Good afternoon, 12s.
Here's a look at what's "out there" for today - Friday, April 24 - about your Seattle Seahawks:
'Prime Time' Raises More Than $574,000 For Ben's Fund
Seahawks Executive VP/General Manager John Schneider and his wife Traci put on the fourth-annual 'Prime Time' celebrity waiter event last night to raise money for Ben's Fund, a foundation named after their son Ben, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three.
The event raised more than $574,000, funds that will go toward providing grant opportunities for families across Washington state who need financial assistance for services related to autism spectrum disorder treatments. The Schneiders established the program in 2012 and prior to last night's event had raised more than $850,000, bringing the four-year fundraising total to more than $1.4 million.
To learn more about Ben's Fund, check out bensfund.seahawks.com. The site features an online auction with 100 percent of the proceeds going to support Families for Effective Autism Treatment.
3-Round Mock Draft
Ahead of the 2015 NFL Draft, which gets underway next Thursday night in Chicago, Ill., ESPN draft gurus Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay conducted a three-round mock draft taking turns making picks for each of the League's 32 teams.
It's an Insider feature, but the picks McShay makes for Seattle are laid out for you below. Remember, the Seahawks are without a first-round pick after dealing it to the New Orleans Saints as part of the trade to acquire Pro Bowl tight end Jimmy Graham, so Seattle's first two picks will come in the second (No. 63 overall) and third (No. 95) rounds.
63. Seattle Seahawks
McShay's pick: Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State
Bennett is the No. 39 prospect on my board, so this is a value pick as much as anything else. He's a disruptive player from the 3-technique position.
95. Seattle Seahawks
McShay's pick: Hroniss Grasu, C, Oregon
The Seahawks are in need of help all along their offensive line, and their top need is at center following the trade that sent starter Max Unger to New Orleans in exchange for Jimmy Graham. Grasu could challenge for the starting job.
Tweet Of The Day
Today's "Tweet of the Day" comes from Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham, who shares a selfie from Thursday's 'We Day' festivities at Seattle's Key Arena.
More From Around The Web
Pete Carroll and the Seahawks co-chair their third We Day in Seattle as a culminating celebration of local area youths who dedicated the past year to civic service.
TE Cooper Helfet, Duke
QB Russell Wilson, Wisconsin
WR Deshon Foxx, UCONN
TE Ronnie Shields, Kentucky
DE Frank Clark, Michigan
C Patrick Lewis, Texas A&M
TE Brandon Cottom, Purdue
T Kona Schwenke, Notre Dame
DE Michael Bennett, Texas A&M
TE Jimmy Graham, Miami
WR Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M
TE Anthony McCoy, USC
FB Will Tukuafu, Oregon
FS Earl Thomas, Texas
RB Christine Michael, Texas A&M
TE Jimmy Graham, Miami
WR Paul Richardson, Colorado
FS Steven Terrell, Texas A&M
LB Mike Morgan, USC
DT A.J. Francis, Maryland
CB George Farmer, USC
DT Ahtyba Rubin, Iowa State
WR Antwan Goodley, Baylor
DE Cliff Avril, Purdue
C Will Pericak, Colorado
LS Andrew East, Vanderbilt
Here at Seahawks.com, we continue our 2015 NFL Draft preview series with a look at the quarterbacks. We highlighted the linebackers, running backs, offensive and defensive lines earlier this week.
The Seahawks' 2015 schedule was released Tuesday and we're taking a closer look at each matchup as the week rolls on. Here's what you can expect from Weeks 1-4, Weeks 5-8, and Weeks 9-13.
Former Seahawks safety Kenny Easley will announce Seattle's second-round pick at next week's draft in Chicago, Ill.
Larry Stone at the Seattle Times has a column from 'We Day' at Seattle's Key Arena, where Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, quarterback Russell Wilson, tight ends Jimmy Graham and Luke Willson, linebacker Bobby Wagner, and wide receiver Doug Baldwin joined 16,000 students to celebrate community involvement.
Brady Henderson at 710Sports.com rehashes comments from GM John Schneider on the importance of identifying toughness in draft prospects.
Jerry Brewer at the Seattle Times expands upon Schneider's search for smart, tough, and reliable football players.
And Rob Rang at CBSSports.com lists his Top 100 players in this year's draft class.
D*id I miss anything you think is worthy of inclusion? Let me know on Twitter **@TonyDrovetto*
