The Seattle Seahawks were slow to respond in the first wave of free agency, but they finally added multiple players to their roster during head coach Mike MacDonald’s first offseason.
The majority of them concentrated on the defensive end of the field, but obviously more needs to be done to position this squad to compete more effectively in the NFC West against the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers.
We concentrate on one area of the club in a three-round mock for Seattle because, in the wake of free agency, that area clearly needs assistance.
TRADE: Miami gives selection 16 and pick 102 to Seattle in exchange for pick 21 and pick 55.
The Seahawks currently lack a second-round selection. They alter that in this mock by selecting one and shipping the fourth to the Miami Dolphins, who drop five spots in the first round to choose.
Pick 21 in Round 1: Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson, C
Notwithstanding some efforts to remedy it in free agency, the Seahawks’ interior offensive line still doesn’t have a particularly appealing appearance.
In his rookie season, Powers-Johnson provides them with a plug-and-play starter who can play right guard or center straight away.
Powers-Jackson is a composed player with a distinct edge to his game. He plays with a fury that makes him a good pass-catcher and can create highlight-reel blocks in the run game.
In addition, he possesses remarkable athletic ability and lateral quickness, enabling him to quickly advance to the second tier of the defense.
Seattle has struggled with center for far too long. Powers-Johnson would not consider it an issue.
Round 2, Pick 55: Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
What is Penix’s standing in the league? The guy who guided Seattle’s collegiate team to the National Championship Game is now in the middle of the second round, so not much has changed in this circumstance.
Though the Seahawks have acquired their quarterback of the future, whose ability to throw long passes should make him a perfect fit with an explosive collection of pass catchers, the rest of the NFL has lost and Seattle has gained.
Penix’s ability to execute under pressure is a problem, but if you watch his game versus Oregon, you will witness him make several outstanding throws when under pressure.
Either way, he would have a year or more off from pressure. Penix would benefit from a year of luxury coaching under Geno Smith before perhaps taking over from a quarterback whose departure would save Seattle $25 million against the cap, if they cut him the following year (but at a $13 million dead money charge).
Tremayne Anchrum was recently signed by the Seahawks to expand their guard options. But considering that Anchrum has only played 101 offensive snaps in his career, it’s hard to look at Seattle’s depth chart at that position and not feel that more is required.
As a pass blocker, Beebe had a fantastic last season with the Wildcats and made an impression at the Combine with a great performance in the on-field drills.
Although he has the ability to contend for the starting left guard position right away, he also has vital experience playing at left tackle, which is useful if the Seahawks ever have a perimeter emergency.
The Seahawks would be in a far stronger position offensively, both now and down the road, with Penix waiting in the wings at quarterback and Powers-Johnson and Beebe covering two of the three inside slots.
