Seahawks land Russell Wilson a new bodyguard in 2021 NFL Mock Draft

Round 2, Pick 55: Trey Smith, OL, Tennessee

Russell Wilson wants protection from opposing pass rushers that he sees regularly playing in the NFC West such as Nick Bosa, Aaron Donald and Chandler Jones to name just a few. The point is that the NFC West has some of the league’s best defenders and most of them get to the quarterback with ease. Adding a mountain of a man such as Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith with the 55th pick would help solidify that front wall for Russell Wilson.

Trey Smith was a consensus five star recruit coming out of high school and surprised many by spurning offers from Alabama, Clemson, Florida and many others to stay home and play for the Tennessee Volunteers. Coming in with high expectations can sometimes consume an 18 year old kid but that was not the case for Smith. Smith started at guard as a true freshman and was having great success there before being asked to play left tackle. Playing left tackle in the SEC is one of the hardest jobs in all of college football, Smith did it as a true freshman. Smith relied on his 6-foot-6 and 300 pound frame to be an anchor for the UT offensive line and earned himself ALL-SEC 2nd team honors.

2018 was shaping up to be another major season for Smith but after just seven games his season was derailed with life threatening health issues. Smith suffers from blood clots and was at one point considered as someone who may never play the game again. Thanks to the doctors and UT medical staff Smith was able to overcome his blood clots and get back to normal health. Even with solving the blood clot issues many were concerned if Smith would ever be the same player he once was.

The 2019 season was a great one for Smith yet again and he picked up right where he left off before his medical scare. While Tennessee was not a great team Smith played like one of the best at his position in the entire country. Smith locked into the left guard spot with the left tackle position being locked up by Wayna Morris. Smith would finish his career at UT playing left guard primarily. 2020 was another amazing year for Smith as an individual player. With his productivity on the field Smith was able to overcome the negativity surrounding the UT program to earn ALL-SEC first team honors in 2019 and 2020.

If not for the 2018 blood clot scare and sidelining I firmly believe Smith could be a late round one guy or early second round at the latest. Some general managers and teams will cross Smith off of their big boards just for the health history alone but others will take a serious look at adding Smith.

Smith would provide the Seahawks with a day one guard who is a mauler and people mover at the point of attack. Smith is a versatile offensive lineman with experience at both left tackle and left guard. Smith is best suited playing guard at the next level since he doesn’t possess the lateral quickness and athleticism that is required to play tackle in the NFL.