Rush To Judgement: Seahawks Targeting Defensive Tackles at NFL Scouting Combine
As if there were any doubts about the most pressing need this offseason for the Seattle Seahawks, let the stats spill the tea.
In 2023 the Seahawks' rush defense was one of the worst in the NFL and one of the biggest reasons for their 9-8 record. Against the run last season Seattle ranked:
*32nd in 20+ gains (18).
*31st in yards (2,352), ahead of only the 4-13 Arizona Cardinals.
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*31st in touchdowns (24), ahead of only the 2-15 Carolina Panthers.
*28th in average yard per carry (4.6).
The porous run defense reared its ugly head time and again, most notably in the crucial Week 17 New Year's Eve loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in which Seattle was gouged for 202 yards and three touchdowns at Lumen Field.
So while most eyes will be on high-profile prospects such as University of Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at this week's NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, the Seahawks' scouting staff - new defensive coordinator Aden Durde and staff won't be in attendance - will be closely evaluating the draft's available run-stuffers in the trenches.
Defensive linemen are scheduled to be measure and perform on-field drills Thursday, with bench press and media interviews Friday.
Two Texas defensive tackles - T’Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy - head the class and both will likely be first-round picks.
The Seahawks, who own the 16th overall pick in April, have not used high selections at defensive tackle under general manager John Schneider. When they took Jarran Reed 46th pick in 2016, they traded up.
But with Leonard Williams potentially becoming a free agent and last season's pathetic run-defense performance, Seattle will look long and hard at making the best out of what most draft experts consider a weak crop.
