General manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll have made no secret of their intentions to forge a near-complete rebuild of the Seattle Seahawks. They’ve traded away Michael Bennett and Richard Sherman and let other key free agents go. Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas have both been put on the trading block, so don’t be surprised to see either of those names pop up in a draft day trade.
As long as Russell Wilson is healthy and at quarterback, the Seahawks will be able to compete and they know it. Here’s how they can start building the team around their franchise quarterback.
Round 1, Pick 18: Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia
6-3, 313
For years the Seahawks have cobbled together an offensive line out of cast-offs and converted defensive lineman. Last season it all came to a head and Wilson continually had to run for his life. If Seattle is in for a revamp, it must start up front and considering they face Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh twice a season, it needs to start in the middle.
Round 4, Pick 120: DaeSean Hamilton, WR, Penn State
53 catches, 857 yards, nine touchdowns (6-1, 204 pounds)
Seattle traded Jermaine Kearse last season and let Paul Richardson go in free agency. They need to add another potential starter on the outside and with no picks in the second or third rounds, Hamilton is their best bet to do that.
Round 5, Pick 141: Coleman Shelton, Center, Washington
6-3, 295
One offensive lineman isn’t going to be enough. Line coach Tom Cable has done a hell of a job with spit, chewing gum and bailing wire. Seattle needs to bring in guys with real talent now and let him mold them together. It’ll take more than a single season. Shelton, at least, can back up early as Caroll and Cable determine their five best linemen.
Round 5, Pick 146: Ian Thomas, TE, Indiana
2017: 25 catches, 376 yards, five touchdowns (6-5, 248 pounds)
It took years for Jimmy Graham to fit in with the Seahawks’ offense and just as he did, they let him slip away. They don’t have much coming in at tight end so need to add a guy in the draft. Thomas, at least, should offer a solid red zone target.
Round 5, Pick 156: Christian Campbell, CB, Penn State
2017: 45 tackles, two for a loss, one sack, two interceptions, nine passes defended, one forced fumble (6-1, 191 pounds)
Seattle’s starting corners as of draft day are Neiko Thorpe and Justin Coleman. It’s not exactly the Legion of Boom. Campbell has the potential to grow into a starter with an NCAA resume against top opponnets.
Round 5, Pick 168: Dorance Armstrong Jr., DE, Kansas
2017: 63 tackles, 9.5 for a loss, two sacks, four passes defended, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery (6-4, 246 pounds)
While I’ve always felt that Michael Bennett was overrated as a defensive lineman, his trade causes depth issues for the Seahawks. They should be fine at their starting end spots with Frank Clark and the underrated Cliff Avril. Armstrong can spell each guy and play stand-up OLB on passing downs.
Round 7, Pick 226: Mike Boone, RB, Cincinnati
2017: 110 carries, 463 yards, four touchdowns, 24 catches, 177 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown (5-10, 205 pounds)
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Seahawks add a couple of running backs as low-priced free agents after the draft concludes. Just in case, they need to come out of this one with at least one back. Boone is a multi-talented guy that can catch the ball out of the backfield.
Round 7, Pick 248: Tyrone Crowder, OG, Clemson
6-2, 334 pounds
Crowder has made an NCAA career out of blocking for mobile, passing quarterbacks. Don’t be surprised to see him sneak into the starting line up sooner than later.
Round 7, Pick 250: Zachary Crabtree, OT, Oklahoma State
6-7, 310 pounds
Crabtree comes from a pass-happy offense and should be able to help in that regard early. Seattle traded for Duane Brown last season and drafted Germain Ifedi two years ago, so they’re not desperate at tackle.
