clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

NFL Mock Draft 2013: Seahawks select Datone Jones in first round

New, 1 comment

For the second straight year, Seattle could take an unconventional pass rusher with their first-round pick.

By Scott Coleman
1 comment / new
Harry How

The Seattle Seahawks nailed the 2012 NFL Draft, finding a quarterback and a couple of defensive stalwarts to build around. After reaching the playoffs this winter, Seattle will be looking to hit another home run with the 25th overall pick in the first round.

There are a couple of ways the Seahawks could go. The most glaring need is at wide receiver. Sidney Rice and Golden Tate are solid options on the outside, but neither really posses the big-play threat that would add yet another dimension to Seattle's offense. The other need could be on the defensive line with Chris Clemons out with a torn ACL. It is unclear how much time Clemons will miss in 2013, and he'll need a permanent replacement eventually.

The latest mock draft from Josh Norris of RotoWorld sees the Seahawks adding a defensive lineman in the first round: UCLA defensive end Datone Jones.

25. Seattle Seahawks -- DE Datone Jones, UCLA

Okay, this requires some reasoning. Obviously the Seahawks need pass rushing help with Chris Clemons injured. Jones' frame doesn't fit the traditional wide rusher but his game does. If asked to disrupt the backfield by attacking a certain depth of the pocket, Jones is very effective due to a combination of explosion and strength off the line. My biggest issue was his hand fighting at the line of scrimmage when asked to read and react. Also, the Seahawks aren't afraid to a take a risk or chance on prospects that don't quite seem to fit the traditional mold.

Jones, a senior who comes in at 6'4 and 275 pounds, recorded 58 tackles and 5.5 sacks this past season with the Bruins. He seems like a solid fit for the Seahawks' 4-3 defensive scheme, and most feel he could be a contributor right out of the gate.

Instead of adding a defensive end, the latest mock draft from SB Nation's Matthew Fairburn sees Seattle adding wide receiver Tavon Austin out of West Virginia. Austin would be an ideal slot receiver for Wilson, and his speed down the field would give the Seahawks that home-run threat they've been searching for.

Loading comments...