Draft Pick Rundown: 7 points on Seahawks fourth round selection Phil Haynes

With their second selection in the 2019 NFL Draft’s fourth round, the Seattle Seahawks continued to address needs, adding offensive lineman Phil Haynes from Wake Forest. Haynes is a fascinating pick in that he seemingly bridges Seattle’s old and new philosophies at offensive line, an experienced starter with pedigree and great athleticism.

Athletic Fit

I’ve written extensively on how interesting it will be to watch the Seahawks’ thresholds develop at offensive line under Mike Solari. In this instance, Seattle held onto the thresholds attached to Tom Cable: 31” vertical jump, 9-foot broad jump and 27 reps of 225 pounds. Haynes checked all three, with a 31” vertical jump, 9-foot broad jump and 33 reps. Plus, he has the size (nearly 6-foot-4, 322 ponds) and aggressiveness Solari desires.

Where Haynes Wins

Haynes is coming into the right offense, because he’s aggressive, physical and fires off the ball. If Haynes does thrive early, it will be in a system that has him moving forward more often than backward—in that regard, the Seahawks are a great fit for him.

Where Haynes Loses

Essentially the opposite: Haynes struggles when he has to set vertically or move his feet in space. If Haynes is able to get underneath his man and drive him to the second level, he’s fine. If he has to move his feet and get to the second level for a combo block, he will struggle.

Year One Role

As ESPN’s Brady Henderson pointed out following Haynes’ selection, the former Demon Deacon has experience across the line:

And with Mike Iupati and D.J. Fluker presumably in place for 2019, Haynes will provide depth along the interior with Jordan Simmons.

Best Case Scenario

A pretty obvious one: Haynes develops over the course of 2019 and is able to step into the starting spot—at left guard once it’s vacated by Iupati—in 2020. Haynes has the skill set and strengths to fit perfectly into what Seattle does on offense.

Worst Case Scenario

The worst case scenario could be that Haynes fails to develop and meekly sees out his rookie contract, or it could be that he’s forced into action too early and puts Russell Wilson in danger. Both less than ideal. (The Seahawks should likely have the depth to avoid the latter.)

My Take

Solari deserves credit for the way the interior, particularly Fluker and J.R. Sweezy, played in 2018. If Haynes checks the boxes he is looking for in his lineman, there’s reason to be excited. Seattle needed to add a body inside, and they did so.