2019 NFL Mock Draft: Defensive line rules at start of training camp
By Randy Gurzi
15. Seattle Seahawks: Christian Wilkins, Clemson, DT
They should go for an offensive tackle here, but let’s stop pretending they will. For some reason, the Seattle Seahawks continually ignore their biggest hole on the roster, which is the entire line protecting Russell Wilson. Even Duane Brown wasn’t great in his time with them, but maybe he’ll improve now that he’s more familiar with the team.
Assuming that they’re satisfied with him and they still overvalue the rest of the group, Seattle turns to their other line by taking Christian Wilkins out of Clemson. It was assumed he would go in the 2018 NFL Draft, but Wilkins decided to return for one more season with the Tigers. His stock doesn’t increase much, because he was already one of the best defensive tackle prospects.
He’s a disruptive force that can make plays in the run game as well as by rushing the passer. Seattle can use that as their once-feared defense has lost a lot of sting this offseason. Michael Bennett was sent to the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas Chancellor and Cliff Avril had to retire due to injury and Richard Sherman is also gone.
Wilkins won’t directly replace any of them but can make up for their huge miss when they selected Malik McDowell in the second round of 2017. It will also help them start to rebuild the unit that led them to back-to-back Super Bowl berths.