The Seattle Seahawks met with another high-profile defensive back from this upcoming draft class, bringing in Michigan State cornerback Justin Layne on a visit, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Layne is one of the few defensive backs expected to go in the first two rounds the Seahawks had not yet visited with, so it makes sense they would bring him in to do their due diligence.
Plus, Layne has the top quality Pete Carroll looks for in his DB’s – length. He measures six-foot-two and weighs 192 pounds with 33-inch arms and nine and a quarter inch hands, the ideal size and length for a corner in Carroll’s scheme.
Layne lacks elite top speed, and his physicality will get tested at the NFL level, but his high football IQ, solid understanding of route running and ability to make plays will make him an attractive draw to Seattle, who could use more playmakers in the secondary after a rough season from Shaquill Griffin, and following the losses of Earl Thomas and Justin Coleman in free agency.
Layne, like so many of the prospects Seattle is looking at, is projected as a second-round pick – meaning the Seahawks would likely trade back with their first round pick in order to snag Layne and acquire additional selections.
With the draft less than one week away, Seattle’s plans will become clear soon enough.
