Wednesday, April 24, 2013

2013 NFL Mock Draft: Seahawks Edition

     After the disappointing loss to Atlanta in last year's playoffs, the Seahawks looked to reload going into the offseason and make another run at it in 2013. They did just that, adding playmaker Percy Harvin and a few defensive pieces in Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett and Cedric Griffin. The offseason is just getting started, however, as tomorrow night marks the beginning of the 2013 NFL draft.

     Since taking over, Pete Carroll and John Schneider have hit home runs in each draft they have executed, completely revamping offensive and defensive units seemingly left in shambles by the previous regime. Although the Seahawks don't have a first day pick this year, they will look to continue the tradition of strong drafts Friday evening when the second round commences.

     Predictions for how the Seahawks selections will play out are as follows..

2nd round (#56): Markus Wheaton, WR, Oregon State

     Call me a good old-fashioned homer I would be ecstatic to see OSU's very own Markus Wheaton in Seattle green and blue. Wheaton was one of the nation's top receivers last season and the former track and field star became a better route runner and more reliable each year in Corvallis. Him and RW3 are both laid back guys that I could see gelling from day one and becoming one of the next great duos in NFL history.

3rd round (#87): Sean Porter, LB, Texas A&M

     With Leroy Hill a free agent and having seen better days, Carroll and Co. look to find his replacement. Interestingly enough, the last two drafts have resulted in the other two starting linebackers. KJ Wright was selected in the fourth round of the 2011 draft and Bobby Wagner was selected in the second round of the 2012 draft. In selecting former all-Big XII linebacker Sean Porter the Seahawks get an athletic and versatile linebacker perfect for the weakside.

4th round (#123): Akeem Spence, DT, Illinois

     Questions remain behind Alan Branch and his durability, so a move must be made in this draft to shore up the interior defensive line. Enter Akeem Spence, who started all 38 games he appeared in at Illinois. His pass rushing skills are suspect, but he is a legitimate run-stuffer who put up 37 reps on bench at the combine. A tandem of Spence and Brandon Mebane, along with the pass rushing capabilities of the Seahawks defense could wreck absolute havoc on opposing offensive lines.

5th round (#138): Joseph Fauria, TE, UCLA

     Might be another homer pick on my behalf, as I've been a fan of this kid's skill set for quite some time, but for due reason. Joseph Fauria could become a legitimate red zone threat, but might be hard-pressed to become anything much more than that. The nephew of long-time Seahawks tight end Christian Fauria, Joseph has basketball size and great hands; another weapons for RW3 to grow up with.

6th round (#194): Tommy Bohanon, FB, Wake Forest

     Pete Carroll encourages competition within the roster every season, so why not acquire one of the best fullback prospects coming out of college? Tommy Bohanon's 40-yard dash time is suspect, but with 36 reps on bench (better than the top four tackle prospects), a 36" vertical and a broad jump of nearly 10,' the athletic attributes are there in order for him to become another weapon in this Seahawks offense.

7th round (#220): Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas

     Just as Walter Thurmond III was in the 2010 draft, Knile Davis would be one of those injury risk/reward picks, despite having to wait until the seventh round to have his name called. Davis sat out the 2011 season with an ankle injury and came back for a subpar 2012 season before declaring for the 2013 draft. After running a 4.35 40-yard dash and putting up 31 reps on the bench he proved to have the physical attributes, but his durability questions will allow Seattle to acquire him as their potential third running back with their seventh round pick.

7th round (#231): Jeff Baca, G, UCLA

     A fairly under the radar prospect, Jeff Baca played 45 career games for the Bruins and showed the versatility necessary to make it to the next level. Baca was a four year starter, 25 at guard and 20 at tackle and seeing as how Carroll and Co. love their Pac-12 kids this could end up being a hugely rewarding pick.

7th round (#241): Nickell Robey, CB, USC

     With the incredible numbers Nickell Robey posted during his pro day (4.34 40, 40" vert, 10' 4" broad) the former Trojan corner seems to have vaulted his stock from undrafted to a potential seventh rounder. Carroll and Co. have done an incredible job of finding diamonds in the rough as far as the secondary is concerned, perhaps Robey could be their next diamond.

7th round (#242): Jeff Tuel, QB, Washington State

     Another Pac-12 player in this mock, surprise surprise, but with due reason on my behalf. Jeff Tuel has the athleticism necessary to fill-in should (God forbid) RW3 go down with injury. Durability and accuracy issues remain, but a duo of Tuel and Josh Portis provide athleticism and upside as QBs two and three.

Of course, I will probably end up being completely off-base on 95% of these predictions, but such is the fun of the NFL Draft. Merry (kinda) Christmas, football fans!


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