The video above is a review package of Dorial Green-Beckham’s pro-day. Note the occasional flash of ‘College Navy’ and ‘Action Green’ being sported by one of the observers. The Seattle coach/scout in attendance went through some drills with DGB and was spotted talking to him too.
This follows a previous Tweet by Charles Robinson on March 16th claiming the Seahawks were “digging into” Green-Beckham. Robinson says if he slides to round two, the Seahawks need to be monitored.
It’d be very easy to assume all of this is an elaborate smokescreen. It’s not often you see legit speculation over Seattle’s targets two months before the draft. There’s also cause not to treat every morsel of information with suspicion. Christine Michael provided a running commentary on Twitter of his visit with the Seahawks in 2013. We all heard about Carroll and Schneider’s game of bowling with Russell Okung before the 2010 draft. Doug Baldwin went on the radio to predict the Seahawks would draft Paul Richardson last year.
Then there’s the big one. Chris Mortensen didn’t report Seattle wanted Russell Wilson, he merely knew about it. He told Russell Wilson before the 2012 draft he was going to be a Seattle Seahawk. At least one reporter — Mortsensen — knew about the one player Schneider tried so hard to hide his interest in.
“People were aware that Seattle liked him”
Of course none of this is the coach turning up to the pro-day — the kind of stuff that typically becomes a red herring. Even so, there could be a bit of reverse psychology at play here. Good luck working it out. I just don’t think we should write this off.
Tony Pauline told us he wouldn’t draft Green-Beckham in the top-50 and I suspect a lot of teams will share that view. I didn’t ask Pauline at the time whether that was the feeling voiced by his sources — but let’s look at the situation. The NFL is still trying to repair its reputation after the whole Rice/Peterson/Hardy saga. Josh Gordon is a talented nightmare for the Browns. All of this stuff weighs on the mind of decision makers.
You’re looking at another loaded class of wide outs. You could make a case for their being ten alternative options in the first two rounds. You can avoid the risks and still find an impact player in this class.
As soon as DGB drops beyond pick #50 he’s a possible target. The Seahawks can realistically give up a fourth round pick to move up (if they even need to). In the late second he becomes fair game for a few different teams. We’ve talked about the depth in rounds 3-5 at various positions — but I suspect we’ll see a weaker point in the draft at around #55-65 where the value is pretty average. The grade range might drop significantly from the earlier part of round two. That could be a reason why Seattle considers moving up.
If the “digging” the Seahawks did on DGB gives them the confidence to take him, there’s always a chance other teams will jump to that same conclusion. He could go quite early — he’s talented enough. There does appear, however, to be momentum behind this possible drop beyond pick #50. While ever there are alternative options (especially at receiver) there’s a chance he falls. The sheer depth of quality at wide out encourages that to happen. Eventually someone will bite in round two. It won’t necessarily be the Seahawks — but it could be.
Oh Hell! All the info I received this week and the last 2 articles robs put out and a few chats with him. I’m ready to shoot the moon. Seattle likes speed.
Hey Dan or Gus you have 42 or 36 pick would you take a 64, 112, and a 3rd round pick next year for your 2nd. Why not trade our late 3rd next year when I think we have a good chance to get a 3rd comp pick for Maxwell.
2nd Phillip Dorsett WR
Why not Seattle traded a 1st,3rd, and 7th plus a big new contract for a Percy Harvins. Strike one. Lets try this again. Pick 45 Seattle takes Paul Richardson. Strike 2 due to injury on the same leg. With their 3rd attempt Seattle takes Phillip Dorsett and why not. How many Reception do you expect a pass catcher to get in this offense. to me its about 30(low) and 50 (high).Think about this Dorsett had 36 receptions, 10 TDs, 871 yards for a 24.2 yard average. He’s the big play guy they been looking for and now is not time to let him get away.
95 Marcus Hardison DT 3-tech
Patience has finally paid off. This guy can be rotational guy with Jordan Hill who if he stays injury free will make his mark. It is very clear in this league you can never have enough pass rush. It just feels right in every way possible.
112 Traded
130 Daryl Williams LG
In a short discussion with rob I mention this guy. He told me if you want another carpenter. Well I thought about that and yes I want a better Carpenter. You see Im not draft this guy to play ROT. I drafting him and locking him at the LG spot where he he belongs to begin with. Another thing is Carpenter was a 1st rounder, I get Willams with a 4th round pick.
134 Sequen Golson CB
The outside CB opposite of Sherman was address with FA. Theres a growing role for a nickel corner in this pass happy league. This lacks the height but you just can’t argue with his skill having 9 interceptions and 16 pass defense. This guy has all the skills you want in a CB other than his height. Has the possibility of being an All-Pro nickel CB.
167 Terry Poole C
I think 130 was way to soon for this guy. He definitely not a tackle and a move to interior OL was going to happen. He’s a Juco transferr so he will be pretty raw changing position. 1 year of learning and a pro strength program he could step in as a center 2016.
170 Shaquille Riddick Leo/OLB
In many ways he’s a Bruce Irving clonebut we ain’t taking him in the 1st. He play a Tech 5 spot that never should have been at. A project who needs to add a few pounds and some strength conditioning. You know he’s tough screwing around with guys that had 50Ibs on him. He really can’t do worse than O’Brian Schoffield
181 Rob Crisp OL
This guy could be the next Paul McQuiston or Alvin Bailey no matter what he is an athletic OL who could play anywhere other than center . He really is a steal here. I’m in some disagreement with robs draft cause I think he goes in the 5th round to someone that needs a Tackle.
209 Thomas Rawls RB
Ya, I know all about his off field issues but he’s man up and taken care of them that they won’t affect him going forward. He’s a shorter version of Lynch that has the physicality and lateral quickness to make guys miss. He a lot harder seeing coming thru the line. A steal here.
214 Alana Fua OLB/SS
This guy is one of my Favorites. He’s just so versatile and can play all over the field. He a guy I can see Seattle finding a place on Special Teams to start, OLB, and maybe SS. This just to many possibilities for this guy and if there’s a team that can find a spot it’s Seattle.
248 Any offensive Lineman maybe a Quiton Spain.
I have no clue where Seattle might possible go here but OL and Cables magic would work since we rob him of a Cedric Ogbuehi at 64 which could still happen if a trade can’t be made for Phillip Dorsett.
This guy is another Kris Durham period. wouldn’t take him anywhere in this draft at all.
Rob what do you think about just buying Atlanta’s pick at 42 for maybe 112, 248 (2015) and 1st (2016). We could then get a Phillip Dorsett 42 and a Cedric Ogbuehi 63. I really believe if Seattle still had there 1st pick this year that they take a Phillip Dorsett. Could you give me an idea of what you think it would take to make this happen.
I wouldn’t want to trade a 2016 first rounder to pick a guy we won’t have graded in the first this year. JS said 16 first round grades so it’s unlikely one makes it to #42.
Honestly I’m just not existed about DGB. I think he could be a decent value in terms of talent at #63, but I’m definitely not on the “OMG HE’S A FREAK” bandwagon, which has been totally proven to be overblown considering his middling numbers at the combine.
There are better options for the Seahawks at #63 (or high if they trade up) that I think can make this team better.
There are flaws to his game. Can he deal with press? He’s shown to struggle against physical corner play — too often he’s re-routed. That could be a major issue at the next level against bigger, tougher, faster cornerbacks. You want him winning 1v1 in all situations. That’s before you get into the character concerns.
At the same time he does ‘glide’ when he gets into full speed and that’s rare for a player with his size. He’s great in the open field, he’s a deep threat (again, unique for his size). He has as much potential in this draft class as anyone to develop into a true #1. You can pretty much make a fantastic case for or against.
I feel the same way Rob. The Randy Moss comparisons are way over blown as Moss truly was an athletic freak and a once in a generation DGB is not that. That being said they have a similar look and if it were not for all the baggage we would have have not shot at this guy. It seems like the shine has really come off him since his pro day when his measurables were just average. The only thing that concerned me out of all his #s was arm length.
We all seem to love guys like Mcbride, Lockette and Bell. Rightfully so but realistically each of these guys is a quality #2 receiver with kick return skills.In my mind there only 3 guys who have legitimate #1 WR potential currently after the top 3 (Cooper, White and Parker).
Those 3 guys are
1)DGB- For the reasons you mention above
2)Waller – V Jackson Clone and never dropped a ball last year. He has baggage too though with a failed drug test and coming from G-Techs system is hard to really judge.
3)Conely- He is a better athlete than even Kevin White. He has good hands and flashes on tape. Also seems to be a real character guy. Question is why was he not more productive? Sure Georgia was run based and they had a poor QB but Conely disappeared some games. Would he survive practicing against LOB daily.
My thinking is why even bother with DGB when you can get Waller / Conely in the 3rd or early 4th.
I think it just makes too much sense to go OL with our 2nd rounder, Mcbride in the 3rd and then Conely or Waller with the N.O pick in the 4th.
Think about it this way Jimmy Graham and Waller / Conely for max Unger and the 31st pick.
If he can turn into Alshon Jeffery I would be happy.
Randy Moss was electrifying and super explosive coming out of college—4.2 40 yd. DGB doesn’t show that at all: 4.4 40. The only similarity is the height and general structure of his physique.
How about a taller,more athletic but more raw Dez Bryant.
Bryant pro day (didn’t without at combine):
40 YARD DASH: 4.49 SEC
BENCH PRESS: 13 REPS
VERTICAL JUMP: 33.5 INCH
BROAD JUMP: 119.0 INCH
3 CONE DRILL: 6.89 SEC
20 YARD SHUTTLE: 4.45 SEC
60 YARD SHUTTLE: 11.89 SEC
DGB combine:
40 Yrd Dash: 4.52
Bench Reps: 14
Vertical Jump: 38
Broad Jump: 11’01”
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.46
3-Cone Drill: 7.10
Oh sorry guys I switched the workouts, Bryant’s is the lower, better set.
Randy moss was also 20 to 30 pounds lighter
I have to say this. if Phillip Dorsett is there and DGB I take Dorsett any day of the week. Man 36 reception and 10 of those were TDs. 36 receptions about what you expect on this Seattle team but you can’t expect the 871 yds and 24.2 yards average per catch. This guy screams Seahawk. I sure hope he can return.
I’m with you Trevor. Mcbride is the right pick in the 3rd for our PR/KR WR. He has the size to endure the hits, fast enough to even play gunner, Tall enough with great body control and high pointing hands to get those Tate catchs. perfect.
Waller/Conley will compete with Matthews and OMiel for those 2 tall WR targets we will need.
I really can’t see lockett making the cut this year with the above picks. Actually, if Norwood makes the 2nd year just and we hit the jackpot with those guys we may see Krease out due to his cap cost and no upside.
I’d love to see us draft such great WR’s, 2-3, that Kearse gets beaten out in camp!
Hey Sun,
Why the hate on Kearse? He is a good WR.
How quickly some people have forgotten the tough catches he made in the final minutes to win the NFCC against the Niners last year, or against Green bay this year, or the tip catch in the Super Bowl this year to get the Hawks in position to win.
I hope Kearse and Baldwin are the main WR core whoever the new WR’s are. We would not have a Superbowl championship and the successful seasons without them.
Donald- you beat me to it. Kearse has been getting too much flack lately. He’s not a pro bowler or anything but does make a fair share of plays.
Kearse’s problem is that he can’t separate from single coverage. The throw has to be PERFECT to be completed. I also wouldn’t mind if guys we draft this year (or that we drafted before) beat him out.
He did make thole catches and others. He is also far from a pro bowler and starting his 5th year he is not going to get much better.
Are you guys really trying to tell me that Krease is as good as it gets at WR2? Is he the best you can hope for?
If not then hoping we find someone better then him is not “the hate on Kearse”, it’s fans hoping their team improves.
If you somehow managed to convince yourselves that Kearse is an elite receiver and we should be happy that no team picked up his 2nd round tender, don’t be surprised if others do not share the view.
I love Kearse but i’d be happy with an upgrade just like i loved Miller and am very happy to get Graham.
No hate here…
Eran- I agree with most all you said. Getting an upgrade at WR is a top priority this year. My previous comment was more based towards letting Kearse walk before this season. He’s a solid contributor,one that should be retained,but most definitely can be upgraded. If Kearse is our 4th WR next year we would have a big time WR core, and I’m all for that! Just because his tender is $2.5 doesn’t mean we have to pay him that much. We had Walters and Lockette on the active roster far too often last year. Those are the spots that should be improved upon.
Yes we had Walters and Lockette on the active roster for a reason though, because they played key roles on special teams. That’s what makes drafting a wide receiver that’s also seasoned in special teams the key to whether Ricardo makes the roster or not.
Norwood really needs to up his game by learning how to play special teams. That goes for any wide receiver competing for a spot. They’ll improve their chances of being active on game day if they have this dimension in their game, and any wide receiver competing for an active roster spot that doesn’t have that ability is going to have to be pretty special to overcome that competitive disadvantage from not adding value in special teams.
“Yes we had Walters and Lockette on the active roster for a reason though, because they played key roles on special teams.”-arias
Walters was there to return kicks-poorly. Lockette is a plus gunner, but not much else. I think Matthews and Kearse can man the gunner spots just fine. Agreed that Norwood needs to become a special teams contributor. I like him alright as a WR. Hopefully a healthy off season and preseason helps him really grow in both phases of the game.
The reason I dropped Tre McBride was because I need pick 35 for Marcus Hardison 3-tech look him up. You can never have enough pass rush.
Every time I want to get interested in DGB, I find just as much bad as good
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei7USo7lq8Q
He’s tall. That’s his major asset, and he doesn’t make optimum use of what else he’s got. He isn’t quick or explosive. Long stride with no much variety. Not physical. Very limited route runner. Seems lazy, takes plays off a la Randy Moss in Oakland.
What does he offer that Matthews doesn’t already have? Waller might also be a better version of DGB with more upside and no negatives.
Waller does have negatives — in fact a very similar one to DGB in terms of play vs physical corners. He can be blase at times. There’s a lot to like about his potential too. Matthews is a one game wonder until he proves otherwise.
Rob, are you going to write that follow-up on Zach Hodges? Is he still a viable option?
I think it’s doubtful.
I guess as I watch the tape above and the link Steele provided, I think why draft DBG over several other taller WRs? Waller ran faster, hasn’t had issues and played on a running team.
Interestingly, Chris Conley – though shorter – arms are an inch longer, as does Waller, Smelter. Agholor’s arms are only .25 shorter than DBG.
Vert – Conley at 45in beats everyone, and both Kenny Bell and Ty Montgomery over 40 inches – 33.5. McBride 38.
To me, DBG doesn’t have anything that is so outstanding to take him in the 2nd round.
Sorry DBG vert is 33.5
He has hype. He has had hype for a long time… that is kicking into overdrive, trying to raise his draft stock.
Yeah you’re right!
It sounds like the group think is that measurables make the man, when in reality they have little to do with success. As you can see from the above comparison of DGB and Dez Bryant, DGBs measurables are fine. What makes Bryant a special player is what’s inside. The desire and pure will to not be stopped. That’s what makes him unstoppable. That’s what the Hawks are likely digging into. He has shown games where he looks like that unstoppable force and others where he is just stopped. Like Rob always says, the team wants guys who are pissed off for greatness.
Very well put. The focus on the combine number can shift our attention to things that don’t matter and make statements like “this guy is as valuable as that guy – look at their numbers”. Granted some really smart Seahawk fans have shown that Seattle considers strongly Sparq-like numbers to make projections. But athleticism is way below drive in importance.
When Bryant was coming out of college, his attitude, work ethic and love for the game were questioned by many.
Didn’t mean to send that yet, I was going to add that they turned out to be wrong, clearly, and that I agree with you about the hawks looking into DGB in that area.
DGB has issues vs press as I noted earlier, but there’s a lot that makes him stand out too. When he goes up to high point the ball he’s borderline unstoppable. There aren’t many receivers with his natural size who glide when they run. That is incredibly rare. He’s a fluid, natural athlete with the suddenness out of his initial break and the long speed to go over the top. If it all clicks for him he could be the ultimate playmaker. The Waller’s of this world cannot compete there. He is a more obvious big target — nice speed for the size, but not a YAC threat or a great downfield guy in terms of being able to run away from people. That’s where DGB is rare.
Conley is also a very raw receiver that often ran the wrong routes. That’s a huge negative for the hawks.
That is amazing that you know by watching on TV what Conley’s route was supposed to be to make a comment that he ran the wrong routes. I thought only the team knew what routes were run and when.
By the way, I like Conley very much and I would be happy to have him on the Hawks team. I think he is talented enough to contribute, and the 4.35 is nothing to sneeze at.
I like Conley a lot. He’s kinda tall with great arm length, big hands and great hops. He can run by defenders AND play above the rim! He is a great character guy with good smarts. His highlight film shows a few catches that were simply phenomenal and demonstrate an ability to adjust to the ball in the air and go snatch it, making whatever contortions are needed. His production was limited by a run heavy offense, but his risk is minimal and upside is through the roof!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4fbcN54bOQ
It’s been said by multiple scouts it’s the reason he will be available in the 4th
The guy is way too smart to run the wrong routes. He is very far from polished etc. but this guy is too intelligent to run the wrong routes.
If Smelter had not got hurt I would have been pounding the table for him with our 3rd rounder. I like Waller a lot but when you watch the GTech tape Smelter just jumps out at you and from what I hear he is an incredible character. Him and Wilson are ex baseball guys and would have really been a good match IMO. I really hope there is some way the Hawks can get him and red shirt him for a year. I am just not sure how you could do it. You probably have to take him in the 7th and try to slip him through waivers on IR.
If you have not already check out this guy and his background, comments about his character and tape before he got hurt. If there is such a thing as Seahawky this guy is it.
He was drafted in baseball as well – and came back to football.
Would you take him in the 6th if he was sitting there? I would.
I would definitely take him in the 6th after all we have 11 picks.
Here is an article I just read that has some great info on him if you are interested. I will be rooting for him even if the Hawks don’t take him.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2422453-only-injury-is-keeping-deandre-smelter-from-being-buzz-of-nfl-draft
I’d take him in a heartbeat and PUP him next year. I understand this doesn’t always work out, ala Marcus Lattimore, but it’s a risk worth take. I do wonder if he really falls as far as projected. Maybe the combination of Georgia Tech and the injury drop him further. But I was always surprised at how early San Francisco popped their injured guys. I would note, however, given how it seems to take many of Seattle’s WR draftees a season to get on the field, that being able to sideline a WR on PUP for his first year isn’t as big a disadvantage as it would be for some other positions. Norwood is the obvious example, with Kearse and Matthews as additional data points. Baldwin is the counter, and his UDFA status makes his early success particularly impressive. P-Rich is somewhere in the middle, but given Seattle’s needs last year, I’m inclined to put him closer to Norwood than Baldwin.
WR DeAndre Smelter, Georgia Tech…At 6-3 and 222 pounds, Smelter has an enticing skill set for the NFL, but he suffered a torn ACL in the regular-season finale against Georgia. NFL teams will have an opportunity to find out how his knee rehab is progressing while at the combine. – Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com
No ACL injury guys please, let the 49ers draft him.
Of course we don’t know if any other ligaments were injured as well but I wouldn’t mind him with our last 5th. I think he has the ability to be a good 2nd WR
HE is currently rated as a 7th round or a priority FA pick-up after the draft. He will be on IR possibly for 2015.
The thinking was to red shirt him for a year anyways. He is rated in the 7th because of the injury. I do not expect him to play in 2015 but if we took him we would have two great prospects coming back in 2016 with him and P Rich.
Have you watched his tape Charlie?
I just watched one tape of his highlights. I see a lot of slants and post routes. He had one nice seam route catch, inside the hash marks, on the tape I watched. I do not see him catch much in the middle (short-medium range) of the field or crossing the field. He made an effort to block, but I didn’t think he dominated the inferior DBs covering him in the run game (blocking).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR8GhCSf8FY
Here is another one. Highlights are mostly vs PITT.
You can’t write guys off because of an ACL anymore. Sure we had a setback with PRich but Britt had an ACL and was fine. Look at Adrian Petersen.
I am not saying spend an early pick on him but we have 11 picks and with a late rounder he is more than worth the risk.
Charlie,
Just like we draft receivers to grow up with RW, we should draft Smelter to grow up with Prich. A rehab buddy helps a lot. 🙂
I like that Idea it really would be spirit lifting for the both of them rehabing together.
Off the field, he is a mess. On the field, he doesn’t have enough experience or tape to take a big swing on him. Would you rather have Bell + Waller or DGB.. essentially that is the tradeoff…. 2 very good WR or 1 possibly outstanding WR….. I’ll take the very good players, without the baggage everyday.
Agreed!
Agreed!
Absolutey prefer the others to DGB, as a set, as well as individually.
I think DGB could be special – but I agree with you that two potential stars are better than one. Bell, Waller, McBride, Conely, even Montgomery (among others) COULD all be special. I always feel more lottery picks are better than fewer lottery picks. The only sure fire star WR in this class in my opinion is Amari Cooper, the rest all have a chance.
I’d take the potentially outstanding guy and I wouldn’t think twice. This team has enough good receivers, and especially with Graham here now, and Willson, there are only so many targets to go around. I’d like to get a look at the guys we have and see what they can do over the course of a season, like Douglas McNeil, like Mathews, like Norwood. Before PRich cones back and takes their snaps, hopefully. I like Waller but he’ll go straight to the PS his first year on this roster and in all likelihood Bell just compounds the logjam of good but not good enough wr’s.
We need a WR1, we don’t need two more Baldwins. We need some one who can move the chains, make big plays and bring down jump balls in the end zone and DGB would be a remarkable opportunity to add that in the second. I’d not only ship the fourth to move up for him, I’d send next years fourth too or if necessary trade our third. Get this guy Pete and show everyone you still have big balls.
All solid points. And to be honest, I bet John and Pete are closer to your mentality in their approach to drafting than those in the Lockett, McBride, Waller camp. All except trading our 3rd to move up to take him. That I cannot see them doing.
I’m not sure they’d do it either but, let’s remember that it’s on the end of the third; a couple picks later and it would be a fourth. And it’s not that far away from the fourth we’re discussing trading. I’d definitely send it to cut the risk of missing out on dgb. Obv it would depend on where they think other teams r ready to pick him.
I like him, imagine an offense with Russ, beast, Graham, Doug, Matthews/Kearse/Norwood, and DGB, how a defense cover all of this guys?
I really don’t think he will be there at the 2nd round, but if he’s there, and if SEA does believe he will stay away from problems, i would take him easily, but, there is that off field issues, DavisHSU said Justin Britt, who was in Mizzou with DGB, did not approve picking him.If we don’t pick him and pick a guy like Marpet or Grasu at 63 and picking guys like Tre McBride and Darren Waller, i would be okay with ir too.
I hope JSPC listen to Justin Britt.
Really? Don’t most seahawks fans want Britt to go away???
NO….
I’m hopeful that Britt plays better this year. He was a mixed bag last year, but he was a rookie. He played well enough at times to think he can be okay.
Got stronger later in the year – his needle is pointing up. He was a rookie 2nd round pick, he has played at least up to that level so far.
It’s funny how much negativity the Oline gets…Britt too…as a rookie he was part of the best by FAR rushing Oline in the entire NFL. That IS a biG deal. We gloss over it…the next best was 25 yards behind us on average per game.
We will take 3 OL to more I feel, and they will continue to grow and produce! 1 yard from B2B…
They are doing something right-.-
Why would you want him to go away. An interesting statistic I came across. When Seattle ran the ball to the left side it averaged 3.6 yards a carry. When they went to the right side where Britt was they averaged 4.0 yard and runs over the middle was at 5.6 yards.
I think he would be an ideal Left Guard. He is a good run blocker but struggles with speed rushers. Move him to guard and we are solid at that spot I think and then draft Donvan Smith to play RT this year as a potential replacement for Okung next year.
I really like Smith also.
That’s not what Cable and Pete said publicly last year after drafting him. They said that from watching tape of him he looked like he would be a far more natural fit on the right side of the line.
Does having Jimmy Graham give us an insurance policy to punt on Cris Matthews?
And as a result, should we go speed over size this year?
No dear Nathan, just the opposite. One big target deserves another. When your first big target draws the bigger cover personal your second big target can abuse the smaller cover it receives. @ big targets are better then just one surrounded with speedy smurfs.
I may be mistaken, but when Nathan says “punt” on Chris Matthews, I read it as “take a bet on”. As in, we have Graham so we can take a bet on Matthews as the big outside receiver and draft a speedy slot guy this year to compliment their height. But of course, I could be totally off.
ooops. English is not my first language so i may have missed that. SORRY.
Still, as much as i’d love to see if Matthews SB performance is the start of great things to come, i think we need another big WR to compete with him at camp. We have Baldwin, Prich will return and whoever we pick for PR/KR will be a 3rd fast guy.
I was a real believer in Chris Matthews from day one. Mostly because in a prior season he was rookie of the year in the CFL. So I was quite pleased to see him finally get put in a game, and of course he did well. In my mind he has already proven himself.
Having said that, you can never have enough big tall receivers. Plus Wilson seems more comfortable throwing bombs to people with good jumping ability and a wide catch range. So lets get a few more players like Matthews and Graham.
I’m totally with you AlaskaHawk. As far as I’m concerned, he has proven himself not only on the NFL’s biggest stage, but also over the course of a season in the CFL. I’m not sure why people seem to discount his CFL accolades. It’s not like those wide open fields and pass oriented spread offenses don’t give receivers plenty of experience adjusting to the pro game. The clinic he put on in the Super Bowl just cements it for me.
I agree Matthews can thrive next year, especially with Jimmy now in the fold.
But at #63, why wouldn’t we consider Devin Funchess over DGB if both r available?
He is BIG, and actually has a way bigger catching radius than DGB, due to having longer arms and a better vertical by quite a bit!
I say bulk up WR with Funchess! Target him with #63 or a trade up…
Imagine BeastMode in the backfield, RW takes the snap, he has Funchess and Jimmy To throw too…that’d be Crazy!
Add in a Conley/Bell/McBride too… and we would be lethal!
Hi David,
Yes you read me right.
Using the term “punt” didn’t help the clarity; it doesn’t make sense. “Punting” is what the Hawks did with Harvin; expecting Mathews to contribute is really the opposite.
I don’t think there’s anything strange or telling about Seattle digging into DGB. Every team is going to be doing the same thing. They have to if they want to build a profile of him because of all the red flags. It’s simple due diligence. Now, Seattle might dig a little deeper because they’re in the market for a wide receiver and have a track record of drafting players with past issues (ie. self inflicted), but I don’t we believe we can tell from this that Schneider really covets DGB.
That’s not to say they won’t draft him or even move up for him because he really is talented. I think the weight he gained hurt him at the combine and at his pro day. His height is his greatest attribute but what could separate him from other tall guys like Chris Matthews is speed and agility. He’s not a freakish athlete like Megatron who can run a 4.35 at 235lbs, but he is very athletic. Like Rob says, he’s a glider, and he’s got great body control and good hands. I don’t care about his arm length or hand size. It’s good enough that he’s 6′ 5 and doesn’t run like Tony Moeaki.
I put him in the same boat as Cedric Ogbuehi. Physically talented, great developmental potential, but flawed in enough ways that I would prefer to take a player with our first pick who can impact sooner.
Perhaps Seattle was actually interested in another player at the pro day. Another idea to keep in mind, trying to get intel on who might draft various players in the draft… to anticipate picks ahead and behind the Seahawks. This is a very under rated part of their draft plan, knowing when to pull the trigger to pick guys at all rounds in the draft.
Well, he is a physical talent. Given that he’s 20 pounds heavier than almost all of his competition, his pro-day numbers are impressive. It’d likely be a three year project like Tate, and from so little tape, it’d be hard to tell what kind of football mind he has from that alone. My gut feeling from listening to him talk in a few of those tapes about him reaching for the NFL is that he might have come from a background where all he knows is “survival mode” and there might not be much initiative or motivation.
But, there has to be a point where you would draft him. Maybe you determine he’s not worth a move up and even at 63 there are likely to be a dozen players you like more. But certainly if he drops to the 5th he’d be the best physical talent at any position still on the board – would you take him in the 5th? almost certainly. What if he’s there at 95? It’s a remote possibility… Do you spend 3.31 on DGB? 4.12 seems extremely enticing. Of course Schneider and Carroll are going to do the legwork. Crossing the I’s and dotting the T’s on this player allows the team to accurately place him on their draft board (or off of it).
I’d guess that the Seahawks will put a 3rd or 4th round grade on him and he won’t be there to draft.
I don’t think DGB is on Seattle’s board at all. He doesn’t check the boxes.
I think it’s safe to say he’s on their board. Whether they take him or not (or trade up for him) is another matter.
I hope we go OL with our first pick. If we draft a WR in the second, DGB is the only option I like. We need that tall threat on the outside. It’s fun to imagine what he would be capable of with program/scheme/coaching continuity.
The more I look at Tony Lippett, the more I like. Here is film of him playing both WR and CB. He looks great on both.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPg0zuTni2Q
Check out his quick footwork, twitcy moves to get open. He and Kenny Bell are both very technical. Great slant routes. He has length, catches with hands, attacks the ball. He may not be a burner, but, again like Bell, will make big plays reliably for you.
At corner, he looks Sherman-like.
A team could do much worse with Lippett and Kenny Bell as your receivers. I would take Lippett in rd. 3 and feel good about it.
I really want Lippet as well and included him in my 7 round Seahawks mock. He played the last 3 games of the year at Corner last year and Dantonio said he wished he had played him there more. Only gave up one catch for 13 yds in 7 targets I guess. His coach compared him to Chris Gamble who he also coached and converted from WR to CB.
If you can get him in the 4th I think you are getting a 1st-2nd round talent at CB who just looks like a Seahawks Corner.
In my opinion, the two best press corners in this draft are Jalen Collins and Tony Lippett. Collins is not going to be available for the Hawks, but I would LOVE for Lippett to be the Hawk after the draft, no matter where he’s picked. I wouldn’t complain a bit if he was the pick at 63.
What I have been saying all along.
If compare him to moss who is one of the greatest wr ever he won’t look good but if you compare him to kalvin Benjamin I think dgb is the better prospect. KB was a first rounder with a lot of flaws to his game. A lot of the same flaws that dgb has.
KB is a much more physical player. DGB has frankly not optimized his physical potential at all, because of attitude or coaching. DGB seems like someone who is not a hard worker at perfecting his craft. You can’t teach self-motivation and drive. That is why I would be leery of him.
What about Devin Funchess at #63? No off the field issues I know of, and he has a larger catch radius then DGB…
Dgb just doesn’t seem Seahawky to me. As larger press corners gain popularity smaller slot Wr find more success. just look at Calvin Johnson again the hawks guys. We needed a red zone threat and got one. Every year the Hawks kick the tires of a bunch of 6-5 prospects and then grab who ever had the fastest 3 cone drill Ala Doug Baldwin. I would like to see a scrappy fighter over any physical trait but Dgb short arms and lack of hops scare me. I want to see him win a jump ball again Sherm before I sign up for this hype train, or develop better release techniques and take slants to the house. The new way the NFL teams combating our mix of runs and down field bombs, is to forcing Wilson to get rid of the ball quick with press coverage and blitz. I would envision a sub 6 foot reciever with great quickness and vertical to round out this attack. We still haven’t replaced golden tate and it shows.
I respectively disagree. I am excited for the prospect of a 6’5+ target for Wilson just look at the SB with Matthews and him linking up. Matthews was a PS player so just imagine what an all pro player (i.e. Jimmy Graham) can do. I’d love to see Wilson and a DGB or even someone similar to his height. I loved Doug Baldwin in his rookie year when he was the slot and would find holes in zones and settle into them, that I believe was/is when he is at his best. hoping Graham can help open these guys up more.
They love suddenness. DGB has his issues but there are very few human beings on the planet who glide like he does at that size.
” I would like to see a scrappy fighter over any physical trait but Dgb short arms and lack of hops scare me” frank
DGB has short arms for his height, but 32.5″ arms are not short. His tested vertical of 33.5″ isn’t great, but watch his tape-jump balls are a big strength. When there’s a ball to catch I don’t see DGB as having any problem getting up for it, much like Kelvin Benjamin. There’s more to being a jump ball artist than a big time vertical. I’m not completely sold on trading up to take DGB, but if he somehow falls to us at #63 I’m all for taking him. Nobody outside of Cooper, White and Parker have #1 WR talent that DGB has. IMO
I agree with you on DGB. His vertical jump was disappointing (and surprising), but it was only disappointing (and surprising) because his tape shows it as a strength. He’s a thick chested guy, so his wingspan is huge despite the “short” arms. He will be unstoppable on the back-shoulder fade with his thickness and nimble feet and his jump ball/box-out skills are already well developed. I think if his off-field behavior keeps him eligible on Sundays, he’ll be a star.
Rob, I don’t see suddennes from DGB. Wish I did. His long stride is easily shut down.
Watch the Auburn game again. Wide open downfield, consistently open, had a big YAC run.
I’ll take OGB all day long … Or anyone, can the draft just get here already
DGB
Here’s a thought let’s draft the reciever’s Sherman thinks the most highly on. He knows what to look for more than anyone. Remember, after he went against Odell Beckham in I believe his first game after starting the first four games inactive due to an injury mentioned after the game Odell was going to be a great reciever in the NFL. He sure seems to be all that, Richard Sherman all pro corner / reciever evaluater extraordinaire.
Yeah lets bring our top 10 WR options for visits to VMAC and let them line up and do drills against Sherm to see what he thinks before we make our pick. Kidding but that would be pretty awesome actually and I would pay to see it.
While I think it was said in jest, it really isn’t a bad idea. But I don’t think they can do this actually…. Anyone know for sure?
Do you really think a guy like OBJ is going to be available at #63? That is the problem — with the Seahawks picking at #63, the #1 wrs are going to be long gone, so we are going to be looking at developing guys or going after guys with issues. I’m still hopeful that Matthews can be the big wr we are looking for.
Is this directed at me? I think there are a few WRs that could have a Backham-lite impact at 63. You just never know. But I didn’t say that OBJ will be there. I was merely responding to the idea that draft prospects compete against our current players to get our player impression of them. it just thought it was an interesting idea
I don’t think the Screecher or Trevor were serious. It isn’t gonna happen.
I was just joking but it would be pretty cool if they could do that and I really would pay to see that.
I was completly sincere in my statement. Richard will know how much potential they have to be successful in the NFL. Logically it would be the best determination of NFL talent. It makes since to me, however maybe John and Pete would feel like they would be giving some of their power of operation away. Powerful people alot of times want all of the control, after all their only human.
Regardless of how the workout goes, in no way would it properly simulate a live game situation where Sherman was able to evaluate OBJ firsthand. An evaluation from working out with him wouldn’t come anywhere close. He wouldn’t have any better of a sense of well the guy responds to his press, or how precise he runs he routes, or what subtle in game adjustments he makes to the coverage he’s receiving that he was able to use to recognize OBJ was something special.
It’s not really the same thing.
Seattle is clearly intrigued by DGB’s talents, enough so to try and figure out how well he’d fit with the team in the meeting rooms and off the field. If he passes the Doug Baldwin test and we draft him, then I’d have to assume he’d be a good fit for this team and I would be ecstatic. We we pass on him, I’ll have to assume the opposite and it wouldn’t bother me one bit.
I think our #63 pick can be better used to pick a smurf wr/kr. Lockett would be my choice if he drops that far. In addition to his gametime contributions, a smurf would add another benefit in practice situations where he could imitate the Edelmans or the Welkers and give the Legion of Boom some opportunities to face the really quick wrs who provide some unique threats.
If they were to go for speed over size, I’d prefer Dorsett – his speed is off the charts. He would be in the running for fastest player in the NFL, as soon as he signs his rookie deal. Lockett is certainly fast, but he is definitely not as explosive as Dorsett.
I’d be fine with Dorsett — I think he may be a better receiver, but I think Lockett is a better returner.
Not that it matters what I think, but I woke up this morning on the smurf train. With Graham/Matthews on the roster, and the ability to draft tall guys later in the draft (Waller/Prater, for instance) the Seahawks could add a speed-demon (ala Harvin) as another unique element in their offense. That could be Dorsett or Lockett, even if it meant trading up.
Tomorrow I will change my mind and oppose trading up or drafting small WRs, but that’s my thought for the day.
I change my mind daily, too. I guess I don’t really care whether they go big or small, just as long as whoever they draft can gain separation — either because of their size or their quickness/route-running ability. And, if they can contribute on day one — in the return game, for example — that’s a bonus.
I think they need both tall WRs and smurfs, both with quickness and speed, but that the top half of the draft should not be spent on smurfs and ST. I really don’t see the fear of missing out Lockett or Montgomery, when McBride, Bell and Conley are all accomplished returners—and better receivers–and Mario Alford, JJ Nelson, etc. are available later, and that is not even counting the return capability you can get with guys at other positions, like RB Corey Grant. 4.2 and gone.
What’s not to like about this guy. He stumbles at the start of his 40 yard dash at combine and still runs a 4’33.
If he has a year like the last season he had in Miami we would be golden. 10TDs, 36 receptions, 871 yards, and that’s an average of 24.2 yards per catch and almost every 3rd pass being a TD. In Seattle a receiver catching 35 to 50 in a year is doing a excellent job because of the limited pass plays Seattle does.
Yup – but I don’t want to give up a mid-round pick to move up and get him. I don’t like the idea of giving up a pick, unless there’s a plan to recoup a pick later.
Completely concure with your statement on getting the quick guy for your reason of thinking as well. Lockett could be a great player in the nfl. I just personally have a better feeling about Stefon Diggs he’s incredibly quick and a playmaker. Either way I have no doubt our return game and receiving corp will be drastically improved this year. We have to wait, but none of us want to. I’m thinking about an induced coma mysef. I’m so silly
Rob Stanton, you are the man. Love the high level of analysis and passion of you and your readers..
IMO, the Hakws won’t radically change next year. Not should they.
While there’s rampant discussion covering the perceived weaknesses of WR, etc., I’m looking at the hole at Center, the IQ of the O-line, as the missing piece.
Personally, if get Cameron Erving, late first round, and plug that hole for a decade.
Seems with only 16 first round grades, a late first round or early second comes cheap.
Preserving our run first, smash mouth identity could get the Hawks back to a third SB.
Erving looks like the right fit to me.
Why do you think O-line help is not the priority?
Erving would be great but if Tampa drafts Winston it would be very smart of them to get Erving as well. So I’m still hoping for Andy Gallic of Boston College for our center.
I think it is a priority — but one that can be filled in the middle rounds. Thank you for your kind words too.
I think it’s worth thinking about what EranUnger wrote in his FieldGulls fanpost
http://www.fieldgulls.com/2015/4/5/8347283/size-over-speed
He makes a strong case that RW—because of his own smurf size, unable to see over tall people, etc.— is better suited to throwing to taller targets instead of smurfs. And I also agree that the Hawks already have their smurfy slots in Baldwin and PRich.
Yeah — I’ve posted in the past that RW’s lack of height really takes away the center of the field in front of the LBs. And, I’ve said that we don’t throw many traditional screens because RW has to kind of lob the ball to get it over on-rushing linemen.
But, with Graham on the field, I think we will see deeper drops by the LBs opening up the underneath throws to slot receivers or even RBs — like the Pats did in the SB with Edelman and Vereen. I don’t recall Brady throwing short over the middle. I remember lots of short crossing routes where the throw was completed outside the DE. I think RW can make this throw if we have a WR who is quick enough to avoid the jam at the LOS. I like Baldwin, but I don’t think he has the quickness of Edelman, or Welker, or — looking at prospects — Lockett. I know he has a tendency to body catch, and that does concern me.
I still keep going back to when Russel played on the Pro Bowl with Vicent Jackson and it was a thing of beauty.
Absolutely
It was a thing of beauty. But, Pro Bowl defensive effort is not usually much to talk about — nobody wants to get hurt playing for a lei.
I love Russell Wilson as our QB and there is no one I would want more not even Andrew Luck.
That being said short QBs do have limitations in the pocket seeing over OL and finding passing lanes. There a reason 6-4 guys are the prototype. When I think of Wilson”s upside as a pocket passer I always think of Drew Brees who is his closest comp. Brees has always excelled with tall WRs and TEs like Marcus Colston and Jimmy Graham.
There is a reason why PCJS went out and got Graham after the missed out on Julius Thomas. A big target is just that much more of a weapon for a shorter QB. Chris Matthew in the Super Bowl when he finally got some snaps further drove this point home.
That is why DGB has to be considered an option. I still prefer taking a combo of Mcbride or Bell and then Waller or Conley as we would get two upgrades but if we do take DGB in the 2nd I don’t think it would be a terrible pick.
I just don’ think we are going to ever have the short passing game like Denver or NE as it just not match our QBs strengths so we need to draft accordingly. That is basically why Harvin never worked out. It also is why that last play call in the Super Bowl is still so baffling. Think of all Russes bad throws last year. Most were short passes in the middle of the field. A couple got picked and several more should have been picked. I think we need to take alot of that stuff out of the playbook and focus on the parts of the game we excel.
I really hope we draft WR thinking that way.
A couple thoughts. I don’t think the 5-7 man defensive coverage will stop anytime soon. That has become the way to play Seattle, and it is good for both stopping the run and blitzing from the line. Adding Graham won’t change that (at least not right away) because they are getting to Wilson before he can throw. Upgrading the offensive line may help more then upgrading receivers in that regard. Hopefully the line and receivers will be better next year.
Wilson really needs to perfect the lob to the corner. He has such a good touch on his medium to long passes. If he can just perfect that one additional pass it will make a world of difference in red zone touchdowns.
One thing to add. If you watch Brady and Manning throw the ball, they throw from a high point of their release at a downward angle (for short to intermediate throws). This suits throwing short passes to shorter WRs.
On the other hand, Wilson’s ball arcs from his release point, almost always (the only exception when he guns a fast ball). This is one of the reasons he has so few balls knocked down at the line of scrimmage (along with his use of passing lanes).
This being the case, Wilson will always benefit from tall WRs with large wingspans, especially closer to the line of scrimmage. And will make it that much more difficult for shorter WRs (like Lockett and Dorsett).
Great points indeed Trevor. I can’t be the only one who thinks Sherman could be utilized as a reciever especially for those jump balls in the endzone. Obviously there is a reason, maybe because he would become a target for opposing defense trying to take him out of the game. Any thought’s, my fellow Hawks?
That was funny, depends on what kind of lei or lay that is. Haha
A quieter pick would be Dezmin Lewis in rd 4-5. 6-4 214. 40 time improved to 4.4 in his pro day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3IsZVohw8M
Catches with hands, knows how to use the sideline on the outside, deceptive speed. Solid Sid Rice type of an option?