Defensive tackles are grouped together, not because they have such similar roles, but because I am not yet sure where everyone fits in.
Defensive Tackle
Starter: Colin Cole
Age: Turns 30 June 24.
Health: Good.
Contract: Four years remaining.
Performance: Ok against the run, no meaningful pass rush.
Starter: Brandon Mebane
Age: Turned 25 January 15
Health: Good.
Contract: One year remaining, plus RFA.
Performance: Excellent.
Rotational tackle: Craig Terrill
Age: Turns 30 June 27.
Health: Good.
Contract: One year remaining.
Performance: Decent situational penetrator, but incapable of anchoring against the run.
Depth: Red Bryant
Age: Turns 26 April 18.
Health: Incomplete.
Contract: Two years remaining, plus RFA.
Performance: Sturdy, flashed some playmaking ability, but inexperienced and too often assignment incorrect.
Position need: Seattle does not need a tackle, per se. It could start Mebane and Cole and rotate in Terrill and Bryant, and have a decent if not great corps. The allure of drafting a tackle stems primarily from just how truly awesome this tackle class is. Seattle has long-term needs at tackle, and that's best filled through the draft. Terrill is likely on his way out. Bryant has not established himself. Cole is a big problem against the pass. Mebane is nearing free agency. A smart team would capitalize on the meeting of need and value and draft someone to pair with Mebane for the future, but Seattle might struggle to draft a non-need when its needs are so glaring. Especially if it is indeed attempting to win now.