NFL free agency officially starts today and with all the reported moves and players re-signing with teams, here are what the experts believe the Seahawks will do with pick No.16 in April's draft.
16. Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
This fit just makes too much sense. Even though Fautanu is capable of staying at left tackle in the NFL, he might be even more dominant if he slides inside to guard, where the Seahawks have a massive need. An impressive athlete with a stellar blend of agility and strength, Fautanu has All-Pro potential as a rookie.
16. Laiatu Latu, Edge, 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 player 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 back, and it would be fun to see Latu's development under Mike Macdonald.
Projected trade: Steelers send No. 20, 119 and a 2025 third-round pick to the Seahawks for No. 16, 191 and a 2025 sixth-round pick
20. Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State
Seattle's in a tricky spot, needing quality edge rushers in a draft short on enticing names. Robinson has a lot to learn about setting edges and playing the run — especially after being in a defensive scheme that went a long way to keep him from the point of attack. The athletic traits are worth taking a swing on, though, and he'd be Seattle's most exciting edge prospect in years.
16. Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
With former Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb taking over the reins to the Seahawks' attack, there's plenty of reason to link Fautanu with Seattle. Beyond the level of familiarity, though, the collegiate left tackle looks ready to become a smooth-moving guard who could help stabilize the Seahawks' front.
16. Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
The draft rarely works out this cleanly, but it would be fun. Fautanu played tackle in college, so he has that flexibility. But in Seattle, I think he'd be a Day 1 starter at guard — where the Seahawks could use the help. Throw in the fact that Fautanu played his college ball right up the road for the Huskies, and it's just too cool.
16. Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State
The Seahawks will want to revamp their pass rush for new defensive-minded coach Mike Macdonald, whose Ravens led the league in sacks last season. Verse is a very productive player with explosive upside, just behind Turner and Latu in this class.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald continues to build out his coaching staff for 2024 so check out who will be will leading the team next season. (02/28/24)