Seattle Seahawks: 5 Mistakes to avoid in 2020 NFL Draft
By Samuel Teets
2. Drafting a bench player in the first round
Who said Pete Carroll and John Schneider build good draft classes? Maybe they put together some incredible hauls early in the 2010s, but Seattle’s recent draft-day decisions raise question marks.
In 2018, the Seahawks tried to outsmart the rest of the NFL by drafting Rashaad Penny with the 27th overall pick. The San Diego St. product became the second running back taken, only following Saquon Barkley. While the Seahawks pushed for Penny to start early, it quickly became apparent that Chris Carson deserved the top position on the depth chart.
Penny became Carson’s backup. While he does flash potential two or three times a season, he is extremely inconsistent. The most infuriating part of this whole situation is that Carroll praised Carson repeatedly in 2017. The head coach told San Francisco 49ers reporter Joe Fann, per Twitter:
"“Without question, he’s done really well. We haven’t seen the top end from Chris. He’s got a lot to offer. He’s a very well-rounded football player. He can block, he can catch, he can run routes, he runs the ball well and he contributes on special teams as well. I’m anxious to see how he grows with us and if his role can expand as we find out more stuff.”"
Carroll made those comments in September of 2017. Less than a year later, the Seahawks reached on Penny instead of rolling with their “well-rounded” running back. Seattle also overlooked better running back prospects, including Nick Chubb and Sony Michel.
A year after taking Penny, the Seahawks drafted Collier from TCU. Despite injuries along the defensive line and poor play from Ezekiel Ansah, Collier barely saw the field. He finished his rookie season with only three tackles. Seattle passed over Maxx Crosby, Jaylon Ferguson and Chase Winovich in favor of Collier.