Seahawks Select Guard Christian Haynes With 81st Overall Pick

For the second day in a row, the Seahawks used a draft pick to focus on getting better in the trenches, selecting Christian Haynes, a guard out of Connecticut, with pick No. 81 overall in the third round.

Haynes is the second player selected by the Seahawks in this year’s draft, joining first-round pick Byron Murphy II, a defensive tackle out of the University of Texas.

A four-year starter at UConn, Haynes brings considerable experience and durability to Seattle’s offensive line, having started all 49 games over the past four seasons. Haynes was a two-time team captain as was named third-team AP All-American each of the past two seasons. And while he played almost exclusively at right guard in college, Haynes says he can play anywhere he’s asked.

“I can play anything they need me to play,” he said. “I’m going to go out there and dominate regardless. I just played a lot of right guard in college, but I can play any position they need me to play.”

Asked to describe his style of play, Haynes said, “Somebody that’s smart and nasty at the same time. Somebody who’s very athletic, someone who’s able to run, and also dominate at the point of attack.”

Haynes is also looking forward to coming to Seattle having grown up a fan of the Seahawks and of current Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith.

“Ah, man, the fans, that 12, it’s everything man,” he said. “That culture that’s there—I’ve been a Seattle fan a little bit growing up. I am a big Geno fan as well. I used to watch him a lot when he was at West Virginia. I’m just ready to come out there and dominate.”

Haynes’ draft profile per Lance Zierlein, NFL:

“Four-year starter and team captain who is sturdy at the point of attack. Haynes plays with football intelligence and sees every snap as a mandate to move opponents and finish blocks.

“His draft slotting could be affected by a lack of length and being limited to one position, but his determined playing style counters those factors.

“He’s not overly rangy but wipes out targets on pulling blocks and is capable in space, and in pass protection. The hand usage can get sloppy, allowing opponents to slip away from him, and he has a tendency to do too much grabbing. All things considered, he might outplay his draft slotting and become a solid NFL starter.”