Seahawks picks
#35 (Trade via Tennessee) — Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina)
The Seahawks gave the Titans #52 and #82 for the 35th pick. I’m surprised, given all of the character reports, that Emmanwori was selected and it perhaps speaks to a slight departure in their approach. However, Albert Breer mentioned they liked him prior to the draft and he fits into the defense. His combination of speed and size is rare and Mike Macdonald will have a lot of fun with him. I have a fringe first round grade on him so have no problem with them taking him here. The deal was not overly expensive.
#50 — Elijah Arroyo (TE, Miami)
Regulars to the blog will know I’m a huge Arroyo fan. He’s such a mismatch weapon and will give the Seahawks a legit opportunity to have a dynamic pass-catching tight end who puts up big numbers. He can be used in lieu of a top receiver pick. There’s untapped potential as a blocker here. Arroyo is so fluid running the seam or into second level pockets. His body control and ability to box-out in the red zone is tremendous. He has soft hands. He dominated at the Senior Bowl. I had a fringe first round grade on him and thought he was the 17th best player in the draft. We felt for a long time they would want one of these top-four tight ends and they’ve delivered. Fantastic pick.
#50 — Jalen Milroe (QB, Alabama)
This is a big day for the Seahawks. They start with four picks and there are a number of areas still to address. This will be the open thread for day two so discuss everything in the comments section and remember, no tipping picks.
We’ll be doing a live stream as soon as the Seahawks have used all of their picks today so be sure to join us for that.
I’ve updated the horizontal board below, removing the players who have already been drafted (click to enlarge):
Here are some key talking points:
— Will the Seahawks be aggressive? In the past they’ve traded up on day two for Jarran Reed, Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf and Darrell Taylor. Is there a player they have to have today, rather than simply waiting this out? It would probably have to be someone they would’ve been prepared to take in round one.
— Is there anything in the hints Adam Schefter has been delivering about the quarterback position? Will the Seahawks draft one today? They had official visits with Jalen Milroe and Tyler Shough, while there’s been this long-lasting thought that John Schneider might have interest in Quinn Ewers. Don’t sleep on Will Howard either.
— These are still plenty of ‘prototype’ Seahawks in terms of toughness, character and reliability. The names that stand out in that regard for me are Elijah Arroyo, Mason Taylor, Tate Ratledge, Jared Wilson, Jack Bech, Tory Horton, JT Tuimoloau, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Bradyn Swinson, Darius Alexander, Ty Robinson, Josaiah Stewart, Carson Schwesinger, Shavon Revel, Billy Bowman Jr, Demetrius Knight and Danny Stutsman. There are others but these are the main ones.
— I’d be surprised if the Seahawks showed any interest in Nick Emmanwori or Mike Green. Character issues kept them on the board going into day two. I’d also be extremely surprised if Shedeur Sanders was in any way, shape or form a fit for this Head Coach and GM.
— It’s possible the Seahawks rest on the O-line after taking Grey Zabel, addressing other areas. However, adding Tate Ratledge would give you a big, physical, highly athletic pairing at guard reminiscent of teams like the Eagles. That’s a great thought. Jared Wilson is also an ideal physical fit for the zone blocking scheme at center.
— I think they have to add a cornerback today. Shavon Revel Jr is such a Mike Macdonald player for me. If he passed his medical check, he could be a serious target. What is the feeling on Will Johnson? Both players took an official visit to Seattle. Benjamin Morrison, Azareye’h Thomas and Trey Amos are all well liked while Jordan Hancock is flying under the radar.
— I’m a big fan of Bradyn Swinson and believe he could be a player who comes in and elevates your pass-rush to the next level. We’ll see how long he lasts.
— When I did the mock draft earlier I was surprised how challenging it became to find a receiver if you waited until round three. They might have to address that position at #50 or #52.
— If they target a safety, it’ll be interesting to note what medical info they have on Kevin Winston Jr. He has first round talent but missed most of last season. Billy Bowman Jr reminds me of a poor-man’s Earl Thomas but there are mixed opinions in the league on his size while Jonas Sanker and Andrew Mukuba both pack a punch.
