With Super Bowl LX now etched in the history books, fans of the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots can finally join the rest of the NFL in focusing on the offseason's major events. Free agency is just around the corner, and the NFL draft will follow, setting the stage for some significant roster shakeups.
Seattle's faithful are well aware of the impact John Schneider's draft picks had on their recent success. Last year, Schneider selected left guard Grey Zabel and versatile defensive back Nick Emmanwori, both of whom played pivotal roles in the big game.
While other picks may still develop into key players, Zabel and Emmanwori's contributions alone underscore the importance of hitting on early-round selections. It’s these picks that often define a team’s long-term success.
Seattle Seahawks' Mock Draft Insights
Enter ESPN's Matt Miller with his latest mock draft, offering intriguing possibilities for the Seahawks. With the Senior Bowl concluded, scouts have a wealth of new data to consider, allowing Miller to extend his mock draft analysis into the second round.
Seattle holds the 32nd and 64th picks, and Miller has intriguing choices lined up for Mike Macdonald to build on this year’s achievements.
Round One: Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
Malachi Fields is a name generating buzz, and for good reason. Standing tall at 6’4” and weighing 218 pounds, Fields is a matchup nightmare for defensive backs. His 4.5-second 40-yard dash may not be lightning-fast, but it's impressive given his size, making him a formidable presence on the field.
Fields transitioned to Notre Dame for his final college season, delivering a standout performance with 17.5 yards per catch on 36 receptions. His ability to secure contested balls and excel in red-zone situations makes him an appealing target. With veteran Cooper Kupp's future uncertain, Fields could be the perfect complement to Seattle's speedsters like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tory Horton.
While Fields may not be the most explosive player, his potential as a reliable possession receiver is undeniable. Seattle doesn’t necessarily need more speed; they need someone who can exploit defensive lapses and provide a consistent target.
Round Two: Chase Bisontis, G, Texas A&M
Chase Bisontis presents an intriguing option, though not without some concerns. Selecting a guard in the first round last year proved valuable for Seattle, and Bisontis could follow suit as the third guard off the board in Miller's mock.
With right guard Anthony Bradford potentially leaving in free agency, Bisontis could fill a critical gap. Known for his powerful run blocking, Bisontis mirrors some of Bradford's strengths and weaknesses. His pass protection needs work, raising questions about whether he represents an upgrade or a lateral move.
Bisontis's ability to dominate in straight-ahead blocking is clear, but his agility in pass protection remains a concern. Schneider must decide if Bisontis can step into a starting role soon or if the team should explore other options, such as Bryce Cabeldue or Christian Haynes, or even a veteran free agent. This decision could free up the second-round pick for other needs, like edge rusher or cornerback.
Ultimately, John Schneider's track record speaks for itself. With ten offensive linemen drafted in the past four years and four starting in the Super Bowl, his eye for talent is proven. As draft day approaches, Seahawks fans can trust that Schneider will make the right calls to keep the team competitive.