I’ve never felt comfortable doing a mock draft this early before, not since 2008 when I started writing this blog. Of course it’s way too early to try and get any of this right — it’s just a chance to highlight the depth in this class and certain prospects who are worth watching during the college season. But this is possibly the most interesting group we’ve covered so far.
The 2017 draft has the potential to be one of the best in recent years. That’s not an overreaction.
(Team-record-strength of schedule-pick)
1. Browns 0-5 (.583) — Deshone Kizer (QB, Notre Dame)
2. Panthers 1-4 (.640) — Leonard Fournette (RB, LSU)
3. Jets 1-4 (.609) — Myles Garrett (EDGE, Texas A&M)
4. Bears 1-4 (.583) — Jabrill Peppers (S, Michigan)
5. 49ers 1-4 (.542) — Deshaun Watson (QB, Clemson)
6. Dolphins 1-4 (.458) — Tim Williams (EDGE, Alabama)
7. Chargers 1-4 (.455) — Malik Hooker (S, Ohio State)
8. Saints 1-3 (.550) — Malik McDowell (DE, Mighican State)
9. Jaguars 1-3 (.474) — Marlon Humphrey (CB, Alabama)
10. Giants 2-3 (.696) — Dalvin Cook (RB, Florida State)
11. Titans 2-3 (.600) — Reuben Foster (LB, Alabama)
T12. Bengals 2-3 (.560) — Jonathan Allen (DE, Alabama)
T12. Buccaneers 2-3 (.560) — Justin Evans (S, Texas A&M)
14. Cardinals 2-3 (.520) — Tre’Davious White (CB, LSU)
15. Lions 2-3 (.478) — Carl Lawson (EDGE, Auburn)
16. Colts 2-3 (.375) — O.J. Howard (TE, Alabama)
17. Chiefs 2-2 (.450) — Jarrad Davis (LB, Florida)
18. Texans 3-2 (.583) — Mitch Trubisky (QB, North Carolina)
T19. Bills 3-2 (.520) — Jamal Adams (S, LSU)
T19. Redskins 3-2 (.520) — Azeem Victor (LB, Washington)
21. Titans via trade with Rams 3-2 (.600) — Cam Sutton (CB, Tennessee)
22. Ravens 3-2 (.458) — Marcus Maye (S, Florida)
23. Packers 3-1 (.526) — Brandon Facyson (CB, Virginia Tech)
24. Browns via trade with Eagles 3-1 (.350) — Christian McCaffrey (RB, Stanford)
25. Seahawks 3-1 (.300) — Evan Engram (TE, Ole Miss)
26. Falcons 4-1 (.500) — Demarcus Walker (DE, Florida State)
27. Steelers 4-1 (.478) — Jake Butt (TE, Michigan)
28. Raiders 4-1 (.458) — Budda Baker (S, Washington)
29. Broncos 4-1 (.440) — Jalen Tabor (CB, Florida)
T30. Patriots 4-1 (.360) — Alex Anzalone (LB, Florida)
T30. Cowboys 4-1 (.360) — Cordea Tankersley (CB, Clemson)
32. Eagles via trade with Vikings 5-0 (.458) — Quincy Wilson (CB, Florida)
Considered:
Greg Gaines (DT, Washington)
Dawuane Smoot (EDGE, Illinois)
Derek Barnett (EDGE, Tennessee)
Caleb Brantley (DT, Florida)
JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR, USC)
Malachi Dupre (WR, LSU)
Dan Feeney (G, Indiana)
Mike McGlinchey (T, Notre Dame) — has stated he wont declare
Jehu Chesson (WR, Michigan)
Lowell Lotulelei (DT, Utah)
Josey Jewell (LB, Iowa)
Cam Robinson (T, Alabama)
Sidney Jones (CB, Washington)
Mike Williams (WR, Clemson)
Zach Cunningham (LB, Vanderbilt)
Alvin Kamara (RB, Tennessee)
Damore’ea Stringfellow (WR, Ole Miss)
Thoughts on Seattle’s pick
Engram is having an incredible season and could move into top-20 contention by the end of the season. His combination of size, athleticism, incredible hands, the ability to high point and create mismatches and production deserves a lot more attention.
Rather than just repeat myself I’ll refer back to the piece on Engram from last week (click here).
Luke Willson is a free agent at the end of the season and Jimmy Graham’s contract only lasts until the end of 2017.
Check out these three plays in the video below:
3:05 — Chad Kelly throws into double coverage (almost triple coverage) and Engram makes the play. It’s a lofted pass, a jump ball. Placement is fairly good from Kelly (back shoulder) and Engram is able to locate the football and make a play. The coverage is pretty good but Engram’s body control, size and ability to locate the football makes him a really difficult matchup. Explosive pass completion for about 40-yards.
5:28 — Underthrown pass from Chad Kelly. Look how Engram adjusts and attacks the football, showing off a fantastic vertical jump and high-pointing the ball above the cornerback. A better throw (hitting Engram in stride) could’ve led to a massive gain — the safety has a bad angle and it legitimately could’ve been a touchdown with space along the sideline. Without Engram’s play it could’ve been a pick. This is just a fantastic catch. Go watch it. Now.
6:42 — Straight forward touchdown. The defense stands off Engram in the slot giving him way too much of a cushion. He settles down underneath and runs it in. I wanted to highlight it because it a.) it’s a score and b.) he makes a defender miss, albeit far too easily.
No offensive linemen?
This is not a good class if you want to improve your O-line in the early rounds. Notre Dame’s Mike McGlinchey says he won’t declare. He could change his mind (Will Fuller made a similar remark a year ago). Cam Robinson looks the part and is a good run blocker but carries serious character risks.
There’s a decent collection of guards but how often do you see the position drafted in round one?
This has been brewing for a while. The top High School recruits want to play defense. The colleges want the top recruits so accommodate their wishes. Some get moved to the O-line after a year or two (eg Cam Erving). The rest play defense. There’s a serious mismatch between the O-lines and D-lines in college and the dearth of talent is starting to translate to the NFL.
The top-100 lists compiled by the NFL Network usually only have 4-5 offensive linemen named. Most of the league is scrambling around to find an answer at left tackle. Teams like Seattle are taking on projects like ex-Basketball star George Fant because what’s the alternative? There isn’t one unless you’re picking in the top ten.
The league is littered with bad pass protection and the best teams are finding ways to manage the problem. Minnesota are a good example — they’re 5-0 and playing without their starting left and right tackles at the moment, yet Sam Bradford isn’t feeling the impact. You can game-plan around these issues — but the entire NFL would surely rather see more quality left tackles coming through the college ranks. The well is dry at the moment.
Rob I know it’s early but what is your feel for where the tiers are?
Premier talents 1-5, next tier 6-20, next tier 21-50…That sort of thing.
Top five at the moment looks fantastic, really like 6-15. Then the value as things stand today could be pretty similar from 15 to about 45.
Thanks. That presents some good options for the Hawks then. They might have a good chance to pull a 2016 type move, trade down a few picks for someone hot on a guy and get a good ransom in return. Or I suppose move up a few spots if they see an edge rusher slipping a little.
Jabrill, not Julius, Peppers
I really like the UW prospects coming out this year, but I’m always afraid my homerism gets in the way. Is Budda big enough to go in the 1st? He’s listed at 5’10”, but I’ve stood next to him in person in Freshman year when we were in the same dorm. No one is even talking about Victor going top-20 either, and I’m all for it, but I know my homer goggles get in the way.
I think they’re definitely both capable of going as early as this mock suggests.
Also, shouldn’t the teams with the same record be flip-flopped? The lower SOS gets the higher pick right?
It’s done correctly — not sure on the specifics on the number but just lifted the order from a Cleveland Browns site (they’re tracking the draft quite closely already).
As they should be, what else do they have to look forward to!
//sad trombone
Seahawk scouts at LSU today. One of about 12 teams that stayed around and watched the practice.
Any thoughts on who they might be looking at? Whenever I’ve watched LSU, Davon Godchaux stood out, though he has had a recent domestic violence debacle. His “indefinite suspension” was rather short, so that puts a few things into context.
Godchaux was heading for R1 before that. Not sure what happens now.
Tony Pauline had him as a 1st rounder.
Fournette wasn’t practicing. And he’s obviously a top 5-10 pick anyways.
Ethan Pocic was just moved to OT and I believe today was his 1st practice there, but I could be wrong about that.
If ya look around the NFL, rosters are filled with DBs from LSU. They got 4 eligible, draftable talents this year in CBs Tre’Davious White and Dwayne Thomas and safeties Jamal Adams and Ricky Jefferson.
LB Kendall Beckwith certainly fits as a big SAM ‘backer, but I’m not sure he’s athletic enough for us at that spot. However, Bruce Feldman said he was timed at about 4.6 during spring testing/junior pro day.
S Jamal Adams can definetly be a Deone Bucannon type player for me at the next level. He’s probably a top 20 pick, but takes bad angles to the ball (I’m nitpicking here) because he’s so aggressive and explosive. His personality and style of play would fit this defense perfectly. I can’t remember who, but I was listening to a podcast and they said Adams has a cocky personality that might turn teams off, but thought he’d mesh with Seattle and fit our culture.
I agree with Rob about Godchaux, and DT Christian LaCouture is out for the year.
I’ve read that scouts think highly of DE Tashawn Bower, but does he have the production for a team like Seattle?
My guess? Adams, Pocic, Beckwith, or Thomas.
Although if Tre’Davious White has the athletic profile to match our DBs, and the arm length, he might and I stress the word MIGHT, be the type of corner and playmaker they would take in the 1st.
But, I have my doubts about them taking a corner that early.
I’m seeing 3 and possibly 4 QBs taken in the first round. Would all 4 be 1st round talents, most likely not… but after watching some of the DREADFUL QB play so far in 2016….
Browns
49ers
Bears
Jets
Saints (if Brees is not back)
Chargers (if Rivers is not back)
Are all in need of a developmental QB or a flat out starter…..
I also have a hard time believing that there would not be more WRs taken in the first and less TEs….
I’m also not seeing any OL picked in the 1st round, did I miss something???
Awww come on. Kap is back!! He’s going to return to his pre-superbowl form and do just enough to bump 49ers QB draft pick to the 3rd round.
I agree that there will probably be a few more wide receivers picked in the first round and less cornerbacks. But if the draft shakes out this way it would be an excellent chance for Seahawks to pick up an excellent wide receiver.
I haven’t done deep research on this guy or anything but I’d really like this pick assuming we let Luke Willson walk and there’s OL talent (specifically guard talent) later in the draft that we can get (a Glowinski type).
Going into 2017 with Jimmy Graham, Nick Vannett and I am pretty sure I’d like to see us re-sign Brandon Williams (blocker, ST, receiving ability) makes for a really good TE group. Throw in a Jordan Reed type of TE, a guy that can be a WR or TE…that is awesome. I think about Graham and Engram being used in the slot and out wide a bunch and then Vannett and Williams being used to block in-line. Then occasionally change it up (so we aren’t predictable) and have Vannett & Williams run routes and Jimmy & Engram block.
As for OL, man it is a bummer that this draft class looks weak. Hopefully there are some quality guards or tackles that can play guard (like Ifedi is). As of right now I love having a really, really good interior OL. I think it’s critical to Russell Wilson’s passing success. If Sowell develops into a more consistent and serviceable LT and if Gilliam gets back to where he was at the end of last year or better at RT then I am fine with the idea of going into camp in 2017 with Fant competing with Sowell for LT and someone competing with Gilliam for RT.
However if we’ve got a guard on the roster or through the draft that we think can play at a high level and keep our interior OL strong, then I am all for pushing Ifedi out to RT (assuming he looks really good there) and having Gilliam, Sowell, Fant and whoever else compete for LT and backup RT. Is Odhiambo ready to play guard at that point? If so we can move Glow to RG and slide Odhiambo in at LG.
Gotta ask yourself though, if Gilliam and Sowell look solid by the end of this season or even if we can upgrade from Sowell to Fant, is it better to keep the continuity going and just keep Glow-Britt-Ifedi-Gilliam as the ’17 unit?
Why specifically guard talent? We need help at Tackle. I’m curious what their timeline for Ifedi is. If they move him out for 2017, and Gilliam, Fant, Sowell fight for LT that wouldn’t be too bad. Let Odhiambo challenge a mid-round guard for the RG position.
My biggest gripe with Sowell is lack of strength, sometimes he just gets thrown to the ground. I don’t think he is getting beat by speed unless RW holds onto the ball too long. So if Sowell can improve his core strength, I see him as a long term addition.
Drafting wise it didn’t make sense to me that we would draft first round for a guard. But then there was a counter argument that by keeping a strong interior it would protect RW better. In the past they have tried people at tackle and moved them to guard if it didn’t work out. Now it sounds like they are going to try people at guard first and then move them out. Maybe that is better or maybe Ifedi will never leave that position.
Sowell has definetly improved, but he’s not a long term solution.
Rob, I know it’s way too early for these discussions, but how do you feel now about Kyler Fackrell leaving the board 2 picks before our 3rd round selection?
That looks like a good pick by Green Bay.
Really liked him in the draft and not surprised he’s had a good start in GB. Obviously would’ve liked Seattle to get him — and to answer your question, that’s intensified by the fact the Seahawks have got absolutely nothing from their three third round picks so far.
Yeah that is rough about the 3rd rounders.
Hopefully we get to see Vannett this weekend.
I can’t help but wonder if all 3 of those guys were drafted for a year in advance. Odhiambo strikes me as that 6th O-lineman type that ‘Pig’ Bailey previously filled.
Hopefully Prosise and Vannett get healthy real quick. Even if they were healthy, I wonder what their full snap count would be. Prosise probably won’t get meaningful snaps for a few weeks since he has that cast still, but maybe Vannett can be solid for 10-ish snaps and catch a ball or two and do the FB-esque things Willson was doing.
Here’s my speculation on Fackrell that I posted after the draft:
1. JS admitted near the end of the Draft Day 3 Press Conference that there were “what we call ‘upsets’: there’s guys that we’re getting ready to take that get taken, you know, and we just try to help each other through that process.”
http://www.seahawks.com/video/2016/04/30/john-schneider-and-pete-carroll-draft-day-3-press-conference
(18:57)
This, together with having lost Bruce Irvin and how Rob showed us what the Hawks would like about Fackrell at OLB, could mean Kyler Fackrell was the original target. He went just two picks before ours at #88 to GB. Happens…
2. In another interview at the end of Day 2, JS also revealed that “we almost traded out” [of R3]. That probably points to pick 94, since comp. pick 97 couldn’t be traded.
http://www.seahawks.com/video/2016/04/29/2016-nfl-draft-day-2-john-schneider-interview
(2:19)
This just throws more fuel on the fire, in my mind. Perhaps their idea as their picks at the end of R3 got closer was Fackrell, Prosise, Vannett. Once Fackrell was off the board, they were willing to trade one of those 3rd round picks if they got the right offer, knowing that they could wait and likely still get Odhiambo in a later round. Guess they never got an offer that outweighed securing Odhiambo. (who JS said would have been a top 45 pick if it weren’t for injuries. “once he gets healthy people will see how dominant he is.”)
3. The strongest clue, in my opinion, came in the ESPN 710 radio interview two days after the draft, Brock asked him about the need to address strong-side LB after Irvin’s departure. JS response: “There was a couple guys that were interesting SAMs throughout the draft. […] It was one of those positions that just didn’t just fall exactly…you know, like… you can’t add everybody.”
http://sports.mynorthwest.com/category/podcast_player/?a=10005782&sid=1007&n=Brock%20and%20Salk
(15:23)
It’s all wild guesswork, I know full well, but at least it’s based on something and I enjoy trying to deduce the possible scenarios!
I often wonder whether they could’ve sat tight in the 2nd and still got Reed.
Naa theres no way he woulda been there at 56
There wasn’t exactly a run on DT’s, look at the teams, who would’v picked him?
Well think about it Seattle moved up to get him for the very fact that they knew he wouldnt last til 56 thats why they jumped on it if they hadnt moved up its very likely another team would have moved up if seattle didnt. (Assuming no one drafts him before a team had time to move up though)
Maybe. But with that far to go, there is a good likelihood that some other team would have made a move up in between to get him.
That happens all the time.
Rob, What are your thoughts on Brad Kaaya from Miami? I know a lot of other sites have him as a 1st round lock, but I don’t see him in your mock. Is it a talent issue that keeps him out of your mock, or just a need issue? And what are your thoughts on why Trubisky is a better NFL prospect than Kaaya? Unfortunately the only time I watched Trubisky was this last weekend, which was rough.
Kaaya needs 1 more year under HC Mark Richt’s scheme.
But if he does elect to come out, would that hurt him? I honestly don’t see much difference between Kaaya and Kizer. I’m not really that high on either of them as being franchise QBs, but there is always a need at the position. It seems like a team such as the Chargers, Saints, or even the Giants at this point might be looking to groom their future starters with a year or two behind their current QBs. I just feel like the ceiling for Kaaya would be higher than that of Trubisky at this point (but I’m only saying that because I’ve seen more of Kaaya than of Trubisky).
Fair question.
He’s cleaned up a lot of his game. I’m not noticing the throws off the back foot for instance. And that’s because of Richt.
You mention a few teams needing a future QB and that’s the best bet for him if he does come out this year. Sit and learn the system.
Kayaa is a very cerebral passer. Doesn’t have the physical upside of a guy like Trubisky. Kayaa is limited for me.
Kizer has so much untapped potential. I see Roethlisberger like aspects to his game. He’s raw and makes alot of the same mistakes you see from Kayaa and others, but man, some of the things he does are so natural and downright scary once he puts it all together.
Here’s a little BYU RB Jamaal Williams. Showing off everything. Notice the end switch at the end of the run. Good stuff. Smart, and he can ‘feel’ a defense or defender.
https://mobile.twitter.com/WurthDraft/status/785974108433616897/video/1
I love it. He has had a few huge runs brought back as well because of penalties as well. He was featured on NFL.com as a “Riser” from the first half of the season as a draft prospect.
I love this highlight video of him tearing up Toledo. Looks like Beast Mode in this tape with the way he runs. He is coming from a pro-style offense that has a ZBS which would be nice for the Hawks to bring in a back with some experience in a similar system.
My favorite highlight tape:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYJMynP75A4
He’s on pace for 1700 yards. Would shatter the record at BYU. He might get 1,000 yards in 7 games.
1 fumble in 500 attempts.
* 1 lost fumble.
Six safeties in the first round! Has it ever happened?
This would be the year, if ever. Safety is crazy loaded this year. Of course we’ll see several fall from first round status after the combine.
I seriously can’t wait for the combine. See these safeties and tailbacks run. That will likely help sort out the rankings for me at least.
I know it’s never going to happen. I know this. But from the bottom of my heart I just want Jabrill Peppers on the Seahawks. He’s just such a fantastic player, one of the most versatile that I’ve ever seen…he’s just really freaking good.
The Hawks usually like to stock up early. They have already spent a 1st and 3rds in 2015/16 on TEs. I believe they will try to extend one of Graham/Willson this offseason; the former if he stays healthy this season. And then roll with a combination of Brandon Williams, McEvoy and Helfet. Given this, I highly doubt they go TE/WR in the first couple of rounds.
The more pressing needs seem to be on the defense. We already are very thin at LB. Plus, Kam, Bennett and Marsh are free agents in 2018. If they cannot extend any of the three this offseason (which is a possibility considering Hawks have a history of moving on from older players like Clemons, Bryant, Mebane), I believe they will go defense heavy in the draft.
Of course, OL is always an option since that position is so thin going into next year. And no one knows who replaces Sowell or if Fant is the next Sokoli.
I would hate to go the Colts route when they selected Dorsett over defense/OL.
I wouldn’t compare it to the Colts. They had zero core players on defense and drafted Dorsett. The Seahawks have an elite defense, most of which is signed up long term.
It’s also worth noting that this is just a ridiculously early round one projection — and they could easily address defense in the other rounds in what looks like being a deep class.
Yep. Top 12 guys on the defense by snap count are all on multi-year deals (top 2 that aren’t are McDaniel and Morgan–I’m counting Shead as locked up because there’s no way they let him leave as RFA). Defensive spots I could see in round 1 would be a LB or S/LB hybrid to take the Irvin spot, an edge rusher to rotate with/eventually replace Bennett/Avril, or a true 3-down penetrating DT (but those guys aren’t normally around in the late first). But the Seahawks already have the best defense in football (at least per DVOA) and won’t be losing anyone from it, so prioritizing offense (OL if someone moves into the right value range, a versatile additional weapon for the passing game if not) makes a lot of sense, hypothetically.
Also worth noting how little Seattle uses the WILL. They’ve been taking Morgan off the field and using Clark/Marsh.
Mike Morgan is IR’d iirc? And didn’t they play him at SAM?
It looked like we had a lot more pure 3-4 looks against the Jets
Yes Morgan is the SAM my mistake. He was IR’d after the Jets game. Had played all previous games before that and did not get a lot of snaps.
Replacing Irvin is a possibility but it’s overrated as a big need for the Seahawks.
Kris Richard really called a hell of a game week before last. I was impressed with his creative packages and line games.
If there was a player with plus pass rush and athleticism to match we could consider him, but Bruce went very early for such a limited role.
Slim pickings.
What’s your take in our needs this year?
Love the Engram pick btw. I can totally see him on a top clubs roster
The Colts are in serious danger of turning into the Browns or 49ers (or a few others) with poor ownership. The excuse that Luck was paid, now we can’t field a good team around him… is “rubbish”. Seattle provided a blue print, but the Colts ignored the signs… namely a significantly aging team… then bringing in old FAs… and frankly, the defense has never been that great, even during the Manning years… it was adequate at best. The major problems right now, 1) the defense is terrible / 2) the OL is poor leading to way too many hits on Luck.
Which guys do you see getting a second large contract? One of Avril/Bennett probably have to go, and one in the secondary. I’d guess Kam, but he seems rejuvenated recently.
FYI Helfet signed with the Raiders last night.
So far this is the only mock I’ve seen with Cleveland taking RB Christian McCaffrey, and I personally think that could be his best potential landing spot. Love that fit and I just think HC Hue Jackson would love to pair him with Duke Johnson. Would give him 2 versatile pass catching backs.
Let’s be brutally honest. Pretty much any pick the Browns make will make the roster and be an upgrade.
I don’t see McCaffrey as a top 10 pick, so would they trade back from #1 or #2 or would they trade up from some lower picks to snag him around pick #20?
Thinking about the Browns roster made me shiver…. glad I follow the Seahawks and their competent ownership / front office structure. JS/PC get props for what they built and what greatness lies ahead.
I agrre. I don’t see McCaffrey as a top 10 pick either, but why would the Browns have to use a top 10 pick on him?
They have 2 firsts this year. They got Philly’s.
Kizer at QB, Johnson & McCaffrey at RB, Barnidge at TE, Pryor at WR (assuming they resign him).
That would be a fun to watch offense with that amount of versatility.
Cleveland or somewhere McCaffrey doesn’t have to be the feature back might be the best thing for him. I just don’t see him being some kind of bell cow. Get him 15-20 touches a game and maximize his ability without taking the NFL-level pounding.
The Redskins picking Victor seems like a shrewd move to me. With the troubling Su’a Cravens news, they might already need to replace him.
Another safety to look out for that I have seen in the first round of a few different mock drafts is Utah’s Marcus Williams. That dude is a ball hawk if I have ever seen one.
Good eye. Dude is twitchy.
Rob, what do you think of Wisconsin’s LB TJ Watt?
The hawks lost the 5th round pick. What will they receive in comp picks this year for Okung, Sweezy and Irvin?
Right now they got 7 picks.
1st- native
2nd- native
3rd- native
4th- *comp (Bruce Irvin)
5th- * comp (JR Sweezy)
6th- native
7th- Carolina’s (Kevin Norwood trade)
Okung signed like a $1.5/1 year deal IIRC. That doesn’t look like it’s gonna be enough to get us a comp as you’ll see here on the right side.
http://overthecap.com/draft/
Thanks V12. With the ability to trade comp picks this year it will give us the flexibility to trade in the mid rounds even with the lost of the 5th.
Yup. I think they’ll move around at least once. They’ve never had less than 8 picks under PC/JS.
For one, I don’t see a lot of needs. 3 or 4. They added 15 rookies this year already.
And secondly, this draft has a lot of premier talent at the top. First few rounds.
Okung actually signed a five year/$53 million deal, with $5 million coming his first season. The catch is that the Broncos have an option with Okung after this season and and can basically be clear of $48 million dollars. That’s why everyone says it’s a one-year deal.
The base salary for 2016 is $2 million, and he got another $2 million since he’s been active for at least one game. The last million should have gotten to him had he participated in 90% of offseason workouts.
If they don’t void it, does that change it to a 3? Browner dropped, but that was because he was cut.
It looks like the Sowell and Webb signings cancel out the comps for Okung and Mebane. All 4 are qualifying UFAs. Or were I should say.
There’s lots of fluid things still in play that will determine the final 2017 comp picks, roster moves, performance, etc.
It’s notable (though highly unlikely) that the Hawks could gain some picks if they were to cut either Webb or Sowell this season. Things like that.
They’d have to cut them before week 8. Once your on an active roster for 8 games, it counts as a full season
Would anyone complain if they cut Webb? Aside from Webb, of course.
Thoughts on the mock:
1-5 perfect
6-12 OK but J Allen the 4th Bama guy off the board, just don’t see it although all could go R1?!
13+ Think Victor & Azalone are good but not R1; positional value & not elite MLBs IMO, prob R2-3.
Also believe Butt and 1-2 DBs also drop out; (Tabor should be higher)
Replacing those in R1 would likely be 3 DEs Barnett, Smoot, Harris, OT Robinson, WR Williams IMO
In terms of the Hawks pick, if the draft fell this way I’d personally take Robinson. Believe he’d have a greater impact in terms of helping both the passing & run games as well as in terms of protecting Wilson.
Hey, Rob, meant to ask about your placing Kizer up top.
Do you think he has the tools to overtake Watson definitively or is this taking into account the hype he’s been receiving?
Do you genuinely believe in his potential as a franchise QB.
What were your thoughts on Baylor’s Seth Russell and Miami’s Brad Kaaya?
I really like their deep accuracy and leadership. Field tilting intangibles that I don’t see with Watson and Kizer.
Went back and watched some Deshone Kizer. He does look like Cam Newton. Maybe the biggest arm in the class and certainly the most impressive runner in this class. He must have bulked up, because I remember him looking a lot more Deshaun Watson’s size.
Mitch Trubisky still has some question marks for me. Saw some questionable accuracy and decision making. His arm is huge and his escapability and pocket awareness is hot and cold. He has Blaine Gabbert athleticism. Definitely a plus in that category. I think I still prefer several other QB’s to him. He has a very low release typical of this class. Gets a lot of passes batted.
A natural fit for McCaffrey in my estimation…. Dallas Cowboys.
Pair him up with Elliot…. you are set for the next 3 years at RB.
They would then have the offense pretty much set except at TE (depth) and WR (depth).
They can always work on the defense later in the draft and FA.
Truly a team on the rise with borderline Homerun 2016 draft (so far)…. at RB, QB etc
I think it would be hard for them to justify grabbing McCaffrey in the first, even though I agree that the situation would be perfect for McCaffrey. There are some great pass rushers in this class, so I would assume that they would address this first. Their pass rush is terrible.
It would be reasonable to believe that a pass rush would be terrible if the two presumed starters, both drafted recently in the second round, had been suspended. Demarcus Lawrence’s return should prove dividends (he did have eight sacks last year), and while Randy Gregory has gone down the road he had hoped the NFL would be too much fun to go down, he was still considered a first round lock before showing up positive for marijuana at the combine. They also drafted Charles Tapper in April, a guy a lot here liked. They’ve got a lot of youth and talent going forward, so pass rush isn’t as big of a need as is first perceived.
That being said, it wouldn’t be that surprising if they took in another pass rusher, just in case either Lawrence or Gregory flubbed up again or Tapper can’t overcome this back injury he has.
They need interior DL if I remember their roster correctly.
And their secondary despite the additions of Byron Jones and Morris Claiborne is a huge weakness
Their linebackers are also shite
Gregory might be done in the NFL. Yes the positives test’S’ for marijuana didn’t help, but it was much more than that. Again, the combine is way more than the testing portion. It’s all fun and games for us, but medicals, interviews, then the drills in that order are what it’s for, and this dude had serious character concerns.
DL or secondary has to be addressed for them. Even another wide out possibly.
Tennessee DE Derek Barnett would be a great fit for them.
Yeah, I could see Gregory on the outs. The saying goes “fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me,” and while it usually takes a few more times for a front office in professional sports to give in, eventually they’ll cut the line. Considering the Cowboys haven’t cut him yet, I presume he’s on the thinnest of lines.
I really wouldn’t be surprised if they went wide receiver early. They’ve got their QB of the future, their RB, and a good offensive line that is still young. They could certainly use another guy to tag-team with Dez Bryant. What about someone like John Ross? First round may be a little early for him, but he supposedly ran a sub-4.3, and the NFL has a history of very fast flyers going in the first round. And unlike most of those guys, Ross can actually run a route.
I got WR John Ross as a mid 2nd rounder right now, but if he lights up the combine like we all think he will, he could absolutely get into the 1st.
Other than a guy like VA-Tech’s WR Isaiah Ford there really isn’t many slot receiver types that could go in the first. That could play a huge part in Ross’ stock.
I think your right. He would be a good fit for Dallas. They are missing that field stretching, take the top off a defense kind of weapon.
I look at Ross as a “Tyler Lockett” pick….. that portion of the draft… early 3rd round roughly. If we use past drafts to predict where future draft picks might fall….
as for value, slot WRs are actually pretty easy to find in FA or Vets or even in the draft, the outside…. “BIG” WR is the unicorn everyone is looking for… and with Dez Bryant constantly banged up… might have to be need pick for Dallas.
For sure.
Thing is, these types go early every year. Will Fuller, Phillip Dorsett, Brandin Cooks, etc.
I think a good comp for him would be Sterling Sherpherd. Put him in the slot in a place like ATL or CIN and he will be dangerous.
Dallas drafting running backs in the first round of two consecutive drafts? Makes no sense, especially when their defensive line is such a mess.
Anyone watch that E:60 piece on the Bennett brothers by Mina Lines?
Str8 ?!
It’ll be on again tonight. ESPN2. Highly recommend it.
Martellus Bennett said about WR Brandon Marshall, ‘might be a 6x pro bowler, but he can get knocked out too.’ ?
*Kimes
I hope everyone on this blog watches that E:60 their personalities are so attracting and interesting that it makes you automatically like them even if they have no filter haha but man I wish seattle had a tight end like martellus I honestly wish we would have traded for martellus instead of graham “my hands in the dirt bruh im out here workin” he is versitale and he would fit right in with the seahawks culture not to mention how close his brother and he are so that would help
I have liked him way back in his first season with the bears and I have always thought he was in the leagues best 10 tight ends because he is a TRUE tight end im not jumpin on the bandwagon here just because he was on that E:60 I have always admired him and the fact that he grew up in Texas helps (my home state)
‘Bama vs Tennessee. Seahawk scouts there.
They were also at C. Arkansas’ practice this week too.
Vol, what kind of interior pass-rushers you think the Hawks could target at the end of the 1st? Both Tennessee and Bama have decent prospects.
For Tennessee and ‘Bama I see 2. Game’s Jonathan Allen, but he’s probably a top 20 pick. Maybe top 10. And Da’Shawn Hand is there too, but he’s probably best served returning next year and being the star of that D-line for 2017.
Tennessee’s Derek Barnett I think could be a Michael Bennett type. Is he twitchy and athletic enough for Seattle though? This guy is a production machine, and is just as effective rushing from the interior as he is on the edge.
A few guys to monitor and Rob has touched/highlighted these guys too.
Florida’s DT Caleb Brantley. Claims he’s the best DT in CFB and might be. Explosive, !lightning quick 1st step, powerful. Some of the best burst I’ve seen. Watch the Florida vs Tennessee tape. Some of the best looking work from a DT, Brantley, that you’ll see all year.
Florida St’s DeMarcus Walker. Love this guy. His motor never stops. He’s another DE/DT or what I call a DL (defensive lineman). Fantastic pass rusher from the inside, but he’s lacking on the edge. Walker is a flat-out playmaker. Always coming up huge in critical, game defining moments.
And then there’s this guy. Probably my favorite of the guys I mentioned.
Texas A&M’s Daeshon Hall. 6’6, 270 lbs. Was originally a Udub commit, from the Seattle area, former standout BBall player. He’s long, aggressive, extremely physical and violent. Great at defending the run and playing assignment sound/disciplined football. Such a cool, cool player. Last year he rushed standing up in a 2 point stance, this year he’s 2 gapping as a DE in a 3-4, and can slide inside. Versatile man and tons of upside. Not to mention he seems like a fantastic athlete. Really has his head on straight too.
And remember, Seattle seems to love prospects from A&M. They got more guys on the roster from there than any other college.
*’Bama’s. Not game’s.
I wonder if that is where we go early in the draft. Imagine how terrifying our defense would be if we had a stud that was able to wreak havoc from the inside on the early downs. I’ll look out for Daeshon Hall, sounds like a guy the Seahawks would love to have. I was hoping that they would go after Kaufusi last year when they traded up to grab Reed, but Reed has proved to be the heir apparent to Mebane. What a steal for us that was.
Reed is a stud. Was so excited and still am that we were able to get a top 20-25 talent at that point in the 2nd round. It was a robbery honestly. He’ll be with us for a long time I think.
OT is clearly our weakest position, but it’s such a bad class for that position this year. It might be best to grab a guard in the 2nd of 3rd and kick Ifedi outside to RT.
Although, keep an eye on LSU OL Ethan Pocic who is now playing tackle.
But, I’m in the same boat as you are right now. Grab a versatile bigger bodied DE that can kick inside. I see that type of D-lineman, an O-lineman, RB, and CB as our needs. As for that SAK ‘backer position? Sign a cheap FA possibly and draft an athletic freak on day 3.
HawkFan, probably not a 1st rounder, but keep an eye on this kid from Villanoa. DL Tanoh Kpassagnon- 6’6-6’7, 290-295 lbs. Apparently he’s getting a ton of buzz and is Bering comp’d to Sean Jones from Houston (Oilers) and GB. Everything I’ve read said this dude is an absolute freak.
You know, I’m surprised no one mentioned how horrifying it would be if this draft actually came true. I mean, look at the top of the draft, at the number two pick, and you find the Carolina Panthers (shocking how high they’re up at the moment) selecting Leonard Fournette. A backfield with Newton and Fournette? Scary, yet oh so intriguing. Probably not going to happen – the defending NFC champs probably will start winning sometime soon – but can you imagine how amazing that would be?
And then the Jets adding Myles Garrett to an already stacked defensive line?
Great write up Rob this looks like another deep draft!
Anyone else been reading Sherms articles on the Players Tribune? He did a great write up today on playing CB and the different techniques.
With guys like Sherm, Baldwin, Bennett and Pete himself the Seahawks are by far the most interesting collection of personalities in professional sports and it is not even close. We certainly are a very fortunate fan base.
Loved Shermans player tribube article. I recommend it to anyone on this blog who hasnt read it yet.
Wow. These unis SD has on are so dope! The color rush done right.
Agreed, they’re very sharp.
Agree! The game itself though, hmmm. Melvin Gordon was a 1st round pick? It doesn’t look like he can see a hole if it was 20 feet wide, and he lacks any kind of initial burst. A couple of Broncos look like they got fat and lazy in the off season, with CJ Anderson being the biggest case here.
Yup. The NFL is really lacking quality RBs right now.
That’s one reason this class, draft wise, is so exciting. There’s a legit 15 or so backs that can be starters next year. A lot of these RBs are gonna be out of jobs soon.
While the running back’s haven’t been anything special, it’s tough whenever you make a decent amount of yards, your offensive line brings those yards back thanks to penalties. How many times have the Broncos been called for holding?
At least five. And Okung’s last hold came on a phenomenal individual effort touchdown by CJ Anderson with 4 minutes left. The next two plays were a sack and a fumble to essentially end the game.
Man, I really hope DE Frank Clark can go on Sunday. We need him. 3 sacks in 4 games from him is not a fluke. He’s having a breakout season and I hope, fingers crossed, injuries don’t de-rail that.
i didnt know he was hurt Vol12
Yeah he’s got a hammy issue going on right now. Didn’t practice yesterday or today.
What happened to Okung? Heard he left the game in an ambulance.
I saw his holding penalty essentially end the Broncos chances. Stopped watching with 3 minutes left. Was playing when I tuned out.
Jatavis Brown looks legit.
Last two plays were a sack and a fumble to end Denver’s night.
He’s a stud. Quite a few on here liked him a lot. Trevor was his biggest supporter IIRC.
The knock on him was his size. ‘Oh, he’s too small to do this and that.’ BWagz is maybe 6’0 tall. Looks more like 5’11 to my eye.
I’ll repeat this all year. Size is NOT a skill!
You know who else is a stud and was a VMAC visitor? Denver S Will Parks. ST’s demon and man he woulda been perfect for our defense as that S/NB hybrid.
The kid from Arizona? I thought he tested kinda bad?
Yeah I remember lots of people loved him. Never put on the tape though, maybe but once.
He was dehydrated, went to ER/Hospital
They said concussion symptoms. It’s already the second injury for him this year.
What do you guys think of Julie’n Davenport from Bucknell? He’s an OT, but like the rest of this class will likely kick inside at the next level, for me.
Mason Cole has been switched from LT for the last two years to C this year for Michigan’s OL.
I’m always most interested in who they’re making room for when they shuffle starters on the OL.
Who is Harbaugh trusting with the LT spot after moving his 25 time starter there? Who played LT instead of Germain Ifedi?
They moved Cole for Newsome ( the 6’7″ 318# stud sophomore).. but with newsome out for the year now— Could we see Cole moving back?
Is there tape of Davenport? Heard he has 35″ arms.
I like that Erik Magnuson cat from Michigan. One of the better looking RT’s I’ve seen this year.
On the bye week I went back and re watched the first 4 games with a focus on the OL.
-I can’t believe I am saying this but Justin Britt looks like the long term answer at C and is playing at a Pro Bowl level. No one has been more critical of Britts potential than I have been so to see this type of play from him is amazing to me. He looks like a true building block in a key position for the is OL.
-As crazy as it is to say the OL seemed to really miss Ifedi when he was out. The fact that they miss an rookie OL man is a little scary but that guy has a presence that is obvious and to me he looks like a great pick to build around. I believe the middle of our OL will be a strength for the offense as the year progresses as Britt, Glowinski and Ifedi all look very solid to me and give me a lot of optimism going forward.
-Sowell seems to be getting his feet under him but still looks mismatched athletically as a LT. He would be a great backup swing guy with great character and toughness but we need an LT! I hope Fant can develop into one because I don’t see one in this draft class. On a related note seeing Okung holding calls last night did not make me regret the decision not to resign him.
-Gilliam is by far my biggest disappointment on the OL. I trully thought he could be out LT of the future but he almsot seems to have regressed. I am not sure if the off season injury is the casuse but the big leap I was expectcing in year 2 is clearly not there. He is not even playing adequate RT and is a liability in both the pass and run game. I still have hope for him but I am starting to think we may need both an LT and RT.
-Webb is this years Carey Williams. Enough said!
I agree with pretty much everything you said. Ifedi was pretty decent against the Jets start studded D line.
One of the local reports on the bye week asked PC what players have stood out at the quarter mark of the season to him. He talked about Graham and then quickly pivoted to Ifedi and talked about how excited he was. Given he didn’t play most of the first quarter that is pretty big praise.
Great post Trev. Wish ya would post more my man. ?
Ifedi just gives us that physicality on the offense side of the ball. Guys feed off of that like they did with Lynch.
Actually been impressed with Sowell as of late. Is he a long term option? No. But he can be a bridge for us until 2018 in what looks to be one of the better OT classes.
Disappointed in Gilliam as well. I’ll reserve judgement on him for a little while because of how raw he is. I think trying him out at LT during OTAs and whatnot hurt his development. It’s not an easy transition to go from RT to LT. The footwork and left side/right side of the brain is completely different.
Thanks Vol was building a house and we just finished up so will be getting back into the swing of things now. I am have to catch up on my CFB as I am way behind this year on the prospects etc. Will be relying on you and Rob and the rest of the crew to get caught up on things.
I think the Hawks are ready for a run this year though!
Right now, Sowell>Gilliam, and it isn’t close. Sowell is not a good athlete.. never will be, but he is serviceable for now. Gilliam has truly been a mess. Gilliam really progressed over the course of last season but it almost looks like he went back to square one. Knee Cyst surgery issue? Gilliam has always had strength issues… he still looks thin for a right tackle. Just getting overpowered again and again.
Love ifedi’s toughness even if he makes rookie mistakes here and there. Gives the line attitude. Britt is the best player, while Glowinski still looks slightly over powered (I am confused about reports of him being strongest linemen on the team).
Joey Bosa missed the first 4 games of the season, yet already leads all rookies in pressures with 14. 7 pressures a game, that’s freaking outstanding. I think the Chargers hit a home run with their draft – Bosa, Henry, and Jatavis Brown all look like studs.
Agree completely about Bosa he has looked great.
I loved Brown coming out of Akron and I think he was a steal.
They have tons of talent on that roster just have to put it together.
Lots of talent in that R1.
I do think it’s incredibly unlikely that no WR is picked in the first round. Team needs will induce reaches here if nothing else. And it’s not like there won’t be talent to be had there.
Especially considering that last year was expected to be a down year. So there is going to be elevated need for any team that had WR needs this year and didn’t get whole. In the last 10 drafts, only one year saw a R1 without a WR taken (2008). And in 8 of those drafts, 3 or more were taken.
The league is too WR hungry to let the first frame pass without even one taken. Have to figure some of the more attractive prospects graded in the 40-55 overall range are going to see teams reach slightly to ensure they get one.
If you haven’t had a chance to watch BYU’s Jamaal Williams this year, tonight is your chance! They are playing Mississippi St. on ESPN at 7:15 PT tonight. He is such an electrifying player to watch, and I’m sure there will be plenty of talk this game as I believe he has a chance to break the school’s all-time career rushing mark.
After watching Lamar Jackson tear up Duke, stick around to watch Williams.
Watched some Williams today + some interviews. Good personality. Very busy running back. Quick feet and some nice cuts. Not exceptional speed/athleticism but decent. Would be an interesting pick in the R4-7 range I think.
HawkFan, another guy I forgot to mention.
Michigan’s Taco Charlton. 6’5-6’6, 270-275 lbs. Phenomenal length, raw power, twitched up, great bend around the edge, extremely quick. Doesn’t stay blocked. He’s got ‘it.’
C-Dog is a huge fan of this guy and now I know why. He’s not gonna be under the radar much longer.
In 4 games he’s got 4 QB sacks and 4.5 TFL.
Sounds like a good player. Is he comparable to Malik McDowell? Everyone is so high on him yet his motor seems to run hot and cold. Looks like he could pack on 15+ pounds on that frame too. Good eye.
Rob, love your mocks and your insights, but to not have a single OL or WR taken in the 1st round would be impossible. I would bet my life savings on it :D. Granted there does look to be tons of talent on the D, however Attyla mentioned above, team needs will always force guys up, and I’m sure we will know more at the end of the season and once the combine rolls around.
Not impossible if the guys aren’t there. Can Robinson is said to be a nightmare and McGlinchey says he won’t declare. Who else is there? And at WR — there’s some really nice R2 types IMO but not seen a must have WR unless you count Engram as a WR.
thanks for replying, I think you have demonstrated that you have a great eye for evaluating these prospects and I thank you for the work you put out. I just threw my statement out there with just showing how historically amazing it would be if no OL or WR were taken, but you are right if the guys don’t warrant it I guess it can happen.