SEA HAWKS 2016 Team Mock

April 23, 2016

I think it is safe to say that the Sea Hawks under CARROLL/SCHNEIDER have been a bit less than conventional with their drafting. But at the same time it’s hard to knock their efforts considering the team’s overall success and the development of surprise picks like RUSSELL WILSON, RICHARD SHERMAN, and more. The team has a solid compliment of 9 Picks in this Draft. So let’s use a little imagination, combined with a ballsy attitude in making these selections.

Round 1, Pick 26 DERRICK HENRY/RB/ALABAMA 6’3/237
The heart of the Seattle Offense this decade has been a running game, headed by MARSHAWN LYNCH. With his retirement this pick gives them another punishing runner, with an even bigger body type. But the net result will be their ability to set up RUSSELL WILSON and the passing attack by pounding defenses into submission. HENRY and last year’s Rookie sensation THOMAS RAWLS should make a solid duo. PP#25

Round 2, Pick 56 RYAN KELLY/OC/ALABAMA 6’4/311
The team has been rotating a bunch of “guys” in the center of their OL over the past few seasons. Another product of the SABAN football factory could cement the position for some years to come. KELLY is not flashy, but he’s smart and athletic, with lots of experience at making his units line calls in college. He should win the job outright in Training Camp. PP#56

Round 3, Pick 90 MALIEK COLLINS/DT/NEBRASKA 6’2/311
A solid performer for the Cornhuskers. He was a team captain last year and makes his living on penetration and good mobility. He’s also functionally sound in moving the QB off his spot in the pocket. Has good effort level and a very high rev motor. Again a player that fits the team’s style of play, and should make a solid DT rotation player. PP#90

Round 3, Pick 97 SEAN DAVIS/S/MARYLAND 6’1/201
Another very good athlete who switched to CB as a senior to help out a talent challenged team. Not too many NFL Safeties can post a 4.46/40 time like he did at the Combine. He should bring immediate help in coverage sub-packages, as well as Special Teams. Led the nation with 5 Forced Fumbles last season. 40 career starts in school mark him as a versatile, seasoned vet heading to the NFL. PP#97

Round 4, Pick 124 B.J. GOODSON/LB/CLEMSON 6’1/242
Seattle really needs help at OLB, and GOODSON played inside. But his 4.67/40-time indicates he has outside speed. Totaled 108 tackles as a senior which was his only season as a full time starter. Reminds some of a guy named BOBBY WAGNER who currently holds down MLB in Seattle. They won’t be afraid to give him a long look at OLB in Camp. Too good to pass up here just because he might need to make a positional change. PP#125

Round 5, Pick 171 JOE HAEG/T/G/NORTH DAKOTA STATE 6’6/304
Another of the key cogs for the small school powerhouse. He was a 4-year starter, with 60 career starts at both OT slots. Has nice long arms of 33 3/4″, and uses them well in pass pro. He really impressed none other than BILL POLIAN during Senior Bowl practices. Looked good taking some reps at OG as well in Mobile. OL COACH TOM CABLE should be able to mold this guy into an early contributor. PP#174

Round 6, Pick 215 CODY KESSLER/QB/SOUTHERN CAL 6’1/220
If KESSLER were two inches taller he’d be a hot prospect. But clearly a couple of inches in height don’t seem to deter this team from giving a guy a shot at their QB slot. He has nice size hands at 9 7/8″. He leaves school with the highest completion percentage of any QB in Trojan history at 67.5%. He is a decent athlete who can tuck the ball and run when needed. Has the experience in a pro style offense that most college QB don’t have these days. I think this is an excellent selection who should give them a solid back-up option for 4-5 seasons minimum. PP#219

Round 7, Pick 225 DAVID MORGAN/TE/TEXAS-SAN ANTONIO 6’4/262
May be the best blocking TE in this year’s TE group. Is raw as a receiver, but he might be able to hold a roster spot as a red zone blocker and a Special Teamer for a while. He is light on his feet and showed some downfield catching ability during Shrine Week practices. Has 10″ hands and 33 5/8″ arms, making him a large area target. Could make a solid compliment to JIMMY GRAHAM in a couple of seasons and good pro coaching. PP#226

Round 7, Pick 247 JATAVIS BROWN/LB/S/AKRON 5’11/219
He’ll never last this long in the real Draft, and I guarantee he’ll rank higher in my final Regardless List. He was productive as all get out, and a Special Teams star in college. He showed very well at the NFLPA Game including as a LB from scrimmage. Once again he’s another guy who’s slight lack of size will not concern this team a whole lot. He can play at any level and that’s how the Sea Hawks would evaluate him. This would be a steal of a pick, especially for this good of a team. P#245

Under PETE CARROLL it s expected that the coaching staff will coach up talented, hard working players to max out their production. Many of the guys on this list would fit that approach to things. A little out of the box thinking seems to go a long way in player development for this franchise. This group of Rookies would fit in very nicely, IMO.