2020 NFL Draft Prospects List - Defense

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The Seahawks acquired Bruce Irvin and Benson Mayowa in free agency to bolster their pass rush, but it still stands as probably their biggest need on defense. It would not be surprising to see an early draft pick dedicated to adding to the DL, as the options wear a bit thin after the first 2 rounds. As with the offensive players, players are grouped by position, and quickfire notes are included for players of particular interest. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to watch much film this season, so many of the prospects here are included due to physical profile and clips that were viewed. Ideally, more comprehensive game tape would be viewed, but anyone selected by the Hawks will definitely get an in-depth viewing. Go Hawks!

DE/EDGE - Additional pass rush is needed. That is all.

  • Julian Okwara - Speed rusher with a great first step (Clocked at a top speed of 21 MPH this past season) to go with great production in college in terms of creating pressure. The Seahawks are sorely lacking in team speed on the DL, and Okwara would provide that. Still a relatively raw prospect in terms of technique and hand usage, Okwara has room to grow as a pass rusher. However, he can get washed by blocks against the run game, and is currently a liability in this regard.
  • Yetur Gross-Matos - Looks the part of a 3-down DE (size and length) and has good athleticism to go with it. YGM has highly inconsistent tape, showing flashes of great potential interspersed between quiet stretches. He doesn't seem to have a plan of attack when rushing, too often allowing OL to get their hands into his frame without a counter to respond. He is currently quite unrefined as a pass rusher with only a rip move to rely on, and will need to add to his repertoire. Additionally, while I do not question his effort on the field, he could play with more aggression in general. YGM is very much an unfinished product, but a team that is confident in their coaching could be enticed by his physical upside.  
  • Josh Uche
  • Zack Baun
  • Curtis Weaver
  • AJ Epenesa
  • K'Lavon Chaisson
  • Darrell Taylor
  • Bradlee Anae
DT - A running mate to provide pass-rush could be added to the rotation to pair with Jarran Reed. After Reed and Poona Ford, there is not much depth to be had, so the Hawks may look to add to the trenches.
  • DaVon Hamilton
  • Raekwon Davis
  • Leki Fotu
  • Justin Madubuike
  • Jason Strowbridge
  • Jonathan Greenard
  • Ross Blacklock
  • Rashard Lawrence
LB - While not a weak point for the team, Bobby Wagner and KJ Wright are not getting any younger despite their still high-level play. With Kendricks' legal status an ongoing question mark and Cody Barton needing more experience, a LB could be added to bolster this position group.
  • Willie Gay, Jr. - Great athletic profile, with testing numbers that nearly mirror those of Bobby Wagner. He has great sideline-to-sideline speed, and simply flies to the football. He has the burst to be a blitzer on 3rd down, and also looks comfortable dropping back in coverage. He could stand to play with more consistent discipline, occasionally taking false steps and suboptimal pursuit angles. There was also word spreading around of character question marks, and this could push him down boards a bit.
  • Logan Wilson
  • Davion Taylor
CB - Recent news stated that Shaquill Griffin will be playing out his last year without an extension before the season starts, and Quinton Dunbar currently stands a one-year rental. The Seahawks will likely only be able to retain the services of one of the two come season-end, and have a penchant for selecting at least one CB during the draft. Expect a player to be added to groom for Carroll's Cover-3 defense.
  • Bryce Hall
  • Trevon Diggs
  • John Reid
  • Michael Ojemudia
  • Darnay Holmes
  • Kristian Fulton
  • Amik Robertson
S - The mid-season addition of Quandre Diggs gave new life to the secondary, but the Seahawks should not call it good there. McDougald and Diggs are the presumed starters, with Marquise Blair sitting as the first backup. An early pick here is very unlikely, but don't be surprised if a safety is added for depth.
  • Antoine Winfield, Jr. 
  • Grant Delpit
  • Kyle Dugger
  • Jeremy Chinn
  • Julian Blackmon
  • K'von Wallace
  • Josh Metellus

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