2014 NFL mock draft: Seahawks select Troy Niklas

With the 64th and final pick in Pride Of Detroit's 2014 NFL mock draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Notre Dame tight end Troy Niklas. Seabeeruss is serving as the Seahawks' general manager, and his reasoning for the pick is below.

Picking at 32 was like the beginning of the second round, just like 64 is basically the beginning of the third round -- still too early for BPA in such a deep draft, but the perfect place to find that gold nugget that can be a difference-maker. I once again looked at the roster with an eye on both needs and remaining time on current players' contracts. In my opinion, it is important to keep an eye on the future while drafting in the present. Having filled an O-line need in the first round, the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks select Troy Niklas, a tight end from Notre Dame.

While not the most polished TE in the draft, Niklas' college production and future upside make him the right player to plug in and develop. His blocking ability fits the Seahawks' run-first philosophy, and with his underneath pass-catching skills, he should develop into a reliable safety valve for Russell Wilson. There is something about Pete Carroll and his staff getting the most out of their players, and this seems to be a good fit. I almost went with WR or OT here, but the draft is so deep this year that either position can be addressed later.

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Check out the 2014 POD Community Mock Draft tracker for a look at all of the picks.