Round 3 (101): Zack Moss, RB, Utah
The only holdover from mock draft 3.0, Moss is too obvious of a Seahawks-type draft target for me to let him go if he’s available when Seattle picks here.
A stout, bruising running back out of the University of Utah – one of coach Carroll’s often targeted programs – Moss would immediately give the Seahawks crucial depth in the backfield.
With Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny both nursing season-ending injuries, and with Travis Homer’s lack of experience as the feature back, it makes sense for Seattle to find another running back this offseason, either via free agency or the draft.
Moss just so happens to check a lot of boxes Carroll and his staff look for out of their backs, and if he’s around at this stage of the draft a connection between the two makes too much sense.
Round 4 (133): Leki Fotu, DL, Utah
Seattle doubled up on players from the University of Utah last year, why not do it again?
One of very few players known to have virtually met with the Seahawks during the pre-draft process, Fotu is a run-stuffing two-gap tackle who would fit well into Carroll’s 4-3 defensive front.
Although he’s not much of a pass rusher, Fotu could fill the role normally given to a veteran as a backup run-stuffer in the middle, and developing under guys like Jarran Reed and Poona Ford could do wonders for his development.
Teaming back up with Cody Barton and Marquise Blair, the Utah trio could become a big part of Seattle’s future defense.
Round 4 (144): Michael Ojemudia, CB, Iowa
If the Seahawks have a chance to take a lengthy corner in the middle rounds, you can bet they’ll take a close look. It’s not every day you land a Richard Sherman in the fifth round, but Pete Carroll has a reputation of getting the best out of his defensive backs, and Ojemudia checks a lot of this team’s boxes.
Standing six-foot-one and with 32 1/4 inch arms, Ojemudia possesses great length and physicality on the outside, although he has proven to be more useful in zone coverage – another reason he’s a good fit for Seattle.
Ojemudia would have the benefit of joining a team with Shaquill Griffin, Quinton Dunbar and Tre Flowers, so he would have a chance to develop under three strong talents while cutting his teeth on the special teams.
Seattle has had great luck with defensive backs in the middle rounds, and Ojemudia could add his name to the list if the Seahawks give him a chance.