The last time NSS took a look at mock drafts, Texas Tech WR Michael Crabtree was far and away the favorite pick. Out of 57 mock drafts sampled, he was the pick 37 times.
But that was in February before he was measured two inches short and couldn't run because of an injury.
More than two months later, Crabtree is replace by USC QB Mark Sanchez as the favorite, and the choices have been whittled down from 11 different players to just seven.
To continue...
Mark Sanchez - 22
Eugene Monroe - 12
Michael Crabtree - 9
Jason Smith - 5
Aaron Curry - 1
B.J. Raji - 1
Brian Orakpo - 1
Aaron Curry available - 9
Eugene Monroe available - 40
Jason Smith available - 10
51 drafts
Unlike last time, this is easy to whittle down.
Boston College DT B.J. Raji no longer seems to be an option. He has too many character concerns when compared to other players.
Texas DE Brian Orakpo is another unlikely option. He may be a one-year wonder. When you also factor in the many holes in his game, it's a chance GM Tim Ruskell probably won't take at a position already stacked with talent.
Regarding the two offensive linemen, Baylor LT Jason Smith seems to be the better option for Seattle. The mocks have Seattle taking him 50 percent of the time when available. He should be higher on their draft board than Virginia LT Eugene Monroe, who's suspect knees may make Ruskell gun-shy in the top five.
Meanwhile, character concerns have arisen around Michael Crabtree. Is that enough to turn Ruskell off? Most mocks believe T.J. Houshmandzadeh's signing means no Crabtree, but that's faulty logic. He's 32 and Seattle lacks quality youth at the position.
The biggest surprise here is Seattle passing on Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry eight-of-nine times when he's available. That probably won't be the case should he slip past Kansas City at three, which seems more and more likely.
No player fits what Ruskell looks for in a prospect more than Curry. He has years of production, he has great character and he's a leader. It's been said over and over again. Curry is the safe pick, and Ruskell likes safe picks.
This great disparity in the mocks just goes to show how difficult Seattle has been to read. Right now, Mark Sanchez is the favorite pick.
But does Ruskell have the guts to pull the trigger on the one-year starter? History says no.
If Curry slips to four, expect him to be the pick. If not, then Crabtree seems to be the best player available for them.
Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
