The Seahawks selected Michael Jerrell, a tackle from the University of Findlay, with pick No. 207, their eighth and final pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
"It was a bit of a shock," he said. "I felt like I had a good visit and everything, I was wondering what was going to happen. It was a crazy experience… I definitely knew I was going to get drafted, just didn't know where."
Jerrell, the G-MAC Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2023, started 40 straight games to end his college career, and in 2023 was part of a line that allowed only 17 sacks while paving the way for a rushing attack that averaged 177 yards per game.
Having started on varsity for only one year of high school--he also played basketball, wining two Marion County championships--and weighing 245 pounds as a senior, Jerrell wasn't heavily recruited, which is how he ended up at Division-II Findlay, and now he'll head to the NFL looking to set an example for other under-the-radar players with NFL dreams.
"It means everything," he said. "Coming from my high school, we've only had one NFL player get drafted and make it to the league, and I'm just excited to be the next one and show guys that are going to small schools that you can make it from a small school. You don't have to transfer and chase NIL or chase Power 5 to make it to the NFL; you can go from wherever. I'm glad I can show the kids in the community that they can do it too, don't sell yourself short."
After putting on weight and establishing himself at Findlay, bigger schools came calling, but Jerrell wanted to stay loyal to the team that gave him his shot to play college football.
"I'm a loyal guy, and I stick with those who stick with me, and that's why I stayed at Findlay," he said. "They believed in me from the start, and I couldn't see myself leaving for another team that would get the credit for what my coach and the University of Findlay helped build. I wanted to stay there and give them the credit. It means everything to me to see 'Michael Jerrell, University of Findlay' on the screen rather than another school.'"
"Michael "Mike" Jerrell was born and raised in West Indianapolis and was a basketball player before he started playing football in sixth grade. He played tight end as a sophomore at Pike High before moving to the offensive line (also played basketball at Pike).
"A no-star recruit, he had only Division II offers and committed to Findlay (Ohio). He became the school's starting right tackle in 2020 and started 40 straight games over the last four seasons, staying loyal to Findlay and bypassing FBS transfer opportunities.
"Jerrell gets out of his stance quickly and uses independent hands, although his punch timing can improve. He does a nice job on counter plays and flashes range, but he will find resistance when attempting to move NFL defenders at the point of attack.
"Overall, Jerrell will encounter a steep learning curve against NFL power, but he is an agile big man with light feet in his sets and the length and toughness NFL teams target in a developmental tackle."
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The Seahawks selected Findlay T Michael Jerrell with the 207th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. Check out the best photos of the 6th rounder from his college playing days.
