Post-Combine Mock Draft: Seahawks Address Offensive Line Issues
The Seattle Seahawks offensive line has the potential to look vastly different in 2024 due to three starters set to hit the free agency market.
Evan Brown, Phil Haynes, and Damien Brown are all out of contract and it is not known if the franchise plans to bring back all or none for offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb in his first year in the position.
With the Seahawks bringing back Geno Smith for 2024 at least, getting his protection sorted is likely one of the more pressure issues the Seattle hierarchy needs to fix.
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In NFL.com's latest mock draft, the Seahawks draft Penn State standout Olumuyiwa Fashanu to help fortify Smith's blindside protection.
"The Seahawks could use a pass rusher here, with Laiatu Latu still available, but they are in trouble on the offensive line," NFL.com writes. "Seattle might need to draft a talented young tackle and kick a starter inside to guard to help shore up some of its issues."
One of the best pass protectors in the draft, Fashanu will be a force in the pass game for the Seahawks. With weapons in D.K. Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Tyler Lockett roaming the secondary, Smith will need time and that's where Fashanu comes in.
While there has been a thought that the Seahawks, with Grubb's background in working with offensive lines, will have a more prominent running game going forward, Fashanu's run blocking does need work.
However, his upside is big. His physical attributes coupled with his football intelligence make him a good projection to be a Day 1 starter.
The Seahawks have a host of needs this offseason, but with three starting offensive linemen set to hit free agency, adding a tackle/guard to the starting five in the first round feels like a logical move.
