2020 NFL Draft: Grading the Seattle Seahawks draft class

With eight selections in the 2020 NFL Draft, how did the Seattle Seahawks end up faring with their rookie draft class this past weekend?

The Seattle Seahawks are looking for another playoff berth in 2020, after winning 11 games last season. Despite their winning success, the roster is lacking talent at certain positions and looked to address some needs in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Russell Wilson needs a better supporting cast and the defense was sub-par at best in 2019. General Manager John Schneider went in with the ammunition to get his guys but did it improve the team enough for head coach Pete Carroll to repeat season success?

Here is all the draft picks graded and the overall team grade is at the end. In round one of the 2020 NFL Draft, Seattle did not trade down and stayed put with the 27th overall selection.

Round 1: Pick 27

A few days after the draft, I still do not understand their first pick. If the Seahawks want to groom the next replacement for K.J. Wright or backup to Bobby Wagner, that is fine. That position still was still not a big need, considering their pass rush and secondary had more weaknesses on defense. Seattle drafted two linebackers in Cody Barton and Ben Burr-Kirven last year so I am not sure allocating your first draft on a linebacker was a necessity.

The Texas Tech senior is athletic and is a superb tackler but lacks experience in coverage. But with Seattle, the 6-foot, 240-pound linebacker can be used as a heat-seeking missile on blitzes and help out in run support. Currently, he is projected to start at sam linebacker over Shaquem Griffin. Jordyn Brooks is not a bad player, as he has experience at inside and outside linebacker, but taking him in round one over a few other linebackers is puzzling.