Seattle Seahawks: 5 Top targets with No. 27 pick in 2020 NFL Draft

In 2018, the Seattle Seahawks used the 27th pick on Rashaad Penny. This time around, the Seahawks to select an immediate impact player at No. 27.

In the last 10 NFL Drafts, the Seattle Seahawks selected seven players in the first round. Only two of those picks, L.J. Collier (2019) and Rashaad Penny (2018), still play for the organization. Outside of the 2010 draft, which produced two Pro Bowl first-round selections, the Seahawks failed to land players worthy of their elite draft positions. This year must be different.

The Seahawks cannot make the same mistakes that plagued the team’s draft process for the better part of the last decade. The 27th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft cannot produce another Penny. This time, Seattle needs an immediate impact player.

This article offers five prospects who could still be available at pick No. 27 and fill one of Seattle’s many needs. Hopefully, the team can land one of these five, or someone of similar quality, in the first round. Unfortunately, because Seattle picks so low in the first round, fewer obvious first-round quality players are available.

5. Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame

The Seahawks do not need a tight end, but resisting Cole Kmet or whoever the top tight end on the board is by the time the draft rolls around, will be hard.

While Seattle can make do with their current receiving threats, another addition could put Russell Wilson‘s squad over the hump. 2020 is a strong class for wide receivers, and there are plenty of good tight ends too. However, a top tight end prospect presents greater value than a top wide receiver prospect, since four to six receivers could go in the first round.

Will Dissly and Jacob Hollister both played significant roles in Seattle’s offense last season. However, Dissly landed on injured reserve for the second consecutive season, and Hollister is a better receiver than blocker. While Kmet should not immediately start over Dissly, in theory, both tight ends and Hollister would see significant playing time.

Kmet can still grow as a pass-catcher. He’s far from a finished product, and that may only add to his allure. Kmet’s run blocking ability makes him a good fit for Seattle’s offensive scheme, which relies heavily on players like Dissly and, in the past, Nick Vannett.

Overall, if Dissly’s injury history didn’t raise so many durability concerns, the Kmet pick would be unlikely. However, the Seahawks need a versatile tight end they can count on for an entire season.