Yet another defensive lineman has been thrown into the mix for the Seattle Seahawks in the latest round of mock drafts. We’ve seen interior linemen — Corey Liuget, Stephen Paea and more — projected as the Seahawks pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, but we haven’t seen many pass-rushing defensive ends. Cameron Heyward was one, but the prevailing sentiment is that the Seahawks need a quarterback or defensive tackle.
With the roll-out of National Football Post’s NFL Draft Central came another round of mock drafts. In the latest from NFP, Ryan Kerrigan, a defensive end from Purdue, is the Seahawks pick in the first round. According to the scouting report, he’s a versatile prospect with the ability to play end or slide inside and play tackle in certain situations.
Possesses a good-sized frame for the position and looks comfortable lining up at both defensive end spots. Will even kick inside to tackle on third down and has the ability to create pressure inside as well. Isn’t the most natural of benders and struggles to completely sit into his stance
Kerrigan has pluses and a few things to work on, but he looks like a suitable defensive line prospect. Judging by the quarterbacks that may be available late in the first round, choosing a defensive lineman may be the best bet for the Seahawks, and there’s plenty available. Overall, this is a loaded draft class along the line, both in top-end talent and depth throughout the draft. If the Seahawks scouting department can pick one out of the bunch, it seems likely we’ll see one taken off the board at 25.
For the latest from the various projections, check out our 2011 NFL Mock Draft StoryStream.