Seattle Seahawks NFL Draft Live Blog
After months of anticipation, the 2020 NFL Draft has finally arrived.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the league has been forced to resort to a virtual draft format with coaches, executives, scouts, and even commissioner Roger Goodell working remotely from home. While it's inconvenienced those involved in the process, the event should still be a thrilling one for fans as a new wave of talent enters the NFL starting on Thursday night.
Owning seven total picks in this year's draft, including six in the top 101, the Seahawks are slated to pick first at pick No. 27 overall. But given general manager John Schneider's proclivity for trading down and adding picks in later rounds, don't expect them to stay there, as they've already reportedly been in contact with other teams to move down the board.
Seattle originally was scheduled to make eight selections, but Schneider dealt a fifth round pick to Washington in exchange for cornerback Quinton Dunbar in March. Three of their selections are compensatory ones after losing safety Earl Thomas, cornerback Justin Coleman, and defensive tackle Shamar Stephen in free agency last year.
Here's a list of the Seahawks 2020 picks, including their overall spot:
- Round 1, Pick 27
- Round 2, Pick 59
- Round 2, Pick 64
- Round 3, Pick 101*
- Round 4, Pick 133
- Round 4, Pick 144*
- Round 6, Pick 214*
*Compensatory selection
As the draft unfolds tonight through Saturday, visit this live blog frequently as we provide the latest updates on picks made by other teams, trade rumors, Seattle's selections, and much more. Make sure to click the follow button in the upper right-hand corner and join the conversation in the comments section below.
1:10 PM: Defensive end Bruce Irvin has officially signed his contract and will return to the Seahawks, who drafted him 15th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft.
4:15 PM: According to Albert Breer of the MMQB, the Seahawks are among several teams being linked to running backs early in the draft. The team had visits with Wisconsin's Jonathan Taylor, Utah's Zack Moss, and Boston College's AJ Dillon at the combine, so interest has been apparent throughout the draft process.
5:25 PM: Unlike most years, there wasn't any drama for the first overall selection, as the Bengals got their franchise quarterback in Joe Burrow. After a dominant senior season at LSU, he should be the starter from day one as Cincinnati. The Seahawks won't see him until 2023 barring a Super Bowl meeting. Grade: A
5:33 PM: In another non-surprise, the Redskins landed themselves a premier pass rusher in Ohio State star Chase Young. One of the nation's most productive sack artists and a capable run defender, he should be able to make an instant impact as former teammate Nick Bosa did for the 49ers in 2019. The Seahawks are scheduled to travel to the nation's capital next year, so he'll have an early opportunity to chase down Russell Wilson. Grade: A
5:38 PM: After trading away Darius Slay to the Eagles last month, the Lions desperately needed a new shutdown corner and they may have found him in Jeff Okudah with the third overall pick. A long, athletic ball hawk who also holds up as a run defender, he will have a chance to jump atop Detroit's depth chart to open his rookie season. Grade: A-
5:48 PM: Needing line help to support their two young stars in Saquan Barkley and Daniel Jones, the Giants addressed a major need by selecting one of the best tackles in a loaded draft class in Andrew Thomas out of Georgia. He's played both tackle spots and he's a top-tier run blocker. Grade: B+
5:53 PM: Though the Dolphins looked into a variety of options with the first of their three first-round picks, they couldn't pass up on snagging a potential franchise quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa. Coming off hip surgery, there are major question marks about his long-term durability, but there's no denying his talent. If he's able to play and healthy, the Seahawks will face him in south beach next season. Grade: A-
6:02 PM: For the third time in the first six picks, a franchise lands a franchise quarterback, as the Chargers select Oregon standout Justin Herbert. With Tyrod Taylor being on the roster, he won't have to be rushed into the starting lineup but offers all the physical tools scouts look for at the position. Grade: B
6:07 PM: Looking to replace Gerald McCoy and strengthen their defensive line, the Panthers used the seventh pick on Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown. A nasty run defender with upside as a pass rusher, he should complement Dontari Poe in the middle of Carolina's rebuilt line. Grade: B+
6:15 PM: Stealing one of the most versatile defenders to enter the NFL Draft in years, Clemson star Isaiah Simmons will be heading to the NFC West as a member of the Cardinals. The Swiss army knife can play linebacker and potentially safety as well, giving Arizona quite the defensive weapon. Seattle's rival continues to get better and won't be fun to face twice next season. Grade: A
6:22 PM: Jacksonville has had an exodus of prime talent at the cornerback position over the last calendar year, trading both Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye. To fill the void, the Jaguars wasted little time replacing them with C.J. Henderson, who excels in man coverage and can win physically as a press cornerback. Grade: B+
6:27 PM: The Browns had been linked to several tackles over the past few weeks, still looking to find a long-term replacement for Joe Thomas. Turning to Alabama's offensive line factory, Cleveland hopes to have filled the massive hole with Jedrick Wills, who offers the athletic ability to immediately start on the left side and protect Baker Mayfield. Grade: A-
6:35 PM: The Jets are getting much bigger on the offensive line to protect franchise quarterback Sam Darnold after selecting Louisville tackle Mekhi Becton with the 11th overall pick. While receiver remains a huge area of concern, this is a deep class at the position and there's no question New York needed to bolster protection for their young signal caller. Becton should be able to do that while also excelling as a run blocker and he'll face Seattle at CenturyLink Field next season. Grade: A-
6:41 PM: Two years after dealing away Amari Cooper to the Cowboys, the Raiders finally found a viable replacement, drafting electric Alabama receiver Henry Ruggs. Often overshadowed by teammate Jerry Jeudy, he will have a chance to thrive as the new No. 1 target for Derek Carr and also provides kick return ability with his 4.29 40-yard dash speed. Grade: A-
6:47 PM: We've got a trade! After the first 12 picks went as planned, the Buccaneers moved up via trade with the 49ers to acquire pick No. 13 overall and selected Iowa tackle Tristan Wirfs. An athletic freak for his size, Wirfs played right tackle for the Hawkeyes and fills one of Tampa Bay's few remaining holes. This is a great value pick to provide protection for Tom Brady. Grade: A
6:59 PM: In news Wilson and the Seahawks won't be too thrilled to hear, the 49ers have found a capable replacement for DeForest Buckner, who was traded to the Colts last month. Trading back just one spot, San Francisco selected South Carolina defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, who should immediately vie for snaps on one of the NFL's best defensive lines and add another reliable interior pass rusher to the fold. Grade: A-
7:05 PM: For the second time in four picks, an Alabama star receiver if off the board. Denver gives Drew Lock an elite target in Jerry Jeudy, who was viewed by many scouts as the best receiver in this year's draft class and can excel in the slot and outside. Excellent value midway through the first round. Grade: A-
7:11 PM: Needing reinforcements at all three levels of the defense, the Falcons went with cornerback A.J. Terrell, who will have a chance to replace departed starter Desmond Trufant. It's a bit surprising they didn't go for a pass rusher at this stage. Grade: C+
7:12 PM: Halfway through the first round of the NFL Draft, three of the top pass rushers in this year's class remain available for the Seahawks, including Yetur Gross-Matos and K'Lavon Chaisson. The status of those three players will be worth watching as Seattle's selection approaches.
7:20 PM: Another future 2020 opponent for the Seahawks has added a dynamic receiving threat, as the Cowboys will now pair Amari Cooper with Oklahoma star CeeDee Lamb. One of the best deep threats in the nation, Dak Prescott now has two elite weapons on the outside along with Ezekiel Elliott in the backfield. Grade: B+
7:29 PM: With a young quarterback to protect, the Dolphins used their second first-round pick on USC tackle Austin Jackson. One of the most athletic, high-upside tackles in the class, he could be blocking for Tagovailoa on the left side at some point as a rookie if he develops quickly. Grade: B
7:33 PM: In the first real surprise of the first round, the Raiders picked cornerback Damon Arnette, a former teammate of Okudah's at Ohio State. Exhibiting excellent ball skills and physicality, he fits the mold of a cornerback Jon Gruden's team is looking for, but it might be a bit early for his overall talent level given character concerns. Grade: C
7:41 PM: One of the Seahawks likely top targets, explosive pass rusher K'Lavon Chaisson, didn't last until pick No. 27 as the Jaguars used their second first-round pick on him. Though he's had injury problems, the pick makes a ton of sense with Jacksonville trying to trade Yannick Ngakoue, who has been linked to Seattle. Grade: B
7:47 PM: As the Seahawks know well from last year, the Eagles badly needed an infusion of youth at the receiver position and they landed one of the most dynamic play makers in this draft class by selecting speedy TCU weapon Jalen Reagor. He also provides special teams value as a return specialist and can do damage on jet sweeps. Grade: A-
7:54 PM: Yet another receiver flies off the board, as the Vikings find a suitable replacement for recently traded star Stefon Diggs in LSU standout Justin Jefferson. Doing most of his damage from the slot, he gives Kirk Cousins another dangerous weapon at his disposal who is one of the most fluid route runners in this class. Grade: A-
8:00 PM: In regard to Seattle's possible trade down options, quarterback Jordan Love remains on the board with 23 picks down. Quarterback-needy teams may have a lot of interest in the Seahawks No. 27 overall selection if he's still available.
8:01 PM: Trading up with the Patriots to acquire a premium defensive talent, the Chargers used the No. 23 overall pick on versatile off-ball linebacker Kenneth Murray. A capable rusher who also excels in coverage due to his athleticism and provides a high-character personality to the locker room, this may be one of the better value picks in the first round. Grade: A
8:09 PM: Picking a center early for the second straight year, Michigan standout Cesar Ruiz is going to New Orleans, arguably the deepest roster in the NFL. A technically-refined blocker with good feet who excels as a puller, he could play either guard spot for the Saints. Grade: B
8:16 PM: Playing the aggressor, the 49ers slid up five spots to pick No. 25 to secure another yards after catch beast in Arizona State receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The former running back perfectly fits what Kyle Shanahan wants to do on offense, giving the Seahawks another home run hitter to worry about. Grade: A-