Arizona Cardinals: 4-round NFC West mock draft 1.0

Seattle Seahawks

Dalton Risner is a talented offensive lineman with the versatility to play all five positions — at Kansas State, he played both center and right tackle at a high level. While the Seahawks offensive line has improved, they could stand to give Russell Wilson more help; Risner could do just that at guard, tackle, or center.

At 6-5, 312-pounds, Risner is a well-built offensive line prospect, but his athleticism and length have given him his fair share of skeptics. One of his biggest concerns is that he might struggle against speedy edge rushers, which may be the start of his inevitable move inside. But, he’s a smart player with good technique, power, and a lot of experience. He plays with a chip on his shoulder which should also help the Seahawks run-game continue to thrive.

In the third round, we give Bobby Wagner and the rebuilt Seahawks’ defense some help off the edge with Old Dominion edge rusher Oshane Ximenes. While Ximenes might not be the most prolific name, he’s a rising player in one of the deepest defensive line classes in recent memory.

Ximenes has the resume of a top-32 pick, but his average athleticism could mean the Old Dominion product falls to the middle of the third round, where he’d be a steal for the Seahawks. The edge rusher has an array of pass-rushing moves, knows where to place his hands, and has produced in the past. Per PFF, Ximenes ranks as the 14th best edge rusher in terms of pass-rush productivity with a 10.1 score.

Is this a reach for Isaiah Johnson? Maybe, maybe not, but I love the fit. After blowing up ‘the Legion of Boom,’ the Seahawks will likely look for an outside cornerback in the middle rounds. During the Pete Carroll era, the Seahawks have been successful in developing raw, but athletic cornerback prospects into their best football selves. They could do the same with the University of Houston product.

At 6-2, 208-pounds, Johnson fits the mold of a Seahawks outside cornerback. But he also has the speed (4.40 second 40-yard-dash) and agility (6.81 second three-cone-drill) to keep up with the most athletic of wide receivers. He’s a rare mix of size and fluidity for the cornerback position, which helps him excel in press coverage. However, his raw game earns him a middle round grade in my book.