There were strong themes throughout this class.
Leadership, toughness, physical ideals, commitment to identity and special teams.
There’s also a potential problem that we’ll get onto in a moment.
Firstly, here’s Seattle’s complete 2019 draft board:
#29 (R1) L.J. Collier (DE, TCU)
#47 (R2) Marquise Blair (S, Utah)
#64 (R2) D.K. Metcalf (WR, Ole Miss)
#92 (R3) Cody Barton (LB, Utah)
#120 (R4) Gary Jennings (WR, West Virginia)
#124 (R4) Phil Haynes (G, Wake Forest)
#132 (R4) Ugo Amadi (S, Oregon)
#142 (R5) Ben Burr-Kirven (LB, Washington)
#204 (R6) Travis Homer (RB, Miami)
#209 (R6) Demarcus Christmas (DT, Florida State)
#236 (R7) John Ursua (WR, Hawaii)
Using NFL.com and Bob McGinn’s superb website, here are quotes on every player…
L.J. Collier — “Collier’s toughness, size and strength are traits seen typically from players who develop into quality starting ends.”
Marquise Blair — “He got three targeting penalties on purpose. If he wasn’t crazy I’d take him in the second round.”
D.K. Metcalf — “DK’s a freak… You line him up at X and he’s taking the lid off coverage. That’s what he’s doing. Smart kid. Loves football.”
Cody Barton — “Man, that (bleep) is a football player… He’s all over the field… A really strong, aggressive guy at the point of attack and a really consistent finisher.”
Gary Jennings — “Jennings was one of the fastest players at the Senior Bowl, according to Zebra Technology tracking, and his 4.42 combine time and huge numbers in explosive testing are sure to push him up draft boards.”
Phil Haynes — “Powerful guard prospect with well-built frame that can handle more mass. Haynes was a four-year starter and is known for durability and leadership.”
Ugo Amadi — “He’s strong and physical in press and is a willing run supporter which gives him a shot as a sub-package down safety with punt return talent.”
Ben Burr-Kirven — “He’s a (expletive) good player… Guy’s all over the field. Fun to watch. Tough and instinctive. Plays with his hair on fire. Good athlete. Good in space. All-out effort. Most productive player that I saw. High motor, finds the ball, runs well.”
Travis Homer — “A little undersized, but runs big and he already possesses NFL-level toughness in pass protection.”
Demarcus Christmas — “Upper-body power and twitch to pop and shed single blocks… Has some ability to batter the pocket with his rush.”
John Ursua — “His vision and ability to create plays with the ball in his hands makes him very hard to defend and bring down when in space. Ursua has extremely sticky hands and brings in just about anything that’s thrown his way.”
Last year they committed to reclaiming their identity. They became younger and hungrier, re-established the running game and made a necessary turn. This draft takes things a step further. They selected strong, tough, physical players with speed.
They’ve bolstered the depth and quality of their roster while significantly improving special teams. The likes of Blair, Barton, Amadi, Burr-Kirven and Homer might not start in 2019. They will, however, have a great chance to begin their careers as high-impact special teamers.
I wanted to embed this tweet because it’s important:
Evaluating your team’s draft:
1) Do the picks indicate an internally inconsistent “how we win/what we value” philosophy?
2) Is it a valid/sound philosophy?
I say this is as a Steeler fan who has watched them lurch between production, measureables, leadership as a draft ethos https://t.co/xEMNZJzzZl
— Sigmund Bloom (@SigmundBloom) April 27, 2019
Internal consistency and an established vision that you stick to and believe in is vital in the NFL. Following the two Super Bowls, Seattle lost their way. The running game collapsed. ‘All-in’ became ‘always-complaining’. As players became older and more cynical, the team suffered.
The reset was a return to clarity. A fresh commitment to the preferred identity and vision. When your team knows what it wants to be and builds accordingly — you give yourself the best chance to succeed.
So what else can we say about this draft class?
Firstly, they got better value than most people will have you believe. Taking D.K. Metcalf at #64 is fantastic value considering he was being touted as a top-10 pick after the combine. I’ve been mocking L.J. Collier in the top-40 since the Senior Bowl plus Marquise Blair in round two. They went in the range they were supposed to go.
Cody Barton was a projected second or third round pick (taken in round three) and Ben Burr-Kirven was graded in round three by Bob McGinn’s sources (they got him in round five).
Furthermore, by trading down the Seahawks were able to acquire value similar to a top-10 pick:
Top 5 teams in terms of added value in draft pick trades (Rosen trade not included) thus far, and the equivalent pick of that value:
Seahawks No. 6 or 7 pick
Vikings Late 1st-round
Colts Early 2nd-round
Bengals Early 3rd-round
Dolphins Early 4th-round— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) April 27, 2019
If anyone tells you they were reaching for players and trading down was a waste, don’t listen to them.
With mystery surrounding Doug Baldwin’s future they landed a receiver many expected to go in round one (D.K. Metcalf), followed up by selecting another who screams Seahawks in Gary Jennings and then traded back into the seventh round to get John Ursua.
For years Carroll has sought a big, dynamic target. Now he has one in Metcalf. He’s probably the most boom or bust player in the draft but with the last pick in round two, it was worth a shot. Is he David Boston? Is he Josh Gordon? We’ll find out.
Jennings is a classic Seahawks receiver and ticks every box. He ran a 4.42 and jumped a 37-inch vertical. He’s 6-1 and 214lbs. He had a 75% catch rate in 2018 and showed he’s a very capable deep receiver who can operate in the slot too. He clocked a top speed of 21.03mph at the Senior Bowl. He was destined to end up in Seattle.
The Seahawks gave up a 2020 sixth rounder to move back into the seventh round to select John Ursua. He led the FBS with 16 receiving touchdowns in 2018. He’s been carrying a hamstring injury but still competed at his pro-day, running a 4.58 forty, a 6.78 three cone and jumping a 10-0 broad jump. Apparently he runs a 4.08 short shuttle. He’s 5-9 and 178lbs.
Having already drafted two receivers, they likely felt they couldn’t convince Ursua to sign as an undrafted free agent and wanted to make sure they got him.
Many people have asked if the Seahawks still pay attention to explosive traits on the offensive line. The pick of Phil Haynes shows they do. When we did our TEF scores this year, Haynes was the second most explosive offensive lineman in the class scoring a 3.22.
Only Iosua Opeta (3.62) beat him.
The next six names on the list were:
Chris Lindstrom (3.18)
Garrett Bradbury (3.15)
Andre Dillard (3.13)
Erik McCoy (3.05)
Kaleb McGary (3.02)
Elgton Jenkins (3.01)
That’s pretty good company and speaks not only to Haynes’ physical potential but the value Seattle got by taking him in round four.
He’s a four-year starter, a team captain and he has great size (6-4, 322lbs, 33.5-inch arms). He’s known for durability and leadership. He can provide competition at both guard spots immediately.
Travis Homer is smaller than they’ve usually preferred at running back (he’s 5-10 and 201lbs). However, he’s fast and explosive — running a 4.48 and jumping a 38.5 inch vertical. He plays bigger than his size and excels in pass protection. Don’t be surprised if Homer has the inside track on the third-down role (especially if C.J. Prosise fails to take his last chance in Seattle).
Charles Davis mentioned on the NFL Network that Homer was a quality special teamer.
What have they gained on defense?
They added two linebackers with the kind of agility and quickness they’ve been craving for years. After the 2016 season Pete Carroll noted they needed to find some youth at the linebacker position. They’d relied on Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright for years. In 2016 both players practically played every snap. They needed some relief.
The Seahawks proceeded to ignore the position in the subsequent draft and only drafted Shaquem Griffin a year ago. The reason? College football simply hasn’t been pumping their type of linebacker into the league.
So what is their type?
We identified the short shuttle as a key test two years ago. Cody Barton ran a 4.03 short shuttle (the fastest among linebackers at the combine) and Ben Burr-Kirven ran a 4.09 (third fastest among linebackers at the combine).
Barton’s 4.03 is the second fastest among linebackers in the last five years. Burr-Kirven’s 4.09 is the eighth fastest in that time frame.
Throw in the physicality and passion for the game with that quickness and agility and you have a pair of Seahawks linebackers. Having waited so long and with such a dearth of players matching their ideals in the last few years, it’s no wonder they took this opportunity to add both Barton and Burr-Kiven.
Strike while the iron is hot.
You might ask why they drafted two linebackers after re-signing Mychal Kendricks and K.J. Wright. There a couple of reasons I think. Firstly — both Barton and Burr-Kiven are quick and work well in space. The Seahawks haven’t got close to slowing the Rams down in the last three meetings between the two teams. Now they have the personnel to be creative and try to get a handle on LA’s misdirection-heavy offense.
The Patriots showed a way to combat the Rams and it included safety/linebacker hybrids playing up at the LOS purposely to take away the sweeps, reverses and plays in space.
Secondly — Bobby Wagner is a free agent next year. Everyone assumes a deal is a formality. As we’ve seen with Frank Clark that’s not always the case. Kendricks is only contracted for 2019 and Wright’s new deal is for two-years but has an out after 2019. They might be fine at linebacker this year but the future is far from certain. Now they have some depth at the position after years of relying too heavily on Wagner and Wright.
Here’s what I wrote about L.J. Collier before the draft:
Collier is one of my favourite players in the draft. I wish he tested better but here’s the facts — he’s a bad ass who wins with power, hand-use, speed, stunts and setting up blockers.
Aside from a great attitude, toughness, the ability to rush the passer in multiple ways and his likeness to Michael Bennett — Pete Carroll noted pressure percentages during the off-season.
Collier’s pressure percentage in 2018 was 19.2%. Here’s how he compares to two of the bigger names in the draft who also went in round one:
Montez Sweat — 20.2%
Brian Burns — 19.7%
L.J. Collier — 19.2%
Now let’s compare overall pressures:
Josh Allen — 57
Clelin Ferrell — 56
L.J. Collier — 54
Chase Winovich — 53
Montez Sweat — 48
Clearly the numbers prove he was right up there with the best pass rushers in this draft based on production. He might not be flashy or have the big name status. He was highly productive, however.
He also has an excellent 82-inch wingspan and 34-inch arms despite his relatively modest height (6-2). He uses his length well. Hand-use and technique is so important at the next level. College speed rushers often flame out because it’s so easy in the NCAA to run beyond bad offensive tackles. Speed-to-power is the key in the NFL. You have to be able to engage/disengage, win with a push-pull or club/rip. Can you bull-rush? Fight through a block? Collier does all of these things and still flashes the ability to win crashing the edge.
Marquise Blair is a player we consistently mocked in round two. His speed (4.48) and sledgehammer hitting stood out on tape. He needs some coaching — especially to avoid flags. That’s where Seattle excels — developing defensive backs. The Seahawks could reclaim a fear factor at the second level with this pick.
Before taking Blair, Earl Thomas was the only defensive back they’d drafted in the first two rounds in the Carroll era. That goes to show how highly they must rate him.
Ugo Amadi was voted a permanent team captain at Oregon. He’s described as good in run support which is important for the Seahawks. It seems like he could be competing for the nickel spot, replacing Justin Coleman. He had big production in 2018 including five TFL’s, 1.5 sacks, three interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), eight pass breakups and he scored on a punt return.
Demarcus Christmas was once considered a possible mid-round prospect but never really took the next step at Florida State. He’s not your typical Seahawks defensive tackle — he has sub-33 inch arms (32 3/4 inches) and he ran a 5.07 short shuttle. He has potential and upside and they only spent a sixth round flier to acquire him.
If you were hoping for physical football players who play with speed and intensity, you’ll like this class. If you wanted the Seahawks to build up their defense, special teams and add targets amid concerns about Doug Baldwin’s future — you’ll like this class.
So what’s the one glaring issue that remains?
Pass rush.
The Seahawks needed to build up their defensive line even before trading Frank Clark yet they only added L.J. Collier at #29 and Demarcus Christmas in round six.
Here are the changes on the defensive line since last season:
IN — L.J. Collier, Cassius Marsh, Nate Orchard, Demarcus Christmas
OUT — Frank Clark, Shemar Stephen, Dion Jordan
Losing their top pass rusher is a big loss. The Seahawks need to replace Clark’s threat and production. They’re also left relying on young players. Collier, Rasheem Green and Jacob Martin are not Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril and Chris Clemons.
This could be a big problem for the Seahawks barring a huge increase in performance by Green and Martin. It’s difficult to be optimistic about the pass rush and run defense — two areas that were adequate at best in 2018.
Could they have done more in this draft? Perspective is needed. Despite the depth of quality on the D-line the draft never quite fell for them to take advantage. The top linemen went early limiting their options in the first two rounds. The EDGE rushers in particular evaporated.
There’s not really much they could’ve done. Run through each of Seattle’s picks and you’ll see what I mean. The linemen came off the board in awkward areas.
There’s no doubt they will add veterans when the compensatory picks are no longer affected next week. They already met with Allen Bailey, Corey Liuget and Al Woods in the last week — suggesting they anticipated this being an issue. They can sign Nick Perry at any point because he was cut by the Packers. Ziggy Ansah is also available although he’s still recovering from shoulder surgery.
Are any of these players the answer? It’s hard to imagine they’ll provide a solution.
So what are they going to do?
They have eleven 2020 picks. Will they make trades for veterans? Possibly.
And consider this — they have cap room now with Clark gone. That cap space will increase further if Doug Baldwin retires.
Would they enquire about Houston’s Jadeveon Clowney? Reportedly he’s been put on the trade block.
Are they more prepared to pay him as a proven game-wrecker and former #1 overall pick than they were Frank Clark? Would they give the Texans a first round pick? Is that even the asking price?
Are there any alternatives?
They have to do something because the D-line doesn’t look up to scratch currently. It’d be a shame if all the promise emanating from this draft class and last years re-set was let down by a sub-standard defensive line.
One quick final point on Clowney vs Clark. It’s worth noting that in the last three seasons Clowney has recorded 54 TFL’s. In 2016 and 2017 he was either ranked first or second in the NFL for TFL’s. In that same three year period, Clark has 32 TFL’s.
Here’s the TFL breakdown:
2018
Clowney — 16 (11th in NFL)
Clark — 11 (40th in NFL)
2017
Clowney — 21 (2nd in NFL)
Clark — 10 (47th in NFL)
2016
Clowney — 17 (1st in NFL)
Clark — 11 (29th in NFL)
Total
Clowney — 54
Clark — 32
It’s something to consider when weighing up whether they’d be willing to pay one player and not the other.
What else didn’t they get?
They may be disappointed not to tap into the depth at tight end (although the need at receiver perhaps took some of the attention there).
It was also a surprise that they didn’t draft a single outside cornerback to come in and compete. This will likely be a target area in undrafted free agency.
Quotes, videos and notes on Seattle’s picks
Check out Brett Kollman’s video breakdown of D.K. Metcalf:
Metcalf was listed as the #1 receiver in Bob McGinn’s draft preview. Here are some of the anonymous scout quotes he provided:
“DK’s a freak… You line him up at X and he’s taking the lid off coverage. That’s what he’s doing. He’s a slot receiver. Smart kid. Loves football. He’s better than Stephen Hill coming out, more productive than Josh Gordon coming out. But he’s kind of more in their light than Julio (Jones). Julio has better flexibility, hips, routes.”
“He’s a workout phenom. He can’t catch and he can’t run routes and he doesn’t separate well. Everybody talks about how great he looks but what great receiver is just big? Julio, but Julio wasn’t even that big. The top receivers aren’t these monsters. Odell (Beckham), Antonio Brown. A.J. Green is slender. Being that big doesn’t make you a good wide receiver. In fact, it’s the opposite.”
Here’s Bob McGinn’s write-up on Cody Barton:
“Little bit of a wild horse rider,” said one scout. “Not a bad kid. Will knock the (bleep) out of you. Super fast. Big-time downhill player.” Described by one scout as a classic overachiever. “Man, that (bleep) is a football player,” said another scout. Finished with 235 tackles (24 ½ for loss), nine sacks and five takeaways. “He’s all over the field,” said a third scout. “A really strong, aggressive guy at the point of attack and a really consistent finisher. He’s really good in coverage and a good pass rusher. He does everything pretty well. Nothing excellent.” Recorded the fastest LB clocking in the short shuttle (4.03). Wonderlic of 27.
And here’s the blurb on Ben Burr-Kirven, who was rated as a third round prospect:
Led FBS in tackles last season with 176. “He goes against everything I believe in as far as size,” said one scout. “He’s Dat Nguyen. He makes every tackle.” Finished with 338 tackles (only 11 ½ for loss), four sacks and 13 takeaways. “He’s a (expletive) good player,” said a second scout. “He’s just small. Guy’s all over the field. Fun to watch. Tough and instinctive. Plays with his hair on fire. Good athlete. Good in space. All-out effort. Most productive player that I saw. High motor, finds the ball, runs well. Just undersized. Gets bounced around. Really smart.” Wonderlic of 35. “Makes about 20 tackles a game,” a third scout said. “Only problem is, if he doesn’t beat the block initially he gets engulfed.” From Menlo Park, Calif.
Bob McGinn’s report on Marquise Blair:
Played two seasons for the Utes after spending time at a junior college. Summarized one scout: “He tries to hit you like a strong and he’s built like a free.” One of the most violent strikers in the draft. “He’s the most aggressive head-hunter,” said a second scout. “I think he’s had four targeting calls. He’s got range. He’s got everything you want. Just really undisciplined. Will probably be off a few boards. He’s had some anger issues. Never been in trouble but he’s just been hard to manage. One of the more fun guys to watch.” His two-year stats included 106 tackles (five for loss), two picks and four PBUs. “Where he’s deficient is coverage,” a third scout said. “Just change of direction. I would not be afraid to line up a good tight end against this guy. He’s not going to be good in man coverage.” From Wooster, Ohio. “Oh, my God,” said a fourth scout. “He got three targeting penalties on purpose. If he wasn’t crazy I’d take him in the second round.” Wonderlic of 22.
Bob McGinn’s report on L.J. Collier:
Fifth-year senior from Munday, Texas. Generally played DE but some teams project him to 3-technique. “He’s that ideal hybrid guy,” one scout said. “Because he’s a pass rusher he’ll go higher. Between second and third round. He can rush the passer. He has violent hands. He’s got power and quickness.” Finished with 82 tackles (20 ½ for loss) and 14 ½ sacks. “I had him more as an edge,” said a second scout. “He knows how to play. He’s not gifted athletically. He reminds me a little bit of that Charles Tapper from Oklahoma a few years ago. He’s got that inside move. Besides that, he’s not going to threaten as a pass rusher. In run support he can leverage. He’s a backup.”
Here’s Brian Baldinger on L.J. Collier:
.@TCUFootball @ljcollier91 plays far better than he tested in Indy. He has as much power off the edge as any rusher in this draft. Keep the analytics professors away from this player. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/ajZVRkZtFk
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) April 22, 2019
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Just wanna say. Thanks to Rob for giving us this outlet and coverage every year. Say it at the end all the time but it blows me away he umps out the content he does w/o getting burnt out. Impressive to say the least.
Thank you to the all the other commenters and community as a whole. This is a fun/great place to hang out.
And thank Rob and everyone else for letting me sh** post and post so much in general. As someone who has to stay home because of his brothers disability and takes care of him, sometimes IDK what I’d do w/o this place. 🙏
Had a great draft season with y’all (Sea Mode, Trev, C-Dog, DC, corn, Kenny, CHAWK whenever he’s around, everyone else) 👍
Well said!
And thank you, Volume 12. You’ve been a big part of this community for a long time and we all respect that greatly and value your contributions.
+12
A pleasure gents.
Well said Vol. Rob truly is the best at this and it is not even close.
Thanks for all your contributions as well no one can dig up a sleeper quite like Volume 12 !
You guys add a depth to the Sea-verse that I would be oblivious to otherwise. It’s been another fun season & off-season hanging with y’all. Thanks for all of the energy you’ve poured into making sdb what it is.
Not so fast V12… Next year’s draft season starts in 5 seconds.
4, 3, 2, 1, 0 – OK V12 any news on next years draft yet? I don’t comment a lot but I always enjoy your contributions. And it goes without saying – those of many, many others contributors as well!
Having two incurable conditions myself I understand the stresses and rewards that family responsibilities can impose on us. Personally, I thinks your brother is in good hands!
Now, when is that first pre-season game!!!
Kudos to you Volume 12!!! I seldom comment, but find myself reading every single word that Rob and all of his contributors post. You are a very valuable contributor on this blog and now I have reason to like you more. I am a stay at home dad to three amazing kiddos with Autism, so this community has a special place in my world for the balance it provides in a sometimes chaotic world.
Rob, you hit a grand slam this year. Everything was on point and on track…we all went into this draft with a lot of knowledge that frankly couldn’t be had anywhere else.
Thank you for this awesome place to be a Seahawk fan.
To all the commenting crew…you rock!
Go Hawks!!!
Thanks Tom — and thank you to everyone who read the blog and got something out of it.
Love the site and the many contributors. I have been reading faithfully for many many years. Just want to say
that Rob and others here have made the draft special and an event to me where I feel I really have some knowledge and appreciation of the draft. I have always been a Seahawk fan but now follow the careers of many players I gained an appreciation of through here.
Rob, great work all year!
I visit at least once every day of the year you’re “up and running” and most days during your few weeks off every year. Your site is the “God of the Draft” and spectacular all year round. Many thanks for your time, effort, judgement and talent.
I agree with your summary. Personally, I strongly suspect they have at least one Plan B regarding the DLine.
I cannot wait for the first pre-season game. Bring it on!
It’s guaranteed they’ll have a plan B on the D-line. Will be exciting to see what it is.
And thanks for the kind words.
Rob, I should be patreon-ing you 10X what I am. Hawks should hire you to the scout team. Wonder if there might be more blitzing to compensate for the loss of FC. Considering the draft capital they had to begin with, I dont see how a fan could expect more for this class. I especially like how youve emphasized that PCJS have a real-consistant strategy in building this team. I recall Holmgren being asked about his strategy by a reporter and responding with a puzzled look. Thanks for all
Thanks man.
They might have to get a bit more creative with the blitzing. But I’m sure they’ll add some D-liners over the next couple of weeks.
This post is a cherry on top to what has been a great draft season. You’ve pumped out incredible content this season Rob, and we’re all better for it. I’ve enjoyed the back and forths we’ve had – you’ve definitely helped me improve my ability to scout and analyze prospects
Hope you get to take some time to yourself to wind down and relax now that the draft is over!
Thanks Eli, appreciate it and thanks for contributing.
Ingold to Dolphins
Not happy about this :-/ Maybe they think they’ll have Dissly and Dickson and Fant do all the lead blocking
Jazz Ferguson to the Seahawks.
Really good signing that
Really like this guy 6’5″ 225 and has 4.45 speed
WITH GREAT HANDS
Great get! Seattle not messing around–David Moore better figure it out, he’s got a lot of company in the WR room!
Jamal Peters to Colts
Definitely a seahawk-y draft class. I’m gonna say we keyed on all of Collier, Blair, Metcalf, Jennings, Burr-Kirven, and Phil Haynes just based on his TEF.
Can’t wait to see who we grab in round 8 and beyond.
This team needs a lot of work still, but I see the skeleton of a championship squad
Thanks again for everything Rob. Also please give our thanks to your wife and kids for giving of your time. They may not have seen much of you the last 3 days. LOL
I like the reminder that the draft is just one step of the process. You can plan and prepare as much as you want but you’re only hurting yourself if you reach beyond your board. There are other ways to continue building the team. UDFA, trades, secondary FA, etc.
My wife is an absolute legend. Seriously.
Here’s what I’ve done the last few days. The draft started at 1am for me and I went to bed at 7am. So stayed up all night. I had a few hours sleep (she doesn’t work on a Friday so looked after our two year old) then I went to work. I came back in the evening and was immediately back onto the draft which started at midnight for rounds 2-3. Again I stayed up until 7am, then went to bed. She had the kids and allowed me to sleep in until lunchtime. We went out and did a few things as a family, then came home for day three of the draft. She fed the kids, bathed them, got them into bed alone while I sat here writing about the draft.
And you know what? It’s not even an issue for her. She never even says anything. She just knows this is what I do and she gets on with it. And she puts up with the evenings of me writing all night when I finish the day job from January to April. She never ever mentions a single thing. She knows I love to do this in my spare time and she lets me crack on with it.
💙💚
Mrs. Staton is a total CHAMP!!! Thanks for explaining how you pulled all this off over the past several crazy days.
And thanks once again for all you do. Most of us WOULD NOT know what we’d do without this site. BRAVO sir!
That’s awesome, Thanks for everything Rob and family, year after year it’s so much fun!
Rob we love you man…..but you don’t deserve her.
I know!
Wow, I’d say her spouse spark is in the top 99.9 percentile. Impressive.
3sigma spouse
We all greatly appreciate you and your legendary wife for letting you indulge in this guilty pleasure and giving all us Seahawks draft nuts a place to congregate, your personal knowledge, opinions, and insights. Greatly appreciate the friendly, if not always in agreement demeanor you’ve propagated on this site, and the whole community that shares this cyber space. A huge hurrah for your family and all of our personal thank you. I’ve been on here since 2008 although I was MrFrank Frog or I love Tacos in previous years, I can say it just keeps getting better!!!!
Thank you! And thanks for being an original reader all the way back to 2008. Can’t believe it’s been 11 years.
Thank you both so much for making draft season such a fun time of year. Please extend our gratitude to her for sharing you with us!
This draft was an absolute thrill, and I credit much of my enjoyment to the education I get on this website. Thank you to everyone who contributes here and makes this such a quality community. That kind of dynamic is increasingly difficult to find on today’s internet.
I’m thrilled by the look of this draft class and by the way Pete and John navigated the last couple of days to accumulate picks. Gotta say, I liked the Collier pick a lot, but was haunted by the look on Schneider’s face at the end of the day 1 press conference. I was worried then, and now I’m elated.
I can’t wait to read the coming mountain of analysis on these new Seahawks, and the season cannot come soon enough. What a weekend!
I knew you were a bit of a nut (not an insult coming from me), but I didn’t realize quite how obsessed you are, or how hard you work. That schedule is crazy, and your wife is a Saint!
Well done, Rob! And thank you for all the hard work.
Thanks
Mik’Quan Deane to the Seahawks.
Here we go
Demetrius Knox OG OSU to Seattle
I’m amazed we ended up with 11 picks AND managed to add the equivalent of a high no.1 pick. Outstanding job of moving around by JS.
I don’t care what any naysayers blather, the Hawks ended up with a pretty promising draft all things considered. Turning 4 or 5 picks (depending on where you want to place the Clark trade) into 11 new bodies is pretty impressive. And as you pointed out Rob, these seem to follow a fairly consistent rationale. Yeah, after the first day JS somewhat lamented that there was the mini rush on O linemen in the first to push some of the better D linemen down a little further, but they seemed to adjust to what might have been the equivalent of plan B. I’m perhaps a bit more skeptical of Metcalf than you are, I’ve still got a Graham hangover just a bit, but if used correctly he could be the bomb. You identify Russ as a “conservative” qb, and I agree whole heartedly, which worries me some. When he seemingly loses faith in a receiver, short term or longer, he turns almost exclusively to his old reliables. I offer the last couple games of last season as an example. Sadly I don’t expect Doug back, the statements from PC/JS sound an awful lot like their typical, “we know what’s going to happen, but it’s not time to let the cat out of the bag.” statements. It’s more a when than if that the announcement is made. If Russ can embrace some of the new, or other receivers with confidence, we’ll be okay. I realize you have a high level of concern for the pass rush, but I still think that with proper scheming and coaching we can be respectable. Gain? No, that may have to wait for next year, but if we do get some growth from Green and Martin, coupled with modest but reasonable efforts from the others we can be respectable. The potential with the linebacking is maybe as much of a question, we’ll see. I don’t believe the Rams will collapse, but I also expect they won’t be better than last season, With NE having laid out a blueprint for defensing them they have a tougher road, but they’re also smart/talented enough to adjust as well. Still, they are a better know adversary. The tougher one for us very well could be the Niners. There is an awful lot of talent there, it’s just a matter of how well they coordinate it. I must confess though, it struck me that putting Metcalf on Sherm might be a lot of fun to watch. Strength vs. skilled press………….hmmmmmm. The Cardinals, even with Murray’s talents, have a lot to overcome, not the least of which is rookie (by many definitions) coaching.
All that future speculation aside, this may have been your best draft season ever………..you’re in stride man!
Damn, sb WASN’T a rush on O linemen the firs day.
Update on some UDFAs:
Gerald Willis to Baltimore
Emanuel Hall to Chicago
Stanley Morgan Jr. to Cincy
Daniel Wise to Dallas
Chris Westry to Dallas
Brett Rypien to Denver
Manny Wilkins to Green Bay
Yosh Nijman to Green Bay
Johnie Dixon to Houston
Penny Hart to Indy
Saivion Smith to Jax
James Williams to KC
Keenen Brown to LA Rams
Preston Williams to Miami
Devine Ozigbo to NO
Alec Ingold to Oakland
We have signed:
Demetrius Knox, OL
Lo Falemaka, OL
Jazz Ferguson, WR
source: the draft network
Texas CB Davante Davis signing with Seattle.
6’2″ 202 lbs.
31 3/8″ arm length
4.57 40-yard (ET)
4.50 40-yard (HH)
10 Yard (ET): 1.61
10 Yard (HH): 1.55
Vertical Jump: 37″
Broad Jump: 10’05”
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.15
3-Cone Drill: 6.76
ET is electrical and HH is hand-timed I’m assuming
Nickel prospect? Hands are a bit short, but short area quickness is fine I guess
On the 710 draft recap both Coach Pete and Schneider mentioned they had plans for the third wave of free agency. That would be awesome if they got clowney!
Including Doug retiring we can save $23M this year in cap space. We’ll save $13M next year from Baldwin alone, up to $4M more from Dickson and up fo $8.5M from K.J.
$36M-$48.5M over 2 years.
My bad, I meant to say Doug retiring and cutting Ed Dickson, Jaron Brown, and Barkevious Mingo this offseason. Cut KJ after this season.
Not sure it makes sense to cut all those guys for cap relief.
Why not? We’re stacked at LB, we can find a TE/FB to be a run blocking TE and a FB and cover 2 roster spots in 1. Weve added 4 good receivers now, we can comfortably cut Brown, hes not that great anyway.
It’s time to let the young guys compete. Save the money for locking up the core and possibly making an extra splash.
I will say Dickson is likely to stay. Hes only $2.7M in savings this year, they could want to keep him as one of the receiving types.
I can see Jaron Brown and Mingo being cut during training camp cuts
Yep
If KJ plays this next season and gives us a classic KJ year, with no big injury problems, cutting him for cap space when we have him under contract for the next year would not be a good move. His play and influence would be a bargain under those circumstances.
Sounds like Derrek Thomas is a Seahawk
http://twitter.com/JohnWernerTrib/status/1122285422573490177
That’s great.
Funny that the last two years we’ve been able to look at Tre Flowers and say, ‘Seahawk’ immediately at the combine. And now we’ve done the same with Derrek Thomas. Love it.
Nicely done Rob another one you nailed. I think he is a nice development guy for sure.
Watched whatever I could find on Thomas after you kept mocking him to Seattle and I have to say I think he is going to push Griffin for a starting spot before this year is all said and done and definitely by year #2. He seemed to have much better awareness of what the receiver was trying to do and was able to track and locate the ball much better than Griffin ever could.
He is really raw but he has all the tools Pete looks for and I think he and Flowers could very well be out starters outside by 2020.
In the words of draft guru DJ Khaled “Another One!”
Thrilled!!!
Anyone know why the heck this guy was not drafted?
I have not idea. Thought the same thing. He is really raw and does need work on technique but man he has all the tools to be a good one. Definitely needs to get stronger too. He is not nearly as aggressive as say Flowers was.
Thomas is a long and lean press corner with excellent length and very good top-end speed. There’s room for improvement when it comes to his technique, but he gets his hands on receivers, is smooth flipping his hips and runs well. He gets muscled at the top of the stem and needs to get stronger to win 50-50 balls. He has big hands and he flashes good ball skills, yet he picked off just one pass last year. ESPN
Thanks for an another amazing draft season Rob. Asolutely awesome!
I know you have some doubts this year about the blog but let me assure you that this place is truly special and the work you do is second to none. I truly mean that the quality of your content and writing is incredible. I have absolutely no idea how you pump out this kind of content day after day. Even if this was your full time job it would be incredible but the fact you do this on the side is mind boggling. I often think you must have a couple of clones to find the time to get this done.
Anyways I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart and to let you know that this log you have created is a special place here on the internet in this day of social media. It is like a paradise island in the middle of a stormy sea.
Thanks Trevor — and I definitely appreciate your contribution every year. A valuable member of the community. Thanks for being part of it man.
Have to agree with both your comments Trevor and Robs.
Thank you so much for all of your hard work yet again this year. I don’t comment much but lurk here pretty much nonstop leading up to the draft, so please know how much I appreciate everything you do here.
Thanks man, appreciate it
We are going to have some vicious competition this year in the DB area. Very excited to see what comes out the other side and wouldn’t be surprised to see a fair amount of change.
Griffin better be working his tail off this off season. I like him it I think his starting spot is anything but a lock.
Simeon Thomas and now Derrick Thomas are two guys I can’t wait to see this training camp.
I read DB as Draft Blog. Thinking there is no competition. Rob’s site is the best hands down. Cheers on another draft season!
This is the type of draft I expected if you take out their second pick Safety and put in a Defensive Lineman in its place. Well, maybe take out one of the LBs and add a CB, too. But, really, it did make sense.
Watching the press conference, it’s obvious the Seahawks are not done adding to the DL. It’s clear they won’t be going into training camp with only the current guys on the roster.
If they weren’t willing to pay Clark, I find it hard they’d offer a high pick for Clowney. Does McCoy warrant a 2020 pick knowing he’s a locker room cancer in Tampa? But does Suh and Ziggy fit their culture as free agents? Not really. But I’ve seen them trade for a guy like Harvin who didn’t fit their culture either. He didn’t fit anyone’s culture but he was a great talent.
At this point in his career, Suh isn’t an every down player. He takes plays off now. However, if they added him and only had him play situationally, they could be getting a 1-year rental stud because if he could be strictly a pass rush specialist or guy playing half the snaps… he could be an absolute monster if all his snaps were maximized by being fresh (and not taking plays off). They have the money to do it with Clark gone. And, really, if you’ve got a fresh Suh on the field on third downs… you’ve really got something special. I’ve complained about how they give up too much on money downs and having a fresh Suh would be worth it, imo.
Ziggy and Suh were once teammates in Detroit. Could it happen again with Frank Clark’s savings? If they somehow got both on 1-year deals after the comp picks wouldn’t be messed with, I think they could be legit Super Bowl contenders again. Because right now they’re “just” a good team contender (which we would have been happy with in the 90s).
I am curious to see what’s going to happen with the DL because after that press conference, it’s obvious something is coming down the pipe. Will be fun to monitor.
I really hope they sign Ansah if the shoulder is cleared medically. I think most of his issues were related to injury not effort and attitude. Suh I am not so sure. I can’t see a guy who admitted to taking snaps off las year really fitting into the culture Pete is trying to build. That being said if you got the engaged playoff version of Suh then he could be a difference maker.
If I had to guess I think they bring in either Perry or Ansah. I hope Ansah. Then add a DT as well like Allen Bailey or Corey Liuget.
I see your point about Suh and that’s why I suggest he’d be a guy who became a situational stud. A guy like him is going to take plays off if he’s on the field almost every play. For example, at his age, he played in almost 88% of the Rams defensive snaps last year. That’s kind of stupid for a DL at his age.
However, if you have him on the field for 55% of snaps and a majority of them are 2nd and 10 or all third downs… he’s not going to be tired to the point of feeling like he needs to take a play off AND if he’s on the field for all the ‘more important’ snaps – he’s not going to take plays off. And if he’s not taking plays off… he’s not going to be a cancer to the younger guys because he won’t be getting away with anything.
In 2013, Cliff Avril only played in 53% of defensive snaps. He was on the field in all the important money downs and because of his snap count – he was fresh. Sure, when they upped his snap count to 75-80% in later years with the Hawks, he was still good – but he was still in his 20s.
I simply think Suh would be a bargain (even at $10 million) if he was a 55% snap guy. If we tried signing him for that money at being an 85% snap guy – I think that would be stupid because he would perhaps take plays off and not fit the culture. He’s always been a workout monster and if he’s giving 100% on 55% of snaps (100% of snaps he’s in), then I absolutely think he would be a tremendous asset to this team in ’19.
Yeah, I’d take 55% snap/100% effort Suh on a 10 mil prove it deal in a heartbeat.
“Does McCoy warrant a 2020 pick knowing he’s a locker room cancer in Tampa?”
That is in Tampa though. They’ve been a black hole for basically McCoy’s entire career. Duane Brown was considered a malcontent in Houston, havent heard anything negative with him in Seattle. A big obsticle with McCoy is his contract 3/38.5m left on his deal, albeit none of it is guaranteed. A restructure might be in order. Would be happy to get him all things aside.
Excited to see what JS/PC have up their sleeves to boost the DL.
Thank you so much for sharing your brilliant work. I truly appreciate your dedication to your craft. I was a young boy when the Seahawks played their first game. The event was profound for me. The Seahawks became the most important part of my lexicon. I would get the P-I and the Times every single day hoping for the smallest tidbit about anything Seahawks. Thankfully there have been some amazing Seahawks reporters through the years, but none of them have captured the pulse of team building process the way that you have with the PCJS era. I admire your passion and your impeccable PCJS logic. Thanks for sharing your journey towards a successful career in football journalism with us.
Thank you, that’s a really cool thing to say. It means a lot.
Hi Rob,
Time for my one post of the year. Just adding my thanks to those of all the others on this blog. This is without doubt the best sports site on the web. You bring reasoned professional analysis to this site with an unbelievable amount of content. You provide a respectful forum where fans can gather and debate free from the usual chaos and verbal negativity found on other sites. It is amazing that you deliver all of this to us Seahawk fans. Thank you so much for what you do! You might want to share with your wife how much value this site offers to those of us in this community. Your reach is truly worldwide. I am sitting here writing you from the northern most coast of Alaska on the Arctic ocean. I visit your site multiple times every day and value very much your reasoned analysis and the comments provided by all the others on this site. Thanks again.
Greg in Alaska
Greg, thank you. I can’t express enough how much it means to read comments like that. I’m constantly amazed by the generosity of the people in this community when they talk positively about the blog. It truly means the world to me. Thank you all.
The competition at WR, CB, S, Backup LB and backup G is going to be crazy this off season. I bet this team is not 0-4 this pre-season. This roster is getting back to having depth all over the place.
Digging the 2 bigger corners we grabbed in UDFA. Jazz and Knox as well, but the corners will.push Flowers and Shaq.
This year TC and pre-season is gonna be lit.
Completely agree and can’t wait.
Alright boys, talk to me. I haven’t been able to watch nearly as much football as I’d like this draft season, and know basically nothing about the kids we’ve drafted. They look to fit the theme though?
Feeling good about this draft on the whole. There’s a few players I liked who we didn’t pick up, but that’s life. And considering we started this thing with four (!!!) picks. Going to be a fun team to watch this season. Ready to get back to being the bully. I wasn’t sold on Metcalf either, but that Bret Kollman review has me feeling a lot more positive. Just because a kid didn’t do something in college, doesn’t mean he can’t. So many coaches out there who have absolutely no right to be.
Clark’s a loss, but not (I suspect) a devastating one. Think trading him was absolutely the right move. He flashed hot in a big way, but was he the third best defender in the league? No chance. On a totally different level to Donald and Mack, one of those ones where you just have to shrug your shoulders and let someone else pony up. Think New England regret letting Chandler Jones go, regardless of how well he’s played?
And thanks again, Rob. Haven’t been around as much but still checked in when I can. This isn’t so much an invaluable part of the Seahawks to me as it is irreplaceable. I know you’re not in it for any sort of reward, but still I hope it comes.
Thanks man.
Rob been coming daily since the Curry draft, you are the best with out doubt. I even enjoy you a lot more now that we don’t have Cable to bicker about! My friends that do not follow this sight think I’m a genius when I parrot what I pick up from this here. This year, I told them we would end up with closer to 10 picks than 4. Trade Frank Clark and went out on a stretch and said we would draft someone from W Virginia. Also that with or without a trade of Clark DL would be are first pick. 4 for 4.
Seattle will probably make a splashy move for a LEO, but this class just didn’t have many in terms of guys I would think are a Seahawk. Maybe I’m wrong and the board just went away from there.
Way too early areas to address next year look to be DE and TE.
What are your thoughts on Ansah Vol? I have always been a fan and viewed him as almost a Cliff Avril clone when he is healthy and engaged. Not as consistent as Avril but few who have ever rushed the passer are.
I really liked him coming outta BYU.
You look at him and think he should be a top 5-10 DE in this league. He hasn’t reached his potential and probably needs a change of scenery like Seattle. At this point they might as well see what he’s got.
I think it makes perfect sense on both ends. Much more than the Clowney situation which will cost Seattle too much draft capital.
Clowney may indeed be too costly.
But Ansah has just had shoulder surgery. He’s always injured and he has an on/off switch.
I’d only be making that move if it was cheap and there was an out. There’s a reason he’s still out there on the open market.
Wonder what Pete meant when he said “you guys will be excited with what is coming up” when asked about the pass rush.
Exactly. I thought the same thing. It’s going to be something relatively significant.
He was misquoted on that. Here’s the proper quote:
“We’re not done. We’ve got work to do and we’re excited about what’s coming up. You guys will see in time.”
Pete said something about “you will too” to the press when I watched that press conference in terms of how they will be excited, too. I got the sense something is going to happen.
I just re-rewatched the clip and there wasn’t a ‘you will too’. Unless he spoke about it multiple times.
It’s 8:45 in here — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXoIivEtfxk&t=538s
Hmmm… you’re right. I got that sense. But you’re right. Primary sources are a good thing. Thanks.
Are they gonna trade a couple picks?
I absolutely LOVE what the Seahawks are doing in UDFA right now.
The competition they are bringing in at the defensive back position is going to be exciting to watch and hear about this training camp. For Pete to get his hands on both Derrek Thomas and Davante Davis without having to spend a draft pick is amazing. Then to throw in Jazz who I thought was one of the best athletes for his size in this year’s draft.
Agree completely. I would have been really happy with those 3 guys getting drafted anytime on day #3 .
Absolutely. I had Thomas and Davis going as early as the 4th round and no later than the 6th lol. Amazing.
Jazz I had a feeling might go undrafted based on who he played for and do to the stigma of having a lack of competition.
Ooohh. QB Taryn Christion is a Hawk.
Maybe he will be our Tyson Hill.
“South Dakota State QB Taryn Christion
What if I told you there’s a quarterback prospect in the 2019 NFL Draft who owns seven school career passing records, six single-season passing records, has twice been named All-America and All-Conference, and led his team to victory in 75 percent of the games in which he played?
Ok, what if I added that this player was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award for three consecutive years—and, for good measure, he was also a finalist for the Williams V. Campbell Trophy, otherwise known as the academic Heisman?
That should be enough, right? Not yet?
What if, as the icing on the proverbial cake, I told you that the same player capped off his spectacular collegiate career with an outstanding performance in a postseason all-star event attended by over 140 scouts?
This is no hypothetical. That player exists.
Meet Taryn Christion, a 6-1, 225-pound signal caller from Sioux Falls, S.D., who amassed over 11,000 passing yards at 8.5 yards per attempt, with 104 passing touchdowns against just 34 interceptions while starring for South Dakota State.
Christion was able to do damage on the ground as well, finishing with over 1,500 rushing yards with 26 rushing touchdowns.
That’s a lot of production for a player to be flying this far beneath the national radar. But, while the media may be a bit late to the party, the NFL scouts definitely have a bede on the former Jackrabbits standout.
Speaking with a few NFL scouts at the College Gridiron Showcase, where Christion participated this past January, it was stated that he was the top QB prospect coming into that event and had significant interest from a few teams who were there solely to watch him.
There is a lot to like about the quarterback responsible for leading the Jacks to three straight FCS playoff appearances from 2016-18. But what about his game makes him a pro prospect? And which of his skills and traits will translate to the next level?
Football IQ
Christion is a very smart individual, who is also very ‘football smart.’ He’s got above-average ability from the neck up. He understands coverage and shows a good mastery of how to attack leverage as well.
On film, he was able to quickly diagnose voids in the defense, whether it was from vacated defensive pressure or from vulnerability in coverage, and find the best matchup and deliver the football. This is a big reason why his turnover numbers are low. He does a fantastic job of minimizing risks by how well he sees the field.
Poise
He’s strong in this area as he seems to be unfazed by pressure—both situationally and from the defense. He trusts his athleticism to get him out of a jam, and at the end of the day, he feels as though he can pick up what’s necessary with his feet. That allows him to operate with a clear mind because he always has an exit strategy.
Accuracy
Christion’s accuracy can run a bit inconsistent at times.
He tends to misjudge the depth of a defender and not put enough arc on the ball—or flat out miss him completely. He is extremely accurate on the move, always able to maintain a great throwing base to place the ball well, and shows better accuracy coming off of play-action.
Situational Awareness
Christion is really good inside the red zone. Mistakes are either minimal or nonexistent. He also shows a high level of proficiency in four-minute and two-minute situation. With a backed up offense and in end-of-game situations, he rises to the occasion, as well.
Arm Strength
He gets really good velocity on his passes, especially on in-breaking routes over the middle of the field. He doesn’t have a cannon per se, but his arm is more than adequate when making tight-window throws.
Athleticism
Christion makes it an 11-on-11 game and can really hurt a defense picking up chunk yards on the ground. Within the pocket, he shows A+ pocket mobility and doesn’t look to quickly vacate. He can buy time within and outside the pocket, while also being able to hit the home run with his legs.
During the South Dakota State Pro Day, Christion posted the following testing numbers:
40-yard dash: 4.49
Pro agility: 4.43
3-cone: 7.12
Vertical: 34.5
Broad: 9’11″
Overall, Taryn Christion has legit, pro game. He’s a chain mover that’s super productive inside the red zone, mitigating risks while putting points up on the board. An NFL team is getting a battle-tested prospect, who played in one the Missouri Valley Conference—among the toughest in the FCS—and is one of the few quarterbacks to lead his team to victory against the juggernaut North Dakota State Bison.
His game is very similar to that of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in how efficient he is within the offense. Christion showed good poise throughout his career. And one of the more underrated aspects about this past season is how he remained extremely productive (3,020 yards, 32 TD to 8 INTs, 8.9 YPA, 57.9 percent completion) without wide receiver Jake Wieneke and tight end Dallas Goedert, who are both in the NFL.
That speaks volumes about the talent of Christion and his freedom from dependency on the NFL talent around him.
While he may not go during the first two days in the NFL Draft, Christion has the talent and temperament to have success at the next level. It’s not a question of ‘if’ as much as ‘when’ he will get the opportunity to showcase his ability.
Christion is the type of prospect who will ‘wow’ during training camp and preseason, showing the makings of a solid QB2 on a roster with a developmental path to QB1 down the line.” Posted by banosser over on Fieldgulls
Buddy of mine just texted. He lives in Sioux Falls and has seen Christian play. This is the text he sent after I asked about him:
“I’ve been to about 15 or more (games) in person. Watched every game on TV. Strengths are arm strength and running/scrambling ability. Weakness is accuracy and at times makes silly mistakes. Usually trying to force balls into windows that just aren’t there.”
The next text:
“I hope he makes the team. Just worried about him not being accurate enough.”
We’ve signed LB Noah Dawkins of Citadel:
6’1″ 227 lbs.
32 3/8″ arm length
4.41 40-yard
1.56 10-yard split
31″ vertical
10’5″ broad jump
Derrek Thomas highlights… how did this kid go undrafted lol? Yes, you can say he’s raw… but to be this fluid at this size and speed is special. All it takes is the right coaching.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bb_4-fg-70U
He has some tools. That staff at Baylor didn’t do those poor kids any favors. If anyone can get anything out its PC and his guys.
Vs Iowa St 2018
https://youtu.be/e-DKET82P5k
Vs West Virginia 2018
https://youtu.be/vNrV81gfDuQ
Hmmmm. Shades of Richard Sherman on that fade….
Interesting to see what JS meant with plans for third wave. Rob keeps bringing up Clowney who could potentially be able to be brought in. I wonder if they are thinking that with the lack of de additions. It would be kind of crappy to do that and pay him and not pay frank. Might hurt j reed. I get the reasons, we needed draft picks and cap space savings.
Interested to know how fc and Clowney stack up against each other stat wise over the last 3-4 years? Can anyone break it down?
Quite a big difference in terms of TFL’s…
2018
Clowney — 16 (11th in NFL)
Clark — 11 (40th in NFL)
2017
Clowney — 21 (2nd in NFL)
Clark — 10 (47th in NFL)
2016
Clowney — 17 (1st in NFL)
Clark — 11 (29th in NFL)
Total in last three seasons
Clowney — 54
Clark — 32
Thanks for throwing those stats down quickly. Definitely both productive, but damn Clowney gets after it and shuts it down. Do you think this is based off talent or scheme responsibilities?
Not sure because I haven’t studied him but to me Clowney is a game-wrecker. He’s a guy who has to be accounted for and he can destroy an offense on his own. He’s always been that way.
https://247sports.com/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/Article/Frank-Clark-trade-Seahawks-Chiefs-Jadeveon-Clowney-131524020/
Would love to get Clowney. I think he’s be worth our 2020 1st plus change. But if we didn’t want to pay Clark $20 million APY, would they want to pay that for Clowney? Perhaps. I imagine PC loves what he brings.
The TFL numbers could be a reason…
2018
Clowney — 16 (11th in NFL)
Clark — 11 (40th in NFL)
2017
Clowney — 21 (2nd in NFL)
Clark — 10 (47th in NFL)
2016
Clowney — 17 (1st in NFL)
Clark — 11 (29th in NFL)
Total in last three seasons
Clowney — 54
Clark — 32
I’d do it if we could get him for a 2nd and 3rd plus a little more than Dee Ford contract. Don’t know if that’s reasonable or not though.
Rob,
I just wanted to thank you for all your hard work, time, and effort. And from the bottom of my heart I wanted to let you know this website is absolutely amazing. You provide such great analysis about the Seahawks. I visit this website +5 times a day, and every time I visit this website I’m always hoping there is a new piece. I read the comment about Mrs. Staton and I wanted to thank you even more. You spend a lot of time writing amazing pieces and people often forget that you have a life and also a family. So thanks Rob for all you have done and what is to come!
Thanks buddy — I really wish there was something I could say that would truly emphasise how much it means to read comments like this. Thank you for being part of this, for being enthusiastic about this blog and for those great words.
So this is kinda cool. At least the 4th year in a row that JS has personally scouted a game and took a prospect from that game.
QJeff and Vannett 2016
T2 2017
Rasheem Green and Dissly 2018
Gary Jennings 2019
* Probably more that are unknown too
If we got Clowney for a 2020 1st and the better of our 2020 2nds it would be a huge win for us. We’d still have a 2nd rounder next year and 9 total picks. I’d do it in a heartbeat.
This would be a team ready to compete for a superbowl.
DE: LJ Collier, Jacob Martin, Cassius Marsh
DT: Jarran Reed, Poona Ford
DT: Naz Jones, DeMarcus Christmas
DE: Jadeveon Clowney, Rasheem Green, QJeff
10
WLB: KJ Wright, Ben Burr-Kirven, Shaq Griffin
MLB: Bobby Wagner, Cody Barton
SLB: Mychal Kendricks
6
CB: Tre Flowers, Akeem King
CB: Ugo Amadi
FS: Bradley Mcdougald, Tedric Thompson
SS: Marquise Blair, Delano Hill
CB: Shaquill Griffin, Kalan Reed
9
Defense: 24
____________________________________________
LT: Duane Brown, J. Jones,
LG: Mike Iupati, Phil Haynes
C: Justin Britt, Joey Hunt, Phil Haynes
RG: DJ Fluker, Jordan Roos, Phil Haynes
RT: Germain Ifedi, J. Jones, George Fant
10
RB: Chris Carson, Rashaad Penny, Travis Homer, CJ Prosise
4
FB: Khalid Hill
1
TE: Ed Dickson, Nick Vannett, Will Dissly
3
WR: Tyler Lockett, D.K. Metcalf, Gary Jennings, David Moore, John Ursua
5
QB: Russell Wilson, Paxton Lynch
2
Offense: 25
____________________________________________
Kicker: Jason Meyers
Punter: Michael Dickson
Long Snapper: Tyler Ott
Special Teams: 3
____________________________________________
Roster: 53
Crazy thing is we could still extend Reed and Wagner too.
I can’t believe how bad that trade would be. We’d be trading Clark for Clowney. Clark doesn’t have the injury history of Clowney (though he’s been healthy for a few years now) and Clark is younger. And Clowney would cost mega-millions, too… and that’s the reason we traded Clark.
1. Clowney is way better than Clark.
2. We wouldn’t have the haul of players we just got if we kept Clark.
We would be flipping Clark for Clowney (upgrade) and all the extra picks we got as a result of trading Clark. We only have to pay Clowney a marginal amount more than Clark, and hes a game wrecker as Rob would say.
Elite run defender, good pass rusher, and can still improve quite a bit. Don’t see how any Seahawk fan wouldn’t like the idea of him. But, as with anything, it’s all relative to the price to both acquire and retain him.
Complete rosterbation here, I’m sorry – If either Barton or BBK look like they could be a competent MLB, I think we could get some compensation for trading Wagner to ease the sting of acquiring Clowney. Nobody will replace Wagner, don’t get me wrong. But Clowney plays a much more important position. And if Wagner wants CJ Mosley money, well, I think Clowney might end up being the better value. Oh, and KJ can play MLB as well.
Clowney has never had double digit sacks and has missed a ton of time to injury. He’s a better run stuffer, but he’ll most likely want not much less than Clark. Bad deal.
+1
I get the excitement in Clowny. I don’t know the staffs he’s played for much. Part of me thinks PC and the guys could get better numbers in terms of getting after the QB but then again we didn’t when it came to Irvin.
There are players like Clowney, Sue, and let’s say Irvin and there are players like J Peppers, Aaron Donald and Suggs. The difference isn’t athleticism the difference is mental and with that technique. Sometimes guys are just too gifted and don’t work on the little things that could make them great. Some guys just wreck things like how I think Houston uses Clowney. In Irvins third year we kinda used him the same way and I wish we would have used him all over the field more because he did and does have great coverage instinct.
I’ve hear the packers are going to use Gary in somewhat of a say role. I think that’s smart. Move him all over. Let him wreak havoc. I think it plays more to his instinct.
Seattle turned their original draft pick (21) into 6 guys. That’s crazy.
JS proved in THIS draft (again) why he’s one of the best in the league at doing what he does. Outstanding.
Actually, they started with 5 picks, but #29 is 1:1 going to LJ Collier.
That’s 10 guys instead of 4, and a new R2 2020 pick, while giving up a R6.
#21 2019 = 7 players 2019 + R2 pick 2020 – R6 pick 2020.
Seahawks are bringing in Florida DE Cece Jefferson.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F68fSgAo3Co
Thanks for another awesome draft season, Rob. You killed it again, predicting targets and providing great content for the community. You rock man! I wish I could buy you a beer.
Thanks man
Thanks Rob and all you posters for making the last few years special. Looking forward to training camp!
Thanks Rob, you covered a lot of topics this year. And congratulations on nailing the Gary Jennings pick.
I’m pretty happy with the Seahawks draft this year. The emphasis of defensive toughness and special teams ability. Picking three wide receivers to improve Wilsons targets, they tackled 🙂 their biggest problems.
They got the players they wanted, and now QB Christion to play with.
I can’t wait to see them playing!
Hey Rob! Thanks for all of your excellent coverage of the draft every year. I’ve been checking your blog daily. A question that I don’t know, or have forgotten the answer to. How did you come to be a Seahawks fan? How did you come to be interested in the NFL at all? Again, thanks a lot for all of your hard work. Please don’t forget us when the Seahawks take you on as an area scout 🙂
Hi Nathan — I used to live in Vancouver. I travelled to Seattle, went to a game and the rest is history.
PODCAST!
I’ve just updated the article and at the very top of the page you’ll find an hour long recap of the Seahawks draft. Check it out
It’s a good one!
Love the break for a surprise Seahawk draft pick
I was happy enough with day one. 123444455. end of draft 12234445667 all that trading and only netted a 2 and two extrapicks at the bottom end. We also gave up a 4 and 5 for two 6 and a 7. ?
The value gained from trading from #37 to #47 was huge for the Seahawks. Pick #77 was used with that 4 we gave up to net that 2, with which Seattle selected DK Metcalf. He might just turn out to be another David Boston. Then again he could develop into another TO. And that 7 could be quite the pickup too. He might be more impressive than Doug Baldwin was coming out of Stanford.
Awesome stuff on this site for us football crazed homies. Much appreciated.
First. Rob, like everyone else, want to tell you how appreciative I am of this site and your hard work. It’s a blessing and you are truly top level and amazing at this.
Second, with the Clowney talk, How about we get Clowney for the 2nd we get from chiefs and a 3rd. Similar deal to the one we got Duane Brown for. I would feel disappointed giving a 1st +. As much as I would love him, even over Clark personally, and even though I think it’s highly unlikely.
How awesome would it be to pull that off though? Trade Clark and 2020 3rd for Clowney and a 1st.
I’m down with that. No idea what the price for Clowney would be but unfortunately the Clark trade sets a precedent.
I’m not in the go-for-Clowney camp. I mean, why not have just kept Clark? Are we really going to get him for a lot cheaper contract, and have to give up a lot less? I don’t think so. We’re probably going to take a little hit on the pass rushing side of things this year. Let’s go for a cheaper older vet or vet rehab, hope our draft pick pans out, and that one or more of our youngsters step up.
That’s the equation in all likelihood. If we’re going to get a strong pass rush, it’s going to be a bit of a surprise from something of the above.
Seahawks added another run stuffer in E. Washington DT Jay -Tee Tiuli. As someone who lives 20-25 minutes from their campus you’d think I’d know more about him, but their red turf is hard on the eyes.
Volume 12. I am really hoping that Jay-Tee makes the roster. We’ll see.
Really digging this article breaking down the Jennings pick, what a steal!
https://www.sbnation.com/2019/4/4/18277669/gary-jennings-wvu-receiver-scouting-draft
Yeah check these games out. One is him shredding a poorly coached D and “taking the top off” as people like to say. And the other is him shredding a very well coached D with great catches.
https://youtu.be/O9qLGZfYe20
https://youtu.be/AW9bnrqGgpM
Thanks Rob – You’ve mad it fun to be a Seahawks fan!
Thanks JMac
I would love Ansah as a rotational pass rusher. Just play him on passing downs. Give him heavy sack incentives in the deal.
$4M base salary with bonuses of $2M for 6, 9, 11 sacks. Could make up to $10M in a 1 year deal. Would keep the cap hit low too I believe.
I’m onboard with this.
In actuality, this is the way Seattle played back in 2012/2013/2014….. just keep throwing fresh DL at the OL and eventually they would break em. The last few years, they got too dependent upon Bennett and Clark providing the pass rush for a vast majority of snaps.
My theory is that they will get back to the rotating in and out of DL… and keep guys down to 55-60% of the snaps max. If you can get Ansah to buy in, worth the cash. If he is not 100% on board, then grab Perry and wreck some fools.
3 or 4 mil base with bonuses for suiting up say 400,000 per game bonus, If he stays healthy could make 10-11 mil.
Okay, had some time to think:
1) Still not a fan of the initial trade down, mostly because it (once again) seemed to cost them the guys they really wanted. Take the first pick, trade the second, lower late draft capital but get the DL you wanted.
2) Aside from Metcalf, really like the actual *players* they got.
3) Main objection to Metcalf is that he’s all or nothing. He could be a MONSTER…or he could be out of the league before his rookie deal ends.
4) Which is why I love them hedging that bet, and after some reflection I love the actual pick. You don’t get a shot at a true, game changing X receiver with those elite physical tools every year. You don’t get it that late in the draft basically ever.
5) Like everyone else, I love the philosophy. This is a Tuesday team, because you’re still going to be hurting by then.
“the DL you wanted.”? Who was available at #21 that wasn’t at #29? Sweat? I doubt that he was even on their draft board.
No idea. Their press conference made it pretty clear they saw someone come off they thought they were safe trading back for. I’ve heard some speculation it was Tillery, and I personally think they’ve ended up in ‘consolation prize’ territory with those trade backs a couple times.
That’s a calculated risk they’re obviously okay with, but with *another* pick to trade down from I don’t love taking that risk.
I took away from that press conference that the Seahawks had hoped for a run on offensive lineman that could’ve potentially dropped a blue chip defensive lineman in their laps or at the very least left someone on the board that another team greatly coveted. When that didn’t happen they were left with less lucrative deals than they had hoped for. That disappointment coupled with the effects of a long day gave us a dejected looking presser from Pete and John.
That’s how I read day one as well. But day two forward was a thing of beauty
And I loved the symbolism of Kam Chancellor introducing the Metcalf pick. From one generaation of godly physique to the next. That, hearing Metcalf’s phone call, then finally watching Bret Kollman’s video got me onboard. His ceiling is ridiculous, and he seems to have real heart. That’s a damn good start
That we over played and missed someone very well could be. And I need to go back and watch the presser now to see the body language etc..
Thank being said I’m terrified of tweeners. That you find in the 270-280’s range. Guys either not fast enough of big/strong enough to fit at end or kick in to DT. If you watch Collier I dont think that’s the case. The guy has some great physical attributes. Freak is used too often but he a big booty with crazy quick feet and crazy monkey long arms. On top of that he knows how to use them. Great hand use.
Good film right here.
https://youtu.be/Ul4EfIzQOiw
Please, I’m begging everyone, stood asserting they ‘didn’t get the guys they really wanted’.
Do you honestly think PCJS were so wet behind the ears, that they didn’t anticipate who would/wouldn’t be available when they traded down NINE spots?
It’s a theory pulled from thin air. Look at their draft class. Sweat, Tillery. They don’t fit — at all — the consistent approach of leadership, toughness and accountability. Collier is the definition of that.
Would be really nice to know, who were their target. I think, they were quite high on Chris Lindstrom. But then he went top 15 and they adapted quickly.
Did we loose anything, if true? Lindstrom is a day 1 starter, so yes. But, in almost any mock I featured Phil Baynes, because he is an model NFL frame guy; he is a very good, consistent and durable player. Iupati and Fluker get no time to rest on their contracts, this guy will be a force from day one and will work his arse off to send them to the NFL scrapyard.
The Seahawks were not drafting Chris Lindstrom in round one.
No way were they targeting him.
Rob,
Putting aside any differences that we might have, I did want add my voice to the others and say how much I appreciate the work that you do.
No one that I have read has a firmer grasp on Seattle’s vision and process.
It is a testament to the effort you put into your craft.
Rob, thank you for your hard work & excellent coverage again.
I had my doubts at first, but at the end I came away with a feeling that they just got ten KJ Wright out of one single draft. One command trait of this rookie class is that they are all alpha dog in their respective teams, and played like murderers.
The 710 stream crew (Danny, Wyman, and Heaps iirc) was talking at one point about how the other NFCW teams all are building these high-flying exotic finesse schemes, and the Seahawks are responding by going all in on a return to a hungry pack of bad mofos that are wired to punish and intimidate opponents.
This division is going to be wild.
Just returned from Nashville. What a great place! It was my first time visiting and I’d recommend it to anyone who likes good food, great live music, and ridiculously hot women. It’s a beautiful clean little city and they did a superb job hosting the draft.
Despite the best efforts of my brother and I we sadly couldn’t get anyone there to cheer for Commissioner Goodell. The Patriots fans were especially perturbed by the suggestion. So we alone defended the honor of his excellency amid hordes of booing Neanderthals and Raiders fans…but I repeat myself.
I was stoked for the Collier pick having waxed rhapsodic about him just last week. I suspect that Rob actually was alerted to LJ as a prospect by my very own scouting report. Rob never gives me any credit.
No matter how this draft turns out (I project it will rate a 7.4631 in future analytic evaluations) massive props to PCJS for a masterclass in how to manhandle a draft. Holy hell did they work their asses off. The Seahawks draft war room needs to be sponsored by Red Bull. Nobody outworks our front office. Proud of dem boys!
Thanks, as always, to Rob’s wife and baby. I look forward to baby Statons future contributions to this blog. Perhaps baby Staton will have the decency to update the graphics on occasion.
Go Hawks!!
Ha, sounds like a good time.
Agreed we need to be enjoying this time as Hawk fans for all the unmentioned facets you just uh mentioned 😉
@MikeDugar
Undrafted free agent names connected to the Seahawks so far:
Baylor CB Derrek Thomas
Texas CB Davante Davis
SDSU QB Taryn Christion
WKU TE Mik’Quan Deane
New Mexico WR Delane Hart-Johnson
Northwestern State WR Jazz Ferguson
Utah OL Lo Falemaka
Ohio State OL Demetrius Knox
5:08 PM – Apr 27, 2019
Vol12 said E. Washington DT Jay -Tee Tiuli as well
S Jalen Harvey has agreed to a UDFA deal with #Seahawks / Rob Rang
Consecutive years the Hawks grab a Ohio St O-lineman.
Demetrius Knox, G Ohio State
In the film he’s the right guard #78
Quick thoughts:
Trying really hard to find something I don’t like about this kid. Most I’ve seen so far is a small tendency to over extend leading to a opening to get beat by quicker guys. But ha few times I’ve seen him show very nimble quick feet I wasn’t expecting. Slow, and doesn’t lock on well on the move when hitting the next level but I believe a better routine could help. He understands scheme and assignment. Bad tech on his feet, again needs to move them. For all the second level chances he gets not a lot of pancakes. Needs to be more fit. our FO could have liked how he took hard shots for Gary DE from Mi and absorbed it. I’d like to see what his offseason is like. It seems he could really benefit from a pro environment.
https://youtu.be/w_Z6yJm920Q
He’s really good. Wish I woulda looked at 2020 guys a couple week earlier because he popped for me big time.
What a fun weekend. I expected a low-key draft, then poof! 4 picks turned into 5 turned into something like 17. Amazing job working the board.
Really pleased with the haul overall, but a couple of quick takes:
1. We got some hard-nosed, aggressive ballers. Attitude in spades.
2. Metcalf, Jennings, Ursua…speeeeed.
3. Devante Davis and Derrek Thomas are making this team
4. Rob, as usual, you’re a rock star. Get some rest, then get back to us tomorrow with a 2020 7 round mock.
Guys. Think about this. One week ago John Schneider ONLY had four picks going into the draft. It’s amazing that he ended up with 11 picks. In addition he also traded up to acquire Metcalf. It’s amazing when you stop and think about it.
One other point to make. Yes pass rush is a huge concern. But the thing is they didn’t go out and REACH for a player just to take a pass rusher.
Am I disappointed that they didn’t grab a pass rusher (besides Collier). H*ll yes. But at least they took players they WANTED instead of reaching for someone.
Don’t get me wrong – it’s great.
However, don’t say it’s 11 when they started with 4 when you factor in they don’t have Frank Clark (#29 overall pick) and they traded a pick next year for a pick this year.
I like our draft except for the Christmas pick. He’s the stereotypical guy who is taken, cut, and out of the league in a few years (Not For Long). Sorry I think he was a bad pick with limited upside… but, seriously, who cares? Most 6th rounders don’t do anything (don’t even bring up Brady, Tom).
100% I think the euphoria of the draft has a lot of us really underestimating the impact of losing Franky.
I keep thinking back to the London game where Oakland keyed Clark as the one to fear on our defense.
A few thoughts.
– Rod, I know a lot of folks have already given you props, but again, fabulous job with this blog and your draft insights and reads into this team. You nailed Collier, Blair, and Jennings, and particularly had me sold on Collier months ago. I was nowhere near shocked when and where they took him.
– I’m not convinced this team was seeking an edge rusher as much as they were seeking an inside/out Bennett clone. Just my own take, but I honestly think that those sorts are much harder to come by and are move valuable. For me, that’s what stung when they dealt Bennett, and it showed up last year on the field. It takes a unique player to stack the run on the edge, and then be able to rush from either the edge and inside. All indications is that this is Collier. Love that pick.
– Really love the commitment to taking those safeties and linebackers. I literally leaped out of my sofa seat when BBK was called, and scared the crap out of my kid. I thought all season long last year that Carroll might be into that dude. Just MHO, but I thought the biggest blemish on this team last year was missed tackles in space, and it really showed up against the Rams. They missed Bennett’s edge, but when Earl and KJ were lost, that some tough football to watch at times. Blair, Barton, BBK, and Amadi all tackle really well in the open field. This is as much as matching up with that Rams offense and anything else.
– Love the DK and Jennings picks, and the upside of both players. With Jazz Ferguson, it’s feels like an interesting shift in receiver talent.
– Was a bit surprised by the team not going more to the well at defensive line, but would much rather have them hit on value than needs. I also think the team might like their DT situation more than some fans. Definitely think they are adding a veteran, but I feel there is a genuine buzz on Poona Ford. Carroll keeps bringing him up, and Dave Wyman dropped a bit of a bombshell on 710 last Friday saying that with Clakr gone, he thinks Ford is the most talented player on the DL and that includes Jarran Reed. Really interesting take from an old starting middle linebacker in the league who doesn’t come off as a hot take kinda guy.
– In relation to pass rush, I don’t think they will make a play for Clowney. Think it’s a fun thought, but I can see them wanting to be more reliant on using the draft to build and finding free agent value, a la New England now that RW is the league’s wealthiest human. I suspected when they traded Clark they felt there was a pass rusher they could take early, and they did. I also thought that there was probably a pass rusher or two on the team that they feel good enough about, and maybe they do. But I also thought there was probably a pass rusher or two in free agency that they felt they could later add, if they draft didn’t land enough there for them. I wouldn’t be shocked at all if in the next week or two, Ziggy, Perry, and Danny Shelton are all signed to add to the competition, but that they also open the competition up for the likes of Marsh, Orchard, Ford, Green, Martin, etc, and none of those three vets is a guaranteed lock on the final 53.
– What a fun draft to follow this year. To think that a week ago this team had four picks, and via trades they turned it into 11. That’s insane.
Go Hawks.
There you are! Hope everything is good my man. Miss ya on here.
Doing good! Life has gotten considerably busier lately and haven’t had time to hang out here much but still check in to read Rob’s work and always, always enjoy your comments. Go Hawks!
Thanks for the excellent coverage again Rob! One name I’ll add to the trade-able D Line potential pool, Leonard Williams with Quinnen now in NY. Not sure how he fits but might be an option.
Because I am from europe, I know how hard is for us to follow everything from start to end. I barely sleep for 6 hours from thursday morning untill saturday evening. And on top of that you provide just such a great context that I dont have enough words to explain it (even if I dont agree sometimes.with you like “they like their safeties more than media and fun base” 🙂 )
One, not big but huuuuge THANK YOU from me!
Thanks to you too Millhouse! Your questions and research were really thought provoking all year. Can’t wait to get started on the next draft w/ you guys
DK’s tape is so bad.
Very much is wow or where is it? But that sums up that offense for Old Miss. So much wasted talent.
Prediction for our rookie draft picks. BBK will be the first one of them to get a Pro Bowl nod. As a teams guy most likely. If I have one gripe about Seattle’s draft it’s that we only picked once in the 5th 😉. Everyone here knows that is our 💵 round.
South Dakota State QB Taryn Christion
What if I told you there’s a quarterback prospect in the 2019 NFL Draft who owns seven school career passing records, six single-season passing records, has twice been named All-America and All-Conference, and led his team to victory in 75 percent of the games in which he played?
Ok, what if I added that this player was a finalist for the Walter Payton Award for three consecutive years—and, for good measure, he was also a finalist for the Williams V. Campbell Trophy, otherwise known as the academic Heisman?
That should be enough, right? Not yet?
What if, as the icing on the proverbial cake, I told you that the same player capped off his spectacular collegiate career with an outstanding performance in a postseason all-star event attended by over 140 scouts?
This is no hypothetical. That player exists.
Meet Taryn Christion, a 6-1, 225-pound signal caller from Sioux Falls, S.D., who amassed over 11,000 passing yards at 8.5 yards per attempt, with 104 passing touchdowns against just 34 interceptions while starring for South Dakota State.
Christion was able to do damage on the ground as well, finishing with over 1,500 rushing yards with 26 rushing touchdowns.
That’s a lot of production for a player to be flying this far beneath the national radar. But, while the media may be a bit late to the party, the NFL scouts definitely have a bede on the former Jackrabbits standout.
Speaking with a few NFL scouts at the College Gridiron Showcase, where Christion participated this past January, it was stated that he was the top QB prospect coming into that event and had significant interest from a few teams who were there solely to watch him.
There is a lot to like about the quarterback responsible for leading the Jacks to three straight FCS playoff appearances from 2016-18. But what about his game makes him a pro prospect? And which of his skills and traits will translate to the next level?
Football IQ
Christion is a very smart individual, who is also very ‘football smart.’ He’s got above-average ability from the neck up. He understands coverage and shows a good mastery of how to attack leverage as well.
On film, he was able to quickly diagnose voids in the defense, whether it was from vacated defensive pressure or from vulnerability in coverage, and find the best matchup and deliver the football. This is a big reason why his turnover numbers are low. He does a fantastic job of minimizing risks by how well he sees the field.
Poise
He’s strong in this area as he seems to be unfazed by pressure—both situationally and from the defense. He trusts his athleticism to get him out of a jam, and at the end of the day, he feels as though he can pick up what’s necessary with his feet. That allows him to operate with a clear mind because he always has an exit strategy.
Accuracy
Christion’s accuracy can run a bit inconsistent at times.
He tends to misjudge the depth of a defender and not put enough arc on the ball—or flat out miss him completely. He is extremely accurate on the move, always able to maintain a great throwing base to place the ball well, and shows better accuracy coming off of play-action.
Situational Awareness
Christion is really good inside the red zone. Mistakes are either minimal or nonexistent. He also shows a high level of proficiency in four-minute and two-minute situation. With a backed up offense and in end-of-game situations, he rises to the occasion, as well.
Arm Strength
He gets really good velocity on his passes, especially on in-breaking routes over the middle of the field. He doesn’t have a cannon per se, but his arm is more than adequate when making tight-window throws.
Athleticism
Christion makes it an 11-on-11 game and can really hurt a defense picking up chunk yards on the ground. Within the pocket, he shows A+ pocket mobility and doesn’t look to quickly vacate. He can buy time within and outside the pocket, while also being able to hit the home run with his legs.
During the South Dakota State Pro Day, Christion posted the following testing numbers:
40-yard dash: 4.49
Pro agility: 4.43
3-cone: 7.12
Vertical: 34.5
Broad: 9’11″
Overall, Taryn Christion has legit, pro game. He’s a chain mover that’s super productive inside the red zone, mitigating risks while putting points up on the board. An NFL team is getting a battle-tested prospect, who played in one the Missouri Valley Conference—among the toughest in the FCS—and is one of the few quarterbacks to lead his team to victory against the juggernaut North Dakota State Bison.
His game is very similar to that of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in how efficient he is within the offense. Christion showed good poise throughout his career. And one of the more underrated aspects about this past season is how he remained extremely productive (3,020 yards, 32 TD to 8 INTs, 8.9 YPA, 57.9 percent completion) without wide receiver Jake Wieneke and tight end Dallas Goedert, who are both in the NFL.
That speaks volumes about the talent of Christion and his freedom from dependency on the NFL talent around him.
While he may not go during the first two days in the NFL Draft, Christion has the talent and temperament to have success at the next level. It’s not a question of ‘if’ as much as ‘when’ he will get the opportunity to showcase his ability.
Christion is the type of prospect who will ‘wow’ during training camp and preseason, showing the makings of a solid QB2 on a roster with a developmental path to QB1 down the line.
Via Field Gulls comment section
Sounds like he has some tools. Any film on him?
Reported Hawks UDFA. Paxton Lynch had better be ready to compete.
https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2019/03/20/sports/college-football-ursua-shines-at-pro-day/
I believe I was the only one to talk about him and had him targeted.him this year
Nice eye. I’m getting ready to watch film on him right now.
Rob your blog is one of the great pass-times of my day, and THE definitive place for Seahawks analysis. Congrats on another awesome draft season.
Thank you
Something I’m excited about is for all the drops Kears could make we remember him for the highpoint in stride catches on the deep post or fly routes. We have a few new WR’s that might be able to bring that back and then some.
Also I miss having a stud FB like Derrick Coleman who could lead, catch and move.
https://youtu.be/b2MHgrUYxPc
Time for my yearly post thanking you for your immense efforts Rob! Like a lot of the comments above I live on this site during draft season, it’s hands down the best place for Seahawks coverage. That you produce this quality and quantity of content for free whilst holding down a full time job is nothing short of miraculous. This community shouldn’t lose sight of how lucky we are to have SDB.
Thanks James
First, allow me to join everybody here in saying that your work for us all is nothing short than miraculous. I have started reading this blog in 2011 and read every word you posted since then. This place is 2nd to none and the way you make it happen day in and day out over the years with a day job and a family is mind boggling.
As for this draft class in hindsight:
1. The Seahawks have learned the painful lesson of Lynch, Clem, Kam, Sherman, Avril and now possibly Baldwin, beware of 3rd contract superstars entering their 30s. They just made sure that if the K.J.+Wags duo surrender to father time, the next generation of young talented LBs are on the roster with a great LBs mind grooming them (Norton).
2. RW has a new rich contract. If you pay a QB that much money, you need to surround him with matching talent to complement what he does best. Nothing does that better then big, fast deep ball targets. Metcalf, and Jennings are exactly the targets you covet for a run first and strike deep of the play action. Possibly losing Baldwin make it a top priority to stock the WR shelf.
3. Pass rush – It was considered the key need on defense before the Clark trade. The Seahawks ranked 11th in sack percentage last year. Of the 10 teams ahead of them only 3 made the playoffs (Chicago at 8th, New Orleans at 9th and the chiefs at 11th). The top 7 teams did not get to the playoffs. The team that harassed Jeoff to death at the SB was 30th at sack percentage. Another interesting aspect is comparing the 10 best defenses in points per game with the 10 best pass rushing teams. Only 2 of the 10 best rushing teams made it to the 10 best defenses list (Chicago and Minnesota). In other words, just having an awesome pass rush does not guaranty a top defense. 6 of top 10 run stuffing teams in the NFL are on the top 10 defensive teams in the NFL. In other words, making an offense one dimensional does more to prevent them from scoring than having the best pass rushing defense. Having a disciplined high level LBs corp does as much stopping the run as beef on the DL. Collier has all the making of being a better run stuffer than Clark ever was. Clowney is a far better run stuffer than Clark. Having a great back 7 helps limiting pass efficiency just as much as pass rush excellence. I am sure the Seahawks will add to the DL after May 7th, I’m not sure it will be big name speed of the edge.
Super into this draft, can’t wait to dive into these guys a little deeper. LB and WR depth should be super stacked this year. Like most I’m a tad disappointed in not getting more help on the DLine, hopefully they can find some depth in FA.
I still can’t get over grabbing DK where we did, I’ve noticed opinions on him in the comments being a bit polarised. I think he’s going to be an absolute superstar and someone who we all look back on and wonder how the hell he fell as far as he did. Brett’s video sums it up really well, just put him in a position to do what he does well, and watch him fly.
And of course, Rob you rock. So grateful for this blog.
ATTENTION PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Coach Pete Carroll on what’s left to do with improving pass rush even more “We’re not done. We’ve got some work to do. You guys will be excited about what’s coming up.” GM John Schneider mentions imminent “third phase” of free agency. #Seahawks
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) April 27, 2019
Names to watch
The team recently visited with three different free agents: Allen Bailey, Corey Liuget and Al Woods.
Other options who remain include Ezekiel Ansah, Nick Perry, Danny Shelton and a reunion with Dion Jordan.
Gregg has misquoted Pete Carroll there.
This was the actual quote:
“We’re not done. We’ve got work to do and we’re excited about what’s coming up. You guys will see in time.”
The misquote makes it sound like they’ve got something up their sleeve that’s really exciting. The reality is this is just Pete referencing that they’ve got to get after the third wave of free agency now and ‘you guys’ (the media) will see what their plan is when they make their additions.
Gregg Bell
@gbellseattle
GM John Schneider, coach Pete Carroll thought entering this week best-case #Seahawks would go from NFL-low 4 picks to 7. They traded into 11 total picks, 2nd-most in league. “This is beyond our expectations,” Carroll said. @thenewstribune
4:07 PM – 27 Apr 2019
Has anyone been able to find any recordings of the ESPN coverage of the draft (first round would be great but rounds 2-3 also would be perfect).
We only got the NFL Network here and I’d like to see how ESPN reacted to each pick.
I recorded NBC, ESPN and NFL Network. I’ll get back to you on that.
Thanks.
Just don’t get too excited. I was initially switching between the 2. NFL network was clearly better.
Same here Alex H. Didn’t see Jim Nagy on ESPN, his opinions are worth watching.
Homer looks like he plays bigger than his size. Watched some general highlights of Ursua. Would love if he could turn into a Baldwin replacement. He looks quick and fluid.
I give that observation on T Homer a big 10-4, my man! The dude runs with ATTITUDE! And to Rob-you just keep taking on greater clarity, subtlety and complexity with each new season like some kind of classic wine (or single malt?). We are truly blessed to have you!
Thank you 👍🏻
Rob, thank you for your willingness to create and maintain a community that demands excellence of all participants. I appreciate your work and approach. Looking forward to next seasons results and the 2020 windfall of picks.
Be well.
Michael
Thanks Michael
Nice LJ Collier interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHOM4ZsLSYY – I like this dude! Great attitude!
First team he mentions in the list of teams he’d like to go to is Seattle!
Great LJ Collier discussion: starts @ 2:30 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbxhO-s1yAA
It’s been 10+ year’s of excellent content Rob. I must say, you really knocked it out of the park this year.
I read most posts the following morning as I wake around 3 am. Plenty of content by then so I am a late poster. The Hawks had a great draft and I also like their UDFA pick- ups.
You are my daily fix. Thank you much, Rob…
Thanks man
Is it true they picked up Ce Ce Jefferson. Man I hope so, I like him a lot…
Me too.
Rob, Sir,… I think, you killed it this offseason. Always a pleasure to debate here, one of the seldom occasions on nowadays web, where one can find well reasoned and diverse opinion, without all that narzism, that has grown around us. Thanks, man!
Thank you
Two players I would like to have in Seattle are David Lucero, TE, UTEP and Nick Brossette, RB, LSU.
Rob, do you think Seattle may be planning to switch to more of a 3-4 front, to better utilize bigger DE’s and smaller, LB sized rushers like Marsh, Martin, and our other LB’s? They might be planning to sign Danny Shelton to play the nose in that case…
Just a thought, interested to hear your thoughts on it.
No, Pete is quite firm that he uses a 4-3 under. They’ve adjusted to play more nickel but that’s a tweak not a fundamental change.
Some notes about this draft and SDB vs Others
1. First place where you could see Kyler Murrey as No1 pick is SDB
2. Rob was the only one (I will say this once again:only one) who constantly had clamson trio in top 20 pick.
3. When all the twitter was :”Deionte Thompson is top10 pick, you could read here that he isnt even for 2nd round…
4. First place where you could read LJ Collier coud be 1st round pick – SDB
+12
On Clark being targeted as the one player to fear most vs the Raiders last year: Yup, and Clark destroyed them anyway. He’s not going to be replaced this year, at least not in personnel. Coaches will have to use multiple guys and really scheme to even come close to replicating Clark’s pressure.
Thank you for the reply, Rob. I prefer 4-3 myself, I just had a funny feeling when Seattle didn’t pay Clark and drafted two backers and a bigger DE.
And another heart-felt Thank You for your hard work and dedication to the draft etc. I just haven’t had the time to research college prospects much the past few years, and your work has been better than Cliffs Notes.
Your writing and analysis has improved to professional level. It was always good, even when I disagreed with your opinions, but it’s obvious now you are a Pro.
Thanks for your hard work Rob! Amazing draft insight!
But I really really can’t see a Clowney trade. I know you were on the “get Clowney” train for some time, but why would anyone do that?
Trade FC, you’re own guy, risking locker room questions (one of the best young players on the D is traded, who will be next, etc) for a 1st and 2nd and CAP relief.
Clowney would at the very very minimum command a 2nd round, but I think more of a 1st round.
2019 is his last year on the contract, so you need to give him a new one. He’ll make 16m neyt year, you need to top that. So at least 20m APY, roughly the same as Clark.
Clark had some injuries, but Clowney has a more extensive injury history.
Clark only missed 2 games in the last 4 years, Clowney missed 6.
Clowney is better in TFL, but never cracked the 10+ sack level. He only has 4 FF against Clark’s 8 in the last 3 years
Clowney had 24.5 sacks, Clark had 32
As for QB hits, Clowney had 59, Clark had 66
Clowney had 11 pdef, vs Clark’s 6, but playing in a different position. Clark also had an int while Clowney had none.
Clowney had way more tackles (155), Clark had only 120
Clark 4 FR vs Clowney’s 6
Clowney is more of an off-LoS, read and react rusher and better run defender with lower impact on the pass game but higher impact vs the run
Clark is a classic DE, who can be put in different positions, but he’s a 5T. He’s a sack machine with some upside to create turnovers but only mediocre-good against the run.
So trading Clark and our 2020 first (and maybe 2020 3rd too) for Clowney and 2019 first, 2020 second doesn’t seem like a good deal to me. Instead trust Green, Martin and the other young guys, bring in 1-2 vets from FA and roll with this group and preserve maybe some CAP and your draft stock.
If they get Clowney it means oen of the two things in my opinion:
1, They didn’t like Clark, or think highly of him
2, The draft didn’t work out like they think it would, some players were taken before they could and now realized that they messed up and wanted to add someone who can generate pressure
It wouldn’t be a good move regarding to Green or Martin either.
If they think this can be an SB year then yeah pull the trigger, but otherwise it’s just roster shuffling for no real reason or win at the end
It would be fine for Green and Martin. Clowney would move inside on passing downs and blitz with Collier, Green, Reed. Clowney is in there every time, Green and Collier could rotate, or one could stay on the edge with Martin.
We could have Martin/ Marsh come off the edge for speed and Clowney/ Collier inside while Green rests for the early downs. It would be a pretty good rotation. Add a LEO and that’s a top DL.
I know we could use Clowney pretty good, but I’m just not a fan of trading away Clark to be more young, hungry, fresh, and lower the costs and then get a guy with similar talent level and negate all the previous things
Thanks Rob. I appreciate and I’m sure the blog does too; all the time and effort you put into the site. I’m super happy we finally targeted some large receivers. Great additions all around for the receiving group. That includes Jazz Ferguson. I’m hoping everything else comes together. We definitely brought in some hitters. Thanks again.
Clayton
Who is everyone’s favorite pick from Seattle?
Move you didn’t like?
Guy you think will surprise?
Favorite: Metcalf/Jennings. One or both of them is going to be amazing in this offense.
Least favorite: Barton/BBK. Even taking Barton in the 3rd, doubling down on BBK in the 5th. I think they are both depth/STs players. The BBK pissed me off at the time for this reason, and I don’t feel differently.
Most likely to surprise: One of BBK/Barton… b/c I’m never right.
I’m with you Andrew on the last thing (surprise factor) I was like you at the moment of those picks, but maaan…Those guys seem awesome. Not immediate need, but the highest floor, one of the highest ceiling, most exciting to watch. Probably ST stars soon…and I love KJ, but I hope one of those guys soon push him out of the starters. I feel they could be our Van der Esch-like sideline-to-sideline always making plays kind of guys.
I also think they’ll be used in their first year on some sub-packages. Like BBK in a big-nickel hybrid-SS-LB role to handle teams with a lot of screens, trick plays, outside runs, short passes, misdirections, sweeps.
Favorite pick based on immediate impact: Collier
Favorite pick altogether in a vacuum: BBK
Favorite pick for highest potential: Metcalf
Most likely players to be steals: Metcalf, BBK, Ursua, (Thomas as UDFA)
Least favorite picks: Metcalf (highest potential for eliteness but also highest potential of bust), Blair (afraid of the flags)
Starter potential in year 1: Collier, Metcalf (WR3), Jennings (WR2), Amadi (nCB)
My favorite pick is Phil Baynes, I mocked him constantly because he has a prototype NFL frame and is a quick learner with chips on his shoulders.
Collier and Blair where overdrafted, which is a trait I generally don’t like. I understand the pressure re Collier, while I admit, that I consider him inferior to Zach Allen. Blair is a big questionmark surrounded by red flags; I’m not saying, he isn’t a valid pick, he sure is; but you just have to factor in risk. Nobody should cry in despair, if he turns out McDowell, part II. Bottom line, this cost us another DE.
I think, BBK will make it in this league. Don’t know, if that should surprise anybody. John Ursua is a poor mans Isabella; if DB walks out, here is the guy who is taking over the slot in a new fashion.
To add my favorite overall draft… I think the Eagles pretty much nailed it. Walter Football can tell the whole world, how Dillard will not help immediately… with Mailata + Dillard, they have great depth at OT; lines win trophies.
The Pats simply had a monster draft.
I don’t see Ursua as a poor man’s Isabella. Isabella is quick, fast with mediocre route running and hands.
Ursua is not that fast, although his short area quickness is OK/good. But he is really smart, pretty good route runner, has natural feel for soft spots and has really good hands.
I pretty much see him as a poor man’s Baldwin. Underrated, smart, determined, good catcher but not exceptional athlete.
Isabella is a better athlete than football player
Ursua and Douggie are better football players than athletes. And I like that. They’ll be the chip on shoulder, hard worker, underdog types with the career like:
High floor, mediocre ceiling. 50% can stick and be at least an OK rotational/situational player. 10% will be exceptional but underrated players (like Doug, or a bit Lockett too), 40% will be just vanish (like Kenny Lawler)
The athletes on the other hand like 20% just stick and be a situational guy, 20% will be boom players, 60% will just fall out of the NFL pretty quick (by athletes I mean athletes drafted after the 5th/6th round)
If someone is an athlete and a good football player those go in the top2 rounds
There’s a rumor, take it lightly it is from a crazy old man, that Seattle turned down an offer to trade back and decided to stay so they could take LJ Collier.
DK Metcalf. After going through his highlight reel again, I give no f**k$ if he suffers an occasional concentration drop. His ability to make tough, contested catches, the fact that he looks like a man amongst boys, and his acceleration + top end speed have me salivating. This kid made some Randy Moss-esque catches. I hear the boom or bust talk and we shall see, but I’m all in on the BOOM! This offense might just get really damn entertaining. Go Hawks!
Congrats Rob excellent review. Thanks!
Bestmode. This is the deal. If teams want to put eight men in box. Russell Wilson says: “okay” I will call an audible and go deep.
There is no doubt that these players were taken with stopping the Rams. Bill Belichick handed Pete Carroll a blue print for defending against the Rams offense. Now let me say this. In all fairness to the Rams. Todd Gurley was far from being 100%. But at least Seattle will be better able to defend against the Rams. It becomes a game of cat/mouse. But at least Carroll will be ready for Rams next go around.
The question was asked. Who is your favorite pick. I could make case for almost everyone. However, let say a few words on behalf of Phil Haynes. You have got to love this pick. Love both D.J.Fluker/Mike Iupati. But we can’t depend on them last 16 games. With Phil Haynes you will not miss a beat if he us forced to play . The Hawks also have Jordan Simmons so unless they have a rash of injuries they will be ok at guard. Also now that Tom Cable is gone John Schneider can go out and pick his (big, strong, tough, mean and nasty) offensive linemen.
The way the N.FL. is played today you have to have plenty of DBs. Safeties are becoming more and valuable. Teams are throwing the ball over 50% of the time. Safety play was HUGE for New England against the Rams in the Super Bowl.