Let’s talk about Seattle’s defense

Monty Montgomery — unheralded but one to watch

Coming into the season, I really had only three main hopes for the Seahawks.

I wanted to see a foundation built through the young, new offensive line. I wanted to see the running game be consistent and productive. I wanted the defense to function and look like a unit that could be a strength going forward.

So far, we’re seeing positive signs with the O-line. The running game has been more miss than hit so far but hopefully the Detroit game is a sign of progress. The defense, however, has been an abomination.

I think there are two key problems.

Firstly — the scheme. As noted a few times over the last couple of weeks, it feels like a ‘Frankenstein’s Monster’ of ideas. You’ve got Clint Hurtt and Sean Desai and their background with Vic Fangio. And you’ve got Pete Carroll.

Increasingly it looks like a jumbled collection of compromises rather than a clear, focused plan. This isn’t a new thing under Carroll. Think back to when he basically ran the offense with Darrell Bevell and Tom Cable. Or last year when he retained Mike Solari despite appointing an offensive coordinator with a totally different blocking philosophy.

I’m sure there are examples where collaboration has worked and presumably that’s why Carroll dabbles in it. At the moment, however, it feels like the Seahawks would be better off with their Head Coach either just relinquishing control and letting Hurtt and Desai get on with the job, or he should insist on returning to his tried and trusted scheme and just get on with it.

The problem is — if he does that, it means training camp was virtually a waste of time learning the tweaks and changes. Plus, there’s barely any point having Hurtt and Desai in their roles if they’re going to be made to run another man’s scheme.

On the other hand, the current setup is destroying the production and form of players such as Darrell Taylor and Poona Ford — people they need to be performing. The linebackers are a walking disaster zone. Nothing is working.

Personally I think they have to resort to the Carroll defense. If nothing else — putting Taylor back at SAM/LEO as a kind of situational rusher will at least, hopefully, get him back on track. It’ll help Ford. They don’t have a Carlos Dunlap type any more which is an issue. It just feels like this simplified defense might make for fewer glaring errors.

The second problem is talent.

It’s not that the Seahawks are awful everywhere. They just don’t have any blue-chip studs or game-wreckers. They have young, unproven players and average (or worse) people on defense.

None of their defensive tackles create consistent interior pressure. None of their edge rushers are even at the level of a Frank Clark in 2018. Nobody on that D-line scares opponents, draws protection or can win consistently 1v1.

At cornerback — it’s great that Tariq Woolen has started well and there are rightly high hopes for the future. At the moment though, he’s a rookie. And the player across from him is Michael Jackson — or a collection of other no-name types. The Seahawks don’t have a top-tier corner they can currently rely on to shut down key opponents.

Josh Jones has been a liability and Quandre Diggs is a solid but unspectacular free safety and always has been.

The less said about the linebackers the better.

Most people can see the talent problem and increasingly it’s being suggested that with four picks in the first two rounds next year, Seattle’s draft focus should be defense, not quarterback.

That would be a huge, glaring error.

Firstly, as noted yesterday, it’s about the players actually available in this draft. Currently it’s really hard to find legit top-10 or first round picks, especially on defense. At quarterback — there are at least three (maybe four) players who legitimately can be graded high.

You can only play the hand you’re dealt. In the 2023 draft — it’s stacked up to go and get your quarterback of the future. That’s what the draft is offering you.

Besides — as well as Geno Smith is playing this year — he is not the future in Seattle. He is the present.

There’s only really Will Anderson who fits the bill as a legit top-10 pick and potential game-wrecker. I wish I could provide more names. It would make my life easier, writing a Seahawks Draft Blog, if the 2023 draft was loaded with blue-chippers.

Sadly — it isn’t.

Jalen Carter — often projected to the top-10 — has zero sacks and zero TFL’s in five games for Georgia. He is a solid defensive tackle worthy of the second half of round one but he’s not going to wreck games from the interior.

Bryan Bresee — who I really rate — is extremely agile and athletic for his size. He has the best chance, I think, of elevating into the top-10. However, he’s missed games recently after a family tragedy and when he has played, he has again looked more of a really solid defensive tackle rather than someone who is going to consistently collapse a pocket.

Michigan cornerback DJ Turner flashes talent but is rarely tested. It’s the same story for Georgia’s Kelee Ringo.

Mazi Smith — the top name on Bruce Feldman’s ‘freaks list’ is having a good year but is more of an athletic nose than an impact three-technique.

I think Clemson pass rusher Myles Murphy is a bit overrated but admittedly — he looked quicker than last year in the game against NC State and had an impact. I will continue to monitor him. His team mate K.J. Henry might be better. I also want to watch more of Michigan’s Mike Morris.

I really like Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson but is he more of an athlete at this point best served in a blitz-heavy scheme than someone you want to lock down the middle of the field and play with consistency and discipline?

At the moment there’s no obvious Micah Parsons type in this class. No Devin White. Not even a Jamal Adams.

Unfortunately, it’s not going to be much easier to find solutions in free agency. Assuming the likes of Bradley Chubb, Roquan Smith, Jessie Bates and Da’Ron Payne are out of reach or franchised, there aren’t a ton of viable options set to reach the open market.

And please — no more big trades for veteran players.

It’s going to be up to Seattle to develop the players they’ve got, make intelligent additions and draft well. There are no quick fixes here.

The good news is that, like the 2022 draft, this looks like a class that is light at the top but could have some depth going into days two and three.

One player I really like and mentioned over the summer is Louisville linebacker Monty Montgomery. He’s tough, impactful, loves a hit and has started to come along after a slow start to the season with four TFL’s, two sacks and an interception. He won’t be a high pick but he’s someone to monitor with eventual starting potential at the next level. Nobody talks about him — which is fine. Let him fly under the radar. I get the feeling teams will love his play.

Players keep flashing at safety when I’m doing the quarterback scouting. Utah State’s Michigan transfer Hunter Reynolds plays fast and quick and can hit. John Torchio was a rare bright spot for Wisconsin in a miserable game against Ohio State — playing with range, physicality and making a great interception.

Georgia’s Christopher Smith is an easy player to like. He plays with instinct and toughness. Tulane’s Larry Brooks is a serious player who again might not be a high pick but he has something about him.

There’s also Jalen Catalon at Arkansas who has drifted off the radar as he’s collected injuries but he could provide great value next year.

At defensive tackle — I don’t think there’s a huge drop-off from the names being touted early in round one and Wisconsin’s Keeanu Benton. Off the edge — Florida State’s Jared Verse has made a great start after transferring from Albany. I want to see him test but the early results are good.

The key is going to be continuing to find diamonds as they did this year with Woolen and Abraham Lucas. They are going to need to repeat the work of the early 2010’s where they get supreme talent in unpredictable ways. A clever trade, a day two or three draft pick. I don’t see the alternative options. I wish it was easier to say — ‘draft these two players’ and the problem would be fixed.

The draft depth stretches onto offense too.

I spent part of yesterday studying Zay Flowers, the receiver at Boston College. He’s electrifying and could make a great (and needed) WR3. West Virginia’s Bryce Ford-Wheaton can be inconsistent but he has an exceptional size/speed combo. Jake Bobo was incredibly impressive for UCLA against Washington last week and has deceptive quickness and good size.

Receiver looks to be a position of strength with the likes of Jaxon Smith-Njibga and Jordan Addison likely to go early. I like TCU’s Quentin Johnson too despite his quiet start to 2022.

We might not see the best of Seattle’s O-line until they go ‘full Rams’. LA created a productive zone-blocking line by using converted tackles to play guard. The Seahawks are still using heavier, power-blocking guards. If they pivot to try and get their answer to Austin Corbett and David Edwards — they might look at someone like Zion Nelson at Miami or Jaelyn Duncan at Maryland.

It’s also worth noting that LA’s Edwards is a free agent in 2023.

There are high quality running backs available. Bijon Robinson of Texas and Jahmyr Gibbs of Alabama could both go in the top-15. Yet UCLA’s Zach Charbonnet and Kentucky’s Chris Rodriguez could provide great value later on.

The opportunities to get talent/depth are very evident — but the options early in round one could be limited. That’s why it might be better to position yourself to get your guy at quarterback — while you have the opportunity to do so — then take advantage of the depth later.

There is going to be a big rush to get at Will Levis — due to his experience in a pro-style system, the incredible athletic traits, character and the way he is battling adversity and succeeding at Kentucky. The Seahawks are one of the teams able to make a big move due to their 2023 stock. If it’s simply not possible to get to Levis — they could (and should) pivot to the other options who might need more time to develop — with Geno Smith (so far) proving to be a viable go-between.

This is going to be a process without easy solutions on defense. Drafting well on days two and three and developing what you have will be the key.

That is why it’s imperative they sort things out pronto this year. They need to be adding and building in the off-season — not tearing things down and starting from scratch.

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65 Comments

  1. Denver Hawker

    I don’t generally like the idea, but wonder if this is the draft to take 2 QBs, a la RG3/Cousins. If the Hawks are out on the top names that is and unable to make a trade up. If you’re banking on development QBs why not grab a couple to hedge your bet and drive competition.

    • Blitzy the Clown

      Help me out here. Other than Levis, who are you comfortable spending most of your draft capital on?

      For me, nobody, yet.

      Sure there are a couple of guys I’d take a little later on — give me Richardson early or DTR later on Day 2.

      And you raise a good point about taking a couple of shots at QB.

      Here’s another idea — unless they get Levis (or someone else if another top prospect emerges), and maybe even if they do — spend a relatively high (Day 2) pick on QB in successive drafts until you get your guy.

      • Elmer

        It would have to be a scenario like missing out on a Levi’s and taking a flyer on Richardson. Then taking a “safer”, lower ceiling an later. Still might not make good sense.

      • AlaskaHawk

        Or finding someone like Max Duggan, TCU in the 4th round. Insert favorite PAC quarterback here.

  2. Forrest

    There shouldn’t be discussion about changing the defense to Pete’s 4-3. He admitted it was getting stale. Let your players learn the long term system this year. Moving back to Pete ball sends a horrible message to free agents who might consider coming here and it robs your rookies of the opportunity to settle in and learn the system.

    In the draft, take a QB and trade back, if there’s not anyone who excites you. This team does its best work on day 2 and early day 3. Get more infusion of talent throughout the team. We’re not one or two players away.

    BTW, why was Artie Burns a healthy scratch? Pete was so excited to have him back.

    • cha

      Probably wanting him to have a full two weeks of practice. Burns hasn’t had much of a training camp or a preseason at all.

      That and the numbers game. Sidney Jones was ready to go and they had a safety rotation going, and needed special teams gunner types available.

      • Elmer

        Do you think there is any chance that Rhattigan or BBK can come back from PUP? I’m not suggesting that they are great players at all, but at least they can move around and tackle people. Apparently, unfortunately, that’s more than can be said for some of these guys. Special Teams reinforcements.

    • GerryG

      Agree with this. Let the new system roll, hopefully with DT just being a rusher, and see if it works, see who can learn it. If it costs us multiple games, so be it, especially if the offense can continue to be entertaining and developing the young guys.

  3. Trevor

    Great writeup Rob. Love when you bring up names so I can check them out a little more.

    I know everyone is excited about last weeks win and how the offense looked but as you have said context is important. The Lions defense is as bad as the Hawks. I still think this is a 4-5 win team when I look at their schedule. The way the Broncos season is unfolding with injuries and coaching issues it is not a stretch to think the Hawks could have two picks in the 3-12 range. If they do then the should have the ammo to get whatever QB they really like and still have lots of draft capital to address some other glaring needs.

    I have the Hawks needs for the 2023 offseason rated
    1) QB
    2) Impact DT
    3) LB
    4) Edge
    5) Center
    6) Strong Safety
    7) Guard

    • Jabroni-DC

      It might be easier to make a list of what they don’t need, lol.

      OT, P

      • Elmer

        Barring injury, they don’t need a punter.

    • AlaskaHawk

      Add another corner, and if they are going to stick with the 3-4 they need 2 more linebackers.

      • JJ

        Add in…

        8) Head Coach
        9) GM
        10) Owner

        • Trevor

          Yes they are probably 1,2,3 at this point. Replacing Pete should be priority 1A along with finding a QB.

          • Roy Batty

            Honestly, after grabbing their QB, I would love for them to go BPA.

            There are still so many holes and so little depth. Don’t reach, don’t force anything, just take the biggest stud available at each pick. If a trade offer comes in that is over the top, take it and load up with more picks, especially if this draft is mirroring last year’s.

        • Big Mike

          💯

  4. Duck07

    I’ve been impressed with Safety/NCB Bennett Williams this year for the Ducks. He’s been very solid both in coverage and stopping the run and fits the mold of that 3rd-5th round pick that could blossom next level.

  5. Dubb

    One issue that has always drove me crazy with this organization is when they change a player position. For instance, Blair was a college safety that they unsuccessfully move to a “Big” nickel. Same with Ugo Amadi college safety to nickel. Damien Lewis had a good rookie season at right guard; so move him to left guard. Ethan Pocic from tackle to guard to center. The list goes on and on. Now you can see the same thing on defense. Poona Ford is a good DT in a 4-3 where his height doesn’t matter against Guards, but more athletic Tackles give him problems. Jordan Brooks was good as a WLB in a 4-3; but it’s not automatic that he is a good stack LB in a 3-4. Darryl Taylor played well as a Leo; it doesn’t automatically make him a fit for an OLB. Now, they are made the Thorpe winner, Coby Bryant change positions in the middle of training camp from outside corner, to nickel corner.

    They always preach that guys need time to learn the new defense; but the organization also has to recognize if they have the correct personnel in the correct position. I’m not sure that the Hawks do.

    • Big Mike

      Something a bunch of us have questioned for some time. Thank you for listing a bunch of examples.

    • AlaskaHawk

      Remember when Pete said that he couldn’t find good offensive linemen in the draft, so he drafted a defensive lineman named Sweezy in the 7th round and trained him to be a right guard? He lasted 8 seasons in the NFL. Good times!!!!

  6. cha

    As noted a few times over the last couple of weeks, it feels like a ‘Frankenstein’s Monster’ of ideas. You’ve got Clint Hurtt and Sean Desai and their background with Vic Fangio. And you’ve got Pete Carroll.

    Increasingly it looks like a jumbled collection of compromises rather than a clear, focused plan. This isn’t a new thing under Carroll.

    Here’s one point that makes me think you are spot on, and that this current defense is all PC’s doing.

    Sean Desai has a PhD in education.

    Players in Chicago raved about his ability to relate to them and give them information in ways they could easily absorb. I read one story when Seattle hired Desai that said he would give the Bear defenders a ‘tip sheet’ with 5 quick hit points the day before a game. One of the tips was telling the defender to do the opposite of his normal tendency. He ended up seeing the tip presnap in the game, adjusted and made the play.

    Not only have we gotten an absolute jumbled mess of a defense, I have not heard a single good Desai story like that since the season started.

    This guy survived three – count em, three – head coaching changes in Chicago. Particularly as a Quality Control guy who was known for speaking his mind – frequently the one guy in the room pointing out problems. That’s not an easy assignment. He must have found ways to adapt and work with different personalities and styles and succeed to being promoted to Defensive Coordinator in Chicago.

    He’s got to be thinking ‘what have I gotten myself into?’

    • Ashish

      Pete is a strong personality and at his age i doubt he can change or willing to adapt new things. He might have his arrogance/ego/knowledge given number of years he has seen defenses but here it might acting has a hurdle adapting new schemes or idea. Not sure what’s going on on Monday “tell the truth” meeting. Probably Pete is not telling truth about Defense.

  7. Olyhawksfan

    Dare I say it, but Chris Rodriguez reminds me of Marshawn Lynch. Not the fastest guy but with multiple defenders smothering him he keeps pushing and gets more yards.

  8. Ashish

    This time it didn’t took long time for media to catch up Rob’s research.

    https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-mock-draft-will-levis-goes-no-1-overall-anthony-richardson-second-qb-off-board/

  9. Robert Las Vegas

    Rob one thing that I notice is the Seahawks defense can’t cover Tight ends and this year through 4 games the opposing team has attempted 31 passes to there tight ends and completed 22, that’s a pretty high percentage isn’t it? 4 touchdown in 4 games. And 411 yards .it seems pretty high.

    • cha

      Currently worst in the NFL. But that may be a little skewed by Hockensen’s 179 yard day.

      On the other hand they didn’t face George Kittle in Week Two.

      • Jabroni-DC

        I liked how we dealt with opposing TEs when Kam was playing. Go ahead & make the catch…and then get knocked back in time several decades.

    • Group Captain Mandrake

      At least they are consistent this year. Can’t cover TEs. Can’t cover RBs. Can’t cover WRs.

  10. Robert Las Vegas

    One more quick thought Rob I watched the Rams and 49er game last night and I noticed that once again Aaron Donald had zero sacks and granted San Francisco throw the ball only 27 times but nevertheless 49ers have figured out way.

  11. Kyle R

    Thank you for providing this Rob! I was going to ask if the Seahawks don’t need to use their other first and two second rounders to trade up what are some D line and LBs that could be there for them. I know QB is first priority but God I want more depth and competition on the first two levels of defense.

  12. Old but Slow

    While I agree that letting go of Wagner and Wright makes sense, as older players during a rebuild, our current MLB and FLB (that’s faux linebacker) lack the instincts and judgement of the old guys. Brooks (MLB) and Barton (FLB) seem to regularly plug the wrong holes or otherwise take themselves out of the play.

    Can that be coached?

  13. Palatypus

    I think you nailed it. Rob.

  14. JJ

    I am surprised the hawks haven’t picked up a developmental qb on the practice squad. What’s the point of having Sean Mannion. Jack Coan is available. Why not take a look?

  15. Zach

    Just out of curiosity for Rob and everyone else here – what would you need to see from Geno to feel like you might actually be willing to either table the QB search or at least put it lower in priority?

    Obviously if he plays like this all year (he almost certainly won’t) then it becomes a real conversation because he’s not exactly old at 31, and obviously has less wear and tear than the average 31-year-old QB. Especially since in this scenario they’re likely picking outside of the top-5, and maybe top-10 (well, barring a delightful Denver collapse).

    What if he is something like the 12th-best starting QB this year by your preferred metric? I feel like that really changes the situation, since you could probably still sign him to a multi-year deal for way less than comparable QBs would get. Might be worth seeing if they can get some additional pieces on offense (interior O-line?) or defense (literally anywhere) and worry about QB further down the road.

    Again, seems most likely that Geno falls off and we just remember this stretch fondly down the road, but he’s played well enough where I don’t think you can just flat out assume he won’t be given a real chance to be the starter next year.

    • Rob Staton

      Nothing

      You need a QBOTF

    • Mick

      I’d need to see him turn a game over, react good under pressure instead of starting to take sacks, and win against a good team. So far he played well against Jaguars last year and Detroit, and we forgot already how many quarters we didn’t put one point on the scoring table. Give me 48 points against Kansas or 30 against the Rams and I’ll say, yes we can keep rolling with Geno.

  16. Sea Mode

    A few more names to look at for those who were looking for some:

    https://twitter.com/mzenitz/status/1577342446219968514

    • Jabroni-DC

      Thanks! That’s what makes this place fun & unique.

  17. cha

    Aaron Wilson
    @AaronWilson_NFL
    Sebastian Gutierrez visited Seahawks
    3:55 PM · Oct 4, 2022

    Hey @mychestisbeastmode, is that your relative?

    • Rob Staton

      Indeed it is!

      • Peter

        Whoa! How cool would that be for a community member. Awesome if he sticks even on the practice squad.

  18. line_hawk

    Transitioning to a new 3-4 scheme is itself a herculean task. Based on history, this can take a year or two to get the right personnel sorted out. Add the growing pains bringing all the young players up to speed. I think the main reason it looks a mess right now because they don’t have the right personnel for a complete transition. And that would take one more offseason.

    The defense of the last few years was pathetic but this year’s struggles due to change in scheme needs more patience. I would hate to go back to the old mediocre scheme just to make a couple of players more productive. Heck, Poona might not even fit the 3-4 DT profile.

    • Rob Staton

      I can live with growing pains

      I can’t live with being an abject shambles

      They need to be better this. There are no excuses to be this poor on defense

    • Forrest

      It just stinks that the value of players like Taylor, Ford and Brooks are greatly diminished now. If I was a 4-3 team, I’d pick them up cheap via trade or when their contracts came up. These were some of your former building blocks.

  19. Chavac

    Personally I don’t mind this monstrosity of a defense. With so many bad teams needing a QB, it’s our only hope at a pick high enough to nab a QB. I don’t even know who would be willing to trade back with the current crop of bottom-dwellers. I feel like we could easily see the top four being Levis/Anderson/Young/Stroud with no one willing to trade out.

  20. Ukhawk

    Rob

    Really liked the “Frankenstein Monster” jumbled mix of ideas analogy

    KJ had some great analysis on ESPN which I really took to heart:
    https://sports.mynorthwest.com/1671486/kj-wright-seahawks-issue-defensive-scheme/
    The podcast is a good listen

    He felt only 1 DT (woods) got the scheme and maybe 2 if Harris returns. Very pragmatically says they’ll need to adjust to scheme fit the players abilities; as they can’t support themselves with. preferred scheme.

    Furthermore he stated he saw the LBs, who werent being kept clean, he saw they were compensating by shooting gaps and this has exacerbated defensive problems. He felt is wasn’t tough to draft a guy later at LB who can make 100 tackles as long as there is good execution upfront.

    I agree and am very interested in continuing to build both lines (esp with later picks). Would be good to look at guys who fit the future or preferred scheme. If genuinely a 3-4 is preferred, ideally they’d have the ability, size and length to 2- gap and keep the LBs clean as well as get some upfield push. I’d like to see them transition away from journeyman and late round DTs and also have my eye
    on guys like Bresee, Smith, Ika, Murphy, Foskey, Klancey, etc.

  21. Romeo A57

    I am not going to argue about QB being the biggest team offseason need, but am curious how the FO will prioritize the many roster holes. I think that a trying to get a game wrecking pass rusher has to be #2.

    1. QB
    2. Edge
    3. LB
    4. DL
    5. IOL

    • Peter

      If there’s a world to get a serious front three player on the dline I’d love to see it.

      I think the venn diagram of Pete and myself are converging to a high pick, yet again, at safety. The safety play the way Pete likes to play it is terrible right now.

      • Romeo A57

        Peter, with all the money committed to Jamal and Diggs next year, I can’t see them spending much draft capital on that position especially with a lot of other defensive holes. I definitely agree that Safety play has been poor this year.

        • Peter

          Safeties.

          I one hundred percent get what your saying.

          But. And I don’t want them to do it per se but you can not have this crappy of safety play in a 3-4 or Pete scheme regardless of how they’ve blundered thus far. Again I am not advocating for it. But when it’s this bad for this long if the BPA is safety at say the 38th pick its hard for me to argue against it.

          I want to see a ton of other things. A NT that matters. A 3-4 DE that matters. Any guard spot or center that isn’t a liability. Any inside LB who isn’t a joke. Maybe a real nickel corner so Bryant can actually do big things on the outside.

          I’m just preparing for the possibiity and acceptance of a safety regardless of their bad choices. Pc/js have a flaw that they can’t move on and/or cost prohibits them from fixing past mistakes.

  22. Peter

    Stoked on this piece Rob. Great food for thought about lack of blue chip players. Thankfully you’ve included some names to start digging into.

  23. JimN

    I’ve never been so focused on a team development as i have been this year. It is spooky how your thoughts and ideas mesh with how i am feeling Rob. Just like Kyler when you called him the best Rob, the chances of one team getting him are pretty low and alternative scenarios must be developed so that we are able to BEST USE our draft capital. I read somewhere that the key to a 3-4 defense is having stud linebackers? If so, shouldn’t this be a draft focus?

    • Rob Staton

      The draft focus is QB

      When that’s addressed, sure

      But there aren’t stud linebackers to take early. They will have to find them elsewhere

  24. GoHawksDani

    I agree with almost everything, except this:
    “solid but unspectacular free safety”. Diggs is as awful as Barton right now. He always misses tackles, and even if he hits, the opponent doesn’t really feel it. He’s out of position a ton and didn’t make any plays. He’s a liability and probably the worst FS play we saw in a decade.

    As long as they take a really good player with their R1s, I’m fine with it.
    If they take a QB: great, that’s the hardest position to figure out.
    If they take a defensive player: great, we need strengthening on that front too. The downside is that we might won’t have such high picks and so much ammo in the upcoming drafts. The upside is that PC might won’t have the possibility to ruin a young QBs career.

    Not sure if any young defenders will emerge or not. It might not matter at all, we might pick #1. We might pick #7 without the option to trade into top3-4. We’ll see…but I really hope they will draft someone IMPACTFUL.

  25. Rob Staton

    PFF rookie DE grades so far

    1st Jermaine Johnson
    2nd Michael Clemons

    Just saying…

    • Peter

      Very partial to you “just saying,” series.

      Also. Jets are not a lock for hawks win with that defense tightening up.

  26. timo

    First of all: Thank you Rob for all the great content!!! Didn’t get to read every article in the last few days so maybe you already talked about this but I’m going to ask the question anyway.

    So Geno is definitely better than I expected. Does this maybe give the Hawks the chance to take a QB like Richardson (who will probably not be ready right away)? Looks like you could let Geno play for a while and give Richardson the much needed time to get adjusted.
    Might be great because Levis and CJS might be out of reach (even though CJS will probably need a lot of time too)

    Thank you for all the hard work Rob! This blog is amazing.

    • Rob Staton

      It’s plausible, sure

      I would also say — Seattle’s offense scored 0 points against the Niners. Let’s see what this offense does against teams not called Detroit and Atlanta. Because their D’s are as bad as ours

      But I wouldn’t be against Geno starting next year to redshirt someone like Richardson provided he continues to play the way he is

      • timo

        my thoughts exactly. The NO game will probably answer a lot of questions.

  27. Chuck

    In my gut I disagreed reading a couple of your points, but have to concede that what we are doing now is simply not working on defense. Ideally I’d like to see Pete step back and let Hurtt and company do their thing. Just seems a mess if he takes it over and all their training camp reps are for naught. Also if Young/Levis/whoever they have their eye on is gone by our first selection, I’d be all over grabbing defensive talent. But as you say, maybe there just aren’t many blue chippers in this draft worth the capital. I’d have never guessed the offense would be respectable and the defense dreadful before the season started. But we’ve had some awful starts the past few years on D that were at least somewhat fixed later in the season. Perhaps because Pete stepped in and took over what Norton was doing?

  28. Dude

    Get Will Anderson. It is said that coming out of Alabama he could be the best prospect since Derrick Thomas. Best prospect Saban has had. Trade up and get him and get someone like McCall at QB on day two

    • Rob Staton

      Yeah, let’s be one of those teams without a long term answer at QB. That’ll be fun.

  29. Robert Las Vegas

    Rob I was wondering if you have any thoughts on the Clemson guys Myles Murphy or Tyler Davis

  30. Ben Ft. Worth

    Totally random, but I just met Mike Solari last week. His son lives two houses down from us. He’s actually getting ready to move to DFW, looking at taking on a role with the Cowboys.

    Small world.

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