Brandon Coleman isn't the finished product, but he could be great
Do we talk enough about development?
Are we obsessed with looking for the finished article, or as close to the finished article as possible?
When I say ‘we’, I mean everybody who follows the draft. Pundits, experts, fans and writers.
If following this teams’ road to glory has taught us anything, it’s probably that we should expand our horizons.
We should be looking at what a prospect can become, not what he is right now.
Has a player got the potential to be great?
Will he embrace the need to work on his flaws in order to max out his talent?
If the answer to both is yes, get the cigars out.
Essentially it comes down to this. Good coaches can always work on technical flaws, strength and conditioning, bad habits or even a lack of experience.
What you can’t teach is physical brilliance.
We need to avoid lingering too much on things that can be fixed. We shouldn’t ignore certain issues, but we also shouldn’t be consumed by them.
As long as the player is keen to work on improving, we should embrace a guy who doesn’t do everything right in college. Especially if he has a high enough ceiling to be really good.
I think this is something the Seahawks do better than most teams. It certainly seems that way.
So many clubs write players off because they don’t fit the prototype, or they concentrate on the flaws.
Seattle didn’t do that when they drafted 5-10 Russell Wilson. Seattle didn’t do that with most of the players they’ve drafted to be fair.
They selected guys with grit, the upside to be great and they worked them into their system.
And yet I think we’re seeing a lot of draft talk again this year that flies against that.
We’re a pretty ‘safe’ bunch, those of us who follow the draft religiously.
Let’s be more daring.
I’ll kick us off.
I’m not sure why anyone would draft Teddy Bridgewater ahead of Johnny Manziel.
Bridgewater is a technically gifted player. He’s pretty good.
I’d consider spending a first round pick on him if I needed a quarterback, but I’m not overly excited by his tape. He does a lot of things well, but what does he do that is ‘great’?
Manziel on the other hand is the ultimate playmaker. He doesn’t fit any prototype. He lacks ideal height and he goes partying in college.
He doesn’t always say and do the right things. He takes chances on and off the field.
But what a challenge. Why wouldn’t you want to take that on?
Imagine if you made it work. Wouldn’t that be something?
Wouldn’t you back yourself as a Head Coach to develop Manziel into something akin to what we’ve seen with Russell Wilson in Seattle? In Houston — with all the weapons they already have on offense plus a running game, could you not turn him into a quality point guard capable of explosive plays?
Sure, he needs to do a better job looking after the football. He can read the field better. He can improve his core strength.
But what about all the things he does well?
For me Houston are in a privileged position with the #1 pick. They should be grabbing Manziel or coming up with a contingency at quarterback so they can draft another player with unlimited upside — Jadeveon Clowney.
So why do I get a bad feeling they’re going to fudge this and take Blake Bortles or Teddy Bridgewater?
They’d justify a move like that as minimising risk. I’d call it betting against yourself to develop a rare talent.
Embrace what is different.
Embrace coaching and development.
I’d love to know why so many pundits put Manziel in the top five of their mock drafts, but only in the 20-30 range on their big boards. Or lower.
What are they scared of?
You see things like, “someone is going to fall for Manziel” like it’s a bad thing.
I’m happy to admit I wouldn’t have always written these words, but Seattle’s rampant success has really opened my eyes to the idea of development being king, along with upside + work ethic.
That means looking at what a player can become, not what he is now.
And this is why I really like Brandon Coleman and Kelvin Benjamin for Seattle.
Neither is the finished product. Both had their issues in college.
Coleman struggled in a lousy passing offense at Rutgers, but also didn’t do enough to elevate his team. He can certainly do a better job high pointing the football.
Benjamin had too many mental errors at Florida State, including some horrific drops.
And yet look at them. Coleman is 6-6 and 220lbs and runs like a train. Benjamin is 6-5 and around 230lbs and couldn’t look any better in uniform.
Imagine what they could become. Think about it. With this coaching staff working with them.
Really the only thing to be wary of is bad information in terms of their work rate. I’ve not seen any negative reports online, but we don’t get anywhere near the same info the teams get so it’s hard to judge.
Assuming that’s not an issue — I say go for the home run.
It’s not just about two receivers either. Another player who comes to mind is Brent Urban.
He has an injury history, his stats don’t register at all. He plays three technique at 6-7 and 298lbs.
Urban is different.
But he has rare size and speed, an ability to push the pocket and work against the run. He can grow as a pass rusher and could be one of the steals of the draft.
There’s also Ra’shede Hageman — a guy with some character issues and a ton of inconsistent tape.
Coach him up, put him on an already talented defensive line and let him rush the passer. If he has the desire to be the best, he’ll go a long way in Seattle.
If we’re willing to think about what is possible, there are players out there who can help keep this team at the top.
This draft class excites me.
Not because it’s jam packed with players ready to trot off the production line and contribute.
It’s because there are a handful of players other teams are going to overlook and the Seahawks are going to capitalise.
Just like they have for the last four years.
This is worth watching too…
The draft must get here yesterday. I think you are on to the most important positions for this team Big WR and anywhere on DL. What do you think of Kenneth Boatright being around 275 now Rob? looks like he is doing what it takes to make this team and earn some time next year and doing what the coaches have asked of him. This excites me, because he is not giving in to what he wants, instead to what the team is asking.
I like the sound of that — it goes to show how tuned in they are on this development thing. Getting Boatwright to add 20lbs is no mean feat. Can’t wait to see how he carries it as an inside rusher.
yes.
I think you may have summerized it best by saying “Focus on what a player can become, not what he is right now” to that I respond with taking a flier on Colt Lyerla in the 6th-7th RD. What IF he gets his $h!t together and is on his game, can you imagine what type of player he can develop into? And to to simply utilize a 7th RD pick on a guy that could very well surprise people and become a special player and an offensive weapon. Just saying Rob, try to be objective and find the silver lining in all situations.
I am objective on these matters but the line “Focus on what a player can become, not what he is right now” is really about on field performance. Lyerla’s background is bat shit crazy. Let’s be right there. And I’m happy to let another team take on that challenge. This team doesn’t need any more negative drug publicity, whether it’s weed, PED’s or anything else.
Rob Im not trying to beat a dead horse but have you explored the upside? The what if? At worst case scenerio we burn a 7th RD pick on a guy thats just cant get it together. AT BEST CASE SCENERIO…???? Feel free to for a moment put all the CONS on the back burner and speak only to the upside on drafting Colt Lyerla in the 7th RD. Insert your thoughts….
It’s hard to put the negatives to one side when they’re as extreme as this. I’m not going into details here but I wouldn’t go anywhere near him. Let someone else deal with all of that.
And I’ll also say this — the tape isn’t great. He had a handful of good games for Oregon, amid a flurry or performances where he did nothing. He needed to come into the 2013 season taking the next step, becoming a consistent force in the Oregon attack. He didn’t just fail, he got booted off the team and then all the issues come out. Some aren’t public.
I hope we don’t spend the rest of the off-season talking about this guy. It’d be a waste of time IMO.
I think your on the right track with this kind of thinking Rob. It will be interesting to see their SPARQ scores as well.
The SPARQ scores are always a good indicator for this team.
What are SPARQ scores?
Sort of like an SAT or IQ test for athletes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SPARQ_Training
I would think there are certain characteristics that coaches look for. Lots of effort and non-stop motor are two general ones. Each position might have specific things that they look for. Cornerback being the long frame and quickness. Wide receiver should have good hands.
It’s been said before, I really enjoy your posts Rob. Lucky for me that you are the only sports blog that hasn’t been blocked at work. Heh heh. Keep them coming!!!
Great article Rob…Pete said the other day, “you gotta be able to run to play here.” It was a very subtle remark, but I think it shows the importance of baseline physical talent over technical prowess, which can be taught. In fact, I think PC prefers raw ability as there are less habits to break. Sometimes it is a huge advantage to start from scratch than it is to try to re-sculpt a near finished product.
I can’t wait to see this team come back even stronger next year.
Manziel opinions aside, I’m a little confused why you keep contrasting him with Bridgewater who you paint as a meh QB.
http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3778661/bridgewaterthrow.gif
http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1953991/825887204.gif
http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1784917/pyIjYCu_medium.gif
http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3369179/bridgewater2.gif
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yeSRj45ar0c#t=70
Personally, I think a that last play I linked, where Bridgewater puts his mobility to use while maintaining great footwork, is much more similar to Russ than Manziel’s sometimes frantic playmaking.
Regardless of who you like more, I don’t think you can paint Bridgewater as maxing out at “pretty good.”
Just the way I see it Nate. I think he has limitations. It’s a game of opinions.
The run at the end there is a nice play for a few yards, but it’s beating one guy for a small gain. Wilson and Manziel share a rare ability to extend plays, dodge tackles and then make it count downfield. Wilson has a superior arm, but they’re very similar at making the impossible possible. Bridgewater isn’t a bad athlete as that play shows, but he doesn’t have that magical ability to extend plays.
And really, there’s nothing wrong with being a pretty good quarterback at the next level. Let’s not get into a situation where anything other than ‘super elite’ is considered a negative. I just happen to prefer Manziel.
“It’s a game of opinions.”
Absolutely 🙂
Do you really think Manziel or Wilson get more out of that play? It’s a snippet of a play, but I feel like he’s doing all of the things you praise Wilson and Manziel for. Extended the play, was running to throw, dodged a tackle, and then picked up a few yards before avoiding a hit. That play feels extremely Wilson-y to me.
Ultimately I have no problem with you preferring Manziel over Bridgewater. The contrast you’re building between the two is just strange to me. I think in a lot of ways they’re fairly similar players.
At the end of the day, the Luck vs. Griffen is just as relevant as the Bridgewater/Manziel/Bortels debate is to the Seahawks. Not. One. Bit. It is interesting in the sense that someone will choose one of those QBs.That’s adorable.
The Seahawks are Superbowl Champions. As far as I am concerned, that whole debate is interesting banter. After what the Hawks did to Peyton Manning (who put up the greatest offensive year of all time), I can’t wait to see the Hawks teach each and everyone of them a lesson.
I don’t know enough about either QB or either WR to evaluate them on any level. But one of the huge factors that this FO looks for is coachability and personal discipline (work ethic). An off-field incident or two may be outlier events (Irvin and his “vandalism” the week before the draft) or they can be indicative of an overall lack of discipline or a sense of entitlement. None of us know Manziel well enough to make a judgement on these issues, but he kinda seems like his last year has been Bieber lite. I can blow it off as a guy with huge expectations needing to not have that weight on his shoulders for a summer of fun, in college, at age 20… but it’s a red flag that any FO will absolutely have to clear. Sometimes, that shit can’t get “coached up”.
As for the WRs, I love the idea of bringing McCoy back on a 2 year 2 million total contract, with Miller and Willson rounding out the “big WRs” and sticking with Harvin (current contract), Tate (4.5/year*4 years with 10 guaranteed), Baldwin (RFA 2.1 million), Kearse (6ooK) and Lockette (6ooK) as our WO group for the next season.
The beautiful thing about drafting you prototypical big/high upside WR is that he doesn’t even have to play for a season (ala Michael), and if you get him with that first round pick he will be up for his new contract 1 year before Harvin is up, so you can signing bonus him for his extension and spread the salary out to maintain an even cap hit from one WR to the next.
Thanks again Rob!
For me it’s not that I’m excited about the draft, it’s why. Finally, after years, I feel confidence that this coaching staff CAN develop a project. I haven’t thought like that during the Mora or even Holmgren regimes. I don’t care if there is a reach or an unexpected pick, I’m looking forward to see the young men develop into great players (with attitude!)
I agree with the basic line of thinking, but I think you need to be disciplined in understanding which things can be coached and which can’t. Otherwise you wind up drafting a guy like JaMarcus Russell because of his phenomenal physical tools.
BTW, it’s one thing to hear that Russell Wilson is 5-10, but the low angle shots in that video really drive it home. When he’s shaking hands with Manning pre-game, his nose is about level with Manning’s shoulder pads.
I think Russell passed the bit about upside, but fails the part about working to improve. Oakland should’ve worked that out. Russell ate himself out of a career.
Right, but you have to ask yourself: if a guy has tremendous talent, why isn’t he producing in college? After all, he’s facing competition inferior to what he’ll face in the pros. If you don’t have something specific to point to (e.g. he just switched over from basketball last year), I think motor/character/intelligence issues are often the right explanation.
The coaching in college is far inferior to that of the NFL.
hrmmm… i disagree. PC was a college coach for 10 years and it’s become clear to most that he’s one of the top 5 football coaches in the world. He likely was one of the 10 best in the world in the second half of his USC tenure.
Saban works with superior recruits, but his players, especially on defense, are ready on day 1 to start in the NFL – he is absolutely one of the best coaches and talent developers in college or pro football. Doesn’t mean he would be a successful head coach in the NFL, but that is dependent on so many other things (FO, talent, owner, etc).
They’re not just looking for guys with great tools that can be coached. The Hawks look for guys who love football and not just love being football players. Those are the ones who can be coached up. I wonder if that’s one of the reasons Michael didn’t see much time.
I think it relates more to lack of need for him to be on the field and the fact that he still runs like a college back, thinking he can beat the entire opposing defense on his own.
He has spectacular talent, but the differential in the NFL is so minimal that you have to really learn what you can get from the defense and take every inch you can get. There is a great moment b/w Wilson and Tate in the NFL video above, late in the game when Tate backs up behind the first down line with the ball – Wilson comes up to him and says hey, somthing to think/work on, when its 2nd and 8, just get the 1st down. Michael runs without that kind of discipline – Marshawn is the king of that discipline, and Turbin is pretty good about it as well…
When a player tries to string the run to the sideline on nearly every play, defenses will make that RB lose 4 yards about 90% of the time. McCoy and Charles earn the big outside runs by taking those off tackle runs inside most of the time, and that opens up the outside corner. Michael always tried to make it to the corner on offtackle runs in the preseason. Against starting defenses, especially in the NFCW, that type of decision will kill drive after drive after drive.
Great work yet again Rob!
The depth and the top end talent at receiver in this draft is amazing, but what do you think about grabbing one of the top tier TEs at 32 like ASJ, Amaro, or Ebron and then grabbing a receiver in the 2nd like Adams, Matthews, or Beckham? I just think the top tier talent at TE in this draft is so rare that it would be a mistake to not capitalize on it.
I think Amaro and Ebron will be off the board. I like Ebron a ton, Amaro I’m not totally sold on — I don’t think he’s rare like Ebron. As for ASJ, I need to see him at the combine. He could easily go anywhere from round one to three. Let’s see what he looks like in Indy.
I feel the same. I love what ASJ can do against college athletes, but I’m not sold on him as an exceptional or even very good receiving TE in the pros.
Rob,
I have been in lock-step with you this whole time in regards to Brandon Coleman. I have seen several reports from last season saying John Schneider was at Rutgers games and the two possible players he was watching were Khaseem Greene and Brandon Coleman. I personally liked Greene’s game, but he was there to see Coleman. I think BC would come in here and benefit quickly from our team’s preparation and dedication to tape.
I know its early (Pre-Combine) and I’ve heard that Benjamin could go as high as BAL. I think he’ll be going before/to CAR. I will admit Benjamin intrigues me and well, but Coleman is my pick @ #32.
I haven’t watched too much of Urban’s tape, but I’ll start shortly… Thanks for the great reads Rob!
I think he would benefit the most by having a QB who is able to place the ball consistently where he can catch it.
Another name someone mentioned to be to keep an eye on is Anthony Denham (WR, Utah). He measures 6’4″/220lbs and will be working out at the Combine as a TE. Anyone know anything about him?
jared stranger did a nice review of big WRs on fieldgulls.com, something like don’t reach for a big WR with reach, and covered Denham with some game tape.
This is why I loved the Bruce Irvin and Christine Michael picks. They were both raw when we picked them, but that just means we can coach them up easier. They’re physical talents is off the charts and I think Irvin is just as big a freak of nature as Clowney is. He bulked up a lot this last off-season and still looks just as fast.
It’s why I like both Coleman and Benjamin at #32.
A good option in FA if Bennett gets paid elsewhere is our favorite last year Henry Melton. He got franchised by the Bears and went down early with an injury. He could have a cold market and might take a one year prove it deal with a chance for a ring. Also Starks is a FA again as well but he should see interest since he wasn’t injured all of last season.
It is going to take the absolute right environment for Manziel to succeed. He does not have the number one PCJS qualification for QBs, which is someone who tilts the room and the field. It will require a team that is already otherwise built and a coaching staff that believes in him 100% to get his maturity to the level where he can command an NFL huddle when his whirling dervish act doesn’t work. I don’t think his act will immediately work and I do think it will take a long, long time for him to mature to the point where he can harness that act to the point it does his team more good than harm. Houston is already built, but I don’t see O’Brien as being the type of visionary that could get the most out of Manziel. I’d give Fisher a little better shot at getting success out of Manziel with that defense behind him, but they are upside down on Bradford and likely stuck with him. After that there are a bunch of really bad teams where he will be losing every year of his rookie contract while the rest of the roster is built. The best team situation for him is probably with either the Cardinals or the Bengals, but there is no way he will fall that far to either of them. We’ll see.
That video was so awesome. Got goose bumps watching it. Love Fox’s response about the Defense. I think it was “those guys are fast”.
Everything I was yelling on the tv during the game the defense and Russell were saying. That was so cool.
Your article was spot on Rob. Thanks for the video. Made my day 🙂
Looking at WR putting size aside I kind of like Jarvis Landry great hands 6 feet 195lbs. Should run around a 4.5. I might think about taking him at 32 at 64 for sure.
Love Landry, highly underrated. Early second round pick, but deserves to go higher.
Thanks for the video – watching these never gets old!! A team full of what they can do, not what they can’t. Great stuff once again Rob!
I like the Coleman/Benjamin analysis. Our needs are Big WR/OL/DL
My take on Manziel is he will be closer to Leaf than Wilson.
No head
No heart
No passion
I just don’t how you can say, of all things, that Manziel lacks passion.
I kinda like John Snyder’s approach to finding a QB. Does he tilt the field?
IMO Johnny Football does tilt the field every time he takes the field. Although this is college he has done it week in and week out and with good coaching will do the same in the NFL.
The guy is a me player. His passion isn’t for winning, it’ for accolades. It will fizzle fast when he can’t run away from everyone and still throws 25 int’s because the “throw the ball so Mike Evans makes a play” won’t work anymore
This is a very shallow interpretation and projection of his skillset. He is a leader on the field. He can be regularly seen demanding more from his teammates. Fiery. Passionate about WINNING. All he cares about is a win.
I wouldn’t say he lacks passion. There are two types of drive imo, the daily drive to be better and always show up and prepare, and the in-game drive to want it when the moment is most important. Peyton Manning certainly has the former, not sure if he has the latter. I had a teammate once in cross country who would drink and smoke and wouldn’t train 100%, but when it was race day, his talent, and his competitive drive would kick into gear, and he would run balls to the wall and win or place well. He didn’t have the daily focus, but come game day, no one wanted it more. I think Manziel is more that type. Luckily for Seahawks fans, I think Russell Wilson has both types of passion.
Also, I think Schneider and Pete would have to judge Manziel’s character on their own. Look at Marshawn and Percy. Both guys were written off by many as “head cases”, but both have flourished here.
Johnny Football’s numbers speak for themselves. Like duh! Don’t be one of those lazy fans who write Manziel off at first glance, because you personally don’t particularly care for his attitude/personality- without looking a little deeper… LIKE QUADRUPLE DEEPER at his game tape. Bottomline: On the field. He makes plays. He wins games. I predict he will be the #1 pick to the Houston Texans.
I think the one thing about Manziel that troubles me at first glance is his body. He just looks small out there. Like Colt McCoy small. I think the hard hitting NFC west would break him, so it’s probably a good thing for him that STL is sticking with Bradford.
Rob, did you see Colt Lyerla was invited to the combine? Was this expected? I’ve been holding on to the idea that he would be a 7th rounder for the hawks and that he would figure things out…
I’m certainly not Rob, but I’ll give my unsolicited opinion anyways.
Pete Carroll’s philosophy is “Always Compete.” Lyerla quit on his team in order or focus on being drafted. Since then he has been busted for cocaine possession. I don’t care how athletic the guy is. “Always Compete” is something that he is not willing to do.
My understanding is that he got busted snorting cocaine in his car. Then he was suspended. Then he quit the team to focus on legal stuff, drug rehab and preparing for the draft by moving to Las Vegas to live and train with his trainer.
I didn’t expect it personally. I have very little interest in Lyerla with his drug background and what happened at Oregon.
He’s been training for the combine since he was released from Oregon.
Not sure how much I would trust this guy. It may be an unfair comparison but in hindsight would you draft Aaron Hernandez? The guy is guilty until proven innocent in my eyes. He would have to blow me away with his transformation for me to make that move.
Rob,
There is one dynamic that seems to be ignored, which is the relationship between the coach and GM. Carroll and Schneider seem to have and extraordinarily deep friendship, and in my opinion, THAT is what makes the draft work so well for the Seahawks. There are too many teams where the GM just makes decisions and just tells the coach that he did something good for the team, but the coach wants something different in order to achieve his vision.
At the end of the day, that kind of relationship ends up being a complete mess. People say that the NFL is a copycat league. Fine. I would love to see other teams pick 6-3 corners just because Sherman is 6-3, therefore, a tall corner is going to be amazing. Ummmmmmmm, no.
Teams will think that they can copy what the Seahawks have done. They cannot. If they want to copy the Seahawks, then teams need to find a head coach AND a GM who will work together. That is step one. Step two is finding the right players. Bad teams ignore step one.
I also want to add this, again. Last year, the Seahawks sent scouts to two Rutgers games, but I am unsure about this year. I was almost completely convinced that they were going to draft Khaseem Green based on that information alone. Maybe they were more focused on someone else.
I agree whole heartedly with this post. Unfortunately, the rise of social media and other technology has really made us a society of now now now. We’re so wired to get results quickly that it hurts sports in general. Coaches are fired if instant success does not happen and it’s the same way with the players. If you don’t produce right off the bat your in trouble. It was only a few years ago where quarterbacks were expected to come in and start right away. Fans use to expect them to be groomed before taking over that starting role.
Christine Michael is a guy that comes to mind for me. So many local writers have written him off and think because he did not play at all he’s probably nothing to get excited about. I’ve heard many point to the fact that if your a difference maker you find your way on to the field. However, there is this guy named Marshawn Lynch in front of him and I fully believe that PCJS believe in developing the players. I remember talking to Brian Schneider at his house one night and asking him what the coaches thought of Kam Chancellor in his rookie year (didn’t play much at all with Lawyer Milloy there) and Coach told me that they LOVED him and that they believed he’d be a star. They were right. No reason to think the same won’t happen with Christine Michael and I believe Rob’s post is absolutely valid.
Devolping talent is kind of a lost art in the NFL today.
The thing that has me questioning Christine Michael is that he couldn’t even surpass Turbin on the depth chart this season, and was inactive more often than not. Turbin has been well below average for my money. I really hope that I’m making a mountain out of a mole hill here, but I worry that Michael simply isn’t “buying in” or putting in the work required to warrant more game day snaps.
Michael made it known that he wanted to be here before the draft. Turbin has been well above average as a backup running back in the national football league.
I think they’re just saving Michael.
I would concur, almost like they’re redshirting guys from this past draft class (2013) to either: save them from game tape, have them watch their respective peers whose starting, and/or due to injuries. How can you possibly explain the ‘Hawk’s first 5 selections didn’t play (4th was cut) for 90% of the season? That’s seriously unheard of. Tell, say the Vikings, not to have any of their first five selections to sit for most of the season…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9-M0UJKXEc
Just a nice little video. I forgot how boss Browner is, especially at 6:51
I meant 6:53. But anyway theres something about Coleman that i just dont see him having the heart to be an excellent NFL wide out. Benjamin I believe is the better option of the 2 but Im with u on Mike Evans being the most legit. Where can we look at all the salary cap info and all players salaries? Because I understand Rice is too much money but if its possible to keep him, we know what hes capable of right now, it doesnt make a lot of sense dropping a guy u know and taking a flier on some rookie and hoping hes gonna be a red zone threat. I dont think they can drop Sidney Rice and Zach Miller and have their red zone passing attack be any real threat, if anyone noticed it wasnt good this year, just everywhere else was phenomenal. We gotta keep one of these guys, honestly I think thats more important than Tate to repeat as Super Bowl champs.
To be fair, we don’t actually “know what he’s capable of right now”. Since he will be coming off a torn ACL… On the plus side, Pete did mention how well Rice’s recovery is progressing, so fingers crossed. I still think he gets cut, but if he’s willing to take a massive reduction in pay I would love to see him back.
Once the Seahawks started using a variety of offensive plays it really helped with the passing game. Kearse, Tate and Baldwin are all legitimate end zone targets. That would be enough for most teams, but then we pile Harvin on top – wow. I want another big receiver but I don’t think we need one. I just want a big receiver to round out the receivers.
Now some other teams use their big tight ends effectively in the red zone. That is one thing we didn’t get going last year. It is a very effective way to get a big pass catcher into the end zone. Maybe we just need to work on plays for the tight ends.
The lack of TE use is a result of a weak interior offensive line. We need Miller to block, especially in the red zone. ASJ would be in the same situation. The only real weakness on this team is the O Line. It took Marshawn two tries in the SB to push into the End Zone from the one. I expect they will wait until R2 to go for another WR. ASJ would be an exception in my mind only because it allows them to trade Miller.
Yes our biggest weakness is the offensive line. That could turn around fast next year.
Our O-line needs to be better but there was a lot of injuries last year and I think if they spend the whole season together the same unit will be more affective. They seemed to be doing a standup job of run-blocking for most of the playoffs and I dont believe Russell was sacked in the Super Bowl. I just believe we need someone that can win a jump ball inside the 5 yard line, gimmick pass plays and Lynch wont be enough next year. Need someone to go 1 on 1 against a CB and just go up and get the TD.
After watching a few game tapes, I see nary a difference in performance between Mike Evans and Davantae Adams. In terms of raw athletic ability Davantae Adams jumps off the screen to me. He can high point and shield with his body every bit as good as Evans, but runs with much more fluidity and appears to be the superior athlete.
I’m not sure why he’s not getting more talk, but I suspect it has something to do with the level of competition. Dude is a straight up beast. I personally feel he is a top 20 pick that should be drafted before Mike Evans. If he’s still around at 32 the Seahawks should give him serious consideration.
Davante Adams is one of my more favorite prospects. Although his tape is all over the place. Due in large part to the scheme they run down there. There is a lot of difference between Evans and Adams for me. But Adams would be a good talent to develop.
Were we to trade back and miss out on Coleman/Benjamin, I’d still feel good about Adams. I kind of expect him to be a niner with the number of picks they have.
There is a reason Carr, QB looked so good and Adams is it. He would be a great addition to the team. I was sold on Adams when he made a one handed catch. Goes up for the ball with good hands too. He has a future in the NFL.
Someone tell Kip to post his steals of the draft!
Could Luke Willson become our BIG wide receiver?
No.
wrong
I have always thought that about Luke Willson but of the 3 or so post with the exact same thought, not 1 time did I ever get a response.
Willson is big and fast, but not a jumper. We are looking for a WR with all 3.
yeah, his 38″ vertical just sucks shit….
WiLLson 6’5″/251lbs, 4.51 40, 4.29/7.08 short shuttle/3cone, 38″/10’02” vert/broad
AJ Green 6’3.5″/211, 4.48 40, 4.21/6.91 short shuttle/3 cone, 34.5″/10’06” vert/broad
There is no way that Luke WiLLson could develop into a red zone threat… oh, wait. what?
I was referring to his skills at high pointing the ball and winning jump balls…because that’s what we need someone to do, at his size. I have never seen Willson demonstrate that, and if he had, I’m sure he would of gotten more than his 0 red zone targets this season.
Just because the dude has a great SPARQ score doesn’t mean he will be a red zone threat. Sure, it’s possible. But I’d rather draft a WR for it than bet on Willson becoming one.
The bigger thing to me is that a coaching staff has to understand what it does well. Some staffs–and this is one–that develops talent really well. Others are good at Xs and Os but don’t develop players. They need more or less finished products. I’d put Ron Rivera’s staff in that category. I don’t mean that pejoratively.
You don’t take Manziel if you can’t spend a lot of time in development with him.
I have seen way too many GMs go with the high upside guy but not the coaching staff to develop him.
Anyone else think Carrol and co are looking to trade Carpenter. I think he was show ponied in the playoffs to trade away his salary and move on with younger guys that are just as capable.
I’m not sure about that. I mean, how much trade value will he have? I think they genuinely rotated those guys to suit the opposition they were playing.
agreed
I think it is a spot they definitely need to upgrade. Carp’s cap hit in 2014 is only $2.4 million. He has never lived up to his contract, however. A trade would be good. I doubt they get much. He is only 24 so his age isn’t the issue. The question is: Have they given up on him?
They’ll possibly keep him next year if only for the way he neutralises Justin Smith every time they meet.
Carpenter’s best games for Seattle have come against the opponent they need to beat the most.
This all comes down — IMO — to the way they view Bailey and Bowie, and whether they feel either can lock down the starting position long term. It’s not a good year to go after guards in the draft. Really poor class for the position.
wow… very much in alignment with my thinking.
the rotation comment is spot on. Carpenter does some things exceptionally well and does others below average. What he does very well is kick niner ass. I think Carp’s weaknesses mean we can keep him for cheap in the long term, and his weaknesses are ones that look to be mitigated quite a bit with experience, especially after his dismal, injury-laden first two seasons.
I feel like Red Bryant was paid what he is paid to do the same. If you don’t have Red, that niner OL beats us down – I mean he is a 6’4″ 340lb beast at DE – he demands a double team on runs to his side and even then he completely absorbs the entire double team, letting his teammates clean up the mess.