INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 25: General manager John Schneider of the Seattle Seahawks speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** John Schneider
Will the Seattle Seahawks’ draft plans hinge on its confidence in re-signing Jadeveon Clowney? You have to read this seven-round mock draft to find out!
Death, taxes and John Schneider trading down in the first round.
These are things we know in life to be true and in an unprecedented NFL offseason, they could ring truer than ever before.
As the Seahawks continue to play their game of free agent chicken with Jadeveon Clowney, they head into the 2020 NFL Draft with a number of needs at key positions. They have a budding superstar at wide receiver in D.K. Metcalf but are already being pestered for more by a former Badger, Russell Wilson.
After adding Greg Olsen, Philip Dorsett, and a bargain bin full of offensive linemen, how will the ‘Hawks approach the 2020 NFL Draft? It’s time to find out with my completely-accurate, final seven-round mock of the offseason!
1st round
Julian Okwara
EDGE, Fighting Irish
Schneider, the mayor of Trade Down Town, figures to be open for business with this pick but this mock doesn’t project trades so I’ll stick with a guy who will be in consideration for wherever Seattle ends up picking: Notre Dame’s Julian Okwara.
Whether the Seahawks extend Jadeveon Clowney or trade for Yannick Ngakoue, EDGE will definitely be a focus with one of their first few picks.
Julian Okwara (6-foot-4, 252 pounds) fits exactly what Seattle looks for at LEO and could help to learn under the tutelage of former first-rounder Bruce Irvin. Okwara’s late-season broken leg has bumped his draft stock down slightly but the talent and athleticism are certainly there.
Pro Football Focus has detailed how efficient Okwara is at pressuring the quarterback, which has seemed to be an important metric in Seattle’s evaluation of EDGE defenders. He’s got some nifty pass-rush moves in his arsenal and is a much more athletic and polished player than brother and current Detroit Lion, Romeo Okwara.
I think the Seahawks would have loved to add a weapon like Henry Ruggs III for Russell Wilson, but the backup plan here is likely an edge defender or maybe even Lenoir-Rhyne’s Kyle Dugger.