This week I’ve already published interviews with Jim Nagy from the Senior Bowl and Robert Hunt, offensive lineman at Louisiana-Lafayette.
Today’s conversation is with LSU guard Damien Lewis.
We discussed his upbringing, his journey to LSU where he won a National Championship, teammates Lloyd Cushenberry, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Rashard Lawrence and how he’s preparing for the draft during the Covid-19 crisis. He also confirmed he had a formal meeting with the Seahawks at the combine.
You’re going to really like him. Have a listen below. He had a fantastic Senior Bowl and could easily be on Seattle’s radar.
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These interviews have been really cool, fantastic content this year Rob, even by your very high standards.
I want so many of these LSU guys on the team. Hopefully Coach O has been on the phone with Pete telling him he better be drafting these guys.
Thanks Henry
I agree with this. And also think Clowney will only be willing to sign one year contract at this moment. And if 1+1=2 in this case, then I think this ship has sailed.
Then they should accept this and move on.
I don’t think there’s any evidence that the ship has sailed. I think all the evidence points to the fact that they’re still trying, and failing, to get a deal done.
I don’t think the Seahawks would like a 1 year deal, but it’s better than the alternative.
Man its so tough for me to listen and understand guys whit this type of accent. 😂
That was some DEEP South for you right there!
High character man though. I like him.
Love all the different regional accents in the states.
If you haven’t, try using closed captions (CC). Translation too funny.
I grew up in the Northeast and now live about 15 minutes away from Canton MS. Good to see a local kid doing well. It’s funny because when I moved here I couldn’t understand people 24 years later I understand everything he’s saying.
Oh viy, I was 100% sure they will cut him. Right now they are on 5mil cap space (0 true cap space)…will be interesting to see how they will put Chris Jones salary under cap…
Well I tell you one thing they’re not going to do.
That’s restructure Sammy Watkins in favour of keeping Jones.
They’ll just restructure some deals, move things around. They’ll be fine.
I am not saying nothing but that I am surprise because I thought they will cut him and save 14mil. This way they save only 5mil(things would be much easier for them with that additional 9mil). Their offense left untouched from last year. And Mahomes will be only better. Good luck to everyone else in NFL.
It’s things like this that tell me the Hawks aren’t constrained by cap room to get Clowney and/or another rusher.
True the Hawks are more conservative with others and typically don’t push their problems down the road. But a team within a whisper of the #1 seed and coming off a deep playoff run with a clear need shouldn’t be a team playing it conservative.
The Chiefs really need to get Mahomes extended this offseason when he’s on his original rookie deal and before the 5th year option, which gets considerably more expensive. They have a window while is current AAV is low to extend him and reap that benefit down the line.
Living near Houston I get to see them play a lot, and I really like Josh Jones, he’s got excellent footwork, and is a hard worker. I would love for the Hawks to get him.
How near to Houston do you live? You don’t live in Oklahoma by any chance do you?
Ha! That would be great if the real Steve Largent was a poster on this blog!
I’m in Magnolia, about halfway between Houston and College Station.
Great stuff Rob now you just need to do one with Isiah Wilson and Caesar Ruiz. They are my four favorite OL prospects for the Hawks for sure.
You have taken it to another level this year. Keep posting on YouTube so we can really help build you a profile and presence there because you deserve it with the amazing quality of your work.
Love these interviews, but if they aren’t going to sign Clowney, or any other edge defenders, then Rob better start interviewing DL prospects instead of guards and tackles. Let’s get Uche, Okwara, Davis, Zuniga, etc on the phone!
I’m trying… offensive linemen clearly do a better job responding to DM’s!
And the next interview will be with another offensive lineman later today…
You’re doing a fantastic job, hope you didn’t infer otherwise! Love hearing the interviews and following the comments, one of the highlights of the quarantine days!
Just a bit of frustration at how PC/JS are “fixing the pass rush” this offseason. I want to believe they know what they’re doing and will come through, but its getting tougher with each passing day!
I can’t believe Irvin and Mayowa fix the pass rush! Since we’re bringing back former Seahawks defensive linemen, Mike Bennett must be next!
Rob: Great interview. Great job.
Go Hawks!
Thanks
Did you ask Lewis to hook you up with Rashard Lawrence?
No other site/blog can touch what you’re doing.
I didn’t with Damien but the request has been made…
Nice. Orgeron has created something special down there.
Great stuff again Rob. I’m really a big fan of these type of interviews, it shows that at the end of the days these prospects are just regular guys who are fighting to make it. So many of them fall by the wayside and I think it’s important to remember that they’re more than just X’s and O’s. I can see how the Seahawks really value grit and personality etc, the interviews that they do must go a long long way in determining who they end up choosing. It’s hard not to root for these guys.
Rob you’re the man, appreciate all the content.
Great stuff from Damien, I want all the LSU guys what a special group.
Another great one. Gonna be real tough on draft day if we have to watch some of these talented OL and WR come off the board while they grab DL players.
Another great interview. Thanks for doing this and keep ’em coming!
I especially liked how you ask the guys about their teammates that we know. If you want to in future interviews, I would also be interested in finding out who was the best player they faced in college across from them positionally and what made them hard to face.
Nice grab.
https://mobile.twitter.com/BillyM_91/status/1245852697435070464
Wow, that was an awesome catch! There are some really good WR in this draft for sure!
Great listen. I’m rooting for that kid regardless of where he winds up.
Rob do you think there is any chance Lewis or Hunt will be on the board at the end of Rd #3? Either would be a great pick with that 3rd round comp pick.
No
I didn’t think so. That is what really sucks about not addressing the DL in free agency because those two 2nd round picks would be ideal for WR, OL or RB.
Scary thought: Maybe they think they have addressed it? Re-signed Reed, picked up Irvin and Mayowa; maybe re-sign Clowney and pick up a cheap DT in second wave and call it good? /shudder
IMO, that would be a mistake, but I’m expecting it. Not so different from drafting Collier, signing Ansah, trading for Clowney at the last minute. Did they had a Plan B if Clowney hadn’t fallen into their lap? Doubt it.
I want them to target players like Uche, Gay Jr., Davis, Zuniga, Okwara, early and often. However, I won’t be surprised if 2 of their first 3 picks are spent on RB and WR and they miss out on top front 7 talent.
They definitely won’t think they’ve addressed it.
I’ve lowered my expectations, but hope you’re right.
it’s starting to feel like a trade is inevitable.
they are likely waiting for asking prices to come down, which means we probably wont see a big move until the end of summer (assuming the league starts as scheduled).
Any update on Mychal Kendricks?
Legal wise – they moved his sentencing back last month for like the 6th or 7th time.
Health wise – no idea.
Thanks Trevor for the tip on Rob having recently added YouTube videos. Really dig the interview, that’s a good ole country boy right there. Just enjoyed the mock draft on your YouTube Rob, and dig the way you went about it, I need to find a simulator with trades to play with. Given the need at RB, do you think the Hawks would go outside of there normal profile for a Clyde Edwards Helier?
I hope so… because he’s a BAMF and an absolutely sensational talent.
DK had a fantastic rookie year with maybe the most limited route tree of any WR in the league. What can he do in year 2 with a full year in the system?
His rookie year is eerily similar to Julio Jones’:
Metcalf: 16 games / 58 catches / 900 yards / 7 TD / 58.0% catch / 9.0 yards per target
Jones: 13 games / 54 catches / 959 yards / 8 TD / 56.8% catch / 10.1 yards per target
Is Jones’ Year Two a fair expectation? Or too much?
16 games / 79 catches / 1198 yards / 10 TD / 61.7% catch / 9.4 yards per target
DK can be whatever he wants to be.
But he has to improve the way he competes for the ball in contested/jump ball situations and make the most of his size and he needs to learn not to fight the football. These are not easy things to do and are two things Julio never had an issue with.
After rewatching most of the season it’s clear to me a bunch of those balls that we wanted DK to go up and get we’re slightly under thrown.
Toward the end of the season he had a couple awesome contested catches where he goes up an gets it. The game clinched against philly was the best of the bunch. He improved during the season and I don’t think it was as big of a problem as it initially seemed. I think he’s going to develop into a great jump ball/contested catch guy.
Agreed about him fighting the football though. Not a natural catcher. So many double catches along with some crucial drops. Not sure that’s something that will change. Ball security another big issue.
Love Metcalf but there’s only one Julio Jones.
Appreciate the Lewis interview. Keep them coming.
I hope we don’t expect him to carry the entire passing attack. We need another weapon to compliment him and Lockett.
Julio was a high R1 pick for a reason, specifically he didn’t have any significant weaknesses coming out of Bama. Conversely, DK’s weaknesses were well known, and the reason he dropped to the end of R2.
It wouldn’t be fair to compare DK to Julio or expect that kind of production, but if DK really dedicates himself to improving in the areas Rob mentioned, then this will prove to be an absolute draft steal.
He absolutely has thst kind of upside.
He busted his a** last off-season when people were giving him sh**. Remember that video that was posted here?
Mina Kimes agrees with you
https://twitter.com/LeBatard_Reddit/status/1124452774765367296
Rob I have really not even looked at this CB given the other needs the Hawks had. Who do you think is the best slot CB prospect in this draft? I really think this defense misses a guy like Justin Coleman and I am not sure Amadi is the answer. Does anyone jump out to you as a guy they may target?
While you wait for Rob’s reply, I invite you to give my favorite slot CB a look:
http://seahawksdraftblog.com/why-i-think-jabari-zuniga-could-be-a-top-45-pick#comment-486603
So Leki Fotu as a top 30 visit (big shocker) and Trevis Gipson who I love. Or at least a workout on the latter.
https://t.co/0w1ERO5BKN?amp=1
I bet they were. I bet they were.
Christian Shanafelt
@ChrisShanafelt
·
Mar 21
Replying to
@ChrisShanafelt
At the Northwestern pro-day, Southern Illinois TE Nigel Kilby told me that the #Lions seemed to have been really interested in him and that they + the #Seahawks were checking in with him pretty often throughout the day.
He’s met privately with the #Broncos + #Panthers as well.
Good call on him, Vol.
Yes!
Wow, hefty deal for a run stuffer:
To go to Cincy you got to over pay.
Awesome stuff Rob. Thank you!
Two things for the class:
One; Do we have a list of those that we know the hawks have met with?
Two: if this whole thing with the hawks has taught me anything, it is the importance of medical checks and interviews. Who can we identify as having a medical flag that could drop due to not being able to have checks? and who could drop due to other red flags that cant be checked (for instance maybe Willie Gay?)
HB: Jonathan Taylor, AJ Dillon, Zack Moss
OL: Robert Hunt, Kevin Dotson, Damien Lewis, Logan Stenberg
WR: Jalen Reagor, Van Jefferson
DL: Julian Okwara, ‘Utah Gross- my toast,’ Trevis Gipson, Jonathan Greenard, Bradlee Anae
DT: Leki Fotu, Ross Blacklock
LB/EDGE: Zack Baun
CB: Kristian Fulton, Trevon Diggs
S: Brandon Jones, Kamren Curl
* Tony Pauline said they were showing a lot of interest in OK St. G Marcus Keyes
I like all those guys (except I have no idea who Kamren Curl is! 🙂 )
Safety from Arkansas. I thought he was a pretty obvious conversion to corner type from his tape.
But we’ve been there, done that and now brought in a CB to challenge Flowers. Why would we do this? (This is a rhetorical question of course).
I just thought he looked like a better fit at corner. Not specifically for Seattle or anything.
He might be a guy they like late in the draft or UDFA. Why not at that point?
Totally agree with your point…why not! It’s all about competition, especially as a UDFA.
* ?? Cal S Ashtyn Davis
And UVA CB Bryce Hall
Totally unnecessary and will probably turn out a bit weird, if not downright laughable, but color me intrigued anyway…
lol
https://twitter.com/MikeGarafolo/status/1246157269634617353
Pat Kirwan said earlier that he has been talking to execs from various teams and no one really knows how the draft is going to work, yet. If everything is done remotely, there are some significant technical issues that could crop up, like what happens if your phones go down while you are trying to work a trade in the clock, etc. what happens if your gm gets sick with the virus? Teams don’t necessarily have contingencies set up for a scenario like that.
Rob, please tell me you’ll interview Trey Adams and ask him what is the one thing he would change about himself… 😝
LOL
Tell him its not 1985 anymore and get rid of that mullitt.
I keep wondering what they are going to do about Kendricks. I don’t see them bringing him back except at maybe a minimum salary. Not surprised by this. Also means they’ll get out of basic D more of the time.
Damn Millhouse, you learned how to do the green writing thing and your posting everything…lol
It’s also interesting that Pat Kirwin latest mock draft had the Seahawks drafting Isiah Wilson at 27
Not surprised. A great match.
Would absolutely love for that to happen. He’s the guy I want most. That’s a great prospect at 27 and would fit in well with the line. Seems unlikely given the off-season, but not often a tackle like that is available with Seattle’s pick (and he very well could be gone already).
What do you guys think of Malik Harrison being our eventual Kendricks replacement.
Nah. Not a SAM. Not great sideline-to-sideline. Better in the middle.
Agreed. He’s a thunper. Want him playing downhill. I do think could play SAM, but not sold on it being for a team like Seattle.
Lol, Bears signed Ifedi 2 days ago to play Guard and I totally missed it. 😂
*8 days ago
lmaoooo.
You or cha are usually the 1st ones on the FA signings & trades.
Ok, this is getting desperate. Team going to any lengths (except, I guess, paying up…)
https://twitter.com/SeahawksUnited_/status/1245979987859169280
Is it me or is it just weird that Russ is always doing this kind of stuff from his bed…still love the Lockett/Fluker video from last year~ 🙂
And that when he speaks from his bed… he also seems to have a ‘speaking in bed’ voice. And somehow, the voice has not put off Ciara…
haha, yeah, she’s probably heard it too many times.
That’s what he meant by notime2sleep
So weird.
Just recorded the latest interview…
Cesar Ruiz, Michigan center.
Sweet!
Hey Rob, thank you for all of this. You are an excellent journalist, awesome Seahawks fan, and top notch blogger. Thank you for EVERYTHING that you do for us!
Thanks Tom appreciate that. It means a lot, it really does, to know people still enjoy the blog after all these years.
Damn Rob, getting some big names now. Lets aim a little higher and get John Schneider on the line to figure out what is going on…lol. Thanks for the good interviews.
I cant wait! These interviews are amazing, keep them coming. SDB is clearly the premier Seahawks website on the web, Fieldgulls is vastly inferior. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into this site, we all really appreciate it
Appreciate it, thanks
Nice!
At some point I’d like a refresher on the guards. Rob, your post-combine tiers (which I love by the way), have Lewis, Stenberg, Lemieux, and Simpson in Tier 5, and Adeniji in Tier 6. How do Hunt and Dotson fit into this hierarchy, and have your preferences changed? Would any of those slip to Day 3?
I will do a new tier list for sure. It will look very different.
Great. I can’t wait. One thing I’ve been trying to weigh is not just the talent level, but how their talent/skills fit into the Seahawks needs. This is for the OL, but also for the REAL needs on defense, especially pass rush. On the draft simulator I commonly have the option of picking Davis/Okwara/Zuniga/Uche/YGM first. My current preference is Okwara, Zuniga, Davis, Anae, or Greenard, in that order (just for pass rush) because I want it to come from the front four DL. I know Davis is not really a pass rusher, but I would still pick him before Anae or Greenard. Do you consider team needs and fits in your tiers, or just talent?
Just talent really. Which is how I think it is in a real war room — but they will identify target positions and try to identify the areas in a draft where they can find solutions.
A couple of trades:
Sent #27 to the Giants for #’s 36, 99, and 110.
Then I sent #36 and #101 for #45 and #76.
#45- Raewkon Davis DT/DE
#59- Jabari Zubiga DE
#64- Robert Hunt T/G
#76- Isaiah Wilson T/G
#99- Can Akers RB
#110- Devin Duvernay WR
#133- Thadeus Moss TE
#144- Bryce Hall CB
#214- Travis Gipson DE
My focus going in to each of the mocks that I do now, focuses on Raekwon Davis with my first pick just because of his uniqueness. I also didn’t mean to go so offense heavy in the middle of the draft, but I just saw so much good value, and thought that surely one of Hunt or Wilson could play either guard or tackle spot given their versatility. I know Rob has stated many times before that Wilson won’t be there late, so feel free to sub in Damien Lewis, Logan Stenberg, or Shane Lemieux in that spot instead.
Please share your thoughts!
That’s a good draft. When I’ve tried them, Wilson is going by 59 or 64, and Akers by 80. I like the Davis and Zuniga picks there. I’d rather pick Aiyuk by 76, than Duvernay at 110, and maybe Akers would fall to #99. I’d rather have the best guard available at 133, instead of Thadeus Moss. I like Hall and Gipson there.
32.Cesar Ruiz C Michigan
35.Clyde Edwards-Helaire RB LSU
46.Joshua Uche OLB Michigan
59.Damien Lewis G LSU
64.Rashard Lawrence DT LSU
214.Josh Metellus S Michigan
Some wheeling and dealing, including 2021’s 1st rd pick, but my OCD brain loved the symmetry of this draft and I think all are in their realistic range.
Hypothetical: What happens to the 2021 draft if the college football season is cancelled?
Guessing it’ll be up to seniors to decide if they want to turn pro (same with juniors).
My guess would be that the NFL season would also be cancelled in this scenario. That would be crazy.
Using the same simulator that Rob had going I traded the first Hawks first pick and traded 3rds to the Bears (assuming they where in the QB market) for both of there 2nd round picks. To have 4 2nd round picks.
Resulting in
43 Josh Jones
50 Clyde Edwards Helaire
59 prince Tega Wanogho
64 Brandon Aiyuk
133 Bryce Hall
144 Natani Muti.
I was a bit bummed that I wasn’t able to find pass rushers as late in the 2nd frame as I anticipated, but I liked loading up on 4 picks in round two.
You took two tackles and no DLineman though?
Exactly what I thought
Yeah, I miss judged thinking some Edge players would make past 50, and Josh Jones was too good to pass up at 43. Given the projected run on edge players I’d definitely prioritize that first pick as an edge, but at 43 there where 4-5 options and by 50 the cupboards where barren.
Loomi g for the best trade back options. If we traded back with Detroit for 35 and 85 the poi ts are 216 (27) for 220 (35 & 85).
Rob the one thing I have realize that the Seahawks aren’t the normal they do things that you don’t expect when it comes to the draft. and even though it isn’t a big need I am guessing that John and Pete probably love Jeremy Chinn what round would you place him in. Since I am locked down at the house these days I have been watching a lot tv and just got done watching Killing Eve season 1 I actually liked it. My question for you is have you seen either Peaky blinders. Or copper
The Seahawks are a bit more predictable in terms of the position they target early than most think.
Here’s my latest draft:
52. Raekwon Davis
59. Jabari Zuniga
64. Brandon Aiyuk
71. Cam Akers
84. Logan Wilson
101. Robert Hunt
133. Davon Hamilton
144. Zack Moss
214. Derrek Tuszka, DE. North Dakota State
234. Kevin Dotson,G Louisiana
I’m not sure if Hamilton at 133 is realistic, but if not I’d go with Gipson there. Any reactions?
My pref is Willie Gay instead of Logan Wilson.
Nice draft. Would be thrilled with that.
Now that’s what I’m talking about
The current regime has drafted 10 RBs in 10 years & stuck to their preferred physical profile. The results? The best of them has been Carson, selected in the 7th round.
Is this the year they broaden their parameters a bit?
My guess in no, they change nothing
Fair.
Just pick the right guy.
It’s their crystal ball that needs adjusting.
Well if they’d stuck to their parameters more rigidly a couple years ago we’d have Chubb instead of Penny so that might not be the problem.
Great interview! Thought it was cool Damien got excited when Rob mentioned CEH. Lewis sounds like he loves football.
Coach O is running a top notch program that preaches brotherhood. Similar to PC that way. The class LSU graduated to the NFL is impressive! Talent at damn near every position.
Lewis is the RG equivalent of Jarran Reed. Juco to Sec to Sea! Hopefully we can get one of Hunt or Lewis in the 3rd.
Wasn’t coach O on Pete’s staff back in the day before he got the Ole Miss opportunity?
Yeah coach O was with PC at USC from 01-04. I bet USC is kicking themselves for choosing Helton over Orgeron!
On a side note I would love to play you a game of Tecmo Bowl. I’ll be SF and you can be whoever you want.
Wish Tecmo Bowl could be played online. SF huh. I’d go with da Bears! Sweetness and Singletary all day!
Rob, these interviews are so enjoyable. Thank you.
Thanks for listening
Can’t… stop… drafting
27. Raekwon Davis, DT Alabama
59. Bradlee Anae, DE Utah
64. Van Jefferson, WR Florida
101. James Lynch, DT Baylor
133. Logan Stenberg, G Kentucky
144. Joshua Kelley, RB UCLA
214. Trevis Gipson, DE Tulsa
Nice but no Anae for me.
The only player I actually like is Jefferson and that’s a small like.
I’ll let them know. They might get sad though.
Devastated.
Yak. I’m addicted as well. There are worse things.
I’ve come to trust my own Fanspeak board to anyone else’s.
Had my favorite one so far. Have good results when I trade 27 for 85 and 85.
35…Jaelen Reagor
59…Josh Uche
64…Raekwon Davis
85…Cam Akers
101…Robert Hunt
133…Bryce Hall
144…Amik Robertson
35 and 85 that is.
Too early for WR. We have more pressing needs. I’d be seriously unhappy if they did that.
Just because you have a pressing need doesnt mean it needs to be the first pick. This addresses all our needs.
We have a fairly high ranked offense and an extremely low ranked defense. Just makes me wonder why would use our most valuable draft pick (One way or another) for offense instead of defense.
It’s called drafting BPA vs drafting for need.
I know what it’s called. Something GMs say they do but they never do because they’re not stupid.
This would be Seattle letting the board fall to them. If all of those players are there at those spots (doubts on Uche, Davis, Hunt, and Hall). But it’s a great way of addressing the DL without reaching for guys and still tapping into the talent of the draft.
Although Hall and Robertson seem redundant with 4 CBs already on the roster.
As much as I love Raegor and agree that you don draft in the order of your needs, I don’t think DL is addressed enough here. As it currently stands with our offseason. Uche is someone I like, and want, but he is not going to be an edge or fix our edge problem. Situational rusher who can also drop into coverage is where he is going to be. Unless we pick up Griffen or Clowney, not seeing us not grab a true edge or DE. Also, I know you love Amik, but him and Hall would be to much capital at DB that early. Amik for a late round flyer (6th or 7th)? Or another DB to play slot late I could see.
Since everyone seems to be posting sims I thought I would try and post one that seems reasonable and one that I feel position wise we should consider. 4 rounds only.
SEA 34.
Yetur Gross-Matos
SEA 59.
Ross Blacklock
SEA 64.
Prince Tega Wanogho
SEA 75.
Bryan Edwards
SEA 101.
Hunter Bryant
SEA 133.
Zack Moss
SEA 144.
Damien Lewis
Yes I think Matos is better than the other DE options.
Its weird how the RB’s in this class aren’t getting more round 1 discussion. Dobbins, Taylor, CEH, Swift look like they have day 1 talent to me.
In the draft where Alex Smith went #1 and Rodgers fell #24, 3 RB’s went in the top 5. Ronnie Brown, Cedric Benson(RIP) and Cadllac Williams. Bet we never see 3 RBs in the top 5 ever again.
I find it strange as well. Maybe the media is unaware. Or, maybe the position is that undervalued.
Taylor and swift have first round traits and are legitimate first round talents, Dobbins and Clyde are probably second round guys who may fall down the board into the mid to late second or early third. Akers seems like a round 2-3 guys as well. I just don’t think Dobbins and Clyde can put up the speed numbers that people expect from a first round pick.
Am a huge husky fan, was wondering if anyone has any early insight on Joe Tryon (class of 2021). 6-5, 262.
If its off topic, I won’t post stuff like this again. Just let me know, I was just thinking some people might have studied him incidentally while studying other players.
Was wondering if anyone sees him as a legit prospect and what round you think he will go in!
Joe Tryon has a legit shot to be a top 40 player next season. The size, the length, the athleticism. I got a chance to watch them practice live last spring and stood 15 feet away as they went through drills. He’s just different. Looks like a player you create on Madden. I would guess that he’s going to run in the 4.7’s but the agility testing is more important. He started off slowly last season and then came on really well. He became unblockable at times. Measurements are going to probably be great, and he’s going into year three on the field. He probably won’t return for his senior campaign.
Is this possible? Everyone (including us here) spoke about much much more money (maybe even 10+ mil)…
Why they didnt want him back for that money?
And watch this..Seattle, Carroll, Solari had 1mil player as a starter over 9mil player…ouch..
I know lots of people hate Ifedi but it seems like the Seahawks spent more money to not get noticeably better. And if they draft a RT anyway, you might as well just have Ifedi.
I was the one who thought they should re-sign him if its for less than 6-8mil apy. Obviously I was so so wrong. But its not the problem because I know nothing about this game. Much bigger problem is that I have/had huge trust in our couches and it turned out they started, for years, player who got 1mil over player who got 9mil. Do we need to start questioning their football knowledge? And dont forgett, Ifedi will play guard (thats what Bears GM said), so none of 32 teams wanted to pay him anything to play tackle.
I wonder if he overestimated his value and underestimated how many good Tackle options are in the draft and waited until the teams had already done there spending? It’s funny Fant got a starting tackle job, and Ifedi had to switch positions.
Just because the Jets overpayed for Fant doesn’t mean they were wrong to start Ifedi.
doesnt have anything with
What is mind blowing for me is that they started him for 4 years and then they didnt want to pay him anything…they choose to pay below average player 3mil over him… now it is really hard for me to find one good reason why they started him for so long if ,its obvious after all this, they dont appreciate his qualities at all…
I’m just surprised they didn’t value Ifedi more for his size/strength/health than they did. I’d have let him determine his market value and beat the Bears offer within reason. I wonder if there looking for more versatile online players with more value in the passing game, or just have a couple draft options they feel good about. I’ve never really understood the Hawks unwillingness to resign O lineman, that they draft high. It’s probably just trying to price control the position with a rookie contract.
Well you questioned the seahawks evaluative skills because they started a “9m player over a 1m player” so it kinda is relevant that the Jets overpayed Fant…
And look, as much as I liked Fant, there were plenty of reasons Ifedi started all that time. They rated him very highly as a prospect and wanted to give him every opportunity to develop, he was consistently healthy and continuity is valuable, they liked Fant in the role he was in. Ultimately they decided it was now time to move on which they did for a nice cheap player. I dont find any of this to reflect all that poorly on PCJS.
And proof that Jets overpay Fant is? Do you know how much offers Fant had and how high they were? If you dont know then you cant be sure they overpay him. At this moment your statement is only projection and nothing more. Ifedies numbers and futur role are facts.
He’s played like 2 games at tackle since his rookie year (when he sucked) so it 100% is an overpay based on what the Jets know about the player. Its them (and apparently you) making the projection not me.
Also dude, it’s the Jets. Why does their opinion of Fant make you question Pete and John?
Possible they made offers to Fant and Ifedi, but both passed for different reasons w/ different consequences. Seahawks moved on, signed others.
Fant wins, Ifedi loses. Oh, well.
Ifedi’s total lack of market is quite surprising to me. He’s not that terrible. The guy actually has long stretches of solid play (ie you don’t notice him) then gets a penalty and/completely blows a pass pro. I’m not saying I wanted him back, but look around the league, he’s about a normal RT.
The league must be stoked about the draft at OL
I’ll bet if the Seahawks knew they could get Ifedi for the vet min they would have done it.
I would have taken Ifedi for another year or two at a low salary.
Feels like there was some unknown factor in play. Something like an attitude problem or a personal issue that really drove his market into the gutter.
There were some rumors that Russell didn’t care much for his ill timed and drive killing penalties.
I don’t hate Ifedi but I thought he was a mediocre T. But at vet min contract he’s a much better value than Shell. Not sure Shell is better or even equal. I think the Hawks also misread his market and would’ve signed him in a heart beat at what he signed for, if not a bit more.
I agree that Ifedi was somewhere between mediocre and average. Which seems to be the level of talent that Seahawks pick from for the offensive line. None of the free agents they have acquired are giving me confidence that the offensive line will be better this year. Hopefully they will continue to draft offensive linemen.
I think there would be better line continuity if they drafted their offensive linemen instead of looking for cheap free agents. Granted it takes half a season to train them, but they usually do okay after that. They can save the dollars for the defensive line or wide receivers.
I think Finney will be a good addition. The rest of the OL additions are wait and see.
It may be that the offer for Shell was the same offer given to Ifedi, and it may have been refused by him. We just don’t know what really happened.
Maybe.
But why are they waiting out Clowney and not Shell/Ifedi?
You know what a lot of people forget about Ifedi is he started 60 games at right tackle that’s a lot of starts injury free. Got to give him props for that
Wholly crap. I love Damien Lewis. My neighbor is an Alabama grad, married to an Auburn grad. Same accent. Great people. If Damien is anything like them, draft him at 27.
Thank you for this, Rob. What a pleasure to get to know Damien.
Roll Tide
Maybe Seattle trades way down and drafts the LSU OL and RB.
CEH – RB
Lewis – OG
Cushenberry – OC
Charles – OT
Super interesting. They have adjusted the simulator. For example Isaiah Wilson is in the 40s now. A lot of our favorites have moved up the board. Some have fallen. Nice to see they are being proactive.
That’s good news, make it more realistic.
And easily the best route runner at the Sr. Bowl.
And a special teams gunner. He feels like a Seattle pick.
Side note
Germain Ifedi signed with Chicago for the vet minimum. I was not a huge fan of Ifedi but I figured he would have gotten one team who would have paid him. would you rather have kept Ifedi for maybe Shell’s contract or do you like the moved to Shell?
I’d have preferred to keep Ifedi at the vet minimum.
I think the penalties are the main thing that killed his market.
I guess we will find out. If they are similar in skill I would say Ifedi due to continuity.
The rejigger of the simulator makes it interesting. Traded back with the Bengals.
33
Isaiah Wilson
OT Georgia
trade icon
SEA 59.
Julian Okwara
DE Notre Dame
SEA 64.
Raekwon Davis
DT Alabama
SEA 101.
Cam Akers
RB Florida State
SEA 107.
Bryan Edwards
WR South Carolina
trade icon
SEA 133.
Hunter Bryant
TE Washington
SEA 144.
Kevin Dotson
G Louisiana
SEA 147.
Damien Lewis
G LSU
trade icon
SEA 180.
J.R. Reed
S Georgia
SEA 214.
Raequan Williams
DT Michigan State
SEA 215.
Trey Adams
OT Washington
trade icon
All good picks. I teresting to see Adam’s so far back. That dudes stock has plumeted.
There are still teams who need good offensive linemen so the fact they all passed on Ifedi at such a low salary tells you something. For one, it says we probably had the worst RT in the league for the past four years.
It never felt like there was ever a true competition at RT, either.
They were going to go with Ifedi no matter what.
starting to miss germain ifedi already.
To me, Ifedi’s market value was soft not so much because of the penalties (horrible), but because he was slow on his feet/not agile enough for the tackle spot. He got beat by ends a lot. He was always better suited for guard.
Seahawks twitter remains undefeated. They were calling JS and PC dumb for not extending Ifedi and letting him go to free agency because he was going to get $15 apy
I was a bit surprised by how low in value the contract was, but never thought his value was that high. You’ve got to protect the QB in this league if you’re a tackle. That’s pretty much purpose number one.
Yet he didn’t set the world on fire at guard, either. If the NFL market is even moderately efficient, the Hawks did exactly the right thing by not taking that 5th year option, or extending him at anything near what many predicted to be his worth.
Cliff Avril on KJR mentioned the word entitlement when the subject of Ifedi came up, so maybe more to this.
I remember one things that pissed Sherman off about the change in culture was that in meetings, vets had specific ares they would sit, Ifedi his rookie year sat in one of those areas and refused to move. Small thing but it adds up
Question…Who would you rather have?
CEH in the 2nd, or Akers in the 3rd
For me CEH.. I am enamored w him. I’m ok if he’s our first pick. I think he is going to be special
Me too, CEH’s stop on a dime and change of direction is unreal.
Really disappointed with the team direction this off season to be honest. I’ve read your previous articles on it as they have come out and I’m still trying to figure out what the hell they are doing. The lack of blue chip talent is staggering. Honestly if I had to project it right now. This team takes dead last in the division. This team has degraded in talent instead of adding more.
This is why I don’t get wanting to trade up for an Isaiah Simmons. There’s not enough on defense to surround him with.
Jeremy Flower espn:
And then this from Jake Trotter who covers Browns for espn:
So they can cut Vernon and save all 15.5mil.
Negotiating in the press. Feels like we’re headed towards a resolution of this question one way or another.
Okay here’s another one:
44 Isaiah Wilson OT Georgia Trade 27 to Colts for 44, 75
59 Ross Blacklock DT TCU
64 Brandon Aiyuk WR Arizona State
87 Jonathan Greenard OLB Florida Trade 75 to NE for 87, 125
101 Joshua Kelley RB UCLA
125 Logan Stenberg G Kentucky
133 Thaddeus Moss TE LSU
144 Azur Kamara OLB Kansas
214 Steven Montez QB Colorado
Seattle trades 27 to Colts for 44, 75. Colts draft Jacob Eason (the second coming of Kelly Stouffer?)
Seattle trades 75 to NE for 87, 125. NE drafts Jalen Hurts
Aiyuk at 64 seems too optimistic. Maybe Jefferson from LSU if Aiyuk NA
Thaddeus Moss at 133. Seems at bit high, but Hunter Bryant went at 132 (ugh).
Note: As expected, big run on OTs. In this draft Wirfs 4, Wills 9, Becton 10, Jackson 11, Thomas 14, Cleveland 26 and Jones 34 all gone. Leaving only Niang and Peart behind Wilson. If this is anywhere close to reality, Seahawks had better pray that Wilson lasts…
I really like Virgina WR Joe Reed as a mid or late round pick. Needs work as a route runner, but is a fearless WR and has awesome hands and RAC ability. Could immediately step in as KR/PR and let Lockett just be a WR. Offers ST ability as well. Additionally worked out as a RB at the combine. Watch the KR against Duke in his highlights!
HEIGHT 6′ 0″, WEIGHT 224 lbs, ARMS 31 1/8”, HANDS 9 3/4”
40 Yard Dash – 4.47 SECONDS
Bench Press – 21 REPS
Vertical Jump – 38.0 INCHES
Broad Jump – 123.0 INCHES
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/joe-reed?id=32195245-4527-8280-a5c5-79f0b7e26e35
Reed was named first-team All-ACC as an all-purpose player and return specialist his senior campaign. He led Virginia in receptions (77-679-8.8, seven TDs) while scoring twice on kickoff returns (24-796-33.2), tied for second in the FBS nationally.
Rob as far as Jonathan Taylor is concerned does 926 carries in three years concern you at all after all seems a lot.
Not really. For 4-5 years he should be fine. I’m not sure anyone is going to rush to sign a RB to a second deal these days.