2012 NFL Draft: 6 Players Who Would Solidify Seattle Seahawks Next Season

With the NFL combine less than a week away, anticipation for the NFL draft is building.  For the Seattle Seahawks, the draft will give the team a chance to address a few pressing needs.

The quarterback position is unsettled with Tarvaris Jackson’s performance leaving something to be desired.  Also at the top of the list for general manager John Schneider is acquiring a pass rusher to help slow down opposing passing attacks.

Addressing holes at the linebacker position and finding a solid backup for Marshawn Lynch, assuming he's re-signed, also figure to be addressed through the draft. 

Here is a look at six players, two options in each of the first three rounds, who the Seahawks could select to improve the team in 2012.

Quinton Coples, DE North Carolina

The likelihood that Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III are still on the board when the Seahawks pick is slim, meaning the Seahawks might address their need for a pass-rusher with their first-round pick. 

One prospect who could make an immediate impact on the pass rush is North Carolina star Quinton Coples.  Standing at 6’6” and 285 pounds, Coples looks the part of an impact pass-rusher.

One attribute that makes Coples worthy of the Seahawks first-round pick is his versatility.  To help shore up the Tar Heel defensive front in 2011, Coples rotated between his natural end spot and tackle.  Despite his production taking a step back in his senior season Coples has enormous potential that could make him a Seahawks target in the first round.

Devon Still, DT Penn State

Another option in the first round is defensive tackle Devon Still.  Coming off a monster season that saw him win Big 10 defensive lineman and defensive player of the year, Still could enhance the Seahawks' interior pass rush.

In addition Still is more than capable of anchoring against the run.  Still does come with durability questions. He missed the majority of two seasons at Penn State due to knee and ankle injuries.

If the Seahawks choose to upgrade the interior of their defensive line, Still is likely their selection.

Brock Osweiler, QB Arizona State

If the Seahawks are going to add a quarterback through the draft, it will likely be in the second or third round. 

Although Brock Osweiler may not look like the prototypical QB (he is 6’8''), he steadily rose up draft boards during the 2011 season.  With a strong arm, quick release and good athleticism in the pocket, Osweiler has the potential to develop into a solid NFL QB.

The primary concern with Osweiler is his inexperience. He only started 16 games in college and operated in a spread offense at Arizona State. 

He wouldn’t be an immediate upgrade for the Seahawks at quarterback. But given time to develop, Osweiler could be worth a second-round selection.

Laonte David: LB Nebraska

If the Seahawks don't select a QB in the second round, they could go in a couple different directions.  With LeRoy Hill and David Hawthorne entering free agency the Seahawks could use the draft to replenish their linebacker unit.

Former Nebraska star Lavonte David could be a potential target to replace Hill or Hawthorne should they leave.  In his two seasons at Nebraska, David topped 100 tackles in both seasons while also excelling in pass coverage. 

For a defense that has struggled recently with linebackers in coverage, David would make an instant impact.

Bruce Irvin, DE/OLB West Virginia

Bruce Irvin is going to scare off some teams due to his small stature, 6’2”, 245 pounds. But his production is hard to ignore.  As a defensive end position in the Mountaineers' 3-3-5 formation, Irvin had 22.5 sacks in the past two seasons.

With the Seahawks' lack of pass-rushing talent, taking a chance on the undersized Irvin in the third round may be worth the risk.  With his elite quickness off the edge, Irvin could provide an immediate boost on passing downs.

Ronnie Hillman, RB San Diego State

The Seahawks hope to re-sign Marshawn Lynch this offseason to return as the starting RB, but it remains to be seen what the Seahawks' plan is for the backup RB position.

Last year's backup Justin Forsett is also entering free agency and may not return.  Using a third-round pick on a player like San Diego State’s Ronnie Hillman would allow the Seahawks to periodically spell Lynch.

Hillman, who ran for more than 1,500 yards in both of his seasons as an Aztec, would give the Seahawks a different look out of the backfield with his game-breaking speed.