The 6-foot-6, 257-pounder is considered more of a blocking tight end, which could make him a good complement with Jimmy Graham and Luke Willson, whose strength has often been in receiving.
RENTON — With their fourth pick of the NFL draft, the Seahawks on Friday selected tight end Nick Vannett of Ohio State.
The selection came at No. 94 of the third round, a pick the team acquired Thursday in a trade with the Denver Broncos.
The 6-foot-6, 257-pounder is considered more of a blocking tight end, which could make him a good complement with Jimmy Graham and Luke Willson, whose strength has often been in receiving.
Seahawks in 2016 draft
Round 1, Pick 31
OL Germain Ifedi, Texas A&MÂ | Bio
Round 2, Pick 49
DT Jarran Reed, Alabama | Bio
Round 3, Pick 90
RB C.J. Prosise, Notre Dame | Bio
Round 3, Pick 94
TE Nick Vannett, Ohio State | Bio
Round 3, Pick 97
OL Rees Odhiambo, Boise State | Bio
Round 5, Pick 147
DT Quinton Jefferson, Maryland | Bio
Round 5, Pick 171
RB Alex Collins, Arkansas | Bio
Round 6, Pick 215
C Joey Hunt, TCU | Bio
Round 7, Pick 243
WR Kenny Lawler, Cal | Bio
Round 7, Pick 247
RB Zac Brooks, Clemson | Bio
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The pick would also be a hedge against Graham’s availability as he recovers from a patellar-tendon injury suffered Nov. 29. Graham is said to be rehabbing well, but the team has yet to set a date for his expected return.
Vannett had 19 catches for 162 yards last season in what was his first year as a starter for the Buckeyes after backing up Jeff Heuerman, who is now with Denver, in previous seasons.
Willson will also be a free agent following the 2016Â season, so the choice of Vannett could give the team flexibility depending on what happens there.