The NFL combine is underway in Indianapolis and teams around the league are getting a good look at the hottest prospects ahead of this year’s draft.
The USA TODAY has released its latest mock, pre-combine edition, and Seattle fans who also follow the University of Washington football program might recognize a familiar name. Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz projects the Seahawks will select former Husky cornerback Byron Murphy with the No. 21 overall pick.
“With an NFL-low four picks throughout the 2019 draft, Seattle might be inclined to trade back or out of the first round to pick up more selections,” Middlehurst-Schwartz writes. “If the Seahawks stay put, however, Murphy could become just the second defensive back drafted by the team in the first four rounds since 2010.”
As Middlehurst-Schwartz points out, the Seahawks have just four selections in Aprils’ draft – the fewest in the league with one in the first, third, fourth and fifth rounds. Seattle received no compensatory picks this season and will likely look for a way to add some capital via a draft-day trade or two.
There is no arguing the Seahawks have been able to put together a formidable secondary with later-round picks, but with cornerback a realistic need for Seattle this season and Murphy arguably one of best available, the Seahawks could pull the trigger early if he’s still on the board at No. 21.
