Seahawks Address OL in ESPN's Round Two Mock
It was a strong showing for the Seattle Seahawks in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday, adding arguably both the best cornerback and receiver in this class with the additions of Illinois' Devon Witherspoon and Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Making matters even better for the Seahawks is the fact that they have three picks on day two of the draft, with two of those picks coming in the second round. After adding two elite prospects on Thursday, Seattle now has a chance to add two more key pieces to its roster in the second round.
What direction the team goes with those two picks is, of course, still to be seen. In a second round mock draft from ESPN, though, the Seahawks used both of their second round picks to address the offensive line.
Following the retirement of Austin Blythe this offseason the Seahawks land his replacement in this mock draft as they select Wisconsin's Joe Tippmann with the no. 37 overall pick.
"The Seahawks' center, Austin Blythe, retired in February after seven years in the NFL. The team fills the need with Tippmann, the best center in the draft," ESPN wrote.
Adding a center to anchor an improving offensive line could be in the cards for Seattle at No. 36 overall, especially after drafting two franchise cornerstones at tackle in the 2022 draft in Charles Cross and Abe Lucas.
Joining Tippmann in the second round is offensive lineman Cody Mauch out of North Dakota State, who would likely slide inside to a guard position after primarily lining up at tackle in college.
"While the Seahawks drafted both of their starting offensive tackles just last year, Mauch would kick inside to guard, where they have a need and where he arguably has a higher upside," ESPN wrote.
By drafting both Tippmann and Mauch the Seahawks will dramatically overhauled their offensive line in the last two drafts. With Tippmann and Mauch anchoring the interior offensive line while Cross and Lucas hold down the fort at the tackle positions, the Seahawks could quietly assemble their offensive line for the foreseeable future.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
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