After a quiet day two at the 2024 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks are poised to be more active in the final four rounds on Saturday. With a couple of fourth and sixth-round picks, they aim to unearth hidden gems on day three.
Seattle’s draft strategy so far has revolved around bolstering physicality and toughness, particularly in the trenches. General manager John Schneider and coach Mike Macdonald have focused on strengthening both offensive and defensive lines by selecting Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II and UConn guard Christian Haynes. As they head into the remaining rounds, they may continue to prioritize the line of scrimmage but could also address needs at linebacker, safety, and tight end to fortify the roster from the inside out.
With five picks at their disposal and potential trade opportunities, here are the top 10 available players heading into the final day of the draft in Detroit:
1. Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina: Despite being relatively new to the linebacker position, Gray’s athleticism and rapid development make him an intriguing day-three prospect.
2. Christian Mahogany, G, Boston College: Mahogany has shown promise as a pass protector but needs improvement in run blocking. His injury history may be a concern, but he remains a valuable trench player.
3. Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas: A reliable receiver with blocking skills, Sanders’ combined performance didn’t meet expectations, but his potential as a dynamic tight end makes him a solid day-three pick.
4. Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, S, Texas Tech: Taylor-Demerson’s ball-hawking abilities and impressive combined showing make him a promising safety prospect likely to be chosen early on day three.
5. Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina: Despite ups and downs, Rattler’s arm strength and mobility offer potential for development, making him an intriguing quarterback option on day three.
6. Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State: Hicks’ versatility and athleticism make him an attractive safety prospect, particularly for teams in need of multipurpose defensive players.
7. Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State: Stover’s transition from linebacker to tight end has showcased his receiving abilities, making him a viable option for teams seeking a pass-catching tight end in the fourth round.
8. Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon: Jackson’s size, length, and ball skills give him a high ceiling despite concerns about penalty issues and coverage technique.
9. Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane: Pratt’s leadership and improved accuracy compensate for his average arm strength, making him a potential mid-round selection for teams in need of quarterback depth.
10. Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson: Despite not matching his father’s size, Trotter Jr. brings physicality and playmaking ability, making him a worthwhile day-three consideration for linebacker-needy teams.
