2011 NFL Mock Draft: Seattle Seahawks Predictions for All Seven Rounds
To be fair, it is only six rounds for the Seattle Seahawks, as they gave up their third pick in the 2011 NFL Draft to acquire Charlie Whitehurst from the San Diego Chargers.
Despite winning a spectacular playoff game last season, the Seahawks have a slew of holes to fill in this draft. They will need some shrewd analysis, and perhaps a bit of the 2010 luck, if they are to fill in a roster thinned by free agency and abbreviated contracts.
I discussed the issues facing the Seahawks in an article detailing their expected first-round pick. To recap, Seattle needs to address the following to be considered a contender in the NFC:
QB: Seattle does not have a short- or long-term answer in place.
CB: The Seahawks need a replacement for Marcus Trufant and assurance in case Thurmond does live up to expectations.
DL: They are thin across the line, and need a tackle who can generate a pass rush and stuff the run.
OL: They have a lot of talent that are FAs, and expect to sign at least one of Cable's former linemen, but they need players to add depth and versatility to build the team for the future.
LB: Seen as an area of strength heading into last season, this position has declined quickly. Lofa Tatupu continues to struggle with injury issues. Leroy Hill's contract was shortened last year and is likely headed out of Seattle. Aaron Curry has also failed to live up to expectations.
FB: Letting Leonard Weaver walk was the worst move made by Tim Ruskell...at least he intended to sign Hutchinson. Seattle needs to bring in a hole-busting FB that can help out in the run game.
WR: While the starting lineup is likely set, the Seahawks need some depth and certainly wouldn't mind finding a late-round gem that could elevate the receiving game.
SS: Kam Chancellor is unproven and needs competition to replace Lawyer Milloy.
This leaves RB, TE and FS as the three areas the Seahawks can likely ignore on draft day. But that doesn't mean Seattle wouldn't consider Mark Ingram if he falls to them at 25.
Round One: Jimmy Smith, CB Colorado 6'2", 210 Lbs.
1 of 8Position Need
Seattle has a defined need at CB. Walter Thurmond looks like he will start in 2011, but Kelly Jennings is a free agent (and would likely be used as a nickelback if he returns).
Marcus Trufant has played well when healthy, but that hasn't been the norm since his back injury. Seattle needs to groom a replacement and have him ready for 2012....if not sooner.
If the Seahawks can put Smith in the mix with the newly-acquired CFL star, Brandon Browner, they should be able to field a solid secondary this season.
The Pick
Jimmy Smith has the size and quickness to disrupt receivers coming off the line of scrimmage, as well as the speed to maintain coverage into the secondary. He forced opposing quarterbacks to avoid his side of the field consistently, but that wasn’t overly difficult, given deficiencies elsewhere in the Colorado secondary.
There are a few holes in Smith’s game. He takes bad lines in run support at times and has a habit of stopping on plays before they are actually over. Expect that to be driven out of him early in coach Carroll’s camp.
Carroll's defense won’t call on him in run support as much as Colorado's, but he will need to work on that part of his game.
As the combine approached, Smith's stock rose significantly, and some analysts felt he was the second-best CB in the draft. Then the dreaded character concerns crept in, and some were concerned with his arrogance/confidence when he stated he had better ball skills than Nnamdi Asomugha.
To be fair, Asomugha had no interceptions with his six passes defensed last season, and only three in the last four years. Granted, teams throw away from him, but perhaps Smith has noticed the one area of Asomugha's game that isn't perfect.
This comment was largely responsible for Smith's falling draft position at the combine, along with a few character issues that appear to be well in his past. The Seahawks should see this as an opportunity to get a potential elite corner that otherwise would have been gone in the first 20 picks.
Smith's performance in the combine drills was simply stellar. His 4.46 40 time was on par with Prince Amukamara’s 4.43. His 24 repetitions on the bench press outpaced the other top CBs by far and reinforced his expected upper-body strength.
He was also towards the top of the pack on the 20-yard shuttle, showing quickness and agility on par with Amukamara and Patrick Peterson.
Despite the issues in his past, I am sticking with the player I've had slated to the Seahawks since the start of February. The character concerns are an issue, but working with the likes of Carroll, Lofa Tatupu and Trufant will certainly help the youngster mature.
Other Potential Picks:
If He Falls That Far...
Jake Locker, QB Washington: I fully expect him to go to the Redskins, Vikings, Dolphins or Colts. But if Locker is available, Carroll and Schneider may give up on waiting for Barkley and answer their QB question now.
As a reminder...following the last game he coached against the University of Washington, Carroll said, "That's the best quarterback we've played in nine years here. Jake Locker has ridiculous talent."
Tyron Smith, OT USC or Gabe Carimi, OT Wisconsin. These are the only two offensive linemen that have value at the 25th pick. There are a few others that will should be drafted in Round 1, but they don't have the elite talent that would warrant passing on Smith.
If Smith is off the board...
Sticking with the CB position, Aaron Williams of Texas would be a decent fit at 25 and he should work well in Carroll's defense.
Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas likely has a little too much uncertainty to take here...though it would be hard to criticize the selection. His biggest challenge will be commanding an NFL huddle and gaining the respect of his teammates, followed closely by his lack of mobility. I still see Seattle waiting until 2012 to use a high draft pick on a QB.
Then there is a slew of defensive front seven talent projected at the end of round one. All of the following could fill in for Carroll's defense:
Akeem Ayers, OLB UCLA
Stephen Paea, DT Oregon State
Justin Houston, DE Georgia
Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB Purdue
Other Options:
There is one advantage to having so many needs...other teams won't know whom Seattle will have at the top of their draft board. This sets up additional trade partners for the Seahawks, as the teams behind them have fewer needs and would be willing to give up a later pick to make sure they get their man.
Baltimore picks right after Seattle, and also has a need at CB. This trade could net the fourth round pick Baltimore would (should) have sent to Seattle in the Josh Wilson deal.
Pittsburgh and Green Bay have draft needs similar to Seattle, Chicago and New England. One of them may be inclined to part with their first- and third-round picks to get to spot 25 or 26. This would help get a pick Seattle sorely needs to draft help at the LB position.
One thing that Seahawks fans should feel fairly comfortable in is the abilities of Carroll and Schneider to sniff out talent. There will be a strong player on the board at 25 that fits their system. Look for the two of them to continue to make strong draft-day decisions to build the team.
Round Two: Rodney Hudson, G/C Florida State 6'2", 299 Lbs.
2 of 8Position Need
Offensive Guard has been an area of concern for Seattle since the Steve Hutchinson fiasco. They drafted Max Unger to play opposite Rob Sims, who has since been shipped off to Detroit. Unger has had health issues, as have Ben Hamilton and Chester Pitts, who were brought in to replace Sims.
Seattle might have adequate personnel at OG in 2011 if they are able to re-sign a free agent or two (Tyler Polumbus and Ray Willis in particular), and if players can stay healthy.
The acquisition of Robert Gallery is almost a foregone conclusion, adding another player at OG. However, they need to establish depth and competition at the position, as well as grooming the future at the position.
Obtaining a versatile player that can work from center, guard, and possibly tackle given Seattle's injury history would be a huge coup.
The Pick
Rodney Hudson had a solid career at Florida State, and was a four-year starter. He spent time at G, C, and OT, showing some versatility.
Many experts say Hudson is on par with Mike Pouncey relative to potential NFL success, but I disagree. Pouncey is getting the first-round attention because of his brother, but Hudson is a better prospect.
If I had to take either player, I would grab Hudson, and he has significantly more value in round two than taking Pouncey in the first.
Hudson is solid in the middle, and moves extremely well for a 6'2" 300 pound lineman. He can get outside or downfield quickly, even if he does leave his feet at times.
He is built for a zone blocking scheme, but also has enough nastiness in him to pound his opposition. Hudson and Unger would provide a powerful pop in the interior, and either guy could fill in at center.
Should Seattle draft Hudson, I will be calling him "The Cook" (short order cook is too wordy), as he dishes up pancakes on the field like few others. Watch the video, and if you aren't going to the fridge for syrup, then you simply don't like carbs.
Other Potential Picks:
Top-Tier QB: None of these are likely to be there, but might be too tempting to pass here:
Christian Ponder, QB Florida State
Colin Kaepernick, QB Nevada
Ryan Mallett, QB Arkansas
Andy Dalton, QB TCU
Drake Nevis, DT LSU: Nevis certainly has first-round talent, but the lack of 4-3 defensive fronts looking for help at the position could lead to him dropping on draft weekend. Nevis or Hudson would be a difficult decision, but one the Seahawks would love to face.
If Hudson is off the board:
There are several OGs that project as great second round value. One of the following makes sense if the aforementioned players aren't available.
Benjamin Ijalana, OT/G Villanova: Projected from end of first to end of second round, and would likely be drafted ahead of Hudson.
Marcus Cannon, G TCU: Solid prospect who may be off the board before Hudson.
Danny Watkins, G Baylor: An older player at 27, but new to the game and likely has more game left in him than the average 27-year-old player.
Will Rackley, G/T Lehigh: This is the top sleeper option on the OL
Orlando Franklin, G Miami
Other Options:
With the lack of a third round pick, and the expected value at this position, I don't see Seattle dealing this pick. One exception would be if Denver wanted to give us their 2012 first-round pick.
Round Four: Jurrell Casey, DT USC 6'1", 300 Lbs.
3 of 8
Position Need
Seattle had a solid starting defensive line in 2010, but had very little depth. Three of their four starters missed time, and the run defense struggled mightily as a result. Of equal concern is the single sack Seattle received from the interior of the line last season.
Add in that Brandon Mebane is a free agent, and Seattle will need to address DT early.
The Pick:
Casey didn't figure to be available at the start of the fourth round a few months ago, but his speed has been called into question following a 5.07 40 time at the combine.
In addition, 4-3 DTs are deeper in this draft than teams looking to draft them, and first-round talent at the position could fall to the third round (Nevis), pushing Casey down the draft board.
Other Potential Picks:
If he falls that far:
Drake Nevis, DT LSU: While highly unlikely, a few mocks have Nevis falling and being available here or a few spots before this pick.
Mason Foster, OLB Washington: Seattle may not be looking for another strong side LB, but Foster is being projected from the second to the fourth round. He fits best in a 4-3 set, and the demand for 4-3 personnel is low.
If Casey is off the board:
Ross Homan, OLB Ohio State: He could provided needed help at the weak side LB position.
Colin McCarthy, LB Miami
Other Options:
Seattle holds the second pick in round four, which still has some trade value. If a player is still on the board in round three that interests the Seahawks, they could look to package this pick and their fifth round picks to move up.
However, that would only gain about seven or eight spots. Look for Seattle to stay put and fill a hole here unless Seattle can pick up a third-round pick in 2012.
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Round Five Pick One: Owen Marecic, FB Stanford 6'1", 245 Lbs.
4 of 8Position Need:
Seattle has needed a FB since the departure of Leonard Weaver. As much as an improved blocking scheme would help the run game, you can't replace the skill of a Mack Strong-type FB that can blast open a hole. Acquiring this kind of a talent could do more for the run game than adding new offensive linemen.
The Pick:
Marecic doesn't figure to be the type of threat Weaver is, but he is a dynamic run blocker. He can also hit the line with a full head of steam, exploding through small holes. Seattle has lacked options on short yardage; Marecic would give them a running threat on third-and-short and on the goal line.
This might be a bit too late to grab Marecic, although many draft boards have him available here. Seattle may decide to just have him play FB and ILB, as he did at Stanford, and draft him in the fourth round. Maybe not...but the video is fun.
Other Potential Picks:
If he falls that far:
Seattle might look at a QB here if Stanzi, Dalton, or McElroy are available.
If Marecic is off the board:
Jeron Johnson, SS Boise State: This might be a little early, but if Seattle is to upgrade the position they may need to do it here.
Other Options:
Seattle could look to package their two fifth-round picks, or use this with their fourth to move up and grab a player like Nevis in the third round.
Round Five Pick Two: Cecil Shorts WR, Mount Union 6'0", 205 Lbs.
5 of 8Position Need:
Seattle could use a speedy option to stretch the field and provide depth.
The Pick:
Shorts is a scoring machine, with 63 TDs in his career, and is being mocked from the start of the fifth to the start of the seventh round. If available here, he would provide a new twist to Seattle's receiving corps. He had three 1,000 yards seasons as a QB converted to a WR in Division III football.
Shorts ran a solid 4.50 40 at the combine, which garnered some attention. Then he dropped that to 4.35 and 4.45 at his pro day...outside, with a side-wind on wet field turf. While I originally had Shorts in round seven, these performances have moved him into fifth-round consideration.
Shorts would open up the field for the Seahawks. He has the height, strength and speed Carroll wants in his receivers, and could eventually work into a No. 1 WR in the NFL.
Other Potential Picks:
If he falls that far:
Ronald Johnson, WR USC: He may be available here, and would fit well in the group of Seattle receivers. This would be a tough decision for Carroll and Schneider.
If Shorts is off the board:
Ryan Whalen, WR Stanford
Dane Sanzenbacher, WR Ohio State
Best available LB
Other Options:
Seattle could look to package their two fifth-round picks, or add one of them to their fourth-round pick to move up into the third round. This won't likely yield much, however, and Seattle needs all the draft picks they have.
Round Six: Jeron Johnson SS, Boise State 5'10", 212 Lbs.
6 of 8Position Need:
Seattle needs to to provide options to Kam Chancellor taking over for Lawyer Milloy.
The Pick:
Johnson may not fall this far, and could make sense with one of Seattle's fifth round picks. Then again, he could be available in the seventh round. There is a broad group of safeties that will be available with this pick through round seven, so Seattle will have options.
Johnson makes sense here because he has a great football IQ that helps him make quick, and he has solid lines to the ball. He is a fierce hitter at 212 pounds that can help in the run game or stick with defenders and get interceptions.
Johnson is extremely athletic and could make for a dangerous tandem with Earl Thomas.
Other Potential Picks:
If he falls that far:
Lawrence Wilson, OLB Connecticut: Seattle needs to find a value pick at LB in the draft.
Robert Sands, S Virginia: It is difficult to tell how the safety talent from number seven to 17 will fall in this draft. Sands has good size but may not be fluid enough to play deep in the NFL.
But at 217 pounds, he lacks the size to play closer to the line. Seattle may very well prefer Johnson despite Sands' higher draft grade.
If Johnson is off the board:
Ahmad Black, S Florida: Dismal 40 times will send him falling down draft boards.
Nate Williams, S Washington
Dejon Gomes, SS Nebraska
Colin Jones, S TCU
Other Options:
Pete Carroll could have a surprise or two with late-round picks again in 2011.
Round Seven: Ryan Winterswyk, DE, Boise State 6'4", 268 Lbs.
7 of 8Position Need
Seattle had a very strong unit of defensive ends, until Red Bryant was hurt. They need to add depth and someone that can step in on passing downs for Bryant with a solid blend of pass rush and run defense skills.
The Pick:
Winterswyk provides a great blend for Seattle. He runs a sub-5.0 40, and amassed sacks (21.5) and tackles for loss (44.5) in big numbers against Boise State's competition. He earned first-team WAC honors his last three seasons.
His biggest issue is his strength, and he only managed only 18 reps on the bench press at the combine. He did improve that figure to 22 at his pro day.
Other Potential Picks:
If he falls that far:
Ugo Chinasa, DE Oklahoma State: Big, fast DE that will be useful in the run and passing defense. Could be more of a 3-4 OLB, though.
If Winterswyk is off the board:
Markus White, DE Florida State
D'Aundre Reed, DE Arizona
Other Options:
This pick holds little value and will most certainly be used here by Seattle.
Round Seven, Supplemental: Mitch Mustain, QB USC 6'3", 210 Lbs.
8 of 8
Position Need:
The Seahawks currently have two players on the roster with experience at the QB position...Charlie Whitehust and Michael Robinson. Robinson is a QB converted to a FB, but he did have the highest QB rating on the team at 118.8. And he has almost as much NFL passing experience as Whitehurst.
Despite a loyal fan following, it appears unlikely that Matt Hasselbeck will re-sign with Seattle. Both sides expressed an interest in continuing his tenure at the helm of the Seahawks offense, they were unable to come to terms before the CBA expired.
Seattle might see Hasselbeck in 2011, though. The Minnesota Vikings visit Qwest Field in August, and the San Francisco 49ers and Cincinnati Bengals will be there at some point during the 2011 season.
These are all possible landing zones for Hasselbeck, along with Tennessee and Washington.
It appears likely that Whitehurst will be carrying the load instead of the clipboard at QB in 2011. Look for the Seahawks to give him a year to sink or swim and bring in someone to back him up now, and then do the same for a QB selected in the 2012 draft.
Could Carroll be preparing to trade away as many picks as it takes to get Matt Barkley next April?
The Pick:
Mustain had a rocky career in college, complete with transfers and legal issues. He played behind some talented QBs at USC, and Carroll certainly has a solid feeling for his capacity. Seattle needs a backup, and what potential NFL QB has more backup experience than Mustain?
Ideally, Seattle will be able to get another QB with better prospects here or with an earlier pick, but it stands to reason Seattle will pick up another QB in free agency, such as Matt Leinart or Vince Young, to compete with/back up Whitehurst.
Other Potential Picks:
Greg McElroy, QB Alabama: McElroy figures to be drafted in the fifth or sixth round, but could be available late.
Pat Devlin, QB Delaware. Devlin looked like a potential third-round pick at one point. He needed a strong off-season to solidify at worst a fifth-round pick.
However, he went 2-7 with an INT in the East-West Shrine game, and then showed up late to his pro day. He couldn't hit anything but turf with his throws, and may not even get drafted at this point.
Nathan Enderle, QB Idaho
If Mustain is off the board:
Then Seattle will really be at the bottom of the barrel. But...
Julian Vandervelde, OG Iowa
Javes Lewis, S Oregon
Other Options:
None...this is a supplemental pick. Although the Seahawks will certainly be questioning how the loss of Nate Burleson in the prime of his career is close to being on par with signing an aging Ben Hamilton whose primary role was as a mentor and teacher.
Makes one wonder if he was worth the loss of a fourth or fifth round pick, but not for long.
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