Which NFL Draft Prospects Would Justify Seahawks Picking at No. 16 Overall?

Without a second-round pick, John Schneider may want to trade down. But a handful of prospects could make the Seattle Seahawks general manager think twice if available with the 16th pick.

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

Now three weeks away from the 2024 NFL Draft, rumors are already flying about teams trying to move up and acquire the Seattle Seahawks 16th overall pick in the first round.

Based on general manager John Schneider's track record and the fact the Seahawks currently don't have a second-round pick courtesy of last October's trade for Leonard Williams, such speculation is more than understandable. Since joining the organization in 2010, he has orchestrated 34 trades on draft weekend, including acquiring a future third-round pick from the Broncos last April.

But if the right prospect remained when Seattle goes on the clock for the first time later this month, would Schneider be hesitant to make a move? While positional value comes into play, there are always players who surprisingly fall further than expected, which gives the franchise plenty of flexibility if a top-tier offensive lineman such as Washington's Troy Fautanu or elite edge rusher such as Alabama's Dallas Turner drops into their lap at pick 16.

At the same time, Schneider likely already has started fielding calls for the Seahawks first-round pick from interested teams, and an exodus of standout receivers from several playoff teams at the bottom of the round could create a bit of a bidding war for the selection if the right players remain on the board.

On a new episode of Locked On Seahawks, host Corbin Smith breaks down seven prospects worthy of Schneider and the Seahawks sitting pat and making a selection at 16 rather than trading down, including a pair of Big Ten defenders and a championship quarterback, tackles listener questions in a Thursday mailbag, and ranks Seattle's defensive position groups heading towards the draft.

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