Seattle Seahawks Host Defensive Lineman Perfect for Defense

The Seattle Seahawks hosted NC State defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland as one of their top 30 visits on Monday. The Seahawks have been heavily interested in defensive lineman as they prepare for the NFL Draft.

NFL Mock Draft Database currently projects Cleveland to be taken in the 7th round of the NFL Draft. The Seahawks have four draft picks in the upcoming NFL Draft: picks 32, 64, 96, and 188.

Cleveland could be a player they look to select with that 188 pick or perhaps they will have more selections if they move down. However, the Seahawks are giving the sense that they are not in love with this draft class.

Currently, the Seahawks have a great rotation of interior defensive lineman with Byron Murphy II, Leonard Williams, Jarran Reed, and Rylie Mills. However, Williams will become a free agent in 2027 and Reed will become one in 2028. Because of their age, it does make sense to add a prospect in the later rounds to increase their depth in the interior of the defensive line.

Brandon Cleveland Fits Mike MacDonald’s Scheme

GettyBrandon Cleveland fits Mike MacDonald’s defensive scheme like a glove.

As Seahawks fan will very well know by now, Mike MacDonald’s defense focuses a lot of its identity on stopping the run. Draft scouts and analysts describe Cleveland as a fantastic run stopper.

Tucker Sennett’s NC State Wolfpack on Sports Illustrated says, “NFL teams always need big bodies and Brandon Cleveland fits that mold perfectly after four seasons at NC State. The 6-foot-3, 307-pound defensive tackle became a talented run-stopper for the Wolfpack, clogging holes with great consistency and mopping up for the defense frequently.”

Cleveland’s skillsets do not indicate that he will become a pass rusher, but his run stopping abilities perfectly fit what the Seahawks are looking for in their defense especially on the defensive line.

The Seahawks historically have loved to add players of this mold late in the NFL Draft because they are low downside players and ready to play at the next while.

Brandon Cleveland Athletic Profile

GettyBrandon Cleveland participated in this year’s NFL Combine.

Cleveland grades out as an average defensive tackle in terms of athleticism. He’s 6’3” and 307 lbs, which is actually a decent weight and height for a defensive tackle. His speed scores were also average for his position. He ran a 5.12 in the 40 yard dash, a 2.94 in the 20 yard split, and a 1.78 in the 10 yard split.

While he did not participate in the three cone or broad jump, he did participate in the vertical jump and the shuttle cone drills, where he had his worst testing at the NC State pro day. He had a 26.5 inch vertical jump and a 4.91 second shuttle cone, both of which are in the bottom third of testing for defensive tackles.

While Cleveland lacks the pass rushing ability and athleticism of an elite defensive line prospect, it makes sense as to why the Seahawks would be interested. Players of this mold are typically successes at the next level despite the lack of overall upside.

Chris Lewis is a freelance sports writer based in Gig Harbor, Washington. He focuses on NFL, MLB (with an emphasis on the Mariners), and professional golf. More about Chris Lewis