The NFL Draft is supposed to keep competitive balance in the league. As such, it only makes sense that the Seattle Seahawks, the defending Super Bowl champions, get the last pick in the first round. That usually isn't an issue, but it's far from ideal this time.
As things stand now, the reigning champions only have four draft picks. After being on the clock at No. 32, they'll be back to it with the Nos. 64 (second), 96 (third), and 188 (fourth). They don't have a single pick in the final three rounds of the event.
Considering that, ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell believes the best thing general manager John Schneider can do is flip the No. 32 pick to acquire more draft capital in the other rounds, even if that means trading out of the first round.
The Seattle Seahawks might be better off trading out of the first round
In this scenario, the Seahawks would send their first-round selection to the Cleveland Browns for Picks Nos. 39 (second), 70 (third), and 149 (fifth). While they still wouldn't have any picks in rounds six and seven, they'd get two additional selections in the middle rounds:
"Missing fourth- and fifth-round picks in this year's draft after trading for Rashid Shaheed, Schneider has to be a heavy favorite to trade out of this selection and pick up some extra draft capital for the defending champions," Barnwell argued.
This class isn't particularly deep, so the drop-off from 32 to 39 isn't as significant. The Seahawks enter the draft with needs at cornerback, safety, edge rusher, running back, and potentially in the interior of the offensive line, and they should have solid prospects to choose from at all those positions within that range.
The Browns would gladly move up to acquire a third selection in the first round. They have nine picks in total and major needs on offense, so they can afford to give up additional assets to secure another day-one starter for coach Todd Monken.
Of course, staying put and not adding anyone on the first day of the event isn't the most exciting outcome, but it might be the smartest. Fortunately, this team doesn't need starters at any positions, and they can focus solely on adding depth or taking chances on high-upside prospects who may need some more time.
John Schneider deserves the benefit of the doubt after building two different Super Bowl-winning teams. Sometimes, teams need to take a couple of steps back to take a big jump forward, and this seems to be one of those situations.