When looking at the 2011 NFL draft class, the sheer amount of talented defensive linemen jumps off the paper immediately. It’s the year of the big man and the Seattle Seahawks 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.
I hadn’t seen Marvin Austin connected to the Seahawks until Sports Illustrated’s Peter King floated the idea in his 2011 NFL mock draft 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 2011 NFL mock draft.
Brandon Mebane is a free agent, so the Seahawks need to find someone to fill those shoes if Mebane defects for another team.
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.
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 NFL 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.
For more on the draft, stay with our 2011 NFL mock draft StoryStream. Be sure to head over to SB Nation’s 2011 NFL Draft hub for the latest news, including mock drafts, rumors and projections. Head over to Field Gulls, SB Nation’s Seahawks blog, for even more draft analysis.