NFL Draft Needs: Seahawks
Evan Silva (@EvanSilva) is the Senior Football Editor for Rotoworld's NFL Page, and Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) leads Rotoworld's college football and NFL draft coverage. Together, they're breaking down every team's biggest needs and offering potential draft-day solutions.
For a breakdown on every team, check out the team-by-team draft preview schedule.
No. 1 Team Need: Offensive Line
Silva's Analysis
The Seahawks' offensive line is currently the NFL's worst on paper. GM John Schneider has had limited success using early-round picks on offensive linemen, but he needs to hit a couple of home runs in this draft. A zone-running, boot-action team, the Seahawks prioritize toughness and measurable athleticism up front.
No. 2 Team Need: Cornerback
Silva's Analysis
The Seahawks smartly re-signed difference-making slot CB Jeremy Lane and his role will grow, but there is a mish-mash of cornerbacks competing to play the boundary opposite Richard Sherman. Incumbent RCB Deshawn Shead had 2015 flashes but was too inconsistent, while 32-year-old Brandon Browner was a burnable penalty machine in New Orleans last year. Tharold Simon is an injury-plagued unknown.
No. 3 Team Need: Defensive Line
Silva's Analysis
Running back, wide receiver, tight end and safety are also in play for Seattle's draft. Teams with perennially good defenses have a knack for keeping the trenches stocked, and the Seahawks should be no different. NT Brandon Mebane left in free agency, RE Cliff Avril is on the wrong side of 30, DT Jordan Hill hasn't been able to stay healthy and LE Michael Bennett annually complains about his contract. With 2015 third-round pick Frank Clark coming off a promising rookie year, Seattle's biggest need is on the interior.
Norris' Mock Draft
Round 1 (26): C Ryan Kelly, Alabama - The Seahawks can’t go through another season with fringe roster bodies at center. Kelly is clearly the top center in this class and is outstanding at reaching blocks at the line of scrimmage or the second level. Keeping the interior of the pocket clean is vital for a mobile quarterback.
Round 2 (56): T Germain Ifedi, Texas A&M - Athletic tackles are difficult to find in this class. Jason Spriggs and Joe Thuney are possibilities, along with Anthony Fabiano late. I think Ifedi can get overpowered, and his game against Arkansas in 2014 really stands out in my mind.
Round 3 (90): CB James Bradberry, Samford - Athleticism, size and length. He passes all of the Seahawks’ thresholds, at least the ones I know of. Bradberry’s tape is impressive and he deserves more attention than he has received in this class. Artie Burns, Daryl Worley, Brandon Williams and Deiondre’ Hall are other possibilities.
Round 3 (97): DL Hassan Ridgeway, Texas - Ridgeway can play at the line of scrimmage, but some evaluators could see some flashes that lead to optimism for more upfield disruption.
Round 4 (124): WR Devon Cajuste, Stanford - A big bodied but smooth receiver that the Seahawks lack. Some stated Cajuste should move to tight end. I see him as a receiver.
Round 5 (171): TE Ryan Malleck, Virginia Tech - One of the better tight end prospects who is not receiving enough attention. I’ve seen Malleck spend time inline and motioned pre-snap as a receiving option.
Round 6 (215): S D.J. Hunter, Marshall - I’ve been saving Hunter’s name this entire series just for the Seahawks’ draft. If anyone is the heir apparent to Kam Chancellor on the third day, it is Hunter. Athletic and a missile.
Round 7 (225): RB Jhurell Pressley, New Mexico - Pressley is an athletic powerhouse. Darius Jackson is also possible here, along with Daniel Lasco.
Round 7 (247): OL Connor Wujciak, Boston College - Yes, Wujciak played defensive line in college, but he might be this year’s project for Tom Cable to convert to offensive line.
Seahawks Current Offensive Depth Chart
QB: Russell Wilson
RB: Thomas Rawls
WR: Doug Baldwin
WR: Jermaine Kearse
WR: Tyler Lockett
LT: Garry Gilliam
LG: Justin Britt
C: Patrick Lewis
RG: Mark Glowinski
RT: J'Marcus Webb
Seahawks Current Defensive Depth Chart
LE: Michael Bennett
RE: Cliff Avril
DT: Jordan Hill
DT: Ahtyba Rubin
MLB: Bobby Wagner
WLB: K.J. Wright
SLB: Kevin Pierre-Louis
LCB: Richard Sherman
RCB: Deshawn Shead
FS: Earl Thomas
SS: Kam Chancellor
