Predicting Seattle Seahawks First Round Big Board

Trying to prognosticate who John Schneider and the Seattle Seahawks will select with their first pick in the NFL draft each year can be a futile exercise, but at the same time, past trends suggest biggest needs may not be a big part of the equation.

Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) tries to / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Even with the NFL Draft less than two weeks away, general managers such as John Schneider of the Seattle Seahawks are still putting together their big board while wrapping up evaluations on prospects and top-30 visits.

Closing in on the annual three-day draft, Schneider has a number of different directions he could chose to go with the Seahawks holding the 16th overall selection in the first round. On offense, the team lost three starters in Damien Lewis, Evan Brown, and Phil Haynes and hasn't made any significant moves to replace them, leaving major question marks at the guard and center positions. Defensively, all three levels could use reinforcements for new coach Mike Macdonald to deploy in his hybrid 3-4 scheme.

Of course, regardless of which avenue Schneider opts to eventually take, Seattle could delay making a selection by trading back in the round to recoup a day three selection and potentially more, especially without a second round pick courtesy of last October's trade to acquire Leonard Williams from the New York Giants. Whenever they do turn in their card to commissioner Roger Goodell, prospects who had top-30 visits such as Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II could be at the top of the team's wish list.

Offering plus athleticism for his position and untapped upside, Byron Murphy II could be high on Seattle's big board despite quality depth at defensive tackle. / John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

In the latest episode of Locked On Seahawks, hosts Corbin Smith and Nick Lee attempt to predict Schneider's first-round big board for potential picks at No. 16 overall or after a trade down, including some surprising prospects at positions that may not necessarily be viewed as prioritized needs on the Seahawks current roster.

Smith and Lee also examine first-round and day two talents at the edge and defensive end position who could complement returning veterans Uchenna Nwosu, Boye Mafe, and Darrell Taylor, and share their day three sleepers who could be targeted to bolster Seattle's edge rushing group, including Colorado State's Mo Kamara.

Listen to the latest Locked On Seahawks in the video player above or subscribe for free to the podcast platform of your choice here.

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