Introduction
The 2020 NFL draft appears to be particularly strong in two areas. This is an excellent wide receiver class, with multiple prospective first round picks. Expect to see a number of receivers run electric forty times and make major headlines on day one — especially Henry Ruggs.
It’s also a stronger offensive line class than we’ve seen in recent years. The league-wide desperation for good linemen will push several into the top-20. There’s good enough depth though, particularly at guard and center, for teams to find potential starters even in the middle rounds.
The running back class is underrated. Expect a number of runners to have astonishing workouts on Friday — especially J.K. Dobbins, Jonathan Taylor and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. It also appears to be a good cornerback draft. Unfortunately, there’s not as much D-line depth this year and it’s a thin group at tight end.
Changes to the combine
A lot of things are going to be different this year. I’ve posted the workout schedule below. It’s now a Thursday-to-Sunday event rather than Friday-to-Monday. The workouts also take place later in the day to cater for a primetime audience.
There are also significant differences to the drills — again to try and draw in viewing figures. The gauntlet catching drill and ‘W’ drill for defensive backs will now be timed so fans can compare how the players perform.
There’s now a ‘smoke route’ for quarterbacks and receivers involving a one-step hitch which has become popular in RPO’s. This will also be timed. There’s a ‘screen pass’ drill for offensive linemen to see how quickly and comfortably they can reach the second level. The mirror drill will be different. There’s no longer a ‘rabbit’ running in front of the participating offensive lineman.
For defensive linemen there will be a ‘figure eight’ pass rush that are often part of a players pro-day. This will be timed. Sleds will also be used rather than coaches holding a bag for certain drills.
For a full breakdown of all the new drills click here.
One thing to remember
The short shuttle is important at every position. A lot of the focus is placed on forty times, explosive testing, drill performance — and rightly so. Yet the ability to change direction quickly with agility is vital across the board. You’ll notice how often it’s discussed in this review and how much value the Seahawks seem to place in it. If there’s one less-talked-about test to monitor, it’s very much the short shuttle.
Workout schedule
» Thursday February 27th (4-11pm ET): tight ends, quarterbacks, wide receivers
» Friday February 28th (4-11pm ET): special teams, offensive linemen, running backs
» Saturday February 29th (4-11pm ET): defensive linemen and linebackers
» Sunday March 1st (2-7pm ET): defensive backs
Groups 1-3 (TE, QB, WR)
Arrival: Sunday 23rd February
Measurements: Monday 24th February
Bench press: Wednesday 26th February
On-field drills: Thursday 27th February
Expect Hunter Bryant to test well in the all-important short shuttle
Tight ends
Seattle has drafted four tight ends under Pete Carroll — Nick Vannett, Luke Willson, Anthony McCoy and Will Dissly. They also traded for Jimmy Graham and signed Zach Miller to a big contract in 2011. They recently signed Greg Olsen to a one-year contract. All seven players have distinct differences yet one test links them all.
It appears the Seahawks view the short shuttle as an important drill:
Luke Willson — 4.29 at pro-day
Will Dissly — 4.40 (8th best in 2018)
Nick Vannett — 4.20 (2nd best in 2016)
Anthony McCoy — 4.57
Zach Miller — 4.42
Jimmy Graham — 4.45
Greg Olsen — 4.48
Tony Pauline also linked the Seahawks with interest in Atlanta’s free agent Austin Hooper, who ran a 4.32. It was also speculated that they really liked O.J. Howard in the 2017 draft. He had the top short shuttle in his class (4.16).
Short-area quickness and agility appears to be important for any prospective Seattle tight end so pay close attention to the short shuttle and the three cone.
Key tests
Short shuttle, three cone, forty
Ideal size
6-5, 250-265lbs, +34-inch arms, +10-inch hands
Interesting note
In 2017 the Seahawks passed on the position despite the strong looking class. They drafted seven players before George Kittle was selected in round five by the 49ers — despite his good combine and dynamism as a blocker. They even spent five picks in rounds 3-4 without taking Kittle. Perhaps, although hopefully not, it was because he only ran a 4.55 short shuttle? They also passed on the position a year ago despite strong testing by Drew Sample, Foster Moreau, Kahale Warring, Dawson Knox, Jace Sternberger, Irv Smith, Trevon Wesco, Dax Raymond, Caleb Wilson, Isaac Nauta, Kaden Smith, Josh Oliver and others.
Best drill to watch
Catching technique is always important. Is a player cupping his hands and showing to the football, or is he fighting the ball? How will timing the gauntlet drill impact players as they now try to focus on speed as well as concentration?
Five names to watch
Hunter Bryant (Washington), Devin Asiasi (UCLA), Cole Kmet (Notre Dame), Albert Okwuegbunam (Missouri), Harrison Bryant (Florida Atlantic)
Positional assessment
It’s not a strong class at the tight end position. We might not see a player drafted in the top-50. Unlike last year, there aren’t a collection of raw physical talents either. Even so, expect Hunter Bryant to deliver a strong short shuttle and it’ll be interesting to see Devin Asiasi’s performance.
Importance to the Seahawks?
With Will Dissly recovering from his second serious injury in consecutive seasons, Ed Dickson set to be cut, Nick Vannett traded and a decision to be made on Jacob Hollister’s RFA tender — this was a vital position of need for the Seahawks. Perhaps due to the thin draft class at the position, Seattle addressed this issue with the Greg Olsen signing.
Anthony Gordon will look to build on a good Senior Bowl showing
Quarterbacks
With Russell Wilson’s 2019 contract extension securing his future in Seattle for the next few years, Seahawks fans won’t be paying too much attention to this group. It’ll be interesting to see which players throw and Tua Tagovailoa’s hip injury will create plenty of talking points on TV. Ultimately though, this doesn’t get any more interesting than wondering whether a future cheap backup will be drafted in the later rounds.
Key tests
Deep throws
Ideal size
+6-1, 220lbs, +9.5 inch hands
Interesting note
The Seahawks have only drafted two quarterbacks in the Pete Carroll era — Russell Wilson (third round, 2012) and Alex McGough (seventh round, 2018).
The best drill to watch
Everyone wants to see the top QB’s throw the deep ball. That’s basically why they’re there apart from the medicals and interviews. They’re not facing a defense. They’re just standing in shorts and throwing the football. The only real reason to watch the drills is to see which players stand out throwing downfield with power and precision with reasonable mechanics.
Five names to watch
Justin Herbert (Oregon), Jacob Eason (Washington), Jordan Love (Utah State), Anthony Gordon (Washington State), Steven Montez (Colorado)
Positional notes
It’s an intriguing class at the position, headlined by the future #1 pick Joe Burrow. He was historically good at LSU in 2019 and showed off poise, accuracy, the ability to improvise and extend plays, a winner’s mentality and he delivered an unexpected National Championship to LSU. Tua Tagovailoa will be discussed a lot in Indianapolis with everyone desperate to know the latest on his hip injury. Justin Herbert will have an opportunity to further boost his stock with a good throwing performance combined with strong interviews. There’s some depth to the class too and it’ll be interesting to see whether Jordan Love, Jacob Eason, Jalen Hurts and Jake Fromm can improve their standing.
Importance to the Seahawks
Not very. It’s possible they spend a last day pick on a QB to develop as a backup. It is peculiar that they’ve only drafted two quarterbacks since 2010. Yet with needs at various positions this off-season, they simply might prefer to retain Geno Smith and press on.
Brandon Aiyuk is an exceptional talent in a loaded WR class
Wide receivers
Pete Carroll has only drafted three receivers who haven’t run a 4.4 forty or faster (Kenny Lawler 4.64, Chris Harper 4.50, John Ursua 4.56). Paul Richardson (4.40), Golden Tate (4.42), Tyler Lockett (4.40), Kris Durham (4.46), Kevin Norwood (4.48), Amara Darboh (4.45), David Moore (4.42) and D.K. Metcalf (4.33) all cracked the 4.4’s. Durham (216lbs), Harper (229lbs), Lawler (203lbs), Darboh (214lbs), Moore (219lbs) and Metcalf (228lbs) were all +200lbs. Richardson, Tate and Lockett —- three productive players —- plus Ursua were smaller.
We have enough data now to say this quite definitively — unless a player runs a 4.4 or faster, the Seahawks are unlikely to consider them until the later rounds. Clearly they value speed and suddenness at the position even if you’re a ‘bigger’ receiver.
The entire NFL is seeing a shift towards speed. The days of the classic ‘possession’ receiver are over. Teams are utilising tight ends in a variety of creative ways to get a sizeable mismatch target on the field. For receivers playing outside or in the slot, quickness is the desired trait.
The good news is, this is a frighteningly quick draft class at the position. It’s loaded with talented receivers capable of running in the 4.2’s, 4.3’s and 4.4’s. Without any doubt, wide out is the strongest positional group in the 2020 draft.
The ability to separate is vital whatever your size. Watch the forty, the 10-yard split, the three-cone and short shuttle. It’ll provide a clear indication on which players have the quickness and agility to create openings.
Interesting note
Carroll’s Seahawks don’t really have a ‘range’ where they take receivers. They’ve drafted three players in round two (Tate, Richardson, Metcalf), two in round three (Darboh, Lockett), three in round four (Norwood, Harper, Durham) and three in round seven (Moore, Lawler, Ursua). They traded a first round pick for Percy Harvin. They’ve also had a degree of success with UDFA’s. The best non-FA athlete Seattle has acquired in the Carroll era was an UDFA — Ricardo Lockette. He ran a 4.41, had a 39-inch vertical and a 6.76 three-cone. He was also well-sized at 211lbs with 33.5-inch arms. The Seahawks have been comfortable bringing in high-ceiling UDFA receivers, finding success with Lockette, Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse.
Key tests
Forty, vertical, catching drills (proper technique)
Ideal size
Just run a 4.4 forty or faster
The best drill to watch
Any drill that clearly shows catching technique. It’s extremely important. You want to see a wide out cupping his hands while presenting them to the ball. No alligator arms, no fighting the ball or snatching at it. Watch the downfield throws too and see who is good at high pointing the football, showing body control and tracking over the shoulder. Who is a natural hands catcher?
Five names to watch
Brandon Aiyuk (Arizona State), Jalen Reagor (TCU), Henry Ruggs (Alabama), K.J. Hamler (Penn State), Bryan Edwards (South Carolina)
Positional assessment
It’s a loaded class. We should see multiple first round picks with the depth lasting into day three. Expect Henry Ruggs to run a blazing forty but several others will join him. Keep an eye on Aiyuk, Reagor, Hamler and Edwards as possible early round options for the Seahawks. Jerry Jeudy’s work out will likely determine how high he goes. There are question marks over the speed of Ceedee Lamb and Tee Higgins, so how fast they run will be crucial to their stock. Bigger receivers like Chase Claypool, Michael Pittman and Denzel Mims will hope to run well and significantly boost their stock. There are so many names to mention and you’ll be able to get a potential impact receiver in the first three rounds.
Importance to the Seahawks
Let’s compare the Seahawks and the Kansas City Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes inherited Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. The Chiefs then went out and signed Sammy Watkins for big money and spent a second round pick on Mecole Hardman. Russell Wilson currently has Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf plus a lot of question marks. He deserves more and the Seahawks need to tap into this class. They will do too — they’ve consistently identified and exploited the strongest position in a draft class and they’ve invested major stock at the receiver position over the years. There are so many sudden and speedy wide outs who can separate and get downfield to make explosive plays in this draft. They have to take one.
Groups 4-6 (ST, OL, RB)
Arrival: Monday 24th February
Measurements: Tuesday 25th February
Bench press: Thursday 27th February
On-field drills: Friday 28th February
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Cesar Ruiz is one of the top players in the draft
Offensive linemen
For the last few years we’ve used a formula called TEF to measure explosive physical traits. It proved to be an accurate way of predicting which offensive linemen the Seahawks might be targeting. When Tom Cable departed after the 2017 we wondered if TEF would be as useful moving forward (due to his influence on the system). Yet the Seahawks drafted Phil Haynes last year — the second best TEF scorer in the 2019 draft.
Why are explosive traits important? Pat Kirwan — a confidant of Pete Carroll — tells us why in this piece:
Every time a ball is snapped to start a play there is a critical element of explosiveness that takes place. When two players collide in an attempt to physically dominate each other, the athlete with the edge in explosiveness has the best chance to win the confrontation. It could be a blocker vs. a tackler, a tackler vs. a ball carrier, or many other examples of winning at the point of contact.
Explosiveness is defined in the dictionary as a violent release of energy, a sudden outburst. Football is a series of explosions. How do you measure it in athletes trying to play NFL football?
Take the vertical jump, standing broad jump and the bench press test results and add them together. If the combined score is over 70 there is a reason to consider the candidate at some point in the draft process for his explosiveness.
Kirwan’s formula is flawed because it diminishes the impact of the broad jump. A superb 9-7 only achieves a 1.2 point advantage over a below par 8-5. That’s why TEF was created — to do what Kirwan intended and measure explosive traits equally and emphasise their combined importance.
Of course, jumping a vertical at 320lbs is considerably more challenging than jumping a vertical at 275lbs. We created a second formula (weighted TEF or wTEF) to account for weight:
Weight x TEF x 0.1
We can give each player a score that sufficiently emphasises their unique size. For example:
Germain Ifedi — 324 x 2.97 x 0.1 = 96.1
Phil Haynes a year ago scored 103.7. For more information on weighted TEF, click here.
TEF is not an attempt to determine who is a good or bad offensive linemen. It’s merely a calculation to judge explosive traits. And while that’s only one part of any evaluation — it’s still vital. Two years ago, only seven offensive linemen scored an optimal 3.00 or higher in TEF. Of the seven, Quenton Nelson and Kolton Miller were both high first round picks. Braden Smith, Connor Williams and Will Hernandez were second round picks. In 2019, only eight players scored an optimal 3.00 or higher. This included Chris Lindstrom, Garrett Bradbury, Andre Dillard and Kaleb McGary (all drafted in round one). Erik McCoy and Elgton Jenkins were also top-50 picks. It’s not a coincidence that the most explosive offensive linemen are being drafted early.
For a full breakdown of the TEF calculation, click here.
Key tests
Vertical, Broad, Bench
Ideal size
6-3/6-5, 305-320lbs, +33 inch arms, +31 inch vertical, +9’ broad, +30 bench reps
Interesting note
For a long time we’ve been discussing the league-wide problem of the athletic discrepancy between college O-lines and D-lines. At the last four combines there were a total of 102 ‘explosive’ defensive linemen (explosive = a TEF score of 3.00 or higher). In comparison, there were only 24 explosive offensive linemen. This is a big problem for the NFL. However, this is a weaker looking D-line class and a much strong O-line class. Perhaps, for once, we’ll see a more equal split?
The best drill to watch
The mirror drill, even though it’s changing. Two linemen used to stand opposite each other, with one acting as ‘the rabbit’. He’ll move around and change direction and it’s up to the participant to stick. They’re still going to do the drill this year, just without the ‘rabbit’. It’s an important test of footwork, agility, mobility, balance, control and stamina. It’s also a good gauge of pass protection skills.
Five names to watch
Guard — Logan Stenberg (Kentucky), Damien Lewis (LSU), Tyre Phillips (Mississippi State), John Simpson (Clemson), Shane Lemieux (Oregon)
Center — Cesar Ruiz (Michigan), Matt Hennessy (Temple), Lloyd Cushenberry (LSU), Nick Harris (Washington), Tyler Biadasz (Wisconsin)
Tackle — Isaiah Wilson (Georgia), Austin Jackson (USC), Lucas Niang (TCU), Mekhi Becton (Louisville), Josh Jones (Houston)
Positional notes
This is a much thicker looking O-line class than we’ve seen in recent years. There are players who will be drafted in the top-15 and the depth will last into the middle rounds. I could reel off the names of a good 10-15 interior offensive linemen who are intriguing for the Seahawks. If they go into the draft with a hole at right tackle, there will also be options to fill that need. If receiver is the top position in the 2020 draft in terms of quality and depth, O-line is #2.
Importance to the Seahawks
It remains to be seen. Germain Ifedi, George Fant, Mike Iupati and Joey Hunt are all free agents while Justin Britt could be a cap casualty. Pete Carroll has stated his preference for continuity but they also wanted to keep J.R. Sweezy a year ago and he bolted for Arizona. There are enough good offensive linemen in this draft to feel like they can fill some holes — whether that’s in the early or middle rounds. Cesar Ruiz, Isaiah Wilson, Austin Jackson and Josh Jones to name just four appear to have the traits they covet in the early rounds. Matt Hennessy and Logan Stenberg are fine second round or third round options, as is Lucas Niang depending on his health. Plus the mid-round guard prospects are terrific.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire is a future star
Running backs
The Seahawks have a type at running back. They’ve consistently drafted players with a similar physical profile. It’s made it fairly straight forward to figure out who they might like. Here are the players we identified from the 2016, 2017 and 2018 combines as probable targets:
2016:
C.J. Prosise — 6-0, 220lbs, 35.5 inch vert, 10-1 broad
Kenneth Dixon — 5-10, 215lbs, 37.5 inch vert, 10-8 broad
2017:
Christopher Carson — 6-0, 218lbs, 37 inch vert, 10-10 broad
Brian Hill — 6-0, 219lbs, 34 inch vert, 10-5 broad
Alvin Kamara — 5-10, 214lbs, 39.5 inch vert, 10-11 broad
Joe Williams — 5-11, 210lbs, 35 inch vert, 10-5 broad
2018:
Saquon Barkley — 6-0, 233lbs, 41 inch vert DNP broad
Kerryon Johnson — 511, 213lbs 40 inch vert, 10-6 broad
Bo Scarborough — 6-0, 228lbs, 40 inch vert, 10-9 broad
Nick Chubb — 5-11, 227lbs, 38.5 inch vert, 10-8 broad
John Kelly — 5-10, 216lbs, 35 inch vert, 10-0 broad
Lavon Coleman — 5-10, 223lbs, 33 inch vert, 10-0 broad
Rashaad Penny — 5-11, 220lbs, 32.5 inch vert, 10-0 broad
Royce Freeman — 5-11, 229lbs, 34 inch vert, 9-10 broad
They drafted a player from each of the groups — Prosise, Carson and Penny. They eventually added Bo Scarborough during the 2018 season too.
A year ago we identified six players — Alex Barnes, Damien Harris, Alexander Mattison, LJ Scott, Miles Sanders, Dexter Williams and Tony Pollard. Running back was an unlikely target though with the depth they had at the position. With a strong emphasis on special teams improvement a year ago, they selected Travis Homer in round six mainly because he was considered to be one of the top special teamer’s in the draft.
The selection of Homer shouldn’t influence how we assess their preference at the position. Quite aside from him mainly being selected to play special teams — they’ve also been willing to take non-ideal physical profiles in the later rounds (this is the range where they’ve also selected receivers who don’t run a 4.4 or faster). Even so, there are some really dynamic runners in this draft who might not fit Seattle’s physical ideals (Anthony McFarland, Clyde Edwards-Helaire) but they are just so incredibly talented — they might be willing to make an exception.
Key tests
Vertical, Broad
Ideal size
5-11, 220lbs, +35 inch vertical, +10 broad
Interesting note
The Seahawks prefer explosive traits over straight line speed. Christine Michael (4.54), C.J. Prosise (4.48), Robert Turbin (4.50) and Chris Carson (4.58) were explosive rather than fast. Rashaad Penny wasn’t quite as explosive but ran a 4.46. It’s probably not a major shift in terms of the type of player they like — rather it was an attempt to find a fast, versatile runner with size who can provide a similar option to the Seahawks that LA was getting with Todd Gurley.
The best drill to watch
The footage will be limited but absolutely it’s the coverage of the vertical and broad jump. Explosive traits are key. It’s nice to see the running backs cutting against pads while showing body control and quickness in the open field. Explosive power and the ability to run through contact is vital at the next level, however.
Five names to watch
J.K. Dobbins (Ohio State), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (LSU), Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin), Anthony McFarland (RB, Maryland), Cam Akers (RB, Florida State)
Positional notes
This is a running back class with major talent at the front end and some depth. J.K. Dobbins will tear up the combine with his workout. At SPARQ he jumped a 43 inch vertical, ran a 4.09 short shuttle and finished with an elite score of 146.76. Jonathan Taylor ran a 4.42 forty at SPARQ and he could easily get into the 4.3’s in Indianapolis. Combine that with a 4.30 short shuttle and a 35 inch vertical and it’s a NFL phyical profile with ideal size (5-11, 220lbs). D’Andre Swift (5-9, 215lbs) ran a 4.15 short shuttle at SPARQ and he jumped a 33 inch vertical. Clyde Edwards-Helaire ran a 4.04 short shuttle, a 4.47 forty and he jumped a 40 inch vertical at 201lbs on a 5-8 body. Anthony McFarland ran a 4.04 short shuttle. Expect a strong performance from Boston College’s A.J. Dillon and Florida State’s Cam Akers too and it’ll be interesting to see how Zack Moss and Joshua Kelley test. There will be headline makers in round one. I’ll be paying particular attention to Dobbins, Edwards-Helaire and McFarland.
Importance to the Seahawks
The injury situations for Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny make this a greater consideration than it otherwise would be. C.J. Prosise will move on as a free agent so the likelihood is they will draft a running back at some stage — it’s just a question of when. I wouldn’t expect it to be a high pick, especially given how much they love Carson. Yet their desire to run with physicality means they need a stable of backs and there’s plenty of talent to be had within this group.
Groups 7-8 (DL, LB)
Arrival: Tuesday 25th February
Measurements: Wednesday 26th February
Bench press: Friday 28th February
On-field drills: Saturday 29th February
Raekwon Davis has top-level traits and a Calais Campbell frame
Defensive line
The Seahawks went against their established preferences when they selected L.J. Collier in the first round last year. For defensive ends or LEO’s they’ve sought twitchy athletes with great burst. Bruce Irvin and Cliff Avril ran 1.55 and 1.50 10-yard splits respectively. Anything in the 1.5’s is considered ‘elite’. In terms of defensive tackles or inside/out rushers, Rasheem Green, Quinton Jefferson, Jordan Hill, Jaye Howard and Malik McDowell all tested superbly in the short shuttle (4.39, 4.37, 4.51, 4.47 and 4.53 respectively).
Collier ran a 4.91 forty with a 1.75 10-yard split. He followed it up with a 4.78 short shuttle. His selection was a major outlier and his lack of success as a rookie possibly means they’ll stick to their ideals with even more vinegar this year.
Let’s call it the reverse Malik McDowell. He was 295lbs with great height (6-6) and length (35 inch arms) and ran a 4.85 with a 1.69 split. His three cone (4.53) was the same as Dalvin Cook’s. If they were swayed by the incredible traits on display with McDowell in 2017 — they might’ve adjusted their approach to account for character and grit a little too much. Collier’s struggles might see a return to coveting outstanding upside and traits — particularly given the success of D.K. Metcalf in 2019.
So what should we look for? If we’re talking about a possible LEO then you need to be keeping an eye out for the 1.50-1.59 10-yard splits. The splits are also important for inside/out rushers or interior pass rushers. Malik McDowell ran a 1.69 split at 295lbs. Rasheem Green ran a 1.65 at 275lbs.
Bruce Irvin (4.03) and Frank Clark (4.05) both ran incredible short shuttles. Cassius Marsh’s 4.25 and Obum Gwacham’s 4.28 were also really good. As noted earlier, many of their defensive tackle or inside/out rusher picks have also excelled in the short shuttle. Arm length is also important and they’ve consistently sought defensive linemen with +33 inch arms.
Every year the D-liners generally test well. It’s indicative of the way college football has gone. The top High School players want to play defense because that’s where the money is in the NFL and the stats/kudos/respect. It often means some exceptional combine performers last deep into the draft. We spent a lot of time in 2011 talking about Justin Houston as a possible first round LEO target. He lasted into round three. Two years ago Kansas State’s Jordan Willis had a fantastic workout and also lasted into round three. His 1.54 10-yard split was the best for a +250lbs player since Cliff Avril’s 1.50 (Avril was also a third round pick). A great combine for a pass rusher will not automatically mean they shoot into the early rounds.
Key tests
Vertical, Broad, Bench, Short Shuttle, Three-cone, 10-yard split (forty)
Ideal size
DL — +6-2, 300-310lbs, +33 inch arms, +31 inch vertical, +9’ broad, 4.50 ss
LEO — 6-4, 250lbs, +33 inch arms, 1.50-1.59 10-yard split
Interesting note
The Seahawks have selected a defensive lineman with one of their first two picks in each of the last five drafts (L.J. Collier, Rasheem Green, Malik McDowell, Jarran Reed, Frank Clark). With a strong D-line need this year, the chances are they’ll make it six in a row even if the options are more limited in this draft.
Best drill to watch
Just absorb everything. The D-line drills are the most entertaining, most fan-friendly of all the combine events. The bag drills, the swim/rip drills, the club, the working in space. It’s a real show of the most explosive athletes in college football competing in one venue. It’ll be interesting to see the timed ‘figure of eight’ drills for the first time.
Five names to watch
DT — Raekwon Davis (Alabama), Ross Blacklock (TCU), Rashard Lawrence (LSU), Derrick Brown (Auburn), Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina)
DE/EDGE — Julian Okwara (Notre Dame), Jabari Zuniga (Florida), K’Lavon Chaisson (LSU), Terrell Lewis (Alabama), Chase Young (Ohio State)
Positional assessment
If last years draft was defined by the D-line class, this year it’s the opposite. Overall it’s a weaker looking D-line class than usual. There will be fewer first round picks and the depth isn’t there either. I’m not even sure if Chase Young will test as well as everyone expects. On the positive side, this creates a window of opportunity for anyone who tests well to rise up the boards. There are players to monitor for the Seahawks. If we’re talking about traits — nobody fits the bill better than Raekwon Davis with his Calais Campbell frame. Julian Okwara is lightning fast and let’s see if K’Lavon Chaisson — who might work out with the linebackers — can justify his hype.
Importance to the Seahawks?
Massively so. It’s their biggest off-season need. Yet a thin D-line draft class will likely push them towards free agency or the trade market for an immediate solution. Whatever happens this off-season, they cannot go into 2020 without a much improved pass rush.
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Willie Gay Jr is a playmaker in coverage and at the LOS
Linebackers
The Seahawks have tended to look for two types of player at linebacker — freakish athletes and players with great short-area quickness and agility.
Kevin Pierre-Louis, Korey Toomer, Malcolm Smith and Eric Pinkins all ran between a 4.44 and a 4.51 in the forty. Shaquem Griffin topped the lot with a 4.38. Pierre-Louis, Smith and Pinkins all jumped +39 inches in the vertical. Bobby Wagner was a 4.4 runner at his pro-day with a 39.5-inch vertical. Of the five players they’ve drafted with a +140 SPARQ score, Wagner, Pierre-Louis and Bruce Irvin are included.
They’ve also targeted players who performed especially strongly in the short shuttle. Here are the top-15 short shuttle times run by a linebacker since 2010:
Jordan Tripp — 3.96
Nick Bellore — 4.00
Ben Heeney — 4.00
Mike Mohamed — 4.00
Nick Vigil — 4.00
Kevin Pierre-Louis — 4.02
Stephone Anthony — 4.03
Cody Barton — 4.03
Dakota Allen — 4.03
Von Miller — 4.06
Josh Hull — 4.07
Dorian O’Daniel — 4.07
Avery Williamson — 4.07
Shaq Thompson — 4.08
Ben Burr-Kirven — 4.09
The players in bold have been either drafted or signed by the Seahawks during the Pete Carroll era. A third of the players.
Admittedly, Nick Bellore has been signed as a full back. Even so, this isn’t a coincidence. It’s something I wrote about originally three years ago.
If there’s a linebacker who runs a great short shuttle, there’s a decent chance he will be on Seattle’s radar. Just in case you were wondering, Bobby Wagner ran a 4.28, Mychal Kendricks a 4.19 and K.J. Wright a 4.46 — all good times for their size.
Key tests
Forty yard dash, short shuttle, vertical, broad, three cone
Ideal size
+6-0, 230-240lbs, 4.4-4.5 forty, 6.70 three-cone, +10’ broad, 4.00-4.35 short shuttle
Interesting note
Bobby Wagner played 99.35% of the defensive snaps in 2016 and K.J. Wright played 97.41%. That led to Pete Carroll’s comment about needing youth at the position to take some of the strain. Since then, Wagner tallied 93.08% of the snaps in 2017, 93.34% in 2018 and 98.32% in 2019. Wright had 87.07% in 2017 before missing most of 2018 through injury. Last year he played 93% of the defensive snaps. Despite Carroll’s words after the 2016 season, they’ve continued to rely on Wagner and Wright.
Best drill to watch
Due to the importance of the short shuttle — look how the players work in space, backpedal and read/react. Quickness and change of direction is vital at linebacker.
Five names to watch
Willie Gay Jr (Mississippi State), Patrick Queen (LSU), Jordan Brooks (Texas Tech), Kenneth Murray (Oklahoma), Isaiah Simmons (Clemson)
Positional assessment
It’s not the strongest class of linebackers but there is still some talent and the potential for hidden gems. Willie Gay Jr is a fantastic playmaker who impacts games in coverage and at the LOS. He was a terrific tester at SPARQ and could be a big winner at this years combine. Patrick Queen had an excellent end to the 2019 season with LSU and will be hoping to run well. At the top of the class — Isaiah Simmons will be one of the biggest names and best testers at any position.
Importance to the Seahawks?
It’s hard to say. K.J. Wright has a $10m cap hit so that’s worth monitoring. The Seahawks drafted BBK mainly for his special teams value. Shaquem Griffin has resorted to being more of a situational pass rusher and Cody Barton didn’t play particularly well as a rookie. Pete Carroll has expressed a desire to bring back Mychal Kendricks but he’s recovering from an ACL injury. They have numbers but do they have quality? Whether they take a linebacker or not will probably depend on how the 2020 class tests.
Groups 9-10 (DB)
Arrival: Wednesday 26th February
Measurements: Thursday 27th February
Bench press: Saturday 29th February
On-field drills: Sunday 1st March
C.J. Henderson will run a sub-4.00 short shuttle
Cornerback
By now everyone knows what the Seahawks like in a corner. Every CB drafted in the Pete Carroll era has had 32 inch arms. Those players are generally physical and tall and take pride in defending the run.
Two years ago we highlighted Tre Flowers as a possible target and mocked him to Seattle in many of our seven-round projections simply because he looked like a prototype Seahawks corner at the combine. It was clear and obvious purely down to his physical appearance.
We’ve previously discussed the importance of wingspan too. Wingspan is defined as the length between the tip of your middle finger on one outstretched arm to the other. The average NFL cornerback has a wingspan of 75.5 inches (31.5 inch arm length). Here’s the arm length and wingspan data for some of Seattle’s draftees, acquisitions and starters since 2010:
Richard Sherman — 32 (arms) 78 (wingspan)
Brandon Browner — 33 (arms) 80 (wingspan)
Byron Maxwell — 33.5 (arms) 77.5 (wingspan)
Jeremy Lane — 32.5 (arms) 78 (wingspan)
Tye Smith — 32 (arms) 78 (wingspan)
DeAndre Elliott — 32 (arms) 77.5 (wingspan)
Neiko Thorpe — 31 3/4 (arms) 78 1/2 (wingspan)
Stanley Jean-Baptiste — 32 3/8 (arms) 78 3/8 (wingspan)
Pierre Desir — 33 (arms) 77.5 (wingspan)
Tre Flowers — 34 (arms) 79.5 (wingspan)
In 2017 they drafted Shaquill Griffin in round three. He has 32 3/8 inch arms but only a 74 3/4 inch wingspan so this was quite a difference compared to some of the other corners. Griffin lacks the kind of length they usually go for at the position. Clearly they were willing to look beyond that due to his excellent speed, natural athleticism and brilliant character.
Why is length so important? 100% of multiple first team All-Pro cornerbacks drafted since 1998 have +32 inch arms.
You might’ve noticed we’ve talked a lot about the importance of the short shuttle in this preview. I’m going to bring it up again here. In a now deleted visual demonstration of the drill, Mike Mayock explains why it’s so vital:
“It’s important for literally every position. Why? For the little guys it’s obvious. Quickness, acceleration, change of direction. How about the big guys? Can they bend? Are you a natural bender or are you a heavy-legged waist bender? A great time for a defensive back is a 4.2.”
If a great time for a cornerback is a 4.2, it’s fair to assume anything quicker than a 4.00 is exceptional.
Since 2010, only five CB’s have run a sub-4.00 short shuttle and measured with 32 inch arms:
2019 – No qualifiers
2018 — Jordan Thomas (3.94)
2017 — Kevin King (3.89)
2016 — DeAndre Elliott (3.94)
2015 — Byron Jones (3.94), Tye Smith (3.96)
2010-2014 — No qualifiers
The Seahawks drafted Smith and signed Elliott. Short-area quickness and great length is a rare combination so any possible day three prospects with these physical traits will likely be on the radar.
Two potential first round picks could be added to the list this year. Jeff Okudah ran a 4.03 short shuttle at SPARQ in High School. C.J. Henderson ran a 3.92.
Here are the known short shuttle times for drafted/UDFA cornerbacks in Seattle:
DeAndre Elliott — 3.94
Tye Smith — 3.96
Jeremy Lane — 4.14
Shaquill Griffin — 4.14
Deshawn Shead — 4.23
Brandon Browner — 4.24
Richard Sherman — 4.29
Tharold Simon — 4.31
Byron Maxwell — 4.49
Tre Flowers — 4.34
What about the nickel corner position? They struggled to replace Justin Coleman in 2019. Coleman was only 5-11 and 185lbs at his combine with 31 1/4 inch arms. He did, however, run a blistering short shuttle (3.98) and jumped a 37.5 inch vertical. It’s worth considering highly athletic nickel corner candidates.
Key tests
Short shuttle, vertical, measurements (arm length),
Ideal size
+6-1, 195lbs, +32-inch arms, 4.50 forty, +35-inch vertical
Interesting note
Despite being lauded for their ability to draft and develop cornerbacks in the early Carroll era — the Seahawks have surprisingly only drafted three in the last five drafts (Tre Flowers, Shaquil Griffin, Tye Smith). It’s perhaps indicative of other teams copying the Seahawks in looking for long, athletic corners earlier in the draft. These days the options are perhaps far more limited.
Best drill to watch
The backpedal drill. Watch to see how the cornerback transitions and whether it’s effortless. Do they have loose hips and do they explode out of their break? Is their footwork smooth or clunky? Are they laboured in any way or does it just look natural?
Five names to watch
Trevon Diggs (Alabama), C.J. Henderson (Florida), Cameron Dantzler (Mississippi State), Jeff Okudah (Ohio State), Damon Arnette (Ohio State)
Positional assessment
It’s not a bad class at cornerback. Jeff Okudah is the best combination of talent and athleticism since Patrick Peterson. There are other players who could also land in the first round and the depth could stretch into the middle rounds this year. I generally don’t study the later round options until I’ve seen measurements and workouts at the combine. After all, the Seahawks have such a defined ‘type’. We might as well focus our attention on the players they might actually draft.
Importance to the Seahawks?
They could do with adding some competition for Shaquill Griffin and Tre Flowers. The depth at the position is pretty suspect and needs replenishing. Furthermore, Griffin is set to be a free agent next year. It’ll also be interesting to see if they target a nickel cornerback. We know by now that corner is unlikely to be addressed early in the draft but the depth at the position should mean they identify some day three options.
Kyle Dugger is expected to have a fantastic combine
Safety
After hitting on Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor in 2010, Seattle hasn’t had much success drafting for the safety position. Ryan Murphy, Winston Guy and Mark LeGree have come and gone. Tedric Thompson and Delano Hill have struggled. Marquise Blair had a limited role as a rookie despite being taken in the second round.
There’s a real mix of physical profiles in the players they’ve taken, making it a difficult position to project. Thomas (31 1/4), Legree (30 1/4) and Blair (30 3/4) have short arms so the 32-inch test isn’t necessary here but Guy had great arm length (33). Murphy ran a 4.48 at his pro-day with an impressive 39-inch vertical and Blair ran a 4.48 with a 35-inch vertical but Legree (4.59) and Guy (4.70) didn’t run fast times (Legree only had a 31-inch vertical too). Hill ran a 4.47 but Thompson managed only a 4.60.
Quandre Diggs, who they acquired via trade, has 29 5/8 inch arms and ran a 4.56.
Overall it’s hard to determine a Seahawks physical ‘type’. The only safety they’ve drafted in the first round (Earl Thomas) was a tremendous athlete. He ran a 4.37 at his pro-day after pulling a hamstring running the forty at the combine (while still managing an official 4.49). Blair, their next highest pick at the position, was decently athletic and hit like a sledgehammer.
Of all the positions, this might be the one without a clear established physical ideal. It could be the position where scouting matters the most — or at least establishing what type of safety you are drafting.
There aren’t many safety’s entering the NFL with elite level speed. Since 2010, only six (Zedrick Woods, Darnell Savage, Darius West, Troy Akpe, T.J. Green and Justin Cox) ran in the 4.3’s or faster at the combine. Budda Baker’s 4.45 at only 195lbs is the 15th best time by a safety in the last nine years. The fastest players haven’t always been the best either. Here are the top-15 runners at the position since 2010:
Zedrick Woods – 4.29
Troy Akpe — 4.34
T.J. Green — 4.34
Justin Cox — 4.36
Darnell Savage – 4.36
Darius West – 4.39
Natrell Jamerson — 4.40
Obi Melifownu — 4.40
Justin Reid — 4.40
Dane Cruikshank — 4.41
Josh Jones — 4.41
Terrence Brooks — 4.42
Montae Nicholson — 4.42
Shamarko Thomas — 4.42
Taylor Mays — 4.43
Godwin Igwebuike — 4.44
Earl Wolff — 4.44
Budda Baker — 4.45
We talk a lot about speed at safety because of Earl Thomas but the results here tend to suggest a couple of possibilities. Either speed isn’t as important as some people think to be a great safety or it’s indicative of a lack of quality safety’s currently in the NFL. Both might be true.
Key drills
Forty yard dash, Three-cone, Vertical, Broad
Ideal size
+6-0, 200-220lbs, 4.4 forty, +39-inch vertical, +10-5 broad jump
Interesting note
A few months ago, Grant Delpit was considered one of the ten or so best players in the draft. Suddenly, despite possessing most of the qualities of a top-level safety, he’s now being mocked in the media in the late first round (or lower). The main reason given is poor tackling form. Have any of these people watched Earl Thomas try and tackle?
Best drill to watch
Any of the drills requiring the safety’s to close in space and show off their open-field quickness and range.
Five names to watch
Grant Delpit (LSU), Kyle Dugger (Lenoir-Rhyne), Antoine Winfield Jr (Minnesota), Terrell Burgess (Utah), Xavier McKinney (Alabama)
Positional assessment
Delpit should be a high pick but we’ll see if he drops like the media projections are saying. A lot of the national mocks have Xavier McKinney in round one. There’s not a ton of depth at the position this year although Kyle Dugger is really building momentum and will be one of the big stories if he has a great workout. He’s also an alpha with a dog mentality and major special teams value so he could easily be high on Seattle’s board.
Importance to the Seahawks?
The trade for Quandre Diggs, the selection of Marquise Blair in round two and the fondness they have for Bradley McDougald probably pushes this need near the back of the line. They also drafted Ugo Amadi last year and still have Lano Hill and Tedric Thompson on the roster, although possibly not for much longer.
Assessing last years ‘names to watch’
The following players were listed among our ‘five names to watch’ at each position and were eventually drafted by the Seahawks:
L.J. Collier
Marquise Blair
D.K. Metcalf
Gary Jennings
Further reading
One sentence scouting reports for 105 prospects
2020 draft prospects tier list
Why the Seahawks will be aggressive this off-season
The Seahawks might have to be ruthless to create more cap space
Previewing the options in free agency for Seattle
Why the Seahawks aren’t as focused on SPARQ as you might think
The top performers in each drill position-by-position since 2006
What is TEF?
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