The 2019 NFL Draft is underway in Nashville, and FTW’s lead NFL writer Steven Ruiz is grading picks and offering analysis on how each player will fit with his new team.
No. 29: L.J. Collier, Edge, TCU
Analysis: Uhhh … I know the Seahawks are committed to establishing the run, but they do realize that the rest of the NFL is not thinking the same way, right? L.J. Collier is a strong run defender and might be able to contribute in the passing game, but he’s not an impressive athlete, which may limit his potential as an edge rusher. They’ll have to kick him inside on rush downs. He’ll be a good player, but it’s hard to envision him developing into something worth a first-round pick.
GRADE: C
Round 2
No. 47: Marquis Blair, S Utah
Analysis: This is an ideal defensive back for Pete Carroll. He’s big and he has good speed. He’s not Earl Thomas — so don’t expect him to be a centerfield type — but the Seahawks have been deviating from their staple Cover 3 coverages, so that’s not a huge concern. And he does have range, plus a physical play style. He’ll make Seattle’s defense better.
GRADE: B+
No. 64: D.K. Metcalf, WR Seahawks
Analysis: I had D.K. Metcalf going to the Seahawks in my second-round mock, but it was much earlier in the round. Not the final pick! Seattle needed pass catchers, and they got the best one in the class with the 64th pick. Sure, he’s not the most agile route-runner, but he ran a 4.3 and he consistently wins off the line. The Russell Wilson-Metcalf connection will be special.
