NFL Draft season has officially begun with the release of Mel Kiper Jr.'s first mock draft. While there are thousands of other mock drafts online, Kiper, the Godfather of the NFL Mock Draft, is the signal that the season has kicked off. With the Seattle Seahawks in unfamiliar territory not taking part in the NFL playoffs, we already know they will select 18th overall in the draft. So, who are the Hawks being mocked to pick? See the different outlets below, starting with the Godfather himself.
Mel Kiper Jr.: Safety Derwin James from Florida State University
What He's Saying: "James is tough to figure out, but Seattle would be thrilled to get him here. He's super talented and looked like a top-five pick as a freshman at Florida State in 2015, but he missed the entire 2016 season because of a knee injury. James had a solid 2017 season with 84 total tackles and two interceptions, but scouts wanted to see more. At his peak, though, James is a typical Seattle safety and fits what it looks for. Kam Chancellor's future is up in the air after a neck injury, and the Seahawks could need a replacement."
Wait, Who?: Derwin Jones is a three-year safety with the Seminoles that stands at 6'3, 210 lbs and is known as one of the hardest hitting safeties in the nation. Some have called him a top ten, or even five, talent and projects to be a strong safety in the NFL, likened to Kam Chancellor.
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CBS Sports: Defensive End Marcus Davenport from the University of Texas at San Antonio
What He's Saying: "The thing to know about the Seahawks' first-round pick is that they currently don't have any picks on Day 2, so it makes the most sense for them to look to trade down a bit and pick up a second- or third-round pick to help address potential needs on the offensive line, defensive line and secondary. If they do deal down, Davenport should be a prime target to address a need at defensive end if Michael Bennett isn't brought back, which he seems to expect. That is, if someone earlier than here doesn't fall in love with the big edge rusher first." -R.J. White
Wait, Who?: A Senior from small-school UTSA, Marcus Davenport stands at 6'7 and 255 lbs with long arms and projects as a 4-3 defensive end with pass-rushing skills. Some of the common words when searching about Davenport include "monster" and "freak".
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Pro Football Focus: Guard Quenton Nelson from Notre Dame
What He's Saying: "It may be surprising to see Nelson drop this low in the draft, as he’s an exceptional prospect, but low positional value of guards is a big factor. Regardless, Seattle needs help up front and Nelson is dominant in the run game, leading all guards with a 96.4 grade in 2017 and ranking fifth at 89.5 in 2016. He’s improved every year in pass protection, allowing only five pressures last season." -Steve Palazzolo
Wait, Who?: A Captain with the Fighting Irish in 2017, this Senior Guard stands at 6'5, 330 lbs and has started 37 games over the last three seasons. Some have called him a "bulldozer" in the run game and "very good" in the pass game, ranked by most as the top guard in the draft.
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