Updated 2013 top-50 list & Seahawks ‘ones to watch’

It’s impossible to determine Seattle’s needs before the season even starts. However, this is a draft blog and it’s worth highlighting some of the prospects to monitor as the college season progresses. We can add names to this list, we can strike others off.  The main reason for a piece like this is really so we can look back in April and see how accurate/inaccurate it really was. I’ve tried to cover all bases and some of the picks below are a bit obvious, others not so much. I’ve also put together an updated top-50 watch-list after the initial top-40 list a few months ago.

What if… the Seahawks need a receiver?

Right now most people would list receiver as the teams top priority. Sidney Rice needs to prove he can stay healthy, Doug Baldwin has to show he’s not a one-year wonder. Apart from that there’s not a great deal to be positive about. Adding a talented receiver would bring another dimension to the Seahawks offense and would help quarterback Russell Wilson if he proves worthy of long-term consideration as the teams starting quarterback.

Da’Rick Rogers (WR, Tennessee Tech)
I’ve started with Rogers because I want to go against conventional wisdom. If we’ve learnt anything from Pete Carroll and John Schneider, it’s to think outside of the box. Rogers was kicked off the team at Tennessee after multiple violations of the schools substance abuse policy. He’s since joined Tennessee Tech in the hope of having a big year against weaker opposition, before entering the 2013 draft. It’s a similar situation to Janoris Jenkins a year ago – and despite all of Jenkins’ problems he was still the 39th overall pick. Rogers is 6-3 and 215lbs and will need to convince teams he’s a changed man to max-out his stock. Even so, Carroll and Schneider don’t appear to be afraid of a challenge and Rogers could be the most physically gifted receiver in next years draft. It’s just a shame he won’t be able to show what he can do in the SEC.

Cordarrelle Patterson (WR, Tennessee)
Rogers’ loss is Patterson’s gain and the JUCO transfer exploded onto the scene against NC State this week. Tyler Bray has a lot of technical issues with his release, but nobody can deny his arm strength and Patterson will benefit big-time if he continues to grow into the offense. Here are some highlights from his time in the JUCO ranks:

Cordarrelle Patterson JUCO Highlights from Kipp Adams on Vimeo.

The raw talent is there for all to see. He may prove to be a little too raw for NFL teams looking for an immediate fix, but he’s certainly one to watch going forward. We already know that Carroll & Schneider are willing to consider talented JUCO transfers (see: Bruce Irvin). He’s listed at 6-3 and 205lbs so he matches the size traditionally associated with #1 receivers in the league.

Robert Woods (WR, USC)
Of course… the Seahawks don’t follow the pack. And my last sentence in the Cordarrelle Patterson write-up goes against what we’ve learnt about Carroll and Schneider. The group-think machine that judges Russell Wilson to be ‘one of the worst picks in the third round’ also says a #1 receiver has to be above 6-2 in height and carry the size capable of matching up to the most physical defensive backs in the league. Tight ends are more involved in the passing game these days purely due to the size and athleticism of  guys like Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if Seattle’s priority next year was to find their own version of the Gronk. But it also wouldn’t surprise me if they continued to think outside of the box. Carroll recruited Woods – who’s listed at 6-1 and around 190lbs. When he burst onto the scene as a freshman, college football crowned Woods the next big thing. Only the emergence of Marqise Lee has changed that. Most people forget how good and how productive Woods was before Lee’s explosive arrival. It’s worth remembering that A.J. Jenkins (6-0, 190lbs) was taken 30th overall by San Francisco last year. I can imagine the Seahawks making a similar move for Woods in round one next April. In fact, if I was doing a ridiculously early mock draft today I would pair Woods with the Seahawks.

Other alternatives: Keenan Allen (California), Justin Hunter (Tennessee), Marquess Wilson (Washington State)

What if… the Seahawks need a defensive lineman?

Seattle likes what it has at defensive end and probably isn’t likely to spend a first round pick on the position after re-signing Chris Clemons and drafting Bruce Irvin. Red Bryant is also tied-up long term. There’s talent inside too with Brandon Mebane and the underrated Alan Branch. I’m a big fan of Jaye Howard and will be interested to see if he becomes the teams latest mid-round steal over the course of the next couple of seasons. There’s other complimentary pieces too and good overall depth on the DL. But as with good cornerbacks, you can never have enough good lineman.

Sylvester Williams (DT, UNC)
Another JUCO transfer, this time at North Carolina. Williams got off to a fast start this weekend with two sacks in an opening-day beat-down against Elon. Williams looked the part last year and after further tape study of the North Carolina defense, he looks like a player we should keep an eye on for Seattle. He’s listed by ESPN at 305lbs and 6-3 but I think he’s a little heavier than that, or at least has the potential to gain weight. Some teams will look to try and move him to the nose, but I think he’s better off playing at his current weight and acting as a more orthodox tackle. He’s powerful enough to hold his position against the run but shows enough speed and explosion off the snap to act as a pass rushing force. Getting someone who consistently warrants an extra blocker inside will max-out Seattle’s speed off the edge. Williams is a very interesting prospect.

Star Lotulelei (DT, Utah)
I’m not as excited about Loutlelei as some others – I’ve seen him appear at #1 on some big boards which I think is in part inspired by opinions within the league that he could’ve been a high pick this year. The potential is unquestioned, I just think he has many things to learn. He made the correct decision to return to Utah and play another season in the PAC-12 . There were times last year when he just got blown out of plays and while he is a pass rushing threat with incredible athleticism for his size, I feel like he’d be a liability in the league based on current tape. If he polishes up his technique and learns to become consistently difficult to handle (rather than explosive one play, awful the next) then he could be a top-15 pick. I suspect he’ll be a guy the league salivates over in terms of potential but there will be an element of risk involved.

Barekvious Mingo (DE, LSU)
I do not expect the Seahawks to go this route, but let’s consider this a ‘what if?’ moment. Bruce Irvin has been tagged as the ideal LEO, but at West Virginia he was always more effective as a specialist. What if that proves to be the case in Seattle too? Chris Clemons signed a deserved new contract but isn’t getting any younger – and the team has been ruthless in cutting ties when the time is right. Mingo won’t fit everyone’s scheme, but he fits Seattle’s as a speed rusher off the edge who does most damage lined up at the LOS. The thought of using a rotation of Irvin and Mingo is pretty enticing if a little close to over-kill. But Mingo has talent. And the Seahawks could be in a position to take the best player available next year. It’ll be difficult to keep a lid on his potential competing in the SEC.

Other alternatives: Akeem Spence (Illinois), Jonathan Jenkins (Georgia), Bjoern Werner (Florida State)

What if… the Seahawks need a linebacker?

This is going to be a position of real strength in the 2013 draft. The Seahawks may find it hard to resist completing the set at linebacker having already drafted KJ Wright and Bobby Wagner to start. Leroy Hill keeps hanging on every year, but eventually they’re going to find someone to fill that spot. There are multiple first round options destined for next years draft even at this early stage. I haven’t included Jarvis Jones in this section because a.) I feel he’s likely to be a top pick and out of reach for Seattle and b.) I want to cover some other options.

Arthur Brown (LB, Kansas State)
When you go back and watch the tape from 2011, it’s a surprise Brown didn’t declare for the 2011 draft. The guy is a great football player. Period. He’s the kind of prospect who tilts a defense just through his sheer presence on the field. He’ll not make a ton of huge game-changing plays, but he’ll push everyone around him to play with his level of intensity. He’s a three-down linebacker who moves well from sideline-to-sideline, is strong taking on the run and is no slouch in coverage especially against big tight ends. He isn’t going to offer much pass rushing threat but the rest of his game makes up for it. He’s not got ideal size at 6-1 and around 230lbs but he’ll make a NFL team better next year.

Hayes Pullard (LB, USC)
A brilliant athlete who started the season with a pick-six against Hawaii. I’m not convinced he’ll declare as a redshirt sophomore but if he keeps making plays and USC have the kind of year people expect, he could be tempted. He’s not a big guy at 6-1, 235lbs but he can move. He’s not going to be a great force against the run but he can cover better than most linebackers I’ve watched in recent years. He’s mobile enough to get around the field and he plays with the intensity the position requires at the next level. I think he’s an ideal pick for a team looking to upgrade the WILL linebacker role – something the Seahawks may consider next April.

Manti Te’o (LB, Notre Dame)
The kind of solid MLB who crops up every year and seems to go in the first two rounds. If Luke Kuechly is a success in Carolina, expect Te’o to potentially go as early as the top-15 picks because overall I preferred Te’o on tape. He had an interception against Navy on Saturday and will continue to make plays – and that’s the thing that separated the two for me. Kuechly was a tackling machine beyond the LOS but he wasn’t an impact player. He was a safety net, a last line of defense that often was needed as Boston College. Te’o didn’t have the enormous tackle numbers last year, but he had five sacks. The Seahawks could easily move Wagner to the WILL and put Te’o inside if they wanted to go early at linebacker next April.

Other alternatives: Kevin Reddick (UNC), Devon Kennard (USC), Alec Ogletree (Georgia), C.J. Mosley (Alabama)

What if… the Seahawks need an offensive lineman?

There are two high quality guard prospects slated for 2013 plus a handful of tackles and centers that could find their way into round one. Jonathan Cooper is as good a guard prospect as you’ll see entering the league while Chance Warmack started well for Alabama on Saturday. Keep a check on Barrett Jones who’s played tackle, guard and now center at Alabama. Khaled Holmes at USC is another good center although the Seahawks are unlikely to look at that position. Chaz Green at Florida, Brennan Williams at UNC, Jake Matthews at Texas A&M and Oday Aboushi at Virginia are the tackles I’m focusing on.

Jonathan Cooper (G, UNC)
For a period of time Cooper featured in my first round mock draft for 2012, but he decided to return to North Carolina. He would’ve been a first round pick last year, but with a bit more attention he’s almost certainly destined to go in the top-32 next April. He’s a big guy at 320lbs but displays almost tackle-like athleticism and he’s dominant in the run-game. He can be explosive with unmatched footwork, but he’s also a student of the game and you see him picking up stunts and blitzes pretty easily. His best attribute is probably in pass protection. Again the footwork comes in to play, but he’s powerful and shows great technique keeping the pass rusher in front and at arms length. He could be a top-15 pick. He’s better than guys like DeCastro.

Chance Warmack (G, Alabama)
Versatile lineman who lacks the technique and athleticism of Cooper but is just a typical road-grader who dominates in ‘Bama’s run-centric system. He has a wide frame and he’s difficult to beat inside in pass protection, but he’ll be drafted mostly as a run blocker. Against Michigan on Saturday he was consistently driving his man into the backfield and creating huge running lanes. Time and time again it looked like a NFL lineman had crept onto the field to deal with middling college recruits. Warmack’s value will be slightly limited compared to Cooper’s, but any team looking for a no-thrills guard will consider Warmack in the first two rounds.

Brennan Williams (OT, UNC)
Cooper’s partner in crime. The reason I wanted to highlight Williams instead of several other talented offensive lineman is due to one reason – his father, Brent, is a former Seahawk. I see Williams as a more of a right tackle and depending on James Carpenter’s recovery and/or potential move to guard, this could be a position Seattle reviews next off-season. He’s a big guy at 6-6 and 320lbs and unlike Cooper, he’s better against the run than in pass protection. He’s tough and he’s shown a willingness to get to the second level and look for linebackers in the run game. When looking at Cooper over the summer this guy flashed up more than once and he could be a riser over the course of the year.

Other alternatives: Chaz Green (OT, Florida), Oday Aboushi (OT, Virginia), (G/C/OT Barrett Jones, Alabama)

What if… the Seahawks need a cornerback?

It’s considered a position of strength for the Seahawks but you can’t ignore a quality cornerback. I still think it was a mistake to pass on Jimmy Smith in 2011 – a player definitely worth a top-10 grade but fell due to off-field concerns. He’s now part of a growing Baltimore secondary and given James Carpenter’s struggles and ill-health, I can’t help but think of a secondary including Browner, Sherman and Smith at corner. Moving forward I think the Seahawks will look to keep topping up the position, but they’ve had so much success outside of the 1st-3rd rounds they maybe feel confident enough to keep looking for diamonds in the rough.

Dee Milliner (CB, Alabama)
A player nobody was really talking about this summer until the Michigan game on Saturday. You watch the game, you go back and look at the 2011 tape. Then you realise this is a top-15 pick in the making. He’s got the kind of size teams are looking for (6-1, 190lbs), he’s incredibly competitive in run support. But more than anything else he can cover and he has that playmaking instinct teams look for. He’s the kind of cornerback Seattle likes. They may need to be picking early to get a shot at this guy, he’s the real deal and another first round corner from the Nick Saban production line.

Jonathan Banks (CB, Mississippi State)
He’s not the fastest and he looks a bit stiff sometimes, but he’s 6-2 and 190lbs and again looks like a Seattle cornerback. His greatest strength is run support and he can be a ferocious tackler. He’s also a bit of a ball hawk when tackling – he’ll go for the strip more often than not and he’s produced some good results. The big question is whether he can show to be a more agile corner going forward. He doesn’t change direction well and recovery speed is questionable. He’s also a second slow to react at times and too often allows 4-5 yards on a quick pass. But in what looks like a pretty poor year for cornerbacks he might be the next best after Milliner.

Other alternatives: Terry Hawthorne (CB, Illinois), Tyrann Mathieu (unattached, may turn pro)

What if… the Seahawks need a quarterback?

We cannot get away from this question… not yet anyway. Russell Wilson has a chance to ensure we don’t have to talk about quarterbacks anymore, but until the season starts it’d be ignorant on our behalf to not look at the position. The Seahawks greatest need will remain at quarterback until someone nails the starting gig – not just for 2012, but for the foreseeable future. The biggest fear for Seattle’s front office will be a distinctly average performance from Wilson. If he plays badly, at least you know the search continues. If he plays at anything above average – there’s cause for optimism. But if he’s below average, you’re in a difficult situation. Do you give him time? Do you attack the draft? It’s questions like this that keep us coming back to QB… for now.

Matt Barkley (QB, USC)
Watching Barkley against Hawaii just reminds you why this guy should be the #1 pick next year. On a technical level he’s off the charts – he doesn’t have the natural physical gifts of Andrew Luck, but on a technical level they are extremely close and Barkley may be superior. His footwork, mechanics, poise and accuracy are on a different level to any college QB I’ve seen before. He looks like a better athlete this year in terms of build and arm strength and without doubt he should be the top pick. Pete Carroll loves the guy, Matt Barkley would welcome the chance to play in Seattle given his ties to the city. It’s a perfect match but is unlikely to happen without a RGIII type trade. Carroll has said in the past he would pay for the right guy.

Logan Thomas (QB, Virginia Tech)
Thomas’ best football is ahead of him. While he’ll never be Drew Bress, Eli/Payton Manning or Tom Brady, his ceiling is Ben Roethlisberger and his floor is probably only Joe Flacco. He’ll make plays at the next level, whether it’s throwing downfield or doing enough with his legs to move the chains. He’ll be at his best on a physical team that highlights the running game and plays good defense – like the Seahawks. He’s a smart player who takes what he’s given and doesn’t tend to force things. Virginia Tech should be right up there competing for the ACC title and Thomas has a chance to send his stock skyward. However, he didn’t attend the Manning passing academy this year which suggests he fully intends to stay for his senior season at VT in 2013.

Other alternatives: Tyler Wilson (QB, Arkansas), Geno Smith (QB, West Virginia)

UPDATED 2013 WATCH-LIST TOP 50

#1 Matt Barkley (QB, USC)
#2 Logan Thomas (QB, Virginia Tech)
#3 Star Lotulelei (DT, Utah)
#4 Jarvis Jones (LB, Georgia)
#5 Barkevious Mingo (DE, LSU)
#6 Dee Milliner (CB, Alabama)
#7 Bjoern Werner (DE, Florida State)
#8 Jonathan Cooper (G, North Carolina)
#9 Tyler Wilson (QB, Arkansas)
#10 Sylvester Williams (DT, North Carolina)
#11 Chance Wormack (G, Alabama)
#11 Arthur Brown (LB, Kansas State)
#12 Oday Aboushi (OT, Virginia)
#13 Keenan Allen (WR, California)
#13 Sam Montgomery (DE/LB, LSU)
#14 Chaz Green (OT, Florida)
#15 Robert Woods (WR, USC)
#16 Jonathan Banks (CB, Mississippi State)
#17 Geno Smith (QB, West Virginia)
#18 Akeem Spence (DT, Illinois)
#19 Cordarrelle Patterson (WR, Tennessee)
#20 Manti Te’o (LB, Notre Dame)
#21 C.J. Mosley (LB, Alabama)
#22 Marcus Lattimore (RB, South Carolina)
#23 Montee Ball (RB, Wisconsin)
#24 Brennan Williams (OT, North Carolina)
#25 Da’Rick Rogers (WR, Tennessee Tech)
#26 Jake Matthews (OT, Texas A&M)
#27 Justin Hunter (WR, Tennessee)
#28 Kevin Reddick (LB, North Carolina)
#29 Jackson Jeffcoat (DE, Texas)
#30 Hayes Pullard (LB, USC)
#31 Knile Davis (RB, Arkansas)
#32 Terry Hawthorne (CB, Illinois)
#33 Dion Jordan (DE, Oregon)
#34 John Simon (DE, Ohio State)
#35 Barrett Jones (C, Alabama)
#36 Marquess Wilson (WR, Washington State)
#37 William Gholston (DE, Michigan State)
#38 Andre Ellington (RB, Clemson)
#39 TJ McDonald (S, USC)
#40 Tyler Eifert (TE, Notre Dame)
#41 Khaled Holmes (C, USC)
#42 DeAndre Hopkins (WR, Clemson)
#43 Devon Kennard (LB, USC)
#44 Levine Toilolo (TE, Stanford)
#45 Tavon Austin (WR, West Virginia)
#46 Alec Ogletree (LB, Georgia)
#47 Terrance Williams (WR, Baylor)
#48 Kawann Short (DT, Purdue)
#49 Jordan Matthews (WR, Vanderbilt)
#50 Kenny Stills (WR, Oklahoma)

30 Comments

  1. dave crockett

    Q: Did David Amerson (NC ST) play his way out of early round consideration with his putrid showing against UT?

    • Rob Staton

      For me… yes. There were some concerns about his speed and mobility but the 13 interceptions added a layer of intrigue. Then you watch him against a JUCO transfer on debut and he struggles badly – he’s a safety at the next level for me.

  2. Colin

    My money says our 1st round pick next year is going to be a WLB, DT, or QB.

  3. cliff

    We may be picking Low enough to draft a WR or TE. WLB could also be the pick or OL but i would have to go for WR/TE.

  4. AlaskaHawk

    If we need a QB next year – I will keep my eye out for Geno Smith because he plays well and should be available mid first round.

    I was a big proponent of picking a wide receiver in first round of last years draft. Irvin is okay, but we didn’t need a light DE that badly. Arguably if we did want a rushing DE we could have picked someone more polished, heavier, and better at pass rushing. But we really need another go to receiver. We have lucked out with Baldwin and this year Edwards. But we should address the issue because Rice could be injured again.

    Arizona did with Floyd. They now have two of the best wide receivers in the league. We will spend a lot of effort defending against them. Fortunately there QB is average – but two great wide receivers can bail a QB out.

    • Colin

      Isn’t a bit early to be calling Floyd “one of the best”.

      • MJ

        All reports suggest Floyd has disappointed big time in camp too. He played slow at ND, so who cares what his 40 time is. Never been a fan of any ND players at all and would avoid them like the plague.

      • peter

        It’s probably a little early to be calling Irvin “okay,” as a pejorative. How about we get some game tape that counts on him first.

  5. Darnell

    I’d throw Xavier Rhodes into the mix as a guy that fits the mold of being a “Seahawks CB”.

    I’d add Johnathan Brown of Illinois to the LB discussion – terrific athlete with terrific speed.

    Rob, curious what you think of Skov and Thomas at Stanford, strictly 3-4 guys? They’re both very impressive. I can see Thomas rising similarily to McClellin.

    Not in rounds 1 or 2, but I’d like to see the Hawks add a superquick “waterbug” type of guy like KC has with McCluster, Pitt has with Rainey and Oakland has with Ford. Tavon Austin and Andre Debose are explosive players that would add another element to the offense.

    This team is going to be at interesting point coming up where there might not be a lot of room for draft picks to make the team. I’d be all for packaging picks to jump up the board if needed for someone elite or trading for a bunch of 2014 capital to make a run a someone like Lee or ASJ.

    • Rob Staton

      I’m looking forward to seeing the Stanford guys, particularly the two you listed and also the TE. They’re on the schedule for the upcoming weeks.

  6. MJ

    I love Woods but he really scares me in the NFL. He looked pretty poor at times in the opener and his body type has not changed in 3 years. There is no doubting his production, but he really looks to me like a great college player doesn’t do a whole lot in the league.

    Assuming QB play is good, we have to acquire weapons. No more picks on the OL early. I wouldnt be opposed to a high pick in the DL or WLB, because I bet Leroy is gone next year.

    Great stuff Rob!

    • Rob Staton

      Fair concerns with Woods. Part of my thinking is Seattle will be picking later than they have the last few years, possibly in a range where value can be had. Woods with a pick in the 20-32 range – maybe after a trade down – wouldn’t be a bad thing IMO. If we’re talking top-15 then it becomes a different story. I was working under the theory Seattle wouldn’t be picking in the top half of round one this year.

      • Colin

        Rob, I find it concerning about Woods that his big play production dipped as soon as Marquis Lee entered the picture. Woods became more of an underneath receiver In theory, shouldn’t this really help Woods’ play for this season, seeing as defenses may lean towards scheming against Lee?

        I have a funny suspicion that Woods’ stock may decline heavily.

        • Rob Staton

          I’ve just watched tape on a few Woods/USC games to try and get an angle on this. What I noticed was that rather than go to Woods on nearly every passing play, they were splitting it between the pair. Lee is a better downfield threat but something about Woods really intrigues me. He’s an incredible athlete, he’s ultra competitive. The lingering issues are with technical errors such as running the wrong route or getting his body into the wrong position to complete a downfield pass. But overall I think you can match him up at pretty much any position and feed him production. I think we’ll see this year that Lee has big games and Woods has big games as teams try to deal with both. I’m not convinced his stock will decline ‘heavily’.

      • Mtjhoyas

        Good point Rob about picking later in the draft.

        He definitely does a lot of things really well. I think I’d be more comfortable with him as a 2nd rounder, even if it simply means trading down into the 30s or 40s. I can’t rationalize why I’d be better with that than at 23.

        I guess the fact that he has been the same player since Freshman year maybe has tainted my view of him. *His freshman year was amazing, thus hard to drastically improve I guess.

        **Lastly, I wouldn’t be surprised by a surprise pick of Dion Jordan. I feel like he might fit PC/JS as a really unique player that they could get creative with. Just a thought as the conventional thought doesn’t register with these dudes (and yes, I kind of love it).

  7. Brian

    I’m really excited for the next two drafts…

    First, I think next year the ‘Hawks might be in position to be opportunists and draft more based on the board, instead of need. Their roster is getting filled out to where there are few glaring needs.

    My take is that ’14 looks like it will be a much better year for WRs, so if we can patchwork until then (let’s hope Edwards works out, Rice stays healthy, Baldwin maintains his ’11 season form, and Tate builds off of his end of ’11/early ’12 form).

    I think from ’13 on, we’ll be poised to shoot more for best player available/upside guys in the early rounds. Interestingly, they’ve been nailing upside guys in rounds 5-7. If they’re let loose to pick that way in ’13/’14, we could be positioned really well.

  8. Kip Earlywine

    I think Seattle will probably consider TE, WR, and pass rusher early next year.

    TE because a good addition there could make Miller expendable, and Miller is probably the least cost efficient contract on the team right now.

    Similarly, if Rice has another injured season, the team might look to release him out of his big contract and go for a much cheaper alternative early in the draft. I actually think 2013 solid year for WR, at least in the mid to late 1st round.

    But mainly, I think Seattle will be looking at pass rush next season again. Chris Clemons turns 32 next season, and Irvin is probably better served in a situational role than the every-down LEO. If by some miracle, they have a shot at Jarvis Jones, I’d be all over that. I even wouldn’t mind it if they made a Julio Jones type move to get him. I think he’s that good, and if he adds just a little weight to his 6’3″ frame I think he could be an ideal LEO. Seattle doesn’t HAVE to draft a pass rusher this year, but they shouldn’t pass on any chances either. Getting great pass rushers isn’t easy, and you don’t want to wait until you need one before you go shopping for one.

    • Kip Earlywine

      That said, given how Pete Carroll and John Schneider worship speed, I would bet that Mingo would be on their radar. Mingo struggles to get off blocks pretty badly, and lacks power, but he’s very fast and has elite level short area quickness. An Irvin/Mingo duo would get creamed against the run, but it certainly wouldn’t lack for speed.

    • Mtjhoyas

      Kip, I am very inclined to agree with you. I am really leaning towards pass rusher and perhaps, a guy like Dion Jordan might be an intriguing fit. I can see them following the Giants trend of overstocking on pass rush. They have proven the ability to find DBs and LBs later on in the draft.

      **We do need weapons though, big time.

  9. Stephan

    Rob,

    Do you think we would have drafted Sherman in the 4th if we had picked up Jimmy Smith in the 1st? I’m not sure we would have.

    • Rob Staton

      I think there’s a good chance, yes. Carroll had previous with Sherman when trying to recruit him for USC. They actually took Sherman in the 5th round and at that stage you’re looking for value not starters – it’s Seattle’s good scouting and decision making that has led to them finding starters in that region. So I don’t believe drafting Smith in R1 would’ve eliminated Sherman from consideration in R5. But it’s obvious they were always going to go OL with that R1 pick, I just can’t help but think what this defense would be like with Smith on the roster too.

  10. 1sthill

    One CB that really stood out to me was Tennessee CB Prentiss Waggner. At 6-2 and 182 lbs he fits the Seahawks mold at CB. Waggner played man press technique the majority of the game against NC State and he had a interception in the game. He seems to be under the radar right now but don’t be surprised to see his draft stock to rise considerably thought the year. He looks and played like a 1st round CB this past week.

    Rutgers has some intriguing WR’s worth taking a look at, although two of the three might be more late round guys…
    WR Brandon Coleman 6-6 220 lbs : He is the most talented of the Rutgers WR’s, but he is a red-shirt sophomore and is not guaranteed to declare for the draft…

    WR Mark Harrison 6-3 230 lbs : Supposedly runs a 4.38 40-yard dash, but he does not play that fast. Looks like a project maybe in the mold of Raiders FB Marcell Reece or 49ers TE Delanie Walker; both players were WR’s in college.

    WR Timothy Wright 6-4 220 lbs : Didn’t really focus on him, but he may also be a bit of a project.

    • Rob Staton

      Great tips, 1sthill. I will keep an eye out for those guys.

  11. Stuart

    Rob, thank you for putting up these names to watch our for. It will make college football much more entertaining to follow. Your site has made me a very knowledgible football fan.

    Kip, excellent insight as to your thinking with Miller and Rice. I had those same thoughts floating in my mind. Spot on!

    No matter how bad the media bashed the Seahawks recent draft, NINE of them made the team! NINE! Draft order seemed so imporant to me but with PC/JS it just doesnt matter like I always assumed. Who (NO ONE) saw us picking Bruce Irvin in round 1?

    The is a fantastic site and I love coming here and reading all the information from everybody involved. The season is here, let the knowledge flow. You guys are the best!!!

    • Rob Staton

      Thanks for the kind words, Stuart. Really appreciated.

  12. sc85sis

    Kennard has been a LB at USC only because we lacked depth at the position. His natural position is DE, and that’s where he’d be playing right now had he not gotten injured. They hope he can return later this season. If not, I could see him considering using his redshirt this year and coming back next season to improve his draft stock as a DE. Either way, he’s played two LB positions and a little DE at the college level, so he has versatility.

  13. Mike

    Some OTs not in your top 50 that I have seen high on other sites; Luke Joeckel of Texas A&M, Taylor Lewan of Michigan, Jake Mathews of Texas A&M, and DJ Fluker of Alabama. What do you think of these players?
    Offensive tackle is the biggest position of need, there is noone capable behind Okung. He has needed to play injured and not looked good. His contract is very high (next season) as is Giacomini who has played poorly. I would go so far as to say this position is needed so badly that if they needed to trade 1st and 2nd rd picks to move up for a quality player then that is what they need to do. So far it has not hurt the Cowboys.

    • Rob Staton

      Lewan – not seen enough of him to judge. Didn’t watch him that closely vs Alabama and I saw some of the Air Force game but wasn’t a big test – Denard Robinson just tore it up. I have the Bama tape so I will look. Joeckel I like but think Matthews has the edge right now, which is why he’s in and LJ isn’t. Fluker didn’t impress me against Michigan. Warmack did, Fluker didn’t. He looks pretty basic, just a bog standard OLman.

      I disagree strongly that it’s the greatest need, Mike. I think there’s a slight misconception in the NFL that throwing endless high picks at the OL is the way to success up front. It isn’t. Consistency is the single most crucial thing, along with familiarity. The line needs time to grow. A backup to Okung is not a R1 priority, let alone a R1+2 trade priority. I want Okung to prove he can stay healthy, but he needs to be in write-off status to warrant the kind of move you’re talking about. Good right tackles are not easy to find. As Mike Shanahan said this summer – “tell me the team that has a good one.” Seattle tried to draft a RT in round one and ended up switching him to LG. There’s no exact science to this and forcing things to get an OT would not be wise IMO. And this isn’t a great year for tackles.

  14. Mike

    You would draft someone to play RT then slide over if Okung cannot stay healthy (he missed 10 games the last 2 seasons and is injured again). Giacomini is set to make around 4 million next season, so he will likely be gone, or need to take a pay cut.
    When scouts told Bill Walsh “this is not a good year for ???” he said “then tell me who is good”. I am suggesting if you need to use a 2nd rd pick to go up and get a guy you believe in then make the move. Dallas did with Claiborne. Projecting Seattle to be picking between 14 and 20; a 1st and 2nd would move you up to 6-10 range. Tyron Smith was taken 9th and he looks good for Dallas. Teams are getting better at drafting players so I don’t believe you get a quality left tackle outside of the top 10-12, unless they have a red flag that never becomes a future issue (drugs, injury, etc). Carpenter was a 25th pick, a move up might have worked but Seattle had too many needs at the time. Since LTs are considered 2nd in importance to QBs would you be concerned if your QB missed over 30% of your games and was injured again?
    The only quality players Seattle have as free agents after the season are Braylon Edwards, Leroy Hill, Alan Branch and Jason Jones. The are in a good position to trade up. Now I understand you have the same issue with WR as Sidney Rice has not been able to stay healthy. I just feel the backup WRs are servicable while the other tackles are inferior for the position.

    • Rob Staton

      I don’t see a Tyron Smith in this class, Mike. You could argue the same for saying Seattle should stay put because Aaron Rodgers went in the 20’s. And I don’t buy into the concept of ‘needing’ to invest so much in the offensive line. Seattle has spent two first rounders and a third rounder on it’s line under this regime. They are starting a center who was drafted in the second round by the previous regime. All that draft stock has not guaranteed health, performance, consistency. Eventually you have to say – “these are the guys we have and we’re going to coach them into a unit.” You back your judgement.

      I mean, what happens if the next tackle you draft has to move to guard like Carpenter? Or can’t translate to the blind side? Do you draft another tackle? Do you keep drafting offensive tackles until you find a guy who comes with a guarantee? Spending another first rounder on the OL can only be justified IMO if Okung proves he cannot stay healthy and is determined to be a bust. You can find a right tackle or backup left tackle without spending your first two picks in a draft.

      And I think the receiver situation is different. The Seahawks haven’t drafted a receiver in round one for 11 years (it’ll be 12 by next year). They haven’t drafted a quarterback in round one for going on 20 years! Since 2000 – Seattle has spent a first round pick on two offensive tackles, a guard, a center and a tackle who has since translated to a guard. Eventually we have to be open to looking at other areas. After all, not many teams in the league have Seattle’s investment in their offensive line, and they cope. Some excel. And I will always insist – a line is only as good as it’s playmakers, and vice versa. You need the playmakers at QB and WR to keep a defense honest in the same way you need a good running game and blocking to keep it honest. The Seahawks cannot start a young unproven QB behind a bad line and expect him to succeed in the same way they can’t expect him to throw to Braylon Edwards or Terrell Owens and succeed. This is still an offense, for me, that doesn’t have enough pure playmakers. That has to be the biggest need right now – allowing for the guys this team drafted on the OL to prove their worth.

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