JUST IN: 3 draft picks set to ignite the Seahawks return game
The updated kickoff rule adjustments put emphasis on the Seahawks’ need to enhance their return game. Seattle could benefit from adding any of these three players to their special teams unit.
As a dedicated 12s member, you excel as a game aficionado. Your loyalty and passion surpass the average fans of weaker teams. Moreover, your football acumen outshines the followers of the remaining 31 NFL franchises. Yep, double-checked my notes; there are indeed 31 other teams.
But hey, you might have overlooked a recent rule modification that the league approved a couple of weeks back. Nope, not the controversial ban on hip-drop tackles that the NFL stirred up. I’m talking about the adjustments to kickoffs. I’ve already discussed how this alteration could amp up the Seahawks’ special teams performance. Yet, why limit the potential there? By seizing a pick in the later rounds, Seattle could really maximize the benefits of this change, don’t you think?
Three draft selections to elevate the Seattle Seahawks’ return game to the summit!
I’ve already highlighted three prospects who could immediately make an impact on day one in some of my mock drafts. To delve deeper into their profiles, head over to read about running back Tyrone Tracy, cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine, and running back Isaac Guerendo. Simply click to the next page following KAD’s details to explore my analysis on Guerendo. Of course, there are numerous alternatives beyond these, so let’s dive right in, shall we
Ainias Smith, Wide receiver, Texas Tech
Standing at 5’9″ and weighing 190 pounds, the Texas A&M fifth-year senior doesn’t boast lightning-fast speed (clocking a 4.48 in the 40-yard dash) typically associated with return specialists. However, his agility shines through in the three-cone drill with a time of 6.86 seconds, ranking in the 69th percentile. It’s his impressive strength, evidenced by 21 reps at 225 lbs, that truly showcases his abilities. In the realm of returns, he excels. Smith recorded an average of nearly 20 yards on kick returns and close to 12 yards on punt returns during his freshman year in the SEC. Over five seasons, he accumulated 836 yards on 82 punt returns, averaging 10.2 yards and scoring two touchdowns.
Additionally, he displays reliable hands, leading or tying the team twice in receiving touchdowns. Thriving as a dangerous slot receiver, he racked up 2,407 yards on 180 receptions, averaging 13.4 yards with 19 touchdowns. He also contributed 405 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 87 carries, averaging 4.67 yards per attempt. With just one drop in 78 targets last season, he forced 22 missed tackles, according to Pro Football Focus. In 2023, he topped the Aggies in both receptions and receiving yards. On the consensus big board at nflmockdraftdatabase.com, he’s projected as the 144th overall pick, while PFF predicts his selection at number 119
Will Shipley, Running back, Clemson
The junior from Clemson, standing at 5’11” and weighing 206 pounds, showcases both speed (4.39 in the 40-yard dash) and agility (6.81 in the three-cone drill). Remarkably, both of these timings rank at or above the 90th percentile. However, his excellence extends beyond drills. In 2022, he made history by becoming the first player in ACC history to earn first-team All-ACC honors as a running back, all-purpose player, and specialist—an accolade truly deserving. Shipley led the Tigers with 1,182 rushing yards on 210 attempts, finding the end zone 15 times on the ground. Additionally, he contributed 38 receptions for 242 yards and returned 13 kicks for 324 yards
While his output dipped slightly last season, he still surpassed 1,000 scrimmage yards with seven touchdowns. Additionally, he showcased his return skills by tallying seven kick returns for 200 yards, boasting an impressive 28.6-yard average. Regarded as the eighth-best running back by NFL Draft Buzz, he holds the 127th spot on the consensus big board. PFF places him at 145, but regardless of his draft position, he promises to be a formidable return specialist right from the start
Daequan Hardy, Cornerback, Penn State
Similar to Ainias Smith, this fifth-year senior boasts extensive experience as a punt returner compared to kick returns. Standing at 5’9″ and 179 lbs, his size may limit him to a rotational role in the NFL. Nevertheless, he has excelled in the slot position, accumulating 14 pass breakups and five interceptions over the past three seasons. According to NFL Draft Buzz, he maintained an impressive career passer rating allowed of just 67.7.
Hardy embraced the role of punt returner at Happy Valley last season and delivered outstanding performances. Returning 17 punts for 248 yards and two touchdowns, he showcased his abilities. His combine results revealed a 4.38-second 40-yard dash and a 42.5-inch vertical jump, confirming his speed and explosiveness on the field. With a rapid ten-yard split of 1.5 seconds, he can quickly hit his top speed compared to most players. Both the consensus big board and NFL.com’s draft site project him as a potential seventh-round pick. In my view, he would be an ideal addition to the Seahawks’ special teams unit
