Seattle Seahawks Mock Draft 2.0
Immediate Areas of Need
Interior Offensive Line
Seattle’s offensive line is a work in progress, for lack of a better term. Last year Schneider picked up his tackles. This time around, a starting center and guard to replace Gabe Jackson, who was released, should be at the top of his list.
Defensive line/ Edge
As the 2022 season drew to a close, the Seattle Seahawks defense gelled. Even after signing free agent defensive end Dre’Mont Jones and defensive tackle Jarran Reed, Seattle still needs to improve their run defense and pass rush.
This draft class has impact players who can bolster DC Clint Hurtt’s defensive front.
Running Back
Rashaad Penny was in the midst of a great season when he went down with a gruesome injury in Game 5 at New Orleans. Second round pick Kenneth Walker stepped up to replace him, picking up 1,070 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns.
So the starting RB is set, but the Seattle Seahawks need a reliable backup. Penny is a free agent, and recent backups Deejay Dallas and Travis Homer haven’t proven reliable options.
Slot Receiver
D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are possibly the NFL’s best wide receiver duo. Still, having another legitimate threat complementing them would be nice.
Last year’s third wheel Marquise Goodwin signed with Cleveland as a free agent. The next man up, 2021 second round pick Dee Eskridge, has thus far been a bust.
Seattle needs another reliable pass catcher to keep opposing defenses from doubling Metcalf and/or Lockett.
Looking Longterm
Quarterback
Seattle resigned both of last season’s quarterbacks, Geno Smith and Drew Lock. As well as Smith played in 2022; he turns 33 this season. Meanwhile, Lock hasn’t proven himself to be NFL starting material.
My colleague Clint Prasky advocates the Seahawks pick up their next franchise passer in the 2024 draft. But if there is a prospect the team believes they can develop into a starter, why wait? They should take a shot if available.
Linebacker
Jordyn Brooks played at a Pro Bowl level as Bobby Wagner‘s heir. Unfortunately, he tore a knee ligament in the Seattle Seahawks last regular season game and will miss significant time.
General Manager John Schneider brought Wagner back to anchor the defense. He also signed Pittsburgh’s 2019 first round pick Devin Bush.
This is another area where the Seahawks can pick up a developmental prospect.