2018 NFL Draft: Seattle Seahawks 7-round mock
By Conor Dorney
Coming into last season, the Seahawks viewed the running game as a strength. But after a disastrous Eddie Lacy signing, disappointing Thomas Rawls season, and injury to Chris Carson, the Seahawks are in a position to take a running back again in the 2018 Draft.
Bo Scarbrough is a bruiser of a back who has been comped early and often to former Crimson Tide star Derrick Henry. While he doesn’t have the ceiling of a player like Henry, I think that the Seahawks like him quite a bit and would be willing to take him at this spot in the fifth round. Scarbrough posted some impressive numbers at the Combine last week and figures to pair well with Carson and a potential free agent running back addition in the ‘Hawks backfield next season.
Everything points to Jimmy Graham on his way out of town (and potentially Luke Willson), meaning Seattle will be taking a flyer on a tight end at some point in this draft.
Ian Thomas is an under-the-radar prospect who didn’t quite have the season many were expecting last season. He caught two touchdown passes against Ohio State and has some of the best size/length combination of any player from this class at the tight end position.
Mike Gesicki and Dallas Goedert will be the ones making headlines, but the Seahawks could wait and pounce on a player like Thomas on day three.
*projected selection from Eagles in Michael Bennett trade
The Seahawks have had a pretty good success ratio on taking quarterbacks in the John Schneider era (Russell Wilson, #samplesize), but I think this is the year that they could draft another to solidify their backup spot.
Texas Tech’s Nic Shimonek took over for Patrick Mahomes last season at Texas Tech, throwing for 33 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He has great size and excellent arm strength with a smooth delivery. He’ll need further development in going through progressions, but the tools are there to be a successful backup in the NFL.
With the aforementioned Graham on his way out the door, the Seahawks will be in the market for another reliable pass-catching threat in the red zone.
South Dakota State’s Jake Wienke (6-foot-4 and 213 pounds) was a touchdown machine in the red zone for the Jackrabbits and can create matchup problems against smaller corners at the next level. He has great body control and a habit of making tough catches against tight coverage. I get the feeling that Seattle has him fairly high on their board.