The Seattle Seahawks, alongside John Schneider, expressed immense excitement following the selection of Byron Murphy, DL from Texas, in the first round. Murphy was widely regarded as the premier interior defensive lineman in the draft and his unexpected availability at pick 16 was a boon for the team.
Despite this successful start, the Seahawks still have pressing needs as they enter day two of the 2024 NFL Draft.
With only one pick on Friday, the Seahawks, holding the No. 81 overall selection (acquired via the Broncos through Saints), face strategic decisions as they address their remaining needs.
1. Guard:
The Seahawks face significant gaps in their interior offensive line, with minimal returning starting experience. Anthony Bradford’s projected performance is subpar, and although they acquired Laken Tomlinson from the Jets, his age of 32 makes him a short-term solution. The team must invest in bolstering their interior offensive line to protect their quarterbacks effectively.
Potential Targets: Christian Haynes (UConn), Mason McCormick (South Dakota State), Zak Zinter (Michigan)
2. Center:
Olu Oluwatimi’s limited starting experience and performance, particularly in run blocking, suggest he may not be the long-term solution at center. The Seahawks have the opportunity to address this position with several talented natural centers available in the draft.
Potential Targets: Zach Frazier (West Virginia), Sedrick Van Pran (Georgia), Beaux Limmer (Arkansas)
3. Linebacker:
In the event of a run on interior offensive linemen, the Seahawks could pivot their focus to the linebacker position. While the team recently signed Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker to short-term deals, they still lack a strong defensive leader who can anchor the unit.
Despite limited depth in this linebacker class, targeting top prospects could yield immediate impact players for the Seahawks.
Overall, the Seahawks must strategically navigate day two of the draft to address their remaining needs and solidify their roster for the upcoming season.
