One of the best days of the NFL Draft season is Lance Zierlein publishing his draft reports. For the full list, click here. Whether you agree or disagree with Lance’s grades and analysis, it’s a tireless effort to put so many reports together.
Better yet, there’s no paywall.
I’d recommend reading the reports in full. There are some I strongly agree with (and others I would disagree equally strongly with). However, I wanted to post Lance’s top grades per position below.
Here’s how Lance distinguishes his grades:
7.3-7.5 — perennial pro-bowler
7.0-7.1 — pro-bowl talent
6.7-6.8 — year-one quality starter
6.5 — boom or bust prospect
6.3-6.4 — will be a starter within two seasons
6.1-6.2 — good backup who could become a starter
6.0 — developmental prospects
If a player isn’t listed below, it’s because he didn’t receive a high enough grade.
One thing to look for is any player praised for their toughness and/or leadership. The Seahawks appeared to focus on that quite a lot last year. For example, blog favourite Rashard Lawrence is described as such:
“Plays with dog mentality and is ready to turn any rep into a street fight if he needs to. Lawrence’s leadership and toughness stand out on the defensive side of the ball. He plays with pain and never shortchanges teammates in the effort department.”
Unique traits and athleticism with the high pick, generally high-leadership and toughness throughout the class. These are things to look for in the write-ups.
Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow — 7.07
Tua Tagovailoa — 6.82
Justin Herbert — 6.45
Jordan Love — 6.33
Jake Fromm — 6.29
Jacob Eason — 6.29
Running backs
D’Andre Swift — 6.81
Jonathan Taylor — 6.46
Zack Moss — 6.45
Clyde Edwards-Helaire — 6.42
J.K. Dobbins — 6.38
Cam Akers — 6.35
Javon Leake —- 6.30
A.J. Dillon — 6.25
Eno Benjamin — 6.23
Wide receivers
Jerry Jeudy — 6.86
Ceedee Lamb — 6.86
Laviska Shenault Jr — 6.50
Henry Ruggs — 6.49
Tee Higgins — 6.48
Justin Jefferson — 6.41
Chase Claypool — 6.40
Jalen Reagor — 6.39
Michael Pittman — 6.38
K.J. Hamler — 6.37
Brandon Aiyuk — 6.36
Bryan Edwards —- 6.29
Van Jefferson — 6.27
Antonio Gandy-Golden — 6.27
Denzel Mims — 6.25
Tight end
Harrison Bryant — 6.44
Devin Asiasi —- 6.35
Cole Kmet — 6.34
Jared Pinkney — 6.32
Albert Okwuegbunam — 6.30
Hunter Bryant — 6.20
Adam Trautman — 6.20
Offensive line
Jedrick Wills — 7.07
Tristan Wirfs — 6.49
Mekhi Becton — 6.49
Andrew Thomas — 6.48
Josh Jones — 6.42
Cesar Ruiz — 6.41
John Simpson — 6.39
Tyre Phillips —- 6.36
Austin Jackson — 6.34
Prince Tega Wanogho — 6.30
Lloyd Cushenberry — 6.30
Isaiah Wilson — 6.28
Lucas Niang — 6.28
Defensive line
Chase Young — 7.40
Derrick Brown — 7.16
Raekwon Davis — 6.70
Javon Kinlaw — 6.70
Yetur Gross-Matos — 6.50
A.J. Epenesa — 6.47
Ross Blacklock — 6.40
Jordan Elliott — 6.38
Marlon Davidson — 6.35
Alton Robinson —- 6.33
Jonathan Greenard — 6.31
Justin Madubuike — 6.30
Julian Okwara — 6.26
Jason Strowbridge — 6.26
Linebacker
Isaiah Simmons — 7.08
K’Lavon Chaisson — 6.88
Patrick Queen — 6.76
Zack Braun — 6.73
Kenneth Murray — 6.48
Jordan Brooks —- 6.37
Malik Harrison — 6.36
Anfernee Jennings — 6.35
Terrell Lewis — 6.35
Joshua Uche — 6.26
Cornerback
Jeff Okudah — 7.15
C.J. Henderson — 6.77
Cameron Dantzler — 6.43
Jaylon Johnson — 6.43
Trevon Diggs — 6.39
Jeff Gladney — 6.39
A.J. Terrell —- 6.36
Stanford Samuels —- 6.33
Bryce Hall — 6.32
Amik Robertson — 6.32
Kristian Fulton — 6.29
Noah Igbinoghene — 6.29
Safety
Xavier McKinney — 6.70
Grant Delpit — 6.45
Antoine Winfield Jr — 6.36
Ashtyn Davis — 6.33
Kyle Dugger — 6.32
Terrell Burgess — 6.20
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Who are your biggest disagreements with Rob?
I noticed Shaun Wade isn’t graded and you had him top 15. I’m guessing you think Isaiah Wilson is low in your book.
How about guys that you see as over-rated per these evals?
Sean Wade went back to school.
Shaun Wade didn’t declare.
I would rate Reagor, Hamler, Aiyuk, I. Wilson, A. Thomas, Kinlaw and Delpit higher. I’m not as high on Chaisson, McKinney, Wills, Wirfs, Ashtyn Davis, Zach Braun, Ceedee Lamb. I think Anthony McFarland and Logan Stenberg are rated far too lowly. But Lance puts in the work and I appreciate his views because he puts the time in and explains his opinions via his reports.
Your not high on Ceedee Lamb?
My favorite receiver in this class hands down. Even if he runs 4.5. The two best WR’s in the game ran in the 4.5s (Mike Thomas, Deandre Hopkins).
I don’t think he’s the second best receiver in this draft, no.
I really think this is the draft to straighten out this offensive line. The defensive line needs more immediate help by doing FA or trade. Draft picks that we pick at I just don’t see many that picks where we are draft being ready for the NFL. Our OL has gotten old and I think 2 offensive lineman are necessary for the future. I’ve been trying every which to get a Isiah Wilson for RT but start Fant RT for a year. I love joey Hunt but he’s not Britts replacement in a couple years and I like a Cesar Ruiz.
Isiah Wilson 6.28 seems a little low and maybe that’s due to being a Sophomore but he looks like a 6.5 for me.
Cesar Ruiz 6.41 and that seems right since I wouldn’t expect him to start for year.
What do you rate these 2 players and where in the draft do you think they go at?
I’d recommend going back and reading the pieces I’ve written about both. Search the archive or google their names.
Rob, I’m high on Ruiz (and read your post) and hope we draft him. Do you think there is a chance to get him in round 2 (perhaps move up a few spots) or is that very unlikely and have to use a #1 pick?
I think he’s a top-40 lock.
“For me he’s a top-25 talent… Ruiz is the complete package at center.” If Rob’s right, then 6.41 does seem a bit low…
Not in draft
Interesting. I thought it was a stonewall fantastic year for WRs, but he’s got nary a prospect with a 7 … and maybe it’s me, but I think 1-2 of the QB prospects not named Burrow will surprise us big time. I just don’t know which ones, lol.
I did suspect it was a weak crop of TE though.
I don’t know why he doesn’t have part with scouts/personel words…and ceiling/floor part was also good…
Because he does his own work.
Who needs to be fed bullshit from a super biased “source” that’s just as likely to be throwing a smokescreen as they are to be giving you anything of value.
Tony Pauline is your guy for inside sources, if you really need em
Lance had it until last year…I read Pauline all the time…him and Brugler…
For example stuff like this are really interesting to me…this is Brugler on Uche:
“After I post a mock draft or prospect rankings, I often hear from friends around the league with feedback about what they agree with or where they might disagree. After I posted my latest top-100 board earlier this month, I heard from two scouts who thought I had Uche too high at No. 60 overall, seeing him more as a late third-rounder. However, I received a text from one of those scouts late this week: “You might be right about that #6 at Michigan.””
Brugler is not someone I’ve taken much notice of to be honest.
‘My sources’
‘Someone in the league text me’
Great. Quote all the sources you want. Until you actually show those sources to be worthwhile (eg Tony Pauline) all you are doing is boasting that you have sources.
Rob- Curious of your thoughts on…
Antonio Gibson (Memphis)
Trishton Jackson (Syracuse)
Freddie Swain (FLA)
… as RD 3-7 prospects in case they miss on the Aiyuk/Raegor/Hamler crew in RDs 1/2?
LZs general profile on each: Sudden, competitive and able to contribute on STs (combined w/best football likely ahead of them) are really intriguing to me as a second option.
Not Rob, but I’d like to chime in with a thought. While the above names are definitely worth a look (and I haven’t yet seen any of them), all I want to say is that if we are looking to add a WR, I think he needs to be a real weapon for Russ, with much higher ceiling than David Moore, Jaron Brown, Malik Turner, John Ursua. For me, that’s why you strongly consider WR early in this draft instead of waiting for another developmental project in the mid rounds.
Once again, that’s not to say we shouldn’t give them all a look, because some of the best WRs in the game were taken later in the draft, but I still like our chances better with a guy who has elite athleticism, and those guys usually go early.
I definitely hear you. A game changing, explosive WR in the top-40 is my #1 wish list for the draft. Raegor and Aiyuk are the guys I really like for the Hawks (Hamler’s drops worry me, although I wouldn’t hate him with the first pick).
I’m just playing the ‘what if’ game. What if there’s a run on WRs? What if they stay at 27 Raekwon falls and they think they finally have their Calais? What if they trade 27 for Miller or Trent Williams?
They need someone explosive for that inside slot. If they miss on those three, or don’t swing a trade for Diggs, they can’t simply give up. As a wise man said, they will have a plan.
Three other names I’ve come across or watched that I like from 50-100 are Devin Duvernay, Lynn Bowden Jr. and Kalija Lipscomb (although he’s probably another day 3 guy).
I haven’t had a chance to watch them yet Andrew, apologies.
Definitely looking for that dog mentality, the BAMFs too. Time to start watching a few interviews on some of our favorite guys. I remember last year that was yet another thing that made McLaurin so appealing: his interviews were off the charts impressive.
I’m going to spend a ridiculous amount of time clawing through these reports trying to find the dogs.
I watched YGM interview… he sound like a great guy who has huuuuge motiv to succeed…he lose his father while he was 2years old (died while trying to save YGM who felt into water) and older brother on the baseball field who died from flesh hit (he said Yuter to stay in the car because it was thundering)…
I hope hi will run well enough at combine.
Zierlein really praised him in his draft profile …
He also mentioned his lack of twitch. YGM does have a harrowing backstory but ultimately the Seahawks need some speed and twitch off the edge. He has to run well at the combine (10, 40, short shuttle) to be in contention.
agree and thats why I said I hope he will run well at combine…
Rob Rang was on 950 KJR with Softie earlier today, he said if Chaisson slipped (medicals I believe), he would not be shocked to see Seattle grab him.
Chaisson is more likely to slip because he barely played at LSU and had only 6.5 sacks last season with most of his production coming on stunts. Let’s see how he runs. He needs to show he has the upside everyone assumes.
PFF on Chaisson:
Only 7 pressures on 65 3rd-and-longs? That’s just 10.77% on clear “pin your ears back” downs. Not good…
I just wish people would say it as it is. Chaisson looks very athletic and he has the #18 jersey. But he is a massive project with major question marks. He’s someone you hope tests well and provides upside. All these projections of top-15. Where is it coming from? At least a year ago Brian Burns had the outstanding production and then answered his questions at the combine. Chaisson, at the moment, has neither. And he ran a 4.69 at SPARQ.
and when we are speaking about “sources” it is really shame there isn’t Bob McGinn site anymore…
He writes for The Athletic now. When he moved, he said he plans on writing the same positional draft series for the 2020 draft as always. His stuff on the draft usually comes out after the Combine, closer to the draft.
He used to post a piece at the end of December then an update before the draft. This year, it looks like we’re not going to get much before the combine. I asked Bob on twitter but he doesn’t reply to tweets.
Ah, ok. Hope we hear back from him.
Maybe he would still see an email through here by chance?
https://bobmcginnfootball.com/contact-us/
Thanks for sharing this Rob. I’m curious how his ratings have played out of the years. He must be pretty consistent as you consider him a top draft expert.
Maybe I’m misinterpreting the ratings, but it doesn’t appear to be a lot of depth at many positions. Is this starting to look more like an average draft class overall? That would support trading high picks for players.
I don’t know how he’s performed previously with grades. I know I have disagreed strongly on prospects before.
To me it doesn’t really matter. What separates Lance from many others is he produces detailed write-ups to back up his opinion’s. Whether I agree or not is neither here nor there. Too many write a mock, a big board or whatever and never explain anything in any detail. Lance produces a thorough breakdown and that is worthy of great respect IMO.
he changed his scale this year so don’t try to compare with grades from previous years…
here is new scale…
https://twitter.com/LanceZierlein/status/1226194499417911296?s=19
One we talked about in the last thread, Arnette from OSU, had this said about him “ Has dog in him as run supporter and doesn’t need much help” and that he would be best used in a zone scheme. Grading is lower, making him likely available in the late 3rd-4th. Count me in on him.
I think he’ll go in round two. Excellent corner.
I dont get why they think hes a zone corner. I see him getting really sticky coverage quite a bit. I think hes a very complete player.
anyone able to find links to previous years of Lance’s write-ups?
write in Google “player name draft profile”…and first think that shows is Lance report…
He gave Aaron Donald a 5.9.
LOL
I’ll never forget they were talking with JS prior to the Donald draft… he literally was licking his chops. They asked him if he would draft him and he said “100%”, but then couched the comment with… “He won’t last until our pick anyhow”.
That alone gives me major concern. Even without regard to what he has done in the League, that grade just on college film was way off…
A couple of DB’s I am digging are Stanford Samuels and Antione Brooks Jr.
Samuels has the pedigree at CB (dad was a CB for FSU and in CFL). He’s long and instinctive. Slight of frame but he’s sticky and aggressive.
Antione Brooks is a mini Kam. SS prospect who who is an alpha dog leader for Maryland. Plays with passion and aggression who would fit in as the in the box SS in cover 3
As a guy who doesn’t follow college football and just watched Chaisson highlights for the first time: he looks exactly like what we need in the front 7. Explosive, fast, gritty tackler. Threatens the edge.
‘Highlights’ —- the clue is in the word
I think you are on point with your analysis of Chaisson rob. I think people have him rated so highly because he’s expected to blow up the combine so people can say afterwards “see look I told you he’s a stud”. Like a preemptive combine boost to his draft stock.
It’s easy to fall in love with the high end reps, which could be a mistake many are making. It could also be a mistake to ignore the high end reps. I’d like him with one of our 2nd round picks as a developmental SAM/situational pass rusher with big time upside. Surprised Zierlein has him as a top 10 player.
If he blows up the combine I’ll be the first to acknowledge it and will adjust my projections accordingly. There’s a place for upside in the league. If he has all the top-end traits teams will covet him.
But right now all we have is the assumption of a great combine. His SPARQ testing was only OK. He hasn’t produced regularly in college. He’s had injuries. The sacks he does have came on a lot of manufactured production eg stunts.
For me he’s on a pile titled ‘wait and see’. To put him in the first round at this stage would be putting the cart before the horse. To have him in the top-15? I just don’t get it. Let’s see what happens at the combine.
Early reports of Dillon make me wonder if he could be a Seahawk target as a potential replacement to Carson in a year, if they end up planning to ultimately go with a young, large, heavy bruiser over a physical back with miles on the tires on a second [presumably expensive] contract.
He is explosive (or was at SPARQ) but to me I’m not sold on him being their type. They haven’t gone that big.
I also like him, but he’s even bigger than LenWhale White was for Pete. I’d be more than happy if they took him though.
Do you think they might explore a larger back with the emergence of penny? He’s not the typical size as you mentioned but with a more two pronged attack it could make sense. Just curious on your thoughts.
I think they’re more likely to target a Prosise replacement
Are you thinking they will extend Carson next year? How much would you pay him?
Probably. They love Chris Carson. Love him. And if they decide to move on in the future it’s not like you need to plan ahead. You can always get a RB in the draft.
Eddie Lacy?
Didn’t draft him but not sure that experiment will encourage them to go big again.
They’ll be after a Prosise replacement IMO
I get you, I was just being facetious…
I wouldn’t mind Dillon if he could moonlight as a full back though.
On a radio interview they asked Pete about running back size and how they have always gone for guys around 220 pounds around 5’10”. He responded saying If he could get a guy that right way and had the required agility they would love a guy that was 240-250 pounds considering the physical style they want their guys to run with. Maybe he was kidding but I don’t think he would mind a bigger back if the guy has the athleticism and style they covet.
I recall him once talking up bigger backs but I think it’d have to be a special player. They’ve consistently gone for explosive, one-cut types who finish runs and are in the 220 range. I’m just not convinced Dillon is the player they fall for here. They need a Prosise type not a lead runner.
Someone who can keep the training staff busy?
Jokes aside, I am hoping that Homer can be the “Procise type” as a faster change of pace/ 3rd down back who excels in the passing game. Both as a blocker and receiver. And he plays special teams. I don’t think he has the same upside as Procise as an offensive weapon but has the potential to be a better all around player.
I think we should be looking for Carson insurance. In case he gets injured or doesn’t return to form after his broken hip or walks in free agency in a year. A hammer.
My short list is something like this
Jonathan Taylor
Jk Dobbins
Zach Moss
A.J. Dillon
Joshua Kelly
If a Procise type is what they want, aside from the physical dimensions, Clyde Edwards-Hellaire is the jack of all trades who can help in the passing game as well as being an effective runner. He’s a baller. Short, thick legs. Low center of gravity. He’s one of my favorite football players in the draft and he could get close to our second round pick. Some smart team may snag him earlier but he’s an intriguing guy.
I have become intrigued with Cam Akers of FSU. 5-star recruit with a SPARQ of 141.3 and running 4.4. Ideal size at around 220 and 5’11.
Carrol has said the ideal back is 6’3 250 but its hard to get guys with speed and agility needed with that size so they have to compromise.
I could see the Hawks being interested in FSU RB Cam Akers. The dudes SPRQ numbers when he was a junior in HS were better than any college RB coming out that year.
I’m not sure he said that was the ‘ideal’. There’s no way a 6-3 running back would be called ideal.
Nah, he pretty much did say that.
6’2 245 that runs like Rawls is his ideal (this was when Fournette was coming out)
I really like AJ Dillon for this role
But they’ve not drafted anyone that big. He might well believe that’s the ideal if the player does everything they want. But their type is 5-10, 220, explosive.
And it’s a rare rare specimen that gives you both. I think he was enamored with Fournette at that time.
It’s something we havent drafted, but we’ve definitely looked at big backs like that. White, Lacy, Scarbrough. Wouldnt rule out a heavier guy to be drafted sometime down the line. They want to add that, it seems. Just need the right fit
I think it’s a bit of a stretch listing Bo Scarborough. Lacy they signed and he’s one of their biggest busts. Lendale White was here for about 10 minutes. There’s a long list of 5-10, 220 guys who have come in.
I do remember the conversation. Been meaning to bring it up. Dillon seems to have pretty good hand’s on what little tape I have watched. I like him a lot. I also like Perine.
Not even at halftime and we already got our first live F Bomb in the XFL. Why do they insist on talking to players right after they got fouled? What do they expect? Lol!!!
That was great.
The Dragons are using the RB a lot. How long till Ben Baldwin and the Twitter mob goes on a hot take rage?
The NFL should steal the kick return idea.
No idea if the league will last, but this has been really fun so far.
They’re probably already writing articles to say the XFL is overrated
When you see the XFL Seattle Dragons defense have better edge contain on defense than the Hawks…😪😪😪
Interesting that Auburn’s Nick Coe has been invited to the combine as a LB. Drastically reduces his chances of getting drafted in half.
That’s a real head scratcher
Thanks for posting this Rob. I don’t always agree with his grades he gives some good insight into a ton of players, many of which I never have time to check out in detail.
I know I sound like a broken drum but if Chase Claypool is still on the board at the end of the 3rd round when our comp pick comes up JS should definitely pull the trigger and take him as a TE convert. He is already way bigger than Hollister and has a huge frame to get bigger. He plays really physical and is an awesome special teamer. Being a Canadian kid he is still really raw as a receiver but has great hands and knows how to use his body to shield defenders and high point the ball. He excelled in the red zone for ND.
I really like the Darren Waller as a comp and think Claypool would be the ideal compliment to Dissly. If he tests well at the combine though they may need to use a 2nd rounder to get him and I am not sure JS would do that for a conversion project.
I always enjoy Zierlein’s analyses on NFL.com
But Jedrick Willis is a pro bowler while Andrew Thomas is a starter in a couple of years? 🙄
One of the ones I disagree with
I would have those two switched up for sure.
Is it safe in saying that, according to the “scores” mentioned in the article, that there are some really good PROBOWL level players in the draft, but very few (if any) perennial ALLPRO/Generational players in 2020?
XFL game appeared to be between a CFB level of game and preseason NFL type of game.
I really liked the analyst booth on the Seattle game. They were already one of the best parts of the XFL…. the sideline reporting was also top notch, considering they were talking to player right after big plays (positive and negative).
The review process was also a nice touch. A couple of questionable calls, but overall I thought they let the players play and the yellow hanky didn’t make that many appearances. The overall flow of the game also seemed fast paced and kept me engaged.
I also liked how they highlighted players and told a bit of their football journey… such as when/where they were drafted into the NFL. There were a few players who were from 2020 or 2013 hanging around on the rosters.
The crowd also was 75% full, so that was not bad either. I’ll give them an 8/10 out of the box.
Better coverage than ESPN on a Monday Night Football game.
I was pleasantly surprised, I enjoyed watching both games.
I enjoyed hearing the play calls and I thought the coverage was top notch.
It feels a little bit like a preseason NFL game, but isn’t that the point.
These football players want to prove that the can still play, even if it is not the NFL.
I thought it was a ton of fun. Different w/o trying to reinvent the wheel.
They learned from the AAF and Oliver Luck deserves a sh** ton of credit.
That kickoff rule is f***ing genius! The NFL wants to cut down on collisions. Why didn’t they think of that?
I would not be surprised at all if Josh Jones was “our guy”
I doubt he will be ‘their guy’. Don’t doubt he could be an option but not ‘their guy’.
Anyone have any thoughts on Alton Robinson out of Syracuse?
Short arms
Fast get-off but no backup plan if that doesn’t work. Underwhelmed at Sr. Bowl from what I saw.
I like the idea of getting Olivier Vernon and just basically transfering some of Ziggy’s money to him. On top of that Britt’s money could be looked at the same way, along with Dickson that’s another $12M.
I think we’re gonna sign an outside free agent that’s not a DE to a contract worth 10-15M. Whether that’s an OL like Scherff or Bulaga, a TE like Hooper or Henry, a safety like McLeod or McCourty, or possibly Juszczyk.
Theres some nice options to add talent. We’ve got trade chips too. They’re gonna add something kinda big.
I hope they aim higher than Olivier Vernon.
He wouldn’t be the only thing they do. He could be a nice piece though.
I’m going to give the opening day of the XFL a +1. I watched and enjoyed both games today. The Fox broadcast was more professional and it it had Kurt and Brock, so I felt like I was watching a Seahawks pregame telecast. I thought the sideline reporters on ABC were too much in the players face after each play…tone it down a bit. I did like having the coaches mic’d up so we could listen in. All in all, I thought it was a good day for the XFL. No if Zorn can get those Dragons going that would be even better!
I was wondering Rob what’s your thoughts on Marlon Davidson? And if it’s true that Leonard Williams is looking for 15 million a year how would this affect Jarran Reed? Any at all
Williams is a former top-10 pick with good production. He also has NYG over a barrel because they gave away picks for him before the deadline so unless they want to waste those picks, they have to keep him. I suspect they’ll give him the transition tag. Reed’s in a very different situation as a player with less upside and having been suspended in 2019.
Marlon Davidson — I was surprised how much Auburn spelled him. He plays DE and did quite well but there’s no way he can play DE in Seattle. He’d have to move inside and then it’s a projection to how well he takes to that. Plus he has sub-33 inch arms so he’s an unlikely target. For me he’s better suited to play DE in a Pittsburgh type scheme.
This trend of spending picks on a player who is an impending FA and not conditioning the trade on signing an extension, or immediately signing him to an extension is very strange to me. Aren’t you just causing a problem for yourself? What am I missing?
Rams with Ramsey
Houston with Tunsil
Their agents must be licking their chops.
Poorly run, desperate teams.
Both teams should’ve had an extension in place upon announcement. Otherwise no trade.
And Houston just doubled down by officially naming O’Brien the GM.
Clowney, Richardson?
The Seahawks only traded a R3 for Clowney and couldn’t negotiate with him per the terms of the franchise tag anyway. Richardson was a R2 (still not a R1) and for me was an appropriately aggressive trade to try and reach a Super Bowl during a closing window.
Neither compares to trading two first round picks and not having an extension in place.
Fair
Grading players = who you think will be the best NFL player.
Mock drafts = who you think takes which player where.
It’s so rare to have an epic draft class.
Aren’t you about due for a new 64 player big board Rob?
I’ve done a big board. I’ve done a mock draft. I’ve also done a ‘one sentence for each player’ piece. They’re all ready to roll. It’s just when I want to publish them. At the moment a mock feels a bit pointless because there’s so much to be determined. I will post a board soon though.
Awesome!
Many thanks for that Zierlein link. I always love player comparisons. I check them first and it gives me an indication of whether or not I’ll agree with the summary in total.
As a Dolphins fan I looked most closely at the quarterbacks. The comparison of Justin Herbert to Carson Wentz seemed perfect to me, particularly for the reason Zierlein specified. He wrote that Herbert lacks touch, and that weakness lends itself to hesitation on short to midrange throws.
Absolutely. It is the reason I don’t want Justin Herbert. I always prefer a quarterback who can dial up any mph depending on the evolving needs of the play. Herbert is not that type. Likewise Carson Wentz looked relaxed in college but it has become steadily apparent in the NFL that the game is too fast for him and consequently he resorts to one flailing line drive after another. That weakness by itself caused the long second half lull and inexplicable loss to the Dolphins last season.
Baker Mayfield is another one who had it far too easy in Lincoln Riley’s system and now is short on patience and winging it 1000 mph all the time. It will be interesting to see if Wentz or Mayfield ever recover that prized relaxed mode that allows any arch on the rainbow.
It is not a concern with Joe Burrow. He doesn’t have the 1000 mph game anyway. Zierlein compares him to Kurt Warner. I like that one.
Tua is rated high but the comparison seemed somewhat conservative at Mark Brunell. I think too much emphasis there was placed on finding a fellow lefty.
Jake Fromm is Colt McCoy. Jalen Hurts is Tim Tebow. Ouch. I wouldn’t be that cruel to anyone.
It’s not Zierlein’s work but the best comparison I’ve seen recently is Jerry Jeudy to John Taylor. Absolutely. That is sheer brilliance. I’ve been struggling for a comparison to Jeudy recently. I knew it wasn’t anyone recent. It had to be someone very smooth but who also had the killer instinct out of nowhere. John Taylor is perfect. He was sometimes criticized as not aggressive enough on typical contested plays. It was more in comparison to Rice than anything else. When it mattered most John Taylor could raise his game and be absolutely lethal. Jeudy reminded me of that many times at Alabama, He lulled his man to sleep just like Taylor did so often, and then assumed full throat athletic arrogance to get in the clear and finish it off.
I like Zierlein’s board. A few minor disagreements and a couple what the hell but that’s basically every big board I’ve ever read.
For as many teams as I think will drop into a first round QB this year, starting to sour on this QB class being that special. Burrow to the Bengals seems like a death sentence for a stellar prospect, who knows if Tua is ever going to be himself again, Herbert has all the tools but a personality that isn’t maybe isn’t ideal. ( I learned after Metcalf, Tillery and Grier last year to care way more about personality.
Loves numbers are atrocious, Fromm lacks the physical tools, and Eastons decisions making is questionable.
Rob, I know that safety is not a need on this roster, with Blair taken in the second round last year and also having Diggs and Macdougald (as much as I think Macdougald is done, I still think he’ll be on the roster next year), if Delpit was on the board at our pick, how could we not take him? Of course we all think he is a top 10 talent and a stud who is not being talked about enough. But we didn’t think that Montez Sweat would fall all the way to pick 26 last year. I think he would be the playmaker that is needed in the defense and would be a bluechip talent that is so needed. Pete is a defensive backs coach first and foremost and he would also have inside information on Delpit since Orgeron is a Pete disciple.
There are a couple of things here…
1. Montez Sweat dropped because it was discovered he has a serious heart condition. In many respects it was irresponsible for the Redskins to take him when they did. I sincerely hope there are no issues there but that’s why he dropped. It seems to be a forgotten fact among Seahawks fans who now think they would’ve/could’ve taken Sweat when the chances are they wouldn’t have.
2. I really like Delpit and don’t think he will last to #27. But let’s say he did. You can’t just keep collecting safety’s. There has to be a plan here rather than just adding and adding. For example, have they filled the DL need in free agency? Have they opened up holes on the O-line because they’ve focused on the DL? Do they need to add another weapon for Wilson? There has to be some rhyme or reason to the pick, not simply, ‘Delpit’s there go take him’. A draft and free agency are a puzzle that you piece together to try and create a complete team.
I agree with all your points here, and you do have to draft for need to a certain extent. But if Delpit is there at 27 (BIG if and I almost hope he doesn’t so we don’t have to make that kind of decision) I would take him and figure the rest out later. If we can play base on the majority of snaps to maximise talent, we can play three safetys as well.
That’s not how good teams operate though. ‘Working out later’ can mean going through a season with a glaring weakness that causes major issues all for the sake of having too many safety’s.
I really like Delpit but until other needs are addressed it’d be a purely indulgent luxury.
“it’d be a purely indulgent luxury.” oh absolutely it would. But I can’t imagine they’d be going into the draft absolutely needing to fill one position at pick 27, it’d be a massive mistake to ever rely on rookie production like that from a late first, or early second, round pick. They’ll have needs they’d like to address and they’ll have a hedge in place and back up options they’d target later on if they miss on their top guy.
This is all likely a moot point because Delpit’s not lasting that long, but if he was its a luxury I would indulge in.
I think they will still have some needs going into the draft. Can’t see them sorting the DL, adding a TE and WR and having the OL all sorted:
I would rather a draft a potential long term term all-pro caliber player ( if Delpit indeed is) and flip one of the other safeties in a trade to fill other gaps. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush!
I think they will still have some needs going into the draft. Can’t see them sorting the DL, adding a TE and WR and having the OL all sorted.
when Rob said he will try to find BAMF i remembered I saw somewhere that Jim Nagy said Jeremy Chinn remindes him on Kam.
https://twitter.com/mattyfbrown/status/1220496085828980736?s=19
If it’s not only about his size, but about attitude on the field and style of play, than we could put Chinn on BAMF short list.
I am sorry if this was allready posted here earlier, I didn’t notice.
Waiting for more measurements on CB, DE, etc. before I scout in earnest
same.
how long until the Combine…?
Never. You didn’t hear? They canceled it. It’s not fair to the guys who don’t perform well. Too many feelins’ gettin’ hurt. Sad. Just the culture we live in now.
The draft network has an interesting free agent profile on Jordan Phillips on their site today.
Rob, what are your thoughts on bringing in Nelson Agholor or Randall Cobb?
Not interested personally, I’d rather draft one of these young studs or target a better veteran.
Delpit is there on #27 and we get bounty of picks to move down that one good scenario.
Feels like there will be some QBs at 27 that teams will want to jump into the first and get (Love, Eason). Hawks can do like they did with Denver going for Paxton Lynch, get a 3rd round pick for moving down just a little.
Agreed. And I think Indy may be that team. They have pick #34.
A Trade I could see as a possibility; Seahawks trade pick #27(680) to Cinn. for #33(580) and #104(86) and #180(19.4); 680 vs; 685.4 points. Assumes Cinn. wants to move up here to get LSU WR-Jefferson for the “comfort” of their new LSU QB and are afraid that Seattle may pick him.) Final Seahawks picks including their estimated comp picks would then be approximately: 33(T), 60, 64, 101(comp), 104(T), 135, 143(comp), 180(T), 214(comp), 244. A pretty nice spread of picks allowing JS to move around as needed to work his magic.
Given the opportunity, why wouldn’t a team want to draft a QB/WR tandem that would give the team instant QB/WR chemistry as well as contributing to the confidence of their 1-st round QB? I’ve often wondered why we don’t see much evidence of that being done in past drafts, but it does make some sense and could be seen as a slight advantage.
I was thinking the same thing, what about Pitt? Having no first rounder, and Eason just seems like a guy Pitt will love. What about Pitt trading up into the first round for Eason. Giving up 49, 3rd round comp, and a future 2nd (I couldn’t think of a better idea to make up for the value). Seahawks see many of there top ranked WRs on the board, and choose to take a calculated gamble by trading back. With the chargers choosing to go Oline with there first pick, Pitt fears eason won’t make it to them. They also see the value in getting the 5th year option for there Big Ben heir.
FWIW, Rooney II said they’re not going to pursue a QB this offseason. Take that with a grain of salt, just saying.
Based on these reports, I checked the RBs. These seem like potentially good value prospects (disclaimer: didn’t do any in-depth analysis on them, just based on size, Lance’s analysis and rating and potential rounds they’ll go). I don’t think RB is a huge need or that they’ll draft one in the first or early second round. Their guy is Carson, and they like Penny. And Homer has some potential. But Carson had some fumbling issue. Penny has way too many injuries. And contracts will soon be expired. I think they’ll draft an RB. If everyone’s healthy that RB could battle with Homer for RB3 (or maybe with Penny for RB2). If Carson would fumble more, he might be able to push him from RB1. But if some of them would be injured we need a guy who can step up. My guess is the ceiling would be end of round 2, but potentially would draft one later (R4-R5).
Swift and Jonathan Taylor will probably go too early for us.
AJ DILLON – 6′ 0″, 250 lbs – 6.25 – R3
Solid backup for Carson. Power runner. He was the bell-cow so he can take heavier workload but might already punished his body a bit too much. Probably need to cut a bit weight.
A bigger back. With some coaching he could function as an FB too. Don’t have a ton of receptions, but have some. So he could be a gadget player: FB, run some, catch some, goal line guy, with that size he should be a solid blocker.
JK DOBBINS – 5′ 10″, 217 lbs – 6.25 – late R2 or R3
Ideal size. Good stats, used also in passing game. Father who was an RB also passed away early. Solid 3rd down back. Good effort, rising to the occasions. Solid vision and pad level. Good at blitz pickup.
I like him. Perfect size for the Hawks. Has backstory, could slide in as 3rd down back while mixing in some 1st/2nd down runs too. To me he seems like the most Seahawk-y
A potentially bit later picks:
ANTHONY MCFARLAND – 5′ 9″, 198 lbs – 5.53 – R4
Multiple injuries. Bit smaller size. Good speed. Good agility. Solid pass catcher. Questionable passpro
I liked his highlights. Not fan of his injuries. Feels like a situational runner and more of an outside runner. Not totally sure if he fits the Hawks, but if he can stay healthy and get better at a couple of things, he have that It potential.
CAM AKERS – 5′ 11″, 212 lbs – 6.35 – R4
Was also a QB so he could be emergency QB also (and trick plays). Good size. Can catch the ball too. Ball security is not that great. Played with bad blocking can create lanes for himself. Good vision. Good feet, can cut and spin. Can handle blitzes.
I kinda like him. Not amazing back, but OK in multiple things. Could be a 3rd down back with some change-of-pace-back sprinkled in too.
CLYDE EDWARDS-HELAIRE – 5′ 8″, 205 lbs – 6.42 – R3
Bit smaller, but can be used in passing game and for returns. Nice repertoire as a runner, good cut, can spin, etc. Good pad level. Great ball security. Can make defenders miss.
He’s solid…but I feel like he sort of like Homer. But for ST value and different kind of back, I’d be happy with him.
JAMES ROBINSON – 5′ 10″, 220 lbs – 5.60 – R5
Good size. Can catch the ball. Returned kicks. Great work ethic. Good patience, vision. Good at passpro. Used him a lot, so some wear and tear.
I like him…a lot. Great size, can do most of the things. I’d use him sparingly mostly as 3rd down back. He can handle the load, but I wouldn’t want to push him too hard if not necessary early.
LA’MICAL PERINE – 5′ 11″, 211 lbs – 5.96 – R5-R6
Good size. Football family. ST experience. Solid pass catcher. Nothing flashy, doesn’t have crazy production. Good character, good effort. Good around LoS, but lacks big play ability. Needs to get better at passpro.
Good size, like his mentality and background. Pretty much backup, but with ST bonus and good at tight situation.
There are some other guys that I written down (Vaughn, Leake, Moss), but I don’t think the Hawks will go for them (maybe for Leake).
My top favorite is Dobbins. After him James Robinson.
I also like Dillon for his size and CEH, because a Darren Sproles-like back would be nice
Huge fan of Cam Akers. I actually think he’s neck and neck with Taylor as the 3rd best back in this class behind Swift and Dobbins. Physical runner.
I wish Eno Benjamin was a little bigger. Interested to see if he shows up at the combine with some added weight.
IMO Akers will be gone before Seattle takes a RB. Later day 3 somewhere.
Funny how some of these rankings go. Here is a guy that was a good WR/KR & was pressed into being a QB, and excelled greatly as a running QB, yet everywhere you look, he’s consistently ranked as a lower tier WR.
Per: cfbstats.com/National, this player is:
–#11 in FBS in rushing yards with 1468-yds. while being only –#72 in rush attempts/game with 14.23 and –#10 in FBS in rushing yards per game with 112.92. –*He’s #3* in FBS in average yards per rush att. with *7.94-ypc* –#21 in FBS in rushing TD’s with 13. –&– #6 in FBS in rushes of 10+/yards with 46. However, in 2019 he played QB and is now listed as a WR? Who is he???? (A combine watchable.)
WR/RB/KR/QB-Lynn Bowden Jr, 6-1/199, Kentucky. Seems like he has some skills and may be a viable later round option as a Swiss Army knife type????
Yes!!! I love Bowden!!!
I think it’s a better than average RB class this year. Some interesting prospects will fall into high value range.
Keep pounding the table for Josh Kelley not because I really like him, but rather because I think Carroll will. Or does already.
I actually RB is a pretty big need, it’s just outweighed by TE, DL, maybe OL depending on what happens before draft.
Carson fumbles, and has the same injury that Hill had last year, and Hill was out well into camp. CC has been in tremendous shape to enter the last two seasons, that will not be the case this year, and he can’t be counted on for 16 games.
Penny finally showed his value, but now he has an ACL, and has missed games in both seasons despite a flawless injury history in college. Plus, reports were it was ACL plus other damage. But the most concerning part with him is history of bad eating habits and training he confessed to, I’m worried being injured will set him back further in terms of weight/conditioning than an other player.
Considering that, how comfortable does anyone feel about the run game as weapon week 1?
Sign me up for a third round RB please.
“He is a great fit for gap and inside zone-heavy rushing attacks”…
this is Zierlein’s profile on Zack Moss…
Does Seahawks run this type of offense (run plays)?
Sort of, yeah. It’s kind of a mix or hybrid. Power run scheme, down blocks, and combines it with inside zone.
Yes. Gap especially
If he ends up in SF I will be very upset.
I really like Moss. Reminds me of Kareem Hunt a bit.
Dobbins though is the ideal size + SPARQ combination PC looks for. I doubt he’ll still be there, but in the event he were to last to our first R2 pick, I could easily see us pulling the trigger with all the injuries we’ve had at the position and Carson going into a contract year.
Won’t be our R1 pick, but one of the late R2s could definitely be used on a luxury pick like that.
I’m leaning towards wanting to keep Britt. He’s only 28 and sounds like he’ll be ready for the season if not sooner. Are we really so strapped for cash that we need/should dump him? I don’t really think so anymore.
We can re-sign Clowney, Fant, Woods, QJeff, Hollister, Moore, Thorpe, King, Roos, Simmons for about $45M.
That means letting Reed, Ansah, Kendricks and Ifedi walk. After cutting Ed Dickson lets say we still have $23M. After paying the practice squad and all that lets just say an even $20M.
That could pay for Greg Olsen, Everson Griffen, Leonard Williams and a guy like Beasley. Add OL, WR, another TE, RB, developmental CB (of course) and more DL in the draft and I’d call that offseason a win.
JFF lets say
1. Josh Jones OT
2. Terrell Lewis EDGE
2. K.J. Hamler WR
3. Anthony McFarland RB
4. Leki Fotu DT
4. Lamar Jackson CB
5. Thaddeus Moss TE
6. Adam Trautman TE
7. Nick Coe DL
Thats a no for me. In that scenario we add a lot of good pieces but miss the chance to get an DLine stud. I don’t see a combination of Griffen, Williams and Beasley being the upgrade we need on the defensive side of the ball.
Im also not super high on Greg Olsen. If he is the only TE we can grab than sure hes better than Tyrone Swoops or whoever might get snaps but I think his name doesn’t equal his production any longer.
Its realistic though.
We aren’t likely to get a legit DE without trading a high pick.
The pass rush might be a 2 year fix before we can call it a strength. I think just getting the pass rush to a middle of the pack unit would be okay along with other additions.
We have to think about OL too. That’s a big question mark for the very near future.
I dig it.
Fotu grew on me over the season. I like his game a LOT.
I just hope he doesnt rise too much. He would be really good value in the 4th or 5th
He would, but depending on what happens in FA, I’d take him in the 3rd if he’s there. They didn’t stop the run at all last year. Having the quickness of Poona combined with someone like Fotu’s size (to take on double teams) and power would be a sweet a** duo inside.
He’s someone I could see them liking.
Fotu’s too hot and cold. Not sure they’ll go for someone who plays when he wants to.
Special case, but they took McDowell
McDowell also had special, unique talent.
Noticed you’re all in on JJ being SEA’s guy Coleslaw. I can’t say I agree. I just don’t see them drafting an OT with sub 33″ arms. Maybe, MAYBE, if he tests lights out on TEF. But otherwise I don’t see it.
Also, I would think it a pretty inefficient use of draft capital to sign Olsen in FA, then add 2 TE in the draft with Dissly and Hollister on the roster (unless they decide not to resign him — though they spent a R7 pick on him which seems like a waste if they’re just gonna let him walk). And that’s before quibbling about Trautman lasting to late Day 3, let alone going after Moss. Again, depends on how he tests, but I dunno man.
New (very long) podcast recorded today which will be with you on Monday.
Lot of new articles coming too this week including one sentence on each player and a tier list.
Awesome really looking forward to it!
👍
Thank you Rob!! It’s always a pleasure hearing your thoughts and opinions.
Looking forward to it Rob. Thanks for the hard work.
Stab in the dark on Chaisson’s one sentence: Not the answer.
Just listened to Tony P’s latest draft insiders podcast.
He listed his top 5 OTs and believes 5-7 will be selected in RD 1. In order;
1. Andrew Thomas — 6.48 Z
2. Tristan Wirfs — 6.49 Z
3. Austin Jackson — 6.34 Z
4. Mekhi Becton — 6.49 Z
5. Jedrick Wills — 7.07 Z
If I had to place $ on a bet today as to what position group Seattle would select with their initial pick it would be OL. If I had to make a second bet today on the next pick it would be WR.
3 WRs he mentioned outside of his top 5 who he liked;
Gabriel Davis, JR, Central Florida, 6’3″ 212 lbs (6.25 Z grade)
Bryan Edwards, SR, South Carolina, 6’3″ 215 lbs (6.29 Z grade)
Denzel Mims, r-SR, Baylor, 6’3″ 206 lbs (6.25 Z grade)
I think it’s weird that Isaiah Wilson is usually on the outside of the top 5 of these OT conversations. I dont see like Austin Jackson or Mekhi Becton as that much better than him. But if we can get him in the second that would be swell.
If I.Wilson is available & the Hawks want him, it’s going to be with their initial pick more than likely.
Add in these 4 & you’ve got 9 OTs with a chance of going pretty early. The combine will re-jigger things a bit.
Josh Jones — 6.42
Prince Tega Wanogho — 6.30
Isaiah Wilson — 6.28
Lucas Niang — 6.28
Do you think Chaisson is a potential fit at LEO for the Seahawks in the Clemons/Avril mold? Or would he be more of a SAM, Bruce Irvin type in our scheme? I like him, and wonder how he fits in Seattle.
Caesar Ruiz might be a nice fit at Center, though there are two I like in this class so far. The other is Cushenberry. Ruiz seems like a day one starter and significant upgrade on Hunt, assuming Britt leaves. However, I don’t think Center is as high of an early draft priority, it may be a position needing addressed at some point in the draft.
Chaisson has been discussed in every article’s comments for the last month, including these comments
Reagor and Taylor seem way too low to me.
Guys. I thought this was very interesting. In the Super Bowl. This was a crucial play for the Chiefs. 3rd and 15 midway through the 4th quarter. The ball is on the K. C. 35 yard line. Mahomes is in the shot gun. He receives the snap at the 30 yard line. He drops back and buys himself another 9 yards. The line of scrimmage is the 35 yard line but the pass is thrown from the 21 yard line. This bought Mahomes extra time (which was crucial) to complete the 44 yard strike.
I wonder if Russell Wilson was taking notes. What do you guys think? If the Seahawks would have RW drop back and buy more time do you think it might help prevent sacks on the deeper throws?
This is not a strategy one should employ regularly or at all unless your P Mahomes
Was looking through Zierlein’s prospect grades and a WR caught my eye. His name is Trishton Jackson from Syracuse (6’1, 199), Zierlein’s pro comp for him is Paul Richardson and his grade for Jackson was a 6.00. Only watched his highlights but from the video I saw that he’s a speedy receiver who can be a deep threat who can also separate.
https://youtu.be/7-oCVJpzfdE
How’s this sound
Trade back-
2nd- Isaiah Wilson, Aiyuk, Raekwon Davis
3rd- Harrison Bryant, Rashard Lawrence
4th-Cam Akers
I’d be very happy with that.
Seems to good to be a reality.
Funny fact…Each year I make a list of 15 players I want the Hawks to pick outside of the top 20 and in the last 5 years they have picked 2 players on my list.
1. Tyler Lockett
2. J. Ifedi
I would swap Chase Claypool for Bryant but either way that would be an A+++++ draft for the Hawks IMO if they could somehow pull that off.
I thInk Wilson, Davis and Aiyuk are all 1st round talents though so the idea that all 3 would be available from picks 35-65 might be wishful thinking but who knows.
Davis is really the only one I think could be a stretch. Only because everyone seems to have it that Wilson is not a first rounder. But Davis did underperform last two years, and has a few red flags. But in such a weak DLine class, he is likely to go higher. In that scenario I would grab Lawrence in that spot, or JK Dobbins if he is available. Would be funny to grab JK in the same spot we grabbed DK. DK stands for DaKaylin, and and JK stands for JKaylin.
As far as Aiyuk, he also only had one year of production, has the hip injury that was flagged at the senior bowl, and this year is so deep at WR. I really like him, huge hands and long arms, but I also really don’t see 12 WR being drafted in the first round or first 2 rounds. And I chose Harrison Bryant because of his college production, his reported willingness to block, and his NFL comparison being Kittle.
Is there a consolidated list of PCJS measurable’s for reference? I know we talk about arm length for OT, and shuttle times for EDGE.
Do we have it all in one place? Can we (Rob) pin it, maybe on the “Prospects” tab? Those prospects are from 7 years ago 🙂
I know you do a number of piece’s on the combine, and include Hawk preferences. If anyone has a master list that they’d like to share with the class, that would be great.
If you search for ‘ultimate combine preview’ you will find these details from previous blog posts. Or failing that, wait until the days before the combine when I’ll be publishing this years updated version.
Got it, thanks!
I suspect the Seahawks will be giving him a hard sale on opportunity and environment — albeit on a cheap contract. The Redskins will be offering more and can offer the familiarity with Ron Rivera. For Buffalo, Sean McDermott equally knows Olsen from Carolina. So it’s about what he prefers to do — more money and greater familiarity albeit on two teams who don’t look like major 2020 contenders. Or a fresh start for less money on a legit contender with a top QB. But I expect the Seahawks offer will be dirt cheap. They’ll be hunting for a bargain.
I agree. I feel like Bills are probably the middle ground for money and opportunity. Bills were a playoff team with a young QB. Familiarity, and probably more money than Hawks will offer.
My guess is he ends up with Buffalo