Top-40 big board (includes tiers, with a Seahawks slant)

Quincy Wilson — suddenly underrated and in tier four

The names listed in each tier are not ranked, they are grouped.

Tier one (4)

Leonard Fournette (RB, LSU)
Solomon Thomas (DL, Stanford)
Myles Garrett (EDGE, Texas A&M)
O.J. Howard (TE, Alabama)

Myles Garrett and Solomon Thomas are two of the most explosive defensive linemen to enter the league in a generation. Here’s how they compare to other great defensive linemen using TEF:

Myles Garrett — 4.21
Mario Williams — 3.97
Solomon Thomas — 3.83
J.J. Watt — 3.82
Khalil Mack — 3.81
Aaron Donald — 3.53
Jadeveon Clowney — 3.50

O.J. Howard could be the most complete tight end to enter the NFL, possibly ever. He’s a 4.50 runner at 250lbs, has textbook blocking technique and can be the ultimate weapon at the next level.

Leonard Fournette is a beast. Pure and simple. Like all running backs the environment he plays in is crucial. If he lands on a team committed to running the ball with at least an average offensive line, he has superstar potential.

Tier two (5)

Haason Reddick (LB, Temple)
Marlon Humphrey (CB, Alabama)
Malik Hooker (S, Ohio State)
Jonathan Allen (DE, Alabama)
Garett Bolles (T, Utah)

Haason Reddick is a modern day defensive dynamo. He flies to the football, plays with great intensity, gets sideline to sideline and can rush the passer. He could be Ryan Shazier working inside or Von Miller lite at OLB.

Marlon Humphrey is the best cornerback in the draft in my opinion. For some reason there’s too much focus on his ball-tracking skills (can be improved) and not enough on his physicality, athleticism and coverage ability.

Whenever you get a chance to draft someone with Earl Thomas’ range and nose for the ball, you should seriously consider it. Malik Hooker is cut from the same cloth and while he probably lacks Earl’s quirky intensity — he’ll allow teams to play single-high and exploit the benefits of nickel base.

Jonathan Allen is a bad ass. He isn’t twitchy and he isn’t going to dominate like Aaron Donald at the next level. He will, however, absorb blocks and set the tone up front. He’s a finisher when he gets sight of the quarterback.

Garett Bolles plays like he’s pissed off with the world. You want your linemen to have an edge and Bolles is as nasty as they come on the field. He’s also incredibly athletic — capable of locking on to a D-liner, winning with leverage and possessing the hip-torque to turn his man in the run game to open up huge lanes.

Tier three (6)

Jarrad Davis (LB, Florida)
Adoree’ Jackson (CB, USC)
Christian McCaffrey (RB, Stanford)
Jabrill Peppers (S, Michigan)
Reuben Foster (LB, Alabama)
John Ross (WR, Washington)

Patrick Willis? Ray Lewis? These comps are not unfair for Jarrad Davis. He’s that good. Plays his tail off, great athlete, fantastic character.

Adoree’ Jackson is the ultimate playmaker and a first round pick in any draft. He’s a threat to score any time he touches the ball. He could be one of the all-time great kick returners. Fantastic character and a willing tackler despite his lack of size.

Christian McCaffrey is another player perfectly matched for the modern game. He can line up in the backfield, split out wide and cause constant headaches for a defense. He could be Julian Edelman or Doug Baldwin in the slot and he’s a sudden, physical runner in the backfield.

Jabrill Peppers might be the most misunderstood player in the draft. His entire role at Michigan was to contain the edge in the run game. The whole ‘one interception’ thing is such a misplaced narrative. He’s a dynamic, gritty strong safety or big nickel and a plus return man.

Reuben Foster could slip due to character concerns but these appear to be mostly related to the company he keeps. It’s hard to judge him on that — especially if you were considering moving him to the other side of America. He’s highly athletic and hits like a sledgehammer.

John Ross isn’t just a 4.22 runner down the field only capable of separating on a go-route or deep post. He consistently wins at the snap, creating early separation in his routes. In the modern NFL he can be a genuine threat lined up outside or in the slot, capable of Antonio Brown-style mass production in the right offense.

Tier four (15)

Quincy Wilson (CB, Florida)
Kevin King (CB, Washington)
Chidobe Awuzie (CB, Colorado)
Forrest Lamp (G, Western Kentucky)
Gareon Conley (CB, Ohio State)
Marson Lattimore (CB, Ohio State)
Taco Charlton (EDGE, Michigan)
David Njoku (TE, Miami)
Budda Baker (S, Washington)
Obi Melifonwu (S, Connecticut)
T.J. Watt (LB, Wisconsin)
Tyus Bowser (EDGE, Houston)
Evan Engram (TE, Ole Miss)
Jamal Adams (S, LSU)
Mike Williams (WR, Clemson)

The more I watched Quincy Wilson, the more I liked. He has good size, mirrors receivers very well and anticipates routes to play the ball. He’s confident and cocky (in a good way) with the size to be physical in the run game.

Kevin King is a freak of nature. There just aren’t many 6-3, 200lbs cornerbacks capable of running a 4.43, jumping a 39.5 inch vertical and flashing the kind of agility he showed in the short shuttle (3.89) and three cone (6.56). There are ways he can improve at the next level but any coach worth his salt is going to want to work with this physical profile.

Chidobe Awuzie is what the league needs as it moves ever closer to a consensus nickel base. He has the athleticism to cover the slot, the awareness and physicality to be an effective blitzer and the football IQ to line up at safety, outside corner or inside. He can be a hybrid starting at nickel and dropping into a two-deep zone in certain looks.

Forrest Lamp was the most explosive offensive lineman at the combine. He lacks the length to be an obvious fit at tackle but he could be an early starter at guard or center. Great character and attitude. The type of player teams love for their O-lines.

There are a lot of reasons to like Gareon Conley — size, length, athleticism, fantastic positional awareness. There is one minor quibble though — he didn’t use his hands enough at Ohio State. He can’t get away with conceding so many free releases at the next level and he has to learn how to jam and re-route.

There isn’t a ton of difference between Marshon Lattimore and Conley. Lattimore is the better athlete but there are concerns about his long term health (hamstring issues).

Taco Charlton is a really fun player to watch. He was finally being used properly as a Senior, lining up as a pure EDGE and attacking the LOS. He could be Chandler Jones as a fair comparison and his ceiling is possibly Aldon Smith.

David Njoku is a sensational athlete at the tight end position. A true mismatch target. He can line up outside or as a joker. His blocking is better than advertised. He will dominate smaller cornerbacks and safety’s. Only scratched the surface of his potential at Miami. Would like to see more of an edge.

Budda Baker is a 5-10 defensive back who plays like he’s 6-4 and 225lbs. Intense, physical, fast. Very few players can sift through traffic and explode into the backfield like Baker. There will be concerns about his size if you want to play him in the slot but if anyone can make it work it’s Budda.

The league is going through a phase where teams are utilising multiple-WR sets and emphasising the tight end in the slot. The counter punch is the 4-2-5 formation and the use of the big nickel. Obi Melifonwu could set a new standard for one of the most important positions in the modern NFL.

T.J. Watt and Tyus Bowser are almost identical physically. Let’s add a third name into the equation — Khalil Mack. Look at how they compare to the reigning NFL defensive MVP. You’ll be surprised how they similar they are.

Evan Engram sometimes gets lost in the wash but he might be Mike Evans (Tampa Bay receiver). He’s a 4.42 runner at 234lbs. People raved about Melifonwu’s 4.40 at 225lbs. Engram thoroughly deserves a first round grade.

Jamal Adams is a good football player but is he really special? His pro-day was considerably better than his combine which is always suspicious. He’s not an overly physical hitter and he’s not as rangy as Hooker. He’s a good leader though and made some big plays at LSU.

Mike Williams isn’t a great athlete and might be more Alshon Jeffrey than DeAndre Hopkins. Jeffrey is still a really good player though and Williams is capable of similar production in the NFL.

Tier five (10)

Justin Evans (S, Texas A&M)
Cam Robinson (T, Alabama)
Takk McKinley (EDGE, UCLA)
Charles Harris (EDGE, Missouri)
Tre’Davious White (CB, LSU)
Jourdan Lewis (CB, Michigan)
Corey Davis (WR, Western Michigan)
Zach Cunningham (LB, Vanderbilt)
Cordrea Tankersley (CB, Clemson)
Chris Wormley (DT, Michigan)

Yes, the missed tackles are a concern for Justin Evans. They are for Earl Thomas too. I’m willing to live with that a little to tap into Evans’ explosive athleticism, bone-jarring hits and special plays.

Cam Robinson is a good offensive linemen. However, there has to be a legit feeling that he’ll end up moving inside to guard where you can make the most of his size and power — because he isn’t explosive, mobile or particularly athletic.

Takk McKinley has a lot of potential. He’s a 1.60 10-yard runner and his motor never stops. He’s relentless. His technique needs some fine-tuning and he might have a Ziggy Ansah learning curve but he has a ton of upside.

Charles Harris really boosted his stock at the Mizzou pro-day with better results in tests like the vertical jump. He performed well during the positional drills at the combine too. Highly athletic EDGE rusher and his best football is ahead of him.

The #18 jersey at LSU is coveted, saved for a player with special personal and leadership qualities. Tre’Davious White has worn the #18 for the last two seasons. He’s not a twitchy athlete but he’s tough, fast enough and is a playmaker in the return game. Dependable.

Jourdan Lewis is toughness personified. He never backs down, he’s sticky in coverage and plays well above his size in the run game. He’s a specialist slot cornerback with grit and intensity. Consistently made plays at Michigan.

Corey Davis hasn’t done any workouts this off-season due to injury. He has some concentration drops and he’s better after the catch than he is running routes or creating separation. Might be a bit of a Jordan Matthews at the next level.

Zach Cunningham isn’t a sideline-to-sideline, super fast Ryan Shazier type linebacker. He is explosive and tough, ideally suited to playing the MIKE. He’ll be a tackle machine for several years.

Cordrea Tankersley is savvy, physical and has some really good tape against tough opponents. He dominated Bucky Hodges at Virginia Tech. He undercuts routes, jams with authority and anticipates throws to make interceptions.

Chris Wormley can be inconsistent and it’s unclear whether he’ll ever be a truly dynamic pass rusher. However, he has really good size and length — plus a strong motor and great attitude. He might not be a headline maker at the next level but he might be a solid, underrated starter.

Key names not included (and why)

The quarterbacks
The Seahawks have a franchise quarterback so there was little point including them here. I will say though — I like Deshaun Watson, Patrick Mahomes and Mitch Trubisky. I’m not sure why they’re considerably less hyped than Jared Goff.

Dalvin Cook (RB, Florida State) & Joe Mixon (RB, Oklahoma)
Just a personal opinion (and it’s my board after all). If they’re good, they can be good somewhere else. Zero sleep lost.

Ryan Ramcyzk (T, Wisconsin)
He was a zero-star recruit, he quit football once already and while you have to give him respect for coming back and making a career out of this in the end — he’s now recovering after surgery on a torn labrum and hasn’t done any off-season work-outs. He doesn’t wow you on tape and he isn’t a dominant run blocker. I’m willing to risk him being really good somewhere else.

Sidney Jones (CB, Washington)
Jones is a really good player but achilles injuries are legit. The chances are he won’t play in 2017. I’d consider him after round two as a redshirt but look at all the injured players San Francisco used to draft and stash. How many worked out?

Derek Barnett (DE, Tennessee)
Short arms, mediocre athleticism, small size. It’s not a great combination. Barnett plays hard every week and had some great moments in Tennessee. Is he going to be able to re-create that at the next level with his limited physical profile?

Tim Williams (EDGE, Alabama)
Without the character concerns, he’s a first rounder. When a player constantly admits his mistakes and keeps making them — that’s a problem. He’s good but is he worth the risk in the top-50?

Fabian Moreau (CB, UCLA)
He tore his pec at the UCLA pro-day. His athleticism and frame are better suited in the slot but he struggled working inside. He’s been injured a lot in his career.

15 names for later on (Day 2-3, UDFA)

Shalom Luani (S, Washington State)
Noble Nwachukwu (DE, West Virginia)
Nico Siragusa (G, San Diego State)
Jehu Chesson (WR, Michigan)
George Kittle (TE, Iowa)
Michael Davis (CB, BYU)
Rayshawn Jenkins (S, Miami)
Samson Ebukam (EDGE, Eastern Washington)
Scott Orndoff (TE, Pittsburgh)
Daeshon Hall (EDGE, Texas A&M)
Brandon Wilson (CB, Houston)
Deangelo Yancey (WR, Purdue)
Adrian Colbert (S, Miami)
Damore’ea Stringfellow (WR, Ole Miss)
Dylan Cole (LB, Missouri State)

190 Comments

  1. Kenny Sloth

    Go Hawks!

  2. Kenny Sloth

    Updated Seahawks Predraft workouts visits

    Davis Webb, QB, California (PRI)
    Colorado QB Sefo Liufau (combine)

    Pitt RB James Conner (combine)
    Dalton Crossan, RB, New Hampshire (PRI)

    W. Georgia LB/FB Alex Armah (pro day/workout)

    Damore’ea Stringefellow, WR, Ole Miss (PRI)
    Chad Williams, WR, Grambling (PRO)
    Deangelo Yancey, WR, Purdue (PRI)
    Arizona WR Trey Griffey (pro day)

    S. Alabama TE Gerald Everett (combine)
    Johnny Mundt, TE, Oregon (WOR)
    Antony Auclair, TE, Laval (EW)

    Florida OT David Sharpe (combine)
    N. Dakota C Michael Coe (VMAC visit)
    Kansas OL/C D’Andre Banks (pro day)
    Isaac Asiata, G/C, Utah (SR)
    Zach Banner, G/OT, USC (COM)

    Grover Stewart, DT, Albany State (STM)
    Dalvin Tomlinson, DT/NT, Alabama (COM)
    Josh Tupou, DT, Colorado (PRI)

    Jonathan Calvin, DE, Mississippi State (PRI)
    Montana EDGE Caleb Kidder (pro day/workout)
    W. Georgia EDGE Dylan Donahue (pro day/workout)

    Carroll Phillips, OLB/DE/3-4OLB, Illinois (SR)
    Tim Williams, OLB/DE/3-4OLB, Alabama (WOR)
    Javancy Jones, OLB, Jackson State (EW)

    Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan (PRI)
    Brandon Wilson, CB, Houston (WOR)
    Ahkello Witherspoon, CB, Colorado (PRI)
    Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson (COM)
    Adrian Colbert, DB, Miami (PRI)
    Xavier Coleman, CB, Portland State (LOC)
    Shaquil Griffin, CB, UCF (PRI)
    C. Arkansas CB Tyler Williams (pro day/workout)
    NW OK St. CB Josh Norris (pro day/workout)

    Casey DeAndrade, FS, New Hampshire (WOR)
    David Jones^, FS, Richmond (PRI, PRO)

    Budda Baker, S, Washington (COM)
    Shalom Luani, SS, Washington State (COM)
    Obi Melifonwu^, S, Connecticut (COM, PRI)
    Michigan ST. S Montae Nicholson (VMAC visit)

    • Kenny Sloth

      Did we meet with D’Onta Foreman, too?

    • Kenny Sloth

      Idaho’s Glen Antoine,
      Texas A&M’s Daeshon Hall,
      USF’s Kofi Amichia

      Oregon St’s Dustin Stanton- OL (workout or visit)
      W. Oregon’s Andy Avgi- TE (local or pro day)
      Stanford’s Michael Rector- WR (local)

      • D-OZ

        I really like James Conner. I watched that interview with D. Jeremiah. Very impressive young man. I hope we can come out of this draft with Conner. There’s our big back!!!! He has good hand’s too. 🙂

        • DC

          Uhhh… Lacy is pretty b-i-g.

          Speaking of big backs. I watched the BeastMode episode with Bear Grylls. First off it was hilarious. His playing weight was always listed at 215lbs. No F’in way. Dude is massive. Any guesses on his real playing weight? Got to be at least 225-230 at the low end.

          • Jesse

            Agreed on both counts. He is a thick man, probably “was” 215 in college but played at 230 with a disproportionately large amount in the legs.

          • CLB

            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Whoid76nn3k

            Just over a minute highlight clip from the episode. Marshawn is one funny guy.

            It’s easy to understand that he wants to play for his hometown Raiders – hope we get a decent draft pick either this year or in 2018 for trading him.

    • JakeB

      Thanks

    • Sea Mode

      Alright, you guys are awesome!

      But, I can’t stand not being able to sort the lists and just add to them as we go. So here is a better-late-than-never Visits/Meetings Tracker list:

      https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1B6XFU0Sb8o-ShemXjKjxG00dyzxwaad6aIj9POVrWVI/edit?usp=sharing

      Please help fill out and update!

      I recommend you click on the filter icon and “turn on filter view” so as to be able to filter/sort by positions, visit/meeting type, conference, etc.

  3. Volume12

    Florida CB Quincy Wilson’s personality fits this defense to a tee. He’d be a guy that would instantly click inside that locker room.

    Fun player to watch, listen to, be around (would have to assume), and a joy to coach.

    • Derron James

      Do you think Seattle will take him if available?

      • nichansen01

        I know they have a first round grade on him. I’m not convinced that Seattle is as enamored with Obi and Kevin King as this blog is.

        • Coleslaw

          Why do you say that? They have met with Obi more than anyone and King (on paper) is the ideal cornerback for our D

      • Volume12

        Possible. Depends who’s on the board really.

        His versatility is another big +. Can play CB and S.

        • Volume12

          I got a hunch that we’re going to see Seattle spend 3-4 of their first 5 picks on the power 5 schools aka P5 and day 3 on the smaller schools.

          What a hunch huh? 😉

          • DJ 1/2 Way (Sea/PDX)

            I think Seattle wants killers. Guys that will steal your lunch and kick dirt in your face with no regrets. Twitchy, hard hitting, i’ll show you dudes who want to hurt you. I am not sure Kevin and Obi are quite there, and I think they may go DL in the first if they can.

            Such a great big board. Such an interesting draft. Thanks Rob!.

    • BobbyK

      No comment.

  4. Misfit74

    #GoHawks

  5. dave crockett

    Thanks for this Rob.

    I find the “big board” approach so much more informative than a mock draft. I recognize it may be a while before you see enough tape to make really fine distinctions. It’s the tiering that really helps put things in focus.

  6. nichansen01

    I think Dalvin Cook goes to Tampa at 19.

    • nichansen01

      Rumor is they plan to take running back.

    • Ishmael

      I reckon he drops out of the first and Alvin Kamara rises in his place.

  7. D-OZ

    Happy Easter to You and your family, Rob!!!! Thank you for all your hard work. 🙂

    • Rob Staton

      Thanks 🙂

  8. Troy

    Would be awesome to compare Robs board with the hawks and see how similar it is! Oh how much I would give to be a fly in the wall of the hawks draft room…

    • nichansen01

      I will bet you anything rob and the hawks have the same top 4…

    • RWIII

      Troy : Same here.

  9. Sea Mode

    I was a bit surprised you had Jamal Adams at #3 overall in your latest mock. Where you have him here on the big board seems right to me.

    +1 for Evan Engram as well!

    Thanks for putting this together. Helps put things in perspective as the draft grows closer and closer.

    • DJ 1/2 Way (Sea/PDX)

      That is the difference between a Mock and a big board, and maybe why Rob hates mock drafts.

    • Rob Staton

      Adams seems like a John Fox type

  10. Nate

    Happy Easter!
    Another week closer!
    #GoHawks

    Mock first 3 picks
    Obi Melifonwu buffalo/nickel strong
    Dion Dawkins RT/LT compete with LJ, GG and RO
    Chris Wormley

  11. Volume12

    There goes another QB on the radar working out for Seattle.

    Jacksonville St’s Eli Jenkins.

  12. Sean-O

    Thanks for all the outstanding work! Another slam dunk! It’s much appreciated by us Hawks fans.

    I think this ’17 vital as to the direction of the team over the coming years. It’s so important that they hit on at least a few potential starters from it.

    • Volume12

      They have to hit on 1 defensive stud.

      BWagz is untouchable. Frank Clark will be too. Jarran Reed can be a building block at DT. Time to find that star in the secondary.

      • C-Dog

        +1000

        • Sean-O

          Agreed. That’s why it wouldn’t surprise me to see at least two DB picks out of the first five (3 rounds) selections.

          • Coleslaw

            Really hoping for Brian Allen in the 3rd. Or Sidney Jones, both likely wouldn’t play much as rookies

      • peter

        who ya got? Trade or no…does not matter first, 2nd, or wherever? I like you opinions so if you had to say, for Seattle, regardless of position from Outside, inside, safety, nickel, slot, who do you think would be within two seasons (just for a little room to grow into it,) the player you think would be the next great Seahawk in the backfield?

        Me, not to f— with you too badly 🙂 but if I knew there was some way to get into his psyche I’d almost say Witherspoon may end up being one of the best CB’s taken in this draft.

        I now this guy is climbing but I think Awuzie in the first round wouldn’t bother me in the slightest. In fact I think I may like him better than Obi or even the current odd man out Kevin King. I’ve been rethinking Jabril Peppers as well. Pretty hard to find a player that played two different positions and responsibilities over two seasons with some RB thrown in and some pretty nice return skills to boot.

        • Volume12

          Good question.

          Its OK if we disagree on a prospect. Or like dislike a guy.

          There’s so many good corners in this class and they’re just getting picked apart right now. Which is a shame really.

          If we’re talking upside? Obi or Brian Allen

          If we’re talking a dynamic, athletic, versatile slot guys? Adoree’ or Houston’s Brandon Wilson.

          Long, tall, physical profile ‘Seahawky’ CBs? Kevin King or Witherspoon.

          Best pure corner? Marlon Humphrey.

          Technique? Gareon Conley.

          Aggressive, hands on, physical DBs? Adrian Colbert and Cordrea Tankersley.

          Gritty, perfect fit in the locker room from a character standpoint? Quincy Wilson, TreDavious White, and Jourdan Lewis

          • Volume12

            *safety/nickel hybrid? Awuzie or Budda.

            I’m leaning towards Lewis, Q, Obi, Colbert, Brandon Wilson, Witherspoon. 2 of those names.

  13. Awsi Dooger

    Another fantastic thread. My focus this time is on the safety ordering. Rob is one of the few who agree with me on Hooker, Peppers, then Adams. I normally post on a Dolphins site called Finheaven. Lots of great posters in that draft forum. A couple of them also have Hooker, Peppers, then Adams.

    Otherwise I’m amazed at all the hype toward Jamal Adams. The highlight clips on NFL Network and elsewhere are overly flattering to him. Adams is an ankle slapper tackler who misses the correct angle on run support all the time. Consequently the desperate late ankle swipes. When I watched LSU games it was startling how frequently Adams was badly beaten in coverage but the ball never arrived because his skilled teammates on the front end disrupted the delivery just in time. Good solid player but I’ll be very surprised if he fulfills his current reputation.

    I will say that Adams has a nearly indestructible looking frame while Hooker has very big hands but tends to throw his shoulders around too much, given his frame. I could see injury issues.

    Adams ran the 40 at the combine wearing a baggy white long sleeved pullover. Made no sense. He was overly cocky. At the pro day he was shirtless, which no doubt contributed partially to the faster times.

    * I have no idea why John Ross isn’t rated higher. He’s going to dash and elude and pull out some games seemingly all by himself

    * Dalvin Cook is more of a jerk than is being publicized. As a Miamian I’ve heard plenty of stories regarding his Central days. I hope he gets a rude awakening. I completely agree guys like Cook and Mixon can do it elsewhere. As I got older and had already experienced championships from my favorite teams like Dolphins, Canes and USC, the type of person representing those teams became exponentially more important. I was thrilled when Nick Saban left the Dolphins. He is a world class moron. I could not care less how he fares at Alabama. He wasn’t going to be special in the NFL without 30 first round picks per year, as evidenced by brilliantly drafting a 5th year senior running back with the second pick. Great backs do not redshirt and stay 5 years. Fairly basic. Nick Saban belongs in a protected college town where he can snarl at reporters who dare question him. What a sad little creep.

    * Zach Cunningham’s arms are too long for that position. I’ve thought so since I first saw him. It contributes to a strange skill set and style of play. Howard Cosell got in trouble decades ago for making an on-air comparison. So I’ll leave it out but it’s what I think about every time I watch Cunningham play. He allows the ball carrier to get beyond him all the time but then rescues the tackle courtesy of those unusually long arms. But I think that arm length is what prevents him from making normal looking form tackles square to square.

    * As a Canes fan I’ve probably underrated Rayshawn Jenkins for a year or two, while focusing on guys like Artie Burns and Corn Elder. I thought Jenkins was a 5th round type but recently when I reviewed some late season games I can see him in the 3rd, although he’s more solid than flashy.

    • sdcoug

      One of my good buds is a life-long Fins and Canes fan. No love lost for Saban, that’s for sure! You described him pretty well

    • Sea Mode

      Thanks for continuing to stop by, Awsi. I really enjoy a little constructive interaction with other educated fanbases.

      Agree on Ross and Cook, but I really can’t see how one’s arms could be “too long”. Now, from the getgo, I’ll tell you I am not high at all on Cunningham in particular because of his tackling form, but I’m pretty sure it’s due to technique and not getting low enough as opposed to arm length.

      Our front office (can’t remember right now if it was PC or JS) once described hands as “weapons” that players are equipped with going into battle on the field. I think arm length is similar in that sense, and you can never have too much of it for any position. Leverage in fighting off blocks, reach in tackling and punching the ball out, blocking passing lanes and batting down throws. Arm length is a good thing for LBs.

      Our WILL K.J. Wright is 6’3″ and has 35″ arms. We love him for it (among other things, particularly his football IQ).

      • Kenny Sloth

        nfldraftblog.com?? Lol

  14. MontanaMike

    This was an excellent write up for me Rob, putting them into tiers and then explaining each ones attributes really helps me see the bigger picture. So many names have been flying around, this will definitely help.

  15. FuzzyLOgic

    Indeed Happy Easter fellas(:

    Great tier grouping in this article. A few exceptions for me though.

    Tier 1 includes:

    – Malik Hooker

    Whith his length, tracking ability and ball skills I believe he will be an all-pro player. Truly a unique talent.

    Tier 2 includes:

    – Jamal Adams
    – Reuben Foster
    – Jarrad Davis

    Tier 3 and beyond is anyone’s guess.

    • nichansen01

      tbh I agree with hooker in tier 1

    • Ishmael

      Hooker has heaps to work on in the run game. Immense potential, but his run fits are very ordinary. He loses the RB in traffic heaps. Even if you want him playing single-high, he’s still going to have to crash down at times.

  16. Ely

    So the rumor is it would only take a 4th rounder to get Sheldon Richardson from the Jets. I know he’s got a laundry list of character concerns and we don’t currently have a 4th or 5th but I would not be sad if they gave up a comp 3rd to give him another shot. He’s the force this team needs in the middle to be a 2013 level defense again.

    • Sean-O

      It just doesn’t seem like the Hawks style to make that kind of move.

      I wonder if in a case like this that management would seek out the opinion of defensive team leaders (Wagner, Kam & ET3 come to mind) to see if they think he’d buy in to the team concept. I know most teams wouldn’t seek the opinion of players but the Hawks could be one of the exceptions.

      • BobbyK

        Richardson is almost a (almost) choir boy compared to Percy Harvin and his baggage prior to giving up almost half a draft class (1,3,7) for him. Granted, it was spread through two years (which, imo, doesn’t make it any better/worse).

        If Sherman were gone… it could happen (Richardson trade). But I doubt it. You’d think if anything that the Harvin fiasco made them value “grit” even more (which Richardson/Harvin don’t have).

        The only “carrot” with Richardson is that he’s in a contract year and on a reasonable salary. I certainly wouldn’t want to be the team paying his next contract though. However, if he has a great season – he’d get a 3rd round pick back…

    • cha

      One thing to keep in mind – He’s got an $8m cap hit for 2017. The Hawks would have to cut, trade or renegotiate someone to make room.

      • Jeff M.

        Not saying this’d necessarily be a good idea, but it’d probably be possible to pay a little more in draft compensation (not sure exactly what it might cost, as there isn’t a ton of precedent for these style of deals) and get the Jets to engage in some cap shenanigans to keep his cap hit on their books this year.

        They’d renegotiate his deal so it had an $8m signing bonus, minimum salary this year, and a punitively big option bonus to be paid by next spring or the “future years” automatically void. Effectively the same one-year deal he’s already on (Seahawks would have to decline the option unless they work out a long-term extension before it’s due date–and structuring it as self-voiding years instead of waiving him keeps him eligible for a compensation pick…) but would put $8m on the Jets’ cap and only his minimum base salary on ours.

        • cha

          Last year I would’ve said that idea was a little too much gymnastics, but after Houston traded a future 2nd round pick for $10m of cap room, who knows anymore?

  17. Elmer

    Thank you for the tiered top 40 presentation! A very informative way to look at the draft class. One question – do you consider Willis, the DL from Kansas State, as a round 2 or 3 possibility the hawks would consider? Thank you for all of the terrific information that you provide in the blog.

  18. Greg Haugsven

    I was suprised not to see Jordan Willis on that list. Maybe I’m higher on him than most, or maybe he just missed the cut.

    • Ground_Hawk

      Same here, Greg. Just a difference of opinions, I suppose. I’ve watched 4 games of his tape, and he looks like a solid pass rusher who plays disciplined football.

      • Greg Haugsven

        He ticks all the measureable boxes as well as college production. He could be a perfect future replacement at LEO for Avril.

  19. nichansen01

    In my opinion, we are really underrating Barnett. His 40 isn’t good, and he may be a bit small, but he had a great 3-cone and an extremely productive career. We cant get too hung up on the measurables. Good players are good players. Michael Bennet also had a rotten 40 time, even worse in fact. At 6’3 260 yeah I see the size concerns, but he’s pretty much the identical size to cliff avril. I think someone will take him the first just because he’s a really good player. Same with Jonathan Allen.

    Don’t get too hung up on the combine measurables. Good players are good players.

    • Rob Staton

      You’re countering ‘measurables’ with ‘stats’ which is even more unreliable.

      The fact is there aren’t many players that succeed that are slow, small and lack length. You’re hoping he is the exception to a long lasting rule.

  20. cha

    (posted this in the older thread too)

    Has Vincent Jackson’s name ever come up here as a possibility on a veteran + incentives contract?

    If he’s healthy he could nicely fill a Big Mike Williams type role – outposition/outmuscle DBs on 3rd and 7’s and red zone plays, occasionally sneak behind the defense when they’re focused on someone else.

    Could be a nice veteran pickup to fill a role while Lockett recovers early on.

    • Kenny Sloth

      Only every year for 5 years

    • Michael

      You cool with cutting Kearse to make room?

      • cha

        That’s not the only option the Hawks would have.

  21. Josh emmett

    I think they have leverage to get what they want. If there is a guy they want and fell in love with or take the best player available. Trade back, trade up, or stay at 26. I think the draft will dictate what they do. If a couple olinemen, tight ends and qb’s go in the first round they will trade back. I think the the olinemen that are projected to go in the first round is wrong. Teams always reach on oline. There will be at least 3 possibly 4 go in the first round. At least one QB, TE, and a couple of wide outs. There will be options for defensive playmaker options where they deaft in my humble opinion.

  22. Ishmael

    Man, I love watching Jonathan Allen play so much. He’s just a bowling ball of a human being. Gets going and then demolishes everything in his path, finishes so well. Sets his target in his sights and plows them down, it’s awesome stuff. He might not be Aaron Donald, but he’s still a tone setter. He’s going to be every bit as good as Michael Bennett.

  23. Ishmael

    Also how fun would Rueben Foster be on the Hawks? You’d probably have to play him at WILL and move KJ to SAM, but he’s such an animal. Hits like a truck, it’s actually stupid how hard he hits. With him and Kam around, they would put the fear of God in anyone thinking about coming across the middle. He genuinely scares players, they just don’t want to know about him.

  24. RWIII

    Guys have you checked out our defensive tackle rotation. At the moment our starters are Ahtyba Rubin and Jarran Reed. For depth at DT we have Quinton Jefferson and two guys I have never heard of (Rodney Cole and Pericake Will). The Hawks could use some more BEEF at the defensive tackle position. That is a must.

    Also from what I am reading. There is quit a few good safetys that could go in the 3rd round. So the Hawks could very well take a safety in the third round.

    BTW: George Kittle has got Seattle Seahawk written all over him. Kittle is the 3rd fastest(4.52 in the 40) TE in the draft. BTW: I saw a play on video where Kittle drove a defensive end back 8 yards before he finished him off with a pancake. At end of next season both Jimmy Graham and Luke (the third Gospel) Willson are free agents. Kittle’s QB (C.J. Beathard)says Kittle blocks like an offensive lineman. After his performance at the scouting combine he had GMS ALL going back go the video room to check him out. One final note on Kittle. Beathard loves to throw him slant routes. I am sure that made Tom Cable sit up in his chair and take notice.

    Four years ago John Schneider said that Luke Willson was must have in the 2013 draft.c Fast Forward four years: To me Kittle is a must have this year in the draft.

    • C-Dog

      I think there’s a lot of signs indicating Seattle is probably going to draft a DT.

      • Jujus

        A Dt is great, But I think we need 2 + udfa

    • Overtime

      Luke Willson’s one year deal is a reasonable $1.8 million. I see them re-signing him next season. He had little interest shown in free agency. Nick Vannett, is a complete TE. Drafted for his blocking, they were surprised how well he catches the ball. I look for a big year out of him. Jimmy Graham, has a $10m salary. He is going to want a multi-year deal at age 31. If they let him walk in free agency they get a nice comp pick. If Vannett emerges as a reliable pass catcher this season, it could be JG’s last. Kittle, would give them some added insurance at the position,

  25. CharlieTheUnicorn

    Samson Ebukam (EDGE, Eastern Washington)

    This guy seems like a fit for Seattle (and a few other teams). I could see him having a decent career. Maybe not a HoFer, but a solid contributor. He would be a replacement for Marsh essentially. You have to love the home grown talent from the smaller schools. Hard not to root for these guys.

  26. RWIII

    One last footnote before I turn in. To me the 2nd dumbest rule in the NFL is: You have 53 man roster. Why can’t you let all 53 players suit up. Am I missing something. Where is the logic where you have 53 players on your roster. But they can’t all suit up to play?

    • Old but Slow

      As I recall, I heard an explanation that it was to not give an advantage to a team that is healthy as the other team may not have all their players ready to play. I know, it didn’t make sense to me either.

      • RWIII

        OBS: I guess that explanation is as good as any But even if that is the case. They still need to throw that rule in the dumpster.

    • CharlieTheUnicorn

      Essentially, you are the Browns, you have a dumpsterfire roster….. your 45th guy might not even be able to make the Seahawks… you play the Seahawks…. you proceed to get steam rolled even worse than you might with only 46 active….

      It is old school thinking. I’m of the opinion in the next 3-5 years they will change either the total size of the rosters (more than 53) and/or the number of active players (46 upto 53). There is also the developmental league that has been kicked about…. to develop more OL, DL and QBs specifically. It might operate more like MLB with the minor leagues. So perhaps, instead of expanding the roster, you simply call guys up/or send them down. So I guess they may not expand the roster past 53 after all.

  27. Eburgz

    Been following the blog the past few years but I never post. Thank you Rob and the rest of the community for all of the excellent content. I appreciate all of the hard work that goes into these posts and comments, I check this site religiously and it helps me get through my commute every day. I can’t wait for the draft to see what the hawks will end up doing.

    I really liked the article and after a lazy weekend of watching youtube game tape of different defensive backs I decided to rank and make tiers for the players I like that I think could fill that nickel defender role. I agree with Rob and many of the commenters that this slot/nickle/buffalo defender is the key to this draft and the position that needs the biggest upgrade. I think OBI is the most likely target and I would be happy to have him but there are other options. Marcus Maye for instance is one guy that I feel gets left out of the discussion for some reason (I’ve seen his issues in coverage, but still). I listed them in the order that I like them but I could easily flip flop within tiers.

    Tier 1 Slot/Buffalo/Nickle:
    J. Peppers
    B. Baker
    O. Melifonwu
    C. Awuzi
    A. Jackson

    Tier 2:
    J. Evans
    M. Maye
    J. Lewis
    D. King
    S. Luani

    Other top CB/DB of Interest:
    K. King
    M. Humphrey
    T. White
    Q. Wilson
    G. Conley

    T2:
    C Tankersley
    F Moreau
    R. Douglas
    S. Griffin
    A. Witherspoon

    Dream Draft with alternate options (Using Tony Pauline mock drafts/rankings to see who might realistically be available.) If you don’t like a pick or think they won’t be there look at the alts.

    R1:slot/safety depth B. Baker

    Baker has instincts and grit that jump out on film. He can play the slot and backup Earl. He is good in coverage, run support and adds another threat to blitz off the edge. I love all the tier 1 slot/buffalo prospects I listed above for different reasons and I would be stoked with any of them but its Baker for me. There are concerns about Bakers size and that he gets “big-boyed” but I didn’t see that at all on the film I watched. maybe don’t match him up on big tight ends? I think he is Tyler Lockett on defense. He doesn’t return kicks but I think he could be a great special teamer. Do you care that Lockett and Earl Thomas are under 6 foot?

    alts: J. Peppers, O. Melifonwu (any of the tier 1 slot/buffalo guys works for me or Evans/Maye after a trade back)

    R2:Linebacker J. Davis

    Davis is a stud and probably my favorite player in the draft that could fall to the hawks. A complete player that can backup KJ/Wags and play SAM or force KJ over to SAM and play WILL. Just get him on the field. I think/hope he falls way further than rob projects because off the ball linebackers always seem to get drafted later than projected and he has durability concerns. Trade up for him in the second if necessary. I would be ok with taking Davis in the first then taking the best remaining DB on the board at 58 or trade up in round 2 for best remaining DB. In the first two rounds we get 2 guys that can be the 11th starter on defense (bennett, avril, reed, rubin, KJ, Bwags, Sherm, E.T., Kam, CB2:Lane/elliot/thorpe/dessir are the other 10 starters barring injury) depending on the situation/matchup you can play the 4-3-4 with Davis or 4-2-5 with Baker. You also get backups for some of the most important players on defense (Earl and Bobby/KJ)

    alts: J. Willis, T. Bowser (different types of players than Davis but if he isn’t there I want someone that can rush the QB)

    R3: CB R. Douglas

    Douglas falls just short of the wingspan other corners drafted by Seattle have had but he is a willing tackler with great ball skills . Needs to learn the hawks technique and how to press at the line.

    alts: S. Griffin, A. Witherspoon (both met with the hawks and are more likely options)

    R3: TE G. Kittle
    Good blocker and an explosive athlete. Instead of adding more inexperienced rookies to the line lets get them some help with a good blocking TE who has athletic upside to develop as a weapon on offense.

    alts: A. Shaheen, M. Roberts (both these guys are huge, caught 16!!! touchdowns a piece and have upside as blockers)

    I thought about stocking the trenches at pick #90 and putting CB off till later rounds where I would try to grab CB B. Allen.
    Guys I was considering in R3 were:
    OL I. Asiata (or N. Siracusa, D. Dawkins)
    DL D. Walker (or D. Hall, D. Wise jr)
    Other OL/DL guys I would like in rounds 1-3 but couldn’t fit into the my mock are F. Lamp, G. Boles, C. Wormley, E. Vanderdoes.

    Trade one of the 3rd rounders for a 4th and 5th.

    R4: DL JOJO Mathis

    My other favorite player in the draft. Mathis jumped out at me while watching a UW game live, I’ve been fascinated ever since and I am convinced he is going to be a good player in the league. I’m not sure if he is an SAM/edge or if he is a pass rushing DT/Edge but I need to have him. Anyone know what his workout #’s were besides the bench???

    alts. C. Phillips, J. Gilbert

    R5: DT G. Stewart
    Need a Big Boy DT to clog up the middle.

    alts. Big Steve T., J. Tupou

    R6: WR J. Chesson
    Big WR to compete and hopefully usurp Kearse.

    alts. D. Yancey, D. Stringfellow

    R7: FB Tyler Scalzi
    We get an athletic freak FB and hopefully and more importantly a reliable long snapper and special teams guy.

    Alts. F. Stevenson, A. Brown

    In UDFA we land a backup qb, kicker and developmental OL along with a couple other guys that end up earning a roster spot over draft picks/veteran depth.

    sorry for the rant. What do you think?

    • Old but Slow

      Interesting and possible. Hard to argue with that. Welcome, and keep posting.

      Good start.

    • Trevor

      Nice post really like the Mathis and Stewart picks in round #4 and 5

    • RWIII

      E-burg. Interesting. Thanks for posting. Post anytime you want.

    • Sea Mode

      Good stuff. Hope it’s not your last post!

    • Robertlas vegas

      I agree 100% J . Davis is my favorite player in this draft .you will find a way to get him on the field you watch the way he plays and his interviews and it is very impressive..if he is still on the board at 26 I am all in

  28. CharlieTheUnicorn

    Brandon Wilson, LB Miss State

    Field Gulls has an article that mentioned him and says he is a likely 7th round or likely PRFA to keep an eye on….. have any of you seen this player or have an opinion of him ?

  29. EranUngar

    Thank you Rob. This is the Seahawk’s board I wanted for draft day.

    No mention of Kittle, Cupp or Kpassanone at all?

    • EranUngar

      ooops….Cooper Kupp….not Cupp…

    • Kenny Sloth

      Top 40~

    • Rob Staton

      Kittle is included. Don’t see the other two being targets.

      • CDub

        How do people feel about Kupp anyway? He had some nice catches in the highlights i saw, but probably not too much competition playing at EWU. Hard to say.

        • Hawkfaninmt

          Kupp seemed to have a rocky Senior Bowl week. Really needed to show against tougher competition and was more of a jag. But, watching him the last few years, he is solid. I feel like he will be a Robert Woods-esque WR… solid as a 3, maybe 2. Would take him over Kearse despite Kearse’s clutch past catches.

          Maybe worth one of the thirds of he is still there

        • EranUngar

          As for competition –

          Kupp played in four games against Pac-12 teams during his stint at Eastern Washington. In those games – against Oregon State (2013), Washington (2014), Oregon (2015) and Washington State (2016) – he caught 40 passes for 716 yards and 11 touchdowns.

          Just imagine what he could do with a good QB….

          • Volume12

            I like Kupp.

            Still would take Clemson WR Mike Williams over every WR.

      • bigten

        love his personality and demeanor though, would like him in Seattle. Has that chip on his shoulder mentality, with something to prove. I don’t see him as redundant.

  30. EP

    Would “Teez” Tabor be definite no as a result of his 40 time or could he be considered in the 3rd round if he’s still there. I know his time was terrible but I really like to watch him, plays with an attitude and has very good ball skills. Looked at the figures for his wingspan and he’s not far off the 77 inch mark. Fan of his counterpart at Florida state as well. He has a smaller wingspan but the other measurables didn’t seem to be a problem. Plays with the same vigour as Tabor. Feel as if they were hot commodities earlier on in the year but seem to have disappeared off the radar in recent months when compared to Lattimore, Conley, Humphrey and King.

    • vrtkolman

      He claimed that he had an injured hammy when he ran. That could just be an excuse, but he does look faster on the field.

  31. Coleslaw

    https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/853971391909171201
    Interesting. Maybe we have more leverage than we all thought. 2017 5th rounder? 2018 4th? Doesn’t seem like it will be the 6th or conditional 2018 that has been rumored, or it would be done already

    • vrtkolman

      It would be nuts if we got a 4th round pick for a retired player.

      • Coleslaw

        On paper, so nuts, in actuality, he’s worth it x10

        • Ishmael

          Agree with this. The Raiders could do with some decent love from their Oakland fans after skipping town as well. I think they’re going to be pretty keen to get something done.

    • Overtime

      If the Raiders do not sign Marshawn they have to burn a first round pick on a running back. A 4th for a proven franchise back is cheap.

  32. Bubububu

    Rob,
    It seems like most mock drafts have at least one of Davis, Jackson, or peppers still available at 26. If that was the case, do you think they’d take any of these three above king/obi? (Seeing as how you have them in a better tier) if all five of these players were somehow available, who would you want?

    • Rob Staton

      I think they might.

  33. nichansen01

    Scott Orndoff , TE, Pittsburgh

    I haven’t heard his name on here before. Anyone know anything?

  34. Matthew Baldwin

    I’d love…

    26 – Jarrad Davis LB
    58 – Quincy Wilson Nickel

    Both bring back that toughness JS said was missing. Rob talked about maybe double dipping from Michigan but maybe they double dip from Florida.

    Not sure if they’ll even be available. They were on Pauline’s last mock.

    • Robertlas vegas

      I agree 100% J . Davis is my favorite player in this draft .

  35. drewdawg11

    Loving Wilson and hisnaggresive play. I’m wondering how far we would have to trade up in round two to get him. Still hoping we can get Obi at 26. If not, why not Watt? Engram is going to be a star. I would love to find a way to draft him as well.

  36. Drew G

    Rob,

    ESPN posted an article today of a likely trade scenario for each first round pick.

    http://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2017/story/_/id/19157025/bill-barnwell-2017-all-trades-mock-nfl-draft-first-round-deals-all-32-teams

    Most of them seem far fetched. One interesting one however is the Panthers trading the #8 and #98 picks for Sherman and #58. What are your thoughts on this and who would be your top targets from tier 1/2?

    • Mistral

      Fournette.

      I hate losing Sherman, but picking up Fournette for him would seem like a steal.

    • Rob Staton

      I think it’s doubtful. Carolina doesn’t place a lot of value on the CB position. I think any in my top two tier’s would be fine but the trade presents awful value really.

  37. CLB

    Just recently saw an Oct. 2016 repeat of an NFL Presents episode featuring Doug Baldwin and 2 more NFL players from other teams – here is just the Doug part, shows what a great team leader we have at WR with the seahawky chip on his shoulder for a long time:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEjiY_mndK4&index=41&list=PL1SLMQpQrIizY2B_BSs2kRzG5I8gbCvy5

    Still remember vividly his leading the team, particularly Russell in the Vikings playoff game Jan. 2016 when Wilson said later it was so cold he couldn’t feel his face or hardly breathe. At 1:48 of this 5 min. NFL Sound FX of that game with us down 9-0, Doug is coaching up Russell on the sidelines in the 4th quarter to shake off the cold – “Look at me. Just one play at a time. All right? There’s no rush on anything. We are going to follow you. You lead us! Okay? Like I told you before, you lead us to darkness we will follow you.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RomU_H73EY

  38. vrtkolman

    Malik McDowell is visiting today. I still think he is this year’s Chris Jones, and I would not be surprised at all if Seattle took him in the 1st round.

    • vrtkolman

      Carroll might be the best motivator in the NFL, maybe he thinks he can fix McDowell’s biggest weakness (laziness). He has everything the Seahawks love in a first round pick. Freakish size and athleticism, was a former top 50 high school recruit, shows versatility in that he can play outside if necessary as well as rush the passer from the interior.

      • RealRhino2

        He’s on my list of guys I would get excited about that haven’t really been mocked to the Hawks or talked about for us much. Mind was wandering the other day and put together a short list of those guys on one side, and on the other side I had guys who have been mocked to us or talked about for us that I would rather not see us pick.

        So, prob not Hawks but excited if they were the pick:
        1. McDowell
        2. Corey Davis
        3. J. Allen

        I’m not sure McDowell was lazy per se. It sounds more like he disagreed with how the coaches wanted to use him or were teaching him, and eventually just sort of blew them off and did what he thought was best. Now, that’s not the best thing, but remember (a) we are just one year removed from people being down on Zeke Elliott because he dared criticize the OSU coaching staff for not using him correctly, and (b) not all coaches are geniuses. Many of them do dumb things and make mistakes all the time. Heck, Tom Cable thought Drew Nowak was a starting C for EIGHT games!

        Hawks’ mocks that I’d rather not see:
        1. Obi Melifonwu
        2. Haason Reddick
        3. Bolles
        4. Taco Charlton

        Oh, Obi. Where to start? I know many people like him, but I just can’t get myself to like him. He’s probably the top prospect tape I like to watch the least. He’s versatile. I get that. But we’ve talked about being sudden on here. He seems the least “sudden” guy in the draft. Just looks like he’s on cruise control most of the time, and it’s not because he’s fluid. Plays too upright, causing tackling issues despite his large radius. Just can’t love him, and I don’t know if the staff could fix his issues. Maybe as a corner, who knows?

        Reddick, Bolles: Fine players. Maybe even great players. But I think Reddick is wasted on us as an interior/SAM LB. The OL I feel I’m just done with. If Cable likes ’em I have no confidence, prefer to roll with what we have now and stop drafting OL high, only to come away slightly disappointed in the performance.

        Taco: Some people like him, I don’t see anything special. Like Daeshon Hall, only a little less athletic.

        • Ishmael

          To me it sounded like the season started going downhill, he realised he was better than his teammates by a mile, and he got sick of carrying the load. Rather than really trying to put the team on his shoulders, he had a bit of a sook and gave up on the team and the season.

          That’s not a laziness issue, it’s just mental softness. He’s pretty much the opposite of gritty. But hey, he’s only a kid so maybe the Hawks think they can get him turned around. I’m not super keen on him though.

          • DLep

            Yeah that’s kind of my take Ishmael. Im more of an overall fan than you are it sounds like but I agree that his reaction might be an immaturity thing that perhaps he can grow from rather than an outright attitude issue.

            Obviously you would have loved for him to have a better response than he did, but he is super young and we usually aren’t the same person at 25 that we were at 20. It might just be a personal growth deal and my guess is Seattle is trying to figure that out. I do find it a bit funny that he is being criticized for character issues when Seattle drafted Clark two years ago, I would argue his character concerns back then were greater than McDowell’s (dv vs on field attitude). I think there might have been circumstances around Clark’s situation but obviously ‘something’ happened.

            • Ishmael

              Look, I think the whitewashing they did around Frank Clark was disgraceful – but that was off-field stuff. His on-field effort was never in question, absolutely zero questions there. McDowell is a quitter, can you really imagine the Hawks being into a guy like that? It’s just so not what their program is about.

              • DLep

                I think they are trying to separate whether he is truly a quitter or whether he is immature (not even 21 yet) but can blossom under their guidance and direction. There is certainly an attitude that the Seahawks desire in their players. That said, they have acquired players in the past who maybe weren’t considered to fit that mold at the time of acquisition – Michael, Harvin, Lynch, even Lacy you could say (due to weight issues). Maybe they have evolved due to kind of getting burned by Michael and Harvin, I dont know. We are all speculating to a degree here. I have to think they are at least interested in McDowell to a degree if they are meeting with him though.

        • Volume12

          McDowell had 1 good game this year. Yuck. Not here for that at all.

    • FuzzyLOgic

      I liked MDowell when I saw a few highlights awhile ago but I think Rob said he was a bit of a 1 trick pony and overrated.

      • DLep

        Yeah I think things went south on Mich Sts season and McDowell didnt handle it well. That said, I think there might be a little overreaction in terms of evaluation. He is really young, he wont even be 21 by draft day. And he actually has a pretty solid profile both athletically and production wise (see below). And the fact that he is so young actually is a positive in his favor (younger age apparently has positive correlation to prospect success).

        https://draftcobern.wordpress.com/2017/03/14/2017-nfl-draft-analytics-profile-malik-mcdowell/

        Perhaps Seattle is doing their due diligence to see if they can get the best out of him or whether he has an attitude that just won’t work here. Not a bad thing imo.

    • Trevor

      I like Chris Jones a lot more coming out than McDowell and we passed on Jones. I am glad they are doing thier work on him but he just does not seem like a Hawks pick to me.

      • Volume12

        Taco Charlton just became more of a plausible scenario with this visit.

        • CHawk Talker Eric

          McDowell also tested pretty poorly. If he had demonstrated the kind of athleticism to back up the flashes he showed now and then on the field, then maybe. But he didn’t. Even more, he hasn’t done anything to help his stock. According to one NFL team, he was the worst Combine interview they did.

    • Rob Staton

      If they didn’t take Chris Jones, why would they take Malik McDowell?

      • DLep

        Hi Rob, couldnt it simply be a combo of they liked Ifedi better and right guard/tackle was deemed a greater need position than dl at the time?

        • Rob Staton

          That’s not really the point though. If we’re going to say — they might draft McDowell because they visited with Jones a year ago, they still didn’t draft Jones.

          • Dale Roberts

            The Chris Jones/Taco logic doesn’t really work but neither does your criticism. If Ifedi wasn’t available who knows what they would have done. Chris Jones went at #37 and we had to trade up to get Reed at #49. We never had a chance at Jones once Ifedi became the target.

            • Rob Staton

              I don’t think you’re getting where I’m coming from.

              My point is, just because they met with Chris Jones doesn’t mean they had any intention to draft him. And ultimately, they didn’t draft him. Whether that was down to Ifedi or anything else.

              So I don’t see any reason to read anything into the likelihood of them drafting McDowell just because they met with Jones a year ago. We’ll never know how they viewed Jones.

  39. drewdawg11

    Not sure why we would give up the second. If anything we should get to swap seconds and maybe toss in the final third rounder. If they went up to 8 they could conceivably trade down to get another second as well. Maybe use the extra ammo to move up from 26.

  40. Ishmael

    Anyone think we might see a couple of wild trades? Few crazy scenarios like:

    #1 Jaguars from Browns. Browns get #4, #36, and the Jaguars first round pick in 2018. Jags take Garrett and add him to a DL that already contains Campell, Folwer, Ngakoue, and Jackson. Insanely deep rotation.

    #3 Bengals from Bears. The Bengals go up and get a monster in Leonard Fournette. The Bears get #9, and A.J McCarron who’s at least as good as Mike Glennon.

    #4 Jets from Browns.The Jets hear the Bills are planning to trade up to get in front of them and take Deshaun Watson at 5, they preempt them and go up themselves. Watson is born to play in NY, the Jets finally get a competent QB who they can build around for the next decade. The Browns get #6, #39, and Sheldon Richardson. They’d now have 6, 12, 33, 35, 39. Ridiculous.

    18. Rams from Titans. Dumb teams do dumb stuff. The Rams are a dumb team. They trade up to 16 with #37, #69, and a 2018 first rounder. In an effort to save his job, Les Snead goes out and gets Jared Goff someone who can actually catch the ball in Mike Williams.

    #28 Seahawks from Cowboys. Cowboys get Richard Sherman, who immediately makes them better. The Seahawks can double dip on DBs here, take an EDGE guy, or see who the best remaining OL player is.

    • RealRhino2

      Maybe. I’m starting to think there just aren’t many/any guys that are good enough to warrant those kinds of trades. I think we are more likely to see deals in the middle to late 1st as teams jockey for position on QBs. Like maybe a team moves just ahead of Arizona at 13 to get “their” QB, or in front of Houston at 25 for the same reason, or in front of Denver at 20 to get “their” OT, stuff like that.

      Craziest that seems plausible to me right now is if somebody wants #2 to get a QB they really like.

      • Ishmael

        I don’t know, I think there are a lot of really interesting players that are going to be better in some situations than others. I think there’s going to be a lot of uncertainty about where players will go, and that’s going to spook certain teams (the dumb ones in particular) into getting panicky and making moves to go out and get the guy they want.

        Totally agree about that shuffling in the middle of the first fwiw. And I think we’ll see a couple of teams trading down into the back end of the first if QBs like Kizer and Webb are still sitting there. That fifth round option is invaluable for QBs.

    • Sea Mode

      I think if anyone might trade out at the top, it is SF. Maybe the Panthers at 8 cough up enough to move up and secure Fournette.

      • vrtkolman

        The Panthers seem pretty high on McCaffrey. Personally I don’t think he would work well in that offense, Cam isn’t a savvy enough QB to utilize him well.

      • Misfit74

        I just don’t get the Fournette to Panthers talk. Carolina runs massive amts of shotgun and Fournette is (well) below average out of that formation…

    • Trevor

      No way Hawks trade Sherm to Cowboys an NFC contender unless it is for something crazy like two 1st round picks.

    • Overtime

      Teams trade picks ever year. This stuff is not far fetched.

    • subterranean

      In looking at the trade value chart, how would folks here value Sherman? I was weighing the value of trading Sherman and the #26 to New Orleans for the 11 and 32. But per the trade chart, that’s 1840 points New Orleans is giving up. I estimated sherman as equal to the #18 pick, which puts him at 900 points + 700 for pick 26. This would have New Orleans giving up more value. This would put Seattle in position to draft one of the top 10 talents who starts to slide.

      If it is true they are thinking about trading up to grab a D-lineman that starts to fall, this could be a way to do it. But no matter what value you get, it is hard to imagine that the D would be any better than if they just held onto Sherm and waited out the pick at 26.

      • Redhawk87

        That’s a lot less value that I had him at. As of right now and for at least a few more years, Sherman is one of the best CBs in the game. For any other team than us, he’ll cost them $11M, considerably less than what several CBs that perform worse than him make. He has allowed an average of 2 TD per season while averaging over 4 INTs per season. There is no guarantee that any rookie could even come close to his performance in the first couple years, if ever. However, in the top 15 in any draft, you expect to get a truly impactful player.
        I honestly do think that the Revis equivalent deal is actually fair for Sherman. Approximately 1200-1300 in total value coming between at least two picks. Any team who needs CB help this offseason to become a contender would immediately fill that need FOR SURE, as opposed to taking the gamble and potentially getting a bust, or at least a mediocre player.
        For the Seahawks, if we traded Sherman, our defense is much more likely to get worse than get better for next year. The trade would be to help ensure that the defense could perform well over the next four to five years, as our core age and either move on or retire.
        I honestly don’t see the trade happening though. In order to get the Revis style trade while still ensuring Sherman goes to a competitive team (who would prefer immediate help to a chance at developmental help), there aren’t many options, and I consider none of them actually likely (listed below because would be valued at close to fair):
        1. 3 way trade between Browns, Patriots, and Seahawks
        – Browns (gain QB and CB)
        receive: Butler and Garropollo
        lose: 12, 33, and conditional 2nd round pick next year (if Butler and Garropollo sign)
        – Patriots (upgrade CB, gain a top 35 pick & future 2nd rounder)
        receive: Sherman, 33, conditional 2nd round pick next year
        lose: Butler, Garropollo, conditional 4th round pick next year (if Sherman still on roster)
        – Seahawks (gain a top 15 pick)
        receive: 12, conditional 4th round next year
        lose: Sherman
        2. Sherman to Titans for 18, 100, and a conditional 3rd next year.
        3. Sherman to Raiders for 24, 129, and 2018 2nd (not conditional).

        The Saints have the picks that would make a trade appealing, but do not have the cap space. If they did rework contracts to make room for Sherman, then they could potentially trade 11 and a 2018 conditional 4th as well (or 32 and 42 with a 2018 conditional 3rd)

  41. Trevor

    If we do trade Sherm draft day I hope it is for a 1st and 4th.

    Then trade one of our 3rds and use the cap space from the Sherm trade to trade to the Jets for Sheldon Rochardson. On a 1 yr prove it deal he would be motivated. Best case scenario he has a great year and fits in to the culture and they extend him. Worst case we get a 3rd or 4th round comp pick when he signs elsewhere next off season. He could be the kind of interior pocket collapser we have missed the last couple of years if he is motivated.

    • Volume12

      You know what would be a total Seahawk move if they do trade Sherm and get a 1st in return?

      Trading back out of the 1st round completely.

      • Sea Mode

        So true.

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      Thoughts on a hypothetical trade with NYJ?

      SEA trade Sherm + #26 to NYJ for #6 + Sheldon Richardson

      • Volume12

        Pass on Richardson.

        If your trading Sherm because he’s a distraction or whatever? Good lord what would Richardson be like?

        • Volume12

          The only trade I’d be on board with would be like NO’s 3rd and Sheldon Rankins or Tennessee’s no. 18 pick.

          But, I’m a Sherm fan and will not turn on him.

        • CHawk Talker Eric

          I wouldn’t advocate trading Sherm because he’s a “distraction.” Rather I think you trade him to maximize his value to the organization. He’s potentially worth more as a high draft pick this year + a player with untapped potential than on the roster as the team’s #1 CB.

          And he’ll never be worth more than he is right now.

          • Volume12

            Understood. I also think Sherm will always have value because he’s such a student of the game and like 95% of current Seahawks, willing to take thee young guys under his wing.

            But had he not said anything or just kept his mouth shut (that’ll be the day) are these trade talks even happening?

            • CHawk Talker Eric

              Didn’t Sherm initiate all the talk?

              I don’t know that SEA want to trade him. But if Sherm did ask for a trade, SEA need to protect themselves and explore what they can get for him.

            • CHawk Talker Eric

              Also, just for purposes of my hypothetical trade with NYJ, moving up to #6 gives SEA a shot at (in order of preference) Thomas, Fournette, Hooker, Humphrey or Reddick.

          • DC

            His maximum value to the organization this year is playing CB. If he wasn’t here, don’t kid yourself, we are a worse team.

            Hutchinson
            Jones
            Lynch

            We’ll be trying to replace these guys for the rest of our lives. Sherman is in that camp.

    • Frontrower

      What changed your opinion on S. Richardson? Not worried about the $ and distraction now?

  42. Sea Mode

    Sounds like Obi is in da house today:

    @AaronWilson_NFL

    Connecticut safety Obi Melifonwu (6-4, 224, 4.40) on top 30 visit today with Seahawks, per a source. Steady interest, meetings with them

    1:24 PM – 17 Apr 2017

  43. Sea Mode

    Gil Brandt just put up a top 150 board.

    http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000800363/article/hot-150-gil-brandts-topranked-prospects-for-2017-nfl-draft

    As with any board, there are things we will like and things we will scoff at. That’s not really the point though. Take what info you can get.

    Since Rob highlighted him, interesting to note that Quincy Wilson is not being underrated by Brandt at least at number 27, right ahead of King at 28.

    • Misfit74

      Interesting how he has so many Safeties ranked in top 50, including Josh Jones, M. Maye, M. Williams, but no Melifonwu. Adoree and King at 26 & 28, respectively.

  44. Volume12

    Boy, how similar in terms of athleticism and size are Taco Charlton & Malik McDowell?

    Taco actually tested better. And he’s a guy that can rush from the edge, inside (that’s the key fellas), and standing up. Not to mention that Frank Clark was his mentor at Michigan.

    • cha

      I read that as “Taco actually tasted better.”

      I haven’t had lunch yet today. 🙁

      • Sea Mode

        Maybe the Hawks should target the “all-kitchen” draft:

        We’d have our Baker Mixon Witherspoon and our Cook could serve Taco with Peppers and Sprinkle it with some Sharpe cheddar cheese, with a side of Corn in Bolles. A nice Kupp of OJ to wash it all down. (eeew on that combo…)

        The funny thing is, just like somebody discovered a couple years ago that some team would have actually drafted better by randomly pulling names from a hat/throwing darts at a board, it would coincidentally be a really good haul to draft just from this group of guys! (off-field stuff aside for now)

  45. CHawk Talker Eric

    Chris Wormley reminds me a bit of Henry Anderson. Both can play inside and out, are long and strong, and more athletic than they might seem initially. And I rather liked Anderson.

    • Volume12

      ‘Worm’ is a strong option too.

      I’m really starting to think that unless all the O-lineman are off the board, that’s their 1st pick. There’s so much more depth at DB.

      And you beat teams like Atlanta and GB with great secondaries, but also waves of pass rush. Their pass rush was not getting home enough last year and that will help out a banged up, injured, or young LOB more than anything.

      Plus, when has PC ever felt like any of his teams, pro & college, had enough pass rushers?

      • Volume12

        * that should of said D-lineman

        • CHawk Talker Eric

          Which DL do you think warrant a R1 pick by SEA (and reasonably might be available at 26 – assume Garrett, Thomas and Allen are all gone)?

          Charlton?

          • Volume12

            Yeah. Possibly Wormley. Maybe Hall? Those 2 in more of a trade back scenario.

            I don’t like McDowell, but he could be too however doubtful I think that is. Honestly believe he’s a fallback in case their guy is gone and that’s why they brought him in.

            Takk McKinley? But they seem to want a Bennett type.

            I think Garrett and Thomas go top 10. Allen and Harris go 11-18. And then the others will start to come off.

            • DLep

              Have to think there is at least some legitimate interest in McDowell if they are taking the time to meet with him. Could be misdirection but I think chances are greater that there is real interest than not.

              • Volume12

                Its a fallback plan. See who is, what he’s about, and they could come away from this visit completely turned off.

                This is Chris Jones all over again and Jones was and will continue to be a much better player.

                • DLep

                  He might be a fallback, sure. They have a handful of guys they are looking at for the first pick, he might be one of them. They might come away completely turned off, or they might have some of their concerns addressed and feel better about taking him.

  46. BHarKnows

    Tier Four according to Rob. Wondering if it’ll require a trade up to do it.

    “Connecticut safety Obi Melifonwu (6-4, 224, 4.40) on top 30 visit today with Seahawks, per a source. Steady interest, meetings with them”

    Sorry couldn’t figure out how to quote it from my phone.

  47. Volume12

    A&M WR Josh Reynolds said he feels like the Hawks and Saints like him the most.

    Shocking that Seattle likes another A&M prospect.

    • Hawkfaninmt

      I heard that as well…

      Interested to look into his tape a bit. Thoughts from the board?

      • sdcoug

        I’ve posted about Reynolds several times here recently. Said he’s my favorite receiver that no one talks about. Has been underrated / overlooked his entire career.

      • Volume12

        Poor man’s Josh Doctson, but IMO he’ll hold up better at the next level health wise.

        Routinely makes highlight grabs, great production, decent twitch, but also has those easy drops.

        • Sea Mode

          I haven’t checked out Reynolds yet TBH. Will make a point to do so soon!

          But talking WRs, I finally looked at a few minutes of Deangelo Yancey today and really liked what I saw. Outstanding hands catcher. Size, speed, some good YAC highlights that seem to denote toughness. Can definitely see why they brought him in for a visit.

          Which of these two would you prefer for Seattle and what kind of draft range might we be talking for each of them?

          • Volume12

            Reynolds? L3-4th.

            Yancey? 5th-6th.

            Reynolds fits the Sidney Rice body type.

            I like Yancey more, but don’t mind Reynolds at all and will be absolutely floored if Seattle doesn’t come away from this draft without a prospect from ‘Bama or A&M.

            • Sea Mode

              Me too. Especially A&M with Hall, Evans and Eluemunor, as well as possibly Reynolds in there.

              Unless we somehow get Bolles in R1, I think we will wait on OL until one of the R3 comps, so Asiata is quite possibly gone by then. Along with Asiata, Eluemunor is the most OL Seahawky target and would fit great value at that spot. Give him a year to learn behind Aboushi/Glow, then move on from Glow next year and plug the big man in at RG next to former teammate Ifedi for a monster right side of the line. He would be a Jermaine playing next to a Germain and a Brit playing next to Britt!

        • sdcoug

          It’s an interesting comment on his hands. Former coach described his hands as a “vacuum”, just sucks up anything near. Really has a knack for those highlight, contested grabs which is why I always thought the hawks might be drawn to him. A little thin and will need to work on beating the press off the line, not blazing but decent-enough speed. Long-strider type, was really good at the deep ball

  48. CHawk Talker Eric

    Plug for Evan Engram from NDTScouting:

    “Engram is far too big for any nickel corner or safety to be able to match up with him, and he will run by any linebacker trying to cover him.

    He was consistently double teamed or ran his routes versus bracket coverage, and he still made plays. Any time a slot receiver requires two defenders to stop him, it opens up everyone else all over the field. On top of his athletic ability, Engram also has soft hands.”

    • Sea Mode

      And just a great, hard-working, smart kid on top of it. Would love to figure out a way for Seattle to get him, but it seems tough to pull off. Probably going to have to be very early R2 IMO.

      Some are quick to throw out the “he’s not a blocker” tag, which is true to an extent because that’s not his main use (he himself cited it in an interview as an area he knows he needs to improve on and wants to do it, kind of sounded to me like Jimmy when he signed), but I remember Daniel Jeremiah mentioning in some broadcast that he’s actually not that bad at it and at least really shows the effort. I can work with that.

      • Volume12

        For his size he’s actually a very efficient blocker. His 2015 tape is where he shines in that aspect.

  49. Volume12

    Tell ya what.

    I would be all in on a Taco Charlton-Quincy Wilson draft. Would probably have to trade up for Q.

    Or a Quincy Wilson or Obi and Daeshon Hall draft.

    Here. For. That.

    • Volume12

      * oops. Quincy Wilson or Obi and Daeshon Hall or Chris Wormley

      • Derron James

        Would love Quincy Wilson and Wormley. But would be ecstatic with Obi and Hall

    • Rob Staton

      I’m not convinced Taco will be there at #26.

    • Dale Roberts

      If we can’t draft Taco maybe we can get Adam Shaheen. He is a 6’6″, 277 lb division one tight end with skills. He says Chipotle burritos (and maybe some weightlifting) took him from a 210 freshmen to his present, imposing presence. If we can’t have Taco let’s get Burrito.

  50. Sea Mode

    The Seattle Seahawks officially re-signed LB Kache Palacio.

    • Dale Roberts

      Good! He was interesting in camp last year.

  51. Dale Roberts

    Rob, what is your evaluation of Joe Mathis? (if you’ve already done this a link would be great)

    • Rob Staton

      I think there were times where he really flashed in 2016. I do think his ceiling is limited though. And I’m a bit unsure why we’ve seen so much of him in the gym on social media and are yet to have any workout numbers.

      • Dale Roberts

        Very good point.

  52. Glaser Jacobson

    Hey Rob,
    Thanks for the posts.
    I really like the idea of us frequently using a 4-2-5 defense. It makes sense especially with how well we play zone and with the general increase of pass plays around the league. I would be stoked to draft a “big nickle” in the first round and show the league how to play a punishing 4-2-5.

    My favorites are Awuzie and Melifonwu. I would probably take Melifonwu first, based on his elite ceiling, but Chidobe might have the highest football IQ I’ve seen out of a DB since Earl Thomas. I think he would flourish in our flexible zone coverages. Which attribute do you think is valued higher by our coaching staff for a staring player in our secondary?

    • Rob Staton

      I think short area quickness is important, broad jump.

      • Glaser Jacobson

        Cool, Thanks. I hope he’s there at 26!

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