LJ Collier can bring the heat at defensive end and defensive tackle. (Photo: Icon Sportswire, Getty)

I mocked LJ Collier a couple weeks ago to Seattle as their first pick. Yay!

I’m smart.

Seriously though, I think if we step back, this is a classic Seattle Seahawk pick under Pete Carroll. Watch his highlight tape. His game reminds me of one of my absolute favorite Seahawks; one Michael Bennett. At a stout 6-2 and 283 lbs, and with long arms, he has the strength to stack the run, and he has advanced pass rush moves to bully and confuse offensive linemen while getting to the quarterback. What I see is a strong run defender, and a disruptive pass rusher. I also see versatility as he can play multiple positions on the defensive line, and I think that is a critically important trait for head coach Pete Carroll. It actually wouldn’t shock me if he starts out as an end, but becomes a three down pass rushing three technique defensive tackle down the line. In my opinion, this is a really exciting pick.

One thing is that he is not is Frank Clark. Clark was a speed rushing end for Seattle, but Seattle doesn’t necessarily need to replace Clark with another edge rusher; they just need to find another passer rusher regardless of position. This is Collier, and while on paper Seattle is thin at rush end, this draft it deep at defensive line. I fully expect that Seattle continues to continue to add there over the next couple days, and I think Louisiana Tech end Jaylon Ferguson is easily still in play early on Friday.

Thoughts about day two and day three of the draft. 

By trading back with Green Bay, and then trading back with the New York Giants, Seattle now picks at 37, 92, 114, 118, 124, 132, 142, and 159. That’s plenty of picks to further fill this roster, and this draft is deep enough at defensive line that Seattle could find decent value into round four where they interestingly have four picks.

As mentioned above, Seattle still could go after a speed rushing end early at 37, but don’t be shocked if they ultimately go after a wide receiver. In fact, I wouldn’t be shocked if the opening of round two has a run at receiver, and with Seattle picking at 37, they could be right in the thick of that. They could also go defensive back, or an offensive linemen. I would say they could go defensive tackle early tomorrow, but Collier might have actually satisfied that position a bit as an inside rusher.

Regardless, there are some interesting players still on board that were thought to be potential first round picks. Here’s a quick list.

Jaylon Ferguson, Defensive End, Louisiana Tech.

Parris Campbell, Wide Receiver, Ohio State (Personal favorite)

DK Metcalf, Wide Receiver, Mississippi

Deebo Samuel, Wide Receiver, South Carolina

Juan Thornhill, Safety, Virginia

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Safety, Florida

Byron Murphy, Cornerback, Washington

Cody Ford, Guard, Oklahoma

If one of these guys is a Seattle Seahawk tomorrow, rejoice in that. These are all really exciting football players.

Go Hawks!