Clayton: Seahawks could draft a CB higher than they ever have under Carroll and Schneider
Apr 28, 2021, 12:26 PM
As a third-round pick, Shaquill Griffin is the highest-drafted CB under GM John Schneider. (Getty)
(Getty)
The Seahawks are going into the NFL Draft with just three picks, but that may not prevent them from making some news Friday.
Huard: How the Seahawks’ needs match up with 2021 draft class
When Seattle’s first pick comes around at No. 56 overall in the second round Friday, there is a chance it could end up being a bit of history.
“Cornerback is something they might even consider in the second round,” John Clayton said in his most recent Professor’s Notes video for 710 ESPN Seattle. “Pete Carroll and John Schneider have never taken a cornerback higher than the third round, but there are so many good options that this might be the year they can do it.”
Shaquill Griffin was a third-round pick by the Seahawks in 2017, making him Seattle’s highest-drafted cornerback since general manager Schneider joined the team in 2010.
While Griffin left in free agency this offseason, the Seahawks aren’t going into the draft unsettled at the position for 2021. They signed Ahkello Witherspoon away from the San Francisco 49ers, recently added veteran Pierre Desir, and also have D.J. Reed and Tre Flowers at the spot.
Even with that depth for next season, Clayton has a good reason for expecting Seattle to target the position in the draft, whether it’s in the second round or later.
“They’re deep at the cornerback position, but everybody’s a free agent after this year so they need some long-term options,” he said. “It’s a good cornerback draft and you can get good cornerbacks probably in the third round and maybe even in the fourth round.”
Watch the video below for Clayton’s full thoughts, including two other positions where he thinks this draft matches up well for the Seahawks.
More Seahawks NFL Draft coverage
• Draft Expert Matt Miller: Why Hawks may stick with 3 draft picks
• Rost: Making case for Seahawks draft picks at different positions
• Bumpus: Small-school WR Hawks should consider drafting
• Heaps: Positions for Hawks to address and avoid in draft
• Rost: Will Seahawks add at WR in the draft?
