Seahawks Mock Draft: Seattle Trades Up for Elite CB, Fortifies O-Line
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When the Seattle Seahawks traded Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos last offseason, it was seen as a move that would put the team into a potential rebuild.
Well, it is safe to say that was far from the case as the Seahawks earned a playoff berth behind the play of Geno Smith while Wilson and the Broncos stumbled to an uninspiring 5-12 record.
Making matters even better for the Seahawks is the fact that they own Denver's 2022 first-round pick, which landed at No. 5 overall, as well as their own pick at No. 20.
After nailing the 2022 draft, Seattle has a chance to add more franchise cornerstones to an already talented roster with its two first-round picks.
In the latest mock draft from NFL.com the Seahawks do just that after taking an elite defender at No. 5 and trading back with the Bills to pick No. 27.
Rd. 1 No. 5 - Christian Gonzalez - CB (Oregon)
The Seahawks pair second-year corner Tariq Woolen with another exceptional athlete in Gonzalez, giving the team its best outside duo since the "Legion of Boom" days. Gonzalez's ball skills are tremendous, and he sticks with any outside receiver lined up on his side.
While the common theme at No. 5 for the Seahawks has been help along the defensive line, this mock goes a different direction entirely. However, it isn't hard to see the appeal of adding Gonzalez to pair with Woolen.
In his lone season at Oregon after transferring from Colorado, Gonzalez was elite for the Ducks defense. He recorded 50 total tackles with four interceptions and seven passes defensed, showing an ability to get downhill and tackle while also being strong in coverage.
Joining in Gonzalez as a first-round pick by the Seahawks in this mock draft is an offensive lineman to further bolster a steadily improving unit.
Rd. 1 No. 27 - Cody Mauch - OG (North Dakota State)
Mauch primarily played tackle for the Bison, but he didn’t have any problem lining up at all five spots on the offensive line during Senior Bowl week. Seattle must improve its interior line, and Mauch's feisty but smart play will allow to him to start as a rookie.
After trading back to No. 27, there are several directions the Seahawks could go - with adding to the offensive line being one of them. Mauch, of course, primarily lined up at tackle during his time in college but that shouldn't stop Seattle from drafting him if it sees a fit.
The Seahawks drafted a pair of starting tackles in the 2022 draft, selecting Charles Cross at No. 9 overall in the first round and Abraham Lucas at No. 72 in the third round. With Mauch, they could slide him inside to a guard spot and further fortify the trenches.
When the Seahawks are finally on the clock in April, there is several directions they can go with their two picks. Whatever direction they go, though, their recent draft history shows those two picks could join a young core of franchise cornerstones.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
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