SB Nation Seattle - 2011 NFL Draft: Seattle Seahawks Draft Projection Rounduphttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48997/seattle-fave.png2011-04-29T06:00:54-07:00http://seattle.sbnation.com/rss/stream/18809502011-04-29T06:00:54-07:002011-04-29T06:00:54-07:00NFL Mock Draft 2011: Projecting Friday's Second Round For Seattle Seahawks
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I7qdsgWJWQQ5zEwLPrG5Kt2hhNI=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828133/large_seattle.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>The first round of the 2011 NFL Draft is in the books and the attention turns to Friday's second and third rounds. While it may be nearly-impossible to project both rounds, we can get a better idea of what may happen in round two by checking a few of the more detailed 2011 NFL mock drafts around. If you wondered about how accurate mock drafts are, Thursday's first round, which destroyed nearly every projection made ahead of the draft, should be a fair indication. Nevertheless, we'll look ahead at the second round to see what we can glean.</p>
<p>As a frame of reference for Seattle's first round pick, <a target="_blank" href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/insider/news/story?page=mcshayfullmockdraft">Todd McShay had James Carpenter at No. 33 in his mock draft</a>, released before Thursday's first round. While Carpenter seemed like a stretch at the time, he may not have been as big a reach as originally thought.</p>
<p>In the second round, McShay has the Seahawks drafting a wide receiver: Randall Cobb of Kentucky. While it's an interesting pick, the Seahawks still have more pressing needs to fill, including the defensive line and the quarterback position. One has to wonder if Seattle will address those first before looking for sleepers or value picks in the later rounds.</p>
<p>Over at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com">SB Nation</a>, Brian Galliford expects Ryan Mallett to be around when the Seahawks step to the podium, and the chance to grab a quarterback may be too much for Pete Carroll. While Mallett is a risk, spending a second round pick on him gives the Seahawks good value and the chance to build to the future right away.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas.</b> Mallett is not a perfect fit for Darrell Bevell's offensive system, granted, but there's so much need here that Mallett may be too difficult to pass up.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>If Mallett is around -- and that's a big if -- he may be a possibility, though Seattle had shown no interest in him ahead of the draft. It all means we're flying blind again, and if Thursday's first round is any indication, we should expect the unexpected.</p>
<p>We’ll be covering the latest news and rumors throughout the entire process in our <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-seahawks/2011/4/28/2138421/nfl-draft-2011-live-coverage-news-rumors" target="new">2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> Draft </a>StoryStream. Stay with us for more on the draft as it becomes available. Check out our <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-seahawks/2011/4/17/2116909/2011-nfl-mock-draft-seattle-seahawks-draft-projections" target="new">2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> mock draft </a>StoryStream for even more predictions and projections.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-seahawks/2011/4/29/2141769/nfl-mock-draft-2011-round-two-projectionsBrian Floyd2011-04-28T09:57:09-07:002011-04-28T09:57:09-07:00NFL Mock Draft 2011: Andy Dalton Somehow Connected To Seattle Seahawks Again
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I7qdsgWJWQQ5zEwLPrG5Kt2hhNI=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828133/large_seattle.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>In the past few days, one player has seen his draft stock rise significantly, much to the surprise of many. Andy Dalton, quarterback of the <span class="caps">TCU</span> Horned Frogs, has gone from afterthought to sudden first-round pick, and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> may just be the ones to snatch him up. We’ve seen Mel Kiper peg Dalton as the Seattle’s pick at No. 25 in his 2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> mock draft, and now others are following suit. And it should be a scary projection for Seattle fans.</p>
<p><i>Edit: I completely forgot Don Banks pegged <a target="_blank" href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/don_banks/03/30/nfl-mock-draft/index.html">Dalton as the Seahawks pick in his mock draft a month ago</a>. To be fair, and in the interest of accuracy, it should be pointed out Banks was the first to connect Seattle and Dalton.</i></p>
<p>The latest to jump on the Andy Dalton to Seattle bandwagon is SB Nation. In the final <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/2011-nfl-draft/2011/4/28/2137670/nfl-draft-2011-mock-projections">2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> mock draft</a>, Brian Galliford has the Seahawks taking Dalton, but adds the team may prefer a different quarterback. Whether one is available remains to be seen.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span class="caps">NFL</span> writers insist Dalton will be a first-round pick, much to the dismay of draftniks everywhere. Seattle needs a quarterback, but may prefer someone else.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>For the life of me, I can’t figure this pick out. Dalton is spectacularly mediocre when it comes to measurables and even the prototypical skills you look for in an <span class="caps">NFL</span> quarterback. Yes, all he did was win at <span class="caps">TCU</span>, but nothing about him jumps off the page. He is just “meh,” or completely average, on the surface.</p>
<p>Taking Dalton in the second round would be just fine, and should be where he slots into the mix this year. But in the first round? It’s a reach, and feels like a product of the run on quality quarterbacks more than anything else. First round picks should be special and, if done right, can net a team a star for years to come. With Dalton, all I see is average, and have a hard time justifying spending the No. 25 pick on him</p>
<p>For more on the draft, stay with our <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-seahawks/2011/4/17/2116909/2011-nfl-mock-draft-seattle-seahawks-draft-projections" target="new">2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> mock draft </a>StoryStream. Be sure to head over to our <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-seahawks/2011/4/28/2138421/nfl-draft-2011-live-coverage-news-rumors" target="new">2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> Draft </a>StoryStream for the latest news and rumors on draft day. Head over to <a href="http://www.fieldgulls.com" target="new">Field Gulls</a>, SB Nation’s Seahawks blog, for even more draft analysis.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-seahawks/2011/4/28/2139465/nfl-mock-draft-2011-andy-dalton-tcu-football-seahawksBrian Floyd2011-04-28T09:40:43-07:002011-04-28T09:40:43-07:002011 NFL Mock Draft: Todd McShay Has Danny Watkins Heading To Seattle
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I7qdsgWJWQQ5zEwLPrG5Kt2hhNI=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828133/large_seattle.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Will it be an offensive lineman, defensive lineman or quarterback for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> in the first round of the 2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> Draft. It’s been the question of the day as the draft approaches, but we still don’t have a clear idea of what the Seahawks may do. If Mel Kiper is to be believed, the answer is quarterback, and the Seahawks will take Andy Dalton at No. 25. But if Todd McShay, Kiper’s <span class="caps">ESPN</span> counterpart, is correct, the Seahawks will take talent up-front, bolstering the offensive line with a guard.</p>
<p>McShay’s final 2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> mock draft provides plenty of fun fodder, but deviates quite a bit from the norm. Only two quarterbacks are in McShay’s first round, and Jake Locker is the second round, heading to Arizona with the 38th pick in the draft. And when it comes to the Seahawks, McShay likes Danny Watkins, an offensive guard from Baylor.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Watkins is the best available player at a position of need. He is a tough, nasty player with good strength who is <span class="caps">NFL</span>-ready.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>We do know the Seahawks need interior line depth. But is it the biggest position of need? I’d argue it’s third on the list, behind defensive line and quarterback. Either way, Watkins is a talented prospect and could provide immediate depth in the trenches for Seattle. It’s a safe pick, in some ways, and allows the Seahawks to side-step the risks associated with every top-flight quarterback in this draft.</p>
<p>For more on the draft, stay with our <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-seahawks/2011/4/17/2116909/2011-nfl-mock-draft-seattle-seahawks-draft-projections" target="new">2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> mock draft </a>StoryStream. Be sure to head over to our <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-seahawks/2011/4/28/2138421/nfl-draft-2011-live-coverage-news-rumors" target="new">2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> Draft </a>StoryStream for the latest news and rumors on draft day. Head over to <a href="http://www.fieldgulls.com" target="new">Field Gulls</a>, SB Nation’s Seahawks blog, for even more draft analysis.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-seahawks/2011/4/28/2139413/2011-nfl-mock-draft-todd-mcshay-danny-watkins-seattle-seahawksBrian Floyd2011-04-27T17:50:25-07:002011-04-27T17:50:25-07:002011 NFL Mock Draft: Mel Kiper's Final Mock Draft Projects Andy Dalton To Seattle Seahawks
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I7qdsgWJWQQ5zEwLPrG5Kt2hhNI=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828133/large_seattle.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p><span class="caps">ESPN</span> <span class="caps">NFL</span> Draft guru Mel Kiper has turned in his final 2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> mock draft of the year, taking a stand with just 24 hours to go until the first round begins. Kiper is a rare beast, releasing only a few mock drafts, but doing meticulous work throughout the year to formulate his opinion. And with his final mock draft, he made firm projections with the draft looming after gathering all the relevant information from his sources.</p>
<p>Kiper deviated from his original projections in his final mock draft when it came to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a>. With a run on quarterbacks and the Seahawks expressing a clear need at the position, he has Seattle selecting Andy Dalton. Jake Locker is gone and Kiper sees Dalton as a good scheme fit and a solid pick for Seattle. You can find Kiper’s <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/insider/news/story?page=KiperMockDraft5.0" target="new">final mock draft here</a>, if you have <span class="caps">ESPN</span> Insider.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>There is talk that Seattle would be happy to move off this pick, but if not, Dalton is a guy who makes a lot of sense. A darling of the draft process, Dalton has impressed with his accuracy, smarts, better-than-expected arm strength and the suspicion that he might be as ready or more than any other QB in the draft to step in and manage an <span class="caps">NFL</span> offense. Seattle might need a guy like that sooner than it’d like given the question mark at quarterback.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Of course, Kiper leaves open the possibility of a trade, as we’ve heard quite a bit leading up to the draft. But if the Seahawks are unable to move down, Dalton will get a good, hard look. Though Dalton has been rising fast ahead of the draft, scouts have expressed concerns about how his game will translate to the professional level. Yet, among the quarterbacks that may be around at No. 25, he may be the best-possible fit, in a schematic sense, for Pete Carroll and the Seahawks.</p>
<p>For more on the draft, stay with our <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-seahawks/2011/4/17/2116909/2011-nfl-mock-draft-seattle-seahawks-draft-projections" target="new">2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> mock draft </a>StoryStream. Be sure to head over to SB Nation’s <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2011-nfl-draft" target="new">2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> Draft </a>hub for the latest news, including mock drafts, rumors and projections. Head over to <a href="http://www.fieldgulls.com" target="new">Field Gulls</a>, SB Nation’s Seahawks blog, for even more draft analysis.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-seahawks/2011/4/27/2137920/2011-nfl-mock-draft-mel-kiper-mock-draft-andy-daltonBrian Floyd2011-04-27T14:32:30-07:002011-04-27T14:32:30-07:00Pete Carroll's 2011 NFL Draft Clues Leave Fans Scratching Their Heads
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I7qdsgWJWQQ5zEwLPrG5Kt2hhNI=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828133/large_seattle.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Ahead of the 2010 NFL Draft, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> Pete Carroll used the power of social media to drop hints about the team's big board and who they may be taking a hard look at. The clues left fans scrambling for information and provided fun, albeit pointless, insight into the process. And with just one day to go until the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, the Seahawks draft clues are back.</p>
<p>The premise is simple: Carroll tweets a song that may or may not pertain to a player. The song could be related to a player's school, skill-set or, perhaps a nickname. Or it could mean nothing at all and Carroll is getting his chuckles in while messing with the fans.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, we're going to take a not-so-serious look at the 2011 NFL Draft clues, as <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/PeteCarroll">provided by Carroll</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>#seahawksdraftclues! boom boom pow by black eyed peas </p>
</blockquote>
<p>This is what Carroll chose to kick-off his draft clue extravaganza and I don't have a clue what this means. It could mean Mike Pouncey, who played for Florida. The Gators hired Will Muschamp, who is affectionately known as Coach Boom, during the offseason. See, I can make any facts and innuendo fit.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>#seahawksdraftclues! rocky mountain high by john denver</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Two guess here. It could be Nate Solder, an offensive tackle from the University of Colorado. Or it could be Ryan Mallett, who has been unable to shake rumors of drug use. I'm inclined to go with Mallett, who was rumored to be Rocky Mountain High quite a bit in college.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>#seahawksdraftclues! 2 legit 2 quit by MC hammer</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Corey Liuget, whose last name is pronounced "legit." This is too easy, Pete.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>the latest in the #seahawksdraftclues.... i'm alright by kenny loggins... caddyshack theme song</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I'm stumped here. He mentioned Caddyshack, so I thought Gopher, but there's no top-flight prospects from the University of Minnesota.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>third in the afternoon trio of #seahawksdraftclues: "danger zone" from top gun</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This could mean a trade. The end of the first round is, in fact, a danger zone. Perhaps he wants to get out of it. Maybe the Seahawks are looking at a risky prospect with the No. 25 pick. Or, perhaps, Carroll wants to play shirtless beach volleyball.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>more #seahawksdraftclues... eminem's not afraid</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Seems like we're leaning towards a risky prospect, which could be anyone in the latter portions of the first round. Anyone from Detroit?</p>
<p>In summary, we have no clue what these mean, but have a feeling Pete Carroll is laughing at us all while finding excuses to post music videos. We'll find out on Thursday at the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft kicks off in New York.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-seahawks/2011/4/27/2137518/pete-carroll-2011-nfl-draft-clues-rumorsBrian Floyd2011-04-27T12:06:20-07:002011-04-27T12:06:20-07:002011 NFL Mock Draft: Marvin Austin Linked To Seattle Seahawks Again
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I7qdsgWJWQQ5zEwLPrG5Kt2hhNI=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828133/large_seattle.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>When looking at the 2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> draft class, the sheer amount of talented defensive linemen jumps off the paper immediately. It’s the year of the big man and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> are in search of immediate help on the line, whether it be at the defensive tackle or defensive end spot. Despite the clear need at quarterback, Seattle may go “safe” with its first round pick, taking a lineman in an effort to boost a defense that was, to put it nicely, soft.</p>
<p>I hadn’t seen Marvin Austin connected to the Seahawks until Sports Illustrated’s <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-seahawks/2011/4/19/2121470/peter-king-mock-draft-seattle-seahawks-marvin-austin-2011-nfl-mock-draft" target="new">Peter King floated the idea in his 2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> mock draft </a>last week. Now, Austin to Seattle seems to be picking up a bit of momentum, and another mock draft jumped on-board. This time around, it’s Walter Football’s <a href="http://walterfootball.com/draft2011_1.php" target="new">2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> mock draft</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span>Brandon Mebane</span> is a free agent, so the Seahawks need to find someone to fill those shoes if Mebane defects for another team.</p>
<p>Marvin Austin missed the 2010 campaign, but has enjoyed a terrific draft season. There’s a good chance he’ll go in the first round.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>There are still quite a few questions surrounding Mebane, who was offered an original-round tender and became a restricted free agent prior to the <span class="caps">NFL</span> lockout. Mebane could return, but is expected to receive plenty of interest on the market, whenever the offseason actually begins. With defensive line depth a concern, it wouldn’t be a surprise for the Seahawks to look at the defensive tackle or defensive end spot, especially with the wealth of defensive talent in the 2011 draft class.</p>
<p>For more on the draft, stay with our <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-seahawks/2011/4/17/2116909/2011-nfl-mock-draft-seattle-seahawks-draft-projections" target="new">2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> mock draft </a>StoryStream. Be sure to head over to SB Nation’s <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2011-nfl-draft" target="new">2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> Draft hub </a>for the latest news, including mock drafts, rumors and projections. Head over to <a href="http://www.fieldgulls.com" target="new">Field Gulls</a>, SB Nation’s Seahawks blog, for even more draft analysis.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-seahawks/2011/4/27/2137229/nfl-draft-2011-mock-marvin-austin-seattle-seahawksBrian Floyd2011-04-26T17:45:03-07:002011-04-26T17:45:03-07:002011 NFL Mock Draft: Seattle Seahawks Blog Draft Picks
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I7qdsgWJWQQ5zEwLPrG5Kt2hhNI=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828133/large_seattle.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>In an effort to crowd-source, the SB Nation <span class="caps">NFL</span> bloggers got together and conducted an extensive 2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> mock draft. The 32 bloggers took turns picking the first two rounds for their team, giving us a nice change of pace from the traditional mock drafts. The projections are still rolling in, but you can find them all in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2011-nfl-draft/2011/3/28/2076496/2011-nfl-mock-draft-carolina-panthers-qb-blaine-gabbert" target="new"><span class="caps">NFL</span> mock draft StoryStream </a>over at SB Nation.</p>
<p>In the first round, Field Gulls’ <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2011-nfl-draft/2011/4/13/2108444/2011-nfl-mock-draft-seattle-seahawks-qb-ryan-mallett" target="new">Danny Kelly selected Ryan Mallett </a>with the No. 25 pick.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Ultimately the upside of Ryan Mallett is too much to pass up. The character concerns are there but widely unsubstantiated, and Mallett is a good fit for the direction the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> want to go in. Most scouts rate his arm in the top 10 range, but Mallett will fall due to off-field and character concerns. The Seahawks’ front office has shown a willingness to take a chance on these types of issues, and will see Mallett at No. 25 as a good value</p>
</blockquote>
<p>There’s no questioning Mallet’s arm, but looking at the rest of his game raises red flags. He’s a statue in the pocket with little in the way of mobility, which isn’t huge for a quarterback, but could also pose a problem. While his arm strength is phenomenal, his accuracy and decision-making leaves something to be desired, and Mallett had a tendency to make bone-headed decisions at times.</p>
<p>Those bone-headed decisions carried over to his personal life, raising red flags about his character, as well. Mallet has been unable to shake questions about his maturity and reports of drug use throughout the process, though he did reportedly answer candidly during team interviews. He’s a high-risk, but his arm strength may be too tantalizing to pass.</p>
<p>In the second round, Kelly <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2011-nfl-draft/2011/4/26/2133893/2011-nfl-mock-draft-seattle-seahawks-dt-drake-nevis" target="new">selected <span class="caps">LSU</span> defensive tackle Drake Nevis </a>with the 57th pick.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Nevis was one of the most disruptive defensive tackles in the <span class="caps">SEC</span> in 2010, leading <span class="caps">LSU</span> with 56 tackles, 13 for a loss, six sacks, three forced fumbles, four QB hurries, and an interception in 13 games. He’s extremely strong – he squats 535 and benches 475 – and combined with his quick initial burst and ability to disengage blocks, he’ll make an immediate impact for the Hawks. With <span>Colin Cole</span> or <span>Brandon Mebane</span> playing next to him at one-tech and <span>Red Bryant</span> returning to the five-tech DE position, he’ll draw a lot of one-on-one matchups.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>In this case, I think Kelly nailed it. Nevis fills an immediate need and has the production to make him an intriguing prospect. He could slot-in right away and appears to be <span class="caps">NFL</span>-ready in a physical sense. It’s a good value pick and with the loaded crop of defensive linemen in the draft class, there should be solid players around in when the Seahawks step to the podium for a second time.</p>
<p>For more on the draft, stay with our <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-seahawks/2011/4/17/2116909/2011-nfl-mock-draft-seattle-seahawks-draft-projections" target="new">2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> mock draft </a>StoryStream. Be sure to head over to SB Nation’s <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2011-nfl-draft" target="new">2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> Draft </a>hub for the latest news, including mock drafts, rumors and projections. Head over to <a href="http://www.fieldgulls.com" target="new">Field Gulls</a>, SB Nation’s Seahawks blog, for even more draft analysis.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-seahawks/2011/4/26/2135545/2011-nfl-mock-draft-seattle-seahawks-blog-draft-picks-projections-ryan-mallettBrian Floyd2011-04-26T14:37:16-07:002011-04-26T14:37:16-07:002011 NFL Mock Draft: Seattle Seahawks Select Jimmy Smith In Rob Rang's Projections
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I7qdsgWJWQQ5zEwLPrG5Kt2hhNI=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47828133/large_seattle.sbnation.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>Picking at the end of the first round puts the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> in a bit of a pickle. While the <span class="caps">NFL</span> playoff run was nice, Seattle cost itself a top-10 draft pick in the process, though most fans were happy with the experience — myself included. But now, the Seahawks are stuck between a rock and a hard place without a can’t miss prospect in sight at No. 25. Do the Seahawks trade down or roll the dice and take the best player available at a position of need? We turn to the latest 2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> mock draft for answers.</p>
<p><span class="caps">CBS</span> Sports’ Rob Rang is plugged-in, knows the <span class="caps">NFL</span> landscape and knows Seattle well. So when Rang has a hunch or makes a projection, it pays to take notice. On Monday, Rang turned his attention to Jimmy Smith in <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/#!/nfl/draft/nfldraftscout-RobRang" target="new">his 2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> mock draft</a>, and pegged the Colorado cornerback as the Seahawks’ pick.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Seahawks gave up 31 touchdown passes last season, tied for third-worst in the <span class="caps">NFL</span>. Veteran <span>Marcus Trufant</span> is due $5.8 million for 2011 and has struggled with injury and consistency the past two seasons. Seattle’s other starter, <span>Kelly Jennings</span>, is a free agent and at 5-11, 180, isn’t an ideal fit in the Seahawks’ press scheme. Smith, on the other hand, at 6-2, 211, is an ideal fit.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>We’ve seen Smith before and his athletic ability is off the chart. Smith is the third-best cornerback in the draft — behind Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara — but character questions have dogged him throughout the process. In terms of raw skills, he’s among the best, but may slide to the end of the first round because of those off the field issues. As we’ve heard before, Pete Carroll has no problem taking on a risky player and has confidence in his ability to mold young men.</p>
<p>Would the Seahawks take Jimmy Smith or try to trade out of the first round, dangling the pick out as bait? We’ll find out more on Thursday as the first round of the 2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> Draft gets underway.</p>
<p>For more on the draft, stay with our <a href="http://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-seahawks/2011/4/17/2116909/2011-nfl-mock-draft-seattle-seahawks-draft-projections" target="new">2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> mock draft </a>StoryStream. Be sure to head over to SB Nation’s <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2011-nfl-draft" target="new">2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> Draft hub </a>for the latest news, including mock drafts, rumors and projections.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/seattle-seahawks/2011/4/26/2135188/2011-nfl-mock-draft-seattle-seahawks-jimmy-smith-rob-rang-projectionsBrian Floyd