Quinn Meinerz ticks a lot of boxes but might not be available for Seattle
Introduction
The Seahawks have only three picks this year but it’s arguably never been more important that they hit on the ones they have.
With no left or right tackle, cornerback, free safety, center or starting tight end contracted for 2022, some answers need to be found.
The Seahawks have $46,571,756 in projected cap space next year following Tyler Lockett’s extension. If Jamal Adams is also retained, that number will shrink further.
With only 30 players currently signed and several key starters out of contract, there needs to be some forward planning.
They also have short term concerns too. They haven’t added a receiver in free agency or replaced Bruce Irvin and KJ Wright. They could use further competition at center and cornerback.
There’s a lot of work to do.
Barring a major trade between now and the end of the month, they will go into the draft with an unprecedented lack of stock.
Warren Sharpe recently pointed out how unusual their situation is:
“They have less draft capital than ANY team in ANY year since at least 1999… the year the Saints traded EVERY PICK for the #5 pick (RB Ricky Williams) and they still had more capital to work with than Seattle has in 2021.”
Without adding picks, a trade down from #56 seems inevitable. The chances are the Seahawks won’t make a pick in the first two rounds.
It’s barely believable but here we are.
Thoughts on the draft class
The one positive is this does appear to be a deep draft. The options in round three will be attractive. I think people will be surprised at some of the names that’ll be available on day three.
The thing is — you could take even more advantage of that with more picks. So good value in the middle rounds still isn’t really a justification for putting yourself in a position with so little stock.
Nevertheless, I think the Seahawks have followed a familiar path this year.
They’ve often identified the strength of a class, then tailored their free agency period around fixing other areas.
This is not a strong year for defensive linemen. So it’s no surprise that the Seahawks have addressed this area by re-signing Carlos Dunlap and Benson Mayowa, adding Kerry Hyder and then signing Al Woods to replace Jarran Reed.
Equally, there are limited options at running back. Thus, Chris Carson returns. It’s an appalling tight end class. They added Gerald Everett.
The three deepest positions are arguably receiver, cornerback and O-line. I’m posting my horizontal board below because it breaks down the depth at each position:
Essentially they’ve set the table to tap into the strong areas of the class.
Possible Seahawks targets
In some instances I have left players out of this piece because I see no realistic prospect of them reaching the Seahawks. This includes, for example, Landon Dickerson, Teven Jenkins, Elijah Moore, Jamin Davis, Najee Harris, Josh Myers and Travis Etienne.
There are also players who haven’t tested or even measured who I also haven’t included.
I’ve compiled this list based on trends over the course of the last 11 years of Pete Carroll and John Schneider’s tenure.
Offensive line
There are several things to consider here.
Firstly, arm length. The Seahawks appear to have only drafted one player with sub-33 inch arms in the Carroll era. That was Joey Hunt, a sixth round center.
In the case of offensive tackles, they’ve often sought great length in the 35 inch range (Russell Okung, Germain Ifedi).
Jim Nagy also noted recently on Twitter that hand-size is seen as more important than arm length at center. That could justify the Hunt pick, albeit in the later rounds. He had short arms (30 inches) but big hands (10 inches).
For that reason, I’m including center prospects with sub-33 inch arms but +10 inch hands.
Explosive traits are also clearly something the Seahawks focus on, as noted in our recent TEF breakdown of the O-line class. I would recommend checking that article out but just to reiterate — this is without a doubt the most explosive O-line group we’ve seen in years.
Offensive tackles
D’Ante Smith (East Carolina)
Smith ticks all of the key boxes for Seattle. He has 35 inch arms, he scored a 2.97 in TEF and he excelled at the Senior Bowl, showing great intensity and attitude. I interviewed him shortly after his week in Mobile and he has the kind of personality that is easy to warm to. Despite some buzz around the Senior Bowl, the hype seems to have plateaued since. Keep an eye on Smith. As one for the future, he’s right in their wheelhouse.
Spencer Brown (Northern Iowa)
There’s rawness in his technique and his height (6-9) is an issue in terms of leverage and pad level. I’m not sure the Seahawks would draft an offensive lineman who is this tall. Yet he has the length (34 inch arms) and explosive traits (3.36 TEF) they covet. Following his pro-day there’s a growing buzz that he could go in the top-50 but as a potential ‘tackle of the future’ (left or right) he ticks a lot of boxes. He also performed reasonably well at the Senior Bowl, something the Seahawks pay a lot of attention to.
Alex Leatherwood (Alabama)
He didn’t impress at the Senior Bowl — which he needed to, after insisting he only play left tackle throughout the week. Yet his profile does match up to what Seattle looks for. He has 34 1/2 inch arms and he scored 3.16 in TEF. The Seahawks have drafted from Alabama’s trenches before and Leatherwood could be targeted to be an eventual heir apparent to Duane Brown (or Brandon Shell).
Tommy Doyle (Miami, Ohio)
As a later round option, Doyle could be very appealing. He loves to get after it on tape and he plays with an edge. Physically, he ticks all the boxes. He has 35 1/8 inch arms, he’s 320lbs and he’s explosive, scoring a 3.06 in TEF. If the Seahawks take a flier on a tackle project later on, this is a name to monitor.
Dan Moore (Texas A&M)
Moore had a reasonable career with the Aggies. However, he may be projected to kick inside at the next level. From a Seahawks perspective he has 34 1/2 inch arms, he’s 6-6 and 311lbs and his pass protection skills were on show in the SEC — where he started for three years. He’s a 3.08 TEF tester. He’s a later round alternative to some of the bigger names.
Landon Young (Kentucky)
The Seahawks like linemen with wrestling backgrounds and Young has that on his résumé. He was once highly coveted during recruiting and while he might be strictly a right tackle or guard in the NFL, he has some of the key traits. He has 34 inch arms and he’s explosive, scoring a 3.24 in TEF. He’s another later round option.
Walker Little (Stanford)
He hasn’t played for nearly two seasons and that could impact his stock. In terms of size he looks the part (6-7, 313lbs) and his agility testing (4.59 short shuttle) was impressive. He’s a 2.93 TEF tester which is good not great. He doesn’t have amazing length with 33 3/4 inch arms. I think if he lasts deep into day three due to a lack of playing time, you have to consider him as a potential tackle of the future. No earlier though, especially since he’d be sitting for a third straight year.
Center
Quinn Meinerz (UWW)
He ticks every box for the Seahawks. He has the size Mike Solari craves in his offensive linemen (320lbs). He has great length (33 3/8 inch arms). He scored a superb 3.41 in TEF, with a 109.1 in weighted TEF. He was one of the stars of the Senior Bowl and he has position flexibility. I don’t see much chance of him lasting into range for the Seahawks but if he did — he has everything they look for. I interviewed Meinerz in February.
Kendrick Green (Illinois)
I see Green as the Quinn Meinerz alternative. They are a similar size, they have similar explosive traits and they play with the same attitude. If Meinerz goes in the top-40 as I suspect he might, then Green could be the next best thing. He’s one of the most explosive O-liners to enter the league in the last few years, scoring a 3.41 in TEF. He only has 32 inch arms but he has the hand size (10 inches) to make up for it. He has played center in the past although most recently he featured at guard.
Drew Dalman (Stanford)
Another highly explosive athlete (3.31 TEF) but Dalman lacks the size of Meinerz and Green. He weighed 299lbs at his pro-day and he’s simply not naturally very big. He only has 31 1/2 inch arms but he does have 10 1/2 inch hands. The lack of size likely keeps him on the board into day three. If the Seahawks want to add competition at center and go in a different direction with their first pick, Dalman is one to watch provided they’re willing to take an undersized center.
Robert Hainsey (Notre Dame)
Hainsey was tried at center at the Senior Bowl and had a good week. His lack of length makes a permanent transition likely. He’s 306lbs with 32 1/8 inch arms and 9 7/8 inch hands. His TEF scoring was reasonable (2.97). I think he’ll go later than Dalman and again, if the Seahawks miss out early and they’re willing to draft another short-armed center, then Hainsey is an option.
Brady Christensen (BYU)
Although he played tackle at BYU he simply doesn’t have the body to stay there in the NFL. He’s low cut with a big chest and short arms (32 1/4 inches). He’s ideally suited to moving inside. He’s the most explosive offensive lineman ever tested using TEF (3.72). He has the hand size (10 1/4) for center. He’s already in his mid-20’s which will temper some of his pro-day hype and keep him on the board but he has the physical profile of a top-level center if he can make the transition.
Guard
Sam Cosmi (Texas)
I wouldn’t completely rule out the Seahawks drafting someone like Cosmi to be a tackle of the future candidate. However, with 33 inch arms it is worth noting that it would be a departure from previous ‘tackle’ picks. His outstanding pro-day with a 3.57 TEF score puts him on the radar. It’s not beyond the realms of possibility Seattle shifts Damien Lewis to center and drafts a guard. I’m not totally sure Cosmi is a fit for Mike Solari though.
Ben Cleveland (Georgia)
Cleveland is much more in line with the Solari approach to offensive linemen. Arguably the toughest and strongest player in the entire draft, he ran a 4.85 forty at 354lbs, proving his underrated athleticism. He has 33 inch arms although he didn’t do explosive testing. If you want to beat people up in the trenches, you need a player like this. I hope the addition of Gabe Jackson doesn’t prevent the Seahawks from considering Cleveland. He’s ‘the Mountain’ from Game of Thrones.
Trey Smith (Tennessee)
There are health questions with Smith, who suffered from blood clots in college and has had injuries too. That could impact his stock. His tape was also pretty bad at Tennessee and he was very inconsistent at the Senior Bowl. Yet there’s no denying he looks like he was made in the ‘first round guard’ factory in terms of frame and explosive traits. He’s 321lbs but carries it superbly, he has 33 5/8 inch arms and he scored a 3.30 in TEF. If he checks out medically, he probably goes in the top-50. If he lasts, he might be too tempting to take a chance on.
Dillon Radunz (North Dakota State)
As with Cosmi — Radunz might need to kick inside with 33 1/4 inch arms. Yet he plays with attitude and he scored a 3.04 in TEF. It’s not totally out of the question you draft him as a tackle of the future but his profile says guard for Seattle, although at 301lbs he’s light for Solari.
David Moore (Grambling State)
A Senior Bowl standout who looked good during drills and on tape at a smaller school level. He has a great personality and it was a pleasure to interview him. He has 34 1/2 inch arms, he’s now 330lbs after shifting weight during the off-season and he scored a reasonable 2.95 in TEF. As a day three value pick, he has some appeal.
Wide receiver
Speed and suddenness is the order of the day.
Pete Carroll has only drafted three receivers who haven’t run a 4.4 forty or faster:
Chris Harper 4.50
Kenny Lawler 4.64
John Ursua 4.56
Harper was a fourth round pick, while Lawler and Ursua were selected in the seventh round.
Every other player selected at the position has achieved at least a 4.4:
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
D.K. Metcalf — 4.33
Freddie Swain — 4.46
We have enough data to say this definitively — unless a player runs a 4.4 or faster, the Seahawks are unlikely to consider them until the very end of the draft.
With no combine this year it’s difficult to track who is a legit 4.4 runner. Usually you add 0.06 to a pro-day time to make up for the somewhat favourable environment.
For example, Nico Collins was timed running a 4.45. Anyone who has watched Collins at Michigan or watched him in 1v1’s at the Senior Bowl will tell you that quickness and suddenness are not his forte.
Without the bulk of the class running at a combine, this is harder to project then it otherwise would be. However, I’ve tried to project the best I can based on what the tape shows.
There are a couple of other things to remember.
Firstly, the Seahawks were really poor on third downs last year. I suspect adding a receiver who can help change that could be a target early in this draft.
Secondly, we should consider the two men influencing the decision making process. Pete Carroll likes deep shots. Shane Waldron might want someone who can run across the formation and do a lot of the things Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp do in LA. Finding a combination of both skills might be the key here.
Dyami Brown (North Carolina)
He ran a 4.43 at pro-day so he ticks that box and everything else about his game screams Seahawks. He’s a consistent downfield threat. The Seahawks love to take shots and Brown can deliver there — he averaged 20 yards-per-catch last season. He’s incredibly sudden and quick. For me he has potential star written all over him. Brown’s also a chain-mover, capable of converting third-downs and winning with quick separation. I think he’ll be a top-40 lock but if he lasts into range, watch out.
D’Wayne Eskridge (Western Michigan)
Eskridge ran a 4.38 at his pro-day and while a lot of players are compared to Tyreek Hill, in this instance it feels somewhat fair calling him a poor-mans Hill. In many ways he fits everything Seattle needs in a #3 apart from size (5-9, 190lbs). He can get vertical to challenge opponents plus he’s capable of winning contested catches. He’s very quick working across the middle and can be used in motion. He’s excellent working inside on slants and shorter routes to provide quick targets and deliver easy completions. If you want to run any sweeps — he can do it. He’s a dynamo on special teams as a returner. He averaged 18.5 yards per catch and 9.4 yards after the catch in five years at Western Michigan.
Rashod Bateman (Minnesota)
Bateman is difficult to project. He’s graded anywhere from the first to the third round. In 2019 he was pretty automatic when thrown to — which is the reason I’ve included him here. He’s a chain-mover. He ran a 4.43 at pro-day and it’s worth noting that his speed, agility and explosive testing numbers are virtually identical to the departed David Moore. He’s not as big as Moore but it’s something to consider.
Anthony Schwartz (Arizona)
Schwartz has a lot of appeal. Firstly, he ran a 4.26. He has legit speed and can be a threat downfield (even if he needs to work on tracking). Auburn were quite creative with him and moved him around, using him on sweeps and in motion. You wouldn’t call Schwartz the finished article and he does give off a vibe that he’s more of an interesting chess piece who just moves on to another team in four years, rather than develops into a proven, reliable force. It just depends on how much you believe in his upside and the speed.
Cade Johnson (South Dakota State)
He ran a 4.49 at pro-day and that’s something to consider if we’re adding on 0.06 seconds. I’d also suggest that a pro-day setting at a top-class athletic college is maybe a little different to the setup at South Dakota State. Nevertheless, I couldn’t not include him here. Johnson dominated receiver drills with quickness in his release and break — creating easy, immediate separation and scoring high grades for his performance. I’ve interviewed him and his play and personality reminds me of Tyler Lockett.
Rondale Moore (Purdue)
This is another difficult projection. Athletically Moore is superb — running a 4.29 and jumping a 43 inch vertical. He’s a phenomenal athlete. At the same time — he’s 5-7 and 180lbs. He’s not shown a consistent ability to get downfield and really make the most of his speed as a vertical threat. He doesn’t win a lot of contested catches despite his leaping ability. He’s more of a gadget player used around the line of scrimmage. He needs to be more than that. He might last as a consequence because I’m not sure teams will even buy into his potential as a consistent operator in the slot. Yet if Seattle wants a dynamic athlete they can let Waldron be creative with, Moore could be an option.
Shi Smith (South Carolina)
He excelled at the Senior Bowl and we know that’s big for Seattle. He ran good routes, gained attention and then made some plays in the game too. He ran a 4.43 at pro-day and he was utilised a lot in college on screens and short stuff. Smith isn’t much of a contested catcher and you’ll need to find ways to get him running into zones or get the ball in his hands but he does have some of the things they like.
Ihmir Smith-Marsette (Iowa)
He has speed (4.43) and reasonable height (6-1, 181lbs). There was a ton of buzz for ISM going into the 2020 season amid reports he was receiving high grades by NFL teams. He never quite elevated his stock but if he lasts into the middle rounds he’s someone to consider. He also has value as a kick returner and there’s a feeling that in a proper passing offense his best might be yet to come.
Tamorion Terry (Florida State)
There was a lot of hope and promise for Terry going into 2020 but his stock is now firmly fixed in day three it seems. Even so, he could provide value. He’s 6-3 and 207lbs and ran a 4.44 at pro-day. He has a nice catching radius with 33 1/2 inch arms. He’s the type of player who could easily flame out — yet he’s also got something about him. It wouldn’t be a total shock if he was the 25th receiver drafted this year and ends up being one of the ten best when all is said and done.
Marquez Stevenson (Houston)
Although he didn’t run at pro-day he’s been timed in the 4.3’s. His release, body control and ability to get downfield could majorly appeal to the Seahawks. His ball-tracking is better than a lot of the other receivers in this class. Stevenson can operate in the slot or be used in the vertical passing game. He’s certainly one to watch.
Tre Nixon (UCF)
He’s 6-0 and 187lbs, ran a 4.44 at pro-day while adding a 4.25 short shuttle and a 6.85 three cone. He jumped a 35.5 inch vertical and a 10-5 broad. A lack of special teams experience could knock him out of contention here but he has quickness and he can get downfield. He has some of the traits they like.
Tutu Atwell (Louisville)
He’s tiny — listed at 5-8 and 155lbs. I suspect he is just too small to consider a serious option. Running a 4.39 forty at his size is OK — but to make up for the lack of size, you really want to see something remarkable in terms of testing. We didn’t get that with Atwell. That said, he is very competitive and you can be creative with him downfield and around the LOS.
Jaelon Darden (North Texas)
He’s only 5-7 and 174lbs and he ran a 4.45. I’m not sure that’s fast enough, especially at a pro-day, to put him on the radar. However, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a receiver juke away from tackles like Darden and he does have some movement skills and agility (4.10 short shuttle). He’s someone to keep at the back of your mind if he lasts until day three.
Racey McMath (LSU)
Speed, size and special teams. That’s what should put McMath on your radar as a late-round option. He ran a 4.39 at 6-2 and 211lbs. He could be an immediate factor on special teams with the potential to develop into a deep-threat target. There’s plenty to work with here.
Running back
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, 2018 and 2020 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
2020:
Jonathan Taylor — 5-10, 226lbs, 36 inch vert, 10-3 broad
Cam Akers — 5-10, 217lbs, 35.5 inch vert, 10-2 broad
Deejay Dallas — 5-10, 217lbs, 33.5 inch vert, 9-11 broad
AJ Dillon — 6-0, 247lbs, 41 inch vert, 10-11 broad
Zack Moss — 5-9, 223lbs, 33 inch vert, DNP broad
James Robinson — 5-9, 219lbs, 40 inch vert, 10-5 broad
Patrick Taylor — 6-0, 217lbs, 34 inch vert, 10-3 broad
They drafted a player from each of the groups — Prosise, Carson, Penny and Dallas. They eventually added Bo Scarborough during the 2018 season and used him in 2020.
We need to look for players who are generally in the 5-10/5-11 range for height, about 215-220lbs. A +35 inch vertical and +10 broad is ideal.
Javonte Williams (North Carolina)
There’s nobody who suits the Seahawks more than Williams in this class. They love big, physical, powerful backs who explode through contact and set the tone. Williams destroyed the record for broken tackles per attempt (0.48) in 2020 and his 75 broken tackles led the country. He slimmed down for pro-day to try and run faster but he’s a big, explosive, ideal back for the Seahawks. He jumped a 36 inch vertical and a 10-3 broad, adding an impressive 4.09 short shuttle.
Trey Sermon (Ohio State)
He won’t be everyone’s cup of tea with his high-cut frame. He also had a ‘fits-and-starts’ career, showing brilliance and inconsistency in equal measure. He’s 6-0 and 215lbs and is highly explosive with a 37 inch vertical and a 10-5 broad jump to his name. He also ran a very impressive 6.84 three cone.
Chris Evans (Michigan)
He was once considered the next big thing at running back, receiving high grades from NFL scouts. It never happened for Evans at Michigan. That said — he’s still a tremendously explosive, dynamic runner who could provide late round value. He jumped a 40.5 inch vertical and a 10-7 broad at pro-day, adding a 4.14 short shuttle and a 6.85 three cone.
Kylin Hill (Texas A&M)
A player who cut short his college career after deciding Mike Leach wasn’t for him. He’s 5-10 and 214lbs and jumped a 36 inch vertical and a 10-3 broad. An explosive, downfield runner who could provide value on day three.
Tight end
Seattle has drafted five tight ends under Pete Carroll (if you don’t count Stephen Sullivan who was kind of picked as a player with no real set position):
Nick Vannett
Luke Willson
Anthony McCoy
Will Dissly
Colby Parkinson
They also traded for Jimmy Graham and signed Zach Miller, Greg Olsen and Gerald Everett.
All nine players are linked with a certain characteristic.
It appears the Seahawks view agility testing as vital:
Short shuttle
Luke Willson — 4.29
Will Dissly — 4.40
Nick Vannett — 4.20
Anthony McCoy — 4.57
Colby Parkinson — 4.46
Zach Miller — 4.42
Jimmy Graham — 4.45
Greg Olsen — 4.48
Gerald Everett — 4.33
Three cone
Luke Willson — 7.08
Will Dissly — 7.07
Nick Vannett — 7.05
Anthony McCoy — 6.99
Colby Parkinson — 7.15
Zach Miller — 7.01
Jimmy Graham — 6.90
Greg Olsen — 7.04
Gerald Everett – 6.99
We need to look for players who ran a good short shuttle and a sub-7.15 three cone.
This is not a strong tight end class and there aren’t many players who ‘fit’ Seattle. This is a big reason why they moved to sign Everett in free agency. The chances are they will pass on this group or at best wait until the later rounds or UDFA.
John Bates (Boise State)
Very much an in-line blocker but that’s OK for the Seahawks. He doesn’t have a strong pass-catching background. He lacks length (32 1/2 inch arms) and that could take him out of contention. However, he ran a superb 4.35 short shuttle, an even better 6.85 three cone and he managed a 10-0 broad jump. These are all numbers likely to catch Seattle’s attention.
Luke Farrell (Ohio State)
Another in-line blocker without much sparkle as a pass-catcher. A 4.33 short shuttle and a 7.14 three cone are times to take notice of, however. He has 33 inch arms and jumped a 36.5 inch vertical. His forty time (4.82) was underwhelming but he might be worth a late-round flier.
Noah Gray (Duke)
He came into the season with high expectations and good grades but has seen his stock drop since. His testing numbers — a 6.90 three-cone and a 4.45 short shuttle — should interest Seattle. He also managed a 35 inch vertical, a 9-7 broad and he ran a 4.62 forty. He’s 6-3 and 240lbs with short arms (31 5/8 inches) so that could be a turn-off.
Zach Davidson (Central Missouri)
We’re probably in UDFA territory here with Davidson but a 4.26 short shuttle, a 6.95 three cone and a 37.5 inch vertical will get you into a training camp. He ran a 4.64 forty and is considered a possible H-back or move-TE project.
Quarterbacks
While large swathes of the fan base and media are comforting themselves with bits and pieces from team mates suggesting Russell Wilson is sticking around, neither the quarterback or the Seahawks have said anything about what has unquestionably been an off-season of drama.
The Seahawks have no obligation to consider Wilson’s feelings in this draft. With reports from Tony Pauline suggesting a divorce could be likely in 2022 and with Adam Schefter still leaving the door open for a trade this year, they have to think about drafting a QB if the right player is available.
After all, the right player was available in 2012 despite the fact they’d just spent a decent chunk of cash on Matt Flynn.
Wilson couldn’t have any complaints. If he’s allowed to send a list of potential trade destinations to Schefter through his agent Mark Rodgers, the Seahawks can make contingency plans on the off chance there is a split next year.
Kellen Mond (Texas A&M)
A four-year starter in the SEC who improved year-after-year. The Aggies only lost one game in 2020, to Alabama. He’s highly athletic and poised with a rocket arm. He throws under pressure with gusto and accuracy. He was the top performing quarterback at the Senior Bowl. He can be a little bit robotic and there’s room for more improv but Mond is a fantastic prospect. If he’s there at #56 they have to consider taking him.
Davis Mills (Stanford)
The opposite of Mills in the sense he only had 11 college starts. That shows on tape — his decision making can be poor at times. However, he anticipates well in the pocket and has some ‘wow’ throws on tape to go alongside the issues. He has a lot of what teams look for. The first round traits are there.
Defensive tackle
I think the Seahawks have made their bed on the D-line for 2021 and probably won’t tap into this years class unless they acquire more stock or an opportunity presents itself on day three that is just too hard to pass up.
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).
Arm length is also important. It’s my understanding they haven’t drafted a defensive lineman with sub-33 inch arms in the Carroll era. I’d love to put Darius Stills on this list for his stack of sacks and TFL’s at West Virginia, plus his engaging personality. Yet history tells us he’s unlikely to be selected by this team.
Bobby Brown (Texas A&M)
I’ve listed Brown as a second round prospect. His combination of size, length, power and agility is rare. He’s capable of anchoring while also working across the line and acting as a disruptive force. If he’s available later on, every team has to consider him. He’s 6-4 and 321lbs with 35 inch arms and an 85.5 inch wingspan. He ran a 5.04 forty and a 4.58 short shuttle plus jumped a 33 inch vertical and a 9-5 broad. He has an elite physical profile and his tape is vastly underrated. He’s one of the most intriguing players in this class.
Daviyon Nixon (Iowa)
Like Brown, I think Nixon will go earlier than many in the media are suggesting. I doubt he’ll be available for Seattle. He was a TFL machine in 2020, collecting 13.5. Nixon creates havoc from the interior and is a true playmaking defensive tackle. He has 35 1/8 inch arms and he ran a 4.90 forty at 313lbs. He has special traits and he could be a big-time DT at the next level.
TaQuon Graham (Texas)
A later round project with appealing traits. Graham has 35 inch arms on a 6-3, 291lbs frame. He ran a 4.89 forty and a 4.68 short shuttle. His tape is somewhat underwhelming and he needs a lot of technical refinement but you can work with this physical profile.
Marquiss Spencer (Mississippi State)
He was listed at 300lbs last season but played defensive end. It’s a strange situation really because he looks like he’s better suited to the edge than working inside. He’s a shade under 6-4 with 33 1/8 inch arms. He ran a 4.87 forty and a 4.51 short shuttle. He added a 31.5 inch vertical and a 9-3 broad. He’s an impressive athlete who might be worth a late round flier.
Defensive end
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’.
Irvin (4.03) and Frank Clark (4.05) also ran incredible short shuttles. Cassius Marsh (4.25) and Obum Gwacham (4.28) were also strong performers — so agility testing is something else to focus on.
Great arm length and wingspan is also key when rushing the edge.
I’ve not included players who I definitely don’t think will be available, such as Azeez Olujari, Jaelen Phillips and Jayson Oweh.
Joshua Kaindoh (Florida State)
A former recruiting superstar, Kaindoh had plenty of splash moments at FSU but never became a consistent player. There’s no denying his physical profile though. He’s nearly 6-6 and 260lbs with 34.5 inch arms and an 82 inch wingspan. He ran a 1.58 split, a 4.43 short shuttle and jumped a 36.5 inch vertical and a 10-5 broad.
Gregory Rousseau (Miami)
His stock is falling rapidly it seems after holding out of 2020 and having a so-so pro-day. He’s still a name to monitor, just in case. A 6-6 frame at 266lbs with 34.5 inch arms, an 83 inch wingspan, a 1.57 split and a 4.53 short shuttle are numbers that will probably appeal to Seattle if he drops deep into day two.
Payton Turner (Houston)
We don’t have any testing numbers for Turner but I had to put him on the list. He was excellent at the Senior Bowl and I thoroughly enjoyed interviewing him. He’s 6-5, 270lbs and has 35 inch arms. He has special traits and major upside.
Dayo Odeyingbo (Vanderbilt)
I thought he’d be a top-20 pick going into the process but then he tore an achilles prior to the Senior Bowl. He’s an outstanding player with elite traits including 35 1/4 inch arms and an 86 3/8 wingspan. He’s 6-5 and 285lbs. Odeyingbo might need a redshirt year but he has first round talent.
Hamilcar Rashed (Oregon State)
His 2020 season was a total damp squib and his stock has collapsed. However, he has traits that will appeal to Seattle as a potential LEO. He ran a 1.59 split, jumped a 35.5 inch vertical and a 10-8 broad. He’s 6-2 and 250lbs with 34 inch arms.
Rashad Weaver (Pittsburgh)
At 6-4 and 259lbs he ran a 1.57 split. He has a strange profile — combining burst and fantastic agility (4.26 short shuttle, 6.97 three cone) with mediocre explosive traits and a 4.88 forty. He has 33 1/4 inch arms and a near 83 inch wingspan. There are really flashy moments on tape but I can’t help but feel he’s not quite the long-lean LEO type while lacking the size to play power end.
William Bradley-King (Baylor)
He ran an impressive 1.59 split, a 4.29 short shuttle and he has 33.5 inch arms with an 80 5/8 wingspan. He’s explosive with a 34.5 inch vertical and a 9-11 broad. He could be a day three option.
Elerson Smith (Northern Iowa)
He’s 6-6 and 252lbs with 33 1/4 inch arms. He’s extremely explosive with a 41.5 inch vertical and a 10-7 broad. He ran a 1.60 split and a 4.39 short shuttle. He showed flashes at the Senior Bowl and while he’s not the finished product, with a bit of seasoning he has the physical profile to be a productive pass rusher at the next level.
Linebacker
They’ve 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 well 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.
I would imagine they’ve somewhat made their bed at linebacker after spending a first round pick on Jordyn Brooks a year ago (who, for what it’s worth, only ran a forty at the combine and didn’t do any other testing).
Yes they need to replace Bruce Irvin and K.J Wright. I suspect there’s a reasonable chance one or both could still return.
That said, there are a handful of players in this draft who either delivered elite, outstanding pro-day workouts or ran sensational short shuttles.
Buddy Johnson (Texas A&M)
A seriously underrated, impressive player. Johnson is loved by team mates who roared him on at his pro-day. He ran a 4.07 short shuttle which puts him right in contention for the Seahawks. He added a 38.5 inch vertical and a 10-8 broad jump. He’s only 229lbs but that’s the way the game has gone at linebacker. I think he deserves a second round grade but he could last and be a value pick for someone.
Barron Browning (Ohio State)
I suspect he’ll go way too early for Seattle. He’s nearly 6-3 and 245lbs with 33.5 inch arms. He ran a 4.22 short shuttle and a 6.78 three cone. He jumped a 40 inch vertical and a 10-10 broad. His forty was timed at a 4.56. He’s an outsanding athlete.
Pete Werner (Ohio State)
Another top-tier athlete from Ohio State. Werner is pushing 6-3 and 238lbs. He ran a 4.38 short shuttle and a 6.90 three cone. His vertical was 39.5 inches and his broad a 10-2. He will likely go in the second round I think — early third as a worst case scenario.
Joseph Ossai (Texas)
He shifted to the EDGE at Texas and I think he’ll go too early for Seattle. Yet he could provide a SAM/LEO option. He’s 6-3 and 256lbs and ran a 1.58 split. He has 34 inch arms. He jumped an incredible 41.5 inch vertical and a 10-11 broad.
Chris Rumph (Duke)
There are no testing numbers for Rumph but on tape he looks well suited to being a SAM. He’s nearly 6-3 and 235lbs with 34 inch arms.
Shaka Toney (Penn State)
He’s 6-2 and 242lbs with underwhelming tape. He ran a 1.58 split, a 4.53 forty and a 4.29 short shuttle. He jumped a 39 inch vertical and a 10-8 broad. He has some late round or UDFA value as a project.
Defensive backs
We all know by now what the Seahawks look for at corner. Length is king. You can often identify a potential target just by his 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)
We also know that the earliest draft pick spent on a cornerback in the Carroll era was Shaquill Griffin in the late third round (#90). It would be a big departure for the Seahawks to spend their top pick on a corner and having already added Ahkello Witherspoon, they might be willing to wait until day three again this year.
There’s a real mix of physical profiles in the players they’ve taken at safety, making it a difficult position to project. 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.
However, given the investment in the position already — it seems highly unlikely the Seahawks will make another safety pick in this draft.
Benjamin St. Juste (Minnesota)
He just looks like a Seahawks corner. Long, lean and not afraid to tackle. He’s adept at PBU’s but needs to work on adding some interceptions. He’s a highly intelligent player with 32 5/8 inch arms on a 6-3, 202lbs frame. He ran a 4.01 short shuttle and a 6.63 three cone. If he lasts long enough, he’ll be on Seattle’s radar. For more on St. Juste, check out my interview with him from early March.
Israel Mukuamu (South Carolina)
I’m not sure any player in this group ‘looks’ more like a Seahawks corner than Mukuamu. He’s 6-4 and 212lbs with 34 inch arms. He could easily be someone they target on day three.
Robert Rochell (Central Arkansas)
An outstanding athlete who ticks every box. He’s 6-0 and 193lbs with 32 3/8 inch arms. He ran a 4.41 forty, jumped a 43 inch vertical and an 11-1 broad. He had some rough moments at the Senior Bowl and he’s a work in progress. Yet purely based on profile, he’s someone coaches will love to get their hands on. His stock appears to be rising into the day two range.
Ambry Thomas (Michigan)
He has a slight frame and might be a little small for the Seahawks tastes. Yet on tape I thought he was competitive, sticky in coverage and highly talented. At pro-day he measured a shade under 6-0 and 191lbs with 32 1/4 inch arms. He ran a 4.41, jumped a 38 inch vertical and a 10-2 broad. There’s plenty to work with here.
Eric Stokes (Georgia)
Mr. Consistency who was extremely reliable and should be off the board before the Seahawks get a serious chance to consider him. He’s 6-0 and 194lbs with 32 3/4 inch arms. He ran a superb 4.31 forty and jumped a 38.5 inch vertical and a 10-8 broad.
Tyson Campbell (Georgia)
On tape I thought he struggled to play the ball and there should be concerns about a 4.45 short shuttle at 193lbs. Even so, he has 32 inch arms and he ran a 4.40 forty. I think he’ll last longer than the media generally is projecting.
DJ Daniel (Georgia)
He was stuck behind the two names above at Georgia but Daniel has an interesting profile nonetheless. He’s nearly 6-0 and 195lbs with incrdible 33 3/8 inch arms. He ran a 4.12 short shuttle. He’s a later round prospect but someone worth giving an opportunity to.
Shaun Wade (Ohio State)
The forgotten man of the draft class. Wade struggled at outside corner in 2020 after a terrific spell at nickel. Maybe what we saw last season is what we’ll see at the next level and he’ll sink like a stone? However, I still remember the 2019 tape and the major recruiting buzz. He’s 6-0, 195lbs and he has 33 1/2 inch arms. You can work with that. At the very least he could be a safety convert.
Ifeatu Melifonwu (Illinois)
He’s 6-2 and 205lbs with 32 1/8 inch arms. He jumped a 41.5 inch vertical and an 11-2 broad. You just hope he has more dog in him than his brother did. I have to say, I wasn’t entirely convinced watching him on tape.
Jason Pinnock (Pittsburgh)
He’s a shade under 6-1 and 204lbs with 32 3/8 inch arms. He ran a 4.49 at pro-day and then added a 39.5 inch vertical and a 10-8 broad. He certainly looks the part but it has to be noted he’s allowed six touchdowns of +25 yards since 2019. Staying ‘on top’ is a big deal for the Seahawks and those numbers are somewhat concerning. Even so, his frame and run support warrants putting him on the watch-list.
Nahshon Wright (Oregon State)
Another player who screams Seahawks based on appearance. He’s 6-4 and 183lbs with 33 inch arms. However, there should be some concern about a 4.57 short shuttle and a 31 inch vertical. If he can’t jump and can’t change direction very well, that’s a worry.
James Wiggins (Cincinnati)
Tough, physical safety who wasn’t the same in 2020 after an ACL injury. He’s 5-11 and 209lbs and ran a 4.42 forty. He also jumped a 38 inch vertical and a 10-7 broad. Wiggins has kick-return experience and could provide depth and special teams value.
Darrick Forrest (Cincinnati)
The other Cincy safety is more of a downfield striker but he also tested well. He’s 5-11 and 206lbs and ran a 4.43. He jumped a 39 inch vertical and an 11-0 broad. Forrest also has 32 inch arms and could even be tried at corner.
Caden Sterns (Texas)
A former big name recruit who never delivered but could provide some later round value. He’s 6-0 and 202lbs with 32 1/8 inch arms. He ran a 4.41 forty and jumped a 42 inch vertical with a 10-8 broad. He’s another player who could be tried in different spots.
Divine Deablo (Virginia Tech)
A big, fast, physical safety with fantastic special teams value. He’s 6-3 and 226lbs with 33 inch arms. He ran a 4.45 forty. Kam Chancellor is a self-confessed fan due to his size and willingness to tackle.
Shawn Davis (Florida)
He didn’t do a lot of testing at pro-day but he’s a player who flashed on tape at safety. He’s 5-10 and 202lbs with 32 inch arms. He jumped a 39.5 inch vertical and a 10-8 broad.
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