Kelvin Benjamin declares — seven receivers in round one?

Florida State’s Kelvin Benjamin officially declared for the draft today.

It’s not a total surprise. He had to re-sit two grades in school and will be a 23-year-old rookie. Time wasn’t on his side.

Having also won a National Championship this year, there was little reason to return to FSU.

We’ve talked a lot about Benjamin. Physically he’s incredible — 6-5, 235lbs and moves well for his size. It’s no wonder he was reportedly given a first round grade by the draft committee.

Yet there are major concerns.

The consistency part is a big one.

At times he looks great — ploughing through tackles, breaking off big plays and looking every bit a future #1 receiver.

But for every eye-catching touchdown — there’s a horrendous drop. A lousy effort. A sloppy route or a mental error.

This is the kind of thing I’m talking about…

Receiver is one of the positions in this game where you can’t afford to coast. You need to be switched on every play.

I’ll say it again — you need to be pissed off for greatness.

That’s where Benjamin falls short.

So we can crown him as a high pick for the athletic upside, but we need to counter that with the improvements he has to make to be a great player at the next level.

For me he’s a late first round pick or second round selection.

If he is a first rounder, he could be one of many.

Dan Pompei noted the following after discovering the news on Benjamin:

Potential first-round picks (7): Watkins, Lee, Evans, Allen Robinson of Penn State, Brandon Coleman of Rutgers, Brandin Cooks of Oregon State.

It isn’t likely that all six, plus Benjamin now that he has declared, will go in the first. But each of them merits consideration according to at least one NFL front-office man. Watkins figures to go first in the top 10. Lee and Evans won’t be far behind. One high-ranking front-office man has Robinson pegged to go somewhere in the 15-20 range. Coleman is expected to go later in the first, said a national scout, and Cooks is a borderline first- or second-round prospect.

Personally I’d also throw Odell Beckham Jr into the first round mix (Pompei has him in round two).

Allen Robinson is a tough one to work out considering his role at Penn State where he was mostly used as a YAC specialist. Yet has the height and speed to be a more rounded receiver.

It’s reassuring to see others view Brandon Coleman the same way I do. If he is touted as a late first rounder, there’s a pretty good chance he’ll be on Seattle’s radar.

Again — we need to consider the issues within the Rutgers offense before judging him too harshly.

Not many people can do what Coleman can do. With some technical coaching and a better quarterback, he could easily be another Josh Gordon.

Yes — he can make more of his height. He needs to do a better job of high pointing the football. This is teachable, though. What isn’t teachable is a 6-6, 220lbs receiver running away from defensive backs.

It’s a good year to go after after a wide out. And as things stand, that could be the best option for Seattle.

There’s going to be plenty of options.

Perhaps increasing the likelihood of a first round receiver is the diminishing number of offensive tackles on the market. Cameron Erving, La’el Collins and Cedric Ogbuehi all announced they wouldn’t be turning pro in 2014.

This should have a positive impact on players like Zach Martin and Antonio Richardson.

We’ll have the usual rush on offensive tackles early. But there are a lot of teams later on who need offensive linemen too (in particular Miami and Arizona). With the Seahawks guaranteed to pick between #28-32 overall, a lot of the top prospects will be long gone.

Perhaps this increases Seattle’s desire to keep Breno Giacomini? It’d take some doing, considering his +$4m salary in 2013. If he’s willing to compromise ($2.5-3m?), and they make savings elsewhere, they can make this a much less pressing concern.

54 Comments

  1. AlaskaHawk

    I like Benjamin. Yes he drops the ball occasionally – but didn’t Kearse and Lockette have the same issue coming out of college? At least Benjamin shows the skill to hang on to the ball when he is in the zone. He isn’t a real speedster, but he gets the job done. Most important is that he may still be available when we pick.

    • Rob Staton

      Kearse certainly had that issue — but he was also an UDFA. If Benjamin was an UDFA, I’d have much less of an issue with it. But we’re talking about a first round pick here. Plus — I’m not sure Benjamin’s issue is the need for laser eye surgery 🙂

  2. Ed

    I was hoping Hopkins last year. Rice is gone (and never panned out for us) and same with Miller. Hope we can keep Tate and Wilson looks like a solid receiving threat. So hope for a Josh Gordon type or DT/OT in 1st.

    On a side note, do you think we lose Quinn and Bevell? If so, does Norton get a look on D and what about O?

    • Rob Staton

      Norton appears very satisfied being a linebackers coach. I don’t think he has any interest in being a coordinator. He’s been with PC for a long, long time and always done the same job.

      I think Tennessee will be the one to watch for the Seattle coaches. They have Ruston Webster as GM, he knows about this team. I think as long as PC remains, it won’t really matter who the DC is. On offense I’d rather keep Bevell.

      • SunPathPaul

        Funny enough, for me, I’d rather keep Quinn who has this D way more SoliD this year than last, and let Bevell move on. I think a new OC, chosen w RW in mind would make a difference in RW’s growth. He loves to learn and thrive, and I feel like Quinn over Gus last year, a new OC would prosper over Bevell for another year.

        Rob, Question: Do you think Lynch is on his way out sooner rather than later? We took C Michael, and we never really see him. A Bust? Or are they saving him up to unleash him later all fresh and rested?

        • Colin

          While I believe Quinn has been much more creative in his playcalling, to believe he’s been much better than Bradley is a bit much. Bradley didn’t have all the pass rushers that Quinn has, and that has made a HUGE difference. You can’t deny Quinn’s aggressive nature though; Gus certainly didn’t have it.

          I don’t think we’ll see any of Michael in the playoffs, and I don’t think that makes him a bust. Golden Tate was inactive much of his rookie year, do you consider him a bust?

        • Phil

          The beef I had with Bradley was on 3rd and long — remember the Atlanta playoff game (and lots of others). We’d go into this silly prevent defense and give up big plays in spite of it. This year, I think we are #1 in the league in so far as giving up the fewest 1st downs on 3rd and long (don’t remember the yardage they defined as “long”.)

  3. Emperor_MA

    I’m not really high on Benjamin (who probably will go in the first round), Robinson or Coleman where we are likely to draft. To me, a first-round WR is one who doesn’t have as so much to work on (in the case of Benjamin and Coleman) or doesn’t have physical limitations (like Robinson) that keep them from being a legitimate #1 WR. I’d rather take BPA at #32 or trade down a bit and still get a skilled WR that can come in and help us right away like a Davante Adams or Jordan Matthews.

    I know folks like this Benjamin dude’s size, but he has too many drops for me to find out if he can overcome that as my first round pick.

    • Rob Staton

      To be honest, if we’re talking about BPA, I’m struggling to think of better value than a WR this year at the end of round one. It’s the deepest position in the draft.

      • troy

        Since it is the deepest position in this years draft all the more reason to trade back and pick up some value. Seems as if very little serperates WRs in the late 1st and the 2nd.

        • Rob Staton

          I don’t necessarily see it that way. It depends who’s off the board. If only 3-4 receivers end up in R1 (that would be a surprise IMO) then yes, trading back a little becomes an option. But if 5-6 are off the board (more likely) you run the risk of missing out altogether and for what? A late round pick?

          • SunPathPaul

            this is where I see Mike Evans being the guy. Use some draft picks this and next year to trade up and get him…. Why? Because even if the cap of the Seahawks is getting squeezed, we need players at this point that R exceptional! We only need a few Quality pieces to take us into a Dynasty situation. The ‘right’ #1 WR THIS year mixed w Percy would make us crazy challenging… then add in the Golden, the Baldwin, the Willson and such… We start stacking Quality talent…

            We have draft picks that can’t make our team, so I’d rather just skip some of those picks and get us the BEST #1 WR that we can!

            Plus add Jared Abbredaris late!

            • dtrain

              As much as I’d love to see Evans in a Hawk uniform (or even more so, Watkins), there is a need for volume in this draft. Veteran experience, leadership, and performance will need to be replaced year over year in order to keep the “dynasty” rolling. I compare it to what NE has done vs Pittsburgh. NE continues to roster churn, whereas Pitt peaked, hung onto key vets, and got too old to stay viable. NE kept stacking up picks, coaching them up, and adding vets at bargain basement prices on short term deals. It’s a formula I see the Hawks copying. Teams like GB and NE always have late picks, yet still trade down and rarely up. They also draft guys for replacements of expensive vets a year or two down the road (Cobb-Jennings, Rodgers-Favre, etc). Smart. Like the Hawks, their key players were drafted later and developed. I hope the Hawks continue this formula moving forward!

              • troy

                Well in the rare instance we trade up/should trade up I Paul is correct, we package a few picks and move up to get a special player that makes our roster deeper and closer to complete rather than say later round picks that may or may not make this next years roster.

                • Bdeviled11

                  I actually wonder how far Seattle could move up in the first round by trading this year’s and next year’s first with maybe this year’s 3rd? Who does that get, Ebron, maybe Evans? Would a trade like the one for Julio Jones be worth it, to get a guy like Sammy Watkins? They gave up 5 picks to get Jones.

                  If Seattle expects to be picking from 25-32 next year is it really a risk? I think the volume can come from value free agent. Getting guys like McDonald and Bennett (back) has been absolutely staggering, and they really show the value of Seattle’s front office.

  4. Cysco

    Man, I really can’t wait for the combine this year. Should be a lot of fun to see what kind of numbers these receivers put up.

    If I had to take one between Coleman and Benjamin, give me Coleman. I think there’s more upside there. I don’t get the sense that Benjamin lives football. Whatever receiver we draft needs to have a great work ethic and love for the game. I don’t think Russell would accept otherwise.

    • Don

      good point, I agree

  5. KyleT

    My struggle is who to take if Coleman, ASJ and Amaro are all available when we pick? I think I go ASJ in that situation. What do you all think?

    • OakHarborHawk

      I’d say ASJ as WR is a lot deeper position than TE this year. You’d still have shot at some quality receivers towards the end of round two and maybe Coleman falls due to concerns on production.

      • Ben

        If we could get ASJ in round one and Donte Moncrief in round two that would be great in my opinion, after that, go almost entirely OL with a couple DL and one CB as usual.

  6. Cysco

    I’d say Coleman, then find a cheaper TE via free agency. (fred davis has been mentioned on here before)

    • SunPathPaul

      I’d agree w Cysco here…Coleman at 6-6 and fast— I think Luke Willson has great potential, we just have to actually call it and use it. So we have some depth if McCoy comes back, but if Miller is gone, then ASJ becomes more appealing. If a FA TE w Experience can be gotten, then go Coleman…

      I still want J Abbredaris too! Russell Wilson and him have some deep connections… and it plays out on the field!

      anyone?

  7. James

    When looking at big receivers do you notice any reason why a first rounder like Jon Baldwin from Pitt failed to make an impact on the field? I remember seeing him mocked to Seattle at one point in time and Im curious if his college tape was similar to any of the first round receivers this year.

    • Rob Staton

      Good question.

      Baldwin in college was a big body, superb athlete. Had the ideal size, completely explosive. His calling card was the spectacular downfield catch, but a bit like Benjamin he wasn’t consistent. He didn’t play in a great offense. I think part of the issue here is he’s just never wanted it badly enough. Physically he could be whatever he wants to be. But where’s the fire? Where’s that stubborn, fiery attitude? He’s so laid back.

      I really liked his upside but he’s a classic example of being careful with receivers who don’t want to be great.

  8. Stuart

    Jordan Matthews is the sleeper of this entire group. After watching all the different footage of the WR’s, Matthews is the one I would have to come away with because he will be attainable for us. He is big, 6-3, and he has dominated the SEC for several years. I see clean crisp routes right now. With this ability already in his tool-belt, he will be able to contribute in a big way as a rookie. He also has extremely reliable hands from all that I have watched.

    Now ad NFL coaching and his routes become even cleaner. He is not a burner but he does create lots of separation. Jerry Rice was not a burner either and he did pretty good. Speaking of Jerry Rice, Jordan Matthews is his cousin I think. He has the blood lines!

    I looked up trade value points and 1-32=590 points. The scenario that most closely matches trading down would look close to this; Seattle trades 1-32 and receives a 2nd and 3rd round pick. Based on the 590 points of 1=32, that would net us between the 10th-12th pick in both the 2nd and 3rd round.

    Would Jordan Matthews still be available with the 10th-12th pick in R-2? Maybe, maybe not. Last year Keenan Allen made it to the third round and Justin Hunter was drafted in top 1/3 of R-2.

    One more to throw out there, Colt Lyerla. The guy is a complete idiot BUT he could also be a sensational NFL TE. For pure feelgood, I would rather draft Lyerla late than Amaro or Benjamin in R-1. Remember Vontaze Burfict? He was an idiot too and went UDFA. He is now a Pro Bowler.

    • Rob Staton

      I think it’s very optimistic to expect a deal that pockets a third rounder in that scenario. As discussed recently in another post, Tampa Bay and Denver made a similar trade in 2012 where the two teams essentially swapped fourth round picks. For dealing out of round one, Denver didn’t even pick up an extra selection. For whatever reason we’re seeing deals done at the end of day one and the value chart goes out the window. It’s a buyers market. Although I will say the trade value chart is pretty outdated anyway these days.

      Matthews for me is a pure #2 guy. If he’s 6-3 then it’s only just. He’s not a big, physical, dominate the red line type of receiver. He’s a savvy player, he can get open. For me he’d be an ideal long term replacement for Reggie Wayne in Indianapolis. But Seattle has receivers like that already. And really they need someone who has a different skill set. That’s how I see it anyway.

      And as for Lyerla — I think we’re exhausting the conversation with this guy. There is no evidence out there that he can be a sensational NFL tight end. His tape is average. His best season at Oregon — he didn’t top 400 yards. He needed to turn it on in 2013 and not only did he fail to do that, he got kicked off the team and the drug issue came up.

      Using Vontaze Burfict as a comparison in this scenario is no different than using Tom Brady as an example for trying to draft a franchise QB in round six. It’s extremely unlikely. And Burfict’s big issue was personality and attitude, not drug crimes. Let’s get that straight. We’re talking about two very different issues here. I’m never sure why these big name prospective UDFA’s are so enticing. The guy’s priority shouldn’t even be the NFL. It should be about getting his life in order.

      • troy

        -A former NFL and ESPN analyst, estimated in 2012 that at least 50% of players use, a share he said was down from about 90% when he entered the league in 1985. Former Seahawk John Moffitt recently echoed the same thing estimating of at least half.

        -A anonymous NFC starting player came forward to say
        “It’s like clockwork nowadays,” he said, estimating 10-15 players on each team use a banned substance. “Nowadays, dude? In 2013? (Expletive) yeah. I’m just being real.”

        -About 70% of prospects at the draft combine admitted to using some type of recreational drug, according to an ESPN survey, and football players are the most frequent users in college sports, according to an NCAA report.

        -By my count, the three most common charges in the NFL database were DUI, assault/battery (including domestic violence), and drug possession, with 72% of all incidents including at least one of these charges.

        Speaking of “DRUG CRIMES” heres a list of players that have been suspended for use of banned substances:

        August 12, 1989 4 games Tony Burse FB Seattle Seahawks [38]
        August 30, 1989 4 games Vince Amoia RB New York Jets [39]
        August 30, 1989 4 games Bobby Riley WR New York Jets [39]
        August 30, 1989 4 games Ron Solt OG Philadelphia Eagles [39]
        August 30, 1989 4 games Leroy Irvin CB Los Angeles Rams [39]
        August 30, 1989 4 games Orson Mobley TE Denver Broncos [39]
        August 30, 1989 4 games Maurice Douglass DB Chicago Bears [39]
        August 30, 1989 4 games Matt Jaworski LB Buffalo Bills [39]
        August 30, 1989 4 games Tom Doctor LB Buffalo Bills [39]
        August 30, 1989 4 games Sean Doctor FB Buffalo Bills [39]
        August 30, 1989 4 games Mike Ariey OL Green Bay Packers [39]
        August 30, 1989 4 games Keith Uecker OL Green Bay Packers [39]
        August 30, 1989 4 games Mark Mraz DE Los Angeles Raiders [39]
        August 30, 1989 4 games Vernon Kirk TE Los Angeles Rams [39]
        August 30, 1989 4 games Keith Henderson RB San Francisco 49ers [39]
        August 30, 1989 4 games Rollin Putzier NT San Francisco 49ers [39]
        August 13, 1990 5 games Louis Cheek OL Dallas Cowboys [40]
        August 13, 1990 3 games John Brandom OL Phoenix Cardinals [40]
        July 31, 1993 4 games Eric Moore OG New York Giants [41]
        November 30, 1994 6 games Frank Wycheck FB Washington Redskins [42]
        July 25, 1995 6 games Bernard Williams LT Philadelphia Eagles [43]
        October 23, 1995 4 games Joel Steed NT Pittsburgh Steelers [44]
        October 23, 1995 Indefinite Bernard Williams LT Philadelphia Eagles [44]
        September 13, 1997 4 games Scott Davis OG Atlanta Falcons [45]
        August 20, 1997 4 games Artie Ulmer LB Minnesota Vikings [46]
        August 28, 1997 4 games Matt Stevens DB Philadelphia Eagles [47]
        1998 4 games Bob Sapp OG Minnesota Vikings [48]
        September 1, 1998 4 games Paul Wiggins OT Pittsburgh Steelers [49]
        December 23, 1998 4 games Jude Waddy LB Green Bay Packers [50]
        November 24, 1999 4 games Lyle West FS New York Giants [51]
        October 21, 1999 4 games Travis Jervey RB San Francisco 49ers [52]
        November 26, 1999 4 games Jason Ferguson NT New York Jets [53]
        December 2, 1999 4 games Jim Miller QB Chicago Bears [54]
        June 21, 2000 Season Josh Evans DT Tennessee Titans [55]
        October 5, 2001 4 games Henry Taylor DT Chicago Bears [56]
        November 28, 2001 4 games Shawn Springs CB Seattle Seahawks [57]
        December 15, 2001 4 games Tommy Bennett FS Detroit Lions [58]
        January 8, 2002 4 games Daimon Shelton FB Chicago Bears [59]
        September 7, 2002 4 games T. J. Slaughter LB Jacksonville Jaguars [60]
        September 11, 2002 4 games Ray Buchanan CB Atlanta Falcons [61]
        November 4, 2002 4 games Brentson Buckner DT Carolina Panthers [62]
        November 6, 2002 4 games Lewis Bush LB Kansas City Chiefs [63]
        December 4, 2002 4 games Julius Peppers DE Carolina Panthers [64]
        November 18, 2002 4 games DeMingo Graham OG Houston Texans [65]
        March 28, 2003 4 games Mike Cloud RB Free agent [66]
        July 11, 2003 4 games Byron Chamberlain TE Minnesota Vikings [67]
        July 26, 2003 4 games Lee Flowers LB Denver Broncos [68]
        August 30, 2003 4 games Keith Newman LB Atlanta Falcons [69]
        September 11, 2003 4 games Ray Buchanan CB Atlanta Falcons [70]
        September 26, 2003 4 games Scott Shanle LB St. Louis Rams [71]
        September 6, 2004 4 games Adrian Madise WR Denver Broncos [72]
        November 9, 2004 4 games Andrew Pinnock FB San Diego Chargers [73]
        December 6, 2004 4 games David Boston WR Miami Dolphins [74]
        September 3, 2005 4 games John Welbourn OL Kansas City Chiefs [75]
        September 16, 2005 4 games Rick Razzano FB Tampa Bay Buccaneers [76]
        July 7, 2006 4 games Todd Sauerbrun P Denver Broncos [77]
        September 1, 2006 4 games Sammy Morris RB Miami Dolphins [78]
        October 17, 2006 4 games Matt Lehr OG Atlanta Falcons [79]
        October 17, 2006 4 games Shaun Rogers DT Detroit Lions [80]
        October 22, 2006 4 games Shawne Merriman LB San Diego Chargers [81]
        December 5, 2006 4 games Hollis Thomas DT New Orleans Saints [82]
        July 6, 2007 4 games Kenny Petersono DE Denver Broncos [83]
        July 20, 2007 4 games Jarrod Cooper SS Oakland Raiders [84]
        August 3, 2007 4 games Ryan Tucker RT Cleveland Browns [85]
        September 2, 2007 4 games Rodney Harrison SS New England Patriots [86]
        August 9, 2007 4 games Obafemi Ayanbadejo FB Chicago Bears [87]
        October 5, 2007 6 games Tim Couch QB Free agent [88]
        October 5, 2007 6 games Kenard Lang DE Free agent [88]
        November 3, 2007 4 games Chris Henry RB Tennessee Titans [89]
        November 6, 2007 4 games Marcus Stroud DT Jacksonville Jaguars [90]
        December 5, 2007 4 games Ray Edwards DE Minnesota Vikings [91]
        April 15, 2008 4 games Stephen Cooper LB San Diego Chargers [92]
        August 19, 2008 4 games Luke Petitgout OT Tampa Bay Buccaneers [93]
        August 30, 2008 4 games Jesse Chatman RB New York Jets [94]
        October 21, 2008 3 games Matt Jones WR Jacksonville Jaguars [95]
        August 18, 2009 4 games Tanard Jackson FS Tampa Bay Buccaneers [96]
        November 11, 2009 4 games Joselio Hanson CB Philadelphia Eagles [97]
        November 17, 2009 4 games Dwayne Bowe WR Kansas City Chiefs [98]
        December 24, 2009 4 games Luke Lawton FB Oakland Raiders [99]
        March 7, 2010 8 games Ryan Tucker RT Free agent [100]
        March 7, 2010 8 games Jason Ferguson NT Free agent [100]
        April 12, 2010 4 games Santonio Holmes WR New York Jets [101]
        May 7, 2010 4 games Brian Cushing LB Houston Texans [102]
        June 14, 2010 4 games Gerald McRath LB Tennessee Titans [103]
        July 2, 2010 4 games LenDale White RB Seattle Seahawks [104]
        July 16, 2010 1 game Leroy Hill LB Seattle Seahawks [105]
        July 22, 2010 2 games Cary Williams CB Baltimore Ravens [106]
        September 4, 2010 4 games Shawn Nelson TE Buffalo Bills [107]
        September 22, 2010 Indefinitef Tanard Jackson FS Tampa Bay Buccaneers [96]
        August 2, 2011 4 games Phillip Buchanon CB Washington Redskins [108]
        September 2, 2011 2 games Kevin Williams
        Will Smith DT Minnesota Vikings
        New Orleans Saints [109]
        September 9, 2011 1 game David Reed WR Baltimore Ravens [110]
        December 4, 2011 4 games Fred Davis
        Trent Williams TE
        LT Washington Redskins [111]
        December 6, 2011 4 games John Moffitt OG Seattle Seahawks [112]
        February 6, 2012 4 games Weslye Saunders TE Indianapolis Colts [113]
        March 9, 2012 4 games
        (later changed to 3 games) Brett Hartmann P Houston Texans [114]
        May 23, 2012 4 games Allen Barbre OT Seattle Seahawks [115]
        June 13, 2012 2 games Mikel Leshoure RB Detroit Lions [116]
        July 2, 2012 4 games Brody Eldridge TE St. Louis Rams [117]
        July 20, 2012 1 game Nate Collins DT Chicago Bears [118]
        August 20, 2012 1 game Tamba Hali LB Kansas City Chiefs [119]
        August 31, 2012 Indefinitef Tanard Jackson FS Washington Redskins [120]
        September 10, 2012 4 games Joe Haden CB Cleveland Browns [121]
        September 18, 2012 3 games Clark Haggans LB San Francisco 49ers [122]
        October 8, 2012 4 games Will Hill FS New York Giants [123]
        October 13, 2012 4 games Aqib Talib CB Tampa Bay Buccaneers [124]
        October 28, 2012 4 games Eric Wright CB Tampa Bay Buccaneers [125]
        November 9, 2012 4 games Brandon Bolden RB New England Patriots [126]
        November 20, 2012 4 games Winston Guy SS Seattle Seahawks [127]
        November 26, 2012 4 games Jermaine Cunningham DE New England Patriots [128]
        December 5, 2012 4 games Brandon Browner CB Seattle Seahawks [129]
        December 4, 2012 4 games Cedric Griffin CB Washington Redskins [130]
        December 11, 2012 4 games Asa Jackson CB Baltimore Ravens [131]
        December 17, 2012 4 games Jordan Black OT Washington Redskins [132]
        March 20, 2013 4 games Rob Jackson LB Washington Redskins [133]
        April 3, 2013 4 games Daryl Washington LB Arizona Cardinals [134]
        April 20, 2013 4 games Justin Blackmon WR Jacksonville Jaguars [135]
        May 17, 2013 4 games Bruce Irvin DE Seattle Seahawks [136]
        May 22, 2013 1 game Rokevious Watkins OG St. Louis Rams [137]
        May 31, 2013 1 game Isaiah Pead RB St. Louis Rams [138]
        June 4, 2013 4 games Gabe Miller TE Chicago Bears [139]
        June 7, 2013 2 games Josh Gordon WR Cleveland Browns [140]
        June 24, 2013 4 games Brandon Collins WR New York Giants [141]
        June 24, 2013 4 games LaVon Brazill WR Indianapolis Colts [142]
        July 18, 2013 8 games Weslye Saunders TE Indianapolis Colts [143]
        July 20, 2013 4 games Will Hill FS New York Giants [144]
        July 26, 2013 4 games Jarvis Jenkins DE Washington Redskins [145]
        July 27, 2013 4 games Andre Holmes WR Oakland Raiders [146]
        August 1, 2013 4 games DeMarcus Love OT Minnesota Vikings [147]
        August 2, 2013 8 games Asa Jackson CB Baltimore Ravens [148]
        August 14, 2013 4 games Jo-Lonn Dunbar LB St. Louis Rams [149]
        August 20, 2013 6 games Von Miller LB Denver Broncos [150]
        August 26, 2013 3 games Jerome Felton FB Minnesota Vikings [151]
        August 26, 2013 4 games Mike Goodson RB New York Jets [152]
        August 30, 2013 8 games DeQuin Evans DE Cincinnati Bengals [153]
        September 10, 2013 4 games Tom Zbikowski SS Free agent [154]
        September 10, 2013 2 games Brandon McDonald CB Free agent [154]
        October 12, 2013 4 games Kellen Winslow II TE New York Jets [155]
        November 1, 2013 Indefinite Justin Blackmon WR Jacksonville Jaguars [156]
        November 12, 2013 4 games LaRoy Reynolds LB Jacksonville Jaguars [157]
        November 24, 2013 4 games Walter Thurmond CB Seattle Seahawks [158]
        December 18, 2013 Indefinite Brandon Browner CB Seattle Seahawks [159]

        Point is Colt Lyerla has used and abused illegal/banned substances that doesnt determine that he’ll have success in the NFL or not as the above listed player many of whom have had long promising careers. One could argue those individuals listed above were more than likely told by one or multiple sources ‘you need to get you life in order’

        • troy

          And as for Lyerla — Can you say that without doubt, 100% certain that he CANT be a sensational NFL tight end?

          • Colin

            No- but if he’s a coke head ala Timmy Smith, his career will be decidedly uninspiring.

            • SteveD

              Probably one of the BIGGEST “coke heads” in NFL history… ala Lawrence Taylor
              so whats your point again???…

          • Rob Staton

            Time to move on.

          • oz

            He’s already sensational,in the wrong way!!!!

        • Michael M.

          The Burfict comp is a poor one. That dude was pretty damn productive at ASU for a time, and probably could have gotten himself drafted if he’d performed even close to average at the combine. If anything I would say they are polar opposites. Burfict is fat and slow, but knows how to play football. Lyerla may be a freak athlete, but I’ve seen nothing that points to him being even above average on the field.

        • Rob Staton

          None of this is relevant Troy. You’ve just listed a bunch of players who cost their respective teams. If anything that’s a lesson to say minimise the opportunity of bringing the next addition to that list onto your team.

          Look, we’ve exhausted the Lyerla debate. It’s time to move on. There are hundreds of other players to discuss with a much stronger case for making it in the league.

          • troy

            Why because you dont believe theres a possibility this kids figures it out and brings it all together to have a productive NFL career. I listed players that have substance abuse, youre big red flag with on Lyerla is his drug problem well my point is the NFL is has a plethora of players with substance abuse, yet it goes overlooked because most of these players capabilty to produce on the field. I think Lyerla is an athletic freak that when hes on the field he plays “pissed off for greatness” Antonio Gates was another UDFA TE that became an 5 time ALL-PRO, 8 time PRO-BOWLER. Im not suggesting Lyerla will match Gates, Im simply saying taking a risk on a guy that everyone else is overlooking pays off big. When Colts head is on straight hes a MONSTER, dude is a football player, he makes plays.

            • troy

              Rob I enjoy reading your write ups and gaining insight, youre awesome I love this site. Ultimately we all have the same common goal for the Hawks and want to see this team successed. Never the less when it comes to Colt Lyerla we’re just going to have to agree to disagree.

  9. Stuart

    Shot down, 0-2. I still would hate to draft Amaro or Benjamin in R-1. But if we do, it will be like Percy Harvin rumor before we got him. NO, don’t do it, NO, don’t do it! And then,WOW, we just got Percy friggin Harvin, woohoo etc.

    I love your opinions Rob, don’t ever change.

    • Michael M.

      Don’t listen to him Rob. Change is good. If you want to dump the wife, kid and career so that you can watch tape literally all day and pump out 14 articles an hour on here, I will support your decision.

  10. kevin mullen

    You can’t teach fearlessness to get that ball in traffic, I don’t see one guy on our receiving corp that could do what Benjamin can do. He reminds me of a faster Larry Fitz.

    • Michael M.

      Pretty massive stretch there. Fringe first rounder with admittedly questionable focus and consistency vs. #3 overall selection with a Biletnikoff Award and a 2nd place finish in the Heisman race.

      • oz

        I,ll say. Come on Kevin….

  11. Cameron

    I sort of get the feeling PC would be chomping at the bit to draft Coleman late 1st round. He seems like the player he likes to target – high upside, needs polish and technique coaching. Coleman needs to learn to turn his hips, jump and high point the ball, particularly on those sideline throws. Working everyday against Sherman will teach him that. Hell, Sherm will probably teach him everything he needs to know. I think I’ve finally talked myself into this guy, assuming his knee check out OK.

    • kevin mullen

      I bet JS is for Coleman, PC is for Benjamin. Who do we side with?

  12. James

    I have only heard 4 postions mentioned for the Seahawks R1: WR, TE, OT and DT. As you have mentioned any number of times, Rob, the team need will be set by who they re-sign (Tate?) or who they have to let go (Miller, Mebane, Giacomini?). It does seem that a solid WR may still be there at pick #32, but OT seems the biggest need. Okung has yet to play a full season, being laid low by a significant injury every year. We all see what happens to the team when we have to turn to a backup left OT. They have to get a guy with the athleticism to fill in for Okung if needed and to start at the right side if Brenno is gone. I suppose it all depends on how highly PCJS and Cable rate Bailey and Bowie as potential starters.

    • Attyla the Hawk

      It’s based on speculation, but more like educated speculation. There are a LOT of teams in dire need of OT help. Not ‘we’d like to have a better backup to our 2 time pro bowl LT’ kind of help. Stranger things may happen, but I’d expect 5-6 of the top OTs to be off the board before we pick. And there are a couple swing teams that could push it to 8.

      It’s never as simple as saying we have a big need. The best way to fail at a draft is to fight the board. OT is one such position where we will very likely be doing just that.

      It’s the drawback to success in the NFL. To sustain success, we need to get guys in day three that few of us have heard of develop into starter grade talent. The Bowies and Baileys. Hitting on these guys is what separates good teams from bad.

      • Michael M.

        well said Attyla.

      • AlaskaHawk

        Fortunately for us PC has a great hit rate in the fifth round! 🙂

    • bigDhawk

      *cough* Billy Turner *cough*

  13. Ben2

    I know this is a draft blog …. But we’re leas than 24 hrs to kickoff and only 1 thing matters: GO HAWKS!

  14. seahawks509

    I really like Allen Robinson. He seems faster than people give him credit for. Really fluid and can make plays after the catch. I really like him, just not sure if I like him for this team. I think he could work, but if we take a WR in round 1 it’s got be either Benjamin or Coleman. Unless we draft Martavis Bryant later…But I highly doubt we draft 2 WRs.

  15. Robert

    I would rather teach a young prospect to be more consistent with his concentration than try to teach him to high point and catch with his hands. This video shows more route running. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk2T3FAEkCk KB has a phenomenal catch radius and an extra gear to lope past defenders with his long strides.

  16. troy

    ROB -“Very intriguing player. Took some snaps at running back in 2012. 6-5 and could add more muscle without losing any of his speed. In the modern NFL you need a tight end that can line up pretty much anywhere. Lyerla might be the only tight end who can sit in the backfield as a blocker, receiver, full back or runner.”

    ROB -‘Oregon’s Colt Lyerla is intriguing for a number of reasons. Big, unnaturally athletic. played other positions for a few snaps. Guys like ASJ and Lyerla are the ones changing the game. They take bigger, faster, stronger to a whole new level. These types of players are just as important as the #1 receiver these days. It’s why we’re starting to see more and more tight ends appearing among the leading receivers in the league. The Seahawks don’t really have a guy like that. Zach Miller is one of the best tight ends in the NFL and showed that in the second half of last season. Yet he’s slightly more orthodox. He’s a classical type who blocks well and offers a solid target for the quarterback. He’s not the Gronk, though. Or Jimmy Graham. Or Antonio Gates. Or Vernon Davis. You get the picture. My interest peaked with Lyerla when I saw him playing different positions. Lyerla took some snaps at running back and appeared surprisingly smooth and productive. I mean, when have you see a tight end run the ball, let alone run the ball well? We’re talking about explosive, difference making athletes here. The type you have to game plan for. And that’s exciting.”

    -Attyla the Hawk says:
    June 7, 2013 at 3:48 pm
    Having watched the limited footage, I’m inclined to think of a different possibility:

    Lyerla as fullback.

    He’s not as violent a blocker coming from the backfield. But he does show seriously amazing feet. I’d harken back to a FB of Seahawks yore: John L Williams.

    Lyerla has explosive speed, coupled with a natural bend which allows him to keep leverage on the move. He also shows excellent lower body strength. But his feet are extremely lively. In a typical blocking scheme, he looks like his heart isn’t into the level of violence you’d want to see from a FB. You don’t see him lay Vontae Leach/Bruce Miller type blocks. Or even Mike Robinson type blocks. But he is a guy who can block on the move and create seams.

    He’d be a distinct mismatch for any pass play coming out of the backfield. Or any time he motions out wide. He’d be a FB that could play seamlessly in a 21 or 22 package. Now that I think about it, you could just as easily put him in an 11 or 12 and move him around that way as well.

    John L was an amazingly productive FB for Seattle particularly in the passing game as he was a good receiving FB with some elusiveness. Lyerla definitely could fit that niche quite well. Definitely better as a receiver, but not as physical a blocker.

    For zone stretch plays, I can see Lyerla being excellent at that. He has quickness and fluidity and strength to get a good hook on an end, or to earwig onto an inside shoulder for a cutback lane. He doesn’t look impressive as a drive blocker, but when he does engage a guy, he is quick/strong enough to stay on the block and not let his man loose.

    I can definitely see the appeal Lyerla would have for an offense such as ours. He’s very much an explosive athlete who can be used in a myriad of roles and positions. A player who, if we were so inclined, could allow for us to run no huddle/up tempo, while keeping nearly the entire playbook open with unchanged personnel.

    His feet and leg strength are as impressive as they are an odd pairing. Usually you don’t see that kind of agility with that level of power. And you typically don’t see that in a player who can stay low at full speed. He runs with a very natural forward hunch while balanced over his feet.

    -Kenny Sloth says:
    June 7, 2013 at 5:27 pm
    You described Lyerla as an H-back/Aaron-Hernandez-role player. Like to a T.

    Colt Lyrla doing a 62″ box jump. Pretty impressive anytime especially for a guy his size.

    http://youtu.be/gk0CxGPdxvo

    • AlaskaHawk

      If we draft a couple guards and then are looking for a fullback, why not move Sweezy to fullback? He is quick, a ferocious blocker, nice size, and he has shown he is adaptable to different positions.

  17. Curt

    Totally agree with the analysis Rob, Benjamin, Coleman or Amaro would really be a plus for the Hawks. I trust whoever we pick in the first JS and PC have done their homework and looking for a high ceiling player who is a difference maker.

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