A closer look at the areas the Seattle Seahawks could address in the draft. We'll get started today with a look at the offensive line, which is scheduled to work out Friday in Indianapolis.
Position of need: Guard and tackle. Starting left guard James Carpenter is a free agent after the Seahawks elected to let him play out the final year of his rookie contract. Carpenter had his best season in 2014, good enough that will get him some offers elsewhere. Regardless of what happens with Carpenter, the O-line remains a weak link on a very good team, as far as pass blocking is concerned, so upgrading in that area is a must.
Three players the Seahawks could target in the draft:
A.J. Cann, guard, South Carolina: Seahawks offensive coach Tom Cable loves a player like Cann, who is a drive blocker that stays engaged with an opponent and will pancake him into the turf if need be. And he rarely gets out-muscled inside, holding defensive tackles at bay when they try to rush the passer. Cann was a four-year starter for the Gamecocks and viewed as a very disciplined player who was rarely penalized, definitely the type of guy the Seahawks could use up front.
Tre' Jackson, guard, Florida State: A mountain of a man at 6-4, 325. He is known for an aggressive mindset and can hold his ground in pass protection when he's bull rushed. Like Carpenter, Jackson is a guy who can eat his way out of shape in a hurry if he isn't careful. He relies on his brute strength and needs to improve on his technique.
La'el Collins, tackle, LSU: A bit iffy that he would fall to them at the end of the first round, but if he's there, the Seahawks should forget about trading down and grab him. Collins is a brawler at 6-5, 320, a guy who plays mean and angry. He loves to intimidate opponents. He's an excellent pass blocker and technically sound, but some question whether he has the foot quickness to play left tackle in the NFL. The point is he can play and probably start immediately somewhere up front, so don't pass him up if he's there at No. 31.