Could Dontari Poe Join Mario Williams in Seattle?

Byron Lambert, Rosterwatch.com

Two of the biggest stories I brought home from the NFL Scouting Combine are that Pete Carroll is very interested in Mario Williams and that NT/DT prospect Dontari Poe is an absolute freak of nature. I am starting to think both stories may converge in Seattle.

I was told directly by Seahawks insiders that their top offseason priority is finding a legitimate pass rusher and that they will aggressively pursue Texans DE Mario Williams in free agency.

The story adds up: This draft is short on sure fire pass rushers. Pete Carroll runs a defensive scheme that flows between concepts of the 4-3 and the 3-4. Mario Williams has experience in both systems and rumors have it Carroll’s seat is getting a bit warm. With a solid defense already in place this type of move could be a career changer.

So how does Dontari Poe figure in? While researching these topics I came across this terrific article, written by Mike Callaham, about Seattle’s defensive concepts and needs. The article explains that the one characteristic which prohibits Carroll’s scheme from being a true 3-4 is the lack of a legitimate NT. Callaham details the importance of DT versatility across the line and surmises that the Seahawks will target such a player high in this draft.

The former Memphis Tiger makes a ton of sense for Seattle. If they secure Mario Williams their need for a legitimate pass rusher is resolved and Poe can be a beast in the middle at the 0,3,or 5 with his size, power, and agility. The guy loves to work in the weight room as evidenced by his 44 reps on the bench and he was one of the most intelligent player interviews of the combine. ‘Hawks fans……..think Vince Wilfork Version 2.0 here!

A snippet of the incredible combine performance that sent Dontari Poe’s draft stock skyrocketing: