NFL Draft expert Zierlein: Freaky defenders that fit Seahawks

With the Seahawks’ 2022 season wrapped up, the main target turns to the offseason and particularly the 2023 NFL Draft.

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The Seahawks have an opportunity to make a giant splash in April as they’re armed with two picks in every of the primary two rounds. And due to a commerce with the Denver Broncos final offseason, Seattle will decide fifth total, the best decide of the Pete Carroll-John Schneider period, which started in 2010.

When trying on the Hawks’ roster and 2022 season, it’s clear they need assistance on protection, particularly within the entrance seven at linebacker and on the defensive position.

NFL.com draft skilled Lance Zierlein joined Seattle Sports activities 710 AM’s Brock and Salk on Thursday to assist break down gamers that may match the Hawks’ wants on protection.

“So Lance, give me two or three guys good now inside the entrance seven that you simply take a look at and go, ‘Whoa, these dudes are simply bodily (proficient) … and may do issues that that others simply merely can’t,’” former NFL quarterback Brock Huard stated.

Replied Zierlein: “I’m going to provide you some gamers that I feel are particular to the Seattle mannequin.”

Let’s break down what Zierlein needed to say.

Targets at No. 5 total

• Georgia DT Jalen Carter

Zierlein began off with a reputation many Seahawks followers are acquainted with by now, and that’s Georgia defensive deal with Jalen Carter, a unanimous All-American in 2022 who gained two nationwide championships with the Bulldogs.

“I might say No. 1, if you’d like freak daddies like that, the primary man you’re taking a look at is Jalen Carter,” he stated. “He jogs my memory of (Tennessee Titans star defensive lineman) Jeffrey Simmons rather a lot. Simply block destruction, quick-win potential. He has much more potential to change into a extra dominant inside rusher than you see from a manufacturing standpoint to this point at Georgia.”

• Texas Tech DE Tyree Wilson

Subsequent up is one other title Hawks followers could have heard: Texas Tech edge rusher Tyree Wilson, who is usually landed with Seattle in mock drafts.

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“I feel Tyree Wilson is that sort of man. He’s acquired Seahawk written throughout him, doubtlessly as early as 5,” Zierlein stated. “He’s lengthy, he’s athletic. He must be a bit harder towards the run. We’re speaking a couple of man who’s 6 foot 6 who’s simply persevering with to develop into his body. Like, you see him flash and also you say, ‘Wow, he’s simply scratching the floor.’ So he’s a type of freak daddies.”

Different first-round gamers

• Arkansas LB Drew Sanders

The Seahawks additionally personal the No. 20 decide, and there are a couple of names Zierlein thinks might be obtainable there that may assist Seattle’s protection immediately. The primary is somebody who’s a really distinctive expertise: Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders, a 2022 first-team All-American.

“There’s a participant that’s I feel uniquely suited to what to what Seattle does, and that’s Drew Sanders out of Arkansas,” he stated. “He went as an edge to Alabama as a five-star (recruit) … and he’s acquired actually spectacular rush (abilities). However he performed inside linebacker for Arkansas and he crammed up the stat sheet.”

In 13 video games for the Razorbacks in 2022, Sanders had 9.5 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss and an interception whereas recording 103 tackles and forcing three fumbles.

“He’s nonetheless studying that place. He’s a uncommon hybrid expertise you can play as an inside linebacker, after which on (go) rush downs you’ll be able to rush him A-gap, B-gap, and even as a 3-4 outdoors speeding linebacker,” Zierlein stated. “So he’s one of many uniquely-suited hybrid defenders that I feel are going to begin to change into not the norm, however we’re going to begin to see extra of these sort of guys.”

“He’s a run and hit man who  is sort of multifaceted and multi-dimensional,” he additionally added.

• Oregon CB Christian Gonzalez

Whereas cornerback isn’t a front-seven place and isn’t the most important space of want for Seattle, Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez, a first-team All-Pac-12 choice, is an intriguing goal when trying on the Seahawks.

“I need to point out Christian Gonzalez simply since you guys see him up there within the Pacific Northwest. However that is the freakiest nook on the board,” Zierlein stated. “I imply, he’s simply uncommon peak, weight, velocity, loose-limbed athleticism, and he’s gonna check off the charts. I feel that’s the kind of man in the event you had him reverse (rookie Seahawks Professional Bowl cornerback) Tariq Woolen, that’s an enormous distinction maker.”

Potential second-rounders

The draft isn’t simply gained within the first spherical, so who’re some potential second-round picks the Seahawks may add to the entrance of their protection?

One title – Iowa State defensive finish Will McDonald IV – reminds Zierlein of a former first-round decide.

“Will McDonald’s a bit lighter, however he’s acquired a few of the similar explosiveness that we noticed when the Seattle Seahawks sort of shocked lots of people and drafted Bruce Irvin (in 2012),” he stated. “However Bruce Irvin was 250 kilos and Will McDonald’s an entire lot lighter. However he’s gonna (vertical) bounce within the 40 inches and he’s acquired a few of the similar lengthy arms and athletic traits (as Irvin).”

What about some rapid-fire edge rusher names?

“I feel if you’d like edge, there’s Isaiah Foskey within the second spherical from Notre Dame. I feel B.J. Ojulari from LSU has large upside,” Zierlein stated.

Not a fan of Clemson DL

Two gamers who’re seen as early draft picks in lots of mock drafts are Clemson defensive linemen Myles Murphy and Brian Breece. Murphy is a defensive finish who has been mocked by some to the Seahawks at No. 5 whereas Breece is a defensive deal with.

Zierlein isn’t too large a fan of the 2 Clemson defenders.

“I’m not as excessive on Myles Murphy. I feel he’d match over with Seattle, however I’m not as excessive on him as some others,” he stated. “Brian Breece, I feel, is being manner overrated by most of the people, the draft public. I feel he’s gonna fall additional down than individuals assume.”

Hearken to the total dialogue with Zierlein at this hyperlink or within the participant beneath.

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