Seattle Seahawks 3-Round 2024 Mock Draft: Adding the core for a Super Bowl run

3rd Round, pick 81 - Zak Zinter, guard, Michigan

Entering the Big Game against the Ohio State Buckeyes, Zinter was the anchor to the second-best O-line in the country, much like Troy Fautanu with the Huskies. Unfortunately for Zinter, he suffered a gruesome injury in the game, as Zinter broke his tibia and fibula, missing the rest of the Wolverines' championship run. 

The injuries are less concerning than an ACL tear, as Zinter should be able to play this season, but it appears to be strongly affecting his draft stock. Graded as my top traditional guard in this year's draft, and if healthy, he'd likely be a top 50 pick. This offers an opportunity for the Seahawks to get a second-round value player in the third or fourth round

When healthy, Zinter is your classic mean run-blocking monster that is slightly above average in pass-blocking out of Ann Arbor. Every year under Jim Harbaugh, a mountain of men keep coming to the NFL and producing. Considering the strong Michigan connection that Seattle now has with Macdonald and special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh, it's hard not to see a couple of Wolverines finding their way onto the Seahawks. If he medically clears, Zinter could be a massive addition without reaching non-premier positions.

With Zinter reunited with his former teammate Olu Oluawtimi on the interior, the Seahawks can feel better about their cheap IOL free agent additions, knowing it's more about buying time until Zinter is medically cleared this season. Because when he is healthy, expect the Wolverine to make a big impact immediately for the Seahawks.

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