New mock draft with trades: 15th February

Firstly, if you missed this weeks podcast you can check it out here:

There’s a lot of speculation about quarterbacks at the moment. Jason La Canfora believes Arizona would likely need to trade up from #13 to draft Deshaun Watson — and he believes #25 and Houston might be Patrick Mahomes’ floor.

On the other hand, there’s a developing thought that maybe Cleveland would be willing to give New England the #12 pick for Jimmy Garoppolo.

I wanted to run through some quarterback scenarios and then present a mock draft to judge impact.

Cleveland — trades the #12 pick for Jimmy Garoppolo
The Browns can wait forever for ‘the guy’ and continue to lose, or they can be aggressive. They’re likely going to take Myles Garrett at #1 and Trubisky and Watson might not be there at #12. The solution might be to trade for the 25-year-old Garoppolo and hope he isn’t Kevin Kolb.

San Francisco — draft
See the mock below. The 49ers might be willing to bring in a veteran stop gap like Matt Schaub and take their punishment in 2017. The roster is bare and there’s little hope of a quick turnaround. Kyle Shanahan needs to get a QB ingrained in his system. If they want offense to be their identity, don’t they have to do this ASAP?

Chicago — sign Tyrod Taylor in free agency
There isn’t a more conservative coach in the NFL than John Fox and he’s going to want a veteran quarterback. They need it too — this is a GM and Head Coach needing to win now. They won’t get 2-3 years to develop a young QB. If the Browns want Garoppolo and are willing to spend the #12 pick, the Bears can’t compete. If they’re unwilling to shell out for Tony Romo — Tyrod Taylor could be an alternative option.

New York Jets — sign Mike Glennon in free agency
The Jets are in the middle of a transition. They need to get younger and keep adding talent. Glennon might be a worthwhile bridge to the future even if he isn’t the definite answer. There has been talk linking the Jets with Glennon.

Buffalo — draft
It’s bizarre that the Bills, despite Tyrod Taylor playing quite well, are seemingly willing to let him walk. If they have any sense they’ll keep hold of Taylor and keep drafting to develop. If he leaves they’ll need to add another veteran at a big cost or address the need in the draft. They’ve been aggressive in the past — the mock below has them being aggressive again.

Kansas City — trades for Tony Romo
The Chiefs are in win-now mode and yet every time they get to the playoffs, they never really threaten. Alex Smith isn’t a bad quarterback but he plays within himself too often. The Chiefs might be aggressive to take the next step.

Arizona — draft
The front office is already talking about life after Carson Palmer. Now might be the time to act and redshirt a rookie. If they can’t get at the top two QB’s at #13 they might be willing to move down and target QB3.

Mock draft with trades

#1 Cleveland — Myles Garrett (EDGE, Texas A&M)
This feels like a done deal, even if Garrett hopes Jerry Jones picks up the phone.

#2 San Francisco — Mitch Trubisky (QB, North Carolina)
It’s hard to predict which QB Kyle Shanahan would prefer. Both Trubisky and Watson are mobile and capable of playing in his system.

#3 Chicago — Marshon Lattimore (CB, Ohio State)
The Bears’ GM stated he wants to address the secondary as a priority.

#4 Jacksonville — Malik Hooker (S, Ohio State)
Hooker has a chance to be Earl Thomas good.

#5 TRADE 1 Buffalo (via Ten) — Deshaun Watson (QB, Clemson)
Fearing the Jets and a possible move by Arizona, Buffalo finds a willing trade partner in Tennessee and goes up to get Watson. We’ve seen the Bills be aggressive before — and the Titans were happy to accumulate picks a year ago.

#6 New York Jets — Leonard Fournette (RB, LSU)
Mike Maccagnan is dedicated to BPA and if Fournette drops this far it’s a no brainer.

#7 LA Chargers — Jamal Adams (S, LSU)
He doesn’t have Hooker’s range but the Chargers miss a leader in the secondary.

#8 Carolina — Solomon Thomas (DE, Stanford)
The Panthers luck out and get a really, really good player.

#9 Cincinnati — Jonathan Allen (DE, Alabama)
Allen’s ceiling isn’t as high as the likes of Fournette and Thomas so he might last.

#10 TRADE 1 Tennessee (via Buf) — Marlon Humphrey (CB, Alabama)
The Titans move down and still get the best CB available, filling their biggest need.

#11 New Orleans — Sidney Jones (CB, Washington)
The Saints will probably look at corner and EDGE. Sidney Jones is legit.

#12 TRADE 2 New England (via Cle) — Reuben Foster (LB, Alabama)
The rich get richer. This would be a huge get for the Pats if they can turn Jimmy Garoppolo into the #12 pick.

#13 TRADE 3 Denver (via Ari) — Garett Bolles (T, Utah)
The Broncos need a long term answer at left tackle and work out a deal with Arizona.

#14 Indianapolis — Taco Charlton (EDGE, Michigan)
They need to find some pass rush and Charlton has a little Aldon Smith to his game.

#15 Philadelphia (via Min) — Dalvin Cook (RB, Florida State)
In this scenario they fill their WR need in free agency and target a dynamic feature running back here.

#16 Baltimore — John Ross (WR, Washington)
They’re losing Steve Smith and Mike Wallace is due $8m in 2017. They can save nearly $6m by cutting Wallace and drafting his replacement.

#17 Washington — Tre’Davious White (CB, LSU)
They could pretty much draft for any position on defense — but this is a CB draft and that could be the focus early and often.

#18 Tennessee — David Njoku (TE, Miami)
Having addressed their big need at cornerback, the Titans now add a target for Marcus Mariota.

#19 Tampa Bay — Corey Davis (WR, Western Michigan)
The Buccs need to put more weapons around Jameis Winston.

#20 TRADE 3 Arizona (via Den) — Patrick Mahomes (QB, Texas Tech)
Having moved down seven spots the Cardinals draft Mahomes as the QB heir apparent.

#21 Detroit — Derek Barnett (DE, Tennessee)
EDGE is the biggest need in Detroit and somebody will take a chance on Bennett’s college production translating to the next level.

#22 Miami — O.J. Howard (TE, Alabama)
They need a linebacker badly but Adam Gase loves to utilise a dynamic tight end and guys like Howard are rare.

#23 New York Giants — Ryan Ramcyzk (T, Wisconsin)
Not being able to test and only one year of tape keeps Ramcyzk on the board.

#24 Oakland — Charles Harris (EDGE, Missouri)
They rely too much on Khalil Mack for sacks. Harris can solve that problem.

#25 Houston — Adoree’ Jackson (CB, USC)
If they lose A.J. Buoye they’ll need a replacement.

#26 Seattle — Haason Reddick (LB, Temple)
Gritty, highly athletic and very productive.

#27 Kansas City — Jarrad Davis (LB, Florida)
Underrated tone setter and an athletic heart and soul type.

#28 Dallas — Justin Evans (S, Texas A&M)
Evans will have a sensational combine and boost his stock tremendously.

#29 Green Bay — Gareon Conley (CB, Ohio State)
Need matches value here for the Packers.

#30 Pittsburgh — Takkarist McKinley (EDGE, UCLA)
Some lingering injury concerns keep McKinley on the board.

#31 Atlanta — Obi Melifonwu (S, Connecticut)
The Falcons pair Melifonwu with Keanu Neal and set up their secondary.

#32 TRADE 4 San Francisco — Mike Williams (WR, Clemson)
The 49ers trade up to get a much needed wide out.

Notes:

— Haason Reddick is one of two possible ‘ideal’ picks for the Seahawks, along with Garett Bolles (T, Utah). Both players are gritty, have battled adversity, have great athleticism and fill needs stated by Pete Carroll. The Seahawks never truly addressed the void left by Bruce Irvin and Malcolm Smith. Reddick can fill it, with the ability to feature at the WILL or MIKE if required.

— If the Seahawks don’t go linebacker in round one, they could look at Obi Melifonwu, Kevin King or Budda Baker. Tyus Boswer could be a second round LB target. There will be great options at cornerback and safety from round two onwards.

Here are some other names to monitor in preparation for the combine:

Ahkello Witherspoon (CB, Colorado)
Tedric Thompson (S, Colorado)
Shalom Luani (S, Washington State)
Rasul Douglas (CB, West Virginia)
Harold Wilson (CB, Houston)
John Johnson (S, Boston College)
Fabian Moreau (CB, UCLA)
Treston Decoud (CB, Oregon State)

— No Zach Cunningham in round one? It might be that the linebackers, as good as they are, last a little longer due to the depth of talent elsewhere. This would be good news for the Seahawks and I wanted to represent that in a mock.

— No Jabrill Peppers? There’s every chance he finds a home in round one. This weeks mock represents the sentiment that he might fall.

— Could Mike Williams really drop? He’s a good player but he isn’t expected to have a great combine. He had ten games in 2016 without topping 100 yards, despite playing in an explosive, National Championship-winning offense.

— The thing I like least about this mock draft is Leonard Fournette, Solomon Thomas and Marlon Humphrey lasting as long as they do.

Tony Pauline reported today that Wyoming running back Brian Hill has tipped the scales at 220lbs and could run in the 4.4’s at the combine. The Seahawks have a ‘type’ at running back — and this combination of size and speed is right in their zone. It’ll be interesting to see Hill and the likes of Elijah Hood work out in Indianapolis.

203 Comments

  1. Ed

    Assume all is going well with the new addition? Or else nobody can sleep, so you keep writing articles.

    Reddick/Douglas or King/Bowser would work for me.

    Lattimore at #3, wow.

    Of the QB carousel, I see Cleveland giving up #12 for JG and Romo to KC as the biggest odds against.

    Mahommes is gaining momentum.

    If the draft went this way, good idea to trade next years 1st for a high 2nd to come away with 3 top 65 picks (King/Baker/Bowser or Reddick/Obi/Douglas)?

    • Rob Staton

      Cleveland needs an answer at QB and if they can get that answer + Myles Garrett + the #33 pick… to me that makes a lot of sense.

      As for KC — their support for Alex Smith was lukewarm at the end of the season and they have been linked with a move for Romo.

      I would never wish to trade future first round picks unless it was for a possible generational talent. So it’s a no from me.

      • BobbyK

        Plus, the blog won’t be as much fun without a pick in the first round next year.

      • Schuemansky

        You will never get a generational talent for a future late first round pick that probably can get you at most a R2 pick at around 40 to 45.
        If Obi falls into that range I think PCJS should think about it.

      • RealRhino2

        Well, yeah, but they already have Garrett and 33, so it’s just a possible answer at QB for the #12 pick. Getting a “franchise” guy with #12 would be great. It would take a lot more than two games to convince me a guy who teams though was worth only the #62 pick a few years ago was suddenly worth the #12 pick.

        Not only that, but let’s say you spend #12 on a QB prospect (heck, as of now there are probably 4 guys that teams generally think are worth more than #62, so in theory, any one of the 4 they choose would be better right now than Jimmy G was when he came out, and could therefore turn into something better than he is right now if they just wait a couple of years). Your odds of getting a QB as good as Jimmy G are pretty good, AND you haven’t helped an AFC rival in the process. The #12 pick goes into thin air, as it were. If you deal it to the Pats, it doesn’t. It helps them get another great player.

        Prediciton: Arizona won’t have to trade up to get Watson, the Pats won’t get better than a late 1st for Jimmy G.

        • Rob Staton

          Seattle’s franchise quarterback was only deemed to be worth the #75 pick. Garoppolo being a late R2 pick means absolutely nothing.

          • RealRhino2

            Sure it does, because he hasn’t shown anything different than what he showed to warrant that evaluation. Teams can certainly be *wrong* about their evaluation, as they were with Russell, but that’s different. You’d have to have some evidence, some reason, to move off your prior evaluation of Garoppolo. We don’t have that, IMO.

            Russell would be “worth” more than the #75 pick now because he’s actually shown that he is, not just because time has passed.

            • Rob Staton

              I think we saw plenty of evidence when he marched up and down the field in Arizona, without Gronk, in week one.

              Doesn’t mean he’ll be great for someone like Cleveland — but his draft position means nothing IMO. There are all sorts of reasons why he might’ve ‘dropped’ to the end of R2, such as his small school status. He’s now had three years with Belichick and Brady and has shown he can lead an offense when he’s been called to start.

              • Justin Mullikin

                I think 3 years under the best (Brady / Belichick) enhances his value. He looked pretty poised in week 1 too.

                • rowdy

                  Except they don’t come with him. They also won with a Rb playing qb. That would be worse then the Bradford trade. Romo would be a lot cheaper and a far better option.

                  • Michael

                    I don’t think Romo is a better option than anyone at this point. You might as well sign you friendliest beer vendor. He’d be cheaper and will probably play just as many games as Romo will next year.

                  • rowdy

                    I’ve heard the same argument for Cassell and hover that were hearing about Jimmy. Also Jimmy lasted what 2 games before being hurt? Jimmy will also need a new contract soon. Romo won’t cost a 12th overall pick and Cleveland has many needs and isn’t close to a qb away.

    • Jason

      With the depth of the CB/Safety class I don’t think the hawks need to trade a picks and move up. If anything trade back a bit and pick up a 4th.

      • HawkTalker #1

        Depends on who is still there at 26

    • HawkTalker #1

      But, a 2018 second or later round pick plus one of our 2017 pics might be a good idea in my opinion. There is a lot of outstanding defense of talent here that we could really use (and yes I know that’s true every year). Still holding that position because if we can fill some need gaps this year with great defense of picks, there are just less draft “needs” to stress over next year and who wouldn’t like being in a position where we could draft more based on just BPA?

      • HawkTalker #1

        Demarcus Walker might be one of those guys I would consider stretching for. That guy she’s like a major impact Player / playmaker and a real leader. I believe he was their defensive captain as well.

        • Kenny Sloth

          His intangibles are off the charts

  2. Nathan_12thMan

    It scares me how great of an off-season we could have but we very well might not have, specifically because of our front offices aversion to paying for OL in free agency. If we could fix our OL issue in FA it could open this draft up so wide for us to just grab players we love. We obviously have needs but this draft plays pretty well to those needs it seems (CB, Safety, TE, etc). If we could sign a FA OT or two that could actually be quality starters it frees up the board, especially if the good OT’s are gone by 26. Let’s grab a SAM, CB, versatile S, RB, TE, OL, and a kicker.

    Reddick, Luani, Mixon, CB, OL, TE, OL, kicker or something.

    • Rob Staton

      Which free agent OT’s though?

      They’re right to be averse to overpaying players like Ricky Wagner $10m a year.

      If Mixon is drafted (I don’t think he will be personally) I doubt it’ll be the Seahawks picking him.

      • Nathan_12thMan

        We’ve got the cap space and if we don’t land a big star like Calais Campbell then why not over spend for a OT? I’m not even saying one of the top guys who will cost $10M but hell just someone better than Fant (worst OT in the NFL) and Gilliam.

        The alternative (assuming the OT’s are gone by #26) is we have to draft OL at least twice, not only to compete for the open starting spots (LT & RT) but we seriously need OL depth. That leaves Fant & Gilliam as the presumptive starters, which is scary. Besides Odhiambo competing for a starting job, even if one of the draft picks wins LT or RT…yet again we’d have a rookie O-linemen on the line which brings along all the issues we’ve seen with our musical chairs OL filled with inexperience and youth.

        I kinda doubt the Seahawks will draft Mixon as well but still, if he cleared all of their checks & balances (interviews, investigations, etc) then I’d personally want them to pull the trigger on him. We took Clark but what he did wasn’t recorded so they could kinda skate by on the lack of clarity as to what happened and a clear legal conclusion. I think it would be impossible to say “We as an Org have a no domestic violence/man on female violence policy” then draft Mixon who is on tape hitting a woman.

        • Rob Staton

          1. The Seahawks have the 23rd most cap space in the league. They are in the bottom third for cap space.

          2. Just throwing money at a situation is not a solution. It’s a way to make things worse. Paying $8-10m a year for someone that is worth it is understandable. This is not a strong group of free agents, especially at OT. And FWIW — I think Calais Campbell will go somewhere else for mega money.

          3. I would expect a thorough look at the second wave of FA. Guys at the $3-6m range. On the DL and OL.

          • Nathan_12thMan

            >1. The Seahawks have the 23rd most cap space in the league. They are in the bottom third for cap space.

            Yes, but what needs do we have that we can spend money on? Spending money on any position group other than OL & DL seems fairly dumb. I imagine we’ll re-sign/extend some players and spend our cap space on the line of scrimmage. That’s it.

            >3. I would expect a thorough look at the second wave of FA. Guys at the $3-6m range. On the DL and OL.

            This is exactly what I am talking about though. An OT or two who we in the $3-6M range but aren’t repeats of Webb & Sowell. Guys that on tape have proven themselves to be better than Fant & Gilliam (not saying neither or both couldn’t show up to camp and win a spot).

            • Rob Staton

              I’m not suggesting they will spend money on other needs. The point is, the Seahawks don’t have the money to go big in free agency. That’s what I’ve been trying to say.

        • Kenny Sloth

          They didnt draft Clark because of a lack of clarity.

          They did their homework.

          They knew who they were taking and what he did and didnt do.

          Mixon’s interviews are also not reassuring. Seems impulsive.

      • AndrewP

        If Ryan Kalil makes it to Week 2 of FA, he just makes SO much sense…

        • Ukhawk

          Til he’s on IR in wk 3

          • Kenny Sloth

            If we’re actually talking about Matt Kalil; this is the forst year he’s missed games.

            And it was from a gruesome freak accident.

            I just read an article that stated “He’s lucky he didn’t ruin someone’s life with his poor play on the field” -Fox Sports via Fansided

            If that’s not a loaded narrative i dont know what is.

            • Kenny Sloth

              First

            • AndrewP

              Derp… wrong Kalil

        • Kenny Sloth

          Is C Ryan Kalil on the market? We’re set at C.

      • RealRhino2

        Any of them that can be league-average starters or better? At some point, if you’ve painted yourself into such a corner that you have an offense that can’t function because your tackles are so bad, paying a guy $10MM who “should” be getting only $8MM isn’t really overpaying. He doesn’t have to be better than every other tackle earning less than $10MM to be worth it to you.

        • Rob Staton

          Ricky Wagner shouldn’t be getting $8m a year either. That’s the point.

          One of the worst things the Seahawks can do right now is make a bang average offensive tackle the third highest paid player on their roster. People quickly forget how horrendous Wagner was when he initially replaced Michael Oher. Now he’s a possible $10m a year OT. Some players need time to develop (see: Seattle’s OL).

          I know everyone wants an upgrade on the O-line at all costs, but making dumb-ass moves in free agency is not the solution.

          • RealRhino2

            I can’t comment on Wagner specifically except to say that maybe he’s developed. But the larger point is that “overpaying” may make sense and might be the solution. You act like you should only pay a player if it’s commensurate with his ability relative to all other players at his position and on your team. IOW, if you make, say, Ricky Wagner the third-highest paid player on your team and the 8th-highest paid tackle in the league when he’s only the 10th-best player on your team and the 12th-best tackle in the league, then you’ve “overpaid” and it’s a dumb-ass move that will haunt you in the end.

            But I think it’s more complex than that. You have to also consider what your team is without the player, how much you are “overpaying,” and what you could do with the “extra” that you are paying him.

            We have, essentially, a non-functioning offense because of our OL. It helped get Russ hurt, it limits us to using our fancy toy TE as an inline blocker way too much, etc. With maybe just one good tackle, we become a top-third offense (just estimates for the purpose of the hypothetical). That’s “worth” a LOT, even if the player is “overpaid.” So say you “overpay” him by $3MM per year (although we shouldn’t have to unless JS is just really bad at figuring out the market). Who cares? That $3MM would get us Kearse. Or Webb. Or Sowell. Or a good backup at another position. All of which is nowhere near as valuable as a functioning OL. So we’ve “overpaid,” but it’s worth it.

            To me it’s like the Redskins and Kirk Cousins. At some point this offseason Cousins is going to be “overpaid.” He’ll get paid more than QBs that are better than him. He’ll be paid more than players on his team that are better at their position than he is at QB. But the point is, w/o Cousins they are crap, and with him they are a playoff-level team that at least has a shot. So unless they want to struggle along at 7-9 in QB limbo, you “overpay” the man. I’m not saying it’s a great long-term business practice, but we’ve got ourselves into a short-term hole.

            • Rob Staton

              You’re completely ignoring the delicate dynamic specific to this franchise.

              If you make average Ricky Wagner the third or fourth best paid player on the team, how long until Kam, Avril, Bennett, Wagner, Wright and others are knocking on the door?

              You want to kick the hornets nest for a player who doesn’t tilt the odds on the O-line purely via his presence? You think the O-line suddenly takes a huge jump because $10m Wagner is there instead of Gilliam?

              There’s a reason why teams like Seattle, New England and Green Bay don’t just throw good money at bad situations. And there’s a reason why they stay at the top.

              And the Cousins example makes no sense. The guy has 54 touchdowns, just 23 picks and over 9000 passing yards in the last two seasons alone. He plays the most important position in the game and without him, Washington has no obvious solution at QB. We’re seriously comparing that to Baltimore’s right tackle?

            • Greg Haugsven

              If the would just move Ifedi to RT that would at least potentially upgrade 1 of the tackles. FA and the draft are much richer at Guard the Tackle

            • RWIII

              Hey Rhino : Did you know that Tom Brady made 9 million this year? And you want to pay how much for Ricky Wagner?

              • RWIII

                Rhino. Dallas had the best offensive line in the NFL. They didn’t build it by overpriced free agent lineman.

                • HI Hawk

                  Oakland has the second best OL in the NFL and they did build it through free agency. Not saying Seattle should or shouldn’t just that there are two extremes here and both have proven effective.

                  • Rob Staton

                    I think it’s about spending on the right names. Oakland spent big on IMO one of the most underrated players in the league (Rodney Hudson) who we mocked to the Seahawks in R1 of the 2011 draft a few times. And they had the massive cap room to throw money at Osemele. That’s fair enough. There isn’t an O-liner in this FA class anywhere near as good as those two. Zeitler is the closest but still not the same level.

            • D-OZ

              Carroll already said no no to spending big bucks on free agent’s in his interview. That’s not the way they roll anymore. I think they have learned their lesson in that regards. It would have to be a special player to fill a specific need. JG?

          • Trevor

            If the Hawks believe Fant can be an elite LT as I do then I really believe the best option on the free agent market is Whitworth from Cincy. Bring him in on a 2 yr 16 mil deal which is front loaded. The idea being he only plays a year for them or in a perfect world he stays healthy and productive and they get two years out of him.

            That gives Fant the year he needs to truly develop and a great vet to learn behind. It gives our OL a big boost next year while we are in the middle of a championship window and does not affect our future cap situation very much

            • Rob Staton

              I don’t see much benefit in benching Fant and hoping he’ll improve watching someone else. If they believe in him — he needs to start and keep growing, learning and developing.

              • BGahan

                I sure hope Fant works out, but the odds are stacked against him. I’m guessing most OL coming out of college have 5-6yrs under their belt-at least 2 in HS and 3-4 in college and teams probably have a good sense of what kind of player they are getting. With Fant having no background we really don’t know what kind of player he is going to be. The fact that the Hawks are in this championship window and we are talking about our left tackle that needs to grow, learn and develop is a bit discouraging.

                • Rob Staton

                  But it is what it is, to coin a phrase. Without a top-10 pick it’s very hard to find a competent young LT.

                  • HI Hawk

                    I believe Fant should stay put and that instead the focus should be on the RT position.

                • Scraps

                  You’re talking like Fant hasn’t made huge steps already.

                  For god’s sake, patience. Last year was the offensive line’s first time together. Lots of people want to blow up the line every year. That’s not what successful teams do. That’s the Cleveland way.

            • Greg Haugsven

              I’ll take some of yours mixed with mine and draft a guard and let’s roll Trevor

            • CHawk Talker Eric

              Word is CIN are more interested in retaining Whitworth than Zeitler.

              Not that I’d be in favor of bringing in a 35 yo LT, tying up valuable cap space and preventing Fant from developing by keeping him off the field. But if there’s truth to the rumor that CIN want to keep Whitworth more than Zeitler, you’d likely have to overpay for him.

              I know PC has stated an intention to keep Ifedi at RT, but if there’s wiggle room in that, then bringing in a 27 yo Zeitler to play RG between Ifedi and Britt, and grow with the OL as a whole, then maybe that’s a decent investment.

              • Greg Haugsven

                Sign me up Eric. Zeitler playing RG and Ifedi at RT just feels right. Not sure either of those happen.

                • RWIII

                  Would love to have Zeitler. But don’t think it is going to happen. Some one is going to pay Zeitler big bucks. But don’t count on it being John Schneider.

                • Trevor

                  I would love that as well but agree seems very unlikely.

          • Scraps

            This should be in bold:

            “I know everyone wants an upgrade on the O-line at all costs, but making dumb-ass moves in free agency is not the solution.”

            Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes.

      • Jeff M.

        I haven’t seen this rumored anywhere else, but in Bill Barnwell’s latest (on suggested moves for NFC North clubs), he mentions Philadelphia may be willing to deal Jason Peters. He wouldn’t be a long-term move at age 35 but he has two years left on his deal at $10m/per and could lock down our LT spot for those two years if the draft pick cost isn’t too exorbitant.

  3. AndrewP

    Am I the only one on this board that thinks the Cards are just going to push all of their chips to the middle for 17/18..?
    – Franchise Jones, resign Campbell, pray Palmer/Fitz stay healthy, then prepare for ‘Cap Hell’ in 2019 and beyond
    – Use Days 1-2 on players that help the 17/18 team more than anything else
    – By ‘prepare for the future’ they will get pick a QB on Day 3
    … Or am I alone in this?

    • All I see is 12s

      If they franchise Jones, i don’t think there will be $ for Campbell

      • AndrewP

        Teams can fit a lot in if they are willing to torpedo the future… I just see Arians pushing to do this. However, Kime might not give in… I guess that’s what I see more than anything, Arians saying ‘screw it, I want a championship and this likely is my best chance’

        • HawkTalker #1

          That could prove to be on expensive “bisket” for BA.

    • lil'stink

      I think the Cards went all in this past year, and failed miserably. Arians has also pretty much conceded the fact that they won’t be getting Campbell back.

  4. UkHawkDavid

    I think the 49ers would be wise to trade back if they can as their roster isn’t going to be able to do what the new HC wants to do on offense. I’m not sure they’ll find a trade partner with the depth of this draft but my question is, as a Seahawks fan, would you rather a) they take the first QB with pick number 2, or b) they take Fournette with pick 2?

    • RealRhino2

      Interesting question. Think you are right about their roster. The answer to me is either Deshone Kizer or trade back. But will anybody else want their pick of QB at #2? Unless Chicago trades for Romo, they just might be the stalking horse that SF needs to get a trade partner.

      If they pick a QB, that almost necessarily means they aren’t good for another two years, so that’s good. But if they pick Fournette, that probably means they have no QB, so won’t be good, either.

      I guess I would prefer they take a QB, because taking Fournette doesn’t preclude them from lucking out with, say, Davis Webb in the 3rd or some other QB, but if they draft a QB at #2 it’s unlikely they’ll put a lot of other resources into the position to potentially block the rookie. So they’ll be bad for a while yet.

      • D-OZ

        Don’t sleep on Webb or Peterson…

        • D-OZ

          Peterman, not Peterson…

          • HI Hawk

            I would take ny-quil and go to bed on Webb and Peterman, neither seems anywhere near ready to play in the NFL. I think Kizer is going to be the most successful QB in this draft class, followed closely by Watson.

  5. CLB

    Noticed on the nfl.com site they just posted the combine participants list for this year.

    http://www.nfl.com/combine/participants

  6. Volume12

    Really like Wyoming RB Brian Hill. Tough, one-cut, up the middle runner.

    Also saw Tony Pauline mention Arkansas D-lineman Jeremiah Ledbetter, a team Seattle has seemed to pay close attention to this season, as one of those hybrid types that’s expected to have a good combine. Could be an underrated value kind of selection.

    • Kenny Sloth

      Ledbetter is a baller. Can’t discount John Schneider’s Aekansas and Kansas State connections.

      A bunch of you guys were talking up Hill all seaason. I never got around to watching him.

      Have you got a comp in mind?

      • D-OZ

        As I mentioned the other day, my comp is LaVeon Bell.

      • icb12

        Ajayi is the best comp I have for HIll.

    • HawkTalker #1

      Watching some of his tape, he doesn’t seem to play as fast as he is reported to be. He does seem to have some bulk and break some tackles because of that, but his running style seems a little off and it doesn’t seem like he uses his weight as well as he could. I would much prefer Perine, although and unfortunately, I’m sure we will be making decisions to address other needs at the draft points when he would be available.

    • Trevor

      I am hoping the Hawks were watching Arkansas for Deatrich Wise Jr. I think he is going to be a steal for someone as a developmental Edge rusher.

  7. Totem_Hawk

    If the Seahawks go LB in round one i’d be good with any of the top 3; Cunningham, Reddick, or Davis. Cunningham is my favorite. I think the the LB’s go fast being there is a big drop off after that and I think teams like Miami and Seattle will want to get one of them being they won’t be there in round 2. Great mock Rob!

    • HawkTalker #1

      Agreed, but like so many others, my preferences is Reddick first.

    • Kenny Sloth

      Top 3 without Reuben Foster? 😉

      I think C-Ham has a lot of similar traits to KJ.

      He played a lot of WILB for Vandy .

      Davis is my favorite of the ‘tied-for-second-best’ trio hahah

      I think he’d look fantastic next to our guys.

      Both would allow KJ to play SAM (which I think is his best position)

      • Totem_Hawk

        Good point Kenny. I left Foster off as I figured he’s a top 10 pick…he hasn’t been in my thinking..my bad

        • Kenny Sloth

          Sadly lol.

          I think the other three re better fits if I’m being honest.

          Foster looks like a Bengal

        • HI Hawk

          I love Reuben Foster as a football fan. I wish every player had his passion, he was the best LB in college football. He is my favorite Alabama player since Shaun Alexander. Despite all of that, I don’t want him anywhere near Seattle. Sadly, he has a long history of injury. He didn’t miss games last year (a first for his career), but he did constantly battle broken bones in his hands. In years past, he’s battled concussions and other minor injuries. He is the most violent tackler I have seen play college football, but that is also what scares me to death about his prospects in the NFL. The guys he’s about to run head-long into are bigger, he (like Kam) will concuss himself, and he will (like Kam) miss time.

      • D-OZ

        I really like Davis’ makeup for the Hawks. War Daddy!!!!

  8. RawsRoyce206

    Would Teez Tabor fit the Seahawks cornerback mold?

    • Rob Staton

      We’ll find out at the combine — but he ran a 4.6 at the 2013 SPARQ combine which isn’t encouraging.

  9. Totem_Hawk

    Cunnigham and Davis did their work in the SEC which IMO makes them a safer pick to produce in the NFL…taking a 1st round pick from the American Athletic Conference would take some stones for a GM over two SEC studs..i couldn’t do it if I had all 3 to pick from. I’m in the minority on this tho.

    • Kenny Sloth

      I would be sad to pass on Davis, but Reddick fits the mould really well and you can’t complain if your GM thinks he got the BPA

    • BobbyK

      I spoke with one of Davis’ coaches and he’s “all in” on him being an NFL star. We also spoke about other Gators AND SEC opponents of Florida and all I am going to say is that he was honest with me (he was a former student of mine) and didn’t say every player he’s ever coached (or coached against) is going to be in the Hall of Fame one day (he didn’t say, “Hall of Fame” for Davis – but I think you’re all smart enough to know what I mean).

      • Totem_Hawk

        Thats great stuff. By all acounts he is a quality guy on and off the field with high character…

      • DLep

        Great stuff BobbyK. Im curious, did this coach comment on Z Cunningham?

      • Rob Staton

        That’s nice to hear. Davis looks like a future stud. Will be interesting to see the Florida pro-day.

    • Misfit74

      Conference/school and competition level isn’t critical if the player’s talent and fit are right. Bobby Wagner is a an example, and so is Thomas Rawls. Since the Tim Ruskell years, we haven’t been shy about bringing in talented guys from smaller schools, thankfully.

      • Totem_Hawk

        For a 1st round pick i would have a different criteria then a 2nd rounder (Wagner) or an undrafted free agent (Rawls).

        • Josh

          Let’d not forget Khalil Mack played for Buffalo and went in the top 10 and I would say panned out nicely.

      • CharlieTheUnicorn

        This was the Wentz argument….. I think he is at least decent and should only get better. If you think a player can play, such as the WR Kupp from EWU…. you take him, if the value is right.

    • Rob Staton

      Wouldn’t make any difference to me. Draft the player not the conference.

      • CHawk Talker Eric

        +1

  10. Joshua Smith

    I hear you talk about playing Obi Melifanwu at LB, but what do you think about just making Kam Chancellor the third linebacker? He basically already plays as a fourth linebacker most of the time since he plays in the box so much. Could we then move Earl Thomas to SS and draft Budda Baker to play FS? You watch Baker and you can just tell that he is a baller. I would only worry about his potential for injury since he is on the small side.

    • Rob Staton

      Kam is probably still the best SS in the NFL, so I wouldn’t want to move him (or Earl).

  11. Ryan

    Wow. Twenty defensive players out of the 32 in the first round. Hope there’s still good defenders left by the end of the second round if we go Tackle in Round One.

    Oh, and San Diego is gone, sadly. It’s the LA Chargers now 🙁

    • HawkTalker #1

      Tackle round one? I’m not convinced that is a likely direction.

      • Kenny Sloth

        Im preparing myself for the probability that we will start the same OL from this year

        • ImUrHuckleBerri

          Sadly I am feeling the same thing. I am hoping maybe Kalil hits the open market and we can sign him. Anything I feel like would be better than another season of Fant at LT. Gilliam is only marginally better.

          • Kenny Sloth

            Gotta save I love the username

            Tell em I’m coming… and Hell’s comin with me

            • ImUrHuckleBerri

              Thanks man lol. Been a family favorite movie for a long time. Love his “Your A Daisy If You Do.” and “Why Johnny! You look like someone just walked over your grave.” liines as well.

        • Totem_Hawk

          Im ok with our Oline (cue knife throwing). I want to give them another year together and see what it looks like before we keep throwing more young inexperienced, unproven players at it. Last year was trial by fire and a blood bath at times but I think they got better.

        • HawkTalker #1

          That just cannot happen. I have more faith in the front office then to watch a dumpster fire burn two years in a row. Yes that is brutal and harsh, but so was their performance. You reap what you sew and that was some bad seed last seed, anyway you plant it!!

          I believe we will get some improvement this year one way or another, and I am not convinced we will have the same starting line we did last year. I know the front office wants to win even more than I want them to.

          • Kenny Sloth

            That’s a hilarious way to put thaat!

            It’s a little shortsighted to assume they won’t progress.

            I still have a tweet to eat if Ifedi never becomes elite…

            • bankhawk

              If we are taking an OT in round one, that means ipso facto that someone good has fortuitously fallen (into our láp). I think with the depth of the draft, the D would still receive a healthy ìnusion of talent, so wont worry myself over that one. (Im mostly in the grab Reddick at 26 camp curently)

              As to f/a and the o-line, Im gonna trust in JS to use prudence regarding value/cost of any help they bring in on that count. I believe that time together and experience will net us some improvement. In addition-supposing PC is not totally set on keeping Ifedi at G, what f/a names in the price range weve been discussing might reasonably be in play for the RG spot?

  12. Sean-O

    I’ll be really interested to see where Peppers ends up. It sure seems like he’s a “tweener” but with a lot of teams in the nickel (and even dime) more than ever I’m sure someone will find a spot for him. With the right fit, I think he makes an impact right away.

    Please don’t let it be with the Pats!

    Really looking forward to see how he tests at the combine.

  13. Brandon

    I have actually been wondering about Atlanta. If they had the choice of Obi or Baker, who would they choose? I always thought that Keanu Neal was their Bam Bam Kam but honestly I don’t think they could go wrong either way. I would think they would lean towards Baker just so Keanu was their Kam and Baker is their Earl.

    • BobbyK

      I see Atlanta going with Baker. And I see that pick putting their defense over the top – provided they don’t deteriorate on the DL (Freeney is older than Andrew Jackson, but he was still productive… can they replace that? Might seem a silly question, but you can’t question he was a solid addition who probably won’t be there next year).

      • DLep

        Jarrett and Beasley some pretty good building blocks on that dl though.

  14. John

    Rob,

    I have a few thoughts about FA and the draft. First, even though the Seahawks are not loaded with cap space like other teams are, they could still make some meaningful additions. It’s time for fans to let go of the Calais Campbell/Ricky Wagner dreams; they’re simply too expensive and would have to take a huge pay cut to come here. Just not happening. But what about bringing in someone like Andre Smith to compete at RT? He was a top 10 draft pick in 2009 and 5* recruit. He’s been hampered by injuries the past couple years and can be had for cheap (he played with the Vikings on a one year “prove it” deal that was worth a maximum of $3.5 mil). Give him a chance to “compete” at RT. If he stays healthy and wins the competition for RT, he would be an awesome run blocker and so-so pass blocker. Tom Cable has shown that he values run blocking far more than pass protection.

    For the draft, what are your thoughts on Takk McKinley? In the games that I have seen, he was really explosive coming off the edge. I know that we have Avril, Bennett, and Clark, but can we really say that we can count on that? Even when Avril is in the game, McKinley is athletic enough to play LB. Tony Pauline wrote today that he’s expected to run around 4.50-4.45 in the forty and bench press 20+ reps. If Bolles and Reddick are gone, why not this guy?

    Plus look at this (via @DavisHsuSeattle): https://twitter.com/DavisHsuSeattle/status/831937234232172544

    • Rob Staton

      I think Andre Smith might be finished to be honest. He’s nearing the end of his career I think. There will be some second wave types they can look at. Competition will be the key here — not a big splash unless they have a trade up their sleeve.

      I really like Takk. Big fan of his upside and potential. I just think he’s a pure EDGE. And Seattle appears to be prioritising CB, LB and OL.

  15. Misfit74

    If the right DB or Edge/LB isn’t there, and given how so many defenders are slotted for round one, I think we have to consider the possibility that BPA and positional value could mean a surprise offensive skill player.

    There are several I’d consider with a shot to be there at or near 26:

    Howard
    Njoku
    C.Davis
    M.Wiliams
    J.Ross

    (and Cook, Fournette, obviously, if insanely fall due to medicals)

    • Misfit74

      That’s not to say a prime OL isn’t a key factor, as well.

      • HawkTalker #1

        With the defensive needs and priorities already expressed, it would be very surprising if they passed quality players on the defensive side that could fill important needs for the sake of an offensive player. Linebackers have been a significant subject for drafting in the first round because there are only two or three in that first year. It would be a shame to miss on one of those opportunities as well as skipping the defense altogether. I know we saw share similar views on this, so assuming we made some good headway with some quality defense of players of need with the first three picks, I would be much more open to using their fourth pick for a running back hammer like Perine. But even then, as much as I like him, I would be hesitant to pick an offense of player if we still had significant defensive needs. For example, I would probably pick up a second Quality quarterback instead of a running back with our fourth pick if it came down to it. If we don’t get some help in free agency, I think we have some serious needs a cornerback given the situation with both the Shead and Lane.

    • Rob Staton

      In seven PCJS drafts going back to 2010, they’ve consistently found someone who fills their priority needs. Personally, I’m not expecting that to change this year with a surprise pick like this. Carroll stated CB, LB and OL and I think that’s what they’ll target.

      • Totem_Hawk

        Yep, I think they’ll go some come combo of LB, CB, G in the 1st 3 picks…

      • Misfit74

        I’m not arguing that we will go against the logic and needs that you’ve been outlining. I’m saying that we should at least consider all the possibilities.

        The team has certainly surprised us before. Percy Harvin. Jimmy Graham. We’ve always sought difference-makers. Special players. We’ve also shown we can find elite and starter-level defenders after round 1. If a guys the team views as a special offensive difference-maker is available for whatever reason at 26, and we have enough defensive targets graded highly throughout the draft, there’s little reason to think we wouldn’t stay true to our defensive strategies of past seasons and draft heavy on defense as in the past and snag a rare offensive skill player should one fall.

        Elite TEs and WRs are more rare than many other positions, and we’ve shown we believe just that as an organization given the Harvin and Graham moves. Baldwin and Graham aren’t very young and there are questions about the health nearly all our (starting) offensive skill players outside of Baldwin. I think it’s a plausible scenario. Yes, we will address DB, LB, OT; but we have an entire draft and FA to do it. Teams do drastic things for special players. Offense, regardless of need priorities, at 26th overall pick would hardly be drastic for this team.

        • Rob Staton

          Graham and Harvin filled needs though.

          When Carroll has stated the team needs in the past, they have attacked these areas 100%. I don’t mean to be dismissive of the suggestion — but I suspect there is absolutely no chance they go WR or TE with that first pick. CB, LB, OL. We can almost certainly take that to the bank in terms of what they do early.

  16. CharlieTheUnicorn

    I still can’t believe that the Patriots would be able to get the #12 pick for the back-up QB. Sorry, he is not worth it. I think that would be one of the dumbest moves in the 2017 draft. Stay at #12 and grab BPA…. the Browns are not a QB away from competing, they need help everywhere….. I could even see them move up in the draft to grab a QB they liked (Watson for example)… #12 plus #33 pick or something like that… they could move up 3-4 picks roughly.

    • Rob Staton

      Why is it more viable though to spend two picks trading up for a rookie QB than to simply spend a bonus first round pick on a veteran QB who is 25-years-old, had an ideal upbringing, has shown he can win in tough environments (Arizona) and gives you a better chance to be competitive even if it doesn’t fall into place for Cleveland in 2017?

      I’m not 100% all-in on Cleveland making this trade — but it makes a ton of sense IMO if they believe in Garoppolo.

      • Steve Nelsen

        You get 5 years of cheap team control out of a rookie QB. Not that Cleveland needs more cap room. But I think their new moneyball front office guy will follow the metrics.

        • CharlieTheUnicorn

          I had not thought of that angle. I wonder how he looks according to advanced stats….. compared to regular starting QBs that will be available. CLE should try to get Tyrod Taylor in… he can play and has mobility.

        • Rob Staton

          They are struggling to pay the annual minimum on the cap every year. They have +$108m in free cap for 2017. I don’t think a cheap QB will be a priority. They actually need to pay a few guys to avoid penalties.

    • HawkTalker #1

      On the other hand, if you’re looking for some wins in the short term, at least, you’re going to have to have a decent quarterback to get there. In general selecting from backup quarterbacks around the league might not be the greatest idea. I doubt Cleveland is looking at Boykin for example. But IMO, Garoppolo is not your run-of-the-mill back up quarterback either and he is head and shoulders above most back ups . He comes from an organization that is more about next man up and proves it, than about any other team in the league. Although he hasn’t started a lot of games, he looked pretty good in the starts he had and he has been in learning/training at the pro level for several years. If I were the Cleveland GM or owner, I would be very tempted to make it happen. At minimum, it would provide a huge upgrade in a position that requires quality in order for a team to win in this league. I don’t know how Cleveland could not be under heavy pressure to pull themselfs out of the basement. This would at least show some progress.

      Is this any worse than going all-in on Goff?

      • Ishmael

        It’s not worse than going all in on Goff, but it’s just silly if Tyrod Taylor becomes available.

        • BobbyK

          Nothing is silly if a player becomes available who turns into a top-10 QB. Is the 12th overall pick worth a good QB? Or would you rather have a crappy QB and get a good “value” CB or OL at #12 and still have a crappy QB? In my opinion, there are a separate set of rules when it comes to QBs. You either have one or you don’t. If you don’t, you better get one.

          • Misfit74

            +1

      • RealRhino2

        What makes Garoppolo head and shoulders above the average backup? The fact that he took a SB-winning team and won on the road against a team that ended up being much worse than people thought?

        What makes people think he’s got some super-secret Patriots training? Rohan Davey, Brian Hoyer, Matt Cassell, Ryan Mallett. These are all the Pats’ backup QBs that got this super-special training, flashed some ability in a limited role, and then suuuucked when the Pats got some sucker to take them off their hands.

        Remember how great Matt Flynn looked in two games for Green Bay? I’d put the QB/offensive coaches he had as head and shoulders above whatever the Patriots have had, and Flynn still suuucked when he tried to be a starter. There is almost nothing to suggest that Garoppolo would be much better than any of those guys, and if the Browns trade the #12 pick for him they are morons.

        And watch the Arizona game. Lotta easy throws.

        • Rob Staton

          “And watch the Arizona game. Lotta easy throws.”

          LOL.

          • Hawk Eye

            the problem with giving up a #1 for Garappalo is you also have to pay him big money.
            He is on the last year of his deal and no team will trade for him unless they can sign him to an extension. And JG won’t sign unless he gets a lot. He can wait and pick his team next year like Oswiler. This is a salary cap league and it plays into the value, and Cleveland is a money ball team. So I doubt they do it for a #1 pick.

            • Rob Staton

              People keep saying Cleveland is a money ball team.

              Do you realize they struggle annually to pay the minimum salary cap to avoid sanctions? They have $108m in free cap space for 2017.

              They literally have to find someone to pay.

              • Misfit74

                Great point.

                Makes me think they should pay a top CB, such as Aboye (sp?), if they view him that way. That would free up their draft board some. Along w/ whomever they target at QB.

                • Rob Staton

                  Cleveland could stand to make some splashes in FA. We’ll see what they do. If you’re going to spend, QB and CB is a good place to start.

          • Del tre

            Yeah Matt Flynn made great throws so have many other back up stars, Matt Hassleback even played well at 39 filling in for Luck, if the Browns trade away their 1st round pick thats just bad management, they still need to lay the foundation for a good team, RG3 can be a fine interim starter so can Taylor. If they decide to build the house on sand and trade for a back up QB like Gorrapolo or even draft a player like Watson they’re just repeating the same cycle.

            • Rob Staton

              So because Matt Flynn isn’t any good, that means Jimmy Garoppolo definitely won’t be?

              I’m baffled by some of the resentment towards the Garoppolo idea.

              • Del tre

                We don’t know how Garoppolo makes his reads. He started 2 games, thats hardly enough tape to know where he likes to go with the ball, not only that but in the Patriots system his reads are going to be even easier as most will be check downs and quick release pass plays. It’s like the hype with Cardale Jones at Ohio when he won the championship, there just wasn’t enough tape of him at OSU to make a judgement or to properly prepare. Garopolla has 2 NFL starts. Both of which came with him having Gronk, Martellus and Edleman to pass to, I’m willing to bet that there are 3 or 4 QB’s in this draft class who will be better, it would be like a team trading to get Boykin for a 3rd round pick, no one should be willing to pay that, he isn’t proven enough, neither is Garoppolo. The peek of what a team like the browns should be willing to offer is a second round pick. Even then it remains a bad investment because if a QB like Garropolo goes to Cleveland he is going to regress hugely he doesn’t have the supporting cast that was getting him 3 tds a game against the sheer defensive might of the Cardinals and Dolphins, the fact that new England with Brady at 39 is willing to let go of Garropolo should speak volumes about how they feel towards him. Not only that but how are we not looking at him as an injury concern? He couldn’t manage to stay healthy for 4 starts. If Cleveland had a top 10 rushing attack or a top 10 defense, maybe Garropolo would be worth a 2nd rounder, but they don’t if they waste the numebr 12 pick on a QB with 2 NFL starts they deserve to go 0-16, they should spend it on the defensive line or at corner because a QB would not solve any of their problems at the moment

                • Rob Staton

                  I totally disagree with all of this to be honest.

                  BTW — he did NOT have Gronk for his two starts. Gronk was injured.

    • Tien

      I would hate this trade purely because I don’t want the Patriots to get the #12 overall pick but if Cleveland did their homework and believe that Garropolo is a franchise QB, this wouldn’t be a bad move. From what little I’ve seen of Garropolo, he looks like a better risk than what I saw of Weeden & Manziel when the Browns drafted them. The top QB prospects in the draft (Watson, Kizer, Tributski) all have question marks and would take at least a couple of years to develop so if I’m Cleveland and are comfortable with Garropolo’s skill set and development thus far, I’d make the trade also.

  17. Ishmael

    Tyrod Taylor is a comfortably above average QB. If the Bills are mental enough to let him go, the Browns should pay the man. They could then go

    1.1 Myles Garrett
    1.12 Tre’Davious White
    2.31 Budda Baker

    Big time character guys with production. That’s a huge shot of talent on defence. Taylor throws hardly any interceptions, and throws an excellent deep ball. Be a lot of fun to see what he could do with Pryor and Coleman. Lean on the run game, mix in some explosive plays, keep your defence off the field while they’re developing. Build off the Seahawks model. Seems like such a clear blueprint to me.

    Hell, imagine if the Jags signed Taylor then drafted Fournette. Have fun stopping that read option.

    • BobbyK

      Yeah. I really don’t understand the problem the Bills have with Taylor either. Unless it’s a T-Jack situation where Seahawks fans loved him as a back-up but then he pulled the crap he did with his wife last off-season, which none of us know about as fans. I’ve always liked Taylor on the field… you never know about the Ryan Leaf, Mike Vick dogfighting, Jeff George being a moron, etc. stuff behind the scenes. I guess that’s a reason T.O. still isn’t in the HOF, too.

      If Taylor is a problem, I’d let him go, too.

      If Taylor is a good guy and leader, then none of this makes any sense (letting him go).

      This is the Bill though…

      • HawkTalker #1

        Nice recap of that situation. Your comments and concerns make a lot of sense.

      • Ishmael

        That’s a totally fair point, and one of those things that we – as fans – have no way of knowing. From all I’ve seen there aren’t any rumblings about off-field stuff, and he seems to be taking the contract nonsense pretty well. Cian Fahey’s done some really good work on his actual play over on Football Outsiders, I just can’t help but think he’d be a great fit for the Browns as they aim to return to respectability.

        He won’t put them over the top, but he’s easily good enough to get them back to at least .500 as they put pieces around him.

    • CharlieTheUnicorn

      Tyrod Taylor, the only QB to be around 500 with the Bills since….. *ding ding ding* Jim Kelly.
      This guy can play. I would not be shocked to see him end up in SF. The Bills are a mess. He is scheduled to make a bit too much money … but the former GM/HC/etc overpaid.

      • Hawk Eye

        not so fast, GM is still current
        should be former, he has been mediocre

  18. HawkFan907

    I’m excited to see how the top linemen grade out in TEF. We will see if Bolles has the measurables to match the ferocity and skill he displayed all year long. I’m also looking forward to seeing how Asiata grades out. If he performs well I’m hoping he is there for us to take in round three.

    One name to look out for who may sneak into the back end of round 1 is Jaleel Johnson out of Iowa. He is a big DT who puts on some great interior pressure. If he performs well, he will no longer fly under the radar.

    I’m also excited for the RB class. I’m waiting to see which 2nd tier RB flashes. Is it Hood, Foreman, Williams, Dayes, or Hill. A lot will be figured out in a few weeks.

    • HawkTalker #1

      Although I am also anxious to see how some of the other skill groups grade out, I have some pretty heavy mixed emotions. It’s not hard for me to get sucked into the trap of being enamored with some quality DLs, RBs, WRs and other offensive skill positions, but for me personally that becomes almost more of a distraction as every time I consider adding one of those guys with One of my mock pics, it leaves me with one less pic to meet some of the true needs of the team. Personal ADD, maybe. I find it challenging to focus on the small number of skill positions we are really looking for, but if we do a good job and taking care of that and the front office finds a way To close a few gaps on the OL and a few other potential gaps in FA, I would be one of the happiest fans around.

      I have held the believe most of last year (and still hold it)that if we could just give Russ more protection so our passing game was effective and not just a glass cannon, and we could do a little better job blocking for our running back’s, The offensive skill positions we already have are plenty strong enough as they are. Shore up a few gaps in the Legion of boom in the draft and FA and we will bring a heavy burden on the rest of the teams we are scheduled to play.

  19. Michael

    Rob,

    With Peppers still on the board at #26, would the ‘Hawks be interested do you think? This hasn’t been a topic in a while, but they reportedly had interest in Mark Barron when he was coming out, and anyone who has watched this team knows that Kam is in the box basically playing LB half the time anyway.

    Roster construction aside, does he fit our style of play?

    Thanks, and congrats on the baby girl!

    • Rob Staton

      It’s possible if they think he can handle the slot. Ditto Budda Baker and Justin Evans. He’s going to be lighter and smaller than expected at the combine. Probably 5-11 and 200lbs. He is a difficult prospect to project.

      I think the Barron rumours were a bit of a red herring. After all, he was available for a ham sandwich at Tampa Bay and they didn’t deal for him. I’m led to believe they were always taking a pass rusher with the first pick in that 2012 draft. I think if they take one of these dynamic athletic safety’s early, they will need to be quite versatile.

      • Misfit74

        Peppers is listed as LB for the Combine, FWIW

  20. Robertlas vegas

    Hi Rob once again I like your mock draft and I like the pick as well for the seahawks I was wondering with both Clary and Beachum both getting cut or released today do you think Seattle would have any interest in either one

    • Rob Staton

      I think it’s doubtful. Neither are good unfortunately.

  21. Sea Mode

    Doesn’t it make more sense for the Browns to tank this season again with RGIII at the helm and take the elite non-QB talent that should be available at R1P12, then next year go for Darnold? Fans will be impatient, but I find it hard to believe that Garappolo would make them that much better anyway without the supporting cast, and you are only getting one year on the cheap to evaluate before you have to decide whether or not to pay him big $$.

    NE would totally luck out if the Browns offer that deal. Certainly possible as without a QB you go nowhere, but hate to even think about it really.

    • Rob Staton

      And last year wasn’t it suggested they should tank and take Deshaun Watson?

      What if Darnold regresses or doesn’t declare?

      They need a QB.

      • Kenny Sloth

        What if RGIII won them 6 games next year and they were pushed out of the elite QB range. No chance at Darnold or Jackson. You passed on Watson the year before.

        Another losing season and that’s your job.

        Usually you don’t even get that long of a noose

        • Rob Staton

          Exactly.

          By not going for a QB this year and waiting, you’re essentially saying, ‘let’s hope we go 1-15 or 0-16 again next year’ in order to get the #1 pick again.

          The Jaguars went 3-13 and pick fourth overall this year. If Cleveland wins two more games in 2017, not ridiculous, they’ll be out of contention for the top QB in the draft and they’ll still be really, really, really bad.

          • Sea Mode

            And you are willing to bet a R1 pick that Garappolo wins them more games next year than RGIII?

            • Rob Staton

              RGIII would probably be injured by week three.

              He isn’t a long term answer. Garoppolo could be.

            • Kenny Sloth

              The same record under Jimmy is a much different accomplishment than under RGIII if you ask me

      • Sea Mode

        I know they need a QB. And we need a T. So should we trade our R1 pick for a former R2 pick on the last year of his rookie deal who may or may not turn out to be worth paying big money the following year (like Morgan Moses or something)?

        I understand QB is not T, etc., I’m just surprised that you who seem to be so adamently against trading/over-spending for passable mid-level help at LT at our biggest position of weakness in the middle of a championship window would suggest it’s not that bad of an idea for a team clearly in a rebuild stage that needs to hit on core players to do the same for an unproven backup QB who flashed in one game surrounded by a championship-caliber cast.

        Aren’t moves like that the ones that drive teams into the ground long term, or does QB really trump it all so much that teams should say “screw it” and go for it? (hello, Rams)

        As far as Darnold, I concede completely. Was referring more to the fact that nobody really likes the QB class this year and next year looks to have a chance to be better.

        Anyway, I don’t really care what they do except inasmuch as it would make our rival Pats stronger, nor do I even doubt the possiblilty that Cleveland might try it (and thus it is perfectly reasonable to include in a mock). I just think R1P12 in this draft is too much to give up for a one-year Garappolo tryout. Maybe package R2 from this year and next or swap R1 picks with NE plus change, if anything. (Maybe I am just over-valuing R1P12 and the core-piece I think they should be able to get at that spot. A similar pick a couple years ago yielded only Danny Shelton…)

        (Besides, with their luck and history, they will give up the R1 for Garappolo, overpay him next year, then cut him the year after because he looks terrible on their team, then NE will pick him back up and make him Brady’s successor… but that’s beside the point. 🙂 )

        • Rob Staton

          Let’s be right here, there’s a difference between a perennial winner Seahawks having a need at tackle and considering a trade for a league average RT and the Browns, stuck in perennial misery — desperately needing an answer at QB as they have for years and having the bonus this off-season of having a spare first round pick. Furthermore, it’s much easier for the Seahawks to fill that need in FA than it is for the Browns to find a QB they like and believe in.

          As I said in another comment, what if they win three games instead of one in 2017? That would give them the #3 or #4 pick this year. Waiting for Darnold is basically saying we want/need to win zero or one game in 2017. Which coach, GM or owner is going to take that approach?

          Garoppolo isn’t a total unknown quantity. He has played and played well in the NFL. He’s had a chance to be around the best QB ever and learn. Physically he is good. He might be a total bust in Cleveland but they’re at a point where they have nothing to lose really. And how are Cleveland not a much more competitive team in 2017 with Myles Garrett, Jimmy Garoppolo and whoever they take at #33? (Plus they have another second rounder).

          • Sea Mode

            On being “right”, I clearly said, I know QB is not T, etc. Agree on the world of difference. It was just to discuss long-term team-building strategy that I made the comparison. Not trying to do you wrong in any way. (I guess possibly feeding more fuel to the ever-tiresome “trade for Joe Thomas” type talk could be counted as doing you wrong, in a way. Sorry and it was not my intention!)

            (Part of Cleveland’s problem might be the perennial short-term leash for coach/GM as well you and Kenny mention, but if the ultimate goal is to entertain the fans and make money for the owner, I guess that’s just the way it works.)

            Certainly, 3 years of pro development has its value over a rookie pick in whatever round, and the Pats will be deservingly rewarded for the R2 capital spent and time invested.

            As you say, the Browns have plenty of picks to load up later on in the draft, so it makes even more sense take a shot.

            Garoppolo certainly has potential, and the fact that a great coach was willing to spend a high pick on him says a lot as well. Matt Cassel, Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett failed outside of NE (Cassel even won them 10 games), but none was drafted as high. So what will certainly be telling is how readily and for what compensation the Patriots are willing to part with him. The Browns with R1P12 might even be outbid…

            In the end, I’m probably just subconsciously forcing myself to find arguments so as not to help the Pats and thinking too much like a Seahawks fan spoiled to have a franchise QB, so forgive me!

  22. Trevor

    Walter Football Mock today

    Rd#1 Bolles
    Rd#2 Carlos Watkins
    Rd#3 Hassan Reddick

    Never going to happen but those would all be nice players to add.

    New rule for me. Any supposed draft guru who has Reddick in Rd #3 is going to be ignored going forward.

    • Kenny Sloth

      -_-

      Some mocks are baffling.

      • Sea Mode

        Think it just shows who actually watches tape and who just reshuffles the names already floating around.

        Thank God for Rob!

        • ImUrHuckleBerri

          I don’t knock any mock drafter. Sure I see some and say to myself why in the world would Seattle take him. Or how is that guy going to drop that far. Have a lot of respect for Rob obviously and I visit this site at least 10-15 times a day just to see what us fellow Hawk fans are seeing and feeling. Plus I really like Rob’s articles and breakdowns of players and it is constant pretty much year round and all season long.

          But any of these guys who do mock drafts have their work cut out for them and I just appreciate the time and effort they put into it to give me a feeling here or there about who the players to watch are and who we should be excited about.

    • vrtkolman

      Walter Football is pretty bad anyways.

      • Smitty1547

        They been around a long time, and lets face it we would all do cart wheels if if feel that way.

  23. RWIII

    Rob: Any idea what round Brian Hill and Elijah Hood might go? BTW if Reddick, Humphrey, Bolles, Ramczyk and Cam Johnson are off the board I would give a strong consideration for Takkarist McKinley. Don’t think that Schneider would pull the trigger however.

    • Rob Staton

      Day three probably for Hill and Hood I think.

  24. Joshua Smith

    Seems like we totally dropped the ball with signing J’Marcus Webb…still feeling the effects of his contract costing us dead money against the cap this year.

    • Dlep

      Netted out a comp pick as well – ugh

  25. EranUngar

    I can’t help myself…so here goes…

    A little over a month ago, before PC’s end of the season press conference, the top priority need was the running game (OL/RB). Secondary needs were DL and DB (after Shead’s injury). Even the need to replace Luke Willson as 2nd TE surpassed the LB group.

    It has been a very turbulent season with a lot of injuries and internal unrest for the Seahawks. It is understandable that PC may not have been his usual best during those post season talks. He mentioned Sherm’s “injury” that almost had us losing our 2nd pick.

    I know that historically, PC’s post season statements regarding off season needs are pretty accurate and you can immediately start planning according to those statements but what if, just this time, he went off script.

    Does it really make perfect sense for everybody around here that one of our top needs that should be addressed in the top of the draft is bringing some young talent to push 2 pro bowl LBs that just ended the best year of their careers as Pete stated?

    I know we all took it to indicate an interest in drafting a SLB but that’s not what Pete said. What he did say makes no sense as far as listing top needs for the off season. I’m not even sure if a SAM is actually a top need that should surpass needs at CB, DT. Considering the effects of Earl’s and Kam’s injuries, I’d rather have young talent behind those two guys than behind Wags and K.J..

    Could it be PC going a little off script on that day that has pushed us all into a Wild LB chase in the top 2 rounds while the team considers that need to be secondary at best?

    • peter

      Maybe but I agree with Rob that each year a statement of needs is met and then pursued. As for young talent…Seattle still needs a SLB and it’s a big if, but if Wagz or KJ ever got injured a strength would be an absolute weakness.

      You mention needs at CB but then reference the Safeties. To me planning for the future of either Kam or Earl or both is not a bad move at all. But for the CB’s Seattle has yet to draft one early and maybe this is the year but part of me thinks Seattle will look to the middle/end of the draft for CB yet again. Past Kevin King I’m personally not enamored with any CB due primarily to a lack of hitters/run support which is extremely critical to Seattle to always be as close to tops in run defense.

      I do think an additional Safety on the field with range to cover the games more aggressive TE’s could be great and again to have someone who could be ready in the event of an injury or retirement.

      As for DT, isn’t Reed the earliest a DT has been taken in the PC era? I just bring that up because as this blog has veered to DB’s it seems that DT has taken a pretty big backseat. It just seems like one of the hardest positions to pin down as for style and type. Harder then OL even. Besides 33 inch arms Reed/Clark/Hill couldn’t be further apart in form and style. And yet all were selected.

      As for DT I do think it’s a need but like OL I personally can’t seem to find anyone YET who would be desirable at 26. Perhaps Wormley? I was watching clips and yet again my favorite DT got in trouble for hitting woman: Ralph Green III. My next favorite currently for a late round pick or perhaps even undrafted is UCONN’s Mikal Meyers. I think his arms will be short but I love his hustle, strength, speed for his size, and his husky bowling ball frame. I’m not even bothering to watch Solomon Thomas, Allen, or McDowell all players I expect to be gone long before Seattle picks.

    • HawkTalker #1

      Seems a very fair question. Thanks for raising it.

      • Rob Staton

        It’s a bit too conspiracy theory-ish for me.

        • HawkTalker #1

          Interesting, the word conspiracy never occurred to me in that take. My Takeaway was we may have just received better clarification from PC on his most recent Communication of needs. Not that the first comment he made was untrue, but perhaps it just was not complete or was a specific perspective of the overall needs of the team. I think the team could have several needs, but it’s hard to draft for all of them in a quality manner. Therefore the more recent direction on focus in the draft.

          • Rob Staton

            I think Pete was quite clear really in what he said.

    • C-Dog

      It’s a very interesting take. I’m going to trust that Carroll was accurate though. As the HC and VP of the team, I think he’s probably pretty attuned to what the biggest priorities are more than anyone else.

      For me, while I would list CB as the biggest need, I thought that they were dangerously thin at LB all season long, even though Bobby and KJ played lights out football. I don’t think they ever really addressed the departed Bruce Irvin spot. I’ve seen people on this board use the argument that they went to nickel more often and didn’t use SAM, but IMO, that’s probably not how they want to roll with this defense. In the Super Bowl years, they were able to stay in their base more often. I wasn’t surprised that he mentioned LB the way he did.

      As for DT, they sniffed around Carlos Watkins and Stevie Tu’ikolovatu during the Senior Bowl. So, I think it’s a safe bet that they are looking to add there, but I don’t think either of these guys are much in the way of interior rushers. It will be interesting to see what they do during free agency.

      • Rob Staton

        Essentially I/we assumed other needs and were wrong at least in terms of the team approach. No need to doubt what Carroll said here IMO.

    • Rob Staton

      I think you’re looking for something that isn’t there, Eran.

      This is a strong LB class with players that can play all three positions (including SAM). It makes sense to tap into that and fill a void in the process.

      No reason to doubt PC’s comments. I appreciate his honesty.

      • EranUngar

        This LB class is strong and deep. Tapping into it late in the 3rd or on day 3 felt like more than enough considering other needs.

        You are probably right and he was his honest and straight forwards self.

        He was always 100% reliable on those statements so we have to play along.

        Still feels funny…

        P.S. – considering K.J.’s flexibility, maybe they will go the same way they did with CBs – right LB, Left LB, playing SAM/WILL according to the offensive alignment.

        • Rob Staton

          I don’t think it feels funny at all. They ‘got by’ with Mike Morgan and a lot of nickel in 2016. SAM is a need. They spent the #15 pick in a previous draft on a SAM. This draft class isn’t particularly deep at LB and is more top heavy — there aren’t a ton of options stretching into day three. Having someone who can start at the SAM and potentially play MIKE or WILL in case of an emergency (or even allowing KJ and Bobby a chance of some respite) makes perfect sense.

          There’s every chance BPA at a position of need will be LB this year. So I don’t see any reason to not take Carroll’s words at face value.

          I agree on the alignment point you make.

          • EranUngar

            Thinking more about it, playing on the same side constantly allows you to perfect your technique as far as body position, stance, steps etc. It works for tackles and guards on the OL and it worked for the CBs with their kick step and locating the ball over the same shoulder etc.

            If it can be done with LBs, it could be an interesting way to upgrade the reaction speed and muscle memory.

            Not sure it can be done but a nice idea to ponder…

  26. Steve Nelsen

    Rob,

    Thank you for another great post. I look forward to reading each one and the comments. This is a great community you have brought together and given a chance to share with each other.

    This mock is a great example of how a few players going unexpectedly high (like some QBs) can push some very talented defenders to #26. Reddick would be a fantastic pick.

    One trade possibility that we haven’t dug into very deep is Seattle trading for Byron Maxwell. I don’t think it is likely that he is a salary cap casualty in Miami but some like John Clayton at ESPN have reported it is possible. He is still in his prime and he is a proven success in Seattle’s system and locker room. But his performance with Philadelphia and Miami hasn’t matched his success here. He was even benched for a bit by Miami last season. Could he be had for a Day 2 pick?

    • Rob Staton

      I think it’s unlikely they’d pay a day two pick for him. He’s 29 next week. Plus, Miami would be creating an unnecessary hole for anything less without any substantial cap saving.

      I might be wrong but I think it’s a non-starter.

  27. peter

    And for V12…this year’s Utah Utes special pick…. DB Brian Allen. 6’3″ 205 lb. allegedly a 35″ vert. Former WR. late round pick or UDFA. But has the size and tools to be trained up.

    • Sea Mode

      Looked at him a bit when I saw 33.38 in arms. He is a really neat guy in interviews, already married and a father, mature. But I couldn’t find any tape to see if he runs fast enough to have a shot at the next level. I was surprised to see him on the Combine invitee list, so I guess that means we will get to find out.

      • peter

        I think Richard Sherman speed. I’m watching the 3 cone intently. Played HS basketball so I hope he has a quick trip around the cones. Also the team as a whole is one of my favorites from a developmental stand point. Can’t get the QB situation figured out but as a rule, tough OL, tough DL, well coached Secondary.

        • Sea Mode

          Cool, we’ll wait and see what he can do.

  28. JT

    From Tony Pauline today:

    “The overwhelming belief is DeMarcus Walker of Florida State will leave Indianapolis with depressed draft stock, an opinion I completely agree with.

    It’s a combination of a lack of size, poor speed and a question as to where he’ll line up on Sundays. I’m also told there are a few character issues with Walker.”

    This take on Walker is becoming more commonly heard from scouts, and it could work in Seattle’s favour.
    Walker doesn’t fit into a neat little box position-wise. He likely won’t show great speed at the combine, and he’s seen as too small to play on the interior.

    However I suspect he performs fairly well in the explosive tests, which the Hawks value in their pass rushers. He also fits perfectly as an EDGE-interior player in Seattle’s scheme. What others call ‘tweener,’ the Hawks would call ‘versatile.’

    If Walker somehow fell to the mid-late 2nd round, he would be a potential steal.

    • Kenny Sloth

      What are the character issues?

      He’s a coach’s son and all I’ve heard was how he’s like a coach on the field himself.

    • DLep

      Perhaps, but if he’s a middling athlete that is not the kind of player the Seahawks typically target.

  29. Peanut

    Kelvin Beachum hitting FA, any thoughts?

    • Rob Staton

      Pass from me.

      Had a bad year for Jacksonville and Pittsburgh were happy to move on.

  30. Jason

    I know we have been salivating about Bolles if he falls. What happens if Ramzyck is there? Do we pick him over Reddick, Baker, etc.?

    • Rob Staton

      I would take Reddick over Ramcyzk.

    • Joshua Smith

      I would prefer Ramzyck over those two, but his hip injury scares me. I doubt Ramzyck will be available and so my pick for the Seahawks out of the realistic possibilities is Demarcus Walker from FSU. We are an average pass rushing team at best in my opinion.

      • bankhawk

        Its Reddick in my book. That injury history makes me a bit skittish regarding Ramzyck.

        • Smitty1547

          A lot easier to find a LB than a LT Ramzyck as long as his medical checks out

  31. Ed

    Oh my. Not sure who Will Brinson is, but could be the worst mock draft of all time. Not sure if I can put link here, so you can delete if necessary Rob. Just terrible.

    http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2017-nfl-mock-draft-three-quarterbacks-taken-in-top-10-by-browns-jets-and-bills/

    • Rob Staton

      Any mock that has Fournette dropping that far can be disregarded immediately.

      • Ed

        And 3 QB top 10.
        Redskins taking WR in 1st back to back years.
        3 OT taken before Bolles.

        The list goes on. Will Brinson, you are awful. How do you get press credentials?

  32. vrtkolman

    Lots of left tackles hitting the free agency market. Clady, Beachum, and now Brandon Albert. Maybe Okung to follow? Do you guys think any of the three I mentioned above are good fits? Clady would be a fantastic zone blocking LT…. 5 years ago. He’s falling apart. Beachum is undersized and spent most of his Jacksonville career on the injury report. Albert is kind of interesting, but his skills have been degrading the last few years.

    • All I see is 12s

      Looks like the fins are trying to trade albert

  33. nichansen01

    I would be very annoyed to see New England acquire Rueben Foster.

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