Kevin Norwood could be a consolation prize for Seattle

Kevin Norwood could be a target on day three

I still believe several receivers will go in the first round:

Sammy Watkins
Mike Evans
Odell Beckham Jr
Marqise Lee
Brandin Cooks
Kelvin Benjamin

In that situation it might be hard to justify taking a wide out at #32. It’s possible, I suppose, that they could look at the supreme athletic potential of a Martavis Bryant or Donte Moncrief, the size of a Brandon Coleman or the ‘go up and get it’ ability of Davante Adams. But there might just be better options elsewhere at that point.

There will be some nice options at #64 and beyond. The re-signing of Sidney Rice takes away some of the immediate pressure to add a receiver, but they’ll almost certainly look to add one at some point. Coleman’s freaky size and potential continues to be intriguing and if he makes it to #64 he’s one to watch. There are others too.

But if they wait even further — Alabama’s Kevin Norwood could be a consolation prize.

He was thoroughly dependable for the Crimson Tide but never really developed into a dynamic playmaker. He has modest size (6-2, 198lbs) and decent speed (4.48). There’s nothing particularly exciting about him athletically and with so many good receivers in this class he might struggle to crack day two.

Having said that, he does seem to fit the kind of receiver the Seahawks look for later on.

Alabama are a run first team obviously and even when they had Julio Jones a few years back — they stuck with their identity. They challenge their receivers to make big plays and be consistent. It’s very similar to Seattle’s philosophy. Norwood wasn’t a big-time production guy and in some games only received one or two targets. But when the ball was coming his way — he needed to make the most of it. And usually, he did.

That’s pretty much Seattle’s way of doing things too.

Look at the way Jermaine Kearse has been utilised. Last season he had eight games with 0-2 targets. The Seahawks aren’t throwing a bunch and Kearse as the #3 or #4 receiver isn’t going to get a ton of looks. Yet when it comes his way — they challenge him to make a big play. It’s about maximising opportunities.

That’s why they want players with strong, reliable hands who can win at the red line and high point the football. Amid all the talk this week about whether Cody Latimer can separate — that might bother some teams, but probably not Seattle. They’ll throw the ball to tight coverage because they expect their WR’s to win 1v1 battles. This isn’t a precise, timing offense. This is a smack you in the face with the run game then beat you with play action offense.

Kearse isn’t driving off cornerbacks, getting wide open and making nice easy catches. He’s high pointing the football for a touchdown in Carolina, winning that flea flicker in Atlanta, making a difficult grab in the end zone in the NFC Championship game and catching the ball in traffic versus the Broncos in the Super Bowl.

Norwood can come in and be a role player for Seattle. And he might only get 1-2 targets in a game at best. But he’ll get you 17 yards on that catch or make a tough sideline grab under pressure. He’ll move the chains once or twice a game or get a drive rolling with a difficult catch.

So while his value is limited to a lot of teams in the league and he’s not blowing anyone away physically — as a third day pick for the Seahawks he could have some appeal and make his way into the rotation fairly quickly.

Fast forward to 1:41 in the video below:

This was a frustrating game for Alabama. They were toiling against an over-matched Kentucky team. They turned the ball over (T.J. Yeldon fumble) in the red zone. Another drive stalled a few yards out and they had to settle for a field goal. They were making mistakes.

A.J. McCarron — emphasising the frustration of the first quarter — just throws one up for grabs downfield as he tries to make any kind of play. Norwood is in double coverage and after play action, McCarron really shouldn’t be throwing this pass. Norwood bails him out by high pointing the football between the two defenders and making a huge gain.

After this play Alabama coasted along to a big win. That catch changed the game. It was Norwood’s first meaningful contribution too — and the most important by any player on the day.

He’s also pretty good in the scramble drill (and remember, the Seahawks want to be the best scrambling team in the NFL according to Pete Carroll). McCarron isn’t Russell Wilson but he did have a few moments running around trying to extend plays in 2013. More often than not he looked for Norwood in these situations.

Fast forward to 2:48 in the video below:

McCarron buys himself some time and directs traffic — telling Norwood to sprint downfield to the left sideline. He throws a nice pass into an area where only the receiver can make a play — and Norwood obliges with a terrific diving catch.

Doug Baldwin’s party piece is the improbable grab. How many times does Wilson lob one up only for Baldwin to make a highlight reel play down the sideline? While ever Seattle has Wilson, they need receivers who can do this. They need players who just know where to be — have a natural feel for finding the right spot. Being on the same wave length as the quarterback.

Norwood ticks two big boxes for the Seahawks.

Even so, I thought it was a little rich for Mel Kiper to project him at #64 in yesterday’s bizarre combined mock draft with Todd McShay. He has limited upside and he’s not an explosive athlete. He has short 32 inch arms and a smaller catching radius. A dependable scheme fit is nice — but you don’t reach for those types of players, especially when they might be impacting only one or two snaps a game.

Seattle loved Wilson in 2012 but were prepared to risk losing him to stick with their board and grades.

Kearse and Baldwin both went undrafted in a weaker class for receivers. Even if they really like Norwood, I bet they’d be willing to miss out altogether rather than feel the need to make a big reach. I suspect he’ll be available much later than the second round.

If they don’t get a receiver nice and early, keep an eye on this guy.

83 Comments

  1. CC

    Interesting article Rob.

    Norwood played on a team that ran the ball and knows how to block, he knows he’s not the number 1 guy so he’d be patient, he’s a dependable receiver. But for me he’s meh – I just think there are better football players at other positions out there I would rather have over him as the WR pick. If we had a 3rd rounder – maybe he’d be okay, but with limited draft choices this year, I’d be disappointed if we picked him in the second or 4th.

    I’d rather take my chances with some UDFA guys like Burks from Boise St or Kevin Smith from UW. There are other WRs too that will be out there – Norwood just doesn’t do it for me.

    • Rob Staton

      I wasn’t thinking second or fourth round personally. I’m thinking later rounds or priority UDFA.

      • CC

        Oh, okay – that makes perfect sense!

      • Nate Dogg

        Sorry, but this is absurd. He’s got good size, good measurables, and all he does is make circus catches. I understand if you don’t think he deserves to go in the second but there is no way Norwood’s an UDFA.

        • Cameron

          Completely agree. I think Rd 4 is his floor. Good size. Good hands. Not a yac guy but will win plenty of contested balls. Good looking prospect.

        • williambryan

          Is he going to be much better than Baldwin or Kearse? (both undrafted…)

        • Rob Staton

          I said later round or UDFA.

          He doesn’t have good size, he’s 6-2 and 198lbs with short arms. He runs a 4.48 not a 4.38. He makes good catches but he’s a role player at the next level. Let’s not get carried away here. This is a superb receiver class and someone has to go later on.

          • Brad

            But brandon Coleman in the first. Lol.

            • Rob Staton

              Who is projecting that?

              • Brad

                Nobody but you Rob. Though you have backed off that a bit as of late, I couldnt help but notice you included him as a WR that the Hawks “might” take a look at in the first. I admire your loyalty, but for the life of me I can’t figure out what it is that you like about Coleman. Other than his height(which he doesn’t use effectively) there is nothing remarkable about him. He runs two routes, the slant and the nine. He catches with his body, but he doesn’t use his body to box out defenders and he waits for the ball to come to him as opposed to high pointing it.

                • Rob Staton

                  I haven’t projected Coleman in round one in any of my mocks. He has a ton of upside and I’ve talked about him going earlier than most people think. If you want to know why I feel that way about him, search in the archives for the articles I’ve written.

                  • Brad

                    I’ve followed your blog and enjoy your thoughtful in depth analysis. However, regarding Coleman you just say you like his combination of rare size and speed. You talk about josh Gordon like potential, but never explain where that comes from. When I watch his tape the only remarkable thing about him I see is his size.

          • pqlqi

            although in this limited film, he looks to have be a hands catcher, on the two big catches here i see him double catching the ball – not a great thing in the nfl. you have to secure the ball on the first catch attempt. It’s something that can be worked on, but double catching and our sideline play don’t really work together.

          • Nate Dogg

            Maybe we’re just working off of a different definition of good, but if you’re knocking him because he’s “only” 6’2 I think that’s crazy.

            What makes you think he’s only a role player or has limited upside? He has similar height/weight/length measurements to Keenan Allen and and Deandre Hopkins and has much better speed measurements than both. He has better production than Brandon Coleman on a fraction of the opportunities and against far superior competition. He’s tough, he blocks, and he has fantastic hands. How does all that equal up to late rounds/UDFA?

            • Rob Staton

              I’m hardly knocking him. I’m saying his size is good not great.

              Not every player can go early. And let’s be right here — he is not DeAndre Hopkins. He’s an absolute mile off. Look at Amari Cooper’s production at Bama as a freshman and look how they used Norwood — 1-2 targets in some games. 4-5 in others. He’s Alabama’s Jermaine Kearse.

              • Nate Dogg

                Seattle drafted a backup TE from Rice. They don’t care what someone is to someone else, only what they can be for the Seahawks.

                I agree he’s not the level of prospect that Hopkins is, mostly because of his low usage, but if we’re talking upside I’m not sure how Norwood’s upside is limited but Hopkins and Allen are not.

                • Rob Staton

                  My point is Alabama gave him a similar amount of targets to the way Seattle has used Jermaine Kearse. Either Norwood was criminally underused by Alabama or he isn’t quite as good as you perhaps think. Rice might’ve underestimated Willson’s value in the passing game but when’s the last time Nick Saban did that? Especially when the guy spent five years with the team.

                  Let’s be right here, Allen was a five star recruit coveted by every major school in college football. Nuke Hopkins is one of the best receivers to enter the NFL in recent history and a first round pick. We shouldn’t need to spend any time debating why Kevin Norwood’s upside isn’t on the same level. He just isn’t as good, in terms of current ability or potential. He is what he is.

                  • Jake

                    He is what he is? None of these prospects are finished products. He has very good speed, very good size, has shown effort, won the trust of his QB. You’re argument is that those other guys were better prospects than Norwood because other teams drafted or recruited them for THEIR system. Norwood is a perfect fit in Seattle. Personally, I like him in the 4th round, which allows Seattle to draft other positions early and get an undervalued player at a savings. If he goes earlier than Seattle’s 4th, I’d be disappointed but I think it’s a safe bet.

                    • Rob Staton

                      That is not my argument. I was asked why Norwood has less upside than Allen and Hopkins and as part of my response I used two factors to express why they had a higher ceiling. One player was an incredible 5-star recruit and the other is a richly deserved first round pick. Norwood won’t be a first round pick and won’t get close, while he was also a 3-star recruit and #44 overall among receivers in the class of 2009. So if we’re talking about athletic potential and upside, he doesn’t compare.

                      This is another reason why I don’t talk too much about later round options. People overreact and see the suggestion a player is a later rounder as a slur. It’s not. Norwood is a decent player. But he has a very limited draft value. He’s the type of player where if somebody else takes him earlier than you’ve graded, you shrug your shoulders. For me his absolutely maximum value at best is the fifth round but he could be there in the 6th or 7th. Not everyone can be a high pick. But as we’ve seen with Baldwin and Kearse, it doesn’t mean if you do go later on that you can’t contribute.

              • Nate Dogg

                Also, you’re right that not everyone can go early, but people are predicting anywhere from 12-14 WR getting picked in the first two rounds. If that holds true, its likely the 20th rated receiver is coming off the board sometime in round 4.

                I don’t think it’s unreasonable to think that Norwood rates somewhere in the 15-20 range of this class.

  2. Michael (CLT)

    Yeah! I am so glad you made it to Norwood. Love this guy. Steal…

  3. Hawksince77

    Rob,

    Just catching up on your last two articles and wanted to get more on Moncrief. He has insane numbers:

    40 Yd 20 Yd 10 Yd 225 Bench Vertical jump Broad Shuttle 3-Cone Drill
    4.34 – – 13 39 1/2 11’0″ 4.30 7.02

    Can you elaborate on the ‘soft’ comment? I can see how that could be a deal-breaker for Seattle, depending on exactly what is meant by it.

    • Hawksince77

      And just to add, from Rang:

      STRENGTHS: Moncrief’s thick frame, deceptive speed and smooth route-running make him a nightmare for cornerbacks. He does not possess the explosive moves of Southern Cal’s Marqise Lee or Clemson’s Sammy Watkins but might be a better player than either of them. He is sudden in his breaks, showing the ability to generate separation even against tight man coverage, and accelerates quickly, often leaving defenders in his dust on double-moves. Moncrief tracks the ball well and generally shows excellent hands (one drop vs. Texas), as well as the body control to make the dazzling grab. Moncrief is also cognizant in the running game, showing awareness and toughness as a downfield blockerWEAKNESSES: Perhaps the only thing standing in Moncrief’s way of becoming the first “skill-position” player from Mississippi to earn a first round draft selection since Eli Manning (No. 1 overall, 2004) is the question about his straight-line speed. Moncrief was not caught from behind on tapes viewed but the big-bodied receiver may not possess elite timed speed. –ROB RANG

      • Rob Staton

        Straight line speed? he ran a 4.40.

    • CC

      I love Moncrief! I really hope we draft him. For the WRs that could be available at 32 – if Moncrief, Lattimer or Bryant are there, I would be gleeful if we chose one of them. Moncrief had a really good pro day as well.

    • Rob Staton

      The soft remark was a comment made by a scout to Bob McGinn. I think it’s a little bit harsh but at the same time — he doesn’t play like his hair’s on fire. I think he was let down by the Ole Miss offense. If he’s around in round two it’ll be a bargain for someone.

    • Madmark

      I think Moncrief would shine in the Seahawks offense. The play action pass is what he thrived at and at least once a game he would be wide open down the field and the QB just couldn’t get the ball to him. 3 times in the LSU game he should have scored. Lets talk the numbers if RW does a normal game of 18/25. The RBs will have 5 of those catches, TE will have 3-4, so that should leave 9-10 passes to 3-4 WR. He’s one of those juniors that could use more time to learn but he sure wouldn’t do it at Ole Miss. He’ll be 21 in august and getting him at 32 we would have him 5 years and he would be 26 at the end of his contract. Whats that means to me is as Moncrief becomes that good receiver that looking for a good contract at 26 Harvins contract would be ending. I really like this guy because I think in college his potential and talent weren’t even close to being tapped at Ole Miss.

      • CC

        Good call on him being 21 – I hadn’t thought about that. We do seem to like young guys who can grow. I’m liking Moncrief even more – thanks

  4. Datrain@hotmail.com

    Hawks would be lucky to see this guy make it to their pick in the 4th. He is a late 2nd/early 3rd talent that has picked up a lot of interest since his all-star game. Good article Rob…great to see a fresh name and an option for later.

  5. Jim Q

    I respect the work of Matt Waldman and I think he may be right on as to the best WR picks that the Seahawks could make. To me, it sounds like he’d be in favor of WR-Martavis Bryant at #32 and/or with WR-Bruce Ellington at #64. I tend to agree and I’d be more than happy with either choice. Have you looked much at Bruce Ellington?

    “”Bruce Ellington is like a Swiss Army knife equipped with a butane lighter that doubles as a jet pack……Martavis Bryant as the replacement for Rice and Bruce Ellington as the replacement for Tate……What I don’t think a lot of the public knows is that the 5’9″, 196-pound Ellington is the type of prospect I’m drooling over.””
    http://mattwaldmanrsp.com/2014/02/25/no-huddle-series-bruce-ellington/

  6. KingRajesh

    Yo, if we’re going to wait, why not Jeff Janis?

    • Mark

      I like Janis. He was under the radar a few weeks ago, but I’m hearing a lot about him recently.

    • Rob Staton

      Very, very raw.

  7. James

    Not a single WR on the Seattle roster was drafted by the team, not one. My recollection is that John and Pete have drafted 3 WRs: Golden Tate, Chris Harper and Kris Durham. Tate did very well in his last two seasons, and Harper and Durham were spectacular failures, wasting good mid-round picks. But, just as RW reversed the F-minus grade John and Pete had earned on their QBs, perhaps this year will see the same at WR?

    I am an Alabama alum and have seen all Norwood’s games. I can confirm that he is a natural receiver with deceptively good speed, and as you well note, he specializes in the big play and bailing out his QB. He is a perfect fit with RW. That said, however, he is more a 4th round pick, and he will not go R2 to Seattle….no idea what Kiper is thinking.

    The WRs available in R2 should be: Bryant (unless PC/JS grab him at 32); Moncrief, Adams, Robinson, Matthews, Coleman and Landry….all of whom, I believe, have more upside than Norwood. I would even go with Abbrederis, who has the uncanny talent of reading RWs mind. But, if Kevin Norwood is there R4, and the Seahawks did not go WR in R1 or R2, grab him and be happy.

    • CC

      Nice analysis – especially because you’re a Bama guy.

      Just my own poll – would you guys be okay with drafting a WR at 32 who probably has a 2nd round grade if you know they wouldn’t fall to 64 or would you rather draft an OL or DL guy? Of the favorite BAP?

    • pqlqi

      it’s ridiculous to call Harper and Durham “spectacular failures” as both are still in the league and many 4th round picks don’t ever make a mark in the league.

      Durham and Harper faced the deepest roster in the league for their daily competition, and just because they lost roster spots (to guys who really stepped up like Kearse and Baldwin, not to mention on the defensive side of the ball) doesn’t classify them as failures of drafting. Durham is a starter in Detroit, and Harper only just finished his rookie season. Every year there are 90 players on the roster from the draft through the end of preseason and 37 of them are cut. This doesn’t include the probably 20-30 that cycle through for a few weeks here and there, meaning that about 50% of the players that come through the team this offseason will be cut. When your competition for a roster spot is Tate, Rice, Baldwin, Harvin, and Kearse and the team keeps 5 RBs, that’s a steep hill to climb.

      • Arias

        Sorry but I got to disagree with you here. Kris Durham has been a spectacular failure any way you paint it. Yes, he’s the whole reason why Detroit made it a priority to get better at wide receiver in the off season because Durham leaves so much to be desired by sporting the highest drop rate in the league. Detroit fans hate him because he’s a dog like that. I’m very glad he’s not playing in Seattle because he truly would have stunk up the joint and brought the level of play by everyone else at least a couple dozen notches DOWN.

        So yeah, if you want to roll by Detroit’s low brow standards then go ahead and hold Durham in high regard. He did end up qualifying to be a part of Megatron’s human support team. But it’s a team that has always been deprived of quality receivers outside of CJ and their depth has always resembed on FCS h level.. How many top picks in the draft did Millen blow on wide receivers that failed before finally landing their franchise wide receiver with the best wide receiver prospect to come along of all time. They needed a virtual lock like that for Millen to not get it wrong.

        So yeah, if you want to chalk up Durham’s detroit career as the reason he’s not a spectacular failure I’d point out that, actually, yes he is. I guarantee he won’t be on any team next year. When you’re a starring rookie with the highest drop rate in the league, your career is fated to not last much longer.

        • Colin

          He was a 4th round pick who didn’t pan out. That’s not a “spectacular failure”. He’s just another 4th rounder who didn’t work out. It happens.

          • Bjammin

            Good point Colin.

    • kevin

      I honestly think that we need more than one receiver in this draft. Not for this year, but for the next. Receivers take time to become starters unless you are picking top 20.

      Right now the Seahawks offense is very expensive compared to defense. about 70m Offense, 50m defense. throw in RWs salary to be and we are going to need to get cheap offense fast as the defense gets paid. Expect more Offense players drafted in the next couple of years and expect them to be in positions where we can save money.

      So who is getting paid in the Seahawks offense two years from now?
      Harvin 12.3m
      Unger 5.6m
      Christine Michael 1m
      Luke Wilson 0.7m
      spencer ware 0.6m
      Bowie 0.6m

      some likely new contracts:
      Russel Willson 18-20m
      Okung 8-10m

      Total about 50m of the 140/2 (expected 2016 cap divided by 2 so offense and defense are equally funded) = around 70m.

      Offense has about 20 players, 50m pays 8 of them. So we can spend 20m on 12, 1.6m per player. This needs to include the following starters: RT (6m average salary, maybe Bowie fits here?), 2Guards (3m average), 2WR(4m to 6m) and 1TE (3m).

      Doing the math clearly shows that we can extend very few of our existing Offensive players. The cheapest player costs about .6m so we have about 12m for extensions. Extending both Fresh and Kearse could easily chew up 10m of that.

  8. jlkresse7

    Do you think Jarvis Landry is still a legitimate option at 64 for the hawks?

    • CC

      Interesting thought – if 7 – 9 WRs go in the first round I wonder if Landry could fall to 64? So many good players – so few picks!

    • Rob Staton

      I hope so, but athletically he’s not what they’ve gone for. He’s a fantastic player though.

  9. Darren

    Rob, of only 6 wr go before us who on that list would be pushed down ? Benjamin?

    If even just Moncrief and Bryant are there i’d be happy to take one of those two ( preferably Moncrief ). I feel those two and Coleman are superior to what we have at reciever now excluding Percy.
    This is the unit that can most be immediately upgraded give the projected availability at 32.

    This weeks news makes it sound like our OL starters are already on the team. I think if Bitonio was to come here he would compete with Sweezy at RG. James would be a fantastic addition to ensure depth at both Tackle spots.

    A great counterpoint regarding an early WR is the low target numbers available. I could see them waiting if they don’t see a field tilting number one type. Do you think Moncrief can add that demension to this team.

    My hope would be easley at 32, coleman at 64 then depth on OL

    • Rob Staton

      If only six are gone I think Latimer could be there. Benjamin maybe. One of those two.

    • pqlqi

      sweezy is almost certainly slated to be a long term starter. They will be looking to upgrade or replace every other position on the OL before looking at Sweezy. Okung is costing 18 million against the cap over the next two season and will be due for renewal soon enough; do we want to spend 10 million per year on a LT who spends half he season hampered or out due to injury?
      Unger is costing 13 million over the next two seasons and while reasonable priced when healthy. We don’t have a RT who has played more than a handful of NFL snaps. Sweezy is young, looked better than league average in the playoffs, and carries a significant nasty streak than none of our other OL demonstrate. He also played more snaps than any other OL last year – the picture of consistency.

  10. EranUngar

    Since we are back to WR i’ll just mention a few general points with regards to the common view regarding a “seahawks” receiver that this FO may target with a 1st or 2nd pick:

    The model to look at is not a Baldwin or a Kearse winning the contested red line catches. This attribute is a major need due to PC philosophy of not turning the ball over EVER. It’s the last sentence in the full description – We want someone that tilts the field, gets open for the safer passes due to size/speed and skills and is safe to pass to also when covered.

    They showed what they want when they paid for Rice and Harvin with their special skills. They guy they pick at 32 or 64 must at least show that potential.

    With the current impressive list of WRs they will look for the guy that may be a game changer next year rather then a reliable guy that may get 1-2 targets a game this year.

    As far as “reaching” when you pick that guy – Any receiver that is there at 32 and will not be there at 64 is not a reach. Even if most rate him as a 50-60 pick. Any receiver that is there at 64 and will not be at 128 is not a reach too. It’s about getting the players that will improve this team not winning the Mel Kipper draft value award.

    I an saying this again, they want a guy who gets open first and a winner of contested catches second. The way PC had RW playing this year you could see that they avoid passing into risky cover as much as they can especially when not trailing by more then 7 points.

    With the above in mind a Moncrief or a Bryant show that potential. Even a Mathews or a Coleman have their special field changing traits.

    As we drop down into the end of the 4th and beyond any player with game changing potential will come with a long list issues that made him available at that point. It then becomes a question of potential versus security. Having Rice, Baldwin and Kearse on the last year of their contract will force a safer pick that should be able to be that 3rd/4th receiver in 2015 rather then a potential 1st/2nd or bust guy. A fighter with ok speed, good hands and mental fortitude to endure and improve.

    Last point – If they don’t find the receiver they want at 32 or 64 – Baldwin has just earned a modest contract to be signed before training camp.

    • Rob Staton

      “We want someone that tilts the field, gets open for the safer passes due to size/speed and skills and is safe to pass to also when covered.”

      The tilt the field remark JS made was only referring to the QB. This offense does not require its receivers to run precise routes to get open. How many ‘easy’ passes does Wilson make? They challenge their receivers to win jump balls, 1v1 battles and to compete in the air. This is a big play passing game that looks to maximise chances. High pointing the football and winning the red line is the be-all and end-all.

      • EranUngar

        Is that how you would describe the most expensive player on this roster taken a year ago?

        Harvin = High pointing the football and winning the red line, win jump balls, 1v1 battles ?

        If that is not exactly Harvin then it can’t be-all and end-all.

        Harvin is – tilts the field by speed, both in getting open and YAC.

        I think they will look for enough speed and agility to get open on routes and tall to be a safe high pointing winner as their top round choices. They will want a tough making the contested catches from the later round guys who won’t get separation.

        RW swallowed a lot of balls he could pass to avoid targeting a partially covered receiver. A LOT. He doesn’t throw receivers open like Rodgers. If the guy is not open – move on with the read. They would love a guy that gets open.

        Or i could be totally wrong…

        • pqlqi

          I think you are mostly right about the WRs, and every other position. Looking for “unique qualities” and finding ways to take advantage of them on the field is “tilting the field”, and this team wants every player to have that same quality. It’s about building a roster that gives you asymetric advantages over your opponent, and most of the time it’s about bullying your opponent.

          I think you are wrong about Wilson though. He does throw to spaces (throw WRs open), but he avoids the potential INT (sometimes overweighting the risk of INT). There are any number of throws that he made last year that qualify as throwing the WR open, it’s just that our offenses identity isn’t based on that as it’s primary means.

          • EranUngar

            Sorry if i was misunderstood regarding RW.

            At times i had the feeling that he does avoid a difficult throw as part of the game plan he was given. It’s not that he can’t. He will when given the green light but like you said – that is not how we do things.

            Still, I think they would value a guy that will get open more due to his superior something.

        • Rob Staton

          Yeah — Harvin is a fantastic competitor who high points the football. Look at the grab vs Minnesota. Look at the catch vs New Orleans. He competes for the ball and blazes past people with amazing speed.

          • Richard Dez

            I have to say this is a very strong dialog between 3 guys I really respect. Especially you Eran, your overall skill of adapting to American conversational discourse is just amazing from when I first started reading your stuff over at Gullville, outstanding brother. Pickles and Rob always come to play too, love this.

            My only contribution is I wish that PCJS took advantage of Steve Largent or other elite former WRs that could contribute their input to draft day decision making. With Pete’s penchant to want to fix, repair and his desire to coach up every player it seems a little weak in the Receivers/Tight End Universe to me. I don’t think you could say that the Hawks have a great teacher/coach for ball catchers. And with receivers, it seems that the nature of the position is high reward/high blame for production or lack there of. They come in thinking their already done and ready, just get me the ball.

  11. Darren

    Two or three of the following….

    Moncrief, Coleman, Bryant, James, Easley, Bitonio

    Thanks Rob, Love the great insight into seahawk football and the draft.

    • CC

      Dream scenario for me! Any 2 of those and I’ll do a shot of Fireball on draft days – oh, okay, I’ll probably do a shot regardless.

  12. EranUngar

    P.S. –

    We have just signed the Vikings wife beater AJ Jefferson.

    Check out his insane combine stats –

    Pre-draft measurables

    Ht Wt 40-yd dash 10-yd split 3-cone Vert Broad
    6 ft 1 in 193 lb 4.34 s 1.56 s 6.72 s 44 in 10 ft 6 in

    A 6’1 corner 4.34 forty and 44 inch vertical jump sound very seahawky….

    • CC

      Does anyone know what happened with that DV charge? I know these guys aren’t choir boys, but it bothers me that we sign guys with DV charges. If it was dismissed – the legal process has done it’s job – but it still bothers me.

      • EranUngar

        He pleaded guilty, got 90 days, didn’t serve any due to “time served”…was suspended by the NFL so he is clear to play now.

        I share your displeasure with it. I don’t need choir boys, i try not to follow their off field lives. Still, my son rooting for a wife beater bothers me. I’m old fashioned that way.

        I don’t even like players beating other players from their own team with beer bottles or shooting guns in parties etc.

        • CC

          Thanks!

    • Steve Nelsen

      I don’t think that 40 time on Wkipedia is correct. He is listed as a 4.5 40 guy elsewhere. He was an undrafted free agent. He’s headed to his third different team in his short career and has off-field issues. Keep your expectations low.

    • Matt

      Jefferson is a big time athlete that could learn a lot from the LOB! Could see him winning the dime CB spot behind Lane.

      Resigned Schofield too. Both of these signings solidify the depth of our roster. Looks more and more like our needs come draft time are along the lines and at WR.

      • CC

        Happy about Obi! He is a nice depth guy who can rush the passer as needed.

  13. Kyle

    I don’t know about the rest of you all, but draft day is my favorite day of the year. Even more so than Christmas. DJ Hayden, EJ Manuel, trading up to take Dion Jordan? C’mon? How can you not love that drama? There are franchises that leverage their futures on some of these picks.

    I’m going to get a nice, big sub sandwich, a 6 pack of beer and watch the fun unfold.

    • williambryan

      There was that one day, when they, uh, won the Super Bowl…

      • Kyle

        That was a guacamole, corn chips and Apricot Ale day. A sword day! And the sun rises! (Lord of the Rings line)

        Like I said, I am going to get some awesome food for this draft. WholeFoods is ridiculously overpriced, but the guacamole they sell is awesome.

        • williambryan

          Whole Foods Guac is the best in the world.

    • CC

      I love the draft! I watch all 3 days – maybe I don’t have a life :o)

  14. Bob Dole

    Can’t forget his age.

  15. red

    If Allen Robinson is there 64 do you take him? He is not a burner 4.57 combine 4.47 pro day split the difference he is probably a 4.52 guy. 6’3 with 42 inch vertical just 20 years old has the high pSPARQ the Seahawks like.

    • Rob Staton

      It’d depend on who else was on the board. I like him, but there are other players I like more.

      • jlkresse7

        I’m 50-50 on Robinson. What are your pros and cons for him?

        • Rob Staton

          Pro’s: Shifty in the open field. Makes the most of what’s on offer. Tough to bring down. Excellent character. Nice size and hands. Made of the right stuff.

          Con’s: Plays to his 4.6 speed and not a special athlete. Capable of high pointing the football but doesn’t have much impact on the sideline. Did most of his damage in college on screens and trying to run in the open field. Not sure he’s ever going to be an orthodox outside guy who dominates the red line.

  16. Madmark

    Kevin Norwood has that field awareness and catch ability. He’s a lot like a Steve Largent in my opinion, who can get you that 1st down but he’s not going to stretch the field. I was looking at him as Seattle’s 5th round pick which is more a 6th.

    • pqlqi

      steve largent averaged 16.0 Y/R, which is ridiculously high. He was a huge down the field threat, because those were not all YAC.

      • Richard Dez

        Your so right Pickles, He was always disappearing on the field during the play then he suddenly had the ball. Early in his career he was dismissed for his minor attributes. Later, his skill as a route runner helped to lull the defenders into forgetting about him and his transparent attributes. Once he embarrassed so many defenders more than once, including the likes of Lester Hayes and Mike Haynes they started off talking about him with the words like”The Great Steve Largent”. His polished elite route running, coming back to the open spot and incredible determination to succeed, they all hoped no one would emulate his elite attributes.

        I wish Pete and John would invite him to come in and work with the young receivers for 3 to 5 days.

  17. mjl

    Abbrederis from Wisconsin might be an interesting mid-round pick also. Caught 55 balls from R Wilson his Sophomore year..suffered from poor qb play (and no other legit receivers) last two years but really jumps out on film (doiminated OSU last year). Good punt returner also…

    • mjl

      correction on Abbrederis..he had a down junior year but then had a really good senior year (78 recs, 1081 yds, 7 rec td’s + 2 rush td’s)…walk on guy out of HS…great athlete…plays alot like Golden Tate..would love to see the Hawks get him..

  18. Richard Dez

    Kevin Norwood looks like he could be a good quality receiver some day from the films you provided. But he seems very raw for the NFL. He does have good receiving skills but he seems to just sit the play out, when the ball isn’t coming to him. If he attempts to block it is usually weak and half hearted. Many times he doesn’t even bother and makes no attempt to help extend the play for other ball carriers. Maybe it’s just coaching, but right now it looks like its all about Kevin. I don’t know if I would bother if he doesn’t understand team play. UDFA sounds about right.

  19. Stuart

    WARNING!!!

    To all my friends at SDB, be sure and tell your wife/significant other that you will be completely unavailable Thursday night, Friday night and most of Saturday too.

    Tell her today so she cant freak out on you later for not giving her notice. Remember, a happy wife is a happy life!

    My wife did not know the Seahawks were on football Monday night against the Green Bay Packers. When she came home from work, the Golden Tate play at the end of the game was happening live. Possibly one of the greatest all time Seahawk moment ever, ruined. Don’t let it happen to you.

    That is all…

  20. Jake

    Lattimer will be gone. But I’ll bet you a silver nickel that Cooks will be there at 32. Question is, would you pull the trigger on him??

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