The Seattle Seahawks did the unpredictable by being predictable. That is they traded down in round one of the NFL 2017 draft. By trading down Seattle walked away from day one of the draft without a single player. When day two rolled around the Seahawks went about their business and picked six players in the second and third round.
The Seahawks first pick (35th overall) in the 2017 draft was Malik McDowell a defensive lineman from Michigan State. With their next pick( 26th) the Hawks went with Ethan Pocic an offensive lineman from LSU. The Seahawks went back to the defensive side of the ball and picked CB Shaquill Griffin from Central Florida then nabbed safety Delano Hill ( 31st ) from Michigan with the first of their three third round picks.
The Seahawks then nabbed Defensive tackle Nazair Jones from North Carolina with their second (102) third round pick and finished up the third round with Wide Receiver Amara Darboh (106)from Michigan.
While it took some time for the Seahawks go get started, head coach Pete Carroll was pleased with the day’s outcome.
“What a great day, this is really fun. It’s great to have a chance to just take this kind of day, John [Schneider], all the options that he had, because of the dealings, just made for a really unique day. I thought he did great, it was awesome.”
TAKEAWAYS
While it is a little surprising that the Seahawks used just two of their first six picks on offensive players, it makes some sense that a team that prides its self on defense would not wait till players are too old or cannot perform at a high level before adding some competition on that side of the ball. There is some uncertainty as to when DeShawn Shead will return from his torn ACL injury suffered in the playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons.
The pick of Ethan Pocic is about as solid as it gets since the versatile offensive lineman from LSU can play several offensive line positions and the Seahawks offensive line woes are well documented.
“We think he’s the most flexible guy in the draft. He started a lot at center but he’s played at guard and he’s played tackle. He’s been a primary player for them in a great conference and just been steady as a rock.” Carroll said during the team’s draft day press conference.”Really smart, intelligent, tough guy. Long, tall, he has all the right elements and the background was so versatile that we just thought that was a great opportunity.”
The other offensive player drafted on day two Amara Darboh, has a chance to push for some special team playing time. The Seahawks drafted for depth and competition. As with all players, they look great on the draft day and you never know what you have until they put on pads and a helmet.
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