The Seattle Seahawks have made only two picks through two days of the 2024 NFL Draft, coming away with two powerful players along the line of scrimmage. Now, they get to be a bit more active.
General manager John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald have five picks entering Day 3, including two of the first 19 picks in Round 4. Their biggest remaining needs include linebacker and safety, although there are several other positions they could address if value merits, including quarterback. Here are some possible targets over the final four rounds of the draft.
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Full draft order: Team picks for all 257 selections
Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina
The Seahawks have Sam Howell behind Geno Smith, but Rattler’s talent could merit a flier after he slipped all the way out of Day 2. Schneider has often lamented the fact that Seattle has drafted only two quarterbacks in his tenure, which began in 2010.
Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State
Hicks is a versatile box safety who can occasionally drop down into coverage, packs a punch when ball carriers come into his vicinity over the middle and flashed some pass rush ability in college.
Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State
At 6-6 and 259 pounds, Johnson has ideal size, and he runs really well for a guy that big (4.57 in the 40 at the combine). His production wasn’t outstanding last season (341 yards, seven touchdowns), but his route running and movement skills had many projecting him to go on Day 2.
Malik Mustapha, S, Wake Forest
Mustapha (5-10, 209) was a free safety in college but can play either safety spot in Macdonald’s scheme because of the way he tracks the ball and tackles in space. It’s tough for safeties to compete right away as rookies, but he projects as an NFL starter down the road.
Malik Washington, WR, Virginia
Washington is tough and physical after the catch, ranking No. 1 among FBS wide receivers with 35 forced missed tackles last season. At 5-8 and 191 pounds with the potential to be a kickoff returner, he’s basically a younger version of what Seattle is hoping it can still get out of Dee Eskridge.
Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame
Hart has great size (6-3, 202) and solid speed for the position. He might not be ready to contribute on defense early, but he could be a quality special teamer while developing as a cornerback.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson
Trotter was a two-year starter at Clemson and led the team in tackles last season with 88, including 15 tackles for loss. He is 6-0 and 228 pounds and can fly coming at the quarterback, which might be his ticket to getting on the field early into his rookie deal. Trotter had 12 sacks in the past two seasons.
Beau Brade, S, Maryland
Brade was a two-year starter and totaled 14 passes defensed in 2022 and 2023. He makes up for a lack of measurables by tracking ball carriers and being a reliable tackler.
Jaylan Ford, LB, Texas
Ford had 10 passes defensed and six interceptions over the past two seasons, making up for a lack of speed (4.71 in the 40 at his pro day) with awareness in coverage. Listed at 6-2 and 240 pounds, Ford is bigger than some of the other prospects, and that shows up when he makes tackles.
Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina
A two-time first-team All-ACC selection, Gray stands out for his coverage ability, as he totaled 18 pass breakups and five interceptions in his career with the Tar Heels.
Isaac Guerendo, RB, Louisville
Guerendo has a unique blend of size (6-0, 221) and 4.3 speed with elite athleticism. On top of being a decent receiver — he caught 22 passes for 234 yards last year — he brings top-end speed that Seattle’s running back room is lacking outside of Ken Walker III.
Daequan Hardy, CB, Penn State
Hardy had nine passes defensed with two interceptions last season, showcasing confidence when the ball was in the air and toughness at the catch point. Those traits should give Hardy (5-9, 179) a chance to compete as a nickel at the level, assuming he can defend the run at that size.
Brennan Jackson, edge, Washington State
Jackson played with nonstop effort and was productive over the last two seasons, recording 24.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks. He also returned three fumbles for touchdowns last year. He should carve out a role as a situational pass rusher in the NFL.
Dillon Johnson, RB, Washington
Johnson had a standout year in Grubb’s offense last season, rushing for 1,151 yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging 5.1 yards per attempt. He’s a tough runner with a good vision who has a solid background as a pass catcher with 173 career receptions.
Beaux Limmer, C, Arkansas
Mason McCormick, C/G, South Dakota State
The Seahawks have second-year man Olu Oluwatimi and veteran Nick Harris set to compete for the starting job at center, but it wouldn’t hurt to add to the competition. Limmer and McCormick each offer good athleticism for the position.
(Photo of Spencer Rattler: Jeff Blake / USA Today)
