The 2024 NFL Combine officially kicks off with on-field drills on February 29, but representatives of every NFL franchise are already in Indianapolis interviewing prospects. Here are what the experts believe the Seahawks will do with pick No.16 in April's draft.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Laiatu Latu, defensive end, UCLA
Laiatu Latu racked up the hardware at UCLA last season: He was named a unanimous All-American and the 2023 Ted Hendricks Award winner (the best defensive end in college football). He led the FBS in quarterback pressure rate (21.4%) in 2023, and his 23.5 sacks across the last two seasons are also the most in college football. His 96.3 Pro Football Focus defensive grade is the highest by an FBS in the past 10 seasons. The big question with Latu is how his medical testing goes. He missed two seasons with a neck injury in 2020 and 2021. Leonard Williams is set to hit free agency and whether or not he returns, Latu could improve the Seahawks' front seven greatly.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Brock Bowers, tight end, Georgia
Seattle needs a playmaker in the aerial attack with the potential to control the middle of the field. Bowers' presence would create more big-play opportunities for the Seahawks' perimeter pass catchers.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Jared Verse, linebacker, Florida State
First-time head coach Mike Macdonald inherits a defense that a year ago finished 28th in yards per rush and 20th in yards per pass attempt. In order to return to consistent contention in the NFC West, the Seahawks need to revitalize the side of the ball that once led them to back-to-back Super Bowls. Seattle acquired Leonard Williams from the Jets before the trade deadline, but it could still use a star edge rusher on the outside, and Verse fits the bill. In his last two years as a starter at FSU, Verse totaled 18 sacks and showed flashes of the terror he could become. — Kamrani
16. Seattle Seahawks: Byron Murphy, defensive tackle, Texas
How about Murphy and Dre'Mont Jones, two sleek inside rushers, in Mike Macdonald's new-look defense in Seattle?
16. Seattle Seahawks: Laiatu Latu, defensive end, UCLA
Fit: Without medical concerns, UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu would not be available here for the Seattle Seahawks. But with the 16th overall pick, the potential reward is worth the risk. Laiatu is the most talented edge rusher in this class and has the production and advanced metrics to be considered in the top 10. Laiatu's medical testing this week in Indianapolis is important, but based on the tape, this is a steal for general manager John Schneider.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Laiatu Latu, defensive end, UCLA
Still feels like Seattle could be a candidate to trade back from this slot, particularly in a draft class that's short on top defensive talent. But Mike Macdonald no doubt will want to be able to fully unleash the Seahawks' pass rush without blitzing too frequently, and adding the refined Latu would mark a significant step toward that goal.
Before they were selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL Draft, they were hopeful prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine. Take a look at current and former Seahawks players participating in their Combine events.