To QB or not to QB…
It’s that time of year, folks. The NFL combine is upon us which means the draft is only 2 months away. It’s time to start deliberating and playing General Manager of your beloved team.
Today I take the place of John Schneider and Pete Carroll in trying to figure out who the Seattle Seahawks will select in this year’s draft.
(Included in each draft choice is a highlight video linked to their name.
As always, please be aware that some of the videos may be of poor quality, may not be from this season and may feature music and language that may offend you.)
Do the Seahawks cover the #1 need on the team by drafting a QB or do they go with depth and go after a defensive lineman or linebacker?
I break down Round 1 thru Round 7 in my first Seahawks mock draft here.
Round 1 – Pick #22 (via trade – Cle)
With the 22nd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select… Vontaze Burfict – LB – Arizona St.
2011 Stats: 40 tackles, 29 assists, 7 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 5 sacks, 3 passes defended
Quick analysis: Burfict has had some issues with his attitude and erratic behavior, but Pete Carroll is the perfect guy to mentor those traits. This guy plays lights out, can cover, can catch up and can get into the backfield quick. Frequently finished tackles at any cost.
(Seattle trades their 2012 #12 pick to Cleveland for Cleveland’s 2012 #22 pick and 2013 2nd round pick.)
Round 2 – Pick #43
With the 43rd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select… Andre Branch – DE – Clemson
2011 Stats: 37 tackles, 40 assists, 16 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 1 pass defended, 1 forced fumble
Andre Branch is a pass rushing monster. Just ask Virginia Tech
Quick analysis: Branch is strong and fast and is a prolific pass rusher. The Seahawks are looking for his style of play and are in need of a pass rushing DE. This is your guy.
(The only true highlight reel of Branch was terrible quality so here is another stellar play to add to the one linked to his name)
Round 3 – Pick #76
With the 76th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select… Trumaine Johnson – CB/FS – Montana
2011 Stats: 35 tackles, 19 assists, 6 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 14 passes defended, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble – Johnson was named to the AFCA, AP and Sports Network All-American teams this year.
Quick analysis: The Seahawks like physical ball hawks and this guy is exactly that. He can fly around the field, hit people, pick off the ball and is tall and lanky and breaks up lots of passes. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
Round 4 – Pick #106
With the 106th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select… Ronnie Hillman – RB – San Diego St.
2011 Stats: 1,711 yards rushing, 19 TDs, 24 catches, 270 yards, 1 receiving TD
Quick analysis: Hillman would fill the gap that Justin Forsett leaves if the Seahawks decide to part ways with him. Hillman would be the yang to Marshawn Lynch‘s yin. He’s fast, can make any cut and has a stiff arm like none I’ve seen.
He legitimately reminds me of a young Barry Sanders.
Round 5 – Pick #140
With the 140th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select… Senio Kelemete – T/G – Washington
2011 Stats: N/A
Quick analysis: Senio Kelemete is well known in these parts and has shown he can bully some lineman in his Pac-10 and Pac-12 career. He is physical but quick and could use a little more work on his discipline. He could easily make the switch to guard if Robert Gallery is out of the picture in the future.
(Because there aren’t many highlight reels on offensive linemen period, I attached his Senior Bowl interview video instead.)
Round 6 – Pick #171
With the 171st pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select… Rhett Ellison – TE – USC
2011 Stats: 22 catches, 133 yards, 2 TDs
Asa Jackson is a football seeking missle and could be a late round steal for the Seahawks like Sherman was
Quick analysis: Although he didn’t receive tons of attention, Ellison possesses all the skills required to be a Seahawks TE. He actually has good hands and can catch the ball. He can block like a lineman.
He could even fill in at FB if needed. He is a Dallas Clark-type of TE and could be a big pickup.
Round 7 – Pick #204
With the 204th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select… Chris Galippo – ILB – USC
2011 Stats: 21 tackles, 26 assists, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 1 interception, 5 passes defended
Quick analysis: Galippo is a smart linebacker who can sneak around the middle of the field and stick to his guy. He reads the QB well and is in the vicinity of almost every play. He would give the linebackers a lot more competition and keep this team deep at the position.
Round 7 – Pick #210 (via Oak)
With the 210th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select… Asa Jackson – CB – Cal Poly
2011 Stats: 31 tackles, 23 assists, 0.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 9 passes defended, 2 punt returns for touchdowns
Quick analysis: Another big, solid ball hawking hitter. He is more of a hang back and pop em type of a guy instead of a blitzer. He has the size, strength and hands to make many plays in the secondary.
(Pick acquired in Aaron Curry trade)
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