I said Patrick Chung is the safety Seattle GM Tim Ruskell is most likely to draft. Here's why:
Games Started: 51
Conference: Pac 10
Considered a Team Leader: Yes
Production: 236 solo tackles, 148 assisted tackles, 9 interceptions, 17 passes defensed, 4 sacks and 3 forced fumbles.
More Tackles Than: Bob Sanders
More Interceptions Than: Troy Polamalu
Team Record: 35-16
Known Weaknesses: Size, Speed
Gritty Like: Sandpaper
Instantly Improves: Seattle's punt return unit and kickoff and punt coverage
But a few factors prohibit Chung from being a slam dunk pick.
Oregon's Pass Defense: Ranked 111th
College Position: Rover
Coverage Skills: Raw
Chung could be a final piece in Seattle's transition to a Tampa 2. He would assume strong safety moving Deon Grant to free safety. Chung is a tackling machine that could have a Bob Sanders like impact on Seattle's run defense by being the first body in a gang tackle or by capping long runs before they bust free.
Seattle's pass defense is designed to limit big plays and pure coverage is not Chung's game. An easy fix, and given Gus Bradley's Tampa 2 roots, perhaps the expected fix, is to employ Grant and Chung in a cover 2 soft shell. The two would thrive covering halves. I've mentioned that Seattle seems poorly equipped personnel wise to convert to a Tampa 2, but it's amazing what a productive and focused offseason could do. This lineup looks pretty capable:
RDE: Darryl Tapp
RDT: Brandon Mebane
LDT: Jovan Haye
LDE: Lawrence Jackson
WLB: Will Herring
MLB: Lofa Tatupu
SLB: Julian Peterson
RCB: Josh Wilson
SS: Patrick Chung
FS: Deon Grant
LCB: Marcus Trufant
The line is young and the interior is disruptive. Tapp isn't elite, but he's a strong edge rusher that could provide consistent pressure. Herring is an excellent cover linebacker that would benefit from engaging running backs away from the scrum. Both Tatupu and Peterson are good cover linebackers and both are excellent run stoppers. Wilson is a natural Tampa 2 corner and would benefit from safety help over the top. Trufant is versatile, has flashed excellent ball skills and is a strong run stopper. It's not guaranteed to be elite, but it's only a second pick and a modest free agent contract from possible.