The NFL draft is this week, which means the Seahawks and 31 other NFL teams are in the final stages of preparation for a draft that will look very different than any we've seen before. While a virtual draft is going to be different and present its logistical challenges, the show will go on, so let's take one final look at what the draft experts think the Seahawks will do with their first-round pick, No. 27 overall.
Of course, it's worth keeping in mind that there is a very real chance the Seahawks won't pick at No. 27 when the draft actually takes place. Seattle last used its original first-round pick in 2011 when it selected James Carpenter, and every year since the Seahawks have either traded back in the first round, traded back out of the first round entirely, or traded their first-round pick for a player ahead of the draft.
Palazzolo: "Okwara has a fantastic combination of burst, length and power, and the Seahawks might like Mike Renner's Chris Clemons comp from the PFF draft guide. Okwara has the movement skills to dabble at linebacker in the right scheme, but he's likely a pure edge rusher for Seattle. He finished with an outstanding 90.4 pass-rush grade last season, though he's got work to do against the run where he graded at just 64.0."
King: "There's not much of a chance Seattle sits and makes this pick, honestly; GM John Schneider has traded down in the first round eight straight years. I still think he could deal down, particularly if there's a lesser-light big corner he likes available high in the second round. But I couldn't find a logical dance partner for the Seahawks. My feeling is Seattle is doling out hope for Jadeveon Clowney in the $15-million-a-year range, or maybe Everson Griffen; they're the kind of veteran rushers Seattle thinks are necessary in a high-powered NFC West. But Gross-Matos is a good alternative as a backfield disruptor."
Los Angeles Times Team Reporters Mock Draft: DE A.J. Epenesa, Iowa (pick made by Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times)
Condotta: "If the Seahawks keep their pick — and they always seem to trade their first-rounder — I think they'll focus on their defensive line. That was the huge weakness for this team last year, and at the moment it doesn't look better."
Brooks: "With or without Jadeveon Clowney, the 'Hawks need a pass rusher with length and athleticicm coming off the edge."
Reuter: "Beefing up the defensive line would make sense here, as well. However, Duane Brown is going into his 13th year (having missed four games last year) and the Seahawks reportedly gave Cedric Ogbuehi a one-year deal, so it's unlikely they consider him the long-term answer at right tackle."
Reuter's mock is a full seven-rounder, you can find all his picks in the tabs at the top and bottom of this page.
Kiper: "Seattle wants to be a run-first team, and it could upgrade at guard, where Ruiz is my top-ranked interior offensive lineman. He started the past two seasons at center for the Wolverines but is athletic enough to play either guard spot. Since it appears Jadeveon Clowney won't return to Seattle, I thought about defensive end here. Iowa's AJ Epenesa could be a fit."
In the second round Kiper has the Seahwaks taking Cal safety Ashtyn Davis with Pick No. 59, and Auburn defensive end Marlon Davis with Pick No. 64.
Wilson: "Davidson was overshadowed by Derrick Brown, but he can line up inside or out, though he's much better coming off the edge at this point in his career."
Wilson's latest mock is three-rounder, and he has Seattle taking Auburn offensive lineman Prince Tega Wanogho and Colorado receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. in the second round, and University of Washington offensive lineman Nick Harris in the third round.
