Post-combine mock draft: 7th March

Here we go then — the post-combine, pre-free agency mock draft (including a seven-round Seahawks projection). Trades are included and noted below:

Trade A
Buffalo trades #10, #43 and a 2018 pick to Chicago for the #3 pick
The Bills appear set to move on from Tyrod Taylor and have been aggressive in the past (Sammy Watkins). The Bears welcome the opportunity to trade down.

Trade B
Cleveland trades #12 and #33 to Tennessee for the #5 pick
The Titans are open for business and might be willing to trade down seven spots for the #33 pick in this loaded class. The Browns move up for a quarterback.

Trade C
Tennessee trades #18 to New Orleans for Brandin Cooks
The Titans get a proven, dynamic receiver and the Saints get another pick to help rebuild their defense.

#1 Cleveland — Myles Garrett (EDGE, Texas A&M)
#2 San Francisco — Solomon Thomas (DE, Stanford)
#3 Buffalo (via Chi) — Deshaun Watson (QB, Clemson)
#4 Jacksonville — Malik Hooker (S, Ohio State)
#5 Cleveland (via Ten) — Mitch Trubisky (QB, North Carolina)
#6 New York Jets — Garett Bolles (T, Utah)
#7 San Diego — Jamal Adams (S, LSU)
#8 Carolina — Leonard Fournette (RB, LSU)
#9 Cincinnati — Taco Charlton (EDGE, Michigan)
#10 Chicago (via Buf) — John Ross (WR, Washington)
#11 New Orleans — Haason Reddick (LB, Temple)
#12 Tennessee (via Cle) — Sidney Jones (CB, Washington)
#13 Arizona — Patrick Mahomes (QB, Texas Tech)
#14 Philadelphia (via Min) — Marshon Lattimore (CB, Ohio State)
#15 Indianapolis — Reuben Foster (LB, Alabama)
#16 Baltimore — Jarrad Davis (LB, Florida)
#17 Washington — Jabrill Peppers (S, Michigan)
#18 New Orleans (via Ten) — Marlon Humphrey (CB, Alabama)
#19 Tampa Bay — O.J. Howard (TE, Alabama)
#20 Denver — Forrest Lamp (G, Western Kentucky)
#21 Detroit — Charles Harris (EDGE, Missouri)
#22 Miami — Budda Baker (S, Washington)
#23 New York Giants — David Njoku (TE, Miami)
#24 Oakland — Gareon Conley (CB, Ohio State)
#25 Houston — Ryan Ramcyzk (T, Wisconsin)
#26 Seattle — Kevin King (CB, Washington)
#27 Kansas City — Dalvin Cook (RB, Florida State)
#28 Dallas — Justin Evans (S, Texas A&M)
#29 Green Bay — Adoree’ Jackson (CB, LSU)
#30 Pittsburgh — Derek Barnett (DE, Tennessee)
#31 Atlanta — Obi Melifonwu (S, Connecticut)
#32 New England — Christian McCaffrey (RB, Stanford)

Seahawks seven-round projection

R1 — Kevin King (CB, Washington)
R2 — Tyus Bowser (LB, Houston)
R3 — Isaac Asiata (G, Utah)
R3 — George Kittle (TE, Iowa)
R3 — Shalom Luani (S, Washington State)
R6 — Marquez White (CB, Florida State)
R7 — Chris Carson (RB, Oklahoma State)

Mock draft notes

There’s probably only 2-3 legitimate top-10 picks. There’s approximately 80-90 players worthy of a top-60 grade.

The players taken between #11-20 are going to have a slightly better grade than the players taken at #40-45.

For that reason, it’s a really difficult class to project.

For example — I didn’t intend to exclude Corey Davis (WR, Western Michigan) and Mike Williams (WR, Clemson). I just struggled to find a spot for them.

You might argue it’s unrealistic for these two to drop into the second round — but who are we leaving out to make room?

Is there anyone in that #10-32 range that doesn’t deserve a place in the first round? I’d argue no.

And it’s not like Davis and Williams don’t have their issues. Davis won’t workout pre-draft due to injury and both he and Williams are in the ‘good not necessarily great’ category. What stands out with either player, compared to ECU’s Zay Jones or USC’s JuJu Smith-Schuster (for example)?

Jonathan Allen isn’t included due to injury concerns. News about moderate arthritis in both shoulders is significant. We saw a year ago how long-term injury concerns impacted Myles Jack’s stock. He went from sure-fire top-10 pick to second rounder. There’s no doubting Allen’s tape is excellent — but with so many talented alternatives in this draft, you’re going to really need to believe in him to take a chance on his long-term health. He might be a one-contract player.

It’s very possible Davis, Williams and Allen go in the top-20. The fact is though — some really good players are going to be there in round two.

It’s that type of draft.

Other notes

— Haason Reddick at #11? Why not? He’s a notch behind Myles Garrett in terms of explosive traits. New Orleans took Sheldon Richardson at #12 a year ago because of his explosive testing scores. Ryan Shazier was the #15 pick in 2014 and Reddick’s that type of talent.

— Jarrad Davis at #16? Some teams are going to love Davis’ combination of intensity, closing speed, length and love for the game. He’s occasionally compared to Ray Lewis. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Baltimore sees similarities between the two.

— Dalvin Cook dropping to #27? A cursory Google search reveals significant character flags that need checking out. On top of that, he had a thoroughly underwhelming combine. Cook ran a 4.53 three cone. Eddie Vanderdoes — at 305lbs — ran a 4.39.

— Top-45 picks? Corey Davis, Mike Williams, Jonathan Allen, T.J. Watt, Tre’Davious White, Takk McKinley, Quincy Wilson, Cam Robinson, Malik McDowell, Alvin Kamara, Bucky Hodges, Evan Engram, Chidobe Awuzie, Cordrea Tankersley and Fabian Moreau could be in contention.

Notes on the Seahawks

The pick at #26 came down to two freakish athletes — Kevin King and Obi Melifonwu. One player has the freakish athletic profile needed to persuade the Seahawks to take a corner early, the other is a dynamic defensive ‘chess-piece’ capable of playing ‘Buffalo’ and a variety of other roles.

Reports on Monday suggested there’s a belief Melifonwu is ‘soft’. I’m not sold on that. There’s a tendency sometimes to see a freakish athletic profile and then expect to witness Garett Bolles, Myles Garrett and Leonard Fournette-level intensity on tape.

What you see from Melifonwu are 6-8 plays a game where you see the potential. He’ll run through traffic, explode to the ball carrier and deliver a TFL. He’ll cover a crossing route perfectly and show off that terrific form in the broad jump to knock the ball down. He’ll chase down the running back from behind blitzing off the edge. His tackling form is very assured and he can read/react and close comfortably.

This isn’t ‘soft’ football. What teams need to determine is whether he loves ball. He’s quite a passive character overall. He seems like a nice guy. His coaches admit he’s not a big-time vocal leader although he made some improvements in 2016.

Reports suggest the Seahawks have invested a serious amount of time trying to work him out at the Senior Bowl and Combine. I suspect this is an attempt to get a feel for who he is. Will he come out of his shell sharing a locker room with Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor et al?

After all, Kam developed into the heart and soul of this defense. Other personalities on this team have been developed. Bobby Wagner is a good example of this. He’s right up there now in terms of leadership — but it didn’t happen overnight.

If they believe Melifonwu has gritty aspects to his character — they’ll likely back themselves to bring it out. And if that is the case there’s a very good chance he’ll be a Seahawks target at #26. He will be very enticing for this team and could be their guy — as we discussed yesterday.

However, in this mock I went with Kevin King. Pete Carroll specifically stated cornerback, linebacker and O-line were the priority targets this off-season. Melifonwu is a hybrid, King is a corner.

When you run through King’s physical profile, he might be the dream project for an old secondary coach and his younger defensive-coordinator protégé:

— King’s 6.56 three cone was the fastest among cornerbacks this year and it’s the second fastest in the last five years (beaten only by 5-11 Will Davis in 2013).

— His three cone is the seventh best by a corner in the last 12 years (quicker than Patrick Peterson).

— He had easily the fastest short shuttle this year by any player (3.89) and the fourth best time in the last five years.

— Any concerns about his long-speed were misguided and incorrect. He ran a 4.43.

— He’s explosive, recording a 39.5 inch vertical. He didn’t do the broad jump at the combine but managed a 10-10 a year ago at the Husky combine.

— He has the required size (6-3, 200lbs) and length (32 inch arms) this team covets.

What you have here is a player with the deep speed to cover burner’s downfield, the short-area quickness to handle dynamic slot receivers and the size and length to handle big targets and contest the football.

King has so many similar traits to Richard Sherman, only he’s a better athlete.

The question shouldn’t be whether the Seahawks will have any interest in King, it’s whether he’ll even last to pick #26.

The rest of the seven-round projection handles Seattle’s needs. They select a SAM/LEO in Tyus Bowser. They get extra competition on the offensive line with Isaac Asiata — one of the few O-liners who matches their physical profile in this draft. They tap into the tight end class (George Kittle) and find a replacement for Luke Willson. They get depth at safety with one of the grittiest players in the draft (Shalom Luani) and they finish off with another cornerback pick (Marquez White) and some more competition at running back (Chris Carson).

Alternatively, they could take another cornerback in round three (eg Shaq Griffin) or target a versatile linebacker with the potential to provide depth and cover in a handful of spots (Vince Biegel? Alex Anzalone?). With depth on the D-line too, that could be an option between rounds 3-7.

I’m considering doing a live Q&A on the blog (coveritlive style) this week. Let me know in the comments section if this is something you’d be interested in.

And a reminder that free agency begins in earnest today. Here’s one name to monitor:

In case you’re wondering, Schwenke’s TEF score is 3.04.

393 Comments

  1. STUFR

    Rob,
    With the pure number of CBs available that blew up the combine, how far do you think King lasts?

    • Rob Staton

      Late first probably his floor.

    • STUFR

      King is one of my favorites, but I still don’t think the NFL as a whole will have him into the top ten for CBs or the top 15 for DBs overall. Wouldn’t that make it possible he gets to 2.26?

      • Rob Staton

        Doubt it

        • STUFR

          Fair enough, but I would think that Obi is a unique and impactful talent that doesn’t have a comparison in the draft, maybe Reeves-Maybin is a poor man’s version, but not really. I love King, but if he isn’t there guys like Griffin or Whitherspoon will be later.

  2. DLep

    Hmm, Schwenke seems pretty intriguing.

  3. Ed

    So much info Rob, just the best my man.

    I would be pretty happy with that draft. Might switch out Asiata for a higher CB or DT and go OL competition later unless you plan on bumping Ifedi to RT and need another OG.

    Hope the Hawks can get some value DL and OL competition pieces and a CC would be nice, but probably won’t happen. Do you see the Hawks making a big trade either for a player or in the draft?

    • Rob Staton

      If they sign someone like Schwenke I think it’s very possible they avoid OL altogether. A CB like Shaq Griffin could go in that range as an alternative. And that would allow them to take a DL later.

      • C-Dog

        So if Seattle signs Schwenke, are we to expect yet another positional move for Justin Britt? Man, that would almost be comical.

        • Hawks22Fun

          Justin Britt is moving anywhere…they finally have him playing very well…Not sure why they drafted a RT-Ifedi, and LT-Odhiambho last year, and NEITHER got a chance to play their most experienced positions…

          #BigMistakeIMO

          So who knows how they will blunder it up this year!?!!

          • Hawks22Fun

            *is NOT moving*

            • Greg Haugsven

              I absolutley would love that draft. Only beef I would have would maybe get an RB earlier but that’s being picky.

  4. Josh emmett

    Love this blog dude! Have you Watched Avainte Collins from TCU yet? There are 3 games up in draft breakdown and he looks the part at RT. Seems very athletic when he gets out in space, I’m interested to see the rest of his number from his pro day.

    • Rob Staton

      Not yet but he’s on the list

    • Kenny Sloth

      He’s athletic but really soft

      • Josh emmett

        He’s soft? Man, I saw him get an unsportsmanlike like conduct penalty and he was finishing blocks to the ground on the little tape I did see. I watched his 3 games on draft breakdown and seemed pretty gritty. I haven’t watched anything else but he looked really competent releasing to the second level and getting dirty. Granted it’s TCU and they run the ball 10 times a game but what I saw looked pretty good, what did you see from him that makes you think he is soft? I’d like to see more of him if you got any links, thanks for shooting the breeze!

        • Kenny Sloth

          Just didn’t have real punch and I must have missed the part where he finished his blocks.

          Really solid pass protector and excellent mirroring with his feet.

          I’m gonna find something with him versus an elite pass rusher. See what shakes out. Thanks for sharing your thoughts

  5. Redhawk87

    Hey Rob, do you think that King could still be there at 33 if the Seahawks traded back with Cleveland? I don’t know if any of the teams 27-32 would be looking to invest in him over others, and he’s not really a player a team would move up in the draft to grab. I wouldn’t be surprised with Cleveland wanting such a trade (get three high-impact players on potentially 5 year rookie contracts) and they have more than enough draft capital to move up while still keeping lots of picks throughout the draft.

    • Rob Staton

      Maybe — but it’d be a gamble with the way he tested. Teams are going to be very interested.

  6. Brandon

    Just for fun. Tried to make it seem realistic, however they all could go earlier than I have picked them, especially Witherspoon. If it turned out like this I would be quite ecstatic. This scenario has us picking up some defensive lineman through FA.

    26: R1P26
    S OBI MELIFONWU
    CONNECTICUT

    58: R2P26
    LB TYUS BOWSER
    HOUSTON

    90: R3P26
    CB AHKELLO WITHERSPOON
    COLORADO

    102: R3P38
    G ISAAC ASIATA
    UTAH

    106: R3P42
    WR JEHU CHESSON
    MICHIGAN

    210: R6P26
    TE DARRELL DANIELS
    WASHINGTON

    226: R7P8
    RB CHRIS CARSON
    OKLAHOMA STATE

    Thanks to the blog and everyone commenting for bringing up some of these guys. These guys are on my list who I want Seattle to draft, but no matter who pick them up (except may our division), I’m hoping they excel.

    • Naks

      This is also a very nice scenario. Looks like we have some great options for players that can impact the team now or develop for the future

    • DLep

      Id sub out Chesson for Kittle personally but looks good to me

      • Naks

        And replace Daniels with a wr? Or draft two te?

        • Dlep

          Yeah swap out Daniels and replace w a wr or a project db

    • Sea Mode

      Looks nice and fills all the needs. Could be a perfect plan B to Rob’s mock if King is off the board before #26.

      Taking King early would cost us a shot at Obi, but I think the difference for the Hawks will be:

      1. In the short area agility times, King is at the top of the elite. That separates him from Witherspoon and Obi I dunnobi. To find a guy with those agility numbers at Seahawks’ corner size and length is RARE. And he runs 4.43 as a bonus? Incredibly rare.

      2. They will have a shot later on at other Buffalo prospects like Maye, Luani possibly in R3. And even Shead, when he eventually makes it back, could compete for this role with his size and experience at CB and S.

      • Ty the Guy

        I’d like to leave the draft with either ASiata or Moton and King or Witherspoon.

    • C-Dog

      Getting Melifonwu, Bowser and Witherspoon would be an ideal draft, IMO, and I dig Daniels as a TE prospect for the Hawks.

      • Darth12er

        Yes!!! This!!! Those 3 on defense, I would love that!

  7. Naks

    Looks great. King or obi and the rest of that draft is solid.

  8. Sea Mode

    Rob, just want to compliment how much each of the trades and picks make so much sense. While admitting how hard it is to project, one can see the reasoning behind each pick. I find myself nodding in agreement at the potential fit with each team as I read down the list. Thanks for really taking the time to think it out and not just re-shuffling the top names. This is what a quality mock draft should look like!

    I think the Bills moving up for Watson would be a great move, and they will get a R3 in compensation for Taylor to help lessen the hit on draft capital next year.

    And I would absolutely love that draft for our Hawks! Guess I probably underestimated King’s floor in my Hawks’ mock earlier today. Was thinking pretty much along the same line though the rest of the way through.

    • rdgaydeski

      I absolutely agree with everyone else Rob, love the blog and appreciate all the hard work you put into it. I also really appreciate all of the readers and their great comments, this really is a great community.

      Question though Sea Mode, if the option on Taylor isn’t picked up would that be the same as being cut? Because if I remember correctly players who are cut don’t count towards comp picks for the next year. Either way I still think it is a good move for Buffalo, Watson may not be a perfect prospect by any means but he is a winner and he may just have that “it” factor.

  9. Nick

    Tony Pauline made a very interesting point the other day. He suggested that there is incredible CB depth in this draft, but there is a big drop off between the top safety prospects and the rest. With this in mind, I’m not entirely convinced they rush into a CB in Round 1.

    While I understand that PC didn’t say they wanted a safety explicitly, I think they have to be aware of how bad the team looked without Earl. And we know that Kam is going to miss a couple of games next year…and the next.

    With this in mind, I’d expect them going S, CB, LB, TE:

    1: Obi
    2: Witherspoon
    3: Bowser
    3: Kittle

    • Dlep

      That would be an outstanding haul though kind of doubt Bowser is around by our third

      • Magmatizer

        I think it may be more likely that we need to pick Bowser in the 2nd and that Witherspoon will last into the 3rd with the depth of the CB class.

        • HawkTalker #1

          +1

      • RWIII

        Bowser will be snatched up before the Hawks pick (58) in the 2nd round.

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      “there is incredible CB depth in this draft, but there is a big drop off between the top safety prospects and the rest”

      For this reason, and because of his insane athletic profile, I think Obi goes before King.

      I commented previously that Obi has a couple of things in common with fellow UCONN alum Byron Jones, including his draft range. I just don’t see SEA passing on Obi at 26. For me, the only reason they don’t draft him is because he gets selected before SEA’s pick.

      Also, I think King gets overshadowed by two other UW DBs – Sydney Jones and Budda Baker. He’s kind of the forgotten one in the Husky secondary. I know he put himself on many teams’ radar with his excellent Combine performance, but I think the depth of the CB class pushes him into the early half of R2. If SEA can find a trade partner in the 33-40 range I think they’d like to move up to take King. Might need to get ahead of NYJ at 39 as they need to replace Revis.

      Such a trade would look something like: 58 + 102 + 109 –> 38

      • LLLOGOSSS

        I would be in favor of this if possible. With so many R1 grade prospects, you’d essentially be paying the cost to move up in round two for the privilege of drafting a 1st round player.

        Bowser, Anzalone, or Asiata in the 3rd.

      • HawkTalker #1

        If King was ever forgotten, I guarantee you after the combine he will be remembered. Although it’s an interesting idea, and especially since it seems less likely that Seattle will be trading down with their first pick, I can’t see Seattle giving up all the quality of depth in this draft using three picks to trade up for one.

    • C-Dog

      I definitely think the team’s interest of Melifonwu that’s been put out there is pretty legit, and Rob’s video post of Carroll’s reaction to his 40 is telling. Just me, but I kinda think if it came down to both Melifonwu and King, Carroll might be more inclined to go Melifonwu with the hope of a guy like Witherspoon to be added later.

  10. Poko

    Mayock said.
    “The single-high safety teams, the Seattle, Atlanta, San Francisco guys, can look at him as a corner,”
    How do you think about it?
    I dream of the guy who will become the leader as S/LB/CB.

    • LLLOGOSSS

      The leader? Unlikely, given that he is a subdued personality.

  11. Sea Mode

    I know we were disappointed that Howard Wilson didn’t meet arm length requirements and ran a disappointing 4.57 40, so how did he put so many amazing plays on tape? Here’s part of it:

    Besides Kevin King (3.89), he was the only other DB to put up a sub 4 second short shuttle (3.94) and was also the 4th best 3-cone among DBs with 6.68.

    Kind of shows a bit how elite agility can make up for some lack of speed/length to make for some good tape. Now put even better agility in a player of Kevin King’s length and speed… BOOM (see Legion of).

  12. JT

    Full combine update: Only 52 total players reached the Seahawks’ apparent athletic thresholds at each position.

    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1t8eGy7M5aSqqA5Yx2jVgqq2-OoFlnMJ7G4jHLRzkVTY/edit#gid=596355207

    85% of draft picks and relevant UDFA’s in the PCJS era have met the athletic testing minimums shown in that doc. In the average year only 1-2 of the Seahawks draft picks & UDFA’s fail to meet all of the outlined athletic thresholds. While failing to meet the cut-offs doesn’t necessarily rule a prospect out, it makes the likelihood of the Seahawks drafting such a player extremely small.

    Keep in mind that a significant number of combine participants will improve their athletic testing results at their Pro Days, as is the case every year. Those names will be added as Pro Day results come in. Seattle has not shied away from drafting players who have poor combines and great pro days. Justin Britt is a prime example.

    Non-combine participants who meet the thresholds at their respective Pro Days will be added if they have an X-factor (pre-draft connection to Seattle, intriguing tape/production, etc).

    • Kenny Sloth

      +1

    • Del tre

      Makes me wonder if the Hawks will take Michael Rector late in the draft or as a UDFA, he played well at Stanford but his stats were never going to blow anyone away, could be a cheap value option, given the hawks Stanford connection I bet they are looking at him.

    • Sea Mode

      JT, this is awesome! Two questions:

      1. Does that 85% increase in R1-R3 vs. R4-R7?

      2. We have these great tools for athletic thresholds, I would be very interested in making some kind of “Seahawky” traits (x-factor, as you call it) checklist document now that we have those prospects. Would you consider putting up another document a few of us could all kind of add to? They are a bit more subjective for sure in some areas, but it could be something like a simple 1-10 grade for:
      – Gritty backstory
      – Team leader
      – College production
      – Ballhawk
      – Physicality/Tone setter
      – 4 star HS recruit
      – Durability score
      – Visit/interview
      – Smarts

      • HawkTalker #1

        Nice post

  13. Brandon Miller

    Hey rob. Great post. Thanks for all the coverage on this draft yet again another great year for this website.
    Any chance we take king @ 26 and then trade back up and snag obi aswell? Man that would completly reload our secondary for the foreseeable future. At what cost do you think it would take to make a move like that happen?

    All the best #12thMan

    • Rob Staton

      It’s possible if Obi lasts into the late 40’s.

      • Del tre

        Rob, given Bobby Wagner’s injury history and Pete Carroll’s comments that he hopes to cut down on Kj and Bobby’s snap count, do you think that the Hawks may be preparing for a big dime type coverage with Obi taking the place of Bobby or KJ in Nickel at times?
        I think the coaching staff might not feel that Lane needs to be moved out of his position in nickel and feel fine with him starting, so the formation would put Obi at whichever LB position was opposite of the current linebacker in and the rest would be a typical nickel set.

      • RWIII

        No way Obi will last into the 40s.

        • Rob Staton

          It’s not impossible, or even improbable.

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      As I commented above, just my opinion, but I think it’s the other way around – Obi before King.

      King may fill a more immediate need (RCB), but Obi fills more overall – replace Lane as the 5th DB in the 4-2- 5 alignment, insurance against Kam/ET3 injuries, replace either Kam or ET3 when they hang it up.

      • Sea Mode

        And who replaces Shead right now and Sherm when he hangs them up…?

        • CHawk Talker Eric

          I’m guessing ET3 and Kam will hang it up before Sherm. Also Sherm has been bulletproof so far. Hasn’t missed a game in his career. Kam has missed significant time the last 2 seasons. ET3 is returning from a broken leg.

          As for who replaces Shead to start the season…one of Lane (could fill in at RCB because Obi would be the 5th DB), Seisay, perhaps SJB or Elliot. Or in an ideal world, SEA would trade up in R2 for King who would replace Shead going forward. If not, then perhaps Witherspoon.

          • Sea Mode

            Perfectly fair points.

            I’m just worried precisely that Witherspoon will just be another Seisay, Desir, Elliott, SJB. I still have hope for those guys as long as the Hawks keep them on the roster–some players just take longer to develop–but King has that extra something special athletically that I feel could really put him over the top for Seattle.

            Agree on the ideal world scenario, but I think between them it would be Obi who falls if it were to ever happen.

  14. Totem_Hawk

    Good looking mock…only thing is I wonder if you can get Shalom Luani in round 6?

  15. Dawgma

    When King was being plugged as a 3rd rounder I was certain he was going to be a hawk. Everything about his profile and game just scream Seahawks to me.

    • Kenny Sloth

      Best personalities in this draft?

      Fournette, Garrett, Peppers, and Kevin King

      • Ukhawk

        Any insight into King’s character? Heard a lot about Obi’s but not King..

        • Kenny Sloth

          He’s a great interview

          “Happy to be here compete with my brothers. On to the next game. Honor to know these guys”

          He’s just got a sparly sunshiney attitude. Would be a great addition to thw characters we have.

          He’d be the little brother in the legion.

          Baby Boom.

  16. Sea Mode

    Ok, it seems a few people think Witherspoon is pretty much discount Kevin King on day 2. I get it. Thought the same myself after posting this side-by-side:

    R… Sherman: 6025, 195, 32 arm, 9 3/4 hand, 4.53 40yd, 38.0 vert, 11’0″ broad, 4.29 SS, 6.72 3C
    Witherspoon: 6026, 198, 33 arm, 9 7/8 hand, 4.45 40yd, 40.5 vert, 10’7″ broad, 4.13 SS, 6.93 3C
    (Kevin King..: 6030, 200, 32 arm, 9 1/2 hand, 4.43 40yd, 39.5 vert, 10’10 broad, 3.89 SS, 6.56 3C)

    BTW, OJ Howard (251lbs, 6.85) and Evan Engram (234lbs, 6.92) both beat Witherspoon’s 3C time. Solomon Thomas @273lbs ran 6.95. It’s not a great time for his size. Rasul Douglas, one of the slowest DBs out there, ran 6.97… Maybe it was just a fluke bad rep for Witherspoon, IDK, cause he had a great SS.

    The knock on Witherspoon is run support. Beyond technique, is he even a willing tackler? I usually take Zierlein’s draft profiles on NFL.com with a grain of salt because I think he over-emphasises the negatives, but this genuinely has me concerned:

    “Tape of his run support is not for the weak. Almost always in a state of retreat when run heads his way. Unwilling to step downhill and stick his nose in to help contain the edge. Passivity against the run cost his team two touchdowns against Michigan.”

    His 2016 completion percentage against was just 26.5 and he tied for second in nation in PBU with 20. He put up good tape vs. John Ross. He only played one season of HS football and so is continuing to learn and may have even more untapped potential. That’s great, but if he is not a willing tackler, if that shows he doesn’t have the dog in him deep down, then I have a tough time seeing him in Seattle. What do you guys see?

    • Kenny Sloth

      Marquez White has 10.875″ hands.

      That’s RARE. Holy moly.

      That’d be big for a DL

      • Sea Mode

        Wow. And Malik Hooker has bigger hands (10 3/4″) than any safety drafted since at least 2012. Now we know how he gets them paws on so many balls!

        • Kenny Sloth

          But… White’s are even bigger? And he’s a corner!

          Don’t these facts make it an even freakier measurement?

          His tfreak would be through the roof.

          Hope he shoots par at his pro-day. Keeps his 5th round grade”

          • Sea Mode

            Amen, brother.

            BTW, thanks for linking the Cutrer tape the other day. Not sure if you saw my response. Check out the Taywan Taylor vs. MTSU tape and he covers him most of the 2nd half. Does quite well until right at the end, but hey, it was a perfect throw.

            He’s just so aggressive in run support at his tiny weight that I can only imagine what he will be like once he manages to bulk up.

            • Kenny Sloth

              His stance is like one of those throwback corners!

              Pete’s gotta love him

    • DLep

      Well, I think King definitely has more ‘dog’ than Weatherspoon. And Bowser seems to be ‘dog’ as well. So if that is a consideration (and it seems to be for the Seahawks), then King/Bowser is probably preferred to something like Obi/Weatherspoon as a round 1/round 2 pair. But I could be dwelling in hot take territory here.

      • Kenny Sloth

        Have you guys watched Bowser’s tape? You wanna discuss him?

        • DLep

          Admittedly only saw the Lville game, where he performed pretty well if i recall. Im basing my dog assessment mainly around him breaking his hand getting into a fight with a teammate lol. For better or worse, that seems like a Seahawk thing to do.

          • Kenny Sloth

            Idk about that.

            I wish he had stronger hands on tape…
            I really don’t like that Houston defense

        • Sea Mode

          I very much do want to discuss him, especially now that Rob is mocking him post-combine, but I need to go back and watch more after seeing the 1.59 split. Any games to suggest?

          Had written in Carroll Phillips ahead of him when I saw the Hawks met with him. Like his fire on the field. Think he might fall into R3 because of personality concerns and because he is already 25 in Sept.

          Also intrigued by TJ Watt in R2, though I doubt he makes it to our pick.

          • Kenny Sloth

            Thank you! Yes Phillips is greatly favorable to Bowser imo.

            I wasn’t loving much of anything I saw from Bowser, except the senior bowl

    • Del tre

      King is more worth it, but honestly if Witherspoon is there in the third I would take him as well. King has the freakish athleticism required for the slot so i could see them bringing in Witherspoon at RCB on third down and sliding King inside

    • EranUngar

      Well, as far as Zierlein’s negatives, how about the following:

      “Timed speed and play speed are both concerns. Sluggish feet in press allow quick-releasers to shoot past him. Unable to find necessary acceleration for functional makeup speed.”

      “Lacks desired twitch for NFL transitioning to the throws”

      “there are still concerns about whether he has the athleticism and recovery speed to utilize his length to play the football.”

      The player with the speed and athleticism issues above is ……..Kevin King.

      • Sea Mode

        Yes, but those were legitimate pre-combine concerns were all written off by the combine. The combine answers nothing about tackling.

        He also knocks King a bit for tackling, but it’s about technique and not willingness. The way he put that about Witherspoon was very strong for any scouting report.

        • EranUngar

          I am sorry, those are NOT “legitimate pre-combine concerns”. It’s not some mild remark, it is the heart of the whole evaluation. It would have raised a question if the guy had an average combine. When the guy is clearly one of the fastest and quickest testers in his group it raises questions regarding his total body of work.

        • dnc

          Those weren’t close to legitimate pre combine concerns. There’s a reason Rob had King mocked to Seattle in the first round long before the combine. Anyone who followed Husky football, or could read reports from the UW combine knew Kevin King was an athletic freak who was going to kill it at the combine.

          The only thing about King’s combine that surprised me was his 40 time. We knew he was going to blow away the agility drills.

      • LeoSharp

        At times he showed that on tape such as the California game against Demetrius Robertson. That might be another resaon some teams view him as a safety and not a natural corner.

        • dnc

          He played safety terribly for two years and corner fantastically for two years. If teams “see him as a safety” it’s because they can’t get past his height. His on field play screams corner, period.

  17. Sea Mode

    Rob, where would you project Schwenke’s market? What do you think the Hawks might be willing to pay for him considering he meets their explosive profile?

    BTW, I’d be down with the live Q&A if it’s something you would like to try or think might help the blog. Honestly though, you are so good already about replying to comments that I wouldn’t consider it necessary per se. If I’m online, though, I will do my best to ask away!

  18. Sean-O

    Where’s Jonathan Allen? Likely at #2 which bumps Thomas down?

    • Sea Mode

      Somehow I knew someone would come along and ask a question already answered in the piece… 🙂

  19. Robert

    King would be a great pick. I like the thought of Obi taking over the slot duties from Lame. Sorry, but Lane strikes very little fear in offenses attacking our middle. Obi could really help neutralize dangerous TE’s. My dream draft would involve a 2nd round trade up to come away with King AND Obi!

    • Sea Mode

      lol Lame… kind of like his play last season… 😉

    • Kenny Sloth

      “Lane strikes very little fear in offenses attacking our middle.”

      Yeah that’s why Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers combined for 1 attempt against him this year.

      • nichansen01

        Wasn’t the first play of the game against the packers an Aaron Rodgers deep ball to devante Adams on which lane got completely torched?

        • DLep

          It was

          • Kenny Sloth

            He must be garbage, huh?

            Couldn’t be a good gameplan that caught us off guard.

            He’s one of the best slot corners in the league.

            One big play from a hall of famer throwing to a first round weapon isn’t going to change the rest of the tape.

            But continue to be informed by Chris Collinsworth’s replays.

            • Del tre

              He sucks in madden though bro….
              No but seriously i think lane is still regaining his speed after all the injuries he sustained. So it’s my belief that last year was more of a fluke than anything. I doubt he gets beaten by the deep ball like that again.

              • Kenny Sloth

                I hadn’t considered that.

                It’s also possible he has regressed since his injuries occurred.

                Maybe taken some blows to his ego not winning the #2 job

            • Del tre

              Meant to put this in my original comment but the same thing happened against Wheaton against the Steelers right after Lanes injury that is why i believe he has slowed down a bit

              • Kenny Sloth

                These elite athletes keep running fast and catching great throws by hall of fame cornerbacks!

                • Kenny Sloth

                  qb***

        • Ukhawk

          But Lane is not an outside corner, simple as

    • Del tre

      that’s my ideal situation as well, I’d like to see them get Bowser too to just push it over the top

      • Kenny Sloth

        What do you like about Bowser?

        • nichansen01

          To me, I like bowsers athleticism and size more than I like his tape. Project type of guy, but I think he’ll be very very good eventually.

        • Del tre

          He is someone with highly athletic potential that we can afford to grab, he adds depth to the d line and makes every position on the DL fast. I think he is decent in coverage (lots of room to grow) if the Hawks decide to use him at linebacker in goal line sets.
          Think of this, if we put Avril and Bennett lined up against the LT, LG, and C (i assume Bennett takes the double team), both guys on the right side run a 4.6, Bowser will rush around the outside opening up a hole for clark to play the guard like a tackle. I like that quite a bit, it’s not like we are in dire need of Bowser but he would be an upgrade over Marsh and create one of the fastest and meanest nascar sets in the league.

        • C-Dog

          Definitely like his explosive traits as a rush linebacker, and his athleticism to develop in coverage. If what PC wants is to find another Bruce Irvin, they might look his way.

          • Kenny Sloth

            Does he really play with that speed though? He has trouble turning the corner with a tight angle

            • C-Dog

              There is a rawness to his game, IMO, kinda like there was a rawness to Bruce coming out of WV, where he was consider a one trick pony speed rusher. I think they’d be looking at his traits, and as a team that values traits, trusting it’s ability to coach up, they’d be pretty interested.

              I think the thing that intrigues me the most, for all of his rawness, is the suggestion that he’s made a big leap each year, also something Irvin showed in Seattle. For a guy somewhat new to football, you want to see these kind of leaps.. something that shows he’s a worker, and he’s coachable on top of those traits. Worker + traits = interesting.

              • Kenny Sloth

                You make a fair case. It does stand to reason that he meaans to hone his craft evidenced by hia showing at the senior bowl.

                • C-Dog

                  Yeah, I think that if teams determine he is a worker, he might fly up the boards a bit. That’s where he shoots up my board. It just goes to what’s inside his head on top of those special athletic traits.

  20. Austin Slater

    Fantastic stuff Rob.

    Mixon is a guy I thought there was zero chance Seattle would take but with how the running game went last year and maybe a bit of desperation to get back to the SB if they would consider him in the 2nd or possibly with one of their 3rd round picks. I know JS would have to answer for it but fans quickly forget especially if he’s a success on the field. A Mixon/Prosise backfield would potentially be incredible.

    I’ve fallen in love with the idea of King in the first. It’s not what they do but with so many teams copying the formula now its harder to get your guys late so if a guy fits your profile perfectly go get him.

    Anyway great stuff per usual Rob.

    • Kenny Sloth

      He’s not really our type.

      Plus he broke a bunch of bones in someone’s daughter’s face.

      I might boo him tbh

      His interviews are shudder worthy

      • nichansen01

        I think we pass on Mixon, anywhere in the draft. I don’t want to go through the Frank Clark situation again.

      • Del tre

        God that interview with John Clayton made me cringe, want nothing to do with the guy

      • McGruff

        I am a big fan of Mixon’s game, and am in favor of second chances. Even with the tape of the incident I’d be ready to support Mixon.

        But his interviews are ridiculous. He doesn’t get it all. He gives stick answers about serving the community, but when pressed for details can’t give them. He gives answers about making reparations, but when pressed for examples, he can’t give them. He’s a narcisist, classic case . . . It’s all about him.

        • Austin Slater

          McGruff great seeing you on here! I’m the same way with you on the field and I’m a second chance guy but I haven’t seen the interviews. I need to check those out. Sever personality issues don’t usually clear themselves up sadly.

      • Smitty1547

        He be hard to boo after a couple of 60 yard TD to the house. Just like Clark became hard to boo after he mashed a couple of QB and stayed out of trouble.

        • Scraps

          AGAIN, Clark and Mixon are very different cases.

      • CA

        Agree.

        Totally.

        Same.

        Agree.

        BOOOO

    • Steve Nelsen

      Forget about Mixon. The Seattle FO has been crystal clear. They may very well add some competition/depth because Rawls/Prosise have had a hard time staying on the field. But, in a deep RB draft, it won’t be Mixon.

      • LLLOGOSSS

        Yeah I don’t get the debate; Schneider said unequivocally after we drafted Clark, “We would never draft a player who hit a woman.”

        Now, hypocrisy aside (Clark probably did. Probably), there is video evidence of Mixon hitting a woman.

        Right or wrong, there is no way this front office can now draft that player.

        UDFA? Well, maybe, they didn’t mention UDFA.

      • HawkTalker #1

        +1

  21. Chris Calvert

    It’s interesting to see how other people view prospects. I was just looking at Matt Millers mock on Bleacher Report, post combine, and he had Isaac Asiata as a 7th rounder.

    • Austin Slater

      Some of the national guys are way off. Rob is pretty dialed in with what range guys will end up going.

      • Sea Mode

        Not everone knows the ways of TEF!

      • Kenny Sloth

        Even then we are occasionally way off here.

        It’s very difficult to project.

        Last year we had Bullard in the second and McGovern in the 3rd.

        I want access to the draft committee’s grades

        • nichansen01

          We were one round off in each, pretty good in my opinion.

          • Kenny Sloth

            Not really?

    • Kenny Sloth

      We don’t talk about that, here.

      There’s a renowned joke about Matt Miller calling Russell Wilson “the worst draft pick ever”. He’s since taken that video down from his archives.

      • The Hawk is Howling

        Matt Miller can suckle on a “Now and later” candy.

        Go Russell Wilson

        Go Hawks

  22. vrtkolman

    Schwenke had a rough start to his career, but has since improved. He was good in relief duty last year in Tennessee who has a stacked line, so don’t knock him just because he’s a backup.

    • nichansen01

      My concern is he’d be a backup here as well.

    • C-Dog

      I’m definitely intrigued. I just wonder what if they see him as a center or guard, and what they means for Justin Britt.

      • RWIII

        Just get me a TACKLE in free agency. The Hawks NEED a starting Right Tackle. Why are we talking about Guards?

  23. Marc Edge

    Geez, Rob. We took a G and a TE in the third round last year, and they weren’t exactly busts. Don’t you think we could use a RB, OT, or DT more?

    • Kenny Sloth

      We drafted all of those positions last year too.

      Veteran OT and DT (cuz this is a crap year for both in the draft)

      He has us picking one of the most athletic RBs from the combine that played at a big school after tearing it up in JUCO.

      Nothing wrong with this EXERCISE!

      • Marc Edge

        By DT what I meant to say was 3T. Reed is more a NT. We need a young penetrator to pair with him. We have been filling the interior DL with FAs for years. Vannett should move right into Willson’s spot, so I could see taking a TE later. And by the 7th round, RBs are kinda hit and miss, as we learned last year. I could certainly see us going after Fluker, however, if we could get him for no more than $5m.

        • Kenny Sloth

          We need a veteran presence to come on and provide that interior rush in nickel. You won’t get it with a rookie from this class.

          QJeff might be ready to step up.

          Vannett will probably never be Luke Willson. He is an insane athlete

          Fine. Don’t even draft an RB. Let’s just wait for udfa

    • Ty the Guy

      Asiata is explosive and will allow Ifedi to slide back out to RT. And this TE class is really good, plus skipping Luke Willson’s contract will probably be better in the long run. (I might argue Luke’s contract would be much better than Jimmy’s, but that’s a whole other topic)

      • Marc Edge

        Geez, Rang has Kittle as a 7th rounder or FA.

      • Steve Nelsen

        Ifedi is not moving to RT. Everything Seattle has said all offseason has been consistent that Ifedi is staying at RG.

        We already have Odhiambo as a young 3rd-round pick OG to compete with Glow and Ifedi. I would rather use that 3rd this year to dip into the defensive talent again.

  24. nichansen01

    Why sign a center though? Britt is a pro bowler and we have Hunt in the ranks. We need a guard or a tackle.

    • McGruff

      Schwenke has played guard as well.

      I would prefer a tackle though since the team seems set on Ifed as a guard.

      • Hawks22Fun

        Exactly… we need TACKLES…not guards…

        We drafted RT Ifedi and LT Odhiambo, but then never let them play that spot…makes zero sense…and the proof is in the pudding…

  25. nichansen01

    If it’s between King and Obi, it’s going to be tough to decide. I almost hope one of them goes before 26 to make our decisions easier. Toss up for me right now.

    • EranUngar

      I have a great solution for that – keep trading back till only one of them is available….

      • Mark Souza

        The problem with that is rarely do you get the opportunity to trade back one position, so you would run the risk of losing them both that way.

  26. lil'stink

    Love the idea of Kittle in the 3rd. Seems like a willing and nasty blocker whether off the line or out in space. Versatile, athletic, and could be good on ST.

    A 3 tight end set with Graham/Vannett/Kittle?

  27. Pontic

    Rob,

    The sheer volume and depth in quality of info you’re putting out right now is tough to fully digest as a reader – I can’t imagine the amount of work you’re putting into it. Thanks for making this one the preeminent site on the internet for Seahawks draft info (and analysis in general).

  28. EranUngar

    I think that strategy will play a huge a roll this year. (more than in previous years)

    “There’s approximately 80-90 players worthy of a top-60 grade” and the Seahawks have only 2 picks in the first 80-90 picks and 3 more picks right after them.

    The more i think about it, making the moves to secure 3-4 picks within the above range (top 80) may be more important than picking at 26 etc.

    I can see a lot of value in a small trade back from 26 and 2 trade ups. (either trading up 2 3rd round picks into the top of the 3rd or trading up in the 2nd and 3rd)

    Getting at least 3 players out of that quality group (or 4) will make this draft class huge.

  29. Seab

    Seems like your 4 favorite targets will be gone by 1.26 Rob. Reddick, Bolles, Obi, King…Then we trade back and hope for what? Jarrad Davis to make it to 33? I think the Browns will be our partner in that case, especially if Kizer or Mahomes has made it to 1.26…Can TJ Watt play SAM?

    • RWIII

      Kenny King will still be on the board. Brock Huard doesn’t even give Kenny King a 1st round grade.

  30. Adog

    Pete Carroll and scnieder have never…never taken a cornerback before the 5th round. If this class is great for db’s…why change the philosophy now? I think they double down on this draft philosophy…trade back into rd two and pick up a couple fifth rd picks. I don’t know what the measurements were on Cary Williams…but he seemed to be built similar to Kevin King…and came in and face planted. It’s not the size so much at cornerback…it’s the technique. Are the Hawks spending a first round pick on a cornerback who will have to learn this technique for much of the first year? Seemingly to learn this technique there is a size requirement, but I believe technique takes impetus over size in carrol’s coaching philosophy.

    • Kenny Sloth

      W A L T E R T H U R M O N D T H E T H I R D

      • EranUngar

        Walter Thurmond the 4th (round)

        • Kenny Sloth

          III* the third hahah

          You’re right though

    • nichansen01

      Cary Williams is far smaller and far less athletic than King. Williams came from a small college. King came from a power five champion team and ended his career with a very solid game against the number 1 team in the country. King has very quality tape.

      There is literally no comparison between Williams and King. King is so far superior in every facet.

      • Del tre

        King has the ability to turn his head in coverage. In Cary Williams wildest dreams he couldn’t do that.

    • nichansen01

      And that draft philosophy is all well and good, but it’s also important to note DB has never been so much of a need before.

    • C-Dog

      Kevin King played CFB in a defense that comps to Seattle a bit. His learning curve might not be too far off. Richard Sherman played in a system that his curve wasn’t too far off either, and was able to step in and step up as a rookie.

    • Ukhawk

      If they can grab the next Sherm, Earl or Kam them I don’t care what round it’s in

  31. Kenny Sloth

    1. Cleveland- Myles Garrett

    2. San Francisco- Mitch Trubisky

    3. Chicago- Soloman Thomas

    4. Jacksonville- Jamal Adams

    5. Tennessee (via the Rams)- Marshon Lattimore

    6. New York Jets- Leonard Fournette

    7. Los Angeles Chargers- Malik Hooker

    8. Carolina- Dalvin Cook

    9. Cincinnati- Reuben Foster

    10. Buffalo- Deshaun Watson

    11. New Orleans- Sidney Jones IV

    12. Cleveland (via the Eagles)- Deshone Kizer

    13. Arizona- Haason Reddick

    14. Philadelphia (via the Vikings)- John Ross III

    15. Indianapolis- Derek Barnett

    16. Baltimore- OJ Howard

    17. Washington- Malik McDowell

    18. Tennessee- Corey Davis

    19. Tampa Bay- David Njoku

    20. Denver- Garrett Bolles

    21. Detroit- Marlon Humphries

    22. Miami- Takkarist McKinley

    23. New York Giants- Ryan Ramczyk

    24. Oakland- TreDavious White

    25. Houston- Cam Robinson

    26. Seattle- Jabrill Peppers

    27. Kansas City- Zach Cunningham

    28. Dallas- Charles Harris

    29. Green Bay- Christian McCaffrey

    30. Pittsburgh- Tim Williams

    31. Atlanta- Caleb Brantley

    32. New England- Forrest Lamp

    Notable absences; Carl Lawson, Obi Melifonwu, Jarrad Davis, Jonathan Allen, Kevin King, Gareon Conley, Florida Duo, Pat Mahomes, Mike Williams, Taco Charlton, Justin Evans, Adoree Jackson.

    • nichansen01

      Peppers over Melinfonwu? Interesting. Why though?

      • C-Dog

        Peppers screams Pete Carroll Seattle Seahawks on practically every sense.

        • CHawk Talker Eric

          Except for those 30 ¾” arms. And the lack of production.

          Peppers is an athlete who just happens to play football, compared to say Budda Baker who is a football player and an athlete.

          • Kenny Sloth

            Is that so?

            He had 15 tfl’s last year. Must not be a football player.

            Budda Baker had the same arm length. And 2 picks.

      • Kenny Sloth

        He’s played well in the box. Melifonwu slipped all the way out.

    • Kenny Sloth

      To be transparent. i used the empirical mock draft from sbnation to inform my decisions.

      So this is almost an all national media mock

      • Jesse James

        I don’t think Peppers would be a good fit in the locker room, he has that Odell attitude I don’t think it would fly with the vets..

        • Kenny Sloth

          Have you seen him throw fits or something?

          Or are you just making something up because you don’t like either player?

          • Volume12

            I actually like his attitude man.

            And that backstory? Wow. The kid has a reason to be so flamboyant. If life dealt you a crap hand like that, I’d hope u would enjoy it too.

            • Volume12

              In response to Jesse.

  32. C-Dog

    Breaking news. Seahawks not tendering Deshawn Shead or Brock Coyle. Any doubts left over that they aren’t going to target DB and LB early and often?

    • DLep

      Pretty clear message it appears

    • LLLOGOSSS

      Oof, well I think it’s clear that Shead makes it back but they didn’t want to put a tender on him. He’ll be back.

    • EranUngar

      Shead’s injury means they do not need to tender him. No team will sign him before he is healthy and they can offer him a minimum contract rather than 1.7M.

    • CLB

      http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18845898/seattle-seahawks-extend-restricted-tender-cb-deshawn-shead

      According to Sheil Kapadia at ESPN.com, “The Seahawks will not be tendering a restricted free agency offer to CB DeShawn Shead or LB Brock Coyle, according to a league source. Both players will become unrestricted free agents this week, free to sign wherever they want. Shead started 15 games at cornerback last year and played at a high level. But he is coming off of an ACL injury suffered in the divisional round of the playoffs, and his status for the start of the 2017 season is in question. Coyle has played in 35 games (five starts) with the Seahawks the last three seasons, serving primarily a backup role at middle linebacker. He has also been a key special-teams contributor.”

      Didn’t know that Shead was the special teams captain, saw that in the article linked at the top. Would love to see Kevin King at CB for the Seahawks this year in Shead’s place – they will hopefully draft 2-4 DBs (cornerbacks and safeties) and a couple LBs in the draft.

  33. Steve Nelsen

    Rob,

    This a fantastic mock to follow up a fantastic week of draft blogging. Thank you so much for it all.

    I think your reasoning about King over Obi is sound and I agree with it. But after seeing Pete and John and Kris react to Obi’s performance, I think he is the front runner if he has addressed their concerns about his aggressiveness.

    Bowser in Round 2 would be potentially getting our Irvin replacement. I like his athleticism but I don’t think he is a sure thing. I like Watt better although he will almost certainly be gone without a trade down. He might be more LEO than SAM but he could be an elite replacement for Avril and take some reps right away in the NASCAR package.

    Adding a safety in the 3rd makes perfect sense. Luani could very well be the guy although there will probably be a pool of guys to choose from.

    I also really like the Kittle pick in the 3rd. He could team with Vannett to replace Willson and give us some coverage for Jimmy next year. That being said, I expect Jimmy to play well and they can franchise him next year. So, maybe instead of TE they add a DL.

    The only pick in your mock that I would like to really debate is Asiata. I like his TEF but he is a guard. Seattle already has a young guard in Odhiambo to push Glowinski and Ifedi so the positional upgrade value with that pick is muted. And we know that Seattle compares how a potential draftee would upgrade what is already on the roster. Plus, the FO has already talked about the O-Line getting too young.

    I would rather see a veteran FA backup at G and use this pick in the 3rd for another athletic defender like Weatherspoon or DL if they take Kittle (or to move up in Rd 2 for Watt).

    Round 1: King
    Round 2: Bowser (or Watt)
    Round 3: safety
    Round 3: Kittle or DL
    Round 3: Athletic defender (or use to trade up)

    Your mock taps into a deep RB class for competition later and into a deep CB group to add another project cornerback. That is straight out of the John Scheider playbook. I like both your choices.

    • C-Dog

      I think it was Volume 12 who noted Seattle was watching the OLiners intently during the bench presses. So they might be looking at a combo of adding in FA and the draft.

      I saw yesterday some word being floated out that Seattle will target veteran interior OL a bit more aggressively than what’s been thought, and apparent interest in Schwenke and possible DJ Fluker today would show that. There’s a speculative idea that they might actually move Ifedi to tackle.

      • Volume12

        I think they’ll draft an O-lineman, but it won’t be until the 6th round or possibly the 5th if they trade back.

        I should say if they nail one in FA.

      • McGruff

        WHere did you here we were interested in Fluker?

        I hope so, but I hadn’t heard that anywhere . . . no comp pick lost if we sign him!

  34. Coleslaw

    This is from last night, I guess we agree on Asiata and Kittle, with WR/RB in the 6th and 7th. I think Seattle would go King over Obi too
    1. Obi Melifonwu
    2. Akhello Witherspoon (trade back) 5th and 2018 5th or 6th
    3. Isaac Asiata
    3. George Kittle
    3. Raekwon Mcmillin
    5. Joe Mathis
    6. Malachi Dupre
    7. Brian Hill

    • Coleslaw

      Read that wront about the receiver lol

    • Volume12

      Kittle in the 3rd would be absolutely shocking.

      • Coleslaw

        Why? You think he goes earlier or later?

        • Volume12

          Later.

          Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love him. He’s a ‘draft crush’ of mine.

          • Kenny Sloth

            Ditto Luani.

            Our projected rounds are so skewed on the blog.

  35. Volume12

    We can call them rumors or whatever else, but is it just me or does anyone else get the feeling Seattle wants a massive dude, size wise, at RT this year?

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      Menelik Watson?

      • Volume12

        Could be. I do like his character.

        Whether their rumors or Seattle just kicking the tires on these guys, the vetting of Banner and the reported interest in DJ Fluker combined with TC’s comments about them wanting strength at RT leads me to beleive they want size next to Ifedi.

        ‘Get off the bus 1st dudes’ on the offense.

        • Volume12

          Whether they want it and actually end up getting it are 2 different things as well.

          • Kenny Sloth

            Could end up being that Aviante Collins fits at RT

            • Volume12

              Could be.

              I like his ability to handle speed off the edge, but its just so hard until you put these guys from spread schemes through an NFL drill firing off the ball in a 3 point stance, how they’ll fair in the run game. And even then? We see the exact reason Ifedi struggled this year.

          • Sea Mode

            Moton is a mountain, but I’m not sure I like having to use R2 on him.

            • Kenny Sloth

              None of these guys for me

              • nichansen01

                I agree with Kenny, I am not very interested in bringing in an early round o-liner. Would rather tap into the talent at Tight End.

                • nichansen01

                  By early I mean 1-3.

        • Coleslaw

          I want them to bring Giacomini back. You’d think hes the most likely mid tier FA OL to come in and start, since he knows the system and he is also a massive human being

        • nichansen01

          I really like the idea of bringing in Fluker. Very very imposing physique.

      • nichansen01

        Menelik Watson isn’t that big though.

  36. BigSmooth13

    To me the clear pick between Obi and King is King. King has all the measurables and the tape to back it up. He can fill that RCB spot for the next 4-5 years. And as long Shead comes back fairly healthy I can see him filling the spot we hould have Obi in.

    An excerpt from Chad Reuter on sleepers of the 2012 draft:
    “DeShawn Shead, CB/FS, Portland State (6-1, 220): Shead started at cornerback and safety for the Vikings, and teams might consider him at least a solid reserve at either spot and potential special teams contributor after viewing his strong tape and fantastic campus workout (4.53 40, 38-inch vertical jump, 10-1 broad, 24 bench reps and 6.76 three-cone).”

  37. Trevor

    Another great write up Rob and I love the 7 round Mock for the Hawks. If we got that group of players then Hawks fans should be over the room as you add incredible speed and athletes on defense (King, Bowser, Luani) and toughness on offense in Kittle and Asiata.

    It seems both realistic and likely to be honest if those players are on the board.

    I also think you nailed the top 8 Picks in your mock. I would switch Hooker and Thomas based on Coughlin and Lynches backgrounds but I think those are definitely the top 8 players off the board and that is all you can ask for in a mock.

  38. Trevor

    I think if the Bears, SF or Cle do not take a QB early and want to trade back into Rd #1 then I think a slight trade back to the top of Rd #2 lets you pick up an early 4th and 5th likely and makes a lot of sense IMO with this draft class. Also I just can’t imagine JS going 3 rounds without a pick. A 4th and 5th round pick in this draft could provide two nice depth players.

    With this trade back I still think we could get either King or Obi (nice consolation prize).

    King really would be the ideal Hawks CB I am pretty sure when Pete draws up his prototype he probably did not think it was even possible to get a guy who was 6-3 ,32 inch + Arms, 4.4 speed, Incredible explosion #s and the 3cone and short shuttle of an elite slot DB. How is he not getting top 20 talk is beyond me to be honest because his tape is good as well.

    Pete and Richards have never had an athlete like King or Obi to develop. If they can turn 4th and 5th rounders and UDFA (Kam, Sherm, Browner, Maxi) into stars imagine what they could do with these Freaks!

    What has me so excited about King is that in todays NFL where the slot receivers have caused the Hawks a ton of issues he has the elite foot speed and quickness to match up and unlike most slot DBs he is 6-3.

    • Volume12

      Because these guys don’t move up and down the board that much in NFL FO’s. They just don’t. The most a guy will? 2 rounds that’s it.

      • Volume12

        Watch when the draft actually happens. About 60-75% of the picks will be names you saw in some of the earliest mock drafts in 2016.

        Of course there will be 7-8 who have vaulted themselves into it the 1st based off of combine, all star games, interviews, etc.

        • Kenny Sloth

          +1

  39. Trevor

    My Hawks Rd #1 Big Board

    #1 Hassan Reddick – Would take the defense to another level. Love his game

    #2 Forrest Lamp (Supply and Demand if there are only 2 explosive OL in the draft and you can get one then take him)

    #3 Kevin King – Freak athlete and prefect Hawks CB. Pete and Richards have to salivating at what they could do with this guy. Like Rob I think he will be our fist pick in the 2017 draft.

    #4 Obi Melinowfu – Another freak with a capital F. He will not have the impact of the others year #1 but could end up being the best of them all in 3-5 years.

  40. Ehurd1021

    With Brock not be tendered; chance of Mike Morgan leaving…

    You have to think Seattle will look at Malcolm Smith who is a FA.

  41. Allen K.

    I think the depth disparity between offense and defense in this draft is going to cause a lot of teams to panic in the 1st and 2nd rounds. More than half of NFL “stink” on offense let alone feel they have the offensive talent to be better next year.

    I think at least 14-16 offensive players go in 1st round as well as the top 4-5 DL before Seattle picks. Seattle will have quality choices for CB/LB in 1st and 2nd round. This is also a great draft to have 3 – 3rd rounds picks to catch players that no one thought would drop into the 3rd round. I think there will be several.

    • Volume12

      They still need to hit on a big time piece offensively. Whether its TE, HB, something.

      • peter

        Do you think that comes from the draft or Free agency? I agree BTW. Looking at your statement above about how players don’t rise that much I still see King, Bowser and Obi later than this blog’s members. That said I wonder if Seattle picks an Engram/Njoku/even Kamara at 26 and then attacks defense.

        The alte round Offensive weapons don’t look great but I think THey could trade down and get a big time TE and still pick up one of King, obi, almost definitely Bowser. Willis, probabaly in the third. I think the depth plus their DB/LB scouting lets them pick a weapon and solve those pieces PC said need improvement.

  42. McGruff

    Reading profootballtalk.com . . . seems like every team in the NFL is cutting veteran corners and safeties after the weekend combine . . .

  43. JT

    Purdue guards Jason King & Jordan Roos worked out at the team’s Pro Day today. Full numbers haven’t been reported yet, but highlights include 41 reps on the bench for Roos, and a 9′ broad + 31′ vertical for King.

    Any Boilermaker fans out there seen these guys play?

    • Kenny Sloth

      Is Jordan of relation to Michael Roos?

    • Ground_Hawk

      Thanks for the heads up JT! I looked up their proday results, and along with King’s broad and vert jumps he also pushed 35 bench reps! He definitely reaches the 3.0 TEF mark! I’m curious what his arm length is now.

      Here’s the link:
      http://www.jconline.com/story/sports/college/purdue/football/2017/03/07/purdue-linemen-consumed-pro-day-opportunity/98853358/

    • Ground_Hawk

      Thanks JT, for the word on Purdue’s OL Jason King! His 35 bench reps makes him the highest TEF and wTEF OL prospect, yet. Listed at 6′ 4″ and 310 lbs. with a 9′ broad, and 31″ vert., hisTEF= 3.296, and wTEF= 102.176.

      • Rob Staton

        Only worry for King might be arm length — seeing as he tried working out at center at the pro-day. Suggests length an issue.

  44. Kenny Sloth

    If we drafted King… The L.O.B. would be nobility , if only in name.

    We got an Earl, a Chancellor, then a King. Sherman is obviously the Prince of Darkness in the media’s eyes

    • Sea Mode

      This is one of your best yet!

      • Sea Mode

        And remember Earl’s tatoo across his chest…

      • Trevor

        +1

      • Kenny Sloth

        I googled the origins of Sherman’s name lol.

        Shear-Man he man who shears… So that was off the table.

        • sdcoug

          Sherman…Union General William Tecumseh Sherman was named after a Shawnee chief. Chief is a form of nobility. Too much of a stretch? Lol I tired

    • Trevor

      Love it Kenny you or the SDB community will have to come up with a new name for them.

      • Hawks22Fun

        Perhaps the “King-Dom” of BOOM!??!

        • nichansen01

          The King-Dome of boom…

        • Trevor

          Like it!

          • Hawks22Fun

            Kick ass! We got it!!

            • Hawks22Fun

              Now we just have to draft Kevin King, and watch him get some picks, then —

              “The King-DOOM of BOOM” is born!

              #KingDoomBOOM

  45. Hawks22Fun

    I wish we would just pay and sign Riley Reiff to play either LT or RT.

    He can play either position well… then our draft is OPEN…

    I see like the rest of you, Obi and King…Witherspoon all seem very ‘Seahawky’, and would start making a difference right away…

    “If” they would move Ifedi to RT, where he has played the most, signed Riley for LT… drafting Asiata for G…we would have a fierce O Line… but I digress, as they will continue to screw the O line up somehow… #CableTooProud #TheyGetTooCute

    • Hawks22Fun

      …or DJ Fluker to play RT…BIG huge DUDE…

      Next to Ifedi, he would be a monster…

      • Hawks22Fun

        …or even Menelik Watson…

        • Trevor

          Not a Watson fan however.

      • Trevor

        That would be a monster right side.

      • Rawls1234

        That’s exactly what we said about Webb…

        • Trevor

          Fluker is not a pro bowler but he is nowhere near as bad as Webb not even close.

    • Trevor

      We think alike when it comes to both Ifedi and Cable Hawks22fun but are definitely the minority.

      • Hawks22Fun

        Let’s hang in there Trevor!

        Maybe they break their rigidity and try something new…

        (Sign someone who can play)

        • Hawks22Fun

          The more I think about Fluker at RT, the more I am curious…

          Anyone else want Fluker at RT?

          • Steve Nelsen

            Fluker supposedly wants $8million. That would be an overpay. But he might get it in a league with a lot of teams desperate for O-Line help.

    • Kenny Sloth

      He’s played at RG for 6 years now.

      Played 2 at RT at TAMU

      • Hawks22Fun

        Dammit Kenny! 🙂

        High school is HS…that quality of play and their age makes it a totally different game!

        2 years Only you say at RT??? yes..in the flipping SEC! He played well.

        As the pro bowl O lineman Rob Robinson(?retired) said on Brock and Salk, playing RG is actually harder mentally than playing RT.

        Why?

        RT is out on the edge and you just take who is in front of you, the G has to deal with thinking more… I wouldn’t know, but he does…

        …and just look how Ifedi ‘did struggle’ picking up stunts, etc…

        It just seems really “SIDEWAYS” to take Glowinski who practiced RG his whole first year, with 1 start, and push him over to LG… then draft a RT, and move him to RG…then draft a LT, and make him a G…

        Like, can Cable and PC/JS just take it easy on these guys and let them play where THEY are comfortable??? Anyways…

        Fluker Kenny??? Would you like his Giant ass next to Ifedi on the Right side???

        • Kenny Sloth

          Versatility is a virtue.

          It’s not like Glowinski started for 5 years at one spot and we flipped him and he had an awful year. He did pretty well in his first season of starts.

          Ifedi has always been a guard. He played there his freshman year. Looked way better than at Tackle.

          Ifedi is very smart. So nip that real quick if that’s your insinuation.

          I wouldn’t be unhappy to see Fluker on the team.

          I’m also positive we’re looking at the wrong type of guys.

          We’re gonna bring in a Webb-Sowell type

        • Trevor

          Agree on all points Hawks22.

  46. Trevor

    I know Russ loves his wife and kids. We all love ours too. Please enough with the all the public pictures this off season.

    I hope he has a great off season and spends lots of time with them but enough with all the social media crap. He is already famous and will get more famous for the right reasons if he win’s another SB. I know this is probably coming from Ciara as she is an artist but “Come On Man”

    • Hawks22Fun

      It is also odd to me how much some people narrate their lives now with social media…

      Like, just live your life…we don’t need every detail of every day…

      • Trevor

        +1

        Narcissism has spread like the plague in todays society. It is really screwing up our kids too and scares me as a father of two young girls. Anyways discussion for another blog.

        • sdcoug

          Couldn’t agree more Trev. Kids basing their self-worth on the number of “likes” or follows.

          Come on Russ…pull it together man!!

          • DC

            When they should be basing it on how the Seahawks played that week. That’s what I did!

            • sdcoug

              Hahaha so true. Sadly, I’ve had to make a conscious effort at not letting a Seahawk loss impact the start of my week.

      • Smitty1547

        I got to agree with you I want are QB back, enough of the keeping up with the Kardashian BS.

        • Kenny Sloth

          He doesn’t belong to this franchise or it’s fans.

          Kind of unfair sentiment.

          Perhaps you’re just not as big a fan of Russell personally

          • nichansen01

            Whatever russ does with his social media, personal life i dont care about too much, as long as it’s not hurting other people.

            I care about results on the field.

            • Trevor

              I agree completely but you don’t think the other guys in the room get tired of this from thy guy who is supposed to be the leader.

  47. David Ashton

    Jonathan Allen will go in the first – slightly average combine aside.

    • Rob Staton

      It’s not just that. Arthritis doesn’t get better. Ever.

      Look what happened to Myles Jack a year ago. This might be worse.

      • sdcoug

        It will be properly evaluated and weighed to be sure, but it’s not really a clear-cut thing. X-rays show severe arthritis in both my ankles (according to doctor and tech). This was in my early-20’s. I’m now 40 and have yet to have a day where they impacted me. Now I acknowledge that no one was wagering a first round pick on my health, but still…It may be something I feel at an advanced age, or it may be never.

        • Rob Staton

          Of course — but as you rightly noted, a NFL franchise isn’t investing a first round pick in you and giving you millions 🙂

          • sdcoug

            A middle-aged bloke can still dream, right? Lol. thanks for all the work Rob. I’ve stated it before, but this site is a multiple-times a day visit for me

            • Rob Staton

              Thanks man, appreciate the kind words 🙂

              • David Ashton

                I’m going to have a gentleman’s bet with you which will yield nothing else other than a bit of interest on my part on draft day. If i get something right v somebody much more knowledgeable then if will make me smile.

                I should have said that I’d rolled injury and combine into one issue as they get med checked at combine – sorry for not being clear.

                • Rob Staton

                  There’s no need. I said in the piece he could go in the top-20. It’s one mock draft looking at a scenario. Not a definitive opinion I’m never going to shift from.

                  The point of a mock like this is to look at possibilities.

                  • David Ashton

                    Sure, thanks Rob.

                    Contract already written though unfortunately 😈

        • sdcoug

          Side note, arthritis is a very common thing for advanced footballers (soccer).

          Not to say it isn’t a real issue for Allen…doctors will make that assertation. Just saying this concern could be a bit overstated or even pushed by a team hoping to see him slip

  48. Trevor

    Feel really bad for Shead. Had a solid year till the injury and was in for a well deserved nice little pay day and then to get hurt and not even tendered now. Seemed like a great team guy and I really hope he makes it all the way back and is better than ever.

    I know the Hawks had to do it but is just another reminder that we as fans should never get pissed when a guy wants to max out his $ on that 2nd contract. Guys that have already made 20-30 mil that is another story.

    • Hawks22Fun

      With this INSANE DB class at the draft, it makes too much sense…

      It is a bummer he got hurt…but we need NEW BLOOD!

      King / Obi / Witherspoon are great possible targets!

      If we could land 2 of these 3??? WOW

      • Trevor

        I agree it had to be done but shows that the NFL is a cold business.

        • Hawks22Fun

          “Cold” with millions of reasons to be okay with it…

          • Trevor

            Yet most are broke in their 40s.

  49. nichansen01

    Seahawks need to make this move. Sign DJ Fluker and put him next to Ifedi. Big and powerful right side of the line. More finesse left side. We will see how Fant improves but he seems to be the guy there. I would bring Gilliam back as a swing tackle.

    • nichansen01

      DJ Fluker is known as being a tough as nails player who plays his heart out… who has a concerning history of concussions…

      • Hawks22Fun

        If I was JS, I would be calling Fluker’s agent RIGHT NOW!!!

        Grab him ASAP… former first round pick at #11… JUST PAY HIM!

        • Kenny Sloth

          They didn’t even resign him. He must be bad

          • Smitty1547

            We didn’t resign Irvin was he bad?

  50. Sea Mode

    JT, replied to you way up above. Great work, by the way!

  51. BobbyK

    D.J. Fluker looks like a Seahawks RT. Eric Williams tweeted he’d be a perfect Cable guy. After he wrote that, I I asked him about where he’d best fit on the Seahawks (guard or RT) and he replied: “Right tackle. He’s nasty, plays hard and plays through pain.”

    Nobody knows more about Cable/Seahawks than Eric (though others may know as much). Nobody knows Fluker better than Eric either since he’s been the ESPN guy for the Chargers ever since he left the Seahawks Insider.

    Fluker plays with the physicality that Gilliam doesn’t always do.

    • Hawks22Fun

      RT Fluker looks like the best path forward! HUGE, young…

      Just pay the man!

      • Hawks22Fun

        Just look at his draft profile: Fluker

        http://www.nfl.com/draft/2013/profiles/d.j.-fluker?id=2540166

        • nichansen01

          He makes mistakes, but he plays with passion. That is what we need on our offense again. Passionate players.

          • nichansen01

            Rawls, Baldwin, Fluker are the type of passionate players that can embody the spirit of beast mode.

            Kittle could be brought in to add more passion and toughness to the offense as well.

    • Rob Staton

      And yet he just got cut.

      Also not an explosive tester.

      • Hawks22Fun

        Rob…how well has that ‘explosive tester’ mentality paid of so far…?

        Britt will be, possibly, the ONLY O lineman they have EVER resigned…

        It simply needs to be ‘weighted’ against some other factors…

        These are humans, not machines…

        Great write ups by the way Rob!!! DAMM Thorough!!! (and accurate)

        • Kenny Sloth

          Them not resigning guys isn’t a good indicator of talent lol

          They got paid after Seattle developed them from nothing.

          These are humans with certain mechanical functions.

          These humans can be developed.

          • nichansen01

            Webb and Sowell – neither were explosive, but they were both brought in for their size.

        • lil'stink

          Explosive of not, Fluker isn’t very good. Couldn’t cut it at tackle, so they moved him inside to guard. Signing him probably moves the needle in the wrong direction.

          Save the money or use it on someone who would be a clear upgrade over Gilliam.

        • Rob Staton

          Seattle’s problem isn’t their desire to have explosive offensive linemen.

          The solution isn’t to bring in less explosive players that just got cut by a bad team because they don’t think he’s any good.

      • Steve Nelsen

        Yes, in a league desperate for O-Line, he got cut by the team that knows him best.

        I’m guessing that there are fans out there for other teams going. “The Seahawks minimum tendered Gilliam. He is young, athletic and a 2-year starter. He could be that guy we need at RT!”

        • Trevor

          The cut him because they did not want to pay him an almost $9ml guarantee. I am not sure of the Chargers OT situation but it cannot be as bas as ours and they have the #7 pick if they want to get a starting OT.

          That being said I would never give him a big contract. As a guy to come in an compete for the RT spot I like his odds vs Gilliam.

          • Hawks22Fun

            Agreed. Not talking about over paying or a long deal…

            Just want to kick the tires on someone who has done it…played ball in the NFL, and been decent…I know he isn’t a #1 OT, but having only Gilliam and Fant, 2 basketball players, seems lopsided to me…

            Why Odhiambo isn’t out LT, I wonder… why did they draft him then?

        • Rob Staton

          Exactly, Steve.

        • Sea Mode

          Super well said.

      • EranUngar

        Flucker was cut by a team that had only 14M cap space before cutting him. It was a similar move to the Seahawks last year with Mebane, Okung and Irvin.

        They did take his 5th year option last year so they did not think he was totally worthless….

        • Rob Staton

          It’s not similar though. The Seahawks weren’t willing to pay Okung +10m a year and let him walk knowing they’d get a comp pick (ended up being a third rounder). He and Mebane signed more lucrative deals elsewhere. They decided they didn’t want to give Bruce $7m a year knowing they’d get a third round comp pick this year (and they have).

          The Chargers are desperate on the O-line and just cut a guy they drafted in the top-15. This isn’t like Bruce or Okung who got Seattle a pick back. The Chargers will get nothing for Fluker because they cut him. And they’ll probably go out and pay someone else that $8m to play OL now.

  52. Trevor

    My Five Simple Wishes as a Seahawks fan for Free Agency

    #1 Sign Kevin Zietler (4 years / $50 mil with $25 mil Guaranteed) Is this overpaying an OG? Absolutely but the Hawks have not drafted and developed a pro-bowl OL in the PC / JS era. SO why not switch things up and get on in free agency. He is young, durable, tough, nasty and has a history with Russ. Put him next to Britt and make the middle of our OL the teams strength.

    Rumor has it the Browns are interested not surprisingly given they have a ton of cap space and their HC was his OC in Cincy. We can’t compete if it comes down to just $ but if you had the choice to spend your next 5 years playing for the Browns or in Seattle under Pete what would it be worth to you?

    #2 If you cannot sign Zietler sign the best veteran OT available. DJ Fluker or Andrew Whitworth ideally. Both could come in and be a huge upgrade at RT letting Gilliam become the swing OT. A 2 yr /$14 mil deal with $8mil guaranteed should get it done.

    I know there is not enough cap space to sign both Zietler and a decent OT but at least sign one of the above please, please, please, please! Stop being so stubborn and just do it. Expecting everything to get better in one off season with this group is just more crazy talk. Did Gilliam get better in year #2? did Britt? Why think Fant and Ifedi will make these quantum jumps and that Gilliam will find the light all of a sudden.

    #3 Sign LaGarette Blount (2yr / 6mil w/ 4mil Guaranteed) We have a bunch of young RBs with lots of talent and questionable durability. Plus our short yardage and goal line run game stinks. Blount would be a cheap signing and bring leadership, toughness and the short yardage power back we need.

    Rawls, Prosise and Blount would be the ideal 3 headed monster IMO.

    #4 Extend Kam and Jimmy and reduce their cap hits this year. Kam in Particular is the leader of this team and Jimmy is going to have a huge year I think now he is healthy. Do the deals now because you will not be able to afford them next off season then you get into the whole Fanchise tag mess which never goes well.

    #5 Work your annual magic and find a vet DT or two for the rotation. Ideally someone with a little pass rush to compliment Rubin and Reed in case QJeff does not pan out.

    That is all I ask for and it does not seem like much. After all it is only Paul Allens $.

    If they made these moves they could focus in defense in this loaded draft and be locked and loaded for another SB run.

  53. Trevor

    Brian Schwenke is definitely an interesting name. Not sure of his medicals but seemed tough and durable. I know he is a Center but played some Guard and that Titans Ol was good last year.

    Any idea how he tested at combine? Does he meet the TEF? Would be a great competition guy at the least.

    • nichansen01

      over 3.0 in tef

  54. astraeus

    “Source close to Adrian Peterson told me desirable landing spots for AP incl. Raiders & Seahawks. Source: they will know more later tonight.” per

    https://twitter.com/StaceyDales/status/839242897664921600

    • DLep

      saw that, wtf

      • DLep

        as in maybe AP likes the Seahawks but I would be very surprised if the Seahawks sign him

      • astraeus

        His salary was 12 million in 2016. I doubt we would offer anything close to that. He’s 31, I think he might want a ring…

        • Hawks22Fun

          What if he took a game based contract with elevators?

          As in, if he plays all season, and plays well…he gets paid…!

          Say $8 mill “IF” he stays healthy for 16 games and playoffs, and gets over 1,000 yards…

          I would take him IF the contract was game by game… he gets hurt…no pay!

  55. Steve Nelsen

    Free Agency Priorities:

    1. Kam extension – it will be a big locker-room distraction if this doesn’t get done. It might not be easy though. Rumors are that Kam wants more than Seattle is willing to pay.

    2. Add some veteran presence to the O-line. We all want this; including John Schneider so it is really just a question of how to do it in the budget. 26 teams have more cap room than Seattle. If they want to go big in free agency this year, then make a trade with Cleveland for Joe Thomas and move Fant to RT. Otherwise, we may have to go cheap for a guy like Breno who could provide presence even if he doesn’t start.

    3. Adding a vet to the D-line rotation would be helpful.

    4. Some WR depth may be needed with a couple guys coming off injury and Kearse coming off a down year.

    The only other place I could see Seattle making a big splash is Calais Campbell. He would take the front 7 to elite championship level: every bit as good as the Denver D-line that won Super Bowl 50.

    • Trevor

      Agree on almost all points. I wish they would just get Kam done and let him retire a Hawk as he deserves to like BeastMode. You may have to give more guarantees than you want given his injuries but bite the bullet and get it done. Too much drama for all the young guys if not.

      I get the feeling when Kam came back after the hold out he said I am going to stay quite and get to free agency to see what the league thinks I am worth. He is a proud guy and rightfully so.

      • Jesse James

        Well he very well may want more than we are willing to pay him, but if you look at all the other star players on our team they all could have gotten a bigger contract from other teams but they decided to stay and play with the brothers they’ve made here in seattle. I think it gets done Kam is one of the vocal points to our team.

        • Greg Haugsven

          I’d be willing to bet Kam gets extended after the draft. They got bigger priorities now

  56. Hawks22Fun

    Wow. Adrian Peterson was reported to want to play for the Seahawks, or Raiders… at a discount…

    Would we want Adrian for 2-3 years? (If we fix O line?)

    • Hawks22Fun

      Have to add…the contract would be game based pay…

      ie. he ‘no play’, he ‘no pay’…

      …to SAVE our cap and protect from him getting hurt again and hurting us…

      • Hawks22Fun

        This would be the 2015 version signing of Jimmy Graham!!!

        If we signed AP…all day…(and some dam O lineman to block for him)

    • Overtime

      Signing aging veterans at the end of their career is not how you build a franchise. This is how you end up with a team that gets old all at once. Our core is getting older. We need to find the next generation of young stars. Everyone like AP takes a roster spot and carries from a younger player.

  57. Kyle

    So apparently ap has interest in the Seahawks!!!

    • nichansen01

      I wouldnt be interested. I would sign Fluker over AP

      • nichansen01

        Ap is too old, too many injuries.

        • pob12

          B/t him & Walsh, we’d have all the key players who won the playoff game for the Hakws in 2016.

          • Sea Mode

            hahahahahahahaha!!!

  58. J Boy

    Gotta admit- Obi reminds me a bit of Taylor Mays, elite athleticism but lacking instincts and technique…and we all know that Carroll passed on Mays
    Also- Tyus Bowser and Joe Mathis are two of my favorite prospects in this draft, but do you think there would be a role for both with the hawks? Or would that be overkill?

    • Rob Staton

      They passed on Mays with the #14. Who knows what they would’ve done had they had the #26 pick that year?

      And FWIW — every really athletic big safety isn’t automatically Taylor Mays.

      • Trevor

        Obi is a better athlete with much better movement skills as well.

  59. Blueshawk

    I was just wondering in your draft if the Seahawks try to trade with Oakland when they see Ramczyk still available at 24?

  60. red

    1. Couple of draft thoughts any chance Demarcus Walker falls to 58? I bet he runs a 4.9 or something if he is there with Bowser who do you take?

    2. Is Dede Westbrooke draftable with the domestic abuse claims is he Joe Mixon without the video do you take him before the 4th round?

    3. What is Teez Tabor value after slow 40 time? if he is there at 58 do you consider him, his tape is good but average to below average combine.

    4. Do you draft Jake Butt with pick 102 or 107 knowing he will miss first half of season?

    • nichansen01

      I would steer clear of Westbrook and Tabor.

      • RealRhino2

        Think Walker will fall to 58, would prefer Bowser. Think he’s more of what we’re missing.

        2. Wouldn’t take Westbrook before, say, the 6th. He’s what we already have, and with that baggage, pass. Only take him if he’s basically free.

        3. I would be okay with Tabor in the late 3rd maybe. Have to see how his pro day goes. Maybe something was off w/ him at combine. Wouldn’t be the first time a guy just had an off day.

        4. No. Isn’t he just Nick Vannett? Prefer a guy closer to Luke Willson’s athleticism later.

        • red

          Some scouts had butt in top 50 on the board before ACL. If he came out last year he would have been probably early second he is better than vannett. Roberts from Toledo interests me late dude has huge hands and guys just bounce off him could be red zone and goal line guy at 270 line him up as a fullback

      • D-OZ

        Everyone is sleeping on Shaheen when discussing the TE class…

        • Rob Staton

          I think it’s just hard to judge Shaheen given his level of competition. Apparently his blocking is disappointing for his size, which is also odd.

  61. astraeus

    I hope the Seahawks take a look at DT Cornelius Washington if the Bears don’t re-sign him. Extremely explosive athlete. (http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/cornelius-washington?id=2539232) He’s bulked up to 292 lbs since the combine.

    • C-Dog

      He was coached by their new DL coach Clint Hurtt. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is a target. So was Stephen Paea.

  62. Ed

    For the most part, this organization does it right.

    1. Scout well (mid-late round guys)
    2. Draft well (not so much early, but know when to pull trigger (Wilson/Sherman/Kam)
    3. Lock up the key pieces before they become FA
    4. Find deals in FA. Stay away from the early spending days of FA.

    Got to hit on 1 and 2 to follow 3 and 4, the good organizations do that, the bad ones don’t.

    • Volume12

      Agree.

      In regards to 2. IMO its because they draft high upside, low floor athletic freaks. They roll the dice early and late and in the mid rounds is where they get their ‘meat & potato’ prospects.

    • Trevor

      Well said Ed!

  63. Aaron

    Just watched some highlights of DJ Fluker, including the dink and dunk loss to the Chargers in 2014. Fluker played RT in 2014 and held up pretty well. He went against Avril, Irvin, and Marsh for the most part in that game. The only guy he had trouble with was Avril, but most RTs do. Avril is really good at converting speed to power to put o linemen on skates, and that happened a couple times to Fluker. If he isn’t asking for north of 7-8 mil/year we should take a stab at him. Of course the NFL already thought Fluker was our RG last year…

    • Aaron

      In fact Ifedi tweeted about it, lol…

      https://mobile.twitter.com/GermainX1/status/788066367383572480

      Coincidence? I think not!

      • C-Dog

        That’s pretty funny.

    • sdcoug

      Was that the 100+° game in SD? I lived in San Diego at the time. I’m not sure what was worse…the brutal temps or dealing with all my idiotic charger friends after losing haha

      • Aaron

        Yep, that’s the game. Fluker isn’t half bad. Been watching his 2013 and 2014 tape when he was a RT. He’s the kind of mammoth RT we need. He’s started every game in his career, is still young, and he may benefit from a team that wants to run the ball more than a pass first Chargers. If he’s asking for less than $7 mil/year we should seriously consider him. There are guys like him in this draft, namely Robinson and Moton. However, they don’t have 4 years of NFL experience against the likes of Justin Houston, Von Miller, and Khalil Mack.

        • Aaron

          Correction: He’s missed 5 games in his career, or 59 out of 64 regular season starts. He’s a guy who plays through injuries for the most part.

  64. Volume12

    Seahawks also had an interview with Clemson CB Cordrea Tankersley. All these DBs man.

    Tank didn’t have a great vert, but he can improve it on his pro day and would not be a bad option if all their other targets are off the board.

    • Ed

      Better get 2 that can compete early. Sherman and Lane the only 2 that got snaps last year for the most part.

      • C-Dog

        My hunch is that they could easily grab a couple. One who is probably set to start sooner than later, and another who could end up being a starter down the road.

  65. lil'stink

    Austin Pasztor was actually mentioned on FieldGulls today as a potential FA target. He’s the sort of 2nd tier linemen I hope we take a look at. Started at RT last year, and improved as the season went on after a rough start.

    Schwenke and Pasztor would be a huge improvement over the Webb/Sowell signings and could actually put us in a decent position heading into the draft. If the OL you love falls to you, great. But if not, you have enough guys capable of making the 53.

  66. Sea Mode

    Post-Combine Seahawks Mock 2.0

    R1P26: CB Kevin King
    Everything PC wants in a corner. It’s got to be someone a cut above Desir, Elliott, Seisay, SJB. Great personality to go with the historically elite athleticism, and don’t underestimate the agressiveness and ‘dog’ in him either in tackling:
    https://youtu.be/RTakhfbmj-I?t=146

    *TRADE UP with R3P90 pick into mid R2. The Bills only have 6 picks in this draft and look to add more. Last year, we moved up 7 spots in R2 in exchange for R4P124. I think R3P90 could reasonably be expected to move us up twice that many spots.
    From SEA: R2P58, R3P90
    From BUF: R2P44

    R2P44: TE Evan Engram
    Some of the best hands in the draft, attached to 33.5″ arms, running a 4.42 and jumping 36″ at 236lbs. He’s a typical Seattle efficient target and a mismatch waiting to happen for the opposing defense. Upgrades Kearse as a possession WR and red zone threat, and fills Luke Willson’s void in the TE room all in one pick, which saves a valuable roster spot as well.
    I agree with Volume12 that we need one more weapon on this offense. Engram is that guy for me.
    Mayock also mentioned during combine coverage from his notes that, although Engram is not known for his blocking, play after play on tape he was getting after his guy. *checks off another box for Seahawks wideout*
    Well spoken in interviews, team captain, and received academic awards. Productive 65rec/926yd/8td his senior year. Anything else you’d like?

    R3P102: OLB Carroll Phillips
    Moving up for Engram took us out of range for Bowser, but this “Wild Man” might be better anyway. Moved extremely well in the combine drills I saw and plays with his hair on fire (hence the nickname), as they say. He drops lower than his talent level due to some teams’ concern with his personality and age (25 in Sept.), but fits right in in Seattle’s locker room.

    *TRADE DOWN last R3 comp for R4 + R5 picks. The Bengals have 11 picks, including 2 picks in each of Rds. 4,5,6,7. They see someone they like and decide to make a move up in order to rest peacefully at the end of day 2 knowing they secured their guy.
    From SEA: R3P106
    From CIN: R4P138, R5P153

    R4P138: OG Isaac Asiata
    Pulls extremely quickly for his size and has that streak of nasty. Competes with Glow for LG spot and provides depth. Seems like a cool cat off the field as well.

    R5P153: S Shalom Luani
    Not everyone is as willing to work with raw prospects as Seattle, and he had just a solid not great combine performance, keeping him under the radar. Can backup both safety spots and compete with Shead for “Buffalo” role. Should be a good ST player early on. Seattle loves a gritty backstory.

    R6P210: RB Chris Carson
    Has a bit of that wide stance running style that will remind you of Marshawn, with the ripped athletic physique of CMike. Long speed won’t blow you away, but I saw good patience and explosive burst through the hole. Also has 33 1/4 arms which should be good for blocking. And most of all, what we all want to see: he knows how to lower his shoulder.

    R7P226: DT Stevie Tu’ikolovatu
    Cheap depth and size at DT to anchor and keep our LBs clean. Had a 1.72 split, which is pretty incredible at 331 lbs. Although his agility and explosion tests were nothing to write home about, his game is his size and length (only 6010 but with 33 7/8 arms…!) anyway along with a really cool and mature character.

    Priority UDFA: LB Jimmie Gilbert
    PC mentioned depth at LB, so we can’t ignore it in any mock.Reddick and Jarrad Davis were not there for the Hawks at #26 anyway, but nobody is going to flat out beat Bobby or KJ for playing time. This guy has length like Cunningham, and can be played sparingly this year as he fills out his long frame. But the instincts are there on tape and he moves well. I’ll take a risk and venture to say he might end up a better player than Cunningham in the long run.

    N.B. I don’t allow myself to trade future picks in mocks, just cause it would get too complicated and seems like the easy way out to be able to get all the guys I like for the Hawks. But if there ever was a year worth doing it, it might be this year in which we could draft the LOB 2.0. Next year’s R1 plus change for a generational athlete like Obi…? Count me in. This was the closest athletic comp I could find:

    Obi Melifonwu.: 6037, 224, 32 1/2 arm, 9 1/8 hand, 4.40 40yd, 1.51 10yd, 44.0 vert, 11’9″ broad
    Calvin Johnson: 6050, 239, 33 3/8 arm, 9 1/4 hand, 4.35 40yd, 1.52 10yd, 42.5 vert, 11’7″ broad

    • peter

      Excellent reasoning on all fronts. Well done

    • Ground_Hawk

      That was a hot take there at the end, Sea Mode! Next years 1st and a 5th, for Obi this year? If PC during that moment after Obi’s 40 run could make that deal, then I think he would!

  67. BobbyK

    Eric Williams covers the Chargers for ESPN. He covered the Seahawks prior to that. He knows Cable and the Seahawks and he knows the Chargers and Fluker better than any of us. He told me that Fluker would be a great right tackle fit for Cable and the Seahawks. He was cut by the Chargers because they weren’t willing to pay him over $8 million in ’17 – not because he sucks. They think he’s okay, just not worth $8 million of okay. Seems like a good fit if we (obviously) got him on a lesser deal.

    • Rob Staton

      I wouldn’t doubt Williams’ chops on this subject — but I disagree with him. Cable loves explosive players and Fluker is not that. He’s just big. And he just got cut by the team that drafted him in the top-15, despite having a bad O-line.

      It just seems to me that he’s a name we didn’t expect to be available so that becomes enticing because it’s original. But ultimately, he just got cut for a reason.

      • BobbyK

        In all honesty, I don’t know anything about Fluker. But I don’t think it’s fair to say he’s bad because he was cut. Plenty of good players have been cut simply because teams felt their cap numbers were too high. The Chargers did pick up his fifth year option last year. They thought he was good enough to guarantee an $8 million 2017 salary to him if he got hurt in ’16. That’s something the Seahawks would not do with Bruce Irvin (or James Carpenter). Neither Irvin or Carpenter suck. They just aren’t good enough to warrant big money. That’s why they didn’t pay either and let them walk. They didn’t think Irvin sucked, they just didn’t think he was worth the inflated salary he would have gotten in his fifth year. Fluker would still probably be a Charger had the coaching staff not been fired. All new guys want “their” guys and Fluker and his $8 million was part of the previous coaching plans, but not for this one. Fluker would still be a Charger, I’m willing to bet, if his scheduled salary for ’17 had been half of his $8 million. Do I want Fluker? Maybe. If he’s a few million… sure, mainly because of Eric. But $8 million? Nope.

        • Rob Staton

          Sure, I wouldn’t wish to base my opinion purely on the fact he was cut. I hope that’s not how my reply sounded. My personal view on him stretches back to his draft. I wasn’t even mocking him in R1 and was very surprised he went as high as he did. IMO he’s always just been big. And in the NFL, I think he’s a guard. I think the Chargers tried desperately to give him every chance to work out at tackle and it’s been a failure. I’m not sure the Seahawks need another guy on this roster that ultimately was drafted to be a tackle and then had to move inside.

          Could Seattle kick the tires? Sure. I can imagine that. But I don’t think he’s necessarily the type Cable goes for because he isn’t remotely explosive. He has a history of concussions that are a major concern. And while being cut isn’t indicative of him being definitely a bad player — the GM that drafted him in the top-15 has just sanctioned his removal from the roster, despite the terrible O-line options in FA and the draft and despite their line being bad to begin with.

          • BobbyK

            Do you know how Webb tested? He seemed like a slow plodding guy, too. And I agree that that doesn’t sound like a Cable type of guy they’d want. Going for Webb was one of the biggest head scratching moments in my life as a Seahawks fan. Not only that, but I thought Webb could survive at LG but when they put him at RT… that was mind boggling. Maybe Fluker is like that and they learned their lesson. idk

            • Rob Staton

              Webb tested really poorly. Not remotely explosive. It’s one of the other things that puts me off Fluker along with the things discussed in my other reply.

            • sdcoug

              Fluker is more of a road grader; Perhaps that’s the attraction to seattle. SD threw the ball a ton. Even when they were running well in the first qtr…they couldn’t resist going to the air the remaining three qtrs. and would mainly incorporate their RBs with passes. It was a major criticism of the since-fired coaching staff. Could be Fluker is a better fit moving forward into defenders rather than reacting. Don’t really know, only spit-balling.

    • lil'stink

      Teams have roughly 10 months from the time they pick up the 5th year option until it becomes guaranteed. That’s a lot of time for the Chargers to work on an extension if they wanted Fluker back at a more reasonable cost.

      • BobbyK

        However, the gamble is if he would have torn his ACL or something that his 2017 contract would have become fully guaranteed. So actually picking up the option in the first place says they had some faith in him (or at least the previous coaching staff did).

  68. BobbyK

    Interesting that Seahawks have reached out to AP, too. Clearly mutual interest from both sides.

    • BobbyK

      AP and Rawls are pretty similar. Both terrible blockers and receivers. Both great runners.

      • peter

        I’m not trying to come off as flippant. But I really don’t see the point in AP. With Rawls and AP’s age and the dreaded “cliff,” for Backs over 30.

        What does Seattle really gain? A player that five season ago was electric?

        I hope the Seahawks just move on from this talk.

        Also AP is a POS for what he did to his kid and by his own statements believes is right as long as you don’t let it get out of hand.

  69. drewdawg11

    Rawls is far from a “great” runner. I’m sorry, but Fluke wasn’t good enough to play tackle by the team who drafted him. Is he going to force Ifedi to move outside? If ever there was a year to trade up, this would be the year.

    • nichansen01

      Agree on your first point, disagree on your second. Fluker can play tackle, it is just that san diego had a better option at the position. We do not. We have… Gilliam and Sowell…

      • Rob Staton

        San Diego/LA desperately tried to make Fluker work at tackle. He was bad. Flat out bad.

    • nichansen01

      Rawls is good but not great. Great runners can stay healthy, Rawls can’t.

      • D-OZ

        I doubt if AP can stay healthy anymore either.

  70. drewdawg11

    You can disagree, but he was a top 15 pick. They don’t have some great tackle options. He’s big and slow and would be eaten alive by speed rushers. He is just a guy. Period.

    • nichansen01

      Perhaps, but he is still an upgrade over Gilliam and probably Sowell.

  71. Trevor

    i love the idea of a veteran power RB to go with Rawls and Prosise but I prefer Blount to AP. Blount has an edge and toughness I love and he is a great short yardage RB which we could really use.

    • BobbyK

      I’ll never forgive Blount for mocking Beast Mode after Super Bowl 49. Want nothing to do with him.

      • nichansen01

        I will pass on Blount. Even Patriots fans don’t really like him.

        • Trevor

          I thought you did not care about players likeability as long as they performed well 🙂

  72. Old but Slow

    Wasn’t AP charged with some kind of child abuse?

    • BobbyK

      Yep. And that stinks.

      I think he’s got a great year left in his tank. But, yeah, is that a guy you want to root for? He and Blount aren’t exactly going to win a Mr. Citizenship Award in the near future.

      • peter

        Well if you believe these things then: His good years are every other now after his 2000 plus yard season, so he’s “due,” this season for a good year.

    • nichansen01

      I will honestly bit a little upset if we sign up. I doubt we will.

      Rawls is the type of guy you love cheering for. AP not so much.

  73. drewdawg11

    How much of an upgrade vs how much more you’ll have to pay him? We have never seen him even play tackle in the NFL. We all want a change, but we can’t just waste money on someone who won’t be any good. Isnhe coming here on a veteran’s minimum to compete? No. He’s not athletic so he’s pretty miscast for the ZBS. We can find a slow, oaf of an OL in the middle of the draft and pay him nothing. We need to do better than that.

  74. nichansen01

    Right now, and I know my opinion is going to change, I would advocate drafting King over Melinfonwu.

    And my reasoning at this moment is just because I think King has the attitude to fit right in with the hawks. He is scrappy and competitive, but at the same time he could not be a nicer guy off the field and in interviews. I think he could be a big time leader in the locker room.

    I will let it be known that I am a huge UW fan, so I am a bit biased here. But I would really love seeing King in a seahawks uniform. I honestly think he would start right away.

    Having two lockdown corners would really make this defense special. I i truly think King has lockdown potential. This isn’t the type of guy who is gonna get torched by the likes of Devante Adams and Kenny Britt.

  75. rowdy

    I have to ask, what’s up with the recent obsession of kittle in the 3rd? Seems like an overdraft for a decent blocking te.

    • nichansen01

      Kittle also tested out as being very athletic, and it shows in his tape in the passing game. He is not just a blocker, but when he blocks he is completely ferocious. This is the type of player you draft to become the “bully” on offense.

      • rowdy

        He looks stiff and unable to create space and only able to run in a straight line. Nick vennett looks better in every way. I think he posted good numbers now people think his atheism translates but his tape doesn’t show it to me.

        • Coleslaw

          Like Willson can only run in a straight line too, Kittle has comparable speed and is a better blocker already than Willson who took 3 years to become a good blocker

          • D-OZ

            Willson never became a better blocker.

            • D-OZ

              Or good I should say.

    • Rob Staton

      Kittle’s physical profile similar to Luke Willson, so it’s a cheap replacement for a player who’s played a lot of snaps for Seattle over the last few years.

      • BobbyK

        Agreed that he definitely could be a guy they take. But taking a third TE over some other positions seems luxury like.

        • Rob Staton

          Well, he might be TE1 or TE2 in a year with Graham out of contract.

          And they drafted Vannett as TE4 a year ago in R3.

  76. ImUrHuckleBerri

    Now that the combine and everything is done with. I think two of the guys that were highlighted to be in play for Seattle in the first round are definitely Obi Melifonwu and Kevin King. Out of the two and who Seattle should pick I think it really depends on what they see more as a need. A pure CB or in my opinion a slighty undersized SLB (Deathbacker) in Obi.
    The reason I i think Obi is more of just a straight up LB more so than a safety or possible CB is because of how he plays and they way he uses his athletic ability. He’s and explosive athlete that makes a lot of plays at the LOS and can really limit YAC in 1 on 1 situations. The thing I haven’t really seen him make use of is his jumping ability. Granted he wasn’t lined up at CB hardly at all so I suppose you won’t get to see hardly any plays of his ball skills or high pointing ability while defending. I may be wrong and he may have that ability but I just have yet to see it in any videos or while he was doing combine drills.
    For me after not giving a RFA tender to Shead it almost points to Seattle drafting King if he is there. If Shead leaves, does Seattle really have any confidence in the likes of SBJ, Cox, Thorpe, Elliot, or Seisay filling in and doing well? King has demonstrated his athletic ability and ability to make plays on the ball already. I personally think that this would make him the front runner for Seattle’s first pick.
    I think either would be great and would have no issue with Seattle taking Melifonwu. Especially if Seattle is confident Obi could be a 4 down player. I most certainly would hope if Seattle went Nickel he would be on the field over KJ (especially in covering TEs).
    Thanks Rob for the time and effort you put into these articles. It’s honestly my go to way to stay invested in the Seahawks during the offseason with the draft and FA. Glad a site like this exists where so many fans who are just as addicted to the Hawks as I am exists. Look forward to seeing more of this community’s thoughts with FA and the draft looming.

    • ImUrHuckleBerri

      Now that the combine and everything is done with. I think two of the guys that were highlighted to be in play for Seattle in the first round are definitely Obi Melifonwu and Kevin King. Out of the two and who Seattle should pick I think it really depends on what they see more as a need. A pure CB or in my opinion a slighty undersized SLB (Deathbacker) in Obi.

      The reason I i think Obi is more of just a straight up LB more so than a safety or possible CB is because of how he plays and they way he uses his athletic ability. He’s and explosive athlete that makes a lot of plays at the LOS and can really limit YAC in 1 on 1 situations. The thing I haven’t really seen him make use of is his jumping ability. Granted he wasn’t lined up at CB hardly at all so I suppose you won’t get to see hardly any plays of his ball skills or high pointing ability while defending. I may be wrong and he may have that ability but I just have yet to see it in any videos or while he was doing combine drills.

      For me after not giving a RFA tender to Shead it almost points to Seattle drafting King if he is there. If Shead leaves, does Seattle really have any confidence in the likes of SBJ, Cox, Thorpe, Elliot, or Seisay filling in and doing well? King has demonstrated his athletic ability and ability to make plays on the ball already. I personally think that this would make him the front runner for Seattle’s first pick.

      I think either would be great and would have no issue with Seattle taking Melifonwu. Especially if Seattle is confident Obi could be a 4 down player. I most certainly would hope if Seattle went Nickel he would be on the field over KJ (especially in covering TEs).

      Thanks Rob for the time and effort you put into these articles. It’s honestly my go to way to stay invested in the Seahawks during the offseason with the draft and FA. Glad a site like this exists where so many fans who are just as addicted to the Hawks as I am exists. Look forward to seeing more of this community’s thoughts with FA and the draft looming.

      Reposted for better reading. Thought indentions would work on the original but i guess not.

  77. Misfit74

    Sad to see Reddick going top 15 in recent mocks (Rang, cbs). I now accept no chance at him.

    King, other CB, Obi, Evans, or falling offensive players are making mo e round 1/2 sense now.

    I might even be ok with King over Dalvin but man that’d still be tough to swallow. Despite poor testing outside of the 40 (still a good Speed Score), Cook’s tape, production, yards created, and forced missed tackles are insanely good. I might trust us to source good corners later and take the plunge. I would take Cook over any LB save for Reddick or Foster.

    I think teams will let’s some defenders slide, maybe Taco or Harris, in favor of landing a top skill player like C. Davis, but I doubt we are one of them. TEs are going to be a real wildcard in mocks this year. What a class!

  78. Daniel Bryan

    He’d like to be called “Mitchell” instead of Mitch

    • Rob Staton

      He’s been Mitch too long for me to worry about that.

  79. CharlieTheUnicorn

    I do not think King will make it to #26. For all the reasons mentioned… explosive, long and good speed. Dare I say, he might go top 15-20 pick.

    Something that was mentioned in passing several times by 710 (Gee Scott) was/is/has been that Seattle is VERY interested in Obi. I tend to agree, not everyone is “outspoken”, but some of them are very good leaders on the field. Kam doesn’t do that many appearances and rarely does interviews…. but he is widely viewed as a very important player within the locker-room and on the field. Some of this is taught, some is coached, some is the culture of the place of employment, some is intrinsic….. I think Seattle would be able to get the most out of the guy. He has been my penciled in pick for Seattle for awhile now… the combine just reinforced the notion.

    (I also love the Bowser pick in the second round for Seattle, tip of the hat)

    • Poko

      I agree with you!
      They desire him who can play S/LB(/CB)

    • BobbyK

      Another thing people don’t understand is that not every player on the team needs to be “the leader.” If everyone is going to be the leader, who will follow them when everyone else is trying to lead?

  80. Sea Mode

    Alabama, Oklahoma, Colorado, Temple, Marshall, Kentucky pro day today.

    I’ll be interested to find out which ones Seattle attends. Maybe Temple to get a closer look at Dion Dawkins and see if he improves and meets TEF. Plus, who wouldn’t want to watch Reddick again and dream of what could have been… Maybe be at Colorado to check out those three DBs and LB Jimmie Gilbert.

    • McGruff

      Pete was at Alabama supposedly salivating 9ver Cam Robinson.

  81. millhouse-serbia

    I am so sad that I didn’t find this place earlier but I am so glad I have finally faound it.

    Thank you Rob.

  82. Ross

    This is a dream draft for me. I love King, Bowser, Asiata, and White. This would, in my opinion, go down as a fantastic Seahawks haul.

    Also, McCaffrey to the Pats scares me with how crafty Belichek is with swiss army knife types of players like him. And I can definitely see them making that pick.

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