Seattle Seahawks Draft: Why They Should Keep the 25th Pick

As the draft nears, everyone under the sun, including most likely your dog and cat, have finished their mock draft.  Everyone has read the tea leaves and thinks they know who the Seattle Seahawks are going to pick with the 25th pick in the draft.

Will they go with a defensive back? Will they find an offensive lineman to shore up their woeful line? Will they get the quarterback of the future?

One thing mock drafts can't predict are trades.  Every draft year there are trades.  Some involve players but most involve swapping picks.

Trading a draft pick is a way a team can either rise up and nab a player they have to have or conversely, move down and stock pile picks to add depth.

Should Seattle consider one of these type moves?

The answer is no.

Trading up is unlikely.  First of all the Seahawks don't have a third round pick, which would be prime bait to move up in the first round with and may not get anyone to bite. Furthermore, with the CBA mess, trading 2012 draft picks are off the table for now which will hamper them more.

Even if they were able to move up, who would they be targeting?

There isn't one sure-fire player or position Seattle has to try and get to complete their rebuilding.

Seattle has so many holes that no matter who is on the board at 25 they will be able to fill a need, and be able to do so without giving up picks in the later rounds.

Would it make sense to give up picks to try and draft say, LSU's Patrick Petersen when someone like Jimmy Smith is most likely going to be on the board at 25? Is there that much of a drop off between them?

Some might consider drafting down.  Perhaps even moving out of the first round to possibly pick up another second or third round pick.

This would be a way for the Seahawks to add some depth.  And Seattle does need depth.  Last year, when they suffered injuries on the offensive line, defensive line and secondary they went into the tank as they didn't have anyone to step up.

However, the Seahawks also lack front line, Pro Bowl-caliber players.  Moving out of the first round greatly reduces the chances of locking up a play maker.

As badly as they need depth, they need play makers. 

If and when the lockout ends, Seattle should be sitting pretty as far as the salary cap goes. They can use that money to add depth through free agency where you're more likely to find depth guys then you are Pro Bowlers anyway.

Considering the limitations the Seahawks face with the CBA uncertainty, the safe bet is to stand pat.  Take the best player that fills a need at 25 and move forward.