Seahawks re-sign Bradley McDougald, Suh next?

This isn’t unexpected news. Bradley McDougald had a productive first season in Seattle. The deal appears to be relatively cheap and McDougald will likely start at strong safety next year, assuming Kam Chancellor isn’t able to make a return.

Of all Seattle’s free agents, McDougald felt like the one most likely to re-sign and the one that would provide the best value. This is a good start to the new league year.

Things seem to be moving now for Seattle. And while they are turning over parts of the roster, this isn’t a franchise known for sitting on its hands. It also became apparent today that Miami is going to cut Ndamukong Suh. At pretty much the same time, Suh posted this video on Twitter:

So Suh is in Seattle. He’s about to be cut. And he’s talking about an ‘exciting day’.

This would make a lot of sense for the Seahawks for a number of reasons. Firstly, it wouldn’t impact their comp pick situation in 2019 because he’s being cut. It’d provide leadership to the defensive line plus an element of intensity.

He’s also not regressing as much as some people believe:

Ndamukong Suh, Bobby Wagner and Earl Thomas would be a good looking trio to build a younger defense around.

With McDougald signed and potentially Suh to follow, the next priority might be tight end. Jason La Canfora is reporting interest in Austin Seferian-Jenkins. He’s already turned down two offers from the Jets and might have his heart set on returning to the Pacific North West.

Finding targets and spending some money on offense will likely be a target for Seattle. The tight end position needs help that might not be forthcoming in the draft. They also need to add at receiver and Jacksonville’s Marqise Lee could provide some relative value. There’s also a distinct possibility they’ll add a hedge running back at some point.

If you missed yesterday’s article asking, ‘What are the Seahawks doing?’ I’d recommend checking it out. Hopefully it’ll provide some perspective.

Linebacker 10-yard splits published

The NFL Network didn’t show these during the live of the combine but here are the numbers courtesy of NFL Draft Scout:

Shaquem Griffin — 1.54
Fred Warner — 1.55
Lorenzo Carter — 1.56
Leighton Vander Esch — 1.56
Leon Jacobs — 1.58
Roquan Smith — 1.58
Oren Burks — 1.59
Malik Jefferson — 1.59
Peter Kalambayi — 1.59
Tremaine Edmunds — 1.60
Jerome Baker — 1.62
Micah Kiser — 1.62
Kemoko Turay — 1.62
Josey Jewell — 1.63
Uchenna Nwosu — 1.63
Dorian O’Daniel — 1.64
Matthew Thomas — 1.64
Marquis Haynes — 1.66
Darius Leonard — 1.69
Jeff Holland — 1.71

Here are my takeaways from this…

— Lorenzo Carter fits the athletic profile of a SAM/LEO. He ran the same forty time as Bruce Irvin (4.50), they’re a similar weight (245 vs 250) and height (6-4 vs 6-5) plus their splits are similar (1.55 for Bruce, 1.56 for Carter). They both have 34 inch arms. Irvin jumped a 33.5 inch vertical and a 10-3 broad. Carter actually managed a 36 inch vertical and a 10-10 broad. Irvin ran a sensational 4.03 short shuttle but Carter didn’t do the test at the combine. Even so, they are very similar physically. It’s worth noting, however, Tony Pauline’s recent report that some teams medically red-flagged Carter. There are also scouts in the league who see Carter as an underachiever. There’s no doubting his potential though.

— The split times are another feather in the cap for Wisconsin’s Leon Jacobs. He ran a 4.48 at 6-1 and 246lbs. He also jumped a 34.5 inch vertical and managed a 10-2 broad jump. He’s explosive and fast and also has good length (33.5 inch arms). Jacobs put up 26 reps on the bench press (second only to Malik Jefferson among linebackers). His short shuttle time (4.44) was similar to K.J. Wright’s (4.46). He’s an intense, physical prospect. Now we know he also runs an elite 10-yard split. He could easily be on Seattle’s radar.

— As if Leighton Vander Esch needs any more of a boost. He ran a 1.56 and is a lot heavier than a number of the names on the list above. For example, Shaquem Griffin ran at 227lbs. Vander Esch is only marginally slower (0.02 seconds) over ten yards at 256lbs. In our piece a couple of days ago we highlighted what an exceptional physical talent he is, comparing favourably to the best linebackers in the league. Now we also know he runs an elite 1.56 split. That compares pretty well, of course:

Sean Lee — 1.54
Leighton Vander Esch — 1.56
Anthony Barr — 1.57
Luke Kuechly — 1.57
Telvin Smith — 1.57
Bobby Wagner — 1.57
Jordan Willis — 1.57
Vic Beasley — 1.59
Tyus Bowser — 1.59
Haason Reddick — 1.59
T.J. Watt — 1.59
Lavonte David — 1.60
Von Miller – 1.62
Jamie Collins — 1.64
Thomas Davis — 1.64
Khalil Mack — 1.64
K.J. Wright — 1.66
Shaq Thompson — 1.69

Here’s how he compares specifically to Luke Kuechly:

Forty yard dash
Luke Kuechly — 4.58
Leighton Vander Esch — 4.65

Ten yard split
Luke Kuechly — 1.57
Leighton Vander Esch — 1.57

Short shuttle
Luke Kuechly — 4.12
Leighton Vander Esch — 4.15

Three cone
Luke Kuechly — 6.91
Leighton Vander Esch — 6.88

Vertical jump
Luke Kuechly — 38 inches
Leighton Vander Esch — 39.5 inches

Broad jump
Luke Kuechly — 10-3
Leighton Vander Esch — 10-4

Vander Esch is going to go early in round one.

— Fred Warner was a team captain at BYU and tested well at 6-3 and 236lbs. He jumped a 38.5 inch vertical and ran a 4.28 short shuttle. He also managed a 6.88 three cone. The only average mark was the forty. He ran a 4.64 which isn’t amazing at his size. He more than makes up for it with a 1.55 split. He’s another one to keep an eye on, as is Vanderbilt’s Oren Burks.

The Seahawks have a lot more options at linebacker in this draft compared to a year ago.

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488 Comments

  1. mishima

    Yes! Love it. Welcome back Bradley McDougald.

  2. Drew

    Hopefully there isn’t much guaranteed, I’d love to see Delano Hill compete for that spot.

    • Del tre

      I assumed it was a depth signing, back up Earl and Hill while also adding another defensive look. I sure hope he doesn’t start over Hill, that would be hugely dissapointing for a 3rd round pick at safety in a talented class.

      • FresnoBrad

        +1

  3. Aaron

    Does this mean Earl is out? Kam’s replacement? Hill not as good as we think? At least it’s a reasonable contract at under $5mil/yr. Doubt we get Suh though.

    • cha

      For 2018
      -a hedge against Kam not coming back
      -injury protection for Earl
      -competition for Hill

      For 2019-20
      -potential Earl replacement
      -continued competition at SS

      • Comfect

        Don’t forget the possibility of the Big Nickel too.

        • lil'stink

          Did we ever really use big nickel that much last year? Seems like PC kind of laughed it off.

          • FresnoBrad

            Watched Bradley tape last night at FS with Kam as SS. He’s not the guy we want playing FS.

            • GerryG

              Yes, you dont want him starting at FS, but he is at least a capable backup that wont blow the whole thing up if ET misses a game or two.

    • RealRhino2

      I think it’s just a case of having a reliable pro in the secondary, whatever spot you have to use him at. Not a huge fan of the money, but that seems like the kind of guy good teams have in support of their core, star DBs. Reasonable Kam/Earl insurance.

    • Rob Staton

      I think it means they have their guy next to Earl in 2018.

      I suspect the moment for Earl to be dealt has passed, given all the deals elsewhere.

    • Patrick Toler

      I expect it will be open competition between McDougald and Hill, and Hill will be given every chance to win the job. If he does, McDougald gives you a reliable backup at both spots and he can play in the slot situationally. Of course, he might just win the job and be Earl’s partner back there.

      I’m generally happy about the re-signing, but hopefully they can get out of it somewhat easily in a year or two if they need to. I think McDougald is good, not great. That’s worth $4M a year. Add in the flexibility he gives you and it’s a good deal.

    • Drew

      Suh made $60M in the last 3 season from Miami. I would not be surprised if he wants to come back to the PNW (he’s from Portland) and take less money to be with a contender, rather then be on terrible teams again and be paid top dollar.

      • DCD2

        I’m not sure that we are a contender this year, but crazier things have happened.

        I am a bit terrified of him going to LAR or SF though. Suh, Buckner, Armstead and Soloman Thomas is bad enough. Picturing Aaron Donald and Suh in the middle with Robert Quinn coming off the edge would be ridiculous.

        • Rob Staton

          Quinn was actually traded to Miami recently.

          • DCD2

            Thanks. Guess I missed that one.

        • FresnoBrad

          Suh in SF would not be good for us assuming he’s still playing at a high level. I can see SF trading back from #9 and shoving a ton of picks from 2018 & 2019 in Carrol’s face after all SF seems to be obsessed with replicating Seahawk D and SF’s GM is an ex Saftey

    • Hawksince77

      Posted this on the last thread but I don’t think anyone read it.

      I have mixed feelings about Earl being traded. The situation hasn’t really changed:

      1 – Earl wants a new contract. Threatens to hold out if he doesn’t get one
      2 – Seattle is struggling with huge third contracts. Not sure they want to commit to another one. This may be the largest sticking point if they are unwilling to pay what Earl wants
      3 – Earl’s threat to retire
      4 – Earl’s stated preference to play for the Cowboys
      5 – Seattle’s need to get younger, cheaper, hungrier
      6 – McDougal (sp?) just re-signed
      7 – lots of younger/cheaper players in the wings
      8 – the need to fix the running game above all other considerations. A Earl trade for what he is worth would probably do it
      9 – What we are hearing is what I’d expect we’d hear up until the moment a trade is announced
      10 – Agreed that Seattle should get a huge return for Earl, and shouldn’t settle
      11 – however, if they can’t extend him they need to trade him. But Earl controls this, because a trading partner will have to come to the table with an agreeable extension for Earl, one that Earl will agree to, before that trading partner will give up the needed draft capital in a trade. Cleveland has the draft capital, the need, and the cap space to make Earl the highest paid safety in the league, but would Earl agree to play in Cleveland? How important is the money?
      12 – so if they can’t extend Earl, and can’t get enough trade compensation, what do they do?

      • Rob Staton

        If they’re only get third round offers (or teams are balking at talk of R1) they might think… future comp pick worst case scenario.

        • Drew

          I think a 3rd round comp pick would be a disappointing return.

          • Rob Staton

            What’s the alternative if nobody is offering more than a third this year?

        • Hawksince77

          Agreed that settling for a third is unacceptable. But are there any other options if Seattle can’t get a decent offer, and they can’t come to terms on an extension? Does ET play out his final year in the same manner as years before? Does he hold out? What can we expect?

          If Seattle can extend him to everyone’s satisfaction, great. That is choice numero uno. But if they can’t agree on an extension…?

          • Rob Staton

            Not sure. If an extension is not happening and there’s no trade in the works, I guess they have to reason with him and be frank and see how he reacts. Presumably, I think he’d handle the situation even if he was simmering inside.

            Then they play out the season and see where they go from there.

            However, I’m done trying to predict this situation. I thought originally it was trade or new deal before the draft. Now I was starting to think he could play out his deal. Now La Canfora is touting a trade again. I think I’m ready to let it play out 🙂

            • Hawksince77

              Very wise about foregoing prediction. I think my aim is to anticipate the possibilities, based on what we know. I suspect nobody knows yet for sure what will happen (unless agreements have been made that we are not privy to) including ET, JS et al. Decisions are likely yet to be made that will ultimately determine the immediate future of ET.

  4. Ben

    Will Suh be affordable? It would really give me hope if Suh were to be signed.

    • Rob Staton

      Well, they have about $30-40m to spend.

      • House

        He’s made a ton of money. I’m sure he’s willing to be on a winner.

      • Heliopause

        I assume it’s either/or with Richardson and Suh? Or they could blow their whole wad on the interior D line, I’ve seen crazier things.

        • Rob Staton

          Think it depends on Sheldon’s market. If it’s cold and he has to sign a Dontari Poe-style one-year deal for $8m he might be back.

          • Dale

            San Francisco still has room. Richardson would be a nice add.

    • Patrick Toler

      I think Suh will be expensive, but not outrageously so. Maybe $10M a year? $12M? He’s older, so the guarantees and structure will be important. You don’t want to be chained to him at a huge cost for 4 years.

      • Greg Haugsven

        If its under $10 it might not be bad.

        • 503Hawk

          I doubt he will be a penny under $12m per year avg. Why would he?

          • Hawk Eye

            I would take Suh over Sheldon. Much better talent, better production. “Dirty” when he plays on the other team, “competitive” when he plays on yours. A lot like Sherm in that regard.

            • hawkdawg

              4 years older. It DT years, that is a lot of time.

            • Jerry

              You have to consider the draft repercussions too.

              Its not simply Suh versus Richardson. Its Suh + 3rd Round 2019 Pick versus Richardson.

              Additionally, the chances are that Richardson, as a younger player, will require a longer commitment.

              I think adding Suh makes a lot of sense.

  5. Chris

    Great re-sign. Can play both safety spots, so is fantastic insurance whether ET leaves, Hill struggles, or either is injured. Relatively young, and a 3 year contract doesn’t tie our hands too much.

  6. Kevin

    I hope Suh kicks McDowell’s ass

    • Lewis

      With Suh, it might be literally.

      • Kenny Sloth

        Can’t wait to see what Germain Ifedi has to say about all that

        • Kevin

          Can’t wait to see what Frank Clark has to say to Ifedi

  7. Jake

    Rob — one more thought re: the aging of the defense. Btw 2012-2016, the Hawks played an additional 12 playoff games on top of their regular seasons. No non-Patriots team played more games than the Hawks in that time period. Considering the added intensity of playoffs, that’s almost like another full season of wear and tear on these guys. Helps explain some of the injury uptick and why PCJS recognize the need to churn and get younger, fast.

    • 503Hawk

      You nailed it. Very important “hidden stat”.

      • Hawk Eye

        Stephon Gilmore mentioned it to former Bills team mates how sore he was having to play an extra 3 games. This was his first time in the playoffs, the extra wear and tear grinds guys down.
        I suspect it wears down DB’s and LB’s more than guys who can rotate more

  8. Rob-Not that Rob though

    Suh, to BWagz, to Earl up the middle? That’s a heck of a middle of the field if they get Suh signed…

    • Rob Staton

      It’d be a great spine of the defense, complimented by KJ, McDougald, Griffin, Clark, Reed and others.

      It’d get people believing again.

      • nichansen01

        Hey, let’s not forget Malik McDowell!!! I still believe he’s a beast.

        • drewdawg11

          I’ve Already forgotten him. He isn’t even going to be practicing anytime soon.

        • 503Hawk

          Who?

      • Rob-Not that Rob though

        100% would help restore some faith and quell the rumors of throwing it in this year. Plus it would ease a huge need going into the draft. One less thing to worry about.

        • Dale

          Great screen name.

      • FresnoBrad

        I agree! Also our goal line D stinks Suh over Sheldon & take the comp pick. Reed needs to step up on goal line.

    • Heliopause

      Yes, but if the D was too old and expensive this wouldn’t exactly address that problem.

      • GerryG

        A short 1-2 year deal at a reasonable rate isnt going to handcuff them; especially if he is the only guy over 30 on that side of the ball.

        • Heliopause

          So, retry the 2017 strategy but with a different set of faces?

          • GerryG

            No, you would have one seasoned Vet on a line with rookie contracts and D Jordan.

            If the rate is reasonable, sounds like an ok plan

            • Heliopause

              If that’s the case I don’t see why you simply wouldn’t have kept Bennett.

              • GerryG

                Maybe this answers some of the questions on why Bennet was let go? Maybe age/contract was only part of the equation and he was a liability/headache elsewhere?

              • Group Captain Mandrake

                Bennett was evidently picking his spots more often and was a pain in the ass for the coaches. Wasn’t just age because he was still pretty good.

                • Heliopause

                  Suh wrote the book on being a pain in the neck, as well as the pocket book and every other part of the body. I’m afraid I still can’t see the logic of it, given the premises. You had sunk cost in Bennett and he was still somewhat productive. Then you have Suh who is close to the same age, still somewhat productive, more expensive, and generally disliked everywhere he goes.

                  The premise that the Seahawks need to get younger and cheaper on defense simply doesn’t work with the hypothetical addition of Suh, I’m sorry. One can understand the subtraction of Bennett in isolation, but if they go ahead and add Suh then something is bollocksed up in the premises.

          • TatupuTime

            Is it the age of the players – or that the same group of players had been hearing the same message for 5+ years?

            • Heliopause

              I’m not sure what that question means, I’m just trying to understand the logic of these various hypothetical moves given the basic premises that have been expressed on this blog.

    • Mexican Hawk

      I have a great feeling that this draft will provide some blue chip players. I cringe at them not drafting Wynn, Hermandez, Price or Corbett.

      But drafting a crazy athlete like Bruce Irvin in first someone like Vander Esch just provides so much to a Wagner, Earl, Suh (or Sheldon), KJ, Reed, Naz, Frank, Shaq led D can be very enticing. Young cheap D again.

      If they go that route the money (in FA) can be loaded towards the offense.

      I tend to agree Earl trade train has passed, but I am note 100% sure on that. I still think it has some legs. I hope they don’t trade him, but again I think it would be more age/money/locker room related if and only if price is an overpayment by some desperate team.

  9. nichansen01

    I mentioned this earlier but I think the Seahawks should seriously look into Trenton Thompson… former five star recruit who had some injury troubles. Was a solid player at Georgia, “played through pain”… I called the interest in Naz Jones last year and I have a similar feeling with Thompson… you could get him in the fifth…

    • Trevor

      He is an interesting guy. I am curious if the Hawks will bring him in for a visit to see why he kind of under achieved in college.

  10. C-Dog

    Replace Sheldon with Suh = better player + R3 comp pick 2019 = game on in the NFC West arms race.

    • nichansen01

      Suh is definitely better than Sheldon.

      I still wouldn’t be against keeping Sheldon though if you can keep both.

    • mishima

      This.

      JS always has a plan. Essentially traded a 2nd + Kearse for Richardson/Suh + 3rd.

      (In a way.)

      • C-Dog

        Yup. That’s how it could work out. I would absolutely love this move.

        Jarran Reed + Frank Clark = junkyard dogs.

        Suh = king of the junkyard dogs.

        They goes from 1980’s Lakers to 1980’s Pistons.

        Love it.

        • FresnoBrad

          +1 Carroll & Schneider realize this is their last run together aquiring Suh = 3 levels of D = @least 1 SuperBowl which Suh desperately needs. Suh coming home and winning a Super Bowl = massive $$$ advertisements

    • 503Hawk

      +1

    • Logan Lynch

      Exactly what I came here to say. Could also push a larger chunk of Suh’s money into 2019 if needed with the expected cap space. Give him a short 2 or 3 year deal. I’m on board for it.

  11. Southpaw360

    Give Suh the Joeckel contract all day long. Who knows if Suh would accept that. I’m interested to hear what the contract ends up being. If it is Seattle that is?

  12. House

    It is interesting to see the doom and gloom that people were experiencing over the past week. It is a business and numbers have to work. I think the FO realized that we did ok without Sherman and the trenches are where games are decided. I’m still bummed about McDowell and the zero return we’ve got from him.

    I think they know that they need to get the draft right and we don’t have the luxury of risky/project picks. We have been blessed with extremely talented/paid players and changes needed to happen. A Suh signing would be reminiscent of Avril/Bennett vs a “desperation” move

  13. nichansen01

    When I watch DeShawn Hand’s tape I see a guy who doesn’t play with a lot of urgency or fire. Do you take a chance on that? I’d rather take a chance on developing a freak athelete such as ade Aruna.

    • Rob Staton

      If it’s an inside-out type rusher, I’d keep a close eye on Jalyn Samuels and Tyquan Lewis.

      • Sea Mode

        *Jalyn Holmes

    • FresnoBrad

      Hand is a good player don’t underestimate his value, he’s getting the same praise from Saban that Reed did. Saints love him & Hawks have been all over him.

  14. Greg Haugsven

    I just wonder if this signing is tied to an Earl Thomas trade. McDougald is really a free safety not a strong safety. It would be nice to see Hill compete for the strong safety position. We have to get those seven third rounders involved in this team somehow.

    • Patrick Toler

      I don’t see an Earl trade coming at this point…but then again I didn’t see Sherman being released, so we’ll see what happens. I don’t think McDougald being re-signed means Hill can’t compete for the starting SS position. If Hill can beat him out, McDougald gives you a reliable backup at both spots and can play big nickel against the right matchup.

    • cha

      I tend to agree with Rob, that the Hawks explored an Earl trade and didn’t find a suitable return offered.

      That said, things get crazy before/during the draft and someone may up their offer or a new team may come completely out of the blue and knock the Hawks’ socks off with a package.

      Either way, the signing gives the Hawks flexibility. They tend to like to go into the draft with options and not be desperate to fill a gaping position hole.

      • Micky

        Teams might also want to wait until the first wave of free agency to pull a trade. If they think they can get a big name on the open market, they might want to wait to make a play for Earl and see if they can afford the free agent first.

        But after the first wave is done and the big contracts have been handed out, teams will have less incentive to hold on to their FA bucks. They can then, if they were unsuccessful in spending for a big ticket FA, finalize a trade for a veteran.

        That said, I’m not endorsing we trade Earl. Unless we get a great return (first rounder, minimum) for him, he is far too valuable to let go. But just talking about timing, I can see a deal happening after the first few days of free agency or, of course, on draft day.

        • lil'stink

          ET3 to Atlanta for Deion Jones and a day 3 pick. Yeah, it’s crazy, it will never happen, I know. Jones might be the best cover LB in the game next year. And with him, Wagz, and KJ swarming around… We get younger, faster, cheaper… use the ET3 and Sherm money to sign Suh and we could have one of the best front 7’s in the league… Let Pete coach up a younger secondary.

    • lil'stink

      I’d have to go back and re-watch but I think when Earl was out McD played SS and Kam played FA, at least against the Redskins… I think that says a lot when they slid Kam from his natural position to play single high so McD could play SS.

      Hindsight 20/20 I wish we drafted Eddie Jackson last year instead of TT. EJ looks like a solid starter and would have made it easier to part ways with Earl.

    • EBurgz

      Just because he isn’t a good run defender doesn’t mean he is a free safety. You do not want him playing single high safety in our scheme (unless you like shootouts and have mad confidence in Russ)

  15. bankhawk

    Rob, how does an A-B comp of skill sets between Suh and Shel Rich come out? I presume you gain inside pass rush by going with Suh, right? I mean, they couldnt possibly be considering keeping both. Could they? Krikes, that would be a terorr!

    • Greg Haugsven

      That would be a lot of coin.

    • Rob Staton

      Suh commands double teams pretty much on every snap. Didn’t really notice that with Sheldon, but Sheldon still did a very good job for the most part handling the run duties.

      Suh has always been consistently disruptive. Sheldon’s production has had peaks and troughs.

      • bankhawk

        Thank you, sir! Words sometimes fail me when I try to express my gratitude for all you do. Suffice it to say that if JS lights it up this off-season the way you have been,-Man, we SB bound! On a final note, no tribute to your acumen and the upright example you set on the blog could be found beyond the quality of the regular posters you attract.

        • Rob Staton

          Thank you — honestly it means so much to hear that a section of Seahawks fans enjoy the blog. Thanks to everyone for making this a most excellent community.

          • Jake

            Could not agree more. Thanks Rob for all your work. This blog is like an oasis of calm, rational thinking, especially when broader Seahawks community seems to be overreacting to change.

            • Rob Staton

              Thanks man — and I love that description! ‘This blog is like an oasis of calm’ — I should get that put on the homepage as a quote 🙂

              • Rugby Lock

                These are also the only comments I read as you can get some really good info and the tone always stays civil even on the disagreements.

                • SeahawkeyezSubj80

                  +1

              • Bill Bobaggins

                Yes…replace Johnny Football, Clowney and the other two dudes. I mean…Johnny Football headlining the blog?!

                • SeahawkeyezSubj80

                  +1

              • Mexican Hawk

                Agree on oasis of calm, and Rob does a great job of that without being soft. People make mistakes and I have no problems with fan base questioning PC/JS it’s not any more pressure than they put on themselves, but it doesn’t hurt that fan base is knowledgable and caring about their team. Nevertheless we don’t know whole story, I would not trade PC/JS for anyone even Belichik/Saban multichampionship winning heads. At the minimum they have a guiding philosophy. Have they lived up to billing in past drafts, definitely not, is that due to Scot McCloughan not being there anymore? Possible to a certain extent.

                Organization from Mr. Allen down is down to business (also don’t think that Mr. Allen doesn’t also hold them accountable). They have a plan, they can’t state all it publicly as per culture, locker room, finances, etc

                Let’s see what they do these next 2-4 years. I for one am optimistic. Not that I don’t question some, I just like the fact that they are aggressive and don’t sink after mistakes (don’t discount that they can learn from them as well not just applaud them for moving on fast). Percy Harvin for example. Jimmy is one of my favorite Seahawks both as a pass catcher and person, but I cringed when they traded identity of Unger for Jimmy who in past games vs. Hawks (did a bad job at blocking our DLine). At least I understood their mission (red zone threat), even it grade is middling on that one transaction. My son has a Jimmy 88 and we will always be fans of his (except vs. Hawks).

              • D-OZ

                🙂

            • Hawktalker#1

              +1

          • Rugby Lock

            Your blog is on my daily list Rob and we all appreciate all the effort you put in! Thanks!

            • Rob Staton

              Thank you!

  16. Greg Haugsven

    It will be interesting to see the contract details for McDougald. If he gets a $4.5 million signing bonus and makes $1.5 million in base salary he will pocket $6 million in year one and will only have a cap hit of $3million in 2018. Not bad.

    • Hawktalker#1

      That’s the kind of smart contract that keeps 2019 cap space very strong and doesn’t use up the limited amount of 2018 Space cap space you have.

    • Totem_Hawk

      +1

    • Patrick Toler

      So you would then owe him about $8M cash over the last two years? With a cap hit of about $11 split over those two years? I’m guessing the cap hit would be largest in year three, making (as usual) a cut after year two a possibility. Very interested in the details.

  17. BobbyK

    I love this blog. Since TNT quit… this is, by far, the best place to get Seahawks news…

    Rob, you probably have NO CLUE how much I admire you, but you’re unbelievable (in a good way)…

    That being said, I am a Nebraska boy (yes, I’m from Minnesota, but went to Nebraska in college because I love football and the ‘Huskers USED to be good)…

    I’ve kept quiet (purposely) about Sherman because I love him. His “tip” photo is in my office, his “fathead” was in my sons room (until yesterday – though no fault of Sherman) and his paid for autographed “tip” is featured on my TV wall…

    That being said, Suh, JJ Watt, and NOBODY else in the NFL would make me feel okay losing Sherman for… as far as *veterans* are concerned around the same age…

    If-If-If… the Seahawks sign Suh (and it cost Sherman), it only proves that you can’t overreact (as we all do)…

    • Rob Staton

      Very understandable Bob.

      And I really appreciate those kind words Bob, especially from you. The feeling is very much mutual. The work you did for Kenny Easley was outstanding and tops anything I’ll ever do writing a mere blog. You have my eternal respect my friend. Thank you.

      • BobbyK

        Nope. I only did something one time over a number of months (even though I’d thought about it for years)… YOU are the one who is second to none in terms of creating something (Seahawks) bigger than you… you know???

        Ever pinch yourself sometimes and know that most knowledgeable Seahawks fans turn to YOU this time of year???

        Think about that because it’s true, and I’m sure humbling when you factor in everything else…

        You’re the best and all of us Seahawks fans appreciate you… Thanks!!!

        • Rob Staton

          Hey, thanks man. That means a great deal. And please know every Seahawks fan is eternally grateful for what you did for Kenny.

          • SeahawkeyezSubj80

            +1

        • Patrick Toler

          Didn’t realize you were that Bob. Thank you for what you did for Easley. He was an amazing player, a great Seahawk, and very worthy of the HoF.

        • SeahawkeyezSubj80

          +1

          • D-OZ

            +12 🙂

  18. Tecmo Bowl

    Really like the Macdougald resign. Solid, position flexible, starting quality S.

    The prospect of signing Suh and ASJ is exciting! Talk about a quick pivot into the reshaping of the roster. We are pretty tight against the 2018 already, but with the 2019 cap clear we can back load contracts and pay each market value apy. Its possible, although I wouldn’t be surprised if a different team gave Suh a monster deal.

    • Trevor

      +1

  19. Millhouse-serbia

    You don’t get younger nor cheaper with Suh. I am against it.

    • Millhouse-serbia

      He is 4 years older than Sheldon.

    • cha

      I understand the thought, but you have to be balanced. Can’t reject every single opportunity based on one guiding principle. The Hawks have always added veteran players that fit their scheme/philosophy.

    • vrtkolman

      But you basically get a free 3rd round comp pick while upgrading Sheldon. I think that is the genius move right there. By all accounts, Suh is a very hard worker and good teammate as well. He would be a positive influence to the influx of new players coming in.

    • Ed

      He is a far better player than Richardson. No, you don’t get younger and cheaper, but Rob has pointed out how good JS has been at getting short DL and then resigning them at value price (McDonald/Avril/Bennett)

      • bankhawk

        Im for certain on board with the youth movement, but do agree thst we have to hit the right note with the younger/faster/cheaper thing vs. vet leadership. So, plus one thêre.

    • Rob Staton

      You don’t — but you’re going to need at least one veteran addition to the DL.

      • Millhouse-serbia

        Ok than, why they traded Michael? For 2mil cap space? For 5th round draft pick?

        • Millhouse-serbia

          Or to get younger and cheaper!

        • Rob Staton

          I’ll defer to Albert Breer at MMQB:

          “We’ll have more on the Michael Bennett trade later in the column, but I wanted to address first what the Eagles are getting from the Seahawks: A player who isn’t quite what he was and picked his spots more than he has in the past, according to the three offensive coaches I asked about him. He was also a pain in the ass for the Seattle coaches.”

          LINK: https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/03/08/free-agency-players-teams-league-trend-mmqb-notebook

          • Millhouse-serbia

            Well, that’s something else. And i think that it is the bigest reason for tradeing him and cutting sherm. But we didnt talk about it at all. And when somebody on twitter said that seahawks want to be “quiter” a lot of guys,ex players, greg bell ,condotta ect said that it is bullshit.

            • Drew

              I think the “quieter” comment was in relation to political stances/comments by players…makes sense that the “quieter” comment would be in regards to vets that don’t listen/buy in to Pete.

              • Mark Souza

                Exactly. I think Pete is looking for an “ALL IN” locker room. No more sniping. No more questioning coaching decisions. Everyone moving full ahead as a unit. Everyone buying in.

          • RealRhino2

            Yeah, but he played about 3-400 snaps more than he did in his best years, *as he was older*. Of course he had to “pick his spots.” Not to mention, we shouldn’t focus on his performance relative to his past, but just his performance. 8.5 sacks and good play in general for a guy who had versatility and wasn’t expensive relative to his performance. I can’t speak to what a pain he was or why, but he’s not a complete headcase. How come with a complete headcase like M. Peters we blame the coaches for not figuring him out, but with a good player like Bennett it’s his fault? Play him fewer snaps, get him some help, maybe he’s not such a pain any more.

            As to Suh, I feel like some people are making a mistake talking about a 3rd-round comp pick when Sheldon signs. If that happens, has nothing to do with signing Suh. That happens by letting Richardson go. They are not tied together, so don’t treat them that way. We can let Sheldon walk and sign any number of decent young interior run-stuffers, and still get the comp pick.

            As for Suh vs. Sheldon, Suh is a better 3T b/c of his pass rush, but Sheldon also offers flexibility to fill Bennett’s role. Suh doesn’t. I don’t want to resign Richardson if they just want him to do what he did for us this year, but if they want an inside-outside guy he’s a good sign.

            • Rob Staton

              1. We don’t know how much of a pain in the ass Bennett was — but nobody has disputed Albert Breer’s very public suggestion. So I’m willing to take it on face value. There’s a reason they traded him.

              2. I don’t really understand the point you’re making on a mistake about connecting Sheldon and Suh and comp picks. Nobody has suggested they’re tied together. The whole point is because Suh has been cut — he doesn’t impact the comp pick formula.

              3. I don’t think Sheldon can do what Bennett did. For me Sheldon has always been very much an interior guy in our scheme.

          • Drew

            He did free lance a lot

            • GerryG

              And jumped offsides, and dove at a guys knee and started a fight after getting his butt kicked on the field. That was classless.

          • 503Hawk

            I think we all knew that there had to be something behind the scenes. I wouldn’t doubt that Marshawn & Sherm were “a pain in the ass for the Seattle coaches” also. There were a lot of egos in that locker room. Maybe some day someone will write a book or there will be a 30-30 segment that talk about what a macho, alpha dog & diva group that was.

            • TatupuTime

              There had to have been issues behind the scenes. Bennett basically said on the last day of the season that he didn’t expect to be back. I don’t think that happens in vacuum.

            • TatupuTime

              Also – I hope there is a book at some point. What a crazy and interesting group of young men.

      • Hawk Eye

        need some vets, they are losing a lot of leadership with Bennett and Cliff on the D line

    • mishima

      2019 is the year to get younger/cheaper with beaucoup draft picks + cap space.

      Will view Suh as I do LT Brown: Short-term proven veteran leadership and talent at a position of need and scarce availability.

      Thinking 3 / 36 with some player incentives + team protections. Brown will prob be offered similar.

      • 80SLargent

        Just as a point of reference, Calais Campbell got 4 years/60M last year with 30M guaranteed last off season. Regardless of one’s opinion on Campbell, Suh, and S. Richardson, I’m not so sure either of the latter two will come much (if any) cheaper than that.
        Given the choice, I’d sure take Suh + whatever 2019 comp pick for Richardson. I think that’s a really smart play by PC/JS.

        • FresnoBrad

          +1

  20. Tecmo Bowl

    Rob- do you think Warner has worked himself into day 2 of the draft?

    Carter’s uneven production scares me off, but dude knocked the combine out of the park like Stanton.

    • Rob Staton

      I think Warner is one of those value early day-three types. At this stage, more potential than finished article.

      There’s a lot to like about Carter but also some concerns. Has star potential but it could easily go the other way. Some within the league see him as lacking toughness and a bit of an underachiever.

  21. Ed

    I almost think getting Suh should make Hawks trade ET. Better inside rush, let McDouglad play 1 safety spot and TT hope (or draft Bates) to play the other

  22. drewdawg11

    I love Suh. I’ve loved his game since he was in high school. I actually met him his senior year. I made him promise that he wouldn’t go to Oregon, and he just smiled and said “not gonna be a duck”. Nebraska was out of left field, though. He’s better than Sheldon, but he’s, he’s older. Now, if he signs for less then you can definitely live with that. Naz can still remain the third guy in the rotation. ASJ seems like w no-brained, and you obviously won’t sign Luke if you sign him so that’s not a terrible increase in salary allotted. Jimmy is gone so there’s that as well.

    • vrtkolman

      I don’t get the ASJ hype. His production has never been great, or even good. Last year he had 7 ypc and isn’t exactly a good blocker. The interest shown must be entirely based on his age and mismatch potential, so hopefully any signing comes cheap.

      • drewdawg11

        He can block. It sure if you’ve ever watched him play. He’s a big boy who can seal the edge on occasion. He’s also got soft hands. He played with the bucs and jets. He’s actually got his head on straight now. He’s not Jimmy, but he’s not a stiff. He’s better than Luke by a good margin.

        • vrtkolman

          That’s fair, I’ll have to check out more of his recent film. I do agree he would be a nice upgrade over Luke Willson, hopefully the price tags are similar.

          • drewdawg11

            Yeah man, there was a point when he was in high school that a few recruiting people thought he may outgrow TE and move to left tackle. When he wants to erase someone he does, but I’m basing that a lot on his college play. He’s a legit 6’6”, 255-265 lbs and he’s always been pretty physical. I don’t want to pay a premium, however. I hope he takes the hometown “discount”.

    • Patrick Toler

      Suh’s older, but still better than Sheldon, IMO. I’d rather have Suh and a 2019 3rd or 4th round pick than Sheldon. It all depends on the contracts, of course.

      • Lewis

        Yeah, I’m hoping for an incentive-laden contract without a huge amount of guaranteed money, maybe 2 years, 3 tops.

  23. Greg Haugsven

    My thoughts on Suh is it would go against everything we talked about in here. We have been talking younger and cheaper. Suh would make you older and more expensive. At least Sheldon would be the younger part.

    • Greg Haugsven

      Sorry Millhouse, didnt see your earlier post but I agree.

    • Rob Staton

      I’m not sure it contradicts it too much. You can’t be young everywhere. They are going to need to sign a veteran D-liner at some point. And Suh remains one of the best interior disruptors in the league.

      In 2010-12 the Seahawks had Big Red, Clemons, Milloy etc. Seattle this time might have Suh, Wagner, KJ and Earl.

      • Hawk Eye

        you want production and value. And can’t look at every signing as a 4 or 5 year deal. Some are just for the next 1 to 2 years, get what you can and keep rotating new guys into the mix.

        Plus, it seems like they want to change up the locker room. Not as a knock against the guys going, but maybe to have Pete as a greater influence overall. Long time vets will tune him out, do their own thing. New vets coming in probably won’t do that.

        I think Suh might cost less than Sheldon, pretty sure he will be more productive, and then the comp pics also factor in.

        • vrtkolman

          Suh would definitely buy into Pete. His NFL career has been spent on lameduck organizations. The culture change from Miami to Seattle would be a huge shock to him.

      • SeahawkeyezSub80

        Suh not only command double teams, Also more push in the middle. Opposing Qbs all last season had pockets to step up into. Not to mention like Sheldon, Suh would continue to keep Bwags free to make plays. I would love this pick up

    • Trevor

      I tend to agree but if it is a 2-3 year deal for less than they were planning to pay Richardson then you pick up that cap space and the 3rd round comp for Richardson.

      They need at least on veteran presence on the DL IMO and cant think of anyone who would bring more toughness and attitude than Suh. If they want to be bullies again then Suh, Clark and Reed is a start on the DL.

      I think a Suh deal really just depends 100% on the contract terms and length. I think if they are keeping Earl signing him makes some sense but if not then I agree go youth across the board.

      • Logan Lynch

        Agree with this completely. If they would happen to land Suh, it should be a short term deal. You get a few years of equal or greater production to Sheldon plus the 2019 comp pick. Not a long term commitment, but more of a bridge veteran. John Randle at the end of his career, but younger. Unless Suh is asking for much more than Sheldon, they should do it IMO.

        • Greg Haugsven

          I guess it would be all about the Benjamins. Over $10 million a year then no thanks.

    • Patrick Toler

      I personally don’t think it is so much about getting younger, as it is about changing the culture and putting the young players on defense in a position where they can legitimately compete for a spot. One thing about the DL, is that no matter what you need to rotate and your depth will play. Any young DL you bring in can still have a chance to compete for snaps. Not true in the secondary, when you have 3 All Pros playing. You don’t rotate CBs and Safeties.

  24. H

    Holy moly, Im gonna try and not get excited about Suh until it actually happens. But man, that would be such a fantastic pick up. No comp pick penalty, (as well as getting a 3rd by releasing sheldon) and you get one of the best defenders of the last decade with some more years left in the tank.

  25. Trevor

    With the resigning of Mcdouglad if the Hawks were to sign Maxwell and Suh they would not loose any comp picks on the defensive side of the ball and I think they would have a solid unit assuming they draft some young speed at LB and the secondary.

    If the Hawks want to be bullies again then sign Suh to play DT, Fluker to play RG and draft Hernandez to play LG. Those 3 would basically give you exactly what is required for a tough run D and nasty run blocking OL.

    • Greg Haugsven

      I could be good with that. Suh for sure brings some nasty. I could see those 1 on 1 battles in training camp being fun.

    • EBurgz

      I like it!

      With a Chubb/Guice cherry on top!

  26. Sea Mode

    A little inside view of the Sherman negotiations plus other whispers out of Seattle (mainly just that revitalizing competition on the roster is the main focus):

    https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/03/12/richard-sherman-san-francisco-49ers-john-lynch-mmqb-peter-king

    It’s long, so here are the most interesting nuggets for whoever doesn’t have the time:

    Late in the process, when Sherman and the Niners agreed on most of the incentives in the deal, he got back to the three most interested teams. Seattle, interestingly enough, wanted the first right of refusal on any offer, and so Sherman called Seahawks GM John Schneider. Sherman said Schneider told him, “Incentives [are] a little rich for me.” Sherman called Oakland GM Reggie McKenzie, who said he wasn’t going to have the cap money to compete for him. And Sherman called Detroit coach Matt Patricia and GM Bob Quinn; incentive package too rich for Detroit’s blood.

    “We had something no other team could offer,” Lynch said.

    What?

    “The ability to play Seattle twice a year,” Lynch said.

    When that was relayed to Sherman, he paused for a second.

    Sherman said: “I’m vengeful in that way.”

    That’s what it sounded like. But I wanted to make sure. I asked him to repeat that.

    “Vengeful,” Sherman said. “I love the fan base to death, and I loved playing there. It was such a great opportunity. I helped the organization get to a great place and stay there. But now it’s like I abandoned them. People are out there burning my jersey. Come on. I’m not the one who let me go. They let me go. I didn’t abandon anybody.”

    Sherm is still Sherm… 🙂 And here’s his reasoning on representing himself and the incentive-based deal:

    “I don’t think any agent in the business could have done a better job of negotiating this contract,” Sherman told me by phone on Sunday night. “As long as I’m content with what I’m making, nothing else matters to me.

    “Once I make a Pro Bowl, $8 million the next year is guaranteed for me. It gives me the ability to control my destiny. The 49ers have skin in the game. I have skin in the game. In my former contract, no matter what I did this year, nothing would be guaranteed to me next year. I couldn’t feel secure in my contract. Now, if I play the way I know I’m capable of playing, I know I’m going to get paid.”

    I guess it’s about the best “guarantee” a guy coming off an achilles can hope for.

    • Sea Mode

      Oops, sorry about that messy post…

    • Rob Staton

      You know… I’m happy reading all of this.

      Lot of talk there for an upstart team still going through a rebuild.

      San Francisco seem to be shaking the cage a little bit.

      Let them.

      • Sea Mode

        Yeah, apologies once again. Maybe just edit out everything after the link this time around and I’ll be more careful next time. 🙂

        As you wish.

        • AlaskaHawk

          I wouldn’t edit a thing, you warned everyone that it was gonna be long.

          Its interesting how much money hinges on the pro bowl. I’m really not sure he will get in next year. A lot of things depend on him recovering from his injury.

      • FresnoBrad

        Exactly! Let them! Lynch has yet to prove himself as a GM Rueben Foster has already got into trouble.

    • vrtkolman

      Yeah that was a good read. Sherman is still vintage Sherman. He is doing what he has done his entire career and that is finding ways to put a giant chip on his shoulder. He’s also a master at generating hype, and you know the NFL is going to show at least one 49ers/Seahawks game on primetime next year. I have no doubt Sherman will be fired up for those games, can his body respond?

    • mishima

      Love it. Let him talk.

      HoF CB, but let’s see how he does without ET roaming back there.

      Let’s beat him deep.

      • BobbyK

        Sherman was still great when ET got hurt a few years ago. Nice try.

        • Greg Haugsven

          I dont think people are burning his jersey. Thats making him look bigger than he really is.

          • John_s

            At least one person burned his jersey

            http://ftw.usatoday.com/2018/03/san-francisco-49ers-richard-sherman-seattle-seahawks-fan-burning-jersey-video

            • Sea Mode

              Yeah, like Greg said, it’s not a general sentiment amongst the 12s. Sherm is just being Sherm and looking to fuel his own fire. That’s who he is. (and I love it…)

              • Hawk Eye

                not a shock, he uses the chip on his shoulder as motivation, always has, always will.
                Hawks had to think SF was his first stop.
                Michael Jordan was still made at the high school coach who cut him and mentioned it in his HOF speech. Not unusual for a lot of top athletes (and other professions)

                • Hawk Eye

                  **still mad**
                  need edit button…..

          • Lewis

            Never underestimate the capacity for stupidity

          • GerryG

            I posted my Sherm jersey on Instagram and thanked him for being one of my alltime favorite seahawks and wished him nothing but the best.

            Love Richard Sherman and always will!

        • mishima

          Nice try?

          Coming off a ruptured achilles injury + bone spur removal, it’s possible he’s lost a step and would benefit from a generational/transcendent FS. Let’s see how he does.

          That’s all. Apologies.

          • Group Captain Mandrake

            Doctors who do that kind of surgery seem to think he’ll be at 100% by the start of the season. If that’s the case, Sherman stands to make a ton and it’s a very smart contract. If not, he made a mess of it. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.

  27. Sea Mode

    Haha… like this guy even more now… 😉

    UTEP guard Will Hernandez, to Andrew Siciliano of NFL Network, on what he would buy with his first NFL paycheck:

    “So I’m a very conservative guy. It’s going straight in the bank. I do want to make one investment. And that’s going to be one of those fancy toilets that requires no toilet paper. I don’t care how much money I’ve got to spend on it. That’s going to be something I’m gonna spend some money on.’’

  28. drewdawg11

    Sill
    Hernandez is green with his future green. Perfect for Seattle. 😂😂😂

  29. Millhouse-serbia

    @walterfootball

    Ndamukong Suh is so bad in the locker room the Dolphins are willing to take a $22.2 million salary cap penalty for him to play somewhere else. Buyer beware.

    • drewdawg11

      Maybe he just hates it there. He’s definitely been s guy with an up and down demeanor in the field. Athletes do this stuff all the time to get traded or released. If he can refrain from personal fouls in the field he’s a huge asset. If we didn’t have to resign frank I would say let’s see what he wants and maybe keep them both. But we can’t have that huge of an imbalance again with the defensive spending.

    • icb12

      My Guess is he will be designated as a post June 1

      That would Save them 17 Million, and take it from 22mil to 9mil in dead money.

    • Rob Staton

      The Dolphins locker room is very different to Seattle’s.

      • Millhouse-serbia

        When you say seahawks locker room you think on Bennett , Sherm, Kam, Avril ect, right? 🙂

        • Hawk Eye

          locker room is established by the coaches first, the players see what they can and cannot do from that.

      • Del tre

        Rob, do you think Suh being signed rules out Richardson entirely? It would be amazing to have a front 4 like that.

        • Rob Staton

          Not completely. Depends if his market is cooler than expected.

    • Logan Lynch

      Remember that lots of people said Sheldon was a locker room cancer. He seemed to be great in that regard in SEA. Sometimes it’s all about the atmosphere.

    • Patrick Toler

      They are cutting Suh because his cap hit is $26M and though he’s very good still, he’s not that good. Probably no defender should be making that much. That was a silly contract, but fit’s with Miami’s way of doing business.

      That doesn’t mean he’s a good presence in the locker room. I’ve heard mixed things, but clearly he’s had all sorts of behavior problems on the field. As Rob said, the Seahawks lockeroom is a different place that Miami’s.

    • Tecmo Bowl

      Miami is a horribly run team. They consistently make splashy FA signings to cut them with huge amounts of dead $. 2 steps forward 3 steps back virtually every year. Traded for Quinn then dump Suh. Cut Timmons after 1 year. They did play the Landry situation pretty well, but now have a weak WR core. Can’t imagine anyone wanting to go there…the city and $ are all it has going for it.

  30. vrtkolman

    So get this, Jimmy Haslam is pressuring the Browns front office to take a QB at 1. He is tired of passing over QB’s. It would be very Browns if they passed over Barkley because the owner intervened. So very glad we have Paul Allen.

    • Rob-Not that Rob though

      Browns have an obscene number if high picks. I would take a QB at 1, either Chubb or Nelson at 4 (whoever is there that they like best) and best RB available for first pick in Rd 2.

      Dont get cute, dont get crazy. Take solid players and build your base up. Raise the floor before you raise the ceiling.

      • vrtkolman

        If I were them I would go Barkley, Nelson, and then trade up back into the 1st for Lamar Jackson. They could be a top 5 rushing attack right out of the gate.

        • Rob-Not that Rob though

          Prior to the Tyrod Taylor trade, I wouldve agreed with you. After that, I think the safe pick is to go a more traditional QB and ride out a couple years with Taylor while the new one develops.

          • Rugby Lock

            In that case, I think them looking at the kid from Wyoming would possibly be a good idea.

        • Tecmo Bowl

          Love Nelson but don’t see Cleveland drafting him. Bitonio and Zeitler are pretty good and on long term deals. OG is their best position group.

        • Mark Souza

          +1 Amen.

    • Volume12

      No, that would be the right move.

      • 12thchuck

        ^^^^😂😂😂😂^^^^

        • Volume12

          That’s my reaction to any team spending a #1 overall pick on a RB.

          • Coleslaw

            Even if he’s gonna be Eric Dickerson good?

  31. Adog

    Rashard penny in the 4th…l. coleman in the 5th or later…this is how i expect the seattle front office to adress the running back position in the draft. How does this affect signing suh and resigning McDougal? Simply money…saving money by developing running backs and offensive linemen that they drafted.

    • Rob Staton

      Penny will go round three at the latest.

      I do not expect this team to “wait it out” at RB this year.

      • Adog

        I would expect that they have a few running backs graded into the first two rounds…Barkley, chubb, and k.johnson…after that i opine that they have similar grades on a jones 2 and penny and l.coleman…as in there is not much separation on their grading scale. Running backs did have a resurrection last year with kamara…fournette…gurley…seemingly carrying their teams, but lets not forget that league champions used a comittee that was very effective in the playoffs. I expect the seahawks to employ this strategy…and for them to draft dline and oline early.

        • RealRhino2

          You might be right,but I tend to agree with Rob on the RB. I’ve run several simulations using the picks we have now, and if you skip RB early, you are left with a bunch of JAGs. RB goes from special to JAG real quick. OTOH, I feel like interior OL is more of a gentle slope.

          I’ll repeat what I discovered by looking at rosters: MOST of the really good teams out there are running with interior OL that are NOT high draft picks. Some are, of course, but usually you find a ton of 3rd round to UDFA types who developed into good players.

        • Rob Staton

          I very highly doubt Coleman and Ronald Jones II will have similar grades.

          You seem to be arguing two contradictory positions here. You admit that some teams have really benefitted from dynamic star running backs but then make an instant U-turn by pointing out the Super Bowl teams used a committee.

          What we need to remember here is, Seattle has tried a committee. The last two years have been a disaster running the ball. The previous four years included a franchise running back being a star for this team.

          The Seahawks are going to take a RB early this year. Might not be their first pick. Might be their second. But one way or another, they’ll take one early. They are not going to wait this out and watch the top runners leave the board. The #1 priority is fixing the run. Pete Carroll has pointed that out. And that will include a new RB.

    • FresnoBrad

      Over 2,000 yards in a season never easy & always means something. I view this years RB class just like last years CB class; lack of durability!

  32. Volume12

    Good for McDougald. He earned it.

    Suh coming back home to the PNW? That would be so damn lit.

    ASJ? Meh.

    • Volume12

      Hmmm…. wonder if JS goes after Ron Parker to replace Shead?

      • Mexican Hawk

        Agree with most Parker was one that got away. It probably hurts JS. Not sure really, but Parker might be redundant to McDougald (also many years later now 30), but what I would like is to have a loaded 53. Not just one option at all positions and having it all derail by one injury or another. So if the fits cap wise, all for it.

        PREPARE FOR INJURIES, in 2013 our depth was off the charts.

        ASJ, not sure about, what I like is he wants to be there. That helps to a big extent.

      • Patrick Toler

        I tend to think Shead will be back, not be commanding much money given his injury and limited playing time, in addition to how other Seattle CBs have fared in other systems. If he does go elsewhere though, Parker could certainly be of interest. Would need to be cheap, IMO.

      • C-Dog

        Possibly.

  33. AlaskaHawk

    There has been a lot said about Suh in posts above. Of course we all want a reasonable deal for him, and that is hard to find in the NFL.

    My main thought is that Rob spent a lot of time developing an argument that Seahawks need to have more of a balance of payments between offense and defense. That hasn’t really happened in the past. And it appears unlikely to occur in the future either. Because as the first whiff of a great to elite defensive talent, the fans and Pete Carroll are going to want that player. Basically if they sign Suh, you can throw the discussion about balancing payments out the window. They will be riding on the defense again.

    If there is anywhere they should be putting money into the offense, it would be for a good offensive linemen. So far they have developed one good free agent in LT Brown. Do they need another? Well maybe with this draft and Robs projection of running back first, then yes they should keep their eyes open for someone under 10 million. Same with tight end. and same with a cheap free agent running back.

    • Drew

      The problem with free agent OL, is that you’re paying a premium for average. For example, Joeckel last year, $8M for average(maybe?) play at LG. I’d rather spend money on the defensive line and draft for the offensive line rather than over paying for mediocre talent on the OL.

    • RealRhino2

      What’s the argument that we need more balanced spending?

      As for spending money on the offensive line, I prefer to see if Solari can be a fix there rather than just admitting we can’t evaluate or develop our own players and throwing money at the problem (again).

      • Rob Staton

        Here’s the argument: https://seahawksdraftblog.com/why-the-defense-has-to-be-younger-jones-ii-charles

      • AlaskaHawk

        I wouldn’t mind if the new coaches developed offensive linemen. But if that is the scenario – are there enough good players presently on the team? And will the new coaches go for more of a power blocking scheme that utilizes big guys? I looked at players Solari picked in the past and the average weight was 317 pounds. I’m not sure if the guys we have are big enough to satisfy him.

        So lets say the #1 pick is a guard or tackle. The third round pick is a running back = or two since the top 5-6 running backs are gone by then. Lets just say they get a top offensive linemen first and end up with Scarbough and Penny in later rounds. It’s still okay! They are good running backs, they should be good enough to prove whether the blocking is working or not.

        So where to put the money? Pay for one more offensive linemen? Maybe pick up a decent tight end to supplement the thin ranks? A good wide receiver is out of their range = or are the Seahawks willing to pay, since they are seeking more balanced payments?

        • Rob Staton

          Penny won’t be there in the later rounds.

          The Seahawks have spent more than any other team in the league on their O-line. It’s time to work with the players they invested in.

          I’m not against an early interior OL pick but only because there are very good options. But whatever happens, they’re going to have to develop 3/5th’s of the line anyway (I’m not including Brown).

          • RealRhino2

            Exactly. Penny will be gone. Anybody left around for our second pick (assuming it’s R3 or later) will be J.A.G. We have plenty of those guys already. If we are doing that, just stick with Davis, Carson, Prosise, et al.

            • AlaskaHawk

              Well you guys have Penny rated higher than I do. I actually don’t like to focus on any one player over the position. For instance, no guarantees that if the Seahawks trade down into the second round that Chubb will still be there.If he is gone there are a couple other backs of roughly equal value.

              I agree that the sweet spot for good running backs is in the top of the second round.

  34. vrtkolman

    Vander Esch is a stud. Wow. I appreciate the Keuchly comparison. Vander Esch also compares favorably to Clay Matthews, while weighing 10+ lbs more. He also had more sacks in his final college season than Matthews did in his career at USC. I think you could line up Vander Esch all over the place – let him roam the field and then rush the passer on 3rd down. If he doesn’t improve his hand skills, you are still getting a great linebacker.

  35. Millhouse-serbia

    There are rumors among steelers fans that we are interested in leveon. :O I dont see how we can get him…

    • Logan Lynch

      There are also rumors among Seahawks fans that the Cowboys are interested in Earl. Neither will likely happen.

      • Mike L

        if only Pittsburgh was interested in Dez..we’d have the greatest three way trade in the history of the NFL!!

  36. House

    Tamba Hali as a cheap vet edge rusher?

  37. drewdawg11

    Tamba probably won’t be cheap, and the scheme fit isn’t super obvious. He’s not a traditional OLB. He’s a 3-4 rush backer. Could he play Leo? I have no clue how well he sets the edge. I haven’t paid a lot of attention to him since we missed him in the 2006 draft and settled for Kelly Jennings.

  38. Greg Haugsven

    Looks like the Bills are trading Cordy Glenn to the Bengals.

    • Millhouse-serbia

      They swap 1st round picks.

  39. Millhouse-serbia

    JLC:
    An NFL GM, who has been active on trade mkt, tell me sun at least 3 more trades would be done by Wed. I figured Glenn, Curry, E. Thomas

    • Rob Staton

      Interesting — although it’s a thought rather than a report.

      • Millhouse-serbia

        Rob, what’s the offer you wouldn’t rejected?

        • Rob Staton

          I don’t know to be honest.

          I don’t want to trade Earl Thomas. But if the Seahawks think it’s the right thing to do and they’re intent on doing so, I’d want a round one pick. Or at the very least a top-35 pick.

          • Millhouse-serbia

            Earl and 18 for Browns 4.

          • KingRajesh

            I’d be happy with 33/35 and 64 from the Browns, or 53, 55, and 95 from Buffalo.

            Don’t need a 1st, just want ~800 points in pick value.

            • Rob Staton

              I think we can forget about #33 & #35 together, not to mention the addition of #64 too. That would basically be like getting two late first rounders and a late second rounder.

              The absolute best they can hope for IMO is one of #33 or #35 plus possibly a day three pick on top. It’s a bit of a moot point anyway regarding those picks because Cleveland have already announced they intend to start recently acquired Damarious Randall at free safety.

              • KingRajesh

                I meant 33 or 35, in conjunction with 64.

                I hope they can get a 2 and a 3, but I’d be honest in saying that I’d rather deal Earl for less than he’s worth versus extending him because we can’t find a trade partner.

                If worst comes to worst, I’d let him play out the last year, telling him that if he doesn’t report to training camp and play every regular season game that he’d be faced with the full impact of the fines they could level under the CBA. Compounding fines for every day of missed training camp, full-loss of game checks… use the hammer that you have.

                • Rob Staton

                  Ah, apologies. I thought you meant #33 + #35.

    • Greg Haugsven

      The McDougald signing just smells like an Earl trade. Could be wrong.

      • Trevor

        Agree 100% at the least it is a hedge and gives them that option.

      • FresnoBrad

        Tendric can play FS

  40. Awsi Dooger

    I hope the Seahawks get Suh. Disregard anything about lockerroom cancer. That has never been a theme. Just the opposite. These days the Dolphins launch desperation spin mode whenever they fear a move will be questioned. They tried to pretend Jay Ajayi was the worst person in the world. And the Dolphins push it to the point it is actually gobbled up by a significant portion of the fan base. High comedy.

    I’m convinced you never really follow a player until he’s on your favorite team. No matter how high profile you don’t grasp all the tendencies until you are fixated on the result and all the minutiae required to get there. As a Dolphins fan, Suh is a very, very good but not dominant player. That was the surprise from the outset, and often expressed among Dolphin fans both on message boards and in public conversation. We thought we were getting another Jerome Brown or Warren Sapp or Cortez Kennedy. Those guys were stalwarts for the Canes so the city of Miami is well aware of what awesome defensive tackles look like.

    There is no question Suh is a cut below that level. He hasn’t declined so much as he simply isn’t awesome, not to he Nebraska reputation and not play to play. He’ll make an occasional terrific play then settles for a long time without doing much of anything. It’s not lack of effort. Not even close. The intensity is there but he simply doesn’t disengage quickly or often enough compared to those guys I mentioned above, and specifically Sapp or Brown. Kennedy was more of a larger tackle who could plug and also disrupt on occasion, especially early in his career.

    Regardless, Suh has plenty left. One great player means more than six plugged holes, as I mentioned the other day.

    BTW, I had no idea someone who posts here was partially responsible for pushing Kenny Easley to the Hall of Fame. Well done. I was a USC student and sportswriter for the Daily Trojan during the Easley/Lott era in Southern California. Notice I place Easley first. That was the pecking order throughout college and nobody questioned it, not even at cocky USC and not Lott himself. Everyone in the USC program was in awe of Kenny Easley and had ultimate respect for him. Lott had a great senior season and closed the gap somewhat, but not to the point anyone wanted to place him above Easley. I interviewed Lott for a Daily Trojan article two days before the draft at Heritage Hall. He was as standup a guy as you’ll ever meet. He arrived early, answered every question thoroughly, and then gave me his phone number in case I had more questions. At one point I asked Lott if he thought he was equal or superior to Easley. The look said everything. He looked at me as if I were nuts. Then he raved about Easley, saying everything he did throughout the offseason was in determination to approach Easley’s level.

    Lott though he would be drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals. That might have changed NFL history just a little bit. Instead, they went with an Alabama linebacker named E.J. Junior who had made the famous game saving goal line stop in the national championship game against Penn State a year or so earlier.

    My all time NFL safety duo would be Lott and Easley. Difficult to leave out Ed Reed as a Canes fan, but Easley was every bit as special in a much larger frame.

    • 503Hawk

      Awsi, dude! Nice write up, thanks for sharing.
      The comparison between Easley & Lott reminds me of the comparison between Walter Jones & Jonathan Ogden… Everybody knew Easley and Jones where the better players. But when you play for the South Alaska NFL franchise your accomplishments many times go unnoticed or are lessened.

      And… including Reed as your close third is a good call on your part. As much as Earl has done, I personally feel he doesn’t approach these three.

    • Greg Haugsven

      What kind of APY would you be willing to pay? I remember last free agency he had he wanted to be a Seahawk, maybe now is the time.

  41. Mac

    I miss having a franchise back. If we can get a back who seems to get stronger as the game goes along, you pull the trigger.

    I never thought I would here complaints about Suh. If it were Calvin Johnson nobody would complain and he hasn’t been around for a couple

    • Mac

      I didn’t know I could use HTML in here lol

      Are there any other web developers here who would be down to help create a new Seahawks draft blog site so we can get Rob to do this full time?

      • Hawktalker#1

        Yes definitely an oasis. However, I find it to be more of an Oasis of Sanity than one of calm. We are passionate fans here and sure vent at time and can also disagree and even express bizarre opinions. But the community never jumps the rails and jumps offlike some can. I appreciate the voice and voices of reason that exist here. As a general rule, PCJS do in fact know what they’re doing. The biggest issue is we don’t always know what they’re doing and we can jump to negative conclusions if we’re not careful. Being reminded of this when we lose, when things don’t appear to be going well and now when the LOB 1.0 is transitioning into something else can be hard. Like many of you, my Seahawks fan experience is now 10X what it ever used to be thanks to Rob and this community (which is also very underrated!!)

        • Hawktalker#1

          Crap this posted in the wrong place.

  42. Greg Haugsven

    Looks like the Cardinals could be in on the Cousins sweepstakes as his sister lives in Phoenix. This NFC West is getting stronger. We need to be in the AFC East where its a layup everytime.

    • Hawk Eye

      seriously??!!
      because his sister lives there?
      $90 mil from Jets, guaranteed
      but he will take less to be near his Sister???
      if he signs there, it will be about the money, meaning they gave him the most
      tell me one player, just one, that EVER signed with a team to be close to their sister

    • peter

      Arizona can have him. Old Kirk cousins has never done anything yet besides being a supremely average. When he can consistently out a team in his back or win so e pa!goff games I’ll get worried.

      Also does Arizona have an identity? for a while there defense was almost as good as Seattle’s but now what are they as a team.

      I’m also not quite ready to say s an Francisco is anything yet. Harbaugh had that team rolling but it fell apart. Jimmy garropolo needs a season before I get too excited. Every year a new qb shines only to get exposed the following year. the Niners have every opportunity to get good really quickly but I’ll need to do some proof of concept.

      I still think the rams are a contender with the caveat that goff has still shown some underdeveloped tendencies as a qb.

  43. Allen Mattsen

    Suh would really be something. Definitely fits our team’s personality. I’d be sad to see us lose Sheldon Richardson but Suh makes our run defense lethal and provides pressure, too.

  44. Millhouse-serbia

    “They want guys who stand for something bigger than themselves.” -@Seahawks OT @DuaneBrown76 responded to those who said the culture is changing in Seattle after some recent moves made by the team.

    • Forty20

      Taken in its own context that is a pretty powerful statement regarding the recent roster moves but I would like to see the full framing of that quote before anyone jumps to any sides.

      • Forty20

        Here is a link to the video with the full Brown/Eisen interview:

        https://twitter.com/RichEisenShow/status/973301353555480576

        • Trevor

          Thanks

      • Forty20

        Indeed, I misread the initial quote. Brown states early on that the Bennett/Sherman roster moves were likely motivated out of a purely financial perspective and he re-iterates that Seattle is committed to players and individuals that stand for more than just themselves (as opposed to the Texans and their owner).

        Brown gives Carroll and the Seahawks a big wrap for their support of the playing group.

    • Trevor

      I think he has a point. The guys that were let go were vets who had clearly tuned Pete out and felt they could do what they want. Sherm said as much last year.

      This whole off season had been about cleaning out the old and rebuilding Pete’s culture and vision. Brown is just reinforcing this message.

      That is why I think it is almost a lock Earl gets traded on or before draft day. JS will wait till a team or two who misses out on a safety in FA raise thier offer price to get max value. They are smart to say they are in no rush to trade Earl it just drives up the value.

      Until Earl signs an extension I fully believe he should and will be traded.

      • C-Dog

        This has me recalling some interesting words Pete had towards the end of the season.

        I think when asked about the state of the roster and maybe how things stand with some of the players, he said something to the effect that, in a really gross paraphrase, “Every year, people change, their priorities change. We’re not the same people we were (a few) years ago. What was important to them then may not be as important now, and now they have different priorities.. So, every new season, we have to check in with them to see where they are as a person.”

        It had me wondering what players he was referring to. Was it about Russell being married to a pop star? Michael Bennett writing a book? Doug Baldwin getting involved with local politics? Earl Thomas wanting to finish out his career in Dallas? Cliff Avril doing his work in Haiti?

        I think the thing is all these older guys got their ring and their big contracts, and maybe, as they are nearing the end of their football careers, their might be a little wee bit of one foot out the door, and his team just isn’t as hungry.

        Frank Clark, Jarran Reed, Naz Jones, Duane Brown, Bradley McDougald, Shaquille Griffin haven’t gotten a ring, and are probably hungrier players to lean on a bit now, and will be a bit more receptive to the coach’s message. Brown sounds like he is perfectly ready and willing to become more of a leader moving forward.

        It’s going to be really interesting to see how it all shakes out.

  45. KingRajesh

    Trading Earl makes sense if you think his mind isn’t right. Think about it: Kam likely never plays another snap. Richard Sherman is gone. Maxwell and Shead could leave. His “brothers” are or will be gone very soon. Earl already contemplated retirement, and when he came back, he said that he came back for 2 reasons – money and his brothers.

    I don’t think the Seahawks want to make the same mistake (giving a third contract to an aging star that has been injured and expecting them to maintain or regain their prior levels of success) a fourth time.

    This approach failed with Marshawn, Kam, and Bennett – and it would probably fail with Earl as well. I have significant doubts that Earl would want to play for 3-4 years longer without the rest of the LOB.

    • AlaskaHawk

      I agree with what you said. I prefer they play him this year, and chat with him at the end of the season when he hits free agent market. Maybe his body will hold up, but I want this season to evaluate instead of just giving him the extension.

      Considering the amount of money the safeties have already made, and the danger of permanent injury, it is wiser to walk away while you still can.

      • Greg Haugsven

        If you do that his trade value will go down significantly. Some of this is about a third contract and some of this is about the fact we have no 2nd or 3rd round pick this year.

        • AlaskaHawk

          Most of it is about the Seahawks painting themselves into a corner last year. Both through trading away future draft picks (please don’t do that again), and at least two recent ill advised contract extensions which screwed up the cap space.

    • Hawksince77

      That makes sense. This time last year we were talking about trading Sherman. In hindsight (given his unforeseen injury) the Seahawks would have been better off getting some draft capital out of him last year. I wonder if JS worries about missing a similar opportunity with Earl.

  46. Greg Haugsven

    Interesting quote from the Brown Joe Thomas, criticizing the contract he negotiated with the 49ers.

    http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/03/12/joe-thomas-richard-sherman-got-absolutely-crushed-by-the-49ers/

    • Trevor

      You don’t see a player come out and make a comment like that very often. He makes some good points though about the contract. Sherm always does seem to think like he is the smartest guy in the room whether he is or not.

      • RealRhino2

        So far we’ve seen two players go it alone w/ contracts, and both have signed contracts heavily weighted with little guarantee and a lot of incentives mitigating the team’s risk.

        • GerryG

          Just goes to show he didnt have much value. People on here were screaming the day of that JS got worked, and he could have gotten draft pick(s) for Sherm…now it turns out 3/39 is a mirage, very little is guaranteed, and even if Sherm has a pro bowl year it doesnt guarantee if SF moves on before 4/1/2019. He is 30 yr old corner, with 7 hard years, +12 playoff games, with a ruptured achilles, and who has played through multiple serious injures (elbow, mcl).

          His body cant have much left.

    • icb12

      Some very valid points.

      I kinda wondered about the contract. I don’t know enough about how it all works to know if he truly got screwed or not. But I did wonder if that would be the case. Especially with it happening so fast. What was his hurry?

      One day he says he wants to go to a contender, and then 12 hours later he signs with the first people to offer him anything??

      Seems like Richard Rushed it to me.

      • Hawk Eye

        he rushed it because he wanted to get paid before teams spend their wad starting today

    • Hawk Eye

      but, if it was such a terrible deal for Sherm, why did Seattle,Oak and Det all refuse to match it? He gave them all the chance and they all said no.
      Florio is just a Sh*t disturber, always looking for the hot take. Like saying Russ is using the Yankees as leverage to get a bigger contract from Seattle.

    • AlaskaHawk

      It is way to dependent on a Pro Bowl. He doesn’t even know if he will be a starter next year.

  47. RealRhino2

    FWIW, I’d pass on Suh. It’s weird that we won big in 2013 and 2014 with a certain team structure, and then it seems like we’ve been trying to get away from that winning formula ever since. (I know, we’ve *wanted* a good running game, but as Rob says, they’ve tried committees and UDFAs and assorted guys, but not a blue chip talent).

    Our best teams never had a 3T like Suh. Cheap run-stuffers, lots of rotation of hungry guys on the outside, great back end. Pedestrian TEs, good but not #1 WRs.

  48. Rowlandice

    Rob, should we recover some draft capital such as an ET trade, do you think LVE would be a consideration at 18?

    • Rob Staton

      Personally I think he’ll be off the board by #18 but if he wasn’t, it’d be possible.

      It depends what they’d get back in the trade. I still think they’d probably want to turn #18 into three picks in rounds 2-3. That’s where the value is after all. But we’ll see. We’ve not had a proper update on Earl Thomas since Ian Rapoport stated he was staying in Seattle. That might truly be the case.

      • DCD2

        Rob, do you think you’ll do a 1st round mock? I’d love to see who you think will go where. I know you’ve mentioned a lot of guys that you DON’T think will be there by the time we’re on the clock… which begs the question of who you DO think will be there.

        • DC

          He did pick Wynn to the Hawks in the most recent iirc. I would be stoked.

          • DC

            If we added Suh & Wynn I’d 🤐 about the lines for a while.
            🎉🙏🧞‍♂️

        • DC

          If you hit the *mock draft* tap near the top of the page you get the latest version.

          • DCD2

            Thank you!

        • Rob Staton

          Did a first round mock just a few days ago and will post another after the second wave of free agency.

          • rowlandice

            Looking forward to the next mock Rob. I guess my original question was really to determine if there’s a player or two within the 18 range, that the Hawks might find the value too great to trade back. Your yearly habit of finding some draft gems that ultimately end up rising higher than the Hawks picks is in full swing…again! I think LVE might be one of those players that in hindsight, they should have taken.

  49. DC

    I was pounding the table for Suh last time he was available however unrealistic it was. Awsi’s close witnessing is good to hear. There aren’t that many players that command the attention that Suh demands. It makes everyone behind & to the side better. Cool signing should it happen.

    • Trevor

      Bobby Wagner would be the happiest guy in Seattle with Suh keeping him clean to fly to the ball.

      • cha

        He was pretty clean last year behind Sheldon. Just saying.

  50. Trevor

    Talk about durable. In his career Suh has played over 80% of his teams snaps and has missed a grand total of 2 games.

    • Misfit74

      Stalwart. Plus had more pressure and sacks than Sheldon Richardson.

  51. AlaskaHawk

    My concern about Suh is the perception that he brings. I think it is something that the Seahawks have also been tagged with and want to change. There is a fine line between hard hitting and dirty.

    This is what an opposing player had to say about Suh a year ago:
    “It’s a really intense game,” Blount said. “Obviously we’re fighting to get home-field advantage; obviously they’re fighting to knock us out of it. You know, there’s not many guys in the league that like that guy. I don’t even know if it’s a lot of guys on that team that like him.”

    Blount continued: “He’s a dirty player. He’s always been a dirty player. He’s gonna always be a dirty player. There’s no room in the game for that. At some point in time, guys have to defend themselves when (he’s) doing the things that he does. Hopefully, there’s something to be said about it. But all in all, he got his ass beat. They lost. He went in the locker after the game. We good.”

    • nichansen01

      Says Blount, the player who sucker punched another player in the face after losing a game in college…

      • AlaskaHawk

        That doesn’t diminish what he said. Or what the media will say about the Seahawks if they make a deal with Suh.

        • Rob Staton

          Why do we care what the media say?

      • FresnoBrad

        +1

    • cha

      I think the initial reaction by the media would be negative, then it would be positive later in the year when a more mature coaching staff than Suh has ever had has helped him to harness his aggression into clean play.

  52. Coleslaw

    So, if we’re going to younger players and aren’t likely to spend all our cap space next year, why not front load contracts for guys like Earl, Suh, Wagner and Wright? We could add what we want, extend who we want and save the money in a couple years by cutting with no dead money. Would allow us to consistently have cap space every year.

  53. nichansen01

    I dont think we should sign ASJ…. instead we should pile in all of our resources to secure Suh and Richardson.
    Of course, I am in favor of trading Earl, but only for a first rounder.

    • Misfit74

      I like the ASJ move.

      Suh or Sheldon or both? No way both right?

      I think Reed is good enough to continue as a quality starter at one DT spot. Naz Jones good in a rotation. A building block like Suh or Sheldon is a great plan. Both would be bananas!

      • peter

        I think asj could be a good fit but I’m not interested in him at much more than 4.5-5mil a year.

    • cha

      All depends on how much he wants.

      If he’s looking to cash in big time, let him do it somewhere else. He still has question marks about his character. You don’t give a guy like that a big, long free agent contract.

    • RealRhino2

      I tried above but got no response. Why do you want to get away from what the team did when it was most successful? We went 2012-2015 with solid inside guys but nothing special. But we had at least three we could rotate. Stuff the run, keep the LBs clean, let Bennett, Clemons, et al. do their thing.

      Get solid rotational DTs, spend the money elsewhere. IMO. I think they’re just kicking the tires on Suh to check the market.

  54. cha

    Ian Rapoport
    @RapSheet
    After FA RB DeMarco Murray visits the #Lions tomorrow, source says he has a visit scheduled with the #Seahawks. Both teams looking to fill a void at RB.
    5:30 PM · Mar 12, 2018

    • Aaron

      Carson, McKissic, Davis, Murray, and a draft pick…sounds solid to me if he signs. As long as he wants under $5mil/year I’d kick the tires on that idea. Why is Seahawks Twitter so dead set against signing a vet RB or picking one early? It’s not just the o line that couldn’t run block, though it was that. It was also the inability of any RB to stay healthy and provide the tone setting balance this team desperately needs.

      • Hawktalker#1

        Seahawks Twitter is such a train wreck of chaos, drama and emotion , it’s hard for me to even go over there and see what’s being discussed. The “Oasis of Sanity” we have here is a much nicer place to be. 🙂

        • Pickering

          Agree. Can’t say it enough: thanks Rob, thanks all posters who remain respectful.

          • Haystacker509

            Dilly Dilly!!

      • Volume12

        Because they presumably feel like signing a veteran RB is a band-aid.

      • Group Captain Mandrake

        He ran for a pretty low average behind a much better line last year. If the Hawks sign him, Solari would have to work some pretty immediate miracles to get much out of him.

  55. Coleslaw

    Im becoming increasingly convinced that DE will be a target in the mid to late rounds. Who’s your guy’s favorites?

    • Thy Hawk is Howling

      Dante Pettis can play DE Coleslaw! Maybe not well, but…

      Smiley Face

      • Volume12

        Your boy did meet with the Seahawks at Udubs pro day.

        Seattle has only spent a 1st round pick on 3 positions under JS/PC. OL, Pass rusher, and a weapon in the passing game (although those 2 Harvin & Graham were obviously through trades).

        I still think its gonna be OL then a RB with the 1st two picks.

        • CHawk Talker Eric

          I think the same, but the reverse order. RB first, then OL.

    • Icb12

      Ja’Von Rolland Jones. Arkansas St is one of my mid/late round faves

    • Hawktalker#1

      I really like Rob’s pick in the fifth round : Tyquan Lewis He has some great tape.

      • Greg Haugsven

        Tyquan Lewis is good, maybe Duke Ejiofor, Josh Sweat as a Leo. Marcell Frazier.

    • Volume12

      Kemoko Turay.

  56. C-Dog

    Interesting congratulations that ASJ tweeted to McDougald.

    https://mobile.twitter.com/Aesj88/status/973342238490075136

    Right now, I’d almost call it an upset if ASJ doesn’t sign with Seattle.

    Other tidbits, Seattle wants to reach a deal with Sheldon Richardson, but does not want to pay top dollar. Interesting considering Suh is in town, and what all that means.

    And of course, they’re going to visit with DeMarco Murray.

    • Hawktalker#1

      Ohhh positive stuff going on. I like it. Every great piece we can put in place for the draft is just going to make a draft better and more exciting.

      • Greg Haugsven

        Suh would probably be more expensive that Sheldon.

        • Greg Haugsven

          You forget they were teammates for two years in Tampa Bay.

          • C-Dog

            Oh, I was considering that. I think given that fact that ASJ is hanging around town and has been working out with a few Seahawks is also pretty telling. Call me nutzoid, but I think he’s signing in Seattle.

            • FresnoBrad

              If he hangs out with RW he’s good. I think fair value for Suh is less than Cambels 60 mil 4 yr 30 mil guarantee. Cambel’s performance #s are better.

    • Patrick Toler

      The one thing that worries me a bit about ASJ is that he’d Be coming back to his college stomping grounds, where surely some of his old homeboys still live, with a fat new paycheck, and about a year of sobriety under his belt. I try not to play arm chair psychologist, but that could be a delicate situation.

  57. Thy Hawk is Howling

    Check this out Neko Thorpe and Mike Tyson were going to Seahawk”s practice and this hag was hurasing them, what a B*#@+!!!!! I’m a Caucasian Man I’ve never really been treated this way. For those of you upset about the knelling, sitting try to see the world through their eye’s. Love is all People!!!

    http://smokeroom.com/2018/03/12/seahawks-anthem-protests-woman/

    • Thy Hawk is Howling

      Neither one of them kneeled this season. I don’t get it, when a player get’s hurt alot of player’s kneel out of respect and to show support. I’m very thankful that I think for myself and I’m not ignorant.

      #Kindpeopleslivesmatter

      • Group Captain Mandrake

        That woman was just waiting to yell at the first player she saw. Either that, or she thinks “they all look alike” and can’t tell the difference. Having a problem with the protest? I think it’s wrongheaded and misplaced but that’s her opinion and she’s entitled. Showing up at someone else’s place of work and heckling them is bullshit.

  58. cha

    Ian Rapoport
    @RapSheet
    More
    The #Seahawks have extended a second round RFA tender to CB Justin Coleman, source said. He had two picks and two TD last year after coming over from the #Patriots.
    7:31 PM – 12 Mar 2018

    • Greg Haugsven

      Hopefully will see Dion Jordan with an original round tender here soon as well.

      • Hawktalker#

        +1

      • Hawktalker#1

        +1

    • SoCal12

      I’m a big fan of Coleman after his Christmas Kettle hop. Glad to see him and McDougald get their dues.

    • Aaron

      I was hoping they’d tender him. Hopefully they’ll tender Dion Jordan too. Two solid offseason acquisitions last season.

  59. Josh Emmett

    A couple things learned last year defensive wise. Bobby Wagner had his best year with a stud defensive tackle letting him fly to the ball by eating up the Olinemen. You can get good production from a competent player at half the price of Chancellor, Carroll can get more out of his corners then other places, and having a badass Nickle corner is awesome because teams only attack the inside against the hawks for the most part. Griffin is going to be a stud for Carroll. He knows it and that’s why Sherman was let go. They know they can’t function without Earl. They have McDougald and Coleman coming back. The secondary is going to be awesome. Can’t wait to see see Shaq shine. Getting a monster 3 technique in free agency sounds likely.i also think they might surprise everybody and get a pass rusher at #18

    • Old but Slow

      The phrase “they might surprise everybody” is almost a given, when have they not? Maybe if they decided that there was one player (pass rusher, i.e.) they had to have, or if a special player jumped into the fray (Vea, Barkley, other not gonna happen), it could happen, but no. They will trade down. If they don’t I will eat my croissant (I ain’t stupid, and I don’t eat hats).

  60. Hawktalker#1

    Nice post and with you, except for pass rusher at 18. Ahhh no. Low probability to even keep that pick let alone us it for something other than to fix the run game, which is currently priority #1.

    Go Hawks

  61. bankhawk

    I get the urge for a vet to hedge at RB, but am gunshy after the Lacy experience. Not sure about Murray or Stewart. Thoughts?

    • Hawktalker#1

      Just need to make good decisions. Lacy was a super bad decision. 90% of the discussion about him was regarding his weight. Big red flag right there.

    • Volume12

      Both are just about washed, but when your desperate…

      Murray’s a much better pass catcher, fits with RW, and I doubt this goes into their thinking but FB Jalston Fowler and Murray weren’t a bad pair together in Tennessee.

      Still wish they would’ve pulled the trigger on Latavius Murray last year, but it is what it is.

      • red

        We need a good goal line short yardage back. If one of those guys can get you 8-10 carries a game and cash it in from the two yard line or closer would be huge for use.

    • Misfit74

      Please no old, dead legged runners. Sub 4ypc for both JStew and Murray last. season. Yes, just a counting stat, but both are declining players with no upside whatsoever. Rather rely on youth.

  62. Hawktalker#1

    Interesting post from Shaquem saying that #seahawks were the only team to officially meet with him at the combine. Some room for hope for those that would like to see him become the second Griffin the Seahawks draft!!

    https://mobile.twitter.com/richeisenshow/status/971094823007432704

    • Old but Slow

      That would be most pleasant.

    • McZ

      As I said, not that many teams pit him on their draft boards.

      • hawktalker#1

        Part of me would like to draft him and let him show all those other teams why that was a mistake!!

        Who doesn’t like to watch a guy work that has a chip on their shoulder? 🙂

  63. Robert Las Vegas

    I want to thank Pat Kirwin for this information but did anybody realize that the Buffalo Bills have 36 million in dead money in 2018 wow doesn’t that seem extreme. In Wednesday free agency frenzy although I probably not mind a experience offensive lineman perhaps a guard .I really don’t believe the Hawks will be all that active

  64. Millhouse-serbia

    Allen Robinson to sign with Bears, Keenum with Broncos.

  65. Sea Mode

    Reports with potentially interesting domino effects:

    – Allen Robinson to Bears. (makes sense after losing Jeffrey. Still young and can grow with Trubisky.)
    – Keenum to Broncos (looks like they might have been told no by Cousins and will look to the draft)
    – Packers interested in Sammy Watkins and Jimmy Graham, weapons for Rodgers. (new GM opens up to outside FAs. Rogers to Graham sounds deadly. Does their interest in Robinson/Watkins mean Jordy Nelson is out?)
    – Cordy Glenn traded to Bengals. Bills move up from 21 to 12 in R1 and get a swap of late round picks. (one step closer to moving into position for the QB they want to draft)
    – Vikings inquire about Drew Brees’ interest. (Brees is already on a contending team, so unless contract talks go south, hard to see this happening. But Vikes do have a dome now to accommodate him I guess…)

    • peter

      Packers gonna packer. That’s what that team needs is more high priced weapons for Rodgers and not a run game or a consistent defense.

      Rodgers is absolutely amazing. No doubt. But the contrarian in me wonders what Wilson would be doing with as many weapons as Rodgers has had to work with? Sure the argument goes that he makes the players but if that’s true why do they not just turn out their players for picks and get any old body to catch the ball on cheap contracts?

      • Logan Lynch

        I think Jimmy will end up in NO again. He would be totally wasted in GB IMO. I don’t care who they have at TE, Rodgers doesn’t utilize them very much. Even when he had Jermichael Finley. His best season was 767 yds and 8 TDs. Graham’s 3 year average in SEA where many felt he was underachieving was 683 yds and 6 tds. That’s including his injury shortened first year. I just can’t see him winding up in GB.

  66. Millhouse-serbia

    My wishes for today:

    1. Trade Earl and 18 for Brown’s 4
    2. Re sign Sheldon for 4 more years

    • Rob Staton

      The Browns won’t trade out of the top five for Earl. They just traded for a FS.

      • Millhouse-serbia

        You mean Randall? Everyone on browns twitter say that he will play CB.

      • Millhouse-serbia

        And I didn’t say that will happen, I just say those are my wishes. 😀

        I think that this is B Wagz defense, and we all remember what happened between him and ET after Rams game. And I really have doubt that JS want to pay money that ET commands. This is the last chance to get something from ET.

    • CharlieTheUnicorn

      What about ET for both of the Browns 2nd round picks?

      (I should check, they might have pulled off some trade in the last 24 hours I overlooked) 😉

      • Millhouse-serbia

        Well…my opinion Is that JS can make a looooot from 4th pick this year. If barkley goes in top 3 , than at least 2 QB will be available at 4…and there is to much QB needed teams…

      • lil'stink

        I doubt Earl wants to sign an extension with Cleveland, and Cleveland knows this. They aren’t trading for 1 year of Earl.

        I think Atlanta, Dallas, JAX, and the Raiders make the most sense (cap space permitting).

    • Logan Lynch

      What about:

      1. Get a 1st and mid rounder for Earl
      2. Sign Suh
      3. Sheldon signs for big money and we end up with a 2019 3rd round comp.

      I think that’s the best case scenario. Also very unlikely.

  67. Trevor

    Good day #1 to the free agent frenzy for the Hawks IMO.

    Mcdougald and Coleman are both key pieces to the secondary going forward. I think Coleman is the best slot CB we have had in PC era and Mcdougald is just flat out solid plus provides a little bit of a hedge should they pull the trigger on trading Earl. A solid B+ day.

    • Sea Mode

      Agree 100%. Solid moves.

      Also, I’ve noted they generally tend to pay FA in ascending order. Smart thing to do IMO so that the next guy up isn’t trying to get something closer to what they just gave the previous guy.

  68. CharlieTheUnicorn

    Rumor has it that ASJ turned down ~8M per year deal from the Jets.
    If that is the market for a TE….. no thanks / except if they brought Graham back.
    Anything over 4M might devalue their comp picks in 2019….
    so this will be tricky if they try to bring in a FA TE.

    • Millhouse-serbia

      I think it was 8mil for 2 years..

      • Rugby Lock

        That is correct!

        • FresnoBrad

          Jets offered 8 mil he turned it down then they offered 12 mil 2 years he turned down 2nd offer. We got lucky, ASJ wants to play for Hawks. 3 players eyeballing Hawks ASJ, Suh, and Benson Matoya DE. I calculate those 3 players cost 24 million Suh=13 mil, ASJ = 6/7 mill, Matoya 3 mil also we should add a FA RB 1 to 3 mill

  69. CharlieTheUnicorn

    Oh yeah, perhaps this guy can find a home on the Seahawks (DE/LEO)

    Tamba Hali’s marvelous decade-plus run in Kansas City is over. The Chiefs have released the veteran outside linebacker, a source informed of the situation told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero

    • House

      I brought this up immediately after he was released. Similar to the Freeney signing last year

      • drewdawg11

        He was hurt most of last year. If he has anything in the tank, he will probably make too much to sign with us. I wouldn’t shell out big money to someone who was hurt last year.

  70. Millhouse-serbia

    Norwell to Jags…I didn’t expect that…5 year deal for 66,5 mil with 30mil guaranteed…

    • House

      Holes for Fournette and keeping Bortles clean.

      • Sea Mode

        Interesting choice in a loaded interior OL draft. Must have their eye on someone else? A move for Lamar Jackson…?

        • peter

          Out on the big boy pants and draft Jackson and let there be a real competition between the qbs. If bottles really shines great. And if Jackson beats him, watch out. a guy who gets downgraded for his passing who may be better now than a multi year starter in bortles and who might be a better weapon in a run first offense than even Vick was? Could make the afc south one of the most exciting divisions if not the most exciting.

          • peter

            Put on the big boy pants! Not ” out”

    • Trevor

      Value placed on quality interior OL keeps going up and go good reason! Incredibly important in today’s NFL to prevent pressure up the middle.

      • Patrick Toler

        Yep. Very few pure space eating DTs in the current NFL. Guards and Centers have to deal with athletic freaks these days.

  71. Sea Mode

    Had some new ideas to improve on my mock from yesterday, swapping out some players, correcting draft slots, and adding trade chart value. (Tankathon still doesn’t include comp picks, so I’m using DraftTek: https://www.drafttek.com/NFL-Trade-Value-Chart.asp?RequestTeam=sea)

    *Trade: 18(900) for 33(580)+64(270).
    Browns looking to move up into mid R1 for another “stud”. We get shorted 50 draft points, but this is more or less the precedent and I think JS would take it (and so would I), so I’m not going to ask them to throw in anything else. We need to get in position to fix the run game with our first two picks and this gets it done.

    [If Wynn is still there at 33, take him. If not, trade down again. For this mock, let’s say he’s gone:]

    *Trade: 33(580) for 40(500)+106(82).
    Denver has two R4 picks close to each other and looks to move up for Will Hernandez. Gotta protect Keenum to get anywhere.

    R2P40- OG Austin Corbett, Nevada/Billy Price, Ohio St.
    Retool starts up front. Not much to explain here. Maybe Connor Williams for RT if they are looking to move Ifedi inside.

    *Trade: 64(270)+106(82) picks for 55(350).
    Bills look to recoup picks after trading up for QB in R1.

    R2P55- RB Nick Chubb, Georgia
    Great kid, overcame huge adversity, and fits PC’s RB profile to a glove. Sign. Me. Up.

    R4P120- HB Jaylen Samuels, NC State
    Exactly 1000 yards from scrimmage and 16 TD his senior year. He fits Seattle’s RB size and explosiveness profile (with 5.8 ypc over the past 3 seasons) and is super versatile in the passing game as well (550+ yds each of the past 3 seasons). I’ll take it!
    The last guy like that was a certain CJ Prosise, but he’s proven so fragile that they won’t pass up the chance to get a version with better health (never missed a game in college).

    R5P141- LB Leon Jacobs, Wisconsin
    What Rob said. Wow. Perfect project for Norton.

    R5P146- CB Tre Flowers, Oklahoma St.
    Looking for the next “Seahawky” prospect to add to the famous PCDB Factory. This guy looks the part and ran an official 4.45. Speed was something they mentioned over and over again about Shaq, beyond the usual CB requirements.

    R5P168- WR Antonio Callaway, Florida
    It wouldn’t be a JS draft without at least one swing for the fences. They trust their strong leadership in the WR room to keep this guy on track and pissed off for greatness. Talent wise, he has what it takes to be the next day 3 Antonio to become a star if it all comes together.

    R5P169- TE Chris Herndon, Miami
    Seattle misses/passes on some of the other blocking TEs, but gets a willing blocker with slightly better length and much more athletic upside in the passing game. Looking forward to his pro day performance on March 28.

    R7P226- DB Tony Brown, Alabama
    This is my late-round lock for the Seahawks this year. Special teams were and important part at the peak of Seahawks football and PC looks to add a guy who will help them get back to that. I also think he can develop into a good backup safety. 4.35 speed on a ripped guy is no joke.

    R7P248- SS/LB Oren Burks, Vanderbilt
    Shoutout to Volume 12 for dropping his name as the closest Kam comp you will ever find. Is he a LB or SS for Seattle? Six of one, half a dozen of the other… And btw this guy is like RW level model citizen.

    R7P256- DE Kentavius Street, NC State
    One of those who headline Bruce Feldman’s annual freaks list. Crazy athletic potential to mold on the DL. He’s 280lbs now, but if they wanted to mold him into a pure DE (he’s only 6’2″) and asked him to drop 20-30 lbs, I wouldn’t bet against him getting close to a 10yd split close to the 1.5s. Mr. Irrelevant will not remain irrelevant this year!

    *Once again, not sure any of those outstanding athletes are there for us in R7, but they’re just options I like a lot and want to talk up.

    • Trevor

      Sea mode I absolutely love Rounds 5 and 7 that would be a dream scenario! Those guys alone would be a good draft. Burks and Jacobs are two guys I realty want to see in a Hawks uni! Callaway is going to be a steal for someone if he can stay out of trouble off the feild.

    • C-Dog

      I boldly predicted Chubb and Corbett to Seattle last month and I’m sticking to it!

      • Rob Staton

        It’s a solid prediction.

      • Patrick Toler

        I would love that, but expect both to go in the top 50. I think Chubb is the second or third RB off the board.

        • drewdawg11

          I still don’t know how we are going to get there. I think if we expect Chubb to fall deep into the late second, he’s gone. Those two would be a very nice haul, though. I think if teams are satisfied with chubb’s medical reports, he could find his way into the top 35.

    • peter

      I like every pick even in their spot except one.

      I’m obviously never going to know but I’d like know why calloway would drift in and out of games. It’s a concern for me that for all the games with big yards he had almost as many games with two or three catches for twenty-thirty yards.

      I get why people are stoked on his ceiling but and I’m being picky herbut he and brown arent/weren’t the same prospect. Brown had three years of very good production at a lesser program and put up tds and yards. Brown also strikes me as a classic ‘pissed off for greatness ‘ player being overlooked like baldwin. Calloway gives me late round McDowell vibes. Like a guy who is just better than everyone so can phone it in from time to time.

      • Sea Mode

        Fair concerns, for sure. But even with the “McDowell vibes”, we would be sinking only a day 3 pick among the many we have and not our first pick of the draft. That’s the difference for me.

        • peter

          Oh no doubt. I’m not against him. I just wonder if he takes games off of things don’t go his way that’s all.

    • peter

      I love the Samuels pick for as much as I dislike the Callaway pick.

      Id love to see an honest competition between he and prosise and if he wins cut prosise. It’s not a huge financial loss and if he gets mad and stays healthy to prove Seattle wrong, great for him.

      But Samuels is super durable. Caught al! Over the field. Worked well in scramble situations and my take after being confused at the combine is that he has faith in whom he is and what he can do.I

      Availability is one of the most important skills in the game and frankly what good is it doing not looking for competition for a prosise like player of the team needs to get better everywhere.

      • JimQ

        An equal value trade:—–>Seattle sends pick #18(900) & #120(54) & #146(32.6) = 986.6 points total
        TO—Cleveland——FOR——-Picks #33(580), #64(270), #103(88) and #123(49) = 987-points total. A difference of 0.6 points in favor of Cleveland. NOTE: The Browns, in this case, are motivated for a specific Rd-1 target and look to move up. With so many picks to work with they should have a lot of good movements in this draft to wheel & deal & get all the players they really like.
        —->NET Seahawks picks from this 1 trade-down: 33, 64, 103, 123, 141, 156, 168, 169, 226, 248.

        IMO: RB/OL or OL/RB with the first two picks should allow the Seahawks the ability to fix the running game. RB’s: One of: Jones, Johnson, Chubb, Guice, Penny, (With Samuels or Kelly as a Rd-5 pick) and one of OL’s: Wynn, Hernandez, Price, Corbett, Teller, Daniels or Parker. Mix & match, 2 will likely be available, however the question remains, which would be the best combination of Rd-1/2 players at these spots? I think, right now, Flynn/Hernandez/Corbett – Jones/Johnson/Penny are in the best positions for the Hawks to actually draft.

  72. Trevor

    The huge deal for Norwell shows the ever increasing value and importance of interior OL men in today’s NFL. Teams can scheme to Oct edge rushers with help from TE and RB but pressure up the middle kills all offenses and the Hawks more than most.

    This is an other very strong reason why I think the only two players the Hawks should be considering with the 1st pick after a slight trade back are Wynn or Hernandez.

    Make the OL the strength of this team going forward and the whole offense will improve.

    Draft Hernandez or Wynn at # 26 after a trade with Atl to pick up a edge round pick would be one option. Then sign DJ Fluker as a big mauling RG. He should not be expensive, he know Solari’s scheme and he can play RT in an emergency.

    2018 OL

    LT Brown
    LG Wynn or Hernandez
    C Britt
    RG Fluker
    RT Ifedi

    Reserves : Pocic, Fant, Roos, Rees

    That would be an enormous OL with a nice blend of youth and vets. It would be an incredible run blocking unit with a solid bench for depth. If they want to improve the run game and offense this is the surest way IMO.

    • Rob-Not that Rob though

      I don’t think the staff will move Pocic back to the bench. That is the kind of thing that can derail a guy’s progression. I see either a high draft pick or FA for the Guard slot, but not both. Likely look at some guys in the later rounds to add depth of course. But I think projected starting line will have only one new starter from where we ended last year.

      • Trevor

        If they were to bring in a guy like Fluker on say a 3 yr / $10 mil. He would not be a guaranteed starter. Picks would compete for the RG spot and Fant / Ifedi would compete for the RT spot.

        That competition is what this team has lacked and desperately needs.

        What have Pocic or Ifedi done to deserve to be guaranteed a starting spot?

        • Rob-Not that Rob though

          Well, I’m not a big Ifedi fan either way, but that’s a thread for another day.

          With a guy like Fluker I think the Hawks history shows what will happen. it can go one of two ways: the Joekel route, or the Williams route. Joekel came on under the one year prove it deal and was expected to compete. Williams came on “sight unseen” on a 3 year deal and was handed the starting spot.

          Norwell got $13m/yr with $30m guaranteed, which puts Fluker somewhere between $8-10m/yr with a decent amount guaranteed in my mind. If the Hawks sign him to that, they aren’t signing him to compete and potentially be a back-up.

          I guess it will depend on what kind of deal they theoretically sign him to. He just did a one year prove it deal though, so I doubt he’d take that again. Like you said, the interior line is becoming much more valuable. Some team will give him good money for multiple years.

      • peter

        On the one hand I get what you’re saying for pocic. and Seattle o linemen always need time. I’m the other hand I want convinced he and McDowell were quality picks in the first place and pocic looked really weak (as did the whole interior) last year.

        Fluker has leveled himself off nicely as a guard and I think would improve the run game tremendously. Maybe pocic improves but I’d like to see I really big step forward this year.

        • Rob-Not that Rob though

          He was really weak, literally. That was one thing we knew about him coming out of college. Hopefully a year in a pro weight program will have fixed a lot of that.

          I guess I’m just not ready to write Pocic off as a lost cause when he was far from the worst thing on out Line last year.

          • peter

            That was harsher about pocic than intended. I’m overall a big believer in consistency on the line being a driver for success.

            I really don’t think they are going after fluker at all but I think people are down on fluker because he came into the league an overly hyped kind of sloppy prospect and I think her turned into a very solid player.

            I hope pocic hits the weights because I really don’t want to see a ton of mid season or start of the season position switching. I hope when they get to camp and certainly to the pre season they are locking it down on the oline.

            • Rob-Not that Rob though

              Agreed on the importance of continuity. That’s the biggest reason I dont see more than one new starter. Fant could unseat Ifedi at RT, but that doesnt really count imo.

              • drewdawg11

                Pocic maybe needs another year to get himself physically ready for the league, but by that time he could be taking over for Britt at center. I think Justin is a giant disappointment. Just think, we could have had Bitonio that year before the trade down for Paul, (sigh). I think Ethan is center of the future. The tricky thing is that if he starts there in year 3, and does well, here comes the extension right away. We aren’t saving much money, is any.

          • Trevor

            That is the thing about Pocic he is too weak and does not have a good base to be an NFL RG.

            Why was he so weak coming out of college? he is not a conversion basketball player or D lineman he played in the SEC at a big time program in LSU they have great facilities a strength coach etc.

            Why are you so confident in one off season he is going to magically get strong? I hope he does as I think he is technically sound but it is far from a lock and I would like to have insurance and make him compete for the spot.

            • Rob-Not that Rob though

              Woah, slow down there. I didn’t say he was going to gain all the strength he needed this year. I said that HOPEFULLY, a year in the system will help fix it. Its not unreasonable to believe that a full year in a pro program will add significant size/strength. Tons of players do it every year. In college you are limited on diet and supplements, limited time in the weight room, and still have class to attend and other things. The off season as a pro OL is 100% dedicated to working out. That is literally his job. Will it solve 100% of his issues? Of course not.

              All, im saying is that he was arguably the 3rd worst OL we had last year. I dont think it is unreasonable to expect more from a second year player that was far from the wort link on the line. If he has the same issues coming into the season that he left last season with….then we know and look to move on.

    • vrtkolman

      Agree completely about the increasing importance of interior lineman, as defensive tackles are getting very freaky athletic coming out of college.

      • Trevor

        You nailed it!

  73. Forty20

    Hot damn, some of these free agency deals!

    Andrew Norwell/Jacksonville – 5 years / $66.5 million ($30 million guaranteed)
    Sammy Watkins/Kansas City – 3 years / $48 million ($30 million guaranteed)

    The Watkin deal looks like pure insanity for a team that just clawed its way out of a huge cap hole.

    Conversely the Bears look to have struck a pretty reasonable deal with Allen Robinson at 3 years / $42 million. That is of course if he has shaken that knee injury.

    • Forty20

      Thankfully the 49ers missed on Norwell with Jacksonville slipping in at the last gasp. The Jaguars are going to pound the rock all day with Fournette and their improved o-line though. Hopefully there is a genuine shakeup of the hierarchy in the AFC in the upcoming season.

      • Trevor

        That defense and run game will be lethal. AfC favorites next year IMO.

      • peter

        Agreed as the rest of the afc has no real contendrrs …right now….as I look forward.

        Sammy Watkins….crazy deal.

    • H

      How can Jacksonville keep affording all these guys? I swear they were pushed very close to the cap after last offseasons splurge

      • Trevor

        The Hawks have not tendered Jordan yet? Think they are trying to sign him to a longer term deal?

        Really glad they are bringing back Coleman, Mcdougald. Would love to see Jordan, Shead, Maxi and Marcus Smith brought back on low cap # deals. Those guys are key to depth in secondary and pass rush units.

        • Greg Haugsven

          Ive been waiting on the Jordan news. They are running out of time. It has to be done for $1.9

          • Trevor

            I think they may be trying to lock him up if they are comfortable with his medicals. He and Clark would be two nice young Edge guys to have locked up.

  74. Trevor

    If PRich, Graham and Richardson are not coming back I hope they sign absolutely monster deals. I hope some deal takes a flier on Joeckel too.

    Bring on a couple of 3rd round comp picks next year!

    • C-Dog

      +1

    • peter

      Agreed. I do wonder why price won’t be back though. Can’t imagine his market is all that hot. compared to everyone else out there. there’s a lot of similar wr.

      But otherwise let Sheldon and graham make a boatload of cash.

      • Logan Lynch

        If Albert Wilson can get $8M/year I have to imagine Prich will get at least that much and probably more.

        • Tecmo Bowl

          To be noted Miami gave Wilson 3/$24m. I’ll say it again they are horribly ran.

          • Greg Haugsven

            At this rate PRich might get $10

  75. Trevor

    My dream draft scenario

    Rounds 1-3 Wil Hernandez and Ronald Jones ( just figure out how to get it done JS)

    Rds 4-7 Shaqueem Griffin + Five young defensive players with tons of upside + Michael Dickson Texas punter.

    • peter

      The simplest yet most straightforward draft I’ve seen in a while!

      • Greg Haugsven

        Maybe Eddie Pineriro or Daniel Carlson thrown in there. Maybe just use both those 7th rounders on whatever kicker and punter you like?

        • Trevor

          I would be down with that for sure.

  76. Sea Mode

    I think there can be six R3 comp picks max, right?. Which FA will be the six highest paid and do Sheldon and Graham actually have a chance to crack that?

    1. Cousins: $30m/apy
    2. Watkins: $16m/apy
    3. Norwell: $13.3m/apy
    4. Keenum?
    5. Bradford?
    6. Trumaine Johnson? $13m+
    Nate Solder? $12m+

    Already cancelled out by Norwell:
    Robinson: $14m/apy

    Basically, they would probably need to fetch north of $12m/apy and have a couple cancel each other out in order to have any chance at all to squeeze onto the list. Graham I see as almost impossible to hit that, more likely to net a R4 pick, and Sheldon might end up right on the edge. (if we don’t extend him, that is).

    All in all, I’m not so convinced even Sheldon will net us the R3 comp we are all expecting. Am I missing anything?

    • peter

      Good prediction. Maybe fourth rounders for both? I never really thought with the rising cap and and in free agency that either would get third round comp picks.

      Prich I think is realistically not a comp pick or a 7 rounder.

    • vrtkolman

      Rams traded a 2nd for 1 year of Watkins and a 3rd two years later? Not a terrible deal, but I have to think they wanted to keep Watkins.

      • Sea Mode

        Apparently not at that price tag though for how injured he’s been in his career.

        With the expected release of Tavon Austin, seems like they will have a WR corps of Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, Pharoh Cooper, Josh Reynolds. Think they will look to the draft early for a dynamic target for Goff?

        • vrtkolman

          Probably, although they have a major hole at linebacker. Woods is a good receiver but I don’t think he should be a #1 for the entire year.

        • Hawk Eye

          yes, looks like Sgheldon will net a 4th rd comp, unless he can get $15 mil or so.
          Would not rule that out, but it would be a surprise
          Jimmy may net a 4th, but even that is not likely now

    • Patrick Toler

      It will be interesting to see what Keenum and Bradford get. The valuation is apparently based off of APY and doesn’t include incentives. I could see Bradford, for example, getting an incentive laden deal, given his health issues. And I guess Keenum gets north of $12M from someone, but I wouldn’t have that written in stone. And of course if it’s the Vikings who end up with Cousins, that would cancel out one of Keenum or Bradford, if they were both classified as 3rd rounders.

      I think there is still a decent chance that Sheldon fetches a 3rd, maybe about 50%. Wouldn’t be less than a 4th I would think.

      Thanks for posting this. I had to give my self a refresher, using OTC’s compensatory primer: https://overthecap.com/the-basics-and-methodology-of-projecting-the-nfls-compensatory-draft-picks/

      • Rob Staton

        The talk on Keenum is two-year deal at $18m per season.

        • Patrick Toler

          Wow. It will be fascinating to see how he does at his next stop. It seems like any of the QBs who played with that Vikings squad played well. I’m trying to figure out if I should be rooting for Cousins to end up in Minnesota. It would cancel Keenum, but maybe I shouldn’t be rooting for them to upgrade that position.

          • Greg Haugsven

            I cant believe Watkins got $16 APY, thats insanity.

            • Patrick Toler

              I don’t get it. I mean he’s talented, but that’s crazy money for a guy that really hasn’t done that much in the league. Doug Baldwin continues to be an incredible value.

  77. Sea Mode

    As expected.

    Ian Rapoport
    @RapSheet

    The #Saints and QB Drew Brees have struck a 2-year deal worth $50M, sources tell me and @SlaterNFL. He gets $27M guaranteed. He’s back and everyone can breathe.

    6:42 AM – 13 Mar 2018

    • Sea Mode

      Interesting details:

      Adam Schefter
      @AdamSchefter

      Drew Brees’ deal will be written as a two-year deal, but in actuality it will be a one-year deal with a team option after the first year, per source. It also will include a no-trade clause, virtually ensuring that Brees finishes his career in New Orleans.

      6:57 AM – 13 Mar 2018

  78. vrtkolman

    Wow, Carolina loses both Norwell and Star Lotulelei. Those are major losses in the trenches for a team that should be contending this year.

    • Greg Haugsven

      Players keep going to the AFC, thats good.

  79. Patrick Toler

    Mayowa evidently will have a visit with Seattle. Could be a nice signing to get him back.

    https://twitter.com/ByKimberleyA/status/973566713362112512

  80. Greg Haugsven

    These big TE contracts isnt helping us with ASJ. Brate gets around $6.8 and Burton got $8. He may get around $6 to $6.5

    • Rob Staton

      It depends on the market for ASJ though. Those other players haven’t had some of his demons.

    • Logan Lynch

      Not helping us with ASJ, but probably helping greatly with Jimmy G and the possible comp pick.

      • Greg Haugsven

        Yes sir, I guess possible win won lose one. We will soon find out about ASJ.

  81. John_s

    PRich got 5yrs 40 mil from Washington. Wow!

    • Logan Lynch

      Well, I was half right. I said he would get at least as much as Albert Wilson…just forget that I said he would probably get more!

      I feel bad for his already troubled knees having to play 8 games a year on that awful field.

    • cha

      When Watkins got $16m from KC I knew P Rich was gone unfortunately.

      • vrtkolman

        That’s an insane contract. It will be fun watching Mahomes throw bombs to Tyreke and Watkins though.

    • Patrick Toler

      $8M per year probably points at what…a 5th round comp pick?

      • Sea Mode

        Sounds right.

      • Logan Lynch

        Probably right on the 4th/5th border.

    • AlaskaHawk

      Pretty good money for him. 8 million a year, not elite money but it is a good amount. I wonder if he has injury payment guarantees? Seems like an important thing for him to have.

    • Patrick Toler

      I still think the Seahawks will want to grab a veteran WR, but they may end up needing to shop bargain basement. Maybe Marcus Johnson being included in the Bennett trade showed some nice foresight by Schnieder, though of course I have no idea how Johnson will end up developing.

    • Aaron

      Yeah, no way he was gonna get that money from us. We got that guy in the Bennett trade, Baldwin, Lockett, Darboh, and Moore. Probably just need a vet for a one year deal tbh. Good for PRich getting paid.

  82. Sea Mode

    Reported 3yr/$86m fully gteed being offered to Cousins from Vikes. Wow…

    • AlaskaHawk

      Yes, the market for QBs is hot! Foles with the Eagles should be able to top 30 million a year. He has actually won a superbowl.

    • KingRajesh

      I won’t believe it until I see it in writing.

      28m APY is low for Cousins. I expected 30m at least.

    • Aaron

      Under $30mil apy is good news for Russ’s next contract. I sure hope we can keep it under $35mil apy.

      • hawktalker#1

        That is going to hurt when it comes time to pay Russ. But I hope the hawks don’t even hesitate, because they shouldn’t!!

  83. drewdawg11

    Guaranteed money in the NFL. This is going to prove to be a major disaster.

    • Patrick Toler

      QB is actually the one position where I’d feel okay offering guaranteed money. Cousins is reasonably proven and unlike almost any other position, they are unlikely to want to move on in the next three years. Plus other mediocre QBs have performed well on that team. It could come back to bite them, but I like that move for the Vikings.

      Also, he would cancel out Keenum, which could help Richardson be worth a 3rd round comp pick, which could help the Seahawks.

      • drewdawg11

        Simply put, it sets a precedent and eventually it will become the norm. Now OBJ will ask for it. Pass. Russell Wilson will ask for it. Seriously?

        • Patrick Toler

          Yeah, from that perspective it could be a troubling sign of things to come. I bet the rest of the owners are pissed at Minnesota.

      • Mike L

        Yeah..QB seems to be the one position teams usually stick with thru the whole contract (guaranteed or not)

    • Volume12

      Did Minnesota front load this deal?

      If not, how do they pay Danielle Hunter, Anthony Barr, Stefon Diggs, Eric Kendricks and the rest?

      • Patrick Toler

        That is the tricky part for sure.

  84. Rob-Not that Rob though

    Prich to the Skins for 5/$40m

    • Rob-Not that Rob though

      and…just saw the other post on it…

  85. Nathan W.

    Damn. Paul Richardson to the Redskins. 5 Years, 40 mill, 20 g’teed. Get that money, P-Rich!

  86. drewdawg11

    Happy for Paul. He definitely picked the right time to get healthy for a season. He made a ton of clutch plays. Washington still has some young talent in the WR Corp. maybe Alex smith has some options.

  87. Kenny Sloth

    Lookin like a 4th for prich for now

    • Lewis

      Glad we didn’t give him 8mil per yr w 20mil guaranteed

  88. 12thchuck

    DeSean going to visit 49ers

  89. Drew

    Any news on Sheldon Richardson? It’s been very quiet with any rumors around him.

  90. Volume12

    Never forget that Hue Jackson wanted to trade a 2nd and 3rd for QB AJ McCarron during last season. What’s his market like right about now?

    • H

      That certainly was a puzzling almost move.

      • Volume12

        What I find puzzling is how people think he’s a good HC.

        All of us on this blog won as many games in the NFL as he did last year.

        • Volume12

          Oops. I put won in the same sentence as Hue Jackson. My apologies.

    • Volume12

      Case Keenum to Denver is a good fit and so is Sam Bradford to Arizona. Ideal bridge QB to a rookie. And even if they can’t get one this year he buys them time.

      • Mike L

        Is C Palmer officially retired??

        • Volume12

          I believe so

        • Drew

          Yes. I don’t see how $20M a year for Bradford is a good bridge. His hardly ever healthy and when he is, it’s an average QB at best. It blows my mind how many times a 1st round pick has been spent on him (3) and he’s made over $100M…

          These QB contracts are just ridiculous. You don’t even have to be that good, you just have to be a free agent.

          • Volume12

            With the NFL cap going upo every year its gonna keep happening. Yes he’s injury prone and it doesn’t really move the needle, but led the league in adjusted completion % in 2016, looked great in his 1 start last year.

            Did Bradford not become the bridge to Nick Foles, Case Keenum, and Carson Wentz?

            • Patrick Toler

              He led the league in adjusted completion percentage in the same system that made Bridgewater and Keenum look like studs. I don’t believe in Bradford at all (not saying you necessarily do). I think your above point is true that he likely buys the regime an extra year.

  91. Volume12

    Mid Tennessee St. CB Charvarius Ward:

    6’0, 198 lbs.
    4.43-4.46 40
    37″ vert”
    11″ broad jump
    32 1/4″ arms
    10 1/8″ hands

    * Former JUCO guy, cousin of Malcolm Butler & Glover Quinn

    • Rowlandice

      Interesting numbers for sure along with the bloodlines. How does the film look?

      • JimQ

        Another CB to keep an eye on: How about Georgia St. CB=Chandon Sullivan, 5-106/194, 32-3/8″ arms, *4.60/40*(w/injury), 15-reps, 40.5″-Vert, 11′-2″-broad, 4.36 short shuttle.
        #1 at combine for DB’s with 40.5″-Vert, #2 at combine for DB’s with 11′-2″-Broad. Guess he’s explosive, so I’m going to keep an eye out for his 3/17 pro-day results. (4.60/40 & above with a bad hammy?)

        Per draftanalyst.com “”Fast-rising cornerback Chandon Sullivan, who worked out on Monday at the combine, has pushed his pro day back to March 17 at 9 a.m. Sullivan was struggling with a hamstring issue at the combine but still chose to run the 40 and timed 4.6. His other marks from Indianapolis included an impressive vertical jump of 40.5 inches as well as an equally terrific broad jump of 11-foot-2. Suillivan, who was not graded by scouts coming into the season, is now ranked by several teams as a mid-round pick.””

  92. Patrick Toler

    Rapaport is reporting Graham to GB
    http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000920994/article/jimmy-graham-expected-to-sign-with-green-bay-packers

  93. Millhouse-serbia

    Graham 3 years 30mill with 22mill in first 2 years. It is 3rd or 4th round comp pick.

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