Seattle Seahawks Post-First Round Mock Draft
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lowa State's Jaylin Noel dives for the end zone during the first half of the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Dec. 28, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. Credit: Jar-Lar/Creative Commons [/caption]
The Seattle Seahawks did what most fans wanted in the first round and took an offensive lineman. Grey Zabel is the newest Seahawk, coming from North Dakota State. He can play just about anywhere along the offensive line, but his skillset and physical traits fit best at guard, where head coach Mike Macdonald announced he will play.
Now that John Schneider and company got that out of the way, the pressure is off and they can get aggressive in filling out the rest of the roster. Still, plenty of needs remain. Depth at receiver and cornerback are question marks. They need to add to the stockpile of defensive linemen, especially rushing off the edges.
Let’s dive into a mock draft for rounds two through seven, factoring in Zabel’s selection at No. 18 overall.
Round 2, Pick 50: Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
Some had Ezeiruaku going late in the first round. In this simulation, he slipped all the way to 50. With the Seahawks needing an injection of youth to their edge rushing group, this was a no-brainer. As an All-American and ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Ezeiruaku racked up 16.5 sacks, which was second in the FBS. With the combination of veterans like DeMarcus Lawrence and Uchenna Nwosu, along with rising young players like Boye Mafe and Derick Hall, adding a productive ACC pass rusher to the mix will do wonders.
Round 2, Pick 52: Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
Credit to Iowa State. There are two Cyclone receivers whom the Seahawks could have drafted at 52 in this simulation that would make perfect sense. I opted for the speedy Noel. His 4.39 40 time, combined with a 41.5 vertical and 11’2” broad jump, suggests he is one of the twitchiest receivers in this draft. Where he may lack in size (5-foot-10, 29 1/2-inch arms), he makes up for in pure athleticism and route-running artistry. If there was a player the Seahawks could take at No. 50 to perhaps replace a portion of what Tyler Lockett leaves behind, Noel is that guy.
Round 3, Pick 82: Dorian Strong, CB, Virginia Tech
Seattle can’t get too far down the draft without addressing cornerback. Strong has an ideal length at 6-foot-1. He is not a top-end athlete but displays good ball skills and instincts that are hard to quantify on the stat sheet. He could become a boundary corner opposite Riq Woolen or even become his replacement if Woolen and Seattle can’t reach an extension after this coming season. Josh Jobe will likely have something to say about it, but Strong has the makeup to be a starting corner in the NFL.
Round 3, Pick 92: Ty Robinson, DT, Nebraska
Like at cornerback, the Seahawks need to add depth and youth to the defensive line. The Super Bowl showed the league that teams can win championships with a well-built and deep defensive line leading the way. Seattle is a strong piece or two away from having a really good line. Robinson is a big, brawny interior defensive lineman who can explode off the ball. He can bounce all around the defensive line and thrive. While he isn’t the twitchiest athlete Seattle would have along the defensive line, he adds to the talented group of Byron Murphy, Leonard Williams and Jarran Reed, offering a different look and skillset.
Round 4, Pick 137: Devin Neal, RB, Kansas
This is a running back draft. With Seattle trying to get back to running the ball effectively and establishing a physical identity, adding to the crop of running backs would benefit them. Kenneth Walker III is in the last year of his deal. In some ways, Zach Charbonnet outperformed Walker last season. The running back room needs some depth and insurance. Neal won’t wow you with home-run hitting speed. However, his production at Kansas can’t be ignored with back-to-back 1,200-plus-yard, 16-touchdown seasons in the Big 12. The Jayhawks used him as their bell cow and he thrived. He brings the physical presence and thickness you want in an every-down back. Where he needs improvement is in the passing game, that’s protecting the quarterback as well as catching and running. But there is a lot to work with for a fourth-round back.
Round 5, Pick 172: Kitan Crawford, S, Nevada
Day 3 is where you can find some solid special teamers who can provide depth in the starting 22 in a pinch. That describes Crawford. His 4.41 40 time and 41.5-inch vertical suggest he can keep up with just about anyone in the NFL and make plays on the ball. He is not afraid of contact. Even at Nevada, he made his presence felt on defense as well as special teams. Every good NFL team needs players like that.
Round 5, Pick 175: Mitchell Evans, TE, Notre Dame
Seattle needs to think long-term at tight end. After the 2025 season, only A.J. Barner remains on the roster among tight ends. Even then, Noah Fant can still become a cap casualty. Evans is less of a sleek receiving tight end and more of the old school type. Which is exactly what the Seahawks need for Kubiak’s system. Still, he isn’t a statue. He racked up over 100 receiving yards in the Fighting Irish’s College Football Playoff semifinal and title games combined. With the attitude to block and an edge combined with proficiency in the passing game, Evans is underrated.
Round 7, Pick 223: Kobe King, LB, Penn State
Linebacker isn’t as giant of a need with the return of Ernest Jones and Tyrice Knight entering his second year. However, adding a player who can provide depth, along with making plays on special teams is valuable. With 97 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss, he earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors for the Nittany Lions. Seattle needs to add to their special teams and depth players at linebacker. King fits the bill.
Round 7, Pick 234: Trey Wedig, OT, Indiana
Seattle probably should not leave this draft with just one offensive lineman. Wedig bounced around Wisconsin’s offensive line before transferring to Indiana and becoming their rock-solid right tackle in 2024. He has logged snaps at every offensive line position except for left tackle in his college career. Seattle could use him as a swing tackle and depth at just about any position. At 6-foot-7, 320 pounds, he projects well as a tackle. The Seahawks need insurance in case right tackle Abe Lucas is unable to stay healthy. If he does, Wedig could be a great, reliable swing guy.
