As defending champions, with most of their core returning, the Seattle Seahawks don't have many positional needs. However, with just four draft picks, they will have to be even more intentional with their selections.
The Seahawks have needs at running back, guard, cornerback, and edge rusher. That said, they won't get a shot at the top prospects at No. 32, so they will probably take a 'best player available' approach at any of those positions, regardless of the fit.
That's why Bruce Feldman of The Athletic (subscription required) thinks they might be a logical destination for Avieon Terrell. In his latest mock draft, he has GM John Schneider rolling the dice to get the promising cornerback out of Clemson.
The Seattle Seahawks may add CB depth with Avieon Terrell
“He’s super quick and smart and probably will be an excellent nickel in the NFL,” an ACC offensive coordinator told Feldman. “He’s pretty wiry but he’s gritty and instinctive.”
The Tigers are coming off an extremely disappointing season, but Terrell certainly held his end of the deal. In 12 appearances, he registered 48 total tackles (30 solo), had 4.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, a conference-leading five forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. He defended nine passes last season and 25 in his three years with the program.
While not much of a ball-hawk in the passing game -- he had three interceptions in three years and none last season -- he's got a great nose for disrupting pass catchers with his ability to attack the catch point. His hands need some work to turn that into more picks, but his ball tracking skills are evident on tape.
Terrell showed some prowess as a pass rusher, but, standing at just 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds, he's not the most physical guy out there. He can struggle against stronger pass-catchers, especially in contested-catch situations.
Also, he aggravated a hamstring injury in the first run of his pro day at Clemson, and that may have taken a big toll on his draft stock. That's great news for the Seahawks, but it also raises questions about whether they should take him.
All in all, Terrell is an intriguing prospect with evident upside and a position of need. The Seahawks will start Devon Witherspoon opposite Josh Jobe, so they can afford to take their time with him. He's a strong contributor against the run, and even though he may not be the most exciting prospect to take in the first round, he makes the most sense because of positional needs.