The Seahawks are more or less in the same position they were a year ago. Their biggest needs are in the trenches. They still need to reassert themselves as the bullies of the NFC.
That’s not a big shock. With hindsight it was probably always going to be a two-draft rebuild to become the bullies again. It was never going to be easy to rebuild the O-line, replace the presence of Marshawn Lynch and also replace the likes of Brandon Mebane on defense (while also finding another inside/out rusher).
This seven-round mock is never going to be accurate at the end of November, long before we even discover who will/won’t declare or boost their stock at the Senior Bowl or Combine. That said, it’s an opportunity to highlight some names and talk about something other than the disappointing game in Tampa Bay.
Before I get into the seven-rounder, here’s a top-40 projection:
1. Cleveland Browns — Myles Garrett (EDGE, Texas A&M)
2. San Francisco 49ers — Jabrill Peppers (S, Michigan)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars — Leonard Fournette (RB, LSU)
4. Chicago Bears — Jonathan Allen (DE, Alabama)
5. New York Jets — Tim Williams (EDGE, Alabama)
6. Cincinnati Bengals — Reuben Foster (LB, Alabama)
7. Carolina Panthers — Takkarist McKinley (EDGE, UCLA)
8. Tennessee Titans (via LA) — Jamal Adams (S, LSU)
9. Green Bay Packers — Dalvin Cook (RB, Florida State)
10. New Orleans Saints — Marlon Humphrey (CB, Alabama)
11. San Diego Chargers — Malik Hooker (S, Ohio State)
12. Arizona Cardinals — Gareon Conley (CB, Ohio State)
13. Tennessee Titans — Justin Evans (S, Texas A&M)
14. Baltimore Ravens — Demarcus Walker (DE, Florida State)
15. Indianapolis Colts — Derek Barnett (DE, Tennessee)
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Dawuane Smoot (EDGE, Illinois)
17. Buffalo Bills — O.J. Howard (TE, Alabama)
18. Cleveland Browns (via Eagles) — Mitch Trubisky (QB, North Carolina)
19. Philadelphia eagles (via Vikings) — John Ross (WR, Washington)
20. Miami Dolphins — Obi Melifonwu (S, Connecticut)
21. Pittsburgh Steelers — Deshaun Watson (QB, Clemson)
22. Atlanta Falcons — Malik McDowell (DE, Michigan State)
23. Detroit Lions — Tre’Davious White (CB, LSU)
24. Houston Texans — Charles Harris (EDGE, Missouri)
25. Washington — Christian McCaffrey (RB, Stanford)
26. Kansas City Chiefs — Jarrad Davis (LB, Florida)
27. New York Giants — Quincy Wilson (CB, Florida)
28. Denver Broncos — Sidney Jones (CB, Washington)
29. Seattle Seahawks — Garett Bolles (T, Utah)
30. New England Patriots — Budda Baker (S, Washington)
31. Oakland Raiders — Marshon Lattimore (CB, Ohio State)
32. Dallas Cowboys — Carl Lawson (EDGE, Auburn)
33. Cleveland Browns — Ryan Anderson (LB, Alabama)
34. San Francisco 49ers — Alex Anzalone (LB, Florida)
35. Chicago Bears — Mike Williams (WR, Clemson)
36. Jacksonville Jaguars — Cam Sutton (CB, Tennessee)
37. New York Jets — Jalen Tabor (CB, Florida)
38. Cincinnati Bengals — Caleb Brantley (DT, Florida)
39. Los Angeles Rams — Solomon Thomas (DE, Stanford)
40. Green Bay Packers — Zach Cunningham (LB, Vanderbilt)
Seahawks seven round projection
Round 1 — Garett Bolles (T, Utah)
I’ve talked a lot about Bolles already — but here’s a quick refresher on why he could be an ideal pick for the Seahawks. He’s battled adversity throughout his life, facing a difficult childhood before being arrested for vandalism. He was kicked out of the house by his father and taken in by another family. He’s since completely turned his life around in a similar fashion to Bruce Irvin — going through the JUCO’s and being courted by virtually every major college in the NCAA.
There’s no question in my mind that Bolles is the best left tackle in college football and is destined to go in round one. Is it realistic he falls to the Seahawks if he declares? Possibly not. What works in their favour is the fact he turns 25 next May so he’s not necessarily a 10-year option in the NFL. With this looking like a particularly loaded defensive draft he might slip through the cracks.
Bolles could play left or right tackle at the next level. He’s a physical tone-setter — a terrific run blocker with the balance, loose hips and athletic profile to excel in pass-pro too. He’s a bully on the field and now a family man off it, expecting his first child with his wife. He just screams ‘Seahawks’.
The need is also abundantly clear too. Neither Garry Gilliam or Bradley Sowell look like a long-term option at right tackle and it’s still too early to judge George Fant’s staying power.
Round 2 — Dalvin Tomlinson (DT, Alabama) or Derrick Nnadi (DT, Florida State)
Tomlinson ticks several boxes. He’s a former four-star recruit with a background including track & field and wrestling. He’s a punishing, physical tough guy with good gap control. He has great length and size (6-3, 308lbs, 33 1/4 inch arms, 10 inch hands) and he has a terrific physique with minimal bad weight.
Importantly, he’s also battled adversity and has an interesting personality. Tomlinson’s father died when he was five and his mother passed away in 2011. This article by Terrin Waack highlights his backstory and why he might also interest the Seahawks.
Tomlinson isn’t just a great athlete — he’s also a talented musician and an artist. You know that has to appeal to Pete Carroll.
The Seahawks did draft Jarran Reed a year ago and you could argue Tomlinson is too similar. He’s not much of a pass rusher and the Seahawks have been trying to find some interior pressure (Jordan Hill, Quinton Jefferson, Damontre Moore, John Jenkins). You can never have too many solid D-liners though for your rotation — and with the likes of Takk McKinley likely to go very early (possibly top-10) they might not be able to lean on the draft to get an inside/out rusher.
Tomlinson’s frame isn’t totally unsuited to playing DE/DT and he might be able to develop into that type of role in the future.
Nnadi on the other hand has shown to be more of a pass rush threat. He’s been an absolute terror for Florida State all season. He and Demarcus Walker have provided a formidable duo — helping to turn FSU’s floundering defense into virtually a top unit over the course of the season.
He has 5.5 sacks in 2016 plus 9.5 TFL’s. You’ll often find Nnadi a split-second behind Walker in the backfield — and frequently the pair combine to provide stats for each other.
Nnadi is well sized to work as an inside rusher. He’s squatty with an incredibly powerful base. He’s 6-1 and 312lbs and carries the weight really well. He’ll bull-rush his way into the backfield but he’s also capable of flashing a swim/rip or winning with a quick get-off.
It’s his supreme strength and power that sets him apart from other prospects though. We know the Seahawks love unique traits. How about this for Nnadi, per Ryan S. Clark:
Nnadi now can bench 525 pounds and squat an amazing 750. In other words, he’s about 30 pounds away from being able to bench Travis Rudolph, Kermit Whitfield (182 pounds) and Bobo Wilson (184 pounds) all at the same time.
And as for the 750 pounds? It’s like squatting two of freshman offensive lineman Mike Arnold (339 pounds) — and that’s still 72 pounds below his max.
“He’s the strongest guy I’ve ever met in my life,” redshirt sophomore tight end Ryan Izzo said. “When he goes to do max, he fills up the whole bar [with plates]. The bar is bending. When he touches [his butt] on the ground, he’s probably the strongest guy I’ve seen honestly.”
You see this freakish power every week and on virtually every snap. He’s a player that impacts games. He’s a disruptor — a splash play specialist with core production in terms of sacks.
At the next level at the very least you’ll get a guy who can absorb double teams and provide the occasional spark. His upside could be a Kawann Short-style stat-collector. He has a similar size and playing style to Short. They also share a similar concern entering the league. Short’s stamina was seen as an issue at Purdue and Nnadi is spelled a lot more than Walker (who plays virtually every snap). Those troubles haven’t prevented Short making an impact in Carolina — and won’t necessarily be a problem for Nnadi either.
It wouldn’t be a total shock if Nnadi worked his way into late first round contention — if he declares.
Round 3 — Haason Reddick (LB, Temple)
The Seahawks love freaky athletes. At his junior pro-day, Reddick reportedly ran a 4.47 at 6-1 and 235lbs. He also supposedly had a 10-10 in the broad jump and a 36-inch vertical. That’s special.
His production is exceptional too. In 2016 he has 21.5 TFL’s in 12 games, 9.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. He’s a hybrid linebacker/DE and could fit in nicely as a SAM/LEO in Seattle.
He’s a former walk-on who was told there was no place for him on the team. A change of coaching staff at Temple led to one last chance and he took it and eventually earned a scholarship.
Like Bolles and Tomlinson — Reddick hasn’t had it easy. And yet here he is — on the brink of a pro-career and proving people wrong. The guy’s a grown man, you watch his interviews and feel like he’d fit in Seattle’s locker room. Production + athleticism + grit + battling adversity = a potential Seahawk.
Round 3 — Elijah Hood (RB, North Carolina)
Compensatory pick — Bruce Irvin
It feels likely the Seahawks will add a running back at some point during the 2016 draft. The injuries they’ve faced this year and the sudden departure of Christine Michael has tested the depth — and that’s despite coming into the year with some nice options at RB.
We know the Seahawks have a ‘type’ at running back. And while Pete Carroll did admittedly discuss an ‘ideal’ frame during a recent press conference (making reference to a stud athlete at around 230lbs) — they’ve consistently drafted players in the 5-10/220lbs range:
Robert Turbin — 5-10, 222lbs
Spencer Ware — 5-10, 228lbs
Christine Michael — 5-10, 220lbs
C.J. Prosise — 6-0, 220lbs
Alex Collins — 5-10, 217lbs
As noted in this piece I wrote for Field Gulls, they also focus on explosive athleticism. Turbin, Michael and Prosise are all very similar athletes.
Assuming the Seahawks don’t get a shot at the holy grail (Leonard Fournette), they might look to add another runner in the middle rounds.
Elijah Hood competed at the 2013 Nike SPARQ combine and at 6-0 and 221lbs, he ran a 4.48, jumped a 42.5-inch vertical and had a 4.2 in the short shuttle. His SPARQ score is an incredible 133.47 (anything over 130 is considered pretty special).
Hood fits perfectly with the type of runner the Seahawks have drafted in the past. He also has major production — 25 touchdowns in the last two seasons and well over 2000 rushing yards.
You see on tape his willingness to finish runs (also important) and not dip out of bounds voluntarily. He is sudden and capable of breaking off big gains at the second level but he also has the size to run up the gut. His personality is engaging and chatty without being overbearing. If the Seahawks remain consistent in the running backs they target — Hood could easily be on their radar.
Round 6 — Shalom Luani (S, Washington State)
Pete Carroll was asked about the Apple Cup last week and mentioned that they (the Seahawks) had watched a lot of Washington State this year. It might be because they’ve fallen for safety Shalom Luani.
Again, we know the Seahawks love athletes who show grit and fight to make a career out of football. Luani, originally from American Samoa, basically travelled to the U.S. alone with no house, no scholarship and about $400 in his pocket trying to realise his dream of playing college football.
This article highlights how he ended up living in a garage in a house homing 20 players. When they were evicted, a chance encounter led to an opportunity in the JUCO’s and then eventually a shot in the NCAA. It’s an incredible journey and I’d highly recommend checking out the article linked at the beginning of this paragraph.
Luani has played safety and nickel so he has some versatility. He’s been touted as a possible ‘deathbacker’ too — earning praise from the man who virtually invented the position (Deone Bucannon). I watched a couple of games of Wazzu before the Apple Cup and he’s a playmaker — he has eight interceptions in the last two seasons, he hits like a hammer and he could contribute on special teams immediately.
He could go a lot earlier than this but I wanted to include him in this initial seven-round mock — plus Tony Pauline noted him as an UDFA candidate in his pre-season rankings so it’s not totally improbable he could last well into day three.
Round 6 — Kevin King (CB, Washington)
Compensatory pick — J.R. Sweezy
King has great size and like Luani might end up going a lot earlier than this. Tony Pauline projected him in this range during pre-season and a loaded class of corners could see him last a little longer than perhaps his talent warrants.
He’s a bit boom-or-bust at times. There’s no doubting his athletic profile and size (6-3, 195lbs). He’s a playmaker too — his incredible one-handed interception against Arizona State was testament to that. It was only his second pick of the season though and there have been times when teams have had success against King when they try and avoid Sidney Jones on the opposite side of the field.
He could be a nice project for the Seahawks and we know they like to wait until the later rounds or UDFA to draft and develop their cornerbacks.
Round 7 — Dante Pettis (WR, Washington)
The Seahawks have been willing to bring in later round or UDFA receivers — especially from Washington. Pettis isn’t likely to be an early round pick at 6-1 and 190lbs. Like Jermaine Kearse he’s made a lot of nice plays for the Huskies but that didn’t stop him going undrafted.
He is a touchdown maker (14 in 2016) and could be the next Husky given an opportunity to make the roster in Seattle. A lack of great size didn’t put off the Seahawks drafting Kenny Lawler in the seventh round and he had a similarly productive final season for Cal in 2015 (13 touchdowns).
— Other potential targets include:
John Ross (WR, Washington)
Possible range: Round 1
The Seahawks love explosive speed and playmaking quality. Ross has 17 total touchdowns this season with at least one more game to go. He’s battled adversity to come back even stronger after injury setbacks. He’s a twitchy, speedy, scoring machine. They already have Tyler Lockett but one of the more explosive offenses in the NFL (Sunday excluded) is never going to turn their nose up at a guy like this. He probably goes top-20 but if he falls into range, he could be a ‘Hawk.
Dawuane Smoot (EDGE, Illinois)
Possible range: Round 1
He fires off the edge like a cannon and plays with a great intensity. He looks like a LEO prospect who could develop into a SAM like Bruce Irvin. With players like Takk McKinley potentially rising up into the top-12 — prospects like Smoot could last into range for Seattle. The likes of Carl Lawson, Charles Harris and Demarcus Walker are also possibilities.
Obi Melifonwu (S, Connecticut)
Possible range: Round 1
Compared to former UConn safety Byron Jones as an athlete, Melifonwu has lined up in the slot, as a single high safety, at strong safety and blitzing from the SAM this season. He’s an instinctive, big-hitting sure-tackler with the range and size to play multiple positions. He could be tried at corner, he could be used at strong safety or even linebacker like Mark Barron. Expect a big combine performance and a major rise up the boards.
Any of Washington’s defensive front
Possible range: Round 2
Watching them live last week sold me on the potential of this trio (plus Budda Baker was brilliant too). Vita Vea, Elijah Qualls and Greg Gaines are the real deal. I’m not sure which, if any, will declare for the draft — but they all provide a great combination of size, surprising athleticism and tenacity vs the run. Gaines is built like a nose but gets off blocks exceptionally well, Vea looked like the best pass rusher vs ASU but Qualls also has his qualities. Chris Peterson has a good group on both sides of the ball and it’ll be a surprise if the Seahawks don’t tap into this talent stream in 2017.
Jehu Chesson (WR, Michigan)
Possible range: Rounds 2-4
A receiver who does it all — he has special teams value as a gunner or returner, he’s a tremendous run blocker and he can be a clutch receiver. The Seahawks still lack size on the outside at receiver and Chesson could be a good-value, developmental option in this draft class. His run-blocking and special teams ability will get him on the field early in his career.
Adam Bisnowaty (T, Pittsburgh)
Possible range: Rounds 3-5
Ideally suited to kick inside to guard, Bisnowaty was a four-star recruit with a wrestling and basketball background. He’s a tough guy with plus athleticism who plays a bit like Ethan Mathis. Mark Glowinski hasn’t been fantastic so far at left guard and they might look to add some competition there. Bisnowaty’s play has increasingly improved as the season progressed.
Marquis Haynes (LB, Ole Miss)
Possible range: Rounds 4-6
A playmaker for the Rebels with 10 TFL’s, six sacks and eight QB hurries in 2016. He also has three forced fumbles and an interception. If he tests well at the combine he could be a potential SAM/LEO target.
Note — The Seahawks traded their fourth round pick to the Patriots for the chance to draft Quinton Jefferson in 2016. They were also stripped of their fifth round pick due to OTA violations.
It’s also worth remembering there will likely be some money to spend in free agency. According to Spotrac, the Seahawks are estimated to have $27.2m in free cap room in 2017. While some of that will likely go towards rewarding Michael Bennett, Kam Chancellor and possibly Cliff Avril — it likely won’t preclude the Seahawks from being able to fill one or two needs using the open market.
‘His upside could be a Kawann Short-style stat-collector.’ You had me at ‘Short’ Rob.
Draft spot 19 Rob?
Fixed, the Falcons somehow got deleted. Thanks for the heads up.
No problem. Delete it if you like. Great work as always Rob. Also it’s Jabril not Julius. Ok I’m done editing! Sorry! Love the blog!
The Jabrill/Julius thing kills me — I constantly make that mistake over and over again. Thanks for the note.
Well, I’d be really happy with this draft. If we could get Bolles at all I’d consider the draft a win up until we actually saw the players play (then they have to live up to their picks).
I worry about Bolles, @FieldGulls made a good point that if he truly is the best CFB OT in the NFL, the best LT to be more specific, the odds seem very slim he makes it to the last four picks of the 1st round. With how badly teams need OT’s (Panthers, Vikings, Rams, etc) it’s hard to imagine them passing on someone you think is so amazing.
DT, LB, RB all make sense. Safety is a bit more interesting. I guess if we are talking about a R6 guy (assuming he goes there) getting a versatile DB who can play safety, deathbacker, nickel and special teams is a good thing. It’s worth mentioning when you Google him a 2nd degree assault charge is what first comes up. Apparently because a pizza was taking so long to be made at a pizza-place he started yelling and punched someone in the face.
I am down for trying to get Kevin King and putting him through the Pete Carroll Developmental DB school and hoping we can get his play making ability on the field but improve his consistency. A 6’3 200lb DB with his play-making ability opposite Sherm? Yup.
Dante Pettis!!! Yes! I am SO over Kearse. He has been a through and through bust of a re-signing by John this season. He has been the second worst WR in the NFL as of today only behind Nelson A. on the Eagles. He has more OPI’s than anyone else (than 30 other teams), he is dropping almost everything, and I’m tired of his average speed, average hands, average effort, average everything. You aren’t a good WR if you only show up in the playoffs. Time to UPGRADE!!!
Let’s get Pettis and immediately phase Kearse out and Pettis in. Doug, Tyler, Pettis, PRich, McEvoy, Kearse is what I wanna see.
As amazing as Ross is, I would be upset with the pick. I believe last nights game made it all the more clear that it doesn’t matter if you have the best slot receiver in the NFL, the second best TE in the NFL, one of the best RB’s in the NFL, and one of the best QB’s in the NFL on your offense if your OL sucks. If we aren’t going to pay for quality OL talent in FA (not saying there is any) then we need to continue to acquire it through the draft. IF Bolles is there in R1 and we don’t take him but instead take a non offensive linemen I’ll be furious. It is clear as day that even when our defense holds a team to 14 points, and the teams defense SUCKS…our offense can’t operate with a truly disgusting OL.
Maybe Bolles won’t be there for Seattle — but until I start seeing him getting projected early I’m comfortable putting him with the ‘Hawks. He’s 25 next year and that could be an issue for some teams.
I really, really, really hope you are right. Right now I’m at an all time low this season because Fant had his worst game and the coaches pulled Gilliam after 3-4 snaps in favor of Sowell who IMO is a downgrade and has no upside unlike Gilliam. I also wonder what their thinking was for not benching Fant in favor of Rees at LT if Fant was having such huge issues with that DE who kept whopping his ass.
Going into this draft and not getting a (quality) OT who can compete and potentially start his rookie year would hurt. We’d have continuity on our side if we went into 2017 with Fant-Glow-Britt-Ifedi-Gilliam but I still worry about the OT’s in that situation. I liked Rees a lot in his start but it was limited reps. God forbid the FO thinks they can move Ifedi out to RT and then try and it go badly and then they hurt Ifedi’s development & psyche.
Carroll I think Carroll was fairly critical of Fant in his Monday presser today, as much as you would hear out of him about one of his players, and then when asked later about Odhiambo, I think he mentioned that he is in competition at LT. There might be a short leash for Fant if he doesn’t back against Carolina.
He also seemed a bit critical about Ifedi as well, but not as much.
I didn’t hear the presser but it sounds like an acknowledgement on Carroll’s part that the abysmal OL play vs TBB wasn’t because Britt was out, or because Hunt did anything wrong. Rather it was individual failures on the part of Fant and Ifedi in particular (and to a lesser extent Sowell who just looked lost). Fant and Ifedi both simply got beat soundly by their defensive opponents.
McCoy is one of the best/savviest DTs in the League playing at his peak. Not hard to understand how he beat a rookie like Ifedi so much. As for Fant, even though Spence is a very promising talent with a lot of speed off the edge, he’s still a rookie going up against another rookie. And Fant seemed totally unable to make adjustments to compensate or account for Spence.
In terms of Ifedi, he did say that possibly not having Britt beside him might have effected him, eluding to probably Britt being able to correct the protections. I think he was less critical on Ifedi than the bluntness he used towards Fant. But I will say that watching Ifedi follow that DT on the inside out stunt and not picking up the DE was just a brutal ugly thing to watch, as bad as Fant looked.
Re watching the presser, Carroll said Hunt did well with making the calls and run blocking, Sowell did okay at RT, Fant struggled, and then when asked about Ifedi, he quickly said “nobody played well.” It wasn’t communication, it was execution.
The times I focused on Hunt he was locked onto a player and holding his own against him. I’m not sure that he was doing anything sophisticated beyond that like getting to the second level, but he wasn’t getting bull rushed either.
Ifedi and Fant looked slow against the rush. With Fant I would really like to see him use his hands more and really punch/push that defender out into space and then follow him and push again. Seemed like the defender would get his body into him and just rush by him. If nothing else he should be able to get one good punch into the guy before he gets by him.
Re: Luani. Charges weren’t filed against him. DA believed it was very plausible it was self-defense. Video shows words being exchanged and a kid grabs at him. Luani shoves him in the face. DA concludes video shows his head move back but no contact with any object like the police report claimed. 4 kids followed him outside, where a witness said luani was jumped and given a concussion from having his head pushed into a car. Police report included the testimony of the 4 guys (all friends and involved in the incident), but not of the actual witness. It caused quite a stir within the Pullman police department and the dept. spokesman was relegated due to inaccurate statements. Not Luani’s shining moment, but I just wanted to clarify there were definitely differing accounts of what took place
I’m really happy to read this. Thanks!
They were pulling Gilliam no matter what. They wanted a few series from him and that was it.
Was rumored they were gonna possibly do this a few weeks ago.
Gilliam has been the biggest disappointment.
Great stuff Rob…hearing PC talk about the WRs last night, part of me thinks they would sprint to the podium if Mike Williams was there (and he is in your scenario). Just my opinion, but that seems like the WR that PC would drool over and considering his comments on the WRs lately (and having to watch Kearse seemingly half-ass everything), it’s a long shot but it wouldn’t shock me.
Hard to argues Bolles, but I’ve made this point before; I’m always extremely wary of overaged prospects who play in the trenches in college. While weight room strength might not be all that different, I do believe there is a massive physical maturity advantage being that much older than the competition. That said, if they have conviction, it’d sure be nice to plug in an OT, even if it’s just RT and not have to worry about that position after what we saw over the weekend.
Reddick sounds like he was born to be a Seahawk. Gotta love grit + premiere athleticism. Still amazes me guys like this and Bobby Wagner weren’t recognized by better programs. I don’t think they magically became elite athletes.
Not terribly sure what to think of R2. Hard to argue against depth on the DL but I gotta say I would definitely lean towards pass rush.
Last comment, not terribly sure the 49ers want send that high of a pick to the Packers for Julius Peppers ;). Just playing. Great work per usual!
I could see them liking Williams depending on the combine.
Great writeup Rob! Lots of incredible info to get mind off that game on Sunday. Thanks!
Bolles is the perfect pick for me. If he goes earlier what are your thoughts on Dan Feeney at Guard then moving Ifedi out to RT?
Love the Nnadi pick as well! How about Demarcus Walker in Rd #1 and Nnadi in Rd #2 if top OL prospects are off the board. Add them with Reed, Jefferson and Rubin and the middle of our DL would be set for the next 4-5 years.
Walker in top-15 in this mock. Too good not to be.
I agree completely but I see him late in Rd 1 or not at all in a lot of the National guys mocks. I am a huge fan of his play and leadership so it seemed odd to me.
Are you not a fan of Feeney?
I like him but doubt he tests brilliantly. That will limit his stock.
I came across something recently online suggesting that some scouts have simmered a bit on Feeney, kinda suggesting a decent floor but not a high ceiling, and not someone to strongly consider taking R1.
Hi Rob,
Would only question a few things in the Top 40: Kizer, McGinley (yes he will declare) nor Adoree Jackson are missing. IMO Anzalone, Obi, Sutton will go later as prospects with great potential but a lack of production & polish.
Interesting Hawks draft…I like it. You had me at ‘Bolles’, love the idea of a big DT but leaning towards Wormley or Taco or Walker for more outside/inside pressure if they make it that far, an athletic LB is a good shout in R3 and I also like Anzalone, Marquis Hayes or Ejiun Price (all available per Pauline in 3), love King & Pettis who looks like a ‘faster, higher jumping, better shiftiness’ Kearse. Was thinking Luani will be an FA target. Only guy I’m not sure about is Hood, still fascinated with drafting Chubb..
Other guys – what about the MICH FB? What about CLEM WR Williams in R1? What about Engram in R2?
Kizer — not convinced he will declare and his play hasn’t justified a high mark
McGinley — insists he won’t declare so until that changes not including him
Jackson — what is he at the next level? More of a R2 IMO
No worries, your mock so your prerogative. However, in response, Pauline and others have Kizer going and high and I tend to agree, Mcginley rumours surfacing he may change his mind and with such a thin class I think he should (plus it moves Bolles down the board to us!), not sure what else Adoree can do to convince you, Pauline now arguing he is better than Peppers (which is probably more pointed at Peppers being overrated).
BTW add another great prospect you pointed out ages ago to the LB search – Josy Jewell…. love his aggression
At this point I’m assuming Kizer doesn’t declare. His accuracy has been really hit or miss all year. He needs games in college.
For Dante Pettis, I would be really surprised to see him declare after his jr season only to be drafted in the 7th rd. I would think he would declare only if he hears that he’s a 1st or 2nd day pick
OL is a big need. But it really seems like DL, RB and LB are too. Avril and Bennett are getting older and only Clark has shown the ability to get to the QB. Still have not replaced Irvin. PL and Coyle can’t do it.
Any ideas on guys in the 1st round that may solve those needs?
Avril is in the middle of a career season and Bennett is still extremely effective. I don’t think there’s any reason to feel like they can’t play another 2-3 years at least and therefore there’s no real rush to prepare to replace them. As you can see in the top-40 projection there are lots of options but again, with needs elsewhere having three fantastic rushers is three more than a lot of teams have.
In the mock I have Reddick going to Seattle. A SAM/LEO. I also have them taking a DL, RB and a LB.
And well done, but more wondering about a more impact player at those spots.
What about Chubb or Formean as RB prospects?
Chubb is, unfortunately, clearly not the player he was pre-injury. I wouldn’t see him as more of an impact player at RB. Foreman I’m not sold on — need to see his workout at the combine. Bigger back, was only a 2-star recruit.
After watching about four or five game this weekend some guys I like middle to late rounds.
Paul Magloire JR OLB from Arizona guy is undersized but makes plays
Witherspoon CB Colorado thought he played well against Utah listed at 6’2
Jonathan Ford S Auburn could be a Kelcie Mccray replacement good in the box can play the slot and verstatile on ST.
Honestly I like any of the Colorado DBs
Thompson is a stud. Awuzie is a stud. Witherspoon is right there with them.
Good team on the back end.
Really really looking forward to watching them against the Huskies. Two good defensive teams, but Wash is by far the better Offense.
Awuzie has 29″ arms. He’s much better as a safety prospect.
Rob, check our Pauline’s latest remarks on Kevin King. His length and athleticism screams “Seahawk corner,” but his stock has risen. Tony reported that he’s a likely day 2 pick.
http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=11452
I think if the Seahawks got Bolles he would help the the O line tremendously. However you’ve mentioned several times how weak the O line talent is after Bolles. If the Seahawks don’t get him, do you think there’s any offensive lineman on the FA market, or potential cap casualties who they might be interested in?
Possibly. It’s tough to analyse thoroughly at the moment without knowing who will/won’t declare and how they’ll perform at the combine (will need to be an explosive athlete to go early).
Probably the most accurate pick in the draft
Round 2 — Derrick Nnadi (DT, Florida State)**
If the knock on him is that he needs to take some breaks during games….. and Seattle already rotates DL in and out… appears to be a perfect fit to me. The part that caught my eye was when it was mentioned he could go in the later first round…. sounds dangerously close to the pre draft prediction for Reed, who slide to the second round.
I’m still having a VERY hard time seeing Seattle going OT in the 1st round. I could, however, really see them going for the pick of Obi Melifonwu (S, Connecticut) round #1. I think the reason(s) should be obvious. Kam could be getting close to the end… having missed multiple games in multiple seasons due to injury. Seattle always drafts 1-2 years ahead…. and Bam Bam Kam may not make it more than 2 more years. Absolutely a quality pick of an exceptional athlete and talent.
Round 6 — Shalom Luani (S, Washington State)
If you pair this guy up with who I just mentioned…. young and cheap Safeties for the next 3-4 years that can be quality back-ups + huge upside + upgrade depth at a position that appears a bit thin to me.
Just do it PC/JS, thank me (or Rob) later.
I wish I’d been able to watch more CFB this year so I could form my own opinions on certain prospects but I wasn’t so I can’t.
Did you cool on Evan Engram?
I still really like Engram — it’s just others have emerged that go ahead of him for now. Still a top-60 type player for me.
I think this is the ideal draft. I think there’s no question that if Bolles is still at Seattle’s pick they take him. Alternatively, if they can’t go OL early, I’d love for John Ross to be sitting there and they snag him up, or some other WR playmaker who has an invisible halo over his head that says the word “Special.”
It would also be great to see Seattle take another DT early. Nnadi is probably the ideal, but even if the player comps more towards Jarran Reed, I don’t think that’s terrible. Each game, I feel Reed is showing some potential as an interior rusher. Yesterday he blew through the B gap on one play but Winston was in a deep drop and was brilliant to elude and extend. The thing is that they are having him play both DT positions. Getting another player who can play both would only add to the versatility. I like the idea of a guy like Tomlinson, maybe even Jaleel Johnson.
I think the guy I am most intrigued and excited with not Bolles in this mock as Reddick. I watched Temple v Connecticut a few weeks ago just to check out Dion Dawkins, and Reddick was the one I excited about. He was a hand full whether his hand was in dirt, or in space.
I gotta check out Luani more now, but i’ve been thinking Kevin King as a mid to late round pick for Seattle pretty much the whole season long. Was it Pauline recently who thought he might end up a day two pick?
IMO, I think Pettis might end up being a better player than Kearse, but I also think it might do him better to stay in school another year, and maybe not be known as the other receiver who isn’t John Ross.
Hood makes too much sense. I’d be shocked if they didn’t take a back in this draft almost more than any other position.
Surprised you haven’t checked out Luani. ?
Iowa DT Jaleel Johnson definetly has the motor, and length with 33″ arms. Really good #’s too.
Yeah, I’m surprised too. For whatever reason, I haven’t caught as many Cougar games this year. Outside of the Huskies in the PAC 12, I kinda got caught up in what’s been going on with Colorado, and the happenings with the Utes.
Definitely on the Jaleel Johson bandwagon. This years class looks absolutely loaded at DL again.
He’s a guy me and sdcoug have been discussing. You’ll notice him right away. He jumps out at ya.
For me, he’s got a Jabril Peppers like versatility and a skill set a little bit like Colorado’s Chidobe Awuzie when he’s down near the LOS.
Cool. Apologies to sdcoug for being so Dawg centric this year. I know Wash St had a decent defense this year. I’ll definitely follow this kid out during their bowl game. I like the Hawks to go safety at some point.
Where do you think Adoree Jackson goes in the draft? He is very raw at corner, but possesses elite recovery speed and can be a pretty exciting player to watch. I would love your insight on where you think he will go in the draft.
As always thank you for all that you do.
Longtime viewer of your blog,
Justin
Second round at the moment for Jackson IMO.
I would love to see Pete get an athlete like Jackson and see what he could do with him. He has awful technique but wow what an athlete.
New fact. Only one player has more than 3 red zone targets and 0 catches. That player happens to be Kearse
And he has 9 targets
Do you think that it’s lack of effort (after getting paid), injury, or just the athletic limitations has caught up to him?
No matter what the issue, they should open up that second receiver spot for competition this offseason if Pete is truly about always compete.
As a result of the Hawks having cut Webb, I see that overthecap now has us getting a second sixth-round compensatory pick, this one for Okung. Do you think that is likely, Rob? What if we cut Sowell? Would we get the sixth rounder for Mebane as well?
http://overthecap.com/compensatory-draft-picks-cancellation-chart/
My understanding was the deadline to cut Webb/Sowell and have it work into the 2017 comp formula had passed. But I might be wrong.
he turns 25 next May so he’s not necessarily a 10-year option in the NFL
I don’t claim to speak for any NFL evaluators, least of all Seattle’s, but I would venture that the real concern about an elevated age is [or ought to be] the front end of the career: it should reduce one’s confidence in one’s tape evaluation (because you’re seeing a 25-year-old dominate 20-year-olds) and raise a red flag about the player’s pro development arc (has he already maxed out? how much better can he get during the narrow window of his athletic prime?)
That’s exactly my concern, especially when talking about a prospect who plays in the trenches. Such a monumental advantage.
On the Pettis-Kearse comparison, note that Kearse tanked statistically his senior season. As a Junior with Locker at QB he broke 60 catches/1000 yards and had 12 TDs. If he comes out that year I’d guess here would have been at least a mid-round pick. Instead he came back and with a new QB and tweaked offense his production fell off 30-40%, so he went UDFA.
Pettis would be coming off 14 TDs and counting and has shown he’s also a weapon on punt returns (including a game-winner against Utah) and trick plays, and he’s doing it for a top-5 team/possible conference champ and playoff team, instead of a 7-win Sark special. His physical profile puts a ceiling on his draft stock but if he comes out I don’t think he’ll last to the 7th.
Love the Shalom Luani, Reddick, and Tomlinson pick. 3 guys I’ve been very high on all season.
Kevin King is very Seahawky. Let’s see how long he lasts. Should be interesting.
I think it might be pretty iffy that he makes it to R6 personally. Another PAC 12 corner kinda in the same mold I think the Hawks could be hot after is Ahkello Witherspoon from Colorado. 6-3 195lbs.
I much prefer him to Sidney Jones. I like Sidney, but if he doesn’t go to a cover 3 or zone heavy defense, he’ll be killed. Man beaters will eat him alive.
A big part of me think Sidney would do really well in Seattle’s defense, but I’d love to see Kris Richard get his mitts on Kevin King.
Illinois DE Dawaune Smoot. Man there’s a guy I’ve soured on big time. If he’s not getting a sack, he’s not doing anything. Has no gap discipline, and is awful against the run.
I never knew this. Its actually pretty incredible.
Von Miller is not only allergic to grass, he’s got asthma, and has like 40/20 vision.
Hi Rob- are you planning to write up an article reflecting on this years 1st round rookies?
Possibly — it’s certainly something we’ll probably get into in a future podcast.
Though Denver has plenty of cap space in 2017, if they decided to part ways with Okung after one season rather than take his $11.7M 2017 cap hit vs $1M in dead cap would Seattle have interest in him on a team friendly deal? Does he look washed up this year or is he still about the same (an average level starting LT)?
I think Okung has struggled.
Denver are an interesting team to watch with this draft coming up.
2 extra 3rd rounders and an extra 4th, and Elway is known for being aggressive.
Anyone out there a USC buff? I was watching tape of the Alabama game to see LG Damien Mama and though he looked decent against the Tide he was rotating offensive series with #77. Was that an anomaly in one game or is it fatigue/conditioning issue that he can’t play a full game? He’s got my interest from what I’ve seen. Ginormous dude. Gets push nearly every play, moves well. Got cleanly beat only once that I saw in pass pro against that crazy Alabama D.
Banner got abused at RT. Haven’t looked at Wheeler yet at LT.
It’s a conditioning thing. Mama is (or rather was) seriously overweight. He’s trimmed down a bit over the course of the season but he’s still too heavy. He’s a bull in the run game, but his prodigious bulk is a liability in pass pro.
Solomon Thomas to the Rams Rob?
That’s all we need. The Rams sole purpose is not to win football games, it’s to kill Russell Wilson.
I have been wondering about the Sam position it really wasn’t address during the draft or anytime during off season.I hope the next we can find a special athlete who can rush the passer.I wonder if the Hawks would ever put 6 O lineman on the line during passing situation.or putting Nick Vannett next to Russ in the backfield.and have him help block a rusher come off the edge
I’m not totally convinced the SAM is a major need for them. If they can add a SAM/LEO then great — but a pure SAM will be off the field most of the snaps if he isn’t a pass rusher and if you’ve got MB, CA and FC on the field (plus Marsh) there’s not much room for another. It’s more a case of if a prospect is there you consider it — if not, no biggie.
‘Bama WR Ardarius Stewart is a gem. Really hope he comes out.
6’1, 205 one of if not the best route runner in this class, extremely sudden, a good/willing run blocker, and does this guy play pissed off/with an edge or what?
Any thoughts on a couple WR?
Amba Etta Tawo- Syracuse
James Washington- Oklahoma State
Theres some thints I really like about Etta-Tawo. He’s a jump ball specialist. Plays the game in honor of his brother who died of a heart condition. His production this year was simply amazing. He’s a SR bowl invite. Smooth in and out of his breaks, very smart. Has a weird type though. Really ‘leggy.’ Not very physical, a one year wonder, where was the production and playing time at Maryland? Day 3 guy for me. 4th-5th round.
Washington is a big/chunk play specialist and another monster production wise, but I question his route running. Playing at OK St its all 9 and GO routes, and how much of that production is inflation? Not much of a blocker, bit of a straight line speed guy. He’s pretty physical though after the catch and uses his body to shield defenders well. Has an impressive ability to track the deep ball over his shoulder. Plays the ball well in the air. Thing I like most about him? He’s a RB playing or in a WRs body. 3rd-4th rounder IMO.
Any love for these prospects?
BYU S Kai Nacua – SS prospect with good size, decent speed, and is a serious ball hawk
CLEM DT Carlos Watkins – a pure 3T prospect with 31 tackles, 7 TFL, 6.5 sacks
Ole Miss OLB Marquis Haynes – SAM/LEO prospect w/ 41 tackles, 10 TFL, 6 sacks, 3 FF, 3 PBU, & 1 INT
ILL OLB Carroll Phillips – another SAM/LEO prospect with good size, 47 tackles, 17 TFL, 8 sacks
TEN RB Alvin Kamara – 5’10” 215lbs slasher type with good hands and route running ability
Phillips is interesting. He’s a try hard type of guy. Former JUCO product. BC’s Harold Landry is another interesting LEO type. He’s got length, great bend, a bit raw technique wise.
I like Carlos Watkins. Intriguing.
Haynes was mentioned by Rob above in the post.
Kamara is a good back. Is he too similar to Prosise? I’m not sure if NC St RB Matt Dayes is a fit, but he’s s guy Rob mentioned earlier that is going to end up a steal for someone on day 3.
I wanna see what Dayes checks in at weight wise.
Hey Rob,
Cheers again for the great reads!
Thoughts on Malachi Dupre from LSU or Corey Davis from Western Michigan to upgrade the passing game?
Dupre — hard to judge him because LSU’s QB situation has been laughable since Mettenberger turned pro. I believe he will jump a great vertical at the combine, not sure he’ll have a really sudden, explosive forty though. Corey Davis is solid but I find it very hard to get excited about him.
Hey Rob.
I know beyond Bolles, the dearth of OT coming out looks pretty bleak. Couple questions;
1. If another tackle needy team snags Bolles in front of Seattle, is there any other prospects you think they might take, even if it’s a perceived reach?
I know you wrote a bit a while back on Dion Dawkins, and I looked at him (and pleasantly discovered Reddick). Having watched a few USC games, it looks like Chad Wheeler could play on Sundays. Any thoughts on these two?
2. Alternatively, part of me thinks there’s a decent chance that the RT position might already be on the roster in Germain Ifedi, that the move to RG was just to get him used to playing with his hand in the dirt. Going into the season it’s been my preference to keep him at guard, still is, but this team has shown the pattern of moving players around in following seasons. Is there a decent chance in your mind that they take a guard early, and kick this kid outside? Say an athletic Bisnotway to LG, and Glowinski to RG, where I think they originally liked Glow to play?
I’m not a fan of Elijah Hood. I’ve looked a film. He isn’t explosive, doesn’t cut. His numbers don’t tell the story better than film does. Hood, like many college backs, have highlight reels full of easy runs staight through gaping holes. Even with these, Hood is just average.
I think the Hawks should find a feature back in the upper rounds. I like Bulldogs Nick Chubb, Sony Michel.
I think that’s way too dismissive of Hood. And Chubb has not shown the ability to be a feature back post-injury this season. Michel was MIA for most of the season too.