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NFL Draft Seahawks Needs and Priorities

By Ben Renner

Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Sidney Jones speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Sidney Jones speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL Draft
Oct 8, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Washington Huskies coach Chris Peterson (R) celebrates with defensive end Joe Mathis (5) after defeating the Southern California Trojans 17-12 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line

The Seahawks could always use more defensive linemen to add to their rotation. Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett were great as usual last season, but they could use possible competitors for Dion Jordan in Training Camp and more depth on the edge and the interior.

Joe Mathis, DE/OLB, Washington

Mathis could be available to the Seahawks early in the third round. He could be Bruce Irvin 2.0 but about 70 or so picks later. Seattle can afford to redshirt him after the NFL Draft for 2017 with Bennett, Avril, Frank Clark and Cassius Marsh seeing the most playing time. But in 2018, Mathis could be a useful player or even a starter for Seattle. Mathis was the only 3-4 OLB with a higher pass rushing productivity rating than Alabama’s Tim Williams.

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Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State

McDowell could be out of the Sehawks’ price range if they see defensive back and offensive line as higher priorities in this draft, but if McDowell falls to the second round, a distinct possibility, Seattle could be in luck. He’s a little raw and his “football character” has been questioned, but he has a chance to be a dominant defensive lineman.

Caleb Brantley, DT, Florida

Brantley’s stock has fallen into the sixth or seventh round of the NFL Draft in part because of his alleged fight with a woman in Gainesville. Brantley could be a versatile nose tackle despite his smallish (relatively) size or a part of a 4-3 defense. He was used as a rotational defensive tackle in Florida, so he’ll likely need to be on a reduced snap count with Seattle in his rookie year, but he could be a valuable player for the line in the future.

Next: Are the Seahawks Past the Sherman Trade Talk?

The Seahawks will have options with their seven picks for what they need to add to their roster. The NFL Draft is full of promise every year. Watch for these names coming up over the next few days at the NFL Draft.

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