Seattle Seahawks got a small-school stud in CB Bryan Mills

The Seattle Seahawks have unearthed some late-round and undrafted gems in recent years, and they’re hoping for more of the same from undrafted free agents like North Carolina Central cornerback Bryan Mills.

Mills had one of the more unique journeys to an NFL roster of any prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft circuit. He started off at the JUCO level out in California at Antelope Valley College followed by the College of the Canyons from 2017-18.

In 2019, he transferred to North Carolina Central where he became an FCS All-American and First-Team All-MEAC selection after racking up 22 tackles, 13 pass breakups, and five interceptions in 12 games.

Unfortunately, when the pandemic hit, the decision for Mills was either to try and cash in on a big year in 2019 by passing on the delayed 2020 campaign or play and potentially risk injury. He decided to opt out of the 2020 season but managed to get invited to the 2021 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, where he was able to put his skills on display for NFL scouts from all 32 teams.

It was at the Senior Bowl that Mills proved he was still on a very positive trajectory from what he had shown on tape in 2019.

Mills has the potential to be an undrafted steal for the Seattle Seahawks with some projecting him as a mid-day three pick. He is built with a very long frame at 6-foot-1, 174 pounds with 32-inch arms and a near-77-inch wingspan.

Although Mills could stand to add some weight to his frame — and he’ll have the necessary time to do so — he has a very intriguing skill set in man coverage with the way he’s able to match receivers with fluid hip movements and obviously his ball awareness.

The impressive 2019 season followed by a strong week at the 2021 Senior Bowl practices ultimately did not result in Mills being drafted, but he’s going to a very good situation in Seattle where there are openings at the cornerback position.

We’ve already talked about Seahawks fourth-round pick Tre Brown possibly being a nice day three find for this team, and that it wouldn’t be surprising to see him as the number one nickel sooner than later.

With Shaquill Griffin departed (Jaguars) and only players like Ahkello Witherspoon and Pierre Desir standing in the way, Mills might get some playing time even as a rookie at the outside corner position in Ken Norton Jr.’s defense.