— Yesterday I pitched an idea where the Seahawks went BPA at #18 and then traded up from #50 to address their offensive line need, moving to #41 to get Donovan Jackson. It might be worth keeping an eye on Tyler Booker in this scenario too. He might not be an ideal zone blocker but, again, neither was Aaron Banks, who was drafted 48th overall by Kyle Shanahan and recently signed a $19.25m-a-year contract to play for Matt LaFleur.
None of Mel Kiper, Todd McShay or Daniel Jeremiah had Booker in the first round of their latest mock drafts. If he lasts to day two, he could be a target. He’s a good football player, can start immediately and his physicality and personality perfectly fit what the Seahawks crave. It would feel a little bit like when they moved up to get Jarran Reed in 2016.
Let’s also be clear. Booker’s testing was bad. He lacks foot-speed and quickness on the run. That’s the issue, not that he’s immobile. He’s a very capable puller and he showed during the on-field combine drills that he can move around with ease despite his size. His frame is in proportion for such a big human, which isn’t typical.
It’s just something to keep in mind. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if pick #18 isn’t an offensive lineman and they then move up from #50 to address their biggest need with a quality addition — such as Booker or Jackson.
— If they do take an offensive lineman at #18, such as Grey Zabel, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them move up from #50 to get Elijah Arroyo. Seattle’s offensive scheme is perfect for a dynamic pass-catching tight end. Arroyo is another excellent fit for the mentality of this team. Some think he is worthy of a late first-round pick and I agree. If he’s there in the 30’s or 40’s, he could be a target.
— I promise I don’t set out to keep repeating myself, but I do think there’s a strong possibility Emeka Egbuka will be the pick at #18. I’ve explained why in detail and the main basis for this is understanding, through sources, just how much Egbuka the person fits the Seahawks. Forget his position. Just focus on the individual. Everything about him — talent, physicality, upside, leadership, reliability — screams Seahawks.
It was with great interest then that I noticed two things. Firstly, Daniel Jeremiah recently moved Egbuka from 23rd to 17th on his top-50 list. Then, Mel Kiper moved him from 24th to 18th on his big board. They mentioned “rave reviews from NFL teams” and that “he’s NFL-ready and coaches will love him. He’s a grinder who can make plays and pick up first downs when they are needed most.”
For anyone thinking he’d be a reach at #18 — 17th and 18th on two prominent big boards suggests otherwise.
There are several players who tick every box the Seahawks seem to look for these days in terms of talent, production, reliability, high football character and physical upside. Some, like Jahdae Barron and Malaki Starks, might not make it to #18. Ditto Colston Loveland. I’m not sure Grey Zabel will make it to #18 any more.
Even if some of these players are available, Egbuka might still be their guy. The good news is they’re very likely to get someone they like in round one. Matthew Golden, Nick Emmanwori and Donovan Ezeiruaku also feel like personality/talent/scheme fits. I keep going back and forth on Kelvin Banks Jr.
Just don’t be shocked if you hear Egbuka’s name called at #18.
— I still think they’re going to take a quarterback. I don’t know when. Nothing would shock me. But I will be surprised if they get through all seven rounds and one hasn’t been taken. I’m fascinated to see if there’s a firm target or a plan in place to come away with a certain player. I think they will add to this room though.
— The pick at #52 fascinates me. This could also be a selection where they just take someone they love and the internet has a mini-meltdown (unless it’s an offensive lineman). It could be a quarterback pick. I can easily see them going for a player who just ‘fits’ the personality/style they want at a position most don’t see as a key need.
It could be Danny Stutsman the Oklahoma linebacker, who absolutely plays to the style of defense Mike Macdonald is establishing. Linebacker isn’t a huge need but we saw the importance of it in this scheme a year ago. They haven’t added anything to the group in free agency. If they like Stutsman — and I think they might — they could take him and let him compete with Tyrice Knight. Depth at that spot is hardly a problem. I also wouldn’t count out Carson Schwesinger or Demetrius Knight.
Jared Wilson’s testing is very similar to Erik McCoy’s, New Orleans’ center who excelled under Klint Kubiak last season. Bradyn Swinson, if he’s available, would be a tremendous selection to add to their pass-rush depth (although they might be eyeing Josaiah Stewart in round three). It could be Ty Robinson, who I’ve discussed a lot, or any other defensive tackle in a loaded class at the position. Joshua Farmer perhaps, who bullied opponents in front of Mike Macdonald at the Senior Bowl.
This is what makes this draft so interesting and why it’s great to have five picks to play with in the top-100. They can be aggressive if they want. They can get potential starters going into round three. They can also address key needs without moving off a ‘value first’ approach rather than forcing anything. This is a big opportunity for the franchise.
— Will Howard is going to go earlier than people realise. I think there are teams in round two who will take him. Possibly the Browns, Jets or Raiders. Speaking to someone who knows what he’s talking about last week, it was put to me that it’s not beyond the realms of possibility someone trades into the late first for him. Whether that happens or not remains to be seen but the second round feels like Howard’s likely destination.
It’s not a surprise either. He’s a good football player. His QBR average in the four playoff games was a near perfect 96.4, while his NFL passer rating was 126.8. Ohio State also had exactly 50% conversions on third downs in the playoffs. When the games mattered the most, Howard delivered — and this all came after bouncing back from the setback against Michigan.
He might not have the highest ceiling in the world but teams will think a year or two down the line, he can provide competent play under center. I also know people who’ve been around Howard who speak incredibly highly of him and there’s a sense he might be the most prepared to come into the NFL within this quarterback class.
— In the last week I’ve heard positive things about players I don’t rate very highly. This includes Cam Williams, Wyatt Milum, Jonah Savanaaia, Jonah Monheim and Deone Walker. I am in the process of watching them again while being mindful not to course-correct and look too hard for things I “missed”. That said, I wanted to note their names in this article. It’s important to share the views of people I respect greatly that differ from my own.
— I’m in Sweden this week but will be doing my usual Puck Sports slot today. I’ll add it at the top of this article later.
