Seattle Seahawks: Most Picks In NFL Draft Could Equal Trade

The NFL Draft can be all about give and take. Sometimes teams have to make trades for the present and sacrifice part of the future. The Seattle Seahawks did just that with their decision to deal this year’s first-round pick for Jimmy Graham.

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The Graham trade has mostly been given a thumbs up, as it’s hard to argue against acquiring the league’s first or second best tight end. Even though Max Unger had to go as part of the package, Seattle needed to give Russell Wilson more weapons, plain and simple.

Dec 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 35-6. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

At the same time it’s now a foregone conclusion that the Seahawks will turn to the draft for help along their offensive line, especially given the fact that guard James Carpenter left in free agency.

The only problem is that they won’t be on the clock until well into day two with the No. 63 pick.

On positive side of things, Seattle has the most selections in the league with 11 total (four compensatory) in Nos. 63, 95, 112, 130, 134, 167, 170, 181, 209, 214 and 248.

Given the lack of early picks, it’s not out of the question to think that general manager John Schneider could do a little wheeling and dealing to move back up the board (the 134th, 170th, 209th and 214th picks cannot be traded per NFL rules).

While there are positions all draft analysts agree the Seahawks need help at (offensive line, wide receiver), there really isn’t a position they must prioritize.

If they were to select the best available guard or center with their first pick, wherever that may be, it would be hard to say it was a bad decision. The same goes for wide receiver and cornerback.

Of the three I would vote for cornerback as the least important need, although left outside linebacker could use another talented prospect for depth.

Given the lack of total centers who figure to go in this year’s crop (likely 6-8), and the absence of highly-touted ones at that, it may be wise for the team to get one while they can by the end of the third round.

But when you have 11 picks and have already made a huge offseason splash, the options are nearly limitless. Missing out on the first round does sting a bit, but it’s not like we’re talking about a “lottery” pick. The Seahawks will do just fine once they finally get rolling on day two. And who knows? Maybe they’ll end up in the mix with a trade late in round one?

Dec 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) celebrates an interception in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

When you’re the two-time defending NFC champions you can simply take more risks. Schneider will hit all of the major needs, replenishing the offensive line and getting Wilson another weapon or two. After that he and the rest of the draft team will be free to start targeting some of their “diamond in the rough” candidates.

It’s tough to sort through all of the underachievers to find gems like Richard Sherman and Byron Maxwell, but the Seahawks sure will have a lot of late-round flyers to take if they want them.

Next: How Much Is Russell Wilson Worth?

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