Syracuse Orange defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu (23): (Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports)
The Seattle Seahawks are going to be the least active team in the NFL Draft this season. They only have three picks. They lost two in the Jamal Adams trade, including this year’s first-round pick. Their fifth-round pick was lost in the trade for Gabe Jackson. Then, they lost other picks in trades for past draft picks. Now, the Seahawks sit with just a second, fourth, and seventh-round picks in the 2021 NFL Draft.
This draft could have looked a lot different if the Seahawks actually traded Russell Wilson. Rumors flew that he was actually available and the Seahawks were listening to trade offers. It didn’t turn into anything, and the Seahawks window is still open. They need to build around Wilson if they want to try to win a Super Bowl with this group.
This team does have needs. They were getting absolutely torched on defense last season. Gone are the days of the Legion of Boom. Instead, the boom is coming on the offensive side. Wilson also made it clear he’s not happy with how much he’s getting hit, so offensive line upgrades should be on the horizon.
They did make some moves on the offensive line in free agency including trading for Jackson. They added some pieces to the defensive line, too. It’s clear the secondary is the biggest issue on the team, and they will likely make a move there with a pretty deep cornerback group in this year’s NFL Draft.
Seattle Seahawks 7-Round Mock Draft
Round 2
56
Ifeatu Melifonwu
CB Syracuse
There are many options for the Seahawks at cornerback, but taking an under-the-radar target like Ifeatu Melifonwu is a great choice. He’s a big, physical cornerback that has the makings of the traditions outside roles. Other cornerbacks like Greg Newsome, Aaron Robinson, and Tyson Campbell are moving up draft boards, but Melifonwu might be the best among them. He has all the attributes to be very successful on the outside in the NFL.
Melifonwu is a true mold of clay that an NFL team can turn into something great. He was only a two-star recruit out of high school, and he wasn’t even pegged as a cornerback. Syracuse made him what he is, and he was able to give them some big performances. He only had one interception, but he broke up 11 passes and made 55 tackles including three for loss.
What really helps Melifonwu stand out is his 32-inch arms. They allow him to get into spaces at the catch point other cornerbacks just can’t. He’s going to be really good for the Seahawks right away. He will make some mistakes off the bat, but his size and skills will allow him to make up ground. With upgrades at quarterback coming to the Rams and likely the 49ers, getting a great young cornerback to even the odds is incredibly important.