Tyler Ervin is one to really monitor
In such a disappointing running back class (with a handful of exceptions) it was interesting to read Darrell Bevell spent considerable time with Ervin at his pro-day.
He’s not the type of powerful, explosive runner they’ve generally sought. He’s 5-10, 192lbs and is to running backs what Tyler Lockett is to receivers.
That’s maybe the point.
The Seahawks do love size, power and physicality — but they also like suddenness, speed and explosive plays. With so few bigger, athletic runners available — Ervin’s profile is intriguing in a different way.
He ran a 4.41 at the combine, had a 39 inch vertical and a 10-10 in the broad jump. These are all very good numbers. He also had 1601 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2015 — not bad for a ‘scat back’.
It’s worth remembering that the Seahawks don’t just value athleticism. They love production and character. Ervin has both in spades.
Having visited with Lance Dunbar before he re-signed in Dallas — the Seahawks might be just tweaking their offense a little bit. They’ll still run with power predominantly — but adding a passing dimension to the running back group could be an option. Ervin can still run the ball up the middle — but he’s a potentially explosive compliment to their backfield.
Lining Rawls, Ervin and Jimmy Graham on the field at the same time could be tricky to defend. It might also take some of the strain off a rebuilt offensive line — offering Russell Wilson a simple check-down and a more dynamic passing option than 35-year-old Fred Jackson.
Don’t be shocked if they take Ervin as high as round three. He could be one of the guys they don’t want to leave the draft without.
Talking defense at #26
The Seahawks appear likely to draft an offensive lineman in round one for various reasons. They lost two key starters, have only really replaced one of them and they need greater depth, talent and competition up front.
When Pete Carroll has identified a need in the past it’s often been aggressively rectified — sometimes in the draft.
But you’ve heard all this before.
So let’s at least consider some of the things that might make it possible for the Seahawks to go with a defensive player at #26.
1. They’d have to be absolutely convinced that Garry Gilliam and J’Marcus Webb are the unchallenged starters at tackle. It’s almost impossible to believe they’d think that way — but with so few tackles likely to be available after round one, it’s likely what they’d need to believe.
2. Carolina recently started Michael Oher and Mike Remmers and made it to a Super Bowl. The Panthers’ strong interior line was a major strength during their run. It’s certainly possible for Seattle to build up the interior line in rounds 2-4. Of course, it’d be even easier to draft Germain Ifedi, Shon Coleman, Jason Spriggs or Taylor Decker at #26 and plug them inside — while allowing them to at least provide extra depth and competition at tackle. But there are good options after the first round at center and guard.
3. The Seahawks didn’t fight the strength of the draft in 2014 and took a receiver with their first pick. The depth at wide out would’ve enabled them to wait until round two, three or four and get an impact player. The depth at offensive tackle was much weaker. Yet they stayed true to their board and took Paul Richardson. This led to them somewhat desperately reaching for Justin Britt in round two — but they were willing to take that risk. We’ll see if they do something similar this year.
4. It’s not a great draft for pass rushers. It is a good draft for space eaters and run stuffers. If they feel like they absolutely need to add a potent pass rusher — they might have to do it early. Whether that’s an Emmanuel Ogbah outside or a Jonathan Bullard at defensive tackle. That said — Carroll has noted that the O-line is the priority and they do already have Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril and Frank Clark on defense. The existing talent on the O-line is much weaker — but they trust and depend on Tom Cable to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.
5. They’d need to believe an impact player on defense would be the difference between contending again and just falling short. Certainly it’d be a big benefit to add another disruptor. Whether the Seahawks can convince themselves that’s more important than rebuilding the O-line having lost two experienced starters is the big question.
Admittedly it’s not an altogether convincing case. For every point there’s a counter, highlighting how much it makes sense to draft for the O-line at #26 and then go from there.
Is there a scenario to satisfy both those hoping for an early injection of O-line talent and those wanting an impact defensive player? Absolutely — and we discussed it on the blog recently. Take your preferred O-liner at #26, then trade up in round two to get your pass rusher using one of your two third round picks.
In 2014 the Eagles traded up from #54 to #42 for a late fourth rounder — a generous deal on behalf of the Titans. The Seahawks are unlikely to get a bargain like that but their tradable third round pick could get them into the early 40’s or late 30’s. That could land them Bullard to go with the offensive lineman — and you’d still have a compensatory third round pick spare.
Is Karlos Dansby an option for the Seahawks?
He’s not an obvious scheme fit — but this is one of the fun things about the Pete Carroll version of this franchise. They’re flexible and willing to adapt to suit the talent available.
The #AZCardinals haven't reached out to LB Karlos Dansby, hearing the Seahawks have shown some interest.
— Mike Jurecki (@mikejurecki) March 21, 2016
There’s no indication how strong the interest is — but it’s interesting nonetheless. Dansby is 34 and no longer the player who once ran a 4.45 at the 2004 combine with a 41.5 inch vertical at 245lbs. He’s still an incredibly physical, tough guy.
If the Seahawks want to be the bully again — as John Schneider claims — this is the type of player that can help them get there.
The reaction of the Arizona fans to the Tweet was telling:
@mikejurecki Do not let the Seahawks get Karlos Dansby
— Andy Kwong (@k_andykwong66) March 21, 2016
It might be a long shot and who knows how they’d fit him into Seattle’s defense — but the guy can play the brand of football this Seahawks defense is used to.
Dansby had three interceptions and two touchdowns in 2015. He also had two forced fumbles and deflected six passes. He’s two years removed from a 6.5 sack season for the Cardinals.
If the Seahawks take a chance, they’ll be getting a possible impact player that knows the NFC West.
Alternative O-line options at #26
I might do a bigger piece on this down the line — but I spent time over the weekend considering some alternative options other than the big, athletic tackles at #26.
Some are obvious. Cris Collinsworth mocked Ryan Kelly to Seattle last week and made a very strong case for that line of thinking.
Others aren’t quite so obvious — and that’s testament to Tom Cable’s way of doing things. They’re just as likely to consider a unique, SPARQ superstar as they are a modest, unspectacular athlete who plays with his hair on fire.
For example:
Athletes — Okung, Sweezy, Gilliam
Tough guys — Moffitt, Britt, Unger, Giacomini
Big guys — Carpenter, Bailey
I’m led to believe they at least had some tentative interest in Laken Tomlinson a year ago before he was drafted at #28 by Detroit. Had he dropped into round two he could’ve been an option. His combine performance was extremely modest.
Cody Whitehair didn’t sparkle in Indianapolis this year — at least in terms of the numbers. He ran a decent 5.08 but only managed 25 inches in the vertical jump. Watching the drills, however, he looked fluid and natural with great balance and bend. He looked like an ideal fit to kick inside to guard or center. His footwork and mobility did not look clunky or lacking in athleticism.
He also has tackle experience at Kansas State and plays a physical brand of football. His tape is very good and his ability to play multiple spots could appeal.
The one issue might be length. He has 32.5 inch arms. It’s not a death sentence for offensive linemen — Joe Thomas has short arms too. Yet the Seahawks haven’t drafted an offensive lineman with sub-33 inch arms in the Carroll era. We know how strict they are with cornerback length — it might be a similar case for offensive linemen.
Whitehair would give them options at center and both guard positions — plus he could play tackle if needed. Considering the massive size and upside of other players (Germain Ifedi has everything physically and a nice comparison to Kelechi Osemele courtesy of Mock Draftable) — he might not be the guy they take. Yet it’d be wrong to rule out some of the less spectacular specimen’s in this draft. Cable has shown there’s no exact type he goes for. It’s really more of an attitude thing first and foremost.
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