2017 NFL Mock Draft: Seattle Seahawks Select OT Garett Bolles at No. 26

With the 26th pick in the 2017 DBN Community NFL Mock Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select...

Garett Bolles, OT, Utah

The selection and write-up were made by Darth_Batman:

Bolles is arguably the most talented offensive lineman in the draft, but he doesn't come without risks, which is why he fell to the Seahawks here. Bolles' risks are that he's old for a rookie at 25 years old, he only has one year of FBS experience, and he had some troubled teenage years. However, those risks are greatly outweighed by the fact that Bolles has the highest ceiling of any offensive tackle prospect in the draft and is likely ready to plug into left tackle on day one. Bolles is extremely athletic and performed exceptionally well at the Combine. This athleticism shows up with Bolles' ability to sustain blocks, move his feet, and position his body to help finish off plays, passing and rushing alike. Bolles also consistently gets into the second level to finish off blocks and push piles.

When I first took the Seahawks, I had every intention of drafting a cornerback, such as Kevin King, who was certainly in play with this pick, because everything I was reading said that they needed more depth there as a result of injury and potential for dealing Richard Sherman. However, the Seahawks' offensive line is the weakest unit on the team, even after adding Luke Joeckel, who will be a starting left guard, at best. In addition, the Seahawks lost their starting RT and are shifting players around to try and fill holes. If Bolles can come in and lock down the LT position, with Joeckel lining up inside, it would allow some competition at RT between Germain Ifedi, who was drafted last year, and their current starting LT, Fant (who had never played offensive tackle before 2016, by the way).

This is a very un-Seahawks move compared to recent years and I think a trade or a selection of King is entirely possible here given Pete Carroll's methods and the fact that Patrick Mahomes is still on the board with the Bears and Jets still needing their QBOTF after going defense with their earlier picks, but I think the right thing to do for the Seahawks is to pick Bolles.

After all, the Seahawks signed Eddie Lacy in the offseason, lost their right tackle to the division rival 49ers, and need to continue to protect Russell Wilson moving forward, so having a healthy and productive offensive line is crucial. In addition, the front office signed free agent Safety McDougald and resigned Shead for their secondary, shoring that position group up for the time being (assuming Shead can get healthy) and allowing the team to focus on the offensive line with this pick. Bolles is the right guy at this time.

Pokorny: Seattle has needed to address their offensive line for years and Bolles is the highest-rated one left on the board. This pick would figure to align with their needs best, unless Pete Carroll is content with not investing heavily in the offensive line year after year.

The Kansas City Chiefs are up next, led by The Beast Mode.