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2019 NFL Draft: Seattle Seahawks lack enough picks to address most needs

By Lee Vowell

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks scrambles in the pocket against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks scrambles in the pocket against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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The Seattle Seahawks can compete with most teams any given week, but few draft assets and major defensive needs could end up hurting them.

The Seattle Seahawks have more holes than a contender might like, but last year they also showed they’re capable of surprising anyone. Never count out Russ Wilson.

That said, the team only has four overall picks to find a new edge rusher and help in the secondary among other positional needs. Here’s a look at the state of Seattle heading into the draft.

State Of The Team

Contending. The Seahawks have been playoff-worthy for nearly a decade. The team has an established and very good quarterback with Russell Wilson. While the defense is beginning to lose key pieces from the Legion of Boom days, Seattle still is in the top half of the league defensively.

While the Seahawks may not be considered a Super Bowl favorite, the team cannot be ruled out for a deep playoff run in 2019. They simply need to improve in certain areas to get there. Clearly, the number one need for Seattle in this year’s draft is edge rusher. Seattle must do a better job at getting pressure on the opposing quarterback from anyone not named Jarran Reed. Seattle has other needs as well, but none are as close as the need on the defensive line.

Total Draft Picks

The Seahawks are among the teams with the least amount of draft assets, but they picked up an additional first-rounder after trading Frank Clark to the Kansas City Chiefs on Tuesday.

  • Round 1 (No. 21 overall)
  • Round 1 (No. 29 overall)
  • Round 3 (No. 92 overall) (From Kansas City)
  • Round 4 (No. 84 overall)
  • Round 5 (No. 159 overall)

Top 3 Draft Needs

Edge rusher: Seattle absolutely has to have someone else who can consistently get to the opposing quarterback other than Jarran Reed, especially with Clark now in Kansas City. Seattle used to not have to blitz very often but that has changed the last few seasons. Getting an end is a must.

Wide Receiver: Doug Baldwin is not getting any younger and had his most injury-filled season in 2018. He is still a very good receiver, but one who relies on speed and quickness to get open. Injuries and age could take a toll sooner rather than later on Angry Doug. Beyond Baldwin and Tyler Lockett, there isn’t much in the receiving room. Getting a third option at wideout with some size is a must.

Safety: Seattle was without Earl Thomas for most of 2018 and now they will be without him forever as he left in free agency. Last year in Thomas’s absence, Seattle played Tedric Thompson and Delano Hill. Thompson and Hill weren’t terrible, but they also didn’t look like long-term solutions.

Seattle was without Earl Thomas for most of 2018 and now they will be without him forever as he left in free agency. Last year in Thomas’s absence, Seattle played Tedric Thompson and Delano Hill. Thompson and Hill weren’t terrible. But they also didn’t look like long-term solutions.

Top 3 Draft Targets

Decision Maker (Or Who To Blame If Things Go Wrong)

There are two decision makers for the Seahawks but they work as one. General Manager John Schneider and Head Coach Pete Carroll are going on their 10th season together. Seattle has their system set up a different way. Carroll doesn’t really answer to Schneider but Schneider has final say over personnel. But he doesn’t go about decisions alone. Carroll gives his input on every player. It’s a nearly perfect system.

Best/Worst Pick In Current Draft Slot

Historically, who was the best pick and the worst pick based on where the team is currently picking. 

Best Pick: Pete Kendall, OL, No. 21 overall in 1996 NFL Draft

In 1996, Seattle chose guard Pete Kendall. He played five of his 13 seasons in Seattle and missed just five games, so he in no way can be considered a bust.

Worst Pick: Chris McIntosh, OL, No. 22 overall in 2000 NFL Draft

McIntosh was taken at No. 22 overall and is Seattle’s worst pick in this range of the draft. The first round bust played only two seasons in Seattle before a neck injury forced him to retire.

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