Sharrif Floyd... top ten pick?
An aggressive move more likely this year?
When Daniel Jeremiah tweeted the following yesterday…
One junior player generating a ton of buzz is Florida DT Sharrif Floyd. Had one high ranking exec guarantee he’d go top 10.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) January 24, 2013
… I found it pretty disheartening.
Pete Carroll’s been pretty open (again) about the teams biggest need this off-season. It’s refreshing honesty. He’s only stating the obvious of course, because everyone can see the pass rush needs an upgrade. But at least he’s avoiding the usual cloak and dagger approach taken by many Head Coaches.
Sharrif Floyd is extremely athletic, he has a ton of potential. He has the flexibility to work in both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes. I can totally see him going within the top-15 picks, although the top-10 might be a stretch based on positional need. The thing is, until yesterday most people assumed he’d last a little longer than that. At least until the #25 overall pick.
Presumably he’s going to be an addition to the defensive tackles already going early? Surely it’s not realistic to expect Sheldon Richardson or Star Lotulelei to fall dramatically enough to make it to #25? Or even into the #19-#24 range where a small move up the board would be manageable?
Sure, there’s some concern about Richardson. He had to play in the JUCO ranks due to academic ineligibility. According to Scouts Inc, “Mental capacity and maturity level are being closely investigated by NFL scouts.” He was also suspended for a game in 2012, according to Edward Aschoff, “Because he missed a class multiple times and refused to go through the punishment given to him for missing the class.”
Nick Fairley had similar red flags hanging over him in 2011, but still went #13 overall. I guess the three-technique position isn’t made for choir boys. You want attitude, a mean streak, to have that edge. It has to be natural. Darnell Dockett is the player he is because of the person he is. It comes with the territory.
The concerns over Richardson could keep him out of the top ten, but all the way to #25? It almost certainly won’t happen.
Tennessee, Carolina, New Orleans, Dallas (Jay Ratliff was arrested this week) and Minnesota would all surely consider drafting a defensive tackle. It starts getting expensive if you want to consider trading above Dallas at #18 — even more so when you talk about the others.
Once Lotulelei, Floyd and Richardson leave the board — there’s really only Sylvester Williams as a pass rushing defensive tackle with first round potential. Johnathan Hankins can’t do it. Jonathan Jenkins is a big nose tackle. I think it’s too early for Kawann Short (whose inconsistent motor is a big turn off) and Datone Jones is a nice, penetrative defensive lineman but he just looks too slim to be an every down tackle. He’s a light looking 280lbs. He might be better suited in the Greg Scruggs and Jason Jones role. Can he put on another 10lbs and stick? He’s been as light as 260-270lbs in college.
Tony Pauline sums up the issue with Jones: “Teams loved the play of Datone Jones during Senior Bowl practices but think he won’t be selected early in the draft. The feeling is he has no real position at the next level and is a hard schematic fit. Right now most say third round.”
With a likely rush on defensive ends also very possible (Damontre Moore, Bjoern Werner etc could all be top-ten picks), at #25 the Seahawks could be making a decision over the seventh or eighth best defensive lineman.
Looking back at 2011, I think they were determined to draft an offensive lineman. Carroll wanted to improve the run game, he drafted John Moffitt after James Carpenter and then added Robert Gallery in free agency. Carpenter was the fifth lineman off the board after Tyron Smith, Nate Solder, Anthony Castonzo and Danny Watkins. Castonzo wasn’t a good fit at right tackle or guard, but I think the other three names plus Carpenter could’ve made up Seattle’s tipping point at the position. No Carpenter at #25? Maybe they look elsewhere, perhaps draft Jabaal Sheard?
This is the point I’m getting at here. What is Seattle’s tipping point this year? Who has to leave the board before you either move up or move on?
John Schneider recently compared trading up in the draft to spending big in free agency. In order to improve the pass rush effectively, the Seahawks might have to do one or the other.
Seattle got agonisingly close to the final four this year. Going into next season without the final pieces of the puzzle appears almost unthinkable. If there’s a time to be aggressive, is that time now? You offset that by looking at all the teams over the years that moved away from their philosophy chasing the dream. A calculated approach has worked so far, changing that plan could backfire. In a bad way.
This is the crucial dilemma facing the Seahawks. Clearing the last hurdle might be the toughest challenge so far.
I don’t expect any big moves up the board in round one, involving future first round picks. It’s worth remembering though, that this is a front office that spent a third round pick and took a second round hit on Charlie Whitehurst. You can look at that in two ways. One — being aggressive didn’t work in that instance. Two — this is a team that is prepared to go big to fill a key need. At the time, long term stability at quarterback was the big need. Now it’s the pass rush.
We all expect Schneider to cherish his picks and rightly so given the teams success rate in the draft so far. I’d still argue a modest move up the board this year is more likely than any other so far. Last year the Patriots of all people traded up, searching for that crucial pass rusher. A leap from #27 to #21 cost Bill Belichick a third round pick. Theoretically a jump from #25 to #18 or #19 would come with a similar price.
It might not be enough to get at the top defensive lineman but if there’s a guy there at #18, #19 or #20 — you’re looking at a third round pick to get it done. And regardless of what happened with last year’s third rounder, it’s a small price to pay to put the pass rush on track.
Chiefs not re-signing Branden Albert?
A twitter account called ‘NFL Philosophy‘ claiming to be a former NFL front office employee put out the following Tweet today:
I don’t mean to be a tease but I’m not a reporter. So some stuff you have to trust me on. KC’s not re-signing Albert.
— NFL Philosophy (@NFLosophy) January 24, 2013
There’s no way of testing the legitimacy of this ‘report’. We have no idea how well sourced this guy is, or if he truly did work in the NFL. His Twitter bio reads: “This account will only last until I’m back in the league.” I accept that in highlighting this tweet I might just be endorsing a classic internet deception. There are plenty of people on the internet claiming to be in the know. Those acting anonymously will always be looked at with a degree of suspicion.
At least until they’re proven right.
It’s not a ridiculous suggestion by any means. Albert will expect to be paid like a starting left tackle. Although the Chiefs have an incredible $62.995m in cap room this year, they’re not at liberty to spend it. What if Andy Reid just doesn’t rate Albert?
They don’t have to draft Luke Joeckel with the #1 pick if he walks. They have the #2 pick in round two. They have the freedom to go after a free agent tackle like Jake Long. If they do like Joeckel enough to draft him with the first pick, they can always draft a quarterback in round two. Or even trade back into the first.
In fact we could see a lot of movement on day one if the quarterbacks don’t rush off the board. If Kansas City (Joeckel), Arizona (Eric Fisher) and Buffalo (pick anyone) don’t draft quarterbacks in the top ten, they could look to trade up.
The problem is — what kind of value will be on offer to make such a deal? Tampa Bay traded from #36 to #31 last year by simply swapping fourth round picks with Denver. You’d have to be pretty desperate to trade down with that offer on the table. There won’t be a big drop off between a pick in the 20’s and the top of round two which might encourage some teams to take any value.
Free agency can’t come soon enough (it starts March 12th) so we can stop speculating and start to piece together what teams might do when the draft begins.
Zach Ertz remains intriguing
The real value in terms of pass-catchers is likely to come in the late first or early second. DeAndre Hopkins deserves to be a round one pick. Robert Woods is criminally underrated and not getting anything like enough attention. Markus Wheaton is also a better player than he gets credit for.
I keep seeing Keenan Allen and Justin Hunter as top-25 picks, but where’s the evidence for this on tape? I just don’t see it and expect both to be available in round two or even round three. Terrance Williams looks set for a place in the second round. And there’s going to be guys like Tyler Eifert and Gavin Escobar in the mix too.
Yet the player I’m watching the most tape of at the moment is Stanford’s Zach Ertz.
I know the Seahawks need pass rush help. Part of me hopes that can be addressed in free agency to set-up the possibility of Ertz being a first round option. If they’re able to go out and get a Randy Starks and a Cliff Avril or Osi Umenyiora, then bring it on. I’m not a big fan of chasing needs in free agency, the previous regime in Seattle did it way too much. But I am a fan of drafting Zach Ertz.
The way I see it, it’s very difficult to take the top off a defense and throw in behind — exploiting the deep speed of a receiver. Only a few guys can do this. The best receivers in the NFL right now are mostly big guys who can run, or at least big guys that create mismatches. When I watched the Seahawks last year, there seemed to be an awful lot of jump ball situations, challenging the receiver to exploit single coverage and make a play.
Drafting a smaller, speedy receiver like Robert Woods, Markus Wheaton or even DeAndre Hopkins might not suit this offense (although I think Hopkins plays above his size). Sidney Rice is 6-4 and 202lbs. Golden Tate is 5-10 and 202lbs. Doug Baldwin is 5-10 and 189lbs. Apart from Rice’s height, there’s not a great deal of size there. I think the Seahawks would welcome a bigger, possession style receiver who can still get around the field and make athletic plays.
That’s where Ertz comes in to play.
Although he’s listed as a tight end, he played everywhere for Stanford. Out wide, in the slot, at the line of scrimmage. Whoever drafts him should use him in exactly the same way. Linebackers will struggle to cover him as the third receiver. He can work as the #2 alongside Rice. He can play as the #1 or #2 tight end. You could even run sets with all three of Zach Miller, Anthony McCoy and Zach Ertz on the field in a heavy package, enhancing both the running game and play action.
As you can see with this deep completion against Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl, he can get downfield.
Drafting Ertz wouldn’t be so much grabbing a replacement for McCoy as the #2 tight end. It’d be more a case of adding a hybrid TE/WR who can act as a dynamic possession receiver. Not many 6-6, 252lbs players move around a field like Ertz and possess his level of catching ability, consistency and playmaking quality.
He might not be there by the #25 pick. Unfortunately I suspect he won’t get past Chicago at #20. If the Seahawks can find a solution to their pass rushing woes in free agency, at least they’d be able to give drafting Ertz some serious thought.
Rob, I have been meaning to ask, what do you think of Tavon Austin for the Seahawks?
When I first saw him mocked for Seattle, my first impression was, “This guy doesn’t know anything about Seattle: no way PC/JS take a smallish WR in the first round.”
Then I watched some of his play, and he brings something Seattle doesn’t have (although some might argue that his elusiveness is almost matched by Tate). Austin is electric, but what do you think about how he might (or might not) fit with Seattle’s offense?
I don’t think he’s a great fit personally. Austin is the kind of guy you make packages for – designed plays to get him the ball and exploit that speed and playmaking quality. I don’t think it’s something the Seahawks really need to add to an offense that already has a lot of quick hitting plays. Tate has developed into a playmaker, Rice is also capable here. Wilson himself makes a lot of chunk yardage plays. I think more than anything they need a bigger target because outside of a lean, slim Rice with 6-4 height there isn’t much for Wilson to throw to as a mismatch.
There are a lot of people saying that our offense needs another field-stretching WR with great speed that can get separation. I’m not sure that Tate isn’t that and both he and Rice are guys that can dependably win 1-on-1 matchups downfield.
I disagree that Austin would need ‘special attention’…but also see that Ertz would be flexible and a great right hand man to RW. He can move around the line creating mismatches, and also block for Lynch, and help loosen the Zones for Zach Miller too. He would be very welcomed I believe. Albeit I still think Austin could be Dynamic also. Imagine Pistol plays with him and Lynch- Opposing D’s would be scared s–tless!
He’ll struggle to get off press and it’s difficult to beat a team over the top just based on speed. I think it’s almost certain you’ll have to manufacture his production at that size. Not saying he can’t be a playmaker, but he has to work out of packages.
So would Austin be like how peeps describe Wes Welker, without Brady (or a great QB) he would be nothing? Just average? Like Welker in Miami?
Just curious…
No they are very different receivers. My concern is Austin will be another Dexter McCluster.
I agree. Either a big bodied guy that can outmuscle for a ball or a burner that can run a go route and catch the ball. Those are the two needs when it comes to pass catchers. I do think Rice and Baldwin was possession guys. The guy were looking for is a touchdown maker. A guy like Braylon Edwards with more consistent hands. Someone that Wilson can throw a high ball to and he’ll muscle up and bring it down. Very strong hands. Good body control. Jumping ability or long arms. Very aggressive to the ball. Much like Mike Williams during his time at USC. That’s what we’re looking to add to this WR corps.
Someone who I love is Chris Harper. He is probably the best downfield blocking wide reciever in this class, and he is fast at 230 lbs. I know his college stats aren’t super impressive, but Colin Klein was his quarterback! Any opinions?
I think it’s very likely that this FO invests in a FA 3-tech with hope that Quinn can develop Howard and Scruggs. We spent ~$8M at the position in 2012, between Branch and Jones and that’s the same cost as a the franchise tag for a defensive tackle. It’s the one position we need to find a starter in the offseason and it’s probably too risky to hope that a given guy will fall in the draft. We could still use a high draft pick on a DT if the value is there but I wouldn’t want to expect to find a day-1 starter.
We’re probably also going to want to find another edge-rusher (both to compete with Irvin as a starting LEO and to replace Clemons in the “Raheem Brock” role). We can’t depend on Irvin being ready to start next year and it would be surprising if Clemons didn’t begin the year on the PUP list. If we can find value in the first, I’d be happy with a pick there, even if we’re not necessarily using it on a “starter”.
Of course, if we address the pass-rush in FA, it would be great to grab some offensive weapons for Wilson.
I really hope the FO does just that! Use FA to sign a consistent DT and DE.
Imagine Seattle’s D with Pro Bowler Melton and Osi! Or Starks and Kruger!
I want our round 1 pick to be for a catching WR or TE for RW personally!
If we need to trade up to get a shot at the 1st and 2nd best 3tech on he board, and trade for it like a “Julio Jones type trade” then this would be the year to do it. With most of our starters being as young as they are, locked into the contracts that the NFLPA voted for, we can afford this blow. Hopefully JS/PC mortgage more this year than next, I could care less if we leave the draft with only ONE player:
“… And with the number 6 pick of the 2013 NFL draft, the Seattle Seahawks select… DT from Missouri, motha-effin Sheldon Richardson.”
Doubt they’ll do this. Judging from past drafts, we can be fairly certain John will be thorough in resolving the pass rush. We’ll probably pick up a free agent and some draft picks. They’ll get this done without trading up unless a very reasonable deal comes their way.
I love Ertz… He seems tailor made for this team.
Although at some point a deep threat would be nice.
WR has depth this year…Marquise Goodwin Might be available in the 4th or 5th as a fast Texas WR option.
I cannot stop thinking about Ertz and how he would excell in this offense. WIth Miller’s injury and the need for a top WR/TE that position is the second need on the team after DT. I hope a DT is picked up in before the draft and Ertz is drafted. Even if the Hawks trade their 3rd round to move up 5 spots to get him. Eight other picks and my thought is half won’t make the team so why not package a pick to get a guy like Ertz. Try to package the 4th round pick to garner extra picks.
And you want to see something scary/sad for QB needy teams? Check out this list of QB FAs (Joe Flacco is also a FA but I don’t expect he’s going anywhere):
Jason Campbell (CHI) – After a rough outing against San Francisco on a nationally televised game this year, Campbell left a bad taste in the mouths of America. However, if organizations can look beyond a performance where he was running for his life for 60 minutes, they’ll find a solid back-up quarterback in the right situation.
Tarvaris Jackson (BUF) – In a weak crop of free agent quarterbacks, Tarvaris Jackson could find a nice little market. There’s too much talent at the position now where he’ll even have an opportunity to compete for a starting gig, but with the success of the read-option this year, he could have a handful of suitors interested in bringing him in as a back-up to maintain continuity in the playbook if the starter goes down.
Matt Moore (MIA) – As a leftover from the previous regime, it seems unlikely that Matt Moore will remain in Miami through the next offseason. He’s a fairly reliable game manager with the capability of making just enough plays to scrape out a win or two here and there, as he did against this Jets this year when Tannehill missed a start to injury. After Jason Campbell, Moore may be a top option for many teams looking for clipboard guys.
Drew Stanton (IND) – Though he’s failed to log a single pass over the past two seasons, Stanton was fairly impressive for a couple games in Detroit in 2010. There was definite interest in Stanton last offseason, but another year without throwing a pass should mean diminished opportunity. With his limited playing time, Stanton displayed leadership and enough playmaking skills to warrant serious looks as a back-up.
Seneca Wallace (FA) – Wallace has long been a personal favorite of mine off the bench, embodying a back-up quarterback to its fullest. With enough accuracy and mobility to convert 3rd downs, he’s a player that can get a team through a game with a defensive effort. There are better options, but to me, he’s among the 64 best quarterbacks in the game. However, finishing the season as a free agent, it’s obvious that most NFL teams disagree.
http://www.footballsfuture.com/freeagents.html
Not a starting-quality name there. As for trade options, you have Alex Smith (mediocre at best); Michael Vick (an aging train wreck just waiting to happen); and Matt Flynn.
Add that to the questionable starting-quality QBs in the draft, and the KCs, Oaklands, Arizonas, Jets, Buffalos, Jags, Browns, Eagles, Vikings, Tampa, are all in trouble.
That’s 10 teams needing a starting NFL QB, some more desperately than others.
Rob,
I know you already addressed this earlier, and as I recall, found only one team (the Jags) you couldn’t make an argument against trading for Flynn, so no need to repeat. I just wasn’t aware how poor the FA options were this year.
I think more than one team will be interested in Flynn if not just for real competition for their young QB that they will bring in for the draft. If Flynn actually is the real deal than he has at least another 6 years in the NFL being primarily a pocket passer.
It’s poor most years in fairness – teams don’t generally allow good QB’s to hit the market. Teams generally favor the draft and want their own guys, so I suspect we’ll see the usual 4-6 going in the first two rounds.
As much sense as it would make to trade Flynn, remember that at this point, he is the only other QB on the roster. If the Hawks are really planning a Super Bowl run, it would, in my opinion, be poor planning to go into the season without a proven backup. Unless they can sign a comparable backup for less money, I don’t see them cutting/trading Flynn. I do however see them drafting another athletic QB.
I think we’re overrating the role of a backup QB here. Russell appears to be durable and if he does suffer an injury, I’m not convinced even Flynn is just going to waltz in and you don’t miss a beat. A serviceable backup is key, but we don’t need to necessarily spend $7m on the position.
From what I understand of the contract details, we’ll only be saving 2 million in cap space if we cut him. We don’t have the leverage to force a renogitation. We have a total of 8 million tied up in the QB position next year. There isn’t much incentive to cut him as Cole was saying. His bonus is prorated. We’ll accelerate the cap hit this year from what I understand saving only 2 million from what it would have been if we had kept him. I doubt 2 million versus insurance at the QB position with a QB that has experience in the system with the players is going to cause us to cut Flynn. He’ll either be traded or kept. We’re already paying far less at the QB position most of the teams in the NFL. Going into Flynn’s contract year is when Russell will be able to renegotiate. If we still have Flynn, he’ll be cut then for sure. This year is keep or trade.
I understand the saving this year would be $3.25m and $6.25m next year. Getting cut guarantees Flynn $6m from the Seahawks — $4m this year and $2m next. I don’t think he’ll get anywhere close to the deal he got in Seattle on the open market. The Seahawks could allow his agent to test the water and see what interest is out there. If he finds very little interest, it could be in Flynn’s interest to reduce his salary and make a cumulative greater sum to stay in Seattle than he would if he’s cut. I have no idea if Seattle would even be interested in that, they might just be prepared to cut free and move on. If no team is willing to give him a legit shot to start then he might be prepared to take a hit to avoid change for changes sake. Just my take. I don’t think there will be a mad rush even for a free agent Flynn.
Rob ~ How far could we move up in the draft if we gave a 3rd, fifth, and 2 7th’s?
I’m not Rob, but I like using the value chart…
Our 3rd-145, early 5th-40(we have 2), and both 7’s-8.6/4.6=198.2…just less than 200
Our 25th is worth 720.
720 + 200 = 18th pick overall… Maybe 17th with a bit of a value reach. That means the Cowboys at 18…
I wouldn’t want to lose a 3rd, but if the right person (Richardson) was there, then why not!
(Still want to bundle a pick and Flynn to just swap up in the 2nd!)
It’s very difficult to project that. Not much further than if you were willing to just give up the 3rd.
What about the number two TE (according to CBS) Tyler Eifert:
Eifert is extremely productive with very good body control to adjust to off-target passes and snatch the ball away from his frame. He is fearless over the middle and does a nice job working in a crowd, showing the quarterback his numbers and shielding defenders from the ball.
Eifert is still developing as a blocker, but has shown steady improvement in this area and flashes the raw power to put defenders on their heels in the run game. He received a third round grade from the Advisory Committee last season, but he could sneak into the first round with another All-American season in 2012.
I’m not a big Eifert fan. Better than Carlson but not as good as Rudolph.
I think if we do go WR/TE in the first round it would have to be Ertz. After watching tape on the top 10 WR/TEs the three guys that stand out to me the most are Patterson(To raw), Hopkins(Not a #1), and Ertz who would probably end up being Wilson’s #1 target. If in the FA market we address our DT/DE needs then I have no problem with us taking the best the best available player at DT/DE/WR/TE or OLB. It would be awesome to pick up Arthur Brown OLB for K state but I just don’t see him going as far as #25, but every time I watch him play I can just see him in a Seahawk uniform.
Then we might could add 6-4, 214 4.5 Brandon Kaufman late… Depth at WR! Yes! No more Charley Martins!
Jarvis Jones will most certainly slide now with his condition. Might be something to look into.
WOW!!!! I CANNOT BELIEVE I DIDN’T THINK OF THIS BEFORE.! This guy’s got somethin’ here. Hm. That’d be great. Adding Jarvis Jones to play LEO.
…
Wow what a well thought out response. So thought provoking
Also worth noting which team and staff advised him to retire at USC.
I don’t see how not re-signing Branden Albert makes KC better. He’s not a world-beater but I haven’t heard he’s a liability. They let him walk and it’s another hole to fill on a team full of holes already.
The fans are mixed on Albert. I suppose Reid might just be thinking times for big changes and paying a ton of cash to a failing roster might not be his ambition.
Albert must still be a decent run blocker. Jamaal Charles has put up some yards even with him as the only offense. He is a great RB. You still need some good run blockers to be productive. I wouldn’t mind signing Albert if he isn’t too expensive.
Hey Rob, have you checked out Sean Porter OLB Texas A&M? He kind of reminds me of Von Miller. Where do you project him to go?
R4-5 for me. More of a pure outside linebacker prospect.
Very interesting, Jarvis Jones. Jarvis Jones are you kidding me, how awesome would that be!!! PC would likely have a better feel for him than other teams since he had him once only to release him from USC for medical reasons.
Suppose we were able to draft Jarvis Jones (pleasepleasepleaseplease) and after a stellar start to his career he had to retire from the NFL after only 5 seasons. In those five season we could win multiple superbowls and his jersey would likely hang next to other all-time great Hawks that we see on Sundays at the Clink.
How good will Irvin be after 5 seasons at age 31+ same deal if we draft Hunt, just saying no guarantees. PC could take every pre-caution during practices to protect Jones. Heck he did it for Winslow…
Hey Rob what do you think of Desmond Bryant of the Raiders?
Good tackle. Hitting his prime. Not a prolific pass rusher so wouldn’t want to spend big $$$$ but he’s one to monitor.
You know on second thought Jarvis Jones probably wouldn’t go to the Seahawks. Pete Carroll already had him once only to cut him because of his injury why would you draft him in the pros
Any word on Miller’s recovery time from the Plantar Fascia tear? I don’t know if it’s similar, but plantar fasciitis knocked me out of running for 6 months, and I believe kept Jason Taylor off the field for a year.
Wondering how much (if at all) this would increase the interest (or need) in Ertz. I know we desperately need a presence at the 3-tech, but I’m hoping this can be solved in FA as I think Ertz could take this offense to the next level.
according to eHow:
According to Dr. Stephen M. Pribut, who specializes in podiatric sports medicine, full recovery time for torn plantar fascia typically takes between seven and 12 weeks.
Considering that the 3 techs we possibly would want (Richardson, Floyd, Lotulelei, Williams) very possibly will be off the board before #25 spot I think it would be more wise to get one in FA than move up in the draft for one.
The draft is our best vehicle for reducing the salary cap hits on our team. As we replentish positions with young talent we dont have to resign players whey they want a new contract because the young guys can fill that need. I see keeping our picks and using them to reduce costs in the long term as a more financial viable option than trading up in the draft for the 2nd or 3rd best 3tech.
In addition if we go out and get what we want in free agency (melton) that player can make an immediate impact vs waiting for a guy to develop.
We have a very young and cheap defense. The offense is where most the money has been spent and we may want to start considering restocking that side of the ball with young talent. If we could get Ertz in the first to be an eventual Zach replacement and a WR in the second that would be great. Id love to see an additional DT taken at some point as well as DE, OLB, OLine project, nickel CB, another WR, etc BPA
Filling our primary defensive need (3 tech) in the draft would force this organization to do the following
– Continue the path of unbalanced with youth on D and high price FA on offense
– Trade up and lose picks which would undermine the long term financial feasibility(or talent level if we have to not resign guys but dont have a suitable replacement) of this team
– Take a roll of the dice on a DT to fill an immediate need when there is a chance he could be less effective at the next level
– Go against the grain of picking the BPA
Agreed
I wonder if Floyd’s ascension up draft boards is any indication of GMs being underwhelmed by Lotulelei and Richardson as the top options.
I remember when Alan Branch was considered a top 10 lock around this time in 2007, and he ended up falling to the 33rd pick, all because of work ethic concerns. Richardson’s concerns are arguably worse, since he seems to take issue with responsibility/accountability. Who knows, maybe even the Seahawks could be one of the teams that might pass on him.
I think Lotulelei is probably a top 10 lock, even if he maybe shouldn’t be. It wouldn’t shock me if Floyd was top 15 based on that tweet. Richardson and Jones are kind of the wildcards in this draft. Maybe they could slide, but if they did, would Seattle even draft them? Should be interesting to watch.
Be nice to get lucky and have a key player drop to us.
I think you missed the point of Kip’s post. If Richardson falls due to a flawed character, the Seahawks are even less likely to draft him.
In a different manner than Ruskel, JS/PC value a prospects ‘football’ character very highly. That’s part of their success in the draft. They want players who love football, who will strive to get better, and have a solid work ethic. I doubt they take a chance on a guy who has already demonstrated a poor attitude, especially in the early rounds. As a cheap FA (Mike Williams) or much later in the draft (Lendale White in a cheap trade) they might take a chance, but not at the top of the draft.
Depends on the character issue. Bruce Irvin had character red flags and had just had an incident prior to the draft. They still drafted him quite high. Nothing I’ve read about Richardon indicates a red flag for Pete and John. A rowdy, defiant, chip on your shoulder mentality they seem to like. Sheldon fits that mold as does the team.
If Sheldon falls and he has the skills, Pete won’t give a rip about some academic incident, Juco transfer, or questions about his attitude. As long as his work ethic is strong and he likes to get after it, they’ll draft him.
If Richardson falls to us we would be idiots not to take him.
I would LOVE the opportunity for the seahawks to draft Ertz. I believe he could be the guy that you consistently look for on 3rd down to make a play and extend the drive, whether it’s with a block or a catch. I believe he can have a Gronkowski-type effect on the field. He can be a match-up nightmare, and ANOTHER player you have to game plan for (along with Lynch and Wilson). If the football gods are shining on us draft day, we will grab Ertz with the 25th pick.
Also, I was wondering what you guys think of Zach Maynard from CAL, he looks like he can manage a run first, play action passing attacking offense, and has the athletic ability to extend plays with his feet. Obviously he would be a project quarterback. Just wanted to know what the thoughts/opinions on him are?
I don’t think he has a future in the NFL. He was tough to watch in college.
I just went through all NFL teams payrolls. Seahawks are in awesome position at 29th in payroll, but like the Rams we will have to pay up in a few years. Melton has made peanuts and will be looking for a huge payday, and from what I’ve seen some other players make of his caliber he will require about 10 mil a year or more. Chris Long makes 16 mil, and so does Bradford(lol). Starks has been making 5 mil a year but with his recent decline in performance and age we could probably grab him for a three year deal at the price of one of Melton’s years. I still feel like we should pay up on a 26 year old Melton on a 5 year deal rather than Sparks at 29 and on the decline. How much better would Irvin, Clem, and any other DE we pick up be with Melton in the mix? Most teams pay at least a few players at around 10 mil or more and I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t go after Melton. I’m even willing to just cut Flynn and pick up a few late round QBs just to save some cap room over the next three years for Melton.
the catch is that the Seahawks want to constantly roll over remaining cap space. Even though the situation right now looks good, but the truth of the matter is that we’ll be seeing at least a 30 million increase over the next 3-4 years and that’s only assuming we resign Richard Sherman, Russell Wilson, Earl Thomas, Russell Okung and maybe a few cheaper contracts. If the goal is to keep every player, it’ll cost well north of 30 million.
In other words, the current plan is to maintain payroll flexibility in order to keep the core (all on rookie contracts) in the future. If you do sign Metlon (a potential game changer for this defense), then you’re sacrificing serious flexibility in the future. I can imagine Melton doing great things, but there is a definitive level of risk that makes this decision not as straightforward as it initially seems.
I think the availability of cheaper rookies, especially in the first round, is having the desired effect of putting a lid on veteran salaries, as well. Melton, may want $10 million. Getting it in this environment when so many teams are up against the cap is going to be difficult.
Sounds like the smartest thing then would be to get Melton on a 5 year deal, but include those clauses for what happens if he doesn’t perform well, or if we decide he is then too expensive and not worth it, and also in case we raise up a draft DT to take his place cheaper by 2-3 years from now when all those contracts come due!
Sound good?
the question is if the other teams are willing to do that. His price is what the market dictates. If other teams are willing to give him a higher portion in guaranteed or be willing to throw in easy incentives, your plan wouldn’t work. It’s all about security. Drew Brees contract negotiation last off season was precisely over the amount guaranteed, not the amount total.
Rob ~ Check out Malliciah Goodman against LSU.
<3 <3 <3 <3 <3
Big Goodman fan here. He's not an asset against the run, typically. Seems a lot more adept in a one-gap penetrating role. When he has to read and react, controlling two gaps, he tends to be blocked out pretty easily. Not for lack of effort though.
He had a pretty dominating performance in their bowl game against LSU–essentially four sacks and an incredibly key batted pass. Clemson was down 24-22 with less than 2 mins left. LSU was near midfield. On 3rd and 2, he was double-teamed on the edge, but had the awareness to throw up his arm and swat the pass. Of course, the Tigers went on to win on a last-second field goal. And when asked about his performance after the game, he said he did "ok, but missed several opportunities."
One other note: we've seen Pete and John's penchant for long-armed defenders. Goodman (6'3-5/8", 272lbs) has an insane 87-3/4" wingspan. I'll do the math for you–that's just shy of 7'4". He also has huge hands, at 10-7/8".
Big fan of Malliciah. He had a sack a game the second half of the season and really looked like he was getting it figured out as demonstrated by his dominating Bowl Game. Also your right about his arm length, that dude could scratch his ankle standing straight up. I asked Rob his thoughts earlier and he is interested to see his 10 yard split at the combine. If he shows good quickness there I expect him to be a fast riser.
Hey rob, what do you think about the Seahawks picking up Jordan Reed from Florida? Could end up being the “Joker” that Evan Moore and Mike Williams were supposed to be. All of the reports I’ve seen on him compare him to former Florida alum, Aaron Hernandez, someone I definitely wouldn’t mind having on our team!
He’s definitely an athletic tight end. Not quite as prolific as Hernandez, but some potential there. In R3-4 I’d be very interested in taking a flyer there. But I also like McCoy enough not to draft a tight end early if we don’t get Ertz.
If we miss or pass on Ertz, then Reed looks like a good pick!
…and in the 3-4 round range only Fauria from UCLA, or maybe Kelce from Cincy…
Actually, if we don’t get Ertz, Travis Kelce might be the best 2nd option. He is fast! …and 2 inches taller than Reed at 6’5″. One TE and two WR’s would be best IMO.
Imagine we use round 1 & 2 on DT / DE… Then draft:
Travis Kelce 4.68-40 TE,
Aaron Dobson 6-2 4.4-40 WR,
and Brandon Kaufman 6-4 4.6 WR…
This would be the late round offensive building approach… Like or no like??
I didnt really like Kaufman on the tape I saw of him.
He didnt track the ball in the air particularly well for jump balls. Wasnt particularly fast or quick. Has a large catching radius but didnt appear to make the Sidney or Tate like catches that were avaliable at the edges of his radius. Those ended up incomplete. To me thats a really big deal breaker when talking about a tall slightly slower receiver. They need to make those catches cause at the NFL level they wont get the separation to make the others.
I agree that Ertz, Kelce or Reed would make for great TE options. Id like to go with a WR in the second round because its about time we start to get young talent developing on the offensive side ofthe ball and Receiver position in particular because it can take some time for WR to develop at the NFL level.
Im super f-ing excited for the draft. Never been this excited for a draft and I owe it to Rob and also to FieldGulls. Fun stuff!!
Kawann Short is the cutoff, but he is going to shoot up boards after the combine. Based on the Iowa and ND tape:
Strengths:
-Looks like he weighs closer to 320
-Massive wingspan
-Very low center of gravity
-Athletic enough to drop back into coverage
-Active and effective hand use
-Keeps eyes in the backfield
-Good instincts recognizing screens immediately
-Maintains gap discipline
-Looks like a man amongst boys when shedding blocks. It almost looks like he has 40 lbs on some of these Iowa guards, which might actually be the case.
Weaknesses:
-No pass rush moves that I’ve seen other than great hands and bull rush
-Might be more of a 1/3-tech hybrid. Not as good of a penetrator as Richardson or Floyd, so might not be the perfect fit schematically if he’s only being asked to 1-gap and get after the passer.
-Only average off the snap … never saw him anticipate a snap count
-Sometimes leans into double teams, which might be the “motor issues” that he has.
As for these motor issues, they have to be either overblown or they aren’t showing up in the Iowa/ND tape. When he’s facing these double teams, I view it more like him moving into a contain role and trusting that the other 1-on-1’s that have been created at the line will get home, and he’s not going to commit to one side or another against a college QB who is more of a threat with his legs than his arm. Whether it’s scheme or not, I like to see a DL take a double team and just stand his ground rather than try to make a play one way or the other, only to see the QB break of a 10 yard run up the middle where he was just standing. Also opens up passing lanes if he does that, especially if you get pancaked.
Board to me for 3-tech looks like Lotulelei, Richardson, Floyd, Short, Williams in Round 1.
Those would be my five as well.
Just watched some more Lotulelei tape against BYU and USC …. wow. I didn’t know guys that weighed 330 got sideline to sideline like that, so chalk it up as another Kawann Short motor issue perhaps. Only knock on Lotulelei is how surprisingly poor he was against the run vs USC. A ton of stuff being carried backside that he was only able to get an arm on, but wouldn’t be much of an issue if only being asked to 1-gap. Would still like to see him make those plays once in a while, as he missed at least 5 of them.
Another thing to note is that I view Richardson/Floyd and Short/Williams as different styles of DT with the former as true pure penetrators (or 3-4 DE as you pointed out earlier), and the latter being more 1/3-tech hybrids that could definitely get after the QB if needed. Lotulelei has the size and skillset to be both. I could see Lotulelei/Richardson/Floyd taking over the Jason Jones role in passing situations, but I could also see Lotulelei/Short/Williams sliding over to 1-tech in the same scenarios.
My question for you, Rob, is which of those skillsets do you think Seattle is looking for most at the 3-tech: 1-gap responsibility and getting into the backfield, or sacrificing some of that penetration for the flexibility to hold up in 2-gap or double team situations?
Personally I think getting into the backfield and creating that pressure is crucial. Pete referenced the pass rush needing an upgrade and that’s one way to do it – even if the DT is getting the sack, he can make life difficult for the QB or lead him into the LEO. The way this defense is set up in the 4-3 under really is supposed to double up the three and the LEO on one side to create problems on one side. Too often the last two years the LEO’s basically been the only guy getting at it.
At the same time, they’ve used a lot of size inside… Bryant, Branch, Mebane. Branch in particular at the three. Maybe they’re looking for a big guy who can penetrate but most of all can full space? I still think more than anything they need someone who can shoot through and cause problems – 290lbs, great burst, attitude, scrappy type of player.
It’s cool Rob that after reading some of your defensive explanations, how I can actually visualize how the D attacks using its base formation, and packages. Thx for that!
I would agree that penetration is probably the number one desired quality here in a DT…
Out of Melton / Starks / Ellis / Bryant as DT FA —-
and Osi / Kruger / Avril as DE FA —-
Do you see a vision out of these possible combos that would do EXACTLY what PC wants??
Sure — I think Starks fits the three like a glove. Osi and Avril are both potential LEO’s. Whether they pay Osi or Avril remains to be seen though. Perhaps Starks and a R1 or R2 pick is more likely.
Something to consider too, is the late season collapse of our run defense in our base defense. At full strength, we were exploited in the run game. The Redskins game, I really felt like they took their foot off the gas and didn’t have the commitment to running the ball long term.
If we don’t expect we have available a DT that can get home to the QB and collect sack stats, would they consider a guy stout against the run that can produce just more push up front to collapse a pocket? It seems that there are a fair number of players in this draft that can at least do that, which would be an improvement to our rush. Short, Jesse Williams and even Brandon WIlliams seem to be candidates that can provide this.
Obviously the mandate was improve pass rush. But it also appears that doing so will require we take guys that lessen our run defense, possibly significantly. It doesn’t seem likely that we’re going to go with another ‘only on 3rd down’ situational guy two years running.
Faced with the prospect of playing SF twice a year, and what should be a significantly improved StL offensive line — toughness along the line really is something that we may not be in a position to sacrifice. That niner interior line is pretty outstanding and I don’t believe we are up to that standard of physical toughness on our DL. Even with Mebane/Branch/Bryant. That Rams line has the opportunity of being remade in a similar fashion in the course of an hour or two on a thursday in April.
Maybe a big body with a better ability to bull rush is something that would have first round value for us. We should have a decent list to choose from where we are picking if we go that route. Obviously guys we take will need to develop some. So having demonstrated that ability is probably going to be high on the list of qualities — since at 25, you’re not picking a well rounded DT. You’re getting a guy with questions and limitations.
Perhaps this is an option… but I just saw this team destroy San Francisco 42-13 and play out a close 13-6 defeat with a raw Russell Wilson at Candlestick. For me, it’s about making sure we’re in a better position to win those Detroit/Miami games that were so frustrating… when Wilson was playing at a high standard. And that means a much better pass rush.
I don’t disagree. Increasingly it looks like our options are to move up and get a quality upgrade, or to stand pat and opt for another position altogether or to accept less. I’m not sure how long we can continue to get specialists in round 1.
It’s especially difficult to really get a good feel of where this team is at. The last half of the season was kind of the cupcake run. It also coincided with Wilson emerging as a real star. I don’t believe the easy schedule caused his emergence. Because against the good talent in that stretch he proved his franchise mettle.
But as frustrating as those losses were, we had our share of close wins too. We tend to take those for granted while pining over the losses. Ultimately, our division is going to require a certain level of toughness in order to win it. It is without doubt, the currency of trade for success in the NFC West. We can’t get a first round bye without taking the division. Whomever we take is going to have to be more than just a pass rush guy. This division is going to demand it.
I truly believe that a move up to get one of the top two guys has more value than normal for us. This position is such a foundation piece for our defense. Probably the 2nd most important part after QB and before LT.
If we can’t get a DT at 25, why not trade back with the chiefs or Jaguars. Gain extra picks and package Flynn. Read an article about it.
http://hawksplaybook.com/1/post/2013/01/is-there-a-market-for-matt-flynn.html
With those teams you are talking about trading up in the fourth or later. Not the first or second. I keep hearing callers talking about trading up in the first for Flynn. Any team could have had him last year and passed. He is not even close to as valuable as we all wish he was.
Rob,
How does Ertz compare to Seferian-Jenkins? I am a massive fan of ASJ and think that he could be a pro bowl TE in the league right now. Because I know the skill set of ASJ pretty well, I am wondering how Ertz compares. I’m not a big Husky homer, so this isn’t that kind of love affair. Just wondering how they stack up against each other for comparison-sake.
I think ASJ looks stronger, has more potential to be an orthodox TE who creates nightmares for linebackers. He’ll be a better red zone threat. Ertz is more nimble, like a hybrid WR/TE. He can line up at the LOS, do all the TE duties but unlike ASJ he can line up as the #2 WR or in the slot fairly regularly.
ASJ = Tony Gonzalez type skills
Ertz = Aaron Hernandez
Fair?
you would have to hope Ertz isn’t remotely as bad as Hernandez in blocking. Hernandez is flat out atrocious in run blocking.
ASJ… How would Travis Kelce fit into this comparison. 6-5, 260, but a fast 4.68…
Glad to know there is another possible TE out there… We need a TE, and 2 WR…
Ertz is bigger than Hernandez. I think ASJ might be more of a Jermaine Gresham — who might not be tearing the league apart but he should be with those physical qualities.
Exactly…I see ASJ as a bit of Gresham and Gonzalez. Not a world beater speed wise/athletically, but is a guy that will win 9 out of 10 battles and move the chains. Also, a monster in the Red Zone.
If I am a team with a young QB, I do what I can to get ASJ and let him be the safety net throughout that QBs career.
Rob did you see that Sergio Kindle got cut. I would love to see the Hawks give him a try. I see the Giants brought him in since they know Osi is basically gone.
Rob, on the surface it seems, to me, that Ertz is pretty comparable to Evan Moore, who busted here. He is a tall athletic hybrid type TE from Stanford. What did/do you think about Evan Moore compared to Ertz?
Physically they may be similar. I didn’t scout Moore in college so it’s hard to review the comparison. But Ertz was incredibly consistent and dynamic at Stanford — plus their leading receiver.
Good stuff!!! I have a different take on the whole jump ball theory. Our WR’s don’t have the breakaway speed to run past CB’s which is why Russell Wilson is throwing what looks to be jump balls. Russell Wilson is willing to give his guys a chance to make a play on the ball by placing it where only his guys can get the ball. Now if we had a WR that could run past the CB on a regular basis, like Oregon St WR Markus Wheaton, then Wilson just has to lead his WR to where the WR runs under the ball without breaking stride. A lot of QB’s have the arm strength to throw deep, but few have Wilson’s accuracy and cojones to throw the deep ball with regularity.
I’m not 100% sure about this. One of the first things Pete did was speak to Brandon Marshall and invite him to Seattle. From the outset they’ve looked at big receivers and it’s not just Wilson being asked to throw jump balls to single coverage. It’s been a consistent feature for three seasons. And as I touched on in the article, beating a defense in behind is a bit of a myth. You can’t throw over the top with the safety’s playing these days. I don’t recall many throws in 2012 where a QB just launched one to a speed receiver who got downfield purely down to his running skills. The league is being dominated by big receivers who can win mismatches.
Maybe it’s the terminology that you are using, “jump ball” that I’m having a hard time with. The term “jump ball” IMO is a throw that when a passing play breaks down and the QB just thinks “screw it, I’m throwing caution to the wind and I’m throwing it to my guy despite him being cover and hopefully he will catch it”. I don’t think offensive coordinators are scheming there game plan to throw jump balls; I doubt they are saying “I want this WR to run this type of route on this play and then I want you Russell Wilson to throw a jump ball”. IMO ‘jump balls” are not a planned throw, whereas a back shoulder throw is. It’s just my opinion and we may have to agree to disagree on this particular subject.
As far as safety play, I think there is a lot less cover-2 (two deep safeties) these days, so it should be easier to take the top of a defense with a speed guy. There are not a lot of elite speed guys, but a few I’ll throw out there are Colts (WR) T.Y. Hilton, Steelers (WR) Mike Wallace, Ravens (WR) Torry Smith, Panthers (WR) Steve Smith, and Eagles (WR) DeSean Jackson to name a few guys that beat defenses with their speed. Oregon St (WR) Markus Wheaton and Texas (WR) Marquise Goodwin are two guys in this draft that have the speed to stretch a defense.
I think you’re pigeon holing the term ‘jump ball’ a little. It can be used to describe what you’re saying, but you’re also throwing ‘jump balls’ when you look to exploit single coverage on deeper routes. The Seahawks challenged their receivers a LOT to win those battles, with Wilson aiming the throw higher and showing a lot of trust that his guy would make the play. And for the most part they did. This has been a staple for three years now and how this team appears to want to challenge in the passing game to make chunk yards in 1v1 coverage. I saw barely any ‘taking the top’ of a defense last year, certainly not in Seattle’s games and not with Wilson at QB.
Rob and folks, how do y’all feel about us nabbing Stephen Williams this week as a FA from ARZ?
Hi is a big 6-5, 200, 4.48 guy that supposedly had a great rookie camp in AZ.
He is from Tuledo, a small school, where he set records… I hope he can kick some butt!!!
Do you trust this guy Rob as a legit WR? and how possibly does that shift the draft??
Maybe only a TE and 1 WR now? instead of 2 WR?
Can’t help you much here Paul… don’t know much about him.
Well JS said, “We got him!”. So let’s hope he is an impact player… If so, thats great!!
Rob, something you wrote about a few days ago has been in the back of my mind for a while. You pointed out how the WILL linebacker doesn’t have very much pass rush responsibilities in our defensive scheme. And knowing that, interior pressure seemed to be the most pressing need. But as far as I can tell, the D-lineman that SHOULD be available at #25 all have flaws (I’m not saying the lineman at the top half of the draft are flawless but they seem to have “potential” to improve their weaknesses)… So my question is: Is it worth it to grab a warranted first year starter at linebacker in the first round? Or grab a project interior pass rusher that could be hit or miss? My initial answer to this question is to grab the project. Look at how this defense played with Leroy Hill as the starting WILL linebacker. If the Hawks can get some interior pressure next year it would improve the defense immensely. But the more I think about it, the more I like the idea of shoring up our linebacking core and just resigning Branch. All in all, I just hope we trade up and grab Richardson.
It’s an interesting question Dan. If Alec Ogletree is there at #25 I think you just take him and feel pretty smart about it. I think you have to consider Arthur Brown too depending on who’s off the board. That’s not as big a need as WR/TE and pass rush in my opinion, but you can’t fight the board. Drafting a WILL in round one has to be an option.
This I think is really key. Fighting the board is a really easy way to go into 2014 with the same needs list, plus whatever breaks down in the course of 2013.
That’s why the flexibility to move up and down in the draft is vital. Being dogmatically opposed to moving up restricts your opportunities to improve. In exactly the same way as trading away all your day 3 picks. If the guy you need costs more than you have and his value is worth more than the price to move up — then from a pure economics standpoint, it’s a good move.
If Richardson or some other really good prospect falls to the early teens (maybe it is Star, or someone else), then IMO, the cost of moving up should not be prohibitive at all. We’ve discussed at length the value a quality 3 tech can have, in terms of adding to the productivity of players around him. Not only are you getting the positional upgrade. We’d be adding value to the Irvin pick. To the quality of the secondary. There is a domino effect that this one position has for a lot of other positions. Positions that we have manned with pro bowl quality already.
I personally would not bat an eye for a two first round pick deal if Richardson or Lotulelei drops into the early teens. I do believe either one of these players could be outstanding additions to this team. Lotulelei is not a finished product. And this is a team that I have little doubt, can keep this young man’s motivation where it needs to be. He isn’t consistent. But should his floor raise much — this is a guy who in terms of size and agility, we’ve not seen here since Marcus Tubbs. He is a guy who has shown natural flashes of pure dominance.
I don’t expect we’ll have a shot in the next 2-3 seasons to get a guy better than either of these two as they stand on draft day. Either they won’t exist, or we will pick too late. Doesn’t mean there won’t be a better guy. But he’ll be a guy that has warts in April, and blossoms developmentally.
Watching a bunch of DT tape today and found Chris Jones, BGSU. 6’2″ 302. 19 TFL, 12.5 Sacks which is 2nd best in FBS for an interior lineman behind only Will Sutton in both categories. Currently projected as undrafted, and when you watch this, you’re going to say he’s a 3-4 DE and this time I agree, but dat spin move…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6t_htre3Jw
He lines up primarily at 3-4 DE but does move around some. Competition is Miami of Ohio in the only tape I’ve found of him, and the game looks a bit slower at this level, but he just looks effortless out there. He has a great bull-rush and swim, but also a very effective spin that he can use inside and out. I could also swear that at about :35 into the tape, that is a 300 pound man trying to bend around the edge (or maybe it’s all trying to get the hold call). He puts all these moves together very effectively and keeps his eyes in the backfield all the while. I really can’t see this kid not making a HUGE run up boards if some of his other tape looks this good … like Round 2 and only that late because he’s from BGSU and might not have a “natural position” in the NFL.
Also saw tape today of Jesse Williams, Akeem Spence, Bennie Logan, and Josh Boyd. Boyd was the best of the bunch IMO, but played NT next to Fletcher Cox so wasn’t doing any 3-tech’ing. Everyone else was pretty meh, and I have no idea how Jesse Williams is a 1st rounder based on the Ole Miss tape.
Appreciate the thoughts.
Cannot force it with the D line in the first round. I would much rather see them get the top TE or WR than the 7th or 8th best DL player, regardless of what happens in free agency. Get that value!
I so agree Wes… We had the number 4 defense, so let’s go out and arm RW, now that we know who and what he is, with new talented WR’s and TE’s! Then just outscore the opponents! No more late game winning drives if you are up 17 points!!
Arm the Offense!!!!
What do you guys think about Richard Sherman and Derelle Revis Teaming up???
Jets need cap relief, a QB, and players/picks to jump start their team!
Would you guys trade Flynn, next years first/other players, for Revis?? With The Sherm-Rev Island, Earl thomas would feast…
Danny Kelly said it this way…
“Revis is the best cornerback in the game – you almost literally can’t throw the ball to his side of the field -, is still only 27 (remember, Seattle drafted 25 year old Bruce Irvin last year with their first-round pick), and when paired with RICHARD SHERMAN, would make it damn near impossible for quarterbacks to pass outside the numbers. This would, in theory, funnel everything inside, to EARL THOMAS’ dominion, which, frankly, would be awesome. Past that, Seattle could further rely on their 8-man fronts even more extensively and aggressively, and may allow them to generate better pressure using more exotic blitz looks, knowing the deep three zones are covered. You really can’t do that with Browner, as much as I love the dude.
Of course, people scoff at the price, and I get that. I do. I’m not excited about the thought of trying to negotiate a new mega-deal with a veteran CB coming off of a major knee injury. But I’m also vaguely intrigued because of the absurdly awesome schematic things a Revis-Sherman-Thomas secondary would allow – so it’s something I’ll watch with an open mind. I do know this – San Francisco has a couple of really good corners, but they’ve also got 14 picks and Alex Smith, and if Revis goes to the Niners I’m going to cry.”
I do not want SF getting their grubby paws on Revis. And they could… We would play him for the next 3-7 years to get home field advantage. I say give it a look?
You??
I guess it will comedown to:
What will it cost us to get him for one year? Multiple picks.. shoot for us to get a player for one year at a 6 mill contract.. is it worth it?
What will it cost us to resign him and can we afford to do that and retain our important core pieces in place already? 8-10 Mill Id be ok with and might be manageable by the office.. 16 mill like he wants..no way in hell.
What do we do with Browner? Maybe he goes as part of trade to jets. Maybe on some downs Revis or Sherm play the best slot guy and Browner stays on the outside with one of the two. Keep a rotation of sorts depending on the formation and whatnot.
On Richardson and attitude — Just to clarify. He’s all business on the field, and does not back down but he’s not Darnell Dockett at all. He’s not an ass who plays a beat after the whistle. He’s actually a really likable, charming kid.
On the academic issues — He wasn’t a great student. That much is for certain. When Missouri was recruiting him there was talk about a possible learning disability. He had an older brother that Mizzou recruited who never got eligible. As for the refusal to accept punishment for an academic violation, the way I understand it was he could sit a game or ___ (no one knows exactly) and he chose the former.
I’m gonna keep harping on this until you submit. 😉
Resign Jones to a 2 year 8 million contract. Draft Jenkins to play rush down 1 Tech, move Mebane to 3 Tech (back to 1 Tech for passing downs, when Jones comes in to 3 Tech. Rings all around.
Why would Mebane not be a good 3 Tech.
When he played the three technique before he generated minimal pass rush and they moved him quickly back to the one.
I thought that was the same time that Rocky Benard left, so Mebane shifted over to his spot, but then Mebane was playing next to a bunch of dead wood so they doubled Mebane at 3T…
Either way, looking at how this FO operated last offseason, I have no doubt that we will sign one significant FA at 3T before the draft, and I think Jones is most likely. Melton seems like a pipe dream with the market everyone says will be there for him; more likely I could see a team friendly contract for Osi or Avril, and even Branch. They will be in a position where they won’t have to draft to fix a hole at the cost of upside, but rather draft to get the most upside.
nevermind…just watched 20 minutes of tape on Jenkins and he is big, but he has no anchor – never demands a double team. He plays like a 280 lb guy with an extra 70 lbs of fat.
While I think there’s merit behind the idea that the Seahawks could trade up in the first round for their biggest need (or even the second round if it came to that,) if there’s a run on D-linemen in the middle of the 1st round, it will push players who are highly rated at their position back, so because of that I think the Seahawks will more likely remain where they are and take the highest rated player on their board. If not that, I can see them trading back.