This is the big question facing the Seahawks this off-season. It’s not the offensive line. They do need more weapons for Russell Wilson but the #1 priority is to create an actual pass rush and significantly upgrade the defense.
We’ve looked at a number of different scenarios — from free agency to the trade market to the (thin) D-line options in the draft.
The Seahawks were given a blue-print to success by the NFC Champion 49ers. Their dynamic four-man rush was central to their Super Bowl run. Kyle Shanahan is always going to produce a productive offense. What really elevated San Francisco in 2019 — along with Jimmy Garoppolo’s return — was the drafting of Nick Bosa and the creation of the leagues best pass rush.
This isn’t anything new to Seattle. The signing of Ziggy Ansah and trading for Jadeveon Clowney looked like a potent double-threat before the season started. Obviously Ansah flamed out and his NFL career appears over. Jarran Reed’s suspension didn’t help and neither did L.J. Collier’s ineffective rookie season. They probably felt, not unfairly, they’d done enough to create the kind of defensive line needed to be successful.
Now, it’s time for another try.
The Seahawks aren’t going to be able to exactly copy the Niners. They don’t own the #2 pick and they haven’t got a #3 pick (Solomon Thomas), #7 pick (DeForest Buckner) and #17 pick (Arik Armstead) already on the roster.
They can make some moves though to create similar production.
First and foremost they have to re-sign Jadeveon Clowney. He’s a different player to Nick Bosa. He doesn’t have the same quickness and bend off the edge. I don’t think people realise how impressive Bosa’s 4.14 short shuttle was at last years combine despite weighing 266lbs. Clowney, at the exact same weight, ran a 4.43.
Nevertheless, he’s the closest thing they can possess to a game-wrecker. People can question his consistency and yet last season he faced countless double-teams and was basically a one-man show in many games. Support him properly and we’ll see the best of Clowney.
Arik Armstead is a free agent so technically the Seahawks could pursue him and steal one of San Francisco’s linemen. However, after a strong 2019 season, his price could be too rich for the Seahawks — especially if they retain Clowney.
As brilliant as Bosa was for the 49ers, the two hulking interior tackles were equally threatening. They weren’t great against the run but paired with Bosa they were a non-stop force against the pass.
Gaining the interior size, intimidation and production to pair with Clowney could elevate the Seahawks to a new level alone.
Recently I pitched the idea of trading for Calais Campbell. I’m still not convinced the Jaguars will let him go. For the last three years he’s produced at a top-five level at his position. Aside from Aaron Donald and Chris Jones, there’s probably not been a better performing defensive tackle in the league.
Yet strangely there are rumours and suggestions of a parting. Jacksonville does need to create cap space but that’s easily achieved by cutting Marcell Dareus and some other fringe players. Even so, Jags owner Shahid Khan was recently asked about Campbell’s future and he merely said he’s ‘hopeful’ he’d be with the team in 2020.
If there’s any chance to acquire Campbell — either via trade or if he’s cut — it must be taken. He would provide the interior rush Seattle needs. He’d upgrade their run-defense. He’d provide toughness, leadership and respect. He would anchor the line and make life so much easier for Clowney.
If a $15-17m cap hit is too high — extend his contract for an extra season. Supply him with guarantees and incentives to lower his number.
Again — who knows how realistic this is? The Seahawks likely wouldn’t be the only suitor either. Even with Campbell aged 33, I can’t think of a better addition for Seattle’s defense this year.
Why stop there though? The Niners line up two tall, sizeable interior linemen. Why not pair Campbell with an heir apparent via the draft?
Raekwon Davis is 6-7 and about 315lbs. For two years he was considered a likely high first round pick. Yet his pass-rush production has fallen off a cliff and he’s only recorded two full sacks in the last two seasons.
I spent some time re-watching Davis this week and there’s still an awful lot to like, especially for the Seahawks.
For starters, he has special traits. The size, the length, the athleticism. The Seahawks love difference-making traits and upside and he has it. Despite being so tall his leverage is excellent. His gap discipline (important in Seattle’s scheme) is good, he can anchor the line and absorb double-teams in the run game. He doesn’t get pushed around but he can equally move down the line to string out plays. Davis can line up as a big power end or at defensive tackle.
Physically, he’s the nearest thing to Campbell to enter the league since Calais was drafted in 2008.
Even if he never develops his pass-rush potential, there’s a lot to like with Davis. If he drops because of a lack of production he could provide terrific value. Campbell lasted until pick #50. Could the same happen to Davis? Either way, the Seahawks would have options — at #27, after trading down, by making a small trade up in round two (as they did for Jarran Reed) or simply with their two late second round picks.
Pairing Campbell with Davis would create a formidable defensive interior. Along with Clowney, the Seahawks would have the biggest and by far the most physical defensive front in the league. If L.J. Collier and/or Rasheem Green take a step forward in 2020, they’d even have a quality rotation to add even more size and power.
The only thing they’d still be lacking is speed.
One way or another they’ve got to add some quickness to their pass rush. Re-signing Clowney and adding Campbell would absorb a lot of their cap space — but they could structure the deals to lessen the year one cap hit. That could enable them to look at the options available. It’s assumed Dante Fowler, for example, will get a big contract. Yet a year ago he had to settle for a one-year prove-it deal worth $12m with incentives. In 2013, nobody expected Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril to receive a cold market. It’s not beyond the realms of possibility he could provide the Seahawks with an ideal, productive, cost-effective solution. Let’s see what offers he gets.
Another option of course is Everson Griffen. If he’s released with Minnesota in cap hell, there could be a reasonable deal to be done there too.
If they need cheaper options they could explore the second wave of free agency and the trade market. If you’re lining up Clowney, Campbell and Davis — it’s more palatable to take on a reclamation project like Vic Beasley (a 4.53 runner with a 1.59 split). Emmanuel Ogbah ran a 4.63 (with a 1.58 split). Kyler Fackrell ran a 1.61 split. And there’s always old friend Bruce Irvin. These are not premier options you can rely on to make a big difference but if you’ve already made significant moves across the line, they are more agreeable.
These additions also open up the possibility to the Seahawks drafting someone who could be more of a situational rusher in order to gain that speed element. You can’t rely on Joshua Uche as a full-time LEO because of his size. K’Lavon Chaisson has a superior build but even he is probably best served sitting out early downs. Julian Okwara is more of a speed EDGE than a SAM/LEO and could be another option.
Compliment such a player with the names listed above and you’re creating a strong looking arsenal. Suddenly, rushing with four and creating regular pressure doesn’t seem so unlikely. Although it’s worth noting that Bruce Irvin’s shift to SAM/LEO was likely in order to get Bruce, Bennett and Avril on the field at the same time. They haven’t really gone back to that type of role since Irvin’s departure.
The scenarios pitched here aren’t the be-all and end-all of course. Pairing Clowney with Everson Griffen would immediately improve the D-line — and retaining Jarran Reed to play next to Poona Ford and potentially Raekwon Davis would still look like an overall upgrade. Dante Fowler and Clowney are at a great age to potentially be Bennett and Avril for the near future. They might be able to find cheap talent to play defensive tackle — re-creating the Tony McDaniel signing from 2014.
Whatever happens though, they have to go into the 2020 season believing they can effectively rush with four.
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Hi Rob, great article (as usual). Do you think the Seahawks might show some interest in Javon Hargrave? He is a very good player and somewhat under the radar.
It’ll depend on price. The thing with Hargrave is that while he’s a good player with great athleticism — he isn’t really a fit for their scheme. They like one-gapping DT’s with great length. Hargrave is more of an attacking DT and he only has 32 inch arms. I think he’ll get a big payday which will probably rule him out of contention.
The combine preview is written, it’s over 6000 words long… and it’s coming this week.
Can’t wait! Best time of the year.
I 2nd that!
That’s 24 pages; or, roughly the length of an undergrad thesis. Nice work!
+12 agree with Henry Taylor. Best time of the year.
Clowney-Cambell-Davis-Beasley sounds like an awesome front 4. Sign me up.
I saw somewhere that the Bears might move on from Leonard Floyd. They have terrible cap space and might let him go. Any thoughts?
It would give them a nice healthy saving (from memory I think about $13m). Would be a nice option to provide some speed to the front seven but he’s never really shown much as a pass rusher, more of a LB convert. He has some traits though.
Sign me up! Loved him coming out of Georgia
I would love to see that kind of front for the Seahawks Rob and can’t wait to see how management addresses the defense.As someone outside looking in, I would think that maybe the coaching staff have a few players on the team that they would like to use more. I haven’t given up on Collier contributing, seems to me that Irvin and Clark both took time to develop.Yes, they were both ahead of Collier at this point, but the Seahawks saw something they liked in him that was worth an early pick.
I kind of like the idea of upgrading the defense with veterans (I feel we have a lot of young talent on the roster) and using mostly draft picks to help the offense. ie., Lucas Niang an OT out of TCU is a player that seems like a Seahawk type of player to draft for the O line. Big,strong, run blocker that is probably a better pass protector than given credit forand has lots of experience at right tackle. Needs some work that is teachable but I feel he could step in day one if Ifedi leaves.Have you had time to look at this player Rob?
I have — I think he’s a good tackle. We’ll need to see how he adjusts to the NFL and he might end up at guard. I’m also suspicious of his testing because he’s quite top-heavy. There’s also the injury issue — will he workout at the combine or not? And what will medical tests say? But he’s one to monitor.
Just a side thought on Ifedi. In some ways he reminds me of Russell Okung in that both improved a little bit each year without one year being a big jump. Okung had his best years after the Seahawks let him walk. Seahawk coaches don’t want too many changes to the O line so I wouldn’t be upset if they brought back Ifedi as long as it was at the right price.
It’ll all come down to price with Ifedi.
What I would like to add on Collier.
1. He was injured during the most important time for a rookie. We have no idea how much this impacted his development.
2. He looked out of shape to me. This might have been connected to the injury but in training camp he already didn’t look very fit. We have seen what conditioning did for Shaq Griffin and Penny recently.
Way too early to give up. Just nothing we can rely on happening.
Yes, the 1st priority by far is to sort out the DL. We do not need the best DL in the NFL or close to it but we do need to get those 40+ sacks (and pressures) using a 4 men rush.
The Seahawks offense is likely to be as good next year with what we already have on the roster and if are lucky on the injury front (Dissly, RBs), benefit from DK’s growth and possibly draft a quality WR3 it could be significantly better. A better offense means playing with a lead more and that means facing more passing plays. Again, it all points to getting pressure with a 4 men unit.
The Seahawks start this off season with a big fat wallet (both in cap dollars and draft capital) but what we currently have on the roster is Green (that I highly believe in) and a huge question mark with Collier. At best, they can be valuable pieces in a deep rotation but both are big/strong but not fast. Clowney falls under a similar category, he is not the quick burst and bend pass rusher.
Building a full DL that can effectually rush with 4 men, from scratch is almost unheard of and we need to be prepared to end up better than 2019 but not exactly in the top 5 or 10 and the element we may end up missing is a quality speed/bend rusher.
It is obvious that we start building this line with Clowney at a long term back loaded contract. However, once we get this done, back loading another major contract would be too risky for the team’s immediate future. I will not get into the cap calculation for 2021 (Carson, Griffin) but I can’t see them back loading 2 big contracts. Whoever we bring after Clowney will take a big chunk of the cap space.
I was unable to work the numbers to allow for a speed/bend starter opposite Clowney and quality at DT. it looks to me like it’s either one or the other and if that is the case, I’ll take quality at DT and roll the dice on quickness.
Every time you mention Campball I start drooling. I can’t help it. I’m not sure it is a realistic option as I believe that jacksonville will not let him go but still, it’s great to dream big. If it does happen, the rest of the DL will have to come from the draft (Davis) and/or the bargain basket just as you mentioned.
And, I’ll be happy with it.
Give me Green, Campball, Davis and Clowney and I’ll be ecstatic. It will be close to impossible to run up the middle against that line. They may not get to the QB half a second faster but they will squeeze the pocket quickly with ridiculous length to effect passing lanes.
I can certainly live with that.
I don’t think it’s that unheard of to build a great front four in one off-season. San Francisco went from Ok-ish to great with two additions — Nick Bosa and Dee Ford. Green Bay’s pass rush took off with two free agent signings a year ago and then a first round DL pick. There’s plenty of evidence of teams building dynamic pass rush units in an off-season.
You can upgrade the pass rush with 1-2 additions to something you already have (SF had Armstead, Buckner and the 2nd pick in the draft).
It is another thing to build it when your two key starters just became FAs and you do not have a single starter on the roster, picking late in the draft in a bad DL draft year.
I literally just gave you the example of Green Bay. They added three players last off-season — two in FA and one in the draft — and completely changed their D-line and pass rush.
In my piece I’m proposing retaining Clowney, drafting one player and adding another via trade or FA. Of course you can build a dynamic front four in one off-season — just like you can fix a completely broken running game with multiple additions, as the Seahawks did in 2011 and 2018.
We’ll know in 2 months. I really hope you are right because a top 10 pass rushing DL will get us to the SB.
Well a year ago they spent a R1 pick on a DE then signed Clowney and Ansah. I suspect you might’ve suggested that was all unlikely given they only spent a R3 on Clowney. It didn’t provide the desired results but it clearly shows you can make multiple moves in an off-season. This year they have more cap space and more picks than they did a year ago.
First post here. Big fan. Love SDB, thanks Rob.
Too many people sleeping on Green..I see him notching 8.5 sacks this year. But can anyone tell me where Naz Jones disappeared to, and will he make it back?
Rob, I think that every Seahawks fan agrees, (mostly), that a successful defensive overhaul begins with retaining Clowney. Have you thought about what a rebuild looks like if he just decides to walk? What does the priority become then? Griffin and Clowney is nice. Who becomes your number one guy if we can’t sign him?
I love the reasoning behind some of the “value” DL you mention here. I’d also like to bring up Mayoma and Steven Weatherly (someone else mentioned him as well) I think you could get both of those guys for the price of Beasley (or similar)
Mayoma is right on target. Brief Seahawk career. Positive Trajectory insofar as playing time and numbers. Likely to be relatively cheap. Its that type of player the seahawks will target in free agency to bolster the line, especially if Clowney walks.
I’ve got a piece to share tomorrow I’m pretty excited about. Discussing two prospects. Two players you are all familiar with but one of them — who I spent a bit more time watching this week — is being massively underrated.
Not sure who’s listening… might want to keep this one close to the vest!
Can’t wait for this and the Combine Preview Thesis (I’m just gonna go ahead and call it that…!)
I also have a little research to share soon as I am almost done watching all the WR-DB 1v1s from the Senior Bowl practices.
Love SDB!
😅 Rob. 100% agree though. Lets go all in and try to get these players to upgrade the pass rush year this year. If we could get Clowney + Campbell + Davis + Griffin then that would be amazing. Green, Woods & S Griffin would be excellent complements. Hopefully LJ can step up.
If we can make those moves our Defense would take a huge step forward. The holes would be at OL, WR, Slot & TE. OT can be drafted with one of our 4 early picks (assuming 1 of the the 4 would be traded for Campbell). The other could then be for a WR. I am hopeful that Greg Olsen signs. He, Dissly & Hollister would be pretty solid in my opinion. We could draft a mid/late TE as well. I think slot will improve substantially just from improving the DL. Ugo should be good. A mid round pick could be used to reinforce this position. Not quite sure what to do for Interior OL though. I do not think Britt is worth retaining but recognize that releasing him would leave a void in the line. Are their solid starting C options in the mid rounds? (Assuming that Hawks go DL, OL & WR with top 3 picks).
Side note- What are your thoughts on Matt Judon? He was not listed in PFFs top 50 possible FAs which I found interesting. Also could Suh be a fit? I know hes not as dominant as before but he was a part of TB top run defense. Last question- Could JPP be an option? His combine numbers were great before. Perhaps Suh/JPP could be had for more reasonable contracts
Great article Rob!
At center — I like Matt Hennessy a lot more after properly studying the full Senior Bowl tape. Lloyd Cushenberry is decent. I still think Nick Harris has a NFL future.
Baltimore does a good job creating production from it’s D-line without major talent. I’m suspicious of Matt Judon. He’s not a twitchy athlete and his production hasn’t been amazing. It’s been good. There’s a reason why Baltimore have already been talking up the possibility of tagging and trading him. I wouldn’t want to commit big money to him.
Ndamukong Suh is still a great run blocker and could be a fit but the Seahawks have had two opportunities to sign him and didn’t bother so I think it’s unlikely.
JPP just doesn’t seem like a very likely option at this stage.
Everyone I read or heard loved Hennessy during the Senior Bowl week at center, but he was terrible when they put him at guard. From Tony Pauline – 1st day: “Matt Hennessy was dominant in the 1 on 1s all day, and proved he belongs here in Mobile. His build is strong, and his anchor is heavy. His technique is good, but could use work. Hennessy has the skills to be a day one starter, and he proved it today.”
Final evaluation after the week of practice: “Hennessy was a weird eval in Mobile. If you discount his snaps at guard, he was excellent for most of the week. However, that’s not how football works. Hennessy was strong when lining up at his natural position of center, but when the coaching staff tried to put him at guard, he crumbled. Hennessy overall was strong in Mobile, but teams’ hands will be tied if they choose to select him.”
Still think Kerrigan would be a great option
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOAM7pbz19k
I love these breakdown writeups. Poona has some great traits.
I agree with all of your points Rob. I think it’s time to make a splash and go get some DL talent.
What’s exciting with their cap room, if they acquire a Clowney, and a Campbell or Griffen and then a reclamation project, and 2 or 3 of the young guys on the roster take the logical step forward (Poona, Green, Collier), they will have plenty of depth to withstand injuries and keep a guy like Campbell or Griffen fresh.
It’s really hard to just bank on their development, but if they do, and are placed alongside 3 or 4 quality additions, look out.
So while there’s a crying need on the DL, if the chips fall into place, it could conceivably move into the top 10 comfortably.
You mention an underrated aspect of this offseason. The development! I feel like we all tend to fall in love with prospects and potential trade candidates and forget what is already on the roster. If Greens developement continues he will be a useful rotational piece. Poona is a promising player too. He didn’t have the production we all hoped for last year. But you see him shooting into the backfield regularly on tape.
Even on WR we have some guys that could be more useful next year. They kept Ursua over Jennings on the roster and kept him throughout the entire year. They also traded up to secure him. Our front office seems to have some hopes for him. And he did his job whenever he had an opportunity. Malik Turner had this horrible drop in the playoffs but was also making the progression from an undrafted free agent to being borderline WR3 for this team.
We still need proven star talent to make the jump to a serious contender but the development of our roster is also a necessity and should not be overlooked.
Carroll always talks about the year 2 and year 3 jump. Thats when you see the biggest development in players and we have a lot of guys from the last 2 drafts to be excited about.
Rob, who is more closely similar to Calais Campbell, Raekwon Davis or Malik McDowell?
In terms of body type, Davis.
Having a veteran with similar traits to help a rookie along and accelerate his growth would add to both Davis and Campbell’s value. Like it
Just logged on to Field Gulls to see what today’s offering is.
‘Why the Seahawks aren’t right for Paul Richardson’
(TLDR: the Seahawks are not enough of a passing offense)
What a joyless cove of misery.
At least their podcast is worth listening to 😂
I can’t even go there anymore. It’s just constant negativity. I do listen to all of Brandon’s podcasts. And Corbins as well.
Yeah, I almost never look at their stuff anymore unless it is a breaking story.
IF YOU DON’T EAT YOUR MEAT, YOU CAN’T HAVE ANY PUDDING
I saw that (I know I said I don’t read that guys articles but I thought it was quite funny after we spoke about him being a pit of misery just the other day that even PRich is to much excitement for that guy).
Anyway, I noticed he included a post from Ben Baldwin (aka new age analytical…lol) that was claiming a victory on the fact that the pass happiest team in the league just won the superbowl. Ignoring the fact that A: that team happens to have Andy Reid and Pat Mahomes (so maybe that isn’t an option for most teams) and B: didn’t even acknowledge that his own post also included all the “run heavy” offences that were also really good, like the AFC runner up, one of the best regular season teams of all time, and the team that was winning the superbowl aforementioned by 2 scores with 6 minutes to go.
I know we like to moan about it a lot, and should probably just ignore it, but these guys are cult like in their conformation bias.
They’re just a bunch of boring nobs
+1 Best comments of the day! 😀
I do listen to Brandon’s podcasts, especially when you’re on. Hope it’s not “too soon?” but Brandon is so nice and professional after enduring Kenny being the host with you for 1-2 years or so. Kenny would always bungle the start of the show for 5 minutes, then ask and answer each question himself for another 5 minutes before going to you – it was exhausting to listen to. The last podcast I heard with you two he started flipping out and cursing because you mentioned the importance of the run game, and it is, especially in our system. Not sure if he was drunk or going through some issues or both, but felt bad for you and surprised he put that on the air.
The most contentious I’ve ever heard Brandon is if he has a different eval. of a potential draft pick like N’keal Harry before last year’s draft, and it’s very rare – he’ll say “agree to disagree” while laughing. But he starts and gets into it quickly without stumbling like Kenny did and is generous to the guest and doesn’t take up 3/4 of the podcast rambling on and answering his own questions. Such a refreshing change. The guys at the Pedestrian Podcast are always nice and deferential to you there as well.
I love doing pods with Brandan and the Pedestrian podcast guys.
Great! Hope you’re able to do a lot of podcasts with each of them over the next few weeks until after the draft.
Know I’ll (we’ll) be listening to all of them, sometimes twice in case we miss a few details the first time.
Yeah, love whenever you do podcasts.
Actually I think the Richardson article was an attempt to fire a shot across your bow, Rob. John Gilbert is the most analytics-heavy guy on that staff, and it appears he’s getting increasingly impatient with fans who are influenced by places like your website and offer opinions that aren’t analytics-centered. He seems to be writing short articles now based on refuting what some fans are putting up in the comments, like “Hey I think we should consider signing Richardson.”
I should note there are other writers at Field Gulls who are more balanced in their analysis. Matty Brown, for example, has been more positive and offers some pretty solid write-ups regarding scheme and play calling. Others like Alistair Corp, too, are far more balanced and less likely to worship at the shrine of Ben Baldwin.
The analytics crowd are an odd bunch
Matty is great. He doesn’t just juggle stats but do some in-depth film studies
They also did a mock draft recently that was just all the players you’ve featured the last couple months. I suppose that’s a nice compliment, but it seemed ripped off without any credit.
Thankfully it’ll be pushed further down their list tomorrow when they do a piece on why the Seahawks won’t be able to sign anyone in free agency because it rains in Seattle.
Rob,
How about Kenneth Murray? I’ve seen him available at the end of round 1 with a Thomas Davis comp. Seems like he’d fill a need at OLB, improve our speed and coverage ability, add some nasty hits and OLB rush). Pair that with:
Round 2: Isaiah Wilson (Ifedi replacement)
Round 2: Michael Pittman (Possession 3rd Down and Goalline WR3 with blocking ability – Maybe a bigger version of Golden Tate/Steve Smith)
Round 4: trade up for Ruiz, Stenberg
That would free us up to spend on Clowney, Arik Armsted and a slot corner in free agency.
RT > LB
Murray would have to be absolute dynamite for the Seahawks to prioritize LB over RT, esp if Wilson is still available at #27. Not saying he’s not, but if those were the two choices I’d take Wilson and wait for Murray in round 2. Consider trading up for him if he’s that good.
I like Murray but not sure a linebacker in round one is the way to go. We also need to see how they test to consider any LB (as will be explained in the combine preview this week).
There’s also no chance whatsoever of Ruiz being there in R4. He is a R1 talent.
Can’t wait for your top players based on position article. I also get mixed signals on center position.
LB Davion Taylor of Col. is supposed to have 4.4 speed like Bush or White last year, but we’ll see at the combine, and he doesn’t seem to have their other #s and BAMF qualities etc., possibly can get him in rd. 3-4. Uche of MI played coverage LB great and was still strong enough to rush the edge at the Senior Bowl ala Hassan Reddick 2 years ago. Like Rob has said he’s too small – consider him late day 2 or day 3 if he shows a lot of speed and explosiveness at the combine.
If Wilson at RT and WR Reagor are gone, would love to see us get Ruiz in round 1, could start day one and replace Britt for the next 10+ years. An excellent center may be more dependable with less rookie mistakes than almost every other player on the board, and what we need to help solidify the OL.
I think OC is a hard position to master as a rookie. He handles all the communications on the line, so he needs to be smart, knows the offense well and probably read the defenses well too?
Probably doable but I think as for OL the OG position is the easiest to transit from college to the NFL
You wonder if there would be enough cap space for Clowney, Campbell and Griffen. If we signed Clowney for around $22 apy you could probably get his first year cap hit around $15 mill. If you traded for Griffen and Campbell there cap hits would equal $28.5 million which would be about $43.5 million between all three. If the players got released then it could be lower or like Rob said extend Campbell by a year to lower his. Either way the threes cap hits would be anywhere from probably $35 million to $43.5 million. You would probably have to let Reed walk at that point and might not have much left for a speed guy (unless it was really low) as you still would need to try for Ifedi or Fant. Either way I cant wait for this to play out.
Frank Clark’s 2019 cap hit was $6.5m.
That is true but the Seahawks only ever fully guarantee the first year of deals where they will generally have higher cap hits than the normal teams. Frank had $43.08 million guaranteed at signing which guarantees about 2.5 years of his contract. I guess it could be slightly lower that $15 but with the way they like to structure I cant imagine it being as low as Franks. I guess it would all depend on how high his signing bonus is.
The Seahawks might have to do things differently
This is going to be a crazy offseason for QBs. A good chunk of the identity of the NFL’s landscape could shift.
You’ve got established legends who could retire or end up with all new teams: Brees, Rivers, Brady
You’ve got starters with lots of experience: Dak (probably will stay in Dallas), Winston, Mariota, Bridgewater, Tannehill
Then you’ve got a whole slew of guys under contract but in precarious spots: Cam Newton, Andy Dalton, Alex Smith, Nick Foles, Derrick Carr, Jacoby Brissett
Then you’ve got the 5th year option and/or contract extension (aka Salary Cap Life is About to Get Way Tougher) looming: Mitchell Trubisky, Patrick Mahomes, Deshaun Watson
My goodness is it good to have franchise QB in his prime locked down for the foreseeable future.
And some of the teams who need pass rushers will have to prioritise sorting their QB situation out first.
Given options mentioned for Seattle I would take Raekwon Davis. No question about it. You want someone like that to slip. Let the stooge teams force lesser players up the board due to irrelevancy like current form. It was similar as a Dolphins fan last year when we needed a defensive tackle. I wanted Dexter Lawrence, the bigger better athlete and someone who was premier recruit and had been rated high first round. Instead Miami predictably overreacted to recency and went with the safer guy in Christian Wilkins. Fast forward to end of season when Lawrence is on PFF’s All-Rookie team while Dolphin fans are still wondering if Wilkins was out there, despite starting all season. It was probably the most invisible season in Miami first round history.
I don’t mind saying irrelevancy like current form because so many of my wagering systems are designed to take advantage of current form, to bet against current form. Amazing how well it works, especially in golf matchups. The criteria should be how good are you, not how good are you playing. A great example right now is 2018 is how good Jordan Love is, and 2019 is how good Jordan Love was playing. He’s going earlier than anyone estimates and it will be the correct move. Derwin James is another one whose late current form in college meant next to nothing. That was obvious to those of us who followed him throughout.
BTW, it was identical to Calais Campbell. He slipped in the draft after a lazy final season with the Canes. He was frustrated by double teams and often gave up on the play immediately, standing straight up to watch. I am a season ticket holder and fully remember all the disgust around me. Fans were screaming at Campbell for lack of effort. Prior to that season there had been some comparisons to Ted Hendricks, the all-time Canes great of similar height. Older fans remembered Hendricks as someone who played through the whistle and beyond. Now they were seeing Calais Campbell mostly mailing in his junior season while obviously more concerned with his pro future. I have to laugh every time I read outsiders try to pretend it didn’t play out that way. It absolutely played out that way. It was huge conversation on Canes boards because lots of us recognized that Campbell was a great player and would become a value in the draft, but no question a huge disappointment that 2007 season.
Seattle should learn from recent seasons. Penny and Collier were forced into ranges not assigned to them and not logical for them. Metcalf slipped to level far below where he had always been assigned. Taking advantage of that type of thing is fun. Apologizing for one upshoot after another doesn’t fool anyone.
I agree that he’s a player to target if he slips to 27, but that type of thinking was probably what they were thinking about Malik McDowell. Dude actually had a much worse final season in college and the hawks traded down and still reached. He had the athletic and physical profile, but he dropped for a reason. Unfulfilled promise as well as he was just immature. Trying to make Malik their Calais was to their detriment. Are they the same players? Absolutely not. My point is was the rest of the league stooges because they didn’t take him earlier than Seattle?
Another awesome read, Rob! Would love to have Davis, in the mix. Clowney is a must, to get back on board. I personally would not mind getting Robert Quinn, and bringing Q. Jefferson back as well. Also with Pete’s propensity of getting reclamation projects, i could see a prove it deal for a guy like Ra’shede Hageman too. Lpts still to happen, can’t hardly wait, to see how things play out.
I’m confused by something. How did the 9ers give a blueprint? They run Seattle’s version of the Cover 3.
The staple of the 4-3 is the advantage you get by effectively rushing with 4.
Nothing about scheme. They gave a recent example of how it is possible to put together a formidable front four in one off-season. That’s all.
The 49ers sucked a loooooong time to build that DL. They put the cherry on top last off-season. Not to stir the pot too much but they L-O-S-T the Super Bowl. Hahahaha! They forgot the part in the recipe where you add in the All-World QB.
They gave a blue print because they showed what was possible if you get your four man rush right. I thought that was stated clearly in the piece.
I recently read that teams have to be at, or under, the cap as of March 18th(new league year), thus meaning Minnesota would have to already be compliant prior to even being in a position to make trades. Meaning, you can’t trade your way to cap compliance, as you need to be compliant when new league year starts, and you can’t make trades until after new league year starts. This would make yesterdays article not possible unfortunately. At least as far as I understood the article I read recently. If anyone has more insight into this I’d love to read about it.
As for todays article…I’ve always hoped for Vic Beasley as opposed to Dante Fowler to pair with Clowney. Especially given he would likely only require 60-75% of the contract, if not less, than what Fowler would require. Plus there’s something about him I just like better than Fowler. Fowler leaves a bad taste in my mouth, but I’m not sure why. I do love the idea of Davis being paired with Campbell. Or just drafting Davis in general.
Well cut Griffen then. Fine. Everything else is the same.
😳
New here?
Am I new here? No. I’ve been coming here daily since the Courtney Upshaw draft (I stumbled upon this site the draft before). I remember that year best, cus I bought in whole hog to what Rob was saying and wanted Upshaw more than anything that year. So, that was 2011 or 2012. But I only comment one or two times a year.
To be fair it wasn’t so much that I wanted Upshaw badly it was that I thought they were certain to draft a pass rusher and thought they might show interest in him, so we talked about it a lot (too much and I learnt from that). In hindsight that was a poor judgement but we didn’t know enough about PCJS’s tendencies back then. We’d only had two drafts to analyse.
In my opinion the blog really took off after that year. You (and Kip back then) really adapted and kicked up the analysis several notches. And once we got a sense of PCJS tendencies this became the premier Seahawks site on the net.
Thank you, it means a lot to read people refer to the site in that way.
I agree completely that that year was amazing on this site and the big breakout year for it. And with in short order, you were able to get a handle on specific traits that this management group look for in each position. I remember the first time reading about the arm length preference for CB’s…blew my mind. I had never thought to drill down that far before. Been hooked on this place ever since.
100% agreed on Beasley vs Fowler. I just don’t like Fowler. Not sure why, but have a gut feeling that he’s not that good and would suck to have him. Beasley is probably lower ceiling but higher floor? Or at least based on price/value. But I wasn’t happy about the DK pick either, and he’s an absolute baller, so maybe Fowler would be the ignition for an SB run. But as of now, I don’t like Fowler
Fowler has actually produced, Beasley has practically flamed out.
FWIW, I would love to get Beasley as a piece of the puzzle, assuming he doesn’t expect starter money. He could do some damage as a pass rusher specialist. Lord knows he can’t be a starting OLB or LEO for 3 downs.
Here’s a question, double sided, for everyone.
Who was someone you weren’t that high on at first, but have come around on the more you’ve watched? And vice versa. Someone you were high on, but have soured on since?
Let’s add a 3rd.
1. Who’ve ya done a 180 on?
2. Who’ve ya soured on?
3. And finally. Who are you on the fence about?
1. Hunter Bryant. I like him at 32-50. He could help out a passing attack.
2. Damon Arnette strictly due to character concerns.
3. Willie Gay Jr. So much potential but just doesnt seem to be very smart on the field. Constantly overshooting, taking bad angles. Takes himself out of the play way too much. But if you have time to coach him up I like him.
1. Tee Higgins is someone I’ve 100% come around on.
Potentially pairing him with DK on the outside and Lockett inside? 🔥
Ya never scout the logo on the helmet, but it’s hard to argue with the receivers that program has pumped into the NFL.
* against the receivers
I think I asked twice a while back but never got an answer: is Larry Fitzgerald an unfair comp for Higgins? His size, acceleration, and strong hands kind of gave me that vibe when I was first checking him out (speaking of potential, of course), but I’m not old enough to remember Larry coming out…
1. Terrell Lewis: we’ll see at the combine how he tests. I wasn’t as concerned about injuries because one was a freak elbow injury, and then a knee that a lot a lot of guys have. Thought he was a sure 1st rounder, but I’m not sure he has the bend.
2. Tee Higgins: I don’t think he’ll run well, and is not a good separator. A little over hyped for being in the Natty 3 years in a row.
3. Trautman: I saw him last year and thought he was top level and could be had late in the draft. Did well at the Senior Bowl and is getting a lot of hype. If he runs 4.6 it’s justified but now seems more like a 4.7 guy.
1. Josh Uche- Never really saw him as a fit for the Hawks but after the combine I think he would be an ideal SAM and situational pass rusher. Don’t think he makes it to the end of Rd #2 and we have bigger needs but I think he is going to be a really good NFL linebacker.
2.Terrell Lewis- Thoughtcrimes if his injuries checked out at combine he might be a Leo candidate for the Hawks but I saw nothing from him at the Senior Bowl thank makes me think he could be a good NFL pass rusher. Day #3 guy for me.
3.Mekhi Becton- I love almost everything about him and think he could end up being an pro bowl caliber OT for a long time. Looks like the ideal RT for the Hawks to be honest. All that being said I want to see how he test and moves at the combine. If he moves as well as I think he might then he is a top 15 guy anyways and it won’t matter for the Hawks anyways.
Good call on Becton. If he’s 370 and tests as well as I think he will, it’ll be kind of absurd.
Imagine him as the Hawks RT and Carson running behind him and Fluker on the right side.
Still a little early since these usually come more around Combine/Pro Days, but for now:
1. Cole Kmet: ok, so not a complete 180. I still think he’s just an average athlete, but his blocking wasn’t as poor as I originally assessed. Nothing special IMO, but he might be serviceable in the mid-late rounds.
2. Alton Robinson: liked his first step quickness, but bad length and showed at Sr. Bowl that everything else needs work.
3a. Neville Gallimore (how much of a freak is he really? Still really raw, but the way he changes direction is so enticing for his upside. How late can you still add him?)
3b. Dane Jackson (way too small to be an outside CB, but I still like his feisty spirit, tackling, and knack for getting his hands on the ball. But to even be able to consider him for slot, he needs to test really well in agility)
!. Your boy Uche. Not a 180, just an awareness that he exists. The Seahawks have long preached that it’s “what you CAN do”. Can anyone bend the EDGE better than this guy in this draft? Full time SAM, situational rusher. Our LBs are looking a half step slow out there anyway.
2. Soured on Georgia G Solomon Kindley. The first tape I saw got my attention. From then on… meh. Would much prefer Michigan RG Michael Onwenu as a late round guy. Gi-hugic dude who can move. Great combo blocks with C. Ruiz.
3. On the fence about any of the OTs in round 1. Some of them will pan out & some won’t. Hopefully we don’t enter the draft desperate on that front. Hate it when we telegraph our pick going in like we did last year based on having a gaping-hole need.
Fwiw, at the conclusion of the 2019 draft & based on that season’s tape I wanted Tee Higgins or Derrick Brown (not happening) in the 2020 draft. The dude has been a professional for 2 full seasons already.
Yeah, Campbell seems to have a huge role on and off the field for the Jags, so maybe just a pipe dream unless they really like a player left on the board by the time pick #59 comes around.
Rumors floating that Leonard Williams is looking for $15 million a year. Was thinking he’d be a bit less than that, but what do you guys think?
Clowney/Williams/Griffen?
I am sure the Jags love Campbell but they have to know that roster is in a rebuild now and he only has one year left on his deal. I think they would be crazy not to take a 2nd rounder for him given the state of their roster right now.
The Jags can draft whatever IDL they want, add him to an already competent inside DL, and still get a competent LB at #20.
The question is, how bad they try to retain Ngakoue and add another pass rusher. If they do, they need to clear more cap space. It’s a simple A or B question, then.
Williams at 15m ist too much. Actually, almost double the number I would regard as value for money. This happens when a player has leverage against the GMs standing. Gettleman can impossibly let him walk without loosing face. So, they’ll pay.
They can just transition tag Williams
But if the Jags trade Campbell isn’t it a likely scenario they’ll draft Davis before us? Or #20 would be waaay to high for Davis?
Probably draft Kinlaw instead.
Rob, I’ve been in love with bringing in Von Miller since you first proposed it.
For pick no. 27… Diggs or Von?
Von because they need a pass rush
hallelujah!
Von all day
No Von happening because they will have more cap then the Hawks before March 17th, and Elway have no intention to rebuild.
Can you imagine a DT rotation of Davis, Campbell and Poona. Imagine ring a Centre or Guard and having to go from playing two 6-6 DTs on one snap to playing Poona and his low COG the next. WOuld be a nightmare I would think.
Trading for Campbell and extending him a year or two in order to reduce the cap hit might be my favourite trade idea yet. He seems to have aged well and at a minimum you have an A+ run defender at the end of his deal. It is particularly enticing if they were able to draft R Davis. Who better for him to learn from and mould his game after.
Ideal Scenario JS offseason trade magic
-Trade back into early 2nd and take Raegor or Aiyuk
-Trade up in 2nd to draft Raekwon Davis
-Trade the other 2nd round pick for Calais Campbell
-Trade 3rd Round Comp + 2021 3rd Rd Pick for OJ Howard
-Rest of the draft on developmental OL and more speed on defense.
I think it would be hilarious just to see Poona standing next to Calais/Raekwon. 😂
And sign me the heck up for that ideal scenario!
I was on board with a R2 for OJ back mid-season, when he still had a possible 2.5 years left on his rookie deal and we were super desperate for a TE. But now that another half-season has ticked by and we’re not under pressure, I think a R3 pick gets it done with at most some super late-round change thrown in from us. Or if they do want our R2, they would have to give us OJ and maybe a R4 in return.
Huh, anyone else getting Cordarelle Patterson vibes?
Marquez Callaway Highlights (Ultimate) “The Box”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLhdg4MtZPQ
Not really, just looks like a possession/high-point receiver. Patterson has way more burst and physicality as a runner.
I was referring more to the way he runs/weaves as a returner. IMO that’s what he will be at the next level: a return specialist and backup WR. Does have some nice contested catches on that highlight reel though.
But you’re right that Patterson does have 20 lbs. on him as well.
Bucky Brooks doesn’t have Ruiz in his top 5 C/G this draft. 🤨
He must not have taken the time to study him yet. Hard to believe seeing that he plays in a high profile program.
Clearly the top C in this draft class IMO.
oh Bucky
Neither does Chuck Taylor, Vinny ‘the shiv’ Gambino, Chips O’Toole or Bobby Rourke.
Tremendous Dirty Rotten Scoundrels reference. Chips O’Toole
G’day Nikos. How’s it going sport?
Haha, a classic!
Good, maybe? The kind of guy that could fall to where we could get him?
Suh is a guy they could sign to make a big impact in 2020. Kerrigan too. They do need another young buck as well. But with all these options – it definitely seems like they can definitely improve the pass rush to return to high level production with just a singular off-season.
The thing that I don’t like about Suh is he’s notoriously lazy. The rams had to beg him to show them ANYTHING in practice because he just goes through the motions until game time. They didn’t know what they had to work with and it was an issue. I think Vea is a lot bigger reason for that #1 ranked rush defense.
Maybe as a last minute signing before week 1 if we need help and the price is right but I don’t want that energy with the team during training camp. Want more pissed off for greatness not less.
I do not want him as a full time starter. I want him to be a Michael Bennett or Cliff Avril with respect to 2013… as in, he only plays a little over half the snaps (like both Avril and Bennett did in ’13). Keep him fresh and at max production when he’s on the field on game day. This team gives veteran players time off during practices… Suh could be an animal if he’s a guy playing in 60% of snaps, especially every 3rd and long situation.
I’d be interested in everyone’s thoughts about Justin Jefferson. He has a Michael Thomas feel to me. Good sized kid that separates pretty well. Anyone see differently?
He might be my favorite WR target for the Hawks in this draft.
He’s really good. Been watching the Senior Bowl 1v1s and he looks extremely polished. Need to see what his athletic upside is though at the Combine.
Oops, I was referring to Van Jefferson. My bad.
Everyone promise (silently) to stay away from building ledges, cliff tops & high bridges if Clowney takes his talents elsewhere.
Promise.
I’d be perfectly fine with a DL of:
Kerrigan
Suh
Campbell
Fackrell
…to go along with all of the guys currently under contract (and any potential rookie(s). Kerrigan, Suh, and Fackrell will all cost less than Clowney will make anyways (and will help offset some of the Campbell contract).
To be clear – I want Clowney back. Love how he performed and played through his injury… but the season isn’t doomed if he gets an offer too good (for him financially) to pass up.
I read a piece that Arizona is considering moving on from Seattle Draft Blog favorite Hassan Reddick.
He seems too small for LEO but could he replace Kendricks at OLB and maybe be a situational pass rusher?
Hassan was a guy who was miscast as soon as he entered the league. The tried to force him into the middle linebacker role when he was clearly an OLB/edge rusher. I got the chance to work with him at a coaches clinic two years ago and he was one of the nicest dudes. We tossed the football around between sessions and talked about how I loved him coming out of college but thought he was an OLB type. He laughed and said he was just happy to do what the team needed. He may be a guy who just needs a second life in the NFL.
Rob, Do you listen to John Clayton on his show at all during the week? He talks a lot about the league in general on his show, but I enjoy his hour 2 segments with Bob, Dave, and Moore. I think it was Jim Moore that posted a piece about how the Seahawks can pull a page from the Packers book and get two rushers instead of just Clowney. Clayton said something along the lines of “Well they’re going to resign Clowney, bring in an Ace rusher off the edge across from him, and one more guy.” He said Fowler will “absolutely be a target” and said they can trade for Yannick or Judon in a similar way the 49ers got Dee Ford in that they used draft compensation in the NEXT draft.
I know he’s just one guy, but Clayton doesn’t just say things just to say things. He’s been ahead of a lot of stories and someone that definitely talks to the front office and hears gossip going around. What are your thoughts?
Interesting —- and that’s exactly how I’ve been seeing it. An aggressive rebuild of the DL. I don’t think Judon or Ngakoue will be targets though.
I hope Rob and John Clayton are right. I have been saying since day #1 of the off season that Clowney and Fowler would be the perfect age and off-setting skill set. Add in a veteran like Irvin or a reclamation like Beasley and this DL would definitely have an improved pass rush I think.
I have to say Robs talk of Calais Campbell and Raekwon Ravis at DT is a pretty exciting idea.
Rob, You mentioned a lot of names that would definitely beef up our defensive front.
However, one name you didn’t mention is Jordan Phillips of Buffalo. He’s a free agent
[Buffalo may hit him with the franchise tag] If they don’t do you feel he would be someone the
Hawks should take a look at? He’s huge 6-6 341 and only 27 years old. He’s coming off
of a very respectable season and would most likely be much better in Seattle with Clowney
getting double teamed most of the time and with Bobby Wagner flying around. Your thoughts???
I wrote about Phillips a few weeks ago. It’s worth searching his name in google with Seahawks Draft Blog.
I like the idea of Clowney – Campbell – Davis – Ogbah/Beasley/Green. Seems totally doable.
Not sure how much would take to get Campbell, but if one 2nd round pick for this year and one from next year would do, then we’d still have a 1st, 2nd and 3rd round pick in this draft.
We’d sign Clowney for 22m APY something like: 17m (total gtd), 21m (13m gtd), 24m (8m gtd), 26m (5m gtd.
We’d extend Campbell (18m APY): (2020) 11m (9m GTD), 17m (10m GTD), 20m (6m), 24m (5m)
Draft Raekwon at #27
Sign Ogbah/Beasley 12m APY: 8m (5m GTD) – 12m (4m GTD) – 16m (4m GTD)
We could either trade up using next year’s assets in R2 to draft a WR3 if someone falls for some reason (Aiyuk/Raegor/etc), or draft an iOL (OC/OG) or TE. We coudl draft an RB or TE in R3.
That would be 36m for 3 UFAs and the #27 wouldn’t cost more than 4m, so all in all that’s 40m
Re-work KJ’s and Britt’s contract, cut Dickson and some other not-needed players, and you’d have probably more than 15-20m still. Sign Hooper maybe and you’d still have money for IR-draft etc and some change.
Solid DL with rotation potential and you also added a TE weapon, and some offensive weapons from the draft
Rob after you told me to do my research before posting the other day I decided to do a deep dive on Clowney’s injury history so I had all the facts not just ideas or thoughts. Here is is. As much as I like Clowney the idea of giving him a big money 4-5 year deal with a lot of guarentees scares the heck out of me.
In 2014, Clowney played through a sports hernia during his last season at South Carolina and underwent surgery in June before his rookie season. Sounds a lot like last year with the Hawks.
His rookie year with the Texans he was ready for the start of camp but missed a week of training camp due to a concussion in August and then underwent surgery for a torn lateral meniscus in his knee in September. Clowney missed the last five games in 2014 dealing with complications from his September surgery to repair a torn meniscus. In December, Clownery had microfracture surgery in his knee. The microfracture surgery scares the hell out of NFL teams as it is degenerative.
In 2015, Clowney suffered a Grade 2 ankle sprain, lower lumbar sprain in his back and a lisfranc sprain spanning from October through December.
In 2016, Clowney suffered an elbow sprain in December. Clowney underwent arthroscopic surgery in his knee following the 2016 season and another arthroscopic knee surgery after the 2017 season. He missed time with a lower back injury in 2018.
He played through a core muscle injury with the Hawks again last year much like his final year in South Carolina and had surgery in January.
Clowney is only 27 years old, but his injury history is extensive. He has been on the injury report for over 65% or his NFL career.
The Seahawks would have a better handle on Clowneys health than any other team outside of maybe the Texans so if they decide they are comfortable offering him a long term deal then I would certainly trust thier judegement. But at the very list I would think his injury history will limit the # of suitors and length / guarenteed $ of the offers he gets which could end up being a positive for the Hawks.
Trevor, I’ve got news for you. Players get injured all the time. Russell Wilson has played with injuries practically every season, some were never made fully public.
Being able to play through injuries is key, and Clowney has.
If you expect fully healthy players with no issues only otherwise you won’t pay them, you’ll have no good players.
Rob as I said if the Hawks medical staff are comfortable with it then obviously I would be as they examine the player and have medical degrees. I am just saying his medical history is well documented and he is on the injury eport because his injuries were severe enough to cause him to miss practice etc.
Sure all players in the NFL play constantly with injuries but they don’t need to miss practice or be in the injury report. You mentioned Russ he has not even missed a practice that I can remember and has been on the injury report 6 times in his entire career.
To be Clowney is a game wrecker and his talent is undeniable. I would love to see him on the Hawks DL as he clearly makes that unit better. I just don’t think it is a no brainer to give him a $100 mil + deal like you do.
Russ player almost a whole season with a battered hamstring and another with a hammered shoulder and both were common knowledge and wasn’t on the injury report. It means nothing. Players are hurt all the time. It’s your ability to play through it and Clowney has.
While I would agree that toughness and the ability to play through injury is important, Trevor is right to feel apprehensive about making a massive investment in someone with Clowney’s injury history – especially if reports are correct that Clowney wants to set a new standard for DE contracts. All of RW’s injuries to date have been of the soft tissue type – strains and sprains – that given time, should heal fully with no residual deficit. The fact that Clowney has had multiple meniscus surgeries (typically where important cushion for the knee joint is removed) and even worse, microfracture (a salvage procedure with the intent of creating a fibrous tissue covering over an area of exposed bone in the knee that is devoid of cartilage), makes it quite reasonable to wonder about the wisdom of offering a contract in excess of $100 million. It’s somewhat analogous to the Todd Gurley situation. I have some concerns about Clowney’s ability to play at an elite level in future with an arthritic knee that will likely sap him of some of his legendary explosiveness, let alone stay on the field, which has been an issue for him in the past. As Rob points out, injuries are an unfortunate but ever present part of the NFL and any player could have a career ending injury at any time. My concern is more about what impact the injuries Clowney has already sustained will have on his future performance and durability.
That said, I’m not sure the Hawks have a choice. They have to fix their D line and Clowney is the best available cornerstone piece. I just hope they don’t have to break the bank to do so.
Be apprehensive about ever paying any player big money then. If injuries that exist but are fought through is a deal breaker you’ll hardly ever sign anyone.
This is a fair point. There are no guarantees regarding injuries in the NFL, other than they will happen to every team. You never know when a player with no injury history whatsoever will get injured (i.e. Penny). My glass is half full way of looking at this situation is that if the Hawks re-sign Clowney, I’ll be happy they’ve addressed their most glaring need with the best available option, as far as we know today. If he prices himself out of their market, on the other hand, I won’t be too broken up about it due to his not insignificant risk. Either way, the D line is clearly a priority and I suspect the Hawks will address it aggressively.
For those who have been banging the table for him as a corner/nickel convert… Kyle Duggar’s freshman film. A lot of reps at corner in here. Sign me up!
https://youtu.be/A9RGW2hQ3JQ
Hawks 7 Round Pre-Combine Mock
It is always is so hard to moc players to the Hawks before combine and you see how they test but here is one last stab before the combine. With the holiday today I have too much time on my hands.
Trades
-Hawks Trade #27 to the Colts for #34 and #75
-Hawks Trade #59 and #75 and 3rd round Comp Pick to the Bucs for #45 and OJ Howard
Draft
Rd2 #35 Brandon Aiyuk (WR/Ariz St)- Hawks get an elite WR prospect who compliments Locket and Metcalf. He is also an elite kick returner which is a huge bonus.
Rd2 #45 Raekwon Davis (DT/Alabama) The last time the Hawks traded up for a Alabama DT it worked out well with Jarran Reed. They move up this year to get an elite talent with a unique physical profile. I think Robs comp to Calais Campbell physically is spot on. If he can become anything close to him as a player this would be a steal of a pick.
Rd2#64 Isiah Wilson (RT/Georgia) Incredible size and length with really solid tape. I am not sure how he will test at the combine and I think may last till the end of day #2 as a result. The Hawks run to the podium and get an absolute steal in Wilson who will be thier RT of the future.
Josh Uche (SAM / Mich) Uche was one of the stars of the Senior Bowl and it made me really go back and take a closer look at him. The more I watched the more I liked. His play speed is awesome and he has a non stop motor. Is he an NFL edge rusher no. But he would be an ideal SAM and situational pass rusher. He would instantly make the LB group better and bring speed to that unit
Rd4 #130 Willie Gay Jr (LB/Miss St) an ultra athletic LB who would have been a 2nd round pick if he came out last year. If his off feild issues are behind him he would instantly upgrade the LB unit and bring speed to that group.
Rd4 #143 Steve Sullivan (TE/LSU) Adding a young athletic TE to go along with Dissly and OJ Howard would make for an awesome young TE group going forward.
Rd5 #173 Josh Kelly (RB/UCLA) I was so impressed with him at the Senior Bowl. He looks like the ideal replacement for Prosise and longer term potential as a three down RB.
Rd6 #214 Lamar Jackson (CB/Nebraska)- Hawks draft a long developmental CB imagine that. Jackson is raw but he has upside.
Should have mentioned put Josh Uche in should Wilson be off the board at #64 which is quite likely to be honest. Then they would take Uche at #64 and a developmental OT at #130 instead of Gay Jr.
Like the look of Lavert HIll (CB: Michigan) as a late option for nickel. Undersized: 5’11, 185 lbs but good quickness and ball skills. Looks a lot like Justin Coleman at this stage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLC8OTKEZtw
Coleman was the best at the combine for 10 yd split (1.42) and 3 cone (6.61), and had a 3.98 short shuttle.
If Hill (or any CB) test in that range, I’d be looking at them as NB.
Why is nobody mentioning poona ford? One of the best run stuffing d tackles in the game. You need that too on a d line..
Calais is one player that every team covets. The Jags have him, and I doubt that they allow him to leave, until he retires. He’s their face of the franchise. He does so well on and off the field, it would be detrimental to the franchise to not retain him. I think he’s a keeper in Jacksonville.
The combination of both Davis and Campbell is intriguing though. Only thing is, they play the same position in the 4-3 scheme that Pete runs, @ 3tech. Davis would have to rotate in for Calais, as he learns the pro game.
Davis would be available around the 44-54 range, which would rule out the ability having Wilson or Reagor, that are greater needs. You could though trade 27 & 155 (710.8pts) with CLEV for 41, 74 & 236 (711.8 pts). Then select Wilson @ 41.
Then trade up with CHI for 50 & 196 (414pts) for SEA 59, 100 & 214 (416.8pts). Then select Davis @ 50. Building both sides of the line early is not a bad idea. But, is it the greatest need?
The DT position could readily be fill thru FA acquisitions. Calais would be a dream come true, however unrealistic it may be. Another veteran acquisition that could possibly be obtained is Michael Brockers, who just turned 29 yrs old, 2 mos ago.
At 6 – 5 322lbs, 35 inch arms, he could fill that 3T role that will bring inside pressure, and be a plus run defender as well. A 3yr 25 mil, 10 mil signing bonus with the 3rd yr as an option, may be enough to sign him, in addition to bringing back Reed @ a similar cost.
Along with Clowney, Griffen/Beasley, & Woods, where these could fill out the FA signings on the D-line, @ a cost ~ $47-50 mil.
The remainder of the draft capital may be used to acquire the Off weapons that are direly needed in the early Rds, namely, Reagor & Wilson. Depending on the run on WRs in the first Rd, Reagor could be their 1st selection @ 27, if (5) WR are already taken. Trading down to 35 could be a risk that may not pan out.
Wilson is the biggest question mark. When will he be available? I’m hoping that he last until 50. If not, then Dugger slides in the 59-50 range. Pick 64 could trade dn to 77 and acquire Robert Hunt.
???Which player should be the first player taken, Reagor, Okwara, or Wilson??? Which two are able to be obtained??
I’m hoping for Reagor and Wilson.