With the NFL draft coming up in just 17 days, the mock season has reached fever pitch. The Seattle Seahawks only have four picks to play with, although it is expected that they will trade back from No. 21 overall in order to acquire more selections later in the draft.
With nearly every major news outlet taking a stab at predicting where college football’s top talent will end up, I decided to do the same with the Seahawks four picks in April.
It seems very likely Seattle will at least make one draft-day trade, and a deal with New England in the first round seems extremely likely considering how many picks the Patriots have and their need for a top-tier tight end.
So, the following mock draft will take place under the assumption the Seahawks deal their first-round pick to New England for their first-round pick (No. 32 overall) and the third round selection they acquired from the Lions, No. 73 overall.
Round 1 (Pick 32 – From NE) – Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama
The trade down would probably cost Seattle a shot at dynamic cornerback Byron Murphy out of the University of Washington. Another UW defensive back, safety Taylor Rapp, could be a target here as well – although his top speed is in question after a poor showing at his Pro Day in the 40-yard dash.
That could leave Seattle looking at the safety prospect who most resembles their biggest loss of the offseason, former Legion of Boom stalwart Earl Thomas.
That would be Deionte Thompson out of Alabama, a rangy high safety prospect who packs a punch. His length and instincts make him a threat in the passing and running games and in time he could develop into Seattle’s next star defensive back.
If they are able to trade back and still nab Thompson in the late first, this will be a win for John Schneider and company.
Round 3 (Pick 73 – From NE) – Jachai Polite, EDGE, Florida
No one’s draft stock has fallen more than Florida edge defender Jachai Polite’s. Polite didn’t test well at the NFL scouting combine, problem number one, but he also seemed frustrated and irritated with the way he was questioned by NFL teams, a practice many clubs have been using to test the mental resolve of the athletes.
Still, Polite was considered a first rounder before his ugly combine, and if he falls all the way to Seattle’s new pick at No. 73 overall, the Seahawks would be crazy not to take him.
Polite is a monster off the edge, with electric speed and instincts that will allow him to terrorize opposing quarterbacks in the NFL.
He’ll need to add some strength, and learn how to handle some diversity in the NFL, but if he does that he could turn into another outstanding pass rusher in the league and would be a steal at this draft spot for Seattle.
Round 3 (Pick 84) – Sean Bunting, CB, Central Michigan
The first word used to describe Bunting in most NFL draft profiles is “long,” a good indication Pete Carroll and company will be interested in the Central Michigan cornerback.
Bunting’s draft stock has climbed since the combine, and where he was once considered a late-round gem. Seattle will likely now need to pony up a third or fourth rounder to snag the lanky, athletic corner.
However, with up and down performances from Tre Flowers and Shaquill Griffin last season, Seattle could use another piece to come in and compete right away to start in the defensive backfield.
Bunting could be that guy, and while he is a tad undersized and needs to add muscle, the tools are there for Bunting to help start up a new Legion of Boom in the Emerald City.
Round 4 (Pick 117) – Antoine Wesley, WR, Texas Tech
Another Pete Carroll specialty is tall wide receivers, something the current roster is lacking. Enter the six-foot-four Antoine Wesley, who has been mocked to Seattle a handful of times because of his size and ability to bring down tough catches.
With Doug Baldwin’s future in jeopardy, and Jaron Brown a potential cut-candidate, Wesley could immediately come in and compete with David Moore to be Seattle’s No. 2 or No. 3 receiver behind Tyler Lockett and Baldwin, if he comes back.
Russell Wilson could always use more weapons, particularly in the red zone, and Wesley seems like a prime candidate to take over that role as soon as next season if Seattle is able to snag him in the fourth round.
Round 5 (Pick 148) – Jahlani Tavai, LB, Hawaii
The Seahawks have a ton of options to use on their last pick. First, they could try to trade it for a few later round picks. They could also use it to draft an offensive lineman, something they haven’t done yet in this mock draft.
Or, they could look for players who can immediately step in and contribute on the special teams while they develop their playmaking skills.
If that is the case, they should heavily consider Hawaii linebacker Jahlani Tavai, who was recently spotted working out with defensive coordinator Ken Norton.
Tavai is a physical linebacker prospect with nice size and strong tackling fundamentals. Some scouts feel he will struggle in pass protection at the NFL level, and off-the-field concerns, including an assault arrest, could be a factor as well.
Still, Tavai could immediately slot into the special team mix his rookie season, while he learns the ropes to be an NFL linebacker.
If Seattle is concerned Mychal Kendricks won’t be around much in 2019, adding a young linebacker like Tavai might not be such a bad idea.
