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Seattle Seahawks

NFL Draft: Look for Seahawks to take at least one corner

Seattle Times

The recent signing of Brandon Browner might lead to the thought that taking a cornerback is less of a priority for the Seahawks in this week’s NFL draft.

But one popular NFL axiom – that you can never have enough cornerbacks – is one that the Seahawks appear to believe in strongly. They have drafted at least one player at the position every year since the John Schneider/Pete Carroll era began in 2010.

The Seahawks appear pretty set at cornerback. Richard Sherman again will man the left-corner spot and Jeremy Lane likely slides in as the starter on the right side after signing a deal paying him an average of $5.75 million a season.

The Seahawks also re-signed Deshawn Shead, who started five games at cornerback last year. That gives the Seahawks a trio as versatile as any they have had under Carroll, he said.

Browner appears slated for a situational role, likely against bigger receivers and tight ends.

Then there are the young corners – notably recent draft picks Simon and Smith, for whom 2016 could be pivotal in determining their future with the team. All of them might be vying for one or two spots, depending on Browner’s situation. The Seahawks could view him as almost a safety/outside-linebacker type and decide they need the same amount of cornerbacks on the roster.

With Sherman and Lane in the fold through 2018, Shead having proven he can capably play the position and Browner back, the Seahawks aren’t seeking immediate help in this week’s draft. But the importance of the position in the NFL – especially to the Seahawks – means it always will be a spot where they add young talent.

With nine picks this year, it’d be no surprise if the Seahawks use at least one on a cornerback. It just might not happen high in the draft.

Seattle has taken at least one cornerback in each draft since 2010, but none earlier than the fourth round. All have made the roster and remain in the NFL, with Sherman (fifth in 2011), Byron Maxwell (sixth in 2011) and Lane (sixth in 2012) standing out.