In A Perfect World: Seattle Seahawks 7 Round Mock Draft

This week I’ll be taking a look at specific draft needs for the 4 NFC West teams.  My objective is to find fits in each round that match team needs, as well as accurate projections for that player’s value.  My first criteria is, of course, my own opinion, because sharing and debating opinions is a big part of what this site is all about, right?  However, as a reference, I’m using Rob Rang’s overall prospect rankings from cbssports.com, as well as those of the nationalfootballpost.com, because….that’s just the kind of geek that I am. 

My only other rule here is that I will be cross-checking the mocks I’m doing for each NFC West team so I’m not projecting the same player to different teams.

And remember, check the title…. this is “In A Perfect World” so my objective here is to formulate a perfect draft day scenario for each club.

Please, leave comments, opinions, critiques, criticisms….. and if you’re on Twitter follow me at @HawkCoug08

Here’s the fourth and final installment, taking a look at how things could break perfectly for the Seattle Seahawks.  I said I wouldn’t project trades, but I fully expect Seattle to deal down for additional picks at some point.  They only have six in this draft, and that’s got to be driving G.M. John Schneider crazy.  I suspect they want to add more selections in the 2-3 round range to take advantage of the LB/DE depth available.  That being said, here’s my take on how the Seahawks can make the best use of the six picks they do posess. 

Round 1: (Pick #12)  Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

The growing trend in mock drafts I’ve seen is to put Stanford OG David DeCastro in this spot.  Just stop.  Now that the Seahawks have added Matt Flynn through free agency, the obvious needs are in the front 7, and that just happens to be the strength of the first three rounds of this draft.  Pete Carroll has spoken openly about the need to improve the pass rush; specifically by adding speed to the LB core.  They also have only one starting linebacker currently under contract (K.J. Wright).  Upshaw is an ideal fit for Carroll’s scheme as a hybrid DE/OLB who can stand up and get after the QB on passing downs, but comfortable and athletic enough to drop into covereage.  Against the run, he’s a violent hitter who punishers would-be blockers and ball carriers.  He could rotate with Chris Clemons at the LEO position, and play some SAM as well.  He could even play full-time on the strongside if the team chooses to move Wright to MLB.

Don’t overthink this one.  Upshaw is the idea choice for Seattle here.

Round 2: (43)  Lavonte David, OLB, Nebraska

I’ll just say this right now, the odds of the Seahawks getting both Upshaw AND David are slim.  David is rated by most services in the 30-40 range and has been mocked in the first round by some.  But I called this series In A Perfect World for a reason.  If the Hawks stay put there’s a good chance they can get Upshaw at #12, and David could slide because he’s not a marquee pass-rusher.  What he does is read, react and cover better than any linebacker in this draft, and he would be ideal for the WILL spot in Carroll’s defense.  In fact, he’s so good in coverage some scouts see him as a possible safety at 6′ 1″, 233 lbs.

Round 3: (75)  Senio Kelemete, OG, Washington

Paul McQuistan was re-signed, and played well when he had the opportunity last year, but Kelemete is great value here.  He played a lot of LT in college but most scouts think he’s more suited to guard, and could man the LG spot for years to come in Seattle.  That would allow the Hawks to be patient with 2011 1st-rounder James Carpenter, who suffered a devestating knee injury just as he was beginning to play well last season at RT.  Some have speculated that the team would consider moving Carpenter to LG when he returns.

Round 4: (106)  Ronnie Hillman, RB, San Diego State

Some of the most impressive tape I’ve seen this year.  Hillman isn’t much bigger than Justin Forsett, a free agent the team doesn’t appear interested in re-signing, but Hillman is a much different back.  He’s hard to bring down for a guy who’s only 5′ 9″, 200 lbs, but it’s his elite vision and change-of-direction that makes him such an enticing addition to Seattle’s zone blocking scheme.  He would be welcome compliment to Marshawn Lynch.

Round 5: (No pick, trade to Buffalo for Lynch)

Round 6: (181)  Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas

Most likely, Bequette will be off the board by the end of the 5th round, but it’s not inconceivable to think he could drop this far due to his lack of eye-popping measurables.  What Bequette is, however, is an experienced, 6′ 5″, 271 lb DE with a high motor and some pass-rush skill.  Gives you everything he has on every play.  A solid-rotational DE at worst, with long-term starter potential who can bounce around and play different positions on the line.  Watch his effort on tape and tell me it doesn’t remind you of Patrick Kerney.

Round 7: (225)  Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State

Why not?  Moore may never be more than a career-backup, but after watching his 4 year run in Boise I’m sure of this much, he makes your football team better.  He could be developed on the practice squad as a guy capable of moving up the depth chart next year after Tavaris Jackson is done, depending on how much Josh Portis progresses.

John Schneider has said he wants to draft a QB every year, but with the Flynn signing and overall lack of picks in this draft, I don’t see the Hawks investing in the position earlier in this draft.  Moore makes sense in this spot.