2017 draft top-50 watch list

So we’re at the end of another draft season. I want to thank everyone who is part of this increasingly active community for making this such a great blog. It’s incredible that as traffic has grown — the comments section has remained a mature place to discuss football matters (even when disagreements occur).

In case you’re interested, between January and the end of the draft we had 18,076,727 hits. We had 606,134 hits during the first round of the draft alone.

This is usually where I take a break. It’s been virtually an article a day since September and it’s time to focus on the day job and family. We’ll get things going again in the summer and begin to preview the new college and NFL season.

In the meantime here’s a list of 50 names to chew on for 2017.

The top ten

These are the players we can say with some degree of certainty will be generating most of the draft headlines this year.

Leonard Fournette (RB, LSU)
Just an incredible football player. He could very easily be the #1 overall pick next year. There are no flaws. An absolute beast.

Myles Garrett (DE, Texas A&M)
Really dynamic edge rusher with speed, bend and technique. Looks like a sure fire top-five pick.

Dalvin Cook (RB, Florida State)
Some possible character issues that’ll need to be looked into — but there’s no denying his talent. Fast, powerful and dynamic. Only a notch below Fournette.

Jarrad Davis (LB, Florida)
Modern day linebacker who jumped off the screen while watching Jonathan Bullard and Keanu Neal. A candidate to go very early.

Cam Robinson (T, Alabama)
Superior to some of the previous Alabama left tackles to enter the league. Ideal size and has a chance to be the top 2017 tackle.

DeShaun Watson (QB, Clemson)
A genuine playmaker with room to continue improving. Elusive and improvises well. Can he take the next step and secure himself as the top QB prospect?

Tim Williams (DE, Alabama)
He could’ve been a top-20 pick this year. Terrific edge rusher with fantastic athleticism. Major talent.

Jonathan Allen (DE, Alabama)
Really productive and physical — has the size to play DE in a 3-4 or 4-3. A nice compliment to Williams for ‘Bama.

Tre’Davious White (CB, LSU)
Would’ve been an early pick this year but decided to return to LSU. Great character, great athlete, good kick returner. Top-15 potential.

Jalen Tabor (CB, Florida)
Better than Vernon Hargreaves who went in the top-12. Has the size (6-1, 191lbs) and length teams crave. Could be another top-15 talent.

Five personal favourites

Players who stood out during the 2014 and 2015 season that are eligible for the 2017 draft.

Jehu Chesson (WR, Michigan)
Great size (6-3, 207lbs) with room to add weight. Owned Vernon Hargreaves in the Citrus Bowl. Returned an opening kick off 96-yard for a TD against Northwestern. Underrated.

Harold Brantley (DT, Missouri)
A car crash kept him out for the 2015 season but he’ll be healthy and ready to return this year. Fantastic three-technique interior rusher.

Cam Sutton (CB, Tennessee)
A stud athlete, Sutton glides around the field. He’s a playmaker, a kick returner and he could’ve gone in round one this year. So fluid.

Christian McCaffrey (RB, Stanford)
A modern day weapon. Ten years ago he wouldn’t go early — in 2017? This is the type of player teams are looking for. Shifty rather than fast.

Adam Bisnowaty (T, Pittsburgh)
It was a bit surprising he didn’t declare this year. Will likely move to guard in the NFL but he could be another Evan Mathis.

Looking to take the next step

The following group are fairly established college players who can really help their stock with a good 2016 season.

JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR, USC)
A few recent USC receivers haven’t lived up to expectations in the NFL. JuJu is bigger and more physical. He’s lost his quarterback though (Cody Kessler).

Royce Freeman (RB, Oregon)
‘Rolls’ Royce isn’t Fournette or Freeman but don’t sleep on his potential. Well sized with good athleticism if not elite speed.

Samaje Perine (RB, Oklahoma)
A different type of back to the ones listed above. Perine is big and physical but has enough speed to make plays.

O.J. Howard (TE, Alabama)
He exploded in the National Championship game after an underwhelming start to his college career. His size/speed combo could secure a first round grade next year.

Eddie Jackson (S, Alabama)
Very agile safety prospect with some decent size (6-0, 194lbs). Scored two touchdowns in 2015 and had three big interception returns.

Nick Chubb (RB, Georgia)
Horrible injury ended his 2015 season and it looked as bad as Jaylon Smith’s. If he returns to 100% — he has a chance to go early. Extremely competitive.

Brad Kaaya (QB, Miami)
Considered a possible school saviour when he was drafted, Kaaya hasn’t really matched the hype. 2016 is his chance to boost a weak looking QB class.

Charles Walker (DT, Oklahoma)
Classic three-technique. Sets up his blocks and wins with a great swim move and quickness. Had six sacks last year.

Ethan Pocic (C, LSU)
Received a second round grade from the committee but chose not to declare this year. Absolutely massive (6-7, 309lbs). Very solid.

Derek Barnett (DE, Tennessee)
Already has 20 sacks in just two seasons with the Vols. Built like a pro already. Big thick frame — a bit like Shaq Lawson.

Adoree Jackson (CB/WR, USC)
Incredible athlete. Crown him 2017’s top combine performer today. Needs to nail down one specific position. Might be better on offense.

Carl Lawson (DE, Auburn)
Finally healthy. Laremy Tunsil said at the combine Lawson was his toughest college opponent. Tough to block but needs to put together a strong (full) season.

Jabrill Peppers (CB, Michigan)
Former big time recruit. Ideal length and athleticism for the position. A modern day prototype at corner.

Desmond King (CB, Iowa)
Very productive in Iowa’s 2015 run but maybe a little overrated in terms of the pro’s. Is he big enough to go early?

Guys to keep an eye on

This is a list of prospects who are moving into starting roles for the first time or could be ready for a breakout season.

Marcus Maye (S, Florida)
Had a big impact in 2015 forcing five fumbles and collecting two interceptions. He’ll take on an even greater role with Keanu Neal now in the NFL.

Denzil Ware (DE, Kentucky)
Lacks elite size (6-2, 255lbs) but just started to put things together at the back end of last season.

David Sharpe (LT, Florida)
Good size and length for the position. Moving into his third season as a starter. Passes the eye test.

Quin Blanding (S, Virginia)
Former top five star recruit who doesn’t get much attention due to the team he plays for. A new coaching staff at Virginia could help change that.

Da’Shawn Hand (DE, Alabama)
Expect Hand to fill the hole created by ‘Bama’s D-line exodus. He could play a similar role to D.J. Pettway and he’s a far superior athlete.

Caleb Brantley (DT, Florida)
Not short on confidence but needs to be more productive. Has the talent and size. Disruptive.

Bo Scarbrough (RB, Alabama)
Massive running back. Could replace Derrick Henry. Dubbed the next big thing at Alabama but we’ll see how his role develops this year.

Jamal Adams (S, LSU)
Receives lofty praise but could do with a consistent season where he makes a number of plays and stands out.

Daeshon Hall (DE, Texas A&M)
Exploded to start 2015 with a four-sack game to start the season vs Arizona State. Looked the part there but needs to be an every-week performer. Has length and size.

Devonte Fields (DE, Louisville)
Always seemed to be near the action when watching Sheldon Rankins tape. Long, fluid athlete. Can he perform with Rankins in the NFL?

Sony Michel (RB, Georgia)
Took over from Nick Chubb and might end up remaining in the starting role to start 2016. Michel, like Chubb, was a big time recruit.

Malachi Dupre (WR, LSU)
Wiry, thin receiver but capable of big plays. Suffers because of the mess at QB. Can he add some weight?

Quincy Wilson (CB, Florida)
Tabor will get the praise but don’t sleep on Wilson — another talented Florida CB off the production line.

Raekwon McMillan (LB, Ohio State)
Wasn’t quite as enamoured by McMillan as some others — but he’ll have to be a playmaker for the Buckeye’s this year with all the talent they’ve lost to the NFL.

Charles Harris (DE, Missouri)
Raw as anything you’ll see but recorded major TFL stats in 2015 and could be the next top-tier EDGE from Mizzou.

Marlon Humphrey (CB, Alabama)
Had three picks in 2015 and his responsibility will expand this year. Could develop into another Nick Saban early round DB.

Chris Wormley (DT, Michigan)
He posted 6.5 sacks last year and like everyone at Michigan will only continue to improve with Jim Harbaugh.

Skai Moore (LB, South Carolina)
Tackle machine and developed into a playmaker for the Gamecocks. Smaller linebacker in the Darron Lee mould.

Zach Cunningham (LB, Vanderbilt)
Rangy tackler with decent size and length. Former four-star recruit who drew attention from several top schools.

Davon Godchaux (DT, LSU)
Has looked really good at times. Stood out in the win against Auburn last year. Certainly capable of drawing NFL attention.

Roderick Johnson (T, Florida State)
Big, long and well proportioned left tackle prospect. Doesn’t play with his hair on fire though. Too passive.

306 Comments

  1. Greg Haugsven

    Thanks again for all you do. I’m sure the family will love to have you back.

    • Rob Staton

      🙂

  2. RealRhino2

    Yay! Rob’s back in action with more players to discuss! Thanks, Rob.

    Malachi Dupre was a guy who jumped out at me when I was watching his teammate, Travin Dural. My personal favorite is Carl Lawson. It’s no wonder Tunsil said what he did about Lawson, he was wreaking havoc that game.

  3. DaleR

    Congratulations on the sites success!

  4. darrenlk

    Budda Baker and Sidney Jones. Both true juniors but candidates for early entry; from our hometown Huskies.
    Does Baker have the chops to be a day one pick, in the mold of an Earl Thomas ?

    Thank you Rob for your excellent work.

    • nichansen01

      Baker needs to bulk up ALOT for the NFL. Great player though.

      Looking forward to 2018, Gaskins will be one to watch.

      • CWUHawk

        Baker is up between 185-190 at spring practices.

        I think Qualls, Jones, Baker, King and Victor have potential to be anywhere from day 1 – 2

    • Colton

      Kevin King, too! He’s playing CB now, is 6’3″ 190, and his junior day #’s were ridiculous. Ran a 6.40 3-cone and 4.45 40 at 2016 junior day. 38″vert, 10’03″broad 4.08ss, 6.49cone at 2015 junior day. He will break the combine next year.

    • Rob Staton

      Good shout on the Washington guys

      • Volume12

        CB Kevin King and LB Azeem Victor for sure.

        King is freak lockdown corner.

        Victor is a ‘Seahawky’ kind of ‘backer. Has ties to Bobby Wagner.

        • CWUHawk

          King like stated above is going to blow up the combine, He’ll get a major bump in his stock from it. I hope he has a good year on the outside. He played well in the slot last year.

          I think Qualls is very intriguing. 6’1, 320, probably 4.9 40ish. Gets to play the 3 tech this year with Gains and Vea on the starting line. 3 guys over 300lbs. Should be fun to watch.

          • Samuel Baratheon

            Do you go to CWU in Ellensburg? (Sorry I know random question.)

        • CWUHawk

          I wasn’t aware of any connection between Victor and Wagner? Can you elaborate? I’m really curious. They are both such athletic MIK’s. Awesome to hear!

          • Volume12

            Victor was the water boy at BWagz HS, and BWagz was at Udub’s junior pro day attached to Victor’s hip.

  5. Trevor

    Another great write up! Have to print this one off for the CFB season for sure!

    Thanks again for all your hard work and incredible analysis you really have created something special here.

    Have a great summer and I hope you get lots of quality time with your family!

    • Rob Staton

      Thanks Trevor!

  6. nichansen01

    I predict defensive end will be a priority in next years draft. Jeffreson and Clark might be the heirs to Clark and Bennet, however they are going to need help.

    I could see six running backs going in the first two rounds next draft. Wow.

    • nichansen01

      *avril and bennet

  7. Colton

    Great work Rob. I appreciate it.

    My first “man-crush” of the 2017 draft is Cordrea Tankersley, the CB from Clemson. He made far more plays than Mackensie Alexander IN ALEXANDER’S TAPE!!! He is 6’1″ 190, plays physical, and has fantastic technique playing the boundary CB position for Clemson.
    Question his speed? Check this out:
    https://gifs.com/gif/OYoz8r

    • Rob Staton

      Good shout

  8. nichansen01

    I hope Perine becomes a seahawk… Amazing player and sets the tone.

    • nichansen01

      Might slip into range purely because of the other names at the position this year; Chub, Cook, Fournette, Freeman, Scarbough, Michel…

      • Volume12

        I know he’s a troubled kid from Oakland, but Oklahoma RB Joe Mixon might be a more complete back than Perine.

        And that’s not taking anything away from Samaje who is a great looking back himself.

        If you haven’t checked Mixon out, I highly recommend him.

  9. Scott

    Let me add my thanks to you for this great web site and all the work you put into it.
    It has been a “Must Read” site for me these last several months, and I enjoyed it immensely!

    • Rob Staton

      🙂

  10. Seahawcrates

    Rob, I know it sounds goofy, but your efforts here have made my life more enjoyable. My fandom is more complex and nuanced which makes watching games more intellectually interesting which enhances my emotional enthusiasm. Life as a Hawk sports fan is great. The team is a blast and you’ve helped me as a fan to branch out in my thinking and given me more clues to look for during camp, pre season and regular Games, as well, obviously, as the draft. Thanks so much for your research, quality and consistent writing, and the leadership tone you set for the comments here.
    Really appreciate it.
    I studied abroad for a quarter many years ago in London. Back then they showed condensed games that my hosts were gracious enough to watch with me while I tried to explain the basics of the game. All these years later a Brit is returning the favor. Never guessed that would happen. All the best in your blog break. Look forward to hearing from you soon.

    • Rob Staton

      Thanks man 🙂

  11. nichansen01

    To me Derek Barnnett looks like a top five pick.

  12. CharlieTheUnicorn

    I’m not seeing more than 1 top 10 RB and 2 or maybe 3 top 32 RBs taken in the draft. The position is so discounted now, I seriously doubt 3 or more would go in the first round.

    Pretty much can pencil in 2 of the top 10 picks will be QB, and 2 of the top 10 will be OL…. 1 RB, 2-3 DE/DT and 1 LB…. not feeling much love for a top 10 WR or TE. 2017 is way too far off to think about, time to focus on 2016!

    • CharlieTheUnicorn

      3 RBs in first round: C McCaffery, D Cook and L Fournette. Fournette being the most likely top 10 pick, dare I say top 5.

      • TannerM

        I think you could probably pencil in Fournette in the top five, depending on who sucks most next season. I would say he is probably a better prospect than Elliott. Of course, it would probably be best if he wasn’t forced to be options #1, #2, #3, and #4 for the LSU offense.

  13. Ed

    Telling you Rob, make a little money for the wife and kids and charge a little for the site. You have die hard fans of the Hawks and the site, probably turn into your hobby and job at the same time.

    Have a lot of frosty ones, fish and chips and bangers and mash!!!

    • Rob Staton

      “probably turn into your hobby and job at the same time”

      That is the dream…

      🙂

      • Mexican Hawk

        It will happen. What way it ends up being who knows, but it will.

        Cheers! Enjoy the break?

        • kelly smith

          Hmm…about the dream…as much as i would pay to read these wonderful articles the joy of not knowing if there was an update or not thrilled me. If i paid even $5 a month (which isn’t much) i would feel a sense of entitlement where i “pay ” for articles that they should be up every “x” days. I fear that would lead to fluff or a lot of guest publishers to keep the flow going. A donation on the other hand i could more than get involved as it would be for a good cause without feeling like “did i get my months worth?” Sort of how wikipedia does.

          • Ed

            Either way, I’m in Rob. Start charging or give a donation button so we can send your family on weekend vacation in Liverpool (or someplace cooler).

          • Colton

            I am totally in agreement that you should give us a way to donate. You might as well, and I bet you would be pleasantly surprised with the results.

            • Gotta Be Bennett to Win It

              Agree. The people want to pay. Give the people what they want!

      • SeventiesHawksFan

        A donation option would make a lot of sense, Rob. You provide some of the best content on the internet. I’d love to contribute for the enjoyment and entertainment value that is offered.

  14. peter

    Rob excellent work. Noticed Harold Brantley two years ago. Missed all of football last year except your site so I wondered what happened to him. Good to see he’s back.

    Personally I can see you making this your job. Your knowledge is superb as is your ability to not pander to favorites but break it down down into logical leaps, even for teams outside of the Seahawks is amazing.

    Enjoy the break and thanks for this great starter list!

    • Rob Staton

      Thanks Peter!

  15. Saxon

    Another fantastic year, Rob. I hope this leads to bigger and better things for you and your family. Hopefully when the Jags finally move to London you can become their media guy / GM. Cheers!!

    • Kenny Sloth

      Hey Sax, I was listening to the radio today and thought of you.

      You know who needs a new co-host?

      Gee Scott on 710.

      Him and Rob would sound great together

      • Ed

        I don’t like Gee Scott, too many ex-wife/ex-girlfriend analogies. I like morning 710 and after 10am 950 (until Softy). Don’t mind 1090 in the afternoon

        • Kenny Sloth

          It’s the only one during my commute haha

          I like the younger feel to that show at least

        • Kenny Sloth

          I feel you though he kind of always says ‘I got this hole in me that can only be filled by expensive men’s fashion’

    • Rob Staton

      Thanks Saxon!

  16. H M Abdou

    Christian McCafferey is more shifty than fast, but he’s plenty fast!

    McCafferey’s talent almost makes me want the team to forget about CMike and focus on the “other” CM (well, almost LOL).

  17. Michael M.

    Thanks for another great year on my favorite site in the world! Enjoy the breather Rob!

    • Rob Staton

      🙂

  18. C-Dog

    Thanks Rob for this excellent list of players to monitor!

    The ridiculous yet fun Fanspeak mock simulator is presently set for the 2017 draft. Here’s a way too early mock into next year.

    25: R1P25
    OLB TIM WILLIAMS
    ALABAMA

    57: R2P25
    WR JEHU CHESSON
    MICHIGAN

    89: R3P25
    G DAN FEENEY
    INDIANA

    152: R5P25
    DE TACO CHARLTON
    MICHIGAN

    183: R6P24
    DT CHRISTIAN HEYWARD
    SAN DIEGO STATE

    215: R7P25
    CB LAMAR ROBBINS
    SOUTH FLORIDA

    222: R7P32
    C JAY GUILLERMO
    CLEMSON

    Thinking perhaps Seattle might go heavier with the picks on the defense next year, and probably use a high pick on a taller WR for split end, just to appease Hugh Millen.

    Go Hawks!

  19. Volume12

    Rob, thanks for a great draft season my man.

    Wouldn’t spend my time anywhere else.

    You’ve been a great distraction, for lack of a better word, and this site has got me through some tough times. So I judt want to thank yoy and the community for that in and of itself.

    Appreciate everything you do to give a big mouthed, hard to get along with, draft nut and Seahawk fanatic like myself a place to talk what I’m passionate about.

    Enjoy the fam. Here’s to you and yours!

    🙂

    • Rob Staton

      Thanks V12 — and thanks for your major contributions on the blog.

  20. Volume12

    L’ville EDGE Trevon Young.

    IDK if he’ll play this year, but if he does, watch out.

    Dude was dominant in the 2nd half of last year.

    He’s got speed to power, bends the edge, plays with his head up, just a terrific looking attack dog.

    There’s 3 games of his up on draft breakdown from last year.

  21. Demitrov

    Long time lurker but not a prolific commentator. Just wanted to express my appreciation for another seasons worth of truly excellent writing. This is really the best Seahawk blog out there in terms of understanding, insightfulness, and reasoned opinion. And while Ill miss reading the nearly daily high quality posts you’ve earned a break Rob. Thanks again for the work you do.

    • Rob Staton

      Thanks man

  22. bankhawk

    Rob, for all you do, thank you so much. And much appreciation to all the regulars too!

  23. D-OZ

    Thank’s for all the great work you have done over the years Rob. You have become quit the annalist. I have turned several friend’s onto this site who love it as much as I.
    Have a frosty one now and enjoy your well deserved time with your family. Cheers!!!

    • Rob Staton

      Thanks man appreciate you spreading the word!

  24. D-OZ

    Hey, Just thought I would let you know you have Deadliest Catch fan’s also. Their way of keeping up while at work in the Bering Sea.:)

  25. East Side Stevie

    Desmond King Won The Jim Thorpe Award He Could Have Easily Entered The Draft This Year And Been An Early Round Selection But He Decided To Return To Iowa In Honnor Of His Older Brother Who Was Murdered In A Robbery. He Said His Brothers Dream Was For Desmond To Get A College Degree, So He Returned To Iowa For His Senior Year. Desmond Has A Lot Of Talent Something Like 8 Interceptions Last Year. I See Him Being An Even Earlier Round Prospect Than Former Iowa CB Micah Hyde Was. Hyde Was Drafted By The Packers And Is Still With Them.

  26. Lenny J

    We will have the 32nd pick 2017. Which of these guys will be available?

    • Volume12

      Quite a few.

      3 names left off.

      Florida St DE/DT DeMarcus Walker. He’s my man crush this year.

      Illinois EDGE Dawaune Smoot.

      And Ole Miss EDGE Marquis Haynes.

  27. Kenny Sloth

    When do you know all the tricks needed to play the position?

    Long: There are two elevators you get when you come into the league. Both the elevators are on floor 10. One is physical. The other one is mental — the tricks and the juice you got. As the juice goes down, the tricks go up. Somewhere you meet halfway like year eight. You’re like, ‘Wow. I am here.’ As you go, you learn the tricks. By the time you can’t walk, you see another trick and it’s like I can’t get there.

    http://mweb.cbssports.com/nfl/feature/25577288/in-the-line-of-fire
    Nice roundtable from Pete Prisco at LeCharles Bentley’s OLP center.
    Kyle Long, Weston Richburg, Chance Warmack, Bobby Massie

    • Kenny Sloth

      That’s what O-line is, five heads and one set of eyes. We’re the most efficient form of government.

      Love it

  28. MikeB'hamster

    Thanks Rob, for another great year of analysis and commentary. Through SDB, you have created a dedicated, knowledgeable, articulate fan base whose unique characteristic is respect and courtesy in the course of animated discussion of points of view. This valuable and appreciated characteristic of the site is entirely attributable to your firm and steady hand on the tiller. You are the best at what you do, and have certainly earned a restful break. Look forward to your return in due course. All the Best.

  29. Jim Kelly

    Thanks for everything, Rob.

    Have a relaxing break.

    Go Hawks.

  30. j

    Cougars to watch: C Riley Sorenson, WR Gabe Marks, WR River Cracraft, S Shalom Luami

    • sdcoug

      Love Gabe Marks. Feirce. Also keep your eye on DT Robert Barber. He could be a force this year.

      • Volume12

        Big fan of Gabe Marks myself.

        Another inland Northwest stud at receiver is E. Washington’s Cooper Kupp.

        He’s the real deal. Size, route running, production, grit, makes big time plays in key spots.

        Kupp carried Eastern last year.

  31. Gray

    Guys to keep an eye on: Jordan Leggett

  32. Nolan

    I’m going to be the guy checking the site every day just in case there’s an update and just to make sure I see it the day rob breaks his hibernation I’m gonna miss your writing rob thanks!

  33. cheese22

    twice as many Alabama guys (8) as the whole Pac 12 (4).

  34. Hughza

    Another great year Rob! Just curious if you’ve compared the same type of list from last year to the 2016 draft.

  35. Volume12

    I heard WR Kenny Lawler was the standout yesterday and Jarran Reed dominated today FWIW.

    • C-Dog

      Sweet! Yeah, apparently Lawler had some crazy circus catches. John Clayton said Boykin and Adams both looked really good throwing, and it would be foolish for the team not to sign Adams to a deal. Kinda rooting for the kid to catch on.

      • Sea Mode

        Heard that too in PC presser. Also cool article on Seahawks.com reveals a couple more happenings in the draft room from day 3. Here’s the bit on Lawler:

        Moments after Washington took Georgia running back Keith Marshall with the 242nd pick, Schneider was on the phone with California receiver Kenny Lawler.

        “What are you doing still on that board, man?” Schneider asked Lawler before informing the sure-handed receiver that he’s about to become a Seahawk. “Hey man, it’s not where you start, it’s where you finish.”
        Schneider then handed the phone to Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, who said, “Hey, is this one of Upland High School’s all-timers that I’m talking to?” After a brief chat, Carroll ended their talk with, “You come in here ready to rip and compete your ass off,” then handed the phone to receivers coach Dave Canales, who might have been just as excited about this moment as Lawler was.

        “You ready to roll man?” Canales asked.
        “I can’t wait,” Lawler responded.

        Before running to the back of the room, high-fiving and fist-pumping about the pick, Canales told Lawler, “You’ve been one of my favorite dudes in this whole process.”

        A few minutes later, a TV in the corner of the room tuned into ESPN showed Lawler highlights, and a crowd of coaches and scouts, including Carroll and Schneider, took a break from their work to watch their new receiver haul in touchdown pass after touchdown pass.

        http://www.seahawks.com/news/2016/05/06/peek-inside-seahawks-draft-room

        Well, see you guys around…

        • C-Dog

          Exciting stuff. He will probably have to learn to compete on special teams, something he never did at Cal. Love his upside as a red zone target. Thought it was kinda shocking he was still there in R7.

  36. Frans Geraedts

    Dear Rob,

    Thanks!

    It was a great year…both for the blog and the seahawks draft.

    Would you be up for a discussion about the next step for this blog and its community? I think we are only beginning to understand the potential of creating through social media worldwide “learning communities” that anchor fanbases. I suspect that thinking about these possibilities will also be of interest to the seahawks organization.

    One of the aspects of such a discussion would be wether or not this is still a draftblog? Or whether by becoming a great draftblog it has become more then that?

    In the spirit of that “more” i would like to ask a couple of closely related questions that go beyond the draft but not at all beyond the thinking about the seahawks strategies that has been at the heart of the blog.

    Could it be that drafting three rb’s means that the seahawks will switch to a running-by-committee approach? In the form of rawls and collins for the first two downs, prosise for the third? For example? Should a r-b-c approach not be better then a singular back approach anyway? In terms of wearing down the defense? In terms of freshness of the backs? In terms of slight differences in style that could be used to surprise? In terms of longevity of backs? Are there any historical examples of r-b-c’s that were as good as, or better then the real great singular running backs? If not, could that be because coaches dont believe in it? So only use it if they dont have a good running back? Really committing to a rbc approach would mean investing in three good running back. Could it be that the seahawks saw the possibility to acquire those in how this draft was stacked and how it unfulded for them?

    Frans

  37. nichansen01

    More talk about Justin Britt moving to center.

    Gilliam – Glowinski – Britt – Ifedi – Webb

    That’s a big line.

    • CharlieTheUnicorn

      Perhaps he can be a back-up OL at G or T and also the LS. Roster flexibility.

      • C-Dog

        Sounds like it might be a permanent move to center by the way Cable spoke.

  38. James

    Comrades! I am sick at heart that friend-of-the-blog and sparq-god Sokoli, for whom the wTEF highest annual score award should be named, seems to be an after-thought. We have Patrick Lewis, Joey Hunt, and now Justin Britt, placed into direct competition with our lad at center. I even heard that Kristjan did not receive a Christmas card from Tom Cable at the season past. What is to come of him… can anyone offer me consolation?

    • Volume12

      He was a project when they drafted him and still appears to be one.

      Sometimes projects make it, sometimes they don’t.

      Not a betting man, but if I was, C is probably gonna be a high pick next year for Seattle.

    • The Blogger formally known as "Thy Hawk which is Most Screeching"

      You made me think about the Idea to try Soko out at Fullback. Why not? He’s big fast and probably one hell of a blocker!

    • C-Dog

      If Britt is now competing at center, I think Sokoli is probably more in the depth ranks a guard (my guess possibly RG), and considering the huge transition to OL, let alone center, that might be the best way for him to grow, and compete.

      • CharlieTheUnicorn

        Perhaps Sokoli turns into a TE….. after another year

    • H M Abdou

      I also would like to see Soko start somewhere on the o-line.

  39. Volume12

    Tyvis Powell might end up being a CB.

    Lawler had another standout day. Collins too.

    And David Perkins is lightning fast outta his stance. Dude could be a lock.

    • The Blogger formally known as "Thy Hawk which is Most Screeching"

      Vol 12 I know you have talked about Alex Collins and you like him. I don’t see it? Elaborate please. Another thing I don’t understand why football players especially on offense have long enough hair to be tackled by. Seems stupid and selfish as a teamate. I have nothing against guys with long hair. However if it slows you down and it gives you’re opponent another target to tackle you by then it’s a really dumb style to go with!

    • C-Dog

      Powell at CB is pretty interesting considering how he ball hawked at Ohio State and ran the 40 in the 4.4’s.

      • CharlieTheUnicorn

        He will be the back-up FS, mark my words.

        • SeventiesHawksFan

          Interesting. He has the athletic ability to back up ET? That’s good to know.

  40. The Blogger formally known as "Thy Hawk which is Most Screeching"

    Been watching the three Rb’s we drafted on YouTube. CJ Prosise stands out to me! Super quick through the hole fast at cutting back and has that burner gear to take it all the way! I’m really excited about him. Alec Collins not so much. His nickname is little beast, I don’t see it. Goes down on contact, too lean and runs upright. Goes out of bounds alot from what I’ve seen and isn’t extremely fast comparatively. Hopefully he’s in camp to push C-Mike even more who is has much more potential and talent. Not much tape on Zac Brooks nothing special to me really, but hey you just dont know?

    So a good chance of our Rb’s
    1. Thomas Rawls
    2. C-Mike
    3. CJ Prosise

    Fullback. Is in question it will be resolved

    Really liking the potential of Prosise!

    Go Seahawks Forever!

    • SeventiesHawksFan

      Alex Collins is an outstanding player to have fourth on your RB depth chart. After the near disaster at RB last year, where they were only barely bailed out by Washington doing us a favor and cutting CMike at the end of the season, I can’t imagine Collins not making the team. And in a couple years’ time he may nor have any of the issues you cited.

  41. Coleslaw

    Thanks, Rob! Even though we didn’t agree all of the time it was still great reading and I appreciate it. Set up an option for donations and you’d be surprised by the results, youtubers get ALOT of money for terrible videos haha. Cheers and congratulations on the success!

    • H M Abdou

      Yup, I have to agree, considering that this site is basically a one man operation, I think you do a fantastic job, Rob! The intelligent, well thought out comments by visitors is a reflection on the high quality content you offer on this blog.

      I know you’ve said you won’t consider charging for membership, but I for one (and I’m sure I’m not alone) would be glad to pay. I think it would be money well spent considering the info and peace of mind you provide!

      Keep up the great work, Rob!

      I also might add that I really enjoy all the comments by my fellow 12’s!

      • Kenny Sloth

        Hate to say it and I know it’s a bit contrarian, but I sure couldn’t afford a membership.

        Love the content and it’s worth a large sum to me, but keeping such a valuable resource like this free is a testament to Rob’s cross-atlantic fandom.

        And it keeps the conversation fresh. Allows anyone to throw in their 2 cents

        • CharlieTheUnicorn

          What makes this unique and welcomed….. it is free to join and contribute. Unlike BSPN, which went to “insider” pay per view….. which is frankly not much better than what Rob puts together. In-fact, it is probably worse, except for Sando of course ;). Rob should work for NFL.com or ESPN.com, pay raise!

  42. Coleslaw

    Lawler seemingly dominating the rookie minicamp has me thinking he could be a major addition to the passing game, especially while Graham is out.

    • CharlieTheUnicorn

      But think about… Graham and Lawler teamed up…… *drools*

      • Coleslaw

        Get them both in the end zone and lob it up, one of them will come down with it

  43. CharlieTheUnicorn

    Something that gets me pumped about the rookie mini camp / training camp…. 3 legit young QBs in camp. No knock on TJAck, but I want 2 or 3 of these guys to make the team. Young explosive talent at a position little thought about, but could come in handy at the right time.

    RW is the starter of course, but you can hear in PC words that he really loves the rookie QB Boykin. Hell, he sounds fired up about Adams as well….. I love that they have 2 athletic back-up potential, proven CFB QBs in camp now…

    Yes, I know, I picked Boykin for the Seahawks pre draft, but I love his fit and the way he plays the game. He will bring something different, yet familiar to the Seahawks roster. Heaven forbid RW went down for a game or two, I would feel comfortable with this guy at the helm.

  44. nichansen01

    Last year the center battle was seemingly between:
    Nowak
    Jean-Pierre
    Lewis
    Sokoli
    Pericak

    Nowak, out of the blue… won. No special athletic traits, background at the position, or anything. They just liked him there.

    This year it seems to be between:

    Lewis
    Britt
    Hunt
    Sokoli
    Pericak

    Does Lewis win out? I do not know. I think Hunt makes the roster as a backup, but it feels as if Britt could win, coming out of nowhere just like Nowak.

    Why?

    He is the biggest (6’6) and has started at some offensive line position in every game for the last two seasons. Why demote him to backup at this point?

    • C-Dog

      My hunch is that they are going to give Britt every chance to win it. They’ve talked about Britt potentially being a center before, I think even going back to when he was drafted.

      • Volume12

        Wouldn’t make too much of it.

        If he does start, it just re-enforces the notion that Seattle probably missed out on their guy at C this year.

        Hunt might’ve been a ‘must have,’ but that doesn’t mean he’s a starter. Depth is a must as well.

        • Volume12

          Hunt might be hurt too.

        • C-Dog

          Yeah, I admit, it’s a bit of a tough leap, to say the least, getting excited about Britt at center considering how he struggled at guard. Hawkblogger brought up a decent point that, outside of the fact Britt at center gives Seattle the biggest OL, he wouldn’t face one on one blocking like he did at guard, more combo blocking. That’s well and good, but can he handle the snapping and making the calls? Cable did bring up he is the most tenured player in their system on the OL, so I’m reading into that as they think he could.

          But still, given how highly they spoke about Hunt, I wouldn’t count him out of the race. This could also be a simple case where, since they did invest a high pick on Britt, they are trying to find him a spot to still give him a chance to start and center is the least settled position, if they are really high on Glowinski and Odhiembo.

      • Rob Staton

        I suspect Britt moving to center is just to see how it works and give him something to compete for because they don’t think he can play guard or tackle. He will have to battle for this. I suspect this is his last chance to stick and possibly gets cut if he doesn’t pull it off.

        • SeventiesHawksFan

          Definitely seems like going public with having moved on from Britt as a starter at any of the guard or tackle spots. His options now would appear to be: win the starting spot at C; maybe he could be this year’s Alvin Bailey; or they let him go entirely. I think he will be in a backup role myself. No point in not having available at all in case of injury. He can likely do about as well in a backup role as say Bailey or McQuistan performed at all positions other than left tackle.

          • C-Dog

            Yeah, Carroll was pretty careful not to anoint him today as any form of a starter, saying that this is still very early. Leads me to think it’s going to be an open competition. The language he used in terms of Britt providing flexibility at the positions could be an indication that if he doesn’t win the job, he could still have have a chance as a swing player, and still makes the squad, but I agree with Rob in that this could also be his last chance to make the squad, especially if Hunt, Sokoli, or or others show promise.

            I wonder if they see an outlier player in Hunt, somewhat similar to RW in terms of lacking the preferable measurements, but has the skill set, and tangibles to come into a open competition and run away with the job. My one pause with Hunt is how he would handle a big powerful 1 tech like Brockers in a power rush. Maybe this is why they want to give Britt a chance.

  45. nichansen01

    What stands out to me about the 2017 offensive line class is how BIG this class is.

    Ethan Pocic – 6’7
    Storm Norton – 6’8
    Zach Banner – 6’9
    Roderick Johnson – 6’7
    Connor McDermott – 6’9
    Dan Skipper – 6’10
    Chad Wheeler – 6’7
    Mike McGlinchey – 6’7

    • Volume12

      Florida OT David Pierce is a big boy too. 6’5-6’6, 340-350 lbs.

      Speaking of Pocic, perhaps this classes top C prospect (doubt he’s 6’7), really like Baylor C Kyle Fuller and Wazzu C Riley Sorensen, who’s character is through the roof.

      • J

        Sorensen has some size too. 6’2 325.

  46. Kenny Sloth

    Jarran Reed, Q Jefferson and CJ Prosise, Collins are rooming together.

  47. Volume12

    Not sure what your not seeing in RB Alex Collins.

    Don’t be surprised if he overtakes Rawls at some point. Prosise IMO will be brought along slowly and will more than likely get a few runs and a couple targets a game.

    Collins has some of the best tape of any RB drafted this year.

    Pros: This kid is a workhorse man. Can take over games. Put Arkansas on isack and carried them. His feet are elite. Short steps. Runs like a grown man. Tough, physical, lowers his shoulder. Very patient. Waits for his blocks, hardly ever picks the wrong lane, hole or crease, because he has great instincts. Explodes through the LOS. Has quick-twitch shoulders and hips.Squares his shoulders and gets downhill quickly. Makes quick, balanced jump cuts.

    Cons: Not much. He’s a willing pass protector, but needs to initiate contact. Has good hands, just wasn’t used that way. Not a 4.4 runner, but neither was Lynch. He does need to work on his ball security.

    Running upright, too lean, and going down on contact? I disagree with all those. Running upright is overrated. Too lean? Bigger and thicker than C-Mike. Going down on contact? Not everyone is gonna be Lynch, and I actually think he’s a very punishing runner.

    He’s a 2nd round talent that fell due to poor testing numbers. IMO he’s got more potential and talent than C-Mike.

    This stat speaks for itself. One of only 3 RBs to rush for over 1,000 yards in his first 3 seasons in the SEC.

    • SeventiesHawksFan

      This reads much more like my understanding of Collins. And I just don’t believe that PC / JS will consider the running back position to be short on healthy and available young talent after what happened last season. Nor will they be faced with $10 million per year contract demands and hold out threats nor peculiar antics and allowing special treatment because their offense is so heavily dependent upon and centered around one player. None of the current young RB’s will ever have that kind of leverage. Marshawn was a special situation that way. And for all of those reasons, I don’t think CMike is going anywhere either, unless he returns to his youthful immaturity and lack of focus and discipline, which I find rather unlikely.

      It’s great to feel so solid and hopeful about an array of weapons available at the RB position. What a great draft in just that regard alone. And we have Reed, Ifedi, Vannett and possibly four to seven additional quality players frome this year’s class as well. Seems we may have another blockbuster draft for the ages potential from this class. And a reloaded roster.

      • C-Dog

        With Prosise potentially seeing some time in WR formations, I would if the carry 5 WR and 4 or 5 RB. Potentially C-Mike and Brooks making the roster with Brooks’ pass catching abilities as well. They seem genuinely pretty high on Brooks as well, and judging from Brook’s press conference on Saturday, the kid doesn’t appear lacking in any confidence.

        • SeventiesHawksFan

          Also of note: Cutting CMike would also mean that you are another Rawls injury away from three rookies as your options to run the ball. Three guys who Haver never played an NFL down. That’s not a position that team that is expecting to win the Super Bowl puts itself in. I love the potential of the new guys. But Rawls and CMike remain the logical two best options to handle the workload. And CMike in particular doesn’t have an injury history. The primary question for him is will he Staye focus, know the playbook and just do what’s asked of him.

          • Kenny Sloth

            CMike recurring hamstring concerns.

          • vrtkolman

            I have zero problems with relying on rookie RB’s. It’s not a position that takes long to “get”. Wouldn’t you say relying on Marshawn and Michael in the playoffs was a pretty big downgrade from Rawls last year?

      • Volume12

        I would agree with that. About this draft class being a potential blockbuster. Last year’s too. And IMO next year’s has to be one. 2018 we have no comp picks that I see and a handful of our core guys will be gone or coming to an end. At the same time though, if these past 2 classes end up panning out like we’ve seen from some guys and believe some from this year will too, that core group will already have hedges and replacements behind them.

        I think people expecting a 2012 like draft, might be thinking unrealistically. Seattle was picking in the top 20 and had a guy like Scott McCloughan in the draft/war room as well, which was huge.

        And I also believe Seattle will add a big-time FA addition next year as well. Hardly any big name FAs to keep and they’ll have quite a bit of cap room.

    • TannerM

      I seem to recall a certain touchdown he had versus Kansas St. It seemed like the entire Wildcat defense got a hand on him (in other word, more than enough “contact”). He just dragged everyone in with him.

    • CharlieTheUnicorn

      I frankly couldn’t care less who gets the rock in 2016. May the best man or set of men win. Hopefully Seahawks fans get used to the RB by committee approach, because that is the way it is going to play out in 2016.

      Will CJ Prosis get some touches, sure. Will Collins get some touches, sure. Will Rawls get some touches, sure.
      Will C Mike, ok I’m not sure right now. Will any of these guys be FF studs (pile up yards and TDs) most likely not. I don’t think any one RB will go over 800 yards this year, but as a group (toss in RW) might go over 2000.

    • Kenny Sloth

      Since we’re on him;

      I see Collins as a great pick-up, physical, shifty runner. Has multiple moves in his toolbelt.

      His pass block recognition and technique are phenomenal. Pro-ready with some blitz recognition kinks.

      Great feet and cutback vision. Masks his lack of elite burst. He does lack elite burst.

      Strong bell-cow type. Runs tall after he breaks through the line. Doesn’t get skinny to create a hole.

      Doesn’t cycle through gears and only has neutral (shuffling behind line waiting for Hogs to create a crease, setting up contact)
      And a first gear at the second level.

      He’s strong enough to drag the whole other team, which is good bc not fast enough to finish on a dead Sprint race to the pylon.

      Phone booth feet. Patient, but doesn’t hole-fake.

      Many opportunities to break tackles behind los. Sets up slow blockers. Unique moves. DBm cut spin stuff arm all keenly developed. Smart runner.

      That tall Arm. RT FS’s all.the.time.
      UTen.’s RT, too

      Reminds you more of Chris Ivory than Marshawn.

      Really needed a big combine to prove was faster than 4.55. Is not to my eye. Slower than Lynch in every regard. Gets chased down all.the.time.

      • Del tre

        Honestly I feel like Collins is a hedge bet. Not that he’s a bad back bUT he won’t be breaking tackles in the same way at all when he makes it to the league. I’m more interested in brooks and procise, maybe brooks just wasn’t a good scheme fit at Clemson or wasn’t a coaches favorite.

        • Kenny Sloth

          Collins was a medium sized fish in a medium sized pond.

          We know what he is.

        • Volume12

          More importantly, Collins knows what and who he is. Wouldn’t exactly call the SEC a ‘medium sized pond.’

          As for Brooks, he had some bad luck with injuries and got stuck behind Wayne Gallman.

          • Del tre

            Either way watching more of procise has me convinced Dallas messed up taking zeke at 4. Don’t get me wrong elliot will be a 1400+ yard rusher for years to come and probably run away with rookie of the year but I’m pretty convinced procisee is equally as capable a runner. cj2k except not a flop after a few good seasons. He had I think 2 games where he averaged less than 7 or 8 ypc one was against Clemson where he gained 100 more yards through the air and one was just a bad game where he averaged like 1.5 per carry other than that he regularly averaged between 6 and 9 yards per carry I mean I can see him going for 2500 yards from scrimmage hid tape has me just enamored. I like Collins a lot but I think Christine Michael is a better runner who had the same fumbling issues. I could see them going with either but Michael is the more likely candidate to me. It wouldn’t surprise me to see procise as rb #2 in an rb by committee by week 1 I have just been watching him more and have just constantly been impressed.

          • Kenny Sloth

            Capped his career in style, turning 23 carries into a season-high 185 yards and three scores. Broke five tackles with a series of spin moves before lowering his shoulder to get into the end zone for the third time of the game on the 14-yard run … The game-sealing TD was his 20th of the season, breaking Arkansas’ single-season record that was set in 1969.

          • Kenny Sloth

            I really don’t think Collin’s thinks of his own limitations in this way.

            I specifically called the SEC a medium sized pond.

            If you’re a baller you’re gonna flash.

            There is no football prep conference.

            Who of our best players is from the SEC?

            Like basically just Michael Bennett?
            And he went undrafted?

            KJ?

            F farming SEC

  48. Volume12

    LB Montese Overton carried off the field.

    Maybe they give him a medical red-shirt? PC seems to like him and Perkins.

    • Ground_Hawk

      Carried or carted? I hate to hear either happening to someone, but carried off usually means less severe. Here’s hoping to his speedy recovery!

  49. Volume12

    Udub’s Taniela Tupuo is rumored to be signing with Seattle after his try out at their rookie mini camp.

    Good move. Probably our new Tukuafu.

    Powell still at CB and CB Jamal Marshall seems to be impressing the coaching staff.

  50. Chris J

    Thanks Rob. For those of us not so well versed, it’s always great to read your thoughts and insights and those of the rest of the community. What a great achievement those numbers are. Well deserving of the plaudits throughout the comments above.

  51. Kenny Sloth

    Reading scouting reports of Black QBs is a monumental disappointment. Some writers don’t see past the nose on their face.

  52. Kenny Sloth

    Quinton Jefferson is one of the smartest DT interviews you’ll hear.

    • Kenny Sloth

      Half Yannick’s highlights are cleaning up after Q

    • Kenny Sloth

      Not a high motor relies on athleticism. Can’t beat a double team. Pure one gap player.

      • vrtkolman

        That’s totally fine, just let him hit that gap off the snap over and over and over again.

    • Dumas

      Which interview, can you post a link?

      • Kenny Sloth

        Senior Bowl interview after first day. Sorry no link, on mobile

      • Kenny Sloth

        https://youtu.be/Pxci1blqp00

        Here you go buddy

        • Dumas

          Thank you!

          Above, were you talking about Jefferson or Yannick as relying on athleticism? It seems to me that he’s got a pretty solid drive behind him.

          • Kenny Sloth

            That was about Jefferson, but it has more to do with hustle and finishing plays than like motivation play to play. He’s hard nosed, but not chasing down runners and joining gang tackles often.

            Moves up and down the line of scrimmage well. Very clean disengager

            • Kenny Sloth

              Wasn’t blown away by his hustle is what I meant.

              Really high upside!!#

  53. Kenny Sloth

    Sounds like Nkemdiche is helping us out.

    Been bulldozing his own teammates in practice.
    Without pads. In RTC. Barely had the playbook.

    Gonna get himself and his team in trouble.

    No-one’s impressed by your short sighted antics, pushing over rookies going half speed.

    • H M Abdou

      He’s just preparing himself for when he gets that panther (or tiger, or lion, or whatever exotic animal it was he said he wanted). He figures he would hit the ground running so that he can wrestle with his new pet 🙂

    • H M Abdou

      But yeah, he looks like the knucklehead we all knew he was. Thing is, though – I do think that while he’s on his rookie contract, he’ll play EXTREMELY well for the Cards.

      BUT – all bets are off once he gets his second (and big) contract. Then I think he will revert to being a big-time knucklehead.

      • Del tre

        I think he is a knucklehead through and through he isn’t worried about money or else he wouldn’t have screwed around at old miss

        • Kenny Sloth

          I’m almost sensing a one year wonder wonder in No

          Big trouble comin once he gets comfortable in AZ.

          Nkemdiche panther fighting rings anyone?

      • Rob Staton

        The Cards are in win or bust mode.

        They could easily look very smart in 12 months time… or it could be a total disaster.

    • vrtkolman

      The best thing for him would be if we didn’t hear about him at all up until the first preseason game. The fact that he’s already “in the news” is definitely not a good thing for him.

  54. Dumas

    Bruce Irvin: This may have been discussed already, but are there any clear ideas as to why the Seahawks let him go? I know he wanted to produce more – Was it possible to accommodate his desired style of play?

    • SeventiesHawksFan

      Money first of all.

      And he was actually two different players for us, depending the down. SAM on base downs and pass rusher on third and throwing downs. Those separate roles can be filled with multiple players already on the roster.

      • 503Hawk

        And in Seattle’s scheme, he didn’t produce enough pressure on the QB (esp for the $ he was looking for). Be interesting to see if Norton designs some packages for him down in Oakland.

  55. K Van Buren

    Rob, I’d be very interested to see what you see in Jeremy Sprinkle the TE from Arkansas. He seems like an extremely physical blocker for a TE with fair to good hands.

  56. Volume12

    As I’m putting together my 2017 Seahawk watch list, this kid just jumps off the screen.

    If ya like Tyrann Mathieu or Jalen Ramsey you’ll love this turnover machine.

    Texas A&M DB/ATH Donovan Wilson.

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YxRYQNKXlnw

  57. Volume12

    Looks like the SAM may be coming off the field or playing even less than they already did.

    PC said they’re gonna play more dime this year with 3 safeties. And Browner is gonna be one of those 3.

    • SeventiesHawksFan

      No more tight ends running free down the seam. This is good news. Browner doesn’t need to have outside Corner speed and athleticism to cover a TE.

  58. Coug1990

    On ESPN 710 here in Seattle, Pete Carroll said that Brandon Browner is going to play safety.

    • SeventiesHawksFan

      I think he’s specifically going to cover tight ends on throwing downs. One of our notable Achilles heels last year.

      • Kenny Sloth

        Idk, I’ve been waiting for the league to move to 3 safety packages since the recession

    • 503Hawk

      A few months ago, a couple of us made mention of signing him just for that reason. PC also said he would play some slot “just like he did at NE” (remember that goal-line play?!!!)

  59. Kenny Sloth

    Rewatching CJP at WR vs Jalen Ramsey..

    Decent routes but really impressed in that he could box out Like a boss. Looks like Cody Latimer out wide.

    Natural hands catcher.

    Really overlooked was Lynch’s totally unreliable hands. Really tied our hands on screens and wheels can only think of 3-4 goood catches he ever had here

    • 503Hawk

      Kenny, are you referring to Marshawn Lynch when you say “totally unreliable hands”? If so, I have to completely disagree with you. That was one of the many things that made him so great; he was a four-down power back w/ underrated moves. STRONGLY DISAGREE W/ YOU!

      • Kenny Sloth

        I appreciate your dissentary, but yeah, Marshawn dropped the ball on lots of swing passes. Very hard hands.

        • 503Hawk

          Not that it matters anymore w/ his retirement, but if we took the time to research the stats objectively (maybe someone smarter than me knows where to find it), I believe he would rank well above average. In fact, the best pass catching RB the Hawks have had since…?

          BTW; what is “dissentary”?

          • Kenny Sloth

            His drop rate is above average, but he was not our primary receiving option out of the backfield ever.

            He always had 3rd down complementary backs. Leon Washington, Fred Jackson.

            A smarter person would check Football Outsiders.

            Auto-correct; dissent

          • CharlieTheUnicorn

            dissentary = not good for the old bowels

  60. Kenny Sloth

    OL projection w back ups.

    LT Gilliam/ Odhiambo/ Britt
    LG Glow/ Odhi/ Britt
    C Lewis/ Britt/ Sokoli
    RG Ifedi/ Britt/ Sokoli
    RT Webb/ Britt/ Poole

    Think Poole beats out Sowell. If not he could be a PS candidate.

    Could just roll with 10, but I doubt it.
    Carroll said Britt can play 5 spots for us.

    • Kenny Sloth

      Oh ya Hunt to PS

      • Kenny Sloth

        Maybe Hunt Boykin were taken with Scout Team in mind?

        • CharlieTheUnicorn

          Boykin makes the 53 or he will be in Dallas…. no PS for him.

    • J

      In my opinion, the real competition for Sowell is Odhiambo. Probably the only two LT capable backups on the roster.

    • SeventiesHawksFan

      Agreed on Poole and Britt being on the 53 this year. Britt has too much back up versatility and knows the system. Poole should be better with a year in the system and he has improved his conditioning as well.

      • Kenny Sloth

        Haha everyone loves to hate Britt.

        Why is he here then?

        I have always liked his versatility and intelligence

        • SeventiesHawksFan

          In his interview, Pete Carroll said something along the lines of ‘Britt communicates best with Tom Cable’ which is why they are trying him and center. And also mentioned how fortunate they are to have his positional versatility.

          Sure didn’t sound like a player they don’t want around. I think he will be either center or a backup now. He’s not getting cut.

          Pete was very high on Glowinski as well. He’s going to start at LG for sure it sounded.

          • Kenny Sloth

            Everyone’s going to love Britt when he spot starts all over the line on our way to the super bowl

          • CharlieTheUnicorn

            PC also said him playing center was always in the cards, since they drafted him.

  61. Kenny Sloth

    And a full depth chart projection

    QB RW, TreyBoy
    RB Rawls, CMike, CJP, Alex Collins
    FB Tiny Tupou, Brandin Bryant*
    WR ADB, Chop-chop, No-E (is Ricardo retired?), Prich, Kasen Williams
    TE Jimmy, Willson, Big Van
    LT Gilliam’s Island, Odhiambo
    LG Glow, Britt,
    C Lewis, Britt, Sokoli, (stash Hunt bc you can)
    RG Ifedi, Sokoli
    RT Webb, Sowell/Poole?

    LEO Cliff Avril, Frank Clark
    3T Rubin, Jefferson, Brandin Bryant
    1T Reed, Jordan Hill, Silliga
    5T Bennett,
    SAM Mike Morgan, Cash Marsh
    MLB Wagner, Brock Coyle
    WILL KJ, KPL
    CB1 Sherm, Simon, SJB
    CB2 Shead, Deandre Elliott
    CB3 Lane, Marcus Burley
    FS ET, Tyvis Powell
    SS Kam, Kelsie McCray
    DS Brandon Browner

    K Hau$chka
    P Ginger Ryan

    PS candidates; Lawler, McEvoy, Hunt, Steve Longa, Poole, Overton, Perkins

    Notable exceptions, Zac Brooks, Chris Clemons, Mo Seisay, Kevin Smith, Steven Terrell, Eric Pinkins, Ryan Robinson, Kona Schwenke.

    Thoughts?

    • SeventiesHawksFan

      Clemons value > than Tupou, DeAndre Elliott (new player, needs a year on the PS), and possibly Tyvis Powell. If Bryant can pick up the FB role, then I would expect to see Tupou on the PS.

      • Kenny Sloth

        I can get behind each of those suggestions

      • Volume12

        I think Overton or Perkins make this team.

        No way Kenny Lawler would get through to the PS. Much better than Kasen Williams or Kevin Smith. IMO he’ll replace Kearse in a year or two. If Baldwin has another year like he did last year and Seattle hasn’t re-signed him, bye. They won’t pay a receiver $8-$10 mil.

        George Fant seems like the perfect developmental swing tackle.

        7 CBs?

        Seisay is already a goner. Elliott from what I hears looked bad. This CB Jamal Marshall? I got a hunch Seattle likes him.

        • Kenny Sloth

          I thought Elliot was disappointing in the snaps I saw in his opponents tape.

          I agree Lawler will likely replace Kearse. Pete was talking about how skinny his frame is and how he will be big-time itf.
          Almost made him sound like a project.

          Are the UW K’s PS eligible?

          No way Fant clears waivers either. Probably hard to find him a spot, though

          • SeventiesHawksFan

            I think Fant is unlikely to be signed to any team’s 53. He has an ideal frame. But that’s about it so far.

            • Kenny Sloth

              It sounded like he had a lot of sutors in udfa.

            • Volume12

              That’s my point.

              If he’s unlikely to be signed to an active roster, he’s a perfect PS candidate.

              Here’s the thing. When it comes to fill out the 53 man roster and PS squads, other teams will poach from Seattle and injuries will play a big factor in things.

          • Volume12

            I believe Kasen is PS eligibe.

            Not sure about ‘One a day.’

            With Jimmy Graham more than likely starting on the PUP list, Seattle will carry one more offensive player I would think.

          • STTBM

            How do you see Lawler beating Kearse out? Kearse runs a sub-4.5 40, is faster than Doug Baldwin, while Lawler ran a 4.65 or something. He’s a totally different WR, not a guy who can play every position like Kearse can. Lawler is likely competing just to make the roster as the fifth or sixth guy, behind Baldwin, Kearse, Lockett, and Richardson. He’s got to beat out Keven Smith and Kasen Williams and the rest of the bubble players at the position.

            Kearse has struggled with consistency, but he’s go the speed, agility, and understanding of the offense that Lawler will find hard to beat his first couple years. Lawler offers the potential to be a difference maker in the Red Zone, and to make contested sideline catches, but he’s not going to get open regularly–he isnt going to get the separation Kearse can due to his lack of speed.

            • STTBM

              I meant to say “…speed, agility, versatility, and understanding of the offense…” Kearse can play all WR positions well, which is not something I expect from Lawler, especially not as a rookie.

              Not that I know everything or dont like Lawler, just that Lawler seems like more of a specialist project than a serious threat to Kearse’s job in the next couple seasons. I am interested in your opinion on why you feel Lawler might beat out Kearse though…

              • Kenny Sloth

                I’d have to agree, while Lawler is a toolsy, exciting player, he may struggle to create real separation. Great, sharp routes, but he’ll be adjusting to play at a new weight in a pro offense.

              • Volume12

                Because he doesn’t need to get seperation to win. Does he need to get stronger? Yes. Is he a developmental guy? Sure.

                He beat man coverage 71% of the time last year. He’s a unique WR. Fantastic body control, great length at 33 1/2″ arms, and routinely makes contested catches. His catching range is impressive.

                Lawler is definetly more of an outside receiver. Speed isn’t a concern because that’s not what his game is predicated upon.

                He can plays in traffic, isn’t afraid of going over the middle and can make plays there too. And despite concerns over his speed, can make plays on the ball downfield too.

                Probably is a specialist his first couple years, but there’s nothing wrong with a guy that gives us a legit red zone weapon and can routinely make big time plays in key moments.

                Seems that he was the standout during Seatte’s rookie camp. PC and JS keep raving about his upside.

                Again, you don’t have to be a 4.4 guy to be a good route runner or football player. Running routes is about changing gears. Not speed.

                As for him replacing Kearse? In a couple years I think he will. You said it yourself. He’s a totally different receiver than anything we have on the roster. I do agree that he’ll be a rotational player this year, but again, not a concern.

                Baldwin is a great route runner. P-Rich is a deep threat. Lockett can do everything. Kearse is a realky good possession receiver. How’s our redline/jumpball/contested catch guy outside of the #’s? Lawler.

                • Volume12

                  *Who’s. Not how’s.

                • Kenny Sloth

                  I think The concerns over Lawler’s (combine) speed are illegitimate imo.

                  He was running at 203. If you take his hand time of 4.52 that’s damn good at a new weight he’s relatively unfamiliar with. Especially at a stressful event like the combine. Include his decent 1.62 split

        • SeventiesHawksFan

          How is Tye Smith looking for coming off his injury as another CB not in the list? He seemed to have a lot of promise / potential. Agreed on Kenny Lawler too. Circus catches and red zone extraordinaire. He makes the team.

          • Kenny Sloth

            I think Tye Smith could be one of our CBs though Burley was the preferred back-up to Lane in the slot.

    • Old but Slow

      No long snapper?

      • Kenny Sloth

        No. They signed some guy, but with four true centers i’m guess one can pull doublwe duty

        • Old but Slow

          Not so sure. The long snapper needs to work with the other special team guys extensively, so it might be difficult to accomplish if they also have needs to play within the normal offense.

          I am not aware of a team not using a designated deep snapper. However, I am a neophyte, so it may be more common than I think.

          • Kenny Sloth

            Hey, OBS found this
            http://www.thephinsider.com/2014/8/21/5945187/an-in-depth-look-at-long-snappers

            A little outdated, but yes it appears you are right, LS are generally 245 6’3 so they have ST tackling ability and yes every team carries at least one.

            We forget all the different nuanced spots a LS has to put the ball.

            To a kneeling backup QB in fg’s, direct snap on punt fakes etc.

            Thanks for your question. Helped me learn.

            • Kenny Sloth

              I forget*

    • C-Dog

      Maybe it’s just me, but if Joey Hunt has a good preseason, I kinda see him making the 53. Honestly, I can see him potentially being the starter if he has a strong camp and preseason, but I think they are going to give Britt a legit chance to be the center. Kinda think the backup might be a battle between Hunt and Lewis.

      I can see them hanging onto Clemons, as well to keep depth at the edge rush.

      I think they probably keep one of Tupou or Bryant for FB, my guess might be Bryant if he shows he can rotate on the DL, which by judging his highly reel, looks like he certainly can

      • Kenny Sloth

        I also left off Christian French after souring slightly on his athleticism

      • CharlieTheUnicorn

        I look at him “at worst” the LS and at best the starting center.

      • vrtkolman

        I really hope they don’t make another Nowak mistake like last year. That’s really one of the only things in their control that could derail the season. Starting Britt at center could be a Nowak mistake. I get that he has great communication with Cable, but his mental capacity on the field looks horribly lacking. How many times did he look confused on what to do, and that was at guard and not center?

        • Kenny Sloth

          A lot of the time. It will look like a mistake by the G on film when it’s really the C or T or QB. Or RB. Or play call!

          We really don’t know unless we’re in that OL room.

          5 sacks in a game? Maybe one bad one is on the OL. And only 3 were avoidable.

          We only see OL on the other side of highlights. When they get their hands wiped.
          We don’t notice their superb base and vision and agility on simple run plays.

          I doubt we would have had a potential udfa roty and one of the most dominant half-seasons passing the ball if we had a guard who just can’t block.

          Justin Britt = Underrated.

          • STTBM

            I notice when the line manages to pancake folks in run blocking. That actually happened far less than Seattle’s rep would have us believe. They werent terribly successful at run blocking the last few years, just “good enough” for RW and Lynch (and Rawls) to make magic. I also notice when they fail to hold their block, or miss their guy entirely (Britt, Sweezy). That kind of thing happened far too often.

            Seattle’s line has been inconsistent in actually accomplishing their blocking assignments, even in run blocking. Lynch led the league in YAC, and RW’s scrambling plays (to say nothing of his read-option runs) padded the yards and YPC stats tremendously, and leads many to credit the line unfairly.

            They werent garbage, but they arent getting the job done consistently even in run blocking. Has it mattered? Yes and no. While they racked up yards on the ground, and YPC, we didnt make it back to the NFC Championship Game, let alone the SB, and the line was a big part of that. They were utterly overwhelmed in the Carolina game, and struggled mightily vs Minny the previous week.

            • Kenny Sloth

              The Hawks OL pushed for 2268 total Rushing Yards last season

              Russ. Ran 103 times or 6.4 attempts a game for 553 yards or 5.4 a clip for 34.6 yards a game.

              Without Wilson’s yards our hogs still produced 1715 yards

              So he hardly carried our running game.

              Hope Rawls ends up the back-up to Micky Finn or CJP

              • STTBM

                The only way Rawls ends up backing up anyone is if his injury isnt fully healed and/or it permanently robbed him of speed/agility. Why on earth would you want that? Rawls is a stud, and all I hope for is for him to come back without a drop in athleticism. The rest will take care of itself.

                I never said RW carried the run game. However, his scrambles definitely padded the YPC and his run-threat helped out the run game tremendously by forcing the D to pay extra attention to him.

                You could see the Defenses overwhelm our line and stuff Lynch when he was in the game. Not Lynch’s fault, but when he was in the D focused first and foremost on him. When Rawls was in, they looked at RW first. That benefitted Rawls and our entire run game, for sure.

                Rawls was also amazing last season, and made something out of nothing more times than I could count–same as Lynch used to do.

                The line just wasnt able to do its job very well without misdirection and subterfuge. Again, with Lynch in the game, defenses swarmed our line, and the line rarely gave him much running room. But with Rawls in, Defenses were less apt to put 8 in the box and Seattle was able to move the ball on the ground far better.

                • STTBM

                  Seattle averaged 4.3 yards per rush not counting RW’s yards. Seattle ran the ball more than any team in the league, its only natural they led the league in rushing yards. But their YPC is not as impressive as those total yards would have you believe.

                  Now, you have to count RW’s read-option yards as part of the rushing totals to be fair, and that may have brought the ypc up a bit. I would think so. But you cannot count RW’s scramble runs as a sign of the line run blocking (or pass blocking) adequately, let alone well. That makes no sense, and many make that mistake.

                  And Seattle has noticed. They proved the line was a serious problem in their eyes by drafting three linemen, two of them with high picks, and bringing in others from the undrafted ranks. They also obviously noticed their line was getting pushed around too much at the point of attack, even in run blocking, and they made a concerted and blatant choice to move towards larger, stronger linemen at not only LG, but at RG and RT.

                  Not to mention they moved Britt away from LG (where he stunk) and arent even allowing him to compete at RT with Webb. They even drafted a C to compete with him, Lewis, and their Wonder Boy Sokoli. They noticed his play wasnt up to par and addressed that.

                  Had Seattle simply looked at the total rushing yards and said “Heck, we led the league in rushing, this line is good enough” they wouldnt have totally reworked the line or tweaked their philosophy like they quite obviously have. They looked deeper, saw a legit need to dramatically improve the line–in run blocking as well as pass pro–and went about fixing both scheme and personnel deficiencies.

                  I salute them for doing so. Just as they noticed the need to adapt and tweak their Defensive scheme, they appear to be doing something similar along the line. Thats what real Championship Coaches and Front Offices do–they continually adapt. Kudos to PC and JS and Cable for doing so.

                  • Kenny Sloth

                    Or maybe we lost an expensive guard and injured tackle?

                    Maybe this draft actually reinforces our ideals and philosophies along the OL.

                    They smart guys. That is now obviously the #1 concern on OL. IMO this lowered Jason Spriggs on our board.

                    How did we tweak our scheme? We did run some more disguised cover 2 with Kris Richard getting promoted. We went LB DC Bradley, DL DC Quinn, DB DC Richard.

                    If 1 RB had chalked up the 1715 Wilson-less rushing yards behind this OL, you’d be ecstatic about the line’s blocking and the scheme’s performance.

                    Instead we had them split between a has-been from Buffalo, an injured udfa, a perrennial underperformed we had cut earlier in the year, and the shell of a beast.

                    We lost our RG, LT, RB, 3rd down back, and you’re surprised we drafted 3 OL, 3 HB?

                    They didn’t blow up the line to do some crazy Chip Kelly roster churn.

                    What OL did we bring in in udfa? George Fant? The basketball-TE-OL convert?

                    It was a great draft for OL and they took advantage of that.

                    They went cheap and stuck with their philosophy.

                    Athletes, intelligence, Versatility.

                    Not even sure what your point is?

                    The OL was bad and the Seahawks were scared of failure?

                    No! They made concerted specific moves to instill competition that simply wasn’t there. Luckily we had gritty, intelligent players like Justin to come in at a new spot and keep our continuity and moxie in the run game.

        • C-Dog

          My impression from Pete is that they probably won’t wait too long to determine the starter, and it will be settled sooner than last year, and I don’t think they will anoint a project player. If Britt and or Sokoli don’t look ready, the path to the starting spot is probably a battle between Lewis and Hunt.

    • Del tre

      Tye smith over elliot I think he has a lot of potential

    • STTBM

      I think Tye Smith makes the team. Not too keen on Cassius Marsh, he’s shown zero outside Special Teams. And he’s not got the speed of Mike Morgan. I think he’s toast. Not sure about Jefferson or Siliga…or KPL. KPL has a good chance to be beaten out this year; he just doesnt “get it”…

      I also cant get too excited about Poole or Sowell. I like Burley, but they dont like that he’s small and often injured, and who knows about Stanley Jean-Baptiste?

      Gotta love the competition!

      • Rob Staton

        Marsh will survive if only for his special teams value. He’s a monster STer and PC values that greatly.

        • STTBM

          You are correct that Carrol highly values Special Teams, and that Marsh has stood out there. But watching him play defense, he just seems like a slower Benson Mayowa–too small to stop the run particularly well, not quite fast enough to get the qb. I actually liked Mayowa much better–he at least could get to the QB.

          Perhaps this year he puts it together. He’s certainly got the motor–nothing wrong with his effort, thats for sure.

          • Rob Staton

            I’d recommend watching the highlights vs Minnesota in the regular season again. The way he read the RB screen and closed on Adrian Peterson for a TFL showed plenty of speed/athleticism.

            There’s a reason he’s being tried at SLB.

            • Kenny Sloth

              I’m far more interested what happens on the other side!

              Is your assumption about KPL accurate? Is he struggling, mentally?

              Who is backing up KJ?

              Who is the most versatile back-up LB on this roster

              • Rob Staton

                I haven’t really assumed anything on KPL. He just struggled when he started vs Carolina and didn’t see much playing time after that.

                • Kenny Sloth

                  in reference to STTBM:KPL has a good chance to be beaten out this year; he just doesnt “get it”

              • STTBM

                KPL was a guy they considered a key to their draft, along with Pinkins. Yet, like Pinkins, he’s gone from Chosen One to hardly seeing the field in two seasons. Pinkins had to switch to his third position and is a total unknown, and KPL isnt much better. He looked utterly lost mentally and played poorly in his lone start, and Seattle then shuffled their LB’s to keep KPL on the bench after that.

                To me, that speaks volumes. Not that Seattle has given up on him, just that they havent trusted him to come off the bench. That means he’s hardly a lock to make the team, and is vulnerable to competition and a possibility (far more so than KJ, Coyle, and even Morgan) to lose his roster spot.

                But thats only my opinion, and of course they have to compete in training camp and Preseason to figure it out. No one is doomed as of today, and anything can happen.

            • STTBM

              I remember that play. He did look much improved that game, and showed well on Special Teams late in the season, as I said.

              Perhaps his weight loss gave him back some speed. Interesting that they’ve gone from having him bulk up to play some Pass-rush DT (which failed), to having him drop back to DE weight, to having him drop even more to play SAM.

              Its wild to see Seattle moving guys around and evidently planning hybrid roles for Marsh, Clark, and Browner. They appear to have noticed that teams have figured out ways to beat their Cover Three D, and are adapting like mad to get ahead of the curve once again. I really respect them for that. Its awesome to see them admitting things need to change and moving fast to adapt and innovate. I cant wait to see what they do with the RDE/Leo/SAM position, to say nothing of how they intend to use Browner/Chancellor on the field at the same time.

              Wonder if they are going to drop the number of snaps Kam plays? Perhaps that would help with some of his injury problems? Anyway, gonna be fun to watch them work out their kinks/new wrinkles in the D this year.

      • Kenny Sloth

        Cable said on Clayton that Sowell “has played” all 5 spots and been a LS.

        Doesn’t mean he can play every spot for us, but they think highly of his and Webb’s veteran presence.

        It’ll be fun to see the competition at DB. I think we usually keep 9-10?

        Sherm, Kam, ET, Shead, Lane, BB, Simon/SJB?, Burley/Smith?, Elliott/Marshall, Powell?

        • Volume12

          McCray too.

          I agree that Simon and SJB are battling.

          Smith over Burley. Or perhaps Smitty gets another ‘red-shirt’ year.

          Powell IMO will beat out Terrell.

          Marshall, McEvoy on the PS.

          • Kenny Sloth

            They are high on McCray. Liked his performance in spot duty.

            Let’s call it

            Sherm, Kam, ET, Shead, Lane, BB, Simon, Powell, Burley/Smith, McCray

            That’s ten there…

            Do we need 6 Safeties?

            Powell looks like Shead’s replacement.

            Got a good look at CB. Got boxed out bad by Lawler. Not great for 211 v. 180**
            Lawler probably lost maybe almost 15lbs since the combine. He dropped a lot of weight after he finished working out with his guys in preparation for the combine.

            • Kenny Sloth

              Eventual replacement***

            • CharlieTheUnicorn

              Kam will be more a LB spot, than a CB slot.. so 9 CBs, 6 S might happen (more likely 5 S), but reports were they were trying some of the rookie S at CB in rookie camp, to see if they fit.

              • Volume12

                10 defensive backs.. It’s what they carry every year.

                The designation is irrelevant. 10 DBs.

                Having guys like Shead, Browner, etc. is a good thing. Doesn’t really matter where they line up or play.

                List them at safety, corner, whatever. Fact is, the can play both spots.

  62. 503Hawk

    Just saw Seisay got waived

    • CharlieTheUnicorn

      So did Terron Beckham by the Jets

    • STTBM

      Seisay waived injured with a settlement. Could conceivably return later in the year, though he can sign with another team long before he’s eligible to return here. His injury last year must have lingered….

  63. CharlieTheUnicorn

    Since we are talking about 2017….. top positions of need

    #1 DE
    #2 LB
    #3 C
    #3 WR
    #4 TE
    #5 K/P

    • Old but Slow

      It may be unrealistic, but I am confident that our contenders to be the center will settle the issue soon. The wide receiver situation is not a problem, and TE seems in good hands for now. I want to see continued improvement in the offensive line, not denigrating the guys we have, but until we are really good, I want to see a steady influx of talent.

      For DE, I hardily agree. There never seems to be enough pass rushers. The skill does not come with many players. The need to be quick, strong, talented, and knowledgeable comes rarely, and is valued in the league. It is why we are giving Clemons another shot despite evidence that his best days are behind him. If he has another year or two left in him, he could be a great addition, both as a player and as a teacher for the younger players behind him.

      • C-Dog

        I don’t think it’s unrealistic at all with center settling. It’s early, let’s see if Britt can make the transition, or if Joey Hunt plays up and beyond expectation. Hunt’s tape is really good, and he’s a sharp kid. He’s kind of my dark horse to earn not just a roster spot, but a starting job.

    • vrtkolman

      I like your thinking with DE, I agree that is a big need next year. However, I would put tackle yet again at #2. If Ifedi takes to RG like I think he will, I say just leave him there instead of moving him over to RT. Then, draft a T to replace Webb next year. Maybe they sign a big name too.

      The great thing about this year is the early schedule. We will see right away if the new offensive line can handle the load this year with the four beastly defensive lines they will be facing early on. The great news is that those 4 teams are pretty weak otherwise and we should be able to win those games despite horrid OL play again.

  64. James

    etc…

    – if you want to be impressed, ya’ll go to the You Tube cut-up of the TCU-Ole Miss Peach Bowl game from a couple of years ago. Boykin was Russell-like in overwhelming the Rebs with his playmaking skills, and Joey Hunt gave a master class in playing Center, eating up Nkemdiche and orchestrating the entire line (esp watch how he varies the timing of the snap so the DL could not get a read off his head-bobs in the shotgun)

    – re the FB position, the Seahawks play their FB like 9 plays per game or something? It is crazy to waste a roster spot for 9 plays, risking the loss of a young prospect you can’t protect on the 53/man. That is why Seattle is looking at playing a backup DT at the position, but why not just put your backup OL in the game for those 9 plays (Sowell, Britt, et al); or conversely, why not let Cooper Helfet be the FB, he should be able to execute his blocking assignment and would add the benefit of the risk of a FB screen or swing pass, and then you can keep him on the roster; or for that matter, why not play Willson there for those 9 plays (he was the emergency FB last year anyway)?

    – and speaking of Britt, he is not going to be the starting Center. Pete and Cable are simply preparing him to be the backup swing OG/C. Remember, the Seahawks generally activate only 7 OLs, so the active guys will be Sowell as backup OT; and either Britt or Sokoli as the backup OG/C. The implication thus far is that Sokoli is still not ready to play (though we hope against hope to see what a sparq-god can do). Britt would only play Center if Lewis goes down in a game (since Joey Hunt and Kristjan Sokoli, along with Odhiambo, would be inactive during the game). If Lewis is out for a while, then you activate Hunt or Sokoli, most likely. Britt is a two year starter and has valuable experience and knowledge, and is the ideal backup swing guy. He is not good enough in our rebuilt OL to beat out Glowinski or Odhiambo, but he still has great value for the next couple of years.

    – and speaking of Joey Hunt, I have to admit I have been amazed at his tape, for when I heard we had drafted a 6-1, 299# C, I was incredulous (given the 350# monster NFL nose guards he will have to face), but the guy can play (watch his tape against the monster Baylor DL). His size is a disadvantage, but an advantage at the same time (see R. Wilson), and Joey is a natural at the position. I now think he will be the starter beginning 2017. If he can remain invisible this preseason, he can perhaps be stashed on the practice squad, but if he plays well in the preseason games, we will have to keep him inactive on the 53/man same as we did for Sokoli last year.

    • Kenny Sloth

      I really like your thoughts and observations on Joey Hunt. He’s a smart one for sure.

      I’ve been trying to find commonalities among the DTs we have taken. Need to track coach movements better next season

    • RealRhino2

      This was my thought re Britt as well: prepping him to be a backup at both the C and G spots. Or, if he continues to impress Cable with his BS, he could start and allow us to forego dressing a pure C backup, letting us dress another G/T instead.

    • STTBM

      You never know–anything can happen. Any of the spots may be up for grabs, and any of those players can win the job. Finally, Seattle has legit competition at every single spot on the O-line (except LT which is Gilliams unless he flat chokes Nowak-style).

      Seattle seems to be changing its philosophy a bit on the line; while they have used huge guys at LG and RT, and used a smaller more athletic RG to pull in the past, they are experimenting with moving Glowinsky (who seemed a perfect fit at RG and bound to make Sweezy look like garbage) to LG and putting a huge guy at RG. Now, if Ifedi wins the spot at RG, he is athletic enough to pull some, but not like Glowinsky. That tells me Rob may certainly have been on to something when he talked about Seattle possibly using more stretch-zone or whatever.

      Odhiambo may beat out Glowinsky for LG–not because of better play, but because he’s bigger and stronger and that may be the direction Seattle chooses to go on the line–size and strength over athleticism. Not to say Odhiambo isnt athletic, but he’s different than Glowinsky.

      And who knows if Webb can keep the RT job? Or who wins at C? Seattle obviously wants to upgrade from Lewis, but Lewis did a good job last year, and while few here have little faith in Britt doing anything but adding competition and “winning” a spot on the pine as a backup, Hunt has a shot to step up and take it.

      For the first time since Cable arrived, this team has real competition at nearly every position on the O-line, and I for one am utterly thrilled. Let the best guys win!

      • CharlieTheUnicorn

        For the first time since cable arrived, Seattle has dedicated multiple higher level picks (and talent) to the OL. Will it work out, unknown…. but the KJR interview with the HC of Boise State has me fired up to see what Obi -Wan can do at LG. HC at Boise State says he is only scratching the surface of his true potential, since he has had limited football background/exposure. He should be able to handle the NFL physicality, just needs to learn the techniques. His asset is he can pull and get onto blocks at both the point of attack or in the second/third levels. Very likely could be LG by week #8, if he picks up the Seahawks scheme quickly.

        • STTBM

          He’s supposed to have a great kick-slide, so I suppose he could push Gilliam at LT in the future. I dont see that happening this year, but in the future who can say? Im glad we got Odhiambo, Ifedi, and Webb on board to ramp up competition. And I love that all those guys can play G and tackle. Versatility is key with all the injuries along the line. Cable expects a lot from his linemen, and they take a hell of a beating.

          • CharlieTheUnicorn

            A mention was made (on the radio) that in 2018, Ifedi could be the full time RT and Obhiambo the LT. Not by the coaching staff, but by some of the regular reporters who cover the team. I thought this was interesting.

  65. Kenny Sloth

    Man, I was really pulling for my Blazers to top GSW. Along came Curry ? shredding my stomach lining with another NBA record and a 3-1 series lead

    • Dylan

      You have to just tip your cap to Steph on that one, what an amazing performance last night.

      • Kenny Sloth

        I thought Lillard was thoroughly outdueling Curry until OT. Draymond Green was vital.

        Lillard was more valuable to his team. Wonder why he didn’t get more votes

  66. Kenny Sloth

    sports.mynorthwest.com/category/podcast_player/?a=10005983&sid=1034&n=The%20John%20Clayton%20Show

    Tom Cable “Patrick Lewis is the key to this whole thing”

    The key to free flowing competition?

    • STTBM

      He’s their security blanket for when Britt does the inevitable and underwhelms at C, and when Sokoli shows he just isnt mentally far enough along in his development to start. Hunt is the only guy I see putting serious pressure on Lewis for the starting job, and likely wont even do that until the second half of the season. They will lean on Lewis to teach Hunt and Sokoli as well.

      Hunt and Sokoli are the future at C, Lewis the bridge, and Britt is just a backup who will move on after his rookie deal.

      • Kenny Sloth

        I have no doubts about Hunt’s capacity to learn the playbook.

        • STTBM

          Me neither. But its more than just knowing the playbook. Its having a feel for the intangibles–being able to sense when the D is bluffing, just “knowing” whats coming. That takes years to develop. And while Hunt may have that down, Im not holding my breath on Sokoli having it this year. He’s a great prospect, but as Ive said all along, I think some of us are expecting miracles from Cable and Sokoli just because of his athleticism. Its going to take more than a year or two for Sokoli to go from DT to starting NFL C.

          I would much rather see a lesser athlete with better understanding playing C for us, if you have to choose between Athlete with lesser understanding or a guy who might be a lesser athlete but has the mental part down pat. In other words, I want to see Lewis or Hunt starting this year, not Sokoli–barring a miracle from Wonder Boy. Next year would be the soonest I would expect Sokoli to be able to handle the C job. And then hopefully Hunt is the starter and the two can duke it out for the starting role.

          Competition will bring out the best in the line, Im truly excited to see this line come together this year for the first time since 2005.

  67. Kenny Sloth

    http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2016/5/10/11652438/bret-bielema-nfl-draft-underclassmen-arkansas-coach

    “Alex (Collins) could be in the same category. I’m glad he got taken, but I know he was planning on the third or second round (instead of the fifth). That’s millions.”

    Bielema on Underdrafted Juniors

    Chippy chippy

  68. Kenny Sloth

    New 3000 NFL mock draft up at fieldgulls.

    Let’s get Kenneth Arthur some hits over there

    • Kenny Sloth

      Rob, do you and SDB benefit from the Field Gulls Patreon donations?

      If so, that would be an easy way for those inclined to support the blog.

      • Rob Staton

        I do not

    • Ed

      I don’t cheat on Rob, even if he isn’t putting out. ha ha. But for real

      • Kenny Sloth

        Lmao that’s rich

  69. Kenny Sloth

    Who are your locks to make the squad?

    RW and Treyvone Boykin I think has impressed enough to kind of say goodbye to TJax. They consistently state they want continuity in their backups. Perhaps Tarvaris’ has lost a step? Can’t do what Russ does?
    Boykin was THE most similar QB to Russ in cfb last year.

    Rawls and CJ are the locks. Probably Collins, too.
    CMike could be on the hotseat, but I’m missing the veteran in the backfield.
    He’s the only back who has been in the league more than a year.
    The only back on the roster that has played for another NFL team.

    ADB Chop-chop Pickett. Probably Prich, too.I think Kevin Smith makes it over Williams. UW fans, didn’t Smith do more ST work? Hopefully, Lawler shows enough to earn a spot. Probably will. 5 or 6 WR, guys?

    Because Jimmy and Extra ‘L’ offer so much as pass catchers with Van staying online? Luke and Graham might platoon as our Move TE, with Luke and Vannett maintaining line integrity. Willson’s versatility is valuable and he’s going to get $PAID$
    He’s gone, y’all.
    Unless he takes a hometown discount. Why would he?

    GG, Ifedi, O, Webb, is it for me. No other locks, anyone could be gone.
    Maybe Lewis. Maybe Glowinski could be. But that’s not the point of a lock.

    Avril and Clark
    Bennett
    Reed, Rubin

    Who else is a lock, really, on that DL?

    BW, KJ.

    I see Morgan leaving before Marsh, tbh.
    Coyle, KPL, French all competing.
    Longa, Robertson. Overton is a SAM candidate.

    Kam, Earl, Richard, Lane, Shead

    BB is probably the most likely, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see him off.
    Powell is a good net. High grade on him.

    • RealRhino2

      At first I was like tl;dr, but then I brb’d to read, but Idk wth you are saying b/c ur abbreviations and nicknames are tiring and not always obvi.

      • nichansen01

        He’s just realeasing all of his pent up chatspeak after being on fieldgulls for too long.

        • Kenny Sloth

          Yea-No

          It’s a little too, how does one put this, passionate? over there.

          • dawgma

            Yeah, they insist your actually post comprehensible English and not whatever the hell you shat out up above.

            • Kenny Sloth

              Nice. Respectful.

              The passion is strong with this one.

              Some folks ain’t had no trouble with it.

              Maybe it’s you? Laziness?

              That’d be my top guess.

            • Kenny Sloth

              I know you all expect better from me.

              Don’t wanna disappoint my fans!

              The people have spoken, no more abbrvtns

              If you don’t know who these guys are, you’re probably talking to the wrong person about the Seahawks.

              Waiting on Dawgma’s list of locks for next season.

              Hopefully, EVERYONE can read it and no-one will be mean to him on the internet.

      • Kenny Sloth

        Sorry to tire your eyes. I definitely typo’d Lockett

    • C-Dog

      Personally, I think it would be a big shocker if Glowinski didn’t make the squad.

      They might keep 5 WR if they want to keep an extra RB, and not knowing how durable Rawls’ ankle is going to be, they might well want to carry an extra runner this year, especially if CJ factors in with the wide outs.

      I think Quinton Jefferson is close to a lock on the DL, considering he’s a hard working kid and they traded next year’s 4th rounder to move up in the 5th to draft him. I think it would be a shocker if he didn’t make the squad.

      Kris Richard said recently that Morgan is the front runner to replace Bruce at SAM.

      • Kenny Sloth

        You’re right on all counts, probably.

        Really like Jefferson. Great production. Mature.

        Glowinski should probably be a lock.

    • vrtkolman

      I’m hoping someone comes out of nowhere and takes the RT spot from Webb. Maybe Poole? I really just don’t like Webb at all, and he would be fine as a swing OL depth guy.

      • H M Abdou

        I agree 100%. Not in love with Poole.

        • H M Abdou

          Sorry I meant to say not in love with WEBB. I hope Poole (in better condition now) can compete with him and start at RT. I’d want anyone to start instead of Webb.

          • RealRhino2

            Webb couldn’t possibly have looked worse in his years than Poole did last year in the preseason.

            Kenny, just having some fun with you about all the nicknames and abbreviations, although it did make things a little harder to figure out.

            Who is chop chop? And why?

            I don’t think Boykin is anything close to a lock. He can run around; who cares? Lots of guys can run around. My guess would be Russ and TJack, and Boykin to the PS.

            I think we keep Collins over CMike because we’d lose Collins on the PS. Same reason we keep Lawler and go with six WRs. PRich is a lock. Provides unique speed.

            I don’t think you give up a 4th to get Jefferson to just cut him, and he won’t make the PS, so he’s a keeper. Lose Hill if you have to.

            • Kenny Sloth

              No worries. Chop chop is Kearse.

              Cuz he the other white meat.

            • Kenny Sloth

              I still think Boykin is the future at QB2. He’d have to be really underwhelming for them to bring back TJax.

              While Russ is healthy, I think it’s fine to have a scrappy young upstart there. TJax is waiting by the phone if need be.

              Why lose a young player when you can keep your boy on the ghost roster and essentially have him ready to come in whenever.
              Quite brilliant to keep him on the couch, honestly.

              • CharlieTheUnicorn

                Boykin has been my guy for awhile… to make the Seahawks.
                I really like his game.. and he plays so similarly to RW… such a natural fit. He is a rookie, so he has a bunch to learn… but RW would be a perfect mentor for him to get to another level in the NFL.

                • Kenny Sloth

                  He’s got everything you want in a developmental QB. Great attitude.

                  Could end up being the best QB from this draft.

                  Biggest hurdle will be finding meaningful reps, in my opinion.

                  • CharlieTheUnicorn

                    He’ll get plenty of hot preseason action. He works very well with Hunt already, so this helps the scout team and back-up get great reps.

                  • H M Abdou

                    I also would like to see some new blood in there as Russ’ backup. Boykin looks like he has a good chance, and I’m looking forward to seeing how (and if) he progresses leading up to week 1.

  70. vrtkolman

    I’m still feeling that the interior line is going to be a sizeable upgrade over last year. Glowinski at LG has potential to be a massive upgrade over Britt, even his floor is probably a good upgrade.

    Ifedi has potential to be a massive upgrade over Sweezy too. I thought I had missed something when Tampa gave him $6 million a year, but then after seeing them trade up in the 2nd round to draft a kicker it all made sense. As you can tell, I didn’t really think much of Sweezy as a blocker. His toughness and bullying nature will be missed.

    Starting Lewis from day one will be a massive upgrade over the Nowak/Lewis combo from last year. I’m still in shock that actually happened for as long as it did. Was the Britt – Nowak – Sweezy trio the worst interior pass protection line in NFL history? The stats say yes.

  71. 503Hawk

    Hey Rob, we need to start a new thread. How about a quickie, rumor, anything.

    • CharlieTheUnicorn

      He is taking a BREAK.

      • Kenny Sloth

        Laugh my ass off, that’s why I’ve been posting 50% of the comments.

    • Kenny Sloth

      We sound like addicts hahah

      Come on, Robby, one lil hit for old time’s sake?

  72. Old but Slow

    It is much appreciated from this environs that we have so many dedicated fans with a draft problem to keep this site moving even when Rob is taking a much needed break. Hopefully, he is gaining much good will with his wife during this period and will come back to us much refreshed, much appreciated (by said wife), and much welcome to those of us with the affliction.

    • 503Hawk

      Way to throw cold water on our tongue-in-cheek bantering! ?

      • H M Abdou

        Hahaha!

        Hopefully Rob is getting much needed and deserved rest!

    • Volume12

      We can always debate Michael Bennett possibly holding out, and sending out tweets from PFF about what he brings to the table. And then I’m sure everyone will turn on him and start hatin’ like they did with Kam last year.

      Or we can talk about what an amazing press conference Ricardo Lockette had. I hope fans now realize why Seattle kept him around. He was a highly respected leader in that locker room.

      Seattle has a very special, family like culture going on right now. A truly incredible team

      Asked if he felt bad about what happened, Lockette replied, ‘No, because I’m a dog on the field. You live by the sword and die by the sword.’ Sums him up perfectly.

      Throw your L’s up one last time for him.

      #Weallwegot
      #LOB (love our brothers)

      You will be missed ‘Rockette!’

  73. nichansen01

    Germaine Ifedi moving inside to right guard is in no way a disappointment to me.

    The ‘guard is less important than tackle’ argument is bogus to me. It’s been said many times here that Russell Wilson can deal pressure off the edges far batter than interior pressure. If Ifedi can be the best guard we have… Play him at guard. In Seattle, the guard position might be more important than the tackle position.

    Remember in the first four weeks we face the likes of Wilkerson, Suh, Donald and Buckner.

    Webb seems like the Giacomini type to me. He’ll be fine run blocking. Pass blocking? That’s why we drafted Vannet.

    • C-Dog

      I totally agree with this 100%.

      IMO, the decision to move Ifedi to guard was way more exciting than the idea of him being drafted to be a RT. A; he projects much stronger inside, and B; Inside rush is what gave this team the biggest fits last year. I would rather have him grow into a dominant guard than be a decent tackle. Put him at the position where he has the chance to shine the brightest.

    • CharlieTheUnicorn

      Think about this point, both the RT and RG have around 36″ long arms. Not only will DL have a hard time getting into their frame and moving them, but they can handle pass rushers with speed more effectively. I see a lot to like. I just like how the line has 10 guys who can play a variety of positions and they are all athletic and have some size to them. It might have taken 4 years, but this is more than likely the type of line TC wants….. size, athleticism, and football smart.

      • C-Dog

        Yeah, I love all this.

  74. Madmark

    This the cool part about this website. Rob gets a well deserved break and we get to continue our thoughts on his website and to continue to make it better.
    This is my Mad Rampage about the draft.
    I loved the draft and thought Seattle nailed it. There was so much defensive talent that they grabbed what they needed and the got the farm guys like DeAndre Elliott CB in UDFA. That’s how much talent was on the defensive side. They had to get OL first that was the biggest need but they played it really smart by dropping down and get their guy and a 3rd round pick. What I really like is Seattle got the guy they wanted and that 3rd round pick. What I like even more is moving him to RG to start and not pushing him into tackle spot because he’s not ready. Reed was an opportunity Seattle couldn’t pass up. I pushed Austin Johnson DT Penn St. but then he was taken and Reed was still there and Seattle traded up and got him this was the steal of the draft. We replaced Mebane and that enough said about that. The next at RB wasn’t a surprise and now that I look at my pick I like Seattle’s pick better. Its what’s required from a 3rd back, well I think 220lbs compared to 192lbs in the NFL can make a difference. I was surprised with picking 3 RB but I like it what better way to get better with lots of competition. I thought Alex Collins was a great grab in the draft. Zac Brooks I had nothing on. Oh while I’m thinking about it there’s a Nigerian connection on the OL with Rees and Germain , Could be future G and T? The biggest surprise was the drafting of another TE. Why you might ask? Well I’ve been looking for that Miller TE that Seattle hasn’t had since he left. Tracie Kelce was a pick I had when Seattle took Michaels. Nick Vannett will be better. We have to give him a year in the ZBS but after that this guy is going to be that nasty TE that blocks and when necessary is a safe target for RW to emergencies. One year this guy will be the complete TE that Seattle is looking for and we didn’t have to buy him in FA for 35M. Quinton Jefferson makes a lot of sense since Hill is in the last year of his contract and if he’s injured you can say bye bye. They definitely made a smash in the UDFA department both on the defense and offense and has increased the talent even more. I’m actually excited.

  75. j hawk

    I am not an addict, just because I just watched sea-9ers and sea-squeelers again. Our interior was

    dreadful especially Lewis. Someone needs to step up and grab that C spot and I don’t care who it is.

  76. Darth12er

    I’m not buying this whole Marshawn hasn’t filed for retirement so maybe he will play this year thing. Maybe, just maybe he takes the year off and comes back/works it out to be a free agent and finishes in Oakland.

    I like the idea of Britt trying his hand at C. At first I thought it was his last hoorah, if he doesn’t somehow win the spot, he’s cut. If he ends up not starting I think he will last through his contract, bad but a valuable backup who should know all 3 spots. And who knows, perhaps a comp pick will come of it. But, I’m legitimately excited for the possibility of him starting at C. Better athlete than the other true C’s, and he could potentially really develop there. I’d like to hope so, at least. Just add it to the list of intriguing camp battles.

    This whole thing with signing and releasing long snappers is odd. Trying to save a buck by cutting Gresham? I didn’t think he did anything to deserve to be cut. So here’s my question…Could Joey Hunt be the long term answer there?? Can he long snap? Long term backup C and long snapper? That would make sense to me.

    • Kenny Sloth

      Sowell’s been a long snapper before. Cable said he’s played all 5 spots before.

      In my humble opinion he is here to push Britt for a roster spot as much as he is challenging for left tackle

      • Volume12

        If they cut Sowell, they get a 6th round comp pick.

        Right now we’re looking at…

        1st
        2nd
        3rd
        4th (Bruce Irvin)
        4th (JR Sweezy)
        5th
        6th
        7th (Kevin Norwood trade)
        7th

        Sowell not making the 53 man roster would get us back the Mebane comp. Interested to see how they feel about that.

  77. bankhawk

    I’d just like to say that the cast of regulars is upholding the tradition and the honor of this online community commendably while our host is on his well-earned sabbatical. I just wanted to toss out a possible topic for folks to kick around while we wait for something notable to happen.
    Which of our draft picks, previous year’s depth players, and bumper crop of UDFA’s that you feel are unlikely to make the final 53 (or PS) will you be most sorry to see go? I always have a few every year that I really want to make it but the numbers game dictates otherwise. We are so stacked this year (in my opinion) that there will be some good ones not in Hawk Blue come the season. Which ones would you expect to see get on another team’s final roster (always a good demonstration of how our front office really does its job well too).
    I know that the level of the competition in Brandin Bryant’s is open to some question, but I sure liked what I saw. It’s tough that he ‘s up against a Husky alum for that DL/FB possible roster spot. Any feelings on the matter?

    • bankhawk

      *Brandin Bryant’s game tape*

      • j hawk

        Loved the Bryant tape a lot. Unless Hill shows up big time in camp I suspect Hill will go by-by. Imho Jefferson and Bryant should make the team. There should be quite a few position battles in camp-can’t wait.

    • Kenny Sloth

      People we love that might not make it?

      About half the DBs

      • bankhawk

        Yeah. DB was for sure one of those stacked positional areas i had in mind. Was it Seisay who was released on an ịnury waiver? What becomes of him now? And obviously the stage is set for a little drama revolving around C Mike, one way or another. Sure hoping Lawler finds a way to hang in thêre and bulk up some. Like what i see thêre as well. But Bryant! Really loved wnat I saw on that tape! Replicating that against NFL level competition, is however, another matter.

    • Volume12

      Until bullets start flyin’ and the reps become live, it’s hard to say.

      I don’t think 14 or so rookies will make this team. That’s for sure.

      Brandin Bryant is someone I like, but unless he balls out in pre-season, I’m not expecting him to make it. More likely they keep Silver Silinga.

      I know, he’s not a pass rusher, why would they? Seattle always carries 3 run stuffers.

      How can you pass rush if you don’t stop teams on 1st and 2nd down?

    • Darth12er

      Not a UDFA, but I’m rooting for Pinkins

  78. Old but Slow

    A few days ago the league deadline passed so that vet free agents will no longer cost a compensation pick if taken from another team.

    With that in mind, is the team likely (or unlikely) to sign a free agent or two? And, if so, at what position?

    • bankhawk

      I’m thinking finances being what they are-it’s unlikely they make any kind of serious addition. We’re well stocked for camp bodies as it is and key positions already figure to have some pretty fierce competition. so, unless it’s T. Jackson coming in from the cold, I tend to doubt it. Still, I never put it past JS/PC to find a way to surprise lil’ ol’ me!

      • bankhawk

        Maybe more so towards the end of camp after two rounds of cuts? More FAs floating around and maybe more wiggle room after our cuts?

        • bankhawk

          *end of pre-season* OOps.

  79. vrtkolman

    Some draft news – Shaq Lawson needs shoulder labrum surgery and could miss 4-6 months. His rookie season could already be shot. Shaq was supposed to be a fairly safe prospect but as always, the draft is a crapshoot!

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