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

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 27: Austin Jackson #73 of the USC Trojans blocks A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half of the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 27, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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Seattle Seahawks, NFL Draft (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

3. Ross Blacklock, DT TCU

The Seahawks drafted Alabama’s Jarran Reed in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. For two seasons, Reed made a minimal impact as a pass rusher. Then, alongside a career year by Frank Clark, Reed exploded for 10.5 sacks and 24 quarterback hits.

Reed missed six games while dealing with a suspension in 2019, and he never recovered his 2018 form. The pending free agent has five combined sacks between 2016, 2017, and 2019. It looks like 2018 might have been an anomaly. If that’s the case, it’s doubtful Seattle needs Reed back next season.

Seattle could lose multiple defensive linemen in free agency this summer. The team should prioritize Jadeveon Clowney, which means Reed probably won’t be re-signed. Considering that the Seahawks only paid Reed $1,161,642 this past season, the defensive tackle could be in for a pay raise Seattle cannot supply. If Seattle does let Reed walk, then Blacklock could step in as an immediate replacement.

However, if the Seahawks do draft Blacklock, they must prioritize edge rushers later in the draft or in free agency. Unlike Reed, Blacklock focuses more on stopping the run than rushing the passer. He’s taller and more mobile than Poona Ford, which gives him some ability to pressure the quarterback but not consistently.

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