Seattle Seahawks 2012 Mock Draft: Best & Worst Case 7-Round Scenarios

Seattle Seahawks General Manager John Schneider warned fans that the team wouldn't be as active in free agency in 2012. Rather, they would focus on their own players and continue to build through the draft.

Seahawks fans may want more immediate gratification, but if Schneider and Pete Carroll can continue to find draft gems like they have in their first two seasons, a lack of free agency noise won't be as problematic.

Seattle was true to form at the start of the 2012 NFL free agency period. They re-signed defensive end Red Bryant and linebacker-special teams player Heath Farwell. They also submitted a qualifying restricted free agent tender to kicker Steven Hauschka.

Seattle is still rumored to be in contention for a few quarterbacks and a defensive end, and the linebacker positions were extremely quiet on day-one. Seattle figures to make at least a little splash at these positions in the coming days, opening up options for the team during the draft instead of being backed into selecting a player out of dire need.

Round 1: Luke Kuechly or Nick Perry

Regardless of how the first round plays out, the Seattle Seahawks will have several great options for their first pick. They could be looking at Quinton Coples, Courtney Upshaw, Melvin Ingram, and possibly even Trent Richardson.

Some have even projected Michael Floyd at the position, but I don't see a wide receiver as a first-round need.

The worst the Seahawks could do is picking Nick Perry with the 12th overall pick. That may be a little high, but after the first day of free agency, Seattle still needs a pass rusher to work with the re-signed Red Bryant. Perry should mesh well with the defense with which he started his college career.

The best case for the Seahawks in the first round involves at least one trade. While a few extra picks in 2012 would be helpful, an ideal scenario is acquiring a first-round pick in 2013. 

I see the Pittsburgh Steelers as a team that needs to make a rare move upwards in the first round to secure a left tackle. Need on the offensive line, as much as the defense, is becoming dire for the Steelers. 

The Steelers are also a team that could struggle with their roster and a tough schedule in 2012, leaving them to draft much earlier next season, thereby giving the Seahawks great value.

After getting an extra draft pick or two, being able to snag Luke Kuechly late in round one would be a dream scenario. He could be off the board at 15 to the Philadelphia Eagles, but if they answer their inside linebacker concerns in free agency, Kuechly could slide.

He would be a great fit in Seattle and offers solid value late in the first round.

Round 2: Andre Branch or Brandon Weeden

Regardless of how the first round plays out, the Seahawks will have ample talent from which to choose in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft. 

Seattle could be selecting from Brock Osweiler, Kirk Cousins, Jared Crick and Lavonte David.

Based on their selection in the first round, they will be able to pick a solid prospect.

Assuming the Seahawks were able to acquire a first-round pick in 2013 and select Kuechly in round one, look for them to focus on their pass rush in the second. 

Andre Branch is a possible first-round pick, but his size (6'4", 259 lbs) makes him a poor fit for most defensive fronts. He also disappeared at times in 2011, such as his one-tackle performance against Florida State.

Seattle would allow him to work as a situational pass rusher, rotating with Red Bryant. They could groom him to take over at the "Leo" end position for Chris Clemons.

If Seattle isn't able to secure an extra draft pick in 2013, they could feel some pressure to secure a quarterback early in 2012. There is a chance that Ryan Tannehill, Osweiler or Cousins could all be off the board, leaving them to choose from Brandon Weeden and Nick Foles.

Weeden could be the most pro-ready of the second-tier options, but teams are concerned with his longevity. But if the Seahawks can get a starting-quality quarterback with an eight-year horizon, they would be in a better situation than their current predicament.  

Round 3: Chris Polk or Russell Wilson

Chris Polk is making the first and second rounds in many mock drafts. However, some have him available when the Seahawks pick in round three.

This mock also has Jerel Worthy, Bruce Irvin and Robert Turbin available...and they mocked Isaiah Pead to the Seahawks. That pick might be the worst-case scenario for Seattle. 

Giving the Seahawks those options in round three would be an amazing scenario, and would certainly challenge the draft team to narrow their choices. Most Seahawks fans would likely be pulling for Polk in that scenario, adding some depth to the offense.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Seahawks may need to reach for a quarterback. It is feasible that the top second-tier options (Brock Osweiler, Ryan Tannehill, Kirk Cousins, Brandon Weeden and Nick Foles) could all be selected by the time the Seahawks are set to pick in the third round.

If the Seahawks are down to Russell Wilson as the top quarterback on their draft board, they may decide it is finally time to draft a quarterback. Wilson has potential, and could turn out to be a good NFL quarterback.

However, the Seahawks would prefer to target him later in the draft.

Round 4: Nigel Bradham or Kellen Moore

Nigel Bradham is being mocked anywhere from round three to round five. He's one of the fastest outside linebackers in this draft and would be a great fit for Seattle's needs. He's able to turn and keep up with tight ends, and he provides solid run support.

If he's available in round four, it is hard to imagine the Seahawks passing him up.

Another reach at the quarterback position, Kellen Moore is a questionable NFL prospect. Some believe he'll be a great quarterback, while most are concerned with his lack of girth and arm strength.

He would be a good option for the Seahawks late in the draft, but if they are forced into drafting him early, it will not bode well for the status of their quarterback position.

Round 6: Emmanuel Acho or Vontaze Burfict

It is a struggle to decide between Emmanuel Acho or Oliver Vernon in round six. Both would offer great value, but they also figure to be off the draft board. The nod goes to Acho, as Seattle will need to draft more players at the linebacker position.

Acho is a promising linebacker with the speed and instincts to make a mark in the Seahawks' defense. He would be a bit of a reach in the fourth round, but would be an excellent pick in the sixth.

The selection of Vontaze Burfict in the sixth round is a possibility for the Seahawks, but it would demonstrate an act of desperation. If the Seahawks draft Burfict, it is likely because they have failed to secure adequate linebacker talent in free agency and the first five rounds of the draft.

Burfict is a fearsome hitter, but he's also a complete headcase that lacks pass-coverage skills. He's not a good fit for Seattle's defense, but he could be the best option remaining at this point.

Round 7: Cliff Harris or Kavario Middleton

Cliff Harris has the potential to be a very good nickel back and possibly a return man in the NFL. His legal troubles took him out of early-round consideration, and some draft boards have him reaching free agency.

While Harris doesn't look to be a viable starter in Seattle's defense, he would add depth in passing situations, and could backup Earl Thomas.

If Seattle is successful landing a cornerback in free agency, or if Harris is off the board, they will be looking at depth for several other positions.

Round seven could be the time to look at the offensive guard position, while the impending loss of John Carlson in free agency could also point to a need at tight end.

Kavario Middleton had troubles of his own at the University of Washington, followed by a hiccup that kept him from enrolling at Nebraska. He ended up dropping down to FCS powerhouse Montana to avoid losing a year of playing time.

He offers good value in the seventh round, but could possibly be secured as an undrafted free agent.