Hawks get line help in pre-combine first-round NFL mock draft
By STEPHEN COHEN, SEATTLEPI.COM STAFF
Published 5:09 pm, Thursday, February 23, 2017
1. Cleveland Browns
DE Myles Garrett, Texas A&M
Notes: With two of the first dozen selections in the first round, Cleveland can grab Garrett — the best player in the draft — at pick No. 1, then perhaps make a calculated risk with a quarterback at No. 12.
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1. Cleveland Browns
DE Myles Garrett, Texas A&M
Notes: With two of the first dozen selections in the first round, Cleveland can grab Garrett — the best player in the draft — at pick No. 1, then
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Photo: Sam Craft/AP
2. San Francisco 49ers
QB Mitch Trubisky, North Carolina
Notes: Yes, Trubisky was just a one-year starter for the Tar Heels, but he passed for just 1,014 fewer yards and four fewer touchdowns in nine fewer starts than Carson Wentz, last year’s No. 2 overall pick.
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2. San Francisco 49ers
QB Mitch Trubisky, North Carolina
Notes: Yes, Trubisky was just a one-year starter for the Tar Heels, but he passed for just 1,014 fewer yards and four fewer touchdowns in nine fewer
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Photo: Grant Halverson/Getty Images
3. Chicago Bears
DE Jonathan Allen, Alabama
Notes: The super-explosive Allen had 10.5 sacks, 15 quarterback hurries and 19.5 tackles for loss as a senior and will give head coach John Fox the kind of impact player the Bears currently lack in their front seven.
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3. Chicago Bears
DE Jonathan Allen, Alabama
Notes: The super-explosive Allen had 10.5 sacks, 15 quarterback hurries and 19.5 tackles for loss as a senior and will give head coach John Fox the kind of impact
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Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
S Jamal Adams, Louisiana State
Notes: A year after drafting star-in-the-making Jalen Ramsey No. 5 overall, the Jags add another blue-chip secondary prospect in Adams, who could develop into their version of Landon Collins.
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4. Jacksonville Jaguars
S Jamal Adams, Louisiana State
Notes: A year after drafting star-in-the-making Jalen Ramsey No. 5 overall, the Jags add another blue-chip secondary prospect in Adams, who could develop
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Photo: Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
5. Tennessee Titans (from Los Angeles Rams)
CB Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State
Notes: The Titans badly need corner help, and they get their pick of a loaded class in this scenario. We have them going with Lattimore, whose rare athleticism makes up for the fact he only started for one year.
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5. Tennessee Titans (from Los Angeles Rams)
CB Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State
Notes: The Titans badly need corner help, and they get their pick of a loaded class in this scenario. We have them going with
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Photo: Patrick Semansky/AP
6. New York Jets
QB Deshaun Watson, Clemson
Notes: The Jets need help all over the roster, but they pick up the electrifying Watson to be their quarterback of the future and face of the franchise after he led Clemson to a national championship.
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6. New York Jets
QB Deshaun Watson, Clemson
Notes: The Jets need help all over the roster, but they pick up the electrifying Watson to be their quarterback of the future and face of the franchise after he led
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Photo: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
7. Los Angeles Chargers
S Malik Hooker, Ohio State
Notes: Another one-year starter in the secondary for the Buckeyes, Hooker has drawn some comparisons to Earl Thomas for his playmaking ability, but his rawness might make for a steep learning curve.
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7. Los Angeles Chargers
S Malik Hooker, Ohio State
Notes: Another one-year starter in the secondary for the Buckeyes, Hooker has drawn some comparisons to Earl Thomas for his playmaking ability, but his
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Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
8. Carolina Panthers
DE Solomon Thomas, Stanford
Notes: I’m tempted to put a running back here, but instead I went with Thomas, whose skill, strength, motor and versatility bring to mind Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett.
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8. Carolina Panthers
DE Solomon Thomas, Stanford
Notes: I’m tempted to put a running back here, but instead I went with Thomas, whose skill, strength, motor and versatility bring to mind Seahawks defensive
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Photo: David Madison/Getty Images
9. Cincinnati Bengals
LB Reuben Foster, Alabama
Notes: I’m tempted to put a running back here, but instead I went with Thomas, whose skill, strength, motor and versatility bring to mind Seahawks defensive lineman Michael Bennett.
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9. Cincinnati Bengals
LB Reuben Foster, Alabama
Notes: I’m tempted to put a running back here, but instead I went with Thomas, whose skill, strength, motor and versatility bring to mind Seahawks defensive
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Photo: Stacy Revere/Getty Images
10. Buffalo Bills
WR Mike Williams, Clemson
Notes: The Bills have had mixed luck with their last top-10 Clemson wideout (the oft-injured Sammy Watkins), but the 6-foot-3, 225-pound Williams is too good a prospect to pass up for receiver-needy Buffalo.
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10. Buffalo Bills
WR Mike Williams, Clemson
Notes: The Bills have had mixed luck with their last top-10 Clemson wideout (the oft-injured Sammy Watkins), but the 6-foot-3, 225-pound Williams is too good a
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Photo: Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images
11. New Orleans Saints
CB Sidney Jones, Washington
Notes: New Orleans needs help all over its defense, and we have them going with the playmaking Jones, who snagged nine interceptions and broke up 21 passes with the Huskies.
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11. New Orleans Saints
CB Sidney Jones, Washington
Notes: New Orleans needs help all over its defense, and we have them going with the playmaking Jones, who snagged nine interceptions and broke up 21 passes
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Photo: Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images
12. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia)
QB DeShone Kizer, Notre Dame
Notes: After an up-and-down 2016 season it’s possible Kizer came out a year too early, but possessing elite size and enough tools to project as a quality starter, he’ll be groomed in Cleveland.
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12. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia)
QB DeShone Kizer, Notre Dame
Notes: After an up-and-down 2016 season it’s possible Kizer came out a year too early, but possessing elite size and enough tools to
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Photo: Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images
13. Arizona Cardinals
TE O.J. Howard, Alabama
Notes: With Larry Fitzgerald likely entering his last season, the Cardinals could use a playmaker in the passing game. They get the top tight end in the class in Howard, who could also develop into a capable run blocker.
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13. Arizona Cardinals
TE O.J. Howard, Alabama
Notes: With Larry Fitzgerald likely entering his last season, the Cardinals could use a playmaker in the passing game. They get the top tight end in the class in
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Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images
14. Indianapolis Colts
RB Leonard Fournette, Louisiana State
Notes: This might be much too low for a player garnering comparisons to Adrian Peterson and Bo Jackson. In this scenario, Fournette gives Indy a chance to take the pressure off Andrew Luck with a legitimate ground game.
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14. Indianapolis Colts
RB Leonard Fournette, Louisiana State
Notes: This might be much too low for a player garnering comparisons to Adrian Peterson and Bo Jackson. In this scenario, Fournette gives Indy a
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Photo: Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
15. Philadelphia Eagles (from Minnesota)
RB Dalvin Cook, Florida State
Notes: Even with Fournette gone a pick earlier, this is hardly a conciliation prize for the Eagles. Cook is a home-run hitter able to take just about any carry to the end zone and is readymade to make an impact in a pro passing game.
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15. Philadelphia Eagles (from Minnesota)
RB Dalvin Cook, Florida State
Notes: Even with Fournette gone a pick earlier, this is hardly a conciliation prize for the Eagles. Cook is a home-run hitter able to
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Photo: Don Juan Moore/Getty Images
16. Baltimore Ravens
WR Corey Davis, Western Michigan
Notes: With the retirement of Steve Smith, Baltimore could use some receivers. They get one of the best in the draft in Davis, a 6-foot-3, 213-pounder who moves like a much smaller man.
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16. Baltimore Ravens
WR Corey Davis, Western Michigan
Notes: With the retirement of Steve Smith, Baltimore could use some receivers. They get one of the best in the draft in Davis, a 6-foot-3, 213-pounder who
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Photo: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
17. Washington Redskins
DT Malik McDowell, Michigan State
Notes: The Redskins need some help in the interior of their defense, and they go with a risk-reward prospect in McDowell, whose physical gifts entice amid questions about his work ethic.
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17. Washington Redskins
DT Malik McDowell, Michigan State
Notes: The Redskins need some help in the interior of their defense, and they go with a risk-reward prospect in McDowell, whose physical gifts entice
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Photo: Stacy Revere/Getty Images
18. Tennessee Titans
S Budda Baker, Washington
Notes: Baker’s size (5-foot-8, 180 pounds) will concern some evaluators, but he’s an athletic playmaker with a nose for the football. That sounds like a good fit for the Titans in their second secondary pick.
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18. Tennessee Titans
S Budda Baker, Washington
Notes: Baker’s size (5-foot-8, 180 pounds) will concern some evaluators, but he’s an athletic playmaker with a nose for the football. That sounds like a good
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Photo: Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DE Taco Charlton, Michigan
Notes: Charlton is a rare prospect in terms of physical ability, but he didn’t put together the type of production you would have hoped to see in college. Some team will fall in love with his skills.
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19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DE Taco Charlton, Michigan
Notes: Charlton is a rare prospect in terms of physical ability, but he didn’t put together the type of production you would have hoped to see in college.
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Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images
20. Denver Broncos
T Ryan Ramczyk, Wisconsin
Notes: The Broncos need a lot of help on the offensive line, and they take the first one off the board in the uber-athletic Ramczyk, whose stock has slid due to hip injury concerns.
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20. Denver Broncos
T Ryan Ramczyk, Wisconsin
Notes: The Broncos need a lot of help on the offensive line, and they take the first one off the board in the uber-athletic Ramczyk, whose stock has slid due to
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Photo: Joe Robbins/Getty Images
21. Detroit Lions
DE Derek Barnett, Tennessee
Notes: The Lions badly need help rushing the passer, and Barnett, who had 13 sacks and 16 quarterback hurries for the Volunteers in 2016, fits the bill.
21. Detroit Lions
DE Derek Barnett, Tennessee
Notes: The Lions badly need help rushing the passer, and Barnett, who had 13 sacks and 16 quarterback hurries for the Volunteers in 2016, fits the bill.
Photo: Frederick Breedon/Getty Images
22. Miami Dolphins
G Forrest Lamp, Western Kentucky
Notes: Miami will move 2016 first-rounder Laremy Tunsil outside to replace Branden Albert at left tackle. Lamp could fit in nicely at either guard spot or potentially play right tackle.
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22. Miami Dolphins
G Forrest Lamp, Western Kentucky
Notes: Miami will move 2016 first-rounder Laremy Tunsil outside to replace Branden Albert at left tackle. Lamp could fit in nicely at either guard spot or
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Photo: Joe Robbins/Getty Images
23. New York Giants
DT Caleb Brantley, Florida
Notes: New York’s defense made big strides last year, and they get more help with the addition of Brantley, who has drawn some comparisons to Rams All-Pro Aaron Donald.
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23. New York Giants
DT Caleb Brantley, Florida
Notes: New York’s defense made big strides last year, and they get more help with the addition of Brantley, who has drawn some comparisons to Rams All-Pro
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Photo: Rob Foldy/Getty Images
24. Oakland Raiders
CB Marlon Humphrey, Alabama
Notes: The Raiders need to upgrade their secondary if they’re going to be a perennial power in the AFC. Humphrey, the son of former Broncos running back Bobby Humphrey, gives them a playmaker.
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24. Oakland Raiders
CB Marlon Humphrey, Alabama
Notes: The Raiders need to upgrade their secondary if they’re going to be a perennial power in the AFC. Humphrey, the son of former Broncos running back Bobby
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Photo: Leon Bennett/Getty Images
25. Houston Texans
T Cam Robinson, Alabama
Notes: I wouldn’t put it past the Texans to add a quarterback at the end of the first round after seeing Brock Osweiler last year, but they need help on the O-line, and Robinson can start at right tackle immediately.
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25. Houston Texans
T Cam Robinson, Alabama
Notes: I wouldn’t put it past the Texans to add a quarterback at the end of the first round after seeing Brock Osweiler last year, but they need help on the
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Photo: Stacy Revere/Getty Images
26. Seattle Seahawks
T Garett Bolles, Utah
Notes: Bolles has a interesting story, overcoming some personal demons to become a draft prospect at the age of 24. With elite athleticism as well as room to grow on his 6-foot-5 frame, he’d be an upgrade at either tackle spot for Seattle.
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26. Seattle Seahawks
T Garett Bolles, Utah
Notes: Bolles has a interesting story, overcoming some personal demons to become a draft prospect at the age of 24. With elite athleticism as well as room to grow on
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Photo: Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images
27. Kansas City Chiefs
CB Quincy Wilson, Florida
Notes: Scouts are a little split on Wilson, but his size and physicality make him an attractive option for Kansas City opposite Marcus Peters. Could be a free safety down the road.
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27. Kansas City Chiefs
CB Quincy Wilson, Florida
Notes: Scouts are a little split on Wilson, but his size and physicality make him an attractive option for Kansas City opposite Marcus Peters. Could be a free
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Photo: Rob Foldy/Getty Images
28. Dallas Cowboys
DE Charles Harris, Missouri
Notes: With Randy Gregory out for at least a year due to multiple failed drug tests, the Boys need some help rushing the passer. They go with Harris after he totaled 9 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in 2016.
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28. Dallas Cowboys
DE Charles Harris, Missouri
Notes: With Randy Gregory out for at least a year due to multiple failed drug tests, the Boys need some help rushing the passer. They go with Harris after he
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Photo: Joe Robbins/Getty Images
29. Green Bay Packers
CB Tees Tabor, Florida
Notes: Green Bay’s corners got exposed in the playoffs, so they reload with the addition of Tabor, whom some teams believe might be the best pure cover corner in the draft.
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29. Green Bay Packers
CB Tees Tabor, Florida
Notes: Green Bay’s corners got exposed in the playoffs, so they reload with the addition of Tabor, whom some teams believe might be the best pure cover corner in
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Photo: Joe Robbins/Getty Images
30. Pittsburgh Steelers
DE Tim Williams, Alabama
Notes: The Steelers used to pump out edge rushers year after year, but they need some help in that department with James Harrison nearing the end of his career. They go with Williams here.
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30. Pittsburgh Steelers
DE Tim Williams, Alabama
Notes: The Steelers used to pump out edge rushers year after year, but they need some help in that department with James Harrison nearing the end of his
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Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
31. Atlanta Falcons
CB Gareon Conley, Ohio State
Notes: Atlanta’s young defense improved throughout the season last year, but they still need some players in the secondary. Conley has great size, speed and ball skills.
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31. Atlanta Falcons
CB Gareon Conley, Ohio State
Notes: Atlanta’s young defense improved throughout the season last year, but they still need some players in the secondary. Conley has great size, speed and
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Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images
32. New England Patriots
LB Haason Reddick, Temple
Notes: New England will likely need to reload on defense after free agency, and they get an athletic, versatile linebacker who can play a variety of roles in Reddick.
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32. New England Patriots
LB Haason Reddick, Temple
Notes: New England will likely need to reload on defense after free agency, and they get an athletic, versatile linebacker who can play a variety of roles in
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Photo: Brynn Anderson/AP
Hawks get line help in pre-combine first-round NFL mock draft
The 2017 NFL draft should be an interesting one. With no elite quarterback prospects and a dearth of impact offensive linemen, teams with needs at those key positions -- there's a few -- will be forced to chose between reaching for need or selecting the best player available.
That might be the scenario the Seahawks, who need to get better play from both tackle spots if they're to challenge for a spot in Super Bowl LII. Picking at No. 26 overall, Seattle could hope that one of the few difference makers on the offensive line falls to the bottom third of the first round.
If that doesn't happen, the team's choice gets a little more interesting.
RELATED: Huskies, Seahawks pre-NFL scouting combine Q&A w/Dane Brugler
With a need at cornerback, a position flush with talent in 2017, the Seahawks could decide to wait on the position until the second day of the draft. But if a player who projects as a potential starter on the outside falls to them at the end of the first round, would they consider selecting their first first-round corner since Kelly Jennings in 2006?
It's with those questions in mind that we unveil our first first-round mock draft of the 2017 offseason ahead of next week's NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.
Visit seattlepi.com for more Seattle Seahawks news. Contact sports reporter Stephen Cohen at stephencohen@seattlepi.com or @scohenPI.