Seahawks 7-Round Mock Draft: Post Senior Bowl Edition

How quickly things change. 

The Senior Bowl is in the books, and a number of players helped themselves with good performances in Mobile, so much so that the Seahawks may have a new Quarterback-Of-The-Future candidate (see Round 2).

Other guys I had targeted for the Hawks will certainly move up draft boards, most notably Utah State LB Bobby Wagner, who secured game MVP honors with his all-around play, and Arizona WR Juron Criner.....So they drop off the board. 

I still have Upshaw in the first round, although I fear he won't last until the 11th or 12th pick.  Much will depend on what happens with teams trading up into the top 10, possibly to fight over the top-ranked QB prospects.  Such movement will only help the Hawks. 

I believe Upshaw is such a perfect fit for the Seahawks, this year's draft may be a lot like 2010, when they had a number of trade-down scenarios arranged in the event Earl Thomas wasn't there at the 14th pick.  He was, so they stayed put and took the future Pro-Bowl safety.  If Upshaw and North Caolina DE Quinton Coples are both off the board when it's the Seahawks turn to pick, I can see them trading down to secure additional picks.  That's the "Green Bay Way" Jon Schneider was groomed to embrace.  He's said on the record that in a perfect world he would have 10 picks each year.  Right now the number is eight.  Keep that in mind. 

So here you have it.... Version 2.  I won't update this again until after the scouting combine in Indianapolis February 22-28, the next opportunity for players to make impactful impressions on NFL decision-makers.

1^st Round – Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama

(6-2, 265)

Precisely what the Seahawks need to add to their front 7. Long arms, violent, with enough speed to get to the passer. Versatile; can play OLB or rush end. Would start from Day 1 and immediately upgrade our pass rush. Rumor has it that Carroll thinks he's a better prospect than Von Miller was last year.

2nd Round -- Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State

(6-3, 205)

I didn't know what to think of Cousins as I tuned in to watch him throughout the season.  Heading into 2011 he was one of those guys that was on the "Next-Seahawks-QB" radar, so I checked him out.  Maybe I didn't watch at the right time, because I was never that impressed.  His mechanics seemed solid, and he was an experienced starter in a premier conference, but he seemed to throw those two or three balls a game that made you think.... "Oh that is NOT going to work in the NFL!!!"  But after watching more tape, and seeing the way he performed at the Senior Bowl, I not only believe he could be an outstanding NFL QB, there are also signs that the Seahawks feel the same way.  Reports out of Mobile put Seahawks brass together with Cousins on a daily basis.  Smokescreen?  Perhaps, but the more I look at Cousins the more it makes sense.  He meets all the criteria that Carroll has in mind when describing his ideal field general. 

If you want a comprehensive, detailed breakdown on Cousins check out the tape review Rob Staton did on www.seahawksdraftblog.com.  What I saw during practices in Mobile, and during the game itself, was a guy who had a much stronger arm than advertised, an extremely quick release and excellent accuracy.  He sees the whole field and is adept at looking DB's off.  He played in an offense at Michigan State that had him under center a lot, so he looked natural taking snaps and dropping back.  His decisions were quick, and his intangibles are off the charts.  If he were 2 inches taller, I would use Matt Hasselbeck as a comp, but Cousins only measures in at 6' 2.5".... tall enough that it's not a huge concern, but he does get balls batted down occasionally.  Most of all, I love how he makes the NFL throws I look for in the middle of the field.  A lot of guys are afraid to operate between the hashmarks, to thread it between the LB's and Safeties (I'm looking at YOU Nick Foles!) but not Cousins. 

I had Brock Osweiler in this spot last time.  He certainly has the higher ceiling, and in fact I think he has the raw skill-set to be an elite QB if he lands in the right situation.  I think Osweiler is going to end up being off the board by this pick, but he's a project, a guy that will need to sit for a couple seasons.  Cousins may be able to play much sooner.   He's athletic enough to fit into Carroll's system, and he's the kind of guy that can establish himself as a leader in the locker room.  Great value in the second round.

3rd Round -- Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State

(6-3, 258)

High motor, intense and versatile.  Shined at the Sr. Bowl.  My sense is that Hawthorne may depart as a free agent, and K.J. Wright will move inside as the starter.  McClellin could slide right in and start as a rookie.  Love this kid.

4th Round -- Dominique Hamilton, DT, Missouri

(6-5, 305)

Possible 5-technique candidate to play behind Red Bryant, who is versatile, strong, and athletic enough to develop into a starter at an inside spot as well. 

5th Round -- Tauren Poole, RB, Tennessee

(5-10, 215)

The Seahawks have to find a back to compliment Marshawn Lynch better than Leon Washington and Justin Forsett.  Remember the Cleveland game?  Seattle was lost without Lynch.  Poole is strong and thick, and excels in the one-cut zone system the Hawks run.  He's also good enough at blitz-pickup and in the receiving game to be valuable on third downs.  Would be able to share carries with Lynch and give him a blow when needed, with enough upside to develop into a starter.

6th Round -- Brian Linthicum, TE, Michigan State

(6-5, 245) 

John Carlson is a free agent, will he be back?  Carroll talked in glowing terms about pairing him and Zach Miller, and maybe Carlson's market will be limited after coming off a lost season due to injury, but if he departs, the Hawks will certainly be looking for depth at TE, and Cousins former teammate is advanced enough as a receiver to contribute right away. However, he would need to improve in the run game to be anything more than a situational player. 

7^th Round – Wayne Tribue, OG, Temple

(6-4, 324)

Underrated talent who fills a depth need for the Seahawks. Good run blocker.

7^th Round – Josh Kaddu, OLB, Oregon

(6-3, 235)

*Pick acquired from Oakland in Aaron Curry trade.

Versatile with long arms. Can drop into coverage and rush the passer at times. Would have to make his mark on special teams but would provide solid depth at LB.