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7-Round Seahawks Mock Draft: A New Legion Of Boom Is Born

By Hunter Haas

Sep 17, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Brian Branch (14) returns a punt for a touchdown against the UL Monroe Warhawks at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 63-7. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Brian Branch (14) returns a punt for a touchdown against the UL Monroe Warhawks at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 63-7. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2022; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears defensive lineman Siaki Ika (62) in action during the game between the Baylor Bears and the Albany Great Danes at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2022; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears defensive lineman Siaki Ika (62) in action during the game between the Baylor Bears and the Albany Great Danes at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 2, No. 38 (via DEN): Siaki Ika, DL, Baylor

Jalen Carter is far and away the player that most Seahawks fans want in the 2023 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, Carter was off the board in this mock draft, so Seattle went elsewhere in round one. Near the top of round two, with another pick from Denver, the franchise lands a player who can instantly improve the run defense.

Siaki Ika is a mountain of a man. Ika is a bowling ball to block, but astoundingly, the 350-pound defensive lineman is one of the better athletes in the class. The Baylor leader is not the type to win many foot races, but the lateral agility he possesses — in such an immense frame — is unheard of.

Ika can stuff multiple gaps on the line while providing pressure from the interior on passing downs. A fear around Ika’s usage and fit in the NFL pushes him down the board, but the Seahawks scoop up a difference-maker at No. 38 overall. Look for Ika to immediately challenge for the nose tackle role, and even slide out to play the end from time to time.

Round 2, No. 54: Jaylon Jones, CB, Texas A&M

Jaylon Jones follows the trend of being the type of personality sought after by NFL coaches. Jones oozes confidence on the outside and boasts an idyllic profile for a starting cornerback in the league. During his time in College Station, Jones faced a slew of eventual NFL receivers from the SEC — and held up well against them.

Jones is a superb athlete and is still learning to turn that into on-field production. If this sounds familiar, that is because it is a similar narrative that haunted Tariq Woolen as a rookie. Seattle has proven time and time again that they know how to bring the best out of young defensive backs; Jones would be in great hands.

Michael Jackson should not be a starting cornerback after his play in 2022. Woolen has one side taken care of, and Coby Bryant continues to improve in the slot, so Jones can step in as a rookie and take the lion’s share of snaps. Jones excels in zone coverage and will fit the scheme like a glove.

Round 3, No. 85: Ivan Pace Jr., LB, Cincinnati

Ivan Pace Jr. features a slightly smaller and shorter build than former Seahawk legend Bobby Wagner. Not to worry though, he makes up for it with the same never-ending motor and otherworldly burst and instincts.

The Cincinnati linebacker holds up well in coverage and is a bruiser in run support. Pace accumulated 10 sacks in 2022, giving reason to believe that he can be a weapon in the pass-rushing game. The theme of versatility continues as Seattle makes a fifth straight defensive pick to start this mock draft.

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