The Seattle Seahawks do not have a first-round draft this year thanks to the trade to acquire Jimmy Graham from the New Orleans Saints. Fans will have to be patient and wait awhile for the team to make their first selection as their draft needs are totally clear. The Seahawks need to replace Max Unger and James Carpenter on the offensive line along with getting another pass rusher. Will finding depth behind Marshawn Lynch be an early target as well?
For a portion of the offseason it was believed the Seahawks would not retain Lynch as the running back prepared to enter the final year of his contract. There were a number of rumors flying around that Lynch was considering retiring with a back injury while many believed he simply just wanted more money from Seattle.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport announced back in March that the Seahawks had reached an agreement with Lynch on a two-year contract extension worth $31 million total. This ensures Lynch will be around through the 2017 season, but the issues of injuries still linger. The Seahawks could potentially be eyeing a middle-round running back to start grooming as Lynch's replacement.
Sports Illustrated's Doug Farrar believes that a running back is certainly not out of the question for Seattle in the draft. This year's class is considered very deep and talented at the position meaning there will be quality players in the third or fourth rounds. Behind Lynch is Robert Turbin and Christine Michael who are relatively unknown considering the amount of playing time Lynch gets. While the Seahawks continue to say they are set at the position, some believe they could eye late talent if available considering the post-Lynch era is not far off.
The team website breaks down realistic options for Seattle which could potentially start at Ameer Abdullah if he drops. While Abdullah as all the talent of a first-round back, he is undersized which is hurting his value with the team. Duke Johnson is explosive and would love running behind the Seattle offensive line. TJ Yeldon and Tevin Coleman could also be potential options for the Seahawks.
The team feels strong about their wide receiver depth so do not expect the Seahawks to draft anyone there. Instead, Seattle will beef up the offensive line and sigh Russell Wilson to an extension and place a bow on the offense heading into offseason workouts and training camp.