The Seahawks, under the leadership of new defensive-minded head coach Mike Macdonald, have shown a preference for the defensive strategies employed by Auburn’s 2023 defense. This has resulted in them selecting two cornerbacks from that program in the recent NFL draft.
Nehemiah Pritchett was chosen with the 136th overall pick in the fifth round, while DJ James was picked with the 192nd selection in the sixth round. Both players are projected to play as inside/outside cornerbacks for the Seahawks.
Pritchett, a 6′ 0⅛” and 190-pound player, primarily operates as an outside speed cornerback. Despite running an impressive 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine, Pritchett only spent 13% of his snaps playing in the slot position last season. Known for his aggressive style and willingness to engage in contact, Pritchett is considered a physical player with an old-school Seattle mentality.
In the 2023 season, Pritchett demonstrated his defensive prowess by allowing only 12 catches on 26 targets for 134 yards, with 25 yards after the catch, one touchdown, one interception, and three pass breakups. His opponent passer rating stood at an impressive 58.8, showing his ability to limit production effectively. Throughout his five seasons with the Tigers, Pritchett maintained an opponent passer rating of 69.2, showcasing consistency in his defensive performance.
James is expected to bring versatility to the Seahawks’ defense as he can operate both inside and outside positions depending on where he is needed most on the field. He played a significant role in Auburn’s defense during their successful campaign last season and has shown promise as a promising young player with a bright future ahead of him.
Overall, these selections are significant for Seattle as they add depth and talent to their already strong defense under Macdonald’s leadership.
The Seahawks’ interest in Auburn’s defensive strategies was evident in their draft selections of Nehemiah Pritchett and DJ James. Their athleticism and confidence make them promising additions to Seattle’s defense.
During their time at Auburn University, both players demonstrated their potential as top-tier defenders capable of limiting production effectively against top opponents like Malik Nabers.
Seattle’s decision to select two cornerbacks from Auburn’s program highlights their commitment to employing proven defensive strategies that have been successful at higher levels of play.
Overall, these selections demonstrate how important it is for teams to focus on building strong defenses that can limit production against opposing offenses while also providing valuable contributions offensively when needed.