighs 300 pounds. But he is explosive and strong and should be able to step in as a starter immediately. Adding Murphy to a group that includes Leonard Williams, Jarran Reed, and Dre'Mont Jones could make the line one of the best in the NFL under new head coach Mike Macdonald.

According to The Athletic, though, Murphy could easily go to the Chicago Bears at pick 9. If Seattle really wants to get Murphy, they will have to find a way to trade up, most likely. That happening doesn't seem logical considering John Schneider's draft history, however.

Cooper DeJean, defensive back, Iowa

Seattle might be able to trade back a few spots and still take DeJean, but some mocks have him going before pick 16. The Iowa product gives the Seahawks position flexibility as he can play anywhere in the secondary. The only place he definitely is not needed is at slot corner where Devon Witherspoon currently plays. Seattle could choose to play DeJean at outside corner opposite Riq Woolen with Witherspoon in the slot.

Or Seattle might have DeJean play a safety spot and allow his ability to move around the defense to help disguise Seattle's defensive looks. Macdonald played more three safety sets than any other defensive coach in the NFL in 2023 when Macdonald was still the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. Should Seattle take DeJean, three safety sets should be the norm in Seattle as well.

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