ESPN analyst Mel Kiper has already released his first three mocks ahead of this year’s NFL draft and he’s doing things a little differently in his latest attempt.
Over three rounds, Kiper is now playing general manager, selecting the best player at each spot based on team need as opposed to projecting actual picks to come in April.
Kiper is sticking with Boston College offensive guard Chris Lindstrom for the Seahawks in the first round.
“While Seattle rode its running game to a surprising wild-card spot in 2018, both of its guards are on cheap, short-term deals,” Kiper explains. “The Seahawks can upgrade with Lindstrom, who is my top-ranked guard. He could be in play for Baltimore at No. 22, too.”
The Seahawks did indeed re-sign guard D.J. Fluker to a new contract and added former Cardinals veteran, Mike Iupati, via free agency. While beefing up the offensive line should always be a consideration, first-round talent might not be the best investment for Seattle this season.
As for the third round, Kiper would select wide receiver Hakeem Butler out of Iowa State.
“Seattle doesn’t have a second-round pick due to the Duane Brown trade with Houston,” Kiper notes. “If Butler is still available in the middle of the third round, the 6-foot-5 athlete is worth a flier. His inconsistency has him lower on my board than some teams, but getting him at No. 84 would be good value.”
And with Doug Baldwin’s timeline for return after his latest surgery still up in the air, adding another wide receiver to the mix should be high on the Seahawks’ radar.
