Seattle Seahawks 2023 No Trades Mock Draft 1.0
Round 2, 37th overall – Steve Avila, IOL, TCU
Tape of Steve Avila shows both a strong and technically sound blocker. He rarely got beat by pass rushers at TCU, and there is no reason to think that won’t continue in 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 able to start from day one. Where is another matter. He can play both guard and center. With Austin Blythe retiring, center is a priority, but depending on free agency, Avilla could also replace Jackson.
(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, 51st overall – Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina
At 5′ 9” and 171 pounds, Josh Downs is small. Despite his size, Downs dominated in the slot for North Carolina.
Over the last two seasons, his production was outstanding. Downs caught 195 passes for 2,364 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Getting Downs with pick 51 means the Seattle Seahawks pick up a great athlete that can compete for 50/50 balls due to his 38 1/2” vertical leap. Confident in his ability to catch passes, he isn’t afraid to go over the middle.
Obviously, size is an issue. However, the talent is undeniable. That’s the kind of player who can do well in the Seahawks offensive scheme.