The Seattle Seahawks did not address the interior defensive line during the 2020 NFL draft, instead focusing on the LEO position and the offense.
That’s not too surprising, as Seattle has preferred to add veteran, run-stuffing defensive tackles via free agency the past few years, including Shamar Stephen, Tom Johnson and Al Woods.
This year’s crop still has a handful of options for the Seahawks to choose from, and it’s basically a guarantee they’ll find someone else to add to a mix that already includes starters Jarran Reed and Poona Ford as well as a trio of backup candidates: Nazair Jones, Bryan Mone and Demarcus Christmas.
Adding any of these three guys would shore up a big-time position of need for the Seahawks, and should not break the bank.
Damon “Snacks” Harrison
Snacks is definitely the most notable free agent defensive tackle still on the market, and considering Seattle’s tendency to acquire former Lions players in recent years – including Quandre Diggs, Ezekiel Ansah and Luke Willson – it does make sense for the Seahawks to take a look at him.
Cost may be an issue here, as the Seahawks may not want to pay top dollar for their third string defensive tackle, but if the price is right Seattle should jump on the opportunity to bring Harrison into the mix.
Harrison is an eight-year veteran who was named an All-Pro back in 2016 with the Giants. He has racked up 485 tackles, 11 sacks, 10 passes defended and four forced fumbles in his career – cementing himself among the best run-stuffers in the NFL.
Harrison fits exactly what Seattle wants from their defensive tackles, and pairing him with Jarran Reed and Poona Ford would give the Seahawks one of the best interior defensive lines in the entire NFL.
Brandon Mebane
The Seahawks have already made it a spring of reunions, bringing back defensive ends Bruce Irvin and Benson Mayowa from the 2013 team.
Perhaps Mebane, who was with Seattle from 2007-2015, will be next.
The 35-year-old racked up 349 combined tackles, 49 quarterback hits, 15.5 sacks and eight passes defended in his time with the Seahawks, and is 10th all-time in games played among defensive players in franchise history.
Age has caught up with him however, as he only posted 27 combined tackles, one sack and a 48.5 grade from Pro Football Focus last year.
Still, he fits a lot of what Seattle looks for in their defensive tackle signing, a veteran, run-stuffer up front who can rotate in on early downs and who has lots of experience and a good record of health.
Plus, if Seattle is truly continuing the quest of bringing the band back together, Mebane is a must add.
Josh Mauro
Mauro starred at Stanford from 2010-2013 before bouncing around the league in the last six seasons.
In 72 games, mostly with the Cardinals, Mauro has accrued 122 combined tackles, five passes defended, two forced fumbles and three sacks.
He spent 2019 with the Raiders, appearing in 13 games with seven starts and 19 tackles.
He’s played on the inside and on the outside during his career, which could appeal to coach Pete Carroll who loves versatility from his defensive linemen.
Mauro is probably an upgrade over internal competition like Nazair Jones, Demarcus Christmas and Bryan Mone, but maybe not enough for Seattle to take a flyer on him unless they can get him for a low cost.
