Three offensive linemen Seahawks should look to draft at No. 16
The 2024 NFL Draft will take place April 25-27 in Detroit. Last year, the Seattle Seahawks selected fifth overall. This year, they will round out the top half of the first round at No. 16.
The Seahawks are entering the draft with major needs on both sides of the field. However, with offensive linemen Damien Lewis and Evan Brown departing during free agency and no quality signings to fill the void, the interior offensive line is primed for an upgrade.
Troy Fautanu, Washington
Experts from ESPN (Field Yates), Pro Football Focus (Arjun Menon) and The Athletic (Ben Standig) predict the Seahawks addressing their offensive line holes in their latest mock drafts with the 6-foot-4, 317-pound lineman landing at No. 16.
According to PFF, Fautanu enters the draft as the third-highest-rated tackle and the 14th overall prospect in this year's draft. Fautanu is a polished lineman who has experience playing both tackle and guard. The 23-year-old excels in pass blocking, utilizing his exceptional footwork, size and hands to redirect defenders.
If available at No. 16, then the Seahawks should capitalize on bringing in what could be a franchise cornerstone on the O-line.
Presuming the mock drafts turn out to be true, the two-time first-team All-Pac-12 lineman will be reunited with former Huskies offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.
Fautanu will join a revamped Seahawks O-line that will look to keep QB Geno Smith off the turf in 2024.
Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
However, with Fautanu being as highly scouted as he's been, John Schneider and the Seahawks should keep their options open. One of those options is Powers-Johnson, who is the top-ranked center in this year's draft, according to PFF.
The 6-foot-3, 328-pound lineman falls to Seattle in CBS's latest mock draft featuring selections from Rick Spielman, Bryant McFadden and Ryan Wilson.
The Oregon prospect would be the Seahawks' first first-round center since Chris Spencer in 2005. The franchise has also seen success drafting centers from Oregon as its last would be all-time great Seahawk, Max Unger.
Powers-Johnson lives up to his name, bringing unmatched power and strength to the offensive line. Despite still needing to improve his hands and leverage, the All-Pac-12 center has the tools to be a Day 1 starter.
Graham Barton, Duke
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein projects the Seahawks trading down to the No. 23 pick in his latest mock draft and has Schneider's club selecting an offensive tackle in Barton.
Though Barton may not be Seattle's first choice at No. 16, he provides excellent value if the team decides to trade back. His size makes him an imposing tackle, but he separates himself with his excellent technique in both the passing and running game. Barton would bring versatility and explosiveness to rebuilding the offensive line in Seattle.
According to PFF, the 6-foot-5, 313-pound lineman ranks seventh among guards in the 2024 draft.
Though other positions such as tight end, linebacker, edge and safety are of need, the Seahawks' priority should be on their front line, aiding a run game that ranked 28th in 2023 and keeping Smith off the ground as he was sacked 31 times in 2023 (15th most among QBs).
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