The Seattle Seahawks are without question one of the top teams in the NFC and are going to be dangerous next season as well. Good drafting has been one of the biggest reasons for the Seahawks’ success, and they will have to do so once again this year in the 2016 NFL Draft with the No. 26 overall pick.
Russell Wilson was able to lead the Seahawks to the NFC divisional round of the playoffs last season. Health was an issue for Seattle all season long, and they need to bring in more depth at certain positions. Bringing in young talent can be hit or miss sometimes, but Seattle has to find an impact player with their first-round pick.
It is beginning to shape up to be a very exciting draft this year and trades have already been being made.
Los Angeles acquired the No. 1 overall pick from the Tennessee Titans in a blockbuster deal, and the Cleveland Browns have started shopping their pick. Seattle likely won’t get involved in blockbuster trade talks, but the willingness to deal from other teams could come into play of the Seahawks see a player they want.
All of that being said, which five players could be potential first-round targets for the Seattle Seahawks in the 2016 NFL Draft?
Robert Nkemdiche, Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche would be an ideal fit for the Seahawks. He would offer a big body to go along with impressive athleticism for a guy his size. Seattle has always relied on their defensive line to change offensive game plans for opponents and Nkemdiche can help do just that.
Jack Conklin, Offensive Tackle, Michigan State Spartans
Seattle will need to add help on the offensive line if they are going to protect Wilson the way they need to. Michigan State offensive tackle Jack Conklin would be a big pickup for the Seahawks and could very well earn a starting spot immediately. He may be gone by the time the Seahawks pick but would certainly be a target if he’s available.
Taylor Decker, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State Buckeyes
Adding another Big Ten offensive tackle to the list, Taylor Decker has a good chance to be on the board when Seattle is on the clock. Standing in at six-foot-eight and weighing 315 pounds, he certainly has the size to become a dominant offensive lineman. Seattle should strongly consider him at No. 26 if he’s still available.
Derrick Henry, Running Back, Alabama Crimson Tide
Marshawn Lynch chose to retire from the NFL this offseason, and the Seahawks could consider a replacement for him in the draft. Alabama running back Derrick Henry is an incredibly big back and would make for the same kind of player as Lynch was. Seattle would be getting another hard running player who can break tackles and make plays in the open field.
Noah Spence, Outside Linebacker, Eastern Kentucky Colonels
One thing that Seattle has always relied on is the pass rush, and they lost a key player in Bruce Irvin this offseason. Noah Spence may not be exactly the kind of player that Irvin was, but he would bring a legitimate boost to the pass rush. Last season with Eastern Kentucky, Spence showed why he is a candidate for the No. 26 overall pick with 50 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.
It will be interesting to see what ends up happening for the Seahawks this year in the draft. They have so many different options to choose from, but these five players would make perfect sense. Seattle will be a team to keep an eye on in trade talks, but if they stand pat at No. 26, they will be just fine.
Who do you think the Seattle Seahawks should take with their first round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft? Does one of these five players match up with what you think they should do?
[Photo by Gregory Payan/AP Images]
