2020 TEF results and Seahawks running back targets

Tristan Wirfs set a new record in weighted TEF

Who are the most explosive offensive linemen in the 2019 draft? And which running backs are the Seahawks likely to show interest in?

Let’s find out…

Is it an explosive offensive line class?

It is — but in terms of the number of explosive testers overall it’s identical to last year. The big difference is the way the top testers performed. Tristan Wirfs set an O-line record in the vertical and equalled the record in the broad jump. Of the eight best testers in weighted TEF since 2016, half are players from the 2020 draft class. It’s close but this is the most explosive offensive line group we’ve seen in recent years.

How and why do we test explosive traits?

In 2016 we created a formula called TEF (Trench Explosion Formula). For a full breakdown of what the formula is and why we use it, click here. Essentially, any prospect scoring 3.00 or higher is an explosive athlete.

Here’s the formula we use:

1. Vertical ÷ 31
2. Broad ÷ 9, then cube the result
3. Bench ÷ 27
4. Results added together = TEF

And here are the 2020 results:

Tristan Wirfs — 3.47
Hakeem Adeniji — 3.27
Cesar Ruiz — 3.25
Austin Jackson — 3.21
John Simpson — 3.20
Ezra Cleveland — 3.16
John Molchon — 3.09
Matt Peart — 3.08

Jack Driscoll — 2.98
Justin Herron — 2.98
Damien Lewis — 2.97
Isaiah Wilson — 2.96
Danny Pinter — 2.90
Matt Hennessy — 2.88
Joe Runyan — 2.85
Joshua Jones — 2.84
Terence Steele — 2.83
Alex Taylor — 2.82
Charlie Heck — 2.80
Andrew Thomas — 2.79
Tremayne Anchrum — 2.65
Jonah Jackson — 2.62
Cameron Clark — 2.59
Nick Harris — 2.56
Colt McKivitz — 2.52
Darryl Williams — 2.52
Kyle Murphy — 2.50
Cordel Iwuagwu — 2.46
Calvin Throckmorton — 2.45
Tyre Phillips — 2.26

How does this compare to the previous four drafts?

Players scoring a 3.00 or more:

2016 — 6
2017 — 3
2018 — 7
2019 — 8
2020 — 8

Players scoring at least a 2.85:

2016 — 9
2017 — 8
2018 — 8
2019 — 15
2020 — 15

Here’s the combined top-10 testers from 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 (in bold):

Iosua Opeta — 3.62
Jason Spriggs — 3.54
Braden Smith — 3.52
Tristan Wirfs — 3.47
Kolton Miller — 3.31
Connor McGovern: 3.29
Hakeem Adeniji — 3.27
Cesar Ruiz — 3.25
Forrest Lamp — 3.23
Phil Haynes — 3.22
Wyatt Teller — 3.22
Scott Quessenberry — 3.22
Austin Jackson — 3.21
John Simpson — 3.20
Chris Lindstrom — 3.18
Connor Williams — 3.18
Ezra Cleveland — 3.16
Garrett Bradbury — 3.15
Andre Dillard — 3.13
Nico Siragusa — 3.13
Alex Redmond — 3.10
John Molchon — 3.09
Matt Peart — 3.08
Quenton Nelson — 3.07
Joe Haeg — 3.06
Joe Dahl — 3.05
Erik McCoy — 3.05
Will Hernandez — 3.04
Joe Thuney — 3.04
Kaleb McGary — 3.02
Elgton Jenkins — 3.01
Garett Bolles — 3.00
Michael Jordan — 2.99
Jack Driscoll — 2.98
Justin Herron — 2.98
Halapoulivaati Vaitai: 2.97
Germain Ifedi — 2.97
Isaac Asiata — 2.96
Hjalte Froholdt — 2.95
Dorian Johnson — 2.92
Brandon Shell — 2.91
Antonio Garcia — 2.89
Sean Harlow — 2.87
Taylor Moton — 2.86
Colby Gossett — 2.86
Will Holden — 2.84
Ryan Kelly — 2.84
Ethan Pocic — 2.81
Toby Weathersby — 2.77
James Daniels — 2.76

The following players did not take part in one or more of the tests and therefore couldn’t be scored:

Mekhi Becton
Logan Stenberg
Netane Muti
Lloyd Cushenberry
Trey Adams
Tyler Biadasz
Ben Bredeson
Saahdiq Charles
Solomon Kindley
Shane Lemieux
Lucas Niang
Prince Tega Wanogho
Jedrick Wills

It’s very likely Jedrick Wills would’ve received a high TEF score. He jumped a 34.5 inch vertical and a 9-5 broad. Prince Tega Wanogho was also expected to jump a 32 inch vertical. A fair projection is that this class has at least 10 genuinely explosive offensive linemen — the most since we started using TEF.

As noted in our combine preview, TEF is not an attempt to determine who is a good or bad offensive linemen. It’s merely a calculation to judge explosive traits. And while that’s only one part of any evaluation — it’s still absolutely vital.

Two years ago, only seven offensive linemen scored an optimal 3.00 or higher in TEF. Of the seven, Quenton Nelson and Kolton Miller were both high first round picks. Braden Smith, Connor Williams and Will Hernandez were second round picks. In 2019, only eight players scored an optimal 3.00 or higher. This included Chris Lindstrom, Garrett Bradbury, Andre Dillard and Kaleb McGary (all drafted in round one). Erik McCoy and Elgton Jenkins were also top-50 picks.

It’s not a coincidence that the most explosive offensive linemen are being drafted early. The top performers this years will also probably receive a boost to their stock.

What about weighted TEF (wTEF)?

Jumping a vertical at 320lbs is considerably more challenging than jumping a vertical at 295lbs. We created a second formula to account for weight:

Weight x TEF x 0.1

We can give players a score that sufficiently emphasises their unique size.

Germain Ifedi — 324 x 2.97 x 0.1 = 96.1

wTEF scores for the 2020 draft class

Tristan Wirfs — 111.0
Isaiah Wilson — 103.6
Austin Jackson — 103.4
John Simpson — 102.7
Cesar Ruiz — 99.8
Hakeem Adeniji — 98.8
Ezra Cleveland — 98.3
Matt Peart — 98.0
Damien Lewis — 97.1
John Molchon — 95.5
Justin Herron — 91.8
Jack Driscoll — 91.2
Joshua Jones — 90.1
Danny Pinter — 88.7
Matt Hennessy — 88.4
Terence Steele — 88.3
Andrew Thomas — 87.9
Joe Runyan — 87.2
Charlie Heck — 87.1
Alex Taylor — 86.9
Tremayne Anchrum — 83.2
Jonah Jackson — 80.2
Cameron Clark — 79.8
Kyle Murphy — 79.0
Calvin Throckmorton — 77.7
Nick Harris — 77.3
Colt McKivitz — 77.1
Darryl Williams — 76.6
Cordel Iwuagwu — 76.0
Tyre Phillips — 75.0

How does this compare to previous years?

Here are the top-10 wTEF scores from 2016-2020 combined:

Tristan Wirfs — 111.0
Braden Smith — 110.9
Iousa Opeta — 109.0
Spriggs, Jason —- 104.9
Phil Haynes — 103.7
Isaiah Wilson — 103.6
Austin Jackson — 103.4
John Simpson — 102.7
Kolton Miller — 102.3
Scott Quessenberry — 101.4
McGovern, Conner —- 101.4
Cesar Ruiz — 99.8
Forrest Lamp —- 99.8
Nico Siragusa —- 99.8
Quenton Nelson — 99.8
Will Hernandez — 99.4
Hakeem Adeniji — 98.8
Andre Dillard — 98.6
Ezra Cleveland — 98.3
Matt Peart — 98.0
Chris Lindstrom — 97.9
Damien Lewis — 97.1
Teller Wyatt — 96.9
Garrett Bradbury — 96.4
Ifedi, Germain —- 96.1
Kaleb McGary — 95.7
Isaac Asiata —- 95.6
John Molchon — 95.5
Max Scharping — 94.8
Shell, Brandon —- 94.4
Connor Williams — 94.1
Vaitai, Halapoulivaati —- 93.8
Nembot, Stephane —- 93.6
Elgton Jenkins — 93.3
Michael Jordan — 93.3
Dahl, Joe —- 93.2
Joe Haeg —- 93.0
Erik McCoy — 92.4
Thuney, Joe —- 91.6
Robertson, Dominique —- 91.5
Taylor Moton —- 91.2
Colby Gossett — 90.1
Garett Bolles —- 89.1
Will Holden —- 88.3
Jessamen Dunker —- 88.0
Ben Braden —- 87.8
Toby Weathersby — 87.8
Dorian Johnson —- 87.6
Antonio Garcia —- 87.2
James Daniels — 84.45

What are the highlights?

— Tristan Wirfs is the best combination of size and explosive traits TEF has ever recorded. He defeats Braden Smith’s weighted TEF record from 2018 with a brilliant 111.0. Smith lasted until pick #37 because of his short arms (32 1/4 inches) and guard frame. Wirfs has no such issues and teams will love his incredible size, length and explosive traits. It’s very likely his floor will be the Jets at #11.

— Isaiah Wilson looked incredible at 350lbs and his 103.6 score should secure his place in round one. If you want a hulking, powerful, explosive right tackle — Wilson fits the bill. For the record, his score is virtually identical to Phil Haynes’ (103.7) and it dwarfs Germain Ifedi’s 96.1 (although Ifedi was a more fluid athlete and certainly performed a lot better in the mirror drill).

— Austin Jackson has increasingly been tipped to go in the top-20. We knew he was a great athlete but his 3.21 TEF score and 103.4 weighted TEF mark also show off his size and extreme explosive qualities.

— We’ve been talking about Cesar Ruiz as a first round pick for months. Today, he confirmed it. The tape made it pretty clear he was the most talented center in the draft. He ticked every box here. Great size, length and highly explosive testing (3.25). Ruiz is a stud who could go as early as Atlanta in round one — at #16 or after a small trade down. Think that’s too early? He just scored the same weighted TEF mark as Quenton Nelson and easily topped Chris Lindstrom’s score — (the #14 pick in last years draft).

— Clemson guard John Simpson could easily have secured a second round grade today with his scores of 3.20 and 102.7.

— Two other guards we’ve talked about a lot since the Senior Bowl also showed well. I thought Hakeem Adeniji looked really good in Mobile and he scored a 3.27 in TEF and a 98.8 in weighted TEF. He is a strong mid-round option for Seattle with experience at tackle and guard. Damien Lewis looks like a potential second rounder and a weighted TEF score of 97.1 could easily secure that type of grade. Matt Peart could provide a really nice mid-round tackle project for a team able to be patient.

— Ezra Cleveland registered the kind of score that could push him into round one. After running a 4.93 he managed an explosive 3.16 in TEF. That’s a superior score to Andre Dillard and in the same ballpark as Chris Lindstrom and Garrett Bradbury. All three went in round one a year ago. Cleveland also performed very well in the agility testing (more on that in a moment).

— On the slightly negative side of things, Andrew Thomas was a mediocre TEF tester at 2.79. Even weighted TEF didn’t promote him up the list too much (87.9). He showed well in the mirror and wave drills and clearly he’s athletic. Yet with Mekhi Becton wowing everyone with his size, Tristan Wirfs winning day two, Austin Jackson and Ezra Cleveland testing superbly and Jedrick Wills looking both explosive and agile — that projected fall might become a reality after all (even if he will still very likely go in the top-22).

— The other somewhat mediocre performance was Joshua Jones. He didn’t finish in the top-10 for TEF or weighted TEF in this class and he only ran a 5.27. Jones has felt like a media creation more than a legit first rounder and this was perhaps a reality check moment.

What else did we learn today?

Tristan Wirfs set the combine record for an offensive lineman in the vertical jump with his 36.5 inch attempt but he wasn’t alone. Jedrick Wills’ 34.5 inch jump was the fourth best in the last decade and Hakeem Adeniji’s and John Molchon’s 34 inch attempts were the sixth best.

Alex Taylor’s 9-8 broad jump was tied seventh best by an offensive lineman in the last decade (level with Eric Fisher). Hakeem Adeniji’s and Austin Jackson’s 9-7 jumps rank tied 10th.

Three-cone and short shuttle times

Agility testing is often touted as important for offensive linemen but it’s not something the Seahawks have focused on. For example, Germain Ifedi ran a 4.75 short shuttle and was taken in round one. Justin Britt ran a 4.69. Russell Okung ran a 4.80.

Several key players didn’t do the testing including Nick Harris, Hakeem Adeniji, Mekhi Becton, Joshua Jones and Damien Lewis. Jedrick Wills didn’t run a three cone and Austin Jackson didn’t do the short shuttle.

— Here are the top-15 three-cone times:

Ezra Cleveland — 7.26
Matt Hennessy — 7.45
Joe Runyan — 7.57
Andrew Thomas — 7.58
Tristan Wirfs — 7.65
Danny Pinter — 7.76
Alex Taylor — 7.77
Kyle Murphy — 7.81
Jonah Jackson — 7.83
John Molchon — 7.85
Colt McKivitz — 7.87
Darryl Williams — 7.88
Cesar Ruiz — 7.91
Austin Jackson — 7.95
Logan Stenberg — 8.00

Cleveland’s 7.26 three cone is the fifth fastest time in the last decade by an offensive lineman. It’s the only real positive though. Last year four players recorded a time in the 7.4’s. This year, there’s only Matt Hennessy.

— Here are the top-15 short shuttle times:

Ezra Cleveland — 4.46
Matt Hennessy –4.60
Danny Pinter — 4.62
Cesar Ruiz — 4.64
Keith Ismael — 4.65
Andrew Thomas — 4.66
Tristan Wirfs — 4.68
Kyle Murphy — 4.68
Joe Runyan — 4.69
John Molchon — 4.73
Darryl Williams — 4.76
Alex Taylor — 4.79
Logan Stenberg — 4.83
Jedrick Wills — 4.84
Charlie Heck — 4.86

Last year Andre Dillard ran a 4.40 but nobody else cracked the 4.4’s. However, nine players recorded a time in the 4.5’s. This is a disappointing set of 2020 short shuttle times. Cleveland’s 4.46 is the only real highlight and it just missed out on the top-10 for the last decade.

It’s safe to say that while this is a class rich in explosive traits — the agility is lacking.

Potential running back targets

The Seahawks have consistently drafted running backs with explosive athleticism and size during the Pete Carroll era. We explained in our combine preview the type of profile they look for (and there’s a clear trend).

Using this information, we highlighted the following players in 2016, 2017 and 2018 as potential targets:

2016:

C.J. Prosise — 6-0, 220lbs, 35.5 inch vert, 10-1 broad
Kenneth Dixon — 5-10, 215lbs, 37.5 inch vert, 10-8 broad

(They drafted Prosise)

2017:

Christopher Carson — 6-0, 218lbs, 37 inch vert, 10-10 broad
Brian Hill — 6-0, 219lbs, 34 inch vert, 10-5 broad
Alvin Kamara — 5-10, 214lbs, 39.5 inch vert, 10-11 broad
Joe Williams — 5-11, 210lbs, 35 inch vert, 10-5 broad

(They drafted Carson)

2018:

Saquon Barkley — 6-0, 233lbs, 41 inch vert DNP broad
Kerryon Johnson — 511, 213lbs 40 inch vert, 10-6 broad
Bo Scarborough — 6-0, 228lbs, 40 inch vert, 10-9 broad
Nick Chubb — 5-11, 227lbs, 38.5 inch vert, 10-8 broad
John Kelly — 5-10, 216lbs, 35 inch vert, 10-0 broad
Lavon Coleman — 5-10, 223lbs, 33 inch vert, 10-0 broad
Rashaad Penny — 5-11, 220lbs, 32.5 inch vert, 10-0 broad
Royce Freeman — 5-11, 229lbs, 34 inch vert, 9-10 broad

(They drafted Penny and signed Coleman, Scarborough)

Last year they didn’t draft a running back until round six which isn’t that surprising considering the prior first round investment in Penny and the strong belief they have in Carson. Travis Homer was selected more for his special teams value than his ability as a runner.

So who are the potential targets this year?

Jonathan Taylor — 5-10, 226lbs, 36 inch vert, 10-3 broad
Cam Akers — 5-10, 217lbs, 35.5 inch vert, 10-2 broad
Deejay Dallas — 5-10, 217lbs, 33.5 inch vert, 9-11 broad
AJ Dillon — 6-0, 247lbs, 41 inch vert, 10-11 broad
Zack Moss — 5-9, 223lbs, 33 inch vert, DNP broad
James Robinson — 5-9, 219lbs, 40 inch vert, 10-5 broad
Patrick Taylor — 6-0, 217lbs, 34 inch vert, 10-3 broad

I’ve included both Moss and Robinson despite the fact the Seahawks generally target runners between 5-10 and 6-0 in height. They’re both 5-9 but well sized. Seattle hasn’t drafted a back as big as AJ Dillon in the Carroll era but Dillon’s vertical, broad jump and playing style are worthy of inclusion.

The two names at the top stand out. Jonathan Taylor is every bit a Seahawks running back. He has prototype size and an explosive testing profile. The fact he also ran a 4.39 is a mere bonus. Cam Akers also performed right in their preferred range for size and explosive traits.

Taylor’s time is not a surprise. He ran a 4.42 at SPARQ and here he ran a 4.39. In our combine preview we predicted a time in the 4.3’s. He interviewed with the Seahawks this week and practically announced his man-crush for Pete Carroll and Russell Wilson on PFT. With his size, explosive testing and forty — if the Seahawks want him it’ll probably need to be with their first pick.

Akers provides a potential alternative in the middle rounds. The opportunity to consider Taylor really comes down to what they get done in free agency. If questions are answered on the O-line and D-line, they’ll be in a better position to take what could be deemed a luxury pick (although Rashaad Penny’s injury and Chris Carson’s contract makes adding a running back more likely than it otherwise would be).

Last year I vowed to never ignore an obvious ‘Seahawk’ again. I assumed, wrongly, that with only four draft picks and having re-signed K.J. Wright and Mychal Kendricks — the Seahawks wouldn’t draft a linebacker. Yet Cody Barton and Ben Burr-Kirven fit exactly what they look for in terms of physical profile at the linebacker position (the short shuttle is key). I should’ve spotted that and made a mistake.

Jonathan Taylor is a Seahawk. His character, running style and physical profile tick every box. Hunter Bryant, who tested yesterday, could also be considered a ‘Seahawk’. He too has an ideal personality and attitude and he tested in the exact range they target TE’s in the short short shuttle and three cone. There are other names that I could mention too (we’ll run through those after the combine).

Going back to Taylor, he’s someone we need to take seriously as a potential target. That doesn’t mean they’ll use the #27 pick on him. After this workout, he might not make it that far. Yet he’s a player to keep an open mind about — even if they have other far greater needs currently.

I’m surprised Clyde Edwards-Helaire could only manage a 4.61. He ran a 4.47 at SPARQ. However, his 39.5 inch vertical and sensational playing style, production and ball security continue to warrant praise. He might not go as early as I was initially projecting but he still ran a faster time than Mark Ingram who was a late first round pick. I still think he’s one of the top players in this class.

It’s also worth noting what Mike Mayock said during today’s TV coverage. He was willing Josh Jacobs to run a slow forty time a year ago so he would last to the Raiders at #24. He ran in the 4.6’s. Mayock didn’t care — he was taking him whatever he ran. Explosive traits and playing style are more important than speed at running back. Edwards-Helaire has the traits and the playing style.

Sum up Friday at the combine…

— In terms of pure numbers, the 2020 O-line class doesn’t have a lot more superior testers than a year ago. What is impressive is the way certain O-liners performed — especially those with massive size. Wirfs, Wills, Becton, Jackson, Wilson, Simpson, Ruiz. Expect this group to be off the board quickly.

— The big question now is — who will be left who is a realistic option for the Seahawks if they want to go O-line at #27? Forget Wirfs, Wills, Becton and Jackson. I’ve had Cesar Ruiz in the top-20 for a long time and I think it’s fairly certain he will be gone by the time they pick. Andrew Thomas, despite a mixed combine, possibly won’t be there. I think it really comes down to Isaiah Wilson and Ezra Cleveland. And with Minnesota at #25 and Miami at #26 — it’s not a lock they’ll make it through to Seattle. The league is hungry for offensive linemen with upside.

— Every year we always put the defensive line class through TEF to compare how explosive both groups are. And every year, the D-liners come out way on top. Let’s see what happens tomorrow. It’s a thinner D-line class than previous years. There might not be a Tristan Wirfs-level tester but I still think there will be far more explosive defenders.

— I thought the running back class would test better than this and make more headlines. Instead, it’s really been left up to Jonathan Taylor. His performance was outstanding. The rest? Not so much. How early could Taylor go after this? It’s hard to ignore his size, speed, traits and character — even if the running back position is devalued in the draft these days.

— In the running back drills, D’Andre Swift looked excellent. His footwork, quickness and burst were impressive. Although Nick Harris didn’t have an explosive workout, I also thought he performed well during drills today. He was the standout performer in the mirror drill among interior linemen. Jedrick Wills had the best rep by the tackles.

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192 Comments

  1. Donny Henson

    I get the feeling that the first few players Seattle might be drafting is a combination of Trevon Diggs, Austin Jackson, and either a WR or Hunter Bryant.

    • Rob Staton

      Austin Jackson will go in the top-20 and they don’t draft cornerbacks early — so I don’t think they’ll be the guys for Seattle.

      • Donny Henson

        Well wasn’t there a rumor that Seattle was considering Kevin King if Malik McDowell wasn’t available to them with their first pick? If that was a case, i wouldn’t rule it out especially if options were going to be limited on who would be available.

        • Rob Staton

          I don’t recall any rumours. And for what it’s worth, King went before McDowell. On this blog we wrote about King because he was one of only four cornerbacks to have 32 inch arms and run a sub-4.00 short shuttle. His physical profile was unreal.

          Then they passed on him twice and we learnt, yet again, that the Seahawks don’t take CB’s early.

          • Donny Henson

            So how about a combo of Denzel Mims, Prince Tega Wanogho, and John Simpson?

            • Rob Staton

              Maybe. We need to see what they do in FA.

        • Eburgz

          If we draft a CB early, it will be Diggs. If we draft a safety early, it will be Duggar (assuming Delpit doesn’t fall). If we go RB, I think it would have to be for J.Taylor. Doubt we go that way though.

          DL, OL, offensive weapon are the top areas to upgrade. We shall see after FA if that remains the case.

          • Rob Staton

            “If we draft a CB early…”

            We already know they won’t.

            • Michael P Matherne

              I remember begging PC/JS to take Kevin King in that draft. I can only imagine how good he could be in our system with our coaching.

        • KD

          If there is one thing I like about the McDowell pick, it is that attitude does matter. They made a mistake, and it will not happen again. The Hawks sacrificed a pick to learn a very valuable lesson. The reason some teams are perpetually missing the playoffs is because they NEVER learn that lesson. Hawks gambled, made a mistake and lost. Learn from it and move on. Good lesson to learn on where to place your bets.

  2. MoBo

    Rob, can you tell me, where is my mistake?
    Wirfs:
    + 24 bench / 27 = 0,89
    + 36,5 vert / 31 = 1,18
    + 121 broad / 108 = 1,12
    = 3,19

    • icb12

      Didn’t cube the broad

      • MoBo

        Here we go. Thanks

  3. BobbyK

    I can see Pete falling in love with Taylor. He’s a bell cow and although he supposedly hates turning the ball over, he loves Carson. With Carson being in a contract year and Penny’s “contributions” in 2020 probably destined to be pretty meaningless (especially early), I can see him wanting Taylor and hoping to coach the “Tiki Barber” out of him (i.e. fumbling issues).

    Wilson is definitely another stud to want to take at 27. I can see that guy going to the Pro Bowl as a LG, RG, or RT. I think his best position might be a dominant road grader at RG, but he’s going to be good, imo.

    I will say this, Rob. Every single year – you are generally ahead of the curve in terms of who the early risers are going to be. When others have guys like Ruiz in the second and third rounds, you always are ahead of the curve. You have such a good track record. Thank you.

    • Rob Staton

      Thank you for your continued support, Bob. It means a lot and is appreciated.

      • BobbyK

        Don’t thank me. You’re the one providing this content. I’m just stating the obvious – it’s generally superior (what YOU provide).

        • Rob Staton

          Appreciate it man

  4. Zxvo3

    I would absolutely love to draft Jonathan Taylor. He’s just the absolute perfect fit in Seattle. But this would mean we would’ve had a phenomenal free agency as well.

    Imo I think we will address the OL first with either Ezra Cleveland or Isaiah Wilson. And our second draft pick will be trading up for Raekwon Davis. And after that we could think about RB.

    Also Rob, I wanted to thank you for this great content! I’ve had a lot of work to do these past weeks and this is the only way for me to catch up on the combine. I greatly appreciate it.

    • Rob Staton

      My pleasure, thanks for reading.

  5. Pickering

    Once again I’m impressed with how quickly and thoroughly you’re able to sort through these data and make sense of them. Thank you.

  6. KD

    The one thing that gives me a slight uneasy feeling about the potential of a R1 OL prospect is that it would be more of a lateral move if Ifedi or Fant (or both) move on rather than keeping a functional group together and adding a new, dynamic talent at another position like WR.

    Of course we’ll have to wait and see what happens in FA, especially if Britt is cut to free up cap space. So many “what ifs” about here, but I am 100% confident that the Hawks will make some good moves with a long term plan in mind, so I’m happy to see the Hawks doing some serious home work. Even if they have to make a lateral move on the OL though, this is the draft to do it with though. Rookie contract, several years, lots of good talent available. My uneasiness will be quelled if they can get those weapons that Russ is looking for in FA.

    Ultimately, I am really liking the talent and athleticism of the options available. I was really down on this class as a whole a few months ago, but I am warming up to it now. This is going to be a really exciting offseason. Buckle up!

  7. drewdawg11

    Rob, this is insane how much you’re churning out. Kudos. I’m crushing on Taylor but I feel like many teams are now. Hypothetical situation here. What if they do decide they want him. Do they dangle Carson? There’s almost no chance they extend him, and some team may want the proven commodity. I can’t see it when teams can just draft a guy, but a second or third for a 1,000 yard rusher who can punish people isn’t chopped liver. The one thing to remember is that there are DL, LBs still to come. Plenty of time for the shine to fade a bit on the guys who have blown up so far.

    • Rob Staton

      They like Carson too much to dangle him.

      • drewdawg11

        I love the guy, but I’m of the strong opinion that they won’t pay him what he wants. It’s just a crazy hypothetical.

        • Rob Staton

          I don’t think he even knows what he wants. He can aspire to be as well paid as any runner in the league but not if he can’t stay healthy or can’t stop fumbling the football.

          This is a situation that’s going to have to play out over the next 12 months and we’ll see where we are in terms of his contract.

          But they’re not going to deal him. They love Carson. And they’ll give him every chance to lead the running attack in 2020, regardless of whoever else they bring in.

  8. Eburgz

    Is Ezra Cleveland really a “Seahawky” Tackle/OL prospect? Seems like more of a Tom Cable guard than a Mike Solari guy.

    He’s agile and explosive but he isn’t big and long. I haven’t watched him closely yet so I haven’t made up my mind.

    Even Jamarco Jones has 35+ inch arms.

    A guy like Peart seems a lot more likely a seahawk than Cleveland to me just based on his frame.

    Appreciate all the hard work Rob. Best coverage out there.

    • Rob Staton

      Well they’ve only drafted one offensive tackle since Solari arrived so who knows.

      But he has the same arm length as Justin Britt, who they drafted for right tackle originally.

      • Eburgz

        Great point. Possibly they moved britt inside because he didn’t have the length? Thus the later ifedi pick.

        • Rob Staton

          I think it was more the fact he struggled at tackle (and then struggled at guard before fitting at center).

    • McZ

      Errm, he is 6’6!?
      He has great feet, not so great hands (needs to be relearned anyway), can play left and right. Needs to take a couple of pojnds, but has the frame. This all makes him a perfect prospect if you seek a developmental swing tackle. He still needs to find his inner tiger, but I think Solari can do just that.

      I think, we need to look deep into Jason Spriggs for our need at RT, and add Ezra C for depth.

      Possibly, Shane Lemieux will be available R3, if not, Jared Hilbers or Throckmorton are intriguing late round options. If people would ask me which OL player capable to play C I would take in a heartbeat… Gage Cervenka, Clemson. He is a leader and a class act, and could be there in R6.

      If we have that 6th or 7th rounder to spare, we could look into Jon Runyon. I have that insane dream of Ruiz, Bredeson and Runyon all landing in Seattle, repairing what is broken in Pocic in the process.

  9. KD

    Is AJ Dillon a potential RB or FB candidate for SEA? He’s a pretty massive dude. Perhaps a plan to make the running game a bit more dynamic with a regular FB? I know the role of the FB always gets talked about, but it is one of those aspects of the running game that always seems to linger and invite questions/

    • Eburgz

      Possible 2020 RB room. You could try Lynch/Dillon as a fullback or not.

      Carson
      Lynch
      Penny
      Dillon
      Homer

      Very nice 👍

    • JimmyJames

      Love his size and explosiveness, and seems like he will be relatively great value, definitely crush developing.

    • charlietheunicorn

      I can’t get it out of my head… a guy who could play FB / HB / TE / RB in a pinch.
      I’m not saying this guy fits the bill, but a similar guy would be ideal, kind of wish Seattle could break the mold on RB draft picks, to give a few more options at various positions. Make the offense more dynamic and a bit less predictable. *I used up my cliché quota, I’ll let my self out the side entrance.*

  10. Denver Hawker

    That Frank Clark trade provides so much flexibility in 2020. Cap space and the extra R2 have the Hawks setup to get what they want.

    Prime position in the draft to wait to see who falls. There will be great players available from 27-100 and Hawks have at least 4 if not 5 to choose.

    I’m trying to avoid getting too excited about Combine Crushes as they’ll be drafted earlier than we hope.

    • BobbyK

      You also realize that trade meant (or means) they could have had both Clark and Clowney in ’19 (regardless – b/c of the Clowney contract “hit”).

      They could have won a Super Bowl. Look how close they were. Or does this not factor into anything?

      Just asking. Because I see the benefits in ’20 (cap space), but I also see the negatives (L. J. Collier as a “1st” round pick w/ZERO “production”) and now Carroll specifically stating LEO (what Clark is/was) is the #1 priority… and they’ll now pay to get in FA… ??? Food for thought…

      • Chase Cash

        AFAIK the hawks could not afford to keep clark, while paying Wilson and Wagner. So they had to make a choice and decided to get capital instead of nothing.

        • TatupuTime

          They could afford to keep Clark – they just chose not to. Clowney is likely to make at least as much as Clark and they can afford Clowney this year. Clark’s cap hit in 2019 was less than Ziggy’s.

          It’s frustrating to think what the 2019 Seahawks could have been with Frank Clark instead of Ansah. Just because it didn’t work out and Collier may bust, I still think taking the draft compensation and avoiding the salary was the smart play. The smart play doesn’t always work.

          • Rob Staton

            I think they made a judgement call on Frank and decided that he wasn’t one of the five best defensive linemen in the league — and at a time when they had to negotiate with Wilson and Wagner and reset the roster, they didn’t want to commit to him.

            Whether it was the right move or not remains to be seen. But the move was logical at the time and it’ll be fine if they correctly address the DL this off-season.

  11. KD

    Finally, I just want to echo the sentiments of many others. I’m not very good at expressing what I want to say, so I’ll just leave it at thank you Rob for all you do. I just look over your shoulder and copy your homework.

    • Rob Staton

      Appreciate it

  12. CHawk Talker Eric

    And here I was in the previous thread talking myself out of drafting Taylor.

    Everything you wrote about him is why I’d love the pick. Depends on what they do in FA. I think they’re going to trade down regardless, but if he’s somehow available when they do pick maybe they can’t pass him up.

    • BobbyK

      I’ve been trying to talk myself out of him for a long time for Dobbins. I hate fumbles. But…

  13. Comfect

    Just to pile on: thanks, Rob, for all the wonderful work. Especially at ridiculously late hours of the night your time. Amazing stuff.

    • Rob Staton

      Happy to do it, appreciate the fact anyone cares what a British guy thinks about all of this.

  14. Coleslaw

    I cant see us drafting Taylor unless we re-sign Ifedi and Clowney and add another DE in free agency. I would love it if we did and still got a good OT, though.

    Assuming we address the DL to satisfaction in FA, what about drafting Taylor and trading up for Cleveland? Then youd have 64 for an IOL, WR, TE, DB.

    2.33 (Trade down) Jonathan Taylor RB
    2.40 (Trade up) Ezra Cleveland
    2.64 Damon Arnette NCB
    3. Hakeem Adeniji OG
    3. Devin Duvernay WR

    • Coleslaw

      To clarify in this scenario we do not re-sign Ifedi.

    • Coleslaw

      Let’s say we re-sign Clowney, Reed, and Fant. We also sign Everson Griffen and Mario Addison. DL would be legit with those stars Russ wants.

      • Greg Haugsven

        I dont see us drafting Taylor either unless its at 59. We just drafted Penny and Im not sure they will give up on him. He does for surely tick all the boxes though. Also he might just be a one contract guy as he has over 900 carries in college. That being said he sure would be a great fit.

        • Coleslaw

          If that pushes him down the RB rankings, he could fall. There are a bunch of backs in that range and he could get pushed down the board. RB will be one of the more interesting positions in the draft IMO

        • TatupuTime

          Taylor is legit – I just think it would be poor resource allocation. Carson is the bell cow back for another year and you already have a first rounder behind him. I’d much rather a mid-round RB, or CEH in the 2nd.

          They’ve talked a lot about wanting continuity at OL. The way to do that in my mind is getting a right tackle in the draft that could replace Brown at left in 1 or 2 years. I really hope that 2 of their first three picks are OL and WR.

          • Rob Staton

            Good luck finding a RT with a future at LT in the late first round. Rare air.

    • McZ

      You cannot really spend a first pick on a RB who is possibly an itch faster than the other guys.
      You’ll get quality RBs down into UDFA.

      The most pressing question on Taylor to me – apart from his fumbling issues – is, how much of his production is due to the Wisconsin OL? His durability could be a concern, too.

      • Rob Staton

        He’s been plenty durable. It’s only an issue if you’re planning on him having a 10-year career but teams don’t really view picks in Seattle’s range that way.

        Taylor is an outstanding RB. It wasn’t just manufactured by the O-line. No way at all. In all honesty after this workout he might be gone by #27.

  15. charlietheunicorn

    I’m not sure if Trey Adams tested, but he could be a second round target for Seattle at OT.
    Most eyars, prior to his injury, the dude would be a 1st rounder. But since he has had some injury concerns, he could slip a bit… and with some of the other players absolutely killing the combine, I can see it more clearly now.

    I agree on Taylor, if the perfect guy is available at their 1st pick, they are grabbing him… even if not at an “obvious” position of need. I would not be upset to see a RB or OL taken in round one, even if the “needs” are DL…. since there might not be a good fit at late 1st round with as much juice as picks at other positions.

    • Davido

      He tested and I personally was not impressed. Not by the way he looks, the way he tested and the way he looked during the OLine drills. To me he looked like a guy with a long frame, period.

    • Denver Hawker

      Sadly for Adams, I’m not even sure he gets drafted before R5 at this point. Injury history is one thing, but he tested poorly and the tape isn’t great last year.

    • Rob Staton

      Adams ran a 5.60 forty, jumped a 24.5 inch vertical and a 7-8 broad. I’ve said for a while he’s a day three pick. The injuries took their toll. If he’s there in rounds 5-6 you maybe take a flier.

      • Steve Nelsen

        Charlie, Tre is not a projected Day 1 pick who showed up slow and will slip. He is a Day 3 guy who needs to check out medically to be considered a project. That being said, he is on some teams radar as a project and I’ve seen him mocked to some OL-needy teams like the Rams. He would be a feel-good story in Seattle and under no pressure to start as a rookie so he could be a Seahawks project.

  16. John_s

    I’m here for Seahawks twitter especially the ben’s, evan’s and mina’s to explode if the Seahawks draft jonathon Taylor early

    • dcd2

      Thanks John, for your worthless contribution.

      • Shar

        I don’t know why dcd2 is harsh on you John. Twitter personalities are known for overblown reactions and a runningback in the first would be hilarious.

      • Rob Staton

        Chill out, dcd2.

        Totally unnecessary reaction.

      • John_s

        Wow sorry bro that i struck a nerve.

      • Cameron

        Dude. Leave.

      • dcd2

        My apologies. I had a few too many last night and must have read that wrong. I thought you were trying to stir the pot with some twitter stuff (which I admittedly don’t understand or participate in).

        Totally rude on my part. Sorry about that John.

        • God of Thunder

          👍🏼This is what makes the site good. Ya make a little mistake and then you man up and apologize. Good on ya mate. Now go Hawks!

        • Kenny Sloth

          We love you dcd2. Thats a classy move to call yourself out. I never seen you talkin that mess so I’m not surprised it was erroneous.

          Go Hawks

          LOB

    • STTBM

      Man, if Taylor is there by some miracle, Seattle has to take him. I dont care we already have Carson and Penny, they got hurt and Lynch/Homer arent enough to carry the load. Much as I want a DE or OL or even a WR with our first pick, I want BPA more, and Taylor is just a beast. Some guys look similsr in college, but dont have the measurables to carry that to the Pros, but Taylor has everything.

  17. Coleslaw

    Keep an eye on Rodney Clemons with the DBs. He measured almost identically to Justin Coleman and is one of Tony Pauline’s guys.

    *At Combine*

    JC: 5’11” 185 lbs. 31 2/8th arms. 9 3/8th hands.
    40: 4.53. 10yd: 1.54. Vert: 37.5. Broad: 10’4″. 3cone: 6.61

    RC: 5’11 5/8th” 210 lbs 31 2/8th arms. 9 2/8th hands. 74 5/8th wingspan

    If Clemons can test close to Coleman I think he could be a target in round 4-5.

    • WALL UP

      He plays more of a FS than nickel. Not sure about his man cover skills. We’ll see.

    • dcd2

      Good stuff. NCB in that range makes sense. Sub 4.0 short shuttle is what we’re looking for.

      Amik Roberts and Lavert Hill are two others that might fit that bill. Any sub 4 short shuttle that lasts until day 3 is probably a safe guess though.

  18. Nathan M

    I’ve had an eye on James Robinson from the Shrine Bowl. With that broad and vert I’d keep an eye for him if they have to wait til later rounds for a RB

    • Sea Mode

      I checked out highlights after seeing how explosive he was, but came away unimpressed.

      He has good patience and the explosiveness is evident, but:

      – very limited lateral agility, almost no cuts
      – didn’t run through anybody (the play at 4:00 mark really turns me off, too, and he looks gassed after 20 yds)
      – 4.64 is concerning (I like our big RBs to at least hit the 4.5s), and he looks slow on tape with his tiny stride running on his tippy toes
      – got away with the all the above against lower-level competition, but not gonna work at the next level IMO.

      James Robinson Illinois State Highlights ||| “Best FCS Runningback”
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5txmXvef0a4

  19. Awsi Dooger

    Speed is easily the most underrated variable at running back. It’s really not debatable. There is an entire league out there besides the Seattle Seahawks and their mold at the position. When guys surprise out of nowhere it’s almost always speedballs like Mostert at 4.34 or Lindsay at 4.39 or Brieda at 4.38 and so forth. Every years among the guys with high yards per carry there are more who ran 4.50 or lower than 4.60 or higher.

    I already posted the academic finding on the matter. They are late to the game. We were discussing how underrated speed was at running back on Las Vegas sports talk shows more than 25 years ago. Nothing has changed. I’m not a fantasy guy but I had one friend named Darrell who use to laugh at how easy it was to swoop up fast obscure running backs in bargain rounds.

    But naturally there’s always the desperation for the outlier example. Outliers serve nothing except to flatter the rule. This season Devin Singletary had nice yards per carry at 4.66.

    Regardless, great blog posts per usual. I agree regarding Josh Jones as a media creation. The Dolphins have picks 18 and 16 and need a tackle. Jones has been mocked to Miami in one of those sports so routinely is is sickening.

    If the Dolphins leave this draft with nothing learned and a bunch of 3 star mediocrities like Justin Herbert and Josh Jones there won’t be much need to pay attention until the next regime.

  20. Levi

    Rob –
    I really enjoy the blog. I’ve found it really helpful to narrow down possible Seahawks. I’ve found four receivers with similar athletic profiles to Golden Tate and they all had solid combines. They are Devin Duvernay, John Hightower, Freddie Swain, and K.J. Osborn. They all had <4.5 40's, <35 vertical, <4.3 shuttle (not Osborn), and <7.1 3 cone (except Duvernay). They all are threats on all three levels and can play outside or in the slot. Do any of those players stand out to you?

    • Levi

      >35 vertical*

    • Sea Mode

      Uh, not Rob, but you might want to give this a read… (great minds… 😉)

      https://seahawksdraftblog.com/combine-day-one-identifying-wrs-and-tes-for-seattle#comment-477001

      • Levi

        I know you’ve praised Duvernay, but have you watched the other guys? I think they all play fairly similarly and all will be WR targets for us.

    • GoHawksDani

      Not Rob, but I have a huge crush on Duvernay. He’s just an animal and really hard to get to the ground. I would love him to be a Seahawk

    • Rob Staton

      I’ve not studied any of them — so I can’t speak to their fit in Seattle. I will look at them. The Seahawks have a type so I will get to them. I think the name coming out of the combine that resonates for me most for the Seahawks is Denzel Mims but I still think they’ll have strong interest in Reagor and Aiyuk.

      • Trevor

        I agree completely about Mims but like Johnathan Taylor I think he would need to be their first pick. I think the floor for Mims will be Carolina and his old coach Matt Rhule at #38.

        • Rob Staton

          Possibly. I think he’s very much R2 rather than late R1 though.

  21. Vince

    Rob, on a non-Combine related note John Clayton was on the afternoon show at 4 PM on Friday and they were talking about free agent pass rushers. He said something along the lines of “Best case scenario for Seattle they resign Clowney and one of Beasley or Bruce Irvin.”

    Only time he had mentioned Fowler, Armstead, or Robert Quinn was if they didn’t resign Clowney. Two days ago he had brought up the idea of trading a 2 and a 4 for Yannick. Then he kept talking about preserving comp picks, which made me kind of want to vomit. His reasoning was that they expect big things from Collier and Green next year. That would be a horrible offseason in my book if that happened. I hope he’s wrong, but then again he did spend time interviewing Pete and John one on one in Indy. Thoughts?

    • Rob Staton

      No disrespect to John Clayton at all — but let’s just wait and see. I’m guessing he didn’t see Harvin/Bennett/Avril coming in 2013, or Clowney for a R3 and change a year ago, or Diggs for a R5.

      • STTBM

        Excellentvpoint Rob. No matter what shakes out, its clear Seattle has targeted the pass rush in FA. They will go after Clowney, and if the price is too high, I expect them to spend Clowney money on two or three others–maybe Reed on a short prove it deal and two others, possibly Armstead/Fowler/Beasley. They wont get caught empty handed, but they may get priced out of their top choice or so.

        The Draft, as Rob has noted, is strong on WR and OL, and has a top TE perfect for our team. What it lacks is speed rushers, so I think Seattle has thar position as their bnumber 1 in FA. DT is another big need, and I have no idea how they intend to address that spot…

  22. Sea Mode

    Guys, I. WANT. DUVERNAY. (and you should too.)

    Every game I watch, I want him more. Such a dynamic weapon in the slot, deep threat, and RAC. Physical, breaks tackles, willing to mix it up blocking, and a competitor. There is some serious Doug Baldwin to him when I watch him. He’s not the crazy good route runner Baldwin was (at least not yet), but he does have the 4.3 speed Baldwin never had at 10 lbs heavier.

    (And there might be other similarities too to “Angry” Doug Baldwin on the field)

    “The anger he runs with once he has the ball in his hands and the physicality is so impressive for a slot receiver,” Texas coach Tom Herman said. “I’m glad he’s on our team.”

    12rec/154yds/2TD vs. champion LSU. Even with all the talent in their secondary, they couldn’t stop him. Look at what he does to Grant Delpit coming in with a full head of steam at the 0:45 minute mark, and then the little chirp afterwards!! (“I said a lil’ something,” Duvernay said with a smile.)

    Devin Duvernay Highlights: No. 6 LSU vs. No. 9 Texas (2019) | Stadium
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRvbrbQcf7Q

    He only had 3 catches vs. Utah (2019), but they showed a ton. He can track and adjust to the deep ball as well as compete for a 50/50 ball in the endzone.

    vs. OK St. (2019) you can see how he can be a threat on quick outs from the slot, as well as a nice example of him reading the safety depth and sitting down in the empty zone.

    Loved his interview as well. Listen to this chip on his shoulder:

    “I feel almost disrespected, or I feel less of myself, if I let one person take me down”.

    “I want to punish players,” he said. “When you see a top-tier player, an All-American or such-and-such, that’s when I try to up it some more and punish them.”

    Quiet (“He charges by the word,” Texas spokesman John Bianco joked), soft spoken, lead by example guy. He’s also a twin as well (Donovan was a redshirt junior defensive back for the Longhorns and is now looking to transfer for his final year of eligibility). He’s also Kyler Murray’s cousin. (though I can’t imagine Arizona targeting him after taking Isabella just last year.)

    Oh, and remember how the Seahawks like reliable WRs with low drop rates? How’s this:

    More impressive is how sticky Duvernay’s hands are. He hasn’t dropped a pass in a game since stepping on campus, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. Since the start of 2018, no player has more receptions without a drop than Duvernay (86).

    Last week, Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger was asked when he remembers seeing Duvernay drop a pass most recently.

    “Never,” Ehlinger said.

    Duvernay was more modest, telling reporters he drops on occasional ball in practice. But Ehlinger said, “Don’t let him fool you; he rarely drops them in practice.”

    But in a game? High school, maybe?

    “Never,” Henry Duvernay said.

    “I honestly can’t remember,” Devin said.

    How about production? I’m glad you asked! #2 in the nation in catches last year once they moved him into the slot. Check.

    Duvernay is comfortable in his new position and is a valuable security blanket for Ehlinger. Duvernay catches 85% of his targets, the highest rate among players with at least 40 targets this season. His 26 receptions for a first down is fourth nationally. [as of Oct. 11, 2019]

    Add to that that he would make a perfect compliment to Lockett and DK, with them on the outside and him in the slot.

    Need I say anything more…? The fact that he’s not getting much attention in this deep WR class is astounding, but I’ll take it if that means he is available to us even later!

    • GoHawksDani

      At last someone highlights him. Thank you! He’s my #1 WR who we could draft (Ruggs, Raegor will be gone, like Hamler and Aiyuk but not super fan). I feel he’s a Baldwin and Deebo mix. Crazy how he stays up with multiple defenders on him. He’s a slant machine and plays totally different than DK or Lockett.
      He might have lower ceiling than some other WRs but I think he’s one with one of the highest floors.
      I think he’ll gone earlier than most project. If he gets some media traction R1 if not mid R2. I’d try to trade back and get him

      • Sea Mode

        I remember you posting about him before. So someone did highlight him: you did!

        Anyways, as much as I’m excited about him and think he could fit our team perfectly, I still see his range about the same as what Tyler Lockett or Terry McLaurin ended up being: early-mid R3, especially considering all the top WR prospects in this draft.

        That’s why I projected us taking him with our late R2. It would be a “go out and get your guy” type pick to make sure that they get him.

        And I will say this: on top of checking all the boxes for what Seattle looks for in a WR, he also just feels like a typical, off-the-radar Seahawks’ pick. When the rest of the league fixates on the big WR names in this draft, Seattle quietly grabs a really, really, good one that fits their profile.

    • Sea Mode

      He’s a Seahawk:

      By nature, Duvernay is quiet, never saying four words when three will do.

      He’s also got a competitive streak a mile wide. When he was starting to play youth football at 4 or 5, he would cry after every loss.

      Johnson recalls his team facing Duvernay’s team in a game of trash can basketball this season on Friday. Johnson’s team won.

      “Devin did not say a word for the rest of the walkthrough,” Johnson said. “He’s that competitive. That’s kind of his approach in everything in life.

      More praise to back up what I mentioned in the above comment:

      West Virginia coach Neal Brown, part of the Air Raid coaching tree, complimented Duvernay recently.

      “If we weren’t playing this week, I’d just like to watch him play because he does a really good job of settling zones,” Brown said. “He understands when it’s man and runs away from man coverage. He catches the ball, and just like I was talking about our guys needing to, he catches and gets vertical.”

    • Trevor

      Now I have to go take a closer look at him. Was not even on my radar before the combine to be honest. He sounds like a more athletic Julien Edelman. I could see the Pats wanting him based on the profile you give.

      • Sea Mode

        Just to clarify: he does NOT have the elite short-area agility that Edelman and Baldwin had. It’s still good, but not at their level, so no, he is not a ‘more athletic Edelman’.

        Edelman: 3.92 SS, 6.62 3C @5013, 195lbs. (elite)
        Baldwin: 4.26 SS, 6.56 3C @5096, 189 lbs.
        Duvernay: 4.20 SS, 7.13 3C @5104, 200 lbs.

        But he makes up for it by being heavier (esp. in the lower body) and more physical than those guys after the catch, as well as faster straight line speed.

        Edelman: 4.52 40yd
        Baldwin: 4.48 40yd
        Duvernay: 4.39 40yd

        Also, I just watched him vs. Texas Tech (2019). More of the same. Can win the outside shoulder throw like Baldwin and his route in the end zone at the 2:20 mark is eerily similar to the kind of stuff Baldwin made his money at. Then watch how he adjusts and accelerates to the deep ball at 2:43 mark. Honestly, that may be a catch that Baldwin simply couldn’t make (or at least not without diving).

        Devin Duvernay (Texas WR) vs Texas Tech (2019)
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgzSWutF0TI

    • Sea Mode

      Also, wanna see him having some fun? Watch him occupy his man by juking instead of blocking, plus the little pat on the helmet at the end.

      Devin Duvernay (Texas WR) vs Utah (2019)
      https://youtu.be/Hv2XkOKfdG4?t=226

      Did this in the Texas Tech game as well (though less flashy).

      • John_s

        He looks like a great slot prospect. I think Seattle will take a WR early, but will they take an outside WR or a slot?

        • Sea Mode

          Well, they already have DK and Lockett who can play on the outside, so he could compliment them perfectly.

          Of course, Lockett can also slide into the slot if they wanted to draft another outside WR. I wouldn’t worry too much about that, though. Just get the talent who fits Seattle’s requirements and then work out their position fit later.

          The great thing about Duvernay is that, even if you would line him up in the slot, he’s so much more than just a quick, short-route slot guy. He’s got tackle-breaking RAC ability (something we’ve been clamoring for to compliment our current WR corps), as well as true deep speed, which a typical slot like Hunter Renfrow or even Edelman don’t have.

          • Lewis

            That LSU tape was fun to watch. He looks like a RB with the Ball in his hands.

  23. Sea Mode

    Rob, I believe we should add Memphis RB Antonio Gibson to our RB watch list. He’s a 2″ taller Jonathan Taylor clone athletically, and also has WR skills in a year we are looking to replace Prosise.

    Taylor: 5102, 226, 4.39 40yd, 36 vert, 9’10” broad
    Gibson: 6003, 228, 4.39 40yd, 35 vert, 9’10” broad

    Has anyone watched Gibson in pass pro?

    • GoHawksDani

      LOL seems like we’re on the same wavelength now 😀 sign me up for Duvernay and Gibson.
      Not fond of Taylor’s fumbles especially for R1. Gibson’s downside is that he didn’t have a clear position. I don’t think he’s that experienced in passpro as he played more WR if I remember correctly but has the size for it. He has crazy testing numbers for an RB but limited exp. If he’s available in R3 it would be awesome

    • DavidinBellingham

      I too like Gibson and it seems he is likely available in later rounds. With his catching ability, he is someone the Hawks would consider as a 3rd down back and so your question about blocking skills is definitely pertinent. Despite the lack of LEO rushers, I am excited about the players available this year.

      On a different note, thanks again for your great work here Rob! SDB is such a great counterpart to the Seahawks team and organization- superb quality all around.

    • Rob Staton

      Possibly — they’ve just never really gone for these hybrid types. Prosise had a productive pure RB career at Notre Dame. Doesn’t Gibson have about 30 carries?

      • Sea Mode

        That’s correct.

        38 rec/735 yds/8 TD, 19.3 ypc
        33 rush/369 yds/4 TD, 11.2 ypc

      • Cheese22

        Prosise’s production came as a rb but he went to ND and started his career there as a WR. I always thought that had to have something to do with picking him. Gibson spent most of his time as a WR but got a lot of action out of the backfield. Plus, he would be an asset as a returner.
        I’d love to see him picked up for that role in the 4th. Before that I think is too soon with the current state of the roster.

        • Rob Staton

          It did with Prosise but Prosise actually played RB before they drafted him as a RB. Gibson had 33 career carries.

  24. Sea Mode

    Time for the new dream mock for the top of the draft:

    R1- OT Andrew Thomas
    (Fallback: OT Isaiah Wilson)
    Can you imagine if he actually fell to us? If not, I’ll happily trade down and take whoever is left of Isaiah Wilson, Ezra Cleveland, Prince Tega.

    R2 (trade up w/R4)- DT Raekwon Davis
    (Fallback: DE Julian Okwara)
    It’s sounding more and more possible that we might not even have to trade up, but I suspect that will end once people see him moving with that frame tonight.

    R2- WR Devin Duvernay
    (Fallback: WR Bryan Edwards)
    There. I said it. Go get him in R2 and don’t risk anyone else taking him. Reasons in long comments above. Thank goodness NE traded away their R2 pick. I’d still be very wary of them targeting him.

    R3- RB Cam Akers
    (fallback: RB Antonio Gibson)
    As Rob says, Jonathan Taylor is a Seahawk. But the heavy wear on the tires, fumbling issues, and likely R1 investment required to get him prove too much to the Hawks after they don’t want to match the crazy offer Ifedi gets in FA and need an OT to compete with Fant immediately at RT.

    Rob had already identified Akers just by measurements and the film, and then he put on a show in the Combine drills. (After we both posted that impression here on SDB, MJD and Ingram IIRC even joked the drill should be renamed the “Cam Akers” drill.) He could slot perfectly into the early R3 pick we would get by trading out of R1. Or, if we do stay put to grab the OT we want (might not be a bad idea to get ‘our guy’ instead of the leftovers), we can trade up again to go get him.

    And as a fallback, Gibson is a clone of Jonathan Taylor and a nice consolation prize. Some might like him even better than Akers because he would fill Prosise’s 3rd down role even more perfectly.

    • DavidinBellingham

      Seamode,
      Glad I hit refresh before closing the window. This is a terrific draft in my opinion. It would not sadden me to get your top or second options. I was impressed with Duverny when I saw him in the one Texas game I watched. As for running backs, I wouldn’t mind grabbing both Akers and Gibson if other needs are satisfied.

      • Sea Mode

        Wait, you close the window…? 😉

        I think two RBs would be too much at the moment. We definitely need one, and then wait and see how Penny looks once he makes it back. It would also mean no room for Homer, who they like and who is a key contributor on ST. But I do like both of those guys.

        • Lewis

          Having Duvernay and Akers on the field with DK, Lockett, and Dissly on third downs could be fun to watch and give defenses heartburn.

        • DavidinBellingham

          I dare to dream!

    • Trevor

      Love this draft. I think the first pick might have to be Wilson not Thomas but one can dream.

      • Sea Mode

        Exactly. It’s the dream.

        Forget sprinting; I’m doing backflips all the way to the podium if Andrew Thomas is on the board. (Not gonna get my hopes up)

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      I am rather impressed by Okwara’s 27 reps on BP, especially considering his arm length.

  25. Kingdome1976

    My top 3 Seahawk targets at each position so far:

    RB:

    1. Dillon
    2. Gibson
    3. Moss

    WR:

    1. Hamler
    2. J. Jefferson
    3. Aiyuk

    OL:

    1. I. Wilson
    2. C. Ruiz
    3. N. Harris

    TE:

    1. Trautman
    2. H. Bryant
    3. Kmet

    • Ukhawk

      Snap, reading my mind on lots of these

    • Trevor

      My top 3 Seahawk targets at each position so far:

      RB:
      1. Taylor (Rd 1-2)
      2. Akers (Rd 3-4)
      3. John Kelly (Rd 5-7)

      WR:
      1. Mimms (Rd 1-2)
      2. Jefferson (Rd 1-2)
      3. Claypool (Rd 2-3)

      OL:
      1. I. Wilson (Rd 1-2)
      2. C. Ruiz (Rd 1-2)
      3. D Lewis (Rd 3-4)

      TE: None I hope they pass on this draft class and then go early at TE next year

      • Rob Staton

        Decent list but I think Lewis is R2.

        • Trevor

          You are likely right about that given his tape this year for LSU, Senior Bowl and better than average combine. Plus he just seems like he has an edge to him teams will like. A lot of teams near the end of Rd 2 like the Vikings need help on the interior of the OL at he likely goes off the board between 50-70 now that you make the point.

          • Rob Staton

            Bills, Dolphins, Vikings, Bears, Titans, Packers and potentially Seahawks.

  26. Ukhawk

    Rob. Thank you. Yet another amazing summary & analysis, so insightful esp during the wee hours.

    Bunch of thoughts/questions wanted to share with everyone:
    – Loving that Wirfs and Jackson declaring pushed the OL class to become one of the best/deepest in recent memory
    – Will these more raw prospects be attractive to teams in the Top 20? Or should be considered higher risk vs others like Thomas who may be better Day 1 prospects but are “slipping”?
    – They could fall based on their being less experienced or only suited to play guard /RT
    – Could maybe better yet, if they go high, they push down someone like Ruiz or Wilson to us if we decide to go that way (as you point out). (I didn’t think we’d have a shot at Wilson pre-combine)
    – For such hard/expensive positions like OT, it might be ideal to lockup a cheap, quality starter who’d be there to protect our #1 asset for the rest of his prime and facilitate both a better pass and run game.
    – Or perhaps, given the OL depth, we go impact skill player and pick up a quality 2nd or 3rd tier OL on day 2 or 3
    – The combine really feels like it is falling our way and gives JSPS so many options to fill the needs.

    – Another benefit to how it’s unfolding is that it feels like its creating opportunities to nab not only players who performed well, but also those who didn’t perform or didn’t meet expectations .
    – Certain guys are perceived as having ‘disappointing’ combines, but Whilst they may not have run sub 4.4, they were nevertheless close and yet still showed they have other traits like explosion where they are elite. Could guys like Aiyuk or Raegor ’fall’ to us because of this?
    – There were lots of DNPs both in drills as well as the whole combine, this also may play into our hands. For example:
    – Loving that 2 of the 3 best centers had DNP workouts, could we double dip on OL in both R1 and then get Cushenberry or Biaditz on Day 2? I think Cush is an ideal center for a team that wants a power game and a clean pocket for a shorter QB.
    – What about the “non ideal” sized backs we are/may be so interested in? Based on tape, both CEH nor McFarland are game changers but neither put in jaw dropping performances and both were DNPs for most/all of the agility drills, this may not be a bad outcome and could this fortuitously push them down?

    – Whilst Taylor is an ideal, do feel JSPS will possibly prioritise other areas first and will look to get RB depth in later rounds rather than in R1, if at all
    – Per above, CEH or McFarland could fall to us later. Hopefully having Carson and Penny in place means they can let the draft come to them for an RB
    – For my money, Dillon had the best combine of the RBs. His performance on an adjusted basis for his 247lbs was phenomenal. He is an outlier which night appeal. He also has everything we look for in a back. Carson’s type of explosion, Lynch’s type of aggression and Penny’s inside run elusiveness which was enough to be on of the best backs in D1 after contact. Hopefully the hype won’t be too loud as he is getting all sorts of comp – ie Charles Davis calling him this year’s Henry. This is the guy to watch IMO and hopefully can be gotten in Day 2 or 3.
    – Let’s not forget there are also a number of decent FA RBs out there

    • Kingdome1976

      We’ve heard the front office saying they want to be the bully again. I can think of no better way to do that than to draft I. Wilson with our first pick and AJ Dillon in the late 2nd or 3rd. Can you imagine having Dillon back there ready to explode into a pile of dudes? Or even perhaps using him as a FB on some plays. He just is simply intimidating back there.

      I really haven’t seen anything like what I. Wilson looks like before. With his mean look and huge body/broad shoulders and how he moves at that size….simply incredible. If we came away with these two players in the draft I really don’t care who else we pick.

      • Rob Staton

        Dillon is definitely not a R2/3 type prospect.

        He’s day three.

        • Sea Mode

          +1

          • Kingdome1976

            Never really considered where in the draft Dillon would go but I just want that dude on our team. Day 3 sounds good to me.

            • Rob Staton

              Personally, I don’t think the Seahawks will draft Dillon.

              I think there’s every chance it could be Taylor, Akers, or a free agent signing (or UDFA we don’t know about yet).

              Unless they like CEH as much as I do and see him as a rare size outlier (which they have done before).

              • CHawk Talker Eric

                Looks like my early dark horse Josh Kelley is out. Just didn’t test explosively enough.

  27. Kingdome1976

    2 players I thought did well at the combine that I had not watched tape of:

    RB: Scotty Phillips
    OL: Hennessey

  28. Kingdome1976

    I really can’t see us taking RB/WR or TE/DB with our first pick. Every team want continuity on the O-line but I can’t help but think this is the perfect draft and opportunity to grab an early round Center and RT. This would entail letting go of both Britt and Ifedi. By doing this we will have an extra 20 million or so to spend on the D-line in free agency and hopefully have quality starters on the cheap at C/RT for years.

    I know this is a gamble putting 2 rookies on the O-line but if we spent our first 2 picks at these positions I think we could manage. If say we were able to replace Ifedi with I. Wilson and Britt with N. Harris we just might be ok.

    Probably not going to happen but I think it’s worthy of conversation.

    • Ashish

      I agree. We have young G on team but we need to replace T even after signing Fant. We also need to consider Brown replacement for next year. Fant can slide in as left tackle and draft guy can take over RT. Having good 1st round center can go long way.

  29. Henry Taylor

    You said that the Seahawks haven’t focused much on agility testing for Olineman, but could Isaiah Wilson’s times be so poor that in knocks him down a bit? I know he’s a big man, but an 8.26 3C and a 5.07 shuttle are pretty horrible times.

    • Rob Staton

      I don’t think so. He’s a legit 350lbs so let’s consider that when comparing him to players who are 300lbs running the same agility drills. Germain Ifedi ran a poor short shuttle and didn’t do the three cone. James Carpenter didn’t do either test. I think Carpenter would’ve struggled too. The difference is, Wilson is 30lbs heavier.

      Jamarco Jones ran an 8.32 at 299lbs. Yes he fell, but he’ll compete to start for Seattle in 2020. He’s 50lbs lighter. There’s very little evidence of agility testing mattering to Seattle on the OL.

  30. Rob Staton

    I have to say I’m not that convinced about Devin Duvernay for Seattle.

    On first viewing I just don’t see the suddenness they look for in smaller WR’s, or the ability to dominate the red line.

    • drewdawg11

      If the Titans can’t sign Conklin, I could see them taking Isaiah Wilson. They have other needs, but he’s the type of monster that could help them maximize whatever money they pay to Henry. They stole my draft crush last year, (Simmons). I could see them taking that option from us as well.

      • Rob Staton

        Makes sense.

        Watch out for Minnesota at #25. They love big tackles like Wilson.

    • Sea Mode

      Oh, no! 😥

      But it’s great to get other perspectives. That’s why I love this site so much.

      I’ll try to convince you on Duvernay and you try to convince me on Hunter Bryant. We’ll balance each other out…

      • Rob Staton

        I read Duvernay received the most screens in college football in 2019. That showed to me — and it played a big part in his production. Lot of slants too. That’s just not what they’ve really gone for.

        The thing about Bryant is he is the definition of what they’ve looked for in terms of agility. We’ve been able to identify the trends they prefer at TE. Bryant is right there. Plus there was ‘Pete’s point’. I actually think they might go for Bryant over a receiver in this draft based on what we saw. It’ll be an option.

        • Sea Mode

          Yeah, but the agility tests we’ve identified as important for TE’s IMO applies to the guys with the 6’5″, 250+, 33+ arms frame who can also block in-line.

          If you are considering going for Bryant over a WR option, then I think he needs to run a bit closer to the 4.4 they always look for.

          I don’t ‘hate’ Bryant by any means. He’s a good player. But he just seems to me like a “neither, nor”, which just like at RB/WR, is never something they’ve really gone for except for one late round/UDFA addition:

          Bryant is just a buffer, slower, less explosive Jacob Hollister with 1″ longer arms (and their wingspan is still the same):

          Hollister: 6035, 239, 30 7/8 arm, 76 3/8 wing, 4.64 40yd, 36.5 vert, 10’1″ broad, 4.34 SS, 7.12 3C
          H.Bryant: 6022, 248, 32 0/8 arm, 76 1/2 wing, 4.74 40yd, 32.5 vert, 9’7″ broad, 4.46 SS, 7.08 3C

          Add him on day 3 to move on from Hollister? I’m cool with that. But for someone that size to be a R2 option, I think he should be testing closer to something like this:

          6031, 234, 33 1/2 arm, 79 1/8 wing, 4.42 40yd, 36 vert, 10’4″ broad, 4.23 SS, 6.92 3C

          That’s Evan Engram, as you know, who BTW could be a FA next off-season. If Olsen is the 1 year stop-gap…

          • Rob Staton

            The agility testing is the only consistent trait among all their TE’s. Speed hasn’t mattered. They’ve all been different shapes, sizes and weights. You’ve mentioned 6-5, 250lbs, 33 inch arms. Luke Willson had 32 inch arms. Dissly is more like 270lbs. And a year ago they traded for a player (Hollister) to provide a very specific skill-set that they wanted to add to the offense. Don’t discount that. They traded for Hollister’s style.

            I’m not trying to argue that they’ll definitely draft Hunter Bryant. But it’s simply a fact that he tests in the ballpark for where they pick their TE’s. I’ve watched a lot of his stuff and his ability to get open and provide a consistent target on money downs and stretch a defense from the inside shouldn’t be underestimated.

            I don’t see a half-way house at all. I see a player who could easily be an Aaron Hernandez compliment to Olsen and/or Dissly. Hernandez was 6-2 and 245lbs.

            The point on picking him over a receiver isn’t about him needing to be physically like a receiver either. It’s about finding another weapon for Wilson. When I look at this receiver class post-combine — some of the players that fit won’t be available. Some disappointed. I think the options are weaker earlier in the draft than I first thought. Therefore Bryant — because of his ability to be a dynamic catching threat — puts that extra weapon on the field.

            • drewdawg11

              Hunter is an amazing target when you need a first down. He’s got a knack, especially on crossing routes.

              • Rob Staton

                And in many ways that’s what they need. Someone who can get them those easy conversions at key moments to extend drives.

                They could also do with some more speed outside. Extreme speed if possible. Yet this WR class was a bit disappointing in that regard. Reality didn’t match expectation. So not sure what options they have there. They might be able to grab Phillip Dorsett on a short-term, cheaper deal.

            • Sea Mode

              All good points, for sure. Thanks for the discussion.

              I’m definitely not trying to discount the Hollister addition. I actually brought it up specifically because it does seem they wanted that skill set (even though they only had to throw the proverbial next-year, conditional R7 bone to NE for him, so not much of an investment), but I’m unsure how much of an upgrade you think Bryant would be over Hollister, especially to justify a potentially high pick.

              Here are some quotes from training camp that back up your point about wanting that profile (for the article I can feel is surely coming soon… 😁):

              “We’re really fired up that we got Jacob,” Carroll said. “He’s different. This is a different dimension receiver at the tight-end spot.

              “He’s feisty and aggressive and sticks his head in there.”

              “The speed element is awesome,” Schottenheimer said. “Really good route-runner. A lot like Tyler (Lockett) in terms of the instincts, just the ability to get open. He has a great feel for coverages, man and zone, things like that.

              “He has been a great acquisition. He really has.”

              https://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/nfl/seattle-seahawks/article233539287.html

              Luke Willson has 32 5/8 arms and more than made up for the missing 1/2 inch with a 4.51 40yd, much like Shaq Griffin made up for his shorter wingspan with his 40 time.

              Aaron Hernandez is for sure a good ideal for Bryant to shoot for. Though Hernandez also ran an outstanding 4.18 SS and 6.83 3C. Even then (and with college production similar to Hunter Bryant’s) he was a R4 pick. (obviously, he outplayed that draft spot in the NFL)

              I’m not trying to exclusively spreadsheet scout all these guys either. Being a good player is obviously important as well. But I’m also trying to scout against our own roster, which is something JS says he does. Would spending a high pick on Bryant make us that much better than with Hollister? That’s the essence of my question, and I guess it depends on one’s evaluation of Hunter Bryant. I’ll need to try and watch more of him and look forward to reading your more detailed articles on him to come.

              (and I will look into your points on Duvernay, I’ve just spent a lot of time and space in the comments on him already today and want to give it a rest and come back to him again with fresh eyes)

              • Rob Staton

                I personally think Bryant would be a massive upgrade over Hollister. He’s so fluid in that second level. He’s adept at ghosting into the second level. But you can also match him up and he can separate and you can run him to the corner, downfield, down the seam. Hollister did a manful job for us during an hour of need but Bryant’s just on a different level. As noted, I think he can be Aaron Hernandez.

                Again, I’m not saying the Seahawks will definitely take him. It’s just that he fits them. He fits what they’ve looked for. He’s a ‘Seahawk’. And clearly they were paying attention to his workout on Thursday as we saw from Pete’s knowing point. I wouldn’t be surprised if they took him instead of a wide out. But it doesn’t mean they will. And it’s possible they like him but only in a certain range (where he might not be available) or they might have him higher than other teams because he has the agility they want, he comes from a school they like for TE’s and he has the character and attitude they desire.

                • Sea Mode

                  For sure I agree it’s very possible. And the PC point was definitely telling. Seems like every year in a fortuitous, 5-second clip of PC/JS we gain a little intuition of something. In this case, we already thought they might be interested, and that just confirmed it even more.

                  Also in Bryant’s favor is his alpha-looking build. He would score us even more points on the “win getting off the bus” category:

                  https://twitter.com/TFordFSP/status/1232716265673908225

                  https://twitter.com/TFordFSP/status/1223079174211899393

                • Lewis

                  I sure wouldn’t complain. I love watching great TEs. Todd Christensen is an all-time favorite of mine.

  31. Rob Staton

    One other thing to mention which often gets overlooked.

    Benching 225lbs when you weigh 300-340lbs is not that difficult. Only 1% of people can one-rep bench their own body weight. Some of these players (WR, DB, LB, RB) are benching more than their own body weight for 10-15 reps. The big guys doing 20, 30, 40 reps… that’s nowhere near as impressive.

    • Davido

      Not exactly sure how that works but from my own experience it’s way harder to go up from 225 to something like 260 than going up from 180 to 225. I don’t know how that translate to reps because I was never trying to benchpress for maximum reps, especially not with the bullshit technique they use. But usually a certain “baseline” is easier to reach.
      Especially because they go for reps it’s not a display of strength. 225lbs is cardio for the big guys.
      The whole test is pretty useless imo. The 1% is compared to average population. Most people could bench their own body weight after 2 years of training if they are not super heavy.

      • Rob Staton

        It’s very simple. Body mass has a massive impact on how much you can bench. If you weigh 210lbs, benching 225lbs is MUCH MUCH harder than if you weigh 320lbs. Most people in the world can’t do a one-rep max on their body weight (I never suggested anything other than it was compared to average population, so the intervention wasn’t really necessary there). Being able to do multiple reps beyond your own body weight is massively impressive. So 15 reps by a 210lbs receiver is much more impressive than a 320lbs offensive lineman who does, say, 30 reps.

        But yes, it’s basically cardio for those guys. And it is a thoroughly useless, outdated test. They should introduce the powerball toss instead. It’s a far greater test of power.

    • HawkfaninMT

      Arm length is understated too… long arms makes the bench more difficult in terms of distance pressed, and the engagement of triceps vs chest

      • Rob Staton

        Yep.

        And it’s weird how some of the players hold the bar tight inside, essentially making it a tricep workout. Who is teaching them to bench that way? All the Alabama guys did it a year ago.

    • Sea Mode

      I’m still pretty impressed by KJ Hamler putting up 15 reps @178 lbs.

      • Rob Staton

        Incredible achievement.

  32. Albert Butler

    Interesting that Seahawks OL Coach Mike Solari is running the drills at the combine. Shouldn’t be too hard to figure out who he favors. We know the Seahawks like Senior bowl standouts and high TEF scores. Shouldn’t be too hard to connect the dots. Paul Guilamette of The Great Blue North Report had on his Senior Bowl All Practice team the following players: OT Josh Jones (2.84), OT Alex Taylor (2.82), OT Ben Barch (INC), OG Logan Stenberg (INC), OG Hakeem Adeniji (3.27), OC Matt Hennesy (2.88).

    Interesting that Alex Taylor is 6’8″. Hope he’s not another Alex Barron.

    Adeniji played tackle and has great length but had surgery on both labrums.

    Hennesy makes a lot of sense.

    • Rob Staton

      In fairness Solari has done the O-line drills at the combine for a long, long time.

      • Kingdome1976

        He’s been at the combine for as long as I can remember.

        • Albert Butler

          Well, I’m reading a book on body language by an FBI profiler name Joe Navarro, so I’m trying to figure it out. I noticed for the pull drill the guy he used to demonstrate it was not OL #1, who I believe is Trey Adams of Washington. Don’t think we like Trey Adams.

        • Rob Staton

          I read somewhere that his first childhood toy was a football on a stick and some pads.

  33. Cameron

    I gotta say, Isaiah Wilson seems to embody the traits-based drafting tendency of Seattle. What a massive, explosive best this guy is.

    I wonder if he could be drafted and compete to start at guard to begin with. Seems like he’s got the body for it, and could develop his pass pro over time to eventually slide back out to tackle.

    • Rob Staton

      He will struggle massively at guard with leverage. But he certainly has the traits and size they love at right tackle.

  34. Tecmo Bowl

    This time last year I would have laughed at anyone who said DK would be the 9th WR drafted at 64. Doubted Mclaurin would last-12th WR at pick 76.

    • Volume12

      Metcalf for sure. McLaurin had round 3 written all over him. He’s safe. The NFL will fallback on those types.

    • Rob Staton

      Indeed. Something to remember.

      But equally there are players who were ‘obvious’ R1’s a year ago that ended up going exactly where we thought. For months last year the national pundits had Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence in the late first. We said top-20 locks throughout. They both went in the top-20.

      • Tecmo Bowl

        For sure. You were praising Ruiz early this year.

        Just saying we as fans have a natural tendency to overreact to combine times, especially with WRs. Confident that a big time WR will be available late 2nd.

  35. Tecmo Bowl

    If this wasnt from Tony Pauline, I’d say bs.

    “Additional sources confirm my earlier report that several teams have moved Jedrick Wills off their tackle board and are now grading him as a guard.”

    Felt like Wills looked fantastic in the drills yesterday.. Plenty of athleticism, length, with quick feet. Sure he could move inside, but why would you.

    • Rob Staton

      Wills did look fantastic in drills. He was also very explosive in the vertical and broad.

      However — and I’ve said this for a few months — he has a stubby guard frame. He doesn’t look like a tackle. I actually think he’s a quality guard prospect and have always said that. Tristan Wirfs might be the same. Tony in fairness doesn’t say he’s falling down boards, he simply says he’s being moved to guard boards. He could still be a top-15 pick at guard. That’s what I think will happen.

    • Volume12

      It is weird, not as weird as Bucky Brooks saying Jonathan Taylot lacks ideal size. At the same time, it’s not a bad thing though. If a team feels he’s better inside nothing wrong with it ig it improves your line as a whole. Zack Martin a top 3-5 guard in the NFL springs to mind. He could’ve played tackle and done just as well.

      • Tecmo Bowl

        Haha saw that about Taylor. Next Gen Stats produces some question data points at times. They clearly dont have the same RB ideal size as the Hawks!

    • Volume12

      Some teams are gonna feel that way about Wirfs. I’d almost guarantee it.

  36. Steve Nelsen

    Things I Think I Learned Today

    1. OT Isaiah Wilson could be Seattle’s pick at 27. This is great news and was at the top of my combine want list. He is a big, strong RT who can start as a rookie. His agility testing wasn’t good enough for a team to project him at LT so he could get passed over by LT-needy teams in favor of someone like Andrew Thomas or Ezra Cleveland.

    2. There are going to be some explosive OL available on Day 3. Matt Peart could be this year’s Phil Haynes. Hakeem Adeniji is likely moving to G in the NFL and could blossom in a man-blocking scheme with a good teacher like Solari.

    3. Seattle will draft a RB and could use a Day 2 pick on one. This is the time of year where draft projections start getting crazy as analysts try to reshape their mock drafts for the “risers” and “fallers” so don’t be surprised if 50 different guys are identified as “first-rounders.” The RB class looked great in drills and might be as good as the OL and WRs when we look back on it in 3 years. There are 5-6 RBs who match Seattle’s preferences including some with first-round talent that could slip to Day 2. RB is a Seahawk need but it is a devalued position in much of the NFL. If Seattle is picking early in Round 2 after a trade-back and Jonathan Taylor is still there they could be tempted. Otherwise look for Zack Moss, Deejay Dallas or Cam Akers on Day 3.

    • Dingbatman

      Love these re-caps. Thanks!

      • Sea Mode

        I’ve been reading as well. Thank you.

    • Madmark

      I have a different opinion as whether Wilson would be ready to start day one. I think he would need a year to get accustom to the pros and work on his footwork. He a monster of a man but he’s needs more experience. I said let Fant start RT this year and have Wilson as a backup to start off. If Brown hurt Fant slides over and Wilson steps up. If Fant goes down then he steps up. This guy is a sophomore and like most rookies he will need time to become better. The way this line gets injuried he probably get some experience his first year. I do love Cesar Ruiz and don’t discount how important the center is when they are the first ones to touch the ball and start the play. I like Dillion at RB he looks like a monster and I think there’s a lot there to be really creative with the skills he has.

      • Steve Nelsen

        I think there is a real possibility Seattle signs a veteran RT to an Iupati-type deal as a hedge at RT. I doubt it will be Fant. He is far from a mauling Solari-style run-blocker. He is a Cable-type project better suited for a zone-scheme.

        • HawkfaninMT

          Ronald Leary?

  37. charlietheunicorn

    Mekhi Becton

    The dude put on a show on the 40 yard dash. He looked in control and really didn’t look like he ran a 5.11…. at 360 lbs. He looked like he was fluid and didn’t look particularly doughy. Did anyone else think of DJ Fluker while watching this guy?

    • Rob Staton

      I didn’t think of Fluker personally — Fluker was just big. Becton is big and freakishly athletic. He ran a forty 0.20 seconds faster than Fluker despite weighing an extra 20lbs. Incredible run by Becton. He will be a top-10 pick.

      • charlietheunicorn

        He is extremely rare. Big men aren’t meant to roll that fast down the runway. I was not considering him a top 10 pick, but thought he might be a 1st rounder.

        If he goes high, then might be CAR, JAX or IND in my estimation. If Rivera was still in CAR then I could see it much more than the new regime.

        • Rob Staton

          I think Carolina or Arizona. Maybe even the Giants.

    • Volume12

      Bryant McKinney.

    • Davido

      Becton also is pretty lean. Big DJ is uhm a bit more chunky.

  38. charlietheunicorn

    “Looks like my early dark horse Josh Kelley is out. Just didn’t test explosively enough.”

    I wouldn’t quite give up the ghost on the guy yet. He was very productive on a team without a ton of other weapons. I also double checked his times on a few things, but his 3 cone was one of the top at the combine for RBs. Of course Jonathan Taylor is more highly regarded, but if you can get a guy like Kelly in the middle of the draft, then that would not be a bad option at all.

    • Rob Staton

      He’s not explosive though and that’s something we’ve identified is big for Seattle RB’s.

      • charlietheunicorn

        Taylor appears to be an ideal fit, but I’m not convinced, especially after the combine, he will last until the Seahawks even have a shot at him. I’m trying to keep an open mind to some other guys mid draft or late draft that might be targets. Hopefully Kelly has a better Pro Day…. putting him back on the draft board.

  39. Sea Mode

    My man about chipped his tooth on the rim. Incredible. What an athlete.

    https://twitter.com/CharlesRobinson/status/1233815367799181318

  40. Sea Mode

    So no Combine workout for one of V12’s favorites IIRC:

    Tom Pelissero
    @TomPelissero
    ·45m

    Appalachian State LB Akeem Davis-Gaither will have surgery Tuesday with Dr. Robert Anderson for a partial stress fracture in his right foot that has bothered him since the season, source said. It’ll be a 6- to 8-week recovery, so healthy in plenty of time for his rookie year.

    • Volume12

      Not a favorite per se, but someone I am high on.

      • Sea Mode

        Pauline praised him at the Sr. Bowl, particularly his ability in coverage.

  41. charlietheunicorn

    What the F…….

    Tony Romo reportedly makes 17M a year to be a broadcaster on CBS.

    I’m in the wrong profession.

  42. Denver Hawker

    Big testing day for FA priorities today.

    Hoping Marks and Okwara can show some explosiveness and Raekwon doesn’t put himself into R1.

    • Rob Staton

      Okwara said he wasn’t going to do drills but then benched so he might not run.

    • Denver Hawker

      Darn auto-correct, meant Matos.

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