The Seattle Seahawks entered the 2020 NFL Draft with the 27th overall selection after losing in the 2019 NFC Divisional game against the Green Bay Packers. Many people believed that the Seahawks would not actually use that 27th pick, as Pete Carroll and John Schneider have almost made it a habit of trading out of their original spot in the first round and, sometimes, out of the first round altogether.
However, to the surprise of more than a few, the Seahawks actually stayed put at No. 27 and made a selection. Then they surprised people all over again with the player they took with that first pick, Texas Tech LB Jordyn Brooks, a player that many had outside their top 100.
Overall, the Seahawks had an interesting draft, which mainly focused on offensive weapons and front seven additions. Interestingly, the Seahawks did not add to their secondary during the draft, an area they have routinely addressed over recent drafts classes. Let’s take a look at how the Seahawks 2020 Draft class grades out.
Who Did the Seattle Seahawks Draft?
- Round 1, No. 27 overall: Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech
- Round 2, No. 48 overall: Darrell Taylor, OLB, Tennessee
- Round 3, No. 69 overall: Damien Lewis, OG, LSU
- Round 4, No. 133 overall: Colby Parkinson, TE, Stanford
- Round 4, No. 144 overall: DeeJay Dallas, RB, Miami (FL)
- Round 5, No. 148 overall: Alton Robinson, Edge, Syracuse
- Round 6, No. 214 overall: Freddie Swain, WR, Florida
- Round 7, No. 251 overall: Stephen Sullivan, WR, LSU
Best Player: Jordyn Brooks
He may be considered a reach, but Brooks is also at the top of the Seahawks draft list when it comes to talent. Brooks had an incredible career at Texas Tech, making an immediate impact right from the start with 86 tackles as a freshman, all the way to being a second-team All-American in 2019 after 108 tackles and 20 tackles for a loss in his senior year. Brooks just simply makes plays and will add to what should be a fierce linebacking group.
Best Value: Damien Lewis
LSU’s offensive was full of star power and Lewis was no exception. He’s 6’2″, 327 pounds, and was named to the All-SEC second-team in 2019. He’ll add immediate depth on the interior and may even work his way into the starting lineup at right guard with DJ Fluker having been released.
Biggest Reach: Jordyn Brooks
This pick has to be Brooks. An outside-consensus non-top 100 prospect across draft boards and the Seahawks took him with the 27th overall pick. This has become typical Seattle, drafting players in the first round that many had as round three or four values. That said, Brooks was very productive at Texas Tech and will get to learn from one of the best in the league in Bobby Wagner.
Biggest Sleeper: DeeJay Dallas
Dallas steadily got better over his career with the Hurricanes. He even went as far as to seek help from the school’s sports psychologist to help with his fumbling issues and it appears to have paid off. Dallas has demonstrated flashes of ability in both the running and passing game. While he may not have eye-popping statistics, his traits and athleticism should carry over to the next level. He could take the role that was once held by C.J. Prosise, as well as being a potential immediate asset in the return game. Another name to keep an eye on is Sullivan and how Seattle utilizes him. He could be a very valuable asset to their offense.
Draft Grade: B
Credit the Seahawks for hiding their interest in Brooks. They, reportedly, had not talked to him since the combine so no one pegged him at all to Seattle. There was some late buzz that he would be a first-round pick, but not many were buying it. A tip of the hat in that regard to Carroll and Schneider.
Taylor was somewhat of a surprise pick in the second round but should provide a strong pass-rush for a Seahawks unit that desperately needs it. If Robinson can develop, he’s another name to watch in their pass rush rotation.
Dallas was one of the most underrated running backs in this class and didn’t seem to get as much buzz as some would have thought. He’ll help the Seahawks in a number of ways, both offensively and on special teams.
The offensive line also got a much-needed boost with Lewis as well as the addition of two more weapons for Wilson in Swain and Sullivan, who should become a wide receiver in a tight end’s body.