NFL Mock Draft: Seahawks Fortify Offensive Line With Washington's Troy Fautanu
The Seattle Seahawks offense had an inconsistent 2023 season due in part to the play of the offensive line. Now, as we enter free agency and draft season, the Seahawks offensive line is going to undergo some serious changes.
With three linemen in Evan Brown, Phil Haynes, and Damien Lewis all set to test the market, Geno Smith's protection could get worryingly thin.
Currently holding the No. 16 overall pick in a draft that is littered with talented linemen, CBS Sports' latest mock draft predicts the Seahawks will add some much-needed juice to the line, with Washington Huskies standout Troy Fautanu coming to the NFC West.
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"Offensive guard was already a need for Seattle but Damien Lewis also happens to be a free agent," CBS Sports writes. "Troy Fautanu played left tackle for the Huskies but is projected inside for some teams."
The selection of Fautanu is now becoming a common theme. In Mel Kiper's first mock draft, he also has the 6-4, 317 pound interior linemen joining Ryan Grubb's offense.
There is a clear need for the Seahawks to solidify the protection for Smith and depending on who leaves via free agency, Fautanu might not be the only lineman Seattle selects in the draft.
Fautanu's versatility will no doubt intrigue the Seahawks given he is equally adept at playing tackle or guard, so having the monster lineman slot into the front five could be just the injection it needs.
Already with an offense that is brimming with talent coming off a down year that saw them average just 21.4 points a game (ranked 17th), adding Fautanu could mean that Seattle has its left tackle/guard for the next decade.
While the Seahawks could be seen to have other pressing needs and with the quarterback position also in flux after the 2024 season, there is a sneaky thought that Seattle could take one in this year's draft.
But for now, the offensive line feels like the biggest priority, and in Fautanu, Seattle adds some much-needed physicality and explosiveness to Smith's protection.
