A two round mock draft compared with Tony Pauline’s

Below you’ll find an updated two-round mock draft. One thing we like to do every year is look at other high profile projections and assess the options available to Seattle.

Today we’ll look at Tony Pauline’s first 2017 mock.

Rob’s projection

Round One

#1 Cleveland — Myles Garrett (EDGE, Texas A&M)
#2 San Francisco — Mitch Trubisky (QB, North Carolina)
#3 Chicago — Jonathan Allen (DE, Alabama)
#4 Jacksonville — Jabrill Peppers (S, Michigan)
#5 Tennessee — Solomon Thomas (DE, Stanford)
#6 New York Jets — Leonard Fournette (RB, LSU)
#7 San Diego — Reuben Foster (LB, Alabama)
#8 Carolina — Garett Bolles (T, Utah)
#9 Cincinnati — Dalvin Cook (RB, Florida State)
#10 Buffalo — Jamal Adams (S, LSU)
#11 New Orleans — Marlon Humphrey (CB, Alabama)
#12 Cleveland (via Philadelphia) — Malik Hooker (S, Ohio State)
#13 Arizona — Ryan Ramcyzk (T, Wisconsin)
#14 Indianapolis — Tim Williams (EDGE, Alabama)
#15 Philadelphia (via Minnesota) — Mike Williams (WR, Clemson)
#16 Baltimore — Takkarist McKinley (EDGE, UCLA)
#17 Washington — Zach Cunningham (LB, Vanderbilt)
#18 Tennessee — O.J. Howard (TE, Alabama)
#19 Tampa Bay — Quincy Wilson (CB, Florida)
#20 Denver — John Ross (WR, Washington)
#21 Detroit — Charles Harris (EDGE, Missouri)
#22 Miami — Sidney Jones (CB, Washington)
#23 New York Giants — Demarcus Walker (DE, Florida State)
#24 Oakland — Taco Charlton (EDGE, Michigan)
#25 Houston — Adoree’ Jackson (CB, USC)
#26 Seattle — David Njoku (TE, Miami)
#27 Green Bay — Gareon Conley (CB, Ohio State)
#28 Pittsburgh — Deshaun Watson (QB, Clemson)
#29 Atlanta — Budda Baker (S, Washington)
#30 Kansas City — Deshone Kizer (QB, Notre Dame)
#31 Dallas — Derek Barnett (DE, Tennessee)
#32 New England — Chidobe Awuzie (CB, Colorado)

Round two

33. Cleveland — Christian McCaffrey (RB, Stanford)
34. San Francisco — Corey Davis (WR, Western Michigan)
35. Jacksonville — Cam Robinson (T, Alabama)
36. Chicago — Patrick Mahomes (QB, Texas Tech)
37. Los Angeles — Antonio Garcia (T, Troy)
38. San Diego — Malik McDowell (DT, Michigan State)
39. New York Jets — Jalen Tabor (CB, Florida)
40. Carolina — Justin Evans (S, Texas A&M)
41. Cincinnati — Carl Lawson (EDGE, Auburn)
42. New Orleans — Tre’Davious White (CB, LSU)
43. Philadelphia — Kevin King (CB, Washington)
44. Buffalo — Evan Engram (TE, Ole Miss)
45. Arizona — Forrest Lamp (G, Western Kentucky)
46. Indianapolis — Raekwon McMillan (LB, Ohio State)
47. Baltimore — Dan Feeney (G, Indiana)
48. Minnesota — D’Onta Foreman (RB, Texas)
49. Washington — Obi Melifonwu (S, Connecticut)
50. Tampa Bay — JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR, USC)
51. Denver — Jarrad Davis (LB, Florida)
52. Cleveland — Brad Kaaya (QB, Miami)
53. Detroit — Cameron Sutton (CB, Tennessee)
54. Miami — Raekwon McMillan (LB, Ohio State)
55. New York Giants — Cordrea Tankersley (CB, Clemson)
56. Oakland — Marshon Lattimore (CB, Ohio State)
57. Houston — Elijah Qualls (DT, Washington)
58. Seattle — Haason Reddick (LB, Temple)
59. Green Bay — Alex Anzalone (LB, Florida)
60. Pittsburgh — Ryan Anderson (LB, Alabama)
61. Atlanta — Chris Wormley (DT, Michigan)
62. Kansas City — Curtis Samuel (WR, Ohio State)
63. Dallas — Caleb Brantley (DT, Florida)
64. New England — Marcus Maye (S, Florida)

(Note — we’ll come back to this in a minute. I know you’re going to want an explanation for Seattle’s first round pick)

Now click here to go and check out Tony Pauline’s mock draft at his new site Draft Analyst. Tony is without doubt the #1 draft insider, the undisputed best in the business, and updates his new website daily with the best info you’ll find on the internet. It’s also worth noting he’s been extremely accurate with his info on the Seahawks in recent years.

I like to compare mock drafts because sometimes if I’m high on a player, I tend to count them out too easily for the Seahawks. The players available after pick #20 in Tony’s projection that were off the board in mine are as follows:

Jamal Adams (S, LSU)
Takkarist McKinley (EDGE, UCLA)
Zach Cunningham (LB, Vanderbilt)
O.J. Howard (TE, Alabama)
Quincy Wilson (CB, Florida)
Charles Harris (EDGE, Missouri)
Demarcus Walker (DE, Florida State)
Taco Charlton (EDGE, Michigan)
Adoree’ Jackson (CB, USC)

This highlights what an intriguing draft class this is going to be. There are plenty of options there. If they want to be aggressive in adding to the O-line and running game, they have an opportunity to do that. They’d probably feel quite comfortable moving down. But look at the defensive talent on the board: Jamal Adams, Takk McKinley, Charles Harris, Demarcus Walker, Taco Charlton, Budda Baker, Zach Cunningham, Quincy Wilson, Adoree’ Jackson. Nice.

Pauline’s mock also highlights how unlikely it is Garett Bolles will be available to the Seahawks. We spent most of the college football season mocking him to Seattle, while acknowledging he would eventually gain national attention and move up the board.

Bolles is a top-15 talent for sure and could easily land in the top ten. He’s too good to last into the bottom third of the first round.

Whether Seattle picks at #21 or #32, there’s a good chance they’ll be looking at a heavy defensive board. That doesn’t mean they won’t or can’t select an offensive player. There will be offensive lineman they might consider, running backs (possibly) and maybe even a wild card like a receiver or tight end (see below). But the defensive depth in this draft is outstanding.

So what about that Seahawks first round pick in my own mock? David Njoku, Miami.

I would urge people not to read too much into it. We’re at that pre-combine, pre-Senior Bowl stage. Knowledge and numbers are sadly lacking. Let’s see the O-line class, D-line class. Let’s get the info we need to have better discussions about what they might do. Let’s get into free agency and see how aggressive they are to fill needs.

Until then I’m going to start running through different options and creating different talking points. Because… why not?

Clearly tight end is not a big need. There’s enough hand-wringing about the use of one athletic 6-7 monster on this roster already. Adding a second might cause Twitter to explode (that might not be such a bad thing).

Please consider this though — the Seahawks don’t draft average athletes. They shoot for major, titanic sized upside. And if they are able to make some moves in free agency, considering a 6-4, 245lbs target who reportedly runs in the 4.4’s isn’t totally unrealistic.

Njoku received a second round grade from the draft committee. If the Seahawks have the #26 overall pick, they’ll likely be drafting a player with a second round grade.

So no — a tight end in round one doesn’t come close to addressing Seattle’s big needs. But it’s January 5th. Free agency hasn’t started. The combine invites haven’t even been sent out. And Njoku is an absolute beast.

288 Comments

  1. Cameron

    Nothing would warm my heart more than the Tennessee Titans drafting Solomon Thomas with the pick they got from the Rams.

    • C-Dog

      Nice one.

  2. AlaskaHawk

    Bold predictions from a bold man,
    You paint them on paper with a spray can.
    Defense – Offense my head is all in a swirl,
    lets hope the next linemen doesn’t block like a girl.

    • The Hawk is Howling

      Nice one Alaska!

      Great write-up as always, Rob you are the Man!

      Go Hawks!

  3. Ed

    I would be in as long as their adjust the scheme. Having a single back set with those two as TE and Kearse and Baldwin on the outside, gives you the ability to run heavy, but also a lot of seam work and play action. I think if they draft him and Bevell uses the personnel correctly, it would be awesome. Quick hits to big athletic TE, I’m in.

    If not, give me Foreman in the 1st.

  4. Nathan_12thMan

    TE in the first round? That would be tough but there are some ways I could be okay with it.

    1) We let Luke walk (Vance McDonald got a 5-yr, $6.5M APY contract from the 9ers and has the same stats as Luke I believe) because re-signing him is too expensive and he just doesn’t show up enough and we trade Jimmy Graham for either player(s) or pick(s). We roll with Vannett, Njoku and re-sign Brandon Williams.

    Why? If we aren’t going to spend a R1 pick on OL then I assume we are gonna spend FA money on OL. I want us to extend Kam, possibly sign Shead to a long term deal and I likely want us to extend Britt. To afford someone like say Kevin Zeitler to play RG (@JoeGoodberry says he gets $8.5-11M) and go after Calais Campbell to add to our DL.

    2) Let Luke walk (saving us ~$5M APY for 3-4 years) and extend Jimmy Graham so his cap hit is much smaller in ’17 and pretty reasonable afterwards given his skill-sets). Jimmy Graham, Nijoku and Vannett as our TE’s. That is electric. Unless McEvoy develops into a really nice tall WR I say we utilize Jimmy and/or Nijoku at WR a lot in ’17 and beyond. Kearse’s role can get reduced more (2 WR set of Doug & Tyler, 3 WR set with Jimmy or Nijoku, DB & TL, 4 WR set adds either JK, PRich, or McEvoy). The assumption here in regards to OL is that they really believe Fant, Glow, and Britt will show improvement in ’17 having ~100 snaps together this season. Whether or not they move Ifedi to RT or not is up in the air. If they do who plays RG? Move Glow & start Rees at LG? But then that is two more changes and Rees would be another new young pup added to the starting 5 on OL (scary).

    Overall I want to see us make a play on OL & DL talent in FA. We’ve got the money. Let’s go try to get Calais Campbell to make our DL the best in the NFL (Avril-Bennett-Campbell-Clark) for this Superbowl run window. And go get a OLinemen in FA, especially if we don’t draft one in R1. What I want us to do depends on whether we move Ifedi to RT or not. Even if we don’t I’d like to see us hedge at least one bet. We can’t just bet the ’17 season that this group (Fant-Glow-Britt-Ifedi-Gilliam) will ALL be better in ’17. We’ve got some positions hedged with Odhiambo and center is hedged with Hunt. But what if Ifedi looks bad again? Should Gilliam really be anything more than a backup?

    TE in R1 isn’t awful, in fact it could be awesome. But only if other moves are made accordingly and the TE is an electric play-maker who can be played at WR as well. Drafting TE round one then re-signing Luke and keeping Jimmy is just dumb IMO.

    • RealRhino2

      Agree with this. Draft an electric move TE if you are also, say, moving Graham and using that money for a difference-maker on the OL, sure. Add one more “weapon” at TE that you waste a good portion of the game using as in inline blocker? No thanks.

      I’d be fine and dandy if Pauline’s version came true. I’d run to the podium for Adoree Jackson or Jamal Adams out of those guys on the list. Adoree has some lapses as a CB, but he could start as a dangerous returner (as a hedge against Lockett’s injury status) and get in the CB rotation. Unless you think Tradavious White lasts until our 2nd pick. Then maybe just go get the best dang guard in the draft and pair him with White in R2. And I really like Adams at safety. I’ll be floored if he doesn’t go before Peppers, in fact. Think he’d be a great guy to replace Kam down the road.

      • Rob Staton

        They are not moving Graham.

        I didn’t want this to be another lengthy debate about Seattle’s use of Jimmy Graham. I think we’ve been down that road. I also believe it receives way too much focus from fans. Gronk blocks inline and nobody bats an eye lid. Jimmy does it — and does it well — and people are screaming at the TV.

        I’ll stand by what I said to someone else a few days ago. If this team has the 2013 or 2014 O-line and running game, Jimmy Graham would have 10-12 TD’s this year.

        • Nathan_12thMan

          This.

          Exactly what I said down below to someone else saying we don’t use him right. If our OL protected like it did in the second half of 2015 then we wouldn’t need Jimmy to stay in and block AS MUCH as he has this season. (Another factor is if Williams & Vannett were really good blockers we could use them instead and have Jimmy run more routes, but JG is our best blocker). All those max-protects and requiring Jimmy to chip and block just remove him from being able to be in the slot or out wide.

          If our front 5 could block well then Jimmy wouldn’t be nearly as needed to block. That would free him up to run routes from the slot, out wide, from everywhere on the field that Bevell can imagine.

          • Rob Staton

            Clearly they don’t trust Vannett yet. He’s inactive most weeks. And Williams as a blocker? He was responsible for one of the blocked kicks vs Arizona, where he basically watched his man run at half speed into the backfield.

            People don’t want to accept it — but Jimmy Graham is head and shoulders above every other TE on this roster for blocking. I doubt anyone, PC included, wants that to be true. But it is — and because of the state of the OL — he’s having to do a job there sometimes.

            • Drew

              Here’s really become an all around TE, he essentially had to learn how to block when he first got to Seattle and now he’s doing a great job at it.

              • D-OZ

                Willson has got to be the worst blocking TE I have ever seen in Seattle…
                When Vannett was active he did a nice job. I can’t see why he is inactive so often. We ran the ball better when he played, and Pass protected better too. Although he had one costly drive killing penalty.
                Rees did a nice job on that TD run at the Goal Line against SF. I like him going forward @ LG. I think they are letting him get totally healthy. I think that’s why we haven’t seen more of him.
                Rob, I like the TE pick a lot, by the way.

            • NathanM

              When they drafted Vannett last year they really talked about how much they like his blocking, his catching was an unexpected bonus. I think we will see Willson walk and the Hawks are really hoping to use Vannett as the #2 TE next year to do more in-line blocking and free Graham up to work more as a receiving TE in double TE sets.

              If that is the plan, I would be surprised if they draft a TE who’s strength is as a receiver unless they are ALSO confident he can be a factor blocking as well.

              • Rob Staton

                It depends really — because ultimately they carried four tight ends on the roster all year. So they’re comfortable carrying these guys and finding a role for their skill sets.

        • RealRhino2

          That’s fine, but part of the reason we don’t have the 2013 and 2014 O-line and running game is that traded our most reliable O-lineman and a good draft pick to get Graham, and his salary potentially took away our potential to sign a really good FA lineman that could have given us a much better running game. Gronk is also a great blocker, while Graham is merely adequate.

          • Rob Staton

            Let’s get things straight here…

            — Max Unger was being moved whatever happened. Danny O’Neil has more or less stated that. Whatever you think about Danny (I personally like him and his show) — the guy is very connected.

            — There hasn’t been a single free agent offensive lineman available that is close to Jimmy Graham’s talent level. When I read this argument, I want the names of the players Seattle failed to sign because of Graham. I am extremely confident we’ll be able to create an argument as to why they’re better off with Graham rather than a collection of journeyman O-liners.

            — Gronk is a better blocker. And? Graham has been terrific as a blocker this year.

            Seattle is struggling on the O-line and with the running game this year. None of this is down to the Graham trade. Sadly it is what it is. They will have an opportunity to rectify these issues in the off-season, all the while retaining Graham’s impactful presence on the roster.

          • LordSnow

            About a month ago on a Danny Oneill wednesday chat, someone brought up this trade as a lose lose because of giving up Unger + a first for Graham + a 4th. Danny said that this is a false view of the trade. It was two trades being talked about with the same team that they decided to consummate at the same time. Graham for a first, and Unger for a 4th. Both being separate and distinct from each other.

            • Rad man

              I guess the underlying question is why was Unger leaving either way?

              relatedly, starting Nowak at center the following season was a disaster.

              • Rob Staton

                Unger = injuries

                A lot of schemes less physical than Seattle’s and New Orleans suites Unger.

    • Alaska Norm

      “TE in R1 isn’t awful, in fact it could be awesome”. Love it… I’d be even more stoked if they could trade into the 2nd round and get him and a 4th round pick. Getting an athlete like Njoku is not so farfetched when you look at Seattle’s love affair with drafting athletic freaks. It is fun to imagine another big athletic receiver on the roster.

  5. Cameron

    Rob, do you see Njoku as a ‘move’ TE or as a traditional inline TE?

    • Rob Staton

      Move. Can play WR too with his athleticism.

      • Nathan_12thMan

        If you describe him that way (TE/WR) and the staff knew how to properly use him (aka phase our Kearse and use Njoku & Jimmy as a WR in 3WR sets and such) then you’d get a lot more love out of the idea I bet.

        Question: Any clue on his blocking skill-set? Has he ever been asked to do it? Was he a liability or average or actually good?

        If we had Jimmy (huge athletic TE/WR who can block well) with Nick (classic Y-TE with receiving upside) and Njoku (freak athlete TE/WR) that could contend for the best TE group in the NFL. You’d basically have Jimmy Graham, Zach Miller and Jordan Reed, right?

        • Volume12

          He’s a willing blocker. Not his strong suit, but you can see some flashes of skill there.

          • D-OZ

            I’ll bet he can get to the second level in a hurry…

      • Cameron

        Hard to get on board with this then. We already have a ‘move’ TE, we just decided not to use him that way.

        All indications are this team doesn’t value that position greatly. The Cooper Helfet’s of the world were fringe players in this league so hard to see a 1st rounder here, now matter how good the idea sounds.

        • Rob Staton

          They spent big on Miller, traded for Jimmy, coveted Julius Thomas and spent a R3 on Nick Vannett (there are probably others I’ve forgotten about too).

          However we define their TE’s it doesn’t really matter. There aren’t any indications they don’t value the position.

          I’d go as far to say all indications are the Seahawks are probably going to be interested in a 6-4, 245lbs monster who runs in the 4.4’s.

        • Nathan_12thMan

          I don’t believe you are taking into account how often we had to utilize him as a blocker (even if just to chip) due to our lack of pass protection. Jimmy being our best blocker along with our pass protection (with our starting 5 on OL) being so poor mean’t we had to go max protect and have TE’s chip waaaaaaaaaaay more than we would if our front 5 could block 5 defenders (or more if needed) on their own.

          Imagine in 2017 our front 5 play like our front 5 did in the second half of the 2015 season. Why would we have Jimmy inline to block barely ever? Why would we go to max protect if we didn’t need it? We wouldn’t. That would free up Jimmy to be in the slot, out wide or in-line but running a route.

          • Volume12

            And not just that, but a lot of people want another WR.

            If a 6’4, 245 lb freak that runs a 4.49-4.55 let’s says is sitting there and is basically an oversized, hybrid of one, why not pull the trigger?

            • D-OZ

              Totally agree. That guy will pull some defender’s out of the box.

  6. C-Dog

    Seattle drafted Michael a few years back with a running back on the roster well in his prime. It wasn’t a perceived need. They looked at a special athlete with an eye for the future. JG is nearing 30 and the end of his deal. Njoku is no joke in terms of being a special athlete. While I’d love that special athlete to be a RB, or an OL, if there’s not one there, there’s not one there. This makes a lot of sense when you look at their trends.

    • C-Dog

      Given the issues of red zone offense, this also makes sense.

    • Volume12

      That’s what am I saying about RB. Is ‘fixing’ the run game a priority? ?%. But the actual position itself might be more of a 3rd-4th round need.

      If there’s not a RB there, what is Seattle supposed to do? Create one in a lab? Hope one falls from the sky?

      • Volume12

        The RB position is very fungible.

        • C-Dog

          Good points, Volume!

        • icb12

          RB position fungible??

          I would strongly disagree.

          Look at the Hawks without Beastmode. Personally I think the Running back position is one of the least fungible in football.

          Since 2005 52 Different Running backs have finished in the top 10 in the league.
          33 of them were drafting in rounds 1 or 2.
          23 of them were drafted in round 1.

          • Hoberk Unce

            But what is the correlation between RBs finishing in the top 10 in the league and their team’s playoff success?

            • DC

              You guys made me look up a word.

              Here’s the list of Super Bowl Champs since 2005 (icb12’s start date)
              Patriots
              Steelers
              Colts
              Giants
              Steelers
              Saints
              Packers
              Giants
              Ravens
              Seahawks
              Patriots
              Broncos
              Now you probably know every QB for each of those teams. Who was the leading rusher for each one? I know a few of them. What’s my point? I don’t have one… Oh ya, RBs are much more fungible than QBs.

      • Cameron

        This is what I am saying. We should treat the RB position like the bullpen for a baseball team – just stockpile with talent and see who rises to the top.

        Take another in the 3rd-4th (like a Kareem Hunt or Jamaal Williams) and you have:

        Rawls
        Prosise
        Collins
        draft pick

        A lot of teams would envy this position.

        • Rob Staton

          I’m not a big fan of this approach. It’s kind of what they tried this year. The run is so important to this team — I think they need a guy they can feature. Doesn’t have to be a Marshawn-level type, just someone they can rely on.

          • peter

            True but as you’ve even stated and I’ve (unfortunately done the same thing,) past Fournette, Cook, and maybe Foreman the DBD tapes aren’t very intriguing and I find myself sort of forcing RB’s in my mind to work for Seattle. A big Move TE with Graham and two TE sets I think would be great. It’s what I love about your approach, presenting players out of the box. A lot of us say “OL…” but at the 26th pick I say “who’s that going to be?” Better to me is not to waste the pick trying to force an inferior player when a superior player is could be there.

            • C-Dog

              IMO, if Foreman or some other back beyond Fournette or Cook has a solid combine, that back probably becomes a big target for Seattle. If not, they probably punt to the later rounds or undrafted free agency.

  7. Volume12

    While I agree that TE isn’t a huge or much of need, Njoku has a chance to be special. He’s still raw, but man what an athlete! Explosive. I see a longer more dynamic version of Julius Thomas. If a team develops him correctly, kid can be special.

    And if I can throw in a reason why it may be possible? PC last year, summer time maybe, referenced that NE is the future ot the NFL in terms of their offensive personnel at the skill positions. And what has NE always done? Utilize not 1, but 2 game changing talents at TE.

    Njoku would make a lot of sense. Seattle also likes to go offense in the 1st and 3rd. Defense in the 2nd.

    • C-Dog

      Carroll used the term “unique athlete” when referencing Earl Thomas being missed this week. He said it doesn’t matter what position they play, a unique athlete is a unique athlete. IMO, that really opens the door up with what they might perhaps do with that first pick.

      • Volume12

        Yeah, that’s the thing about their 1st overall selections. Even if they use it for a trade, Percy & Jimmy, Seattle will always swing for the fences on unique, special athletes.

        • peter

          Bruce Irvin……

    • D-OZ

      The question would be is he more dynamic than who is left on the board. I think the answer to that is easy. Snatch him up. I have a feeling he will already be gone.IMO

    • Robert

      Njoku makes a lot of sense. Too fast for LBs and too big for CBs…always open for the jump ball. Very special abilities to dominate no matter what the defense does! OL and running game woes will subside next year as OL cohesion emerges. Pete has been dreaming about Njoku for years!

  8. Volume12

    Miami=TE U.

    Bubba Franks, Jeremy Shockley, Kellen Winslow,Jr, Greg Olsen, Jimmy Graham, Clive Walford, Beau Sandland, and now David Njoku

    • Kenny Sloth

      This.

      • Rad man

        man I really liked Bubba Franks

  9. Kenny Sloth

    Its great that Rob takes feedback from his community.

    A lot of other guys were wringing their hands wondering why we were only looking at lineman and backs. Some guys wanted more variety and it sounds like you are happy to oblige.

    Nice to see a writer who will put it down for a more entertaining product

  10. Volume12

    He said he runs a 4.49 40. Won a state championship in HS for high jumping. And said Jimmy Graham is one of his mentors and someone he talks with frequently.

    • Rob Staton

      Let’s hope they make some nice FA moves so they can seriously consider this…

      That’s assuming Njoku doesn’t suddenly vault into the top-25, which also seems possible.

      • Volume12

        Very possible. If Eric Ebron did, no reason why he couldn’t as well.

        • Kenny Sloth

          Ebron isnt the same athlete Njoku is either

          • Smitty1547

            Ebron sucks in the NFL

            • Volume12

              He does. That’s my point.

            • Kenny Sloth

              When he tested so poorly i knew he was busting.

              When asked why he’ll excel at the next level he smirked sheepishly and retorted “wait and see”. Gritless

    • Trevor

      Can’t believe I am saying this but I would actually really like the pick. A TE group of Vannett, Graham and Nojuku would be really special with each guy bringing something different to the table. It would one up a ton of options offensively.

      If they the could pick up Zeitler and Johnathan Stewart or even Blount in Free Agency to help with the run game I would love this pick.

      • Volume12

        I think Zeitler is going to get like $7-$8 mil.

        • Trevor

          With how little we have invested in the OL I would be ok with over paying for veteran to shore things up.

          Sign Zeitler
          Trade a 5th for Stewart if Carolina drafts Fournette
          Trade a 3rd round comp for Joe Staley if SF wants to rebuild
          Draft Nojoku

          The offense would be unstoppable next year.

          • Volume12

            Will they be OK with spending $7-$10 mil on a guy like Zeitler? IMO someone will pay him more than what he’s worth. Happens every year.

            • Trevor

              I think a lot of guys are going to get overpaid this free agent season.

              I thought Osemelee was a over priced last year but he turned that Oakland OL around and was worth every cent. If we can find a guy to solidify the OL and help all these young guys gel as a group it would be money well spent.

        • JT

          Brace yourself for $10-$12 V12. Rapidly rising cap + pro-bowl quality guard… he’s getting paiddd. I bet Wagner gets $8 mil.

          • Rad man

            I would resist changes to LG, C, RG, for the sake of consistency. I think a lot of their issues is simply inexperience and lack of playing time together as a group. Changing any of those guys seems like a step backwards and negates the growing pains we’ve gone through this season.

            I like what I see from Fant but I wonder if he’s good enough, even with tremendous growth. And the revolving door at RT is a problem.

            So, in a sense, I’m interested in an investment in RT in any form,, and going with these guys again next year.

  11. Volume12

    I’m very interested to see how teams react to RB Joe Mixon. He got a 1st round grade from the advisory board. Hard not to go pro after receiving that news. No denying his talent and I’d be shocked if he went undrafted.

    • Rob Staton

      It’s such a complex story. It’ll be equally intriguing, frustrating and upsetting to follow over the next few weeks.

      Tony Pauline noted recently that intel was being sent to Mixon’s people that he won’t get drafted. The draft committee, I don’t know how they operate, but if they’re just going off the tape then sure he’s a top talent. If he’s getting that info based purely on tape then the committee have a lot to answer to.

      I personally think there’s a very real chance he won’t be drafted. Whoever does make that move better be ready, whether it’s R1 or R7.

      • Volume12

        Agreed. That’s a good question. Do they just go off tape? Or do they combine that with feedback from sources?

        While I do think he could undrafted, it would still shock me. Tyreek Hill I thought for sure was going undrafted, but teams just want to win as unfortunate as that sounds. If I was to bet on it, I’d say day 3 somewhere.

        • Rob Staton

          The problem for Mixon (other than the whole living with what he did thing) is his case has received more attention than Hill’s. Any team that drafts him early is going to get absolutely savaged by the national media. Tyreek Hill, despite the horrendous details of his crime, was taken in round five and I bet if you polled random NFL fans they wouldn’t even be aware of what he did. I suspect most will know about Mixon’s incident.

          • Volume12

            Good point about Hill.

          • Kenny Sloth

            I dont even know anything about Hill’s background!!

            • Kenkadet

              He cried during the season finale of the Bachelor… twice.

          • peter

            The thing that’s crazy about the NFL is that the hand wringing and complaining dies down at some point and people tend to forget or simply not care. Let’s look back to Ray Lewis and his cheeeeeezy pregame sermons or Michael Vick who went to prison. Prison. For Illegal betting operations oh and being a grade a turd. For 2-3 years after he came back he was an almost viable and exciting QB.

            Mixon’s probably going undrafted but could be like Hill where the NFL on their front page extols his highlights and adds Tweets from his teammates about being “the man…”

            For the seahawks give me Kamara and Jamaal Williams later and have them duke it out with Prosise, Collins, and Rawls and pass on the headache. I defended to a degree Frank Clark and now we never see his name (knock wood) for anything but kicking butt on the field. Mixon imho seems like a guy who just doesn’t get it.

        • C-Dog

          Could he be seeing the likelihood he’s going to go undrafted regardless, and like the LSU kid Collins, preparing for a bidding war between teams after the draft?

          • 6x2 stackmonster

            Mixon should sign an agreement with the victim that he will give her 1/2 of $ in his first contract. People want to see contrition. It took him 2 years to apologize. I believe people can learn and change but he needs to stop hiding from this and start trying to redeem himself.

            • Rob Staton

              Not a bad idea. Whether it’s as much as half, I don’t know — but a gesture of some kind would probably be a good idea.

              • Matt

                How about him paying her the cost of her surgery/medical treatment + her college tuition + a big donation to a DV foundation that helps survivors + committing time to said foundation? That’d be perfect IMO, because then there’s purpose to what he’s doing; not simply “buying off” a victim (if that makes sense).

                Somebody in his camp needs to push something like this.

                • Rob Staton

                  Good idea

    • Trevor

      His case is so complex I don’t even know how to make an educated comment on it any more. That tape though is disgusting to watch and any team that takes him will have it replayed over and over again in the local media.

      It is sad in a way that such a stupid action at a young age can have such an impact on a young mans life but when it is a decision / action like this it is hard for people to forgive and give the kid a second chance. Particularly when there are repeat offenders like Greg Hardy who shows no remorse and got multiple chances.

      Had that tape not gotten released I think he would have been a day#2 pick. Very much like Frank Clark. An incredible 1st round talent whom someone would take a chance on. With the tape a publicity he will likely be an udfa whom will have to perform and be a model citizen and hope to cash in on his 2nd contract.

      He is so smooth and such and incredible talent it that part of me would love the Hawks to take a chance on him but the father of two young girls in me cringes and almost throws up when a see that tape.

      Very unfortunate situation all the way around.

      • Volume12

        I don’t want to get into too much or open a can of worms, nor do I excuse him or condone him for lack of a better word, but we all make mistakes. Especially at 18 years old.

        You nailed it. The tape. RB Dalvin Cook has a similar incident but it was dismissed or he was found not guilty. Frank Clark same. If there was a tape? Who knows. With that being said, each one of them have different circumstances pertaining to their incidents.

        Greg Hardy is a human dumpster fire. He didn’t learn or grow from anything. That will be they key with Mixon.

        • DC

          If Mixon had no red flags what round does he get selected?

          • Elliott Atkinson

            Probably round one maybe round two.

          • Rob Staton

            Probably R1

            • Volume12

              He does have a deal in place. Why else would that chick want him to get drafted high?

    • Ukhawk

      Id encourage people to watch his interview from last week where he issues an apology & answers media questions. I didnt believe the Hawks would touch him based on their stated policy towards domestic violence however Ive changed my mind and think he may deserve a second (and last) chance.

      • AlaskaHawk

        It happened 2 1/2 years ago. Unless more recent incidents come to light, I wouldn’t worry about it. We have such a dual personality toward players. We want them to be great but we also want to tear them down, even if it is for some incident years ago. Lets move on and judge him as a player.

      • Rob Staton

        An apology won’t be enough I’m afraid. The team that drafts him early will be hammered in the media. The Seahawks, having gone through such an experience with Clark, will probably not go back for seconds.

        • DC

          The only way I see him in Seattle is as an UDFA and that would be a long shot. That way, in a sense he chose you and you are giving him a shot. While that would still generate plenty of heat it would be a lot quieter than the outrage you would generate by drafting him.

          The NFL is filled with contradictions. Even if you KNEW he was a changed man now, his particular offense might be less forgivable by the general public and media than murder. The talent calls but the PR sitch would be baaad. Win a Super Bowl though and your hometown team will probably forgive you.

          • peter

            I dont know. When I watch football and Clark gets a sack just two years removed from the draft the only thing I hear is about how great he is. I think peoples perceptions now are about so much rapid magnification that the only thing possible is an almost equally quick reduction. Ie….the twitterverse blows up if the hawks draft him round 2, but by the time opening day is here I truly doubt anyone says a word…..and if he’s electric just look to Tyreke Hill, et al. For the NFL’s/FAntasy football fans outcries’….

            • DC

              If there was no video I would agree with you. If we had only heard Mixon that did something bad we might quickly forget and focus on what his football talents do for us in the present. Being able to pull it up and see it at anytime though? The “seeing is believing” phrase comes into play here.

              It will be a PR S-storm, especially here in the PNW. Look for him to land in Dallas. Zeke & Mixon, American heroes running roughshod over the entire NFL.

        • Nolan

          I don’t think Hawks got it that bad of back lash from Clark I remember like two or three stories and then nothing since then has ever been mentioned. If they draft this guy there will be three stories. Draft day where. Media will tell us who he is, press conference day where John and Pete answer questions about pick. And three where mixion answers the questions himself and then it will be over. This is my opinion I don’t know if want to draft him or not I just think that’s what will happen

          • Rob Staton

            From memory, the Clark pick received local and national attention for several weeks and was talked about a lot on the radio too. Taking Mixon — rightly or wrongly it’d be 10 times more because of the video.

      • Kelly

        The interview is Public Relations BS. of course he is sorry, he will not get drafted high anymore. He only issued an apology when it suited him and his PR Team.It took him TWO YEARS to apologize..and most of that was to OU and teammates and coaches after briefly mentioning her.

        IMHO he is not sorry he hit her, he is sorry he got in trouble.

        As a woman, I think she overstepped her bounds by shoving and slapping him, but his retaliation was way over top.Its like a grownup hit a 8 year old, that is the difference between a normal size woman and a huge athlete. If he would have just shoved her a bit back, I would have no problem with it, she deserved that, but not the over the top physical assault.

        • Rad man

          I think a team might draft him with an agreement that he give a lot of $$ and time (PSAs) to a local women’s shelter and engages in a public dialog about violence against women in a really substantial way. Then, and only then, should a team consider it.

          • Hawk Eye

            Elliot was drafted #4 overall and he has a domestic violence case hanging over his head. No one in Dallas seems to care (unless he is suspended). His girlfriend reported that there was 5 different times. It may not be true, but it would hardly be a surprise if it is. She reported it after he was drafted, no idea if it happened before, or if he had a history of it.
            If Mixon is drafted in the 7th round and has a great rookie year, like Hill, then all the commentators will sign his praises and talk about how he has changed.
            If he has not changed, the team will have a huge PR situation

          • RealRhino2

            See, I think this is BS that he or the team should have to jump through these hoops. This “violence against women” narrative is nonsense. This is not a “violence against women” issue. This is an anger management issue or a violence issue, period. He wasn’t wrong to hit a woman, he was wrong to hit somebody in the way and to the degree he did that did not present a threat of bodily harm to him, woman or man. WTH does this have to do with a women’s shelter? He’s not a domestic violence abuser.

            He beat up a weaker kid that picked a fight with him. He took it way too far. He committed assault/battery, and he was charged, convicted, and went through the sentencing and punishment phase. IOW, he did his time. Now, I don’t want the guy if I don’t think he’s reformed, but it has nothing to do with the fact that the person he hit was a woman. It has to do with the fact that he might re-offend and not be a reformed person at all.

            • Rad man

              if he punched a dude, this would hardly be an issue anymore. Just a fact.

  12. AndrewP

    Rob- What kind of production has he had? B/c as you’ve alluded to before, freak athleticism is only half the equation they look for in RD1, production is another must.

    • Rob Staton

      17.2 yards per catch

      698 yards and eight touchdowns in 2016 — #2 for tight ends in the country behind Evan Engram (Ole Miss) among FBS teams.

      More yards than O.J. Howard, Jordan Leggett, Bucky Hodges, Jake Butt, Troy Fumagalli and Jeremy Sprinkle.

      Miami’s leading receiver only had 934 yards this year FWIW so he wasn’t playing in a high-octane spread offense either. Miami is pro-style.

  13. Volume12

    Rob, I know its been mentioned before, and Kenny has as well, but what about OT Matt Kalil in FA? On like a 1 year prove it deal?

    And for DTs, one guy I like a lot who’s underrated, is soon to be FA Jacksonville’s Abry Jones?

    • Rob Staton

      PC knows Kalil better than anyone so he’ll have the intel there. I’m not overly keen myself — he’s shown nothing in the pro’s.

      Abry Jones apparently interesting Atlanta so maybe.

      • Volume12

        Just thought I’d ask since its been thrown around.

        I like Jones potentially ending up in Atlanta. That’d be a great fit for them.

        • Rob Staton

          Same scheme as Atlanta pretty much so could imagine interest there. Going to be an interesting FA — they will surely be aggressive.

          • Trevor

            With so many teams with so much cap space there are going to be some crazy deals and happy free agents that is for sure. Deals guys like Avril, KJ and Wags signed are going to look like absolute bargins.

            Can you imagine if we had not signed Baldwin this off season the deal he would get on the open market!

            • Volume12

              It should be a very interesting FA. And I do think they’ll be aggressive, but also smart and sensible like they’ve always been.

  14. Smitty1547

    He would be a great pick by NE a team who knows how to use a TE, not so much here even if he ran a 4.3. Didn’t Pete’s son come from Miami coaching staff? As he would have more depth knowledge of him.

    Take a chance on Mixon day 3, risk vs reward pick. They will grumble but a couple of good years and no trouble and he will be a favorite.

    • Rob Staton

      If this Seattle staff doesn’t know how to use a TE, how come Jimmy Graham just broke the franchise record for single season stats by a TE (fresh off a career threatening injury, missing most of the first two games)?

      • GeoffU

        Already only needs 53 catches, 215 yards, and 7td’s to own Seattle’s all time records for a TE. Football Outsiders rated him the second best tight end this year behind Kelce.

        • Ed

          Neither is saying too much about Hawks TE in the past.

          • Rad man

            all time passing/receiving/catches/yards stats have to keep in mind the ballooning of passing stats in the league over the past ten years.

            It’s like comparing baseball stats from the 1990’s steroid era with the stats from the dead ball period. Different game.

            • GeoffU

              It hasn’t even been two seasons. I really don’t get the Jimmy Graham hate. The man’s been nothing but a great character and player for us.

              • Tien

                Agree, Geoff! Graham’s been great and if we had a competent OL and good running game, Graham would be even more dominant as a TE!

      • Smitty1547

        Because we had crap TE since 1976, as Ive seen every game with the exception of some i missed while being deployed in the Army. Zack Miller was probably the best we ever had, yet he was great in Oakland we turned him into serviceable. Graham great in NO we turned him into serviceable. If i was this kid and Seattle drafted me I would be in tears.

        • Rob Staton

          Don’t you think this is a bit over the top?

          Jimmy Graham was #3 in the NFL for yards by TE’s this year, that’s despite coming fresh off a career threatening injury and missing most of the first two games. He was 5th in yards per game behind Gronk, Kelce, Olsen and Ertz.

          And he did all this without a running game drawing eight men into the box and providing favourable coverage.

          Serviceable? It’s a bit like saying we’ve made Russell Wilson serviceable because he had tough stretches this year with no support from the OL or run game.

          If the Seahawks have a top-10 running game this year, Graham has 10 TD’s — if not more.

          • Smitty1547

            Serviceable, don’t get me wrong he’s a great talent, it’s like the old Michael Jordan saying the only thing that could keep him under 20.0 a game was his old college coach Dean Smith. We have long stretches where they do not even look his way and it’s not like they are using him as a decoy SERVICEABLE!

            Trust me Rob I love your sight and love what you do, (everyday reader seldom poster) where we agree we are fortunate to have Pete and John. Where we disagree Beavell, and are ability to design plays for special talent which we covet.

            • Rob Staton

              It’s fine to disagree — but we always will when people just focus on Bevell. I’ve tried to detail so many times on here why it’s not as simple as ‘GET JIMMY THE BALL’ and it isn’t one man’s choice. Carroll, when asked about Jimmy Graham four days ago, instantly mentioned his blocking and how he’d become the complete player. This is Pete’s vision for Jimmy.

              • Smitty1547

                Why covet special talent if your not gonna use it? Might as well convert him to SAM.

                • Kenny Sloth

                  Jimmy has grown so much as a competitor here.

                  When we would play against him with NO our players would say “hit him once, you take him out of the game”

                  He’s now incredibly physical and a willing blocker.

                  We havent made him serviceable. We’ve made him better.

                  I dont get why people arent fans of our coaches?!?!! Do you really think theyre bad coaches???

                  Look at what Bevell’s done with Russell. What they made of Bruce Irvin!

                  You think Sherm and Kam were finished products that nobody knew about??

                  The goal of our scouting department is to identify players our coaches want to work with that fit our scheme and can be developed.

                  We have the absolute best player development in the league.

                  Be a fan of that

                  • Smitty1547

                    Who said i am not a fan of that? I actually agree with everything you just said, what does it got to do with us wasting a number 1 pick on someone we will not now or maybe ever get high production out of? With Jimmy or without jimmy on the team?

                  • Kenny Sloth

                    Some might say he’s had more value as a blocker

                • Rob Staton

                  Did you miss my post earlier where I listed how Graham is at the top of several key statistical rankings for TE’s this year?

                  The dynamic that he ‘isn’t used’ is so overblown.

  15. GeoffU

    I don’t know much about Njoku yet, but I assume he can catch and run routes? What’s the difference between him and picking a big playmaker at receiver? Actually seems better, to be honest. Three TE sets with Graham, Vannett, and Njoku, all of whom can go out for passes? Sounds awesome to me.

  16. 6x2 stackmonster

    Drafting a#1 WR or Jimmy Graham clone with 4.4 speed could be dynamic, but Russell has to trust that his mismatch will make the play. I think the 49ers game was the only time where Russ just threw is up to Jimmy on the goal line and let him box out the defender and win it. He plays a bit too cautious, which has suited this defensive oriented team well, but to go get another stud pass catcher would be a waste. I think the hawks want pass catchers that can create separation with speed/quickness rather than catch radius and mass.

    • Rob Staton

      Maybe — but they’ve constantly been looking for big mismatch types too. They hosted Brandon Marshall in 2010. Looked at Vincent Jackson. They had TO for a while and Braylon Edwards. They traded for Jimmy Graham. There’s different a side of this offense that wants the big, athletic target.

  17. Kelly Smith

    I glanced the replies so I’m sorry if this is redundant… But can we talk about a falcons team with trufant, Neal, and now Baker. Shut the front door. That would rival our 3 AND they have Julio and Freeman and Ryan… Not to mention their on-line upgrades. Can you say sb favorites?

    • Trevor

      Yeah i think Dan Quinn will target Malik Hooker or Buddah Baker for sure. Makes too much sense to replicate what he had on the back end in Seattle. They are definitely building something special.

    • Drew

      Don’t forget about Vic Beasley with his 15.5 sacks….he’s really turned the corner this year

      • Volume12

        They better get pressure with their front 4. I’ll keep saying it.

  18. Ed

    Same old issue, how much baggage is too much baggage. I remember all the hoopla with Clark two years ago. Seen some things that Mixon will go undrafted. What’s the highest you think he goes?

    Do you see the Hawks giving Haush $3million per or going with a younger kicker? That money would look better in Campbell/Short pocket

    • DC

      If we can nap a couple of extra picks I would select ASU K Zane Gonzalez to replace Hauschka. The problem is that FA comes before the draft so we won’t know if we could get him. Wouldn’t mind a competent LS either, familiar or new faces are welcome.

      • peter

        jokes aside I can not believe Fans have had to think about the LS position so much this year!

  19. HawkFan907

    How much of a hit would you suspect signing both Calais Campbell and Jonathan Stewart would be. That would be my perfect FA wishlist. Maybe we bring Okung back instead but he’d probably get injured on the flight over.

    I feel like if we can make some solid FA acquisition we can make a luxury pick like a TE in the first. I’m also still optimistic that Demarcus Walker could fall to us given the depth of this class. So many options to improve this team that I feel like this time next season we will be a lot more confident.

    • Greg Haugsven

      I don’t understand the Jonathon Stewart obsession . I liked him as a player but he will be 30 next year and wasn’t very good this year. Dudes done !

      • DC

        Stewart is not a free agent.

        • HawkFan907

          The Panthers are expected to cut him. When healthy he has shown flashes this year, and he is home grown. He would be a target if cut.

          • DC

            Carolina has a projected $62M in cap space for 2017. Cutting Stewart would save a little under $5M. It’s always possible but I don’t know why they would cut him.

      • Trevor

        I don’t think he is a long term answer but as a guy for the next 2-3 years to fix the run game he is about as sure a thing as you can get when healthy. They still need to add an RB in the draft IMO.

  20. Josh Emmett

    I’m expecting a decent free agent signing since there is no one from 2013 draft worth a compensatory pick except maybe Luke Wilson. Sign Dontari Poe to a 6 million per year 3 year deal. Draft a defensive stud in the first round. Any Derek Barnett fans? I’m curious to see his workouts and it seems he has a chance to be there at the end of the first round.

    • Smitty1547

      Poe is gonna get way more than 6 mil a year, unless injury concerns are legit.

      • Rad man

        yep. he’s going to get more than double that, I’d bet

      • Josh Emmett

        More then 6 million a year for a 2 down run stuffer? Mebane got 5.5 million a year last year and was the top NT in free agency. Maybe a little more then 6 million a year but probably not much. Hawks need a guy to take up a double team like Poe. I think that’s been a big absence this year. Draft a NT because reed, McDaniel, and Rubin are all good 3 techniques but none of them have replaced mebane. Maybe reed will evolve into that but I would love to see Poe in the middle next year

        • vrtkolman

          Poe is more than run stuffer, he has a lot of QB pressures too. He’s an amped up, physically superior version of Mebane, and that is prime Mebane not last year’s. His freakish athleticism with someone at his size makes him a unique athlete. Include his age and he’s going to make bank. That said, I would be scared of his injury history. Lower back troubles with someone at his weight is not good long term.

          • Rad man

            yeah, Poe is >>>>> Mebane. He’s bigger, stronger, faster.

            He’s also, at 26, entering the thick of his athletic prime for that position, whereas Mebane was 30/31 when he signed his deal last year.

            I would love to see Poe on this team as well. But he’ll be pricey.

  21. DC

    Very interesting pick Rob. Njoku is definitely an intriguing talent. I could see it.

    One point to bring up regarding the hand-wringing over our use of TEs in Seattle is that RW is inconsistent hitting the seam route or the intermediate middle of the field. Often he is high on those throws and that has been the case from very early on. That might factor into the “we don’t know how to use” discussion. We might know how to use them but due to OL protection problems and QB limitations we are not getting the “max” we might hope for.

    Question on the mock draft order. Wouldn’t Green Bay be drafting ahead of Seattle as it stands now? Seattle would have the #27 & #59 picks?

    Regarding Haason Reddick, any concerns over his 2015 arrest for aggravated assault?

    I’m very interested to see if USC G Damien Mama declares. If he does I hope the Hawks nab him. He’s still my favorite OL in this draft.

    • Rob Staton

      Reddick’s case was dropped and I looked into it. Dion Dawkins was involved too. No concern there personally.

      You’re right on Green Bay. My mistake. I think I just assume they’ll go far in the playoffs with the way Rodgers is playing!

      • icb12

        They only kicked a dude in the face and broke his eye socket.

        But it was a dude and there’s no video– so they are good to go.

        • Rob Staton

          Actually, no:

          “Nearly 18 months ago, a dark cloud gathered around our clients, Dion Dawkins and Haason Reddick, two outstanding, hardworking young men with bright futures and no criminal past, when they were misidentified as the assailants in an assault on a fellow Temple student. Today, that cloud of unwarranted suspicion has finally been lifted.”

          • icb12

            They agreed to a “diversionary Program” in return for their charges being dropped.
            Actually the charges were dropped, then that was reversed 2 months later,

            “Today, the District Attorney’s office has graciously offered, and our clients have accepted, the opportunity to enter into a diversionary program called Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD), a program typically reserved for non-violent incidents. ”

            The “misidentification” is their lawyers claim.

            • Rob Staton

              “Non-violent incidents” is the clue…

  22. Donald

    What would it take to trade the late 2nd rd pick to a high 2nd rd pick? Basically taking 2 first rd quality impact players. All the Hawks really need are OL (pick FA veteran upgrade), DL , RB, S/CB, big WR. There are too many very good players I want to see on the Hawks, why limit it to just 1?

    • Rob Staton

      Probably a third rounder and change.

  23. LeoSharp

    I really don’t think Calais Campbell is a realistic option in free agency. He’ll want a contract of similar value if not more than what Bennett was just paid. I just don’t see them doing that for someone of a similar age as him but arguably not as good and hasn’t brought up in the seahwks system. He’s also coming off of one of his better seasons so that will inflate his value.

    I think the Chiefs’ Dontari Poe would be a much better option. Probably won’t be a 10 sack guy even in a 4-3 defense but he’ll be capable of 5.5 and provide consistent pressure. Plus he’s young with potentially more upside. Obviously his injuries history will need to be looked at but that should drive his price down
    .
    Oh and he’s a unique athlete.

    • DC

      Landing Poe is much more far fetched than landing Campbell imo. Due to age I think Poe will get a bigger deal. The real draw about Campbell is that he is exactly what we need, a match made in Seahawk Heaven. Not that I would complain to land Poe but CC is the man.

      Also interesting, and we will get a close look at him this weekend is Detroit’s DE Devin Taylor @ 6’7′ 275lbs. We are good at poaching DET DEs. NYG’s Jonathan Hankins would be interesting as well. Let’s see who actually makes it to the open market.

      • C-Dog

        One thing to watch with Poe is the concerns about his lower back, it’s held him out of games. That might make some front office types a little nervous. Shoulder concerns is what drove Michael Bennett’s market down when he was leaving Tampa Bay.

        • LeoSharp

          He’s also averaged 848 snaps a season, never going below 749 snaps. I think that would drastically reduce in Seattle and might actually help with recruiting him.

          • Hawk Eye

            i doubt the hawks can afford either Campbell or Poe. They will get more than the Hawks can pay. Hawks are in the bottom half of the league for cap room and they have a lot of people to think about resigning next year.

            • C-Dog

              I agree.

            • LeoSharp

              There’s not a good contract to compare Poe to due to his position and injury history but it wouldn’t be a surprise to seem him slot somewhere between Damon Harrison and Malik Jackson. With this year’s cap space I think that’s realistic.

              • LeoSharp

                That would be between 9 and 14 Million a year.

      • LordSnow

        I’m expecting seattle to sit on the sidelines in free agency while they focus on their own players, then do like previous years, see what is leftover with their available cap.

        The only way I think seattle is aggressive out of the blocks is if they free up a lot of money by cutting Graham, something I don’t want.

        Since they are unlkely to cut Graham, I don’t expect a lot of aggressive movement.

  24. Trudy Beekman

    Rob,

    Have you had a look at the best WR in this year’s class, Corey Davis? FBS receiving yards leader, turns 22 in a few days, lauded for work ethic, strong, willing blocker, looks like a sub 4.5 at 6’3, excellent hands and high-point. Take a look if you haven’t:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnqO2WvKoTM

    Also his CBS spot called “Facing Adversity”.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyKRe5jtjwA

    • Rob Staton

      I’ve looked at him briefly. Combine will be interesting for him. There’s a lot to like but I need to see what he is as an athlete.

  25. Drew

    Rob, I don’t mind the pick, but I tend to think that if hey’s their target, that they’d be able to pull off a small trade back a few spots and pick up another 4th? I’m sure any GM that might want to trade up will be calling Schneider when he’s on the clock.

    Also, if they are going to target a WR/TE, do you think they’d be interested in Evan Engram?

    • Rob Staton

      I think they might be interested in Engram. I like him and wrote a lot about him at the start of the season. It depends on what kind of an athlete he is. The thing with Njoku is he could be insanely gifted — 6-4, 245lbs and running in the 4.4’s? That’s special. And if he pulls that off, he might be off the board early in round one. He might not even be there for Seattle.

  26. LLLOGOSSS

    Rob, any chance that Njoku could play WR? With Graham in the mix I don’t think they would target a TE very early, but if he can be TE2 and also take snaps from Kearse outside then you’ve got a potential match. He seems certainly fast enough for a big guy; I wonder if he can run the route tree with enough quickness/nuance. To the laymen eye he doesn’t seem much less coordinated than, say, Dorian Green-Beckham.

    I like his athleticism a lot from the video you posted, and that is breakaway speed he’s showing. Long-strider.

    • Rob Staton

      Possibly — especially so if he runs a 4.4.

      • RockNRowland

        If he runs a 4.4, there’s no way he’s there for the Hawks. Wouldn’t he be considered as potentially a top 15?

        • Rob Staton

          Possibly.

  27. Trevor

    I just read something I have a hard time believing.

    The year we won the SB we has the highest paid OL in the league? Is that true?

    • Rob Staton

      Yep.

      Okung was on a mega, pre-CBA rookie deal. Carpenter had a R1 contract. Unger had his new deal. Breno was on quite a lot too.

      • Trevor

        I would not have guessed that in a million years.

        So much for everyone saying JS is not willing to spend on OL. Obviously they just did not see the value in keeping the guys they let walk and it is hard to argue with any of those moves really.

        • Volume12

          You pay RW and your defense, one position group is going to suffer.

          Yes they need to improve it. But it doesn’t have to perfect. No such thing in football.

          • Drew

            It’ll flip in 4 years when the LOB/replacements (on rookie contracts) aren’t paid as much as they are now. It’s a cycle.

        • C-Dog

          Exactly, and they have shown consistency in using high draft capital there. They took two OL in 2016 within the first 3 rounds. They spent a second rounder on Britt, I think they probably will work on extending Britt. I get the vibe from Carroll this is the group they want to build on.

  28. Trevor

    Hood declared for the draft. He and Mixon certainly increase the quality of talent in the RB class.

  29. Trevor

    Rob have you been able to watch any tape on Forrest Lamp? I have not seen much but in the Bowl game and the tape I have seen I was really impressed. He plays tackle but will have to move inside in the pros as he is only 6-3 or 6-4. Seems to have great technique, moves well and plays through the whistle.

    I can’t wait to see him in Senior Bowl practices. Looks like a 2nd round guy to me.

    If the veteran options are too pricey then perhaps the left side of our OL next year will be all Western Kentucky with and Fant.

    LT Fant LG Lamp or Rees C Britt RG Glow RT Ifedi

    I want a veteran to solidify the group but there are not a ton of options and they are going to be pricey. I would love to see Zeitler as former 1st rounder brought in but I have a hard time seeing JS pay $10 mil APY for a Guard.

    A line of Fant, Lamp, Britt, Clow and Ifedi would undoubtedly be the most athletic and explosive in the league. If they moved to a power man scheme instead of ZBS and let guys like Ifedi and Fant just play instead of think they really do have the potential to be a special group.

    • Rob Staton

      Watched two games of Lamp. Some things I like, some things I don’t. A project.

  30. Trevor

    With the depth in the 2nd round of this draft the annual trade down has to be in play again this year. The idea of possibly having 5 picks on Day #2 in this draft would have to make JS mouth water.

    I hope we are picking at 32 but if we loose to the Falcons and are picking at say 26-27 what would it take for example Clevland or the 49ers to move back into Rd #1 if there is a QB still on the board they want? Would it be their 2nd rounder and a 3rd or 4th?

  31. Ukhawk

    IMO

    If the draft fell as Pauline latest Mock: Take McKinley or Walker
    If the draft fell as Rob latest Mock: Take Malik McDowell!

    Still think Bolles will go lower. Believe McGinchley may declare. Ideally Bolles is within range and you trade up.

    Further, Id take a shot at drafting Mixon as high as R2 depending on where JS predicts he’ll go. Wrote in previous post i thought he had taken responsibility, apologised and done well with his second chance. This is a guy who is showing character, grit & determination in his actions & deserves a shot in the NFL. He is good enough to be drafted based on his talent alone and someone will do so.

    Last, If Bolles & Mixon were in the fold, go all in to sign Kawaan Short. Maybe up to ~5APY more expensive than Poe & Campbell but younger & better.

    3 biggest needs filled in a big way:
    OT – Tick
    RB – Tick
    3T – Tick

    • Smitty1547

      Love it, agree take the shot with Mixon maybe not as early as 2 though, to much RB talent.

      • AlaskaHawk

        Let him fall to 6-7th round and I would consider him.

    • sdcoug

      You’re entitled to your opinion certainly, but i just don’t know about Mixon.

      Did you watch the video? He could have killed her; she couldn’t stand, couldn’t walk, could barely even sit up. Her face was literaly broken. Character?…he annihilated her and simply walked away. He seemingly only showed remorse what, a year and a half later when his nfl chances were being dissected? Yeah someome will draft him, cause hey, football. I just don’t think i want it to be the hawks, and certainly not with the invaluable capital of a high pick. Mini-rant over; doesnt make me necessarily right.

      • Drew

        Straight from John Schneider. “Suffice it to say, we would never, ever take a player that struck a female, or had a domestic dispute like that, or did anything like that’’

        And after the blow back they received for drafting Clark (we’ve discussed in depth), do you think they’d actually draft Mixon?

        • Smitty1547

          We would be in a world of hurt right now with out Clark, I bet at this point 90% of the 12’s have no idea of his past and it would be the same way with Mixon after a couple of successful years. Maybe we don’t draft him true to his word and he falls undrafted and we pick him up as a UFA. Pipe dream i think because some one would draft him.

          Trust meIi don’t want him to go out with my daughter, just improve my football team.

      • Ukhawk

        I’m talking about his actions since his egregious mistake. What he did was very, very wrong. I was right with you before I saw his latest interview though. Watch it, its about 26mins long. I think he has done everything right in his second chance and I do believe everyone deserves one.

        • AlaskaHawk

          He went to court, he was sentenced, he has done the punishment prescribed. Now he faces a civil court from the victim – results not known yet.

          Why do other people or organizations think they should be the judge, jury, and executioner of this man?

          He has already been punished. If you are intent on ruining the rest of his life, then don’t be surprised if he becomes even worse as he sinks down to what ever low level he will probably fall to. And that is what you are talking about, banning him from football and making sure he feels the pain.

          • sdcoug

            intent on ruining the rest of his life?? laughable. look, i get that he’ll play football again because talent usually wins out, but lets not pretend that the nfl is the only avenue for second chances. there is a whole world out there full of opportunities for mixon to apply himself and his college education. fact of the matter is, fair or not, Mixon opened himself to people’s judgement the second he put that girl on the floor.

            • Tien

              Exactly, sdcoug. I haven’t seen that video nor seen the interview that Ukhawk referenced but let’s not pretend that the NFL is the only chance of a good life for Mixon. I agree that Mixon will be on a team next year due to his talent but whether he gets drafted by the Hawks or any other team is dependent on that team’s level of need and risk threshhold in taking on this huge PR gamble. Those are the points being considered by the GMs, not whether they need to give this young man a second chance or not.

              • D-OZ

                Just my opinion, there is an awful lot of chatter on a guy who the Hawks brass would not touch under any circumstance. And I don’t buy into “He is only 18” excuse. At 18 one knows the difference between right and wrong. There is obviously an underlying current towards violence. And violence towards women is inexcusable, no matter how you try to twist it…

    • Drew

      I want Walker. Direct Bennett replacement in 3-4 years and until then, can you imagine, Clark, Walker, Bennett & Avril all rushing together?

  32. C-Dog

    Simulated mock in reflection of Rob’s two round mock.

    25: R1P25
    TE DAVID NJOKU
    MIAMI (FLA.)

    57: R2P25
    EDGE HAASON REDDICK
    TEMPLE

    89: R3P25
    WR COOPER KUPP
    EASTERN WASHINGTON

    105: R3P41
    OT CHAD WHEELER
    SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

    184: R5P39
    DL DA’SHAWN HAND
    ALABAMA

    210: R6P25
    CB AHKELLO WITHERSPOON
    COLORADO

    229: R7P8
    RB JUSTIN DAVIS
    SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

    Hot takes:

    1. Seattle brings in a veteran player to address RB, not seeing the athlete they want to use an early pick on, they bank on the vet to provide stability to the run game, and a bridge to the 2018 draft, where they like those prospects better. They take a late round flyer on Justin Davis, having scouted USC heavily this year.

    2. Seattle uses FA moderately to bring in some veteran help to add competition to the OL, and some interior help to the DL, but these aren’t big name players. Chad Wheeler, who Seattle scouted heavily at USC, has some off field baggage the makes teams hesitant, but Seattle likes his game, and he is brought in to compete with George Fant at LT.

    3. Feeling better about the run game situation with the veteran additions, Seattle’s next big concern is red zone offense. RW through for more yards in 2016 than any previous season, but he also threw for less TDs and had more INTs. This doesn’t sit well with the HC or the franchise QB. In a nut shell, they want to provide RW more targets. Hence the drafting of NJoku, and Cooper Kupp.

    4. Seattle adds a vet help the interior of the DL, but they feel strongly that their pass rushing DT is already on the roster in Quinton Jefferson, the other DT they traded up for in 2016. The vet is stop gap, but they really want Jefferson to fully take over that role. Da’Shawn Hand is the hedge. They still have some hopes for Garrison Smith. They also have hopes for Reed’s continual development beyond run stopping.

    5. Witherspoon is that long lanky outside corner that Seattle loves to invest mid to late round capital on.

    • Volume12

      Perine, Foreman, and Hood IMO are the 3 guys that Seattle could use and fit their style.

      A lot of things I like about Hood, some things I don’t. But, I really dig his mindset, passion for the game, and could certainly see Seattle like him.

      Perine is well suited for a ZBS. Underrated creator.

      Foreman probably has the highest upside of the 3. He’s still figuring out who he has and how to use his size. Needs to lose about 8-10 lbs.

      Pass catching or more of the versatile style backs? McNichol or Kamara.

      • Volume12

        USC RB Justin Davis is very underrated. He’d be a great selection in the 7th.

        • C-Dog

          Yeah, from what I’ve seen out of Justin Davis, he looks like he’s got some sneaky talent to him, might be one of those guys that is a better pro the college player.

          While I dig the idea of adding some special freak talents like Njoku and or Reddick, I will probably expend a large amount of energy clamoring for the likes of Foreman, Perine etc all the way to the draft. Kinda taking a needed break from it. Maybe Seattle swings a deal for Jonathan Stewart or signs Blount. Maybe they think they have something more special in Prosise.

      • Kenny Sloth

        Elijah Hood returning to school, yes?

        • Volume12

          No.

          • Kenny Sloth

            Ah, he changed his mind.

            • Kenny Sloth

              Good shit.

              Ima slip him right back into my mock

              • C-Dog

                Go Hawks!

    • schuemansky

      I can agree with a lot of your reasoning. I just would hope that the FA spending on OL will be aggressive.
      Ii you don’t see them spending big on pass rush which I can see as well for the reasons you mentioned let them try to get starter caliber player on OL to get help, experience and above all class the OL.

      • DC

        The FA value will probably be on the DL vs OL. There’s a higher number of decent DL slated to hit the FA market. Some will get the mega bucks but that dries up pretty quick. The OL folks, as we’ve seen with our own mediocre people leaving, get bid up pretty quick even for middling talent. Carp, Breno, Sweezy? $6.5M/yr for JR Sweezy!?!?

        Some people worry that if we pay $8-11M/yr for Calais Campbell the rest of the defense will feel bad. I don’t worry about that, most of them are very well paid already. If you are one of those folks, how would you feel if Zeitler comes in at $8-11M/yr making twice as much as the rest of your OL combined?
        My answer is, as long as we win the Super Bowl, no worries.

        • schuemansky

          As you said. As long as a guy like Zeitler gives a real boost to our OL performance nobody on the team will have a problem with him getting paid at the market rate. We are spoiled with so many team friendly deals over the last years but the reality out there is another. Look at Osemele’s deal. It didn’t look like a bargain. It probably was.

      • C-Dog

        In terms of the OL in FA, I would love some aggressive spending as well, and they could go more aggressive there, but Carroll seemed to suggest the likelihood that this line of the “present” is the line of the “future” in his mid week press conference this week. He said that they would always look to add to the “competition” there. My parsing of that is that they will look to add in FA and the draft, but likely not with big name veterans or first round picks if the player isn’t there. I kinda got the vibe he might have been prepping the fanbase for that.

        I kinda feel a scenario where they could spread the wealth to a few positions in FA, OL, DL, RB, maybe even LB. That said, watch them drop heavy on Zeitler. I wouldn’t be disappointed.

        • schuemansky

          Carroll sure sounded like that but maybe it was partly to let them feel confident going into the playoffs.
          After so much up and down (and it was more down for me) I can’t believe them trusting the current OL to get a lot better for sure. It won’t revolutionize the line getting one quality upgrade.

          • C-Dog

            That’s a very good point.

  33. East Side Stevie

    Iowa LB Josey Jewell is returning for his senior season

    • Volume12

      I think he got a return to school grade from the advisory board.

  34. Smitty1547

    The D starting to complain about the O, so see know need they would complain if we had to spend a little money on Zeitler or someone else if needed. Can’t have it both ways, all the money and then complain when O does not perform.

    • vrtkolman

      You got any links regarding the D complaining about the O? Not that I don’t believe you or anything.

      • Smitty1547

        Do u not see Sherman bitch and complain on sideline and then in presser about offense production? It wasn’t hard to see.

  35. dawgma

    “If the Seahawks have the #26 overall pick, they’ll likely be drafting a player with a second round grade.”

    I see this a lot every year as justification for how we give away picks in the 20s for a ham sandwich trading those picks away (sometimes weeks in advance of the draft) and I’m getting kind of sick of it. Let’s say that sure, teams only have ~20 prospects graded as first round talent. That doesn’t mean you can’t pick one at 21 (or 32) unless all the teams agree on which 20 prospects those are, and go pure BPA in picking them. I’d say that’s actually very unlikely on average until you get to the very last slots.

    If, as you suggest, we pick at 26? We only need a handful of the teams in front of us to view the top 20 differently, or their own positional needs as dire enough to deviate from it, in order to land one of those prospects. Considering that there’s almost CERTAIN to be a few QBs overdrafted we were never in the market for, you may only need 3 teams to really deviate from your list to get a ‘true first rounder’ at 26, if you’re really willing to go BPA and not chase positional fits. Is that really so unlikely?

    For example, they heavily insinuated last year that Ifedi was their #1 OL OVERALL, and that they traded back because not one but TWO of their preferred players in the first round was still available (the other being supposedly Reed….who we will picked more than halfway through the second round).

    • Rob Staton

      The point I was making was Njoku has been given a second round grade. So there’s a chance a team in the lower part of round one would take him.

    • GerryG

      Danny O’Neil had an interesting taste on trading back; Schneider prefers it (if they are picking at that back end) because the fifth year option sets a bad (for the team) precedent when negotiating an extension with the player.

      • GerryG

        *take not taste

  36. vrtkolman

    One thing we haven’t talked about is special teams. Seattle’s ST DVOA was a very meh 0.5% this year, good for 13th. Last year they were ranked 3rd. Lockett averaged over 1 yard less on punt returns this year over last year. Opponents actually averaged the same amount of yards per return that Seattle did this year, which is unheard of in the PC era.

    Is it possible PC/JS might focus on gritty athletes in the later rounds to shore up special teams blocking and coverage?

    • Volume12

      They did just trade a 7th and 5th or 6th for Dewey McDonald and Neiko Thorpe. Both have been worth it.

      Lockett also made 2nd team All-Pro as a KR.

      But, yeah if they draft a CB, S, LB, WR late on day 3, they better be able to contribute on ST’s.

    • Kenny Sloth

      I think we’ve talked plenty about ST with Hauschka’s contract situation, the LS issue, Lockett’s injury.

      I think the additions of Tyvis Powell (waived) and Deandre Elliott were meant to replace the likes of Lane at gunner.

      Neiko Thorpe has acquitted himself well.

      Would like to see them bring another returner to break Lockett. Nothing against Devin Hester, but….

      Who are the KR in this draft? (Not Christian McCaffrey)

    • Kenny Sloth

      Good year for Kickers, I think Hauschka might have them contract yips

  37. Brayden

    I have neve posted but have been a long time reader on this site. This by far the best sports blog I’ve read. That being said I hope we continue trying to become the bully again in this draft. Having played hockey for many years I know how important it is to be able to set a tone. The offense needs toughness along the oline in the worst way. Ifedi could become that guy and I think he will. Even with Gilliam playing better recently we need that breno type RT for idefi to play next to. Any players In this draft who could replicate this? Whether it be a RG and slide ifedi out to tackle or a new RT and keep ifedi where he is.

    • Trevor

      Bolles plays with an edge for sure. I agree I think they should bring Breno back for depth and leadership if he will sign a vet min type deal. He would be great with the young guys we have.

  38. Kyle

    I went back and watched some John Ross iii highlights, wow would he be awesome on this team. Love his game and speed.

  39. Volume12

    DC Kris Richard to interview for the Buffalo job after Saturday’s game. And Washington is reportedly high on Gus Bradley for their DC. The PC tree continues to grow.

    BTW, I think Kyle Shanahan as Denver’s HC would be very cool.

  40. Volume12

    DC, USC’s Damien Mama declared.

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      One to follow for sure. He seems like the prototypical Cable LG.

      • Volume12

        Yeah, I like him.

        • Volume12

          USC has some under the radar talent.

          Personally I’m high on WR Darreus Rodgers, DT Stevie ‘T,’ S/DB Leon McQuay, RB Justin Davis and love EDGE Porter Gustin even though he’s a SO.

          Of course we know about the O-lineman they have. Not a fan of Zach Banner at all. But Mama and Wheeler are nice.

          • DC

            Draft #51!
            For continuity’s sake grab Mama AND Wheeler, they’ve been working together for years.
            Agree about Banner. Slow, massive tub of goo.

            • C-Dog

              Totally agree about Banner. Dig Wheeler and Mama, though.

  41. CharlieTheUnicorn

    Rob, would you be able to throw up a prediction article for the commentators to put their predictions in the message board. A closest to the pin for the game (or games) wins a fabulous prize of ….. consisting of…. board bragging rights. 😉

    I’ll start, 22-18 Seattle wins in a squeaker.

    • Rob Staton

      Sure, happy to start an open thread tomorrow and people can file their predictions 🙂

  42. Robert

    Love the highlights video, which screams mismatch maker and special skills. The broken play at the end of the clip demonstrated Njoku’s smarts as he creates a great opportunity for his scrambling QB!!!

  43. Volume12

    Wow! Watched the Alamo Bowl again, and I’m telling you guys, OK St. DT Vincent Taylor can flat-out play. He’s a monster. Incredible backstory overcoming adversity, another one of these Hurricane Katrina kids, big time personality, and absolutely loves the game of football.

    He’s long, explosive, disruptive, great size. And has the production to match those traits.

    Waaayy underrated. Top 100 player for me. I actually think he’ll be a 2nd rounder when all is said and done. Him and Iowa DT Jaleel Johnson both.

    2016 stats: 51 tackles, 13 TFL, 7 QB sacks, 4 blocked XP’s!

    • Volume12

      Let me rephrase that. Could be a 2nd rounder. But Iowa’s Jaleel Johnson is a great 3-tech.

      • Volume12

        Saw Florida’s DT Caleb Brantley declared too. Brantley will have a huge combine. Great athlete. Gets upfield quickly, can rush like an EDGE player.

        • LeoSharp

          I think he compares closely to Jordan hill on tape and statistically. He’s more refined with his pass rushing moves but maybe lacking the lateral agility to get the sack on a more mobile QB instead of just being disruptive. Also Brantley’s motor is just not good

          • Volume12

            Kind of splitting hairs. There’s multiple ways to win.

            Completely disagree about Brantley. He’s all heart man. Florida doesn’t ask their DTs to do anything other than get upfield.

            He’s a very good 3-tech. Excellent technique. Give me Brantley, Sheldon Rankins, guys like that every day of the week.

            Iowa’s Jaleel Johnson will be a riser here in a few weeks too. Might be the best DT in this class. You can tell he understands what he’s seeing.

            Jaleel Johnson
            Dalvin Tomlinson
            Caleb Brantley
            Vincent Taylor
            Chris Wormley
            Montravius Adams

            And then guys like Elijah Qualls, Carlos Watkins, Ryan Glasgow

        • Smitty1547

          Ive seen a couple of nation mocks that have him going to Hawks

          • Smitty1547

            That was about Caleb Brantlley from 12’s post

            • Volume12

              I’m not sure if Brantley has the production Seattle would want in a 1st rtounder, but if I’m not box score scouting, he’s got all the traits you want from a 3-tech.

              He’ll be the DT version of Danielle Hunter. Traits , traits, and more traits. Will test extremely well and go to the next level and be a building block like Hunter.

    • Rob Staton

      Wonder what he heard from the draft committee? Not focused on him, there’s nothing on Draft Breakdown either.

      • Volume12

        Hmmm… I thought the Oklahoma game and Alamo Bowl where he was defensive MVP where on there.

        I had the Alamo Bowl saved on my DVR.

        • Volume12

          What’s even weirder about that is quite a few of the Draft Breakdown guys are high on him too.

          • LeoSharp

            I’ve been on his bandwagon all year. Only been able to watch him via other players film but he as always shown up well

  44. drewjov11

    I don’t see how Cameron Robinson falls into round two, even with questions about his off field character. It’s a tackle-weak year and he won’t fall that far unless something else is uncovered about him, personally, or he has a physical issue. If you’re comfortable with his past, you have to take him in the first round.

    • Kenny Sloth

      Personally, he carries himself like a scrub.

      • CharlieTheUnicorn

        *playing TLC No Scrubs song*

    • Rob Staton

      And if you’re not comfortable… he falls to round two?

      Isn’t that the point?

  45. Coleslaw

    Rob, let’s say the Hawks aren’t going corner early. What are your thoughts on the class, though? Do you think there are any shutdown guys? Where would you say the talent drop offs are?

    • Rob Staton

      It’s a nice deep group. Should be some nice options. It’s hard to say how many of this class fit the Seahawks though until the combine when we get full, accurate measurements and see the workouts. We were able to identify DeAndre Elliott a year ago this way.

  46. ROBERt Las vegas

    I personally think that the biggest need for the seahawks is a interior pass rushers.if FSU Walker is available I am in..I also believe we could use another back perhaps in round two we all know that Pete loves to run the ball

  47. bobbyk

    I lurk a lot this time of year, but will say this:

    If you like Rob and think he does a good job, then if you buy Seahawks stuff online… you really need to come to this site and click on the link to the right and order from there. Rob will get a bit of a better deal (the least we can do for such an excellent blog) for you having done so.

    Back to lurking… I usually wait until the season is over to post much. And I don’t want the season over for a month!

    • Rob Staton

      A quick note on that actually — the link on the right hand side of the page doesn’t work any more! I’ve been meaning to take it down for a while. This has actually reminded me to do it bobby so appreciate it!

      If any local businesses are interested in advertising opportunities feel free to email me.

  48. DC

    For the Huskies sake in 2017 I am happy that USC is losing 3/5 of it’s starting OL and that Soloman Thomas is leaving Stanford. We have significant loses too but here’s to hoping that Vea & Gaines stay put one more year. Dawgs in 17!

    • DC

      And hopefully Graham Kapowsin HS OT Foster Sarell wears a W instead of an S when he commits.

      • D-OZ

        Keeping my finger’s crossed…

        • dylanlep

          Not looking good for Foster guys

          • DC

            He was always leaning toward the Tree but I’ll hold out hope.

  49. LeoSharp

    There’s some new tape out of Obi Melifonwu. He just didn’t look very physical when taking on blockers. Didn’t really jump off the screen this time but he definitely has good traits and athleticism that could be developed.

    • Volume12

      Unique prospect. He’s a ‘create a player’ type. FS in a SS body. TE eraser.

      Could see Seattle will really like him, because he could enbd up running a 4.4 and you better have that kind of speed to play FS for PC, but built like Kam.

      • Rob Staton

        Melifonwu will be one of the most intriguing combine workouts.

        Can’t wait for the combine this year.

        • D-OZ

          Me either. It’s going to be one of the most interesting combine’s ever. A lot of good player’s are going to be left out.

        • Trevor

          I so wish we could get you at the Senior Bowl and Combine every year Rob. That would be off the charts for the blog.

          I really think this year you should setup a Patreon for this blog and setup so advertising on the site so we can get you at these events each year. I know I would gladly contribute. Assuming you can get the time from you family and day job which I know may be a big ask and too much to ask.

          I just think it would be awesome.

      • LeoSharp

        I’m just looking forward to the amount of physically he can develop. Can picture him being a blend of all the best characteristics of the Legion of Boom.

      • Trevor

        Great point Vol! I can’t wait to see how he tests. If he really tests that well at that size wow. You have something special. If he interviews well and has the attitude they want I would love to see what PC could do with an athlete like that development wise. Give him a year our two learning behind the two best safeties in the game and you might have a hybrid safety who could truly play either FS or SS and dominate.

        If the athletic comps to Jones are legit then he will be the Combine star. I look at how Byron Jones (Freak) covers as a safety already as a 2nd year guy and the athleticism certainly shows.

  50. D-OZ

    I think the Hawks are going to focus on safety depth in the early portion of this draft. This draft is loaded with DB’s. Some who have not been mentioned yet. During the Bowl game’s I saw a lot of good corner’s pop.

    • Trevor

      I think if Adoree Jackson is still on the board he would be very hard for them to pass on. He would have an instant impact on special teams and as a slot corner. Then is one of the few players in years with the range to be groomed to replace Earl longer term.

      Malik Hooker is the other guy who could truly replace Earls unique talent but he should be a top 5 pick IMO.

      Couple of safeties I really like for our 3rd round comp pick are Tedric Thompson from Colorado and Shalmi Lunani whom Rob has discussed quite a bit.

      • Volume12

        Adoree Jackson is gonna measure in under 5’10.

        He’s got Dallas written all over him. Jackson and Smoot. Lovie Smith & Rod Marinelli connection.

  51. John_s

    Nice article about the top teams drafting more explosive players since the start of the PCJS regime.

    Kudos to Rob for being on this years before anyone else was talking about it.

    https://theringer.com/nfl-playoffs-draft-scouting-explosion-seahawks-steelers-cowboys-patriots-chiefs-85ea73e65837#.j90oewp2r

    • Trevor

      Great post John!

      That is what makes what Rob does here so special. He is not web surfing looking to reformat other peoples work.

      He does amazing research combined with a great amount of insight into the Seahawks tendencies and philosophies then packages it in a way that even Hawks fans with limited knowledge about the scouting like myself can understand and get excited about.

      I think all of us who read the blog recognize and understand how special the blog is! Combined with way it is monitored to eliminate garbage /foul language and the incredibly informed group of fans who post on here it truly is the best!

      Thanks for hi-lighting this once again. If have said many times Rob has missed his calling as a scout probably because of geographical restrictions but selfishly I am kind of glad because this blog is my daily fix of sports chat and info and for that I am truly grateful!

      • Schuemansky

        Very well spoken. I concur 100%. Many thanks to Rob and all the other knowledgable contributors.

        • Volume12

          Everything Rob does is original content. No parroting, no plagiarism. Excellent, inspiring work.

          Don’t know if you guys saw yesterday, but there was some plagiarism from a fansided writer taking Jonah Tuls stuff. Ugghh. Dude watches hours of tape and to have someone copy and paste word for word?

  52. D-OZ

    I really like Penn State’s Godwin.

  53. D-OZ

    Hey Rob, you make an old retired guy’s day!!!! Thank’s for everything….

  54. dylanlep

    Saw this tweet earlier today guys and very appropriate to this post

    ‘West Virginia HC Dana Holgorsen on Miami TE David Njoku: “He’s the biggest and baddest dude that we’ve faced all year,”

    #Canes #NFLDraft’

    Ok sign me up!

    • Smitty1547

      We can convert him into Sam, God knows we won’t throw him the damn ball

      • Kenny Sloth

        He’d probably be most valuable as a decoy.

  55. JT

    Some interesting feedback on Forrest Lamp from the most dominant defensive front in college football:

    “UA LB Ryan Anderson said @WKUFootball LT Forrest Lamp was the best LT he faced all year.” – https://twitter.com/ChaseGoodbread/status/817748288350855168

    Also asked Alabama DE Jonathan Allen where @WKUFootball LT Forrest Lamp ranked for him among tackles he faced this year. “He’s one or two.” – https://twitter.com/ChaseGoodbread/status/817784491565457408

    • Trevor

      I really like Lamp a lot. I could not find a lot of tape on him but what I did was really good. Can’t wait to see him at Senior Bowl!

  56. Derron James

    Rob, just so you know, you included Raekwon McMillan twice.

  57. Volume12

    Wow!

    Seattle might get 2 3rd round comps. If they factor in the entirety of Okung’s deal, it becomes a 3rd instead of a 5th for Sweezy.

  58. Greg Haugsven

    Did you guys just here that sound? It wasn’t just me opening up my first beer it was also the noise of our boys 5 hours away from opening up a can of whoop as on them Lions. Go Hawks, the 12’s are every supporting you tonight, even in Sheffield England.

    • Greg Haugsven

      As always, thanks for your work Mr Staton!

    • Volume12

      Easy bruh. Day drinking can be dangerous. ?

  59. Mishima

    Rob/anyone:

    Do the Hawks draft BPA or continue drafting for need?

    Better to draft defense (more/better) than reach for OL and RB (see: 2016)? If you can’t get Fournette/Cook/Bolles, why blow draft capital on probable JAGs?

    Just wondering if we see an evolving draft strategy. Doubt it.

    • Rob Staton

      Need, unless they are able to address the significant ones in FA.

      • Schuemansky

        So let’s hope the FO get’s at least one of the primary needs done in FA.
        I would really like them going secondary al least once on day 1 and 2.

  60. Roland jose

    Our solution to big WR is big athletic TE’s, though Tanner Mckevoy, could b our solution to that big WR we all want. We have alot of weapons for next season with Prosise, healthy next year, so future is looking bright, just need oline and depth at dline , and a backup free safety, for Earl, and chancellor.
    .

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