Tuesday notes: More declarations, Bryan Edwards one to watch

Solomon Kindley is the latest member of Georgia’s O-line to turn pro

Solomon Kindley turns pro

Andrew Thomas and Isaiah Wilson had already declared. Now a third member of Georgia’s excellent offensive line is heading for the NFL.

Massive guard Solomon Kindley is 6-4 and 330lbs. He was the only starter on Georgia’s line who wasn’t a four or five star recruit (he was a three star). We know the Seahawks like size at guard (Iupati, Fluker, Haynes) and he could be an option in the mid-round range.

I’ve watched nearly all of Georgia’s 2019 games and have an angle on what he offers. Kindley does a good job blocking straight-up and can drive defenders off the line with power. He has light feet which is a surprise given he appears to be carrying some bad weight. His frame is sloppy around the midriff but, well, he’s a guard.

Nevertheless, there are examples where he reached up to the second level and he’s good on screens. His mobility is better than expected. He’s on his back a little too often at the end of plays and you want to see him finish blocks. He does a good job twisting defenders to create running lanes. Unsurprisingly he’s a force in short yardage situations.

There are things to like. The Seahawks have been signing veterans to start and drafting development prospects in the mid/late rounds. It wouldn’t be a surprise if they had a look at someone like Kindley as a potential backup behind D.J. Fluker. Although the drafting of Phil Haynes a year ago suggested they’re still somewhat focused on explosive traits (Haynes was a top TEF tester) so let’s see how he tests.

Thomas is a top-10 lock while Wilson is vastly underrated by the media and could easily be a top-15 pick too. It’s impossible to overstate how good Georgia’s O-line was in 2019. In pass protection, Jake Fromm often had all day to throw. They ran the ball superbly. This was a first rate unit.

The Seahawks are likely to address their biggest off-season need (D-line) in free agency. There will be options on the open market and it’s not a good draft for pass rushers. It is a good class for receivers though and there are also some intriguing offensive linemen. That could be the plan — DL in free agency and offense in the draft.

Meanwhile, D’Andre Swift today also announced he is turning pro.

Bryan Edwards is one to watch

When we interviewed Jim Nagy last week, he highlighted South Carolina’s all-time leading receiver as a player to watch. I spent a bit of time looking at him today and I can see why.

He’s a former four-star recruit and you see that athleticism on tape. He can separate with ease despite a bigger frame (6-3, 215lbs). He looks like a very solid 4.4 runner. That wouldn’t be a surprise because he ran a 4.53 at SPARQ and with combine training he can shave a few tenths off that.

Remember — the Seahawks tend to only draft receivers in the earlier rounds who run a 4.4 or faster.

On top of his straight-line speed he also jumped a 38-inch vertical and ran a 4.31 short shuttle. His overall SPARQ score was a 111.96.

He broke records at South Carolina with 234 career receptions, 3045 yards and 22 touchdowns. He’s not the most physical receiver when a defender gets his hands on him but he can work on that. It’s a lot harder to develop foot-speed and a good release which he has. He’s a YAC threat with the ball in his hands, he’s good on screens. He can get downfield with his quickness to deliver the big play. He can win contested catches and had a good win in tight coverage vs Florida’s C.J. Henderson.

His interviews are also very impressive. He’s mature, determined and he’d fit the culture in Seattle.

We’ve been saying for a while that some of the 2020 receivers are going to go earlier than the media are projecting. Jalen Reagor is a fantastic talent — incredibly fast, insanely explosive and just a high-end talent. Henry Ruggs is projected to run a 4.2. John Ross went in the top-10 after running a 4.2. K.J. Hamler is ultra-dynamic and will also run well and go earlier than people think.

If/when these names start to rise, everyone will get a little bump. Nagy told us Brandon Aiyuk is getting higher grades than N’Keal Harry and there’s a very good chance he will go in the first round. Justin Jefferson is another name to watch and we’ll see how Tee Higgins and Laviska Shenault test too.

It’s a loaded class and will be very tempting for the Seahawks to tap into the talent pool early. If they need to wait until rounds two or three though, Edwards could be an alternative. If they needed to go O-line first (or if an appealing defensive player emerges), he could be on their radar with one of their subsequent picks. He’s certainly someone to watch at the Senior Bowl later this month.

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159 Comments

  1. JD

    Thanks for the great work Rob.

    Where do you think the dropoff of value is this year? I think I recall you said last year that the best value was the 25-50 range. Seems like there are a ton of quality WR’s, RB and OL to extend that value to the 25-60 range.

    There is obviously so much time and factors that will change this but I get the feeling that we will trade back into R2 and have three R2 picks to play with all within the best value range. Similar to the Colts haul last year. That would give us leverage to stay put, trade back or trade up for an ideal target.

    • Rob Staton

      This could change because it’s early but right now I think there could be decent value right until the end of round one. Then we might see a slight drop at about 35-40.

  2. Volume12

    Edwards is a really good receiver. Has a lot of tools. A LOT. Love the determination at the catch point and he can be relentless with YAC. Splash plays. Just like with Metcalf, Seattle would play to his strengths and that’s getting vertical.

    Coming from 2 parents who are retired members of the military probably has a lot to do with that maturity and discipline you speak of.

    Can improve physically at the LOS against bigger corners? If so, I 100% agree.

  3. dcd2

    Rob, I’ve seen you and others mention a players’ SPARQ score a few times. Is that from when they were entering college from HS or something that is more recent?

    • Rob Staton

      SPARQ takes place pre-college, yes. But it’s still an excellent indication of athletic potential.

  4. Sea Mode

    This WR class… man oh man. Looks like there’s going to be talent on each day of the draft, all the way through.

    Bryan Edwards, another one I haven’t even gotten around to checking out. As well as guys like Baylor’s Denzel Mims, Virginia’s Hasise Dubois, Arkansas St. Omar Bayless, Texas Tech’s TJ Vasher, and the guy I mentioned the other day as “king of contested catches”, SMU’s James Proche.

    James Proche Career Highlights
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwS3fkUPh7s

    Some of those guys could provide value in the mid-late rounds. Need to look into them and let’s see who rises throughout the draft process. Whoever we end up drafting, even if it is a WR3 behind Lockett and DK, he had better be a real weapon for Russ, substantial upgrade over our other current WRs. That’s why I feel it might have to be in the first two rounds, but maybe JS shows us it doesn’t have to be in such a deep class!

    Anyway, going to take advantage to let y’all know I’ll be away for a week. Hopefully when I’m able to sign back on, we’ll be headed to the NFCCG! Otherwise, it’ll be full draft-season mode. Go Hawks!

    • Volume12

      Gonna be weird w/o ya for a week. Hope everything is all right my man

    • Simo

      I hope you’re going on vacation to somewhere warm and tropical, where there is no internet. Good to unplug from time to time!

    • Trevor

      Hopefully you are off on a vacation. I predict we will be chatting about a game vs SF or Min when you get back!

    • Rob Staton

      Have a good week away!

    • Logan Lynch

      I hope we’ll be chatting about that too! Go Hawks!

      • Matt

        A few guys I really would love to see as Seahawks…

        – Auburn #18 Seth Williams WR (So.). Dude is a stud in contests, gritty, and a willing blocker. He’s 6’3″ but moves like a slot receiver with elite separation. Reminds me of a Odell/Doug Baldwin Hybrid Seems to interview well and is tough as nails. Too bad he’s a sophomore but excited to keep an eye on him for upcoming drafts.

        – Iowa #6 Ihmir Smith-Marsette WR/KR (Jr.) is another. He looks to have Percy Harvin talent with better recieving skills. Made some tough contested catches in the games I watched. Dude is impressive breaking tackles and elite running ability after catch. Excited to see if he declares.

        Iowa RT #74 Tristan Wirfs. Their left tackle gets the acclaim but this dude carried their run game and is solid in pass protection. He fits the profile at 6’5″ #325. Plays big and hangs in space with speed rushers. Tracks defenders well in the run game and moves very well for a big man. Would not be surprised to see him test well if he declares.
        Iowa vs. USC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZO2jYLeVLw

        Mississipi State O-line..
        These dudes can ball. I’m surprised more people don’t talk about these guys. I wouldn’t mind us snagging multiple from this line like we tend to do from college teams they like. All these guys are big maulers units and ranked as one of the best offensive lines in the country in most categories. The tape tells the same story.
        Most impressive..

        LT #78 Tyre Phillips (Sr.). Classic dancing bear at 6’5″ 345lbs. I only saw him give up one pressure in all the games I watched and he plays with mediocre scrambling quarterback who runs into sacks. Dude is also solid in the run game and rarely misses his target even when pulling across the line. He was just invited to the Senior Bowl so we’ll see if he remains underrated for long but dude is a stud and I could see him as a player people look back on as a steal. He only started his last year so this could be why he hasn’t gotten much hype.
        Here is Miss. St vs. Alabama https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwfuaNp1sQY

        • Matt

          Also San Diego St. secondary..
          Dudes can ball. Attitude, hard hitting, and lead the defense that ranked #2 in the NCAA for drives that end in turnover against.

          #14 CB/S Tariq Thompson (Sr. 6’0″ 200lbs)
          Every game no matter the opponent this guy flashes with tough interceptions and plays in the run game. i was especially impressed with his performance against BYU. Interested to see if he measures well.

          #18 S Trenton Thompson (Sr. 6’2″ 200lbs)
          Reminds me a lot of Brandon Browner for better and for worse. Hits with violence and is always around the ball. Takes on Oline man routinely in the running game and wins battles (albeit Mountain West O-lineman) Also led there special teams as a gunner and looks to be an absolute stud on special teams at very worst. Blocked a punt for a TD shooting the gap and also made some crushing hits and pinning grabs chasing the punt.
          Negatives? He was often a step late in coverage at SDSU. I worry he may be 2 steps late like Tedric “2 steps late” Thompson. Positives, when he was late he made the guy catching it pay.. every time. Also seems to have raw technique and not athletic limitation or instinct that lead to delays making plays on the ball.

  5. Rob Staton

    Just watched Packers vs Seahawks from 2017. Couple of things:

    1. They had Bennett, Avril and Clarke rotating in the pass rush. Now they basically have Clowney on his own. There is NO WAY they go into next year without signing multiple rushers.

    2. The game finished 17-9, which was funny given the two Philly games.

  6. Bigten

    Edwards is definitely interesting to me. Add him to duverney and K.J. Hill as my favorite mid round WRs. Does this feel similar to the 2015 draft? Lots of high profile WRs, and we opt for a third rounder like we did Lockett?

    • Bigten

      Also, Hamler feels a lot like terry McLauren.

    • Rob Staton

      In fairness I’m not sure they opted for a third rounder. They actually aggressively traded up to make sure they got Lockett in round three. They also didn’t have a first round pick that year because of the Graham trade. Plus just a year before they spent their first pick on Paul Richardson.

  7. Paul Cook

    I am SO in the get-the-quality-WR-early-camp and be done with it. It’s the year. Maybe even move up a couple of spots to get the one you want. TL, DK, high pick, the best two of the rest on our roster, perhaps add a vet. Done! And at a great overall price for a few years ahead. What a blessing to have your QB, WR’s, RB’s (add another somewhere past the 3rd round) taken care of. Then it’s just OL and TE, and at least three picks in the 2nd and 3rd rounds to potentially shore those spots up.

    Then spend big on the DL, starting with resigning Clowney.

    I suppose you could make a case for an OLman first, and then get a WR a bit later from this quality class.

    Now, they’ll probably draft a DLman first. LOL

    The off-season is sorta/kind of coming into focus for me after reading around, and especially listening to opinions on this site.

  8. Trevor

    Rob have you had a chance to check out Antonio Gandy Golden (WR/ Liberty)? I have only seen hi-light tapes so it is hard to get a real assessment. Anxious to see him at Senior Bowl as he looks the part.

    • Rob Staton

      Only highlights.

  9. Paul Cook

    On a totally OT note…God I hope my country is not getting itself into another war. Reality bites.

    • Frank

      First re-elections campaign?

  10. charlietheunicorn

    PC/JS: Please, for the love of the gods, do not pick a WR in round 4.

  11. Airkent

    What are we going to do about the o-line?? I don’t think Hunt is the answer at C. Are there good options in free agency?

    • Rob Staton

      Check recent articles, we’ve discussed this topic.

      But the OL is nowhere near as much of a priority as the DL.

    • juju

      Easy, Resign Fant he is to valuable to let walk.
      Cut Britt
      draft Medkhi Becton
      Draft a guard High like Soloman from georgia
      Phil Haynes plays Center

      trade back once get more picks and polish off this SB squad.

      • Rob Staton

        So you want to start two rookies on the OL and move a second year guard to center, a position he has minimal experience in?

        Yeah… that sounds like a recipe for absolute disaster.

  12. BobbyK

    I love Kindley. I’d love the Seahawks getting him.

  13. charlietheunicorn

    Would adding a potential #3 or #4 WR be the best use of early draft capital (round 1)?
    I’m of the opinion that they will trade back slightly, get an additional 3rd and then make a pick.

    I would rather use that on a OL (such as Ruiz at Center), since the drop off might substantial after mid 1st round for OL (C) prospects… and I’m not particularly fired up for the OT after the top 1or 2 guys. The monster Rob mentioned in the article (OG Kindley) would also be the 3rd round-5th round type of guy I could get behind selecting.

    2 nd round really could go about 7 different directions. I could see a RB taken or WR or TE or DL or LB…. pretty much any position might be in play, even back-up QB. With potentially multiple 3rd round picks, they could also go almost any direction. They have incredible flexibility this year.

    • Paul Cook

      I’d be surprised if they went RB in the second round. I’d even be surprised in the 3rd. Maybe after that I wouldn’t be.

      We’ve got Carson, Penny, Homer…that doesn’t seem like a unit that needs shoring up in the 2nd or 3rd round like WR, OL, DL, TE. It really does to you?

      • dcd2

        Correction: We have Homer, Lynch and Turbin

        I’ll be amazed if they don’t draft a RB. You can’t go in with only 3 RB’s, two of which are coming off season ending injuries and the 3rd being a 6th round rookie.

        OL, WR, RB being our first 3 picks wouldn’t shock me at all.

        Also remember, Carson is only under contract through next year.

        • Paul Cook

          What makes you think Carson and Penny aren’t coming back? They’re not dead or old players. Sure, draft a RB somewhere in the 4th through 7th round. I’m all for that. Just not in the top 3 rounds. That’s just me, perhaps.

          • dcd2

            I think they are coming back, but neither is available right now. One of our biggest strengths has turned into one of our biggest weaknesses. I love Carson, but the way he runs, make it a matter of time before he misses more games.

            Penny missed 6 games this year with injury and a couple last year too.

            We got extremely lucky finding Carson in the 7th. It does happen, like with Phillip Lindsay last year.

            Look back a couple of years though (2017 draft):
            Rds 2-3: Dalvin Cook, Joe Mixon, Alvin Kamara, Kareem Hunt, James Conner
            Rds 4: Good – Jamaal Williams, Marlon Mack Bad – Samaje Perine, Joe Williams, Donnel Pumphrey
            Rds 5-7: Brian Hill, Jeremy McNichols, TJ Logan, Elijah McGuire, De’Angelo Henderson, Devante Mays, Elijah Hood, Khalfani Muhammed, Matthew Days and…. Chris Carson

            Go Back to 2015, and the guys whose names you recognize are trending downhill big time. Most of the picks are now out of the league. There are guys like Gurley, David Johnson, Jay Ajayi who are broken or breaking, not to mention the burden of the contracts. Gurley and DJ got extended in year 3, and started breaking down in year 4.

            It’s why Bell and Zeke and Melvin Gordon are trying to leverage anything they can to get that one big contract. The shelf life on RB’s is MAYBE 5 years (always exceptions). Carson is heading into year 4, coming off a broken hip and plays as physical a game as any RB in the NFL.

            You pretty much want to take a RB every other year, if not every year in my opinion. Maybe you’re right and PCJS will think other needs are a priority though. I’m just saying there’s a case to be made for RB in the 2nd or 3rd.

            • charlietheunicorn

              When Seattle broke camp, they had good depth at TE and RB…. but by the end of season, were totally decimated. Even the WR room, which they carried 7 guys most of the season, was down to 4 healthy guy by the end of the season. Just because something is a strength, doesn’t mean you can’t keep stacking at the position…. via draft, FA or calling Marshawn up… and bring him in off his couch.

              • Paul Cook

                In some ways, I kind of think you’re making my point for me. Don’t draft a RB too high. They don’t last long. I’ve thought for awhile now that unless a RB was of the very elite kind, you get more value, at least longer term, from other positions.

                I bet they’ll be some good RB talent in the 4th, 5th, and 6th rounds. A talented WR or OLman, or TE on the other hand have a potentially longer shelf life.

                I think we agree on the matter for the most part.

                • Rob Staton

                  Too much time is spent agonising over RB value.

                  • king.

                    Interesting comment on a blog dedicated to the draft process of a team heavily committed to the running game that is currently trying to make a playoff run with its fourth string RB and two guys off the street.

                    • Rob Staton

                      No, it’s not remotely interesting.

                      Far too much time is wasted among Seahawks and NFL fans going on and on about perceived RB value.

                      It’s boring, repetitive, divisive and I for one can’t be arsed any more.

                  • king.

                    That was a pretty strong response.

                    I think the running back situation in Seattle is nearly as big a concern in 2019 as it was 2017 and all people were doing was discussing how it might be addressed, what amount of draft capital was appropriate.

                    Your dismissive comment makes it seem like you have the answers or you don’t think the answers are important.

                    • Rob Staton

                      Give it a rest. Me saying I can’t be arsed to talk about a divisive, repetitive topic like RB value doesn’t suggest “I have all the answers”. It just means I can’t be arsed with it. Like I said. Which is why I said it. I made my point very clearly.

                  • king.

                    Given the high probability of injury to RB, the workload Seattle demands of its RBs, and the importance of the running game to Seattle, I think it obvious that the running back situation is something Seattle has to take a close look at each offseason.

                    Carson is coming into a contract year and is officially an injury risk every single season (ACL in high school, ankle and thumb in college, ankle in 2017, hip in 2019).

                    Penny is coming off a ‘legit’ ACL tear and may not be ready to go to start 2020 and it is likely he won’t return to previous form until 2021, a contract year.

                    Homer looks promising.

                    That’s it. That is the RB situation.

                    One possible solution is kick the can down the road a year, pick up somebody in FA, late in the draft, or in UDFA.

                    Another possible solution is to get proactive about a position on the team that Pete feels is vital and spend some higher draft capital on it.

                    You have made it clear that you do not want debates about the value of the running game in general and I respect that. I still think that is an extremely valid topic, but this forum is not the place.

                    However, I don’t think anybody above was trying to incite that particular debate.

                    It seemed an honest effort to assess whether or not Seattle needed to address running back aggressively this year or not, which I don’t see how this blog, with its raison, with this team, can get away from that conversation.

                    • Rob Staton

                      I’m not saying don’t discuss running backs in the draft or the likelihood of Seattle taking one. I’m saying the discussion around RB value is boring, divisive and I can’t be arsed with it.

                      And I’ve written this blog for 11 years. With respect, I think I’m OK at managing the discussion.

                  • dcd2

                    I really don’t get this take. We talk about draft tendencies of the Hawks every year. About how they don’t take CB’s early, or what the team needs to prioritize this year.

                    Why are you shooting down a discussion that talks about whether the Hawks would spend a high pick on a RB and if it might be worth it?

                    The last 3 RB’s Seattle has drafted have been in the 7th, 1st and 6th round, so we’re all over the board. Which RB should we discuss? JK Dobbins & Najee Harris or Spencer Brown and James Robinson?

                    • Rob Staton

                      Discuss whichever RB’s you like.

                      I said, quite clearly, I’m not arsed about the boring, repetitive and divisive topic that is RB value. That’s completely different to acknowledging where Seattle has taken its cornerbacks and the clear preferences they have there.

                      And I’m pretty sure most of the community agree with me. I’ll let the anti-run game crowd and those who can still be bothered to indulge them talk about RB value. I’ll keep this place worth visiting by simply talking about players.

                  • James Z

                    Yikes! Just a quick note: Philly had one of the best run defenses in the NFL. Even Carson, Penny, and Prosise could have been stuffed repeatedly by their D-line. We got what we needed from the RB’s in the game… Beastmode from the 5-enuf said. Beastmode on a swing pass from R.W. and me a happy camper. Against GB if we win, we got enough from the RB’s.

    • Paul Cook

      I hope nobody thought I was part of some anti-run crowd. More than anything else, I was just saying that I didn’t prioritize RB this year in the first three rounds, but rather other positional needs. It’s a pretty deep year for RB’s, and I’d rather they bolstered that position somewhere in rounds 4 through 7 with the talent we currently have, injured at this time though they may be.

      It was a bit of a fluke to have lost our top 3 backs this year. As juicy of a RB talent that may be there in, say, the 2nd round, is such a player going to potentially be a real impact player for us next year if Carson and Penny return strong next year, even if Penny doesn’t return strong till mid-season?

      I was just offering my opinion about the RB position in next spring’s draft. That’s all.

      • Simo

        Good job clarifying your position on the RB issue and discussion Paul, haha!

        I tend to agree with you, provided both Carson and Penny come back healthy next year of course! If their return from the hip and ACL injuries are more complicated or delayed, then RB becomes a much greater need in 2020.

        • Paul Cook

          My general outlook for RB’s at this time (I could be wrong) is that if you draft a RB in the first two rounds, you’re kind of expecting them to be on the field producing year one, and certainly producing towards their potential in year two.

          Given my paltry and simplistic outlook on the subject, I don’t see such a thing happening in that way with a high pick on a RB this year. Not with our current stable.

          I’d rather take a flyer on someone like like AJ Dillon, for instance, in round 4 or 5, or some more hidden gem that I don;t know of.

          Anyway…it’s all good.

      • Starhawk29

        I can clearly see your viewpoint, but I’m definitely a bit more concerned about our future at RB. We don’t know what Carson or Penny are going to look like after yet more injuries (just look at Rawls). Given our insistence on running the ball, I have no issue spending a 2nd rounder on another elite talent. Especially with Carson in a contract year.

        Carroll has a clear vision for this team, and it appears to be running the football with a set of explosively versatile backs. The OL is priority one for the run game, but I think we mostly address that as we have: with low priced FAs and later round draft choices. Given the number of high picks we have, and the depth at WR/lack of DL talent, pursue the vision aggressively and stock your cupboard with dangerous playmakers.

        • Paul Cook

          Hey, if they draft a Dobbins or a Moss or whomever in the 2nd round, I’ll probably stand up and start doing a marachi dance. I’m just kind of building my personal vision for the off-season, largely based upon others opinions who know a lot more than I. 🙂

    • McZ

      There is no dropoff at OL in this draft. Outside, Jon Runyan or Scott Frantz are projected to go R5, Charlie Heck as a developmental target in R7. IOL is a bit flatter, but Ben Bredeson or another good player could be there R3 or 4.

      This basically open the possibility to draft DL high two times. Javon Kinlaw or Raekwon Davis at IDL, Okwara or Greenard at EDGE. A player I have watched a lot is Marlon Davidson, Auburn. If he takes a few pounds and gets more consitent, I think this could be a decent fit.

      Value at RB this offseason is pretty much excellent. Lots of talent that will fall down the ladder due to also having a top heavy WR class. Mocking through three different engines, I was constantly able to pick Dobbins in R2, Etienne in R3 and Dillon as far as R7. So, I agree, we will pick a RB sooner or later. If we pick sooner, it will be a real playmaker.

      At WR, I wonder why Tyler Johnson, Minnesota doesn’t get covetted. He has an ideal frame, has easy separation (ahhm, sometimes), nice route tree, looks nearly like Lockett 2 with the benefit of going vertical, too.

      What I don’t see is picking a TE that high. TE is the most misanalyzed position in recent drafts. And look what teams got out of their top picks. A Breeland or Trautman in R4 would be completely okay.

      Backup QB could be Anthony Gordon out of Wazzu.

      • Rob Staton

        1. There’s always a drop off, even if a position is strong. There is some depth on the OL in this draft but nothing out of the ordinary. It’s a much deeper WR class.

        2. There is no chance Jacob Kinlaw is available to them. None at all. It’s unlikely Raekwon lasts. Okwara is very light and needs to test well and have gained 10lbs to be on the radar, which will be difficult given his injury. Greenard just isn’t going to be athletic enough for Seattle.

        3. Mock draft engines might be fun but they tell us absolutely nothing about what is realistic.

        4. Why is TE ‘misanalysed’? Explain.

        • McZ

          Kinlaw will definitely be gone, but Davis may be available, if the WR frenzy starts. Marlon Davidson could be a nice mid-round alternative.

          At edge, I also like that Minnesota dude… Carter Coughlin. Had intriguing tape vs Pann St and Iowa. 2018 BIG 10 sack leader, became a heavier without loosing speed. A little sloppy at times on the PoA, but this should becoachable. Not sure he is just as very capable SAM or a real DE.

          Mock draft engines are not a source of knowledge, but a tool to get a feeling about what needs the teams have and what dynamics are about to emerge. The problem here is, that the ratings for players are utter crap right now and will not be any better until after Combine.

          Looking at the top drafted TEs of the last drafts, there is no one playing to his R1 or 2 status. What a TE is, what he was allowed to be in college and what type of TE you ultimately get as a team is possibly the widest span of any position. I think, the Seahawks do quite well looking after good blockers with safe hands. Keep it simple here. Which was why I proposed drafting Mark Andrews in my 2018 mocks, only to find myself very content with the Dissly pick. (all opinionated of course)

  14. Zxvo3

    Devin Duvernay stood out a lot against Utah. He looks a lot like a RB playing WR. Watched some of his highlights and saw that he’s been playing well all year. He looks like he is primarily a slot receiver, which I don’t know if that would be a good or bad thing for the Seahawks. He uses his speed to create separation, but he can also catch some tough throws. Maybe he could be a target later if we picked a position other than WR in the first round.

  15. John_s

    Rob, one name I’ve been seeing getting some buzz in the scouting community is justin madubuike, DT Texas AM. Have you had a chance to watch him?

    • Rob Staton

      I have not

  16. clbradley17

    Another TE who declared and we may be able to draft later is UCLA’s Devin Asiasi. “Asiasi finished the season with career highs in catches (44), yards receiving (641) and touchdowns (four). The 6-foot-3, 260-pound Asiasi was also one of the team’s better blockers.”

    Highlights – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJMN5aJN6cM

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      Dude YES on Asiasi. Solid early Day 3 pick.

      https://seahawksdraftblog.com/cfb-week-14-rivalry-weekend-provides-entertainment#comment-461359

      • clbradley17

        Hoping we can find another find-the-seam receiving and great blocking big tight end in the draft like Dissly, and Asiasi might fit the bill. He was a 4 star recruit and also a very good DE in high school, so he might be a BAMF; Dissly also converted from D to TE.

        • Trevor

          If the Hawks move Fant to TE full time they will be looking for another blocking TE even if Dissly is healthy. He is someone to keep an eye on for sure. Nice find this is the first time I have heard his name to be honest and when I checked him out I was pleasantly surprised. Would be a solid day #3 pick as I bet he could play some full back as well.

          • Trevor

            Meant to say move Fant to OT.

  17. clbradley17

    Baldy’s Breakdown of RW vs. Eagles

    Analyzing Russell Wilson vs. Eagles | Baldy’s Breakdown
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-llRKYxlTs

    2019 Wild Card: Seahawks at Eagles | Seahawks All Access
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgbd6f6u66g

  18. dcd2

    WR Quintez Cephus Wisc, was a beast in the Rose Bowl and against Minnesota and tOSU. Reminds me a bit of Anquan Boldin. Doubt he’ll blow anyone away with measurables. He has great body control, locates the ball well, adjusts really well, has good hands and is tough to bring down.

    He missed all of 2018 after being accused of sexual assault. He was acquitted and reinstated by the Badgers this year. I’m not sure if that means he’s off our board or not.

    Might be an option in the mid-late (hopefully not 4th). I’m just wondering if we pivot a bit from the ‘traits’ approach to WR’s after: Durham, Harper, Norwood, Darboh, Jennings as our recent mid-rounders.

    • dcd2

      Cephus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rj0qfZVHh8

    • Starhawk29

      Every time I’ve watched the Badgers, Cephus makes plays. I do worry about the Darboh comp, they seem like similar players that way. Still, the guy seemed to always make plays when the team needed him, so definitely one to watch.

  19. icb12

    Josh Jacobs buying his old man a house.. props to that young man and his dad. Feel good story for sure in this crazy world.

  20. Awsi Dooger

    Just remember that tall wide receivers are the ones most likely to bust. Historically the best wide receivers have been in the 5-11 to 6-1 range, no matter what criteria you use. But the NFL falls in love with size and therefore is content to proclaim one exception after another.

    Yes, it’s gold if you connect on a tall receiver who also can separate and make the greedy clutch grabs while contested. But the risk soars as well. The league is inept at rating and drafting wide receivers. The first round return on investment rate is abysmal compared to second round.

    One of the prime reasons for that is so many 6-2 and taller receivers get shoved into high first round and don’t pan out, guys like Charles Rogers and Mike Williams (USC) and Kevin White and Laquon Treadwell and I could keep going and going.

    The 6-0 and 6-1 types like Terry McLaurin and Jerry Jeudy are more advantaged than disadvantaged.

    • clbradley17

      Keep an eye on Senior Bowl week – both McLaurin and Deebo Samuel were the best WRs at seperating last year, and turned out to be excellent rookie WRs. Gary Jennings was a close 3rd, had a great game and junior/senior years at WVU, just didn’t work out for us.

      • Trevor

        The way things worked out with Jennings really was quite surprising. He screamed Hawks WR during the draft process and seemed like an ideal fit. I am really surprised he did not even make it through his rookie year. I wonder if he was not a good fit in the locker room or something. I think about the time they give guy like Darboh to see if he would pan out and Jennings was gone in a blink.

        • AndrewP

          I was listening to the Brock & Salk podcast last night and the brought up Jennings. They kinda vaguely alluded to the fact that Russ was not impressed. Then I remembered that Russ pointed Jennings out after a practice, and that it was by far his best performance of camp…

          I think you may be on to something that GJ just wasn’t a fit with Russ and the team was willing to let him go.

    • Rob Staton

      You don’t need to remind us about any of this.

      We talk about smaller, sudden receivers all the time.

    • cha

      Just remember that tall wide receivers are the ones most likely to bust.

      Eh, there’s been far more tall WRs drafted high that have turned out boom than bust the last few years

      AJ Green 6’4″
      Julio Jones 6’3″
      Mike Evans 6’5″
      Mike Williams 6’3″
      Devonte Parker 6’3″

      I’m not sure your premise is sound. I agree that height isn’t everything and as Rob said traits and skills >>> height every time. But I for sure wouldn’t discount a player specifically because he’s so tall.

      • Greg Haugsven

        Separation is so key, getting in and out of your breaks. In college the WR’s can basically just run banana routes and get wide open. In the NFL those breaks need to be sharp without losing acceleration.

      • Rob Staton

        Plus… you could have 500 tall receivers bust in the NFL. It doesn’t mean 501 won’t be a hall of famer.

        Judge every player on his own merits. Not because someone totally unrelated was a success or failure.

        • cha

          Indeed. This “position group X has a high bust rate” thinking never seems to hold water. All first round picks have potential to bust regardless of position.

      • McZ

        What is a bust?

        Let’s say, we pick 6’6″ TJ Vasher in R7, he becomes WR#6 or 7 and don’t see him the whole season, but he makes that one insane catch to keep us in the playoffs, is that a bust?

        I think, WR is a position, where you need a proper mix of capabilities. There is merit in having a slot receiver and a vertical target. It offers play options.

  21. Trevor

    Weather forecast for GB Sunday evening looks ideal for GB in January. 25 with low wind less than 5 mph and only a 5% chance of precipitation. Hope it stays that way as it would be a huge break for Wilson and the Hawks

  22. Trevor

    Props to Clowney for playing through this core injury the second part of the season. It has definitely hurt his effectiveness but 75% of him is still better than any other option the Hawks have. It is particularly impressive given that this is his free agent year. A lot of guys I think would have shut it down and gotten the surgery to be healthy for the off season.

    Makes me really wonder if Clowney and the Hawks don’t already have a handshake agreement done. I know they can’t sign him till the season is over but that does not mean they could not have been talking to him about a deal similar to how they agreed to not franchise him. It certainly would be a nice way to start the off season after a Super Bowl win to sign Clowney long term then get to work on the rest of that DL.

    • Greg Haugsven

      I do think its very possible they have a back door agreement already. Not sure if Clowneys agent would want him playing otherwise. It would just jeopardize his future contract.Ill tell you what though, I play soccer every Thursday night and I have this injury (probably not to his extent) and its not that terrible playing with it but it the next couple days afterwards that is rough. I can see why he does practice much because it would just ruin the next couple days.

  23. EranUngar

    Many have been worried with the Seahawks winning games by 1 score. (It is not sustainable etc.)

    After the win over the Eagles, the Seahawks are the 2nd team in NFL history to win 11 games by 1 score.

    Who was the first team to achieve similar indignation:

    The 2015 SB champions Denver.

    • cha

      If you want some more ammo, the Seahawks’ road wins. They have 8. If they win in GB, that’ll be 9.

      The other teams to win 9 in a season?

      2007 Giants – won SB
      2005 Steelers – won SB

  24. Logan Lynch

    Since I have the fortune of being in WI all week, I get to hear how GB analysts see SEA and will relay some general points I’ve heard so far.

    The feeling is that the run game of SEA isn’t a threat right now. Stop the run and keep Wilson in the pocket is their key to success. They did admit that keeping Wilson in the pocket is not necessarily guaranteeing success, but it’s the best option. I think that SEA will employ similar tactics against GB as Rodgers can be very dangerous on the move and avoiding pressure.

    With DK’s big game, he’s the focal point of the passing offense. They believe GB will put Kevin King on Metcalf all game because he has the size, speed, length to match up much better than any of their other CBs. Frankly, they haven’t said anything about Lockett. If he ends up against Tramon Williams, that’s a huge mismatch. Jaire Alexander would fare better against Lockett, but he’d give up about 6″ and 40lb to Metcalf. If the 3rd WR can step up in this game, be it Moore or Turner, I think that could be critical.

    The only player on D they mention is Clowney. And even then, multiple times they said he can be a game wrecker “if he wants to play”. It’s not a lack of motivation, it’s the injury holding him back, but whatever. Personally, I think Reed and Ford need to step it up big time. SEA will need to set the edge vs the run and pass, and they can’t let Jones run up the middle or Rodgers scramble.

    My very early read on this game is that turnovers will be huge. Rodgers, like Wilson, doesn’t throw many INTs, but he does fumble a decent amount in the pocket on sacks. He had 3 fumbles from the pocket this year and 4 last year. Jones is pretty secure with the ball. If SEA can force a turnover, they need to capitalize with TDs. That was the problem MIN ran into on MNF vs GB. Field goals won’t win this game (unless it’s a last second one from Myers).

    News flash, but SEA is going to try and run in this game. If they can get some traction, it will be immensely helpful. The Smith’s have been great against the pass, but we may see SEA try to use their aggressiveness against them. I know they don’t generally use the quick passing game much, but this could be the game to do it.

    Beat the Packers, nothing else matters. Go Hawks!

    • Rob Staton

      I think we need to score. We need to be putting points on the board. Just like we did in 2018 against them. If we can’t then they will find the weaknesses in our defense. I fear their running game against us. So when we have the ball we need to keep up with points and hope we get a bit of luck near the end.

      • Logan Lynch

        Agreed, especially early on. Getting GB on their heels would be huge. I think this could end up being a shootout.

  25. Paul Cook

    Watching the GB Minnesota game closely a few weeks ago, I couldn’t help but notice how ineffective they made Cousins and the Minnesota passing game look with their pass rush. It looked utterly hapless. Now I know that RW isn’t Kirk Cousins, but I hope we’re planning for a RW who probably isn’t going to have much time to get rid of the ball. I think we might need a more quick strike passing game then we’re normally accustomed to, and perhaps a more effective use of our RB’s as receivers out of the backfield. Just a thought.

    • cha

      That’s not an unreasonable position but I feel like there is room for rushing more.

      GB’s rush defense is squarely in the bottom third of the NFL. If Brown is able to gut it out and play Sunday, I’d love to see Fant return to his TE mauler role, and the Hawks have a two headed monster of Lynch pounding it and Homer with those outside options and maybe some swing passes. Burns clock and keeps the defense fresher.

      Also makes room for play action and opens up some lanes for RW to make passes. I can see this being a big game for Lockett.

      • Logan Lynch

        I want to see SEA punch GB in the face on both offense and defense. Get Brown and Iupati back with Marshawn running behind them. Have the LBs and Diggs lay the wood over the middle.

      • Paul Cook

        Yeah, I thought about our play-action passing game and deep threat potential with RW. I just wondered if it was going to be effective this week after what I saw at Philly with our running game. But, like you said, GB is worse against the rush than Philly, so there is some hope there.

        I think we have a decent chance against GB if we don’t fall behind early. Hell, last I looked, Vegas has our game as the narrowest point spread.

        It’s going to be interesting.

    • line_hawk

      The problem was Vikings were missing both their top backs and had to start Mike Boone, who was a smaller back usually reserved for nickel situations. GB shut down Vikings run game and Vikings couldn’t get anything going on offense. Does that sound familiar? Yes, Hawks are in a similar predicament and it wouldn’t be surprising for this game to go the same route.

      • line_hawk

        At least, the silver lining with Carson & Penny out is that the Hawks will lean more on Wilson instead of running into a brick wall time after time like Dallas playoff game. As Wilson goes, so goes the Hawks.

        • Rob Staton

          Not this again.

          The Seahawks played the way they did against Dallas because they were one of the most prolific teams in the league to finish the season, were smashing teams on offense through the air and on the ground and finished the year 6-1.

          The Dallas Cowboys played better and deserved to win.

          The sooner people get over it and just accept that the better.

          • Mark Souza

            I disagree. Dallas was putting 8 and 9 in the box to shut down our running game. It worked. We were, as line_hawk said, running into a wall. Then Dallas would drop out into something more conventional once we were off schedule and facing 3rd and long.

            The two times we bucked our tendencies and threw on first down when they had 8 in the box resulted in two huge gains. But rather than continuing to burn them through the air until they backed men off the LOS, we stopped passing early and kept running into the wall until we were in 3rd and long again. The result was predictable.

            There’s an old football saying, “Take what they give you.” If they’re selling out to stop the run, you have to take advantage of that – and we didn’t (with two exceptions).

            • Rob Staton

              So how many times did they pass vs run in the second half?

              Did they run it into a brick wall over and over again?

              No.

              But it doesn’t suit anyone’s agenda.

              We’re not getting into this again. Sorry. Move on. Dallas played better, deserved to win and we played without a kicker in the second half and couldn’t defend a QB draw on third and forever.

  26. line_hawk

    GB is vulnerable to being run over. If we had even one good RB, I would be a lot more comfortable. Looking back, the decision to keep Procise over Scarborough might break the season.

    They need to add more bodies next year. They can’t trust Carson to be healthy all year and Penny is not a power back. They need more hard runners.

    PS – I like Homer but see him more as third down back.

    • Mark Souza

      I disagree about Penny. He wasn’t a power back, but started running like one this year. His rookie year he tried to run like he did in college, making everyone miss. But that didn’t work so well in the pros. I don’t know if the coaches worked with him on it, or he picked it up from watching Carson, but he started hitting the pile hard this year. If there was a hole, he’d jet through it. But if there wasn’t, he drove hard, tried to stay on his feet, and picked up whatever he could. He improved in that regard this year.

    • Volume12

      It’s a pretty loaded class at RB. Gonna be some guys with starter potential on day 3 (4th round) Should be relatively easy for Seattle to add some depth at the position.

      • Volume12

        * insurance

      • Paul Cook

        That’s kind of the way I’m thinking/feeling about the matter.

      • DC

        Will be interesting to see where in the draft Hill, Harris & Dillon go. Feel like we’re gonna add a good one.

  27. JJ

    Anyone checked out Patrick Johnson from Tulane. His stats in 2019 were not as good as 2018, but his 2018 was impressive. Might be a late round flier for edge?

  28. Gohawks5151

    Thoughts on Justin Jefferson? All the attention seemed to be on Jamar Chase but this kid has really looked good, especially vs Oklahoma. He gets easy separation and is seemingly always open. Works the middle of the field well and is makes plays deep like Seattle likes. I imagine he is not a first round guy (maybe early-mid 2nd) but if another need is filled first he could be an option.

    • Volume12

      Stud. As you said, seperates well. Has the ability to find holes and exploit coverages. Think he’s best suited play from the slot.

      • Gohawks5151

        Thanks Vol. Do you think his best position being in the slot lessens the chance he goes to Seattle because of Lockett? Is Seattle just in talent acquisition mode at WR or looking for a compliment to DK’s size and deep speed and Lockett’s quickness and savy?

        • Volume12

          No. Not really. I think he works best from the slot, but that doesn’t mean he has to exclusively line up there.

          Good question. Tough to say exactly what they’re looking for. I would guess a complimentary piece though. Lockett and Metcalf are both #1 receivers IMO.

      • Paul Cook

        If we want a first round talent WR this year, I think we could get one. There’s just a plethora of talent there this year. And here’s the thing…we could draft a first round talent at WR, and he could be considered OUR THIRD RECEIVER! That’s awesome for RW moving forward.

  29. cha

    Condotta notes from today’s press conference:

    Pete Carroll said team is getting a second opinion on Mike Iupati so no real update yet. Says Duane Brown did some work the last 2 days which is “encouraging.” But says he won’t practice today and will need to wait until late in week to know anything.

    Carroll says Kendricks has been put on IR and that team is calling up OL Chad Wheeler off the practice squad. That may be a hedge on Iupati being questionable.

    Carroll says Ziggy Ansah “feels better than trainers thought” he might and is hopeful of playing Sunday.

    Clowney won’t practice today but Carroll says he’s physically today where he was this time last week which he says is a good sign given how he played Sunday.

    Carroll says Malik Turner will practice today and they’ll see where he is. Good sign he’s able to go at all after missing last 2 weeks with a concussion.

    Gregg Bell notes:

    “Encouraging sign” for Duane Brown, Pete Carroll says. LT did “some work” yesterday and will again today, short of practicing. A step(?) toward playing Sunday at Green Bay. Minor knee surgery 2 weeks ago.

    Pete Carroll says he wishes #Seahawks had put rookie Ugo Amadi at nickel DB earlier than last part of regular season, because he’s “really blossoming” in that role now.

    WR Malik Turner (concussion) will practice today, #Seahawks will see how that goes. “Touch and go,” on whether he can play Sunday at Green Bay, Pete Carroll says.

    • Gohawks5151

      Not the first time Pete has talked about Amadi in the last half of the season. That quote was almost word for word what he said about Frank Clark. The kid has a knack and seems like he is always around the ball. I think him and Blair see the field a lot next year.

    • Volume12

      If Pete is high on Ugo at nickel, I wonder if Seattle adds a size/length project at corner instead to develop behind Flowers and Shaq. Not that they couldn’t of done this regardless.

      • Eli

        Any guys you like? A few with length that might be worth checking:

        Miss St. CB Cameron Dantzler
        Clemson CB A.J. Terrell
        Iowa CB Michael Ojemudia
        Washington CB Keith Taylor

        • Volume12

          Haven’t looked at a whole lot of bigger corners.

          Dantzler is one. There were some things I really dug about him.

          Reggie Robinson from Tulsa is a guy I wanna watch.

          Virginia’s Bryce Hall would be a great value pick depending on where you can get him.

          Will check out Ojemudia and Taylor

          • Eli

            I remember Hall being a PFF darling last year but haven’t heard much on him this season, so maybe he slips in the draft.

            I really liked Dantzler as well, had a nice physicality to his game. I will say just from cursory watching, though, it’s tough to tell how much length he has despite being 6’2.

        • Volume12

          Only saw a tiny bit of him and he’s super raw, but OK St’s AJ Green was intriguing

        • McZ

          I’m quite high on Chase Lucas, ASU.
          Excellent athleticism and anticipation; smart, tough and disciplined player, who might lack an inch, but you won’t notice on film.

    • astro.domine

      Anyone studied Chad Wheeler? Surprising move

      • Rob Staton

        They have a real issue with backup linemen if Brown/Iupati can’t go.

  30. Stephen Pitell

    On draft strategy: Historically, Pete has relied on FA and trades for DL, and as Rob has stated at least twice lately, the Hawks are likely to have the DL addressed before the draft, and so if ruling DE’s out as likely targets, I believe OL is where we will likely see our draft capital used in the early rounds. This is especially likely for the reason that it is almost impossible to find game ready OL in anything but the early rounds.

    Then there is Britt and the center position. Which brings up the cap, and we are expecting to spend a large amount of it shoring up the DL on Clowney, Reed, Fant/and or Ifedi, and even Fluker who I particularly would like to re-sign for at least one more year, if for no other reason than that he seems to be entirely enjoying his time with the Hawks. The way he flung Lynch forward for the final two yards and a TD after blowing up the guy who had ahold of Marshawn was just an awesome sight.

    Fant at RT, Fluker at RG, Brown at LT and Jones at LG and that leaves the center position which seems unlikely to be left up to Hunt. Hunt is reported to be the most intelligent lineman we have and his desire and savy have been the good that balances against the bad part of his game which is lack of strength. I’d love to keep Hunt as the starting center if he can bulk up or grow a few inches or in some other way eliminate the glaring weakness in his game.

    I’ll leave the scouting to John’s team of scouts, but if we can see a sure fire starting center in the draft, I can’t help but think that is where we will spend our first or second pick in this years’ draft.

    Hunt might be the sixth OL spot that Fant has so admirably filled, but TE is also a likely use of an early draft pick. Hunt should be retained as a long term backup, in any case. He seems very well liked and he’ll likely be cheap.

    Though I do not dispute our need for a better pass rush, I think most of the improvement can come in the form of year over year improvement from our current group. Q Jefferson has become a solid rotational piece. Green is improving game over game and has shown a significant skill at being a run stopper. One more click of the dial and Green might be the answer for Ansah’s replacement. Poona is good and might become one of those underappreciated vets who do yeoman’s work. I love his motor. Keep Reed or don’t keep Reed, but we’ve got the capital to go get one more really good DL and along with the year over year improvement we can expect from basically everyone, we could have the DL necessary to carry us to a SB

    • BobbyK

      I totally disagree that their philosophy is to rely on FA and trades to for the DL. I believe it will happen this off-season because of what will be available in the draft, but I don’t believe they like taking this route.

      They have made a total of 7 first round picks and used 2 of them on pass rushers (Bruce Irvin and LJ Collier). There have also been two drafts where they didn’t have a first round pick and when they did finally make their first pick, it was on a DL (Frank Clark and Malik McDowell).

      They traded up in the second round to get Jarran Reed. It’s just that most of their day 2 draft picks on the DL haven’t been that good – hence the need to get someone good somehow (free agency, trades, etc.).

      They’ve used plenty of draft picks on the DL the second day of the draft, it’s just that those third round guys haven’t been good – Jordan Hill, Naz Jones, and hopefully Rasheem Green can amount to something but we’re at the end of his second year and he’s not exactly making people think DE isn’t a need (or Collier).

      They haven’t made any good fourth round picks on the DL either. Sure, Jaye Howard turned out okay but only after the Seahawks cut him and the Chiefs got him. EJ Wilson was a bust. And Cassius Marsh has never been a quality starter, though he has had a longer career. They have also liked some guys (like Aaron Donald) but couldn’t draft them because they were gone. When you fail for the most part in drafting a unit on the team like DL – you need to do something before it can get good and if most draft picks do not pan out – you need to turn to free agency and trades.

      • Starhawk29

        Yes, they’ve drafted quite a few DLers early, but I think you’re being a bit harsh in grading them. Sure, Mcdowell was a joke, but recognize the success they’ve had there. Clark has averaged double digit sacks for the last four years of his career. Reed is a solid DT (not as great as last season but still solid). Green is super young and is leading the team in sacks.

        This team takes a year or three to develop lineman, but they are consistent at it. It seems like PC and JS’s strategy has been to draft development and role players that they like early, and sign vets to start and fill out the rotation. Writing off Collier and Green is early, these guys will be big role players for the next two years.

        • BobbyK

          You don’t draft guys in the first round to be a role player who doesn’t make a big impact. Especially a DE whose role probably won’t be to rush the passer on 3rd downs when the team needs impact the most.

          I never said Clark wasn’t a good pick. Did they think he was good enough to keep or extend? The answer is no. You know they’d like to have their own Aaron Donald and extend him, but they haven’t gotten anyone that good yet. When they took Bruce Irvin to be their pass rusher of the future, they didn’t hope he wouldn’t be good enough for them to not bother picking up his fifth year option and letting him walk. They were hoping he’d be a stud that would be part of the long-term solution. Instead, he was a solid player who wasn’t worth picking up that option.

          • Starhawk29

            As Rob has said before, Collier best projects as an inside out rusher. If he develops, he’s a 3rd down staple.

            If you’re expecting the Hawks to pick Donald, you’re gonna be waiting for a while. He was the 13th pick in that draft. With the way we’ve been trading back, we’re not going to be picking that high anytime soon. For a 2nd round pick, Clark is an absolute stud. Not every pick will be a homerun, even in the first round.

            As far as drafting role players go, I would argue that is precisely what some teams tend to do in the draft. Dexter Lawrence was graded as a phenomenal run defender and little else. He went 17th overall, and that was expected. The same year that seahawks fans were crying over picking a RB in the 1st round, the Patriots did the same thing. Sony Michel has been decent, but he’s a role player in their offense.

            It is also important to remember context. When we drafted Irvin, the next three DLs off the board were Quinton Coples and Shea Mclelin followed by Chandler Jones. Jones was considered a reach at the time too. Of those four, only Irvin and Jones are still in the league. Do I wish we drafted Jones? Sure. Did Irvin do as he was supposed to? He has 52 sacks over 8 years.

  31. Kenny Sloth

    VAR is ruining the NFL

  32. CHawk Talker Eric

    Chances are he’ll go before SEA’s first pick, but I’m very much in favor of double-dipping on Michigan OLers by drafting Ruiz in R1, then dBredeson in late R2/R3. That would solidify SEA’s interior OL for about a decade.

    • charlietheunicorn

      I actually thought about this earlier today. If they can address the majority of their problems on defense with FA pick-ups, then this would be a wise investment. If the team is RW centric, then they need to keep him upright. I like this idea of 2 guys who already have chemistry playing side by side again in the NFL.

      For example: Brown / Bredeson / Ruiz / Fluker / Fant
      Backups would be guys like Roos, Haynes, Hunt and Jones

      Not a bad combo of guys to work with imo.

      • CHawk Talker Eric

        That works for me though I’d like to see Jones and Haynes compete with Fluker for first team.

        I like our OTs. If possible I’d like to keep both Ifedi and Fant, but if it’s one or the other, I definitely prefer Fant. I also like Britt. And notwithstanding his ACL injury, I think his best football is still ahead of him. I’m just not sure if his $9m cap space isn’t better used on defense, especially if he can be replaced/upgraded by Ruiz. And although there are other OGs in this draft class that interest me, there’s something about Bredeson that seems pretty Seahawky to me. Not to mention established chemistry with Ruiz.

    • McZ

      Add Jon Runyon in R6, and we have a Michigan triple dip.

  33. charlietheunicorn

    Did some digging around on the new Seahawk OL Chad Wheeler.
    SPARQ was a -1.7 for the 2017 combine.
    Took a look at a cut up of his combine, he looks like he has natural power, but definitely isn’t the swiftness of foot.
    I’m wondering, due to his extreme height (6’7″) if they have a TE package, where he is outside of Fant, he has long arms and might be able to sneak up the middle near the goal-line and catch a TD. (?) OR maybe they have a 7 OL package.. to mash/maul the packers DL to wear them down.

    • Robert Las Vegas

      Rob I have a quick question for you what are your thoughts on if the Seahawks on draft traded there 2 picks in second round and traded up for high pick in second round or a late first. I am not 100 percent sure number or point value it’s an interesting thought

      • Rob Staton

        I think it’s unlikely. It’s something they’ve never done and I’m not sure there are going to be players ‘you have to have’ in that range.

      • line_hawk

        In the past few years, they have drafted 10 times better in lower rounds than top day 1/early day 2. In fact, they should trade away all firsts for 3rds & 5ths. 🙂

    • Rob Staton

      I think he’ll be inactive. I think this is just extra depth with all the injuries.

  34. Adog

    I would like to see the Hawks hire Ken Jennings on. For one he could erase the Jennings that holmgren drafted… for two he could be used as data storage.

  35. Nick

    Anybody have thoughts on Edge Khalid Kareem? 6’4, 260. Has long arms. First year starting for ND: 42 tackles/10.5 TFL/4.5 sacks. Seems like an interesting fit for Seattle.

    • Rob Staton

      For any DE in the draft this year for me it’s a simple situation —- are they fast?

      Look at the 10 yard splits at the combine. If you’re slow, it’s a big no. They need speed. They know they need speed.

      • Nick

        You’re right. Scouting combine will be a way to filter appropriate DE candidates for this team.

  36. Volume12

    Mike Leach in the SEC? This is gonna be incredible

    • Volume12

      Hahahaha! Leach vs Lane Kiffin once a year!

      • Rob Staton

        Should be fun

    • Volume12

      The hell am I gonna do late on Saturday nights in the fall? I need to watch Wazzu pitch it around 50-60 times a game and still lose.

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      Is Miss St. a step up from Wazzu? I mean I guess being in the SEC is better than the PAC12 but you don’t coach a conference, you coach a team.

      • Paul Cook

        That’s a good question. In some ways, it seems close to a lateral move. But the recruiting base down there will probably be stronger for him. Also, it’s warmer and closer to Key West where he likes to hang.

  37. Radman

    personally I’d like to see them draft a C or G with their first pick. Seems like the last few years there have been credible pro bowl talents in that range where they are likely to pick, late first/early-mid 2nd after a trade. They could use an infusion of youth and cheapness there. Second pick WR.

    And address the D line in FA as mentioned.

    • Rob Staton

      But if they go youth/cheap on the OL and it doesn’t work, can we all remember that people asked for it?

  38. TomLPDX

    Question for the group, spurred by previous comments above…

    If we do want to get a WR early, what are we really looking for traits-wise? Tyler is small, quick and explosive; DK is big, quick and a beast that is getting better every game. What’s missing that we should be targeting? Does Ursua fit any of those traits and for that matter, any of our other WRs.

    • Paul Cook

      Talent, good hands, speed, the ability to get open. Something like that.

    • Rob Staton

      It’s not that they’re necessarily missing anything. It’s simply a case of adding more talent. Russell Wilson deserves as much as you can give him. And this is a good receiver draft.

      But personally I would be looking for suddenness, pure speed, the ability to create easy separation and proper catching technique.

      • TomLPDX

        That sounds good to me, kind of like Richardson in his final year with us once he was healthy. Is this a case of best player available then? Someone in between Lockett and DK that can really perform and break it open but still capable of doing what we require of our receivers as blockers and team-first players (i.e. not a diva) and be a integral part of a balanced team.

    • Henry Taylor

      I’m really just looking for another reliable target for 3rd down, the team was so much better with Dissly healthy, and at this point he cant be trusted for a whole season. I’d be really into Hunter Bryant but anyone who can provide another reliable option would be great, receiver or TE.

      • TomLPDX

        I think this is a given that we bring in another TE at some point, either through the draft or FA or both. I’m not ready to write Will off just yet and believe that he can learn to better prepare himself throughout the season in his conditioning. I wish that Willson was a better all-around TE because he is such a character but we need better than that at this point.

  39. Brashmouse

    Contested catches, good separation, and run blocking. Ursua is the locket/baldwin role while the other positions need to be bigger as run blocking is over 50% of duties.

  40. line_hawk

    Ursua is going to be 26 next year. What is his role going forward?

    • Paul Cook

      If we pick a WR high this spring, I still think he could make the team.

      • line_hawk

        I don’t see him beating Lockett, Metcalf, rookie, Moore next year. Is he WR5? He might be purely depth/special teams guy at that point.

        • Paul Cook

          We usually go with six on the active roster.

          • line_hawk

            Really, I was super excited about him early on but at this point, it looks like he is going to be WR5/WR6. Doesn’t mean he won’t make the roster but my expectations are lower from him.

            • Mark Souza

              I’m still excited by Ursua and disappointed that the team doesn’t seem to feel the same way. I don’t look at him as a Lockett type. To me, he is in the Amendola, Edelman mold. Super quick, sharp breaks, great hands, instant separation, and the ability to turn a 5 yard route into a 20 yard play. Pete seems to like deep ball receivers. How badly do you think Belichick would love to get his hands on Ursua – an ideal receiver for a quick passing offense?

      • JC3

        It is our fans’ wishful thinking that Ursua become the next ADB, however, NFL dish out these kind of WR with potential every year. So far I don’t see anything special about him, and I blame him jumped one yard short of his route that caused us a #1 seat. Doug would do a double fake on defender and caught the ball in the end zone undisputed.

        • cha

          Good grief. It was his first ever NFL catch. Give the kid a break.

          • TomLPDX

            I agree, Cha, it was his first NFL catch and he did good. I hold no ill will towards him and was actually really glad he got involved in the game and made a play.

            I really don’t think Ursua has had a chance to prove anything yet and only the coaches and players really know what he is potentially capable of.

    • cha

      Definitely got a spot in the slot role. Find the soft spots in the zone, scramble drill type guy. Not a replacement for Baldwin but doing some of the things he did.

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