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The Seattle Seahawks only had three picks in the 2021 NFL Draft, which therefore makes this poll much easier for me to create but nevertheless isn’t necessarily an easy one to answer!
Western Michigan wide receiver D’Wayne Eskridge was Seattle’s first choice at 56th overall and since DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are clearly the top two options on the team, Eskridge’s year one ceiling is WR3 by default. Pete Carroll has already raved about his speed during minicamp and that seems like a big deal when you consider Seattle has clearly taken an approach that they want to have speed across the depth chart. He’s also a kick returner so he figures to be a factor on special teams.
Fourth-rounder Tre Brown would have never been a viable option for the Seahawks as an outside cornerback even three seasons ago, but they’ve seemingly relaxed their height and arm length restrictions and the former Oklahoma star will be on the outside. Ahkello Witherspoon, Tre Flowers, and Damarious Randall will be his competition. If he does become a starter then that’ll be a big deal, as Eskridge is highly unlikely to get that many targets as a third option even if Seattle keeps its pass-heavy play-calling in place.
Lastly, as much as Stone Forsythe is a mountain of a man, the only way he sees the field regularly is if he is the swing tackle or if Duane Brown is hurt. The Florida tackle is very much a project as a sixth-rounder and with both Brown and Brandon Shell essentially locked in as starters. For obvious reasons he’s a long shot.
Then there are the UDFAs. WR Tamorrion Terry, RB Josh Johnson, CB Bryan Mills, and G/C Pier-Olivier Lestage seem to have the most intrigue among fans and film analysts. Lestage would be competing for a spot at center, whereas I think Josh Johnson may very well contend for a roster spot given I see very little job security for anyone not named Chris Carson at running back.
When I specify in the poll “biggest impact” that’s a bit open-ended because I suppose you can be pessimistic and predict they impact the team negatively, but let’s keep this optimistic.
Go vote!
Poll
With Seahawks rookie will have the biggest impact in 2021?
This poll is closed
-
60%
D’Wayne Eskridge
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22%
Tre Brown
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7%
Stone Forsythe
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9%
A UDFA (name in the comments)