Monday draft notes: Kizer, McGlinchey, Engram

There’s a lot of hype around quarterback DeShone Kizer at the moment. Every year there’s a fashionable ‘alternative’ #1 overall pick. It ends up becoming a consensus and then the overreactions follow when reality sets in.

I’ve watched all four Notre Dame games now and feel comfortable judging him. In terms of physicality and talent he’s the complete package. Ideal size, nice release, plus mobility with the ability to both extend plays and make gains as a runner. You could make a highlight reel of 5-6 throws where Kizer looks every bit a possible #1 overall pick.

The thing is, there’s also a lot of ugly in there too. And that shouldn’t be a surprise — he’s only featured in 17 games in college. In comparison, last years #1 pick Jared Goff started 37 games at Cal. Kizer looks like a raw starter who just needs time to figure everything out. For that reason, the ideal situation would be for him to return to Notre Dame next season and feel the benefit of extra time on the field before turning pro. That’s a tough decision to make if there’s a chance you’ll go in the top five of the draft. Andrew Luck made a decision to stay at Stanford and risked injury. Kizer faces a similar dilemma.

In Saturday’s home loss against Duke, three plays pretty much sum up the hit-and-miss September 2016 version of DeShone Kizer. With 52 seconds left in the first half and ideally placed to lead at least a field goal drive before half time — he launched a pass so out of reach for the intended target even the defensive back climbing onto the shoulders of the WR couldn’t make the catch. On the next throw on a 3rd and 14 crossing route, he threw marginally behind the target on an easy completion and let the DB get a hand on the ball to break it up.

Yet on his first throw to begin the second half, he fit a perfect pass into the smallest window for a big gain — throwing over a linebacker and in front of the DB. It was perfection (the WR caught it and fumbled, summing up Notre Dame’s day).

His touchdown pass was equally beautiful — a perfect fade to the left corner of the end zone with ideal touch, velocity and placement.

Yet after that he came right back with another shocker — a hopelessly under-thrown ball to the left sideline that was easily cut off by the DB (who dropped the chance at a possible pick-six). It was a real cringe moment — just like his bizarre decision that ultimately cost Notre Dame the game.

With about a minute to go on 3rd and 20, Kizer had to take the snap into his own end zone. He had good protection but sensing he needed to get rid of the football to avoid a safety — he lobbed a hail mary pass into coverage and was intercepted at about the 40 yard line. The TV cameras picked up a bemused looking Brian Kelly mouthing ‘What are you doing?’ at his QB with disbelief written all over his face. Duke drove into field goal range and won.

Kizer also fumbled a snap during the game.

These are all pretty basic errors that scream a lack of experience. A team can try to iron out these kinks in the pro’s and due to his high upside and potential that might be what happens next year. Let him sit ala Jared Goff and Paxton Lynch. A case can also be made that he’s better learning lessons on the field in a competitive environment. Kizer is really, really good — and as long as he stays healthy he’s assured of a place at the top of a draft be it in 2017 or 2018. For the long term benefits of his career — he looks like a guy who just needs more experience. And the remaining schedule in 2016 with Notre Dame slumping to 1-3 might not be enough.

On a separate note — Mike McGlinchey looked really good in this game. Great balance, never flustered, kept everything in front of him in pass-pro and showed some power in the run game. His athletic testing at the combine will be fascinating. Both Kizer and McGlinchey come across really well during press interviews and teams will love their character.

Tight end Evan Engram is such a weapon and might be one of the more underrated draft prospects this year. He had a big day against Georgia with six catches for 95 yards. His best moment? An incredible endzone leap to high point the football over a defender for a touchdown. His vertical leap looks like it’ll be incredible at the combine.

Ole Miss frequently line him up in the slot and Engram has receiver athleticism and creates constant mismatches vs slot corners and linebackers. You can imagine him working in the Patriots offense as a slot receiver or in a 2TE set alongside Gronk. He could easily work his way into the latter part of the first round or the top of the second.

One final note — Pete Carroll keeps talking about suddenness at running back. He mentioned it again today on ESPN 710 when discussing Christine Michael. If that’s the most important aspect for a Seattle RB going forward — the most ‘sudden’ back in the 2017 class could be Christian McCaffrey. He’s not a physical powerhouse, wearing down a defense. In terms of burst and ability to get upfield quickly — he’s extremely good. That was my big takeaway from the UCLA game on Saturday. It’s something to monitor — especially if RB becomes a key need in the off-season.

122 Comments

  1. JUJUS

    Love love love that corner https://twitter.com/b_borders Breone Borders. Hope the seahawks look deep @ him.

  2. cha

    “You could make a highlight reel of 5-6 throws where Kizer looks every bit a possible #1 overall pick.

    The thing is, there’s also a lot of ugly in there too.”

    Sounds like the perfect Cleveland Brown. Or Chicago Bear.

  3. Kenny Sloth

    I know he has a big red flag in the spinal injury, but Seth Russell is quietly having a phenomenal career at Baylor.

    The strength, touch, and athleticism are all there for me.

    He looks just as good as he did a year ago before coming back from a gruesome neck injury that I believe requires 2 surgeries.

    Baylor has a very foul run of Spread QBs flopping at the next level but I’m always looking for exceptions.

    If people are going to laud Patrick Mahomes then I’ll go out on a limb and say my top two QB’s in this class are Brad Kaaya and Seth Russell.
    With Russell perhaps getting the nod due to his incredible athleticism.

    Not saying they’ll go one-two, but Deshaun Watson has Geno Smith written all over him.

    • Kenny Sloth

      Nailed it with Kizer, though.

      • Volume12

        Not a 1st rounder, but Arkansas QB Austin Allen impressed the hell outta me on Saturday against a Texas A&M defense with 6-7 NFL prospects.

        Mobile, gritty as hell, poised, commands that offense, makes anticipation throws. Makes NFL throws from the hash marks to the opposite sideline. He got abused Saturday. Took shot after shot, and just hung in there and continued to play his game and Arkansas football.

        He’s got kind of a Rich Gannon type of delivery. Ball sails on him a little.

        • East Side Stevie

          Isnt Austin a sophmore? I dont think he will declare for the draft but did you know his older brother was Arkansas quarterback last year. Pretty cool when 2 siblings play and have starting positions at a power 5 conference team isnt it. I love seth russel I was going to bring him up on this blog myself if no one else did.

          • Kenny Sloth

            That’s very helpful East Side. Haha I keep going;””C’mon guys, Arkansas QB Allen?! He’s a scrub”

            I didn’t think ‘Austin’ sounded right hahah

            I’ll have to go back to Arkansas tape then. Really interested in their OL.

  4. Kenny Sloth

    “the most ‘sudden’ back in the 2017 class could be Christian McCaffrey”

    Gotta say Royce Freeman with an extra 30 pounds might have him beat.

    You just can’t beat that footwork, Rob.

    I’m not ready to give McCaffrey the blue chip, yet. We’ve seen too many versatile guys like that come into the league and be simple contributors.

    I have a feeling draft weekend will be long and hard on the Stanford kid.

    That being said; I was just thinking about how important intelligence is at every level to the Seahawks and supposed they would possibly dip back into that cardinal well.

    McCaffrey would be an excellent change of pace back of he were taken in more of a swalloable range. Say late 2nd. That’s a great spot for a spread scat back+.

    If he goes to a run heavy team in the first that wants to build around him, I’m afraid he’ll be quite disappointing. He would look great in the Packers/Colts/Falcons backfield.

    Bet he goes to the 9ers in the first, though.
    I’m convinced Bleacher Report drafts for them.
    Good picks, no direction/cohesion

    • Rob Staton

      I don’t see Royce as sudden per se. Athletic for his size yes — but suddenness is that initial explosion, the ability to explode from 0-60. That’s not Royce IMO. I think McCaffrey is miscast as a change of pace or passing RB.

      • Kenny Sloth

        What kind of ceiling do you see for McCaffrey, because, as you say, he has elite stop-go ability?

        True, Freeman does need space to accelerate I’ll concede that.

        I’m putting on McCaffrey tape right now.

        High/Low draft range?

        • Rob Staton

          I think McCaffrey’s draft grade will depend on his combine. Could go mid-first. Reminds me sometimes of Ryan Matthews who went #12 overall but couldn’t stay healthy. Obviously interest from Seattle would mean he lasts longer than that unless the Seahawks collapse (and even then, probably wouldn’t go RB if they picked top-15).

          • Kenny Sloth

            I definitely agree with both points

        • Kenny Sloth

          Sorry man just watched his KState and USC games and it appears to me that while he is toolsy and high effort, he lacks decisiveness in his cuts. Very patient in the hole, occassionally to his detriment, but he has no sand in his pants and gets taken down by arm tackles.

          His big plays come from a picture perfect Stanford OL plowing open decent holes that he is shifty enough to take advantage of. He coughs up the ball to USC and mishandled an option that was returned for touchdown

          • Kenny Sloth

            Doesn’t create something from nothing, or break tackles behind the line which is my favorite trait when scouting RB’s

            • icb12

              You and I see completely opposite things on tape.

              • Kenny Sloth

                He has a phenomenal OL.

                He looks like a LB chopping his feet in the hole

                • icb12

                  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

                  I’m not going to try and convince you.
                  I’m just saying you and I see completely opposite things on tape.

                  • Kenny Sloth

                    But you’re also not saying what you see on tape.

                    Sorry but maybe we’re looking for slightly different things

                    I’m literally right now watching him get stuffed behind the line over and over against ND last year as we speak.

                    He’s a tough little dude, but forgive me if I see Julian Edelman

                    And its important to remember that every single war room is going to have this discussion and they will certainly disagree in the same way we are now.

                    It only takes one team.

                  • Volume12

                    I get the concerns Kenny.

                    That hesitation of ‘Run CMC’s’ aka Christian McCaffrey’s is just his style.

                    Teams are gonna love his this kids character and work ethic.

                    I do agree about the kind of team he goes to and how he’s used.

                    Thinking about it, pairing him with someone like C-mike, if he’s re-signed, is actually pretty damn exciting. But, what do you do with Prosise? A lot of McCaffrey’s strengths are also his skill set in the passing game and he’s pretty much the ideal 3rd down back.

                  • Volume12

                    If Rawls can’t regain his form from last season and C-Mike leaves via FA, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit to see Seattle double down again at the RB position.

                    Probably very unlikely though. Teams might be scared off of C-Mike’s first couple seasons and could think only Seattle’s coaching staff could unlock his full potential. Plus we know how much he loves it here and talks as if it was his destiny to be a Seahawk.

                  • Kenny Sloth

                    Great points V

                    I watched a bunch more of his 2015 cutups again for Good measure.

                    Love his hands, his effort, his vision and patience

                    He isn’t afraid to lower the shoulder. Kind of indecisive.

                    I think he’s gonna run a deal slower than expected. He is clearly never the fastest player on the field. Chased from behind regularly. Is he getting winded?. Superb lateral agility. Willing blocker.

                    He wasn’t consistently swallowed behind the line, necessarily, but who do we expect him to be at the next level. Ryan Matthews lost his job to Danny Woodhead if I’m not mistaken. No disrespect to Woodhead, but I think that is McCaffrey’s ceiling.’

  5. icb12

    Yes please to McCaffrey.

  6. Ishmael

    That note about suddenness is interesting, possibly a reasonably new realisation/fascination?

    Michael is sudden, a healthy Rawls is sudden. But then Lynch wasn’t especially sudden, explosive yes, Prosise isn’t sudden, Collins is anything but. And then the two most effective backs we’be had over the last season and a bit have been Rawls and Michael.

    Is there anyone outside McCaffrey worth looking out for?

    • Kenny Sloth

      I would be cautious to say Lynch wasn’t sudden because his burst was particularly impressive throughout his career. Prosise is kind of stuff but he certainly has the burst youd expect.

      I think they simply want rare players. Collins is abnormally strong and has great feet and is very smart and does Irish Step Dancing. He’s a unique guy.

      • Kenny Sloth

        Stiff*

      • Ishmael

        I’m getting into semantics with Lynch really, I’d describe him as explosive but not sudden if that makes sense? Prosise is a weird one, he’s amazingly smooth but also very upright – can’t think of too many guys I’ve seen move like him.

        Could well be right that they simply want rare players – it is interesting that Carroll is suddwnly starting to mention suddenness as a desired trait though. Starting to work out what they want in the post-Lynch era?

        • Kenny Sloth

          I think it’s always been the same, man. They drafted Michael 4 (!) years ago.

          Can’t think of a more Seahawky back last year than Prosise. Rare hands and experience in that athletic profile makes for an easy pick.

        • Volume12

          Florida St RB Calvin Cook.

          Boise St RB Jeremy McNichols.

          Sleeper? TCU RB Kyle Hicks.

          • Volume12

            *Dalvin

          • Ishmael

            I’ll keep my eye out. Cheers man, always look forward to reading your posts – between you and Rob I always feel like I know who to be watching in any given game.

            • Volume12

              Thank you.

              Any questions feel free to ask.

  7. 75franks

    raiders cut FB Reece today, any chance we look at him? hes been pretty good for the raiders.

    • Kenny Sloth

      The guy I want most in this league is Mike Tolbert FB of the Panthers hahaha

      Stewart and Newton are great and all, but he is what makes that run game so multidimensional

      • 75franks

        I like Tolbert too its a shame they don’t use him more

        • Kenny Sloth

          Haha yeah i agree.Gotta keep your cards close to the chest, tho

    • CharlieTheUnicorn

      He is a bit old, ut I could see the fit. Right now, due to roster construction (or reconstruction) due to injuries, he would be a luxury pick, instead of “have to” guy. Can he add something to the offense, sure…. but as of right now, just not an option.

  8. C-Dog

    Simulated mock draft after week 3.

    21: R1P21
    RB LEONARD FOURNETTE
    LSU

    53: R2P21
    G DAN FEENEY
    INDIANA

    85: R3P21
    LB ZACH CUNNINGHAM
    VANDERBILT

    135: R4P33
    DL CALEB BRANTLEY
    FLORIDA

    200: R6P21
    OT DION DAWKINS
    TEMPLE

    214: R6P35
    S XAVIER WOODS
    LOUISIANA TECH

    249: R7P31
    WR JOSH REYNOLDS
    TEXAS A&M

    Seattle picks in the low 20s in 2017. Fournette is shockingly there at 21, perhaps due to the chaos that is LSU and Seattle is the benefactor. Then takes Feeney in R2 as the BPA on the OL, with plans of Ifedi switching to OT. Seattle gets an active linebacker in R3 in Cunningham, and finds great value at DT in Brantley in R4.

    No R5 pick, but they use their fist R6 on a tackle prospect in Dawkins, and a hard hitting safety/lb hybrid player in Woods. Josh Reynolds is another lanky productive college WR they find late.

    Seattle resigns Shead to keep the LOB together at the expense of not resigning Michael, targets RB and OL early. Drafts value the rest of the way. First three picks find themselves starters right away, and Brantley a big part of the DL rotation. Not drafted is Edge, TE, QB, or Corner.

    • nichansen01

      Fournette will NOT be there in the 20s. Not a chance. He could tear his acl tomorrow and still be a top 10 pick. Remember Gurley?

      • C-Dog

        I think you are right, but fanspeak had him rated #6 overall and through 4 mocks, he slid there every time. So I accepted it as a real scenario and drafted him, which the Seahawks most certainly would.

      • RealRhino2

        Think this will be a fascinating draft to see what the NFL thinks of the state of the RB position. I remember Gurley, but then, if the season goes as I expect it might for the Rams, GMs will also remember that the Rams, with Gurley, still kinda stink.

        And maybe they’ll see that the Vikes, w/o any significant contributions from AD, beat GB and Carolina to start 3-0.

        I think of the debate between Rob and Kenneth on the podcast, and then I think that LSU has something like 5-6 guys who could go in the first two rounds of the draft, *including* Fournette, and they aren’t even in the top 20. So how valuable is Fournette, really? It’s a bit like the whole idea of drafting “some weapons” for a young QB. Remember that? Every draft day you hear how some GM needs to get his young QB some weapons, so they draft a WR highly. I’ve always thought, how about get him an OL, then ALL his weapons become better, not just one guy. You draft Fournette, your RB1 is great. You put together a good OL, your RB1 is better, your RB2 is better, etc….. Just a thought.

        • C-Dog

          I think it will be interesting, as well. By all accounts, Fournette should go pretty high. Elliot went high, but the Cowboys were pretty desperate for a RB with an offense that wants to run. I think it depends on who is drafting where, what their needs are, what kind of offense they run, etc. Could he slide a bit? Certainly, but any team wanting a feature back picking in the top ten or fifteen probably means he won’t slide beyond that.

          I’ve heard the Rams blasted a bit by those that have covered them for taking Gurley as high as they did when they had perceived bigger needs at other positions. But Seattle had Gurley as the top rated player on their board, supposedly, and by that logic, if he does slide to wherever Seattle picks, I think it would be a safe bet they’d scoop him up. I don’t know if there is another back coming out who they would take with the first pick, though. I don’t really see them going McCaffery, and Chubb, Freeman, Cook, not so sure about either.

          Also, with Rawls out a bit longer now, I think C Mike is in a tremendous position to establish himself in the feature back spot, if he keeps running consistently the way he’s shown thus far. Still so much football left to be played.

          • RealRhino2

            Elliott may have better home run hitting ability, and with Fournette I don’t really see the shiftiness in the hole that you saw a little more with Elliott. Combine that with the proven passblocking, I’m not sure Elliott wasn’t a better NFL fit.

            • C-Dog

              Yeah, Elliot is a pretty exciting player, for sure.

    • Kenny Sloth

      I’ll have what he’s having!

      • East Side Stevie

        Someone is going to slide in the 1st round … Example miles jack, tunsil, jaran reed etc.

        Hell why not pick fournette to be the next top 10 or top 5 talent to slide gotta pick somebody whether its unlikely or not

        • C-Dog

          Sharif Floyd was thought to be a top 5 pick, some thought Jarran Reed was would be top 15. Nick Saban was shocked Mark Ingram slid into the 20s. Miles Jack slid into R2. Fanspeak is clearly playing with this type of scenario, rating Fournette #6. I think he is top 5 to 10, but it’s fun to Image him sliding to Seattle’s pick. IMO, I think they would love to get another work horse at RB.

          • The Hawk is Howling

            So C-dog how do you think the Hawks could possibly get Fournette. Most teams are going to be salivating at the possibility to pick him. In my head it would really take something of a trade of one of our stars, two #1’s a second and probably a third. They could only make that trade if it was with a team with the next pick and he was still on the board.

            Unfortunately very unrealistic

            Now Nick Chubb we have a chance with I believe. We’re just going to have to wait it out. I still am hanging on to the hope that Thomas Rawls can get back to what he was in dominating fashion last year. Here’s to hoping?

            Go Hawks

            • C-Dog

              I think it’s pretty unlikely he slides that far. The mock simulator had him slide four of the each times I ran it, so I finally excepted it as a real scenario. I think for him to slide, it would probably have to be what comes out at the combine, whether it’s a performance that does live up to expectations, interviews, maybe baggage from the LSU implosion. Who knows? Teams sometimes out think themselves come draft time.

              I don’t see Seattle trading up. I see more a scenario where they want to trade back, especially losing that 5th rounder last week.

              On a somewhat related note, it will be very interesting to see how C Mike continues to run this season, and if the team decides he can be the guy. My thought is that they might go after one of these backs, but lots of football left to be played and a long time away from the draft.

              Go Hawks!

              • The Hawk is Howling

                Thanks for the response C-dog! The thing in my head is that Rob thinks he’s a generational talent. I trust Rob 110% to quote some athletes, just kidding only 100%. So it brings up a serious question? Would you make that trade for Marshan Lynch five years ago now that he became our identity of toughness and pounding the Rock, So Hard!

                If Rob See’s him as one of a kind that’s good enough for me. Besides offensive line and another truly great Sam okay, another cornerback. Who do we really need the next 3 years till some of our guys fall off or leave. I know it’s way too early to be thinking about this but come draft time if Rob still thinks Fournette is the Man of Men, then I’d be very happy with a trade however costly to get Leonard. Up to a certain cost that is. For a run first team who else would you want the next 4-8 years besides Beast Mode of couse. Super sad face

                Go MF Hawks!

                • C-Dog

                  If I were John Schneider and thought Fournette was the next Marhsawn, I still don’t know if I move up and give up a bunch of picks. I see an OL that I would still like to add a quality player to, I see SAM as a position I might want to address, along with possibly RB, Corner and Edge and DL. Tough to do all that, if you are giving up picks.

                  I think something to keep into context with the absolutely greatness that was Beastmode, is that it took him a good while to get going in Seattle. Tom Cable’s zone blocking screen is complex. IMO, once Marshawn got firmly inside the brain of Cable, that’s when he became a superstar. It’s taken Christine Michael a long while to figure out, and look at him now. This has me presently thinking more and more that if C Mike continues on this path, running with consistency and productivity, would JS and PC consider him the new featured back, and reward him?

                  If the answer is yes, then they are in position to drop back into the draft, possibly land another starter on the OL, adding a 4th rounder or higher, adding depth to LB, DL, RB, Corner, WR, etc.

                  • The Hawk is Howling

                    Touché C-dog. You’re right I was getting caught up in the idea that Leonard Fournette would be a waking dream. When in reality for this team C-Mike is actually playing great football as we were all hoping 3 years ago. Obviously there was a reason they took him when everyone was saying why because we have Lynch? Which makes me think that you always have to plan a couple of years or so into the future of what the team will metamorphasize eventually in to.

                    If Christine keeps it up and he always had that talent and quick burst. A healthy Rawls as our brawler and Prosise as the dynamic other option, why would we even need Fournette? It’s so easy to get ahead of yourself thinking of prospects.

                    I really really really want John Ross III!
                    I have a keen liking to Jabrill Peppers as well.
                    For F’s sake he plays CB, Safety, LB, RB, WR, he’s a gunner and returns punts and kickoffs, Crazy bad ass.

                    I guess it would be better to go Tackle and linebacker the more I think about it. I want John Ross more then anything.

                    Thanks for your time C-dog, oh and

                    Go Hawks!

                  • C-Dog

                    Go Hawks!

      • The Hawk is Howling

        Word! I’ll have a double!

        • Volume12

          Fournette has a little lower body stiffness, but nothing that’s worrisome for me personally.

          Every player has his faults, flaws, limitations, whatever.

          I don’t care what anyone says, NFL teams will be drooling over this guy come combine time and pro days.

          If Fournette goes to a power run scheme with a FB, unstoppable. And if not? A smart coach will play off his strengths. Remember, the NFL is about players, not plays.

          IMO you could build your offense around Fournette. Man child!

          • C-Dog

            I think you’re right, Vol. Go Hawks!

  9. East Side Stevie

    Idk guys, im not buying christian mcaffery did you guys know that he HAS NEVER scored a touchdown in a road game.
    He has played 12 true road games in college and hasn’t scored a touchdown
    (despite gaining 1,111 yards from scrimmage). In 17 games at home or neutral sites, he has scored 21 touchdowns.

  10. East Side Stevie

    Let me say this I meant Im not buying that he goes to seattle he reminds me to much of toby gehart or however you spell that he was great in college not as good as christian has been playing but when he got to the pros he had nothing to show for. I dont want seattle to draft christian and I think whoever does draft him he wont live up to it now you can argue with me all you want about stats or game tape or anything you want my opinion is that I dont think he will be a sucessfull nfl running back.

    • Kenny Sloth

      I think he will be very productive in the right scheme, but is he that transcendent talent that will produce for any team, especially ones picking in the top 3rd of each round?

      Perhaps one that is in dire need of a do-it-all guy. Just stinking rotten special teams. Needs a spark. Stagnant offense.

      But for most teams hed seem like a luxury pick, to me.

      Smart teams draft for need first. But they also take advantage of sliding quantities. It only takes one team.

      He could look good on the Ravens, but would get his ass kicked in the North.

      If he’s not got Darren Sproles’ wheel (he doesn’t) then I smell the second coming of Reggie Bush. Who was a serviceable back for a solid couple of years.

      I think Run CMC has his head on better than Bush did, and intelligence is what makes a good pro, but his ceiling is real and he’s got his heading crooked against it

      • Kenny Sloth

        Head*

      • The Hawk is Howling

        Run CMC! You always come up with the best nicknames Vol!

  11. Kenny Sloth

    Bob Condotta – ‏@bcondotta

    Carroll says of Germain Ifedi being back this week says “I’m kind of counting on it.”

    Me too, Pete, me too.

    • Kenny Sloth

      Germain is only a year and 3 days older than me. Love that guy

      • The Hawk is Howling

        Word of advice young lad Kenny. Don’t believe a girl when she says she can’t get pregnant. You’re like all our little brother that knows a shit ton about football Americano. You Rock Kenny! Glad you contribute to the blizzog! That’s gangsta for blog for some of you who were wondering.

        Go Hawks!

        • Kenny Sloth

          My Pop barely watch it with me cuz I’m so damn uppity and vivacious about it

        • Volume12

          Agreed. Nice having Kenny here during the CFB season.

        • CharlieTheUnicorn

          There is always younger and hotter…. another good piece of advice about women.

          • Kenny Sloth

            Why do you guys know so much about my love life xD

            This advice is way too apt!! So relevant to me right now

            • The Hawk is Howling

              It’s becsuse I’m psychic.

              You are wearing Seahawks attire right now. You drink water and have to go pee sometimes. When you’re hungry you eat food product. Sometimes you like to take naps and when you awake you crave something sweet and or salty. Oh and the Hawks win Super Bowl 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 I don’t want to type the rest of my predictions, but you get my jist! Behold my powers to see into infinity.

              Go HizHawks!

          • The Hawk is Howling

            As long as you both Love eachother Charlie, but yeah looks good on paper or what we now call phone. Ha haha ha

  12. East Side Stevie

    I hope he doesnt play this week.. Just 1 game til the bye week, let him sit that way he comes out of the bye week 100% we face a touch jets D and I would hate to see him hurt his ankle again (I think thats what he injured right guys?) because look at our list of injuries to the offense alone: Cj Russ Vanett Rawls Odiambo and I would like to see Ifedi get off that list and not get injured again…

  13. East Side Stevie

    Odiambo may not be the backup O linemen injured I think I got him mixed up, but it was my understanding that one of our O line non starters was inactive to an injury against San Fran.

    • C-Dog

      Odhiambo was inactive. Fant was active.

  14. The Hawk is Howling

    Hey Vol speaking of running backs Lavon Coleman looked strong and fast for the Dawg’s Saturday night against Arizona. I guess he’s been hurt quite a bit unfortunately the last couple years but so far this year he is outplaying Minkins. What are your thoughts?

    I really think for the most part the NFL draft is like giving your money to a bookie at the races. You do your homework you think you have a chance and then it comes down to who finishes.

    Prime example Trent Richardson he looked like a stud of all studs. Get it I was talking about horses before, okay Craig nice try. Anyway for every can’t miss pick there’s a Antonio Brown 6th rd. pick for example.

    We’re just so Lucky to have Rob Staton who really should be John Schneider’s right hand man. He called Bruce Irvin, Robert Turbin, and last year Frank Clark for the Hawks taking I’m sure probably more. I strongly advise everyone listen to anything he says because he’s straight guru. Vol12 is vice Guru listen to him as well!

    Anywho, I think it’s awesome how some of you Boys are so damn passionate about this game and have all these talented guys to look at and watch highlights, opps I mean tape on.?

    Two things I know and I’ve only been following the draft since the night Lord Voldemort, I mean Belichik tricked us into a loss. I still believe him not calling a timeout completely through us off. That’s why he’s The coach we do not speak of.

    Damm just broke me own rule.

    Go MF Hawks!

    • The Hawk is Howling

      I meant Myles Gaskin not Minkins. I think it’s the Kin that threw me off. I have failed you all, my honor is now broken.

    • Volume12

      Good question. Interesting too.

      Coleman has always had the talent, but injuries have held him back as you know.

      I want to see more of him being featured before I make a definitive decision on Coleman, but it would not surprise me to see him have a Dwayne Washington like buzz leading up to the draft.

  15. The Hawk is Howling

    To be clear the two things I Know. Always trust Lord Staton and Padewon Vol12!

    I’m out

    It’s because I have to take a shower.

    Go Hawks Forever!

    • Volume12

      Thanks my man.

      As you said and Rob has pointed out, nothing special, just passionate and obsessed about the game and the draft process itself. Can’t get enough of the stuff. The draft is like Christmas for me, but 3 days instead of 1.

      When it’s over, I find myself asking ‘can we get another one?’

  16. The Hawk is Howling

    By the way before I clean up. I wish Russell would sit out the Jets game but he won’t just like Brett Farve never did. In a way it’s bad ass as it is completely scary!

    Go MF Hawks!

  17. CharlieTheUnicorn

    Call me crazy, but nothing about the Jets scare me. Yes they have a very good DL. Yes they are well coached. However, after seeing the stat line Fitzpatrick threw up… 6 INT and 2 fumbles or w/e…. can “we” really be scared by this offense?????

    It will be a tough game, but the chance of Seattle winning is probably 60/40 or better. With each passing week, more weapons are returning to offense and defense…. and the overall team is playing progressively better. I would rather be playing the best football in November / December, than in August / September.

    If Ifedi is full go, then he needs to start. If he indeed plays, I expect the rushing attack to really take off…. 150-250 range for the game. Isn’t it weird, we have not even mentioned Britt at all as a liability on the OL… funny how 1 year changes everything. Please get excited about the OL, they might be rounding into form very soon, then the NFL will be on notice…the Seahawks are back to win SB51.

    • vrtkolman

      They have some nice pieces. Sheldon Richardson lining up at end against Gilliam is going to be a nightmare. Darron Lee is already a stud. Their secondary however is not good. Buster Skrine against Lockett? That is an awful matchup for them.

      My fear on defense is Shead getting tested down the field by Decker. Marshall is not right and is obviously playing hurt, I don’t think he will be much of a factor. If we force Fitz to dink and dunk, then he becomes Fitztragic.

      • Volume12

        The Jets don’t have the staminza or temperment. ?

      • STTBM

        Marshalls injury is huge. Seattle can move Sherm to follow Decker if he gives Shead any trouble. Shead should be able to handle him just fine. Seattle has issues, as everyone knows, with covering TE’s. But so does NY.

        The key is our line. They have to keep Wilson alive, and move the ball on the ground.

        Im thinking a very low-scoring game. The punters and kickers might decide the game, lol!

    • STTBM

      Britt has been the nicest surprise of the season, thus far. Kinda makes up for Webb and Sowell struggling and Gilliam not only flopping at LT, but struggling at RT.

  18. vrtkolman

    Just watched the condensed Vikings/Panthers game, that was good stuff. I think the Vikings have the best defense in football this year. They are quite good across the board and extremely well coached. The problem going forward is their offense is probably mediocre at best. The Broncos won a Superbowl with a poor offense, but their defense was historically good and peaked in the playoffs. A lot of things went right for that to happen. I don’t think this Vikings defense is going to match the level of the 2013 Hawks or the 2015 Broncos. They don’t have the superstar secondary Seattle did, nor the Hall of Fame pass rush duo of Von and Ware.

    The Panthers defense still looks soft after 3 games. Their front 4 in particular is strikingly invisible so far. That is something to monitor.

    • Volume12

      Well, DT Vernon Butler is injured and out a few weeks. DE Charles ‘Money’ Johnson is a shell of his former self and should probably be on a snap count. DE Kony Early is extremely talented but very inconsistent. DT Star Lotulelei just doesn’t seem to be the same guy he was his rookie year.

      Agreed that Minnesota has one of the best D’s in the league, and they got one of the best young wideouts playing the game in WR Stefon Riggs. What a steal he was. When he came out, his tape showed a natural playmaker. The game and position itself comes easy to him.

      • Volume12

        *Diggs

        • The Hawk is Howling

          Yeah that was my first year watching players to draft. I wanted Stefon diggs to be our return guy. So very happy we drafted Lockette just kidding Lockett instead!

          Oh Yeah

          Go Hawks!

      • vrtkolman

        They are definitely relying Short for their pass rush. Problem is, double digit sacks for a DT is not sustainable at all. I agree, their DE positional group is just not very good.

    • cha

      Will be interesting to see if walking away form Josh Norman hurts the Panthers over the course of a season.

      Got my tickets for the Sunday Night Panthers game, can’t wait.

      • Volume12

        Yeah, I’m not sure what to make of Norman in Washington yet.

        He was a perfect fit in Carolina.

        • CharlieTheUnicorn

          That is the thing. He fit the scheme and the scheme fit him. Sometime taking the top dollar…. isn’t the perfect plan. I’m thinking Micheal Bennett has this running through his mind… of course he might want a few million extra, but he also wants to play for a winner and a scheme that fits him.

      • The Hawk is Howling

        Good for you Cha! You must give us all the insightful details of the game. That’s going to be such a great game and so much fun to watch!

        Go Hawks!

    • The Hawk is Howling

      Yeah I’m rooting for the Viking’s only after the Hawks. They’ve never one a Superbowl and I know what it’s like to root for an underdog. Seahawks fan since ’89’ here. Plus it’s really shitty cold in Minnesota and those people need something to warm them up besides beer.

      • The Hawk is Howling

        Won not one. I’m so stupid, why didn’t I catch that?

        WHY?????

        I need to seriously start thinking about my future and go to text school.

        Does the government give loans for text school?

  19. Andrew Gettman

    One of the things not discussed about McCaffrey is his ability to impact the return game. Seattle will need that skill set as Lockett grows as a receiver.

    • The Hawk is Howling

      Great point Andrew Gettman. Personally I am hoping we get the Husky John Ross III he’s such a playmaker and has a shot I believe to beat Chris Johnson’s record forty at the combine. If P-Rich doesn’t start get it going Ross could replace him and take kickoffs I don’t think he does punts. Let Tyler keep the punt returns. That’s a dream for me!

      Go Hawks!

  20. MJ

    I love McCaffrey and think he’s Theo Riddick on steroids, in the right system. Heck Detroit, New Orleans or New England would be an incredible fit for him.

    He’s interesting for the Seahawks. I’m not sure Bevell is creative enough to maximize his talent (I really don’t mean that as a shot at Bevell).

    My favorite thing about McCaffrey…his body control. He’s like Christine Michael minus the constant slips and trips.

    • RealRhino2

      I’m almost certain we wouldn’t be creative enough to maximize his talent. We couldn’t with Harvin, we haven’t with Graham, we don’t seem to be good at offensive weapons with unique traits. Wasted on us, probably.

      • STTBM

        Bevell struggled to use Harvin, and the same with Tate and Graham (in the Red Zone anyway), but he’s also done some amazing things with not much of a line over the last five years. he’s also finding ways to get DB the ball, and not just out of the slot. Give the guy some credit!

        I think its plain Seattle had BIG plans for CJ Prosise, and with him getting hurt our offense had to change on the fly. I think he was going to use that kid in all kinds of ways, and losing him has thrown a bit of a monkey wrench into things. Perhaps Bevell would have an easier time integrating a RB talent than a WR or TE into his pre-set system. I think he would.

        Often maddening, but occasionally brilliant and usually pretty damn good, Bevell is the best OC we’ve had since the brief salad days of Holmgren/Gill Haskells best seasons. He’s also the one who Championed Russell Wilson, and led the charge to consider and then Draft him, even moreso than Schneider. He should be beloved for that alone.

    • STTBM

      Aside from NE, a good landing spot for McCaffrey would be the Browns. Dont laugh, I know no one wants to be Brown except Joe Thomas, but bear with me a minute; Hue Jackson is a very fine offensive coach, creative and IMO could really maximize the talents of a guy like him. In Cincy, he utilized Giovanni Bernard and got big plays out of him, yet Bernard isnt doing much without him.

      Sure wouldnt mind seeing him in Seattle, but its not likely.

      • Volume12

        The Browns would be a perfect fit for ‘Run CMC.’ Your right.

        It’s too bad he’s only a true SO because Auburn has a back named Kerryon Johnson who I think is the closest thing, comp wise, to McCaffrey.

  21. Vista

    Sokoli is signing with the Colts as a DE

    • Vista

      The Smith is signing into the Redskins PS

      • Vista

        *Tye

  22. DC

    Stanford’s DL Solomon Thomas is of more interest to me as a Hawk than McCaffery. Anyone seen much tape on him yet? All I’ve seen so far is his fumble return for a TD last week. Almost identical size to Micheal Bennett. Described to be a team leader with a non stop motor, etc. Got serious with boxing lessons over the off season to improve as a football player. Hoping both Thomas and McCaffery are on the losing end of the game this Friday night.

    • Volume12

      Highly disruptive. Great athlete. Versatile. Can play 5-tech or 3-tech. The kind of size Seattle seems to be targeting at DE. Thing is, he’s not super flashy. Just a tough, physical, consistent D-lineman. 2nd or 3rd rounder for me. Extremely high on the guy myself.

      UOH (use off hands) is outstanding. Fires off the ball. Phenomenal burst in the backfield. Understand’s, plays with, and doesn’t give up leverage. Love the motor too. Thing I lime most about him? Works through his blocks.

      He’s an NFL defensive lineman no doubt about it. Watched him wreck USC’s O-line the whole 1st half and then he was double teamed for the rest of the game.

      Against UCLA Saturday night he did the same thing. Just caused havoc from multiple spots. Gave QB Josh Rosen fits with his pressure.

      • Volume12

        His SPARQ score at a regional combine was insane for his size. I believe he only weighs 7-8 pounds more than he did then. So his body hasn’t changed too much. Or these #’s I have could be from his spring testing this year. Either way, eye opening.

        You bring up his boxing, which is interesting, didn’t know that. I wonder if it has to do with the fact he only has 8% body fat.

      • DC

        Great stuff, sounds like a Hawk. Teaming the “mature” vets Bennett, Avril & Rubin with the up and comers in Clark, Reed, Marsh and Thomas gives Seattle the kind of Quality & Quantity on the D Line that makes me salivate.

        If Seattle traded down and out of the first round would you be tempted to pull the trigger on Thomas in the upper end of the 2nd round, value wise?

        • Volume12

          First off, he does sound ‘Seahawky’. I could see Seattle liking this guy.

          Secondly, great question. Right now? No. I wanna see more. Late 2nd? Possibly. He seems like the type of D-lineman they would target late 2nd-3rd.

          That could change though.

          • Volume12

            Wait. Did you mean end of round 2?

            • DC

              I meant anywhere in round 2 but I understand your meaning to be late 2nd to early 3rd. Thomas is one to watch for sure. “…causing havoc…” is what I love to see when it’s in your opponents backfield. He is a JR so we shall see…

              On a side note I love what JS did this year trading back in the 1st and up in the 2nd. Mostly because I love both picks.

  23. CharlieTheUnicorn

    Stanford’s DL Solomon Thomas… might be a second round pick. Let me regale you with a tale of Jerron Reed. He was a consensus 1st round pick headed into the draft. He had the pedigree and the fight every team wants. However, he fell all the way to the bottom of the second when Seattle picked. So, perhaps, Thomas might follow the same fate. We over think and increase his value higher than most “in the know”.

    There are some interesting back stories…. which put this guy on the Seahawks map. He appears to have taken his craft seriously, gaining around 25 pounds since entering college and has faced some adversity and life lessons.

    http://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/football/story/_/id/8708543/espn-watch-list-prospect-solomon-thomas-coppell-teammates-grew-closer-death-their-teammate

    Definitely worth keeping tabs on through the CFB season and headed into thedraft.

    • Volume12

      Reed fell because NFL teams don’t seem to value DTs that are perceived as ‘2 down’ players, if they don’t offer much pass rushing, and if they aren’t freakishly athletic or have freakish size.

      late 2nd-3rd, if I had to guess this early in the process, would be Thomas’ range.

  24. Ukhawk

    Think Kizer for his faults still goes high. Reminds me of Cam Newton. Better accuracy than Newton and he can run with it in the same way (5/6 rushing TDs so far). I think pro teams will feel physically he is there and they can mold him through reps / coaching. If we didn’t have Russ, I’d take him.

    McGlinchey looked good in this game but I thought he looked somewhat flawed/limited vs Mich St. Beat easily by the speed rush a number of times, lunging often, I feel like he will stuggle at the next level vs elite rushers. That said he looks better than last year’s Stanley and moves the LOS in the run game. Could be a pick later in R1 and fallback as a RT for someone; unsure if he fits the Hawks RT profile though.

    • Rob Staton

      I don’t see Cam with Kizer personally. It’s hard to remember just how sensational Cam was at Auburn. He elevated a team that was nowhere to unbeaten Championship winners. He beat Alabama on his own. He was knocked for being a 1-2 read QB which was ridiculous because every week he delivered pro-quality throws. He was an insanely good monster of a QB and virtually unstoppable. Kizer is a mile off in that regard. Cam Newton’s Auburn aren’t losing at home to Duke.

      • vrtkolman

        Hey Rob, when you are evaluating quarterbacks how much stock do you put into being a “winner”? I ask because I think there is a lot to that. Like you said with Cam, he was the ultimate winner and there had to be some intangibles that got him there aside from his physical ability. Russell was a winner.

        On the flipside, Goff was a career loser in college and so far he doesn’t look close to pro ready. You can blame his supporting cast, but if you are drafting a QB #1 overall I think there should be some evidence that this QB raised the level of play of his team to the point of winning games.

      • Ukhawk

        I think Cam is his closest comp physically speaking … If not him, whom… Big, strong arm, long strider…and both make very bonehead decisions at times. Kizer not there yetis terms of taking over games but it’s early days.

  25. vrtkolman

    One of the most interesting non-interesting stories in the NFL this year is what the Saints are doing at linebacker. Last year, they drafted arguably the fastest linebacker in the draft with their other 1st round pick – Stephone Anthony. Fast forward to year 2, and he’s not even in the starting lineup! Instead he was benched for James Laurinitis, probably the slowest linebacker in football.

    Going from one of the fastest players at his position to the slowest – this should tell you everything you need to know about the Saints coaches and their understanding of defense.

    • cha

      Related, they had David Hawthorne at LB for years and he was the slowest in the league, so at least, consistency.

  26. The Hawk is Howling

    Just read Eric Decker injured his shoulder going to have an MRI, and Revis hurt his ankle. Both did not practice today Wednesday the 28th. Don’t like to see any players getting hurt but this just increased our odds of beating the Jets on the road.

    Go Hawks

    • vrtkolman

      Decker being out would be a huge break for us. Marshall is already banged up and not really close to 100%. They wouldn’t have any threats at all.

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