A lot has changed since ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper’s first 2019 mock draft came out in mid-January, including who he believes the Seattle Seahawks will select at No. 21 overall.
In Kiper’s first mock he projected Old Dominion pass rusher Oshane Ximines to Seattle. This time he mocked Florida outside linebacker Jachai Polite to the Seahawks.
Kiper had this to say about his updated selection:
Even if the Seahawks re-sign (or franchise tag) free-agent defensive end Frank Clark, we know Pete Carroll & Co. are always looking for edge rushers. That’s Polite, who had 11 sacks last season. At 6-foot-2, 242 pounds, Polite will have to put on some weight to play end in a 4-3 defense, but that shouldn’t an issue. In fact, the comp I’ve made for him is a guy drafted by Carroll and GM John Schneider: former West Virginia pass-rusher Bruce Irvin, who came in at 6-foot-3, 245 pounds at the combine in 2012.
Of course, Seattle is notorious for trading down in the draft, a likely scenario this season considering they only have four total draft picks.
However, with perhaps the most pass-rush heavy draft of all-time, it would not be surprising to see Seattle add an edge rusher to compliment Frank Clark or to replace K.J. Wright if he does not re-sign in free agency.
