Round 3, Pick No. 71: Lucas Niang, T, TCU
I was thrilled to see Niang still on the board at No. 71 overall. Niang is a start-right-away right tackle prospect, who has the physicality to excel in run-specific offensive schemes – much like Seattle’s.
A high football IQ only sweetens the pot, and the only major downside is a discouraging injury history – which complicates things because of how difficult it is to obtain medical information, thanks to the quarantine.
Still, if Seattle sees Niang on the board in the early-third, and they have a pick in that range, this is a no-brainer selection.
He could easily beat out Brandon Shell for the starting right tackle job as a rookie, and would be a great long-term piece for this Seattle offense.
Round 3, Pick No. 101: Zack Moss, RB, Utah
I’m not usually a big proponent of drafting running backs early, but using a pick outside the top-100 (albeit barely) on a talent like Moss would be perfect for Seattle.
Chris Carson and Rahsaad Penny are expected to be the team’s top two backs next year, and second-year man Travis Homer proved he is capable of stepping in as necessary.
However – Carson and Penny are both coming off major injuries, and the team wants to avoid having to sign two free agents off the street right before a playoff run, like they did last year.
Moss is a physical, punishing runner from the University of Utah, and his style of football and overall size would make him a very appealing option for coach Pete Carroll.
There are not many running backs I would advocate for in this draft for Seattle, but Moss is atop my list.