Seahawks Draft Some Big, But Risky Names in ESPN 2-Round Mock
The Seattle Seahawks have become known to fulfill the ultimate cliche of finding diamonds in the rough in the NFL Draft.
But in the latest two-round mock draft released by ESPN on Monday, the Seahawks are projected to take a swing on some well-known and talented players, though they come with their share of risks. All four of the players Seattle is projected to select in this mock draft all dealt (or are dealing) with a serious injury or medical issue.
No. 5 - Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas Tech
Wilson was one of college football's most impressive pass-rushers this past year before suffering a late-season foot injury that would force him to miss the rest of the campaign.
At 6-6, 275, he's a physically-dominant presence that can win with both speed and strength. He totaled seven sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery last season despite playing the max number of games.
Wilson's injury doesn't appear to be too much of a concern, but with a top-five pick, Seattle can't afford to take risks considering the other talent available.
No. 20 - Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Arguably the best receiver in the draft, getting Smith-Njigba at this spot could be a huge steal for Seattle based on talent alone.
However, he only played in three games this past season to a lingering hamstring injury. Based on the repeatable nature this ailment tends to have, there's some understandable reason for concern.
But in his last fully healthy season in 2021, Smith-Njigba was putting up unreal numbers while looking like one of the best players in college football. In his last notable performance, he totaled 15 catches for 347 yards and three touchdowns against the Utah Utes in the Rose Bowl. Before that record-setting day, he had already had four straight games with at least 100 receiving yards.
No. 37 - Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
Despite only playing in eight games last season, Bresee finished with 3.5 sacks and 15 total tackles. But his time missed was due to concerns that stretched beyond the lines, as Bresee dealt with a kidney infection that popped up in October.
There doesn't appear to be any further concerns about Bresee as he enters the draft process, but the infection certainly is eyebrow-raising for both his individual health and the teams looking to draft him.
Had Bresee played the full season in 2022, he'd have been on a clear track to topping his sack total from the previous two seasons combined.
No. 52 - Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
A bit of a surprising pick in the second round, Hooker would immediately come in as a rookie backup regardless of what the future holds for Geno Smith.
Hooker, who was a Heisman-level talent this past season for Tennessee, tore his ACL in November and seems unlikely to be ready for preseason snaps. Burning a second-round pick on him would mean the Seahawks would have to be blown away by him during a draft process that he won't be 100 percent for.
Still, Hooker showed teams what he's capable of this past season, as he went 229 of 329 passing for 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns and just two interceptions. The Seahawks could swoop him up early with the vision that he'll learn under Smith for a year or two at the most.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
Hey, 12s! Get your Seahawks Tickets from SI Tickets ... HERE!
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Seahawks? Click Here to subscribe to AllSeahawks.com's Newsletter.
Follow All Seahawks.com on Twitter and Facebook
Make sure to subscribe to our daily podcast @lockedonseahawks today! Click here To Listen.
Want even more Seattle Seahawks news? Check out the SI.com team page here.
