With the 25th pick in the NFL draft, the Seattle Seahawks took Alabama tackle James Carpenter.
Analysis: This was a big surprise, as Carpenter graded out as a mid- to late-second-round pick and the more heralded Gabe Carimi was still on the board. If Carpenter is to make an immediate impact, it’s likely to be at a guard spot and not tackle. Seems like a bit of a reach, but he did play left tackle against SEC competition. Seattle was trying to trade back out of this spot, and when they couldn’t, they decided to take the tackle they liked a little higher than maybe they should have instead of hoping they could get him in Round 2. This was also a spot where it looked as if TCU quarterback might go, so he’s still looking for a home.
