Seattle Seahawks 3 Biggest remaining needs after the draft

The Seattle Seahawks drafted 11 players this year, but the team could still use some depth and star power at certain positions.

The Seattle Seahawks did a good job addressing some of their biggest needs in the draft. It helped that the team continuously traded down early on to build up assets, which they then used to move up a few times and secure players they thought highly of.

Specifically, the Seahawks added three wide receivers and two linebackers, which cleared up needs at those positions. They also used their first round pick on defensive end L.J. Collier, filling the hole left by Frank Clark.

Overall, the Seahawks did a good job drafting to fill positions of need. However, there were just some positions that the team couldn’t fix in the draft. It’s unlikely Seattle will find more players to add depth to these positions unless they get lucky with an undrafted free agent, and the team will have to address these spots next offseason or through trades.

Offensive Line

The Seahawks did draft Phil Haynes, a left guard from Wake Forest. Haynes was a good depth grab, and he might even see some starting time in 2019. Currently, Mike Iupati is the Seahawks starting left guard, but he’s only played in 11 games over the last two seasons and hasn’t made a Pro Bowl since 2015. He’s also on a one-year deal, which makes him a short-term loan and potentially a bridge player who will allow Haynes time to adjust to the pros before taking over as a starter next year.

While that all sounds nice, the Seahawks still have plenty of issues along the offensive line. The most glaring issue is Germain Ifedi, the current starting right tackle. The former first round pick has been disastrous for Seattle and is in the final year of his rookie deal, assuming the team doesn’t pick up his fifth-year option.

The struggling right tackle is a huge reason why Russell Wilson was sacked a career-high 51 times in 2018. He just can’t keep up with most defensive ends and outside linebackers.

Apart from Ifedi and Iupati, Seattle also has some middle-of-the-road players in center Justin Britt and right guard D.J. Fluker, who just signed a new deal this offseason. Frankly, those two might fit the team’s run-heavy offense, but they aren’t strong enough to protect Wilson in the passing game. While the team seems committed to Britt and Fluker, it would be nice if they found better players to protect Wilson.

It’s also worth considering just how many sack artists are in the NFC West. The Arizona Cardinals have Chandler Jones, the Los Angeles Rams have Aaron Donald, and the San Francisco 49ers have Nick Bosa and DeForest Buckner. Can the Seahawks line hold up against those guys?