Let’s start from the biggest need for the Seahawks: The pass rush. These are some good options to take at 27th overall:
• Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
Long and rangy like a young Jason Pierre-Paul. Twice as many career tackles for loss (36.5) as sacks, so he is in the backfield.
• A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa
Tape shows a strong pass-rusher with 30.5 sacks over the last two seasons. High effort, good technique make his floor still worthy of a first-round pick.
• Bradlee Anae, EDGE, Utah
Three straight double-digit seasons in tackles for loss, including 14 sacks last season. Knows how to chase and finish.
Drafting one of these guys in the first round would be great for the Seahawks’ defense, but everything is more difficult than it seems to be, so let’s take a look at one more important position for Seattle.
This offseason the Seahawks’ O-Line got some improvements but it’s not ideal yet so let’s take a look at some Offensive Linemen who can be available at 27th pick:
• Austin Jackson, OT, USC
Raw 20-year-old left tackle with hit-or-miss potential for a team that can afford to sit him as a rookie. Quickness to cut off speed rushers.
• Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan
All the desired traits in a center: consistency, awareness and vocal leadership. Versatile enough to play guard, too. Grew up fast in Camden, N.J.
• Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
Needs to add strength and catch up after missing lots of practice time last season due to turf toe. Scouts like his quick hands.
O-Line is a huge problem for the Seahawks. Are these offseason signings enough? Or should the Seahawks add some linemen from draft? I’d say yes. The ‘Hawks still have some uncertainty in the o-line and some youth and strength won’t make it worse.
Photo: Heavy
