When it comes to draft needs, the Seattle Seahawks are not exempt. While the team has a mock draft here on Overtime Heroics, it’s important to address their roster’s biggest areas of improvement. We’ll go over the position as well as the projected depth chart.
#3: Pass Rusher (Defensive End)
This position comes in at three with the uncertainty of Jadeveon Clowney. He has yet to re-sign but hasn’t made a decision elsewhere. He remains unsigned, so his future with the team is unclear.
Roster:
Ziggy Ansah, L.J. Collier, Rasheem Green, Branden Jackson, Shakir Soto, Benson Mayowa
Even if Clowney resigns, the team should look to add another young edge rusher to the roster. The team’s overall pass rush success was at 43% last season. Adding another rotational piece could be found on Day 2 of the draft; the team has two selections then, so they could grab a solid contributor then. If the team fails to resign Clowney, then the need for a long-term solution comes at a more alarming rate.
#2: Tight End
Roster:
Greg Olsen, Luke Willson, Will Dissly, Justin Johnson, Jacob Hollister
A key component to a good offense is a tight end who can block but also cut past linebackers and create openings in the middle of the field. Will Dissly was meant to be that guy, but an injury ended his season early. Greg Olsen brings a three-time Pro Bowler to the table, but injuries have also plagued him. The team could look to the later rounds of the draft for another young tight end to help fill more of a blocker role; maybe someone who can learn from Olsen and blossom into the next Jimmy Graham.
#1: Offensive Line
Roster:
Justin Britt, Duane Brown, B.J. Finney, D.J. Fluker, Kyle Fuller, Phil Haynes, Joey Hunt, Mike Iupati, Jamarco Jones, Demetrius Knox, Jordan Roos, Brandon Shell, Jordan Simmons, Chance Warmack, Chad Wheeler
Of all the draft needs, this is priority #1. Many of the players above likely won’t make active roster. The team suffered some injuries at offensive line last year, so guys were called up from the practice squad. This position nagged the team’s offense. It stalled their run game and forced quarterback Russell Wilson into pressure a lot. It ranked 27th overall according to Pro Football Focus. Pressure was allowed within 2.5 seconds around 25% of the time and cost the team must-win games last season. Wilson is one of the best quarterbacks in the league; given enough time to go over all his reads and he won’t have to scramble or make as many plays on his feet.
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