Despite trading center Max Unger to the New Orleans Saints and losing guard James Carpenter to the New York Jets in free agency, the Seattle Seahawks decided to wait on offensive linemen in this year's NFL Draft. There's no doubt that this roster is one of the most talented in the entire NFL, but I'm sure Russell Wilson wouldn't mind a bit more protection up front.
Seattle's offensive line finished 21st in sacks (42) and 22nd in QB Hits (91) last year. Some of that has to do with Wilson's scrambling, but it's clear that the unit could use some upgrades overall. Those upgrades may be coming in the 2016 NFL Draft. ESPN and Football Outsiders project the Seahawks to finish this year 12-4 and end up with the No. 32 overall pick. Projections this far in advance are rarely accurate and the Seahawks haven't made a pick in the first-round of the last three drafts. But if this projection holds up, ESPN Insider Todd McShay has the Seahawks selecting USC center/guard Max Tuerk.
"Offensive line might be the weakest spot on the Seahawks' roster, and they didn't choose a lineman until the fourth round of the 2015 draft," McShay wrote. "Tuerk possesses excellent versatility, having started games at left tackle as a true freshman before starting the full season at left guard in 2013 and the full season at center in 2014."
The Seahawks are about to hand Wilson a mammoth contract extension. With such a huge financial commitment looming, and the fact that Wilson is undersized at just 5-foot-11 and 206 pounds, keeping him upright and healthy should be the team's top priority going forward. That means an early round investment into a quality offensive lineman prospect. Could that investment be Tuerk? It's possible.
