Seattle Seahawks Mock Draft 2.0
Chip Clark
|
As a result of yesterday’s trade, the Seattle Seahawks have three 2nd round picks 37, 38, and 52. In the third round, Seattle is on the clock for picks 70 and 100.
We’ve been working the phones all night and have some interesting things cooking. While the second round gets underway, we have a trade to announce.
The New York Jets want pick 37, but there is a deal that works better for both sides.
Trade 2
NYJ trades picks 42, 43, their 2024 4th round pick, and a 2025 7th round pick to the Seattle Seahawks for picks 38, 70, a 2024 3rd round pick, and a 2025 6th round pick.
That makes four 2nd round picks and a supplemental 3rd to work with today.
Round 2, 37th overall – Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
At 5′ 9” and 171 pounds, Josh Downs is small. Despite his diminutive size, he dominated at North Carolina.
Over the last two seasons, Downs’ production was outstanding. He caught 195 passes for 2,364 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Getting Downs with the 37th pick means the Seattle Seahawks pick up a great athlete who can compete for 50/50 balls due to his 38 1/2” vertical leap. Confident in his ability to catch passes, he also isn’t afraid to go over the middle.
Obviously, size is an issue. However, his talent is outstanding. Downs is the kind of player who can do well in the Seahawks offensive scheme.
Round 2, 42nd overall – Steve Avila, IOL, TCU
Steve Avila is both a strong and technically sound blocker. At TCU, he rarely got beat by pass rushers. There is no reason to think that he won’t be just as effective when he acclimates to the NFL.
Avlla is a big man, which makes him hard to get around. He’s strong and can seal gaps along the line.
Like Damien Lewis in 2021, Avila should be a starter from day one. He can play both guard and center; however, the former is a better fit.
(Avila is) a power blocker, relying on his strength and leverage to dominate the trenches, which he has done throughout his college career. He has room to grow in his technique and dealing with better finesse rushers, but his power is there, and he’s athletic enough to be a week one starter.
John Vogel, NFL Draft Blitz
Round 2, 43rd overall – Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
Hendon Hooker can make all the throws from the pocket but will also make opponents pay with his ability to run. He has an excellent feel for the pocket and when it starts to break down. While accuracy was an issue early in his college career, Hooker finished up with 58 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions.
Hooker plays with excellent poise and footwork as a pocket passer. He will make quarterback coaches and play-callers happy with his adherence to keeping plays on schedule. He’s still showing signs of improvement and growth at the position, and his ability to hurt teams with his legs creates opportunities to help his offense outside of what he does in the pocket.
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
This pick is a reach. But if Hooker didn’t suffer a knee injury in Tennessee’s second-to-last game of 2022, he’d be in the top 10.
Another reason why drafting the former Vol QB is a smart move is that Lock only has a one-year contract, and the Seahawks can afford to wait on Hooker. As a matter of fact, Seattle can put him on the PUP list or Injured Reserve, and he can learn the offense while he recovers.
Round 2, 52nd overall – Luke Wypler, C, Ohio State
Depending on who’s doing the ratings, Luke Wypler is either the second or third-best center prospect in this draft class. Proponents tout his athleticism, while detractors point to his lack of size.
At 6’3” and 303 pounds with 31 5/8” arms, Wypler isn’t the biggest guy available. He makes up for it with positioning and athleticism.
A two-year starter at Ohio State, Wypler is only 21 years old. Last year he was an All-Big 10 Honorable Mention.
Solid. He won’t get outquicked, he’s strong enough to hold his own, and he’s a veteran who can be ready from Day One. No, he won’t be a dominant force, but he’s a sure-thing NFL starter who should shine next to power at guard. –
Pete Fiutek, College Football News
Round 3, 100th overall – Tank Bigsby, RB, Auburn
As mentioned above, the Seattle Seahawks need a reliable ball carrier to spell Walker in the backfield. That player could come from free agency, but even if it does, adding another running in the draft is still a good idea.
Tank Bigsby put up monster stats in his three seasons at Auburn. He had 2,903 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns on 5.4 yards per carry.
A good runner between the tackles, Bigsby has issues catching passes which limits his time on the field.