2024 Mock Draft Tracker 1.0: What Will The Seahawks Do With Pick No. 16?

Taking a look at what the experts think Seattle may do in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Jan 24, 2024 at 01:25 PM

Maliik Obee

Seahawks.com Contributor

Texas defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (90) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kansas State in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

The 2024 NFL Draft is three months away, taking place from April 25-27 in Detroit, Michigan. Currently, the Seattle Seahawks hold seven draft picks, including the No. 16 selection in Round 1. Here's what the national media thinks Seattle will do with their first-rounder, in the first mock tracker of the 2024 offseason.

Bucky Brooks, Inside the NFL

No. 16: Byron Murphy, defensive tackle, Texas

Fixing the defense is a must for Seattle after the unit struggled down the stretch. Murphy is a disruptive interior presence with the speed and quickness to dominate against the run or pass.

Mel Kiper, ESPN’s NFL Nation

No. 16: J.J. McCarthy, quarterback, Michigan

While I don't have a first-round grade on McCarthy right now – a lot can change before Round 1 on April 25 – he does have first-round arm talent, along with the ability to beat defenses with his legs. He's the type of quarterback teams will take a shot at in the middle of the first round, especially when you consider he just turned 21 a few days ago," Kiper wrote. "He rarely turns the ball over – he threw 44 touchdown passes and had nine picks over the past two seasons – and can make every throw. McCarthy just wasn't asked to beat teams with his arm for the Wolverines, because they so often dominated at the line of scrimmage. As of now, I'm betting on a team seeing his upside and trying to take him somewhere in the teens.

Dane Brugler, The Athletic

No. 16: Byron Murphy, defensive tackle, Texas

Disruptive against both run and pass, Murphy had the best pass-rush win percentage (19.6) among all interior linemen in 2023 (no other DT was above 17.0 percent). He will get dinged by some for a lack of ideal length, but then he'll run in the mid-4.7s at 300 pounds and provide a reminder that he is different.

Daniel Jeremiah, Inside the NFL

No. 16: Troy Fautanu, offensive tackle, Washington

The Seahawks continue to add young talent to their offensive line. Fautanu would slide right in at guard in Seattle and can play tackle in a pinch.

Josh Edwards, CBS Sports

No. 16: J.J McCarthy, quarterback, Michigan

Seattle has a ceiling with Geno Smith at quarterback. It has a young roster and doesn't want to be left holding the bag when it is finally time to move on. It may be time to start fresh with a first-year head coach and a rookie quarterback.

Brentley Weissman, The Draft Network

No. 16: Jer'Zhan Newton, defensive tackle, Illinois

Jer'Zhan Newton is one of my favorite players in this class as he flashes very good first-step quickness and flexibility rushing inside. He would provide Seattle a much-needed disruptive presence in the middle of the defense.

Connor Livesay, The 33rd Team

No. 16: Dallas Turner, linebacker, Alabama

Fit: The Seattle Seahawks' defense was one of the NFL's more disappointing units in 2023. Pete Carroll is no longer the coach, so a slight change in philosophy and personnel could lead to some interesting decisions this offseason. Either way, investing in the pass rush is necessary for the new-look Seahawks. Dallas Turner has a strong case for EDGE1 in this class and should be considered in the top 15 for pass-rush-needy teams.