The 2024 NFL Draft is two weeks away, here's what the experts believe the Seahawks will do with pick No.16 in April's draft.
- Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
Fautanu wouldn't even have to move in this scenario, and he'd provide a huge boost for a razor-thin interior of the Seahawks' offensive line. Fautanu was an awesome college left tackle but has the flexibility to kick inside and play guard. Seattle lost Damien Lewis and Phil Haynes in free agency (the former on a lucrative deal with Carolina) and must shore up the position. Fautanu plays with an edge that shows up on tape.
- Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State
Fortifying an offensive line that struggled to consistently create holes in the running game might seem like the top priority in Seattle, but GM John Schneider has often preferred the bold move over the safe one. Polished, proven and passionate, Verse would make the Seahawks' front seven more versatile and physical, similar to the one new head coach Mike Macdonald left in Baltimore. Seattle is another likely trade-down candidate, with the Seahawks currently having the largest gap in the NFL between their first and second (No. 81) selections, a span of 65 picks.
- Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
The interior offensive line remains a priority for Seattle this offseason. Troy Fautanu being available is the dream situation for the Seahawks. First, he has a prior relationship with offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and offensive line coach Scott Huff. Fautanu has positional flexibility so, if both tackles get hurt as they did a year ago, then Fautanu gives them insurance at a premium position.
PROJECTED TRADE; PICK ACQUIRED FROM MINNESOTA VIKINGS THROUGH ARIZONA CARDINALS
- Graham Barton, OL, Duke
Fans often moan when their GM moves down, but Seahawks fans are used to it. John Schneider's trade from No. 16 back to 23 pays off, as Seattle still lands the best true interior lineman in this class.
- Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
"This is a terrific fit for many reasons. The 6-foot-4, 317-pounder with 34 1/2-inch arms can play tackle or guard, which are both needs. He would also reunite with his former offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb, now in the same job in Seattle. Fautanu started 29 games at left tackle for the Huskies and two at guard. He was the winner of the Morris Trophy, which honors the Pac-12's top offensive lineman and defensive lineman as voted on by league players. Considering Fuaga was also in contention last year, that is no small feat, and it speaks to how well regarded Fautanu is. He was also the headliner of the Huskies' Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line."
- Graham Barton, OL, Duke
The Seahawks could use some help on the interior of their line with some weak spots at both guard positions. Barton would be an ace, high-upside option for the Seahawks who holds down a spot for the next decade.
- Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State
The Seahawks will keep thinking about upgrading their front for defensive-minded Mike Macdonald with the pass rush most in mind, and Verse's productive energy would fit well in the coach's philosophy.
NFL Draft analyst Rob Rang ranked his top offensive tackles and interior offensive linemen for the upcoming draft.
Notre Dame offensive lineman Joe Alt (76) in action against Navy linebacker Nicholas Straw (51) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Ohio State defensive end Tyler Friday is blocked by Notre Dame offensive lineman Joe Alt during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State won 21-10. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Notre Dame's Joe Alt (76) blocks during an NCAA college football game in Durham, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
FILE - Notre Dame's Joe Alt (76) blocks in an NCAA college football game in Durham, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. Alt has been selected to The Associated Press midseason All-America team, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023.(AP Photo/Ben McKeown, File)
Notre Dame offensive lineman Joe Alt (76) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Pittsburgh Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina)
Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (55) in action during an NCAA college football game against Tulsa, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (55) blocks Tulsa linebacker Dorian Hopkins (41) during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (55) lines up during an NCAA college football game against Tulsa, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu is pictured during an NCAA football game against Kent State on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Seattle. Washington won 45-20. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (55) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Alabama offensive lineman JC Latham (65) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) celebrates with offensive lineman JC Latham (65) after a 48-yard touchdown pass against Middle Tennessee during the second half an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama offensive lineman JC Latham (65) sets up to block during the first half of Alabama's A-Day NCAA college football scrimmage, Saturday, April 16, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama offensive lineman JC Latham (65) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama offensive lineman JC Latham (65) sets up for a play against Mississippi during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Oregon State offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga follows a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Washington State, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Oregon State running back Damien Martinez (6) dodges Washington linebacker Carson Bruener (42) on the way to a touchdown, while Oregon State offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga (75) fends off Washington defensive end Sekai Asoau-Afoa (46) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Corvallis, Ore. (AP Photo/Mark Ylen)
Georgia offensive lineman Amarius Mims (65) is shown aginst SOuth Carolina during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Georgia offensive lineman Amarius Mims (65) congratulates quarterback Stetson Bennett (13) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
Oregon offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Andy Nelson)
Oregon defensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Oregon quarterback Bo Nix (10) celebrates with offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) after a touchdown against Southern California during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Andy Nelson)
Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton (62) in action during the first half of the Military Bowl NCAA college football game against UCF, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton (62) lines up for a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton (62) blocks Virginia defensive end Chico Bennett Jr. (15) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Charlottesville, Va. (AP Photo/Mike Caudill)
Duke quarterback Riley Leonard (13) makes a run covered by Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton (62) during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, against UConn in Hartford, Conn.(AP Photo/Josh Reynolds)
West Virginia's Zach Frazier (54) is seen against Texas Tech during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Morgantown, W. Va. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
West Virginia's Zach Frazier (54) blocks against Texas Tech during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Morgantown, W. Va. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
UConn offensive lineman Christian Haynes (64) celebrates after a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina State in East Hartford, Conn., Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
American offensive lineman Christian Haynes of Uconn (63) and American offensive lineman Christian Jones of Texas (70) run through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)
Arizona offensive lineman Jordan Morgan (77) during an NCAA football game on Saturday,Oct. 7, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/John McCoy)
Arizona offensive lineman Jordan Morgan (77) blocks Washington State defensive back Kapena Gushiken (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
