2024 NFL draft: Washington OT Troy Fautanu has medical flag

However, there’s a late flag regarding Fautanu’s health.

One of the prospects who has been most frequently connected with the Seahawks has been Washington left tackle Troy Fautanu. He is by far the most popular mock draft pick at No. 16 overall and at least in theory would fit in like a glove with Ryan Grubb and Scott Huff, who he worked with the last two seasons.

However, there’s a late flag regarding Fautanu’s health. According to Albert Breer at Sports Illustrated, Fautanu has a knee issue that could affect his longevity in the NFL:

“Washington OT Troy Fautanu’s knee was flagged. That one was described to me as the sort of issue that shouldn’t be a problem in the short term, but could wind up impacting his longevity in the pros…”

This is pretty far from ideal, especially considering that Seattle’s starting right tackle Abe Lucas has a long-term knee problem of his own that kept him on the sidelines for 11 games last season.

Fautanu is still an excellent prospect overall and a great fit for what Seattle wants to do, but this could be disqualifying – especially considering the depth at offensive tackle in this draft class there’s no need to roll the dice on a prospect with a medical red flag.

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2024 NFL draft: Washington sending 13 prospects to scouting combine

According to the Seattle Times, Washington will be sending 13 prospects to this year’s scouting combine in Indianapolis.

If the Seattle Seahawks are looking for quality prospects in the 2024 NFL draft they don’t have to go far – as one of the top programs in college football this past season is in their backyard. Yesterday the team announced seven coaching staff hires, including former Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and offensive line coach Scott Huff. That means there’s a good chance they will be interested in drafting Huskies prospects, especially those who were part of Grubb’s potent offense over the last two seasons.

They will have plenty of options to pick from, too. According to a report by the Seattle Times, Washington will be sending 13 prospects to this year’s scouting combine in Indianapolis, a school record. Here’s a look at each of them.

For a full list of all 321 prospects who have been invited to the combine, click here.

Seahawks finalize hiring of former Huskies OL coach Scott Huff

Ryan Grubb is the new Seahawks offensive coordinator and he’s bringing at least one friend with him.

Ryan Grubb is the new Seahawks offensive coordinator and he’s bringing at least one friend with him.

According to a report by Tom Pelissero at NFL Network, Seattle has finalized the hiring of former Washington offensive line coach Scott Huff to fill the same position on head coach Mike Macdonald’s staff.

Huff had been Washington’s OL coach since the 2020 season and before that (2017-2019) he was their offensive line/run game coordinator.

Fans who are thrilled by the news should keep in mind that the Huskies had arguably the best offensive line in the country last season. Meanwhile, the Seahawks had one of the worst in the NFL – and it will take time to build that unit up.

To start with, Seattle might consider targeting Huskies left tackle Troy Fautanu in the first round of the draft. Charles Cross had a promising rookie season but regressed in a bad way in 2023, especially in pass protection. Difficult as it is to swallow, finding potential replacements for Cross and right tackle Abe Lucas – who has a long-term knee injury – should be on the menu this offseason.

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Offensive Coordinator Prospects: Who could replace Austin Davis

Let’s take a look at some names for offensive coordinator.

With the news of Bryan Harsin expected return to the Auburn Tigers for the 2022 college football season, focus shifts to finding his fifth coordinator hire in 14 months.

Austin Davis was hired to run the offense and coach the quarterbacks but he stepped down abruptly prior to the whirlwind of speculation surrounding the head coach. With the dust almost settled, the head coach needs to move swiftly with this hire.

There are a few names that popped up as candidates the last time around and while some might still hold weight, we will cycle through a few names as potential candidates.

Perhaps even one that would be a pipedream, but what’s the worst thing that could happen if you make that phone call?

Our first hot board for offensive coordinator: