2017 NFL mock draft: Garett Bolles goes to Seattle Seahawks

Amidst free agent signings, the NFL Scouting Combine, and pro days, there’s been one obvious storyline of the NFL’s offseason: The Seattle Seahawks need an offensive tackle. The way the SB Nation NFL writers’ mock draft is playing out works perfectly for Seattle. Just one lineman has been picked — Ryan Ramczyk by the New York Giants at No. 23 — so Seattle should get a good blocker to protect Russell Wilson.

That’s why I’m sure this was an easy choice for the incomparable Kenneth Arthur of Field Gulls. Here’s his pick for the Seahawks:

Arthur: The best offensive tackle in the draft, and in competition with Forrest Lamp as the best overall lineman in this class, it would be tremendously fortunate if Bolles managed to fall into the Seahawks’ lap at 26. He combined with guard Isaac Asiata to open up the field for running back Joe Williams, who rushed for 1,407 yards on 6.7 yards per carry for the Utes last season. On tape, Bolles was already playing like the best tackle in the nation in 2016 but then he followed it up with one of the best combine performances by a lineman ever: 4.95 in the 40-yard dash (second among linemen), 9’7” in the broad jump (first), 7.29 in the three-cone (first), and 4.55 in the 20-yard shuttle (second). He did it at 6’5, 300 pounds, with 34-inch arms. His 112.5 Sparq score was first among linemen, meaning he will be the top tackle on Seattle’s board; Lamp’s 110.2 was second.

I don’t actually believe Bolles will be available at 26, so that’s why I expect the Seahawks to target a cornerback, linebacker, or safety, like Obi Melifonwu, Adoree’ Jackson, and perhaps Jabrill Peppers. Yes, Bolles only has one year of Division I experience and he’ll be 25 in May, but Seattle would unquestionably be getting their best chance in the draft at a starting left tackle for 2017 and on. There are a lot of good players on the board here at 26, and if Bolles is not available, I think that the Seahawks try to trade back. If he makes it past the Denver Broncos at 20, I think Seattle gets on the phone to try and move up and secure him.

Analysis: That athleticism that was described above shows up on the field for Bolles, and that’s what makes him such an intriguing prospect. He only started one year at Utah, and played almost exclusively in a two-point stance in the team’s zone system. His technique — particularly his hand usage — leaves something to be desired. But banking on raw athleticism developing into ability can pay off big on the offensive line. That’s what makes this a good pick. Maybe now the Seahawks needing a tackle can finally be checked off the needs list.

At 3 p.m. ET we’ll have our final pick of the day in the SB Nation NFL writers’ mock draft courtesy of Joel Thorman of Arrowhead Pride picking for the Chiefs. In the meantime feel free to look over the other 25 picks that have been made thus far right here.