NFL Draft grades: Seattle Seahawks nailed their first pick, but it was a mixed bag after that

Charles McDonald

Mixed feelings is the best way to describe the Seahawks' draft. They grabbed a potentially disruptive defensive lineman in Byron Murphy II — a piece they desperately needed. They also found someone who can compete for a starting role on the offensive line with Christian Haynes in the third round. Still, their Day 3 picks leave a bit to be desired, especially with no second-round pick this year due to the Leonard Williams trade.

Hard not to love this selection. Haynes is talented enough to start right away, which is imperative for a team that needs starters at guards. This is a pick that can pay immediate dividends and we might be looking back at this selection in December wondering why Haynes didn’t go a whole lot higher.

Least favorite pick: Tyrice Knight, LB, UTEP (118th overall)

This linebacker class was very shaky overall, but the Seahawks still drafted someone who's not close to being ready to play in the NFL. Perhaps head coach Mike Macdonald is the guru to unlock a starting linebacker in Knight, but he’s probably going to wind up a special teams player.

Round 1, Pick 16: Byron Murphy II, DL, Texas
Round 3, Pick 81: Christian Haynes, OL, UConn
Round 4, Pick 118: Tyrice Knight, LB, UTEP
Round 4, Pick 121: AJ Barner, TE, Michigan
Round 5, Pick 136: Nehemiah Pritchett, CB, Auburn
Round 6, Pick 179: Sataoa Laumea, OL, Utah
Round 6, Pick 192: D.J. James, CB, Auburn
Round 6, Pick 207: Michael Jerrell, OT, Findlay

Advertisement