As soon as the lights went out on the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis March 1st, the NFL began its descent into a state of speculation. This period of pure excitement and theorizing can best be described as ‘Mock Draft Season.’ Anticipation regarding the destinations of 2020’s top prospects will only build until the draft begins April 23rd. Until then, fans and experts alike will do their best to predict where those prospects will end up.

Regarding the Seattle Seahawks, I believe that Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider are currently approaching one of their most important drafts as a duo. The Seahawks have three picks in the first two rounds. Additionally, they have a strong budget surplus known as “cap space” that will allow them to pursue additional players in free agency. Pair these with the fact that Russell Wilson is entering the prime of his career, and suddenly an immediate boost of talent through this year’s draft could propel Seattle to another Super Bowl.

By analyzing previous drafts, current team needs, and information from the Combine, a solid amount of evidence can be collected to project what prospect Seattle will select with the 27th pick in the upcoming draft. Here are a few names to keep your eye on as Draft Day approaches:

1. Yetur Gross-Matos (DE-Penn State): Pass rush will be a massive priority for the Seahawks this offseason. Even after adding star talent such as Jadeveon Clowney in 2019, the ‘Hawks finished with the second-fewest sacks in the NFL. With Clowney, Jarran Reed, and Quinton Jefferson potentially hitting the road due to free agency, the draft will be a crucial source of pass rush talent. Gross-Matos is a prime example of this talent, coming off a productive final season at Penn State with 9.5 sacks. He boasts a very promising amount of athleticism for a defensive end, and many believe that he will only become more dominant as he builds up a stronger frame. Since 2012, Seattle has drafted defensive linemen more than any other position group in the first three rounds, marking a rusher like Gross-Matos as a strong possibility.

Other D-Linemen to Watch: AJ Epenesa (DE-Iowa), Ross Blacklock (DT-TCU)

2. Josh Jones (OT-Houston): If the defensive line is the top priority for upgrades this offseason, the offensive line is a close second. Seattle could potentially lose both Germain Ifedi and George Fant to free agency.

This would leave them without both of their starting offensive tackles from the 2019 season. Luckily for the Seahawks, the 2020 draft class is incredibly deep at this position. Combine standouts like Tristan Wirfs (Iowa) and Mekhi Becton (Louisville) will most likely be selected earlier in the draft. This means Jones could fall right in the ‘Hawks lap at Pick 27. He is a mountain of a man at 6’5″, 311 pounds, but he boasts impressive agility and footwork despite his size. If Seattle does not address their need for a Tackle in free agency, Jones is a quality draft pick who will be ready to start on Day 1.

Other O-Linemen to Watch: Austin Jackson (OT-USC), Logan Stenberg (OG-Kentucky)

3. Trevon Diggs (CB-Alabama): Fans and experts alike have been deservingly critical of the Seattle secondary over the last two years. While Shaquill Griffin had a breakout year at cornerback in 2019, the same cannot be said for both Tre Flowers and Ugo Amadi. By drafting Diggs, the Seahawks can gain a tall, rangy cornerback that fits their Cover 3 scheme perfectly playing alongside Griffin. Diggs has elite potential at the position given his impressive height, strength, and instincts, drawing a comparison to former Seahawk great Richard Sherman. With strong depth at the safety position and a promising first cornerback in Griffin, the addition of Diggs could send this Seattle secondary from below-average to far above it.

Other Cornerbacks to Watch: Kristian Fulton (CB-LSU), CJ Henderson (CB-Florida)

4. Zach Baun (OLB-Wisconsin): Outside of veterans Bobby Wagner and KJ Wright, there isn’t much depth at Seattle’s linebacker position. 2019 draft pick Cody Barton looks to be the heir apparent, but he needs more playing time to prove his worth. Mychal Kendricks will most likely not be returning in 2020, and Ben Burr-Kirven will be entering his 2nd year in the NFL after barely seeing the field last season. Baun could immediately provide depth at the position as a starting-caliber outside linebacker. He has all the tools needed to thrive at Pete Carroll’s ‘LEO’ position, being able to both rush the passer and play in coverage. The Seahawks covet versatility at the linebacker position, as shown by their selection of Bruce Irvin in 2012 (who also fulfilled the ‘LEO’ role). Baun would essentially help Seattle solve two problems at once, providing pass rush help and depth at a starter-reliant position group.

Other Outside Linebackers to Watch: Terrell Lewis (OLB-Alabama), K’Lavon Chaisson (OLB-LSU)

5. Jonathan Taylor (RB-Wisconsin): I know what you’re thinking. We already have both Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny, but this isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds. Taylor had an unbelievable career at Wisconsin: a two-time unanimous All-American, two-time Doak Walker Award Winner (best collegiate running back), and record holder for the most rushing yards through a junior season (6,174). Taylor has what it takes to succeed at the next level and contribute to the Seahawks offense. With a little effort, it’s easier to see why Seattle could draft him in the first round. CJ Prosise is most likely out the door, and both Carson and Penny are coming off serious, season ending-injuries. If they select Taylor, the Seahawks could let go of either Carson or Penny and have a much healthier backfield for the foreseeable future. Pete Carroll has enjoyed splitting carries between two running backs over the past couple of years. The figurative partnership of Jonathan Taylor and Chris Carson could quickly become the best rushing duo in the entire league.

Other Running Backs to Watch: AJ Dillon (RB-Boston College), Zack Moss (RB-Utah)

All things considered, nobody will be surprised if John Schneider trades back in the draft, opting not to have a first-round pick at all. Even though the Seahawks used first-round selections in both 2018 and 2019, they did not have a first-round pick in four of the five years before that time. I could easily see the Seahawks trading back into the second round and selecting a lower-rated offensive talent such as Jalen Reagor, a wide receiver out of TCU who I absolutely love. While expectations for this draft are high, don’t be surprised if the ‘Hawks stick to their usual mantra of drafting lesser-known names with more breakout-style potential.

This is a great time to be a fan of the Seattle Seahawks. Free agency hits March 18th, and the team has enough salary-cap space to acquire at least two key contributors. The draft will arrive April 23rd, and soon enough, Seattle will be setting their sights on Super Bowl 55. Until then, I wish you a pleasant and exciting ‘Mock Draft Season.’

What do you think of the Seahawks’ draft prospects? Let us know in the comments below.