ScoutTheDraft.com and FieldGulls.com's Derek Stephens published his most recent mock draft today, just under one week away from the NFL Draft, and proposed a very interesting and quite possibly realistic scenario for what might happen in Round 1 for the Seahawks.
Derek projects a trade between Cincinnati and Seattle, where the Bengals move up the board to grab athletically gifted DT Dontari Poe. Seattle picks up some picks and moves to back 21, to select...
Pick #21 - Seattle
Player Selected: Shea McClellin - OLB/DE - Boise State (Acquired in trade with Cincinnati for 12th overall pick)Comments: Pete Carroll and Co. have worked hard to rebuild a defense that is now one of the best young units in the league. They still have a glaring weakness though in their lack of consistent pass pressure from anyone other than Chris Clemons. McClellin is an intriguing prospect whom some will view as a reach here at 21, but there's a strong possibility that if Ingram and Coples are both off the board, the Seahawks will look to trade back and try to grab another versatile pass-rushing prospect later on. McClellin has been blazing up draft boards after impressive workouts and an undeniably strong '11 season at BSU. He can rush the passer, cover and play the run, and it's this versatility that makes him a great fit for Seattle's defense.
Like Stephens notes, if Melvin Ingram and Quinton Coples are off the board at #12, and Hawks have an opportunity to move down to pick up some draft capital, they would likely consider it (though it might be tough to pass on Courtney Upshaw - even though they do so twice in this particular mock). With Shea McClellin, they're getting a player that can play outside or even in the middle as a linebacker, but could also put his hand in the dirt as a defensive end opposite Chris Clemons, depending on down and distance. His versatility is what makes him such an intriguing player, and his athleticism and strong football instincts are what set him apart.
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