Round 6 (193): Derrek Tuszka, EDGE, North Dakota State
This mock only has the Seahawks acquiring one extra pick after trading downward – something they usually do a handful of times per draft.
However, in this case they use their extra pick to acquire a small school stud by the name of Derrek Tuszka out of FCS champion North Dakota State.
Tuszka was an efficient playmaking pass rusher in college, racking up 29.5 sacks with a 22% pressure rate and a 91.8 pass rushing grade from Pro Football Focus, which would have been third among FCS pass rushers.
He also tested extremely well at the combine, another good sign his talent will translate from the FCS to the NFL.
However, Tuszka doesn’t possess the length the Seahawks typically require from their edge defenders, which could be a deterrent. He’s still not a bad option with a late round pick, as someone to stash on the practice squad while he adjusts to the NFL game.
Round 6 (214): Alton Robinson, EDGE, Syracuse
I’m not super confident Robinson will still be around with the 214th pick, but if he is this should be an immediate selection for the Seahawks.
Robinson is a developmental pass rushing prospect who had 14.5 sacks in his final two seasons at Syracuse and possesses excellent burst, bend and speed off the edge.
He also has serious footwork issues, and doesn’t have enough variety in his pass rush counters to be effective right away.
Still – if Seattle can snag a player with his kind of athleticism with their final pick, he’d be worth the wait while he hones his other skills in a year on the practice squad.
Wrap-up
I’m not sure I love a scenario where the Seahawks don’t take a wide receiver, especially with how good this draft class is, but perhaps the addition of Phillip Dorsett and the potential return of Josh Gordon will allow them to look elsewhere.
Taking a QB early is certainly the most notable piece of this draft puzzle, and while it may not be that likely, it’s nice to see how the draft could still come together and fill a lot of team needs, while also addressing the need for Russell Wilson’s backup in a fun, developmental way for the short term and long term.
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