The Seattle Seahawks have a tall task ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft. There are glaring needs defensively and on the offensive line, and the Seahawks only have three draft picks to build each unit.
Seattle prides itself on finding unforeseen talent late in drafts. This year, the Seahawks will have only the 56th, 129th, and 250th overall picks. By the time they’re able to look to their draft board, the second round will nearly be over. This is where we’ll start with the help of The Draft Network’s Mock Draft Machine.
Round 2 (No. 56 overall): Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami
The Seahawks need an influx of defensive talent and it starts with their first 2021 draft pick. Gregory Rousseau is a scheme-versatile EDGE rusher who can develop alongside Carlos Dunlap. Seattle can offer Rousseau patience as he adjusts to the next level, and, in turn, Rousseau can bring the same eye-popping talent he displayed at Miami. Rousseau was new to this position when he entered college and left with 19.5 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks in 2019 alone (he opted out of the 2020 season). If Seattle is looking for one of its coveted diamond-in-the-rough players, Rousseau could be it—especially since his stock has fallen in recent weeks.
Round 4 (No. 129 overall): Walker Little, OT, Stanford
The defense might be priority No. 1 come draft day, but Seattle will also need to put resources into building its offensive front—especially after an offseason that saw quarterback Russell Wilson being as vocal as ever about the team’s offensive line woes. The Seahawks have to prioritize a draft pick high enough to show they’re at least listening to Wilson’s concern. Walker Little projects as an eventual starting left tackle and can give Seattle the strength and length it needs. Little, who opted out of the 2020 season, has the prototypical NFL size and proven ability to play extremely well on the end of the line.
Round 7 (No. 250 overall): Rachad Wildgoose Jr., CB, Wisconsin
It wasn’t too long ago the Seahawks had the best defensive unit in the NFL. The key to Seattle’s success and back-to-back Super Bowl appearances was, in part, due to the strength of its defense—particularly its secondary. This team is in no position to select one of the top secondary players in this class and will have to lean heavily on its ability to find unique talent late, especially in Round 7. Rachad Wildgoose Jr. would be a welcome addition to the Seahawks’ cornerback room. His surprise entry into the draft gives Seattle the narrative it likes. There are some concerns about Wildgoose’s experience but he developed well at Wisconsin to become a key secondary player. The Seahawks would benefit Wildgoose’s speed and scheme versatility.
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