Seattle Seahawks Trade-Up Targets 2020 NFL Draft

Right Tackle

Would you believe that the Seahawks quarterback is defended by a sub-par offensive line? Well, if you’ve watched the team for the last several seasons then yes, you would believe that. The Seahawks have consistently under-valued the offensive line in the draft, preferring to surround Wilson with less than ideal blockers. The fact Wilson can produce with the pedestrian offensive lines he has played with over the years is proof of his Hall of Fame credentials.

This offseason, the Seahawks said bon voyage Germain Ifedi, the team’s first-round pick from 2016. He signed with the Chicago Bears during the offseason, which could be a blessing in disguise in Seattle. He committed 46 offensive line penalties during his time with the Seahawks, according to Sports Reference.

The Seahawks head into the 2020 NFL Draft with Jamarco Jones penciled in to protect the right side of the offensive line this season. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, he played some snaps during the 2019 season but is a relative unknown playing full-time.

Eventually, this policy of undervaluing the offensive line will come back to bite Schneider and the Seahawks. While Wilson is more than capable of escaping pressure, all it takes is one nasty hit to seriously disrupt a quarterbacks career. Just ask the Indianapolis Colts if they wish they could have gone back in time and given Andrew Luck the blocking he needed.

If the Seahawks are open towards drafting a top-tier right tackle in the 2020 NFL Draft, they are in luck as it’s one of the deepest classes in offensive tackle talent in recent history. There are four offensive tackles listed as first-rounders in the PFF Big Board, all of whom look like they will have a shot at great careers.

Unfortunately for the Seahawks, they are all projected to be drafted before Schneider gets a chance at them late in the first round. If the general manager wants to make a move up, they will have several other teams to compete with for their services.

Jedrick Wills Jr. is considered the best right tackle in the 2020 NFL Draft. Listed at 6-foot-5, 320-pounds, he is a game-changer on the offensive line. He is an efficient run blocker, as agile as a defensive end, and can hold his own against bull-rushing defensive linemen. Finding a better pass-blocker on the right side of the offensive line in this year’s draft would be extremely difficult.

Playing in the SEC, Wills has three seasons of experience blocking against some of the best defenses in college football. Wills has almost a five and a half foot wingspan, which would be helpful against NFC West pass rushers like Nick Bosa and Dee Ford. Wills has one of the finest highlight reels of any offensive tackle prospect in recent years.

The Seahawks would be hard-pressed to find a trading partner for Wills, as he is considered the best right tackle prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft. But if Schneider can pull off a trade like this, he would be guaranteeing top-notch security for Wilson, enabling the Seahawks to have a record year on offense. But it would take a significant amount of draft capital to make happen.

Tristan Wirfs from Iowa is another offensive tackle in this year’s draft class the Seahawks might consider moving up for. Like Wills, he is considered one of the top offensive tackles this year, with three solid seasons of starting in college to back up his NFL bona fides.

After reviewing his film, there is an argument to be made that Wirfs is the better draft prospect. Wirfs started as a true freshman, which shows the Iowa coaching staff clearly believed in him. He projects to be a great NFL starter and would instantly make the Seahawks offensive line better.

Unfortunately for Schneider, moving up for Wirfs would be difficult as he is highly regarded throughout NFL front offices. But with the number of elite skill position players in the 2020 NFL Draft, it is possible players like Wirfs and Wills fall in the draft. For many general managers, getting a world-class wide receiver or cornerback could be too tempting to pass up in the first round.

If either one of these players makes it to the middle of the first round, Schneider should consider calling around to see if there is a deal to be made. The team’s later in the draft would (generally) be more secure at the offensive tackle position, opening up a path for the Seahawks general manager to make a deal.

If, for example, Wills or Wirfs fell in the first round past the twentieth pick, a team like the Eagles would probably be open to trading back. The Eagles recently signed starting right tackle Lane Johnson to an extension and could be tempted with more draft picks to move off the twenty-first pick. It would likely take at least a third-rounder, possibly even a second-round pick to make it happen, which might be difficult for Schneider to give up

But giving up that much draft capital might be worth it. Rarely do great offensive tackles become free-agents and each year’s draft class has (maybe) one elite tackle prospect, followed by a plethora of unknowns and “projected talents”. Having security at one of the weakest spots on the Seattle offense might be a smart investment in the 2020 NFL Draft.