The Seahawks have started signing a handful of their 11 draft picks to contracts. According to ESPN’s Brady Henderson (via Twitter), Seattle signed four of their rookies today:
- 2-47: Marquise Blair, S (Utah)
- 4-124: Phil Haynes, G (Wake Forest)
- 4-132: Ugo Amadi, S (Oregon)
- 5-142: Ben Burr-Kirven, LB (Washington)
Blair is the most notable name on the list, as the Seahawks used one of their two second-rounders on the Utah product. Following a solid 2017 season, the safety had a breakout campaign in 2018, finishing the season with 44 tackles, two passes defended, and two picks.
The Seahawks watched as both Earl Thomas and Mo Alexander left via free agency, leaving some open spots on the depth chart. Tedric Thompson and Bradley McDougald are currently slotted in as the team’s starting safeties, but Blair should be able to supplant one of the two. The team also inked another rookie safety, Amadi, to his contract, providing the team with even more depth at the position.
Haynes may have a difficult time cracking the lineup, as both Mike Iupati and D.J. Fluker are standing in his way. However, the rookie has a chance to become a useful reserve lineman. The same goes for Burr-Kirven, who should compete with Barkevious Mingo, Shaquem Griffin, and Austin Calitro for backup reps at linebacker.
Following today’s signings, seven of the Seahawks’ draft picks remain unsigned.
That Utah defense last yr was something special. Took my twins to the PAC 12 title game vs UW. Glad the Hawks got Blair but I was really hoping we’d get that Utah kicker- it was really cold heavy air in that Title game and he still nailed his kicks. That dudes a stud