Sporting News' Russ Lande published his most recent mock draft on Friday and had some interesting projections in the first round. Now, Lande is a former NFL Scout and Front Office Executive so I respect his opinion, and as a guy that's been in war rooms on Draft day, his mock drafts carry a little more weight with me. So what does he have the Seahawks doing at the number 11/12 spot?
11. (tie) Seattle Seahawks: Dre Kirkpatrick*, CB, Alabama. Before his arrest this week for marijuana possession, Kirkpatrick was in the mix to be the first cornerback drafted. But this problem will likely cause him to lose out to Claiborne.
An interesting choice, considering the Seahawks have three up-and-coming cornerbacks on their roster, in Pro Bowl alternate Brandon Browner, rookie Richard Sherman, and former Duck Walter Thurmond III. I don't dispute that on paper Kirkpatrick looks like a prototypical Pete Carroll/John Schneider cornerback at 6'2, 192 pounds. He plays physical at the line and is considered one of the elite talents at the position this year. What I question is whether the Seahawks see that position as a need or if they'd spend that high of a pick on another defensive back after selecting three in last year's Draft. Regardless, it's an interesting pick and a great discussion starter.
For all news and information regarding the Seattle Seahawks, please visit Field Gulls. For lots more mock draft coverage, head on over to Mocking the Draft.