Welcome to our coverage of the 2018 NFL combine. Every day we’ll be updating events as they happen in Indianapolis, posting workout numbers and information.
This post will be updated consistently so keep hitting refresh.
Today is a big day. Along with interior O-line and running back, linebacker is one of the strongest positions in the draft. There are multiple first round prospects and plenty of depth. With change expected on Seattle’s defense, it’s quite possible they’ll be looking for front-seven defenders among the players working out today.
What do you need to look for? If it’s an EDGE rusher, focus on the 10-yard splits. Anything in the 1.5 range is considered elite. I’ll post the splits below.
Quinton Jefferson, Jordan Hill, Jaye Howard and Malik McDowell all tested superbly in the short shuttle (4.37, 4.51, 4.47 and 4.53 respectively). This appears to be an important test for interior pass rushers.
Dynamic quickness is also a trend for EDGE players. Bruce Irvin (4.03) and Frank Clark (4.05) both ran incredible short shuttles. Cassius Marsh’s 4.25 and Obum Gwacham’s 4.28 were also really good.
It’s also worth noting they haven’t drafted a defensive lineman with sub-33 inch arms.
Keep an eye on the following players: DL — Josh Sweat, Rasheem Green, Dorrance Armstrong, Jeff Holland, Da’Shawn Hand, Andrew Brown, Kentavius Street and Marquis Haynes. LB — Lorenzo Carter, Darius Leonard, Malik Jefferson and Kemoko Turay.
Later today I’ll post the TEF scores for all the defensive linemen and EDGE rushers.
Forty yard dash — DL Group One
(10-yard splits in brackets)
John Atkins — 5.42 & 5.39 (1.92)
Taven Bryan — 5.08 & 4.98 (1.68)
Foley Fatukasi — 5.30 & 5.33 (1.76)
Joshua Frazier — DNP
Rasheem Green — 4.83 & 4.74 (1.66)
Zay Henderson — 5.20 & 5.17 (1.76)
B.J. Hill — 4.99 & 5.00 (1.74)
Maurice Hurst — DNP
Justin Jones — 5.11 & 5.10 (1.76)
Lowell Lotulelei — DNP
Reginald McKenzie Jr — 5.17 & 5.15 (1.78)
Bilal Nichols — 4.96 & DNP (1.73)
Derrick Nnadi — 5.44 & 5.34 (1.81)
Kendrick Norton — 5.26 & 5.52 (1.79)
Da’Ron Payne — 5.02 & 4.91 (1.67)
Harrison Phillips — 5.21 & 5.22 (1.79)
Deadrin Senat — 5.16 & 5.24 (1.77)
Tim Settle — 5.41 & 5.38 (1.90)
Nathan Shepherd — 5.10 & 5.15 (1.77)
Taylor Stallworth — 5.29 & 5.33 (1.83)
Trenton Thompson — 5.06 & 5.11 (1.74)
Vita Vea — 5.11 & 5.11 (1.77)
Eddy Wilson — 5.55 & 5.38 (1.86)
The combine, this year, have separated the interior defensive linemen and the EDGE rushers. It’s a good move.
Here’s some news on Josh Sweat per Tony Pauline:
Despite his long injury history, Florida State defensive end Josh Sweat has not been given any failing medical grades at combine exams. Sweat has well-documented knee issues which go back several years, but I’ve been informed he’s been stamped with a middle-of-the-road medical grade, which is not a major red flag.
Pauline also says this about the Seahawks:
The Seattle Seahawks traded down in the 2017 NFL Draft, and I’m told they will look to do the same this year. The team has just a single pick in the first three rounds, and though it owns a cluster of selections over the entire draft, the Seahawks would prefer to trade down and gather more ammunition in the top 100.
In the initial change of direction drills, Taven Bryan, Rasheem Green and B.J. Green had trouble keeping their pants up. Under Armour didn’t do a very good job dressing these guys. A wardrobe malfunction is imminent.
Da’Ron Payne and Taven Bryan moved very well. Impressive. Fluid change of direction, quickness. Both look athletic. Tim Settle is an incredible mover for his size. It’s unreal and doesn’t get talked about as much. He looked so fluid in the change of direction aside from an unfortunate slip near the end.
Here’s Bryan’s performance:
Taven Bryan lateral movement pic.twitter.com/dVr90zBQrI
— Billy Marshall (@BillyM_91) March 4, 2018
The linemen are now going over and around the bags. Derrick Nnadi looked quick for his size. It was another good drill for Payne. Harrison Phillips looks a bit stiff. Tim Settle struggled in this drill and tripped over the bags. Nathan Shepherd had an incredible drill here — wow. Flew around the bags like he was dancing on a cloud. Very impressive.
They’re on to the club/rip drill now. Rich Eisen is very excited about the first sighting of this bad boy:
Vita Vea has injured his hamstring and isn’t competing in drills. Shame.
In the stack and shed drill, this is a drill that every year the players don’t seem to execute properly. Taven Bryan barely tickled the pads, let alone punch. B.J. Hill executed it fairly well. Derrick Nnadi got it completely wrong. He treated it as a speed drill and barely touched the pad.
Harrison Phillips, thank you! Someone who did it truly properly. Belted all the pads and shed. Really good. Da’Ron Payne did well too, as did Nathan Shepherd.
It has to be said, Shepherd is looking good. He’s sub-33 inch arms and Seattle hasn’t taken a sub-33 inch armed defensive linemen before but he’s putting on a good workout performance today.
Jim Tomsula is now operating a change of direction drill. Justin Jones moved well and just looks like a powerful dude. Really well put together dude. Jones will provide some value for someone. Da’Ron Payne is having a wow performance and excelled again in this drill. He’s so light on his feet for 311lbs. Of all the recent defensive linemen from Alabama to enter the draft, Payne looks the most athletic.
Tim Settle arguably looked even better considering he’s 329lbs. It’s unnatural to see a guy move as well as Settle does at his size.
Here are the official forty yard dash times:
Rich Eisen is currently interviewing the football on a stick…
The defensive tackle drills are complete. Time for the EDGE rushers.
Forty yard dash — DL Group Two
(10-yard splits in brackets)
Ola Adeniyi — 4.83 & DNP (1.68)
Dorance Armstrong — 4.88 & 4.96 (1.70)
Ade Aruna — 4.61 & 4.64 (1.60)
Andrew Brown — 5.11 & 5.04 (1.73)
Bradley Chubb — 4.66 & 4.71 (1.63)
Marcus Davenport — 4.61 & 4.59 (1.63)
Matt Dickerson — 5.07 & 5.14 (1.81)
Duke Ejiofor — DNP
Kylie Fitts — 4.69 & 4.69 (1.61)
John Franklin — 4.79 & 4.76 (1.70)
Da’shawn Hand — 4.84 & 4.92 (1.71)
Marquis Haynes — 4.68 & 4.70 (1.67)
Jalyn Holmes — 4.84 & 4.83 (1.67)
Sam Hubbard — DNP
Arden Key — DNP
Harold Landry — 4.65 & 4.70 (1.59)
Tyquan Lewis — DNP
James Looney — 4.90 & 4.94 (1.67)
Hercules Mata’afa — 4.78 & 4.77 (1.64)
R.J. McIntosh — DNP
Ja’von Rolland-Jones — 4.89 & DNP (1.72)
Olubunmi Rotimi — DNP
Breeland Speaks — 4.87 & 4.95 (1.65)
Kentavius Street — 4.88 & DNP (1.67)
Josh Sweat — 4.57 & 4.53 (1.55)
Chad Thomas — 4.93 & 4.95 (1.70)
Jojo Wicker — 5.16 & 5.20 (1.80)
Anthony Winbush — 4.78 & DNP (1.62)
Trevon Young — 4.78 & 4.79 (1.62)
Josh Sweat and Harold Landry were the only two EDGE rushers to crack the 1.5 10-yard splits. Sweat looks in incredible shape.
Hopefully some of the EDGE rushers working out with the linebackers will run in the 1.5’s. Fingers crossed for Kemoko Turay.
Kentavius Street had his leg wrapped after his first forty yard dash. Not good news. Street had the potential to have a sensational workout.
It’ll be interesting to see whether the league has anything to say about the number of injuries picked up this morning — and at the combine overall. Lots of players seem to be hurting themselves running the forty (Street, Ronald Jones II, Vita Vea).
Onto the drills. No surprise here but Bradley Chubb and Marcus Davenport are moving well. Arden Key and Sam Hubbard snubbed the forty yard dash for no real reason but are now doing drills.
Da’shawn Hand looks the part in the drill going over and through the bags. Just a ‘first of the bus’ type of physical talent. Looks the part. Mobile. Arden Key also looks quick. Still not sure why he didn’t run the forty.
In the club/rip drill, Andrew Brown looked really violent. Really tore into the bags. Looked the part. Intriguing prospect. Chubb and Davenport were silky smooth getting around the bags with fluidity. Jalyn Holmes looked a little tight but still hit the bags with intensity. Chad Thomas also excelled.
Quite a few of the prospects struggled with this drill. Several took a wide berth to the bags and tried to avoid them. A couple just slapped the bag. Mata’afa slipped over.
In the second go-through, again Andrew Brown had a terrific rep. Violent, intense. Bradley Chubb followed with another incredibly smooth run through.
In the stack and shed, Ola Adeniyi had a good rep. Powerful, in control. Andrew Brown’s rep was REALLY good. Brown did what he’s supposed to do. Hit the bag, shed, move along the line. Brilliant. Chubb also looked really good. They’ve been the two standout performers during workouts for me.
Da’Shawn Hand’s rep was pretty weak. Tickled the bags and treated it like a speed drill. The coach leading the drill shouted shortly after to ‘slow it down’. Every year the same thing happens. The players don’t understand the stack and shed drill. They rush through it.
Here are the official forty yard dash times for the second group of defensive linemen:
A quick reminder about Josh Sweat’s physical potential:
HT: 6-foot-4 3/4
WT: 251lbs
Hand: 10 1/4″
Arm: 34 5/8″
Wingspan: 84 1/8”
Look at that arm length and wingspan. Plus he ran a 1.5 10-yard split. He has an injury history but we’re talking about huge athletic talent and size here.
We’re now onto the change of direction drills. Hercules Mata’afa just tripped up again on his rep. He’s had some footwork issues today. Marcus Davenport continues to impress and look the part. Very smooth change of direction and acceleration.
I didn’t see Josh Sweat doing any of the on-field drills.
Some of the EDGE rushers are now being asked to do the linebacker drills. It seemed like everyone was getting a go for some reason. When 281lbs Chad Thomas is running linebacker drills, maybe someone should’ve had a tighter grip on who was doing what.
Some of the explosive tests are coming in. Taven Bryan had a 35 inch vertical and a 9-11 broad jump. He’s an incredible 3.58 TEF tester and one of the most explosive pass rushers we’ve seen in a while. At 291lbs those numbers are incredible.
Da’Ron Payne looked quick during the drills but he’s not the most explosive player. He had an 8-11 broad broad and he only had a 28.5 inch vertical.
Forty yard dash — LB
The NFL Network isn’t showing the 10-yard splits for the linebackers for some reason. So we won’t get a 10-time for people like Lorenzo Carter or Kemoko Turay.
Genard Avery — 4.60 & 4.63
Jerome Baker — 4.53 & 4.60
Davin Bellamy — DNP
Keishawn Bierria — 4.80 & 4.94
Oren Burks — 4.60 & 4.60
Jason Cabinda — DNP
Lorenzo Carter — 4.46 & 4.54
Jack Cichy — DNP
Chris Covington — 4.80 & 4.79
Nick DeLuca — 4.85 & 4.86
Garret Dooley — 4.92 & 4.81
Tremaine Edmunds — 4.55 & 4.56
Rashaan Evans — DNP
Shaquem Griffin — 4.38 & 4.58
Shaun Dion Hamilton — DNP
James Hearns — 4.90 & 4.89
Jeff Holland — 4.80 & 4.86
Joel Iyiegbuniwe — 4.62 & 4.61
Darius Jackson — 4.87 & 4.87
Leon Jacobs — 4.49 & 4.55
Malik Jefferson — 4.53 & 4.58
Josey Jewell — 4.83 & 4.84
Peter Kalambayi — 4.57 & 4.60
Micah Kiser — 4.67 & 4.73
Darius Leonard — 4.70 & DNP
Mike McCray — 4.76 & 4.77
Skai Moore — 4.74 & 4.74
Uchenna Nwosu — 4.65 & 4.72
Dorian O’Daniel — 4.62 & 4.61
Ogbonnia Okoronkwo — 4.89 & 4.77
Jacob Pugh — 4.66 & 4.69
Christian Sam — 4.76 & 4.79
Tegray Scales — 4.84 & 4.78
Andre Smith — 4.64 & DNP
Roquan Smith — 4.52 & DNP
Matthew Thomas — 4.58 & 4.65
Kemoko Turay — 4.66 & 4.70
Leighton Vander Esch — 4.66 & 4.67
Azeem Victor — 4.73 & 4.74
Fred Warner — 4.66 & 4.64
Chris Worley — 4.86 & 4.87
Kenny Young — 4.66 & 4.60
Incredible time for Lorenzo Carter. We know he’s explosive — he jumped a 40 inch vertical at the SPARQ combine but ran in the 4.6’s. Now he just ran a 4.46. He’ll be pushing round one with a time like that.
Shaquem Griffin ran a very similar time to his twin brother, making a 4.38. He is 227lbs so a little lighter than some of the other players here — but that’s still an incredible time at that size. A fantastic run. With this size, speed and grit he won’t be lasting to the later rounds.
Pete Carroll’s reaction to Shaquem Griffin’s 4.38 forty is priceless #Seahawks pic.twitter.com/Ivor3CBIm9
— Rob Staton (@robstaton) March 4, 2018
North Carolina’s Andre Smith is the latest player to pull up during a forty with a hamstring injury. There have been way too many injuries at the combine this year and there needs to be a serious review as to why.
Now Roquan Smith is feeling a hamstring problem too and is done for the day. Something isn’t right here. Way too many hamstring injuries. Darius Leonard didn’t run a second forty. Tegray Scales pulled up in his second attempt. Kemoko Turay pulled up with an injury. What’s going on?
The NFL Network is currently interviewing Ryan Shazier instead of focusing on the linebacker drills.
Now they’re back on the drills. The coaches praised Leighton Vander Esch for his work in space.
We talked about a need for speed and how Seattle has looked for very quick linebackers. There weren’t many spectacular runners in the LB group which was a surprise. Griffin and Carter aside, of course.
Now Griffin is hurt too! During the drills. This is ridiculous.
Vander Esch again is the standout in the agility drill going over and around the bags. He looks incredibly smooth, quick and dynamic. He’ll be a high pick.
One of the coaches (from the Rams) is calling out the linebackers now. He says they aren’t finishing the drills, strictly told them he doesn’t care about their forty yard dashes and wants them to do the drills properly. I hate to say it again but this has been a relatively underwhelming session again.
The Rams coach is still criticising the players. He’s not happy with the way they’re dropping in an open-field drill. He wants to see them backpedal to each hash and deliver a deep drop each time. They aren’t. Very few of them are catching the football at the end either. “Catch the damn ball finish the drill” yells the coach.
Malik Jefferson had a good rep but very few looked sharp here.
I’m going to finish the live blog for today because the D-line broad and vertical jump numbers are out. I’m going to calculate the TEF scores. Review post on the way shortly.
Hehe, Settle was jogging… probably doesn’t want to hurt himself I imagine.
Trev, your boy Shepherd looks ripped!
He certainly has an NFL body. He had terrible starts which affected his times which is too bad. Looking forward to the drills and explosion tests for him.
Vita vea is insane. 1.77 10 yard split. At 347#. Just crazy!
Payne is MOVIN’!
He certainly looks legit.
He looks like he as built in a lab for a dlinemen prototype. I’m struggling to figure out why he had so little production in college.
Lol, Rob. People talking about the “bubble butts” out there might get more than they were asking for today… 😉
Guys… You can just say bubble…
LOL
Shepherd looks like a Seahawk, 4th round maybe?
I would love to see him on the Hawks! That would be my dream pick but I don’t think he gets out of 3rd.
Arm length might be an issue for Seattle but he’s looking great out there.
Once a draft there is an arm length guy that I disagree with. I don’t mentally fight it but disagree with. Just watched his game against central Michigan.
dude is on fire. I only watched about half of the video because 1: his motor is relentless. 2: after about 5 snaps cmu did my favorite thing…double him on everysnap and/or have an obvious hold on every snap. 3. when all that failed, cmu then made sure as many plays as possible went as far away as possible from shepard. which just let cbs, and lbs run free.
I’m almost positive that Seattle already has him crossed off their list because of arm length but for a 4th-5th round pick….I’m pretty in on his game/motor/potential.
Rashem green with that split (1.66)that’ll perk the ears up. Veae….freakshow.
I don’t know why the big guys run the 40 twice. I would run once and call it good.
Too many hamsring injuries on the second run this weekend.
*hamstring*
Especially the guys that are running in the super low 4.9’s to 5’s. If you run it once just stick with that. If you hate the number and really think you can shave off two tenths then save it for your teams pro day.
for the d line men and the online men I think the drills are much more important anyways.
Bummed Vita is out would have loved to see the rest of his drills but its a quick, fun group to watch.. re the drills – you’d think they’e been training for this and know what drills are being done?? weird not to actually get the objective right….
I’m a huge combine fan and it does seem strange that these players many who go for train off campus don’t spend more time working the bag drills, or the change of direction drills
So true. I mean, the drills have been the same for years and years now. No surprises. You would think the guys would come in prepared to look good in all of them.
BJ Hill moved through those drills like a linebacker… at 300 lbs. he’s a candidate for an interior pass rusher. Very impressive. Payne looked great. Sheppard… he is the guy you want getting off the bus first. 😳
BJ Hill been one of my favorite players for some time. Been thinking that if Seattle doesn’t work out a deal with Sheldon, he could be a target late day two, but I think he’s probably going to go a lot sooner now.
I like Hill as well. Hope he falls to the fifth as we could use one of our round 5 picks on him. Not sure I want to use the 4th.
I had never really heard of him until I watched a youtube guy breakdown the senior bowl tape of the OL/DL drills. He was very impressive throughout the 3 tapes I watched. Read up on him and it seems he is destined for a run stopping DT, than a pass rush guy. However, when you start getting into the 4th round or so, might be a nice fit in Seattle.
Bj hill or Justin jones ……both such good value guys in the 3-4 round.
I got a feeling both could go a lot sooner.
Group two….that’s a pretty interesting list of the bigger question marks amongst the dlinemen.
Rob at the combine can teams request a player to work out in a different group or is that just a pro day thing?
I’m asking about hercules, I get his arms are short for Seattle for dline. But even though he’s heavier than expected (for me). I just don’t get the thought of him working out with guys that are 50plus pounds heavier than him. He’s not this guy but he reminds me of a poor man’s aldon smith….a third down pass rush specialist in maybe a 3-4
My bad…ha!……Just saw the organization….makes much more sense having him run with the similar weight class as it were….
Yep — teams will request some of these guys to do LB drills for example.
My bad…ha!……Just saw the organization….makes much more sense having him run with the similar weight class as it were….
Trying to find late round diamonds in the rough for the Seahawks, I have been interested in how Aruna looks today. 40 time was great.
Rob you may not be taking questions today…..because you’ve been killing it this week and owe us nothing! But Josh sweat basically getting medical clearance , what round and would you see a fit for him in seattle with the probable loss of Avril and others?
I’m planning to do a google hangout later so I’ll answer this in the video.
Heck yeah!
Love those, thanks Rob.
And on a related note, Rob, I have really enjoyed some of your recent podcast appearances and contributions as you made some guest appearances on other shows. I know many of the podcasts being run out there are super light-hearted and are for the entertainment value in silly fun, etc, but I know this group lives on the meat and potatoes of breaking down prospects and their potential fit on the team. You bring that in spades and often add so much class and quality to those other pods casts it makes them look silly. You also do a great job working around so many odd questions and situations only to circle back bringing football relevance to the conversation, Just fantastic.
You really know how to frame and present topics such that I think you really do better without a crazy sidekick. Your content, like in the hangouts, becomes laser focused and the stuff our community thrives on. I have been a hawks fan from the days of Zorn to Largent and the runs of Shaun Alexander and these current years have been my best years as a fan, honestly due to your work here and the quality contributions of Kenny, Vol, and so many others here that have great insights, feedback and excitement as the coming draft year and season approaches. Again, thank you and keep it coming Rob and all!!!
I can’t thank you enough for those kind words, it really means a lot.
I second that Rob, fantastic stuff and I love the solo hangouts. I could listen to those hours on end daily
Thanks man!
I wholeheartedly agree, Rob’s experience as a journalist really shines during a time when so many sports sites seem content to simply churn out clickbait. Thank you to everyone who studies tape and shares their insight, this blog makes the offseason a hoot – which is particularly welcome after (what we can likely all agree was) a rather disappointing season.
Stupid question…what a google hangout? YouTube live would be awesome.
That’s essentially what it is Isaac. It’s a live Youtube video.
Isaac, They are basically the same thing except one is named Google, the other is named Youtube. So what you do is you press the play button and then If you want to pause it, just go right on and click that same button again.
“Cragie, the Internet magic phone teacher”
It’s a song I’m working on.
Google bought Youtube.
Its a shame they can’t do this in the college season when the players are in shape. Too many injuries from this after they sit around for two months. Even if they try to prepare, it isn’t the same amount of work as they do when actively playing football.
Its been said by others, but I want to repeat. Can Pete Carroll work a deal with the other teams to bring Shaquem Griffin to Seattle? He is predicted to be a 5 or 6th rounder. I love his desire, and his credentials as AAC Defensive Player of the Year are incredible. WE WANT SHAQ!!!
It just feels so obvious. and frankly I really think a lot of teams won’t even consider him as anything more than a udfa.
I hate being this guy but if he had two hands he’s a third rounder without a question. a bit reckless in his technique ( a bit like a younger earl Thomas that way, hair on fire, flying around) but great numbers and can be used in a variety of ways.
Are you kidding? At a 4.38 forty and his explosiveness and agility, with two hands he’d be Rd 1 or early Rd 2.
I was just about to make almost this same post.
PCJS Feel like the Hawks need a little more “Always Compete” I telling you, adding the ultra competitive Shaq brother to the team would provide on of the most contagious injections of a competitive culture the Hawks could ever imagine to the team. I would be thrilled at the long list of advantages having Shaq join the team would bring. I think it would be immeasurable. Anyone in the locker room feel not up to competing on any given day? Just talk a look at Shaquem, what he has done, what he is doing, what he will do. You will not be able to resist the jack of motivation he will give you and his super positive attitude, leadership and charisma. I would pay money to be in that locker room.
I honestly believe there are going to be a couple teams out there that see not only his skill and ability, but everything else he could bring to that teams locker room. No way he goes UDFA.
I don’t think he goes udfa but I think for all the forward thinking teams there are just as many who per example:
think Josh Allen is a great qb and Lamar Jackson is a wide reciever. Now one of them has improved year over year and played in a big conference against some big time teams and one of them may get picked top five even though they are a sub 55% percent passer and were solidly mediocre in a solidly mediocre division…..
My point is that the NFL still has people downgrading players wonderlic scores even after it turns out that a player is dyslexic. The NFL can get a little “old boys club,” and heck shaquem only was at ucf because the previous coaching staff wanted shaquill and shaquem barely played before Scott frost got there.
Agreed, unfortunate that happens, but it is reality. good point
100% we need to draft him!
I’m thinking he will get picked in the 6th or 7th, but could go earlier. Love the part about him motivating a team. Not just because of what he does with one hand, but also his enthusiasm to be out on the field playing.
I kind of wish there was some sort of rule about brothers getting to play together. I think it would help the transition into the pros, which is a bit of a crap shoot for most players.
Wow he just ran a 4.38 40 time. just like his brother. I wonder about using him at Safety? or fourth linebacker.
winner winner chicken dinner!
Shaq ran the same time as his brother! That is smokin’!!
Rob, in your google hangouts would you bring up any smaller school standouts you might not have noticed otherwise?
Those are often some of my favorite storylines, thanks
Not to beat the same drum, but could you also talk about maybe where Shaquem Griffin could play in our 4-3 under? He’s good on the line, but I haven’t seen enough to see if its a liability.
I haven’t really seen a good schematic tangent on him. Thanks again
Honestly, would be one of my favorite Rob articles all year to see a full blown breakdown of Shaq, pros, cons and what role(s) he might be able to fill with the Hawks. Please . . . 🙂
+1 I would read the shit out of that. He’s fascinating
“Arden Key and Sam Hubbard snubbed the forty yard dash for no real reason.”
I wonder if there’s concerns passing around the players about the track. We’ve had some slow times and some injuries…might be enough on its own to cause people to start skipping the 40.
Hubbard said he didn’t run because he’s only done a month of track training. Felt like a flimsy excuse. Think he just wants to run on the fast track at Ohio State.
You also get better numbers at your proday. the track could be off but isn’t it the same facility basically year to year?
Yeah stay healthy for the rest of the day. Run the 40 on your pro day, when you’re good and ready. Theres time to rest after the pro day, in case of injury. Its a bit frustrating as a fan, but the strategy makes sense.
Sounds like something his agent told him to say.
Davenport is a bit of a project. He isn’t a finished product. However, if we do find a way to trade Earl for a first, we should take him if he’s there and use the other pick for a RB. We just need more special athleticism on the defense and we definitely can’t keep going through 2nd and 3rd tier runners. I would love a Will Hernandez, but we can’t get everything this year. Sweat looks like he may convert to OLB, but probably a 3-4 team. Leo? I dunno. I wasn’t that impressed with his play against the run in college. It won’t get easier in the NFL. Man, I kind of want to just call the Browns and offer a package for the 4th pick consisting of Earl, the 18th, Bennett for their 4th overall and possibly a mid round pick, (4th). The worst thing they can do is say no. That 4th could inevitably become a first next year as well as a first layer on, probably earlier than 18.
Sweat had great numbers, for him its all about the medical. Dorrance Armstrong running a 4.88 and 4.96 cost him some serious money. That was much slower than expected.
I guess he came back with a clean medical which is huge for him.
Glad to see Andrew Brown moving well. He was super disruptive at the Sr. Bowl. It’s showing that he was a 5-star athlete.
I have like Josh Sweat’s potential for a while but he is having an amazing combine. I thought he might be round #3 option if we trade back to get an 3rd round pick but I highly doubt that now.
His apparently had a clean medical and his measurable have been incredible. Looking like a 2nd round guy at the very least.
If we a couple of Day #2 picks. Then Sweat in the 2nd and Sheppard or Brown in the 3rd would be a huge boost to our front 7.
Harold Landry had a bad year with nagging injuries. He’s going to be a player I believe. I’ve brought up his make a few times in this site. Someone is going to get a pass rushing monster.
Idk, I remember thinking he was a bit overrated when he almost came out last year. And then he had a down year this year.
Am open to be corrected on that though.
And the 1.59 split will definitely put him on Seattle’s radar.
I think the FA TE we should be looking at is Tyler Eifert. Dude’s just a beast, if we got him cheap it would be so worth it, even with the risk. Why not him and ASJ? Then we’d have a pretty cheap, young group with them and Vannett. Well rounded guys.
Vannett could be the TE/FB hybrid and save a roster spot for another RB or what have you, some young guy you don’t wanna cut. Probably Prosise.
I’m sure we could do this for less than what we’ll save from letting Jimmy and Willson walk.
Whew, baby. 4.46 for Carter @250lbs!
Move him to running back lol
Lorenzo Carter just ran 4.46. Wow.
YEUH BOIIII
Shaquem Griffin 4.38. Good Lordy
Stock draft rising!
Did you see how excited Pete was for him? What a special kid.
That was awesome. Rob, can you capture video of that or do you want me to?
Yup! It’s over. I want him in Seattle. Gett’r dun PCJS
Yes, the sort of player you want on the team. He has some honey badger in him.
4.38 for Quem!
What the hell. Ok. So now he can play OLB, Safety, etc. he’s on fire right now. What a story.
SHAQ GRIFFIN 4.38 HOLY SHITE!
Unbelievable.
That’s exactly what PC said.
Pete and John were visibly cheering for Griffin after he busted out his 4.38. I’m betting they go after him.
They’ve been after him.
When JS said he knows someone that’s met Shaquem and John Wooden and that someone got the feeling talking with Wooden as they did Shaquem? You know he’s one of a kind.
Oh yeah. Pete Carroll’s whole philosophy, strategy, everything is designed around John Wooden.
So will other teams too. He was under the radar a bit (not any more) but it comes down to where teams think he can play position wise.
I think he could play SS in the Kam mold. Up in the box a lot, but blitz at times too.
I think to ensure you get him you will have to spend a late 3rd, I bet he is gone in the 4th for sure.
100% agree!
#AgainstAllOdds.
Love Shaw’s tweet there.
Kid almost didnt even get an invite to the combine.
This was a bit overhyped to be honest. As Tony Pauline noted, a lot of the invites don’t come out until after the Senior Bowl. I think less than half had been sent out when people were reporting Griffin hadn’t received an invite.
And his tape was good enough for an invite.
LSU QB Danby Etlinh got a combine invite. Why?
4.65 is really good for Uchenna Nwosu. Seattle spent a lot of time looking at he Trojans. Something to keep in mind for SAM.
Ronald Jones II 🙂
Go Hawks!
I’m almost convinced at this point that Seattle gets Mike Solari his ideal LG, and they grab Griffin round 2.
That’s a strong take, mi amigo.
It is interesting that Pauline wrote more ammo in the top 100. To me, that sounds like not a couple picks, but several.
Wouldn’t be me if it wasn’t.
Can’t get over the John Wooden comp. Pete was almost out of football until he met Wooden. That man changed his life.
My thoughts, exactly. That’s a pretty strong signal, IMO.
Round 3 is probably more like it though.
I agree Vol that he is incredibly high on PC/JS list I imagine now they are just trying to see where he fits.
Ideal Safety / Deathbacker profile but does he have the nesscary coverage / ball skills? Is it possible with his disability? God I hope so.
YEOW . . . that is a HOT take!!!
Is it though? His tape is outstanding, had a great SR bowl, and might’ve just run the best 40 I’ve ever seen.
You know how many 225+ players have run a sub 4.40 in 18 years? One.
That is crazy!
If the Seahawk brain trust thinks that is a good idea for around two pick, Count me in. There’s not a pick in this entire draft I would be more excited about when adding SHAQ to the team and everything that could mean to the quality and the culture going forward.
Rounds late 3 & 4 we should target him there!
Griffin put on a show….. and to think, he was not invited to the combine originally.
THE SHAME NFL… THE SHAMMMMMEEEEEEE
Good times for Edmunds and Smith. Evans is better.
Maybe in space, but less versatile.
Less versatile than Edmund’s, more versatile than Smith.
100%
Edmunds at only 19-20 however young he is has the higher ceiling by far though.
+1 the 3rd best prospect behind Barkley and Nelson. He is going to be a star.
That’s a good top 3.
It’d be Nelson, Chubb, and Rosen or Barkley for me.
Good piece today in the TNT about Seattle’s interest in Shaquem.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/nfl/seattle-seahawks/seahawks-insider-blog/article203430424.html
My guy, Wisconsin LB Leon Jacobs, the WWE looking cat, with a 4.49 at 246. He’s a prototypical late day 3 LB.
Agree 100% and will likely be a great special team WR from day #1.
Dooley will be a steal for someone.
Both Griffin brothers can fly and my bet is they become the core of LOB 2.0 work Shaqueem playing Satety. He would be great blitzing as well.
With (3) picks in Rd #5 he should be a lock for to the Hawks. His combine has been great and he is getting a ton of buzz but he will still get knocked down by the disability unfortunately for him but fortunately for the Hawks I hope.
Problem is with his good tape and great combine, not sure how long he will last. My bet is fourth-round would be miracle now.
Shoot. Really wanted to see my guy Andre Smith in the drills.
Lorenzo Carter is going to be big riser. I was hoping he might be a 3rd round target but he is going to be long gone by then.
He’s a 4.48 guy.
That Taven Bryan comp to Derek Wolfe, athletically, is about as spot on as you’ll get. Good call there for once NFL network.
Not sure who the hosts are on NFL network but on YouTube they have Money, Bucky Brooks, Lance Zierlein and MJD. They are awesome!
They got me busting up talking about Josh McDaniels and not showing up. “He’d get the two piece”. “Popeyes you want a one piece or two piece” haha! 😆
ya that was hilarious
We’ve got Eisen and Mayock, with Jeremiah and Davis piping in every once in a while.
Hopefully when they get into the drills, they will have some player on as well. Greg Olsen covered TEs yesterday and Steve Smith WRs and they were outstanding, just like last year.
You should watch LivePD.
Roquan Smith done for the day, too. Geez.
Another one bites the dust. Turay too. My goodness.
Charles Davis says he thinks it’s cause everyone is trying to do too much to match the greatness of the top guys.
Seriously, these guys should just shut it down unless their first run is horrendous.
Those commentators making fun of Mc ‘snake Daniels was great, laughed out loud
This crew has had me dying all weekend long!
Trade 18 and a 7th to Atlanta for 26 and 58.
Trade 26 and a 5th to Cleveland for 33 and an early 3rd.
33. Isaiah Wynn/ Will Hernandez/ Billy Price
58. Shaquem Griffin
65. Sony Michel/ Bo Scarbrough/ Rashaad Penny/ Royce Freeman
Carroll’s been talking up Chris Carson, probably not looking at a first round RB. We’re gonna get value and a guy who can compliment Carson. Michel would be ideal at 65 if he lasts, it’s possible.
I agree. Only admission for me would be Connor Williams.
And I wanna see John Kelly’s pro day.
If I had to pick one RB to be drafted by Seahawk given our draft capital it is Kelly.
+1. I love our little Kelly bandwagon.
I that scenario I would hope for
#33 Hernandez or Wynn
#58 Josh Sweat
#65 Nathan Sheppard or Tim Settle
4th Rd Shaqueem Griffin
Would also prefer Penny at this point.
I would be on board with that scenario, if we could get Hernandez. I was liking Price, but now I think Hernandez is the man. Could change my mind again after Prices’ Pro Day if he tests.
There are other SS in this draft 2nd & 3rd rounds are strong, I’m confident hell be around round 4.
Where can I find the jumps , 3 cone and short shuttle times for the DL?
Not published yet.
Kenny Young looked good there. Vander Each on the other hand? Woof.
The fundamentals in these guys today are so damn bad.
Do these guys even condition themselves? If you can’t commit to a weight room, how you gonna commit to the game itself?
Hahaha! These guys aren’t even listening.
Can’t wait for tommorow with the DBs. We’re gonna hear these guys stress the most overrated part about playing the position. ‘Backpedal.’
Its all in the hips
Stanford LB Peter Kalambayi is a real good one. He looked so smooth. Good production, and tape. A real sleeper.
Florida St’s Matt Thomas is another one. Troubled dude, but raw talent. Kind of has a KJ Wrigjht vibe to him.
There is no player in this draft I am more excited about than our boy Shaq Griffin. His story is just too good. Having him in Seattle would be great.
Looks like that Ade Aruna kid wins DL freak athlete of the day award. 10’8″ broad jump at 262 lbs.!?
Byron Jones’ record is 11’1″ for cryin out loud and he was only 199 lbs.
Jones was 12-3″
My bad, the 11’1″ was LB record by Hasaan Reddick @ 237 lbs.
Their HC runs a Seahawk like defense and adopted Pete’s tackling technique. Aruna is raw as hell, but coaches are probably gonna love to take him on as a project.
Josh Sweat was the freak athlete of the day! His Sparq # is going to be ridiculous.
Aldon Smith was involved in another domestic incident last night and you guessed it, fled the scene. When is he gonna end up on LivePD? 😉
Lol soon is my guess.
So sad what incredible talent wasted.
Josh sweat went to high school about 5 minutes from my house. Um FREAK!
That’s pretty awesome. You ever meet him or know anyone that… knows him?
My Combine Seahawks wish list
DT Nathan Sheppard
Edge Josh Sweat
LB / Safety Shaqueem Griffin
RB John Kelly
WR DJ Chark
OL Will Hernandez
QB Nick Shimoneck
Seattle doesn’t really ‘need’ to spend anything other than a late day 3 pick on a part time position such as LB, but Griffin is a culture changer man.
Your boy, Arden Key, looked twitched up today!
Then he put up a disappointing 3 cone, but his IV’s are gonna be the big thing.
What are your thoughts of Shimoneck as a Day #3 developmental QB?
Oh I like him. One of my favorite QBs in this class actually. As a backup, developmental arm I should say. Him and Marshall’s Chase Litton.
+1 litton
Yeah I like Litton too and think he might be on the Hawks radar.
Yeah I thought Key and Sweat could be late 2nd round options after a trade back to pick up that pick but they both put on a show. If Sweats medical and Key off field check out they will both go in top 40 likely.
BC DE Harold Landry just became a ‘Seahawky’ name with his performance.
They scouted BC a few times this year and he fits the ‘study a guys body of work not just one year/had great production prior to this year where he fell off a bit.’
And maybe Malik Jefferson? Is Jefferson enough of a pass ruhser though?
We should stake up OL interior if we can’t find 2nd round DE or possibly go OL RB
Vol I know you are a Derwin James fan as well.
Imagine if the Hawks added James, Sweat and Griffins to that D! What an incredible infusion of speed and athletiscm that would be.
If they trade Earl for a 1st and traded back they might be able to get all 3 + Hernandez. That would be a dream scenario IMO and I still think James goes in top 12. He is going to blow up combine tomorrow like Sweat today I think.
That would be absolutely incredible.
Hernandez or C. Williams, Griffin, and one of Nick Chubb, Royce Freeman, Bo Scarbrough, and John Kelly. But then if they trade ET as you project here, then a safety becomes a must so that would change things up.
I still can’t picture this D without Earl but it sounds like it might be coming.
Me either. Nothing lasts forever, but I don’t think its time yet. However, they put themselves in this hole and now have to move faces of the franchise.
As Sherm said yesterday, ‘picks mean nothing if they don’t produce.’
He is exactly right! But they mean everything if they do. Impact players on rookie deals are the key to managing salary cap.
Very true. They gotta nail this draft. It’s the most important one in JS/PC’s tenure IMO.
I’m not against them moving a player or two, but Bennett (which makes no sense to me), ET, Kam, Sherm (who has no trade value currently) and Avril is quite the amount of turnover.
Yeah Bennett makes no sense to me either I think he can still be elite playing 50-60 percent of snaps instead of 90%. Something had to happen between him and coaches or something because makes no sense if not. You can get a lot younger and still keep him to mentor young guys. Players on other teams even pay to go train with him In Hawaii.
Can you picture it with a rangey ballhawking safety with great hands? Seahawks might move to more of a cover 1 man system with Thompson roaming for picks. Gotta get a blue chip defensive player with the pick though, use the cap space to target a left guard. Then the 18th overall can be appropriated into multiple picks to fix the offense. I’m not so sure getting rid of Earl is a good idea, but if its happening the first thing the Hawks need to make sure they can do is stop the run and run the ball. I’m bery nervous but they’ve watched Thompson all year in practice against the first string offense, he must have shown out to where they feel Sherman and Griffin can lockdown. Still very nervous.
You guys see this?
https://mobile.twitter.com/Seahawks12Spain/status/970394748258267136/photo/1
That’s a Seahawk scout there.
Gotta think the guys know him inside out. If anyone is going to take him earlier than day #3 it is PC/JS. His personality screams Seahawk. He is the anti Malik McDowell.
Good call. How could any team know him better than the team that has his twin brother? Inside track? Oh yeah.
Who do you guys think is the best verticle receiver for the Hawks in this draft class? Courtland Sutton is awesome but might be too expensive, Russell needs a redzone target and a panic read. I’m a big fan of Jaleel Scott but I’m wondering if there are any other acrobatic athletes that the Hawks could snatch in the middle or late rounds.
When you say “vertical”, do you mean deep threat or as in jumping/acrobatic 50/50 ball winner? By the context of your questions, I’m assuming the latter.
Andre Levrone (Virginia) is worth a look or Jake Wieneke (South Dakota St.).
Shaquem ran a 4.38 40 yd dash. Does anyone think it possible he could play Earls position. I don’t know what Earl did at the combine, but the possibilities are intriguing. Maybe not in his first year but with a little seasoning?
My guess is almost definitely absolutely with close to no doubt he could not.
If there’s one thing I can say for sure about Quem Griffin, he cannot play FS anywhere near the level of Earl.
Good safeties that are elite at safety don’t play
Like Earl.
Quem is an OLB in most schemes
I think a FS in Petes scheme has to have great ball skills that is why they took Thompson last year.
Absolutely love Griffin but I don’t think he is a FS because of this.
‘Bama’s Da’Shawn Hand had himself quite a day other than a poor 3 cone. Does not look 290+ lbs. I can see why Seattle has shown interest in him. Will likely end up a 5-tech, but can probably play some 3 as well.
Wouldn’t be a bad selection at all.
Some excellent length as well.
Harold Landry can turn the corner in a hurry. Almost Von Miller like.
Broncos, Jets, and Seahawks inquiring about Idaho DT Arie Anderson. Former JUCO guy, All- conference Sun Belt, 6’1, 300-305 lbs. Looks like a Seahawk DT with that bowling ball frame. I believe their pro day is this week.
Wants to play for Seattle so he can line up right next to Jarran Reed like he did at EMCC.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mCmYzHBjQiE
cat and dog love each other 🙂