Apologies for the lack of updates this weekend – internet access hasn’t been as forthcoming as hoped during this trip back to the PNW.
Matt Barkley vs Andrew Luck
I fought off the jet lag to stay awake during the marathon encounter between USC and Stanford. It actually proved to be a very similar meeting to last year’s game – closely fought with a nail biting finish. The other piece of deja vu? I actually thought Matt Barkley performed better than Andrew Luck.
There is an awful lot to like about Luck and of course he’s going to be the #1 overall pick next April. If you break down all the physical aspects of being a quarterback, Luck will be superior to Barkley. However, Barkley has a vital edge.
This was the first time I’d seen Luck pressured this season – the USC defensive line provided something akin to the kind of pressure Luck will face at the next level. Usually, Luck is given carte blanche to run the offense how he sees fit, picking his passes and allowing a dominating run game to prosper. In three years starting, Luck has been sacked a mere 16 times in total. To put that into perspective, Matt Barkley was sacked 16 times in 2010 alone. Luck’s quick release, understanding of defensive reads and mobility have played a part in his low number of sacks, but it’s one cog in what is essentially a machine of an offense.
The two sacks registered by USC in this game doubled Stanford’s total conceded for the season. This game offered a rare insight into how Luck copes with pressure and to be perfectly honest, he looked flustered. The Trojans got into his head and it led to mistakes. The touchdown interception was uncharacteristic, but then so was the pressure Stanford’s quarterback was facing. His accuracy – usually pinpoint – dropped a few notches. Suddenly the guy looked human.
That’s not to say this was a poor performance that will impact his draft stock – it wasn’t and it won’t. However, it showed that there’s still work to be done if Luck is going to become the player most expect him to be. Maybe this was the game he needed in terms of his development? After all, he settled down well after the pick six to lead a touchdown drive and negotiate three over times for the victory. He is going to face pressure like that every week at the next level – particularly early in his career for a bad team – and he has to learn to deal with it.
Barkley on the other hand is already at that level and this was evidenced again on Saturday. He’s composed in the pocket when challenged, he knows how to buy that extra split second to complete a pass. I thought this was another tremendous performance again flashing high on-field IQ – making good decisions, progressing through his reads and getting the ball to his playmakers. In the first half he was let down big time by his receivers – particularly a far from 100% Robert Woods. I counted one bad pass that asked too much of his target.
Give the guy even a mediocre line, a good running back and a few guys to throw to and he can be the next Matt Ryan. He doesn’t have elite physical tools, but everything else that matters in the game (accuracy, touch, decision making, experience in a pro-offense, character, experience making multiple reads) is top notch. And when we talk about a lack of elite size or arm strength, it’s not that either are a major weakness. Barkley has sneaky mobility and will be able to a.) extend plays and b.) make plays on the ground to keep a drive going. Barkley can get a football down field at a level that will test an NFL secondary.
These last two performances against Notre Dame and Stanford have me as convinced as everthat Barkley is primed for a successful career at the next level and that he thoroughly deserves a high first round grade. A lot of the issues that will he will be faced with as a rookie – such as learning a playbook on the run, dealing with pressure behind a suspect line and having to be the key part of a growing team – he will have faced at USC.
That’s not to say he’ll be a pro-bowl QB in year one, but I have no reason to believe he can’t be introduced in the same way as Matt Ryan. Atlanta made life easier for their young QB by investing in Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez and a new left tackle within 12 months of drafting Ryan third overall. Eventually, they made the splash for another receiver in Julio Jones. The Seahawks already have their left tackle, they’ve already invested in a wide receiver (Sidney Rice) and an expensive tight end (Zach Miller). Seattle is ready for a quarterback of Barkley’s caliber to come in and lead this team for the foreseeable future.
Will he declare? It’s still up for discussion, although Lane Kiffin says he’s ready almost with a resigned tone. Kiffin also says it’s more about what he wants to do, and I can see the argument that says he’ll stay for a fourth year as the starter at USC. However, with Matt Kalil almost certainly turning pro and if he receives a high grade from the draft committee, the scene is set for the next stage of Barkley’s career. He needs to strike while the iron is hot – and I suspect it’ll be burning by the end of the year.
Seahawks would be picking 8th
Here is the current draft order heading into week nine of the NFL season:
#1 Indianapolis
#2 Miami
#3 Arizona
#4 St. Louis
#5 Carolina
#6 Jacksonville
#7 Minnesota
#8 Seattle
#9 Denver
#10 Washington
A lot can happen between now and the new year and the Seahawks do have some winnable games remaining on their schedule. However, I expect this is quite likely to be the range Seattle is picking next April. Without doubt, the Seahawks need to draft a quarterback. Yes – Tarvaris Jackson has performed perhaps better than people expected so far. No – Pete Carroll cannot afford his legacy to rest upon Jackson’s ability to take this team forward.
John Clayton mentioned on ESPN 710 this week: “If they don’t get a quarterback in the draft next year, their whole coaching staff will be gone.” It wasn’t intended to be a defining statement as a result of whether the team does indeed draft a quarterback or not, rather a review of what will inevitably happen. There needs to be a long term plan in place for the offense that you will never achieve signing quarterbacks to two-year deals. If the Seahawks really believe Tarvaris Jackson is ‘the guy’ they need to sign him to a five-year extension now and make that clear. Otherwise, this issue will linger on until a statement of intent is made.
Right now the offense looks like a patchwork job. There’s a young offensive line learning on the run, quarterbacks coming and going due to injury, new playmakers being bedded into the team and the tap runs hot and cold for every piece of this unit. The offensive line isn’t helped by a mixed bag of execution by the playmakers and the quarterbacks/running backs are not helped by the offensive line being green and facing defensive fronts that simply don’t respect Seattle’s playmakers.
It’s a difficult situation for Pete Carroll. This season hasn’t been a step back in performance – it’s pretty similar overall and maybe even improved in certain areas. What has changed is the fact there’s another team in this division that suddenly has it’s act together. Let’s not forget that last season was a losing effort at 7-9 – and it would’ve been worse had the Seahawks not been competing in a woeful NFC West. Of those seven wins four came within the division and a fifth came against the NFL’s worst team (Carolina). The two other wins came courtesy of a special performance from Leon Washington against San Diego and an impressive victory in Chicago (similar to this year’s win in New York).
Two year’s into this regime there’s been a lot of turnover and predictably some mixed results. However, by year three I suspect people will expect to see further progress – especially in what remains a very winnable division. This will coincide with the possibility of drafting a rookie QB and needing to give them time – whether that’s on the field or holding a clipboard. Ultimately this is why the Seahawks cannot afford to ignore the QB position any longer. This time next year people may be willing to accept more defeats if the quarterback for the future is being primed – that will buy further time for ‘Project Carroll’ to unfold.
However, being 2-5 next year having avoided the quarterback position again probably won’t be tolerable to many people. Right now, this team looks like a 2-5 team in the worst division in the NFL. Fans, owners, the media – they need the kind of hope you can’t get with improving run defense and some nice personnel moves at positions like cornerback and safety. This franchise needs the player it’s foundations will be built around for the long haul. You can’t get cute when it comes to the QB position, and the teams that fudge the issue get left behind.
All Tarvaris Jackson can do is prove he’s capable of holding the fort until the next guy is ready. This team cannot avoid drafting a quarterback next year. Of course it’s not just about drafting any player, so that’s why you have to be aggressive if he’s out of your reach. Waiting for the ideal player to fall into your lap is kind of like waiting to win the lottery.
Good stuff, Rob. I think a Barkley to Ryan comparison is pretty solid. If you put good talent around Barkley, he can be successful and deliver similar results as Ryan has produced in Atlanta.
I thought your eye test of Luck was spot on. He’s going to be good but I was surprised at the pick 6 but the guy is human. The receiver was doubled and looked like an Asante Samuel play.
There were only two poor reads by Barkley that I recall and one was when Matt had the fullback in the flat at the 2 yd line for an easy Td and he locked in on the WR in the endzone. The back should’ve been in the same vision field as the WR and couldn’t understand how he didn’t see him or know he was available. Can’t win ’em all.
It was a solid effort. I will say Barkley does throw a nice end zone fade and does show necessary touch when needed. Hopefully, we’ll see vids soon and can dissect some of their throws more closely.
Nice job.
Let’s also remember that this is only Barkley’s 3rd year in college, despite starting as a true freshmen. Luck has 2 years on him I believe (this is Luck’s 5th year if i’m not mistaken). With 2 years comes a lot of things, including strength training as well as mental maturity.
I’d make sure that I got 1 of Luck or Barkley if I were the Hawks. Luck may be impossible with all the hype. What dummy would accept 3 first round picks for the #1 overall, which i would willingly do? But Barkley may only be a top 5 pick, and that leaves room for the Hawks to trade up if they are in the 8 range. I suspect that the Hawks will fall to around top 5, because they have a horrible remaining schedule and believe me, St Louis is not a gimme.
Luck is a fourth year junior, he redshirted as a freshman and has started the following three years.
If by some chance we dont get Luck or Barkley, do you think we go after Griffin? and if we do, do you see him as a lottery? or do the hawks trade back and pick him a little later in the 1st?
I personally like him, but I’m not a good assessor of skill when it comes to QB’s.
Griffin has solidified himself as the third best quarterback in my eyes – although I have to stress there is a considerable drop from Luck and Barkley to Griffin. I’ve not been as impressed with Ryan Tannehill as some and Landry Jones doesn’t interest me at all. Griffin needs time – he won’t be able to start immediately.
I also like RG3 very much, enough to draft him at #8. If Pete and John like a QB available in round 1, I highly doubt they would risk trying to trade down a few spots.
Just curious, are you Carl Shinyama by any chance? Just wondering, because I’ve noticed that him and I think virtually 100% alike.
No, that’s not me lol. To be honest, I haven’t watched a lick of Robert Griffinn III.
This may be the one draft where I wouldn’t mind packaging up our 1,2,3 to jump up to #2 for Barkley. If the Colts are picking one, I’m relatively convinced that they’ll pick up Luck as the successor to Manning. Miami may or may not draft Barkley, but if they’re open to a trade, I would jump at it. St Louis and and Arizona sure aren’t going to trade with us and would give Denver and the Redskins an opening to leap frog us. If Barkley makes it past Miami, we can only hope that St Louis and Arizona use the picks rather than trade it (which I think could be on OT Matt Kalil or RB Trent Richardson). By the time we get to #5 with Carolina, it could be too late, but if it’s not, it’ll be a war between 3 teams which will drive up the price.
It’s official. I don’t think I’ll be happy if we aren’t calling Matt Barkley’s name in April- he’ll declare. There’s no point for him to go back to USC, not with Kalil and others leaving. This man can put the Hawks back ontop of the division. Pete and John have built a solid defense, added playmakers on offense, solidified a neglected offensive line and now, they must add the final piece.
In 3 years, the Seahawks can be legit Super Bowl contenders. Next year, they can be playoff contenders.
You better hope Seattle loses 8 of the remaining 9 then because 3 wins should give us a shot at Barkley.
Really, the way the Jackson situation is unfolding is pretty damn exciting. He’s playing well lately, but not to the point where the FO can say for certain that he’s worth passing on a blue chip QB for. He gives Seattle needed flexibility. There is a very real chance that neither Luck or Barkley will be options for the Seahawks. But if that’s the case, it allows Seattle to draft a guy like Robert Griffin or Ryan Tannehill and see what they can do after sitting 1-2 years while Jackson keeps the team respectable as a stopgap.
I can only speak for myself, but after watching what Steve Sarkisian did with Keith Price at UW and PC has done with Tarvaris in Seahawksland, I’m a believer in the point guard system they are both implementing. Really all the Seahawks are missing is a legit running game which allows them to sell play action. Could they do better than Jackson? Of course. And they should if its there. But Jackson’s surprising transformation-in-progress affords the team more options, and that’s a very good thing on draft day.
If Tjack does turn out to be a good starter then we got him for nothing! It would also allow us to develop the QBOTF over time versus throwing him in the fire right away. I do agree Kip that this is a very nice development with how TJ is progressing.
It’s awesome that you’re excited but the truth is that Tavaris Jackson will show an occasional flash but he’s not a SuperBowl winning QB and isn’t that what we as fans want to see every Sunday.
All of this point guard QB play is becoming an extremely hyped football termin describing QB’s play. It’s still game managing and it works if you have a great running game and defense. This new hyped term can now be applied to Alex Smith 2011. He makes conservative throws and relies on Gore and their Defense.
It has applied to Mark Sanchez since he entered the NFL and if Barkley doesn’t do more than 90% dink and dunk bubble screens and check downs, Matt will be another in the list of point guard QB’s. It’s an old philosophy with a modern day spin.
Let’s not settle for a Jackson when there are better QB’s to be had in the draft. Barkley is pro ready but what are the odds he’s there when we’re on the clock?
I’d like to see more of these excellent vids we’ve seen on Tannehill, RG3 and Landry Jones who are guys that are more likely to be available when we’re draft ready. Time to critique their play weekly.
I spent most of the afternoon watching videos of Luck, Barkley, Griffin, Tannehill, and Jones (and I’d rate them in that order). Luck is a no-brainer. I think most know my opinion on Barkley, as well.
I also spent awhile searching in vain for any footage of Austin Davis, only finding one video of him against South Carolina at the beginning of the 2010 season. Of all the later-round options at QB, he seems like the closest fit to the “point guard” mold. Still, unless he’s matured and improved a TON over the past year and a half, he’s not a starting option next year or most likely the year after that.
I will be very unhappy if the ‘Hawks end up with Landry Jones, and I just do not think Carroll will even give him a second thought, much like he did with Mallett. He very rarely progresses past a single read, his accuracy is meh (horrendous on the move), and he moves like he has sticks tied to his legs.
I recall Derek Stephens saying recently (on Twitter, I believe) that though Tannehill is lacking in certain qualities, the things he does have (feet, pocket presence, and poise) are things that coaches can’t teach. He has limited time at the position and he’s learned and improved a lot, so I can imagine him really growing into something special. But he still has accuracy issues and tries to force his passes too often. He seems too turnover-prone for Carroll’s offense, in my opinion.
That leaves RG3. I can understand and accept arguments for why Tannehill or, ehh, Jones might be higher on other boards than RG3, but my argument is that Baylor’s triggerman is the next best fit for the point guard QB role, after Luck/Barkley. He’s smart, instinctive, can make short, intermediate, and deep throws, and duh, has the athleticism to extend plays. Most of all, he’s careful with the ball and makes smart decisions, avoiding turnovers, as evidenced by his 4 INT in 232 attempts this year. That’s one pick for every 58 attempts… furthermore, he’s thrown 15 INT over 1022 attempts in his career, or once every 68.1 attempts. He avoids turnovers. However, he’s not going to be ready to start out of the gate, either. He has technical issues with his footwork and other mechanics that will need work. He may need to hold a clipboard for 1-1.5 years before he’s going to be comfortable taking the reins of an NFL offense.
I think it’s likely that the Seahawks QB board looks like: (1) Luck; (2) Barkley (3) RG3; everybody else. If they want a QB that will at least be capable of starting immediately, they’ll need to draft Luck or Barkley. The biggest thing standing in front of them right now is draft position. Possible outcomes have been covered ad nauseum.
My biggest concern right now isn’t that Indy/Miami/Denver etc end up picking ahead of Seattle and drafting away Luck and/or Barkley. My concern is that Seattle ends up behind St. Louis/Arizona/Carolina/Minnesota/Jacksonville etc, all teams with first-round quality QBs currently in place, and multiple other holes they’d like to fill. Sitting close behind Seattle may be Washington and Dallas, both of whom I believe are seriously considering drafting QBs this year. Additionally, everyone and their mother knows Seattle is desperate to draft a QB, so they’ll see us coming a mile away. We have no leverage.
If St. Louis and/or Arizona end up ahead of Seattle, they would likely be more than delighted to accept a Redskins/Cowboys coup of draft picks to screw us over and accumulate additional prospects. This could leave Seattle picking near the top 5-7 and having all three or even four of the top QBs gone.
In a situation like this, I think Seattle needs to draft Trent Richardson. I just don’t think you can pass up a premier talent like that unless you already have an established star at that position. I have confidence in PC and JS finding more DB steals in the late rounds (WTIII, Kam, Sherman, Browner), though I do like Morris Claiborne a lot. I love Kalil and DeCastro, and Seattle does need a LG, but I think Richardson transcends that need.
Yes, Seattle desperately needs a QB. But if it just isn’t possible to draft an obvious franchise guy, I don’t see what they can do. Davis has future potential and could be had in the 2nd or 3rd, as does Brandon Weeden. Weeden isn’t a long-long-term solution, but beggars also can’t be choosers. I think Tarvaris with Trent Richardson behind this O-line one year more experience, with Sidney, BMW, Obo, Miller, Baldwin, and Tate/Durham, coupled with a semi-elite defense would be an ok consolation prize to live with for another season.
mattlock, I think if “the guy” won’t be available wherever we draft at, Petey/Schneider will go get him. They know they need stability at the position more than anything. Sure, I’d love to have Trent Richardson in the backfield, but great runners aren’t the reason teams are in the Super Bowl or playoffs yearly. It’s the guy under center. And, frankly, I’ll be PO’d if Seattle spends it’s 1st round pick on him. You can obtain a decent RB through later rounds in the draft, UDFA or FA.
You put Matt Barkley under center next September, this team will be lightyears ahead of what it is now. We can only pray John and Pete do what is necessary.
“Sure, I’d love to have Trent Richardson in the backfield, but great runners aren’t the reason teams are in the Super Bowl or playoffs yearly. It’s the guy under center.”
“You put Matt Barkley under center next September, this team will be lightyears ahead of what it is now. We can only pray John and Pete do what is necessary.”
I agree heart and soul with both of these statements. I really do. I hope Pete and John sell the farm, if necessary, to get “their guy”. But I fear that may even be completely out of their control. Let me explain…
This is my fear right now:
#1 Indianapolis (Andrew Luck)
#2 Miami (Landry Jones)
#3 Washington, from Arizona (Matt Barkley)
#4 Dallas, from St. Louis (Robert Griffin III)
#5 Carolina (Alshon Jeffrey)
#6 Jacksonville (Justin Blackmon)
#7 Minnesota (Matt Kalil)
#8 Seattle (???)
Now Seattle is stuck with Ryan Tannehill, or whoever is left on their board. Or maybe Denver ends up ahead of Seattle and take Tannehill, and Pete and John don’t even have him as an option. In a situation like this, trading up isn’t even an option for Seattle, because the first team that would reasonable trade with Seattle to allow them to draft a franchise quarterback is at pick 5 with 4 QBs off the board.
I realize this sort of QB run would be unprecedented, but I don’t see it as entirely unlikely. This isn’t even considering the Browns getting involved, which is also entirely possible, given the abundance of picks they’ve accumulated recently.
If Arizona has the #3 overall pick, in that situation they need to draft Matt Kalil. They’re crying out for a left tackle. That could play some part in their thinking w/regards any decision to trade down, Kalil will be one of maybe only four elite players in this class.
Touche, an excellent point. Levi Brown is definitely not cutting it, and they need to protect the cornerstone of their future *snicker snicker*
So then move Denver in front of Seattle, or insert a Cleveland trade. I guess my point is that there are enough teams rather in need of a QB, and everyone knows beyond the shadow of a doubt that Seattle REALLY wants to draft one. Seattle has zero leverage, if they even get the option of trading up for “their guy”.
If it comes to Seattle picking the 4th QB on their board in the first round and potentially leaving some elite talent on the board, or taking their 5th or 6th QB in the second or third–again, because their hands are completely tied–and at least recouping one elite talent from the draft, I think I’d prefer the latter, regardless of how desperate their QB situation is (AND I WANT MY EFFING FRANCHISE QUARTERBACK).
It’s a genuine concern, Mattlock. Certainly it’s a stretch to imagine Denver and Washington (and maybe even Dallas) sitting around watching the QB’s leave the board. The Seahawks will need to be equally aggressive, but that’s difficult to see if they’re going to be forced into dealing with NFC West rivals. With the team at 2-5 and four games behind the Niners, it would make more sense to pick as high as possible now than work towards a slightly better losing record. That’s the disappointing truth.
I think that’s also a distinct possibility. Even though they’re likely going to continue to improve as a team, they don’t have a game left that’s a given. St. Louis just beat the Saints with AJ Feeley, and the Cardinals forced the biggest comeback in Ravens history IN BALTIMORE. The pathetic Dolphins almost beat the Giants in Jersey. Philadelphia creamed Dallas, but lost to the 49ers. The Cowboys beat the 49ers and almost beat the Lions, but the Redskins/Cowboys game came down to the wire; then Washington got stomped by Buffalo last week.
The NFL is really “Any Given Sunday”, so the Seahawks could win out and they could lose out. But anywhere between 5 and 8 wins will definitely leave them in a difficult spot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NMkMAFnIDk
I can back up Mattlock’s claim that A.Davis is the closest fit to Carroll’s desired “Point Guard” QB. The interview above has Davis talking about an offence which sounds strikingly similar to the ideal Seahawks offence. Mentality speaking I think Davis is the ideal Pete Carroll quarterback (then to Luck,Barkley,RG3). Please note I said MENTALITY SPEAKING.
Watching the game last week he also managed to force an offsides from the defence on a 4th down in the fourth quarter, which led to a game clinching rushing touchdown. It was probably a mistake from the Defensive lineman, but something worth noting.
From NoPanoch (Southern miss vs UTEP)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBlxim7teNQ&feature=channel_video_title
(First Southern Miss drive)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUTaoII9alg&feature=channel_video_title
(Touchdown pass)
Thoughts?
Mmm how come no one is talking bout kellen moore?? Yeah I know he’s not 6’3 220 but the kid knows how to win. Currently tied for most wins in FBS history, his field IQ is light years ahead of everyone (exclude luck), and he can make all the throws. Picture giving him what we have plus Trent Richardson. Just saying
Unfortunately Moore is destined to be part of the Graham Harrell group – excellent college quarterback but his skill set doesn’t translate to the next level. I’ve given him an UDFA grade and having watched an awful lot of Moore over the last three years I just can’t see him every coming close to starting in the NFL.
I read a lot of Seahawks fans bagging on Barkley for his lack of mobility. He may not run a great 40 but in all of the footage I’ve seen of his games I think that he has a very impressive ability to avoid pressure and allow himself an easy look.
I’m also nervous about what might happen if we end up drafting below pick 2 or 3. I too really hope that somehow we can end up with Barkley or Luck in April. So I don’t mind saying it, but I don’t want to see Seattle notching up too many more wins. I want to see progress, fight and attitude, and maybe some more dubious officiating against us. What I really want are some narrow and unjust losses. I’m usually all for wins at al;l costs, but in this case I fear that the cost may be too high. I’d be a lot happier watching a decade of Seahawks with a probowl level QB than 9 weeks where we beat the Rams twice and the Cardinals and end up drafting a left guard.
This draft is shaping up to be tremendously exciting. I’m pencilling in a sickie on Friday April 27th.
Well, I arrived at the same conclusion Mattlock did a few days ago. I think that it is very unlikely Seattle can draft Barkley if he declares because we won’t be able to trade up high enough. To further complicate matters, Arizona and St. Louis make it too easy for someone else to trade in front of us for a QB.
Richardson is certainly talented, but RB’s drop on draft day, and I don’t see that much gap between he and Polk who is solid in receiving and pass blocking as well.
If St. Louis and/or Arizona trades down behind us, somebody might be willing to trade with us in order to move ahead of them for WR, CB or OT, depending on who’s still on the board. I’d rather do that and take Polk in the 2nd round than reach on Tannehill or take Richardson. The Hawks can certainly use the extra picks to improve quality almost accross the board. If we have to pick at 8, and the draft follows Mattlocks scenario above, I’d take Martin and shuffle the O-line as necessary to make it work.
Rob
Did you watch the Baylor Ok State game? My first time watching RG3 and I was not very impressed. What are your thoughts on that game?
I saw the second half – and in fairness to Griffin the Baylor defense again laid an egg. It was a very difficult game to impress and although he wasn’t at the level we saw against Texas A&M in defeat, certainly I didn’t see anything new that warranted fresh negative analysis.
What the Seahawks do is trade with whoever the team is with the highest pick that doesn’t need a QB. Any team above Seattle that needs a QB will not trade that pick. Therefore, if its ARIZ, CAROLINA, anyone, make the trade with the highest non-QB picking team. Do it the minute the season is over. Even if its someone within the division, sweeten the pot so they can’t resist.
God Speed Seahawk fans.
By the way, plan on INDY picking a Qb regardless of their position. Manning may not like it but the owner won’t allow him to dictate who he picks and when for the good of the franchise.
Probably is Don, Indi and Miami are likely to be 1 and 2. And odds are they will both be selecting QB’s.
Let the Landry Jones hype begin….
RGIII! Austin davis! Anything but landry..
Yes, Indy and Miami are 1 and 2, so the highest bid between Seattle, Denver, Wash, Cleveland will get the #3 pick for a QB.
I would love to see the Hawks get either Luck or Barkley, especially after watching the 2 duke it out this last weekend. I am nervous and excited about the upcoming draft and hope that somebody lets Barkely know that the sooner he declares the sooner he can finish his rookie deal and really get paid. Also, I am really ok with trading the draft for Luck like Ditka did for Ricky Williams. Just want the Hawks to be good again!
I don’t dislike RG3 or Austin Davis but I would be upset if we use a top 10 pick to snag either one of these guys. One or both will almost surely be available to draft in round 2 since the Big 3 will be off the board and no longer be competition for QB’s in early round 2.
Meanwhile in round 1 Trent Richardson could be available when we pick. Carrol and Cable didn’t just build this O-line to only protect a QB but too also open up the running game. Richardson behind this line would give us a brutal weapon which should be invaluable.
Ask yourself what would actually get this offense going sooner and more effectively. A 2nd tier QB we reached on or a world beater at RB?
I agree that the Seahawks need a break away threat at RB, and I think it is their #2 greatest need behind a QB. A franchise QB is much more of a need and has a greater impact in the game. There are fewer quality QB so you take them first, and you can find more quality RB in the 2nd round. U of W Polk (5-11. 214) or U of O Barner (5-11 180 super fast) would be great to see in a hawk uniform
Rob, I may be totally incorrect with this statement, but I think one of the things that really seperates a guy like Matt Barkley from, say, Landry Jones, is the dependency on the coaches. I get the feeling like Landry Jones is completely dependent on Bob Stoops. Every down it’s Landry staring at the sidelines, waiting for Bob to send him a play and he just does what he’s told. There’s no real emphasis from him on what to do. Maybe it’s insignificant and maybe I don’t see enough of him, but I know from watching Barkley he’s an absolute field general out there and can call all the shots no problem.
Both quarterbacks take plays from the sideline, I think the big difference Colin is that Barkley has the ability to drop back… scan the field and he has the freedom/ability to make several reads and a judgement on the best play to make. Jones is a lot more tied to the hot read and play call – if the ball’s going to Ryan Broyles from the start, it’s going to Ryan Broyles. You can just see how often he throws blind or gets it out quickly without making a proper read, the difference between the two is like night and day.
At the next level Jones will be found out IMO – he’s limited in so many areas. Barkley, on the other hand, has a shot at greatness.
Thanks for clarifying Rob. Just finished watching the film of Barkley vs Stanford and ND. Amazing stuff.