I wanted to do a new mock draft after reassessing a handful of players and adjusting my grades or opinion on fit. This is likely to be the last projection I do before the combine and I’ve added a fourth round. If you want to see my horizontal board — which shows how I’ve graded players — click here. I’ve got further thoughts on the Seahawks picks at the end of the mock.
Round one
#1 Tennessee — Abdul Carter (EDGE, Penn State)
Surely the Titans can’t just keep adding young quarterbacks without building any team structure? Malik Willis, Will Levis and now another, over-drafted QB with the top pick? I think it’s more likely they take the best player in the draft. Carter recorded 66 pressures in his final season at Penn State, the same number Nick Bosa had in his last full season at Ohio State.
#2 Cleveland — Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado)
They are consigned to another year of paying Deshaun Watson and this isn’t a good quarterback class at the top end. The Browns made the playoffs with Joe Flacco in 2023 and might feel they can quickly bounce back with a veteran presence under center. Kirk Cousins would only cost the veteran minimum and had a successful two years with Kevin Stefanski in Minnesota.
#3 NY Giants — Cam Ward (QB, Miami)
Unlike the teams before them, it almost feels like the Giants have to draft a quarterback here. The GM and Head Coach won’t be able to survive another year of Tommy DeVito and Drew Lock. There’s been a growing feeling for a while that the Giants are enamoured with Ward and even if it’s a reach based on pure need, they invest in a young QB with playmaking qualities.
#4 New England — Tyler Warren (TE, Penn State)
The Patriots could be big spenders in free agency to try and fix their offensive line. Mason Graham, if he tests well, would be a strong consideration here. However, Tyler Warren is one of the best players in the draft. He was Drew Allar’s #1 target — a playmaker and a safety valve. Giving Drake Maye a fantastic, reliable weapon like this could be the making of him — provided they add O-liners in free agency.
#5 Jacksonville — Mason Graham (DT, Michigan)
Graham is a top-five lock in terms of grade. However, I saw someone raise his body type as an issue recently. They might have a point. He’s built like a bowling ball and he doesn’t have a prototypical frame. If he tests well, it’s not an issue. If he doesn’t, it could just keep him on the board a bit longer than originally thought.
#6 Las Vegas — Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)
The appointment of Chip Kelly on a $6m-a-year contract to be the offensive coordinator, instead of the heavily rumoured Darrell Bevell, shows who’s running the show in Vegas. It’s not Pete Carroll, it’s Tom Brady. I think Brady will want a young, big-name quarterback under center. There’s a connection with Coach Prime and his son, so this feels extremely possible.
#7 NY Jets — Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State)
Jets fans will freak out about this but let’s remember where the Head Coach is from. Aaron Glenn watched the Lions draft a running back very early — and be criticised for it — before creating the most dynamic 1-2 punch in football at the position. Pairing Jeanty, the best pound-for-pound player in the draft, with Breece Hall, could re-create the formula.
#8 Carolina — Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan)
Teams will have Loveland graded way higher than the internet. He will be seen as one of the few genuine first round talents in the class. He is going to go earlier than people realise. He can become Bryce Young’s go-to target.
#9 New Orleans — Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)
Johnson’s injury-hit 2024 season could keep him on the board. However, there’s absolutely no doubting his talent. Last summer he was viewed as one of the best players eligible for the draft. If the Saints get him here it could be a steal.
#10 Chicago — Tyler Booker (G, Alabama)
Booker was the first player I wrote-up last summer because he jumped off the screen. He’s a five-star recruit with tremendous size, aggression, he finishes blocks and everyone at Alabama raves about his leadership. Daniel Jeremiah saying people see him as Will Anderson on offense sums it up. In a draft like this — and given the massive salaries being commanded by interior offensive linemen these days — I don’t think it’s unlikely at all that he’s the first O-liner off the board. He has the best guard tape since Quenton Nelson.
#11 San Francisco — Armand Membou (T/G, Missouri)
A run on offensive linemen begins. Membou can reportedly run a 1.63 10-yard split. If he does that at the combine, he has every chance to go as early as this. He lacks ideal height to stick at tackle but the 49ers could have a look at him there, knowing he can easily kick inside to guard. I wasn’t a big fan of him bailing on the Senior Bowl with “stomach flu” once his agent saw Daniel Jeremiah’s mock draft.
#12 Dallas — Luther Burden (WR, Missouri)
People are sleeping on Colston Loveland because his offense collapsed in 2024 and Burden’s getting the same treatment. He didn’t really fit the Mizzou system. The league will see a top-level talent and he could be absolutely electric when paired with Ceedee Lamb. The Cowboys often find value in this range.
#13 Miami — Kelvin Banks (T/G, Texas)
He’s not a tackle for me but you can at least try him there first, unlike some of the shorter-armed members of this O-line class. He’s a good zone blocker so would fit the system in Miami. Banks’ range feels quite fluid — it won’t be a shock if he lasts to the Seahawks at #18.
#14 Indianapolis — Will Campbell (T/G, LSU)
The Colts haven’t been afraid to draft short-armed tackles in the past (Bernhard Raimann, Braden Smith). They could put Campbell at guard initially, with the idea he could kick outside in the future. I thought Campbell played poorly in 2024 and was a disappointment. I don’t think he’ll go as early as some think.
#15 Atlanta — Jalon Walker (LB, Georgia)
At times he looked like a top-10 pick but things tailed off towards the end. He’s a player who can wear a number of different hats at linebacker, while being able to rush the passer on third downs. Some see him as a lesser version of Abdul Carter.
#16 Arizona — Mike Green (EDGE, Marshall)
I thought his Senior Bowl appearance was massively overrated. He kept going to the same ineffective spin-move, then he had one good rep against Josh Conerly Jr (playing on the opposite side of the line to the one he’s used to) and suddenly he’s in a cab back to the airport calling it a job done. Give me a break. Vic Beasley size but 17 sacks last season and good testing can get him into this range.
#17 Cincinnati — Mykel Williams (DE, Georgia)
Some thought Williams could turn into a top-five pick with a strong 2024 season but it never happened. Even so, if the Bengals are facing a future without Trey Hendrickson after 2025, they could draft Williams with the idea he can take over — allowing them to prioritise extending Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
#18 Seattle — Shemar Stewart (DE, Texas A&M)
The Seahawks need to prepare for this scenario. It’s possible the top O-liners will leave the board before #18. Therefore, they need to make sure they add linemen in free agency so that they aren’t caught short. In this mock I look at that scenario (see my notes at the end). Stewart had a decent impact at the Senior Bowl, has the kind of frame that the Seahawks like and he could be a replacement for Dre’Mont Jones, who will surely be cut. He needs to finish more plays at the next level but he’d have the right Head Coach to help make that happen.
#19 Tampa Bay — James Pearce (EDGE, Tennessee)
His 22.7% pass-rush win-percentage is really impressive. However, he’ll likely last longer than some others because he hasn’t shown he can set an edge. At the moment, he plays like a pass-rush specialist. There’s a definite fear he could end up like another former Volunteer in Darrell Taylor — a player who flashes but can’t be trusted to stay on the field in any situation.
#20 Denver — Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona)
He’s a natural receiver and could go earlier than this. However, I don’t think he’ll be a great tester. His best asset is ball-location and the way he makes difficult catches look easy. He can be a big-play specialist with some safety-valve value. Other positional priorities could force him down the board.
#21 Pittsburgh — Jaxson Dart (QB, Ole Miss)
The Senior Bowl hype could just be down to an over-active agent doing the rounds. However, there are a ton of people talking up this possibility. The Steelers previously took Kenny Pickett in this range, a player I thought deserved a third round grade (the same grade I have on Dart). Meanwhile, Jay Glazer — who is close to Mike Tomlin — doesn’t think Russell Wilson will be back in Pittsburgh and he’s not convinced Justin Fields will be either. So maybe this will happen.
#22 LA Chargers — Matthew Golden (WR, Texas)
He stood out for Texas and was their clear top receiver and playmaker. It’s hard to give Jim Harbaugh a receiver in round given his love for the trenches. However, the 49ers did take a receiver in the first round in 2012 so maybe they’ll add a weapon for Justin Herbert here?
#23 Green Bay — Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas)
Barron can play in the slot or outside, he plays with physicality and has great character. The most impressive thing in 2024 was seeing how much he attacked defending the run.
#24 Minnesota — Walter Nolen (DT, Ole Miss)
He’s a really dynamic interior pass-rusher. He flashed quickness and the ability to penetrate at the Senior Bowl. Kudos to him for sticking it out for the week instead of buggering off home on Wednesday like some others.
#25 Houston — Donovan Jackson (G, Ohio State)
He did such a good job filling in at left tackle but when he started at guard, he showed a lot more promise than he did in 2023. He will be a first round pick and could be an alternative option for the Seahawks. He’s from Texas so this would be a homecoming.
#26 LA Rams — Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina)
Size and athleticism off the charts but he also showed a playmaking quality too. He could end up being an absolute steal in this range.
#27 Baltimore — Malaki Starks (S, Georgia)
As the year went on his play fell off a cliff. There’s talent here but it was difficult to watch his second half of the season and feel like he was still a high first round pick.
#28 Detroit — Jack Sawyer (DE, Ohio State)
Everything about Sawyer feels like a Lions pick and they’re never shy about taking ‘their guys’ early. He’ll have to handle moving to Michigan but it’s very easy to imagine him landing in Detroit. Not a great athlete but his character and playing style screams Dan Campbell.
#29 Washington — TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State)
There’s some buzz he could go in the first round. When you watch him accelerate in space you can work out why. He could run in the 4.3’s at around 5-10 and 215lbs. If you put him on the field with Jayden Daniels this could be an offense capable of challenging Detroit to be the most electric in the league.
#30 Buffalo — Jihaad Campbell (LB, Alabama)
He’s built like a tank and moves effortlessly. He was one of the few bright spots for Alabama in 2024. Testing will determine how high he goes but positional value could keep him on the board.
#31 Philadelphia — Darius Alexander (DE, Toledo)
The Eagles have the luxury of picking for value and being able to take shots. Darius Alexander reminded me of Chris Jones at the Senior Bowl. He’s 304lbs with +34 inch arms and beat Josh Conerly Jr off the edge while also ripping up the interior. He’s expected to test well. Don’t sleep on Alexander. The Eagles took his Toledo team-mate in round one a year ago and could come back for more.
#32 Kansas City — Josh Simmons (T, Ohio State)
Without the injury he’d likely be a top-15 pick as the best pure left tackle in the draft. The knee issue creates a question mark. However, if he stays on the board this far and gets to go and play for the Chiefs, I’m sure he’ll be delighted.
Round two
#33 Cleveland — Josh Conerly Jr (T, Oregon)
With Jedrick Wills a free agent and seemingly set to move on, the Browns take a chance on Conerly Jr. He didn’t have an amazing Senior Bowl but his physical profile and attitude will appeal.
#34 NY Giants — Kenneth Grant (DT, Michigan)
Grant has incredible athleticism for his size and when he gets moving, he can really shift. However, there are too many games where he looks like he needs a rocket up his arse. He’s too talented to be as quiet as he was in 2024.
#35 Tennessee — Mason Taylor (TE, LSU)
After a good Senior Bowl, coupled with a strong 2024 season, Taylor is destined to go in this range.
#36 Jacksonville — Emeka Egbuka (WR, Ohio State)
He’s not a #1 receiver but he’s an intelligent, savvy player who can be a wonderful compliment to Brian Thomas Jr.
#37 Las Vegas — Tre Harris (WR, Ole Miss)
Pete Carroll loves a big receiver, Tom Brady knows the value of a big body to throw to and the Raiders need a #1 target.
#38 New England — Landon Jackson (DE, Arkansas)
He might be a bit stiff but then you just look at the frame and focus on the wins and you realise — some teams are going to value this guy way higher than the Mike Green types who are short and lack length. Jackson is built like a terminator. He’s a ‘win getting off the bus’ type of player.
#39 Chicago (v/CAR) — Elijah Arroyo (TE, Miami)
After a brilliant week in Mobile, Arroyo could be Chicago’s answer to Sam LaPorta for Ben Johnson.
#40 New Orleans — Nic Scourton (DE, Texas A&M)
The Saints start to consider life after Cam Jordan. Some like Scourton more than I do — I see another Boogie Basham or AJ Epeneza type.
#41 Chicago — Grey Zabel (G/C, North Dakota State)
The reaction to his Senior Bowl display was a little over the top. However, he’s a good player and would further help the Bears fix their offensive line.
#42 NY Jets — Tyleik Williams (DT, Ohio State)
Williams would make a terrific, stout partner for Quinnen Williams. He does such a good job against the run.
#43 San Francisco — Azareye’h Thomas (CB, Florida State)
What a week in Mobile. The more you watch of Thomas the more you wonder if he might go higher than this. If he runs well at the combine he could go in the first round.
#44 Dallas — Alfred Collins (DT, Texas)
He might have the weight of a nose tackle but he’s far from that — he’s way more penetrative and athletic. He’s only scratched the surface of his potential so far.
#45 Indianapolis — Carson Schwesinger (LB, UCLA)
Just a wonderful player, albeit a one-season-wonder. The Colts need to rebuild at the linebacker position.
#46 Atlanta — Donovan Ezeiruaku (EDGE, Boston College)
Showed in flashes at the Senior Bowl. Testing will determine if he goes this early but his pass-rush win-percentage was a healthy 18.1% in 2024.
#47 Arizona — Josaiah Stewart (EDGE, Michigan)
The only think keeping him from going earlier is a lack of ideal size and length. His motor and ability to bend and attack the quarterback is highly impressive. Led college football with a pass-rush win-percentage of 27.1%.
#48 Miami — Andrew Mukuba (S, Texas)
Packs a punch on tape and as the season went on, kept jumping off the screen for the Longhorns.
#49 Cincinnati — Derrick Harmon (DT, Oregon)
He had a highly productive season for the Ducks but I never quite felt like I was watching a first round talent. The Bengals tend to draft D-liners I’m not crazy about.
#50 Seattle — Will Howard (QB, Ohio State)
Whether it’s Howard, Quinn Ewers or Riley Leonard — I think the Seahawks will take a quarterback on day two of the draft. Howard has a lot of the characteristics John Schneider likes, he turned it on in the playoffs for Ohio State and the most impressive thing about his tape against Indiana, Oregon, Texas and Notre Dame? Big-time third down conversions.
#51 Denver — Harold Fanin Jr (TE, Bowling Green)
The Broncos need a tight end. Sean Payton has found ways to max-out receiver-first TE’s in the past and Fanin Jr might appeal to him.
#52 Pittsburgh — Maxwell Hairston (CB, Kentucky)
The Steelers need help at receiver but the value isn’t great here so they might address that with a veteran addition during the off-season (Cooper Kupp?). They also have a need at corner and Hairston looked smooth in Mobile.
#53 Tampa Bay — TJ Sanders (DT, South Carolina)
This is quite a fall and maybe an over-correction on my behalf but I just wanted to see more at the Senior Bowl.
#54 Green Bay — Oluwafemi Oladejo (EDGE, UCLA)
Simply put, this guy is a dude. Amazing frame, plays with his hair on fire, gets everyone going. One of the Senior Bowl’s big winners.
#55 LA Chargers — Princely Umanmielen (DE, Ole Miss)
If they lose Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, they’ll need some reinforcements to rush the edge.
#56 Buffalo (v/MIN) — Kevin Winston Jr (S, Penn State)
Injury prevented him from maxing out his stock at Penn State but he’s a quality player who could provide real value here.
#57 Carolina (v/LAR) — Jordan Burch (DE, Oregon)
If he tests at the combine he’ll give himself a major boost. Very few humans can run as well as he does at around 285lbs.
#58 Houston — Ty Robinson (DT, Nebraska)
A tremendous player who will really appeal to DeMeco Ryans thanks to his intensity, power, athleticism and character. He had seven sacks in 2024. If you missed my recent interview with him, check it out here. He could be an option for the Seahawks.
#59 Baltimore — Aireontae Ersery (T, Minnesota)
His expected athletic testing at the combine could convince some teams to take him in this range with the idea of keeping him at left tackle. The Ravens could use him at either tackle spot.
#60 Detroit — Isaiah Bond (WR, Texas)
I don’t think Bond played well in 2024 but in fairness, he had some injury issues. The Lions seem to like this type of receiver and can afford to take a shot.
#61 Washington — Xavier Watts (S, Notre Dame)
He’s always around the football. His speed and testing will be critical because he doesn’t look like a blazing runner. Yet his production is highly impressive.
#62 Buffalo — Jonah Savaiinaea (T/G, Arizona)
On tape he rarely finished his blocks. He came to the Senior Bowl and did nothing to rectify that concern. He just seems too passive.
#63 Philadelphia — Marcus Mbow (T/G, Purdue)
An active blocker who is scrappy and clearly has some athleticism but will need time to develop. The Eagles are experts at developing offensive linemen and planning ahead.
#64 Kansas City — Kaleb Johnson (RB, Iowa)
I really like Johnson and think he has star potential but where’s the buzz? Nobody talks about him. It’ll be criminal if he ends up here playing for the Chiefs.
Round three
#65 NY Giants — Cameron Williams (T, Texas)
#66 Kansas City (v/TEN) — Rylie Mills (DT, Notre Dame)
#67 Cleveland — Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas)
#68 Las Vegas — JT Tuimoloau (EDGE, Ohio State)
#69 New England — Jack Nelson (T, Wisconsin)
#70 Jacksonville — Tate Ratledge (G, Georgia)
#71 New Orleans — Wyatt Milum (G, West Virginia)
#72 Chicago — Omarion Hampton (RB, North Carolina)
#73 Las Vegas (v/NYJ) — Joshua Farmer (DT, Florida State)
#74 Carolina — Tez Johnson (WR, Oregon)
#75 San Francisco — Jake Majors (C, Texas)
#76 Dallas – Quinshon Judkins (RB, Ohio State)
#77 New England (v/ATL) — Deone Walker (DT, Kentucky)
#78 Arizona — Omarr Norman-Lott (DT, Tennessee)
#79 Washington (v/MIA) — Emery Jones (T, LSU)
#80 Indianapolis — Denzel Burke (CB, Ohio State)
#81 Cincinnati — Jacob Parrish (CB, Kansas State)
#82 Seattle — Dylan Fairchild (G, Georgia)
#83 Pittsburgh — Jayden Higgins (WR, Iowa State)
#84 Tampa Bay — Shavon Revel (CB, East Carolina)
#85 Denver — Danny Stutsman (LB, Oklahoma)
#86 LA Chargers — Miles Frazier (G, LSU)
#87 Green Bay — Xavier Scott (CB, Illinois)
#88 Jacksonville (v/MIN) — Trey Amos (CB, Ole Miss)
#89 Houston — Kyle Kennard (EDGE, South Carolina)
#90 LA Rams — Jake Bech (WR, TCU)
#91 Baltimore — Bradyn Swinson (EDGE, LSU)
#92 NY Jets (v/DET) — Riley Leonard (QB, Notre Dame)
#93 New Orleans (v/WAS) — Kyle Williams (WR, Washington State)
#94 Cleveland (v/BUF) — Jordan Phillips (DT, Maryland)
#95 Philadelphia — Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
#96 Kansas City — Josh Kelly (WR, Texas Tech)
#97 Minnesota — Jared Ivey (DE, Ole Miss)
#98 Miami — Anthony Belton (T, NC State)
#99 San Francisco — Lathan Ransom (S, Ohio State)
#100 LA Rams — Devin Neal (RB, Kansas)
Round four
#102 Tennessee — Xavier Restrepo (WR, Miami)
#103 Cleveland — Elic Ayomanor (WR, Stanford)
#104 NY Giants — DJ Giddens (RB, Kansas State)
#105 New England — Jamaree Caldwell (DT, Florida)
#106 Jacksonville — Charles Grant (T, William & Mary)
#107 Las Vegas — Kyle Monangai (RB, Rutgers)
#108 Buffalo (v/CHI) — Jalen Royals (WR, Utah State)
#109 NY Jets — Mitchell Evans (TE, Notre Dame)
#110 Carolina — Benjamin Morrison (CB, Notre Dame)
#111 New Orleans — Jalen Milroe (QB, Alabama)
#112 San Francisco — Jordan James (RB, Oregon)
#113 Carolina (v/DAL) — Ricky White III (WR, UNLV)
#114 Arizona — Yahya Black (DT, Iowa)
#115 Miami — Savion Williams (WR, TCU)
#116 Indianapolis — Bilhal Kone (CB, Western Michigan)
#117 Atlanta — Shemar Turner (DT, Texas A&M)
#118 Cincinnati — Jaylen Reed (S, Penn State)
#119 Tennessee (v/SEA) — Kyle McCord (QB, Syracuse)
#120 Tampa Bay — Tai Felton (WR, Maryland)
#121 Denver — David Walker (EDGE, Central Arkansas)
#122 Pittsburgh — Sai’vion Jones (DE, LSU)
#123 Green Bay — Jared Wilson (C, Georgia)
#124 LA Chargers — Luke Lachey (TE, Iowa)
#125 Jacksonville (v/MIN) — Trevor Etienne (RB, Georgia)
#126 LA Rams — Dillon Gabriel (QB, Oregon)
#127 Houston — Keondre Jackson (S, Illinois State)
#128 Baltimore — Barryn Sorrell (EDGE, Texas)
#129 Philadelphia (v/DET) — Dylan Sampson (RB, Tennessee)
#130 New Orleans (v/WAS) — Gunnar Helm (TE, Texas)
#131 Buffalo — Jabbar Muhammad (CB, Oregon)
#132 Detroit (v/PHI) — Jeffrey Bassa (LB, Oregon)
#133 Kansas City — Quincy Riley (CB, Louisville)
#134 NY Giants — Jackson Slater (G, Sacramento State)
#135 Miami — LeQuint Allen (RB, Syracuse)
#136 Baltimore — Jay Tafuna (DT, Utah)
#137 Seattle — Jackson Hawes (TE, Georgia Tech)
#138 San Francisco — Ja’Corey Brooks (WR, Louisville)
#139 San Francisco — Cody Lindenberg (LB, Minnesota)
Thoughts on the Seahawks picks
They have to be prepared for the board not falling their way when it comes to offensive linemen. In an ideal world, Tyler Booker lasts to #18. You can justify the pick, it fills a big need and you can feel good about the situation. There’s a decent chance he and others will be gone by the time Seattle picks.
The key will be making improvements to the offensive line before the draft, preferably with one significant addition and one ‘hedge’. Therefore you’re not relying on the draft to solve your biggest need, plus you can retain a ‘best player available’ approach in the first round.
In the last two years the Seahawks have made a splash early in free agency. They signed Dre’Mont Jones in 2023 to big money then pushed the boat out for Leonard Williams a year ago. I would expect they will try and do something similar this year for an offensive lineman.
I discussed the options in this article earlier in the week. Given the importance of the center position in Klint Kubiak’s system (making line calls and adjustments) they might set out to sign Drew Dalman. He has played in a zone-blocking system in Atlanta and excelled. This isn’t a good draft at center. It might be easier to lure Dalman to Seattle than a Trey Smith or Mekhi Becton.
For the sake of this mock draft let’s say they sign Dalman to a $14m-a-year deal, making him the second highest paid center in the league behind Creed Humphreys. That’s the big splash in free agency. From this point they can go after value at a variety of positions.
There will still be a hole at left guard. It might be better to look at the trade market here, rather than the open market — although there are some second-tier options. If they aren’t able to sign an immediate sure-fire upgrade, they’ll need a draft hedge at the very least. This is why I think they might try to sign Lucas Patrick, who produced a solid level of performance under Kubiak for the Saints in 2024.
These moves might feel underwhelming if you’re pinning your hopes on a big splash for someone like Smith, who might not even reach the market. It feels realistic though — a big addition, a hedge and then attention turning to the draft.
In this mock scenario, there’s a first round run on offensive linemen. Thus, the Seahawks pivot to Shemar Stewart. He could go in the top-10 if he tests well at the combine, given his brilliant size, length and upside. The thing that lets him down is production. He has a pass-rush win percentage of only 12.4% and 39 pressures in 2024. It’s decent production but not great. You’d expect more given his physical quality. He was also spelled a little too much for comfort at Texas A&M. Thus, teams might prefer the production of a Mike Green ahead of him in round one.
Stewart would be an ideal replacement for Dre’Mont Jones, who is likely to be cut. In Mike Macdonald he’d have a perfect Head Coach to tap into his potential. The Seahawks are still looking for a difference maker off the edge and while Stewart’s tape shows a lot of ‘nearly’ moments — Macdonald has elevated players in Baltimore and Seattle to be better finishers.
Alternatively the Seahawks could trade down here, although there might not be a host of teams clamouring to move up this year. Players like Darius Alexander could be intriguing alternatives if they move down. I think people are underestimating what he showed at the Senior Bowl.
I’ve been discussing recently the possibility of the Seahawks drafting a quarterback on day two. The more I think about it, the more I can convince myself it’s a possibility.
I have the Seahawks taking Will Howard in this mock. I also strongly considered Quinn Ewers at #50. I think Riley Leonard could be a third round option. None of these players are perfect but they have some characteristics and traits that I can imagine John Schneider liking enough to invest in.
None of these players would come in as the anointed future of the franchise. When you take a quarterback on day two, really it’s no different than taking a chance on Sam Howell — the price is just a bit more expensive. The problem the Seahawks have had since trading Russell Wilson is there’s been a lack of a ‘middle class’ at the quarterback position. Last year for example, six quarterbacks were selected in the top-12. The next was taken in round five. In the 2025 draft, I do think we’ll see quarterbacks taken in rounds 2-4.
Howard did what CJ Stroud and Kyle McCord couldn’t do and led Ohio State to a National Championship. I’ve re-watched his four playoff games three times. He really elevated his play, delivering big-time throws in critical moments and excelling on third down. His QBR average in the four playoff games was a remarkable 96.4, not to mention a quarterback rating of 126.8.
According to PFF, Howard posted a rating of 139.8 against the blitz in 2024 with a completion percentage of 75.2%, throwing 15 touchdowns and just one interception.
Howard also won the Big-12 with Kansas State in 2022.
He has the kind of character I think will appeal to Schneider. He’s big and athletic, has a reasonable arm and while he’s far from perfect, I think you can prepare him to start and enable him to function within an overall system.
Again, taking Will Howard at #50 doesn’t mean he automatically becomes the future of the franchise. It’s simply a projection based on a hunch that the Seahawks will like some of these quarterbacks enough to take one on day two, invest in them and take a look to see if they can be a long-term answer. I don’t think Howard will be available to the Seahawks with their third round pick.
We’ve spent a lot of time discussing Schneider’s potential interest in Quinn Ewers. People will scoff at that but Ewers does have natural talent, has been monitored by NFL teams ever since he entered college football and it’s plausible someone will take him earlier than the internet thinks is right, simply to take a shot on his arm. I also think guiding Texas to back-to-back semi-finals after years of nothingness is more of an achievement than people realise and he could be a good fit for Kubiak in Seattle, given Ewers’ best bet is to land in a system with a degree of structure.
Then there’s Riley Leonard. Clearly there are things to work on in terms of his passing from the pocket and ball-placement. However, he is a dynamite athlete who can be a legitimate threat with his legs. On top of that, while his precision needs development — he can still get the ball downfield. It might take time but he has the tools needed to start at the next level — even if he needs a fair bit of work. As with Howard, I thought he did a very good job on third downs during the playoffs. Do not underestimate how teams view this, with the season on the line.
I’m not suggesting any of this trio are destined to reach the dizzying heights of Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen or Joe Burrow. I do think, however, all have intriguing characteristics, strong character and they’ve enjoyed success in college. Schneider has taken shots on Charlie Whitehurst, Russell Wilson, Drew Lock and Sam Howell. Clearly, he isn’t merely seeking clear perfection at the position. I suspect he might chance his arm on one of the three players named here and in this mock I went for Howard.
They still needed to add to the offensive line by the time they selected in round three. Dylan Fairchild has a strong wrestling background which is appealing and he’s a perfect zone-blocking lineman. If he’s still on the board at #82 he could present excellent value, allowing the Seahawks to potentially land a starter in round three. I don’t think anyone needs to live in eternal fear just because Christian Haynes didn’t work out last year — and I suspect the new coaching staff might be able to get him back on track in 2025.
The final pick in round four is Georgia Tech tight end Jackson Hawes — a vicious and dynamic blocking tight end. If you want to run the ball as a focal point, you need a tight end like this. He’s limited in terms of pass-catching ability but he’ll give you everything as a blocker. He’d be a fine replacement for Pharaoh Brown.
Seahawks picks:
#18 Shemar Stewart (DE, Texas A&M)
#50 Will Howard (QB, Ohio State)
#82 Dylan Fairchild (G, Georgia)
#137 Jackson Hawes (TE, Georgia Tech)
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