2019 NFL Draft: Fixing one pick for each NFC West team

Seattle Seahawks 2019 NFL Draft Picks:

Round 1 (29): L.J. Collier, DE, TCU
Round 2 (47): Marquise Blair, S, Utah
Round 2 (64): D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
Round 3 (88): Cody Barton, LB, Utah
Round 4 (120): Gary Jennings Jr., WR, West Virginia
Round 4 (124): Phil Haynes, OG, Wake Forest
Round 4 (132): Ugo Amadi, S, Oregon
Round 5 (142): Ben Burr-Kirven, LB, Washington
Round 6 (204): Travis Homer, RB, Miami (FL)
Round 6 (209): Demarcus Christmas, DT, Florida State
Round 7 (236): John Ursua, WR, Hawaii

Seahawks select Byron Murphy, CB, Washington instead of L.J. Collier

I must admit, that I was incredibly impressed with the way that the Seattle Seahawks were able to trade down many times and pick up valuable selections throughout the draft. I was not blown away with their draft class as a whole, but Seattle did a great job of getting many picks to build depth throughout their roster.

With six picks in rounds 2-4, the Seahawks were really able to make some noise in the middle of the draft, a range where most considered to be the strength of the 2019 NFL Draft. Their work in the middle rounds was impressive, but the Seahawks’ first-round selection of TCU defensive lineman L.J. Collier leaves plenty to be desired.

Collier is a powerful defensive end who shows some upside as a run defender. However, he is a limited athlete and struggles to make an impact as a pass rusher. Taking him in the first was just odd. Instead, I would have liked to see the Seahawks attack their cornerback need by taking Byron Murphy out of Washington.

Murphy was one of the best cornerbacks in the class, showing impressive natural instincts and playmaking ability at the position. He is great in zone coverage and can make an impact on the outside and in the slot. Murphy would have been a fantastic fit for the Seahawks, playing outside corner in their Cover 3 defense.