Evan Silva and the folks over at NBC's Pro Football Talk have released their very first edition of their 2012 NFL Mock Draft, and have the Seattle Seahawks making quite the interesting pick in the first round.

According to Silva, The Seahawks will select defensive end Whitney Mercilus out of the University of Illinois with their first round pick.

Silva notes that Mercilus is a 'relentless outside rusher' but that he also needs some work 'cleaning up' his technique. The 6'4" 265 pound lineman would make a terrific addition to the 'Hawks D-Line after he led the nation in sacks (13.5), sacks per game (1.23) and forced fumbles (8) through Nov. 19, 2011 as a Fighting Illini. He could become a beast with a little work from Pete Carroll and Co.

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