Quarterback has been the focus for the Seahawks in many mock drafts, but are there bigger areas of need? We’ve seen defensive lineman, running backs and even cornerbacks pop up, but CBS Sports’ Rob Rang went a different route this week. It’s the middle of the offensive line — the heart of the offense — that needs help, and he addressed that in his latest mock draft.
In his latest mock draft, Rang has the Seahawks taking Florida center Mike Pouncey with the 25th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Pouncey projects as a guard at the next level, and is among the upper-echelon of offensive lineman. Rang does, however, quantify his statement, saying the Seahawks should think about drafting a quarterback if one of the top-four are available.
Should one of the upper-echelon quarterbacks fall to Seattle at this spot, the Seahawks would be wise to think about their future. Rather than panic if they aren’t however, the team can address its weakest link – interior offensive line play
The Seahawks do need help on the line, especially at the guard spots. Russell Okung has been solid, when healthy, on the outside, but the rotating cast of characters on the rest of the line were problematic for the Seahawks. It shows in the rushing offense that averaged 89 yards per game and in the pass protection that, at times, was shoddy at best.
Pouncey was a name I heard floated earlier this weekend and agreed with. There aren’t many interior lineman that could be considered first-round quality, but Pouncey is one. If he’s around and there isn’t a quarterback the Seahawks are in love with at No. 25, he’d be a solid pickup.
Stay tuned to our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream for the latest look at the projections ahead of April’s draft.