2. A.J. Terrell, CB Clemson
Shaquill Griffin finally took a big step forward for Seattle this past season. The former third round pick approached 2019 with a renewed mindset and put the tools he’d developed during his first two disappointing seasons in the NFL to use.
During offseason workouts, Griffin told reporters, including John Boyle of Seahawks.com the following:
"“I’ve got to be more than just good, I’ve got to be more than just great, I’ve got to be elite and I’ve got to be that type of guy they can count on. Last year was just an average year, and I hold myself to a higher standard. I’ve got a different mindset than I did last year. The maturity level has changed, and I learned a lot more—just becoming a better person and better man before I can change my game. My mindset is totally different this year.”"
Griffin certainly delivered on his offseason declaration. The UFC product made his first Pro Bowl this year, replacing New Orleans’ Marshon Lattimore. Griffin joined Bobby Wagner and Russell Wilson as Seattle’s only Pro Bowlers.
Despite Griffin’s substantial improvement, the Seahawks cannot rest easy at cornerback. While Griffin played well, receivers regularly toasted Tre Flowers. The college safety turned cornerback faced heavy fire in 2019, and Seattle could not cover up their weakness at the position.
Seattle never replaced Justin Coleman, a terrific slot cornerback, who left the team last offseason. Now, the team could also lose cornerbacks Akeem King, Neiko Thorpe, and Kalan Reed in free agency.
With a lack of depth at cornerback and some questionable play by Flowers, Seattle needs another stabilizing force in the secondary.
Besides Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah, analysts seem confused about which cornerbacks are first-round talents. For now, it looks like Terrell could go toward the bottom of the first round. He played a key role in Clemson’s defense alongside Trayvon Mullen during the team’s 2018-19 championship run. Terrell continued his stellar play this past college season.
Alabama’s Trevon Diggs may also be available at No. 27 for Seattle. Then again, the cornerback pool will shift a lot in the coming weeks. One of the top three or four cornerbacks in the draft should still be on the board when Seattle picks.