We’ve seen Jake Locker, Ryan Mallett and others tied to the Seattle Seahawks in various 2011 NFL mock drafts recently, but a new name surface this week, filling a position of need. It’s clear the Seahawks need to address the quarterback spot, as well as the offensive line and defensive line, with cornerback a less pressing, but still important need. It seems those putting together mock drafts are acutely aware of this, narrowing down picks to a small number of players, all at those positions.
Sporting News’ latest 2011 NFL mock draft has the Seahawks addressing the interior offensive line, taking a guard at No. 25. The player is Danny Watkins, a 6-foot-4, 310 pound guard from Baylor. Watkins has just two years of division one experience, transferring to Baylor from Butte College ahead of his junior season.
Even more intriguing are the names available around the 25th pick in Sporting News’ mock draft. Stephen Paea is off the board at No. 26, but has been linked to the Seahawks before. At the NFL Combine, Paea wowed scouts in the only workout he took part in: The bench press. His 49 repetitions were a new Combine record, though he was unable to run through the rest of the workouts while recovering from a knee injury. Mike Pouncey, perhaps the best guard in the draft, would also be available, and is the 32nd pick in the mock draft.
There’s plenty of talent around for the Seahawks to choose from, even with a late first round pick. Will it be Locker, Mallett, Pouncey or a dark-horse with the 25th pick? We’ll know for sure in just over a month.
For the latest on the draft, check out our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream.