With the Super Bowl decided and the New England Patriots taking home their sixth championship, the first round of this year’s NFL Draft has been set.
All eyes are looking towards April and the mock draft analysts are busy cranking out their first projections since the big game.
Advancing to the postseason but falling in the wild-card round, the Seahawks will select at No. 21, unless, of course, general manager John Schneider trades the first-rounder to stash a few more picks in his pocket. As of now, Seattle only has four selections in April, one each in the first, third, fourth and fifth rounds.
USA TODAY’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz predicts the Seahawks will look to strengthen their defensive front, choosing Boston College defensive end, Zach Allen at No. 21 overall.
“Seattle likely will have to pony up to retain Frank Clark after a breakout season in which he posted 14 sacks, but another edge presence likely would be of interest to Pete Carroll even if the Pro Bowl selection returns,” Middlehurst-Schwartz writes. “Though Allen doesn’t boast the traits of a defensive end who would post double-digit sacks, his run-stopping ability and persistent motor could make him a pest for opponents.”
Clark has been ramping up his Twitter game lately, encouraging extension talks that would keep him in Seattle. Likely one of the most expensive free agents heading into March, Clark’s performance last season clearly earned him the pay raise.
But coach Pete Carroll has repeatedly said the team can never have enough quality pass rushers and the draft is the perfect chance to add more weapons to the edge.
