You'll probably see a similar image in seven days
In seven days time we’ll know the identity of Seattle’s latest first round pick. Here’s a few thoughts as we prepare for the home straight…
John Schneider speaks
Seattle’s GM has been talking to the media and offered a couple of interesting quotes:
“We’re not gonna pass up a really good player if he doesn’t fit into what we do.”
“You can’t just manufacture a guy, create him… that’s when you get in trouble.”
“(It’s a) really cool place to pick” – On owning the #12 pick
“He’s not gonna be there (at 12). Hes gonna be drafted high.” – On Ryan Tannehill
Before last year’s draft, Schneider was pretty open and honest about the team’s ambitions without really giving much away. He talked about the desire to move down, which was very real, and about the need to get bigger up front. It’s perhaps telling that he’s not advertising the team’s pick quite so aggressively this time, although that may purely be a negotiating strategy with the team owning a pick 13-places higher in round one.
When he says #12 is a cool place to pick, I believe him. I think it is a cool place to pick. That’s not to say the team are totally against any opportunity to trade out of the spot, but I think they’ll quite happily draft a player in that position and feel comfortable with the choice. There are two slightly contradictory quotes – the claim of not passing on a player if he isn’t an obvious scheme fit, while also arguing you can’t manufacture or ‘create’ a prospect. There’s probably a ‘lost in translation’ aspect here that separates the two quotes. Even so, I think you could file this under the Seahawks being willing to consider a prospect who isn’t an obvious scheme fit, but needing that player to have a track record at the position you’re drafting him to play. Think outside of the box for the player/position, but it’ll be a guy who knows what he’s doing.
And the Seahawks won’t be drafting Ryan Tannehill, as Schneider admits. Speaking of Tannehill…
Where does Ryan Tannehill go?
It’s a question I’m struggling to answer. A lot of people seem to love the guy, with a lot of ‘always had him in the top-15‘ type comments doing the rounds at the moment. I go back and watch the Texas tape, the Oklahoma tape, the Oklahoma State tape – and I feel like I’m watching a different guy. He has undoubted potential and I’d never argue he’s a lost cause, destined to be a total disaster upon entering the NFL. Yet I have some pretty serious reservations because some of his turnovers and decisions as a bona fide starter last year were awful. Yes – he had a lot of dropped passes. At the same time – he played behind an offensive line that kept him cleaner than any quarterback in the NCAA not named Kellen Moore. So why so many mistakes in big games?
I’m very much part of the group that sees quarterback as king in the NFL. If you’re a team that needs a quarterback and you believe in Ryan Tannehill, then go for it. I wouldn’t personally draft the guy in the first round. But I also understand quarterbacks who aren’t head-cases with plus athleticism and arm strength will go early. In an era where Christian Ponder goes 12th overall, Ryan Tannehill can go in the top-10.
I doubt he goes to Cleveland, they surely must take Trent Richardson and build a productive run-game in the AFC North with the league’s next superstar. As soon as the Browns pass on a quarterback, it gets interesting. With Mike Sherman now working in Miami, what kind of a review would it be if the Dolphins passed on Tannehill? Some people believe they will – in favor of a defensive end or even a receiver to replace Brandon Marshall. The Dolphins worked out Brock Osweiler and could also consider Brandon Weeden or Kirk Cousins outside of the first round. A precedent was set by Cincinnati last year with AJ Green and Andy Dalton, and this is a copy-cat league. When many people expected Brady Quinn to be a Dolphin, Miami took Ted Ginn.
Tanehill’s floor appears to be Kansas City at #11 if you believe the rumors. Yet I’d love to see the reaction of the Chiefs’ war-room if Mike Sherman couldn’t convince the Dolphins to draft the guy – or if he even advised them not to. Would KC second-guess the pick? Probably not, but I’d love to see the reaction and subsequent discussion. The Seahawks will benefit from Tannehill going in the top-10 as it almost certainly increases the number of pass-rushers being available at #12. Essentially, it makes sense for John Schneider to promote Tannehill’s top-10 credentials (see above).
What will the Rams do at #6?
There’s a lot of talk right now that St. Louis will pass on Justin Blackmon in preference of a defensive tackle like Fletcher Cox. I can see the line of thinking – and St. Louis needs an interior presence to compliment their edge rushers. However, it’s an idea concocted seemingly on Fisher’s previous history for the Titans and his desire to build ‘in the trenches’. That is partly true, and Fisher’s reign over the Oilers/Titans franchise always seemed to include a solid offensive and defensive line. But let’s look at the facts here. Fishers joined the team as Head Coach in 1994. The following year, they drafted quarterback Steve McNair. Over the next 16 years, the franchise used first round picks on the following positions:
QB’s – 1 (Vince Young)
RB’s – 2 (Lorenzo White, Chris Johnson)
WR’s – 2 (Kevin Dyson, Kenny Britt)
DE’s – 3 (Kenny Holmes, Jevon Kearse, Derrick Morgan)
DT’s – 1 (Albert Haynesworth)
LB’s – 1 (Keith Bullock)
DB’s – 3 (Andre Woolfork, Pacman Jones, Michael Griffin)
So in 1.6 decades with the franchise, Fisher’s franchise didn’t spend a top-pick on the offensive line and only used one pick on a defensive tackle. Four offensive skill position players were drafted in round one, along with three defensive backs and three defensive ends. St. Louis have the edge rushers, but they don’t have any outside threat at receiver and they could use an upgrade at cornerback/safety. Admittedly, Fisher wasn’t the only person involved in making the picks listed above – but if we’re using previous history to project the direction of the Rams at #6, then it doesn’t necessarily point to Fletcher Cox or a defensive tackle.
What I don’t think the Seahawks will do
Some people think Seattle’s secondary has the potential to be the best in the league (Peter King). Some think the Seahawks need to consider drafting a cornerback in round one (an increasing number of people, which I find surprising). The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. There’s a lot of young talent at corner and safety and it’s a unit that really took a step forward last year. The re-signing of Marcus Trufant offers veteran depth, while Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner provided a nice partnership at corner.
I can also see the argument that carries some suspicion with Browner, who struggled at times in coverage and made up for it with big plays. He’s approaching 30 and may not necessarily be a long term feature at the position. I also buy into the opinion that argues you can never have enough good corners or wide receivers.
Even so, I think it’s a virtual lock that the Seahawks will not be drafting a cornerback in round one this year. I believe Pete Carroll and John Schneider see the secondary as an area they can exploit. Add scheme-fit players for low value then coach them up. It’s already made the likes of Sherman, Browner and Kam Chancellor household names, while Earl Thomas has had a major impact as a first round pick. The team can probably keep adding quality depth without the top end investment, allowing them to continue working on other areas. And even if Browner isn’t quite the player some believe, he deserves a chance to start next year. That would probably change if Morris Claiborne was available – but he won’t be. And I doubt Stephon Gilmore and Dre Kirkpatrick will be graded highly enough to warrant the investment.
The depth at linebacker in this class and the re-signing of Leroy Hill decreases the likelihood of a linebacker being drafted in round one – and maybe in round two. Maybe. I don’t expect the Seahawks to draft for offense in round one unless Trent Richardson suffers an unlikely fall. This has always been about the pass rush in round one. Don’t expect to see a quarterback taken in the first two rounds. You probably aren’t expecting that anyway.
Try not to overreact
Pete Carroll and John Schneider made some pretty out-there picks in 2011.
“Who is KJ Wright?”
“I didn’t like Richard Sherman in that one game!”
“Kris Durham? Is he a kicker?”
“Why are they drafting James Carpenter in round one when Andy Dalton is still on the board?” (YAWN)
Since the dynamic-duo drafted a left tackle with their first pick in Seattle in 2010, very little has been conventional. Yet they’ve since managed to set a trend for big, physical corners, helped promote a penchant for elite safety play and who’d bet against the run-first offense making a comeback league-wide? Nobody projected James Carpenter would be the team’s pick in round one last year and they’ve risked the wrath of the meaningless draft grades that appear on the internet moments after the event concludes.
So while you’re perusing the numerous high-profile mock drafts and listening to the talking heads over the next seven days, don’t be too upset if the Seahawks do what most people would call the unexpected. Rest assured it’s just part of the plan – a plan that so far has worked pretty well.
Mike Mayock on Whitney Mercilus
“I think on the positive side, there’s production, albeit one-year production which scares some teams, crazy numbers for one year, which begs the question, where were you before then. However, when you look at what he is on tape, he’s a natural pass rusher. He’s a natural edge rusher. He’s got excellent take off. He understands how to work up the field. Does he need to learn technique and more pass rush moves? Yes, because right now, like a lot of gifted college kids, he depends on his speed to win.
“What I would say, so he’s one of the most gifted natural pass rushers in this draft. What I would say is that even though he repped out 225 27 times and the numbers look good, on tape he can struggle at the point of attack in the run game. And I think that’s the biggest concern that if you draft him today in the first round, how many snaps are you going to get out of him. Maybe it will be similar to what [Aldon] Smith did in San Francisco; a situational pass rusher that’s disruptive and effective, and he will grow into that point of attack role where he’ll be a three-down player. But I think that’s really the only side is can he be stout enough at the point of attack down the road to justify being a first-round pick.”
Greg Cosell on Courtney Upshaw
“He’s similar style player as Pittsburgh’s (Lamar) Woodley: 3-4 OLB who’s more of power rusher than speed rusher.”
Jason La Canfora on Vinny Curry
“You don’t hear much about Marshall DE Vinny Curry, but could he be the second outside rusher selected? Wouldn’t shock me. He’s raw, but teams are very interested. He had 13 visits, and late private workouts with teams like the Jets, Lions and Eagles. He could be in play starting around No. 14, depending on what happens up top. He’s someone a lot of teams wanted to spend some time with and learn a little more about. Knocks have emerged on other defensive ends over time. I can’t help but wonder if Curry ends up hearing his name called much higher than many have projected, similar to a Tyson Alualu a couple years back.”
You had a source who gave you insight, will that happen this year?
Thanks Rob for all your hard work putting all this together for us. My daily fix has increased to the point that I check this site 2-3 times daily. With the draft only a week away it’s hard to get as much done as I need to because all I want to do is surf all the draft sites. Never I have I been this excited for the Seahawks. We are young and the future is as BRIGHT at it ever has, PC/JS are doing a remarkable job. The dreaded Ruskell drafts are long gone:).
Todays Seahawk mock:
Round 1- Quinton Coples, DE
Round 2-Ronnell Lewis, OLB
Round 3-Brock Osweiler, QB
Round 4-Robert Turbin, RB
Round 6-BPA O,D
Round 7-BPA D,O
Later I will post a twist on this Seahawk mock with trades assuming Coples is already off the board. I would love to see others post their choices too. Its time my friends to share your “inner mock” lol.
Mij – We’ve taken some info like last year. We’re not telegraphing it though, we’ve fed it in gradually as part of this year’s coverage.
If we got Upshaw, Martin, and then a linebacker in round 3, would you take Dwight Jones in round 4 if available?
I really enjoyed that read. 😀
Thanks
Rob, you’ve lamented to the possibility of Coples since early on, but kind of dialed it back of late. The Jason Jones signing makes it less likely to me just because they are similar players with similar builds and skill sets and because Coples played his best football at DT in 2010. I also believe Coples lack of effort and personality go against a lot of this front office’s ideals.
However, I have two questions and a scenario. Do you still view that pick as a possibility? Where does he get on the field if he is the pick?
To me, they aren’t going to pick a one-down player to sub in for Red on passing downs at LDE and between Jones, Mebane, and Branch there are a lot of big mouths to feed at DT already. A fourth would be a little much. The only way I could see Coples making any sense at all is if they picked him, dealt Clemons on draft day for picks, and put him at Leo or if they dealt one of Branch or Mebane and insert him into the rotations at both DT and DE. Mebane would be unlikely so probably Branch.
Not calling this a likely scenario, more just exploring the (un)likelihood of the Seahawks drafting Coples and also how they could possibly use him if they did.
Thoughts?
Fantastic work Rob – loving every write up of your’s during the build up to April 26.
You’ve successfully argued for pass rush help in Round 1; I’ll be disappointed if any other position player is called at #12. I’m ready for Polk or Miller in Rd 2, willing to wait for LB help and depth in the secondary in the mid-late rounds.
It’s a strange feeling to have such confidence in this front office – your caption on the photo up top was perfect.
I would like to have Coples with the 12 even though it has been stated (Mayock) and others that the potential for bust is higher then most. However when I look at his last two years of production they are about the same 2011 G/GS 13/12, TKL 59, TKFL 15.5, sacks 10. 2012 13/13, 55, 15 and 7.5. The big thing I remember is that he lost his coach Butch Davis and if you believe what he and some other former players say, they missed Butch and didn’t buy into the new coaching staff.
I am happy with these players:
Coples
Upshaw
D Hightower
L.David
Z. Brown
J. Massaquoi
R. Lewis
V. Curry
A. Ta’amu
D. Wislon
L. Miller
L.James
R.Hillman
R. Turbin
Al Jeffrey
A. Toon
S. Hill
V. Burfict
S. Spence
B. Osweiler
K. Cousins
R. Wilson
Each offers a unique set of skills the Seahawks definitely could use, the big job now is when to take them and are they available.
My mock would go like this: (It’s risky but has a huge upside)
Coples DE
A. Jeffrey WR
Doug Martin RB
Vontaze Burfict ILB
Russel Wilson QB
Nigel Bradham OLB
Brandon Washington OG
I’m really not sure what the difference in playing style is between Coples and Upshaw. Both are used to playing up on the line as a defensive end. Neither would be expected to drop back and cover a tight end or running back. So if you don’t see a role for Coples, what is Upshaws role? Will he be played at linebacker and not play on the line? Does calling a defensive end an elephant somehow give them different roles?
I just finished watching Path-to-the-Draft on NFL network. They interviewed Tim Ruskell and asked him about a few of this year’s edge rusher prospects. Tim really liked Courtney Upshaw as a 4-3 DE (and not so much as a 3-4 OLB). He minimized the concerns about Upshaw’s lack of ideal height/arm length at the 4-3 DE position, saying that Upshaw’s power and technique will compensate for those issues, and compared Upshaw to Hugh Douglas (a pro-bowl DE who played for the Jets and Eagles during the 90’s). Tim said that Upshaw should be drafted by a 4-3 team between #10 and #20.
Nice summary of the random quotes and tid bits, Rob.
The quote that sticks out for me, and I might be paraphrasing/butchering a bit, but it’s our need/desire for “front 7 speed and touchdown makers”.
Our FO has been honest (albeit vague, thankfully) about areas of focus in the past and I think our first 3-4 picks will follow that trend. Front 7 speed and touchdown makers. Probably shouldn’t be a surprise realavation since that’s area PC/JS has largely neglected in their first 2 drafts sans Golden Tate; early anyway.
Rob,
Any opinion on Terrell Turner, DE from Oregon?
I’m very high on him, and would love the Seahawks to get him in the middle rounds or so.
Just thought I’d put up my ideal draft for the Hawks:
1- Courtnay Upshaw, OLB
2- Bobby Wagner, ILB
3- Greg Childs, WR
4- Robert Turbin, RB
6- Drake Dunsmore, TE
7- Best available of (in this order): Cousins/A Davis/C Harnish/R Lindley/R Wilson, QB
With trades, I’d send next year’s 2nd round pick and this year’s 4th to Cleveland for their 3rd rounder and 6th rounder if Polk was still available at pick 3.4 and then my draft would be
1- Upshaw, OLB
2- Wagner, ILB
3- Polk, RB
3- Childs, WR
6- Cliff Harris, DE
6- Dunsmore, TE
7- Best QB available as above
My favored draft would go something like this…
1. Upshaw
2. Martin,Miller,Kendricks,Brown
3. Kendricks,Polk
4. Wilson
Of course if we get a rb in the 2nd, Kendricks would have to fall to the 3rd. How likely do you think that would happen?
I think my “ideal” draft would have to involve a trade down, and would look something like this…
1. Decastro (somewhere in the high teens… 2013 picks in return please?)
2. Mercilus/Chandler Jones/Nick Perry (in that order)
3. Lamar Miller (His style is a much better compliment to beast mode that the other HBs)
4. Tank Carder (or best LB available if someone like Kendricks or Brown falls… unlikely)
of course whatever the Seahawks do will be just fine by me, as I have the utmost confidence in PC/JS… Can’t wait!
1. Kalil(hawks trade #12 this year and number one next year with the vikes for number 3)
2. Hightower
3.Turbin(Hawks trade back with the Jets and pick up an extra #7 this year)
4.BPA WR…Hemingway
5. Cousins
6.L. James
7. BPA DE…?
Hey Rob,
Is there any way to do a competition to see who can get the best mock draft compared to the real draft? It can’t be that hard to set-up, have people write in their 32 or 64 picks for all teams, and then guess as to the Seahawk picks in the next rounds. Or, even better, just do a 32 team mock draft, and then give the “big board” of favorite players and where they might be taken by the Hawks (say a limit of 3 or so options per round, more for first rounds, by order of importance).
Anyways, here is my “big board” of players I’ve scouted and like for the first few rounds:
1rst round (early):
Trent Richardson
Courtney Upshaw
Melvin Ingram
Justin Blackmon
Quinton Coples
1rst round (if we trade down):
David DeCastro
Whitney Mercilus
Michael Floyd
Dont’a Hightower
Mark Barron
2nd round:
Vinny Curry
Doug Martin
Lamar Miller
Zach Brown
Kevin Zeitler
Andre Branch
Lavonte David
Sean Spence
Coby Fleener
Reuben Randle
Other rounds:
Chris Polk
Russel Wilson
Kirk Cousins
LaMichael James
Brock Osweiler
Michael Egnew
Vontaze Burfict
For what it’s worth.
As long as we’re doing favorite draft possibilities
1. Donta Hightower MLB/SLB (trade down 8-10 spots adding a late 2nd)
2. Chandler Jones DE
2. Mychal Kendricks WLB
3. Chris Polk RB
4. Bruce Irvin LEO
6. Kelcie McCray S
7. Best CB available- Greenwood, Pellerin, Jackson, Bethel (small school guys fall?)
Staying at #12 I’d be happy with any of these guys
1. Donta Hightower / Courntey Upshaw / Melvin Ingram
2. Chandler Jones / Mychal Kendricks / Lavonte David / Doug Martin
3. Chris Polk / Sean Spence / Trumaine Johnson
4. Bruce Irvin / Robert Turbin / George Iloka / Josh Norman
6&7. Miles Burris, CBs (Brooks, Menzie, Fletcher, Small Schoolers), Ss (McCray, Thompson), Best QBs (Davis, Kinne, Thomas), Akiem Hicks (Red clone)
I believe the Hawks list look like this:
1st
Upshaw
Couples
Ingram
Floyd
Richardson
Mercilus
Couples
2nd
Kendricks
Curry
Martin
Miller
David
Jeffrey
ONE week guys! As PC would say, I’m frigging jacked up!
3-7th
I haven’t got a clue…
If you are one of those (like me) who believes that the number one priority of the Seahawks is to improve their pass rush, then you have got to ask yourself how certain you are that the pass rushers that might be available at #12 (e.g., Ingram/Coples/Upshaw) are that much better than those who might be around later in the first round or early in the second (e.g., McClellan, Curry, Perry). In other words, I’m having trouble convincing myself that using the #12 pick on a pass rusher will be more productive than using a later pick on one. So, I’m leaning towards trading back and then using the first pick on a pass rusher, or — if we can’t trade back — using the #12 on a player who might have a bigger impact. The guys I’m intrigued with are Fleener and Martin — but picking either at #12 is probably a reach. Just shows me how tough it must be for the front office to make the right decisions…..
The way that I interpret what John said is that scheme wise – we are going to take the best player available even if some project this player as a 3-4 OLB (Upshaw???).
I don’t think the next comment contradicts himself when he says you can’t “create” a player in that you can’t build a great 4-3 DE out of something that isn’t their – motor, heart, desire, work ethic, etc. (Coples???)
I’ll throw mine into the mix… An admitted dream scenario.
1. Trade down about 8 spots (acquire a 2nd).
1. Dont’a Hightower – SLB.
2A. Coby Fleener – TE (Pipe Dream I know – but maybe: Steven Hill – WR)
2B. Mychal Kendricks – WLB
3. Bruce Irvin – LEO
4. Josh Chapman – DT (If pipe dream is burst: Ladarius Green – TE)
6. Tank Carder or Vontaze Burfict – MLB
7. Janzen Jackson – CB/S
UDFA Priorities: Lennon Creer – RB, Sean Catthouse – S, Andrew Datko – T
With one week to go, I’m less convinced now then ever what the Seahawks will do. There are plenty of needs, but seemingly tons of ways to fill them. Like Phil said above would pass rush problems be alleviated as easily later as they would be earlier?
Rob has made a consistent ang cogent argument for Upshaw, and for many reasons I see it, the tape, the conference, scheme fit…his lack of speed when running 40 yards down field doesn’t bother me, since he’s not a WR or a 3rd down back. As for the others tied around us at this time, Coples and Ingram, I would just pass. I’m not going to try and explain it, there’s just something about both that I don’t like.
The last thing at draft time that I always get hungup on is the idea of “Reach.” Example, we have two TE’s that combined still aren’t that great, and one possibly good to great TE. In the “we need TD makers,” mold how would Fleener be a reach? Simply because draft pundits say he should go at 24(ish) then that’s a reach? I don’t buy it. I’m not advocating taking him, but if a super fast, willing though not great yet blocker, who is his size is available and you think he’s going to “make TD’s” then how is that a reach? The central problem I have with the idea is that, if you don’t take the players you want there stands to be another team that would like them as well.
And the final thing I can’t wait to figure out on draft day is if/where movement in the rounds takes place. Nearly every team seems to have a a fan base that believes due in part to the Patriots that moving back for more picks is the answer to their ails. One could argue that the patriots plan is slowly not paying dividends for their team a they seem to be missing the “quality” portion of their choices and just going for quantity. Every year at draft time there appears to be a good deal of players in the mid rounds that you would like to stock up on. The problem is not every team is going to be able to move down, and I expect movement in the draft but the idea that the Seahawks move down from say 12 to 18 to pick up a third or something just strikes me as generalized timidity at the prospect of having to go with your gut on a player.
Anyways next week! Can’t wait!
And the trade down mock:
1. Trade down 6 spots for a 3rd and a fifth: Courtney Upshaw.
2. Andre Branch
3. George Iloka, Chris Polk
4. Bobby Wagner
5. Russel Wilson
6. Miles Burris LB San Diego State
7. Ryan Miller OG Colorado State
UDFA: Dale Moss WR South Dakota
And the “why are those dopes in South Alaska even allowed at the draft?” draft:
1. Trade With dallas for a third:
Seahawks Select one of the most versatile players in the draft: Shea McClellin,
2. Then the Seahawks trade down again in the second to Denver for Denver’s 4th and next years second so the Broncos can pick Brock Osweiler and the Seahawks take:
Chandler Jones
3. In the third they take Ladarius Green and Gregg Childs
4. Robert Turbin….and Bruce Irvin who does nothing except special teams and the super occasional only when it’s not a total liability spells Leroy Hill, only to go on to his second year and tear it up on three downs.
5. Derrick Wolfe DT
6. Still Miles Burris
7. Still Ryan Miller
Udfa: A hand written letter to Chandler Harnish
This is my dream draft. However, JS/PC have earned my trust to do whatever they think is best. go ‘hawks.
1. Courtney Upshaw
2. Dont’a Hightower
3. Chris Polk
4. Kirk Cousins
6. Nate Potter
7. Vontaze Burfict
I’ll throw mine into the mix as well.
I’d also prefer a trade down….. The same players apply for me if we drop down.
Wildcards- I would take Blackmon or Richardson #12 if they drop.
Blackmon in a heartbeat.
Ranked in order:
1st round pick – Whitney Mercilus/DE
(Hightower, Coples, Luke Kuechly, Ingram, Upshaw)
2nd round pick – Rueben Randle/WR (Assuming Hightower is gone)
(S. Hill, Jeffrey, Martin, Miller, Kendricks)
****Sure would like to add a LB right here with extra pick****
3rd round pick – C. Polk/RB
(L. James, Shea McClellin, B. Irvin, Turbin)
4th round pick – Darron Thomas/QB
(K. Moore, Weeden, Cousins, Osweiler, Foles)
No 5th – We should at least get this back
6th round pick – Top rated LB on board
(Case Keenum, R. Wilson – QB
(I. Pead, D. Wilson, V. Ballard, Ganaway, Meggett, Rainey – RB)
7th round pick – Top rated OG on board
I had a hard time with fitting in a LB, which I think is a pretty big need.
Hightower in a trade down might be best to plug that hole.
Or if we can get an extra pick in the top 3 rounds that would be sweet.
A curveball draft (don’t think this will happen)…
1. S Mark Barron
2. Pass Rusher Vinny Curry or Nick Perry
3. RB Lamar Miller or David Wilson (I think one if not both will fall and Polk will go earlier)
4. LB Demario Davis (versatile, can fill multiple roles at a high level)
6. OL Senio Kalemete (fits the versatility Cable likes)
These guys always throw curveballs. This is my guess as to what it is.
Adam- I have thought of the Kalil possibility. Imagine Okung playing right tackle and Kalil playing Left. Freaking ridiculous we might have to give up another pick to move up though. All this talk about Minnesota maybe trading or not picking Kalil makes me ponder. Where would Kalil fall to IF Minny doesn’t select him? Could we trade up for that pick and offer less.
I’ll throw two possibilities out there,
If the Hawks stay at 12 and keep their 6 pick:
12. Mark Barron, This was a coin flip, even though I have been saying spending and pick on an offensive linemen makes no sense, the more I watch Cordy glenn, the more I like the kid, but Schneider’s comments yesterday made me think they might be doing something a little out of the box. and switching up the defense a little and running a base 4-2-5, With Thomas and Barron at safety and Kam playing the roverm spot as a hybrid OLB/S.
43. Chandler Jones – something about this kid and the way he uses his hands has me thinking he can be a good pass rusher for the Hawks and develop into more than just a situational pass rusher.
75. Tank Carder – Fills the OLB spot well and this guy brings the wood, while filling out the adding speed to the front 7 that PC and JS are looking to do. Tough not to go Chris Polk here, but I think adding to the defense takes priority in the first 3 rounds, since Schneider and Carroll know they are close to having one of the league’s elite defenses.
106. Cyrus Gray – the do it all back from Texas A&M fills in perfectly as the back-up to MarShawn Lynch. Gray is the do it all type back that Carroll and Bevell are looking for.
181. Jeff Fuller – the kid needs some polish but can be a big red zone target for Matt Flynn.
225. Andrew Datko – Injuries with his shoulders drop him this far down, but the kid could add depth at tackle.
Now the trade down scenario:
The Hawks make a deal with the Steelers moving down to 24 and picking up the Steelers 2nd rounder this year, and some 2013 picks.
24. Dont’a Hightower – Scheme versitile, can move down and play end and can be a big force at LB. He should be back to 100% from his knee injury a few years back, and is an athletic frea, according to ex-teamamte and NFL backer Ronaldo McClain.
43. Chandler Jones – same as above.
56. Bobbie Massie – he has been rising as of late, but this kid is athletic and big, and is a perfect fit to compete with Giocomini for the right tackle spot.
75. Brian Quick – Big. Tall, Atheltic receiver, who can be a Touchdown maker that Pete Carroll has talked about.
106. Nigel Bradham – can be that third young LB along with Wright and Hightower, giving Pete Carroll the big rangy athletic linebacking crew he loves.
181. Kheeston Randell – adds rotational depth along the defensive line, was asked to play more of the nose role and eat space at Texas, but also as some interior pass rush ability.
225. Bryce Brown – This kid has talent, but couldn’t get on the field in college for a number of reasons. He is a perfect fit for what Carroll and Bevell want out of a back and I think PC can motivate the kid and get him to be the perfect back-up running back for Marshawn Lynch.
I know the two drafts are different, but I think the extra picks gave me a few different avenues each way all while improving the team and filling holes.
Like I said in the non-trade scenario, Cordy Glenn is a guy that is really growing on me, and to me is the third best linemen in the draft behind Kalil and Konz, but since he can play RT and guard, he has more value at 13. But the lure to get faster on defense lead to the Barron pick.
After listening to some JS sound bites on 710 yesterday, he wasn’t referring to this draft with the “can’t manufacture a player” talk. He was talking about the previous two drafts where they didn’t draft quarterbacks. They couldn’t make a quarterback they liked and could draft appear out of thin air, so they just didn’t take one.
Jazz, I don’t think Kalil would fall far at all…if the Vikes pass on him…maybe they grab Claiborne? If that happens i think it would be a trade up scenario for Kalil. Maybe Cable breaks some chairs in the draft room and the hawks make a bold move for Kalil? I like it…alot, yet it is not JS’s style(trading up!)…so i have my doubts, but it’s a move that would silence the QOTF talk that must be irksome to PS/JS, i mean the NFC West is the new AFC North…perhaps.
Good lord…KJR debating what has more value…a great DE or OG. WHAT IS GOING ON! How is this debatable? There’s all this talk of “NEEDING” to recreate Walt/Hutch. Once again, how many Super Bowls did we win with them? It’s totally unnecessary and again I need to bring up the Browns and Dolphins as recent examples of unnecessarily spending high picks on OL while neglecting more important positions. It’s so frustrating to think that a great OG is going to put us over the hump while our defense is scratching the surface of elite despite a non-existent pass rush.
I like DeCastro, but if he isn’t the top OG in the NFL, it’s a wasted pick. Same thing I was arguing about Aaron Curry. I didn’t say he was going to be terrible, but I did argue that he would need to be hands down elite to justify draft position. When we pick in the 20s next year, then take a luxury pick (MLB, OG, TE).
I agree MJ… I really like DeCastro. But, he is not worth a pick at #12 for us, nor any other Olinemen.
Our O-line has been drafted over and over the last few years. How can we afford to keep spending early picks on them? We need playmakers/speed.
At some point, you just need to move on or find a different method to fix it. I really think these guy’s will come together anyway. I like Moffit a lot, and I think Carpenter could come around still. Okung is real good, he just needs to stay healthy. And we have some others that give us solid depth I think. You can fill OG late in the draft anyway.
I don’t think they will go that route. Tannehill is my big worry. They are saying a lot of things like “He won’t be there”, etc. Well, what if he is? Then we take him? UGH.
I sure hope not.
I’m thinking and hoping it’s just draft hear say to throw other teams off. But, I’m really hoping he’s gone before us just to make sure. This is the one pick I would hate.
Even with my concerns over Upshaw, at least I still like the guy and think it would give us some great run support and pop. Tannehill I do not like whatsoever.
I’m glad KC is in front of us. They could take him if Miami/Cleve don’t.
Hawk fin – Amen. Right there with you. Not wanting DeCastro doesn’t mean he is bad or I don’t like him. It’s just the value. He would have to become the best in the business for it to be worth it. Might be an unfair statement, but RG is simply not worth it. Agreed as well about Tannehill. That proposition terrifies me. He played on a loaded team and could not do jack squat against good teams. Locker was very rough last year, but on a crappy team he made some nice comebacks and made big throws in big situations. Tannehill has talent, but I would take Wilson all day over him (see comebacks and big throws in critical situations).
Some interesting take-aways from Mike Mayock’s conference call. Mayock, along with Greg Cosell, is the most respected draft analyst, and really helps sort through the clutter. Mayock said:
– Luke Kuechly is the best coverage Mike LB he has ever seen. A 3-down player in all circumstances.
– Chandler Jones projects the best of the bunch of DEs (Mercilus, Perry, Branch, Curry). Potential growth to 6-5 and 280 with pure speed, exceptionally long arms, and ideal intangibles. Worthy of the #12 pick.
– Speaking of intangibles, Mayock does not like Coples. He would not take him on his team in the first two rounds.
Richardson is my favorite RB to come out in the draft since Faulk. That being said, would it be a good idea to draft him if he did fall? He and Lynch both seem to be at their best when they get 20+ carries a game. Would either be able to maximize their potential splitting touches with each other? I’d love to see him in a hawks uniform but can’t help but think if he was there at 12 it might be better to trade down.
I’m guessing Softy was leading the charge on DeCastro? We all know Softy is the biggest homer ever, and his claim to fame is playing for Bellevue High School, interestingly enough, DeCastro is the pride of Bellevue High School.
Elise said a few weeks back that since she watched Stanford run all over teams that give DeCastro now.
I agree with you two Hawkfin and MJ, and I’ll even go one step farther that DeCastro is the 4th best offensive lineman in this draft, yes I said at best. DeCastro is a solid technician in the mold of Eric Steinbach, he is tough yes, but he is a technician and I think he and Martin are both slightly over rated.
If the Hawks want to continue to develop into a good team they need to focus high draft picks on other areas, not keep throwing 1st round picks at the offensive line. I’m a guy who wants to build the most elite, physical, tough and dominanting offensive and defensive lines in the NFL in Seattle, but talent needs to be spread around.
The whole we need to build a dominant offensive line so let’s have 5 first round picks on it arguement, gets me going almost as much as the they are safe picks. Safe picks, got Tim Ruskell’s a** canned, and saved the Hawks from any more years of draft complementary players instead of drafting the core of the team and adding free agent to suppliment what was drafted and is the foundation of the team.
FWBrodie – Great questions. On Coples, I am mixed. I was asked by Mij about inside information, well let’s just say it’s extremely likely the Seahawks will draft a pass rusher in round one. Coples is a pass rusher, so by definition he fits. I am led to believe Seattle are not as concerned – or at least weren’t concerned around the time of the Senior Bowl – about the perceived ‘motivational’ issues surrounding Coples. However, they perhaps have other concerns such as run defense. That’s what I’m hearing. I wouldn’t rule Coples out, but I think the key thing to remember here are – the importance of stopping the run in this defense. So I don’t rule Coples out, but maybe there are other they prefer? We’ll see what happens. Where would he play? I would’ve said the Jason Jones role before Jason Jones signed for Seattle. That’s another reason why I’ve gone cold on that potential deal.
Alaska – if Upshaw/Ingram played the line, they’d be required to play in space in the role we’ve suggested. I don’t think Coples can do that role.
Carl Shinyama – Not a player that stood out on tape. I prefer Logan Harrell and Frank Alexander.
Chris – We ran a mock competition last year and had hardly any entrants. Please feel free to post mocks in the comments section though or email rob@seahawksdraftblog.com. I will publish a few.
Blake – thanks for clearing that up
MJ – There’s a lot of David DeCastro love on KJR. It won’t happen. Good player, but the Seahawks are going defense in round one this year.
I saw a few posts like mine that also had Vontaze Burfict, even with all the problems and drama he brings I do think he will go between rounds 3-5. Someone will take a chance. Great to see the MANY viewpoints on the Seahawks draft.
Rob, which games did you watch (re: Terrell Turner)?
I love our front office. I’m not sure what they’ll do. They do such a great job of masking any glaring needs ahead of the draft that they allow themselves a ton of flexibility with the draft, prevent having to reach, and also keep everyone else around the league guessing.
My ideal draft is getting Floyd at 12, but I wouldn’t be surprised by really anything at this point. Who knows? Maybe we draft CB Gilmore at 12 to everyone’s surprise? Could happen. I could also see us going way off the board with one of the pass-rushers said to be going later in the draft than expected, like Mercilus or Curry or someone else. I’m getting very excited.