2012 SB Nation NFL Mock Draft: Round 2, Pick 43

The SB Nation two-round NFL mock draft continues along with each lead NFL team blogger making the pick for their team. We're into the second round and the Seattle Seahawks are back up with the No. 43 pick.

With the 43rd pick in the 2012 SB Nation NFL Writers Mock Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select California middle linebacker Mychal Kendricks.

Rob Staton explains: Having addressed the team's greatest need by getting a pass rusher in round one, there's likely two be two other target areas in rounds 2-3. The Seahawks need to draft at least one linebacker, either to fill the MIKE or WILL. With Upshaw filling in as a hybrid DE/SLB, KJ Wright would likely be moved to fill one of the other spots. Malcolm Smith is also highly regarded and Barrett Ruud was added in free agency. Pete Carroll wants to add speed to the front seven, so finding an athletic linebacker with coverage potential is crucial.

The other important need is running back. Seattle's offense is built around the run and when Marshawn Lynch missed time in 2011, the team's offense collapsed. Although Lynch recently signed a big extension, it won't stop the Seahawks looking to draft for the position early. They need a prospect who can take some of the heavy work load away from their offensive MVP and match Lynch's impact if he picks up injuries.

Zach Brown and Doug Martin would've been ideal options but both are off the board at the start of round two. Seattle could turn attentions to Mychal Kendricks and Lamar Miller who both fit the criteria in this range. I've gone for Kendricks due to Pete Carroll's knowledge - and appreciation - for the Pac-12. The California linebacker was named Pac-12 defensive MVP last year. He has the speed Carroll craves plus experience playing both outside and inside linebacker. The Seahawks would then be expected to address running back in rounds three or four.

Dan Kadar responds: For what it's worth, this pick was made before the Seahawks re-sgned linebackers Leroy Hill and Matt McCoy to one-year contracts. Regardless, the Seahawks have a lot of questionable players at linebacker after Wright. Ruud was a good signing, but not a dynamic player. He's also coming off an injury. Hill's future is unknown after this season.

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