Mock Draft Rebuild Series: Seattle Seahawks
We are officially one week away from the NFL draft. Free agency has already come, and while it is still open, most teams have made their signings and are going to commit to what they have done thus far. There are teams that have played Free agency soft because of their draft capitol, so it is always interesting to see how teams approach different moments in the NFL draft.
The Seattle Seahawks, between free agency and trades, they have acquired 16 new players, primarily marked by their resigning of Leonard Williams and Noah Fant, two key pieces on either side of the ball. There are still needs for the Seahawks, mainly on the offensive line in order to protect Geno Smith, and Sam Howell in the future. The defensive side of the ball can also use a few more pieces, with the departure of Jamal Adams, Jordyn Brooks, and Quandre Diggs. Rayshawn Jenkins and Jerome Baker were brought in via free agency, but there will likely be youth brought in to build for the future.
As always, we will be using the PFF (Pro Football Focus) Mock Draft Simulator to assist us in this draft, as well as any PFF rankings that come with the upcoming class of rookies. Lets begin:
Round 1, Pick 16
The Offensive line was a weak point for the Seahawks last year, coupled with losing starting Guard Damien Lewis, the Seahawks would have a monumental need on the Offensive Line. They did sign Laken Tomlinson from the Jets, and a few other players in free agency, but I would bet they go to the trenches with their first pick.
Pick: Troy Fautanu, Tackle, Washington
Troy Fautanu was a Stallworth on the left side of the Offensive line for the Huskies for the last 2 seasons, only allowing 5 QB hits and 2 QB sacks in that time frame. Fautanu is a far better pass blocker than a run blocker. His size also allows him to be flexible for all Offensive Line positions, if the Seahawks choose to not keep him at tackle. If they decide to move him, Guard could be a very good fit for him at the NFL level.
Round 3, Pick 81
The Seahawks did a great job during Free agency filling any holes that they may have had due to free agents leaving. Even though they did address the Offensive Line in Free agency, I would not be surprised if they decided to do so again here in the 3rd round.
Pick: Christian Haynes, Guard, Connecticut
Christian Haynes is a guy that is going to be mocked to a lot of different teams this draft cycle, and rightfully so. There are probably half of the teams in the league that would love to have his services next season. Haynes has only ever played Right Guard for the Huskies (different Huskies than Fautanu), which may pigeonhole him at the NFL level, but he is a stud Right Guard. Grading near or above the 90th percentile in both Pass Block and Run Block grades, Haynes has the writings of a Pro Bowl caliber player. He will only fall this far because of the school that he attended, and people will question if he has gone against the talent necessary to prepare him for the next level.
Round 4
The Seahawks have 2 fourth round picks in this draft. It is time to address the defense. Linebacker and Safety seem to be the biggest needs, with a little bit of Corner help if the right player were to fall to them at this spot.
Pick 102
Pick: Jeremiah Trotter Jr, Linebacker, Clemson
Primarily a box defender, Trotter Jr grades above the 90th percentile for both Run defense and Pass defense per PFF. Trotter is also incredibly durable, playing over 1300 snaps in the last two season for Clemson. The offseason additions of Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson may stray the Seahawks away from Linebacker at this point, but if Trotter is there, he would make for a great addition, and add to the youth movement that the Seahawks need.
Pick 118
Pick: Tykee Smith, Safety, Georgia
Tykee Smith may be listed as a safety, but he was primarily a Slot defender for the Bulldogs last season, though he has ample time at Outside Corner, Box Linebacker, Deep Safety, and Slot defender. Smith was also a phenomenal Pass defender last season, grading near the 95th Percentile in that category. His run defense could use some work, but that should come with the progression into the NFL. Standing at 5’10, 205 lbs, he may be too small for some of the larger receivers in the NFL, and certainly won’t hold up against Tight Ends, but he can lock down a teams slot receiver with ease. Smith’s versatility may see his name called sooner come Draft weekend, but he would make for a nice addition to a secondary that is already littered with stars.
Round 6
The Seahawks have 2 6th round picks in this draft, just like their 4th rounders. Depth pieces at Wide Receiver, Defensive Line, or taking a shot on a player in the event of an injury or a recent free agent acquisition doesn’t pan out the way they thought it would.
Pick 179
Pick: Anthony Gould, Wide Receiver, Oregon State
Gould is a guy that when you look at his size, you aren’t sure if he should even be in the NFL. at 5’8, 170 lbs, the chances that he would be able to hold up physically at the Collegiate level, let alone the NFL level, would be slim. But he has done just that. Gould is more of a deep threat guy, and will beat you with his end line speed, not size. Gould is a guy that would also likely slot in as a special teams guy early on, or primarily a kick returner. The Seahawks have one of the best, if not the best, undersized receiver in the NFL today with Tyler Lockett. Who better for Gould to learn from than Lockett?
Pick 192
Pick: Myles Cole, Edge, Texas Tech
Myles Cole is an interesting prospect, for the simple fact that last season he didn’t grade higher than the 50th percentile in either pass rush or run defense grades per PFF. Last season was also his best season in College Football, so there isn’t much to go on in terms of history. That being said, he stands at 6’6, 280 lbs, racked up 4 sacks last season, and grades near the 75th percentile in run stop percentage. Cole needs the right guys to sit behind and learn the NFL game, and Leonard Williams is a great guy to model your game after. Likely a practice squad guy, Cole can carve out a decent role in the NFL if there is a steep learning curve.
Round 7, Pick 235
With their final selection in the 2024 NFL draft coming here, the Seahawks will be looking for guys to take a chance on.
Pick: Austin Reed, Quarterback, Western Kentucky
Given the Seahawks traded for Sam Howell, there is a belief that they think he is the answer after Geno Smith. That being said, there is also potential for Sam Howell to continue his lackluster NFL career, and he won’t be the answer for the Seahawks. Austin Reed is a guy that won’t jump off of the page in terms of athleticism or arm strength. He did throw for 71 touchdowns and 22 interceptions in the last two seasons, so he is capable of airing it out. Reed will likely need to sit behind guys that he can learn from in order to make a name for himself. Geno Smith has been around the block a time or two, and Sam Howell, though still young, has a cannon for an arm. Austin Reed will hear his name called on draft night, and if it isn’t for the Seahawks, he has the chance to make a spot for himself on an NFL roster.
The Seattle Seahawks have been in no mans land for the last few seasons. Never bad enough for a top 5 pick, never good enough to seriously contend for a Super Bowl. With Pete Carrol no longer steering the ship, there is potential for them to make noise out of the Pacific Northwest. Geno Smith, Kenneth Walker, DK Metcalf, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba make a very young, very good offense. Leonard Williams, Devon Witherspoon, and Riq Woolen make a very top heavy defensive squad. Is this the year they can finally win the NFC West and dethrone the 49ers? Or is the wild card their place at the end of 2024? Next up for the NFC West: The San Francisco 49ers.
