2016 NFL Draft: Seattle Seahawks Team Needs

By Vincent Frank on Saturday, April 23rd 2016
2016 NFL Draft: Seattle Seahawks Team Needs

In continuing with this 32 article series, here's a look at the top needs for the Seattle Seahawks as well as a seven-round mock draft we ran through the FanSpeak mock draft simulator. We manually picked for Seattle while the picks for all other 31 teams were selected by the simulator.

 

1. Offensive Tackle

Following the loss of Russell Okung in free agency, an already below-average tackle situation in Seattle has taken an even larger hit. As of right now, Bradley Sowell would likely be protecting Russell Wilson's blindside. That's not a good scenario for anyone involved. Even on the right side, Seattle could use an upgrade over Garry Gilliam.

The Seahawks have not invested nearly enough in this important aspect of the game, and it came back to haunt them last season. Unfortunately, the team isn't going to be able to add one of the top-four tackle prospects unless it trades up. 

 

2. Guard

Now that J.R. Sweezy has joined Okung in bolting town, this is another huge need for Seattle. Justin Britt should be more than okay at left guard. It's the other side of the line that's an issue here. Mark Glowinski and J'Marcus Webb will likely be battling for the right guard job. Though, Webb could very easily be asked to play right tackle in a pinch. Either way, guard is a tremendous need. The good news here, and unlike offensive tackle, Seattle could grab one of the top players at this position in Day 2. 

 

3. Outside Linebacker

The plan is clear in Seattle. Move 2015 second-round pick Frank Clark from defensive end to a hands-up position in order to replace the departed Bruce Irvin. In theory, it could work. Though, we have no idea how that adjustment is going to be for Clark. He's was a hands-down player throughout his college career. Michael Morgan would currently be the starting left outside linebacker, meaning a move here in the draft is needed. 

 

4. Defensive End

This isn't as much about depth as it is about looking forward to the future. Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril aren't getting any younger. With Avril, the issue down the road is going to be his contract. Meanwhile, Bennett himself wants a new deal. With so much invested in terms of cash at other positions, Seattle would be best suited finding an elite-level long-term option in the first round. This is a position that's stacked, which should come in handy for general manager John Schneider and Co. 

 

5. Running Back

Now that Marshawn Lynch is retired, running back becomes a need for Seattle. While Thomas Rawls was incredible during his rookie season, a serious leg injury raises questions about his ability to hold up over the long term. Meanwhile, the likes of Christine Michael and Cameron Marshall leave a lot to be desired behind him. In reality, Seattle would be smart to exhaust a mid-round pick on this position. 

 

Mock Draft
Round Player Position School
1 Kevin Dodd Defensive End Clemson
2 Landon Turner Guard North Carolina
3 Kyle Murphy Offensive Tackle Stanford
3 Devontae Booker Running Back Utah
4 Hassan Ridgeway Defensive Tackle Texas
5 Jayron Kearse Safety Clemson
6 Travis Feeney Linebacker Washington
7 Cayleb Jones Wide Receiver Arizona
7 Kevin Hogan Quarterback Stanford

 

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