Quick Thursday notes: RB rankings

The Seahawks aggressively address their needs and the running game appears set for major surgery in the off-season. For a team so determined to make the run a focal point of their offense, the 2017 campaign has been a failure in that regard:

The injury to Chris Carson didn’t help — but clearly the likes of Eddie Lacy, Thomas Rawls and C.J. Prosise haven’t provided an answer to the problem.

Carson’s success (and to some extent Mike Davis’ cameo against the Falcons) shows running backs can succeed in Seattle’s scheme. With Thomas Rawls in the doghouse, it seems like the Seahawks view this as a running back problem rather than an O-line issue (even if chemistry can still be developed up front).

Seattle could draft two running backs in 2018 it’s that deep a class. Whether they stick in round one or trade down to make up for the picks spent on Brown and Sheldon Richardson, they could take one early and one in the later rounds. This feels like the year to do it.

I’ve done bigger write-ups on Damien Harris (here and here) and Kerryon Johnson (here and here) and have spent time studying most of the bigger names eligible for 2018. Harris and Johnson, for now, might be the two to focus on — but here’s a top-eight list based on what I’ve seen so far:

1. Saquon Barkley (Penn State)
2a Damien Harris (Alabama)
2b Kerryon Johnson (Auburn)
4 Nick Chubb (Georgia)
5 Derrius Guice (LSU)
6 Bryce Love (Stanford)
7 Rashaad Penny (San Diego State)
8 Royce Freeman (Oregon)

(**Edit** One of the comments noted Georgia’s other running back Sony Michel. I’m a fan — but haven’t had the opportunity to study his play comprehensively yet.)

The more I’ve watched of Harris and Johnson, the more I’ve liked.

I’ve posted a couple of new ‘highlights’ videos at the end of this article but I wanted to bring further attention to the two videos below. Pass-pro is important for a rookie, it’s often the one thing that stops a young running back getting on the field. Now look at how Harris and Johnson handle their duties in protection:

(Clips 1-4 below are Harris & Johnson, the final clip is a whiff by Bo Scarborough):

I’m going to join Kenny for a Field Gulls podcast later today and I’m sure we’ll talk about running backs, not to mention the Seahawks vs Eagles this weekend.

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101 Comments

  1. astraeus

    I would love Harris or Johnson after a trade down. I’m also a big fan of Sony Michel (7.3 avg rushing this season). Very elusive and good burst.

    • Rob Staton

      Would definitely be interested in Michel as the later option — haven’t had a chance to study him thoroughly yet but will get there.

      • Nick

        I think Michel could be drafted as high as the mid second round.

        • Sea Mode

          Whoa. Don’t see that happening at all, especially with the list of backs in front of him. Late R3 would be his ceiling for me, but would much rather have Penny in that range if we go there.

          • Nick

            Interesting. Time will tell!

  2. Nathan_12thMan

    I’m inclined to wonder if we’ll attempt to get the best bang for your buck RB (think Kareem Hunt R3P22) and then a 7th round or priority UDFA RB (like Rawls & Carson). We have so little draft capital, and RB’s…

    I just don’t know what exactly to think about RB value. I follow quite a few SEA twitter people who put out some pretty convincing arguments and information arguing against drafting a RB high. I mean at the end of the day when you can find a Chris Carson in the 7th round, trade a R4 pick for Jay Ajayi, when you can get Hunt in the bottom of R3, etc.

    So I am just sitting here hoping we find a great (or good) back in R3 or R4 that our FO loves and then get the best priority UDFA back available to add to Chris Carson, McKissic, Prosise and Davis on our roster. I’d really love if the back we drafted was such a good pass catcher that it would allow us to cut or trade Prosise. He’s legit made of glass.

    • Rob Staton

      I’ve read a lot of those arguments on Twitter and I have to say — it screams ‘NFL math’ to me. Never been remotely convinced that Seattle should treat their running game as a ‘get by’ situation predicated by a lot of mathematical assertions. The best teams in the league often have at the very least a well supported running game. The Seahawks were at their best when they were able to run effectively.

      I’m also allergic to ‘running back value’ claims too. The Seahawks need to get a good running back. If that guy exists in round four, great. If he’s going to go early, then you get him early. That’s all I’m bothered about. Not how Seahawks Twitter perceives value. I mean, would Seahawks Twitter not want them to draft Marshawn (a former high first rounder)? Or Gurley, Zeke or Fournette? Or Saquon?

      Just get a good runner and let’s get back to what we want to be.

      • Aaron

        +1

        We need a great back, and one with little to no injury history. Lynch was so durable, and often played though back issues.

      • C-Dog

        +1

      • Nathan_12thMan

        I think SEA twitter would argue that taking Zeke was moronic, given the success Morris and Rod Smith (https://twitter.com/gdula13/status/936453937326149633) have had and that in stead of taking Zeke they could have taken Jalen Ramsey to improve their defense. And hell, if they still wanted to improve their backfield they could have drafted Derrick Henry. Would he not be a monster behind that OL?

        So while I agree with you to an extent, I do think the positive value argument is there, especially when RB’s can be so dependent on run blocking. Just look at Gurley’s stats from ’15, ’16 (horrible OL) and ’17 (improved OL). When certain talent is only really available high (pass rush & OT for example) but RB has been proven to be available throughout the draft, hell even into UDFA…it’s hard to spend a high pick (especially when you don’t have many this year) on a back. And damn, if you do, he better be durable, fast, talented, without turnover issues and able to catch.

        • Rob Staton

          If Seahawks twitter has an issue with the Zeke pick — then I have a problem with Seahawks twitter ๐Ÿ™‚

          Seriously though, I just don’t get it. The pontificating people do about value and what not. If a player is really good and fills a need I’m never going, ‘nah — the positional value isn’t right’. And Seahawks twitter has a really bad habit of creating terrible narratives, never letting them drop and feeling really smug about their opinions.

          • Scraps

            That’s a problem with Twitter period, unfortunately.

  3. AndrewP

    I have to assume Rawls and Lacy are gone, Carson will be back, and they’ll bring Davis in for camp competition/depth. The interesting component will be to see the plan with Prosise…

    A) Try to get a conditional 2019 pick?
    B) Convert him to WR?
    C) Do the AA definition of insanity and hope he stays healthy?*
    *D) Cut him when they get fed up with the fact that he can’t?

    Whatever the reason, I absolutely agree will see 2-3 new RBs brought in before next season via the draft and FA.

    • Rob Staton

      I think they’ll keep Prosise for camp — either as RB competition or like you say as a WR convert. But he’ll be in last chance saloon in terms of his health.

    • Logan Lynch

      Option C every time. He’s under his rookie contract for 2 more years, each under $1M cap charge. Let the rest of his deal play out and go from there. How many people wanted to give up on P-Rich after his first two seasons? It really took until the end of his third season to start being consistently productive and now he seems like a legit #2/#3 WR who will get paid by someone. Ride it out with Prosise and if he stays hurt the next 2 seasons, he’s gone anyway.

      • AndrewP

        There’s more to it than $$$. Roster spots are precious. If he can’t show to be healthy, you need to give it to a player that proves he can help the team win by being on the field.

        • Logan Lynch

          I’m not disagreeing with you. If he gets hurt, you put him on IR. Otherwise there’s no reason to prematurely get rid of him.

          • Sea Mode

            +1

            Stick it out with him as long as he’s on that sweet rookie deal.

            So we know he isn’t going to be able to be a workhorse back due to health? Fine, he can be a wicked change of pace/passing threat back for 8-10 plays a game. Certainly could change any given game that way as well, like we saw him do vs. NE last season.

          • Smitty1547

            There is not a reason to get rid of him as of yet, but if you draft 2 RB and hit and still want to keep Davis, Carson or Mckessic there will be.

            • Logan Lynch

              If he gets beaten out in camp by better players, similar to the Alex Collins scenario, that’s a totally different story. My point is the fact that there’s no reason to get rid of him this offseason just because of his injury history when he’s on a team-friendly deal.

      • Gohawks5151

        The Paul Richardson of the backfield. Keep him around

        • Hawk Eye

          I am on the keep him around bandwagon. Some of his injuries were flukes, and i think as a combo WR/3rd down RB he could be a great weapon. He is worth the risk, at this point. Jadeveon Clowney missed most of his first 2 years I think, lots of guys get injured in this sport.

  4. cha

    Rob overall do you think the Hawks would alter their fundamental skill profile for RBs going forward given the cartwheel we’ve seen the last couple seasons? I’m not saying they should, but it might merit some examination.

    Perhaps an extra weighting toward players who can stay healthy?

    • Rob Staton

      I think there definitely will be a thought towards looking at durability. However, you also can’t predict these things. Look at the serious injuries they’ve had over the last 2-3 years to otherwise durable players — Earl, Jimmy, Sherman, Russell, Marshawn, Lockett, Kam, Avril. So it’s important — but I’m not sure it will be the determining factor either.

      I suspect the RB profile will largely remain in terms of physicality.

  5. Nick

    Sony Michel is the real deal and he fits their physical profile. I would highly recommend you check out his tape Rob.

  6. drewdawg11

    Myles Gaskin wonโ€™t go super high, but if he comes out, he could be someone to take a chance on later in the draft. Except for his size, he doesnโ€™t have too many deficiencies. Heโ€™s finds creases that arenโ€™t obvious. Heโ€™s patient, and he can catch the ball. Tough kid, too.

    • Kenny Sloth

      With such a deep class, I can see him being pushed to day 3.

      His ceiling is so low for me.

      • drewdawg11

        I donโ€™t think itโ€™s really so low. His floor is extremely high in that if given touches, he should be a solid player. He can split time with a more pounding back.

        • Mark Souza

          How is his pass protection?

          • drewdawg11

            Itโ€™s acrually not bad, but heโ€™s not asked to do it all the time. Heโ€™s such a good receiver. Coleman is usually the guy who stands in and handles the blitz, but Myles doesnโ€™t back down from standing in there.

    • D-OZ

      Gaskin the most underrated player nobody is talking about. Elite vision, Great burst, Good speed and can run between the tackles or get to the edge. I think he may still be on the board in the 4th, I would say early 4th late 3rd depending on 40 time. He is a very good receiver, willing blocker and returns kicks. I truly believe he is going to become a Hawk.

      • Smitty1547

        To small, I would love it but don’t think Pete/John would

        • drewdawg11

          Thatโ€™s entirely possible. However, he doesnโ€™t play like a small guy and heโ€™s around 200 lbs.

  7. EP

    If Prosise is decent at WR he could ease the burden if we happen to lose Richardson. Strikes me as really strange that Rawls has struggled so much this year. He had a few good games to close out last season but it seems that literally every time he has the ball he runs the opposite direction heโ€™s supposed to and straight into a defender.

    Really like Harris out of all the backs (discounting Barkley of course) he strikes me as a really high character guy as Rob has mentioned before. Having not been a featured back at Bama might give him a little bit of a chip on his shoulder and come into the league to make a statement. Wouldnโ€™t say no to Johnson either, both tough, physical SEC runners who know how to take and give out a bruising.

    As much as I love watching Bryce love and thereโ€™s no denying the class of him, I envision him as a player who was electric in college but doesnโ€™t live up to his potential in the NFL. Iโ€™d like to be wrong tho.

    I think the other 4 backs could come into the league and do some damage but not necessarily as a number 1 RB. They all appear to be nice compliments, with Guice and Penny providing some real juice as home run threats.

    Pretty sure Barkley is going to be a stud. Just have to hope heโ€™s not a stud for the 49ers. Unsure if the giants will suffer another year of Eli and take Barkley and use him as the focal point of their offence or bin Eli and take a QB.

    • Hawk Eye

      Bryce Love has Reggie Bush, CJ Spiller written all over same. Same as McCaffrey. Just not quite big enough at the next level to make the same impact they did in college.

  8. Kenny Sloth

    Field gulls pods have been unlistenable without you.

    • Rob Staton

      We just recorded the one today, it should be up on Field Gulls in an hour or two. I will post on here when morning time in the UK. Hope yo enjoy it ๐Ÿ™‚

      • Kenny Sloth

        Got the local soccer team in the playoffs tonight so I’ll catch your link tomorrow

        Go Sounders!

        I actually just got a gig as an assistant coach with a local pay-to-play soccer academy.

        So much opportunity in the sport in this country. And you can make bank not working with pros.

        Its volunteer work for now, but until Schneider emails me back, it sounds like a great opportunity.

        (Its one of my goals to coach in Europe someday, so I have a lot to learn)

        • East Side Stevie

          Thats awesome to hear Kenny Sloth. Always exciting seeing people chase their dreams.

          • Kenny Sloth

            See you in the Champions League ๐Ÿ˜‰

    • mishima

      +12

  9. Hawk Eye

    before Marshawn became Beastmode, the Falcons had William Andrews in the early 80’s. He used to break tackles and run over people, he even ran over Ronnie Lott. Had 2 or 3 years of 2000 yds, rushing and receiving. And he was a blocking back in college, 3rd round pick, blocked at Auburn for Joe Cribbs and someone else who went in 1st round to Cincy. Had knee injury in practice in 5th or 6th year, and was done. He was not big, but had huge thighs and not super fast. Just knew where to go and wanted it more than the guy tackling him.
    Sometimes there are guys in college that are not used properly, and the Hawks love to find them. Now would be a good time.

    • Mark Souza

      And how many blocking backs have come into the NFL to become premier featured backs? Not many. Looking for someone like that that doesn’t cost much in draft capital and my pay dividends if you are in a position to do so. The Seahawks aren’t in that position. They need someone who’s proven it, and has the film to back it up. Maybe they can rolled the dice if they decide to draft a second running back.

    • CharlieTheUnicorn

      The NFL has changed a-lot since they wore leather helmets. ๐Ÿ™‚

  10. Sea Mode

    If we are going RB early, Damien Harris is my guy. Vision is really good, and a load to bring down. He’s the guy I see getting the whole team fired up when he runs. Plus blocking, shining personality/interviews, and low usage put him clearly over Kerryon Johnson for me. And his production with limited usage is impressive.

    I haven’t quite come around on Johnson yet, to be honest. Something doesn’t convince me, not sure what. Maybe just need to watch more. I’m also concerned about him being constantly dinged up and missing time. The “Keep Calm and Kerryon” FieldGulls.com T-shirts would be awesome though… ๐Ÿ˜‰ If Harris is gone, I might prefer the homerun ability of Guice to complement Carson. Not really sure yet on Chubb. Feel like the combine will be big for him especially.

    Shortlist of interesting mid/late round backs to look into (besides Sony Michel), in my order of preference from what I’ve seen so far:

    – Aeris Williams, Miss St. (6-0, 217)
    – Lavon Coleman, Washington (5-11, 235)
    – Demario Richard, ASU (5-10, 219)
    – Jarvion Franklin, W. Michigan (6-1, 228)
    – L.J. Scott, Michigan St. (6-1, 229)
    – Kamryn Pettway, Auburn (6-0, 235)

    P.S. And if anyone is already desperate/bored enough to take the deep dive, here are the draft diamonds that fit the physical profile:

    Deโ€™Lance Turner RB Alcorn State 6010, 214
    Jarvis Cooper RB Central Arkansas 6000, 232
    Brandan Campbell RB Hope College 5110, 218
    Chris Temple RB Indiana (PA) 5110, 220
    Alex lakes RB Mercer 6000, 220
    Nigel Simmons RB New Mexico Highlands 6000, 220
    Marcus Bagley RB Saint Francis (PA) 5095, 230
    Jordan Roberts RB St. Thomas 6000, 222
    Romello Brown RB Wayne State (MI) 5110, 248
    Rashad Trimble RB Wayne State (NE) 6000, 225
    Dylan Hecker RB Wisconsin Oshkosh 6010, 230

    No stone un-turned, right…? ๐Ÿ™‚

    • East Side Stevie

      Good lord Sea Mode, thatโ€™s some deep diggin. Haha very nice my friend.

    • GoHawks5151

      Ryan Nall RB Oregon State 6’3” 237. Great payer on bad team. Little dinged up in past. Fast, with pass catch ability.

      • Greg Haugsven

        I agree with Damien Harris. No major injury, low miles on.the tires and he passes the eye test. CA t wait for those combine numbers if he does declare. I could really see him staying a d boosting that stock.

        • AlaskaHawk

          + 1 with sidehelping of Penny and UDFA Coleman

          • Sea Mode

            That’s my dream scenario!

            Need to see though what Carson looks like if he makes it back this year. That might determine how many RBs they want to bring in. If Carson and McKissic are locks, and you want to wait it out on Prosise, then it becomes tough to spend more than one pick on RB, unless they plan to carry 5 RBs and no FB (shout-out Jaylen Samuels), or they move Prosise to WR to free up a spot in the RB room. Who knows too what Mike Davis shows us in the next few games. We really might end up only needing one: the right one.

            • AlaskaHawk

              Based on past performance I would like another look at Rawls next preseason. He is cheap so no big deal to keep him awhile longer.

              • drewdawg11

                Rawls is not very good. His health is one thing, but his vision is terrible. Canโ€™t power, isnโ€™t fast, not a good receiver… why keep him?

      • Kenny Sloth

        F#ร—%+\ B%รท#= A$$ traitor Thomas Tyner, too.

        • GoHawks5151

          Haha. He looked good after the rust shook off. 5’11” 232. Within Seattle’s requirements.

          • Kenny Sloth

            He’s always been a horse for us. Wonder if he declares.

    • Kenny Sloth

      Thats why you’re always in Scouting the Scouts i do before the draft lmao

    • Kenny Sloth

      LJ Scott ๐Ÿ˜ท๐Ÿ˜ท๐Ÿ˜ท๐Ÿ˜ท please no. Let someone else weight train him properly for a year or two.

  11. drewdawg11

    Honestly, I donโ€™t think Harris can bounce it effectively at the next level. I think heโ€™s a solid player, but maybe not a future pro bowl player. He just leaves me wanting something else. His upside is limited, in my eyes.

    • Sea Mode

      I’m with Rob when he pointed out in his feature on Harris that his arhleticism is underrated. Look for example at the highlight near the end of the vid Rob posted above when Adoree Jackson chased him down from behind. Jackson is one of the fastest guys in the last couple years, and Harris wasn’t moving much slower than him. And when I watch Harris run, it almost looks as if he is galloping forward. There is serious power behind those pads.

      Above even the question of athleticism, I watch him and just see exactly what Seattle needs right now: a solid, dependable back they can lean on, literally with their ideal RB build and attitude. The upside, we could say, is also simply his dependability. Lightning options we already have in Prosise and McKissic, what we need now is more thunder to go along with Carson.

      • C-Dog

        +1

        I love Harris for Seattleโ€™s offense.

        • Mark Souza

          I’m with you C-Dog. Looking at the way he hits people, stays on his feet and keeps on going, he reminds me of someone (only much faster).

    • D-OZ

      ???????

      • D-OZ

        D-dog, you krak me up!!!!

        • drewdawg11

          Glad I could help. I just donโ€™t love him. I think nah heโ€™s a solid player. But I would like something different. Iโ€™ve been warming up to the idea of Ronald jones, lately. More big play potential. Teamed with Carson, youโ€™d have two physical backs, and one can take it the distance. Everyone has their preferences. I remember when Mark Ingram was at Bama. He showed amazing feet in the hole and broke off some long gainers. Still, when he got to the league he became a between the tackles guy and thatโ€™s his game. I think we may have that inside runner already, assuming he is healthy next season.

  12. Dale Roberts

    Which back on this list has the best patience and vision?

    • Kenny Sloth

      Oh my god so hard to choose.

      Nick Chubb is like all acceleration and fundamentals

      Royce Freeman is probably the guy that could walk and pick up 3 yards because of his vision.

      Kerryon Johnson sets up his downfield blockers better than most college backs.

      I’ve not been a huge fan of Penny’s but you’d not likely question his vision.

      Damien Harris deaerves another look from me, but I just dont like Bama backs as pros.

      • Kenny Sloth

        Royce Freeman just got that creamy footwork. He got the sauce, man.

        If someone can wake him up, he’ll be a beast.

        He’s not tryna truck nobody on a 5-6 ducks team.

        He’s not that fire guy and thats the biggest knock on him.

        Though Rawls is all fire and look where its got him.

    • Sea Mode

      For me Penny (vision) and Johnson (patience).

  13. Greg Haugsven

    Another note, Sounders looking to make it to two straight MLS cups. Just park the bus tonight and make Houston chase, maybe counter attack and get a goal that way. The first goal will be so important.

    • Kenny Sloth

      Nooo kill park the bus
      Possess it high with Bruin and isolate their speedy wingers tryings to go on the counter.

      They’re already overplaying out of the back

      • Kenny Sloth

        We’re*

  14. Adog

    Any thoughts on ronald jones from usc…? He has caught my eye. I think that the trade for richardson…and brown was made easier know that they will get two to rhree compensation picks when and if they lose graham and richardson to free agency. The emergence of reed and n.jones…not to mention depth guys like jackson and jordan…make richardson expendable for cap savings and a comp pick…in my opinion. Unless graham is the super bowl mvp…they will not resign him. If he was a above average blocker …then maybe. While he’s been great in the red zone…he is not efficient in this offense.

    • Kenny Sloth

      Richardson has been exactly what he was supposed to be for us.

      We typically resign those guys. Jimmy fits that category, too.

      Seems like we are starting to get a little old. I liked when we were the youngest team in the league for like 3 years in a row.

      I miss that crazy roster turnover. That churn. That crucible of competition.

    • Icb12

      Not efficient?

      49 catches and 8 TDs.

      He has had many TDs as Antonio brown
      Brown has 80 catches.

      28th in catches and 2nd in TDs. That’s efficiency.

      Good grief.

      • Adog

        All the eagles have to do is pinpoint where jimmy graham is lined up…and they know what play the offense will call. He makes this offense beyond predictable…he makes this offense futile. A great player but a terrible fit in this offense. If graham is on the line…it will be a run play away from him…or one of those lethal bubble screens. If graham motions it will be a run away from him. Just from my viewpoint…pulling my hair out watching this offense…if graham lines up off the line…bet on a pass and bet on a seven step drop back. Lay off the o-line…their initial advantage knowing the play…has been taken away from them. The only hame plan the eagles d have this week…is where’s jimmy? And they’re not talking hoffa.

    • D-OZ

      Like Jones in the 5th. or 6th.

      • drewdawg11

        If he tests at all well, he wonโ€™t last that far.

  15. Kenny Sloth

    SEATTLE

    • Kenny Sloth

      s o u n d e r s โ˜”

      • Kenny Sloth

        VRod scores in 26′.

  16. Ty the Guy

    What other teams might be looking for a RB in Round 1?

    Where does Derius Guice get drafted? Top 20 or does he slide or get leapfrogged?

    • Sea Mode

      SF and NYG seem like strong candidates to look at Barkley as a piece to build around on offense. SF will at the very least look for a #2 to pair with Hyde, similar to the Freeman/Coleman pairing Shanahan had with the Falcons. Maybe CLE too but I think they might have finally learned their lesson and will choose a QB with their first pick. They do have pick #1 and #7 overall though, so maybe they go Barkley #1 and QB leftovers at #7. (that would be like them at least…) I’m pretty sure OAK will look to line up Lynch’s replacement in R1 or R2.

      Other teams that could look at a RB early are MIA (just traded Ajayi), DET (how long since Stafford has had real rush support…?), and maybe BAL if they want a true 3-down back upgrade over Collins. They might just stick to RBBC. TB could be a wildcard depending on how much faith they still have in Doug Martin after this down season. IND needs one, but I think their other needs are too great early on.

      Everyone else is actually in pretty decent shape, though of course they could always look to upgrade/complement. So, IMO:

      Need: NYG, SF, CLE, OAK, (SEA)
      Want: DET, MIA
      Maybe: BAL, TB, IND

      If Barkley isn’t avaliable or they choose to stick with Carlos Hyde, I think Guice would be a great pick for SF at the top of R2. I love his highlight runs, they are exciting, as well as the Rawls-like intensity with which he runs. But I look at his game log from this season and see quite a few games where he has 20 or so carries for some 50-70 yards. He boosts his YPC a lot vs. lesser competition. I would need to watch those games, but it makes me at least stop and ask whether he is going to be your all day grinder or better suited as a 1-2 punch with homerun potential, kind of like Tevin Coleman.

      https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/derrius-guice-1/gamelog/2017/

      Right now, I see him going late R1- early R2 (so not top 20), unless Rob comes out with another great article and shows us the kind of stuff we don’t always manage to see right away. ๐Ÿ™‚

      • Greg Haugsven

        SF will either be Barkley or Carlos Hyde (if they extend) so they shouldnt get in our way. I agree with the Giants but they wont do it early in round 1 unless Barkley falls to them. Colts would be early as well, both the Giants and Colts could be in play in the early second. Most of the teams who could take an RB draft in the first half of each round. If we pick in the mid 20’s maybe an ideal situation would to not leave the first round but just go to say 31 or 32. You can still be ahead of the other teams looking for a RB and you could probably get someones late 3rd round pick instead of an early 4th. Hope Im making sense hear.

        • Greg Haugsven

          and here.

  17. Daniel Bryan

    I still want Kalen Ballage!

    • D-OZ

      OHN!!!!!

  18. Sea Mode

    https://www.fieldgulls.com/2017/11/30/16718916/a-much-deeper-look-at-the-seahawks-pass-protection-against-49ers

    This makes me VERY hopeful for our chances even this season. #3 pass protecting unit this week, 0 sacks? Clear steps forward both individually and collectively, with hardly any help needed from TE/RB blocking? Heck yeah!

    If Russ figures out that he can start to trust the OL again, watch out League! Going on a tear down the stretch like he did in 2015 is not at all out of the question. He’s already uploaded MVP Protocol 2.0 anyway this season. And if Carson can make it back for the playoffs…

    • 503Hawk

      Yah, but… That was against the lowly 49ers. Going against the Eagles is going to be a different story. I would be surprised if Russ got sacked 3 or 4 times.

  19. STUFR

    Rob,
    Since the Hawks have limited draft capital and rarely do what I think (except for Griffin) I wouldn’t be surprised if they traded back and used those early picks on the lines and secondary, leaving RB to the end of the draft. They will probably tell themselves they have Carson and Davis coming back, so this is depth and they don’t need a star. With that in mind, a 7th round gem could be Lavon Coleman.
    Coleman is 6′ 230 and runs in the 4.5 range and is great blocking and receiving.

    • Rob Staton

      I think that would be a mistake — and I think they know now they need a good RB. The can’t fudge this again.

      • Greg Haugsven

        Couldnt agree more, just look at this last draft. Kareem Hunt has slowed down a little but has been fantastic, and now Alvin Kamara is becoming a monster. We need a guy and I believe we need him early. Early second round after a trade back would be ideal.

  20. FuzzyLOgic

    I love Kerryon Johnson with his patience-vision-and toughness but why do I feel like he won’t be as dependable or as good at blocking as Harris? Still, my vote is for Kerryon.

  21. D-OZ

    A little side note; Walter Football has Harris going @33 to the Browns. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is gone by #19. The second best back in this draft. I am going out on a limb here saying he is the #1 back in the 2017 draft. Not afraid of that limb at all ๐Ÿ™‚ He is a Better pro prospect than the Penn Stater.IMO

    • Smitty1547

      Wow that is a limb going against Barkley, I think he goes top 7

    • drewdawg11

      ??? Come on, now.

    • Mac

      Walter football also had Miamiโ€™s qb going round 1 pick 30 last year and chad kelly in the second. I think Harris is solid but destined to go in the late second.

  22. CharlieTheUnicorn

    I just can’t see Seattle using a top 3 round pick on a RB, when they have some other needs on the team. I can see a CB and perhaps a TE being more important than a RB…. they will also have to decide how to address the SS spot, if “Bam-Bamm” is unable to make it back.

    I think a top 3 round CB might actually be a lock, since they have been so pleasantly surprised with the progress Griffin has made during his rookie campaign. If you can find another CB to play opposite of him, then you have CB spot locked up for 2-3 year at a “chap” rate. Then you can bring back other players…. Graham, Brown, and/or Richardson… all three are blue chip talent. (This is also a hedge on Sherman’s injury not recovering as anticipated or expected).

    • Rob Staton

      The Seahawks spent an early pick on christine Michael in 2013 โ€” R2 and their first selection overall.

  23. RWIII

    Without a 2nd or 3rd round pick the Hawks are going to need to trade down a couple of times.

  24. drewdawg11

    UGA has revenge on their minds! Running the ball much better now.

  25. drewdawg11

    Sony Michelle just caught a swing pass and put a move on some poor guy and went for 32 yards! The next play Chubb takes a pass the other way and gets a first down.

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