Mock Draft Roundup: Who will Seahawks pick at No. 18?

In less the four weeks, the Seattle Seahawks will embark on one of their most-anticipated NFL Drafts in years.

Where Seahawks stand in salary cap space after month of change

After adding a pair of picks through the Geno Smith and DK Metcalf trades earlier this month, the Seahawks now hold a whopping five top-100 selections. It provides them a golden opportunity to continue molding their roster with young talent that fits second-year head coach Mike Macdonald’s vision. And of course, it should offer them plenty of chances to address their glaring needs along the interior offensive line.

What direction should the Seahawks go with their top pick at No. 18 overall? Should they take an offensive lineman? Or with plenty more draft capital in the early rounds and a class that’s considered to have good O-line depth, should Seattle look elsewhere with its first-round pick – perhaps toward another area of need like wide receiver?

That quandary is reflected in recent mock drafts, with many experts split on whether the Seahawks should take an offensive lineman or a receiver in round one.

For our latest mock draft roundup, here’s a look at what 10 draft experts are projecting Seattle to do at No. 18.

• Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

ESPN’s Matt Miller: “Seattle’s offense will look very different in 2025, with Sam Darnold taking over for Geno Smith at quarterback and Cooper Kupp replacing DK Metcalf at receiver. But the Seahawks still need more help at receiver (they also released Tyler Lockett) and on the interior of the offensive line. We’ll have the Seahawks fill the former with Golden, a big-play outside receiver who can complement Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Golden was a deep threat for Texas, with an FBS-best 23 receptions for more than 20 yards. He also ran a blazing 4.29 40 at the combine, the best of any offensive player. He is a polished route runner with sure hands, plus-level production and top athletic tools.”

Is Texas WR Matthew Golden the best WR in this year’s NFL Draft? (via @MoveTheSticks)

📺: #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/tKmnaJqwOt

— NFL (@NFL) March 1, 2025

• Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

The 33rd Team’s Kyle Crabbs: “The offensive overhaul in Seattle has been one of the more aggressive re-toolings of the year thus far. Seattle has rebuilt its passing attack with Cooper Kupp and Sam Darnold, but it needs some more explosiveness to stretch the field. Golden may have played in a scheme-heavy offense at Texas in 2024, but that was more about the rest of the offense and less about what Golden brings to the table.”

• Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

Pro Football Focus’ Josh Liskiewitz: “Golden is a talented player whose movement skills should translate well to the NFL. His advanced avenues of success – whether through beating press, impressive footwork, after-the-catch ability or kick-return prowess – make him a player who could be a high-end WR2 in the league.”

• Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso: “The new-look Seahawks add another weapon for Sam Darnold in Golden, who shined down the stretch for the Longhorns.”

• Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

NFL.com’s Chad Reuter: “DK Metcalf sought and received a trade, leaving Seattle in need of a strong outside receiver like the 6-4 1/8, 219-pound McMillan. He joins Jaxon Smith-Njigba and free-agent acquisitions Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling to stretch defenses horizontally and vertically.”

TETAIROA. MCMILLAN. WHAT. A. CATCH. @TMAC96795 🤯🤯🤯

📺: Pac-12 Network pic.twitter.com/EMGwmKPrYX

— Arizona Football (@ArizonaFBall) September 17, 2023

• Grey Zabel, OG/C, North Dakota State

CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards: “Seattle has not addressed its need for interior offensive line help. Teven Jenkins was brought into the building but he ultimately signed with the Browns. The NFL Draft may be the last opportunity to address the need in an adequate manner.”

• Grey Zabel, OG/C, North Dakota State

The Athletic’s Ben Standig: “This might be the most need-versus-best-player-available battle in the first round. Boldly signing quarterback Sam Darnold raises the offense’s ceiling, but only if the Seahawks’ pass blocking improves. This might be Zabel’s draft peak. The powerful lineman can play everywhere. Seattle needs him at guard.”

• Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama

NFL.com’s Eric Edholm: “The Seahawks seem to be leaning into a ball-control, run-heavy offense, even with the addition of QB Sam Darnold. There is a starting job open at guard, where the ascending Booker can establish himself as a fixture for years. He’s not an elite athlete but is blessed with great power and finishing ability as a run blocker.”

• Kelvin Banks Jr., OL, Texas

FOX Sports’ Rob Rang: “With Sam Darnold, Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling replacing Geno Smith, DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett over the past two weeks, perhaps no team has undergone a greater transition in its passing game than the Seahawks. The same old issues persist up front, however. Banks was money at left tackle for the Longhorns, but his burly frame and game project better inside at left guard.”

• Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

Yahoo Sports’ Charles McDonald: “Tight ends play a big role in the offense that new coordinator Klint Kubiak is installing in Seattle, but the Seahawks don’t have a big-time talent at tight end. Insert Warren, who is one of the best players in the draft and could be a steal in Seattle’s offense given his athleticism and wide array of skills.”

He caught the ball 17 times.
He ran the ball.
He threw the ball.
He snapped the ball.

Tyler Warren was sensational for @PennStateFball vs. USC. pic.twitter.com/5bTv4SKaUK

— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) October 12, 2024

Seattle Seahawks news and analysis

• Rost: 4 potential non-OL picks for Seattle Seahawks at No. 18
• Field Yates’ home run draft pick for Seattle Seahawks at No. 18
• Why ‘sleeper’ draft pick from WSU fits Seattle Seahawks’ need
• Should Seattle Seahawks trade up in first round of NFL Draft?
• GM explains how this Seahawks offseason differs from last year

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