While many other needs exist, including linebacker, the competition along the offensive line needs to increase if they hope to get the best of the unit and create a stronger running game. Dorian Johnson may not be a house hold name now, but he will be the time the draft rolls around. Johnson is an excellent athlete for a man checking in at 300 lbs. He is a savvy and intelligent player that excels at run blocking and shows incredible vision when he gets to the second level. Johnson would immediately improve Lamar Miller’s productivity.
Let me first address the trade the Seahawks made in the first round, as the ‘hawks solidified the offensive line with probably the most talented tackle in the NFL. That is why the Seahawks aren’t going to select another lineman in the second round. You will notice that the Seahawks are drafting someone who has slid a little bit in the draft, Vita Vea of Washington, but it’s not really a “need” for the Seahawks.
Realistically, the ‘hawks aren’t a team that has a lot of needs. Rather, they are the type of team who can select talent, not need, and wouldn’t be judged for that type of selection. The defense is top-10 every year, and are unstoppable year after year. The front in particular is very talented, as Michael Bennett has become one of the most talented edge defensive ends in the NFL. That’s a feat for a guy who was unselected in 2009. That will be the polar opposite for Vita Vea, as Bennett wasn’t selected because of a possible “attitude” problem when coming out of college.
Vea is approaching the draft as a defenitive day 1-2 draft selection this year, as the samoan athletic beast is making some of the similar plays another samoan made a few years ago (Danny Shelton) for the same Washington Huskies team. The difference is the statistical season Shelton had. Vea would be coming into a Seahawks situation that would be both beneficial and natural for the front. Ahtyba Rubin has been very good for the Seahawks, but Vea could provide that breather for Rubin when needed. He is definitely a space eater, which is great for a 3-4 team. This is a great pick for the Seahawks.