First of all, my apologizes for not posting this earlier as advertised, but welcome to our fourth annual Seahawks mock draft.

Our defending champion from 2011 is Palerydr, who correctly had Seattle selecting Alabama offensive lineman James Carpenter in the first round.

In 2010, Hefferous and HawksfaninMT took home title honors. Both got two picks right, correctly picking the Seahawks to select Russell Okung and Earl Thomas with the team’s first, two picks.

In our first contest in 2009, Schlede from Denmark took home first prize by getting two picks overall correct, Aaron Curry in the first round and Nick Reed in the seventh round.

That said, here’s my feeble attempt to predict who Seattle might select beginning on Thursday. Post your own mock draft in the comments section down below or email me at eric.williams@thenewstribune.com, and I’ll throw them into an excel spreadsheet and announce the winner on Monday. Again, one per customer please, and you have until 5 p.m. on Thursday to enter your pick.

First round (13) – Don’t’a Hightower, LB, Alabama: I’ll stick with my pick from the mock draft. I understand that Seattle can find linebacker help in later rounds, but Hightower fits an obvious need for a run-stuffing linebacker to replace David Hawthorne, and Seattle can trade down in the first round and still get him. Hightower also can serve as a situational pass rusher on third down. I anticipate Seattle moving down in the opening round and getting some extra picks.

Second round (43) – Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall – One of the reasons I believe Seattle will take a linebacker in the first round is because there will be several talented pass rushers still available in the second round, and Curry is one of them.

Third round (75) – Bobby Wagner, LB, Utah State – The Seahawks get their speedy linebacker here, although they might have to move up to the latter half of the second round to get him.

Fourth round (106) – Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin – This may take some maneuvering to get into the right position, but Seattle secures a developmental prospect to add to the quarterback mix in Wilson.

Sixth round (181) – Brandon Hardin, CB-FS, Oregon State — Hardin missed all of last season because of shoulder surgery, but at 6-2 200 pounds has the size Seattle’s looking for in a versatile defensive back who can play both safety and corner. Again, Hawks might have to move up to get him.

Seventh round (225) – Derek Carrier, TE, Beloit – Hawks get their size/speed tight end they are looking for to work the middle of the field.