Seattle Seahawks Select Versatile Lineman in Latest Mock Draft

The Seattle Seahawks have plenty of roster holes with offensive line perhaps the biggest need heading into the draft.

Aug 13, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) celebrates / Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

If the Seattle Seahawks are to amount to something in Mike Macdonald's first season as head coach, Geno Smith will likely need to have a Pro Bowl-level season.

To do that, Geno will have to remain upright and that looks tricky right now given the holes in Seattle's offensive line. Starters Damien Lewis (Carolina) and Evan Browns (Arizona) leave gaping holes in Smith's protection in Ryan Grubb's first year as coordinator.

Luckily, this year's draft class is littered with talented linemen, and with Seattle picking relatively early (No.16), there is every chance that the franchise could draft a top prospect, which is exactly what happens in NFL.com's latest mock draft with Washington's Troy Fautanu reuniting with Grubb in Seattle.

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (55) against the / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

"Staying in Seattle, the former Washington Husky upgrades the athleticism along the Seahawks' offensive line while also providing the versatility to step in at guard right away," NFL.com writes.

With Charles Cross and Abe Lucas the cornerstones of the offensive line, adding Fautanu to the mix gives the Seahawks some genuine flexibility, and given Grubb's experience working with linemen, Smith could be protected better than people think...if they stay healthy.

Of course, there is the narrative that Geno holds onto the ball a little longer than he needs to, but if the line does its job, then Seattle's skill position players could feast.

With the Seahawks looking to return to the postseason after narrowly missing last year, allowing a clean pocket for Smith will be crucial, not to mention getting a far better return in the run game as well.

The Seahawks still possess the weapons to trouble a lot of teams in 2024, but the key will be allowing Smith time to orchestrate the offense to the high level we know he can. Last season saw a lot of chopping and changing along the offensive line due to injuries. If Seattle has a bit of luck and can maintain its health, things could be looking good for Grubb and his offense with Fautanu the crown jewel in Geno's protection.