National media predicts a worrying Seattle Seahawks selection in recent NFL mock draft
In The Athletic’s latest NFL beat writers mock draft, the Seattle Seahawks selected one of the most controversial players left on the board.
After bringing back both quarterbacks on last year's roster, the Seattle Seahawks will likely use their first-round selection on a different position.
At least, that is what The Athletic predicted in the latest beat-writer NFL mock draft.
In the latest mock draft, with pick No. 5, Seattle attempts to trade down, but there are no takers. As a result, the Seahawks take the best player available — Jalen Carter, the defensive tackle out of Georgia — who beat writers predict will fall in the draft due to his pre-draft character concerns.
Seattle taking the best available player at pick No. 5 makes sense. The franchise is attempting to retool and compete, meaning it has to toe the intriguing middle ground that balances modern-day talent and future potential.
Take a look at The Athletic's full breakdown:
"If the board falls this way, the Seahawks will likely attempt to trade down, which is what I tried to do in this mock. There weren’t any takers, which might be the case on draft night if a team like Las Vegas feels Seattle and Detroit are uninterested in drafting quarterbacks. So Seattle selects the best player available at a position of need — if Carter passes what amounts to a background check because of the concerns that have emerged during the pre-draft process."
The trouble surrounding Carter involved a high-speed race that resulted in the death of Devin Willock, one of his teammates.
Carter pleaded no contest to the charge and is facing no jail time. Instead, the court sentenced Carter to 12 months probation, a $1,000 fine, and 80 hours of community service, and must also complete a state-approved driving course.
Selecting Carter would be committing to the baggage he brings. And, at least according to NFL beat writers, it is something Seattle is willing to do.
In the later first round, at pick No. 20, The Athletic has the Seahawks turning to the offensive side of the ball, drafting Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Smith-Njigba gives Seattle a legitimate No. 3 option at wide receiver. Instead of needing to trade away a draft selection, the organization can use its pick to bring in a long-term difference-maker.
Here is what The Athletic had to say:
"Once again, the Seahawks were willing to trade back. Again, there were no takers. Thus, the thought process remained the same: draft the best player available at a position of need. Seattle needs a No. 3 receiver who can stress the defense in the underneath and intermediate areas of the field. Tight end Michael Mayer or slot receiver Zay Flowers would accomplish the same goal, but Smith-Njigba is just as dynamic with the potential to be Tyler Lockett’s long-term replacement."
If the Seahawks have a draft like the one proposed in this mock draft, the league should watch out. Still, it is slightly concerning seeing Seattle willing to negate a player's character for their potential.
