Time for the Senior Bowl week. Below are some of the players I’ll be focusing on during the workouts broadcast on the NFL Network.
I’ve also posted the practise schedule.
Before we get into it though I wanted to quickly share some thoughts on Ohio State receiver Parris Campbell.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the Seahawks and the draft this week. After initially thinking this was going to all be about the D-line early, I’ve changed my mind slightly.
Here’s why:
1. We know the Seahawks are going to trade down. It’s inevitable. They won’t be picking only four times in this draft.
2. It’s very possible after trading down they’ll do what most people expect and take a front-seven defender with their first pick. It’s a need and there’s excellent depth on the defensive line and at linebacker.
3. It’s also possible they trade down into a range were the best defensive linemen and linebackers are off the board. After all, if they’re going to acquire extra picks they might need to trade down multiple times. For example, the 2018 draft was strong for running backs. However, after the Seahawks took Rashaad Penny at #27 we saw four others leave the board quickly. If something similar happens with the D-liners and linebackers, they might need to consider other positions.
4. This is why I considered T.J. Hockenson in my last mock draft. Tight end isn’t the greatest need but there might be a scenario where the Seahawks are looking for talent + impact rather than necessarily what we perceive to be the biggest need. That’s the consequence of needing to trade down. And let’s not forget — Pete Carroll recently stated he doesn’t see any glaring voids on the roster.
5. There’s still a lot to be decided. Who can they keep among their free agents? Who can they add? There’s a lot to be determined before the draft. If they re-sign or franchise Frank Clark and are able to add one or two quality veteran defensive linemen in free agency — everything changes.
6. Carroll wants to lead the league in explosive plays. For all the talk about defense and running the ball — Carroll also wants big gains and momentum swings. Carroll also values traits and unique qualities. It’s why they aggressively pursued Percy Harvin and Jimmy Graham. It’s why they drafted someone like Christine Michael early. Speed, size, suddenness, X-factor ability. They’ve always sought it.
If I was only allowed to do one more mock draft before April and I had to do it tonight — I’d pair the Seahawks with a defensive linemen. However, I’m going to be more open minded about the possibility of them drafting someone like T.J. Hockenson or Parris Campbell or D.K. Metcalf. Why? Because they have the potential to be difference makers in a way many other players in this class can’t.
Campbell is a converted running back who switched to receiver. In 2018 he made 90 receptions for 1063 yards and 12 touchdowns. He’s extremely fast, explosive and dynamic. Dwayne Haskins is being touted as a top-10 pick but a lot of his production came on extended hand-off’s to players like Campbell and the other great weapons on the Buckeye offense (K.J. Hill, Terry McLaurin etc).
Throw it out to the flat, throw a receiver screen. Campbell was capable of getting the YAC and making big gains. He also has the speed and quickness to separate downfield and make field-tilting catches.
At the SPARQ combine he ran a 4.41 forty and a 4.16 short shuttle. He jumped a 40-inch vertical and finished with an overall score of 121.8. He did that at 6-0 and 184lbs and he’s now listed at 6-1 and 208lbs. If he repeats this performance at the combine — teams are going to take notice.
Campbell is a very different receiver to Doug Baldwin and Tyler Lockett. While he’s still capable of the downfield plays — he’s very useful on screens and could be utilised in some misdirection, sweeps, some quick hitters and even some runs. A quick first-down throw to the flat could break up some of the early 1st down runs and stretch out a defense. It could provide a new angle to the offense.
It’s very possible Campbell rises along with Hockenson and they both end up going earlier than people are currently projecting. Both appear to be high character individuals and speak well during interviews. And while there are legit concerns about D.K. Metcalf’s neck injury and how it could limit his career — presumably Carroll would have some interest in a 6-3, 225lbs receiver who, according to Bruce Feldman, has been timed at 4.46 in the forty, can jump 37.5 inches in the vertical, 11-1 in the broad plus he can bench 330lbs and power clean 350lbs.
It’s something to consider during this long draft process.
Now, onto the Senior Bowl…
Senior Bowl practise schedule
These are all central time (so deduct a couple of hours for PST). The game kicks off on Saturday at 1:30pm CT.
Tuesday
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm (SOUTH)
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm (NORTH)
Wednesday
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm (NORTH)
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm (SOUTH)
Thursday
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm (NORTH)
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm (SOUTH)
Here are some of the players on each roster I’ll be keeping an eye out for…
North team
Drew Lock (QB, Missouri)
A quarterback with first round potential who was up-and-down during the 2018 season. Lock has a quirky release but all the physical tools teams look for.
Germaine Pratt (LB, NC State)
Burst onto the scene this year with tone-setting tackles and a quickness to break into the backfield and make plays. Goes into the combine with a day-three-value tag.
Darnell Savage (S, Maryland)
The combine will be Savage’s main event (he tested fairly well in SPARQ) but this is a chance to impress. He’s quick and agile and could be a mid-rounder.
Andy Isabella (WR, UMass)
A celebrated athlete with track speed. Isabella is undersized and needs to show he can compete against the DB’s here.
Marquise Blair (S, Utah)
In the lead up to the game, Senior Bowl Executive Director and former scout in Seattle Jim Nagy referred to Blair (6-2, 195lbs) as a “Seahawks safety”.
Te’Von Coney (LB, Notre Dame)
Consistent and athletic but lacks size. Some believe Coney could even be a first or second round pick.
Terry McLaurin (WR, Ohio State)
An extremely dynamic playmaker with sneaky pro-potential. One to definitely keep an eye on here and at the combine. 141.96 elite SPARQ score.
Ryan Finley (QB, NC State)
Touted as a possible first rounder in the off-season, Finley failed to impress in 2018. The Senior Bowl, however, has been a king-maker at the QB position.
Daniel Jones (QB, Duke)
Declared late in the day and seen by many as a possible top-20 pick with a good off-season. Jones is a good athlete. Can he show off arm strength and accuracy here?
Nasir Adderley (S, Delaware)
A bit of a ‘draft geeks’ favourite. Adderley is quick, hits and plays well on special teams. Can he jump up a level and show he’s worthy of a high draft grade?
Zach Allen (DE, Boston College)
Allen was unstoppable at times in 2018 and will be one of the best players in Mobile. It’ll be a treat to watch him in the 1v1 drills. First round talent.
Kaleb McGary (T, Washington)
Some considered McGary to be Washington’s best tackle going into the 2018 season. He’s very tall so can he play with leverage in the 1v1’s?
Michael Deiter (G, Wisconsin)
The best guard in the draft — plays with attitude and control. He’s played every position on the line and likely goes in the top-50.
Max Scharping (T, Northern Illinois)
Some people really like Scharping and feel he has the potential to be one of the better tackles in the class. He needs to show it here to go in the first two rounds.
Drew Sample (TE, Washington)
After the success of Will Dissly — of course I’m going to keep an eye on Washington’s latest TE prospect as a potential day three target.
Renell Wren (DT, Arizona State)
Unbelievable talent yet inconsistent. He could be a big riser in Mobile if his effort is good and he excels in the 1v1’s. Tony Pauline thinks he could go in round two.
Greg Gaines (DT, Washington)
Gaines has been a consistent and tough interior defender for many years. The Senior Bowl is made for linemen to impress.
Khalen Saunders (DT, Western Illinois)
Extremely athletic defensive tackle best known for becoming a viral sensation for doing backflips.
Dalton Risner (T, Kansas State)
Slightly overhyped and probably needs to kick inside to guard. The Senior Bowl is set up for linemen to impress. Comes in as a mid-round type.
Kris Boyd (CB, Texas)
In a weak class for cornerbacks at the top of the draft, Boyd will be competing with DeAndre Baker and Trayvon Mullen to follow Greedy Williams and Byron Murphy.
Anthony Nelson (DE, Iowa)
Great size and length with plenty of production in a tough, physical conference. Nelson, with a good off-season, could be a day-two pick.
South team
Deebo Samuel (WR, South Carolina)
Stocky and sturdy with surprising agility and a dynamic kick returner. He could be a potential game MVP if he gets enough snaps.
Jaquan Johnson (S, Miami)
Seen as a mature leader for Miami. Johnson is undersized but still packs a punch. Could be a mid-rounder in a suspect safety class.
Bruce Anderson (RB, North Dakota State)
Dynamic runner with the potential to get into the mid-round debate. The Senior Bowl game is kind for running backs.
Oshane Ximines (DE, Old Dominion)
Mel Kiper’s pick for Seattle at #21 in his first mock. The tape is ‘meh’ so let’s see what the fuss is all about in the 1v1’s. Bring it.
Jarrett Stidham (QB, Auburn)
Stidham was supposed to be a first or second rounder but had a bad 2018 season. Can he repair the damage in Mobile?
Montez Sweat (EDGE, Mississippi State)
Sweat is extremely quick, long and has 35.5 inch arms. He should have a great week here. A possible first pick for Seattle?
Jonathan Ledbetter (EDGE, Georgia)
An understated pass rusher who can play every down. Didn’t have the big production at Georgia but could be a third rounder with a good off-season.
Gardner Minshew (QB, Washington State)
This is a big chance for Minshew. Can he impress more than the other QB’s? There’s time for a big rise yet.
Juan Thornhill (S, Virginia)
It’ll be interesting to see how Thornhill tests at the combine. He’s a converted cornerback with great character. He had six interceptions in 2018.
Ryquell Armstead (RB, Temple)
Jumped off the screen when I watched Temple during the season. A compact powerball of a runner who could be a day three or UDFA steal.
Daylon Mack (DT, Texas A&M)
One of the best performers at the Shrine Game gets a chance to impress in Mobile. He’s 320lbs and a force. Can he impress in the 1v1’s?
Jaylon Ferguson (EDGE, Louisiana Tech)
A pass rusher with top-25 potential. Ferguson was very raw in college in terms of technique but his production was first rate. He has the tools.
Isaiah Buggs (DE, Alabama)
Possible mid-round pick who played DE at Alabama but will likely kick inside at the next level. He had a good 2018 season.
Andre Dillard (T, Washington State)
Possible first round pick and a player many consider to be the best pass-blocking offensive tackle in the draft.
Elgton Jenkins (C, Mississippi State)
Struggled against Quinnen Williams but otherwise had a solid year. Could be the first center drafted and a possible day two pick.
Dru Samia (G, Oklahoma)
Tough guy and has a shot to start in the NFL. Watch him this week. See if he gets into a scrap with someone. Fun player.
Anthony Johnson (WR, Buffalo)
A favourite within the draft community. Probably a later pick but has some talent. Can he leave an impression here?
Dontavious Russell (DT, Auburn)
Big 6-3 and 320lbs defensive tackle who could get lost amid an extremely deep D-line class and provide some middle-round value.
The following players are no longer competing at the Senior Bowl:
Johnathan Abram (S, Mississippi State), D’Andre Walker (EDGE, Georgia), Josh Allen (EDGE, Kentucky), Gerald Willis III (DT, Miami), Marvell Tell (S, USC), Chase Winovich (EDGE, Michigan), Christian Miller (EDGE, Alabama), Yodny Cajuste (T, West Virginia), Myles Gaskin (RB, Washington), LJ Scott (RB, Michigan State), Clayton Thorson (QB, Northwestern)
DeAndre Baker, Christian Wilkins, Damien Harris and Parris Campbell rejected their invites.
And here’s a little known fact to finish. Miami defensive tackle Gerald Willis III — who had to pull out of the Senior Bowl — is the half brother of New York Giants safety (and pending free agent) Landon Collins.
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