With the 2013 NFL Draft right around the corner, I thought I would concoct a mock draft for the Seattle Seahawks. If you have any comments or would like to send me an email to spar, I'd encourage you to do so at my email, [email protected].
There are several approaches to drafting: horizontal drafting or vertical drafting. When you horizontal draft, it indicates that the team is adding a player based on position need, whereas, vertical drafting is based on best player available (BPA).
Taking the different draft approaches into account, and the fact that the Seahawks do not have a plethora of draft picks at their disposal, one would surmise that a horizontal approach would be most suitable for the team come this 2013 draft.
That being said, let's take a gander at the positions of need for the Seahawks that need to be addressed in this draft.
1) Defensive Line: It is sometimes uncanny how quickly things can unravel in what was a position of strength for the staunch SeaFence. Losing both Alan Branch and Jason Jones hurts the once formidable defensive line of the Seahawks, and while they still have some key pieces intact, such as Red Bryant, and added some playmakers, like Michael Bennett, they are awfully thin at the position. Yes, they did also sign defensive tackle Tony McDaniel, but he is injury prone and plays too high. It is also worth noting that Bennett is signed to only a one year, prove-it contract, which typically translates to "I'm going to play lights out for one year and then sign elsewhere for huge bucks".
2) Offensive Tackle Depth: Russell Okung is coming off his first Pro Bowl year. But let's not forget that this is the same Russell Okung who has been plagued with injuries throughout his college and professional career. I hate to say this, and I surely do not like to take the cynic, pessimistic Patrick route, but he is going to get hurt again. Behind Okung, you have Breno Giacomini and Pat McQuistan, who are both serviceable. But the left tackle position will be turnstiles when facing against a premier pass-rusher like Aldon Smith or Chris Long.
3) Linebacker: Let it be known, I love Bobby Wagner. He is a flat-out stud who plays at a superlative level week in and week out. To think that he just started his professional career is simply astonishing; he certainly has a bright future ahead of him. K.J. Wright is also a serviceable LB as well, but I think the Seahawks need another playmaking linebacker.
4) Red Zone Threat: The Seahawks have great possession receivers in Percy Harvin and Golden Tate, but they really need a big target receiver who can go up and win those 50-50 balls in the red-zone.
5) Backup Quarterback: Trading Matt Flynn away creates a need for a backup behind the prodigy known as Russell Wilson.
Mock Draft 2013
Round 2 Pick 24: Bennie Logan, DT LSU: This Louisiana Tech player would be a welcome addition to the Seahawks 4-3 quick twitch, ball-hawking (see what I did there?) defense. He is a prototypical Les Miles defensive player: quick on the snap, high motor and possesses superb acceleration for a man of his size. He seems like a natural fit for the Seahawks defense. Kawann Short, DT, Purdue also seems like a good fit here if he falls to the depths of the lower 2nd round.
Round 3 Pick 25: Corey Lemonier, OLB Auburn: Despite Auburn having a down year, Lemonier displayed an explosive skill set that many NFL teams are seeking. This is definitely a huge "IF" pick, because I have seen other mocks having him selected in the beginning of the 2nd round. But if he is there when the Seahawks pick in the 3rd, this should be the pick without question.
Round 4 Pick 26: Brennan Williams, OT North Carolina: Giovani Bernard (North Carolina running back) enjoyed a highly successful running campaign last year behind the superior run blocking of Jonathon Cooper and little known Brennan Williams. Williams is the real deal and any team that selects him this low will not be disappointed. Huge value pick for the Hawks here. I'm not crazy about Giacomini or Okung, so having Williams as insurance would temper my depth worries.
Round 5 Pick 5: Joseph Fauria, TE UCLA: At 6'7, 258 pounds, the Seahawks should be taking a long look at UCLA gem Joseph Fauria. He is the red zone threat that the Seahawks need. The only knock on him is that he cannot block a feather, but who cares when you have a great pass blocking tight end in Zach Miller?
Round 5 Pick 25: Oday Aboushi, G Virginia: Aboushi is a player who has a high ceiling. If coached up properly in the right niche system and methodology, he could be a solid starting caliber interior linemen and moreover, a great asset to a thin Seahawks offensive line.
Round 6 Pick 26: Collin Klein, QB Kansas State: The Seahawks need a quarterback to replace Matt Flynn. I think they will sign one in free agency, but they also need a backup in case the 2nd stringer takes a tumble. Klein exemplified great leadership skills, mobility and athleticism in his tenure at Kansas State that warrants a 3rd day pick by the Hawks.
Round 7 Pick 14: Best Player Available
Round 7 Pick 25: Maybe a Kicker
Round 7 Pick 35: Val Kilmer
Round 7 Pick 36: Kevin Bacon
That wraps it up!!! If you have any concerns or rationale questions, I implore you to send me an email! Happy Mocking!
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