With the 43rd pick in SB Nation's 2012 NFL mock draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Cal LB Mychal Kendricks.
The Seahawks defense is starting to look legit after selecting Courtney Upshaw in the first round. They're re-tooling their linebackers in one draft.
SB Nation's Seahawks blog, Field Gulls, explains the pick:
Having addressed the team's greatest need by getting a pass rusher in round one, there's likely to be two other target areas in rounds two and three. 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.
For more analysis of the pick, visit Mocking The Draft. SB Nation's Chiefs blog, Arrowhead Pride, is on the clock with the 44th pick.
For more draft news on the Seahawks, visit Field Gulls and SB Nation Seattle. And click here to follow along the rest of SB Nation's NFL mock draft.
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