The Athletic’s Dane Brugler released a two-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft on Wednesday morning. Brugler is one of the more plugged-in draft analysts in the space, so his mock drafts rightfully capture a ton of attention, as they’re often based on conversations with sources around the league.
Mock Draft 2.0
(Two-rounder, picks 1-64)https://t.co/mwkJUVTxix
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 15, 2025
In the first round, Brugler has the Seattle Seahawks drafting Texas offensive linemen Kelvin Banks Jr. with the No. 18 overall selection.
“There are plenty of differing opinions around the league on Banks,” Brugler writes. “Some see him as a tackle; others as a guard. Some think he could sneak into the top 15; others see more of a late first-rounder. The Seahawks’ issues on the offensive line extend beyond their personnel, but Banks has “quality starter” written all over him and would help stabilize things.”
It’s interesting to hear Brugler say Seattle’s issues on the offensive line “extend beyond the personnel.” That indicates there’s coaching/management issues as well. It’s worth noting Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is searching for a new offensive coordinator after firing Ryan Grubb. If the Seahawks view Banks as an interior blocker, he’d be plug-and-play at either guard position. If he’s a tackle, he could push the oft-injured Abe Lucas at right tackle.
Brugler then has the Seahawks taking Kentucky Wildcats defensive tackle Deone Walker in the second round at No. 50 overall. Walker entered the 2024 season as a potential first-round pick, but failed to meet expectations by recording just 1.5 sacks in 10 appearances. It’s worth noting the Seahawks drafted Byron Murphy II last year, who plays the same position. Jarran Reed and Johnathan Hankins are scheduled for free agency, potentially creating another need at defensive tackle.
