NFL DRAFT NEWS

2017 NFL Draft Reset: NFC West busy in free agency

Frank Cooney

April 07, 2017 at 11:54 am.

Nov 5, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA;  Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) throws a pass against the University of Texas Longhorns in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium. UT defeated Texas Tech 45-37.  Photo Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 5, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes (5) throws a pass against the University of Texas Longhorns in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium. UT defeated Texas Tech 45-37. Photo Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Cards claim victory in NFL’s March Madness

Determining if you won or lost in free agency depends on your perspective of things. Despite losing seven players to free agency this offseason, including five starters on defense, Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim believes Arizona turned out to be a big winner.

Really? Even with the loss of two of free agency’s biggest names – defensive tackle Calais Campbell and safety Tony Jefferson?

“The one thing you can see is we’ve obviously done a good job of identifying those players,” Keim said. “When guys like (cornerback) Marcus Cooper are getting $5-plus million or (safety) D.J. Swearinger are getting big contracts, these are guys we took off the street that nobody else wanted.”

The Cardinals drafted Campbell and inside linebacker Kevin Minter, who left for contracts with the Jaguars and Bengals. They traded a seventh-round pick last year for Cooper, who signed with the Bears. They grabbed Swearinger, who has signed with the Redskins, after he had been cut by two teams. Jefferson, who signed with the Ravens, was an undrafted rookie free agent.

Arizona attempted to fill those losses with experience over youth, bringing in a 33-year-old starter at safety in free agent Antoine Bethea, a 35-year-old starter at inside linebacker in Karlos Dansby and a 42-year-old kicker in Phil Dawson.

Dansby is now on his third stint with the team.

Replacing Campbell will be up to second-year pro Robert Nkemdiche and third-year pro Rodney Gunter. Head coach Bruce Arians also said the Cardinals will be targeting prospects to learn under Bethea, Dansby and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

There is also the little matter of finding a quarterback to eventually supplant veteran Carson Palmer, who will turn 38 in December. The Cardinals haven’t drafted one higher than the fourth round since they took Matt Leinart in the first round 11 years ago.

Arians said there is one quarterback in this year’s draft that, in his opinion, has the ability to step in and start right away. He wouldn’t name names, however.

Here is a closer look at where the Cardinals are, how they got here and a shot at what they should do with their first pick in the draft, at No. 13 overall.

THE BREAKDOWN
2016 finish: 2nd NFC West (7-8-1)

STATISTICS
TOTAL OFFENSE: 366.8 (9th)
RUSHING: 108.3 (18th)
PASSING: 258.5 (9th)
TOTAL DEFENSE: 305.2 (2nd)
RUSHING: 94.9 (9th)
PASSING: 210.3 (4th)

TEAM NEEDS

–1. Cornerback: With Marcus Cooper having departed as a free agent and Justin Bethel expected to primarily man slot coverage in passing situations, expect the Cardinals to look for a potential No. 2 starting corner in the draft to play opposite Patrick Peterson. Second-year pro Brandon Williams had a fantastic camp, but got overwhelmed after just one start. Arizona isn’t ready to give up on him just yet, but if there’s a real stud available early in this draft that the Cardinals like, they’ll take him.

–2. Inside linebacker: The team brought back veteran Karlos Dansby for a third time and he’ll start in the middle along with Deone Bucannon, who is explosive but a little undersized. That leaves the Cardinals covered for the 2017 season, but it doesn’t mean Arizona won’t resist taking one of the best inside linebackers in this year’s draft and Alabama’s Reuben Foster could be available when the team picks with the 13th overall selection. Head coach Bruce Arians doesn’t like his rookies to see extensive time in their first NFL season, but Foster has the talent and physicality that could force Arians’ hand if Dansby starts to show his age.

–3. Quarterback: At some point, the Cardinals have to address the elephant in the room: their glaring need for a future franchise quarterback. Head coach Bruce Arians won’t rule out veteran Carson Palmer playing for at least two more years and he is now on record as saying that adding a new, young quarterback to the roster for this season isn’t a necessity. Still, the Cardinals have been eyeing several arms in advance of the draft and whether it’s in the first round or the third round – or possibly even later – expect Arizona to take one at some point.

KEY PERSONNEL TRACKER (As of April 6)
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

–RB Andre Ellington: UFA; $905K/1 yr, $80K SB.

–TE Jermaine Gresham: Potential UFA; $28M/4 yrs, $7M SB/$13M guaranteed; $3.5M injury only at time of signing.

–LB Chandler Jones: FFA; $82.5M/5 yrs, $15M SB/$53M guaranteed.

–LB Gabe Martin: Potential ERFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.

–DT Josh Mauro: Potential RFA; $2M/2 yrs.

–WR Jeremy Ross: Potential UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.

–DT Frostee Rucker: UFA; $1.08M/1 yr, $80K SB.

–C A.Q. Shipley: UFA; 2 yrs, $3.5M/2 yrs, $725K SB.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED

–S Antoine Bethea: FA 49ers; 3 yrs, terms unknown.

–LB Karlos Dansby: UFA Bengals; $2M/1 yr, $700K guaranteed.

–K Phil Dawson: UFA 49ers; $6M/2 yrs, $1.5M guaranteed.

–WR Aaron Dobson: FA; $690,000/1 yr.

–LB Jarvis Jones: UFA Steelers; $2.25M/1 yr, $1M SB.
PLAYERS LOST

–DL Calais Campbell: UFA Jaguars; $60M/4 yrs, $6M SB/$30M guaranteed.

–K Chandler Catanzaro: Not tendered as RFA/Jets; terms unknown.

–CB Marcus Cooper: UFA Bears; $16M/3 yrs, $1.5M SB/$8M guaranteed; $2M injury only at time of signing.

–TE Darren Fells: Not tendered as RFA/Lions; $1.5M/1 yr.

–S Tony Jefferson: UFA Ravens; $34M/4 yrs, $10M SB/$19M guaranteed.

–LB Kevin Minter: UFA Bengals; $4.25M/1 yr, $2.1M SB/$1,1M WO.

–OLB Alex Okafor: UFA Saints; $2M/1 yr, $1M SB.

–S D.J. Swearinger: UFA Redskins; $13.5M/3 yrs, $4M SB/$9M guaranteed, $3M injury only at time of signing.

–G Earl Watford: UFA Jaguars; $5M/2 yrs, $1M guaranteed.

*NFLDraftScout.com analysts suggest (No. 13 overall).

Rob Rang (April 3 mock draft):

–Patrick Mahomes II, QB, Texas Tech. The Cardinals have publicly stated their intention to find a young quarterback to groom under Carson Palmer and Mahomes would seem to be a perfect fit in head coach Bruce Arians’ aggressive passing attack. After starring in Tech’s shotgun-heavy Air-Raid offense, Mahomes is undeniably a project but he possesses the gunslinger mentality and arm that project well to the next level.
Dane Brugler (April 3 mock draft):

–Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson. Many believe this will be the final season for Carson Palmer in the NFL and the Cardinals need to plan for the future at the position. Watson has a winning pedigree and the physical attributes that can be molded in the NFL.

Agree? Disagree? Still shopping?

Based on the team’s current status, there are our suggestions for that first pick. To double check or find another candidate check out NFLDraftScout.com’s full mocks and ratings.

Rams believe they have improved

The Los Angeles Rams quickly began work trying to rebuild their team in the image of new head coach Sean McVay, an energetic, offensive-minded leader who puts as much emphasis on chemistry, leadership and locker-room presence as he does finding the right talent and scheme fit.

By the end of the first phase of free agency, McVay and the Rams found a high-end answer to their left tackle position and a veteran leader whose impact will be felt in multiple ways.

They also added a dependable weapon for young quarterback Jared Goff, a versatile, veteran playmaker for new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips’ 3-4 scheme and perhaps a new starting cornerback.

And in landing Pro Bowl left tackle Andrew Whitworth, dependable wide receiver Robert Woods, high-motor outside linebacker Connor Barwin and on-the-come cornerback Kayvon Webster, the Rams added as much character as they did talent to help improve their 4-12 team from a season ago.

“I think they are taking on our image, kind of what we’ve all agreed that we’re looking for,” McVay said. “When you really look at some of the players that we’ve acquired; when you look at an Andrew Whitworth, you look at a (running back) Lance Dunbar, Robert Woods — especially just on offense — get Kayvon Webster and Connor Barwin — these are good people that kind of represent what we want to be in terms of that football character: accountability, coach-ability, you can depend on these guys. Then, they also have a certain way about themselves when you talk about them.”

Woods, who comes home as a former USC star, won’t be called upon to blow the top off a defense, but he is a precise route runner with dependable hands and is a willing, active run blocker.

The Rams also addressed their backup running back position with the signing of former Cowboys backup Dunbar, re-signed kicker Greg Zuerlein, added a third quarterback in Aaron Murray and addressed their defensive line depth with veteran Tyrunn Walker.

Among the losses were veteran defensive linemen Eugene Sims (released), William Hayes (traded to Miami), veteran running back Benny Cunningham (signed with the Bears) and starting center Tim Barnes, who was released. Veteran safety T.J. McDonald signed a free-agent contract with the Miami Dolphins and wide receivers Kenny Britt and Brian Quick signed with Cleveland and Washington, respectively.

Here is a closer look at where the Rams are, how they got here and a shot at what they should do with their first pick in the draft, at No. 37th overall.

THE BREAKDOWN
2016 finish: 3rd NFC West (4-12-0)

STATISTICS
TOTAL OFFENSE: 262.7 (32nd)
RUSHING: 78.3 (31st)
PASSING: 184.4 (31st)
TOTAL DEFENSE: 337.0 (9th)
RUSHING: 103.8 (16th)
PASSING: 233.3 (10th)

TEAM NEEDS

–1. Wide receiver: It’s a been a well-established problem for the Rams, but they simply haven’t been able to uncover a game-changing wide receiver. And while they added veteran Robert Woods in free agency, he isn’t the elusive big-time downfield threat they sorely need.

–2. Safety: Veteran T.J. McDonald signed as a free agent with the Dolphins, leaving the Rams with only Maurice Alexander as a starting safety. With precious few desirable free-agent possibilities, the Rams figure to address the position in a draft fairly deep at the position.

–3. Center: The Rams released veteran center Tim Barnes during the early stage of free agency, and while they chased Buffalo restricted free agent Ryan Groy with a contract offer sheet, the Bills wasted little time matching the offer. The Rams did reach agreement with John Sullivan, but that is, at best, a short-term solution.

KEY PERSONNEL TRACKER (As of April 6)
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

–CB Trumaine Johnson: FFA; signed tender of $16.74M March 6).

–K Greg Zuerlein: UFA; $6.75M/3 yrs , $750 SB/$2.375M guaranteed.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED

–LB Connor Barwin: FA Eagles; 1 yr, terms unknown.

–RB Lance Dunbar: UFA Cowboys; $1.5M/1 yr, $1.375M guaranteed.

–QB Aaron Murray: FA; terms unknown.

–C John Sullivan: UFA Redskins; 1 yr, terms unknown.

–DL Tyrunn Walker: UFA Lions; terms unknown.

–CB Kayvon Webster: UFA Broncos; $7.75M/2 yrs, $1M RB/$4.25M guaranteed.

–T Andrew Whitworth: UFA Bengals; $33.75M/3 yrs, $5M SB/$15M guaranteed.

–WR Robert Woods: UFA Bills; $34M/5 yrs, $15M guaranteed, $5M injury only at time of signing.
PLAYERS LOST

–C Tim Barnes (released).

–WR Kenny Britt: UFA Browns; $32.5M/4 yrs, $6.5M SB/$17M guaranteed, $6.5M injury only at time of signing.

–RB Benny Cunningham: UFA Bears; $855K/1 yr, $80K SB.

–DE William Hayes (traded Dolphins).

–QB Case Keenum: UFA Vikings; terms unknown.

–TE Lance Kendricks (released).

–S T.J. McDonald: UFA Dolphins; terms unknown.

–WR Brian Quick: UFA Redskins; UFA Rams; $855K/1 yr, $80 SB.

–DE Eugene Sims (released/failed physical).

*NFLDraftScout.com analysts suggest (No. 37 overall).

Rob Rang (Special for Reset):

— Curtis Samuel, WR/RB, Ohio State. The Rams will be looking to add playmakers to help young Jared Goff. Pairing Samuel with Tavon Austin would force defenses to counter with lighter, quicker defensive backs, which could re-open running lanes for Todd Gurley. Samuel is a Percy Harvin clone with electric agility and speed.
Dane Brugler (Special for Reset):

–Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado. A player with versatile experience in the slot and outside, Awuzie provides immediate depth at cornerback for the Rams and a player who can grow into one of the top defensive backs in the NFC West.

Agree? Disagree? Still shopping?

Based on the team’s current status, there are our suggestions for that first pick. To double check or find another candidate check out NFLDraftScout.com’s full mocks and ratings.

49ers engineer roster overhaul

For a while, new San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan could relate with the previous regime — they had no quarterback. Now they have two. Well, on paper, anyway.

The 49ers have replaced Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert, who had an almost identical number of starts the past two seasons, with more of a clear-cut, 1-2 pecking order when they plucked Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley from free agency.

A third quarterback almost surely will come from the draft, where the 49ers own 10 picks, including No. 2 overall, in the seven-round player dispersal.

Shanahan has yet to commit to Hoyer as his starter, but the two-year, $12 million agreement — with $6.95 million guaranteed — is a strong indication he is the early front-runner.

The ability to trade down in a quantity-over-quality move could prove beneficial for the 49ers and, by the way, Stanford defensive end Solomon Thomas has been shooting up draft boards.

The 49ers began the free-agency process with more money to spend than any other team and filled some of the many holes on their roster.

If quarterback was Priority 1A, then the 49ers have focused even more attention on 1B — wide receivers — signing a wide variety, including proven standout Pierre Garcon and speedballs Marquise Goodwin and Aldrick Robinson, while also retaining their chief underneath target from last season, Jeremy Kerley.

Highlighting 15 other free-agent signings were fullback Kyle Juszczyk, inside linebackers Dekoda Watson and Malcolm Smith, outside linebacker Brock Coyle and kicker Robbie Gould. They also added a potential starter on the offensive line, guard/tackle Jeremy Zuttah, in a trade with Baltimore.

Here is a closer look at where the 49ers are, how they got here and a shot at what they should do with their first pick in the draft, at No. 2 overall.

THE BREAKDOWN
2016 finish: 4th NFC West (2-14-0)

STATISTICS
TOTAL OFFENSE: 308.1 (31st)
RUSHING: 126.2 (4th)
PASSING: 181.9 (32nd)
TOTAL DEFENSE: 406.4 (32nd)
RUSHING: 165.9 (32nd)
PASSING: 240.5 (14th)

TEAM NEEDS

–1. Quarterback: Is Brian Hoyer the answer? At best, he would seem like a long-term backup for a star of the future. The question now is: Has Kyle Shanahan identified one atop this year’s draft, or might the 49ers explore other needs and put the future of the quarterback position on the back burner for another day?

–2. Safety: Sending Antoine Bethea, one of the team’s most dependable defensive players, on his way has created yet another position to be filled. The 49ers have not addressed the issue in free agency, an indication they could be looking to draft a safety with their first pick.

–3. Wide receiver: They’ve added a solid No. 2 (Pierre Garcon), retained a proven No. 3 (Jeremy Kerley) and imported some speed for stretch-the-field alignments (Marquise Goodwin and Aldrick Robinson). But the 49ers could still use a game-breaker along the lines of Kyle Shanahan’s previous team — the Atlanta Falcons’ Julio Jones.

KEY PERSONNEL TRACKER (As of April 6)
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

–RB DuJuan Harris: Not tendered as ERFA; terms unknown.

–DT Chris Jones: UFA; $825K/1 yr, $50K SB.

–WR Jeremy Kerley: Potential UFA; $8.4M/3 yrs, $1.7M SB/$3.5M guaranteed, $700K injury only at time of signing.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED

–QB Matt Barkley: UFA Bears; $4M/2 yrs, $500K SB.

–LB Brock Coyle: Not tendered as RFA by Seahawks; 1 yr, terms unknown.

–WR Pierre Garcon: UFA Redskins; $47.5M/5 yrs, $12M SB/$20M guaranteed, $3M injury only at time of signing.

–WR Marquise Goodwin: UFA Bills; $6M/2 yrs, $2.5M SB/$4.45M guaranteed.

–K Robbie Gould: UFA Giants; $4M/2 yrs, $500 SB/$1M guaranteed.

–RB Tim Hightower: UFA Saints; terms unknown.

–QB Brian Hoyer: UFA Bears; $12M/2 yrs, $4M SB/$9.85M guaranteed; $2.75M injury only at time of signing.

–S Don Jones: UFA Texans; $2.2M/2 yrs, $250SB/$750M guaranteed.

–FB Kyle Juszczyk: UFA Ravens; $21M/4 yrs, $5M SB/$9.85M guaranteed; $2.75M injury only at time of signing.

–DT Earl Mitchell: FA Dolphins; 4 yrs, terms unknown.

–TE Logan Paulsen: UFA Bears; $1M/1 yr, $125K SB.

–WR Aldrick Robinson: UFA Falcons; $4M/2 yrs, $300K SB/$500K guaranteed.

–LB Malcolm Smith: UFA Raiders; $26.5M/5 yrs, $7M SB/$13M guaranteed, $1.5M injury only at time of signing.

–LB Dekoda Watson: UFA Broncos; 3 yrs, terms unknown.

–C/G Jeremy Zuttah (trade Ravens).
PLAYERS LOST

–LB Nick Bellore: UFA Lions; terms unknown.

–S Antoine Bethea (released).

–K Phil Dawson: UFA Cardinals; $6M/2 yrs, $1.5M guaranteed.

–RB Shaun Draughn: UFA Giants; $1M/1 yr, $100K RB 4/5.

–C Marcus Martin (released).

–WR Quinton Patton: UFA Jets; $825K/1 yr, $25K SB.

–WR Torrey Smith (released).

–LB Michael Wilhoite: UFA Seahawks; $1.55M/1 yr, $500K SB.

*NFLDraftScout.com analysts suggest (No. 2 overall).
Rob Rang (April 3 mock draft):

–Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford. Head coach Kyle Shanahan was hired to help spark a listless offense that ranked 27th in the NFL in points scored and dead last in passing last season but ignoring better players just to draft a quarterback may only guarantee another poor season in 2017. Thomas is a natural disruptor who has drawn comparisons to Rams star Aaron Donald. He could be the perfect finishing touch for a defensive line currently better prepared to stuff the run than bother rival quarterbacks.

Dane Brugler (April 3 mock draft):

— Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford. Yes, there is the Stanford connection with general manager John Lynch, but more importantly, Thomas is an excellent football player who adds immediate pass-rush help on the defensive line.

Agree? Disagree? Still shopping?

Based on the team’s current status, there are our suggestions for that first pick. To double check or find another candidate check out NFLDraftScout.com’s full mocks and ratings.

Offensive line a priority for Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks entered the offseason needing to do something to address an offensive line that was just too young, inexperienced and lacking in cohesion last year.

Seattle signed former Jacksonville Jaguars No. 2 overall pick Luke Joeckel and former Texans guard Oday Aboushi to infuse their young group with a bit more experience and add to competition.

“Luke is a guy who started at left tackle, was drafted at left tackle,” head coach Pete Carroll said. “I’m thinking of him as that, knowing he can play left guard.”

Carroll said they will start Joeckel at left tackle with the belief they can kick him inside to left guard depending on how the competition this offseason shakes out.

Aboushi will slot in at right guard. That could give Seattle the flexibility to bump Germain Ifedi – last year’s first-round draft pick – out to right tackle.

The Seahawks also made an effort to improve their rushing attack with the signing of former Packers running back Eddie Lacy.

Seattle had 11 different running backs carry the ball last season due to a myriad of injuries. Lacy provides a big, power back that should give the Seahawks’ backfield a little more margin for error.

Carroll and general manager John Schneider were also thrilled with their addition of safety Bradley McDougald, who can back up both safety spots for Seattle, which was an area of concern last year as both Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor missed time with injuries.

Cornerback depth remains a concern despite re-signing DeShawn Shead and Neiko Thorpe. Of interest, Carroll said the team fielded trade inquiries regarding All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman and didn’t dismiss the possibility after the All Pro defensive back created sideline havoc last season.

Here is a closer look at where the Seahawks are, how they got here and a shot at what they should do with their first pick in the draft, at No. 26 overall.

THE BREAKDOWN
2016 finish: 1st NFC West (10-5-1)

STATISTICS
TOTAL OFFENSE: 357.2 (12th)
RUSHING: 99.4 (25th)
PASSING: 257.8 (10th)
TOTAL DEFENSE: 318.7 (5th)
RUSHING: 92.9 (7th)
PASSING: 225.8 (8th)

TEAM NEEDS

–1. Cornerback: The Seahawks are still in need of additional help at cornerback after a torn ACL suffered by DeShawn Shead in the playoffs left a hole in the roster. Richard Sherman returns as Seattle’s top option and Jeremy Lane can play the No. 2 role adequately. However, depth and the need for an infusion of younger talent remain issues. While Shead re-signed with Seattle on a one-year deal after being non-tendered as a restricted free agent, his injury likely makes him unavailable until close to midseason. Neiko Thorpe also re-signed on a one-year deal to give Seattle some more stability at the spot. But cornerback could be Seattle’s top target in the first round of the draft.

–2. Defensive tackle: Behind starters Ahtyba Rubin and Jarran Reed, Seattle is lacking sufficient depth at defensive tackle. Garrison Smith and Quinton Jefferson are both returning from knee injuries that ended their 2016 seasons. Tony McDaniel has not re-signed with the team this offseason after being a key cog in Seattle’s top-ranked rush defense. While the Seahawks remain optimistic about Jefferson’s potential, they could use more help to fill out their roster.

–3. Wide receiver: Seattle could benefit from the addition of a receiver with size to their roster. Paul Richardson is in the last year of his rookie deal and has missed significant time with injuries in his first three seasons. Jermaine Kearse could be gone after this season as well as his contract becomes easily expendable following the season. A young, big receiving option would be a sensible addition for the short term and the future.

KEY PERSONNEL TRACKER (As of April 6)
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

–CB DeShawn Shead: Not tendered as RFA; $1.5M/1 yr, $1M guaranteed.

–CB Neiko Thorpe: UFA; $3.5M/2 yrs, $600SB.

–TE Luke Willson: UFA; $1.8M/1 yr, $800K SB/$1.8M guaranteed.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED

–G Oday Aboushi: UFA Texans; $975K/1 yr, $80 SB.

–LB Arthur Brown: FA; terms unknown.

–CB Perrish Cox: FA; $855,000/1 yr.

–LB Terence Garvin: UFA Redskins; terms unknown.

–G/T Luke Joeckel: UFA Jaguars; $8M/1 yr, $4.25M SB/$7M guaranteed.

–RB Eddie Lacy: UFA Packers; $4.25M/1 yr, $1.5M SB/$2.865M guaranteed.

–S Bradley McDougald: UFA Buccaneers; $1.8M/1 yr, $750K SB.

–K Blair Walsh: FA; $1.1M/1 yr.

–LB Michael Wilhoite: UFA 49ers; $1.55M/1 yr, $500K SB.
PLAYERS LOST

–LB Brock Coyle: Not tendered as RFA/49ers; 1 yr, terms unknown.

–K Steven Hauschka: UFA Bills; $8.85M/3 yrs, $3M SB/$4M guaranteed.

–DT John Jenkins: UFA Bears; $900K/1 yr, $100 SB.

–DE Damontre Moore: UFA Cowboys; $1.665M/2 yrs, $100K SB.

–TE Brandon Williams: UFA Colts; $855K/1 yr, $80K SB.

*NFLDraftScout.com analysts suggest (No. 26 overall).

Rob Rang (April 3 mock draft):

–Cam Robinson, T, Alabama. It is no secret that the Seahawks’ top priority over the offseason would be addressing a leaky offensive line. Robinson, the reigning Outland Award winner as the nation’s top blocker, possesses the size and strength Seattle prioritizes with a skill-set that projects well to guard or tackle, wherever offensive line coach Tom Cable needs him most.

Dane Brugler (April 3 mock draft):

–Kevin King, CB, Washington. A tall, long athlete at cornerback who played his college football in Seattle? Almost seems too obvious that he will be the pick here for the Seahawks if available.

Agree? Disagree? Still shopping?

Based on the team’s current status, there are our suggestions for that first pick. To double check or find another candidate check out NFLDraftScout.com’s full mocks and ratings.

–Frank Cooney, founder and publisher of The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com, is in his sixth decade covering football and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee. TSX team insiders contributed to this article.

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