Now that the major free agent signings have been finalized, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be looking at the top three needs for each team heading into the 2016 NFL Draft. Today, the Seattle Seahawks are the focus. In the upcoming draft the Seahawks hold to the 26th pick and expect to fill their missing positional needs. Head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider will look to continue the success of drafting star players to their franchise.
Seattle Seahawks 2016 NFL Draft: Top 3 Needs
Offensive Tackle
It would be no surprise to see the Seattle Seahawks select an offensive tackle in the upcoming first round of the draft following the last two seasons of failure at the position. So far, the Seahawks have made no major additions to the position despite the signing of veteran tackle J’Marcus Webb.
The Seahawks now find themselves dealing with the loss of two tackles, Russell Okung and Alvin Bailey, who signed with the Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns, respectively this off-season. In the past two seasons, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has found himself lacking protection and has been among the most sacked quarterbacks. When the clock starts and the draft begins, teams will find themselves in a tough position to grab the best offensive lineman. Laremy Tunsil is expected to be the first tackle off the board, most likely by the Tennessee Titans who currently hold the first pick. Other potential picks for the 2013 Super Bowl Champions are Ronnie Stanley (Notre Dame), Jack Conklin (Michigan State), Le’Raven Clark (Texas Tech), and Taylor Decker (Ohio State).
Cornerback
Although the Seahawks have strong defensive backs such as Richard Sherman and Jeremy Lane, along with rising star DeShawn Shead on their roster, drafting a cornerback is a must for Carroll’s team if they want to return to the top of the NFL. This year the cornerback prospects, and who should be drafted first, are a major debate among teams. Many mock drafts have Florida State’s Jalen Ramsey as the first corner taken, potentially by the Cleveland Browns at number two. The next three prospects include Vernon Hargreaves (Florida), Eli Apple (Ohio State) and Mackensie Alexander (Clemson). Is their a corner in this draft who can fill the Seahawks need of another man in the defensive backfield?
Defensive Tackle
The Seahawks currently have no strong names at the position of defensive tackle on their roster. This off-season they lost veteran Brandon Mebane to the San Diego Chargers when he signed a 3-year $13.5 million contract. Currently Ahtyba Rubin is the man who has the highest chance to start at the position this upcoming season.
Draft boards currently hold A’Shawn Robinson (Alabama) as the top defensive tackle in this year’s draft, with Sheldon Rankins (Louisville), Robert Nkemdiche (Mississippi), and Jarran Reed (Alabama) close behind. It would be wise for the Seahawks to address the holes in their defensive line as early as possible in this year’s NFL Draft.
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