NFC West Review: Evaluating the Seahawks’ 2020 Draft class

Last Friday, we took a look at the first-round picks from the NFC West. Now that the draft is complete let’s break down how the rest of the divisions draft looks. We’ll start with the San Francisco 49ers biggest challenger, the Seattle Seahawks.

First round: LB Jordyn Brooks, Texas Tech

The Seahawks drafted a run-stopping linebacker in the first round. Do you think they know it’s 2020? Brooks is a good player, don’t get me wrong. You can make a strong argument that he’s the best run-stopping LB in the draft. How much value is there in stopping the run? Brooks was No. 65 on PFF’s big board. This is the definition of a reach, though. Brooks didn’t make any plays in coverage at Texas Tech and looked a bit stiff when asked to change directions. Seattle is banking on Brooks’ athleticism over his skillset, which is a dangerous game to play.

Second round: DE Darrell Taylor, Tennessee

Taylor is more of a power player than a speed rusher off the edge. He’s much better than Seattle’s first-round pick in 2019, LJ Collier, but that may prove to be a low bar. Taylor was an effective pass rusher with the Volunteers and progressed every year. He doesn’t have many counters outside of a bull-rush, but he found ways to win in college. Taylor will be a good complementary pass rusher. The Seahawks just gave away Jadeveon Clowney’s number on Tuesday, so Taylor may have to be “the guy” in Seattle.

Third round: OG Damien Lewis, LSU

Lewis may have been the Seahawks best pick with the way Seattle emphasizes the run. He was really good down the stretch for LSU, and that continued at the Senior Bowl. Where Lewis can be taken advantage of is in pass protection. Pencil in the 49ers for a sack when they run a stunt against Lewis. That and Lewis isn’t the most athletic guard. PFF graded Lewis as a 58.8 on true pass sets. For reference, sixth-round pick Colton McKivitz had a 72 overall grade on straight pass sets. So, Lewis a perfect fit for the Seahawks.

Fourth round: TE Colby Parkinson, Stanford

I was certain this would be the Niners backup to George Kittle for obvious reasons. Parkinson played more of a slot receiver than inline tight end. Parkinson didn’t play fast, and his combine was below-average. Where he’ll hurt the 49ers is in the red zone. At 6’7”, Parkinson is one of those “he’s open when he’s on open” type of receivers. With Russell Wilson, Parkinson has a chance to rack up touchdowns in the red zone with his skills to catch the ball through contact. Outside of the red zone, Parkinson is average at best as a route runner, run blocker, and athlete.

Rest of Day 3 picks

RB Deejay Dallas

Seattle took a running back in the fourth round to backup their running back they drafted in 2018, who is backing up their seventh-rounder they took in 2017.

DE Alton Robinson

Robinson ran fast and jumped well, but you didn’t see that type of explosiveness during his time at Syracuse. on Day 3, these are the type of players you bet on. He’s another power player that gets by on a high motor and a bull-rush.

WR Freddie Swain

WR Stephen Sullivan

Did Seattle do enough in the draft to close the gap between them and the 49ers?