Solid Starter
D’Wayne Eskridge, WR, Western Michigan – Round 2 
The Seahawks had bigger needs on their roster than a third receiver to go with D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, but Eksridge was too appealing for them to pass up. The explosive Eskridge will give Russell Wilson another vertical weapon with game-breaking speed and could make an instant impact as another ultra fast receiver lined up with Metcalf and Lockett.
Eskridge averaged a tremendous 23.1 yards per reception in 2020 for 784 yards and eight touchdowns over 34 catches. The speedster also had large averages in 2018 (20.4) and 2017 (16.9). A clavicle injury caused Eskridge to miss the majority of the 2019 season.
There is no doubt that Eskridge is extremely fast and presents a speed mismatch for the NFL. He is a true home run hitter who is a threat to score on any touch of the ball. Eskridge has the pure speed to run past defenders and explode down the field for a long gain. He is very dangerous on slant passes to take off through the secondary and explode for massive yardage. With a great burst and serious acceleration, Eskridge can generate quick separation, and he bolts downfield in a blur.
The 5-foot-9, 190-pounder lacks the size of a true No. 1 receiver for the NFL, but he could be an impactful weapon wjo serves as a solid starter in the long run across from Metcalf.
2020: Darrell Taylor, DE
2019: L.J. Collier, DE
2018: Rashaad Penny, RB
2017: Ethan Pocic, C
2016: Germain Ifedi, OT
2015: Mark Glowinski, G
2014: Cassius Marsh, DE
2013: Chris Harper, WR
Most Likely To Bust
NONE The Seahawks only had three picks in the 2021 NFL Draft, with two of them being on the final day of the draft. The vast majority of fourth-round and sixth-round picks don’t stick in the NFL, so it really isn’t a true bust if Tre Brown or Stone Forsythe is unable to stick.
2020: Damien Lewis, G
2019: Marquise Blair, S
2018: Will Dissly, TE
2017: Shaquill Griffin, CB
2016: Jarran Reed, DT
2015: Frank Clark, DE
2014: Justin Britt, OT
2013: Jesse Williams, DT
Potential Boom Pick
NONE Similar to the Potential Bust Pick, the Seahawks only had three picks in the 2021 NFL Draft, with two of them being on the final day of the draft. The vast majority of fourth-round and sixth-round picks don’t stick in the NFL, and Eskridge looks more like a potential starter rather than a true boom pick.
2020: Jordyn Brooks, LB
2019: D.K. Metcalf, WR
2018: Rasheem Green, DE
2017: Malik McDowell, DT
2016: C.J. Prosise, RB
2015: Tyler Lockett, WR
2014: Paul Richardson, WR
2013: Christine Michael, RB
Future Depth Player
Stone Forsythe, OT, Florida – Round 6 
The Seahawks took Forsythe in the sixth round, which was good value. Forysthe was a solid blocker in both phases for the Gators over the past few years, and he was impressive going against some early-round edge rushers, like Georgia’s Azeez Ojulari. Forsythe (6-8, 307) could be a valuable game-day backup given his flexibility to be a swing tackle or guard. While he may lack the speed, athleticism, and strength to be a dynamic three-down starter, Forsythe could become a steady backup who outperforms his draft slot.
2020: Colby Parkinson, TE
2019: Gary Jennings, WR
2018: Shaquem Griffin, LB
2017: Nazair Jones, DT
2016: Nick Vannett, TE
2015: Tye Smith, CB
2014: Kevin Pierre-Louis, LB
2013: Tharold Simon, CB
Walt’s 2021 NFL Draft Grades:
56. Dwayne Eskridge, WR, Western Michigan – F Grade
There are so many reasons to hate this pick. First of all, it’s a shock that the Seahawks didn’t trade down because they had just three selections in this draft. Second, Russell Wilson complained about offensive line help, yet Seattle didn’t address it. Third, Dwayne Eskridge was someone I’ve had in the third or fourth rounds. And fourth, this doesn’t fill a need at all.
137. Tre Brown, CB/KR, Oklahoma – B+ Grade
Tre Brown isn’t the greatest athlete, but he was a competitive and productive player at Oklahoma. It’s troubling that the Seahawks once again eschewed addressing their blocking and pass rush, but cornerback was a need as well. Brown is a solid value pick.
208. Stone Forsythe, OT, Florida – A- Grade
The Seahawks finally obtained an offensive lineman! I mocked Stone Forsythe 35 picks earlier, so I like the value Seattle is getting with Forsythe, who blocked well the past two seasons. He allowed just two sacks last year.
2021 NFL Draft Team Grade: F. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.
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