NFL Draft 2020: Seahawks take risk with Texas Tech ILB Jordyn Brooks
The Seahawks took an interesting selection at No. 27 with Texas Tech inside linebacker Jordyn Brooks instead of a pass rusher or offensive tackle.
The Seahawks are in a great situation by appearing in the NFL Playoffs in eight of the last 10 seasons. They have only won the NFC West four times in those ten years. They needed to make a big move to boost them back to the divisional title.
With the 27th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks made a surprising move by selecting Texas Tech Red Raiders inside linebacker Jordyn Brooks.
This pick comes down as a surprise due to many measures of their team needs that could have addressed. Last season, the Seahawks were ranked 26th in the league in total yards allowed per game (381.6), 27th in passing yards allowed per game (263.9), and 22nd in rushing yards allowed per game (117.7). The Seahawks had little to no impact from their main pass rushers as they only allowed for 28 sacks in the season, tied for 29th in the league.
A pass rusher would have been much more essential and helpful to the team.
Brooks will be able to improve the Seahawks’ rush defense through his ability to react to the play especially in run plays. He was a four-starter for the Red Raiders where he accounted for 360 total tackles, 224 solo tackles and 32 total tackles for loss.
In his senior season at Texas Tech in 2019, Brooks accounted for 108 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, three sacks and two fumble recoveries.
Brooks can play middle linebacker or strong-side outside linebacker for the Seahawks. He can maneuver through blocking schemes and get to the ball-carrier. He has great instincts to react quickly and has great athleticism to move from sideline to sideline. He is a player that gets lost when defending the zone coverage as well as finds himself get caught in some significant pulling blocks.
Grade: C
There is some concern with the Seahawks using this pick for an inside linebacker where Patrick Queen wasn’t picked yet. Brooks will join a crowded linebacker corps where the starters are set with Bobby Wagner, K.J. Wright, and potentially Shaquem Griffin. The lack of pass rush with Jadeveon Clowney gone or even offensive tackle could’ve been a benefit.