Yesterday I was on KJR with Softy talking about the draft — if you missed the spot you can check it out above
Before I post this, here’s a few things I want to stress:
1. This is the mock draft I will be sending to the Huddle Report — so I didn’t include trades
2. I fully expect the Seahawks to trade down from #26 — and possibly out of the first round altogether
3. For that reason I’ve included a separate Seahawks section below
4. Although I’ve chosen a name at #26, I think the Seahawks will probably pick from the following:
Germain Ifedi
Le’Raven Clark
Jason Spriggs
Vernon Butler
Jonathan Bullard
Bronson Kaufusi
Kevin Dodd
Noah Spence
Shaq Lawson is a wildcard if he drops. Derrick Henry could be considered if they move down into round two and it’d be great to think Shon Coleman is being considered too.
I’ve gone with the O-line at #26 but if they trade down I think they’re more likely to go defense. That would open up the possibility of drafting from a group including Connor McGovern, Joe Haeg, Joe Dahl or Hal Vaitai in rounds 2-3.
So for the Huddle Report I’m going to stick with a pure 1-31 and let’s see what happens…
#1 Los Angeles — Jared Goff (QB, California)
#2 Philadelphia — Carson Wentz (QB, North Dakota State)
#3 San Diego — DeForest Buckner (DE, Oregon)
#4 Dallas — Jaylen Ramsey (CB, Florida State)
#5 Jacksonville — Myles Jack (LB, UCLA)
#6 Baltimore — Laremy Tunsil (T, Ole Miss)
#7 San Fran — Ronnie Stanley (T, Notre Dame)
#8 Cleveland — Joey Bosa (DE, Ohio State)
#9 Tampa Bay — Leonard Floyd (LB, Georgia)
#10 New York Giants — Ezekiel Elliott (RB, Ohio State)
#11 Chicago — Jack Conklin (T, Michigan State)
#12 New Orleans — Sheldon Rankins (DT, Louisville)
#13 Miami — Eli Apple (CB, Ohio State)
#14 Oakland — William Jackson III (CB, Houston)
#15 Tennessee — Taylor Decker (T, Ohio State)
#16 Detroit — Jarran Reed (DT, Alabama)
#17 Atlanta — Darron Lee (LB, Ohio State)
#18 Indianapolis — Ryan Kelly (C, Alabama)
#19 Buffalo — Shaq Lawson (DE, Clemson)
#20 New York Jets — Paxton Lynch (QB, Memphis)
#21 Washington — Karl Joseph (S, West Virginia)
#22 Houston — Josh Doctson (WR, TCU)
#23 Minnesota — Will Fuller (WR, Notre Dame)
#24 Cincinatti — Laquon Treadwell (WR, Ole Miss)
#25 Pittsburgh — Keanu Neal (S, Florida)
#26 Seattle — Germain Ifedi (T, Texas A&M)
#27 Green Bay — Reggie Ragland (LB, Alabama)
#28 Kansas City — Vernon Butler (DT, Louisiana Tech)
#29 Arizona — T.J. Green (S, Clemson)
#30 Carolina — Noah Spence (DE, Eastern Kentucky)
#31 Denver — Emmanuel Ogbah (DE, Oklahoma State)
Here are some predictions:
1. Vernon Hargreaves and A’Shawn Robinson are two huge names in this draft class — but both are vastly overrated and could fall.
2. Keanu Neal will be seen as a ‘surprise’ high pick — but the guy will be coveted by several teams and go early. Plus, unlike Karl Joseph, he’s healthy.
3. Tennessee could move back into the top ten and if they don’t — Miami will climb to get Ezekiel Elliott.
4. The Seahawks will accept a trade down and it’ll involve a fourth round pick or a swap of third rounders. Every team from #26 down would probably like to move down.
5. If they do make a trade I’m not convinced Ifedi will be waiting for them when they’re next on the clock.
Seahawks predictions
Projection: The Seahawks (#26) trade with the Baltimore Ravens (#36) for a fourth round pick
Reason #1: Seattle wants to move down and the Ravens move back into the first frame to grab a safety
Reason #2: The Ravens have a fourth round compensatory pick and might be willing to give up #104
Alternative trade partners: Dallas, San Diego, New Orleans, Cleveland
Possible targets after the trade down: Jonathan Bullard, Bronson Kaufusi, Le’Raven Clark
O-line options rounds 2-3: Connor McGovern, Joe Haeg, Joe Dahl, Hal Vaitai
Players to keep an eye on
I’m going to predict that Seattle’s VMAC/workout list is pretty genuine this year and add in a few other options too:
QB — Dak Prescott
RB — Derrick Henry, Darius Jackson, Jonathan Williams, Paul Perkins
WR — Braxton Miller, Michael Thomas, Daniel Braverman, Moritz Boehringer
TE — Ben Braunecker, Terren Houk
OL — Rees Odhiambo
OL converts — George Fant, Joel Heath
DL — Alex Balducci
LB — Travis Feeney, Miles Killebrew
DB — Sean Davis, Justin Simmons, DeAndre Elliott, James Bradberry, Keivarae Russell
UDFA targets
Liam Nadler (QB)
Zac Brooks (RB)
Jaydon Mickens (WR)
Jay Lee (WR)
Terren Houk (TE)
Marcus Henry (C)
Lene Maiva (OL)
Justin Murray (OL)
Alex McCallister (LB)
Christian French (LB)
Rashard Robinson (CB)
D.J. Hunter (S)
Terron Beckham (stud)
Great piece.
Glad that me and you have been on the same page all year as a sidenote.
Never got to tell ya yesterday. Very cool and you deserved b
*you deserve to be on the radio here more my man.
I’m pumped for ya going forward.
Very cool.
My dream scenario would be Rob and his family moving back to the NW and work for a Seattle radio station. KJR, ESPN, it doesn’t matter. Fire any host and have Rob replace them.
Thanks man — we’ve virtually agreed on everything throughout the process this year.
I still think you guys are the same dude – just two different alter egos with different nationalities! Thanks for making this site such a must-visit.
Softy pretty much raved about you after you got off the phone.
Congrats.
Thanks man
Very thorough. Great target lists. Excellent choices from the visits and workouts. A few favorites of mine are missing, but Seattle hasn’t shown much interest.
Either Butler or Ifedi at 26
Or tradedown for Clark or Bullard
Final 7 round for Seattle?
I am pumped up! Love your blog. I don’t comment often, but I check this site daily.
A few comments on your mock:
1) I think Dallas will be reluctant to take Jalen Ramsey even though they should…they haven’t had luck in the past with CBs. My bet is on Bosa or Buckner if he’s available since they need a DE.
2) I think Rankins will jump into the top 10 and will be a game changer for years to come.
3) I’m not sure Tennessee will go OL. They need help on defense.
4) I agree the Seahawks are primed to trade down in this draft. I’ll be happy as long as the first person they pick is starting next year, or at least playing substantial minutes.
Agree with you completely with Rankins. I could see him as early as #5 to Jacksonville if they are concerned about Jacks knee.
If I was the Hawks front office I’d select Rob Staton @ pick 26. Loves the game of football, displays an outstanding work ethic, really high football IQ, and has incredible explosiveness in his ability to produce articles on the dang near daily basis. This guy deserves to be a top 10 pick!
In all seriousness Rob, I appreciate so much what you do. Your a breath of fresh air compared to all these lame media personnel around (cough Kiper & Mcshay). Keep doing your thing man!
Thanks man!
Hear hear!
Well done. Once again the best site to get Seahawks relative information. Thank you.
Great stuff Rob. You doing a live chat this year during the draft?
RE: #26. I’ll throw my projection out there. They’ll trade #26 to Dallas (who will draft Derrick Henry). With the Dallas pick in the second, they trade back yet again into the mid 2nd. There is just so much value in the late 2nd/3rd round. I think PCJS will want to get as many assets as possible to be very active in that #50-#100 range.
I wouldn’t be surprised at all if they end up drafting five times in that range.
“You doing a live chat this year during the draft?”
That was the original plan but I have a lot on with work over the next three days so might be more of an ‘instant reaction’ review show after each day.
I love your instant reaction pieces – on the draft, and on game day. Thank you so much for your awesome work.
Great stuff Rob, although I was hoping for your final all Seahawks mock draft.
It seems obvious that they will try to trade down (barring an unforeseen drop by one of their targets). Agree with you that it will most likely be for a 4th, not a 3rd.
I’ve got this gut feeling that with their first two picks they go defense: One of the many interior linemen and another playmaker (e.g. Butler & Kaufusi or Spence & Bullard).
I’m hoping, praying, wishing that they get Coleman, regardless, McGovern seems like an obvious addition to the O-line.
And with that said, my PRE DRAFT BOLD PREDICTION for the STARTING O-LINE WEEK 1:
LT – G Gilliam
LG – J Britt
C – C McGovern
RG – M Glowinski
RT- Webb
Four of five positions have a new starter, but only one draft pick.
I’m actually having dreams of one nasty, mean, intimidating defense this coming year.
Thanks for all of your hard work this year Rob. Greatly appreciated.
GO HAWKS!!!
I wouldn’t be surprised to see JAX trade down with someone and take Rankins… Maybe with a TB or a NYG. Otherwise I love it. I do want to see a couple of trade backs. Fingers crossed!
Great mock, and thank you Rob for all of the hard work you put into this site. You are one of the best in the business and this isn’t even your full-time job. Word seems to be getting around as far as your talent goes. Tomorrow should be great. Cheers!
Thanks man
You the man rob! I’m expecting a lot of moving by the Hawks to accumulate more picks. I think there are a ton of guys they like and if guys like Fackrell and Ervin get snapped up before they can pick them there are a ton of options in this draft. It’s going to be a fun one, excited to see the out come from all the speculation on the blog. This has been an eye opener for me finding this blog and would like to thank everybody who contributes!
Rob, can we get an open thread during the draft?
Yes of course.
Please set it to have newest at the top when you do. Those threads get very long.
Thanks for everything, Rob.
I posted in the last article that same thing, with Rawls hurt and Michael underwhelming, maybe the Hawks trade back and take Henry.
Could you see something like this happen Rob? Talk about field tilters and with the beef in the middle of the draft, trade back:
2nd Henry (RB)
2nd Miller (WR)
3rd McGovern (OL)
3rd Haeg (OL)
Then go DT and DE in the 4th. Gives the Hawks 2 playmakers and 2 interior linemen.
Gilliam/Haeg/McGovern/Glowinski/Webb
You could be on to something there. That,s a pretty gosh darn good start to the draft. Play-maker’s,difference makers! Keep your main theme in place. The RUNNING GAME…. Power Football.We need insurance @ the RB position. Who know where Rawls is going to be at when the regular season starts. Is he an upgrade over Micheal, Probably…
EDGE Xzavier Dickson working out for Seattle today.
https://youtu.be/LyJxyGA-Nrg
Love it
That was great.
The ticker on the bottom was hilarious.
25. Pitt- a whizzinator for WR Martavis Bryant
26. Seattle- a trade back for a star that will get injured
GB- Olivia Munn to play cheerleader
Arizona- a shipment of kangol hats
Thanks for posting. That was funny, and true.
Remember yesterday the ‘trapper and his furs’ comment?
It either refernced their love for targeting and hitting on UDFAs, or….
William Henry Ashley was a famous trapper. Shoutout to someone on twitter for that.
I saw that, too haha. Willie Henry??
That would be it.
A 300 lb DT that rushes from the edge.
Nice!
From NFL.com: WEAKNESSES Can be undisciplined pre-snap with five encroachment penalties this year.
Sounds Seahawky!
Could also rush from 3 tech spot.
Nice catch!
I also say something that said ‘Thunder and Rawls.’
It had Rawls name as a twitter link, but thunder wasn’t.
Who’s thunder?
Typically “thunder and lightning” refers to a big power RB and a more quick speed guy.
So a big, athletically unique RB in the draft. Wonder who that could be?
Pete is so messing with John, you could tell. Doesn’t mean we’ll select Henry, but if this were true, I bet John made some trapper joke about him recently when they were looking into him.
Everyone keeps trying to figure this “code” out. Pete was referencing an old saying that you can judge a trapper by his furs. In other words, you can judge how well the Seahawks draft by the quality of the players they end up with.
Carroll has said the phrase “trappers by their furs” many times before. He says it in reference to his recruiting prowess, both in college and now for UDFA’s
Offensive lineman Blake Muir put up solid numbers. Measuring 6060, 315 pounds, he completed 30 reps on the bench, touched 32 inches in the vertical jump and 9-8 in the broad jump. Muir’s 3-cone time was in the 7.5-second range, but his day was then ended by a hamstring strain.
Baylor Guard with a great pro day. If we’re looking at Drango, he’s on our radar, too.
2015 All-Big 12, first team
2014 All-Big 12, honorable mention
2015 ESPN Big 12 All-Bowl team
2015 Academic All-Big 12, first team
2014 Academic All-Big 12, first team
2012 All-Mountain West Academic Team
Four-time Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll selection
Transfer from Hawaii, born in Australia!
I’ve actually seen this kid live in the flesh in the gym over here.
He was 17 and made me look small(I’m 6’3″ and 270) and he was power cleaning 370lbs.
That’s some great insight. Just watched some Corey Coleman cutups and he looked reeally impressive. Amazed he isn’t being talked about more.
The Baylor pro day participant that fascinates me is Rico Gathers. The former basketball player tested out as a TE who at 6’6 273 ran a 4.75 40:
https://mobile.twitter.com/RapSheet/status/724692529745133573?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
I have had this feeling for weeks that Spriggs is off the board, cine he is LT and Gilliam will be LT.
Ifedi not impressed by Cable and comments yesterday might disqualify him.
If we pick OT with our first pick, it’s Clark or Coleman… I think we trade up for Rankins or trade down/stay put for Butler/Kaufusi and then use that ammo to move 2nd pick for Coleman/McGovern or save ammo and pick Clark.
If somehow the Hawks could get end up with 3 2nd rd picks (via trade down then trade up) and nail Butler/Bullard, Coleman/LeRaven Clark and McGovern, then I would drool!
I’m in agreement with this 100%. I would love for this to happen.
Seems unfair, only a 4th to move down 10 spots? They can have our 4th for their 3rd. We dont need a 4th rd pick if we have three 3rd picks. Weve sucked picking in th 4th anyway. If not we should just pick the one guy we really want @ 26. Wether its @26 or later your first pick has to have an immediate impact so PCJS better not get cute. We should make it worth it to move down 10 spots and possibly miss on our guy. Also keep in mind, 9 players, picks are not gonna make this team. Also not counting the UDFAs. Using Rob’s scenario,
#36 Bullard
56 Kafusi
3rd Mcgovern
3rd Haeg
3rd Dahl
5th BPA OLB ( our good luck round)
6th Rd BPA RB
7th rd BPA DT
During the UDFA period focus on RB, WR, S and a back up QB.
In that scenario we have established 5 solid players that will make the team. Possibly all Starters at some point. Bullard, McGovern, and Kafusi would have day 1 starter potential.
But all this stuff is hypothetical anyway. Cant wait til the real thing
“Seems unfair, only a 4th to move down 10 spots?”
Might be the only offer on the table. And if the guy you’re taking at #26 is going to be there at #36 — why not?
Kinda risky but I hear what your saying.
Havent had much to add lately, but I wanted to say I saw another site get credit in the Times or Trib (cant remember which) for pointing out that Seattle hasnt drafted a Corner with sub-32 inch arms under PC and JS. Funny, because this site has been discussing that forever.
Made me wonder why they werent pointing out how amazing your TEF is for explaining how Seattle forms a pool of players for the OL. Its obvious they use a very close version of TEF for potential picks, and then go from there. And Im saying this despite loathing that they DO use it lol!
Anyway, just wanted to say I thought you and the site got the shaft. Maybe Seattle took notice and wasnt too keen on someone figuring out their procedure! And excellent work.
I too expect them to trade down, even if the so-called trade chart says they didnt get equal value. This draft is worth it to get an extra fourth…
I think they’re gonna surprise people and take a DB earlier than they historically have.
They want difference makers and guys that have personalities/character that tilt the room. The DB class is loaded with those.
I wouldnt be shocked to see them take a DB higher than the fourth–especially a replacement for Kam down the road. They like McCray, but he cant hit like Kam, thats for sure–though he’s much better in coverage. Nor would I be surprised to see them take a guy with sub-32 inch arms if he hits other measurables and like you say, has the character/drive/playmaking they crave. But its crazy they havent touched one in the draft without that single measurable…
Then again, not much is a surprise anymore with the Twins, they always keep us guessing. Think Im getting used to it!
PC said the draft clues are coming tommorow.
I always find it so funny that Pete is so certain of the guys they are going to take that he sends out clues. They really do seem to just target the guys they like and want. So much for the BPA crap most teams dole out.
Anyone that thinks they don’t know who they’re targeting is crazy.
I love the clue stuff. It’s completely original and gives Hawks fans debates and discussions as the draft approaches.
Reasonable scenarios w/backup plan:
1) Ryan Kelly (or Jason Spriggs)
2) Bronson Kaufusi (or Kyler Fakrell)
3) Connor McGovern (or Joe Dahl)
3) Javon Hargrave (or Hassan Ridgeway)
4) Charles Tapper
note: if Kelly is there, Seahawks will take him at #26, for inside pass pro is more urgent even than outside… otherwise try to trade down; the other need position besides OL is DE/DT, because Rubin and Siliga are base DTs only, and Jordan Hill gets injured so often he makes Okung look like Lou Gehrig, so need a pass rush interior DL
or with a trade down:
2) Jonathon Bullard
2) Le’Raven Clark (trading up in R2 with our #56 and #90)
3) Carl Nassib
4) Seumalo (OG/C)
note: that high R2 pick would likely go to one of that group of outstanding DLs, but that means OL becomes urgent, so trade up in R2 to land an OT of the future, because the pure OTs will be gone by #56; a plethora of OG/C types available in R3/R4
“If Kelly is there, Seahawks will take him at #26, for inside pass pro is more urgent even than outside”
Maybe — but some teams think Kelly is R2-3. He also missed their 9-foot broad ideal and is more ‘athletic for his size’ than explosive. Kelly’s reputation has become a bit inflated. And while Alabama trotted out that line about how many sacks/pressures he gave up — watch him vs Nkemdiche.
?
Thoughts on Michael Thomas and Braxton Miller, 12’s?
The Seahawks can only carry 5 WRs, and Baldwin, Lockett, Kearse and Richardson are well-set (and already have the speed that Thomas or Miller would bring). I like Williams and Smith going head-to-head for that 5th spot.
They have kept six before, just not for a whole season. Depends on the situation. But yeah, I can tsee them spending a high enough pick to land Miller on yet another slot guy. If they take a WR before the fifth and shock folks, it will likely be a big physical WR like Treadwell or Cajuste or Kayarris Garrett (not necessarily them, just big, fast, etc like them). They like to form a multi-faceted group, and the one thing their WR corps lacks is a big physical WR.
And no, I dont think Graham counts. He’s not overly physical, and he isnt a WR. And he has a major injury to overcome.
I’m not so sure that Richardson is “well-set.”
Much better as the fifth guy than fourth.
As far as sheer talent and physical ability goes him and Lockett are 1 and 2. Most people are forgetting that the last games of the 2014 season Paul was steadily climbing 1 more catch or 10 more yards every week. And he isn’t constantly hurt as some might think the only reason he was injured this year was his hamstring which is extremely common for acl injuries. Let’s be optimistic because he has the tools to be DeSean Jackson
I still want a big target, something in the mold of a Cajuste/Boehringer/etc
Kelly has a multiplier effect, he would make both Britt and Glowinski better.
I doubt anyone could make Britt better.
A new left guard would make Britt better, ha!
Interesting comment on Britt the other day (unfortunately don’t remember where I heard it): that upon the snap he’d get out of his stance the same way he did as a right tackle. He cleans up a few things at playing the LG position and he might be just fine.
Oh yes, he”ll be just fine–ON THE BENCH! When we get a REAL LG! Hahaha….
Ok, sorry, couldnt help myself…Britt bashing over for the week….
Dave Wyman said that on yesterdays show. Granted he didn’t play OL but I certainly trust his observations more than some other sources.
Certainly interesting that he might just have to re-learn some muscle memory to be a serviceable player. I definitely wont hold my breath though…
Britt seems better suited to the Pig Bailey swing OT/OG backup role, the Seahawks just need to land that LG.
Kelly doesnt have a multiplier effect!
He only played alongside other blue chippers on that line and blocked for blue chippers.
If anything its the Bama coaches with the multiplier effect. Look at how well the OL do at Bama as oppose to when they leave.
No one knows how Kelly will do when he doesnt have dominant players on both sides of him.
I think the miltiplier effect is far fetched.
Great work on the radio show Rob.
Thanks
For sure Hawks will trade down if they could.
I hope they take Billings and Coleman in the 2nd round.
Rumors are Minnesota is targeting Nkemdiche with their first pick. The “Big 3” interior pass rushers could be off the board entirely before Seattle’s first pick. I’m including Rankins and Chris Jones in this list.
I’d be willing to bet that Seattle will never take a DT in the 1st.
Noah Spence, Kevin Dodd, or Ifedi if they stay at 26.
Let me rephrase that.
A non pass rushing DT.
For sure.
I so agree with you on this. Run pluggers can be found much cheaper.
Rankins was lasting into the 20’s yesterday and now he’s going top 10, possibly even to Dallas.
Best defensive player in the draft, IMO.
I’m leaning that way, myself.
I’m sorry but that’s excessive. Rankins is good, he isn’t Aaron Donald, willie henry has virtually the same numbers from the combine, javon hargrave has better numbers, statistically and in measurables. He also loses at the line of scrimmage regularly. I just have not been a fan of Rankins. I started out very optimistic of him and I know he is popular on this site but he seems to me to be the kind of guy that is going to rise up in the draft and never live up to expectations. Especially watching more tape on him I find myself perpetually dissapointed by a guy who looKS like a good DT not a great one.
He was never going in the 20’s, not since the Senior Bowl. Some “inside” info you see in the media is legit, but most we should all take with a grain of salt.
This might sound strange but man I would love if we could draft a DT (preferably a 3 Tech) that had a Fletcher Cox build. Obviously having interior pass rushing skills would be great, but when I see Fletcher Cox on Sundays that’s what I imagine the Hawks having as a 3 Tech. 6*4 ,300lbs of disruptive man.
But don’t get me wrong I’d cry tears of joy if Rankins is available at 26;)
Cox was picked at #12… I think just about every team would love to pick a Fletcher Cox. At 26 that option just isn’t there.
Interestingly enough, Cox was drafted with Seattle’s pick that year. We traded down and took Earl Thomas. Win/Win for both teams. Except Philly thought Nate Allen was a close second to Earl and took him later. Allen was actually a close second to every other safety in the draft….heh! Actually, he wasnt that bad, but he isnt great…
We got Bruce after trading that pick. Hard to say what would have been better in the longrun. Bruce was pretty solid, but I would wager that Cox would still be with the team had we picked him
We could go for Reggie Ragland. He is a force inside and can rush the QB when needed.
Doh! Good catch. I think my brains are mush lately…
Rob,
Purely hypothetical, but if like Will Fuller or Hunter Henry slide and are available at #56 is there any chance the Hawks would forego DL/OL
For Fuller yes — but I doubt he drops like that.
How I expect the Hawks to approach the draft at each position, roughly in order of need:
OT – At the very least they will come away with a developmental tackle (candidates: Haeg, Vaitai, Shell). However, IMO they’ll feel the need to get a year 1 contributor at RT, who could eventually compete at LT (Spriggs, Coleman, Ifedi). The frightening idea of Webb starting at RT this year is compounded by the uncertainty of how Gilliam will perform on the other side. My best guess is they try to trade down from 26 and select one of Spriggs, Coleman, Ifedi, or even Clark (gulp).
OG/C – Likely to take one on day 2 (McGovern, Dahl, Tuerk?) I’d bet all the money in my pockets that they pick up a couple really athletic OL’s through UDFA or perhaps a late draft pick. There were a lot of unknowns who tested pretty freaky at their pro days: https://3sigmaathlete.com/rankings/ol/
DT – The Hawks will draft 2 DT’s IMO – a run stuffer to compete for base DT snaps with Siliga, and a pass rusher to compete for nickel DT snaps with Hill. They need some youthful talent on the interior for the future, and depth is badly needed this season. I think the Hawks will consider DT as much of a need as any individual offensive line position. (Jones, Butler, Bullard, Nkem, Hargrave, Kaufusi, Ridgeway, Collins, Henry, Blair, Onyemata, Zimmer are all possibilities).
OLB – the Hawks will consider a base SAM or WILL on day 2, but more likely on day 3 (SAM’s: Fackrell, Perry, Feeney, McCalister, Wallace, French). (WILL’s: Jones, Brown, Walker).
RB – they’ll consider a 3rd down RB on day 2, but more likely will select one on day 3 and/or pick up an athletic UDFA (Ervin, Lasco, Ferguson, Drake, Jackson, Foster, Brooks, Farrow).
QB/FB – my best guess is they have player(s) in mind at each position, but won’t reach for them. They can always re-sign T-Jax or Tuk after the draft to compete with UDFA. I’ve done very little research on these positions, here’s my top candidates – QB: Vernon Adams, FB: Devon Johnson
EDGE – The Hawks don’t really have a need here, but they love defensive line depth. They may take a pure edge rusher at some point on day 3 (Weatherly, Holmes, Cochran), or one of the top edge rushers if they fall in love (Lawson, Ogbah, Spence, Tapper, Dodd).
TE – No TE on the roster is guaranteed beyond this season, so the Hawks may look for depth on day 3/UDFA. They’ve been linked to a few TE’s in the pre-draft process (Vannett, Fant, Houk, Valles).
DB – I’m putting CB and S in one category since they won’t draft more than one DB IMO, and they’ve shown equal interest in both positions throughout the pre-draft process. I think their talent/depth in the LOB is such that they don’t even need to draft one, but they’ve shown interest in a lot of DB’s so far. There’s a few CB’s that fit their length/athleticism ideals (Elliot, Bradberry, Worley, Hall). The Hawks have surprisingly looked at some smaller CB’s and CB/S tweeners (Robinson, Countess, Seymour, Russell, Green, Davis). They’ve also looked at some late round/UDFA safeties (Hunter, Killebrew, Parks, Caputo).
WR – There’s been a lot of talk about Cajuste, which is entirely possible. My thinking is they wait very late to draft a WR or just pick up UDFAs. I’m assuming they’ll extend Baldwin after the draft. This will give them a young, talented and locked up receiving core of Doug, No E, Kearse and P-Rich. There simply isn’t much room for snaps for the foreseeable future, so a mid-round pick might not be worth it. Another reason is the Hawks have exclusively been linked to late round/UDFA types in the pre-draft process (Lee, Allen, Lewis, Stewart). If they pick anyone, I’d expect the player to at least be a big target (6’2+).
Nice post! I agree with a lot of your takes I agree completely about WR based on the guys they were linked to is late or UDFA. I think that is why Pete said yesterday the position was so hard to evaluate now.
Webb as the RT is frightening . . . to you. I think PCJS are going into the draft envisioning him as a solid starter.
I think even the Hawks would view him as a 1 year insurance policy to come in and compete and make sure there’s a veteran presence in an extremely young O-line group.
Webb’s been a below average starter at guard throughout his career who’s struggled immensely when pressed into playing OT. He also doesn’t have the type of athleticism they covet in offensive linemen.
I assume one of their top priorities in this draft is to draft an OT who can compete for snaps as a rookie.
As I have said before, OT is not as critical for Seattle as for other teams, because of Russell Wilson. DE’s and LB’s who normally rush hard against other teams, will hold back against the Seahawks because of the threat of Russell running around them. The biggest threat of the pass rush is against the middle of our line, and I expect that to be addressed before the season starts.
Webb merely has to do an average interpretation of a RT to be adequate for this season as we develop his replacement. He is huge and should be good against a bull rush, but not so much against the speed guys. But, as I said, that is a tough choice for opposing defenses.
You hit the nail on the head. Not just that but all these Gary Gilliam doubters are in for a surprise. I also think that 12ers take on DT is spot on but for edge rushers couldn’t be more inaccurate. The Hawks edge rush is extremely thin outside of cliff Avril and Michael Bennett, Cassius marsh can stop the run but can’t pass rush, Frank Clark should be great I even think he could get 10 sacks this year, which is really only going to add 3.5 sacks total because Bruce Irvin had 6.5 sacks and when you factor in Clarks 3 sacks as a rook it gets more clear. The Hawks need edge rushers cliff and Michael are both 30+ and aren’t going to get better. I could even see the Hawks trading the 26th a d 56th pick to Tennessee to try and get dodd and Lawson. Superbowl winners have proved it you can never have enough edge rushers.
Anybody concerned with the durability with Kelly, the Bama center? Everyone talks about how beat up the RBs are coming out of Bama but imagine the beating the center takes… just something to think about.
Clayton is beyond convinced he is the Redbirds pick at #29.
We will see, we will see in 28 hours or so.
Seattle get’s trade form Baltimore its as good as any to project. They will trade down from 26 somewhere into the 30’s and get a get early 4th.
36 Germain Ifedi LG Texas A&M
I Draft this guy to take the LG spot. Its this guy cause I still like Coleman more so to disappointment this is their pick. Murphy’s Law.
56 Connor McGovern C Missouri
He just may become the strongest center in the NFL. This is not a reach here after watching what happen last year Morse.
90 Tyler Ervin RB San Jose St
There is no way they walk away with out this player maker. He’s Electric and ticks all the Seahawk boxes.
97 Willie Henry DT/DE Michigan
He can take Clarks old spot and if Hill gets injured step right in.
104 Devon Cajuste WR Stanford
The big Receiver that can block.
124 Nick Vannet TE Ohio St
I just don’t have 34million in FA money to go buy a Miller so I have to draft him.
171 DeAndre Elliott CB Colorado St
Everything ticks the boxes for Seattle with guy including the production.
215 Rees Odhiambo LG,RT Boise St
This guy could be the steal of the draft if he can stay healthy.
225 Vernon Adams Jr QB Oregon
Need to take the next step grooming another QB. This guy should have a chip on his shoulder very much like RW the perfect mentor.
247 Andy Janoviche FB Nebraska
We need a special teams FB and this guy is all that.
It seem to be loased with more offense but that was just where this draft took me to.
Pick#124- Replace Vennet with Travis Feeney. We need a LB pick here instead of yet another receiver. We’ll be able to fill in for Jimmy until his injury abates, one way or the other..
So I need to draft a LB when I already have Eric Pinkin LB that similar to Freeney.
My contrarian 7-rounder, using Fanspeak’s simulator and Draftek’s rankings. No second-guessing, just took guys if they were still on the board:
1. Laquon Treadwell — Because I just don’t give a d—.
2. Chris Jones — Get his motor running and we’ve got push on the inside.
3. Xavien Howard, CB
3. Connor McGovern, G/C – Maybe my one nod to the blog
4. Jonathon Williams, RB
5. H. Vaitai, OT, TCU
6. Alex McCalister, DE, Fla.
7. Feeney, OLB, UW — Tried to avoid him along with other blog faves, but he was there late due to medicals.
7. Onyemata, DT, Manitoba – Wanted a S, but somebody stole Byard right before my pick in the 5th, never filled the spot.
Can’t wait ’til tomorrow.
I am hoping that we do not have a pick on the first day (unless someone unexpected falls-u know who I mean). The draft you have laid out would be fantastic. I really would like to get Adams. I am from Spokane and he was a big deal at Eastern. I think he could learn a lot from Russell and could be a perfect back up for Seattle.
Is there any questions about Adam’s small hands?
Rob,
My buddy and I have a bet going on whether you or Peter King get the most right in the first round. My money is riding on you!!!
I think it could be a soccer-style 0-0 draw…
Help me understand LeRaven Clark as either a 1st or 2nd round pick. I get it that his measurables are off the charts. However, it also sounds like he is woefully short on fundamentals and in need of serious coaching-up. In other words, using expensive draft capital on Clark is another way of saying that we trust Cable to take this lump of coal and turn him into a diamond.
Now…
Should we be thinking that? Britt was an expensive use of capital and has really not panned out in two years. Everyone else on the line is either an unknown quantity or too early to say yet. There’s so much “coaching up” already on the menu, why wouldn’t we opt for someone who is closer to game-ready? I feel like Clark as a pick would be biting off more than we can chew. Just my $0.02.
I can’t understand it either. At a TEF of 2.74, Clark’s measurables aren’t really off the charts and would be quite the outlier if the Seahawks picked him.
I suspect it’ll be DEF first and then OL to follow (McGovern, Dahl, Haeg etc) unless they take Ifedi R1.
I think what you said on one of your shows made a lot of sense to me, that the first pick almost doesn’t even matter. Trade down if you can and take best player available (which will probably be defense, but really it could be just about anybody), then stockpile mid round players. So many good options there, you just want to take them all. Somehow have to find away to get an extra 3rd-4th rounder (or both!).
Every other team probably is thinking the same thing… late 3rd or 4th round guys will be gold… so it will be hard to pry picks away from other teams.
Baltimore have 4 4th rounders, 2 normal ones(one acquired from Denver) and 2 comps.
Baltimore: Pick 104 and 130 in fourth round = 86 + 42 = 108 pts
Baltimore: Pick 36 in second round = 540 pts
Seattle: Pick 26 in first round = 700 pts
Baltimore would give up 648 pts, while Seattle would give up 700 points… doesn’t quite work.
Unless Baltimore gave up a future conditional 3rd.4th round pick.
86 + 42 = 128. It’s 668 to 700.
How about we jump from 90 to 70 and take 130? That’s 682.
Targets:
1st
Rankins/Butler/Trade back
2nd
Henry/McGovern/Clark/Bullard/Kafusi
3rd
Haeg/Henry/Day/Ervin/Dahl
4th
Cajuste/Freeney/Killebrew
Michael Thomas
He doesn’t fit neatly into any preconceived needs on the Seahawks team. He would be a low 1st round pick/high 2nd round and that doesn’t fit OL/DL pick……. but I keep thinking, he might be a wildcard pick for Seattle at #26. Have they ever taken a WR in 1st round with this current regime, no…. but he brings so many great things to the table in a run heavy offense……. just maybe he is the guy they would pull the trigger on at #26. Yes, I still favor Ifedi, but why repeat the “favorite”… might as well find a dark horse to ride for the trifecta.
Vernon Butler DT, La Tech
Bronson Kafusi DE/DT, BYU
Connor McGovern OG, Mizzou
Joe Haeg OT, North Dakota St
Tyler Ervin RB, San Jose St
James Bradberry CB, Samford
Tyrone Holmes DE, Montana
Devon Cajuste WR, Stanford
Brandon Shell OG, South Carolina
This is where I have ended up at… Would love it to come true
Sign me up
An intriguing possible trade to me, not Seattle related…
Baltimore trades with Miami from 6 to 13…..
Baltimore Trade #6 (1600 pts) and #130 (42 pts) = 1642 pts
Miami Trades #13 (1150 pts), #42 (480 pts) = 1630 pts
Miami grabs RB E Elliot at #6
Baltimore grabs at DT S. Rankins at #13
Mayock mocked Robinson to us. Wow I certainly hope not. He would be my least favorite option in Rd#1 I think.
Can’t see it at all. Totally not what they’ve gone for in R1. Would be a huge shock IMO.
Biggest takeaway from his mock is it’s yet another projection (like Louis Riddick’s) that has all of SEA’s VMAC visitors/workouts available — Bullard, Butler, Ragland, Henry, Jones, Dodd, Ifedi etc plus Noah Spence, Bronson Kaufusi both available. So it’s another mock that screams trade down.
That’s just Mayock tossing in the top player available on his board for a position of need. It would be a major shock if that happened.
I don’t want to demean the work national guys like that do, but they simply don’t have the time to micro-analyze the nuances of how a team drafts the way Rob does. So, consider what position they draft and who they leave on the board, but take it with a grain of salt.
My mock draft 2.0:
Trade down 1-26 with Cleveland 2-32 and 4-99.
2-32 – DE Jonathan Bullard
2-56 – OT Shon Coleman. Maybe go higher but I hope he can be alive.
3-90 – OL Joe Dahl
3-97 – C Max Tuerk. Injured but I think he is a great center for Seattle. Pete knows him, played T&G&C, athletic, fast 2nd level.
4-99 – CB KeiVarae Russell. It’s a bit early to Seattle choose a DB but KeiVarae is a real deal, visited, fits LOB and he is from Everett.
4-124 – WR Devon Cajuste
5-171 – DT D.J. Reader
6-215 – OLB Aaron Wallace
7-225 – RB Dwayne Washington
7-247 – Joel Heath(I prefer DT, no OL convert)/Cory Johnson/Doug Middleton/D.J.Hunter/Christian French
*Miles Killebrew. I like this guy but I can’t find perfect pick. He visited, seahawky, Sparq but I think it can go higher than Seattle likes.
UDFA
QB Josh Woodrum
QB Matt Johnson
OT Justin Murray
C Marcus Henry
OL Lene Maiava
OL Blake Muir
OL/TE George Fant
RB Zac Brooks
WR Canaan Severin
WR Bryce Treggs
WR Dom Williams
WR Demarcus Ayers
WR/TE Terrenn Houk
TE Rico Gathers
TE Ryan Malleck
DT Destiny Vaeao
DT Luther Maddy
DT/DE Drew Iddings
LB Raphael Kirby
CB Blake Countess
S Tevin Carter
S Will Parks
.
.
.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!
So, I took a nap and dreamed that the Seahawks selected Robert Nkemdiche. I googled him to see if I had missed something other than red flags, and came across this article. I now have a feeling that Pete will grok this guy. If they were on the same page, the Seattle D would be transformed, so are we feeling lucky?
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/15159447/should-teams-worry-robert-nkemdic-nfl-future
That piece has been linked to a lot — but it’s important to remember how it was likely compiled. Agent picks up the phone: ‘Hey ESPN reporter, do you want to spend a day bowling with Robert to see what a great guy he is?’
He’s a nutjob. Seattle could bring him in, but there are options that don’t have awful maniacal tendencies
I don’t think we’ve really heard the whole story on the hotel window. You don’t just fall out like that.
The police report said he smashed the window walked 15 feet and fell off of a wall.
Some shit’s going on. There was a fight or he was freakin’ geeked on some synthetic weed.
Listened to you live on Softy yesterday, you sounded much more educated than most of his guests trying to predict the Hawks pick at #26. Also radio gold for getting cut off then coming back strong. Apologies for Softy on his shitty British accent and attempt at humor, it’s like we haven’t heard all the jokes associated with England and all. TEF formula sounded like it struck a chord and probably made him realize how far behind he is when discussing this year’s draft class.
Thanks again for all the material this past year, truly your best work yet and I’m sure there’s more to come. Congrats Rob.
Nice work Rob, love the podcasts, love that you’ve been in the radio a lot. Thanks for putting the link from when you were on Softy’s show. I’m not in the Seattle area, and I could not find your segment online anywhere. If you do end up going back on after the draft, could you please drop the link here again??
I wonder who it was that hit Softy up like 5000 times now to get Rob on the show? Anybody know?? I’m gonna guess Vol or Kenny.
Thanks man — there was a guy on Twitter sending him a lot of message (if you’re reading, I appreciate the support!)
I just hve this paranoid feeling they’re going to do something insane like trade up and draft Corey Coleman. If you think you’ve got them figured out, they seem sure to do the opposite.
Rob, you posted a couple days ago about how the Seahawks were confident in their medical staff and suggested a possible link to Shaq Lawson. I now see various outlets lit up with talk that local kid Myles Jack is in freefall because he mentioned “microfracture” and talked about the relative brevity of NFL careers.
It seemed impossible before, but do we dare to dream?
Hey if he falls that far, sure. It’s weird because people like Mike Mayock have him dropping him out of the top ten — but going to Oakland at #14. Why the Raiders and not a team like the Giants? Hard one to work out.
But I think he’ll be gone and SEA will stick to a DL-OL focus in Rounds 1-2.
Rob. Would like to echo everyone’s thoughts and say thanks for all your hard work. The blog content & analysis just gets better and better, it really promotes great dialogue & has a friendly, communal feel, and it’s lots of fun. Thanks very much and very well done
Thank you!