The Seahawks have agreed to trade Frank Clark to the Kansas City Chiefs. They’ve acquired the #29 pick and a 2020 second round pick. The two teams will also swap third round picks (#85 for #93).

Clark will now be the third highest paid defender in the league.

So what does this mean for Seattle?

1. They have to add pass rushers

The Seahawks just traded away one of the best young pass rushers in the league. He had 35 sacks in four years despite minimal playing time as a rookie. Clark doesn’t even turn 26 until June 14th.

Seattle’s pass rush in 2018 relied on Clark — even with better-than-expected production from Jarran Reed and rookie Jacob Martin.

They’ve gone from one extreme to another. They used to be able to rotate Clark with Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril. Now what are they left with?

Before this trade their #1 draft need was more pass rush. Now it’s an even greater need.

At least one of their high picks will be spent on a defensive lineman — and likely one that can contribute straight away.

Clearly the Seahawks didn’t want to pay Clark (or couldn’t afford to). The trade is understandable and they’ve done well to get the compensation they did. They’ve also created a big hole on the roster.

2. How does it change their draft strategy?

For starters they can consider using pick #21. Before this trade they had to trade down. They couldn’t pick only four times in this draft. Their only chance to generate stock was to move down from #21.

It’s still very likely they will trade down at some point. They now have five picks instead of four — that’s not enough (especially when you need to replace one of your best players). But if a top player drops to #21 (for example, Rashan Gary) they can make the pick knowing they can trade down from #29.

Alternatively they could trade down from both #21 or #29 and truly fill out their board. The strength of this draft is in rounds 2-3. They currently only have one pick in that range — #93. Generating multiple picks in rounds 2-3 could be a target rather than spending their two first round picks.

Whatever they decide, they have more options now. It’s just a shame they couldn’t convince the Chiefs to give up their 2019 second rounder to truly fill out their board.

3. Could they make a franchise-changing move?

In 2013 the Seahawks pulled off a heist by signing Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril to cheap free agent contracts.

Is there a draft equivalent this year?

Rashan Gary and Jeffery Simmons were once regarded as top-10 locks. Now there are questions about whether Gary needs shoulder surgery after the 2019 season and Simmons is recovering from a torn ACL. Adding both would carry an element of risk. It would be a rare opportunity, however, to add two exceptional talents (and at a cost-effective price).

It might be too much of a risk to take but it could, potentially, provide the building blocks for an elite defensive unit.

If they want a top defensive lineman they’ll have to consider taking a chance. There’s a reason why the Chiefs are giving up a haul and paying Frank Clark mega money. Clearly they didn’t believe there was a defensive lineman worth taking at #29 (or worth trading up a few spots for).

John Schneider yesterday said he felt there was a talent drop-off on the defensive line after round three. If the Seahawks want to add impact D-liners, they might have to do it early.

It doesn’t necessarily have to be Gary or Simmons either. Brian Burns could last to #21. Montez Sweat is expected to fall after it was revealed he has a heart condition. Clelin Ferrell could reach the 20’s. There are alternatives.

4. Having two high picks enables them to cover two big needs

At least one high pick will go on a defensive lineman. The two other big needs are receiver and defensive back. Realistically they can now add a pass rusher or defensive tackle then target N’Keal Harry, Terry McLaurin or Parris Campbell at receiver — or one of the many defensive backs they’ve met with recently (Juan Thornhill, Darnell Savage, Justin Layne, Sean Bunting etc).

5. They now have 12 picks in 2020

This is still a re-set for the Seahawks. While they intend to be competitive in 2019 (especially after paying Russell Wilson) — it’s still a process. With two high picks this year they can add impact or control day two via trades. Next year, with 12 picks including five in the first three rounds, that could be the draft to push the Seahawks closer to the top of the tree.

I will have some further thoughts on this subject later — possibly via Google Hangout, possibly via podcast or via a mock. So stay tuned.

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