The Seattle Seahawks traded one of their best assets before the 2019 NFL draft, dealing defensive end Frank Clark to Kansas City, netting the Chiefs’ first-round pick this year and second-round selection in 2020.
That left Seattle with a glaring need at the position, and one the Seahawks attempted to address with the addition of TCU’s L.J. Collier at No. 29 overall.
However, Seattle is also looking to its current roster to step things up.
“We need to see Rasheem [Green] come to life and Quinton Jefferson continue to play well and move up and the emergence last year of Jacob Martin,” coach Pete Carroll explained after round one Thursday night. “He was a very effective pass rusher and force in the limited amount of time that we gave him. We’re counting on him to grow. Cassius Marsh rejoined us for the same purpose.
“So we’re focusing on this thing.”
The Seahawks are likely to bring in a number of undrafted and veteran free agents to compete for pass rushing duties as well, but Clark left big shoes to fill in Seattle.
“It’s a hard spot to find,” general manager John Scheider explained Thursday. “The Calais Campbells of this world are hard to find.”
So are the Frank Clarks.
