Seattle traded two first-round picks for Jets safety Jamal Adams to solidify the defense and chase another championship and failed. Now, Seattle is stuck without their next two years’ first-round NFL Draft picks and possesses only average salary cap space this offseason. The team will need to find great value in what picks they still have in this Seahawks 7-round 2021 NFL Mock Draft if they want a chance to contend again next season.
It’s unlikely the Seahawks draft class affects either their current plans or their future goals with only three selections. Only one selection appears in the first 120 picks, and it’s outside the top 50. Seattle must hit on all of their draft picks if they expect an impact from their 2021 rookie class. However, getting multiple contributors on rookie contracts wouldn’t go unnoticed.
Pre-Senior Bowl 7-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft
- Round 2, Pick 56: Landon Dickerson, OC, Alabama
- Round 4, Pick 121: Spencer Brown, OT, Northern Iowa
- Round 5, Pick 152: Marlon Tuipulotu, IDL, USC
Seattle 2021 NFL Mock Draft pick-by-pick analysis
Landon Dickerson, OC, Alabama
The Seahawks have put off upgrading the OL for multiple years now. However, head coach Pete Carroll has insisted he wants to run the football first and pass with Russell Wilson. If running the ball is what the Seahawks want to do, then taking the top offensive lineman with the 56th selection is the most logical decision. Whether it’s a tackle, guard, or center, adding youth and talent to that unit would go a long way.
Landon Dickerson is fresh off winning the Rimington Trophy (given to the nation’s top center) and a college title. He’s a mauler at the line of scrimmage, and his anchor is strong enough to stop even the most dominant defensive lineman in their tracks. He’s also an intelligent center with a nasty streak and would pair nicely with 2020 rookie Damien Lewis.
Why Dickerson over a tackle?
The Seahawks are at the mercy of the board, just like every other team. They do not affect what players will be available to them once they’re on the clock. While tackle may be a more significant need than center, there isn’t a tackle on the board worth the 56th overall selection. Dickerson has the film, traits, and accolades to be a top-50 selection, and falls to Seattle’s first pick in this Seahawks 2021 NFL Mock Draft.
Related | Landon Dickerson, OC, Alabama – NFL Draft Player Profile
In the past, Seattle has shown they are not interested in the “consensus” view of prospects. They stay true to their board and don’t allow outside influences to change their perception of players. It’s hard to imagine a player like Dickerson sitting on the board and the Seahawks not interested. The value for the player is substantial, and the need is evident. This is a quality selection on multiple fronts.
Spencer Brown, OT, Northern Iowa
Seattle double-dips at offensive line to start this Seahawks 7-round Mock Draft with Dickerson’s selection and now Spencer Brown. Some consider him to be the top FCS tackle in the 2021 NFL Draft class. Brown possesses a rare blend of size and athletic ability, with an unquenchable desire to be better. He can slot in at left or right tackle for Seattle but projects better on the right.
Brown transformed his body during his time at Northern Iowa, committing to being the best and putting himself in a position to be drafted within the first 100-150 selections. Expect teams to fall in love with his traits and his character. He’s a great leader and teammate, and teams love having guys like that in their locker rooms.
It’s hard to estimate how much stock the NFL will put into where Brown played college football. Northern Iowa is not a factory for NFL players, a hot point of contention for front offices. Whether Brown is a selection in the top 50 or outside the top 100, his work ethic should lead to a long NFL career.
Marlon Tuipulotu, IDL, USC
The Seahawks defensive line seemed like a different unit when they brought in veteran Carl Lawson. However, the interior was still soft and easy to run on. Adding size and strength on the defensive front makes sense for this Seahawks 2021 NFL Mock Draft. After building their offensive line, they select a defensive lineman and commit to rebuilding the trenches.
Marlon Tuipulotu stepped up in the absence of Jay Tufele this season and was excellent. He uses active hands and natural play strength to get in the backfield and projects as a high effort secondary playmaker on the defensive line. He doesn’t take over games but provides consistency in the defensive interior. He’d be a great player for years in Seattle’s defense.
Tuipulotu is one of the most underrated players in a weak interior defensive lineman class. His fit in Seattle would lead to immediate playing time and production. It’s easy to see a reality where he looks like one of the top draft steals when it’s all said and done. His play style, physical tools, and motor all project him to be a quality NFL player.
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