2019 NFL mock draft: Seattle Seahawks select Jerry Tillery

While contract negotiations appear to be struggling between the Seattle Seahawks and quarterback Russell Wilson, the NFL Draft slowly approaches.

Many presumed the Seahawks for dead last season, having seen some of their foundational pieces leave for greener pastures, but Seattle held on to make a playoff appearance. Of course, their goals are set much higher than that, and a good draft could push them into serious Super Bowl contention.

Commenter JackH is the acting general manager for the Seahawks in the Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft, and with the 21st pick, he has selected Notre Dame defensive tackle Jerry Tillery. Here’s his explanation for the pick:

“The Seahawks are in a tough position this year, and more than any other team are almost forced to trade down due to lack of draft picks. They only have four total picks and also need to figure out how extend the contracts of Russell Wilson, KJ Wright, and Frank Clark, with each player looking to be the top paid at their position. Jerry Tillery can ease some of the talent issues that surround tough financial decisions if they decide to not pay Wright or Clark.

Tillery is a man-beast in the mold of Ndamukong Suh at 6-foot-5, 305 pounds, and like Suh, he has a rare blend of athleticism for the position. He can manhandle opposing linemen with his upper body strength and has a wide variety of pass-rush moves. The motor is always going, and there seems to be no stopping him at the point of attack. Over his final two seasons with the Fighting Irish, he racked up 17.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles.

Unfortunately, teams are a little wary of him because of his fondness for kicking and stepping on opposing players combined with a rumored past of being an unhinged party animal who has also been accused of menacing teammates in the locker room. If he can Bruce Banner his way through the off-the-field stuff, he is undoubtedly the Hulk on the field. Pete Carroll will keep him in check and unleash the potential to make Tillery the best player emerging from the 2019 draft.”

Catch up on all of the picks with our Community Mock Draft Tracker