Thursday notes: Marshall on Wilson, more Jamal Adams

Firstly today, please check out my interview with Paul Gallant from 710 ESPN. It’s a really great hour of Seahawks chat, covering loads of topics:

Brandon Marshall’s latest update

Despite some rather petty, obnoxious criticism of Marshall over the last few weeks, he’s been a valuable source of information on the Russell Wilson ‘saga’.

He was the first one to properly reveal some of Wilson’s concerns. He might not be the absolute best at delivering information but ultimately, any insight is welcome on a somewhat confusing subject. It seems pretty clear that Marshall has the ear of Wilson or someone in his camp.

Therefore his latest update, speaking of an improved relationship between Wilson and Pete Carroll while noting that many, if not all, issues had been resolved should be warmly welcomed.

I have absolutely no doubt at all that Marshall is delivering well sourced information here. This is a serious change of tone to where we were in February.

It does indicate that, at least for now, the issue is dying down.

But I think it does pose a question at the same time.

If everything is on track now, why won’t the Seahawks and/or Wilson not make that absolutely clear? Because with the greatest respect to Brandon Marshall, there’d be a little more gravitas to this if it were the player, team or at least someone like Adam Schefter coming out and delivering the news that all is well.

The Seahawks don’t need to hold a press conference, although a reassuring statement of intent from both parties would be welcome and something the fans deserve after weeks of dysfunction.

Yet I don’t see any benefit to allowing this to linger any further if it doesn’t need to. A quick phone call to Schefter and this could be nipped well and truly in the bud.

They could, of course, go a step further. They could restructure Wilson’s contract to create cap space. You might as well at this point, if it helps bring in Richard Sherman for example, or K.J. Wright. Or both.

Or even better — why not eliminate this debate once and for all so that we’re not back here in 12 months having the same conversation. Deliver a contract extension similar to Patrick Mahomes’. If everything is sorted and fine and if Marshall is right that Wilson will be in Seattle for a long time — why not put it in writing?

That would be the ultimate sign that everyone is finally on the right track.

Simply saying nothing, however, or relying on Marshall’s connection to the Wilson camp to get the message out, only really achieves one thing.

It gives off a bit of a ‘damage limitation’ vibe.

Increasingly it does look very unlikely that Wilson will be dealt this year. But as many have reported, next year has often felt like the point when talks might become real.

Tony Pauline explicitly stated that he’d heard that the Seahawks and Wilson were both ready to move on from each other, with next year being the likely time for a divorce.

Meanwhile Schefter’s continued suggestion that a deal could happen, indicates that not all wounds have healed.

I don’t think it’s unfair to consider that Marshall’s words might be an attempt put the fire out without needing to actually commit to anything. Because the alternative is this becomes a weekly talking point within the NFL when the regular season begins.

Without a firm commitment from both sides there will always be this thought as to whether things are just being delayed. That a trade hasn’t happened not because Wilson and the Seahawks are connected again but simply because the right offer wasn’t there. Essentially, they might be stuck in a somewhat loveless marriage.

It doesn’t benefit the Seahawks or Wilson to just let this ride if there has in fact been a breakthrough.

Plenty of people are quick to point out Seattle doesn’t typically answer to reports in the media. If you’re willing to be really honest about the situation though, this is a bit different.

For the last two months we’ve had people connected to Wilson lambasting Carroll. Claiming he’s too powerful, that his offense is outdated, that he doesn’t listen to the quarterback.

Wilson’s agent went on the record to list four teams he’d be willing to be traded to.

The leading NFL reporter refuses to rule out a trade before the draft.

There have been countless other reports and opinions from people clearly connected to Mark Rodgers, Wilson or the Seahawks.

This isn’t a normal situation. If things are sorted, there’s no reason not to make that abundantly clear to everyone.

The fans deserve to hear it from either the horses mouth or the next best thing. A renewing of vows would be even better.

That way everyone can finally move on, with no danger of this topic re-emerging in nine months time.

Some more numbers on Jamal Adams

We’ve talked a lot about Adams’ fit in the Seahawks defense. I think that’s important.

Elsewhere, the conversation is often limited to three sides of an argument:

1. Jamal Adams is really good, so there

2. They’ll never draft a player as good as Adams!

3. Jamal Adams isn’t worth investing in

It’s a much more nuanced argument than that though.

We need to take into consideration how many players are out of contract in 2022, such as the starting left and right tackle, both cornerbacks, your free safety, your center, your new tight end and other players.

Estimated cap space today will soon evaporate once you start to re-sign and replace players. And with Duane Brown edging towards 40, long term solutions will soon be needed at certain positions.

Not having draft stock prevents you from building a foundation. Having done a poor job in the 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 drafts to build that foundation during a reset, the Seahawks now appear set to punt on the 2021 class.

By not building in the draft, you end up taping together a roster every year.

I don’t think this is sustainable or likely to deliver a Championship.

Jason Fitzgerald from Over the Cap offered this scathing review of Seattle’s approach to team building in a piece for the Athletic this week:

“They have no cap room at all… If you look at the way they had to do their contracts this year, it was basically a whole bunch of void years to fit guys in. It seems like they’re kind of going in a circle with no direction anywhere right now. They seem a little bit lost.”

We also need to consider how viable it is to have so much invested in your linebacker and safety positions. There should also be a serious discussion about whether one player (Adams) is worth more to a team than potentially 4-6 draft picks and two veteran players worth the value of Gabe Jackson.

Personally I don’t think Adams ‘is’ that good. At least not in Seattle. We should ask whether he truly ‘fits’.

Clearly the Seahawks were very aggressive with him. They switched to using bear fronts and they blitzed him 98 times in 2020, at a rate of 8.2 times per game.

That was nearly twice as much as the second highest blitzing safety, Malcolm Jenkins (4.75). Budda Baker was third, blitzing 4.6 times a game.

The Seahawks were actually blitzing Adams more than 10 times per game until the end of the year when they reigned things in. I suspect, more than anything, that was indicative of the opponents they were facing.

This level of blitzing for a safety is unheard of. It’s quite astonishing really.

For example, when Adams played 16 games for blitz-happy Gregg Williams in New York in 2018, he only blitzed 4.3 times a game.

Think about that for a second. Even Gregg Williams, ‘Doctor Blitz’ himself, blitzed Adams only 4.3 times a game.

In 2019, he blitzed him 6.4 times a game. A higher number but still not close to the 8-10 range Seattle used in 2020.

So yes, he broke the sack record last season. Yet there are no examples I could find of a defensive back being used in this way before.

It’s at least plausible to wonder whether this level of aggressiveness is good for Adams. Blitzing twice as much gained a record, sure. But it also saw a massive reduction in his coverage grade (53.1) and overall grade (64.2) per PFF.

On top of this, it’s worth noting how much they blitzed Bobby Wagner to act as a decoy to support Adams.

Wagner was regularly used to attack the A-gap, shifting protection to create favourable opportunities for Adams rushing unblocked from the edge.

Hugh Millen discussed this in further detail after the Rams playoff defeat on KJR:

Look how much Wagner’s blitzing has increased over the years, from 2018 (arguably his best season in Seattle) when Frank Clark and Jarran Reed were creating pressure in the front four, versus 2019 when the pass rush was awful and 2020 when Wagner was being used to support Adams:

2018 — 41
2019 — 71
2020 — 100

Wagner blitzed a remarkable 144% more in 2020 than he did in his best season for the Seahawks when the team was far more capable of rushing with four (still the key to a successful pass rush — just ask Tampa Bay).

Watch the tape. On Adams’ first four sacks and final two sacks, Wagner is lined up in the A-gap. The Seahawks used their $18m a year linebacker for a large chunk of the season as a wingman for Jamal Adams.

It’s perhaps not surprising that Wagner’s best game of the season against the 49ers occurred when Adams wasn’t on the field.

So it’s not unfair to wonder — is this defense a fit for Adams? Are they able to use him in a way that is fully effective? And are you really getting the best out of Wagner by running this type of operation?

Personally I think Adams is far more suited to playing in a 3-4 scheme where you never know where the pressure’s coming from. With Gregg Williams and Todd Bowles, they would show pressure then bring it from somewhere else.

It’s creative, aggressive and the entire defense is set up with blitzing at the core.

In Seattle, that simply isn’t the case. Adams’ blitzes were often very similar. Wagner in the A-gap, Adams coming up to the line. We could see it a mile away watching on TV, so opponents likely saw it too.

It’s predictable.

So the argument now is — are the Seahawks capable, under Pete Carroll and Ken Norton Jr — of coming up with a new approach that is designed purely to accommodate one player? Are they really capable of devising something creative, aggressive and dominating to justify such a commitment?

I’m not convinced.

And if they can’t, how can you justify doubling down on your investment and paying him $18-20m a year?

Some people argue they should wait a year. I think it’s extremely optimistic to think Jamal Adams will go along with playing for $9.8m in 2021 and risk further injury, ridding him the chance of signing a massive extension.

The holdout rules are different in this CBA so pulling a Le’Veon Bell isn’t very likely. Yet more chaos and uncertainty over a player like this, who has already forced his way off one team, is not conducive to a successful season.

It’s always felt like a decision needs to be made this year.

As you all know by now, I think the trade was a mistake. A desperate attempt to add impact and quality right before the 2020 season, having failed to add anyone of note to the defense prior to training camp.

It’s one thing to invest a bunch of picks. It’s another to then pay twice by delivering a huge contract extension.

The Seahawks need to be really honest with themselves as to whether this is the right fit for player and team. Having a big name on a massive contract is only a good thing if you can justify the investment.

They have three weeks. For me, they should strongly consider whether the best thing is to get back in this draft in order to tap into the great options on the offensive line and at receiver. My fear at the moment is they’re trying-out a whole bunch of journeymen O-liners because they suspect they’re not going to be able to tap into the quality available with only three picks.

That would be a crushing blow, especially when players such as Quinn Meinerz — practically the prototype for Seattle in terms of length, size, explosive traits and personality — will go in the top-40 and could provide a much-needed solution at center for years to come.

Davis Mills in round one?

According to Peter Schrager:

“…the buzz around the league is that he could be a first-round pick and will most likely be the sixth quarterback selected.”

I’m guessing I don’t need to mention which website has been talking about Mills and Kellen Mond, another supposed ‘riser’, for a long, long time…

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365 Comments

  1. Russ

    Appreciate the thoughts Rob!

    Quick note – I think the percentage for Bobby’s blitzes should be a 144% increase.

    If you’re using the 41 as the baseline, then the percentage increase should be (100-41)/41 which rounds up to 144%

    Makes that stat even more remarkable.

    • Rob Staton

      Apologies!

  2. Austin Slater

    They can’t defend paying Wagner and Adams that much money to play them the way they are as you alluded to in the article yet I think that’s exactly what is going to happen. Pete has a loyalty to Wagner that he won’t waver on and I think they’re too prideful to admit the Adams situation isn’t what it was supposed to be. I think this is where having two guys co-run the shop leads to problems. You get stuck in spots were both sides are trying to justify their choices.

    I hope I’m wrong and they get creative with this situation and/or trade someone.

    • Sea Mode

      Aside from a busted hand, the week that almost never was could not have gone more perfectly. National squad defensive linemen and linebackers voted him the team’s offensive lineman of the week, with a couple of them telling Nagy that Meinerz was “the strongest guy to ever lay hands on them.”

  3. Sea Mode

    Interesting little insight into Mac Jones:

    https://www.nfl.com/news/back-2-campus/joker-s-wild-why-alabama-qb-mac-jones-is-getting-the-last-laugh

    • hawksorhiking?

      That was a great read on Jones.

  4. Bigsteviej

    It will be SO disheartening to see so many high quality OL prospects coming off the board in the first two days of this draft with the Seahawks getting only one (late) bite of the apple.

    • cha

      I’m concerned that’s the way they are going.

      Signing that journeyman guard and then wrenching Lewis away from RG and slotting him at C would be the most Seahawks thing ever.

      You think we’re witnessing a bitter, loveless marriage now? Just wait.

  5. Mike

    Warmack and Isidora getting worked out. May just be camp competition, but could mean we dont draft the interior OL in the draft. Im a hard pass on Isidora.

    • Rob Staton

      Yeah, that’s what I mentioned in the article.

      It’s terrifying to think this sudden influx of workouts on the OL is because they’re anticipating not getting an OL in this draft class.

      • Mike

        Agreed. Maybe its another hedge and they are aiming for the 4th round? But this year is just not the year to be missing out on picks. We could be building the line of the future this year.

    • Danny P

      Those are guards that are being worked out though, correct? Dont think they were looking to draft OG at 56. OT anywhere close to 56 would be a project obviously. But they still could. Or C at 56. Dont think working out Chance W changes that.

  6. Forrest

    Rob,
    A fabulous post, once again. I don’t say enough how much we appreciate your excellent work.
    Thanks so much.

    • Rob Staton

      Thanks Forrest

  7. Rob Staton

    I’ve now added my interview with Paul Gallant at the top of this article. Please, please check it out! More views mean potentially more opportunities down the line to be invited back on these types of shows.

    • Ashish

      SDB will be on it!!!

    • Haawkcrazy

      Rob I assume it is better to watch these videos on youtube (and like them) as opposed to directly through your site. Just wanted to confirm as being lazy it is easier to just hit play above but have been going to youtube as I thought it may help more.

      • Rob Staton

        Either is fine

    • IHeartTacoma

      I really enjoyed the interview above. Thanks again.

    • Tomas

      Great rapport and wit between you and Gallant … ready right now to sign up for the pub crawl led by you two.

  8. Ashish

    The year they traded Frank Clark hawks claimed he was part of their future plan. But they traded him before draft. I’m counting on it, for Adams. They don’t any other chips (Russ, Bobby)

  9. Sea Mode

    Seems relevant after your latest live mock… 😁

    Interview with Western Michigan WR D’Wayne Eskridge
    Bleav in The Draft Analysts with Tony Pauline & Chris Tripodi

    On Episode No. 182 of The Draft Analysts, presented by eBay, @WMU_Football WR @allaroundplays joins me and @TonyPauline to discuss how he ended up at WMU, his flirtations with entering the NFL Draft before this year and his experience at the @seniorbowl:

    https://art19.com/shows/bleav-in-the-draft-analysts/episodes/3a305efe-6a3e-4f4a-be73-e1daf181ce8d

    • Rob Staton

      Excellent… and speaking of Tony… it’s almost that time of year again…

      • Sea Mode

        Do it!

        Wonder if we can squeeze out of him a little bit more from that source that told him both parties are ready to move on…

        • Rob Staton

          It’s already in the diary…

          Stay tuned…

  10. Sea Mode

    PFF
    @PFF

    👀@RSherman_25’s CB1 in the 2021 Draft?

    ➡️ @jayceehorn_10

    https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1379780324830351362

    Apparently at some point Tre White also said the same.

    • Henry Taylor

      I agree, Horn is way better. Dallas at 10 is his floor for me.

    • Rob Staton

      And they are right…

      (As we’ve been saying about Horn since the middle of the college football season)

  11. Phil

    I’m glad that you’ve been getting the opportunity to do some podcast & radio spots on many of my favorite shows.
    I’ve been bugging Salk & others to put you on for a number of years. (Especially leading up to the draft each year.)

    I am hoping that with a real off season they can figure out how to properly use Adams as the true weapon that he can be. I believe that they are likely to play a lot more with 3 or 4 Safeties this season. 4-2-5 will be their top formation, and I expect 3-2-6 will be out there at least as much as the 4-3-4. They have so many versatile & quality safeties – it will be very difficult for passing teams to guess where the holes will be and where the pressure is coming from.
    Think about it: Adams, Blair, Amani, Diggs (all can tackle, cover, and blitz). And even when one of them is hurt, Neal is very good – and Randall isn’t even that bad!
    If Pete & Ken can really get as creative as they indicated they plan to, this defense could be super fun to watch. Rather than being an arm wrestling suffocation, it could be more of home run hitting/ playmaking kind of defense. Picks, TFLs, Fumble recoveries, and big sacks!
    It may not work as tremendously as I can envision in my brain, but there is a great chance that this could be something very special….

    • Rob Staton

      I’m glad that you’ve been getting the opportunity to do some podcast & radio spots on many of my favorite shows.

      Honestly, it’s been such a positive to do. I’ve loved every one. I wish I could be invited on to talk about draft too — but the Wilson & Adams sagas have at least created an opportunity.

      It’s been a nice antidote at times to the grief and occasional abuse for daring to write critical articles about the direction of the Seahawks over the last 12 months.

      • Phil

        It blows my mind how people can be rude to people they disagree with – especially regarding sports.
        Isn’t this what should make sports conversations fun & energizing?
        If all Seahawks fans just set around and agreed with each other, things would get boring very quickly.

        You learn more and find more to discuss when opposing viewpoints are considered.
        I really enjoyed your conversation with Joe Fann because it was two people with different beliefs about Jamal Adams being respectful toward the opinion of one another.
        This is how I was raised and it is how I strive to raise my children. What has happened to much of the parenting in the Western World? Parents have failed to raise their children to respectfully engage with people with different beliefs and views. …and if we can’t even do this about sports, no wonder we can’t even have conversations about truly serious matters.
        Keep up the good work!

        • Rob Staton

          Thank you Phil

  12. Sea Mode

    RE: Davis Mills in R1

    Schrager mocks him to Tampa to learn behind Brady.

    https://www.nfl.com/news/peter-schrager-2021-nfl-mock-draft-1-0-pats-trade-up-for-justin-fields-cardinals

    Would certainly be a perfect situation for him, but not sure they wouldn’t rather add another weapon for going all-in with Brady.

    • God of Thunder

      5 QBs in R1? 6? 7?

      Lawrence, Wilson, Fields, Jones, Lance …

      Mond – Trask – Mills ?

      Or better: Mond – Mills -Trask

  13. SpennyDunks

    How many times is a safety generally expected to blitz a game. Is the 4-6% with Greg Williams higher than usual? He was a legit superstar and the DL looked at the very least competent after Dunlap, albeit against a string of weak defenses. I really hope they dont try to reinvent the wheel if they keep him around, he was a bonafide superstar with New York and it doesn’t seem like they need to pigeon hole him into this role when its clearly making both him and Bobby less effective.

    • SpennyDunks

      He was a legit superstar while in New York*

    • Rob Staton

      The top blitzing safety last season was in the 4.6% range. Adams has been as high as 6%. I couldn’t find anyone higher than that.

    • cha

      I’m shouting it from the rooftops: they haven’t made up for losing Jarran Reed yet.

      They’re counting on Hyder, Dunlap and Mayowa to replicate their production and Poona, Collier, and Alton Robinson to improve in order to fill that hole.

      Is that a winning bet? I don’t know. I really don’t.

      • Big Mike

        More of a win than the approach we saw to the d-line last offseason but then anything would be more winning than that cluster. You’re concern does seem legit.

      • Gohawks5151

        Geno Atkins still out there. Less of a workload and a healthy offseason could see a nice return. Need some money though

  14. Zezinho

    Rob I appreciate you consistently critiquing Seattle’s front office, it’s important

    But you have a severe case of sour grapes dude. You were “scathing” (to use your word) about a front office that despite your predictions of disaster, won the NFC West and delivered a 9th consecutive winning season, the longest in the NFL.

    I don’t personally accept your backhanded one line begrudging acknowledgements of Schneider and Carroll’s extraordinary track record

    Extraordinary doesn’t mean perfect for a few reasons, namely trade-offs and curveballs

    Fact is, you nor I are privy to the ‘Hawks’ strategy/planning horizon and they have no obligation to satisfy your lack of understanding of the same.

    So you try to make educated guesses and again, I do appreciate that you are pointed when things don’t make sense to you.

    But sir, you should lean in more than lean out, the ‘Hawks track record has earned in. Forest for the trees.

    I too worry about only one ring so far. And poor Russell. God forbid he be bunched together with one-ring loser QB’s like Brees and Rodgers.

    I worry about not maximizing perhaps the greatest draft in NFL history — 2012.

    And I’m in the camp that Adams was too expensive in every way

    But I cannot and you cannot deny that among the set of choices, the past 9 years of Schneider Carroll have been nonpareil outside of NE, and for those of us who’ve been fans from the beginning, things are simply not as negative or woe is me as you continue to propose.

    One of these years maybe you will be apparently vindicated when Seattle is 4th in the NFC West with no clear path upward. Will be just luck at this point, you’ve cried wolf too often.

    Thanks for the high standards and for all the insights Rob, I do read you every time I can.

    Just lean in a bit, Schneider and Carroll have earned your trust.

    • Rob Staton

      Oh boy, here we go…

      Rob I appreciate you consistently critiquing Seattle’s front office, it’s important

      You could’ve just left it at that. If it’s important to critique decision making, then there’s nothing else to be said.

      But you have a severe case of sour grapes dude. You were “scathing” (to use your word) about a front office that despite your predictions of disaster, won the NFC West and delivered a 9th consecutive winning season, the longest in the NFL.

      If you’re going to lecture me somewhat on my position, you can at least be accurate.

      I was extremely critical of how the Seahawks handled their self-confessed priority of fixing their pass rush last year. That proved to be absolutely accurate. The pass rush was a horrendous mess at the start of the season and the defense on the whole was putting up historically bad numbers.

      All of my concerns were shown to be completely justified.

      You say I predicted disaster. Actually, if you go back and look at my pre-season prediction, I projected a 10-6 regular season. That’s hardly predicting disaster, is it? I also said I thought it would be more of the same — ultimately a winning regular season, followed by an early playoff exit.

      It’s all written down and archived. You can check out what I said.

      I was a couple of wins out on the regular season record but I’m comfortable with my prediction. They had several close games and it wouldn’t have taken much to be 10-6. I also couldn’t anticipate the collapse of the Niners due to injury.

      So again, if you’re going to come on and tell me I have sour grapes and that I was wrong, let’s at least be accurate with what I said.

      I don’t personally accept your backhanded one line begrudging acknowledgements of Schneider and Carroll’s extraordinary track record

      I have been writing Seahawks Draft Blog since 2008. Throughout the vast majority of the Carroll era, I have showered the Seahawks with praise. So much so, I was often criticised on sites such as Reddit and Field Gulls for being too positive. I recall going on the Seahawkers podcast a few years ago, offering a positive assessment of the team, and being criticised by one of the hosts after my spot for my outlook.

      I don’t think the Seahawks have done a good job since 2017. I can point to the failed drafts, the misses in terms of team building, the coaching appointments, the one playoff win in four years, the increased friction between team and quarterback and several other factors.

      I’m well within my rights to criticise what has happened over the last four years and you yourself have acknowledged that it is important to do so.

      But given the articles I’ve written over the last decade — all archived — to claim anything I say is a ‘backhanded compliment’ is frankly ridiculous.

      Fact is, you nor I are privy to the ‘Hawks’ strategy/planning horizon and they have no obligation to satisfy your lack of understanding of the same.

      Ah yes, the classic appeal to authority fallacy. I couldn’t possibly understand their strategy, therefore I have no right to criticise it.

      Yet I thought we’d already established in your opening gambit that critiquing was important?

      So you try to make educated guesses and again, I do appreciate that you are pointed when things don’t make sense to you.

      And now we’re back to appreciating what I do, which in this instance you describe as an educated guess. Actually, I just have opinions. I don’t expect everyone to agree with them but I do think it’s fair to acknowledge that I don’t say things on a whim. Unlike the folk on twitter firing out 220 character opinions every day, I sit down and craft 3-5000 word articles. That takes a lot of thought, consideration and often I start writing one thing and by the end of the article I’ve written something else. That’s what happens when you write long form.

      Everything I say is backed up. I don’t offer flimsy arguments, even if people don’t agree with the conclusion.

      But sir, you should lean in more than lean out, the ‘Hawks track record has earned in. Forest for the trees.

      “It’s important you critique, thank you”

      But also…

      “You need to stop critiquing because they built a Championship roster and therefore that means they deserve blind faith for the rest of their time in Seattle”

      I too worry about only one ring so far. And poor Russell. God forbid he be bunched together with one-ring loser QB’s like Brees and Rodgers.

      I worry about not maximizing perhaps the greatest draft in NFL history — 2012.

      And I’m in the camp that Adams was too expensive in every way

      But I cannot and you cannot deny that among the set of choices, the past 9 years of Schneider Carroll have been nonpareil outside of NE, and for those of us who’ve been fans from the beginning, things are simply not as negative or woe is me as you continue to propose.

      So here we have the appeal to authority fallacy combined with the ‘I remember the bad old days’ fallacy. Two for the price of one.

      It’s perfectly fair and right to criticise the Seahawks for what has been achieved, or rather not achieved, in the last four years.

      The fact the Seahawks used to be really crap decades ago or that this team has won a lot of regular season games in nine years is not even remotely an adequate counter to some of the important concerns raised.

      And you yourself have admitted it is important to critique the Seahawks.

      One of these years maybe you will be apparently vindicated when Seattle is 4th in the NFC West with no clear path upward. Will be just luck at this point, you’ve cried wolf too often.

      Well it was only a matter of time before the undermining began.

      Ten out of ten for creativity though. Dismissing my concerns as me pining for a fourth-placed finish ‘to be proven right’, while simultaneously attempting to pre-empt a non-existent victory lap by insisting I’ve ‘cried wolf too many times’.

      That’s special.

      Thanks for the high standards and for all the insights Rob, I do read you every time I can.

      Thank you for your brilliant work, which is important and of the highest standards. Also, stop now because you have no right to say anything you’ve said.

      Just lean in a bit, Schneider and Carroll have earned your trust.

      Why do I feel like I’m going to get a knock on the door in the middle of the night — and an officer will take me away for speaking ill of the supreme leader(s)?

      This, dear community of Seahawks Draft Blog, is an insight into the life of someone who challenges the Seahawks.

      • Kendo

        Rob I get almost as much enjoyment from your responses to these types of comments as your posts. Well said.

        • Rob Staton

          Thank you Kendo

    • Big Mike

      Zezinho: I sincerely hope you come in here and admit you were incorrect IF Wilson is traded because IF that happens this is a 6-11, 7-010 kind of team. Russell Wilson is propping up Pete Carroll and as for John Schneider, he has far too little clout in this front office to include in a critique outside of possibly being at least partially responsible for the mostly abysmal drafting of the last several years.

      • Rob Staton

        I don’t even want him to do that.

        I don’t care about crow. Nothing on this site is about being ‘proven right’ — even if other people try and pigeon hole it as that.

        It’s simply about analysing this team. The good, the bad, the ugly.

        People like Zezinho ignore the one hour podcast special we did, hailing the Shane Waldron appointment, or the article calling the Carlos Dunlap trade an “A+”. Or the praise for the Damien Lewis pick. Or the interviews we do with people like Jim Nagy and Scot McCloughan and a whole host of players, personalities, GM’s.

        If you’re criticising the team, you’re against us. You must be undermined and abused. We must dismiss your arguments so that people treat them with disdain and we can try to knock your credibility.

        Then if that happens, we won’t have to address any of the points raised.

        It’s classic internet discourse, 2021.

        And it’s f***** s**t.

        • Big Mike

          “Ah yes, the classic appeal to authority fallacy. I couldn’t possibly understand their strategy, therefore I have no right to criticise it.”

          Yeah you didn’t spend any time at all shouting from the rooftops that their approach to the pass rush terrible last offseason so yeah I guess you didn’t understand their strategy…….oh wait, maybe he’s right cuz you know, they would’ve had to actually have a strategy for any of us to understand it (outside of waiting for Clowney to ask them to dance like a wallflower girl at the jr. high sock hop).

          It’s fine if you don’t feel the need for being proven right but as you said, this internet “discourse” in 2021 and the less that happens, the more the (lack of) discourse continues. It’s not a matter of nyah nyah nyah, I was right, it’s more a matter of “open your eyes and smell the damned coffee”. That coffee btw is ONE playoff win in 4 years against a backup QB and having a generational QB at the helm (as has been mentioned by yourself and many of the rest of us).

        • Mike

          I think the abbreviated version is that this blog “seeks to provide in depth analysis, not the “ra ra ra” excitement many other sports media sources provide”.

          There’s really nothing wrong with either. Lots of people just want to be excited and hopeful. They want sports to be simple, and that’s not a bad way to be involved with the team/sport. It is entertainment after all. I watch plenty of sports where I don’t even keep track of who the players on the team are, much less their team building strategy. Good news, is there is a boatload of sports news that caters to this style. They give their half-baked hot takes, and that’s it.

          This blog is for analysis, strategy, and more “heady” topics. Its long form, written, and to the extent possible backed up by data. Its frankly harder to find content like that. Its also how I like to watch football. I’m not looking for you to change this one bit, unless you want to do live film study/analysis videos. Id love to see how you break down film.

          I think in the last few years you’ve had to progressively defend what you’re doing more and more. It certainly ruffles pure entertainer’s feathers. Its great when you have compelling data that says we are going to win the superbowl when entertainment media says the team wont. Its bad when the media predicts we will do better than your take. The reality is that your “negative” take is one that I appreciate. If I perpetually want to live in the “glass is half full” mindset, i can go elsewhere.

          What matters to me is that i can read and learn. This blog really does educate. I can also throw out ideas and theories of my own. You often refute them, but that’s sort of the point. To vet things with someone that has really thought through this team on a deep level.

          Anyways Rob, let people disagree and say what they will. I think your work and this community stands for itself as evidence you don’t need to change it.

          • TomLPDX

            Nice post, Mike. I would use the word “critical analysis” vs. “negative” but your point is correct. I come here to learn and get different perspectives and this community, lead by Rob and his critical analysis is why I’ve continued to come back for so long.

            • Mike

              Thanks Tom. It may not have been clear, but I was being facetious by calling Rob’s take “negative”, as that is what he is often labelled when providing critical analysis.

            • pdway

              Same here, and agreed – it’s a good way of putting it.

              Fairly often, i’m not in agreement w everything this blog has to say – but, all this energy/thought/analysis being put out into the world about something I love to follow and discuss . . .it’s awesome it exists.

          • Big Mike

            Well said Mike and to those folks that want to be more rah rah I say that’s awesome but please don’t be critical of people with other viewpoints. Argue against them if you wish but have something besides the appeal to authority argument as Rob put it.

          • Brik

            I think Mike has a good idea with breaking down film. It would be interesting seeing you do things kind of like ESPN. You talk about players, but what about adding a video where you’re actually pointing things out? Take Kellen Mond, take some highlights and tell why you think he’s as good as he is in the video. I’m not sure if you have the technology to do it, but maybe someone would help. Just a thought, might be cool.

    • KennyBadger

      Z-
      There’s no one on here that wants the Seahawks to lose other than trolls. The articles on here are rooted in analysis which means criticism is a part of the deal. Contradicting yourself and longing for the old days might get you elected though…
      Ken

  15. cha

    Look how much Wagner’s blitzing has increased over the years, from 2018 (arguably his best season in Seattle) when Frank Clark and Jarran Reed were creating pressure in the front four, versus 2019 when the pass rush was awful and 2020 when Wagner was being used to support Adams:

    2018 — 41
    2019 — 71
    2020 — 100

    I truly wish this was comprehended better by the fanbase in general. It’s a cascading symptom of not having paid any attention to the DL.

    I’ve been on this rag for a couple years now. We talk so much about your superstar QB needing OL support.

    But there’s very, very little if any talk about our superstar MLB needing DL support.

    There is this strange disconnect between Bobby Wagner is having to do things he’s never done before and the fans crying that ‘Bobby Wagner has lost a step and isn’t as good as he used to be.’

    Blitzing 8.7% of your snaps as opposed to 4.4% in 2018 is a big, big change.

    He’s giving up his sightlines and ability to get into lanes and anticipate the runners & QB’s reactions to things far more than he has before.

    I’m not saying 2020 BW was as fast or as good as 2018 BW was. He may indeed have peaked.

    But DL support rarely seems to be part of the discussion when it comes to considering Wagner’s play, and it is absolutely a factor.

    • Big Mike

      Spot on point as usual cha

    • Scot04

      Quandre Diggs agrees. I still remember after Dunlap was let go and he said games are won with your front four.
      I’m guessing he’s not the only one on our defense that feels that way.

  16. GoHawksDani

    If Marshall knows this info from RW’s camp isn’t it possible that RW+PCJS didn’t come forwards because while Wilson hopes everything is fixed or heading towards the right direction, PCJS is still in a wait-and-see position?
    I think if someone would present a good deal (like 2021 R1 before #20 and two more R1s, a solid/OK QB, maybe another good player and one or two R2s or something similar) and Russ would be OK with it, they would be ready to move on. I think Pete might be in a similar position as he was with Sherm and Bennett, but it’s easier to get rid of a CB or DE than the franchise QB.
    For that reason, and because it’s unlikely a good deal where Russ would also say the amen will surface, I think RW will stay, and the season will be OK for some time, but if something go wrong, the drama will return. And with this team it’s likely something will go wrong. And if the drama returns I think it’s everyone’s interest that Russ is traded.
    This might be a “lets try one last time if it’s working” attempt on both sides. And that’s why there’s no restructure or extension for RW. It’s OK to trade him next year. If he’d get a restructure/extension it’d be likely harder and with more dead money.

    Everything can happen at this point…but I doubt this team will be SB-ready in the next 2-3 years. So for Wilson to be traded to an up-and-coming team would be beneficial. I don’t think Wilson will be good from 4-5 years from now. His trade value is likely the highest now. So if the team cannot reach SB with this roster the team’s best interest to go over this period as quickly as possible…for that they’ll need money and picks. So by trading Wilson they would exchange 2-3 years of alright seasons to 2-3 years of potentially pretty bad seasons but after that if they shuffle their cards right they might be able to get back to the SB hunt. The scary part is that they need to really hit jackpot on everything for this to happen, but if they have an awesome roster with good coaches and an average QB they can reach SB (we’ve seen it a couple of times).

    The other scary part that if we eliminate the ageing players, who are the core players for this team? The ones who you want to keep and can elevate the rest of the guys?
    Maybe Lewis, DK, Lockett, and a really big MAYBE for Brooks…nobody else pops into my mind (and even Lockett might be a bit on the older side). Rest of the guys are either mediocre, bad or won’t likely be in the NFL (or their play will decrease) 3-4 years from now. We can say that we could draft young guys to fill in, but we’re not the Dolphins or the Jets. The Hawks don’t have multiple high first round picks in any of the upcoming years. They don’t even have a 1st round pick this or the next year. With Russ this team will have a really hard time to keep up in the next couple of years. Without Russ it’s a huge gamble. If they can get great guys from the picks and money they “received” they will float. If they couldn’t get a decent/OK/good QB and wouldn’t make great choices in FA or the draft this franchise can sink for who knows how many years…
    Feels a bit lose-lose situation, but I’d still go with the trade Russ, because who knows…they might get lucky like they did around the ’11-12-13 years. But with RW, I doubt they’ll have enough resources to build a competitive team around him

    • Rob Staton

      If Marshall knows this info from RW’s camp isn’t it possible that RW+PCJS didn’t come forwards because while Wilson hopes everything is fixed or heading towards the right direction, PCJS is still in a wait-and-see position?

      I think that’s a fair suggestion, yes.

      • 12th chuck

        I haven’t seen anyone mention is, Russ could be content for now because he didn’t like the market price the hawks were receiving for him, and he is trying to protect his image

        • Rob Staton

          I think there’s a danger of overthinking this.

          There wasn’t a suitable offer. That’s pretty much the crux of it I’d say.

          • Matthew Martin Johnson

            Truth is Rob, there was never going to be a suitable offer for a HOF franchise qb, it would take an enormous amount.

            • Rob Staton

              Of course there was a chance of a suitable offer

      • pdway

        do you think there’s any chance at all that PC/JS have not done the extension or re-structure because they have a hint of concern that RW’s diminished play in the 2nd half of last season was not just a result of playcalling and/or other factors – and is potentially the beginning of an actual decline? And maybe, they want to see if he is back to his normal excellent self in ’21 before they lock him up at a high cost into his late 30’s?

        I’m not saying it’s likely, but it’s crossed my mind.

        • Rob Staton

          No.

          I think they haven’t done it to keep their options open for a trade either this year or next.

          • Roy Batty

            When your franchise QB utilizes a promo campaign on charitable works to complain about his situation in the national media, it is prudent to keep your options open. I would also say that Wilson looked more like a panicking, at times dejected QB. His constantly attempting to force-feed DK the ball was became infuriating. Ignoring quick, open routes for the top ten ESPN play of the week was getting a bit tedious.

          • Jeffers

            Well they were never going to extend him. Restructuring for cap space, sure, but they would never add legit years because in the entire time they have been here they have literally never extended someone with more than 2 years on their contract. When Kam literally held out because they wouldn’t budge on this they came out saying how incredibly important it is to remain absolutely consistent because if they make an exception it takes away a ton of their credibility and negotiating power going forwards.

            • Rob Staton

              None of this matters

              They never traded two future firsts and a third until they did

              Signing Wilson to a contract like Mahomes to eliminate any future drama would not set any precedent. Come on.

              • Jeffers

                “None of this matters”

                That’s such a weird false equivalency to bring up that does absolutely nothing to help your point. Just because the Seahawks gave up more for Jamal Adams than Percy Harvin, it’s not like the trade for Harvin, or Graham, hadn’t already shown they are willing to make bold trades. Even if you had used a good example of them breaking from trend, that doesn’t mean we should all of a sudden ignore all trends.

                But this isn’t even just a trend. Kam Chancellor, one of their favorite players they have ever had, held out for two games and had to give up on said holdout because they have drawn a very specific line in the sand about when they will negotiate contracts. If you read articles from that time frame they make it sound like sticking to that rule is almost a matter of integrity for them.

                To go back on that rule to save face publicly with Russell Wilson would basically be spitting in Kam’s face. It would prove people Like Sherman right. The salary cap going down this year has certainly lead them to do other they wouldn’t do, like use void years, and I think bringing that up would have helped your point better, but it still seems very unlikely to me that they break this specific rule of theirs, especially after the whole Kam thing.

                • Rob Staton

                  You can’t compare eliminating the drama of Russell Wilson’s future with the Kam Chancellor holdout.

                  That’s the point.

                  I mean honestly, think about that for a second. Are you honestly saying the Seahawks ‘can’t’ end the Wilson saga once and for all, ensuring he finishes his career in Seattle, purely because a player who retired years ago might find it interesting?

                  Or that any member of the current team wouldn’t just go — ‘fair enough, he signed a Mahomes deal’.

                  Come on.

                  ‘None of this matters’ was used because none of it matters. Committing Wilson to Seattle forever is a unique event, in terms of importance, significance and value. You’re comparing it to random holdouts that were never going to go anywhere.

  17. JJ

    Rob/Anyone,

    Was their any rumors about Clark being traded prior to the trade actually happening?

    • Belfasthawk

      Peter king had it in his pre draft mock in his mmqb column. To the chiefs and, I think, correct comp.

      • Rob Staton

        King was not the first person to talk about this though. Far from it. By that point it was well established it could happen.

        Jay Glazer was the first to report on it, long before King did anything with his mock.

    • cha

      You can check the archives on the blog from March/April 2019. Rob was all over it.

    • Rob Staton

      Yes, a fair amount of talk that it could happen.

  18. clbradley17

    Great content Rob! Also saw an article from Brady Henderson where they talk about us using the “credit card” – Seattle Seahawks utilize creative accounting to bolster roster despite cap crunch.

    One section about RW caught my eye: “Another restructure of Wilson’s contract would be one more way to free up money, but the negative cap ramifications of another salary-to-signing-bonus conversion would likely be a big deterrent. That would add even more dead money to the massive amount the Seahawks would already have to eat if they traded Wilson. It would also increase Wilson’s cap number in the final year of his deal and thereby potentially make him more expensive for Seattle to tag or extend.”
    https://www.espn.com/blog/seattle-seahawks/post/_/id/34957/seattle-seahawks-utilize-creative-accounting-to-bolster-roster-despite-cap-crunch

  19. Hoggs41

    Im willing to bet the Seahawks and Adams have had talks and if Adams is asking for $18+ he isnt going to get it. Schneider has always set limits and doesnt go past them. If Adams wants to sit out then let him. That being said I agree and hope they do trade him for stock.

    • pdway

      It may well happen – but if Adams makes a giant stink all season (i.e. if he doesn’t get the extension), it’s a bad look for him to have trashed two franchises back-to-back, esp if the Hawks have at least a winning record again. Potentially tarnishes his value a bit.

      • Big Mike

        Very fair point

      • cha

        If you want another bit of spilled milk…Adams trashed the Jets ownership, the GM and the coach in different ways and at different times.

        How were the Seahawks not able to work their ‘get a disgruntled star player for peanuts’ magic is another strike against them.

        • bmseattle

          Exactly.
          The deal should have been in the buyer’s favor, not the seller’s.

          It’s telling when absolutely everyone… even those who love Adams and want to keep him… admit it was a massive overpay.

          • Big Mike

            Also very fair points. Not exactly a ribnging endorsement of how Pete handled the “negotiations”.

            • Hawkster

              A lot of things happened, but negotiation was not one of them unless “help yoursel” is negtiating.

  20. Happy Hawk

    Another great article. My first stop every morning and am never disappointed. Thanks Rob!

    • Rob Staton

      Thank you

  21. Magmatizer

    WR Anthony Miller from the Bears is reportedly on the trade block. He’s in the final year of his rookie contract, so not sure what the market will be since his new team will likely be expected to sign him to an extension. Nice athletic profile, but has thus far had an inconsistent career.

    • cha

      Throwing a punch and getting ejected in a playoff game I assume is the reason he’s on the trading block.

      Very concerning.

      • Magmatizer

        Definitely a bad look for him. I’d expect him to be cut by season end if there are no suitors.

    • KennyBadger

      Never felt like the bears could figure out his role, but then Mooney came along and made it seem like it wasn’t about scheme anymore.

  22. Mick

    Nice talk with Gallant, the ending with the comment on virtual lives got me thinking.

    I’m now trying to accept that Adams will likely stay and we’ll go down from 56 for extra picks. I wish we manage a deal of the kind 56 plus a low pick next year for a 70ish and an 80ish this draft, because we could get some quality guys there.

    • bmseattle

      Just pouting here, but what a massive downer that we don’t have this draft to look forward to.
      For me, it’s the most exciting part of the teambuilding process, and just plain fun to watch.

      It’s such a huge let down to only have 3 (2 really) picks, and to realize they likely won’t be drafting until then end of round 2, at best.

      • Big Mike

        I’ll double down on your pout. I am nowhere near as into study of the guys coming out as Rob and plenty of other folks here, but there’s always the excitement when the Hawks are due up. Not gonna be much of that this year and it’ll be even more of a downer knowing the first pick they have is likely to be moved anyway.

  23. cha

    Brady Henderson
    @BradyHenderson
    Per source, DT Al Woods’ one-year deal with the Seahawks is worth $2.5M with $750K guaranteed. There’s a $750K signing bonus, a $1.25M base salary and $500K in per-game roster bonuses. No void years.
    10:58 AM · Apr 8, 2021

  24. Producehawk

    If you want a depressing draft exercise. Go to PFN. Select the Jags. Take the trade offered with the Jets. Select Zack Wilson at 2. Then have fun the rest of the seven rounds. Sheesh. It might pay to tank.

    • Denver Hawker

      Looking at the Roster today, it’s not bad and there is okay depth. Assuming they work something out with KJ, the biggest holes are DT, C, CB, and WR3. There are some decent vets available at these positions that will likely be there after the draft.

      Ideally, I’d like to see a good DT drop to the R2 pick, if not trade back and stock depth/competition at these positions.

      • Denver Hawker

        Dang, meant as new post.

  25. MorePicks

    Just did a simulated draft at PFN. What about this unrealistic haul of a draft?

    72. Quinn Meinerz
    OC Wisconsin-Whitewater

    101. Ben Cleveland
    OG Georgia

    129. Dayo Odeyingbo
    EDGE Vanderbilt

    250. Darren Hall
    CB San Diego State

  26. Henry Taylor

    Rondale Moore is my favourite player in this draft. I know he’s not a typical Seahawks receiver but I can only hope Waldron is banging the table behind the scenes for a RAC/fly sweep specialist for his offence and Pete sees some of the explosive qualities that made them give up what they did for Percy Harvin. He’s just so much fun to watch, the most explosive runner I’ve seen in college football since Saquon Barkley, I don’t care that he’s 5’7, frankly I’m kind of happy because there’s no way he’d be available to us if he was 5’9.

    Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSw9ZllxvP0&ab_channel=BigTenNetwork

    • Gohawks5151

      I love him too. Part of me thinks he gets a bad rap being called gadget guy. It’s not just bubbles and slants. He does some nice work up the seam, has some nice post routes, some nice spot routes. That’s already more routes than people thought DK could run. For me its more about the injuries. As much as he is like Percy athletically, so is he with the soft tissue injury stuff. I’d hate to be living for the 8 games a year in which we would provide a spark. We already do that with Carson! That’s why I’m leaning to Eskridge who ticks many of the same boxes.

      • Sea Mode

        Eskridge has amazing hands too, the downside is that he’s already 24 years old.

  27. BobbyK

    My worst fear is that the Seahawks are no longer going to take an OL (or RB) with their pick at #56. Instead, they’re going to go DT so they can have a replacement for Reed. So, basically, they can take their only valuable draft pick on waste it on a position that was already set – so now they can actually make the position worse by using their only valuable draft pick on it. That sounds about like the Seahawks these days, right?

    • Producehawk

      I hope they don’t keep the pick unless someone of great value slips. They need more picks and it is the only thing they have worth trading.

    • Rob Staton

      I don’t think there’s any danger of them going DT

      Like it or not they signed Al Woods to replace Reed

      I think they see the D-line as sorted

      • cha

        Like it or not they signed Al Woods to replace Reed

        Put me down for “not”

        • Big Mike

          Yes, you’re as clear on that as I am on “53rd ranked”…….and I don’t mean that as a criticism in any way whatsoever, 🙂

    • Jordan

      I’m thinking interior oline, OT, or WR3 with their first pick in the draft, wherever it ends up being.

  28. Ben

    Been thinking how much it’d be nice to add Kerrigan/Houston/Clowney type. However, I think our d-line is full unless moves are made. We’re at 11, seems like without Reed we would need to carry 4 DT’s unless Rasheem/Collier end up playing inside a lot more.

    I don’t think we’ve carried more than 8-9 pure d-lineman most years, usually we have a strongside LB who can put their hand down. Honestly disappointing to see so much veteran d-line talent available at a discount and we are unlikely to dip into it again.

    LEO/5 Tech
    Carlos Dunlap
    Benson Mayowa
    Alton Robinson
    Darrell Taylor (PUP?)

    1T/3T
    Poona Ford
    Al Woods
    Bryan Mone
    Cedrick Lattimore

    5T/3T
    Kerry Hyder Jr.
    L.J. Collier Q
    Rasheem Green

    We have some pretty good depth honestly. Other than Poona and Alton though I’m not sure there is any long term pieces.

  29. Brik

    Heyyy Gallant has a ‘Cuse hat on. That’s near where I grew up in Upstate NY. Syracuse did alright in the NCAA Tournament, been awhile since they were really contenders though. Now I’m rooting for Gonzaga since they’re in my current city. Don’t want to talk about the championship game…

    • Jordan

      Yeah that game felt like men vs boys. Had the feel like in Washington HS basketball when the teams from the east side of the state face competition from the city/metro conference

      • Big Mike

        Gonzaga Prep’s back to back state championships says you’re being a west of the cascades elitist.

        • IHeartTacoma

          The Hull sisters would agree

          • Big Mike

            Ooh, good call

        • king.

          Good thing a prep school is standing up against those elitist public schools.

          I’ll admit complete ignorance to the situation in Washington, but this situation plays itself out all over the country. The big city schools draw from a much bigger talent pool and dominate the top levels of state competition, which isn’t elitist as much as it is simple mathematics. The Seattle/Tacoma metro area has more people in it than the rest of the state combined.

          The communities out in the sticks can’t compete, except for the prep schools, which are kind of symbolic of true social elitism and have the luxury of being able to recruit.

          And where do they get most of their talent from? The exact same districts they are trying to compete with in the athletic arena.

      • Brik

        They won over 30 games in a row to get to the championship game. Sometimes you just have your worst game at the worst time. It’s not like any teams from the west side made it to the NCAA championship game.

    • HawkfaninMT

      I have lived in Spokane for 3.5 years Brik and just can’t get behind Gonzaga like I do Sounders and Hawks. I think it because it’s impossible to ever get to a game to see them. They need a legit arena. I think I may go to Vega next year to watch them play Duke… that’s how hard it is to get to see a game!

      • Brik

        Hey HawkfaninMT, you’ve been here just a few months longer than I have. I haven’t really jumped on the bandwagon yet, but I do root for them when I don’t have another team. Would have to say the UW Huskies and Syracuse Orange come before them. Haven’t tried to get tickets yet, but maybe I can figure something out.

  30. Trevor

    Rob great work once again.

    Really think Marshall is basically a spokesperson for Russ and they are in damage control mode now. I really think Russ and Rodgers fully believed that when they put those 4 teams out there (Bear, Raiders, Saints and Cowboys) that all of those teams would jump at the chance to get him and make significant offers. The reality was that even the Bears who are a desperate as a front office in recent memory to get a QB offered very little.

    Russ probably said, I want control of the offence and say on personnel or trade me to one of these 4 teams and then when the offers never came PC/JS turned around and said Russ sorry we tried but no only one of your 4 teams even offered anything. Certainly had to be a bit of a reality check and blow to Russ ego I am sure. Now he likely realizes he is not going anywhere this year and needs to try and make things right in that locker room.

    Truly believe if the Hawks had gotten a good offer that Russ would have been traded.

    • 12th chuck

      If multiple teams were making serious offers, I don’t think Russ or the Seahawks would have so “content”

  31. Rob Staton

    Quick reminder (sorry to pester) — please watch the video at the top of the article

    • cha

      Just passed the Gallant wJoe Fann for views. Not like it’s a competition or anything *cough*

  32. Hawks_Gui

    250lbs + 38.5″ Vertical

    DE Elerson Smith 6’6 252 41.5″
    OLB Joseph Ossai 6’4 256 41.5″
    DE Jayson Oweh 6’5 257 39.5″
    DL Milton Williams 6’3 284 38.5″

    Elerson Smith needs more buzz! Some teams are asking about playing TE – which he was an All-State TE at Minneapolis South HS

    https://twitter.com/BenFennell_NFL/status/1380189269298401285?s=19

    We already know who PC is gonna spend next years pick on to make a position change. Last year was TE to DE, now it’s the other way around

  33. Denver Hawker

    Rob- don’t freak, hear me out..

    What if the Hawks pick an athletic LB with their R2, like Ossai?

    Is it reasonable to believe they are modifying the defense to fit the current pieces? Bring more speed from the second level rather than up the middle with a pass rushing 3T?

    I know the Bucs had a solid front 4, but watching those linebackers dominate the playoffs was kind of fun to see.

    • Rob Staton

      I think he’s better suited to 3-4 OLB.

      I don’t see it personally.

      • Denver Hawker

        I’m just looking at the current roster construction and wondering if the scheme could change. Although highly unlikely, I can’t rule it out.

        I think there will be some good OLB options where they pick.

    • Chase

      Part of the domination by the linebackers was a result of the domination of the front four. I’d bet money wagz would still look like a top 3 LB in the league if he has that DL in front of him.

    • WallaSean

      I think is possible, they always covet those Bruce Irvin types. Without KJ in the mix they might feel like they want someone for 1st downs at LB that can play some DE as well. I suspect that is/was the plan for Taylor sharing time with Irvin.

  34. TomLPDX

    Finally got a chance to listen. Several immediate items…

    Pete Carroll is NOT Ned Stark. I read the books long before the stupid HBO series. Ned was THE MAN! ’nuff said. Ned was who he was and who he said he was. You believed in Ned.

    Paul’s eyes glazed over time and time again when Rob started talking about individual players in the draft. He was lost. Had no idea what he was talking about.

    I could go on but I won’t. Rob, start a serious podcast about the seahawks, beyond SDB. You blow everyone else away.

  35. Blitzy the Clown

    With respect to the discussion early on about Schefter and why would he continue to give legs to the Wilson saga if there wasn’t any possibility of a trade at this point…

    Unless and until one of Wilson, Carrol or Schneider make a direct statement to the contrary (the most definitive of which would be a contract extension), it has to be considered a possibility. Even more so considering how much water has already flowed under the bridge.

    And to me, Pete Carroll is a lot more Robert Baratheon than Ned Stark.

    • Easy Answers Hard Choices

      Actually, he’s more a combination of Elmer Gantry and Tony Robbins…

  36. Justaguy

    I could never agree with this more

  37. DW

    Seahawks YouTube channel just uploaded Darrell Taylor high school highlights (?) in case you’re interested in that sort of thing I guess?

    https://youtu.be/3lZuZOD7YZE

    • Sea Mode

      Wow, that’s a reach for sure. 😂

    • Big Mike

      So, did he play TE in H.S. so Seattle can move him there like you know, the oppo of what they did with Sully last season?

  38. God of Thunder

    “ Meanwhile Schefter’s continued suggestion that a deal could happen, indicates that not all wounds have healed.”

    Looked at Schefter’s Twitter for the last 3 days: 5th thru 8th. Didn’t see anything relevant to RW and the Seahawks. Enjoyed the Mina Kimes trolling humour tho’!

    • Rob Staton

      You do realise he goes on TV too?

      • God of Thunder

        He does? Will the marvels never cease?

        Actually I subscribe to NFL network but as there are many talking heads, I missed his comments. So I thought perhaps it was a tweet. That’s all.

        FWIW I agree this issue isn’t done and dusted. The FO silence is deafening, considering the franchise’s front and centre star player had his agent list teams he’d accept as a destination.

  39. Brik

    I’m confused, are you suggesting that Schefter isn’t saying anything about RW because he hasn’t posted it on Twitter? He went on a show recently and commented on it, he doesn’t always tweet every single thought. He also doesn’t constantly say the same thing over and over again. Saying it is “continued” doesn’t mean that that it is constant. It means that he has stood by the comment where he believes it’s something to watch still. He said that it is something to watch, and he hasn’t said that it is no longer a story. I’m so sad for this world…

    • Brik

      Damn I meant to reply to the comment above

    • God of Thunder

      I’m not saying that at all, don’t get your knickers in a twist. As it happens I agree. I just thought I’d missed a Twitter discussion.

      You can go back to not feeling sad for this world.

      • Brik

        Nope still sad. You’re one of those people who found out they were wrong and is trying to save face by making it look like everyone else didn’t understand.

        • God of Thunder

          Your mind reading skills get more impressive by the day. As I’ve said a few times, including in comments here in response to the original post, I believe there’s fire if there’s smoke. Rob convinced me a while back that things are not well in Seahawk land, what with our star QB having his agent provide a list of teams he’d accept being traded to and all. That’s a very serious matter and potentially a prelude to a “divorce.” I was asking if I’d missed something. Rob (above) understood I was asking for info and he kindly provided it. But keep twisting your knickers mate.

    • Rob Staton

      With respect I doubt Kyle Shanahan gave Sherman a draft update on the way out

    • Sea Mode

      Look, Sherm can have his opinion and he may well be right, the RGIII point is interesting, but I stopped reading when the author attributes the knocks on Fields to racism. Really? Come on…

      During the pre-draft process, Fields has been labeled as a “slow processor” and had his work ethic questioned, two racist tropes that Black quarterbacks have faced for decades.

  40. Rob Staton

    In the last 48 hours I’ve come to learn there are some very, very strange people who follow the Seahawks and have an unhealthy obsession with this website and will go to great lengths to undermine it.

    • Noah

      I don’t know why they’d try to undermine it, this is where the best Seahawks content on the internet is if you ask me, and I’m sure there’s many others that agree. Some weird individuals knocking around

      • Rob Staton

        Some very strange individuals out there…

    • Sea Mode

      Yikes.

    • SpennyDunks

      I mean its the internet – theres strange people everywhere beyond just Seahawks fans. The rest of us love your thorough research and how far ahead on everything you are. This site has exploded since we were discussing Courtney Upshaw and trying to diffuse the buzz on drafting Mark Barron back in 2012 so naturally there will be a mix of people that wander over here.

    • Belfasthawk

      What happened? Are you ok Rob?

      • Rob Staton

        I’m fine.

        Just constantly amazed how bent out of shape people get because over the last 12 months, questions are (rightly) asked of the team on this website

        • Belfasthawk

          Glad you’re ok.

          • Rob Staton

            It doesn’t effect me personally

            It’s just the enthusiasm tank is running low. I long ago reached a point where I think… why am I doing this? This is a hobby. There isn’t another website out there, churning out this much content, that is done purely for the love of it.

            • Gohawks5151

              Its a damn shame man. Hopefully you won’t let others destroy something you loved doing. Sad its come to that. I will say its great to see you on all these Seahawk media outlets! Hopefully you are having fun with that.

            • mantis

              Rob, Don’t give up because then it will get even worse and it substantiates what they are trying to do

            • God of Thunder

              Hang in there, think of yourself and the pleasure you provide to your readers and listeners. Don’t let a few haters get you down.

    • BruceN

      ” there are some very, very strange people who follow the Seahawks”

      It took you this long to realize this! This pandemic has brought out many strange people.

      “have an unhealthy obsession with this website and will go to great lengths to undermine it”

      If you’re referring to the earlier long post, I didn’t take it as undermining. Just a different opinion that I agreed with some and mostly I did not. It’s good to hear all perspectives. Some make sense, some don’t. Honestly, it’s not as interesting to read everyone repeating what you are saying. I like to read a constructive dialogue with varying perspectives as long as it is presented with supporting data, doesn’t get personal or mean spirited.

      • JimQ

        For several years I used to follow and occasionally post on Seahawks.net. They have a whole huge bunch of basement dwelling teenagers that post negative comments on any and every topic, it must be a game for them, “lets see how much we can piss off posters because we know everything and they know nothing”. I unsubscribed over a year ago and haven’t been back since. These “kids” are not Seahawks fans but fans of pissing people off so they can laugh and feel superior. Maybe their mama never gave them enough hugs. I don’t do Seahawks twitter, but from what I’ve heard, they may be even worse. Life is too short for that kind of crap and serious dialog is much more important than nonsense.

        Serious dialog among (a majority of) civil fans is difficult to find online. Seahawks draft blog is the ONLY place to get solid opinions that aren’t always the most popular, but are based on solid logic and I also especially appreciate that attacking posters isn’t allowed. Rob, your blog is the absolute best Seahawk site by far, if it wasn’t available, I’d be totally lost without all of your insights and ideas, keep your head up and tune out the naysayers ’cause their just messing with you for the “fun” of it.

        • BruceN

          Thanks for the tip. Glad to hear I haven’t missed much!

          I agree about the quality of SDB. Rob is awesome and prolific with his quality content. And the dialogue is very good. With one oddity, that I find myself defending this FO at times when I have serious reservations about how they’ve done things in the last few years. Mostly as the reaction to them being called losers and fools! I’m sure everyone is tired of me talking about the local media in NorCal. But here they don’t talk about the Rams or Cardinals. But in spite of all of our warts they do talk about the HAWKS non-stop as a measuring stick (and also because they hate us!).

      • Rob Staton

        If you’re referring to the earlier long post

        I am not, no

  41. Rob Staton

    https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/04/09/jerry-jones-reportedly-infatuated-with-kyle-pitts/

    This wouldn’t surprise me at all. Dallas moving up to #4 for Pitts.

    And contrary to a lot of views elsewhere, I think there’s a good chance Trey Lance will be there at #10 if the Falcons really do like him.

    • Henry Taylor

      Not sure how much better it would make the Cowboys, but I’d be moving Dak Prescott up my fantasy draft board.

    • Big Mike

      Cowpukes badly need defense so of course Jerruh’s gonna move up for a TE, albeit a likely generational one.

  42. STTBM

    Apologies if this has already been discussed:

    My take is the Marshall comments are an attempt by Wilson to put the toothpaste back in the tube. He went nearly nuclear, Carrols didn’t bend much, and of his four stream teams to be traded to, only one showed public interest, and the Saints openly mocked him for his behavior. I still think Gruden covets him, but he’s waiting for the price to go down….

    Regardless, Carrols has won. It’s his way, or go to a team you don’t like for Wilson. Not much of a choice.

    This to me is Wilson trying to make nice–for now. He really has no other option. And Seattle’s silence speaks volumes: I think they hold him random through this year, and try to get a fair haul next year.

    What a mess.

    Bad drafts, poor free agency, pathetic trades…it’s been nearly a decade of mediocrity by JS and PC. Nothing to do but keep watching the circling of the drain…

    • Rob Staton

      I think you’ve pretty much nailed it.

      • BruceN

        “it’s been nearly a decade of mediocrity by JS and PC.”

        I think the Jets fans and about 2/3 of the league would beg to differ when they look at their beloved teams over the past decade. But I know I am the anomaly on this. We’ve messed up plenty and missed many opportunities. Long enough to write a book. But poster child of mediocrity, we are not. SMHO.

        • pdway

          we’re treading water, but we’re not mediocre. it’s still been a very good run.

          as for Russell – he did get a new OC who looks promising and from the 21st century, that’s not nothing. and we locked up two important pieces (Lockett and Carson) in his toolkit, and added a better athlete at TE. While we didn’t do enough to improve the O-line, if Shell is back to pre-injury levels, and Jackson is decent – it’s not in a terrible place. And maybe we’re not done adding to it.

          And not to be that guy, but … he does still have his $35MM salary, and his endorsements, and a pretty good lot in life, all things considered….

          • BruceN

            I agree about threading water. That has been a key issue for me. In the beginning of their regime you could see a short term and a long term plan and they stuck with it. They drafted well and built a sustainable roster (it also helped that they hit the jackpot with their first few drafts). In the last few years, they have missed on their drafts and have had to band aid things. And they seem more reactionary than forward thinking.

            I am more optimistic than most about our today’s roster (longer term I agree there will be problems/unknowns). I agree with you about heading to the season with a measurably better OL and DL than the last couple of years. Our offense has play makers (addition of Everett which I was hoping we sign before FA started) and I am hoping Waldron will be a difference maker. I would put a floor of 9-7 with a potential of 11-5 or 12-4 if things brake our way. Not a depressing place to be.

        • Rob Staton

          Ok that line isn’t fair. But a malaise has set in recently, IMO, where the Seahawks have settled into a ‘good not great’ (thanks to the quarterback) situation and they don’t know how to become great again.

          • Tomas

            The Cowboys would never have had the hugely successful Jimmy Johnson years if they had kept on the legendary Tom Landry, who wished to continue as HC when fired in 1988 at age 64. At one point, he had 20 consecutive winning seasons. Virtually never did Landry commit the sort of confounding game management blunders that periodically plague the Seahawks … usually at key moments … under Carroll. The omelette won’t happen without breaking some eggs, and Pete needs to go before the Seahawks can regain greatness. Should the Seahawks have a revitalized team in 2021 I’ll gladly shut up on this point

            • jeffers

              This is ridiculous. The Cowboys went 3-13 the last year Landry was the coach and had missed the playoffs entirely 4 out of the last 5 seasons he coached. There is a difference between saying Pete can do better and saying he needs to be fired. I mean, people saying this crazy shit act like there is a reasonable expectation a new coach hired after he is fired is going to lead the team to greater success, when by far the most likely outcome is a return to mediocrity.

              Like, seriously, actually think about it. Do you honestly think the Seahawks would have better odds at winning a Super Bowl within the next five years if they fired Carroll? It seems obvious to me that it would be much more likely that they would have a losing record over that period of time than win the Super Bowl.

              • Rob Staton

                I mean, people saying this crazy shit act like there is a reasonable expectation a new coach hired after he is fired is going to lead the team to greater success, when by far the most likely outcome is a return to mediocrity.

                Or maybe it’d galvanise the team as it did in Green Bay when they moved on from Mike McCarthy? Maybe having John Schneider in charge of the key personnel decisions instead of Pete Carroll will be a good thing?

                It’s very easy to call moving on from Carroll ‘crazy shit’ and suggest it would lead to a ‘return to mediocrity’. There’s absolutely no reason why a change and a fresh start couldn’t be just what this team needs after a run of one playoff win in four years.

                Like, seriously, actually think about it. Do you honestly think the Seahawks would have better odds at winning a Super Bowl within the next five years if they fired Carroll?

                Like, seriously, yes they might.

                It seems obvious to me that it would be much more likely that they would have a losing record over that period of time than win the Super Bowl.

                Is it his ‘water-tight’ game-planning, ‘top-notch’ in-game decision making, adjustments, refusal to cede any control to anyone, his worsening defense year-by-year or something else that made you leap to this conclusion?

                • STTBM

                  Exactly, Rob. Well said…

          • BruceN

            “But a malaise has set in recently, IMO, where the Seahawks have settled into a ‘good not great’”.

            I agree with you there. What I can’t buy is that we are doomed and a disaster franchise who is run by fools. I just listened to another interview on the local radio with Steve Young (pro bowler, SB winner, HOF QB who is part of ESPN and MNF analyst team, basically not an ignorant fool) who referred to the Hawks as an Elite organization that Niners have to keep up with. To me we are somewhere in between but closer to the latter and can’t get over the hump.

            My dream scenario is, as you suggested, for Pete to be the master puppet, a culture setter, and hire fresh blood, new creative and aggressive OC and DC to run the O and D. Maybe we’re half way there. We’ll find out soon enough.

            • Rob Staton

              What I can’t buy is that we are doomed and a disaster franchise who is run by fools.

              Who is making this argument?

              • BruceN

                I should have put quotations around the word “fools” because it has been used. Not by you but by some on the blog. Which is fine. This is a place to share opinions. I’m just saying I don’t agree with it.

                • Rob Staton

                  Yes, this is a place to share opinions.

                  But I also don’t think it’s right to use a tiny portion of Seahawks fans who probably don’t really consider this to be a ‘doomed and disaster franchise’ to base a counter argument.

                  There are legitimate concerns though — over ownership, the future of the roster, the capability of the HC and de-facto leader and the future of Russell Wilson.

                  • BruceN

                    “There are legitimate concerns though — over ownership, the future of the roster, the capability of the HC and de-facto leader and the future of Russell Wilson.”

                    No arguments here. All valid points and I share the same concerns (and a few more! like please don’t get cute in the draft and try to outsmart everyone else!).

    • BobbyK

      Sadly, you’re spot on.

      They need to draft a DK at 56. Whether it’s a CB, DT, C, WR, or RB… they need someone who is actually young and good. Their track record and odds don’t make me have any confidence in their ability to do so. Afterall, they think LJ and Blair are better than DK and with only 1-pick I’m sure they’ll screw it up like they usually do this last half-decade plus.

    • Big Mike

      “….a decade of mediocrity”

      But, but, 12 & 4! Playoff team!
      Zzzzzzzzzzzz……………….
      Agree about circling the drain. Prove me wrong when Wilson’s gone Pete. I’ll be the first to admit you were the reason for the limited success, not him.

      As for Russ, yeah damage control mode it would seem.

      • MorePicks

        We won our Super Bowl this decade…

        More like 5 years of mediocrity.

    • cha

      Good thoughts STTBM.

      I don’t know what is worse, the fact that this mess hasn’t been sorted or the bulk of the Seattle media thinks they ‘got it right’ by insisting Russ wouldn’t be traded and not even bothering to explore the 19 different fissures in this crumbling relationship.

    • God of Thunder

      “Bad drafts, poor free agency, pathetic trades…it’s been nearly a decade of mediocrity by JS and PC. Nothing to do but keep watching the circling of the drain…”

      I have to take issue with the above.

      The Seahawks have not been mediocre. On the contrary. The team has had regular season successes that many other franchises can only dream of. However, as Rob and others have pointed out, these multiple regular season successes have papered over the facts: the team is not now, and hasn’t been for a half dozen years, a true Super Bowl contender. If that’s what you are saying, we agree!

      Some of the trades have been poor, some have been good. The same applies to the drafting. And FA.

      You are correct … if we focus on the potential of this team to truly contend. As it’s built now. Hence the interest many of us have in trading Adams, maybe Wagner, and considering what an unhappy Wilson can fetch in return. But the winning seasons have been impressive. Deceptively so.

      • STTBM

        Thank you for the feedback everyone!

        I said Seattle has been mired in mediocrity for nearly a decade because they began this mess in 2013/2014 with a couple bad drafts, followed by so-so and terrible Free Agency moves since, more bad drafts, and two horrible high-cost trades and few good ones. They flat blew 6 of the last 8 drafts, and the jury is still out on the last two. They went to the playoffs all but one year, but only won one game–vs Detroit, a real powerhouse of legendary toughness.

        While they won in the regular season, several years early on it seemed Carrol blew a couple games each year with poor coaching that cost them. And he seemed to stop making the team greater than the sum of it’s parts: we had great talent, but failed to utilize it. The past few years, with the bad drafting, poor free agency, and the fallout of the Adams trade that wasn’t overcome by the one good trade for Dunlap, it seems the talent has lessened, and I can’t see Carrols coaching providing anything they couldn’t get from more than half the coaches in the NFL.

        Averaging it together, you get a team with talent decayed to the mid level, below average coaching, a great qb, and a GM hampered in Free Agency and the draft by a meddling coach who has too much power.

        I think the only reason this team hasn’t been 6-10 or even 4-12 is Wilson.

        Averaging it all, you get a mediocre team, looking at talent, coaching, drafting, free agency: I wasn’t looking solely at win/loss record, especially since Seattle’s record vs teams with winning records hasn’t been great for a long while.

        But this is just how I see it, I enjoyed reading everyone else’s take.

        • Big Mike

          STTBM: preacher to choir (me). Spot on post imo.

        • God of Thunder

          This sums it up well.

          “Averaging it together, you get a team with talent decayed to the mid level, below average coaching, a great qb, and a GM hampered in Free Agency and the draft by a meddling coach who has too much power.”

          I pointed out we’ve been more than mid level in the reg season. However we’ll probably agree that the reg season wins are deceptive because we’ve been found out in the post season rather easily.

          Slightly OT but the loss to the Cowboys a couple years back was the flimsy straw that finally cracked the camel’s vertebrae, for me. Such an avoidable loss. But the coaching was bereft of ideas and bereft of flexibility…

          • STTBM

            Agreed.

  43. Big Mike

    “I still think Gruden covets him, but he’s waiting for the price to go down….”

    I agree with this. I think there’s still a chance a deal with LV happens right before or on draft day. I think Pete would think he can win with Carr but I don’t think Chucky will give up three firsts and Carr plus other stuff.

  44. Sea Mode

    Jim Nagy
    @JimNagy_SB
    ·22m

    Update from @UHCougarFB pro-day. DE Payton Turner with 23 bench reps with 35 3/8 arms is one of more impressive numbers this spring. Also 35.5 VJ at 6054/268.👀👀

  45. no frickin clue

    Rob,

    I was messing around with Pro Football Simulator and drafted for the Jags. After a few trade downs out of #1, I had the #28 overall pick and received an offer from pseudo-John Schneider. The offer was:

    #56 overall, 2022 2nd rounder, 2022 3rd rounder
    for
    #28 overall

    This offer kinda made me nauseous since it empties the cupboard for 2022 after we already went to town on 2021 picks, but it made me wonder: is there anyone out there that, if for reasons unknown they dropped to the end of the 1st round, that you could see the Hawks trading up for?

    • BobbyK

      If anything, they should consider dealing #56 for 3-4 picks that would include a #2 and #3 from some team next year – in addition to a pick or two yet this year. They won’t because they have no long term vision and have never made any trades that were designed for the long-term (the Frank Clark trade doesn’t count because Clark was a building block piece for a long time).

      • no frickin clue

        I agree with you. Every time I take the reins for John at Pro Football Simulator, I’m trying to build up to 5-6 picks in the 80-130 range in the draft, instead of just #56 and #129.

        The thing that concerns me is that if Pete felt desperate enough to raid 2021 picks to land Adams, he might similarly feel desperate enough to start raiding 2022. I hope not.

        • DC

          Start raiding 2022?

          • no frickin clue

            More than we already have. Sheesh, this is getting more depressing every time I think about it.

            • BobbyK

              It’s bad enough they destroyed this draft with Adams, but we have to pay the price next year as well.

              I can totally see Pete wanting to raid more of the 2022 draft for the sake of this year. Helps the year in question, really screws over all future years. Typical Pete Carroll. Just like the last half-decade plus. And USC.

              • DC

                The Jets originally wanted 4 1st round picks & 2 3rd rounders for Adams. You might think Pete’s haggling skills are suspect but he talked them down to half price.

                • BobbyK

                  Hahaha! Win Forever!

    • Rob Staton

      I cannot

  46. cha

    The weird, wonderful, delusional, and nonsensical world that is John Boyle and the Seahawks mailbag this week:

    “Is it possible that the Seahawks have plateaued under Pete Carroll?”

    “With the additions we made on the D-Line, does that make it a Top 5 unit?”

    “As both a dad and noted teller of corny jokes, what’s your favorite dad joke?”

    “Who do you think we’ll sign next?”

    “Will we draft Penei Sewell? I think we should.”

    “Are the Seahawks going to add any more edge rushers?”

    “Is Rashaad Penny expected to eat into Chris Carson’s workload this year?”

    • BobbyK

      http://www.seahawks.com isn’t designed for fans with the ability to both follow the team and critically think. It’s more designed for a love fest (as team websites are).

      • TJ

        The team’s website is designed 100% for promotional and public relations purposes. It is not designed to provide anything more than fan engagement and information promoting the brand, ticket sales, and merchandise. It is no different than the websites of any other commercial products.

        • BobbyK

          You basically said what I wrote/think.

          • TJ

            Yes, I was agreeing with you and adding a little extra.

    • Big Mike

      insert eyeroll emoji here

    • BruceN

      Never visited the site and just glanced at it briefly (very) for the first time. But it seemed it was the delusional fans asking these questions not him suggesting these off the wall ideas.

      But I am fully onboard with drafting Penei at #56 🙂

      • Ryan

        Call me crazy, but I’d even try and trade into the top of the second round for Penei if he’s still there. 🙂

        • BruceN

          I’ll be tickled pink if that happens. But I doubt we’ll trade up and I very much doubt Penei will last into the 2nd round. He’s mocked to go at #7.

    • God of Thunder

      The only thing that piqued my interest at that site would be the “dad joke”. 😂

  47. Scot04

    Randall resigned, would be nice if the safety depth was a precursor to an Adams trade. Unfortunately I think we’ve all given up on that becoming a reality

    • no frickin clue

      It sounds like Randall is being moved to CB.

      • Gary

        Moving guys to new positions, another signature PC move 🙁

        • God of Thunder

          This is actually something I’m in favour of. Presumably the player is willing. And in this case the player has some experience.

          This is a low cost gamble with a potential upside.

  48. AlaskaHawk

    Cha mentioned that Jamal Adams had missed 9 tackles last season, or 10%. This actually seems decent to me as he made 90% of his tackles. What is the average for safeties? Is that statistic normally calculated.

    I do note that Adams didn’t have any interceptions. That is an area I would like to see improvement in.

    • CaptainJack

      Ball skills are lacking. Two CAREER interceptions…

    • God of Thunder

      Adams dropped at least one certain interception when it seemed easier to catch the ball.

      He was a disappointment in coverage. Hence the astute call by Rob and others to at least consider what draft picks he can garner. I guess the questions to be answered are: was he bad in coverage because of injuries that are now healed? Or because he was learning in a new system? We had better hope the answer to these is affirmative. I guess…

      The paradox I find myself in is: what if Adams has another superficially strong season? That is, he detracts from the team defence but has impressive stats. Say many blitzes and mediocre coverage but 12+ sacks. Because I don’t see him as a fit in our system, I don’t want him here long term. But if he bombs, he’s harder to trade. It was such a backwards move, trading so much for him, let alone tying up (potentially) that much money in that position.

      • Mike

        I don’t realistically know what they’ll do with him at this point. I mean, they were, and continued to be so hot on him being a gamechanger that the common fanbase is very attached to him. Just like dropping Bobby, it would be a bad look to most fans.

        To trade him now (from a PR standpoint) is an admission of guilt and incompetence after that huge trade. In the context of the RW drama that has been very unpopular with the common fanbase, it’s frankly a lot of bad press in short order. That basically invites the media to pound the “Fire/retire Pete” headlines.

        What team wants to dump a ton of cash on a safety this year? Not too many with the cap issues. A trade like this will look real bad when you compare what we gave and what we got. The news articles write themselves there.

        So extend him for next year and pay him. Then what? He’s more like an undersized linebacker than a safety. Do we make him learn to cover, or just rush him? I doubt our pass rush will be great. But it may be competent at least. We got burned bad last year, and teams know the Jamal rush is likely coming.

        Im curious how we could scheme with him now. The surprise factor of last year is gone. People will look to assume he is gonna rush. They will scheme to expose that and throw his way.

        • AlaskaHawk

          Someone needs to reset his expectations for 18 million/year. It’s okay to ask for the moon. But it is way more than most safeties are paid. With his skill set I doubt he will be offered more than 12 million per year by any team. Heck the Seahawks could franchise him for 11.4 million.

          So either he resets his expectations on that issue, or he finds a sucker, or this becomes a Clowney situation where he holds out and eventually signs for less and is mad about it.

          Scheme wise I would like the Seahawks to work on his coverage and interception skills. His tackling and blitzing is already fine.

          • Rob Staton

            Good luck convincing Jamal Adams he’s only worth $12m

            His first response will be… ‘so why did you give up two firsts and a third if you’re not willing to give me Jalen Ramsey money?’

            • AlaskaHawk

              He hasn’t met expectations. I believe you pointed out he is rated at #56 among safeties or secondary? That is why this is a Clowney situation.

              Anyway – let him look, my prediction is no one will offer over 12 million unless he has a monster year of performance in 2021.

              • Scot04

                Nothing like the Clowney situation. We only gave up a 3rd for him, and he was a Free-agent. Adams cost two 1sts, a 3rd, and a player; plus he’s still under contract.
                Seahawks basically have 2 choices 16-20M or trade him. You can’t let him walk like Clowney.
                Plenty of teams would pay Adams minimum 16M. He just doesn’t fit here. He’s still a talent in the right scheme.

              • AlaskaHawk

                I looked up Safety contracts on OTC. It looks like 6 safeties are getting 14 million or more in average price/year. Then the price falls off to 11.5 million for next player.

                The highest paid is Justin Simmons at 15.25 million/average, and Budda Baker at 14.75 million.

                • KennyBadger

                  And Jamal would be insulted if he was offered less than those guys.

                  • Scot04

                    I agree he’d be insulted. I also believe there are atleast a few teams that would be happy to have him @ the Budda Baker level contract. He just needs to be on the right defense to justify 16-20M.
                    To me that place is not here, but I’m not PC.

                  • God of Thunder

                    One reason why agents are used, rather than the players representing themselves is — of course— that things get unpleasant. Hard truths must be uttered. Players are wise to shield themselves from this.

                    Eg, JS will have to point out that Adams was the 56th ranked safety. Among other things. It’s JS’s job to maybe not be insulting but to point out major holes in a player’s game.

            • Big Mike

              He’ll also continue to call himself a “weapon”.

              • Scot04

                Didn’t help that PC said they viewed him more as a weapon than a safety, when they made the trade.
                If your coach considers you a weapon and not a safety; why wouldn’t you consider yourself one.
                They gave him all the control.

                • Big Mike

                  They gave him all the control when they traded for him without having an extension in place. Because of this and without even taking into account his level of play, fit in the Seattle system, injuries, etc. the only way out of him having control is via trading him imo.

  49. Sea Mode

    All set at CB, folks!

    Ian Rapoport
    @RapSheet
    ·59m

    The #Seahawks announced they are re-signing Damarious Randall, but call him a CB, not a safety. A move to his roots.

    Let’s re-sign KJ and call him a DE. Could solve our pass rush problem too…

    • j

      Randall was a safety in college. But he played four years with the Packers as a corner. Cleveland moved him to safety but he has extensive CB history.

      Is he anything more than depth? No. Is he likely to make the team? No. But for a minimum salary guy he is solid.

    • Big Mike

      Instead of KJ we could’ve retained Sully and called him a DE. I mean after all, he played in high school you know.

  50. Sea Mode

    Yeah…um…

    Erik Burkhardt
    @ErikBurkhardt
    ·3h

    San Fran traded up to take Pitts & pair him with Kittle. Not take a QB.
    Kyle sees the chess board differently & knows how difficult this will be to defend. 🕸♟

    • Mick

      Strongly doubt that happens. Two great TEs are no good with Jimmy G.

    • j

      That would be amazing for the Hawks.

      • DC

        Not really. They’d be better this year if their peeps come back healthy…

        The NFC West is truly the ‘win now’ division. It’s like having a future 1st round pick causes herpes or something.

    • cha

      It’s an inside job. PC is taking mind-control to whole new levels.

      He already has McVay taking penalties on offense after timeouts.

      Now if he can get Shanahan to trade two firsts for a tight end…

    • CaptainJack

      That would be hilarious.

  51. Ashish

    If we believe Carrol comments, you know JS is not going pick 3-4 times (when we traded Frank Clark) we will not do the same this year (3 picks). Most SDB folks are praying that Hawks trade Adams and possible Wagner. We would have to wait till day or two before draft. Do you guys think the same?

    • Volume12

      Think the same on….?

      I dont think they’ll only pick 3 or 4 times. So that’s the same. But praying or even wanting them to trade Prez? No thanks. I dont think the same on that at all.

  52. Volume12

    Kelvin Joseph man. My goodness. That tape against ‘Bama is highly impressive. Deadass might be the best tape I’ve seen from a corner against DeVonta Smith 🔥.

    I know he’s got his red flags and a small sample size, but theres something about him that I think is worth rolling the dice on.

    • Volume12

      Led the SEC w/ 4 picks in 9 games. Only 20 years old

    • DC

      What’s your view on Walker Little?

      If we end up picking in the late 2nd our ‘red flaggers’ have produced pretty well.

      • Volume12

        Not a fan

  53. pdway

    Rob – feel free to say take this elsewhere, and I won’t be offended.

    But man, I think the latest statement from his own atty on the Deshaun situation – i.e. that he had consensual sex w some of the masseuses – changes this for me. Because now the whole, ‘this was all a professional massage’ narrative is gone – and so even if those instances were fully consensual, we now can infer that he was looking for sexual interaction on others, and it gives more credence to all those many other allegations.

    Feels like, at minimum, a suspension – and maybe much worse. Which is just crazy to me, meaning, given his stature as a right in this prime star in this league.

    • Big Mike

      I haven’t followed this situation real closely so if I’m wrong here, please correct me but isn’t there like 22 women that have come forward accusing him of abuse? 2 or 3 maybe it’s horseshit but 22 tells me there’s plenty of fire beneath this smoke. I think a suspension is likely but I thought the same about Tyreek and Rog gave him nothing while giving Jaren Reed 6 games for an accusation that iirc was never proven.

      • pdway

        Yes, there have been more than 20 women – but none ever filed a police report (not that that’s definitive) – and it was all civil w the same lawyer, who definitely presented as spotlight-seeking and sketchy – so there was a lingering thought in my mind that this might just have been a money grab situation, etc. And up to this point, he’d only acknowledged that he got massages.

        But it’s really taken a turn now, in my mind. Also, you’re not wrong, it’s a lot of accusers now. It’s very possible he’s done.

        • Gohawks5151

          It always blows my mind how the NFL pick and choose who to punish. Tyreke nothing. Ray Rice done. Joe Mixon nothing. Greg Hardy done. Dalvin Cook nothing. Reed suspended, AB suspended, Kareem Hunt suspended. How do you even parse it out? Even video evidence is inconsistent. (Rice, Mixon and Cook all caught on tape). Goodell is bad at his job.

          • icb12

            I don’t disagree with you on the whole. There are plenty of other names we could name too.
            However I think it’s an important distinction that Mixon and Cook incidents occurred before they were IN the NFL. Would be a reach (in my opinion) to punish an employee for something that happened prior to them being your employee.

        • Spectator

          There are over 40 now I believe, and 1 has filed a criminal suit against him. As far as the same lawyer, in a civil case, that is the best way these individuals could do it to succedd and would likely be joined anyways. It screams ambulance chaser- class action chaser lawyer move on its face, but it actually seems as though the one attorney is actually more so for efficiency and credibility. As far as no criminal suits, its likely because things like this (he said she said) issues are difficult to prove beyond a reasonable doubt. which is the standard for a criminal case. But more likely than not, which is the civil standard, is much lower threshold to hit. Think about OJ who was acquitted in his criminal case, but found guilty in civil case.
          I don’t subscribe to the #metoo movement, as I think it sets a terrible precedent, but this really is more than that. This has a Weinstein, Epstein, Bill cosby feel to it.

          • Big Mike

            “This has a Weinstein, Epstein, Bill cosby feel to it.”

            Yeah it really does.

            • James Z

              Weinstein maybe, but Epstein and Cosby, no way. Epstein and Cosby took it to a whole new (and lower) level.

              • God of Thunder

                I agree with James on this. There’s a wide moral and legal gulf between using your position and prestige to see if you can score, and full on drugging and raping.

  54. CaptainJack

    I won’t be shocked if the 49ers take Pitts. Who is a more special talent… Pitts or Mac Jones? How much of an upgrade is Jones over Jimmy G? Can’t be much.

    • CaptainJack

      I’ve felt for awhile that trading two first for a chance to secure… Mac Jones… when he could possibly fall anyways, or you could sit and wait for Fields or Lance, was stupid.

      • CaptainJack

        One more thought… if it became clear the niners were after Pitts, what’s stopping Atlanta from leapfrogging with the Jets. Jets think San Fran is going QB so they can’t move down or else they lose out on Wilson, who is much more talented than Jones. So of course San Francisco has to put on a smokescreen. Until Jimmy G is traded, Pitts is a possibility.

      • Rob Staton

        He wasn’t going to fall anyway

        That’s why they moved up

        And if you think this guy is destined to win you Super Bowls — you don’t take the chance anyway

        • CaptainJack

          My problem here is I don’t see Mac Jones leading anyone to a superbowl, at least not immediately.

          • Joemamasofat

            I sold myself on Jones as the pick because I think he can replace JG from the outset, but more than anything, it’s the hope we don’t spend the next decade getting shredded by Fields.

            • Rob Staton

              I’d be more worried about being shredded by Jones in a scheme which destroyed the league in 2016, playing with a QB able to execute Shanahan’s scheme properly.

              • Tomas

                I know it’s a minority stance, but … having watched a lot of highlights and a handful of Alabama’s games last season … I am concerned about Mac Jones taking snaps for the 49ers. He seems agile enough to move around effectively in the pocket when necessary — admittedly not often required, behind that great Alabama OL … but damn, he looks like maybe the most accurate passer I’ve ever seen. The receivers were not always wide open, but even when they were, Jones didn’t just complete the pass, he placed the ball perfectly. His arm’s surely no rocket, but looks entirely adequate whether throwing deep or otherwise. Even his detractors usually acknowledge he’s gifted at reading defenses, going through progressions, etc… like that’s not a big deal. He’s very much liked and admired by his teammates, it appears. I’ve taken into account Rob’s favorable comments, and also those of Chris Simms, whose opinions on QB’s, at least, I respect. As a Seahawks fan, I’d rather see the 49ers draft someone other than Jones.

          • Rob Staton

            And I’m sure you probably didn’t see Matt Ryan as MVP or in a Super Bowl in Shanahan’s scheme.

            Or Jimmy G in a Super Bowl in Shanahan’s scheme.

            Or Matt Schaub being the passing leader in the NFL in Shanahan’s scheme.

            Or Kirk Cousins looking pretty unstoppable at times in Shanahan’s scheme.

            Mac Jones does what Shanahan needs. And if he executes it as well as Ryan did, the rest of the NFC West is in serious trouble.

            • CaptainJack

              If your premise here is that Shanahan can be highly successful with any decent QB (I don’t disagree with this notion), the trade up makes even less sense. You can sit back and be successful with fields or lance. Or even mond/mills. And save 1st round selections. It’s not like Kirk Cousins, Jimmy G, or Matt Schuab are great quarterbacks. I don’t even think Matt Ryan is “great” although he is very good. It’s a deep QB class with multiple good directions they could have gone without trading up.

              • Rob Staton

                If your premise here is that Shanahan can be highly successful with any decent QB

                That’s not what I said

    • Rob Staton

      You don’t trade two firsts for the right to use another first on a tight end when you already have George Kittle

      Meanwhile your QB can’t stay healthy or be trusted to win you a big game

      • Scot04

        Well the Seahawks might though.

        • Big Mike

          🙁

      • CaptainJack

        Kyle Pitts is more than a tight end. He could have a Julio Jones level impact in Shanahan’s offense.

        • Joemamasofat

          If by “more than a tight end”, you mean QB, it all makes sense.

        • Rob Staton

          I like Pitts but we don’t need to pretend San Fran are using three firsts on a tight end when they don’t have a QB. Come on.

          • God of Thunder

            Moreover Jimmy G is available. SF is asking for a first rounder. Well, why not set the bar high and see if someone bites?

  55. HOUSE

    When I saw Damarious Randall re-signed today, I questioned Adams’ future in SEA. I think Blair will be pushing to get back on the field and personally think Adams is our best bet to get draft picks back.

    Now that I see Randall being listed at CB, I’m wondering if he’s another version of Flowers?

    • CaptainJack

      That’s a depth, special teams signing. Don’t read too much into it.

      • HOUSE

        I agree. Randall converting to S was probably a mistake for him. Who knows what will happen at the CB position for us…

  56. Gaux Hawks

    Friday, April 9th 2021

    I am confused, disappointed and discouraged.

    Some of that blame falls on Pete (there seems to be a lack of sincerity, maybe too much ego), Russell (MVP > SB) and Rob (for challenging the status quo and exposing uncomfortable trends). John gets a pass.

    I typically enjoy learning the offseason/business part of the year and am grateful for the content and community/engagement on SDB. I also only really started to follow the Hawks in 2011. But this offseason has been difficult to ignore (in 2020 we could use the “benefit of doubt” card).

    Clark trade? We still had hope.

    But I think Rob is right, the Adams trade… terrible.

    Then there’s Russell.

    I am a fan of RW3 but would be more than happy to trade him (and Adams) to Miami for a huge haul (4 1sts & 2 2nds)… AND I’d also be happy to see them win a championship in Miami. But I need a change of scenery.

    Wilson and Adams both seem to be blossoming premadonnas.

    So like I said, I am confused, disappointed and discouraged.

    But I trust Pete and I trust John.

    I’m okay with the moves they’ve made thus far, but I want John swinging for the fences.

    Give me Kellen Mond, Javonte Williams, Quinn Meinerz, Ben Cleveland, Dyami Brown, D’Ante Smith, and Benjamin St. Juste. Throw in Milton Williams, why not.

    Let’s challenge 2012.

    • BobbyK

      “But I trust Pete and I trust John.”

      That’s what Jody Allen says/thinks, too.

      Big mistake if the ultimate is going to another Super Bowl. But it sure is a good idea if you’re happy getting to the play-offs most years even if the elimination is early.

      FYI – Adams was a full blossomed premadonna when he was in New Jersey. He’s not “blossoming.” He was one. Is one.

      • Big Mike

        You think calling himself “Prez” is indicative of that Bobby?

        • Rob Staton

          Yeah but he’s a warrior for playing with injuries (and giving up GL touchdowns because he can’t tackle with a busted shoulder and dropping interceptions because he has broken fingers)

    • Gary

      “Give me Kellen Mond, Javonte Williams, Quinn Meinerz, Ben Cleveland, Dyami Brown, D’Ante Smith, and Benjamin St. Juste. Throw in Milton Williams, why not.”

      – With two picks in the first six rounds?

      • Gaux Hawks

        “ I am a fan of RW3 but would be more than happy to trade him (and Adams) to Miami for a huge haul (4 1sts & 2 2nds)… ”

  57. Rob Staton

    I love the optimism of the PFN mock draft simulator.

    I was just able to get:

    Kendrick Green
    Bobby Brown
    Anthony Schwartz
    Buddy Johnson
    Benjamin St Juste
    Sadarius Hutcherson

    Which would be a haul given the circumstances

    • Scot04

      Yep.
      I try to use your draft chart to atleast make it somewhat realistic.

    • clbradley17

      Sorry to sound like a math teacher, but can you show your work? What trades did you make to get 6 picks? If we didn’t trade JA, BW or both to get some more draft picks, that would be a fantastic draft! After Green, most of the rest would be gone, especially Brown and St. Juste. I would like to see us draft a big DT that can rush the QB from the inside like Darius Stills, he may actually be there in the 4th. Agree with your assessment a week or 2 ago that we have a LOT of DEs and could stand to trade someone like Rasheem Green for whatever we can get – a late day 3 pick.

      • Rob Staton

        Basically you just get sent offers in the simulator and I accepted some

    • BobbyK

      I was addicted to that thing last year. I haven’t even tried it this year because it’s such a joke Pete Carroll has left us with in terms of setting the table to securing our future as a fan base.

      Teams are built through the draft. Pete doesn’t care anymore. He’s too narrow/now minded. He doesn’t care about what’s best for long term success. Win Forever is BS. It’s comPete now and screw the future! That should be the title of his new book. It would be the updated version.

    • Mick

      I think that will be the plan: repeated trade downs (not what the simulator offers, though, I accepted several trades and turned 3 picks into 10 while still getting Meinerz and Brady Christensen) and hope some good players fall. It might work for positions with good depth, but we’ll most likely get roster fillers or project players like Alton Robinson and not game changers. It’s a pity cause this year’s draft isn’t as damaged by Covid as people thought, and we don’t know what’s coming next years.

  58. Rob Staton

    Steve Verderosa, former Giants scout, on PFN just said don’t be surprised if Bobby Brown goes in round two.

    Quick reminder…

    https://seahawksdraftblog.com/updated-horizontal-board-4th-april

    • Chris

      Rob, have you watched all of the Breaking Down the Board shows? They’re very interesting! Such a breath of fresh air compared to Daniel Jeremiah telling Haloti Ngata stories and Mel and Todd have gotten pretty stale..

      • Rob Staton

        I have watched them yes. Enjoyable.

  59. Lewis

    Thaddeus Moss released by Washington. Might be worth a look as a WR3, perhaps.

  60. Frank

    So much of this offseason wondering about the QB position, and the potential RW or Addams trade and whether the draft board is going to fall in such way the Hawks find a way to make a move. Hard to imagine leaving this draft without a QB, even if RW stays. Feels like the writing is on the wall for this to happen before the draft or next offseason one or the other. I’m not sure that I’m buying on Mac going to the 49ers, or the top three picks being absolute certainty. Not saying it just to be a contrarian, but what if Fields sneaks into the top two picks? He’s a proven winner who plays his best in the biggest moments, built to take NFL abuse, adept as a passer and rusher, and will instantly make a bad team a contender for a playoff position. My argument is that his floor is just higher than Wilson, or Lawrence and you tell me who wins more games next year, the Jets with Wilson/Lawrence or Fields. Point is it might not be Mac Jones but Wilson the 49ers are hopefully to get. That has Maholmes, Reid potential and is my personal nightmare ( a pairing of Shanahan and Wilson) at this point of the draft.

    • Rob Staton

      Fields also has his fair share of issues

      • Frank

        I just don’t feel confident about what his value is enough to rule out the possibility. He really just has the one major glaring flaw to me that he is a see it throw it guy so he holds on to the ball to long instead of being able to anticipate and throw his receivers open early. The big game moxie, and ability to rip a defense with his legs and arm talent are starting to win me over as him being in the mix in the top 5. Looking at Vegas odds for draft position certainly shows the 49ers as the only team having Mac over Fields on their big boards. Fields rushing alone would make a 500+ team out of the Jets.
        If your picking in the top 5 all the time like the Jets, a guy that can immediately make you not a laughing stock might be a godsend, where Larwence and Wilson are going to need good environments. I’m probably just looking at it pessimistically, imagining a scenario Lawrence of Wilson somehow making it to the 49ers and an immediate super team is born. The 49ers didn’t get the number three pick without knowing there where three guys they where okay with and certainly a hunch a good style matchup and value couldn’t be gotten later. Who are the 49ers afraid of coveting Mac enough to need to go past the falcon, when their pick has a big for sale sign and nobody was thinking Mac in the top ten before the 49ers trade. Smells like smokescreen to me as predraft paranoia sets in haha.

        • Rob Staton

          You don’t have to rule anything out, but…

          1. There’s no ‘smokescreen’ about moving up to #3 to guarantee the guy you want. It’s not about ‘getting ahead of Atlanta’ per se. It’s about determining whoever QB3 is, you want him. Badly. And now nobody can take him off you. It’s as simple as that.

          2. Plenty of people were reporting Mac Jones in the top-10.

          3. Fields has more than one glaring flaw and to be honest, I feel like I’ve written/talked about this a lot already over the last few weeks. He’s a long strider when throwing with an elongated release. This throws off timing, impacts accuracy and it’s one of the reasons why his rating under pressure is far worse than others QB’s in this draft. His progression/anticipating is not of a high standard. He has some serious ‘WTF’ moments on tape. He doesn’t play within structure anywhere near as well as Mac Jones and the entire Shanahan scheme is predicated on playing within structure. He doesn’t want Russell Wilson.

          • Frank

            Just looking at worst possible scenario for the Hawks, of Wilson making it to Shanahan more than defending Fields value. Between Fields good and bad I can’t figure out if he’s a top 5 player or whether he even belongs in the top 20, not unlike our oft disgruntled QB. I think you need a little recess champ to your game, but not too much. He wouldn’t be my pick as the Jets, but they just failed miserably with Donald bye not providing him a good enough situation to succeed, where a guy like Fields might not be able to elevate a good team to greatness, but could raise a crap team to not being a league wide laughing stock. Mac Jones might suck to play against with Shanahan, but Wilson + Shanahan is straight nightmare stuff.

            • Rob Staton

              The Jets just appointed a Shanahan protege as their new offensive coordinator.

              They are no more likely to take an ‘out of structure’ QB as the Niners are.

          • BruceN

            I agree with you about Fields. He just doesn’t fit the mold of what Shanahan’s offense needs (for all the reasons you mentioned above) and Shanahan will blow a gasket after watching him miss 4-5 throws poorly.

            Here is an interesting article about the Niners’ selection (which BTW I don’t agree with).

            https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/if-the-sf-49ers-draft-mac-jones-no-3-in-the-nfl-draft-it-s-a-fireable-offense-for-all-involved/ar-BB1fsYO4?ocid=msedgntp
            .

            • Rob Staton

              Yeah that’s a ridiculous article

  61. johnny

    Fields will be taken #3 not 2.

    • Rob Staton

      I wouldn’t put any money on Fields to San Fran if I were you

      • Tomas

        Shanahan has concluded, I think, that Jones would have hit that key Super Bowl pass to Emmanuel, the one that Jimmy G overthrew. Surgical-grade accuracy, leadership, and first-rate decision-making are qualities the 49ers likely see in Jones. Those QB’s, with more pedestrian accuracy, who run well are one knee injury away from potentially losing much of their effectiveness at the position. With an expanded schedule, and playoffs, the risk of injury is greater than ever. As a football fan, I worry about the long-term viability of great, athletic QB’s such as Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen.

        • Tomas

          My above was intended to respond to “Johnny.”

  62. Joemamasofat

    Totally unrelated, but I’d like to hear thoughts on Schotty. It looked to me like Russ’s displeasure coincided with Schotty’s firing. Was he not a totally uninspiring hire at OC, but muzzled by PC’s stubborn refusal to let him modernize the offense?

  63. Matty

    I don’t have the strength of knowledge on college football and how likely players transfer to the NFL, but the 49ers trading up at the big price is a huge gamble if taking a QB when the better two will go off the board before their selection. And with recent history showing how difficult it is to find a franchise QB. With this and the fact Pete loves the identity of defensive backs with strong character was the trade for a proven high quality player like Adams such a waste/gamble.
    Last season was messy regards roster and now with the RW saga I’m going to predict Adams is going to be a key player on and off the field next season and a true asset – a lot was written that Adams is a captain/team guy.

  64. SamprasSultanOfSwat

    There is no such thing as a lock. But Trevor Lawrence to Jacksonville and Zach Wilson to the Jets does look like a sure bet. The consensus seems to be Mac Jones to San Francisco. Hard to believe Jones to Frisco. But that is were all signs point to.

    According to Rob’s draft chart. Mac Jones, Trey Lance and Justin Fields all have a 2nd round grade. What is head scratching is that San Francisco traded three 1st round picks and a 3rd round pick for a 2nd round QB. Jones, Lance and Fields all have a 2nd round grades. The 49ers are paying a high price for a 2nd round QB.

    • Rob Staton

      Hard to believe Jones to Frisco.

      I don’t know why anyone would find it hard to believe,

      He’s ideal for Kyle Shanahan’s scheme.

      And just because I’ve got them in R2 doesn’t mean teams won’t have them higher.

    • Blitzy the Clown

      I’m pretty sure most draft analysts projected Russell Wilson as a Day 2 QB prospect in 2012. Just sayin.

  65. Tree

    The points on opportunities and scheming are fair, but JA played in 12 games (he was banged up on about a 3rd of them) and broke the NFL record on 98 attempts. Budda had 2 on I am guessing 72ish attempts? The guys is special (no other safety has his combo of instincts, speed, and power) and maybe the only guy on D other teams have to gameplay for. And he is not a one trick pony-alpha, energy, and great against the run (and historically good in coverage-he will be better next year playing with these guys in this scheme). I love the draft and it kills me to have so few picks, but JA makes us a better team this year in a SB window. This is the year to go for it.

    • Rob Staton

      1. Budda Baker blitzed 30 fewer times. Budda Baker didn’t have a middle linebacker setting the table for him. Budda Baker wasn’t a liability in coverage

      2. Just saying Adams is ‘special’ doesn’t counter any of the arguments made. I would argue ranking as the 53rd most effective safety in the NFL isn’t special. And I would recommend listening to the podcast embedded in the article.

      3. As much as you want to talk about ‘going for it’ this year — I’m sorry but they’re not close. They weren’t close last year, they’re not close this year. And punting on this draft, after four years of crap drafting, will cost you down the road.

      People have no idea what’s around the corner.

      • Gary

        I do. And it ain’t gonna be pretty.

        • Big Mike

          Ditto and ditto

        • God of Thunder

          I make a distinction between PC and Jon Schneider. Maybe I’m wrong. But I have seen Pete’s tunnel vision and confirmation biases. I truly find it hard to believe that JS is naive about the next few years, and how bare the cupboard will be. I keep returning to the idea that PC just overrules JS.

  66. Bigsteviej

    A couple of interesting charts re: draft capital from Warren Sharp —

    https://twitter.com/SharpFootball/status/1380896734851764224?s=20

    https://twitter.com/SharpFootball/status/1380895956489605124?s=20

    And then this tweet:
    “On the depressing side of the draft sit the Seahawks…They have less draft capital than ANY team in ANY year since at least 1999, the year the Saints traded EVERY PICK for the #5 pick (RB Ricky Williams), and the Saints still had more capital to work with than Seattle has in 2021”.

    • BigBoi

      Wow, 32nd this year and already ranked 29th for next year. And some people would like to see the Hawks trade up this year?

  67. BigBoi

    I’ve followed a long time, never replied. I think you’re spot on with the Jamal Adams analysis but I feel like what’s being glossed over is the injury potential. He’s just not built to take the kind of punishment that this blitzing regimen requires, but unfortunately his lack of ball skills makes him a liability in coverage. I mean, look at Bobby for comparison; he’s an inch shorter but almost 30 pounds heavier! People talk about Jamal being an unique talent that needs the right scheme and I’m not sure that’s right; I think there are other players that could do what Jamal can but their coaches know they won’t last more than a few seasons with that kind of pounding. Seahawks twitter loves to talk about how JA set the sack record in spite of missing games due to injury and “imagine what he can do when healthy”, but my point is that he is never going to be fully healthy again in this (and perhaps any) system. Once the wheels come off, it will be a dramatic, not subtle, drop off in production and he isn’t the kind of safety that can just be dropped back into a traditional role without seriously harming the defensive backfield’s production. If his agent is worth anything, though, he will be in Jamal Adams’ ear letting him know that the Seahawks system is designed in a way that almost guarantees injury and that he needs his mega-contract NOW. If he does not get his contract before the season, I could envision things going south QUICKLY.

    • Rob Staton

      I think you raise some extremely valid points

      • Hoggs41

        And we dont want our strong safety leading the team in sacks. We need him making tackles, defending passes and actually getting interceptions.

    • Rusty

      On the other hand, he’s been playing like a maniac since college and had an almost perfectly clean bill of health going into 2020

      • Rob Staton

        I wouldn’t say ‘perfect’ by any stretch.

        And the concern has to be that things are starting to catch up with him.

        • Rusty

          He had what, shoulder labrum in HS and a sprained ankle in 2019?

          He played in 37/37 games in college, and 46/48 games in his first 3 seasons … that registers as almost perfect imo

          Ofc 2020 was a very different story but it seems way more likely to me that those were unlucky than his body starting breaking down at 24/25

          • Rob Staton

            A labrum injury and a sprained ankle is not ‘perfect’, which is what you suggested and I countered.

            And he’s now missed six games in two seasons — probably should’ve missed two more (both vs LA) and has had surgery this off-season.

            So ‘not perfect’ and ‘there has to be concern things are starting to catch up with him’ are perfectly valid points to make.

            • Rusty

              I said ‘almost perfect’, and 2020 potentially being a one-off year for what might otherwise be a very durable player is also a valid point to make.

              • Rob Staton

                A labrum injury and a sprained ankle isn’t ‘almost perfect’ either. And if it’s a one-off, that still doesn’t counter an expressed concern about what has happened since he arrived in Seattle. The original point was fair, as was my follow up remark.

                FWIW — I sprained my ankle playing soccer aged 21. It took me a year to recover fully. For context, I suffered a double bone and ligament fracture in my other ankle and was back in two months.

                Labrum injuries are also serious business.

                • bmseattle

                  “Labrum injuries are also serious business”

                  Yes, especially at a position where a lot of tackling is required.
                  I’d say even more so if you are playing in the box and blitzing a lot.

                  • bmseattle

                    …although, if you are a GM from another team, and are looking to trade for Adams, then yes… he is *perfect* and extremely unlikely to have injury problems going forward.

      • BigBoi

        I think part of my point is that Pete, according to Rob’s deep dive analysis, is blitzing Jamal nearly twice as much as “Dr Blitz”. That sort of approach will pad sack stats but also break down a 215 pound body. However, I think Pete also knows he can’t just drop Jamal back into a traditional safety role. But if Pete thinks he can just run the tread off Jamal and THEN negotiate his contract, he’s likely sorely mistaken.

  68. MyChestIsBeastMode

    Finally got to listen to the interview with Paul. Awesome listen! You both did a great job debating while keeping it positive whether there was disagreement or not. Rob, you did great adding a lot of context and nuance to your points while still keeping it succinct. It felt nice and casual like a good debate at the pub with a pint in hand. I’ve always enjoyed your wiring prose, and you’ve also really shown a lot, especially this off-season, that you’ve got the chops for equally entertaining radio/tv interviews. Keep up the great work!

    • MyChestIsBeastMode

      *writing prose (not wiring!). Damn spell check ✅!

    • Rob Staton

      Thank you, I really appreciate that

  69. Rob Staton

    No new articles this weekend. I’m working on a big piece for Monday.

    Please check out the YouTube interview with Paul Gallant if you haven’t already

  70. Ryan

    I’m more and more leaning toward thinking the Niners will take Fields at 3. Mac Jones might be a better fit for their system, but I wonder if they would really give up three firsts to draft a ‘younger/cheaper + maybe better’ Jimmy Garoppolo.

    It seems to make more sense to me that Kyle sees the athleticism of Fields and thinks, ‘If I can teach him how to operate within my system, his natural talent will make him great’. While he may have some flaws, what if Kyle can fix them? I still think it’s close, and certainly Mac at 3 isn’t ludicrous for the many reasons Rob has written about, I’m just at the point that I wouldn’t be surprised with either QB there, and I’m going to hate playing against either one of them for the next few years.

    • Jordan

      I think Fields too, given the athletic upside.

      Just because Shanahan has been around guys like Ryan, Cousins and Garopollo doesn’t mean he is opposed to an athlete like Fields. I’d assume that father Shanahan has Kyle’s ear, and they were both there for a similarly big move up the draft for a QB, and it was for a supreme athlete in RG3 (though of course there is the Snyder involvement to note there).

    • Rob Staton

      I’m more and more leaning toward thinking the Niners will take Fields at 3. Mac Jones might be a better fit for their system, but I wonder if they would really give up three firsts to draft a ‘younger/cheaper + maybe better’ Jimmy Garoppolo.

      Sorry Ryan but with Kyle Shanahan it’s ALL about system. It’s all about executing HIS system. That’s it. Nothing more, nothing less. He does NOT want out-of-structure, off-script play. Thus, all of the QB’s he’s had success with and consistently targeted.

      Justin Fields is the antithesis of what he has gone for. I’m willing to say it would be absolutely stunning if they took him at #3. They are more likely to take Trey Lance. But even then, I’d say that’s a huge stretch.

      Mac Jones is everything Shanahan looks for in a QB.

      It seems to make more sense to me that Kyle sees the athleticism of Fields and thinks, ‘If I can teach him how to operate within my system, his natural talent will make him great’. While he may have some flaws, what if Kyle can fix them?

      Shanahan isn’t spending three firsts to try and fix someone though — and then see if it works out.

      He’s spending three firsts because he’s seen someone he thinks he can drop into his offense now.

      And win.

      • Wade

        Hi Rob,

        Curious what you mean by “HIS system.” Opinions on what fits best in his system seem to be all over the map. For example:

        https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/49ers-trade-2021-nfl-draft-justin-fields-zach-wilson-mac-jones-trey-lance/

        Also, it feels weird to trade up all the way to #3 just for Mac Jones — seems like he could have been available at #12, or else a smaller movement to the #6-11 range. The opinion of Jones in the industry must be much higher than fan opinion.

        There’s been a lot of talk of Mac Jones at #3, but also the “interested in Mac Jones but still making up their mind” rumors feel like a smokescreen to try to get another team to bite….maybe? You don’t need a smokescreen at #3, so why bother?

        Regardless, the whole move is confusing IMO but will probably help or hurt the Seahawks quite a bit over the next few years.

        • Rob Staton

          1. It’s pretty obvious what Shanahan’s system is and who in this class fits it best

          2. I don’t really understand why people keep saying it’s weird to trade up to #3 for Mac Jones. For me it’s less weird than trading up for Fields and Lance. I don’t have any graded that high but at least Jones fits the scheme

          3. You trade up to #3 to get your guy. There are no smokescreens

  71. Bankhawk

    Rob, re the below: is there, then, some sense in which Pete is sort of the ‘Anti-Shanahan’ ? Not to say that Pete doesn’ t have a system; ‘Pete-Ball’ does in some sense constitute a system, I suppose.
    But it has kind of been kind of tightly controlled, then let Russ ‘create’ and ‘go off script’ almost as the frosting on the cupcake? Or, more to the point-when they’re in a hole.
    And then there’s Pete’s seemingly unshakable faith in his own ability to ‘fix’ players that have flaws, and to ‘get through to’ the ones who may be a bit ‘difficult’.
    Still kind of holding my breath and hoping JS can scrape together at least a couple more draft picks, however he can manage it.
    You, by the way, have been brilliant this offseason!

    • Rob Staton

      To an extent, yes

      (And thank you)

  72. Rob Staton

    Regular visitors to the blog will know I’ve been banging on about this for YEARS.

    https://www.nfl.com/videos/travis-etienne-explains-correct-pronunciation-of-his-last-name-to-steve-smith-sr

    Finally, someone has discovered that it’s pronounced Travis A-chen not Travis Ee-Tee-En.

  73. Sea Mode

    Trade up for him in R2!

    https://twitter.com/JimNagy_SB/status/1380972565083131909

  74. MorePicks

    I’ve been doing lots of PFN Mock drafts and QB Kellen Mond is always available to the Hawks, even when I trade down to the third round.

    If Mond is there at 56, would you take him even if we don’t trade Wilson this year?

    Interesting scenario, IMHO. Haws could evaluate him as a backup and trade Wilson next year.

    • Lewis

      It is interesting. If you think he could be a franchise guy and Wilson isn’t locked up long term by then, it would be foolish to pass. OTOH, they have other holes to fill, virtually no other draft capital, and taking a qb in round 2 could easily inflame the Wilson issue further.

      • Frank

        The thing we have learned bye now is that Russell Wilson will take any leverage advantage he can over the organization to try to force his way. The Hawks need some type of leverage moving forward to prevent being in an all out scramble next time he thinks he has an angle to undermine the organization. His absolute collapse in the late season and playoffs was horrible for the leverage he had, but the decision to trade for Jamal Addams helped him considerably since it left the Hawks unable to be in the QB market. Without moving Addams, and even kind hard with its hard to see the Hawks having the draft capital to take a shot with so many needs and limited resources. Selling out for a super bowl run with Addams was a flop, and being at the mercy of RW because of it is a flaming bag of dog crap on the team. I’d love a Monde, but if he isn’t going to play this year that’s a Ben Cleveland that could be lining up instead. Given the situation, I’d like to see something worked out for Minshew.

        • Tomas

          Frank, two thumbs up for your vivid “flaming bag of dog crap” line. I agree, and also think Minshew deserves a close look by a number of teams, including the Seahawks. Eventually, Wilson’s going to miss some time – hopefully only a game or two – and I don’t think Geno Smith’s going to cut it.

  75. Sea Mode

    Add it on to the list of things we knew!

    https://twitter.com/JimNagy_SB/status/1381241676279209985

    • Scot04

      Unfortunately (traded up) we took our injured DE last year.
      Still with only 3 picks, they should go for high upside picks.
      If he’s there in the 4th for the Seahawks I’d say go for it.
      Too many other needs though, so can’t see it happening for us.
      He’ll probably end up on the 49rs

    • Lewis

      I think your post two spots up belongs here :/

  76. Gaux Hawks

    Alton Robinson as SAM behind KJ?

  77. Rob Staton

    I have spent the weekend writing a 7000 word Seahawks draft preview, identifying 69 potential targets.

    Stay tuned

    • Ashish

      Rob with 3 picks hawks what motivates you? For this year draft I’m just meh…unless we get some 1st 2nd draft picks

    • Aaron Bostrom

      Let’s go! Looking forward to it. The draft is upon us.

    • Mick

      Another day of clicking 10 times to see if the new post is up already 🙂

      • clbradley17

        Not till Monday. Rob already posted above “No new articles this weekend. I’m working on a big piece for Monday.”

        • Rob Staton

          Yep, Monday’s article is complete but will be published in the morning. It’s taken two days to write

          • Big Mike

            Awesome. Sincerely hope your early round work comes to fruition via trading Adams

          • Lewis

            It can’t be overstated that we appreciate the work you do.

    • Matt

      Nice

  78. cha

    I just watched a video by someone with the handle “Football FACTS” that claimed the Seahawks can be the best defense in the NFL next year.

    Let’s hear their case…love to hear a different take…

    Great defensive numbers in the 2nd half of 2020. Conveniently neglecting to mention the fact that the Seahawks were playing the murderer’s row of Colt McCoy, Carson Wentz, Dwayne Haskins, Sam Darnold and CJ Beathard.

    What else…

    The Seahawks signed Kerry Ryder. Yes, he said “Ryder.”

    He points out the Seahawks lost Griffin at CB but added Witherspoon and notes he’s been benched more than once. And nothing else. That’s it.

    Anything else?

    Yes. He points out that Carlos Dunlap is a ‘generational talent’ on the defensive line. He even says he knows people will object to this phrase and wants to make his case.

    Sure. Go for it.

    He says Dunlap is a generational talent because he has more career sacks than Khalil Mack.

    Which is true. He has 17 more career sacks than Mack. Only…Fact: Dunlap has logged 4 more seasons than Mack.

    I swear. Serious discourse needs all the voices of reason it can get its hands on.

    • Sea Mode

      I started reading the replies to this tweet and instantly regretted it. Some people will just swallow whatever the media feeds them with no context whatsoever…

      PFF
      @PFF
      ·4h

      Jamal Adams: 70 total pressures since 2018

      34 more than any other DB 😤💪

      • Rob Staton

        Someone sent that tweet to me.

        Obviously the numerous articles and podcasts where I detailed Adams blitzed nearly twice as much as the next highest blitzing DB, or how Wagner more than doubled his blitzing in 2020 to set the table for Adams aren’t registering with some…

    • Big Mike

      Fanboys gonna fanboy

  79. clbradley17

    Recently found the pro day results at Walter Football – https://walterfootball.com/proday.php
    They seem much more complete results of more teams and players per team than at NFL.com, CBS Sports and others. Found at least 2 or 3 that I either had barely or hadn’t heard of before.

    In Rob’s great interview of Jim Nagy a few months ago, one of the RBs Nagy mentioned to look for was Elijah Mitchell of Louisiana. Mitchell had a very good year although splitting time with another RB and losing 2 excellent OL in the 2020 NFL draft. Another Rob interviewee Robert Hunt went to the Dolphins at #39 and Kevin Dotson, voted best OL at the Shrine Game in 2020 went to the Steelers in round 4. Tony Pauline’s final summary of Mitchell during Senior Bowl week was “Entering the week we knew Mitchell was a powerful interior ball carrier. The question was, is he anything other than a powerful ball carrier? Mitchell answered those questions definitively by displaying terrific quickness, footwork, and the ability to sift through the trash. He also caught the ball extremely well all week long.” These were his numbers at his Pro day: 5’10 1/4, 201 (he was 215 at the Senior Bowl), 40 yd. dash – 4.38, bench – 17, 3 cone – 6.94, Vert. -37.5, Broad – 10-8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjhzDTkJuE4&ab_channel=JustBombsProductions

    Another is WR Simi Fehoko of Stanford, 6’4″ 222 at his Pro day, had 37 catches for 574 yds. and 3 TDs this past year, although a lot of it was in a Stanford record for catches with 16 against UCLA, also had 230 yds. and 3 TDs in that game, was 1st team Pac 12. “Fehoko took two attempts at the 40-yard dash on Thursday. His first attempt was reported at 4.39 and the second attempt was even better, unofficially timed at 4.37. Fehoko also impressed in the short shuttle (4.21), three-cone drill (6.78), standing broad jump (10’0’’) and the vertical jump (34.5’’). Overall, he appears to have elevated his draft stock with the performance. Fehoko also participated in Davis Mills’s throwing portion of the Pro Day event, showing off his route running, catching and deep-ball ability.” https://247sports.com/college/stanford/Article/Simi-Fehoko-Pro-Day-Stanford-football-40-yard-dash-437-time-wide-receiver–162628419/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s9PN6NhERY&ab_channel=SeanBialaszek

    One more freaky fast Big WR is Jacob Harris of UCF, 6’5″ 219 at his Pro day, had 30 catches for 539 yds. and 8 TDs in 10 games in 2020. He ran a 4.39 40, bench – 17, 3 cone – 6.54, Vert. – 40.5, Broad – 11-1. He went from a possible UDFA to a day 3 sleeper. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=511YNYLPdG0&ab_channel=JacobHarris
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjsSBZRMYQ4&ab_channel=DraftDiamonds

    If we trade JA or more, trade down and get a bunch of picks or just how Rob or others did at PFN to get from 3 to 6-10 picks, would love to see us draft WR Schwartz of Auburn with his 4.3 speed on day 2 and 2 of the above 3 on day 3, so we would have speed to burn like KC. 2 new WRs and 1 RB with 4.4 or better speed! RW and Waldron would have a field day – so many options with that fast of an O. Freddie Swain runs 4.46 and he would be our slowest WR!

    Also of course draft a couple of OL, a pass rushing DT and another DB. According to overthecap.com, we now have over 8 mil. in cap space after the adjusted Lockett contract. What better time to go after Sherman and KJ who still can’t find a market or new team? Even if you use the credit card, pay them decent signing bonuses so they have a 2-3 mil. cap hit this year each, get it done! That would greatly improve the D, and concentrating on OL and skill positions in the draft can do almost the same for the O.

  80. Bankhawk

    LOL! I saw that one too, Cha. 🤣

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