The Seattle Seahawks surprised many when they selected Byron Murphy, DL Texas with the 16th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday night to join an already dominant defensive front.
Byron Murphy profiled as the best interior defensive lineman in the entire draft class, and he was the Seahawks' highest-rated defensive player according to general manager John Schneider. The team did not think he would be there at pick 16.
"High motor. High effort. Great individual. 21 years old. Got his degree in three years. Just up and down the line of scrimmage. Pass rusher. [Tackles for loss]. You name it. Lot of utility. Lot of variety."
John Schneider clearly loves him some Byron Murphy. But now that the first round is in the books and they have one player they like, what do the Seahawks do on day two of the NFL Draft? The Seahawks don't have a second round pick, so their first selection won't come until pick 81, barring a trade. That limits their options in targeting the next tier of elite players. So, who are the best players available who may actually make it to the Seahawks in Round Three that would fill key needs for the team?
Best Players Available on Day Two
Christian Haynes, IOL Connecticut
The Seahawks clearly still have a long-term need on the interior of their offensive line. They lack experience in a big way there. Christian Haynes posted a 95th percentile Athletic Composite Score at the NFL Combine this spring. He was a physical force that simply manhandled his level of competition in college. Many people he might actually be one of the best (if not the best) true guard in the draft. He might even be worth trading up for as the draft approached pick 81.
Junior Colson, LB Michigan
The Seahawks added two linebackers in free agency to one-year deals, but they still need help there. Junior Colson may not make it all the way to Seattle, but he'd be worth a trade up given his skill set. He is a tackle monster who is always around the ball with an incredibly low missed tackle rate. He also only gave up about seven yards per reception in coverage last season too, always limiting big plays.
Payton Wilson, LB NC State
If Payton Wilson drops to the Seahawks many will consider that a steal. He posted a 97th percentile Speed Score at the NFL Combine this spring and is one of the most proven, productive linebackers in this class. However, his medicals are a bit iffy. Several teams may pass on him just on that alone. Plus he's a bit older. He would offer immediate leadership and experience at the position on a cheaper rookie deal at linebacker. Prime target.
Calen Bullock, S USC
If the Seahawks want to patch up the back end of their secondary (still a slight need) Calen Bullock is a great option. One of the most versatile safeties in the class who offers elite range in the secondary. When I asked him about his range and cover skills that make him so special here's what he had to say (in post below). Apparently his experience playing center field in baseball set him up for success at safety.
Sedrick Van Pran, C Georgia
This pick may feel like a "reach" to some who pay too much attention to deep mock drafts, but it's not. Sedrick Van Pran played nearly 3,000 snaps at center for the Georgia Bulldogs, winning multiple national championships. He is an incredible center, leader, and posted elite pass efficiency marks three years in a row. If the Seahawks want a perennial Pro Bowl center Sedrick Van Pran is their guy.
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