Quick notes: Takk McKinley & Malik McDowell

Just a couple of quick notes today on a couple of defensive linemen…

Takk McKinley notes

Lance Zierlein has the Seahawks taking McKinley at #26 in his latest mock today. There’s a growing sentiment Seattle might go D-line with their first pick. It’s certainly true there’s a huge drop off in D-line talent after the top prospects leave the board. It’s a really deep corner and safety class.

If the Seahawks were after an EDGE, McKinley would be a terrific shout. His backstory and character are off the charts. Watch this video and tell me you won’t root for this guy whatever team he lands with. Yesterday we talked about Malik McDowell not fitting the ‘Seahawky’ profile. McKinley is the complete opposite. He’s grit personified.

He’s a 1.60 runner over 10-yards, his motor is relentless and never stops. He wins with a fantastic get-off but also has the power and thick base to bull-rush and overwhelm weaker tackles. He’s highly explosive, scoring a 3.39 in TEF. He has some technical flaws (needs to learn how to use his hands) and that could set him back early in his career. The upside 2-3 years down the line is very positive.

Here’s the thing though — I’m not convinced the Seahawks are after an EDGE. It seems for a while now they’ve been after another inside/out rusher. They’ve never really had that prolific interior rusher. The meeting with McDowell is indicative of their desire to find that type of player.

The problem is, that type of player is so rare.

McKinley was 250lbs at the combine and looked maxed out. He’s a thick, stout 250lbs. It’s difficult to imagine how he’s going to get another 15lbs onto his frame, let alone another 25-30. He’s an EDGE. And finding a fourth EDGE rusher isn’t anywhere near as much of a priority as finding an interior presence or some depth in the secondary.

Still, he’s very Seahawky in terms of character and motor.

Malik McDowell notes

I went back today and watched three perceived ‘positive’ games for McDowell (Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Indiana) following his visit to Seattle.

Certainly you see flashes of real talent. A one-armed bull rush to collapse the pocket, supreme agility to work the EDGE at 295lbs, the quickness and power combining to disrupt the interior (just what Seattle needs really).

The thing is, he doesn’t seem to make many plays (and the stat line backs that up — 1.5 sacks, seven TFL’s in 2016).

He’s reckless. He’s too manic, too out of control. His gap discipline as a consequence is all over the place and too often he’ll put his head down and rush and have zero impact.

A good example came against Wisconsin. He attacked the edge at 100mph and Ryan Ramcyzk just nudged him to the floor, using his own momentum against him. The Wisconsin running back rolled him on to his belly and it was over. Ugly and slightly embarrassing.

There are plenty of occasions where he goes for the club/swim working inside and attacks the wrong gap, leaving a nice running lane on the opposite side. His EDGE rush is quite predictable (club/swipe every time) and easy to adjust to.

And then you see the flashes. He’ll break into the backfield and look like DeForest Buckner at his best. He’ll rush the edge and chase down the QB for a sack. He’ll absorb blocks to allow a blitzing linebacker to get home.

There’s potential here for sure. Yet his off-putting character, slouchy mentality to the end of the season and reckless play show he’s a big project with major boom or bust potential.

If the Seahawks are seriously considering him it’s surely either after trading down from #26 or if they choose to try and move up from #58. It’s much easier to imagine Seattle taking a chance on him in round two where the stakes aren’t as high.

The team to get ahead of in round two could be Minnesota at #48. He’s a Mike Zimmer type of D-liner. And that might be his best fit in all honesty. Zimmer coaches hard and he’s used to dealing with this type of character.

Even so, it wouldn’t be the most shocking scenario if Seattle drafted both players they met with yesterday (Obi Melifonwu, Malik McDowell) with their first two picks.

195 Comments

  1. Benny Bee Jr.

    Your thoughts on Derek Rivers? Where do you see him landing in the draft? I see way more value in a guy like Rivers as opposed to Mcdowell.

    • Jujus

      Rivers is an edge prospect which we have just recently invested in high with Clark. We absolutely need another edge to push Marsh off the roster to the street and give us actual production; but if you have to decide one over another a single 6 sack interior pressure guy is 2.5x more valuable then the final edge guy on the roster.

    • Rob Staton

      Rivers is an EDGE too. Only 248lbs. McDowell a very different player. Not sure I see Seattle spending a R1-2 pick on an EDGE from Youngstown State.

    • Misfit74

      I really like Rivers. If we go EDGE, he’s a guy I hope we target. I think he could go 20-40, though. I unquestionably like him better than Bowser.

      • RealRhino2

        Same here. Not a real big fan of McKinley. If it’s between the two, you’d have to wonder why you’d prefer Takk to Rivers. Same size, Rivers tested better athletically across the board, in my eyes shows much better hand use and pass rush versatility, and is a better run defender.

        Re McKinley, have to agree with Rob below that it seems like Seattle would focus more on an interior rusher or DE/DT type early. I think the draft is loaded with a lot of Edge guys that are pretty interchangeable. You might like one a little more than another, but I’m not sure there’s a ton of separation between, for example, Barnett, Harris, Rivers, McKinley, Charlton, Hall, Basham, Williams, Watt, etc. Difference in styles, certainly, but overall value? Talent? Not so sure. Which could mean some really good players get pushed down the board a bit.

        • Rob Staton

          The level of competition the two players faced is light years in terms of difference.

          McKinley also has pretty much 35 inch arms. Rivers is at 32 3/4 inches. Big difference at this position.

          Their splits were identical (1.60) and McKinley ran a marginally faster forty time. So Rivers didn’t test better across the board.

          • Eburgz

            I really like Takk and thought he was a legit target for the hawks in R1.
            That was until I read your piece on pass rushers that hawks might target https://seahawksdraftblog.com/trying-to-identify-possible-pass-rush-targets

            His short shuttle and 3 cone drills stick out in a bad way for someone who appears to be so explosive and tested fast in a straight line. Does his lack of agility show on tape or is he just not so good at those drills? Is it a flexibility issue?

            • Shadow

              What got me about McKinley when watching him at the Combine was how many drills he screwed up. It seemed like he had to do a retry on nearly all of them. That’s probably an exaggeration, but if you are that unprepared for the Combine, that seems like a red flag.

      • D-OZ

        20-40 no way…

  2. Aaron

    Corner and safety are my top priorities in terms of their 1st round pick. I hope they get some combo of CB, S, OT, DT, TE or WR with their top 5 picks. They do need a DE at some point, but I’m thinking the DE depth is better than DT. Get a DT in the mold of Rubin and Reed in the top 3 rounds then find a DE in the later rounds or UDFA. What do y’all think? Should DE be a higher priority than DT?

    • Rob Staton

      I think what they want is a DE/DT inside/out type.

      • Aaron

        If I’m not mistaken, I thought the interior DTs in the Hawks scheme were meant to stay gap sound over rushing the passer. Are you thinking 3rd down/Nickel pass rush? A Clinton McDonald type? If that’s the case then I really like Wormley, Brantley, Adams, and Watkins to fill that role. Plus we also have Jefferson to compete for that role too. I guess I put more value on plugging up the middle with the Rubins, Mebanes, and Reeds of the world over rushing the passer from the interior. Just get me a strong DT who plants those feet in the ground and yells out “You shall not pass!”

        • Rob Staton

          I’m thinking inside/out. DE in base, inside on pass rush.

          • RealRhino2

            Maybe they are thinking McDowell could be that guy? Could Basham be that guy? 269 lbs. at the combine, plays a bit like Solomon Thomas, a base end type who also is physical enough to do good work inside.

            • Rob Staton

              That’s why we’re talking about McDowell (and presumably why they met with him). I thought that was pretty clear TBH.

          • Aaron

            Ok, that makes sense. So more in line with what they do with Bennett and Clark, except perhaps in a bigger frame (290+ vs 260-270). Do any of the guys I mentioned (Wormley, Brantley, Adams, and Watkins) intrigue you Rob? Wormley might be the only one who could play DE in base defense among those four. Then again the Hawks did play Big Red at DE in base defense for a couple seasons.

            • Rob Staton

              Big no on Caleb Brantley. Poor athlete. Overrated IMO.

              Wormley maybe. Has some decent moments. Not a wow-player though.

              Watkins a day three type for me. Never been a huge fan of Adams. Not sure he has the length Seattle likes. Would consider him in R4.

              • Ground_Hawk

                If it was down to McDowell or Wormley, I would go with Wormley. Wormley’s attitude seems better suited to the NFL than McDowell’s.

          • jujus

            I see you say this and cant help but think of demarcus walker labeled a tweener…

            • Greg Haugsven

              Frank Clark can play both Edge and inside along with Bennet on third downs. Would be nice to have an inside pass rush presence on early downs

  3. Trevor

    If the Hawks want an Inside / Out pass rusher I would love to see them give Demarcus Walker a close look> Love his tape and production.

    • Eburgz

      AGREE. lots of people have him available for us at pick 90, if he’s there that would be great value. If we take a DL in the first two rounds I want it to be Wormley (unless Jon Allen magically drops due to injury concerns). Love that he blocked a bunch of kicks and was a team captain for Michigan to go along with his tape.

      although JOJO mathis is my guy and his workout is finally up on youtube. https://www.youtube.com/embed/Np4KOAyI8HE

      the SS and 3 cone look pretty labored and not so fluid for a guy I was hoping could play SAM backer, but 40 reps on the bench shows he might have the strength to kick inside to DT.

      Deatrich Wise Jr. is another guy that I would like as an inside out pass rusher. seems like we always take a standout player from senior bowl too.

      • jujus

        saw the video, is there any times posted or is this just the least amount of effort to get your name out there i have ever seen from a big school guy with flash in the pan ability his last year.

    • D-OZ

      🙂

      • Greg Haugsven

        He was always mocked a first round early in the process. He would be a good option at 58

  4. Misfit74

    I’m not much of a McKinley fan, at least in terms of a 1st round pick. Rather get Hendrickson or even Bowser later. McKinley is one guy I hope gets taken before 26, allowing g a real target to fall to us.

    • Rob Staton

      Not sure why you don’t like Takk.

      He’s one of the few B-A-M-F’s in this draft.

      • Josh emmett

        Haha, B A M F’s,

        • HawkTalker #1

          Is that some acronym for a converted high TEF?

          Or perhaps . . . Best at Always Moving Feet?

          Football can be so complicated. SPARK TEF BAMF, where does it end?

          • Rob Staton

            In this case, I think the abbreviation was appropriate 🙂

          • DC

            Think more of Samuel L. Jackson’s wallet in the movie Pulp Fiction.

      • Misfit74

        I don’t have many concerns, but he is more of a linear player: 7.59 3-cone is significantly worse than many other ‘top’ edge guys, for ex., He’s kind of like J. Willis in similar respects. Charlton’s 7.17 was at 33 more lbs! I prefer the guys that can really bend the edge, and can win in a variety of ways. I think Irvin was fairly successful as a similar type of player to McKinley, but was much quicker in terms of 40, 10yd splits. I’m just not a huge fan of him at 26. I think there are similar athletes that can be found later. Part of it is the player, part of it is the position. I’d rather have a different position, if not a different edge rusher, like Rivers or Charlton if he falls.

        Rivers:
        ” Derek Rivers ended up being one of the show-stealers in Indianapolis, running a 6.94 three cone and posting a 4.61 40-yard dash, among other noteworthy numbers. Rivers’s physical and athletic traits were the solidifier to an outstanding career at Youngstown State and head-turning Senior Bowl in Mobile. I’d look at Rivers firstly as a 3-4 outside linebacker to slide down to defensive end in sub-packages, but I’m not opposed to him playing defensive end on base downs in a 4-3 system. In a lot of ways Rivers ended up being who many believed Tim Williams would be, and Williams was being talked about as a top 15 pick for a long while. Do not let Rivers being an FCS player hinder your perception of his quality – he is every bit the quality of a 1st round pick, and even a mid-1st round pick.” ~insidethepylon.com

        • Benny Bee Jr.

          Misfit, you’re right on the money on Rivers. I think Rivers performance at Senior bowl and off the charts showing at the combine for the most part shoots a lot of holes in the argument that jiust because he’s from a smaller school that he isn’t a late first round talent. What else does he need to do? What were Clark’s TFL and sack stats for the Hawks last season?

      • D-OZ

        I have always liked Takk. shoulder issue scares me off some though. Boy there are a lot of that going on with these top prospect’s.

      • STTBM

        Nice! Cracked me up Rob!

  5. DLep

    I know you aren’t a fan of McDowell Rob but I would actually be happy with an Obi and McDowell combo w the first two picks. But Im higher on McDowell than most here. I just think he is really young and immaturity is a big component of his disappointing jr season rather than someone who is beyond ‘fixing.’ But Seattle is charged with making that assessment themselves and its up to them get inside his head. Ultimately if they drafted him, it would mean they came to a somewhat comfortable place at least.

    • vrtkolman

      I’m with you man, I get McDowell is a huge risk but I really think the Seattle locker room could be a good fit for him.

    • Shadow

      Worth the risk in the second round. No way would I take him in the first.

    • Ed

      Rob Rang today said McDowell missed three games last season due to an ankle injury. That may partially account for his drop in stats and inconsistent play, he was playing through an injury on a bad team this year. I don’t think McDowell is someone who comes in and starts next year, we don’t really need him to either, but he could add instant pass rush in a nascar package. I do understand what Rob is saying about his downside and negatives, I think McDowell is a bit of a gamble, but the coaches claim to be focused on development, they focus on what players can do and not their limitations. I think he’s a nice ball of clay to develop especially considering he’s only 20 years old. If we want interior pass rush there aren’t many options in this draft, it’s a pretty weak DT class. I kind of like Wormley too as a potential second rounder, but Wormley is almost 3 years older than McDowell, I think he’s almost as old as Frank Clark, but with zero NFL experience. I just think these young players like McDowell have more potential upside than the older prospects all other things being equal (not saying Wormley and McDowell are equal in other respects).

      • Rob Staton

        I’m not buying the injury talk for two reasons:

        1. He didn’t make many plays when he was healthy — he was too reckless. Head down, go for it, no control.

        2. Having a bad ankle and not playing at 100% is understandable. Having a bad ankle and walking around while the play is ongoing then throwing your arms up in the air when the other teams scores a TD is a different question altogether.

        • Ed

          Hi Rob,

          1) I’m not sure how you can know when he was healthy or not, players deal with various unreported injuries all season, look at Sherm (his play dropped and he didn’t handle it well either). The only fact we know is at some point he had an ankle injury bad enough for him to miss games, we don’t know when he first injured it. He had a much better season at 19 than he did at 20, the question is why. Could be character, work ethic, injuries, how they used him, a combination of those things, maybe others. I do agree he can play reckless and with bad technique, I by no means think he’s a sure thing, just think he could be worth the risk as someone we could develop if (that’s a big if) we’re gong to target an interior pass rusher early.

          2) I haven’t seen that play, I think you said it was versus Michigan. To me, what you describe isn’t reflective of the plays I saw, but I’ve read the same thing about his attitude from others as well. The reality is, and I keep stressing this, he’s 20 years old. Some people already are the man they will be at that age, personally I wasn’t, I changed a lot through college and I think he has that potential too.

          The question I have is if the Seahawks draft an interior pass rusher in round one, of the prospects that may be realistically available at that spot, who would you prefer to McDowell?

          Thanks for the debate Rob, I love you stuff, respect your opinion, and I’m glad you engage in respectful debates with your fans, it one of the reasons I read your blog everyday.

          • Rob Staton

            Being 20 (going on 21) isn’t an excuse for me. Most of the players in the draft are 21 or 22.

            • Ed

              That’s fine, I understand and respect your position, I just feel differently. For clarification I’m not trying to use his age as an excuse, there is no excuse for a bad attitude, but I do view it as a reason to be optimistic he can/will change, he’s one of the youngest players in the draft. Of the 404 ages Zach Whitman has for this year’s draft prospects McDowell is the 9th youngest player. Average age as of Sept 2017 will be 23, McDowell will be 21.2, to me it’s something to consider.

              • Rob Staton

                I do appreciate that he’s younger than a lot of the players in the draft. But I think the point I’m making here is — he isn’t 14 years old. He’s 20 going on 21. And he’ll be a few months older or a year or two older than a lot of these players in the draft. So we can excuse him based on age if we want but he’s old enough to turn pro, he’s been through the same experience as everyone else (a minimum of three years in college). To me, he needs a ton of work. And the only reason anyone talks about him is because of ‘potential’ IF he puts it together or IF you can drag him kicking and screaming into greatness.

                How often do you hear about players like this and how often does it end in a success story? Very, very rarely. And if the Seahawks end up drafting him I’m convinced it won’t be in the first frame.

                • Ed R

                  (I changed my name, I noticed another Ed here)

                  I totally agree age is NOT an excuse, I tried to clarify that above. I honestly have no idea how often players like McDowell can turn it around in the pros. Maybe it’s a long shot, I really can’t incorporate that into my opinion since I have no data or insight into it, I’ve never tried to track something like that nor seen it tracked. I liked Chris Jones in last year’s draft for similar reasons, I haven’t really followed him since, but I think I saw PFF saying he did OK this year, obviously someone like Nkemdiche didn’t (as of now).

                  I totally understand not taking guys with red flags, whether off field or on, some GMs and fans have that philosophy and it’s just as valid to me as not drafting CBs with under 32 inch arms. I have nothing at stake here, but I’m a firm believer that players can develop on and off the field, if I was a GM with a job on the line and experience getting burned by players like McDowell in the past I would probably feel differently, but I’m not, I’m just a fan.

                  • Ed R

                    Interestingly Sheil Kapadia posted the following article on Twitter today relating to draft age and NFL performance. The author found younger players tend to overachieve their draft spot, he also notes several caveats to his analysis.

                    http://www.footballperspective.com/age-and-the-nfl-draft/

                    • Rob Staton

                      In fairness, college performance, effort and attitude also relate highly to NFL performance.

      • Nem Beselek

        Hi Ed, maybe I’m reading more into your post than you intended, but isn’t even the 2nd round a little high for potential future contribution?

        • Ed

          Hi Nem,

          I think round 1/2 is early on one hand, but if he develops into a good starter in years 2 or 3, then no. Look at Frank Clark, he was a similar age to McDowell when we drafted him in round 2, he didn’t start as a rookie, had character concerns, but I think we’re all glad he’s on our team now.

          I was actually very surprised to hear PC/JS may want to target a DT/interior pass rusher in round one, I personally would prefer CB or OT depending on who is available. But if I’m forced to take a DT in round one at our current 26th pick, I think McDowell, if available, has to be one of the top options. I think he could contribute as a situational pass rusher as a rookie, but as Rob said, he can be pretty reckless and would probably give up lanes vs. run, I don’t think we’d play him much in run situations. The hope would be he responds to coaching and becomes a better more disciplined player and can eventually start.

          • Nem Beselek

            I think I am looking at possible playoff Windows when I look at this draft too much. Because of a number of roster implications, I want us to be in a better position to win NOW, and I am less concerned about three or four years down the road. For that reason, taking someone with a lot of character and performance flaws at a position where I want some pretty quick results makes me take McDowell off the board for the 2nd round.

  6. Josh emmett

    I was beating the dontari Poe drum in the offseason hoping they would get him as a mebane type NT on downs one and two. I was reading one of tony Pauline’s article’s just recently on Grover Stewart. Thoughts on the big man from the small school? He is freakin huge! I like linval joeseph and Vince wilfork type NT’s. I think he is definitely that big but can he play? The Hawks met with him recently and have seemed to be interested in a big ass NT. I personally think they had 3-4 guys playing the 3 technique last year and tried a couple guys at NT and none worked so they had to evolve the defense a bit to play with two 3 techs and no nose. Thoughts on Stewart?

    • vrtkolman

      I love Stewart and think he could be a day 1 impact player at exactly the spot you are talking about. I also thought Poe was a terrifying investment. 350lbs with major back issues isn’t something that gets better over time, plus he was actually not good last year.

    • Eburgz

      I really like Stewart.
      USC’s Stevie T. is another guy I would like in that NT role; 330+ pounder with a 1.72 10 yard split. decent length with 33″ arms despite being just 6’1″. Grown man with a strong punch. Can eat up double teams and clog up running lanes.

    • jujus

      love stewart, tony just mentioned him and samson ebukam as guys with ALOT of visits lined up. Stewart had 24 team request and had to deny 4 at least.

  7. Misfit74

    I know it’s not a popular idea, but I’d rather draft Corey Davis than guys like McKinley, Bowser, etc. if he somehow made it to 26. http://insidethepylon.com/film-study/film-study-u/offense-film-study-u/2017/03/20/doesnt-matter-corey-davis-didnt-run-combine/

    • HawkTalker #1

      If we don’t find good value early and positions of need, I’d much prefer trading down and increasing the number of guys in rounds 1-3 with a lot of potential, value and need.

      • Kenny Sloth

        I’d love to pick twice from 40-50

        Ogunjobi and Tankersley/Lewis?

        • C-Dog

          +1000. I think we might see something like that, especially if Melifonwu is off the board at 26

          • D-OZ

            Check out Gil Brant’s top 150 prospect’s on the NFL site. Pretty interesting.

        • STTBM

          I really like Tankersley. Still hoping for Melifonwu (King will be gone) or A Jackson in the first though, they wont be there later.

    • Ukhawk

      Been wondering about taking Davis too. If they think he has a good chance to be a #1 then yes, if not they revert to taking one as usual later in the draft.

  8. Patrick T.

    I think the Seahawks feel they have a competitive advantage with their psychological evaluation and development program. If they think they have a good chance of “unlocking” McDowell’s motivation, I would imagine he’s very high on their board. I heard a while ago (I think from Jeremiah/Brooks’ podcast) that no one from Mich. St. would vouch for him, which adds to the worry.
    I’m hoping for a dynamic nickel/safety in round 1, Melifonwu, Peppers, Chidobe, or K. King.

    • HawkTalker #1

      Although I like him a lot more than most and have seen some brilliant flashes, too many red flags and risk

      The dog barks and the wagon train moves on . . .

      • CDub

        He just seems like a horrible guy and player. Totally the exact opposite of what they usually go for. I can’t believe there’s even been interest, but PCJS never fail to surprise us.

  9. GeoffU

    If we’re serious about trading Sherm, I have a hard time seeing anything but corner in the first round.

    • Phil

      As I posted earlier, how about trading Sherm to the Jets for their 1st (#6) and Sheldon Richardson. Then we have two picks in the first round and the possibility of finding the interior DL that we are looking for.

      • BobbyK

        I don’t think the rebuilding Jets would have any interest in that at all. After all, would you do that trade if you were their GM? I wouldn’t. And I love Sherm as a CB.

        • C-Dog

          +1. The only teams I see willing to trade for him would contenders, and I don’t think Seattle would get a first for him.

          • Phil

            In 2013, the Jets traded Revis to the Bucs for the Bucs #1 (pick 13) plus a conditional 4th round pick in the following year. USA Today is reporting that it appears that Richardson’s current value in a trade is a 4th round pick. So, it’s not too outlandish. But, Sherm’s trade value may be somewhat diminished because this year’s draft is widely thought to be rich in CB talent.

            • C-Dog

              I think that it right there, it will be diminished because of the corner depth of this class.

            • BobbyK

              Revis was 27, Sherman is 29. That’s a big difference. Revis got a huge contract, Sherman still has two years of reasonable salary to go for how good he is. Having the #13 pick is a big difference than getting a #6 overall pick. Again, if you were the Jets – would you consider this? They are getting rid of older players (Mangold, Marshall, etc.) with big contracts, not acquiring them. They will do nothing so long as they don’t have a QB and trading the #6 pick in the draft isn’t going to help take care of that position.

        • Phil

          Rob’s 4/15 mock has the Jets picking Humphrey (Alabama CB) at pick #6. Would you — if you were their GM and liking Sherman as you say above — rather have a proven, pro bowl CB playing for you, or a talented rookie? I would have to think that one over. Sherm’s cap hit works against the trade, but I haven’t checked to see what Richardson’s contract looks like.

    • BobbyK

      Depends on how much they like guys like Desir and Elliott, too. If the CBs are as good as this class supposedly are – then they may have the luxury of waiting until the second round (while getting multiple DBs on day two).

      Pete pretty much threw a curve at us with adding in the “pass rush” thing a month or whatever ago, as we had been focusing on DBs (with the signing of all the LB “depth” and OL in FA).

      Unless a stud OL falls (Bolles, Lamp), I don’t see any scenario where we go anything other than DL or DB in the first round.

      • DC

        The funny thing about that “curve” is that he mentioned pass rush as a need until around mid season-ish iirc and then dropped it for the end of season brief. Improving both the pass rush and the DBs can make each exponentially better. I see the same scenario (DL & DB either order) unless someone they had no expectation of being at #26 materializes.

      • Ukhawk

        PC has stated multiple times in the past that they are “always” looking for pass rush.

    • Darth12er

      Florio suggested maybe they package Lynch and Sherman to the Raiders. If he does leave I hope it’s to an AFC team.

  10. drewdawg11

    If you somehow traded up into the top ten, you trade back and take Bolles and use the extra lick to move up from 26 to get Obi or King. Maybe even trade up in round two as well.

  11. drewdawg11

    Extra pick*

  12. MontanaMike

    Who really knows what they’re thinking? Pete and john are swing for the fences on every pick. After years of trading away our 1st rounder for years, i’m just glad to draft in the first round.

    • Nathan

      How do you know that’s going to happen?

  13. MontanaMike

    Even if we trade down, this is an unusually deep db class.

  14. McGruff

    McKinley doesn’t have the frame to bulk up . . . but Frank does.

    I could see the team grooming Frank and Takk to be the new Mike and Cliff.

    • jujus

      McGruff, didnt frank alreay bulk up for the combine and his rookie season? I was under the impression we went thru this song and dance last year with his talk of weight loss to avoid injuries that plagued him in his first year. I beleive he was playing at 270 rookie year and then the offseason people jumped the gun saying his weightloss was to condemn him to the SAM role which was moronic.

      Especially after the uptick in production from frank I dont think they want him gaining weight again; wouldnt you agree that this plan makes logical sense?

  15. Nathan

    Walter obviously a fan of the blog:

    Seattle Seahawks: Obi Melifonwu, S/CB, Connecticut
    About a month ago, I had Jabrill Peppers slotted to the Seahawks, citing that Seattle would be able to use Peppers in a variety of ways. I’d say the same applies to Obi Melifonwu. The highly athletic Connecticut prospect would obviously provide insurance behind Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor (an impending free agent), but he could also be a big nickel in the team’s 4-2-5 formation. He could also be a safety-linebacker hybrid. I’m sure the Seahawks will move him around quite a bit, so I think he’d be an intriguing piece to add to the Seattle defense.

    • peter

      He must be a huge fan: obi, lewis, tankersley, deshon hall, and kittle…id take that hall.

      • D-OZ

        Sweet!!! Hall is moving up all of the draft board’s out there. mid-2nd. is where I think he will end up. Go Hawks!!!

  16. Darth12er

    Rob, Vol, anybody, has anybody seen Dylan Cole from Missouri St? DJ said he’s like John Cena playing linebacker 😂. Checked his pro day stats, quite impressive. 6’1 240, 32 reps, 39 inch very, 4.52 40, 10.5 broad. I’ve got to imagine he’s on the Hawks radar if he’s available late. And…Seattle attended his pro day 🤔

    http://www.news-leader.com/story/sports/2017/03/22/cole-aces-high-stakes-nfl-job-interview/99461308/

    • jujus

      His athletic profile is GREAT, I think they are very interested, tried a montana guy and now were upgrading to missouri!

      • Darth12er

        Haha yeah I thought that too, great Brock Coyle replacement.

    • Rob Staton

      Of the linebackers available, he stands out athletically.

  17. Kenny Sloth

    1. Browns; Myles Garrett, DE

    2. 49ers; Solomon Thomas, DE

    3. Bears; Malik Hooker, FS

    4. Jaguars; Leonard Fournette, RB

    5. Titans; Marshon Lattimore, CB

    6. Jets; OJ Howard, TE

    7. Chargers; Jamal Adams, SS

    8. Panthers; Christian McCaffrey, RB

    9. Bengals; Reuben Foster, LB

    10. Bills; John Ross III, WR

    11. Saints; Marlon Humphrey, DB

    12. Browns; Mitch Trubisky, QB

    13. Cardinals; Patrick Mahomes III, QB

    14. Eagles; Derek Barnett, DE

    15. Colts; Haason Reddick, OLB

    16. Ravens; Jonathan Allen, DL

    17. d.c.; Jabrill Peppers, ??

    18. Titans; David Njoku, TE

    19. Buccaneers; Dalvin Cook, RB

    20. Broncos; Garrett Bolles, OT

    21. Lions; Charles Harris, DE

    22. Dolphins; Forrest Lamp, OT

    23. Giants; Jarrad Davis, LB

    24. Raiders; Zach Cunningham, LB

    25. Texans; Deshaun Watson, QB

    26. Seahawks; Obi Melifonwi, DB

    27. Chiefs; Chidobe Awuzie, CB

    28. Cowboys; TreDavious White, CB

    29. Packers; Takkarist McKinley, OLB

    30. Steelers; TJ Watt, LB

    31. Falcons; Taco Charlton, DL

    32. Saints; Kevin King, CB

    • Kenny Sloth

      Melifonwu*

      • Dingbatman

        You take Obi over Awuzie? Those blitzes tho…Any inkling of Obi’s ability to blitz?

    • Darth12er

      Looks good. I wonder what the niners will do at 2 if they don’t trade back. If Hooker can play single high comparable to Earl like people have said, my money’s on him at 2. McCaffrey to Carolina is a new one for me, makes a lot of sense. I think no matter who Carolina drafts, I’ll hate it. They’ll get a good player no matter what unfortunately.

      • Patrick T.

        Yep, I think there is a very good chance the Niners take Hooker. If they are planning to play primarily single high, FS is probably the most important defensive position.

    • CharlieTheUnicorn

      Herm Edwards mentioned Kizer as a late 1st round pick or more realistically a 2nd round pick. Thought he was athletically exceptional. Good character. Ran a complicated offense and was more pro ready than many of the QBs. I rarely see his named mentioned, but thought we should be mindful of him pick #26-32 in any case.

    • Drew

      Texans would be getting a steal if they get Watson at 25. How people don’t see him as the best QB just baffles me. He’s way better than Wentz and Goff were last year.

      • drewdawg11

        Don’t watch his best games. Watch the other games where he struggles to maintain his mechanics and accuracy, allowing opposing teams to stay in the game.

    • STTBM

      I think your nuts, dude! King wont fall anywhere near us. He’ll be gone by pick 20.

  18. C-Dog

    Just when I thought I wasn’t going to mock again with another Sherman trade scenario, a Seattle Mock involving a Richard Sherman trade scenario!

    The Seattle Seahawks trade Richard Sherman and pick 26 to the New Saints for picks 11, 42, and 103. With the 11th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Taco Charlton, defensive end, Michigan.

    11: R1P11
    EDGE TACO CHARLTON
    MIGHICAN

    42: R2P10
    CB CORDREA TANKERSLEY
    CLEMSON

    58: R2P26
    CB JOURDAN LEWIS
    MICHIGAN

    90: R3P26
    G ISAAC ASIATA
    UTAH

    102: R3P38
    DL GROVER STEWART
    ALBANY ST

    103: R3P39
    WR JOSH REYNOLDS
    TEXAS A&M

    106: R3P42
    S SHALOM LUANI
    WASHINGTON ST

    210: R6P26
    TE DARREN DANIELS
    WASHINGTON

    226: R7P8
    QB ALEK TORGERSEN
    PENN

    In some tweets last week David Hsu indicated Seattle is looking to move up in R1 to select a defensive lineman. Herm Edwards subbing in for John Clayton on Danny, Dave & Moore this afternoon gave a fairly compelling reason, from a coach’s perspective, why Seattle might look to deal away Sherman if he’s a perceived threat to the HC loosing a locker room of players. The Saints have remained the Vegas favorite to land Sherm. I’m putting 3 and 3 together, here.

    Pete Carroll have loved watching that Michigan defense, and they hop all over Taco.

    R2, they go back to back DBs with outside corner Tankersley, and nickel corner Lewis, landing Carroll two hungry, talented Wolverine defenders.

    R3, they add Asaita to compete at OG with Ifedi moving to tackle, they grab big freaky athletic small school DT in Stewart, red zone WR Reynolds, and SDB favorite Luani to add depth at safety.

    R6 they take Husky TE Daniels, and R7 Ivy League passer Torgersen.

    UDFA’s include OT Storm Norton, LB Joe Mathis, CB Treston Decoud, Fb Freddie Stevenson, RB Elijah Hood, WR Chad Williams, and K Nick Weiler

    • BRSeahawks

      Fun scenario.

      I prefer taking #11, trading with Washington for their #17 plus change, which would probably be some third round pick (adding to four), than use two of our third rounders to move up with both second round picks.

      1st pick: TJ Watt
      2nd Pick: Chidobe Awuzie/Obi Melifonwu/Adoree Jackson/Budda Baker
      3rd pick: Chris Wormley

      or

      1st pick: Kevin King/Quincy Wilson
      2nd pick: Chidobe Awuzie/Obi Melifonwu/Adoree Jackson/Budda Baker
      3rd pick: Chris Wormley

      • BRSeahawks

        Explain trade with Washington: they need DL and LB badly. With the #11 they jump in the range they can safely pick from Taco Charlton, Derek Barnett, Reuben Foster, Haason Reddick and Jarrad Davis.

        • Redhawk87

          I’d honestly consider this Saints trade to short us too much, though it’s close. However, once there, I’d try to trade 11 back a couple times, first probably with TB or DEN for their first and seconds, then either pick there or move back into our original area (trade with KCC or HOU who look to secure a QB for 1st and 3rd).
          Try to end with picking once in the 19-27 range, three times in round 2, and four to five times in round 3. Perhaps package a 3rd with 42 to get back into the 1st.
          That’s what I would shoot for, at least, starting with the acquisition of the extra 2nd rounder from a team looking to grab that truly elite pick that slipped out of the top 10, or based on desperate need. One of Fournette, Howard, and Hooker could slip. Denver could be desperate for Bolles, to grab before the Colts.
          Who knows what’ll happen. I just would shoot for as many picks in the top 60 that we can.

          • drewdawg11

            I liked taco before the off season process. Now… I am just not feeling it. Not explosive enough. I like so many other players so much more.

            • C-Dog

              Not me, Brother. I am a huge Taco Charlton fan, been salivating over that athletic big man all CFB season long.

          • C-Dog

            I was almost going to include a trade back from 11 in this scenario to add more day two picks. Honestly, I don’t think Seattle is going to be able to get the value they probably feel, and many of the fans feel, they should for Sherman. The only team I think might offer a first would be New Orleans, and that would be pick 32. So this scenario is a shot in the dark entirely dependent on how much Seattle wants to move Sherman and how much they want to move up for a Dliner in this draft.

          • BHarKnows

            Given what we’ve read about teams at the top trying to actively trade down I think the ability to do so multiple times for 2nd’s is incredibly unlikely. Teams just value their picks to highly.

  19. Hawk Eye

    I think with Gilliam going there is a good chance the hawks take an O line in the firs 3 rounds, but as a future starter and competition, and letting Gilliam goes seems to indicate Ifedi is going to RT.
    I am hoping first 2 rounds are going for D, speed and impact.
    D seemed to lose a little something last year, and it needs some new blood, and more speed.
    I will leave it up to JS and PC to make the picks, pretty sure they know a lot more than I about who to pick.

  20. jujus

    Your Picks:
    Round 1 Pick 26: Obi Melifonwu, SS, Connecticut (B+)
    Round 2 Pick 26: Chris Wormley, DT, Michigan (A-)
    Round 3 Pick 26: Ahkello Witherspoon, CB, Colorado (A+)
    Round 3 Pick 38 (COMP): Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan (A)
    Round 3 Pick 42 (COMP): Daeshon Hall, DE, Texas A&M (B+)
    Round 6 Pick 26: Grover Stewart, DT, Albany State (C)
    Round 7 Pick 8: Samson Ebukam, OLB, Eastern Washington (B-)

    no trades just straight balling=

    • Greg Haugsven

      All defense.

    • RWIII

      Jujus: Hawks need to take at least 1 OL and at least either a TE/WR or both.

      • CharlieTheUnicorn

        I think RB/TE and QB have to be on the list somewhere….. they need a backup QB now that Boykin might not be available for some of the season……

        and pick in the 7th round…. Samson Ebukam (A+) in my book.

        • Comfect

          Couldn’t both of those be UDFA though? Boykin was, Rawls was, Pope was…

      • Jujus

        For what position guard? Center? or tackle? There wont be a tackle prospect in this draft worthy of the pick imo I would rather punt it to UDFA, for TE I imagine there will be udfa or that BBall player we looked at. WR? Do you really think a rookie can displace the godchild McEvoy? Kearse is @ the bottom of the totem pole and he just said yesterday that pete stressed to the team getting back to the RUN game, to me that indicates we run lighter on WR then previous years.

        Basically I don’t think we need any offensive draft pieces and any we do get would be luxury picks, where as every single Draft pick on defense would get playing time and be a contributor day 1 (fingers crossed) Defense wins championships.

  21. CharlieTheUnicorn

    Eddie Vanderdoes, DT, UCLA
    This guy might be worth a shot in the late 3rd/4th round range. He has been compared to A. Rubin and was a highly thought of prospect, until he had a significant injury. One mock draft site said he could be able to play inside / out in nickle or exotic looks. Sort of the whole point of this article….. finding scheme flexible DL.

    Something of note, there are rumors of upwards of 4 QBs being chosen in the first round now. If this is indeed true, the there might be 1-2 players that are exceptional pushed down to the #26 pick range. I honestly do not think the whole Sherman thing will change how Seattle attacks the draft. If they happen to get multiple picks, one would be CB and the other some other position requiring depth or a luxury pick such as a QB to back-up RW.

    • C-Dog

      Vanderdoes could be an interesting pickup in R3.

  22. LLLOGOSSS

    Obi and McDowell would be a really legit haul, imo. I’m as concerned as Rob (and I should be, since I get all my information directly from him 😂) about McDowell’s maturity/drive, but as he said, players with this skill-set are just so rare. No, he’s not a can’t-miss prospect, he could miss hard. But you simply can’t get a player of his ceiling at that position picking where we pick every year, and we know the Seahawks like to gamble on getting the most out of a guy with extreme talent if perhaps a few character concerns.

    The stamp of approval to me is whether they feel comfortable pulling the trigger. They still have that cache with me. If they think they can work with him, good enough for me. I’d consider that a haul with our first two picks.

    • C-Dog

      If Seattle landed Obi and McDowell it would be a pretty exciting haul. Dallas has been hosting McDowell, as well. I kinda think some team is likely going to scoop him up towards the end of R1, early R2 at the latest.

      • D-OZ

        Obi and Hall for me.

        • C-Dog

          I’d be down with that.

      • vrtkolman

        There are some locker rooms that McDowell would do well in, I think. Dallas is definitely not one of them.

  23. Charles

    Rob,

    I like to see that you’re starting to get on the Takk McKinley bandwagon with me! They just published a nice piece, albeit lengthy, piece on him in the April edition of ESPN the Mag (http://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2017/story/_/id/19098661/ucla-pass-rusher-takk-mckinley-remarkable-path-nfl-2017-nfl-draft).

    I don’t care that he’s only an edge, I would welcome him on this team with open arms. You can never have enough pass rushers, and it would be silly to exclusively depend on Avril to be the sole edge rusher. His split of 1.60 is dangerously close to the elite 1.5 10 yard split area, not to mention participating in all the events at the Combine and having shoulder surgery AFTER posting really remarkable numbers. He needs to learn how to use his hands, but what DE doesn’t? It’s all part of the transition to the pro game.

    Takk has what most of the guys in the draft do not have; relentless effort. There was a play where he chased down the RB at least 30 yards down the field (can’t recall the exact game). The Seahawks took Christine Michael when Marshawn Lynch was in his prime. Why not add to a unit that seemed depleted at times (see GB and ATL playoff games)? With no Bolles, King, Reddick or any high end “special” CB available, perhaps this would be the way to go.

    Keep up the good work on the blog! I look forward to 3000 Mock Draft every week with you and Kenny

  24. RWIII

    C-Dog: If someone grabs McDowell late 1st early 2nd. I say no problem.

    • C-Dog

      +1 with that. I’d rather see them go Wormley and a few other DTs over that guy, personally.

  25. Kyle

    *crazy thoughts ahead*

    We trade Richard Sherman to somebody, let’s use raiders here. They give us their first and third with Lynch thrown in there as well. We then trade both our firsts and two thirds (guessing on value to move. Help me if I’m wrong) to move up to number 1 and grab Myles garret!!!

    Would anybody be down for that? And I was guessing on what the value would be to move up that far. Could be more or less. Maybe a 2nd and third with two firsts or three thirds with two firsts. Would that be the craziest outcome ever? Who would be on board?!!!!

    • Lord Snow

      I’ve got a different crazy question for you. Would you rather have Myles Garrett as he is right now, not knowing what he will become, or would you take a rookie Richard Sherman, guaranteed that he would become as good as he is with multiple pro bowls, all pro, and shutdown coverage?

      • C-Dog

        I’ll be honest. Give me the freaky athletic pass rusher and his untapped potential. I’m willing to risk an obscene pass rush rotation will make up for the loss of Sherman.

        • Lord Snow

          Salk made some comments yesterday that I thought were completely asinine. He was arguing with Brock that a trade of Sherm for Tennessee’s pick makes the seahawks a better team. (Maybe in three years, but that’s not what Salk was arguing). There seems to be a narrative building that Sherman suddenly sucks.

          Like him or not, agree with his public relations methods or not, he is still a REALLY GOOD player. An elite player in my book. Still a shutdown corner. His off year last year is still better than almost any cb in the NFL. Is he slipping? The whole defense slipped last year imo. Was him getting beat a few times a declining Sherm or a product of the defense as a whole slipping?

          • C-Dog

            Sherm’s still a top corner in the league without question. IMO that whole defense slipped once Earl was lost for the season.

    • KD

      I’d rather trade up to the 3rd or 4th pick and nab Fournette, but that’s just me daydreaming.

  26. Coleslaw

    I have to imagine the Seahawks like a couple tackles this year, since we now only have Fant, Joeckel, Ifedi, Odhiambo. One of the top 5 picks will be O line. Nico Siragusa, Antonio Garcia, Taylor Moton, Adam Bisnowaty are all interesting value individually, we could have Bisnowaty push Odhiambo or Siragusa push Glow and Aboushi if they like Odhiambo more than I’m assuming. Garcia would compete with Fant and let Joeckel go to guard.
    I’m ready for draft day. Go Hawks!

    • Drew

      Typically we don’t carry more than 3-4 tackles on the Roster. Unless Bolles falls to us, I only see us drafting a late rounder for development purposes.

      • Coleslaw

        Interesting. Thanks for pointing that out

  27. Kenny Sloth

    Former Patriot Aaron Hernandez found dead in his prison cell. Hung himself by a bedsheet. Pretty wild and a very lit way to start your morning.

    • Ishmael

      Not exactly a loss that cuts deep, the entire story is a tragedy though.

    • KD

      F

    • STTBM

      Dude will now have his conviction for killing Odin LLoyd removed from his record–it wont count. Now testimony etc in that trial will not be able to be used in Civil Court. This means his fiance and kid have a better chance of holding onto whatever money is left after the lawyers, and it means the families of the men he (likely) murdered are probably screwed. No closure, no money.

  28. MontanaMike

    I read that this morning Kenny, i guess he couldn’t serve his sentence or be badgered for the rest of his life like OJ, he pissed away a hell of a life.

  29. MontanaMike

    This also, i’m glad we resigned Pope, i’m sure he’ll be on the practice squad. Reminds me how much i liked Spencer Ware and we let him walk. Who knows, maybe another season under his belt and an offseason will get him to step up his game, i think he has the potential to be a Forsett.

    • Drew

      I liked Ware to but he got a DWI while on the back end of the roster which is why we let him go. Seems like Kansas City has picked up a few of our back end roster players that turned into good players. Him, Jaye Howard and Ron Parker.

      • C-Dog

        Jaye Howard really hurts.

    • STTBM

      I was wrong about Ware. He looked like garbage to me when he was here. Good call on that one Mike.

      I like Pope alot too, he’s a great prospect to have as a change of pace back.

  30. RPH

    Rob, what do you think about Jarron Jones from Notre Dame? Where do you think he’ll be drafted, and could he be a target for the Seahawks?

    • Rob Staton

      I see complaints about him being lazy and I think those concerns are legit. Injury concerns too. Long and tall but think he’s late day three.

  31. Ed

    One week. Such a good draft for the Hawks big needs (LB/DE and DB). So much intrigue with Sherman and Lynch.

    Would like to see Sherman traded.
    Would like to see the Hawks get at least 1 (Davis/Bowser/Watt/Reddick)
    Would like to see the Hawks get at least 2 (Baker/Tankersley/King/Obi/Maye/Luani/Evans/Douglas/Lewis)

  32. Ed

    Bought 3 hats Rob, hope that helps. Can you buy anything on the link and you get credit for it?

    • Rob Staton

      Thanks Ed, appreciate the support. I think anything bought from that link works but not 100% sure.

      • Ed

        Let me know, will buy more stuff. Season ticket holder, so I get 20% off at team shop, but like the site, so will get stuff there if it goes to you. If only draft caps, will see. ha

        • Rob Staton

          I sincerely appreciate the support.

          I also want to say — please everybody don’t feel obliged to buy things for the sake of it. The link is merely there so if you’re buying things anyway, you might consider supporting the blog in the process.

  33. Dale Roberts

    Chris Cooley (of Redskins fame) has been giving daily tape study reports on possible draft choices at #17. The reviews in this podcast are of McKinley and Charlton. The summary of McKinley was that he’s a quality guy, a smart guy that loves football but may take a couple of years to fix his issues. I got the impression that Cooley felt like McKinley is a second round talent that got first round production through sheer effort.

    http://stationcaster.com/player_skinned.php?s=65&c=21773&f=5916523

    • BobbyK

      More like of cell phone fame. lol

  34. OCDavid

    One more name to add to the workout list – Oregon State OL Dustin Stanton (originally, I misread the headline as ‘Staton works out with Seattle Seahawks’ and wondered if ‘our Rob’ was going for a front office interview!).

    Dustin Stanton‏
    @Dustin__Stanton
    Today I workout with the team I grew up watching. #gohawks
    10:25 AM – 18 Apr 2017

  35. Dale Roberts

    A couple of offensive linemen of interest are:

    Ethan Pocic is interesting because even though he’s a center, he’s a tall, natural athlete and has played every position on the line against top competition. Physically he has much more upside than Hunt and is far more versatile. May require a second round selection.
    http://gridironnow.com/mike-mayock-ethan-pocic-polarizing-figure/

    Connor McDermott is explosive with long arms but lacks core strength. He’d be a project but like Fant came from a basketball background. UFDA or late round pick.

    Any input on these guys?

    • Overtime

      I have liked Pocic for some time for the reasons you mention. Joey Hunt anchors well but has no position other than center. The only way for him to stay on the roster is if the team intends to move on from Britt next year

      With Gilliam gone we have to look at Dion Dawkins and Roderick Johnson. I also like Siragusa and Isiata inside. Does anyone know what Zack Banner weighs currently? The one thing he can do is move the pile but 353 he is too heavy for me.

      • Dale Roberts

        Banner is still huge but not very quick even for his size(his 3-cone was 8.31). He’d have to be a late round selection and he’d have to play guard because speed rushers would eat him alive at tackle.

  36. drewdawg11

    McDermott is one of those kids who has zero strength below his waste. He’s not physical at all.

  37. GB3

    Rob, do you see a big difference between McKinley and Marsh? Both seem like effort rushers more than toolsy ones…would that be a redundant pick, say rather than McDowell or Wormsly for that matter? Btw, I’m a bigger fan of Wormsly than McDowell.

    At least McDowell/Wormsly can play a rush tackle position ala Jordan Hill, Clint McDonald and even hold up on 1st and 2nd downs against the run too w/o subbing them out? Seems very realistic that Seattle could add Obi, Wormsly/Jourdan Lewis with their first 3 picks and those 3 could have an immediate impact on defense.

    • astraeus

      Not Rob but McKinley is a lot stronger, +2 inch longer arms, more explosive/ a lot faster.

      • vrtkolman

        +1, Marsh was a DT prospect they turned into an edge guy.

    • Rob Staton

      Yes, because McKinley ran a 1.60 split and a 4.59 forty.

      But as I said in the piece, I don’t think SEA will prioritise drafting an EDGE.

      • GB3

        I agree…I think Seattle has settled on Clark and would be more inclined to draft a rush DT to help collapse the middle in the 1st or 2nd Rd…interesting thoughts Rob x 2, thanks!

  38. vrtkolman

    Kiper’s latest mock is interesting, but a tad unrealistic.

    Seattle Seahawks
    Round 1 (26): Garett Bolles, OT, Utah
    Round 2 (58): Ahkello Witherspoon, CB, Colorado
    Round 3 (90): Larry Ogunjobi, DT, Charlotte
    Round 3 (102): Tim Williams, OLB, Alabama
    Round 3 (106): Dalvin Tomlinson, DT, Alabama

    That round 3 haul would be nuts. Tim Williams lasting to the round 3 comps is pretty hard to believe.

    • astraeus

      IMO Dalvin Tomlinson is going to be one of the top steals of the draft if he lasts anywhere beyond the second round. He has the anchor of Reed with way more pass rush ability. Really strong and heavy hands. Very smart guy with great character too.

      • C-Dog

        +1

    • cha

      Sheil Kapadia uses Kiper’s mock draft to posit that maybe the Hawks don’t want to draft a 25 yo player. Has a quote from Schneider I don’t recall reading anywhere, but maybe I missed it:

      “Yeah. It’s a factor. Definitely,” said Seahawks GM John Schneider last month when asked about how age factors into prospects’ grades. “We mark our cards accordingly. It’s definitely a part of the evaluation process. You’re looking at some guys that are going to be 28 years old when they’re signing their second contract. That’s a big deal, especially if they’ve had some sort of durability issues throughout their college days.”

      http://www.espn.com/blog/seattle-seahawks/post/_/id/25276/age-of-prospects-is-a-big-deal-in-seahawks-draft-evaluations

      • Misfit74

        Was interesting, particularly the statement that a 25-26 year old player at the end of their first contract would be around 30 years old. Making a big commitment to 30+ players isn’t the same as for younger guys. Also that more physically developed players can beat up on / push around younger players making the evaluation different. Perhaps older players look better than they would against similar ages.

        • cha

          Feels like it’s player and position-specific. If you draft a 25 yo RB, there’s a very high likelihood you won’t give him a second contract at 30, or one of significant value anyway. Maybe the same for a burner WR who doesn’t develop more route-running skills, and loses a notch of speed by the end of his rookie deal.

          Maybe it’s OK with OT’s given the scarcity of OL talent in the league. Plenty of 30+ yo OL’s got big $ this offseason. Especially if you deem a guy like Bolles as able to really contribute his rookie year.

      • Rob Staton

        They drafted Bruce Irvin, who was 25 in his rookie year.

        This shows they’ve consistently been willing to draft older players: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C9y17PCWAAAHK2Z.jpg:large

        • Misfit74

          We also didn’t retain him, perhaps in part due to his age.

          • Rob Staton

            The point isn’t about second contracts though is it?

            The article suggests they might be unwilling to draft older players. The evidence suggests the total opposite.

  39. swisshawk

    I would say let us draft de/dt walker this year and his college tammate nt nandi next, then we should be set up pretty well for the time benett/avril/tuba are no longer on the team

  40. Jujus

    http://settingedge.com/movement

    Has anybody seen this? Seems that “force players” has a 8x likely hood of being retained for a 2nd contract by the team that drafts them.

    • Cysco

      Seems pretty straight forward. Players with a high level athletic profile have a higher probability of becoming an impact player. Impact players are usually retained by their original team.

    • Rob Staton

      I think we touched on this last week though. The ‘force players’ thing is unconvincing IMO. Aldon Smith is listed as a non-force player. Some of the best NFL pass rushers were considered average or below average ‘force players’. All it tells us is good athletes can be good NFL players, they can also be bad. And some non-elite athletes can be good too. Which isn’t that revealing.

      • jujus

        I thought it explicitly touted Justin Tuck and Aldon smith as exceptions due to incomplete testing from coming off of a acl injury.

        Obviously a better athlete has a better chance of being a better player but I think the uniqueness is the “formula” that combines multiple athletic testing numbers. Obviously as time goes on we can examine this more.

  41. Coleslaw

    1. Obi Melifonwu S/CB
    2. Chris Wormley DL
    3. Vince Biegel LB
    3. Eddie Jackson S
    4. Brian Allen CB
    5. Adam Bisnowaty OT
    6. Malachi Dupre WR
    7. Zane Gonzalez K

    • Mike

      Nailed it!!

  42. Misfit74

    I think with the age of Avril and Bennett and their increasing injury risk, along with the largely consensus view that this class of DTs is so poor that we do draft an edge player, perhaps early.

    More reason to like Derek Rivers:

    [“In the last dozen drafts, only six college pass-rushers were drafted in the top 100 with Rivers’ 40-yard dash time (4.61 second) and three-cone time (6.94 seconds) or better while weighing over 245 pounds:

    Von Miller
    Vic Beasley
    Anthony Barr
    DeMarcus Ware
    Connor Barwin
    Cliff Avril
    Those six players combine for 18 double-digit sack seasons, with Barr, who plays off-the-ball linebacker after “slipping” to the Minnesota Vikings, being the only player without a sack total that high. Miller, Ware, Barwin and Avril have all posted multiple double-digit sack seasons, while Beasley led the NFL in sacks in his second year in the NFL.]

    • Cysco

      Nice analysis Misfit.

      • Sea Mode

        Definitely good company to be in, that’s for sure.

      • Misfit74

        I should have given a source, my bad. I’m not that good 😉

        I think it may have been @Jmosq via Twitter on BR.

    • Rob Staton

      Another mention of Avril and Bennett’s age.

      A player we just re-signed to a big extension and a player who just had a career year.

      I’ll never understand Seattle fans’ rush to retire these two.

      • Misfit74

        I hope they both play a long time, personally. Still, age = increased injury risk. Clark is coming due for a big extension or we will lose him. Can we pay Avril, Bennett, and Clark? I think another edge is in play, but zero reasons are that I don’t love all three of those guys.

        With Bennett and Clark reducing inside, at times, upgrading the Marsh, Konz types could pay dividends and hedge our bets against cap and injury factors.

      • Ed

        I don’t know if it’s retire early, as much as prepare. And the adage is, you can’t have enough pass rushers. I only want that hybrid rusher you talked about, LB on early downs, pass rusher on passing downs. Bruce Irvin

        • Rob Staton

          I’d rather have an inside/out rusher — DE in base, DT in passing downs.

          • Misfit74

            Both Clark and Bennett have functioned in this role. How would you envision changes if we prioritize a DE/DT player vs a more pure EDGE?

            Would Clark’s role change? Would another DE/DT play enough snaps to warrant an early selection?

            It seems likely we, would wait until round 3 or later in part due to that type being a rotational piece vs star1ter but I don’t know… are there some ‘starter DE/DTs’ you think we could target?

            • Rob Staton

              Clark lost weight and played mostly EDGE in 2016 I think.

              No coincidence they met with McDowell. They’ve been after another inside/out rusher for a while. They’ve looked at the draft and trades for another one like this, that’s my understanding.

              There aren’t many in this class.

      • Misfit74

        Like our Wagner/Wright discussions, fewer snaps for Avril/Bennett could lengthen their careers and keep them fresher, more efficient.

        • Rob Staton

          Sure — but the linebacker position is generally more punishing (why you see people like Luke Kuechly suffering the way he has). And the Seahawks already have Frank Clark (and whether people rate him or not, Cassius Marsh).

          I think they could add another EDGE at some point in the draft, quite easily. But I think the need to ‘plan ahead’ for Avril and Bennett is overstated. And let’s not forget, they signed both players in FA and traded for Chris Clemons back in the day. So they’ve had success acquiring veteran EDGE rushers and could do so again in the future.

          Meeting with Tim Williams and Daeshon Hall suggests it’s a consideration within this class.

          • Misfit74

            Good points, Rob.

            And, despite the edge talk, I still hope Buffalo and CB2 are bigger priorities. I also don’t think there is a clear round 1/2 DT that will be a good value that early.

          • Misfit74

            I’ve heard D. Smoot mentioned by some, do you have an opinion on him at all?

            • Rob Staton

              He shows in flashes. Didn’t record sacks but still created pressure. Could be a R3.

  43. Sea Mode

    VMAC alert

    @cdorney

    UL-Lafayette LB Otha Peters, Jr. had an official visit to VMAC yesterday, per his Twitter. #Seahawks #NFLDraft

    1:07 PM – 19 Apr 2017

    Added to visits/workouts tracker:
    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1B6XFU0Sb8o-ShemXjKjxG00dyzxwaad6aIj9POVrWVI/edit?usp=sharing

    • Sea Mode

      Peters was an Arkansas transfer, made the SEC All-Freshman team while w/ Razorbacks. Started final three games of their 2012 season.

      6003, 238, 4.78 40yd, 1.67 10yd, 31 vert, 9’02” broad, 4.26 SS, 7.09 3C, 23 bench

      …and the short shuttle proves critical yet again.

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