In just a few days, the Seattle Seahawks are set to engage in one of their most awaited NFL Drafts in years.
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The Seahawks have bolstered their draft arsenal by acquiring two Day 2 picks from the trades involving Geno Smith and DK Metcalf, bringing their total to five picks within the top 100 and 10 overall. Their draft capital is ranked seventh in the league according to Tankathon.com, marking the highest among teams that had a winning record last season.
As they aim to further refine their roster under second-year head coach Mike Macdonald, how will Seattle approach this draft? Additionally, which players might join the Seahawks come next weekend?
While it’s nearly impossible to predict how the draft will actually unfold due to its inherent unpredictability, it’s mock draft season. I utilized ESPN’s mock draft simulator to explore various strategies, trades, and combinations.
The mock draft outlined below is among my favorites and takes a realistic approach. According to ESPN Analytics, four of the 10 players picked had at least a 90% probability of still being available at that spot, while six had a chance above 80%. The only player below a 70% likelihood was Washington State wide receiver Kyle Williams, at 61% for pick No. 106.
Round 1, No. 22 (via LAC): Grey Zabel, C/G, North Dakota State
* TRADE: Seattle obtains picks No. 22 and No. 86 from the Los Angeles Chargers for picks No. 18 and No. 172.
Drafting based on need can be risky; however, the Seahawks must address their concerns on the interior offensive line, especially after limited moves in free agency. In this scenario, Zabel, along with Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson and Alabama’s Tyler Booker, is available at No. 22, allowing Seattle to trade down with the Chargers, who wish to move up for a receiver. This trade also nets them an extra third-round pick while securing Zabel.
Round 2, No. 39 (via CHI): Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami
* TRADE: Seattle acquires pick No. 39 from the Chicago Bears for picks No. 52 and No. 92.
Tight ends play a crucial role in Kubiak’s system, evidenced by the Saints’ usage of multiple tight ends last season at a 48% rate compared to Seattle’s under 23%. With Noah Fant entering a contract year, the Seahawks need to bolster their tight end group. Arroyo, at 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, stands out due to his speed and ability to stretch the field, although he has faced injury challenges recently. By moving up to secure Arroyo at No. 39, Seattle takes advantage of an opportunity as the Bears look to get extra picks.
Round 2, No. 50: Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
The Seahawks have successfully selected second-round edge rushers in the past, and they continue this trend with Jackson, a 6-foot-6, 264-pound defensive player. Jackson’s impressive stats include 13 sacks and 24 tackles for loss over two years, as well as leading edge rushers at the combine with a 40.5-inch vertical. He adds vital depth to a strong core of edge rushers already present in Seattle.
Round 3, No. 77 (via NE): Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia
* TRADE: Seattle gains picks No. 77, No. 106, and No. 171 from the New England Patriots for picks No. 82 and No. 86.
As the interior offensive line options dwindle, Seattle’s proactive move up for Ratledge, a proven guard with an impressive history at Georgia, proves strategic. His strong performance at the combine and consistent high-level play positions him well within Kubiak’s zone-blocking scheme, enhancing the Seahawks’ offensive line dynamic.
