The latest NFL Mock Draft has Seattle focusing on an area of critical importance
In the latest Athletic NFL Mock Draft, the Seattle Seahawks focus on defensive difference-makers in the first few selections.
Much was made about the Seattle Seahawks' porous defense in the 2022 NFL season.
When Seattle played the San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card round of the NFL Playoffs, San Francisco dismantled Seattle's defense to the tune of 41 points and over 100 rushing yards from running back Christian McCaffrey.
So, it is no surprise that Nick Baumgardner has the Seahawks going defense heavy to infuse some life on the ugly side of the ball.
| Player name | Position | School |
|---|---|---|
Tyree Wilson | Edge | Texas Tech |
Bryan Bresee | DL | Clemson |
Cody Mauch | OL | North Dakota State |
Tyler Scott | WR | Cincinnati |
Henry To’oTo’o | LB | Alabama |
At pick No. 5 via Denver, Baumgardner has the Seahawks selecting Tyree Wilson an edge rusher out of Texas Tech.
Wilson would be a selection that pushes the Seahawks toward a more complete defensive front. At Texas Tech, Wilson was uber-productive. In the last two seasons of college, Wilson has 14 sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss.
During the season, Wilson was listed as the No. 12 ranked prospect in Dane Brugler’s draft rankings. He possesses all the necessary intangibles to be a difference-maker at the NFL level. And in the Athletic's analysis, they describe him as a "must-see for NFL teams."
As for his quick-look scouting report, The Athletic staff described him as the following:
"At 6-6, 270 with 35 5/8-inch arms, Wilson is big, long, and strong. He is more powerful than crafty, flashing violence in his reach/hands and improved secondary moves. With his long-striding acceleration, it is easy to underestimate his closing speed in the pocket or when chasing outside." – Brugler, The Athletic
At pick No. 20, the Seahawks are projected to select Bryan Bresee, a defensive lineman out of Clemson.
Bresee accumulated nine tackles and 3.5 sacks in his last college season. He also nabbed four tackles for a loss. At 6-foot-5, 305 pounds, Bresee has the raw talent to be a disruptive force nearly day one in Seattle.
The Athletic's scouting report on him says the following:
"Another freaky athlete, Bresee’s ability to fill a few different spots up front could be exactly what the doctor ordered in Seattle. Pairing Bresee and a destructive edge in Tyree Wilson, as the Seahawks have in this mock? Yes, please." – Baumgardner, The Athletic.
The last defensive selection for Seattle comes with the No. 84 selection of Henry To'oTo'o. Between those selections, Seattle may also select Tyler Scott, the wide receiver out of Cincinnati at pick No. 53, and Cody Mauch, the offensive lineman out of North Dakota State at pick No. 38.
As for To'oTo'o, he is a 6-foot-2 linebacker who accumulated 39 tackles and 2.5 sacks in his last college football season.
Feature image via Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
