NFL Draft Results 2013: Seahawks select OLB/DE Ty Powell in the 7th

The Seahawks have selected Ty Powell, a defensive end/outside linebacker out of Harding, with their second of four 7th round picks. The small school standout measured in at 6-2, weighs 249, and ran the 40 in 4.60 seconds with a blistering 1.58 10-yard split. Harding also put up an impressive 28 reps on bench with a 37" vertical and 6.98 3-cone drill. He registered 10'2" in the broad jump with a 4.4 short shuttle time.

From what I can gather, without watching any tape on him, Powell has an explosive first step and fluid athleticism, which has raised questions about what position he'll be slated for with the Hawks - outside linebacker or defensive end. Possibly, with all the talk of Cliff Avril and Bruce Irvin possibly dabbling in both spots, Powell will be tested at both as well. (Pete Carroll alluded to this as well in today's press conference).

Derek Stephens provides the following scouting report on Powell, after a quick scouting flyby:

Harding tape isn't exactly flying around so I didn't get a chance to scout Powell, but here's what friend and fellow NFL Draft Network member (and small-school prospect expert) Matt Elder of Buffalobillsdraft.com had to say about him, in a conversation I had with Matt immediately after the pick:

"Explosive out of his stance or standing up. Has little technical ability and really struggles to use his hands. Footwork is inconsistent. He's a big hitter and closes like a train. Reminds me a lot of Irvin actually."

Initial thoughts are that Powell could be a potential developmental WLB candidate, or could be another LEO depth-fill.

Interestingly, CBSSports and NFLDraftScout.com's Rob Rang listed Powell as one of his Diamonds in the Rough last week. Said Rang:

Having played defensive end, linebacker and safety for Harding, scouts knew Powell was versatile and he certainly appeared to be quite athletic. He demonstrated just how athletic at the combine, when he ranked among the most explosive in his position group in the vertical jump (37") and three-cone drill (6.98-seconds). The athleticism shows up on tape, as Harding has an explosive burst off the snap, as well as impressive change of direction. These traits helped him rack up 12 tackles for loss, including 8.5 sacks and block a school-record four kicks in 2012. Powell could hear his name called as early as the late third round. No Harding player has been selected in the draft since the Denver Broncos selected defensive back Bruce Baldwin in the fifth round 30 years ago.