Seahawks 2018 NFL Draft Review

Seahawks 2018 NFL Draft Review

Seahawks 5th round pick Shaqueem Griffin making a play in college at UCF.

The Seahawks had what looks to be their best draft since the legendary 2012 class last week. Despite not possessing a 2nd round pick because of the Sheldon Richardson trade and having quite a few roster spots to fill, the Seahawks nailed it at every turn and we may look back on this draft as the basis for the team's next Super bowl run. Although they flirted with trading future Hall-of-Fame FS Earl Thomas, the Seahawks didn't pull the trigger on a bad deal and it looks like Thomas will be back in 2018.

Here's a pick-by-pick analysis:

Round 1 #27 - Rashaad Penney, RB San Diego State

Comp: Marshawn Lynch

The Seahawks traded down from #18 for this pick and picked up the Packers 3rd and 6th round selections while giving back a 7th. Penney is an powerful, explosive runner who will surely upgrade the Seahawks weak running game for 2018. Although criticized for being "too early" to select Penney, a quick glance at his highlights shows he's every bit in the class of Saquon Barkely, who went #2 overall to the Giants. Cleveland wanted Penney badly, and actually offered the Seahawks 2nd and 3rd round picks AFTER they drafted him. The Seahawks said no and will reap the benefits. The amusing things is listening to all the East Coast draftnicks mock the pick when we all know full well if the Patriots had taken him at #31 they would have called it genius. this move might also allow the Seahawks to move the explosive but fragile CJ Procise to flanker where he will take fewer big hits.

Grade: A+

Round 3 #76 - Rasheem Green, DE USC

Comp: Michael Bennett

After sitting out round 2, the Seahawks cashed in the 3rd round pick they got from the Packers on Green, a Michael Bennett clone who instantly replace... Michael Bennett. An inside/outside pass rusher, Green plays almost exactly like Bennett style wise. We'll see if he's as effective but he has Pro Bowl potential. 

Grade: A

Round 4 #120 - Will Dissly, TE Washington

Comp: Zach Miller (Raiders/Seahawks)

Pete and John finally broke their no Washington players policy and took Dissly, who fills a depth need and will step right in to a role as a blocking tight end. The Seahawks are committed to re-establishing their running game and now have 3 excellent blocking TE's on the roster. May have gone a little early but he fits the mold of the player they wanted at the position. 

Grade B

Round 5 #141 - Shaqeem Griffin, LB UCF

Comp: Bruce Irvin

The Steal of the Draft. The Seahawks filled a need on special teams and LB by taking the super versatile and athletic Griffin. Not only is it a great story - he is Seahawks CB Shaquille Griffin's twin brother and overcame an amputated left hand - but he will contribute right away and may even slide in as a nickel safety. Will probably line up at WILL when KJ Wright slides over to SAM in certain 4-3 base sets. Great pick at a perfect value. 

Grade: A+

Round 5 #146 - Tre Flowers, DB Oklahoma State

Comp: Richard Sherman

Typical Seahawks pick. Just like Sherman, Flowers was considered to big to play corner in the NFL, so many draft analysts downgraded the pick because the Seahawks "failed to address their need at corner." The fact is the Seahawks see a ton of Sherman in Flowers, height, arm length, intelligence and study habits, and think they have struck lightening in a bottle for the second time. Perfect fit.

Grade: A

Round 5 #149 - Michael Dickson, P Texas

Comp: Johnny Hekker

The Seahawks received harsh criticism for trading up in the 5th round and then taking a punter, but Dickson is widely regarded as the best punter in college football history.  He will replace overpaid/under-performing loudmouth John Ryan on the roster and save the Seahawks $5 million on the salary cap over the next 2 years. 

Grade: B, only because he's a punter.

Round 5 #168 - Jamarco Jones, OT Ohio State

Comp: Cam Robinson

Jones is huge and fairly mobile, with good feet and great strength. Will back-up Duane Brown at LT right away and probably be a starter in a few years. Shows Seahawks are moving away from the "athlete" model on the OL to solid football players from big schools, hopefully with better results. Great value in round 5 as he was generally rated a 2nd or 3rd round pick.

Grade: A

Round 6 #186 - Jacob Martin, DE Temple

Comp: Chris Clemmons

Solid college edge with excellent athletic ability. Can evolve into an OLB and situational pass rusher. Solid pick at a need position.

Grade: B

Round 7 #220 - Alex McGough, QB Florida Atlantic

Comp: Austin Davis

Big, athletic signal caller who can run and fits in an offense designed for Russell Wilson. May develop into something in a few years. Fills a need.

Grade: B

Overall, this is the best Seahawks draft in years, at least on paper. They filled specific needs at value positions and upgraded the roster. Penney and Flowers especially have the chance to be difference makers, and Green and Griffin add quickness to an already quick defense.

Overall Grade: A