It is almost time for another Seahawks draft day!

Seattle received two 3rd round compensatory draft picks for 2017 and their draft will have seven picks (barring any trades):

first-round (26th overall),

second (58),

3 thirds (90,102,106),

sixth (210),

and seventh (226)

Based on the past drafts the most likely possibility is for Seattle to trade down out of the first round and attempt to get even more picks in the first 3 or 4 rounds. Their history of finding starting talent in the middle rounds makes it possible for them to do what would be unexpected for other teams.

The logical thing for any team in Seattle’s position would be to take the best offensive lineman available. Despite adding former #2 overall pick OT Luke Joeckel and OG Oday Aboushi in free agency, Seattle’s offensive line is questionable at every spot other than C Justin Britt. And Britt had a huge amount of 12s calling for him to be cut just a year ago. But Seattle is not known for taking offensive linemen in early rounds despite picking OG Germain Ifedi in round one last year and OG Rees Odhiambo in the second. I just don’t see them adding to that mix until round 3 at least.

Even with the CB Richard Sherman trade possibility now seeming impossible, Seattle’s second position most in need would be in the secondary. Seattle looks set with CB DeShawn Shead as the 4th player in the LOB, but injuries have shown they need a solid backup. Someone like CB Obi Melifonwu would provide some comfort as a first round pick. If Seattle take him there that will be high praise and would likely step in and make an impact in the first year.

What I really expect is for Seattle to look for a starting defensive tackle in round one. But there is not really anyone that fits that mold and also will likely be available at that spot of the draft. I would like to see them trade back into the second round and try to pick up either DT Caleb Brantley from Florida or DT Montravius Adams from Auburn. Both have the ability to cause disruption up the middle which would complete Seattle’s front four nicely.

Seattle could also go for an outside linebacker in round one. A risky but very interesting choice would be LB TJ Watt from Wisconsin, JJ’s little brother, who is coming out early after an impressive Junior year but still leaves many questions to be answered. He certainly has the pedigree but it is hard to say just how good he is. Seattle’s scouts will have the right call on him and if Seattle reaches for him it could be a very big move. The other choices could be LB Jarrad Davis from Florida or LB Hassan Reddick from Temple. If they are still on the board they would be safer picks but with less upside.

My bet would be on Seattle trading down and picking a defensive tackle first, but if they stay in the first round I expect it to go to a linebacker.

Seattle will also look for a backup quarterback and a backup linebacker in the first three rounds.

They really need a better backup than QB Trevone Boykin.

Seattle is set at running back, wide receiver, tight end and kicker. Anyone picked in those positions may not even be able to make the team.

Another defensive end would also be a good call with DE Cliff Avril and DE Michael Bennett not getting any younger.

Here are my guesses just for fun since I almost never get a single name right let alone draft placement:

first-round (26th overall), LB TJ Watt, Wisconsin

second (58), DT Jaleel Johnson, Iowa

3 thirds (90,102,106): OG Taylor Moton, Western Michigan; FS Orion Stewart, Baylor; QB Josh Dobbs, Tennessee

sixth (210), CB Nate Hairston, Temple

and seventh (226), LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin,Tennessee

Everyone of them is arguably a reach at those positions, but still someone Seattle could target if their scouts like them the right amount. So maybe I have one right?

Go Hawks!

End.