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NFL Mock Draft 2012: Could Seahawks Upgrade Defensive End Position?

Find out which players are being mocked to the Seahawks as Draft season commences.

The latest SB Nation mock draft is out and Ryan Van Bibber, to no one's surprise, has slotted Andrew Luck to go to the Colts with the number one pick. Can't say I disagree with that assessment. After that though, the waters get a little murkier. It's still early, obviously, and many things can change between now and Draft day, but Van Bibber has an intriguing prospect projected to the Seahawks.

11. Seattle Seahawks, Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

"Seattle quietly assembled one the league's best up and coming defenses. Coples adds a pass rushing presence to the edge. He also has the versatility to play inside in a defense that likes to switch its looks."

More: Check out SB Nation's latest NFL mock draft.

I like the idea of an edge rushing defensive end for the Hawks, as the pass rush is arguably their biggest offseason concern. Van Bibber is correct in stating that the Seahawks like to move their defensive linemen from the edge to the middle at times, and the thing about this pick that is intriguing is that I recently saw Rob Rang mock Coples to the Seahawks as well, but as a pass-rushing three-tech defensive tackle.

Rang said, "Coples has lined up at defensive end this season, but played better a year ago inside at defensive tackle. His ability to slip gaps could make him a perfect fit as a three-technique next to run-plugging nose guard Brandon Mebane."

Whether he's projected to the inside or on the edge, his versatility is a plus, and the Seahawks have shown a preference for players that can line up at multiple positions. An interesting selection regardless.

For more on the Seahawks, make sure you check out Field Gulls.