With their second of two picks in the sixth round, the Seahawks took another defensive lineman, Buffalo DT Kristjjan Sokoli. Checking in at 6-5 and 300 pounds, he was the third player tabbed to fortify the line in the 2015 NFL Draft. The 'Hawks used both of their sixth rounders on defensive linemen.
Sokoli was born in Albania. He totaled 95 tackles, with 15 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks during his college career. He is noted for being a versatile defensive lineman, and he also played tight end, offensive line, punter and kicker in high school, further demonstrating his athleticism.
Here is the NFL.com Scouting Report on Sokoli: "Extremely athletic test scores for his size. Impressive 38-inch vertical leap with 31 bench reps. Has good size and length and enough power to hold the point of attack if moved outside. Good motor and willing to pursue with consistency. Usually plays with desired leverage."
With the 214th pick the Seahawks choose Kristjan Sokoli from Buffalo U.
Sokoli impressed on his pro day. He had 40-yard dash times of 4.84 and 4.88 seconds. He also had the aforementioned vertical leap and a broad jump of 9 feet, 11 inches. The Seahawks are noted for having strong depth on the defensive line and Sokoli can possibly become an integral part of the rotational look.
Having drafted three defensive linemen through six rounds, there is a clear emphasis on keeping the unit fresh and mixing proven veterans with young potential contributors. The Seahawks have strength in numbers with their rookie class, newcomer Ahtyba Rubin, and returnees such as Cassius Marsh, Demarcus Dobbs and Jesse Williams. Jordan Hill was a notable force last year after being drafted in 2013, and one of the first-year players could follow him into standout status on the line.
