Seattle Seahawks 2011 NFL Mock Draft: Jake Locker, a Washingtonian for Life

The Seattle Seahawks have overachieved this season.  Even though they are in contention for a division title, and missing the playoffs would be a disappointment, this young team has a bright future.

There are plenty of holes left on the depth chart.

After an amazing draft last year executed by Pete Carroll, the Seahawks will attempt to replicate that success in this upcoming draft.

Here is an early Seahawks 2011 seven-round mock draft:

First Round: Jake Locker (QB, Washington)

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TUCSON, AZ - OCTOBER 23: Quarterback Jake Locker #10 of the Washington Huskies drops back to pass during the college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. The Wildcats defeated the Huskies 4

Who

Locker has the most potential of any quarterback in this upcoming draft class.  He has a rocket arm and is a superb athlete, but he has been plagued by having poor talent around him.

Why

The Seahawks need a franchise quarterback.  Who better to be the face of the franchise than the hometown hero?

Second Round: (CB, Virginia)

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - OCTOBER 09: Ras-I Dowling #19 of the Virginia Cavaliers against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Who

Dowling is huge for a cornerback, at 6'2".  He's very physical and he is a great all-around corner.

Why

The Seahawks have no one opposite Marcus Trufant and Trufant isn't even the player he used to be.  The Seahawks must upgrade their very poor secondary early in the draft.

Third Round: Benjamin Ijalana (G, Villanova)

Who

Ijalana is a guard who has started every game since he stepped on campus at Villanova.  He could compete for playing time right away.

Why

The Seahawks offensive line is horrible and desperately needs an upgrade.

Fourth Round: Marcus Gilbert (OT, Florida)

Who

Gilbert is a solid right-tackle prospect.  At 6'5", 320 pounds, he has plenty of potential.

Why

Starting right tackle Sean Locklear is set to become a free agent.  On top of that, the Seahawks offensive line is a joke.

Fifth Round: Ian Williams (DT, Notre Dame)

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

SOUTH BEND, IN - SETPEMBER 19: Ian Williams #95 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates a defensive play against the Michigan State Spartans on September 19, 2009 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Michigan State 33-30.

Who

Williams is a versatile defensive tackle prospect.  He is athletic enough to play in a 4-3 and strong enough to play nose tackle in a 3-4 front.

Why

The Seahawks run defense was great to start out the year, but then the group got hit with the injury bug.  They need stronger depth, as the line collapsed following the injuries.

Sixth Round: Jarvis Williams (WR, NC State)

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

RALEIGH, NC - SEPTEMBER 3: Wide receiver Jarvis Williams #5 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack breaks a tackle against Akeem Auguste #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the game at Carter-Finley Stadium on September 3, 2009 in Raleigh, North Caro

Who

Williams is an NC State receiver who could turn into a solid third or fourth wideout.

Why

The Seahawks don't have too much at receiver to begin with, and Mike Williams and Ben Obomanu are both set to become free agents this offseason.

David Daniels is an NFL Featured Columnist, a Writing Intern at Bleacher Report and a Syndicated Writer.  Follow him at One Yard Short.com or on Twitter.