CFB week 8: Terrible decision ruins key game

— It hasn’t been an amazing college football season so far. There’s been a distinct lack of high-power match-ups. Some teams have been disappointing. No new quarterbacks have really emerged. But there’s usually one thing you can rely on — a fierce battle between Alabama and LSU. In two weeks the pair meet and they’ll both be top-four teams. It should be a contest to savour. LSU are at home too — it’ll be Alabama’s first proper test. Yet their chances of winning have been severely hit because of this:

How is that a targeting penalty? By all means call it roughing the passer if you must. I don’t agree but the game’s going that way. Flag it. Who cares? LSU were beating Mississippi State handsomely anyway. However, by calling it ‘targeting’ (then reviewing the play and confirming it), brilliant linebacker Devin White will now be forced to miss the first half of the Alabama game.

LSU has a bye next week. Alabama is their next opponent. White misses the first half.

What a perfect example of college football shooting itself in the foot.

White could go in the top-five in the draft. He’s a sensational athlete, a pillar of consistency and a pure playmaker for LSU. He’ll immediately become one of the top middle linebackers when he enters the NFL. White is a fantastic prospect and would’ve given LSU a shot to limit Alabama’s fierce running game.

Instead, LSU has to do without him for a half. We all suffer for this, not just LSU.

Targeting calls are an important part of the game. Head-shots need to be eliminated. Player safety is vital.

The thing is, we can all see that was NOT a dangerous head-shot by White. We want to see Alabama’s strongest team play LSU’s strongest team. Now we won’t, at least not until the second half. And that sucks.

— Another LSU stud will be a high pick in the 2020 draft. Safety Grant Delpit isn’t eligible for 2019 but he’s having an incredible year. Against Mississippi State he had ten tackles, two interceptions and a sack. For the season he has five picks and four sacks. He’s 6-3 and 205lbs and the best playmaking DB in college football. What is he like as an athlete? He recorded a 114.54 score at the SPARQ combine including a 4.04 short shuttle and a 37-inch vertical. You’ll see Delpit talked about a lot for the draft next year. Here’s one of his two picks yesterday:

— Kentucky linebacker Josh Allen recorded two more sacks (and a forced fumble) in a win over Vanderbilt. He now has eight sacks for the season. Allen is difficult to project. He doesn’t look like a freakish athlete necessarily but he’s ultra-productive and does a good job rushing the edge. His combine will be interesting. If he tests well, with his big 2018 season, he could go very early. At the moment the 20-45 range seems possible. Don’t sleep on Kentucky running back Benny Snell Jr either. He could equally be a top-45 pick.

— Isaiah Buggs had another sack for Alabama in an easy win against Tennessee. That’s now 8.5 for the season for Buggs. I’ve been wondering recently whether he’ll move inside to become a situational interior rusher in the NFL. He’s big and difficult to move in the running game. He’s also really ramped up his production in 2018 as a pass rusher. Former Seahawks scout Jim Nagy tweeted about Buggs before the Tennessee game — so I asked him about a possible move inside:

— Quinnen Williams had another TFL for Alabama, crashing down across the line to hammer the running back. I like Williams and he’s having a big year. Personally, I think he’ll be better served staying at Alabama. He looks the part but can he get bigger and retain some quickness? To me he looks like a prospect still developing. There aren’t many redshirt sophomores who turn pro from ‘Bama. I don’t think he will either. And at this stage, I’d still prefer to take my chances on Raekwon Davis.

— We’ve reached that point with the Clemson D-line. You know what I’m talking about. The part of the year where people on Twitter start criticising them because they don’t get four sacks a game each. Clelin Ferrell, Dexter Lawrence, Christian Wilkins and Austin Bryant are all really good. There’s no need to fight that. Ferrell had 2.5 TFL’s against NC State, Lawrence and Bryant also contributed to a TFL. All four have a chance to go early in the draft and they’ve kept Clemson unbeaten to this point. They destroyed previously unbeaten NC State 41-7 on Saturday.

— I didn’t have access to the Colorado vs Washington game. We always said this run would be interesting in determining Steven Montez’s draft stock. The Buffs have now lost to both USC and Washington and Montez didn’t play particularly well. It’s worth noting he was missing his best target against the Huskies. But if he was going to elevate his play into the high portion of round one, he likely needed to keep winning big in a weaker PAC-12. I still really like Montez though. He might be best served returning in 2020 and turning pro at the same time as Laviska Shenault Jr.

— I spent some time watching Washington corner Byron Murphy last week and was wowed by his potential. I just wonder if he’d make a fantastic safety. He’s not the biggest (5-11, 182lbs) but he has that gliding running ability, he’s so quick to the ball. He’s physical and will deliver a jolting hit. Every snap I watched at corner — I kept thinking, ‘I’d love to see him at safety’. Isaiah Buggs to DT, Byron Murphy to S and Greg Little inside to guard. Those are three moves I’d like to see.

— Florida State’s Brian Burns has a legit shot to go in the top-12. He’s been outstanding this season. Two more sacks against Wake Forest take his total to nine for the year. Quickness, physicality, effort, balance, length. Burns looks like the complete package. He basically changed the game for FSU. They were 10-0 down and Wake Forest were driving for another score. A big sack working the edge with a speed rush (at the 4:17 mark in the video below) forced a turnover on downs and changed the game. The left tackle had no chance. FSU went on to score 38 unanswered points after Burns’ game-changing play. His second sack comes at the 13:06 mark.

— Houston’s Ed Oliver got his first sack of the season last week and added his second on Saturday against Navy. Where he plays at the next level (and how early he ends up going) will be a consistent talking point in the off-season.

— Auburn’s Derrick Brown is almost certain to be a high pick too. He had an explosive performance against Ole Miss, including a vital TFL. He has the size and power to control the LOS on early downs but enough speed and quickness to offer some pass rush. He’s a fantastic prospect.

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100 Comments

  1. H

    I watched the Michigan v Michigan State game yesterday. And player who kept popping for me was DE Chase Winovich. The dudes motor is crazy, seemed like he was in on every play. Looks to have some decent quickness as well, not sure it’s elite but he could have a nice three cone.

    Any thoughts on him?

    • Rob Staton

      Winovich’s technique is fantastic. He makes plays because of his ability to get off blocks using his hands, dipping the shoulder, jabbing to the chest. Very well coached defender, clearly someone who works on his craft. Lot of energy. Love his personality.

      However — I suspect he is a limited athlete. Doesn’t look particularly explosive or quick. Not big. Bit of a LB tweener. He’s a player I’d love to watch every week in college but in terms of his next level potential, I’m not sure.

      • Volume12

        He’s got SAM written all over him, but that motor of his is impressive and his personality is fun.

        Harbaugh calls him his best player.

        • Rob Staton

          It’s clear he takes very well to coaching. He does everything right. His technique is off the charts. Not convinced that’ll be enough at the next level though.

          • Volume12

            Oh I agree. There’s some Cassius Marsh there. Depth guy, STer.

            • JimQ

              Another undersized pass rusher of interest (to me): This dude has some good pass rush talent. DE-Nate Harvey, East Carolina, 6-002/225, 7-games, 42-tkls, 17.5-TFL, 7.5-Sacks, 2-QBH, 1-FF, an obvious rush LB convert that will likely be a mid round pick in the coming draft.

  2. D-OZ

    Interesting Conner McGregor backstory on Winnovich. Plays with the fire inside. They hang out together.

    • Largent80

      Hopefully he doesn’t get choked out at the next level like McGregor.

  3. Kenny Sloth

    Damn, no Pac12 team in the playoffs this year.

    • DC

      Honestly I would rather the Huskies play a good game in the Rose Bowl than go get smoked by Alabama in the playoffs. That’s what I’m hoping for.

      • Kenny Sloth

        Keep dreamin Buster! Hahaha

    • AlaskaHawk

      Every year I say this and am disappointed = but this is the year when the Apple Bowl is relevant! Washington State has an awesome passing offense, WU is a well balanced offense and defense. Who will represent at the Rose Bowl?

      • Kenny Sloth

        Sure it will be :B

        You sound like a Beaver fan, AlaskaHawk!

        Every single team in the Pac12 North is overrated by their own fans.

        Except Oregon. We know the difference. And Herbert sure ain’t Mariota.

        Like the cacophony of Cougs saying “Luke Falk in the 2nd” despite no real evidence to suggest that last year.

        UW fans forgive Browning for so much. Dude be lucky to be picked up in udfa.

        Both of the dumb teams from this dumb state play Colorado and Stanford and Each other.

        They probably arent winning the north.

        Dont let me burst your bubble, cuz I’m just salty we lost to WSU, but Stanford beats Wazu, then Cougs beat UW and theyre both out.

        Closest yall comin to the Rose Bowl is away to UCLA 😎😎😎

      • Kenny Sloth

        Go Ducks πŸ’šπŸ’›πŸ’šπŸ’› βœ”

        • Alaskahawk

          I’ll be interested in the Ducks next year after they have had a season to grow together. The QB looks pretty good when he is passing on target.

          It’s a strange year – lots of parity at the top of the pac 12. I’m interested in Seahawks picking up a few players from Washington, maybe give them a chance at UDFA if no one else picks them.

        • AlaskaHawk

          If I were Seahawks I would look hard at QB Gardner Minshaw with Washington State, as a low draft/UDFA backup. He is 6-2 and 220 pounds, he has a QB rating of 150 after 7 games, and has thrown 23 TDs to 6 interceptions. Due to his smallish height and playing in the PAC 12, I would be surprised if anyone picks him before the 6th round. He is a gunslinger in the best of ways.

          • Rob Staton

            He’s fun to watch but he was going to Alabama to be a coach before heading to Wazzu and I suspect that is the path he’ll ultimately go down.

          • FresnoHawk

            Definitely lots of late round QB’s Hawks need to look into we got 1 here at Fresno State.

          • Volume12

            I’ve become a big fan of Minshaw myself. He has some legit NFL tools.

          • Kenny Sloth

            Exactly what I’m talking about.

            He is not an NFL QB. Overrated by hus fans

            • AlaskaHawk

              So he’s like Hundley???

              • Kenny Sloth

                Lol just a little smack talk hahah

  4. Omar

    I would honestly love for the Seahawks to sign Grady Jarrett in FA then draft Jachai Polite in the first round. Then after the first round you look to draft a linebacker in the third round

    • Volume12

      Why would Atalnta let Jarrett go when they need more outta their pass rush?

      • Rob Staton

        Well, they have got to pay a few players coming. And as we’re seeing in Seattle, you have to pick your poison. Vic Beasley, Deion Jones and Tevin Coleman are due to be paid soon.

        • Volume12

          God if they pay Beasley over Jarrett. SMH. Beasley has been terrible this year. Seen 2 games and he has no motor. Flat-out quite on plays.

  5. Volume12

    Responding to your post on the last thread about older QBs.

    I don’t dig up too much older footage honestly.

    Marino was a favorite of mine. Could you imagine him playing with the modern rules? He’d be cooking teams.

    Vick at VA-Tech. Just unreal what he could do. So ahead of his time.

    My favorite of all-time? The GOAT? Tommy Frazier from Nebraska in the mid ’90s. One of the most entertaining QBs to ever play CFB. Blood clots in his leg ruined his career.

    Tommy Frazier highlights:
    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=G0Mqh0pQCUI

    Vick at VA-Tech. Just unreal what he could do. So ahead of his time.

    Stafford held MegaTron back. The fake spike he did? Taken outta Marino’s playbook.

    • Volume12

      Kenny this was supposed to be in response to your post

    • Kenny Sloth

      Marino was something else. The most naturally fluid mechanics. I figured you would mention Vick, I know you’re a stan haha.

      Stafford and the rest of that franchise definitely held CJJ back.

      Never saw Marino in form, but nobody could diagnose and deliver like him.

      I’ll have to check out Frasier. Definitely heard the name before

  6. Volume12

    If the Chargers could ever stay healthy on D they’d be perennial contenders.

    Don’t care what anyone says, Phillip Rivers should be an MVP candidate almost every year.

    Melvin Ingram might be the most underrated pass rusher in the league.

    Derwin James is lights out. Went to a team that will take advantage of his uniqueness and he’s the front-runner for DROY right now.

  7. Volume12

    Shocked that Sony Michel is already hurt. Sucks to see, but not surprised.

    Will feel even worse for him if it is a meniscus tear on his degenerative left knee as suspected.

  8. Isaac

    Rob I would be really interested in hearing your thoughts on Ben bur kervin? He is just a play maker

    • Rob Staton

      A very easy player to like and respect. Might be a key special teamer at the next level. Testing, as usual, is key.

  9. Kenny Sloth

    Mmm sugar I love it when Baker Mayfield loses :0

    Too bad Jameis Winston won instead. Dedinitely the worse dude of the two. Kicker nailed the game winner then was like “yeah dont touch me Jameis u gross”

  10. Kenny Sloth

    Rob, you’re covering Hull now? They’ve got a Yank playing FB for them. He scored a brace against Arsenal last year. Named his bulldog ‘Gunner’ the next day lol. Other than that hes a pretty boring player ; Eric Lichaj

    Hopefully we never have to call him up again, but I always like to mention Americans

    • Group captain mandrake

      Unai Emery has the Gunners going in the right direction . Defense is still a bit shaky but they are fun to watch again. Naming is dog that was pretty funny. Nice little zinger.

      • Kenny Sloth

        Ooh hard agree on all counts.

  11. millhouse-serbia

    Kyler Murray would be a Seahawk after 2019 NFL draft if he isn’t going to MLB. πŸ˜€

    • Rob Staton

      With only four picks I highly, highly doubt it

      • millhouse-serbia

        I wasn’t so serious. πŸ˜€

        He reminds me so much on Wilson, and I really like that type of QB.

        when we speak about only 4 picks, do you think that JS could do some trade in next couple of days?

        What do you think, who could be a trade target for other teams?

        And if he doesn’t make a trade, than some trade down on draft day is more than possible , right?

  12. Ben Ft. Worth

    The big question this year down in. Baton Rouge was whether or not Coach O could handle the pressures of such big time program such as this. He was after all the Interim coach, and the players LOVE HIM, and to play for him! He’s a home bred “Coon-ass”(meant as a sign of one’s background heritage or up bringing). Most of my cousins are con-asses from the state of Louisisana as well. Most hail from the West-Monroe metropolis area, most recently made famous by “Duck Dynasty”.

    Now I don’t know as much about LSU’s history as most folks down here, but I will tell you what I do know about the LSU program and why I’ve come to love it so much, and follow the Seahawks. I originally hail from Aberdeen Wa., born and raised for 20 years,. I was a Hawks fan growing that started around the time when the great Warren Moon took over and was handing the ball off to Ricky Waters.

    I wasn’t a college football fan at the time but shortly thereafter moved to Texas in Feb. of 2000. When I arrived I got into all kinds of trouble partying, and mostly drinking hard core. Fast forward to 2005. I was in a major car accident, totaling my Beamer. And the very next Saturday, in fact every Saturday after that night, my 2 uncles would take me to, and attend AA meetings with me to help get me back on track, to sobriety. It was then the run began. I was then taken after every single meeting, for the next 8 years straight without missing a single contest, every single LSU game ever played(including Pay per view and Death Valley), and explaining not only just the rules of college football, but the history and tradition of LSU, and such All-time greats as Billy Cannon and “The Bluegrass Miracle”!. I was taught to understand that the SEC was not like the rest of the NCAA League, and was beginning to pull away as the Power Conference, when I first started watching. Les Miles had just taken over his first year at LSU, after Nick Saban had departed for the NFL,, and there was much skepticism over him being able to take handle the Powerhouse program Saban had left, when he went to the Dolphins. Coach “O” (Orgeron) is going through this same very thing. Although a lot of that noise has quieted down lately with big time victories over Maimi, Auburn, and Georgia. A win over Alabama would solidify a place for him for a good while and definitely earn a hefty contract extension. LSU controls their own destiny. All they have to do is win, and most likely beat Bama, twice to get to the BCS. No easy feat by any means.

    My now, late uncle Larry once told me that, “if Louisiana could just keep it’s own Top in state recruits every single year, without gaining any or losing any from outside, that LSU would be a top 5 ranked school every single year. The pipeline that resides deep in the heart Louisiana has unbelievably deep blood lines. I’ve seen some of the most amazing talents come through our program and a ton get poached, by Auburn, Alabama, and Georgia. Some throw away their career before it starts, however many went onto be greats in our programs history and NFL stars.

    The last thing I’ll leave you with was back when #3 LSU took on #17 Alabama, on Nov. 3rd 2007, “The Saban Bowl”. It was basically all of Saban’s left over top recruits who were now mostly seniors vs. Alabama, and the beginning of a new Dynasty, that Nick still has managed to maintain to this very day. We went down early 17-3, in that game thanks to a stupid Matt Flynn interception. It was at this point after finishing some amazing homemade shrimp AND chicken gumbo, that my Uncle Larry looked as frustrated as every other Tigers fan in the room. He calmly turns towards me and says, “Son, any SEC team can beat ANY SEC team on any given day. It doesn’t mean if your ranked the worst or the best in the conference. As the rest of that game went on, i remember it was like watching two heavy weight champions just throwing big blow after big blows to each other. Each team was throwing bombs down the field, for what seemed like most of the entire game. It was a college football classic made to be, if there ever was one. But, to say that the game was “intense” or “stressful” was simply an understatement. I’d never witnessed anything that put you on the edge you’re seat , with non stop heart pounding, drama from any football game to this day for myself, EVER!!! Not even close! Late in the 4th att, LSU managed score 2 touchdowns within the final 3 minutes of the game to pull out a 41-34 victory. After we won and calmed down a bit, I can still remember in that moment the feeling of being so proud to call myself a Tigers fan, and to come to know, to understand, and be just a small part of LSU’s heritage I became a Tigers fan for life at that moment. It was through the blessings of my family’s love and support to help me reach sobriety. Even although I was a “non-native Louisianan, but jnstead just a young nieve Grays Harbor County boy, I was able to find my passion for the college football ranks, and that’s why I am such a die hard advocate on this here site about LSU players.

    I think this site and that the creator Rob, are some of the best informative, as well as “outside the box like thinking minds” and blog I’ve found, bar none. There is another one site that is very informative on all that his LSU sports insider jnfo. The site is named Dandydon.com will give you everything and more that you’re looking for bout the type of talent and insights to how they think and operate as a football program. It’s very interesting and always highlights players, plays, coaching decisions, and strategies that I sometimes miss during the game. A once great columnist
    created a wealth of great content, has unfortunately recently deceased, but carried on through the memory of his son who continues on his fathers legacy and keeps the site rolling.

    I apologize for taking up such a big spot. In fact I wasn’t even attempting to put this much information into my post. But, my emotions started revving up when Rob posted about the LSU vs. BAMA game in Death Valley. It’s the most exciting game on the schedule for us Tigers fans. We hope it turns out to another epic chapter in what has been building up to this gigantic rivalry over the past decade.

    Also, for those of you who may be offended by me using personal opinions such as the BEST conference or elite program, just know that I think very highly of the Pac Division program and find myself constantly rooting for the Dawgs more so than the Cougars. I wish to confer that very respectfully, and hopelly you know that these are simply just my opinions and nothing more. I am a HUGE Seahawks fan as well as a die heard LSU Tiger, and hope that this might shed some understanding of what a “BIG” rilvary game it is to us down here. I have respect for those of you that are Bama fans, for if not for the greatness and support that Alabama has achieved, there wouldn’t be this great rilvary we have to this very day.

    I love this site and enjoy reading here daily to all you’re posts. Thank you all.
    Go Hawks!
    GEAUX Tigers!

    • BV Eburg

      Hey Ben,
      We are Coug fans here in Washington. My wife’s family is from Red Stick. We are heading down for the Bama/LSU game. We have a farm 45 minutes from Pullman but couldn’t make it to Game Day on Saturday. My hunch is Game Day could be in Baton Rouge for this game??? It would be ironic we miss Game day here in Pullman but see it in Baton Rouge!
      Anyway, my question for you is this, why does LSU have such a hard time developing QB’s? LSU played just before WSU-Oregon so got to watch some of the Mississippi State game. And jeez the LSU QB looked iffy. I find it ironic our WSU QB leads the country in passing and he’s from Mississippi and yet LSU still struggles at QB.

      • Ben Ft. Worth

        That seems to be the million dollar question! We’ve seen so many talented squads wasted due to the sheer fact that we NEVERVseem to be able to find or develop a decent quarterback. I LOVE Joe Burrows. He’s the best QB we’ve had since Zach Mettenberger. Burrows father has been a football coach Joe’s entire life growing up. So when watch him play, you can tell he see’s things other QB’s don’t. Which I believe is why his interception rate is ridiculously Low!

        This year will be our best shot at beating Bama in years. I’m just so glad I don’t have to watch Jordan Jefferson anymore! Lol

  13. Volume12

    I hope the Jags didn’t miss their SB window due to paying Blake Bortles. Just typing that I threw up everywhere. Projectile vomited.

    • cha

      That and their cap situation. They are dead last in available cap space in 2019 and 2020 with their roster as currently constructed.

      They are actually $7m OVER the cap in 2019. In 2020 they have $14m in space with only 28 players signed to contracts.

    • Rob Staton

      I didn’t have an issue with the way they approached the Bortles extension. They retained him without much of a long term commitment. That bit was fine. The problem was… they had to bring in a good backup they felt comfortable turning to or they needed to go out and draft a Lamar Jackson. Secure yourself against Bortles being the QB we all know he can be (and currently is).

      By all means keep BB but at least cover your backside. They didn’t.

  14. JJ

    My man crush right now is on Derrick Brown from Auburn. I want the hawks to get him bad.

    • Rob Staton

      Excellent player.

  15. cha

    If you want to go on a rollercoaster ride watch this clip of the last 1:40 of the Old Dominion-West Kentucky game.

    https://twitter.com/bubbaprog/status/1053864831412068352

  16. teejmo

    Amazing to think that the Cowboys felt so nervous about spending a second-round pick for Earl Thomas, and yet went ahead and forked over a first for Amari Cooper…

    • Trevor

      I know it seems crazy. But in today’s NFL receivers are considered way more valuable than Safety’s.

    • cha

      Not really.

      Cooper is 5 years younger than Earl.

      Is signed for 2019.

      Had no recent lingering major injury history.

      Fills a big need Dallas had and the WR crop for 2019 draft class is weak.

      Provides a solid return in comp pick should he leave in UDFA 2020.

      Gives Dak another reason to stay in Dallas when his rookie deal expires.

      • All I see is 12s

        Yeah if you don’t count getting decapitated by Bradley McDougald a serious injury

        • cha

          Well he practiced yesterday so I wouldn’t call it serious, no.

          • teejmo

            It was his second one in two years, too.

      • Del tre

        But Amari has never been consistent, hard to argue he is worth a first and Earl isn’t when you look at consistency and level of play.
        Amari has been lingering around bust levels because he can’t string together good performances, he had a big first 2 years and was never on Julio or AB’s level, i wouldnt even take him over Doug, probably not even over Lockett, it took him 130 targets to get to 1000 yards.
        His catch rate is pretty bad as well. This was a desperate move by JJ, Earl slipped through his fingers, he wasn’t going to let that happen again.

  17. all i see is 12s

    Anyone else a bit pissed at Dallas’s stupidity? They were willing to give up a 1st round pick for Amari Cooper but not for Earl? …Not sure anything else needs to be said. My only comfort is that this will likely be a debilitating trade for the cowboys…Oakland will probably waste the pick too

    • Rob Staton

      Yes, I am pissed about this.

    • Volume12

      This is what happens when two bad franchises get together and make deals with each other.

      While NE will probably get Patrick Peterson for a day 3 pick or some sh**.

    • AlaskaHawk

      I don’t know why you guys are pissed. Dallas made a business decision all the way back to the last draft. They simply aren’t that interested n Earl Thomas. Apparently a lot of other teams weren’t interested either. It’s more htan just a second round draft pick, if they were really interested they would have made the trade happen.

      I have to question his leg surgery and rehab plans = he needed a rod in his leg from the get go and wasted a lot of Seahawks paid time on that leg.

      Frankly with a second leg injury and being on the wrong side of 30 – I question whether he should ever play again. He may love the game, but his health is also important. Take the money and retire in comfort, Earl.

      • Tecmo Bowl

        Earl retire now? That doesn’t make sense. He should be able to squeeze $10+m out of his career, at least.

        Dallas is interested in Earl, but know they can get him in FA. Now at a reduced rate.

        I’m pissed at JS for not trading Earl after we beat Dallas. That was the prime time for the trade. Called it before Earl even reported to Seattle.

  18. AlaskaHawk

    If Seahawks did pull off a trade before the deadline, what is the position you would like them to upgrade?

    I think the safety position has been okay = plus the Seahawks are carrying about four safeties. Cornerback is a little thin. Perhaps an early jump on getting a defensive end – that would be expensive.

    Offensively- it would be a tight end. Definite issue with injuries this year.

    • Rob Staton

      DL is the only position I’d consider dealing for but I can’t think of any viable targets

    • Aaron

      Pass rush is still the no. 1 weakness on this roster. I’d go for a DE or an inside/out rusher. However, the 2019 draft is stacked with d line prospects and I’d rather get one then. I’d also wait until FA in 2019 when the likes of Clowney might hit the market. No need to be trigger happy unless it’s a deal that JS can’t pass up.

  19. Coleslaw

    Hey rob, I saw a report like a week ago that teams are underwhelmed with the top level talent in this class, what’s your thought on that? Is this gonna be another super deep class with a small list of guys actually being graded as first rounders? I feel like a couple years ago in that super deep class that the hype started out like normal, but as the season went on it became clear it was just kinda full of 2nd rounders lol. It’s my hunch that we’re seeing that again

    • Rob Staton

      Yes I think that’s a fair review. Nick Bosa and Clelin Ferrell are top-six types in any class. But apart from that, there aren’t any quarterbacks worthy of going that early. No receivers. No defensive backs. The first tackle to go off the board will be a right tackle only. There’s nobody like Saquon or Fournette.

      The third best player in the class might be Devin White — and he plays a position that isn’t usually drafted very early.

      So yeah. There will be some talent and depth in the front seven. But it’s not looking like a class where you have a handful of legit top-10 prospects.

      • SoCal12

        So if this is the case, which method would you prefer to go with in this draft? Trade down multiple times to try and shotgun a lot of depth guys as we tend to seem to do, or pick up one of the few surer first rounders but have fewer picks overall?

        • Rob Staton

          It’s too early to say. All depends on where SEA picks and who’s available.

    • Volume12

      DTs and CBs.

  20. teejmo

    So, what are the chances that the Raiders get three top 20 picks next April?

    • Hawk Eye

      pretty, pretty, pretty good

      if they don’t mess up their 5 first round picks in the next 2 drafts and don’t sign any silly contracts, they might look good in 2 or 3 years. I guess the lesson is, if you want to take over a team and rebuild it, get a 10 year contract

  21. SebAy

    Rob, NFL.com has said that our draft needs are S, CB, OL. What do you think of this? For me, we’ve pretty much fine at all three of those position groups, although I admit adding another corner into the mix wouldn’t hurt. Would LB be up there again as a position of need, obviously along side DT and DE?

    • Rob Staton

      I think NFL.com need to read the blog! πŸ˜‚

      Front seven defense all the way. Second biggest need is probably CB depth.

      • SebAy

        They really should ^^ I know they’ve got a lot of teams to think about, but their judgments are consistently superficial, which is a shame. It’s why we all come here I suppose!

    • Group Captain Mandrake

      I’ve already seen mock drafts that have Seattle going OL in the first (Trey Adams, UW). Talk about tired, lazy writing. Assuming the OL hadn’t turned into a strength this year, why would they pick a tackle that has basically missed almost two years because of injury?

      • FresnoHawk

        They won’t!

    • teejmo

      I actually could see why cornerback and safety could be considered team needs. I mean, behind Griffin and Flowers you have a guy who started his fourth professional season on the practice squad and a special teams ace who repeatedly gets passed over on the depth chart for late-round picks and undrafted free agents. Coleman is a free agent after the season. And according to the Seahawks official website, Delano Hill backs up both Thompson and McDougald – can’t really say that’s a safe bet. So yeah, I could completely see Seattle having a few secondary needs come April – that doesn’t mean they’ll address them before the fourth round.

      • SebAy

        I completely agree, although in terms of safety I would trust Pete to coach up Shalom Luani, for example, who was regularly mocked to us last year. I do accept that Delano Hill is a bit ‘meh’ for a former 3rd rounder though.

      • AlaskaHawk

        For what it’s worth = Walter Football has Seahawks picking Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama in mid first round.

        They also have the Giants picking Justin Herbert, QB from Oregon. Seems like a waste for him to be with the Giants, but they have won a couple superbowls with Eli Manning.

      • Tecmo Bowl

        The starting base DBs of Griffen, Flowers, McDougald and T2 are all signed through 2020. Resign JCole and that’s your top 5 CBs returning. I don’t view the back 7 as a top need looking at th 2019 draft.

        Now if a stud like derwin James almost fell to us or a deondre Thompson you think about it. At the time being the front 4 looks to need the most help.

    • McZ

      Of course we will draft OL, but not in one of the top rounds. We have an experienced core and can take our time to coach up the young guys as eventual replacements. Lessons learned.

      Main need is DE, closely followed by DT. Plus a pick for LB depth, as the Wright contract situation isn’t resolved.
      Offensive side, one late round RT, plus maybe a WR to hedge against Baldwin getting older.

      Think, CB is a position where a couple of teams will offload talent. On S, I think Luani has a lot of potential.

      • Rob Staton

        They only have four picks at the moment so I’d actually be surprised if they draft OL

  22. bigten

    I kind of like what the Raiders are doing, and see the point. Sucks that the first couldn’t have gone to use for Earl, but there were many more variables involved in that situation than the one for Cooper. And aside from the disappointment, it makes complete sense what the raiders are doing.
    They are only in Oakland for a few more years, i see this as them ramping up for the Vegas move, and not wanting to be good in Oakland, and stir up the fan base their to make them stay, “finally we are good and now we move” type thing. They are stocking 1st round draft picks, and if i were them, i would trade a few of this years firsts that they have, for multiple firsts in the coming years. 2020 when they make the move to Vegas, have like 4-5 first round picks and a ton other picks, and make a splash for the first year in Vegas. I would imagine the jersey sales would be crazy, with that many Firsts and the move. They would be similar to what the Golden Knights were, a young team that was all new, that could rally around each other and around Vegas, those players wouldnt have any ties or animosity towards the team for moving. Just a thought.

    • Georgia Hawk

      You dont see a team often embracing the “tanking” the way they are right now. I have to think the impending move to Vegas emboldens them somewhat to freely tank this year. Most teams know that tanking risks alienating some of the fan-base so they won’t openly do it mid season the way MLB and NBA teams do. Raiders already know they are leaving town and don’t care about keeping the fan-base after this year. Why not tank as much as possible and start clean in Vegas? Clear cap space where possible, offload baggage or players taht don’t fit your system, load up on draft picks. Makes sense to me.

    • SoCal12

      If they’re able to pick up Clelin Ferrell/Nick Bosa in this draft, use their other firsts on Damien Harris and Greedy Williams/ Deionte Thompson, then pick up Tua Tagovailoa in 2020, I could see the Las Vegas Raiders pull a big Los Angeles Rams style turnaround. I’m not convinced Jon Gruden’s the one to take them all the way yet though though. They might still need a McVay (young, innovative, forward-thinking coach) to put it all together. That 10 year commitment with Mr. Corona Hotline still baffles me.

    • AlaskaHawk

      It reminds me of the year that the Colts tanked for Andrew Luck. One bad season and they were back on track the next year. Of course they never really got anywhere – even with Luck. Maybe coaching and training is more important than which player is the star.

      If so, Gruden doesn’t inspire much confidence.

      I tried to look up hotel taxes in Vegas – they are around 14%. Part of which is paying for the Stadium at 750 million cost to taxpayers (half the total cost) and another part is paying for a new visitors convention center. The interesting part is that the hotels in Vegas are now showing low room rates, but they tack on a $30-50 per day “resort fee” , and the whole package is given the 14% tax. It seems like false advertising to me. I can’t wait for the airlines to pick that idea up and run with it. Fly cross country for $100 with a $200 airplane fee.

  23. Kenny Sloth

    Germain Ifedi’s mentions on twitter all be like “Im sorry for doubting you”

  24. Overtime

    With McKissic due to return to the roster soon and the Raiders losing Marshawn to IR we should send Oakland C J Prosise for a mid round pick. We are deep now at RB and the Raiders are down to only 3 healthy bodies at RB none of whom are young enough to build around. 2019 is not going to be a great draft for RB’s. They might take a chance a new team will turn him around the way it did for Alex Collins.

    • SebAy

      I highly doubt we’d get a mid-round pick for Prosise, other teams have seen how many games he misses.

    • cha

      Why would you trade anything for a player that in 3 seasons hasn’t been able get on the field?

    • FresnoHawk

      Prosise can still turn his career around this year I wouldn’t count him out, he’s been injured, he has a good excuse unlike Ifeldi his excuse was crap. Never bet against Pete Carroll you’ll end up looking stupid most of the time. If a RT with a poor excuse can pounce on his doubters imagine what a RB with a good excuse will do to his doubters. Pete has been praising Prosise for years after the rise of Davis how can anyone doubt Carroll’s analysis of Prosise. Even our 6th round pick and tiny center showed up after Carroll’s praise. Too early in the season to give up on Prosise. As we get better on running plays we can add more running plays when we master those running plays we add more. I think we need Prosise & Penny to “pop” in order to dominate in the play offs. I see us ramming the football down our opponents throats with at least 3 stud RB’s were gonna wreck havoc on defenses we will see the fear in our opponents eyes. Perfect example of seeing fear in our opponents was the preseason game with the Vikings, watch that game nothing but scared Vikings all over the field including their new QB.

  25. Kyle

    Obi was just waived from the raiders ir. I really hope the Seahawks can get him. Pete has to be drooling

    • Matt

      I saw that, with TJ Green apparently retiring perhaps they could replace him with another player a lot of fans were interested in during his draft that couldn’t latch on elsewhere.

      • Tecmo Bowl

        Does Obi actually want to play NFL football? I don’t think so, but his athletic profile is worth checking out. Very similar draft profile to TJ Green…

      • FresnoHawk

        We just added Safty/LB 6 2 230lb Justin Currie to the practice squad after TJ Green retired. Really curious as to what types of safety’s Seahawks want on the 53 man roster for what roles. Currie has been suffering ankle injuries. Also we added another guy who has been injured former Utah OL leader Center J.J. Dielman who played RT for 3 years before switching to Center. Dielman 6 5 305lbs has short arms 32 inches. Clearly our 53 man roster has a couple of spots or more that are used to rotate players on and off the roster. I wish I knew if there is a set number or a range of numbers that we leave open.

    • Elmer

      Lackawanna a problem with Obi?

  26. cha

    Wow. Giants just traded Snacks to Detroit for just a 5th round pick. I know the Giants are stripping the roster for parts but that is an absolute bargain.

  27. Kenny Sloth

    It’s music day at the Sloth house.

    Drop your current favorite song in the replies

    https://youtu.be/7A1utb0NrHU

    Anderson .Paak- TINTS feat. Kendrick Lamar

  28. Shady Hawkster

    This song hasn’t left my head for days, and that’s fine with me. Starts a little slow, but such a fun performance.

    Tyler the Creator’s Tiny Desk version of “See You Again” https://youtu.be/N1w-hDiJ4dM?t=498

    • Kenny Sloth

      Yes! Really like Tyler. Some of those tiny desk sets are super choice

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