Updated mock draft: 11th February

Jack Conklin could fall into the bottom third of round one — but will he last until #26?

I’m mixing things up today.

There are some big changes from my previous mocks. I’ve also decided against picking for the Seahawks. I’ll offer some suggestions but I’ll leave it up to you to discuss. Who would you take at #26 considering the options available?

#1 Tennessee — Laremy Tunsil (T, Ole Miss)
The Titans have a nondescript defense and two top-12 picks on their offensive line already. So of course they’ll draft Tunsil at #1.

#2 Cleveland — Paxton Lynch (QB, Memphis)
With his combination of accuracy, mobility, size and arm strength — Lynch provides the greater upside of the top three QB’s.

#3 San Diego — Carson Wentz (QB, North Dakota State)
How interested is Philip Rivers and his ever-growing family in moving to LA? Time to start planning for the future, perhaps?

#4 Dallas — Jaylen Ramsey (CB, Florida State)
I can see why some teams are wary of Ramsey but he’s a physical corner who can also convert to safety.

#5 Jacksonville — Myles Jack (LB, UCLA)
The Jaguars need to keep adding pieces to their defense. Jack can play all three linebacker positions. Fantastic athlete.

#6 Baltimore — Joey Bosa (DE, Ohio State)
This would be a no-brainer for the Ravens. A pass-rusher to help kick-start that defense over the next few years.

#7 San Francisco — Jared Goff (QB, California)
Right now the 49ers don’t have a good option at quarterback if their relationship with Colin Kaepernick is still strained.

#8 Miamia — DeForest Buckner (DE, Oregon)
The D-line, linebacker and cornerback. Three need positions and the Dolphins will have options at all three in this spot.

#9 Tampa Bay — Eli Apple (CB, Ohio State)
Cornerback is a huge need for the Buccs and Apple is a fantastic prospect destined for big things.

#10 New York Giants — Darron Lee (LB, Ohio State)
The Giants tend to do things differently in this range and were right to draft Odell Beckham Jr and Ereck Flowers. Here’s another underrated player for them in Lee.

#11 Chicago — Mackensie Alexander (CB, Clemson)
Any pick on the defense makes sense. Alexander slots into the line-up immediately and will be a big character in that defense.

#12 New Orleans — Noah Spence (DE, Eastern Kentucky)
There isn’t another player like Spence in the draft and that should ensure he gets picked up early.

#13 Philadelphia — Taylor Decker (T, Ohio State)
Underrated tackle. Very athletic, strong and gritty. He can slot straight in across from Lane Johnson.

#14 Oakland — Robert Nkemdiche (DE, Ole Miss)
Line him up inside and out. The Raiders might be willing to take a chance on his character to add another dynamic defender.

#15 Los Angeles — Jaylon Smith (LB, Notre Dame)
The Rams waited it out for Todd Gurley and were rewarded. Will they do the same with the ultra-talented Smith?

#16 Detroit — Ronnie Stanley (T, Notre Dame)
They could add a defensive lineman but tackle is a need. Stanley can be overly passive but he has the physical profile to be a good pass-protector.

#17 Atlanta — Sheldon Rankins (DT, Louisville)
Fantastic get-off, quick-twitch interior lineman who dominated the Senior Bowl practises. Just the type of player Atlanta’s defense lacks.

#18 Indianapolis — Ezekiel Elliott (RB, Ohio State)
They’ve shied away from obvious needs in recent years to make surprise picks. Elliott is the real deal.

#19 Buffalo — Andrew Billings (DT, Baylor)
They could try him at nose tackle or 3-4 DE. He seems to work better with an angle in space. He’d suit the 3-4.

#20 New York Jets — Shon Coleman (T, Auburn)
Physical, competitive, edgy O-lineman. He could play left tackle, right tackle or guard. Just a terrific football player.

#21 Washington — Jarran Reed (DT, Alabama)
Scot McCloughan is trying to create a tough, physically imposing football team with plus athleticism. Reed would provide a real edge to their D-line.

#22 Houston — Will Fuller (WR, Notre Dame)
A dynamic, explosive athlete capable of running in the 4.3’s at the combine. Players with this much big-play potential don’t last long.

#23 Minnesota — Jack Conklin (T, Michigan State)
A tough, self-made run blocking specialist. He might have to convert to guard which is probably where he’d play for Minnesota.

#24 Cincinnati — Corey Coleman (WR, Baylor)
He could be the big winner at the combine, forcing his way into the top-tier of players. Explosive, physical playmaker.

#25 Pittsburgh — Kyler Fackrell (LB, Utah State)
We know the Steelers love to draft linebackers in round one. They need a pass rusher who gets home. That’s Fackrell.

#26 Seattle — ???

In this scenario the Seahawks miss out on possible targets Shon Coleman and Jack Conklin. Both players would add the kind of physical toughness and attitude they appear to be looking for.

Tony Pauline reported this week that he expects Conklin to fall into the bottom third of round one. Jon Ledyard graded him in round three. I went back and watched three games after reading that report. I see some of the concerns especially in his footwork and ability to handle the edge vs speed. I think he’s best suited to a move inside — but would actually be a very accomplished left guard. The Seahawks have previously looked to convert tackles to guard (Poole, Carpenter, Britt).

Conklin and Coleman could be Seattle’s best options to address the left guard position in the draft with their combination of size, physicality and experience at tackle.

Who is available?

— Cody Whitehair (Kansas State), Nick Martin (Notre Dame) and Ryan Kelly (Alabama) could all fill a hole at center.

— Vernon Butler (Louisiana Tech) is on the board — he compares physically to Muhammad Wilkerson (a former #30 overall pick).

— Jason Spriggs (Indiana) is a tall, athletic left tackle with some technical issues.

— Le’Raven Clark (Texas Tech) has the perfect left tackle frame with height, size and incredible +36 inch arms but his technique is appalling. Do the Seahawks roll the dice on upside?

— Chris Jones (Mississippi State) has unique size (6-6, 308lbs) and athleticism. He’s a former #2 overall recruit in the nation. We know they love to draft first round athletes for their defense but Jones has underachieved in college.

— Adolphus Washington (Ohio State) is arguably the closest thing to Malik Jackson in this draft. He’s heavier than Jackson but has the same 34 inch arms.

— Leonard Floyd (Georgia) hasn’t delivered as a pass rusher but he’s incredibly athletic as a linebacker. He could be a possible Bruce Irvin replacement.

— I’m not a big fan personally of Vernon Hargreaves (Florida) but like Bradley Roby in 2014, he might be a productive slot corner at the next level.

— A’Shawn Robinson (Alamaba) is a fantastic athlete but is too passive and plays within himself. Watching Alex Collins destroy him in pass-pro was something else. Can he deliver on his potential?

— Austin Johnson (Penn State) is a very active defensive tackle with great mobility for his size (323lbs). His combination of motor and agility could appeal.

— Laquon Treadwell (Ole Miss) and Michael Thomas (Ohio State) are both available but are the Seahawks really going to spend another high pick on a target?

— Could the Seahawks be tempted to secure Deion Jones (LSU) — an explosive athlete at linebacker to replace Bruce Irvin? Jones had five interceptions (one returned for a TD) and 99 total tackles in 2015.

In a scenario like this they might be best served moving down and hunting for greater value. With some attractive options likely to be available in rounds 3-5, acquiring some extra picks makes sense.

It also adds weight to the growing sentiment that the Seahawks need to be active in the veteran market for offensive linemen. With most of the top tackles off the board by #26 — they’ll need a solution if Russell Okung departs. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune — but they’ll need some security.

It might also be necessary if they aren’t interested in the options at center. This isn’t a great draft for left guards that fit Seattle’s size ideal. Shon Coleman and Jack Conklin might be the two best fits for the Seahawks and they’re both off the board in this projection. Combine those two things together and how do they upgrade their interior adequately in this draft?

What should they do? Let me know in the comments section.

301 Comments

  1. cha

    In this scenario I like the idea of trading back, especially if Martin can be had to lock down the C position for the near future, and moreso if a good mid round pick can be had to go get some DL trench help.

    I’ve always presumed teams picking in the high 2nd round would want to jump up into the low first round to secure that 5th year option and the Hawks & teams in the low first could get a decent haul for trading down. But that never seems to be the case.

    • Steve Nelsen

      The 5th year option is a great deal for QBs. I think your reasoning is exactly why Minnesota moved up to the end of the 1st round to get Bridgewater a couple years ago.

      There are not any QBs currently considered a late-1st round possibility. In this draft scenario, the value seems to be at WR. WR is a pricey position so it is possible that a team would see the 5th-year option as incentive to move up and get a WR they might have graded in the top-15.

    • troy

      I wouldn’t mind(though I realize its unlikely for them to trade up) but just for kicks say they trade next years 3rd and swap picks Detroit to take Sheldon Rankins and let the board play out something like this.

      RD2
      – LB Deion Jones/Eric Striker*
      – OT Le’Raven Clark/Germain Ifedi

      RD3
      – DT Jihad Ward/Chris Jones*
      – $LB Miles Killebrew
      RD3
      – C Jack Allen/Graham Glasgow*
      – DT Javon Hargrave

      RD4
      – OT Fahn Cooper/Adam Bisnowaty*
      – OG Joe Dahl

      RD5
      – CB Rashard Robinson*
      – QB Cardale Jones

      RD6
      – DE Ronald Blair III*
      – RB Tyler Ervin

      RD 7/UDFA
      – WR Mike Thomas*
      – LB Travis Feeney
      – DT Quinton Jefferson
      – WR Marquez North
      – CB LeShaun Sims
      – DE Greg Townsend Jr
      – DT Darius Latham
      – QB Vernon Adams Jr
      – DT Luther Maddy
      – QB Trevone Boykin
      – DT Matthew Ioannidis
      – RB Kenneth Farrow
      – DE Alex McCalister
      – OT Jordan Swindle

      • CA

        I like all of that. I don’t know if Dahl lasts til 4 but you just never know. Would love the value of him in R4

        • Zweif24

          No way Ioannidis goes undrafted, he’s a top-15 DT in my opinion, and a bunch will be gone by end of the 3rd. I love The hawks getting Feeney(UW) and Mike Thomas of So Miss though. I will say, I’d be very concerned if Seattle only got 2 corners (the first being in the 5th round).
          Harlan Miller or William jackson would be nice in the late 2nd or 3rd

  2. Steve Nelsen

    Great approach in this post Rob.

    I would take Vernon Butler based on who is on the board.

    Otherwise, I would try to trade back into the early 2nd and add another 4th. Jones, at least one of the centers, and a couple DTs should still be available 15 picks later.

    We can get a left guard like Tretola or a cheap veteran like Loadholt.

  3. MisterNeutron

    I think they’ll trade back, a scenario similar to 2014 in which they got Minnesota’s 2nd and 4th round picks–there’s historical context for that, and it just makes sense. Trading down for a 2nd and a 4th would net them SIX picks in rounds 2-4.

    If they intend to draft a center with their first pick (or just early on), either Ryan Kelly or Nick Martin should be available in the early 2nd round. Max Tuerk is a bit of an injury risk, but he’ll be available in the 2nd or 3rd. Cody Whitehair could also be available in the early 2nd.

    If they trade down, I can see them doing something like this:
    2nd: OL
    2nd: LB/DE/DT
    3rd: OL
    3rd: DE/DT
    4th: RB
    4th: CB

    • Rob Staton

      Some very pertinent points here — but IMO Tuerk will be available much later than the second round.

      • Steele

        Tretola, Tuerk, Dahl, etc. Is the sweet spot for o-line in rd. 2-4?

        • Rob Staton

          Still not sure Tretola’s length will interest Seattle. Not keen on Tuerk. Dahl in 4th interests me.

          • MisterNeutron

            I was just reading about Tuerk (well, re-reading) and couldn’t believe his listed weight–a rather unusual height/weight ratio for a center. Not sure how I missed that before. Combine that with his injury and I’ve crossed him off my list, which leaves Nick Martin, Ryan Kelly, Cody Whitehair, and Jack Allen as the top center prospects (assuming that Whitehair could/would transition to C).

            • CHawk Talker Eric

              Add Graham Glasgow and Joe Dahl to the end of that group. The top tier C prospects are Martin, Kelly and Whitehair, then Glasgow, Allen and Dahl.

            • Rob Staton

              It’s hard to imagine what Tuerk is at the next level. Bizarre size for a center but not ideal for the other positions on the O-line either.

    • Nathan_12thMan

      I completely agree with your point of view and I love it. If the two real OT’s are gone by our first pick and there isn’t anyone we love there, and if the position groups we want have some depth that can be gotten in the lower rounds (DT in 2nd or 3rd instead of low 1st) then I’d love to see us have SIX picks in the first 4 rounds. It gives John such great flexibility.

      If we drafted as you mocked I’d love that. OL in the 2nd, either a Irvin replacement, pass rusher or high quality DT in the 2nd, OL again in the 3rd, D-line (what we didn’t get in the 2nd) in the 3rd, a RB like Paul Perkins in the 4th and a CB we really like in the 4th.

      Assuming good players were picked that would be a fantastic order of position groups to draft with those picks. I wonder about WR…5th round and below makes you wonder if they’d just go for priority UDFA’s (not that they wouldn’t if we did draft a WR). But maybe we re-sign Kearse so they skip drafting a WR this year and attempt to get priority UDFA WR’s.

      • Josh

        I’m still on board the Michael Thomas from Southern Miss train. The guy is a stud WR and can be had in the 5th or later. If we followed Neutrons plan here he would be a great late rd WR to grab.

      • Steve Nelsen

        Duke Williams is a potential stud WR that will slide due to character concerns.

        • David

          That would be great if he fell and we could pick him up in the later rounds. Elite talent comes with baggage if you don’t want to use a ton of draft capital.

    • matt

      Completely agree that trading back makes the most sense in this scenario. 6 picks in rounds 2-4 is very enticing.

  4. AlaskaHawk

    Well Rob, once again you have given us marvelous articles about players of interest, then set your board up so that none of them are available. Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

    One question for you. Why do you think Sheldon Rankins will slip to #17 Atlanta? Any of the three teams listed as taking a tackle could just as easily take Rankins. Most especially Philadelphia which used to have a decent defense.

    If I couldn’t get a great tackle I’m not sure who I would pick. Probably a linebacker or cornerback, based on picking a player who is worthy of first round and is expensive to upgrade in free agency. I find a big defensive tackle appealing but probably can find one later. I would be supportive of a center or guard, even if others thought it was over drafting.

    • Rob Staton

      I actually intended to put Rankins higher than #17 going into the mock. But when I sat down to put it together — I struggled to find a slot for him.

      I’m also reminded that Aaron Donald — a superior player — lasted until pick #13. So Rankins going at #17 makes some sense.

      • Trevor

        Rob after watching the Jacksonville coaches at the Senior Bowl marvel at Rankins play I would be not at all be surprised to see him go to Jacksonville at 5 or they trade down a couple of spots with someone looking to grab a QB and get him likely still in the top 12.

        The two most unique players to this draft class ar Noah Spence on the edge and Rankins on the interior. If you want an edge guy or interior guy to rush the passer there are no other guys like them in this draft so I would be shocked if either made it out of top 10.

  5. CHawk Talker Eric

    What about Joe Haeg at LT?

    • Rob Staton

      In round one? Way too early IMO.

      • CHawk Talker Eric

        No just as a name to add to possible LG prospects. More like R3.

        • CHawk Talker Eric

          Sorry I meant LG in my OP, not LT.

        • Rob Staton

          I was slightly disappointed watching his tape a few months ago. Will go back and have another look down the line.

    • Trevor

      I would love if we got him with our 3rd round comp pick. I really like his upside. I know I rate him higher than most on here though.

    • Attyla the Hawk

      I am definitely interested in R4/R5. Decent OT project candidate.

      Not someone that I think will factor in 2016. But beyond perhaps.

      Combine will cement this (or omit it entirely). Quite obviously anyone in the R4+ range has to be guys that have measurables/high upside. That’s been the overarching theme for Seattle picks every single year.

      He’s not a good R3 guy. There are far too many interior OL upgrades to be found with both our R3 picks. Guys that should probably factor in the starting rotation. So I don’t see an OT project fitting there value wise.

      Someone to keep an eye on at the combine. I have him as a pocket of talent in the R4/5 range which is probably at the top of where he slots.

  6. Nathan_12thMan

    Assuming those guys are gone, and John really likes the two guys he can get from a trade out of the 1st round, I am liking the idea of trading back.

    I don’t know what a trade back would look like, but I’ll just go off of what Steve Nelsen said in his comment, getting a early 2nd and adding another 4th rounder. That is appealing to me if with our early 2nd we grab someone who we like just as much as where we had our 1st rounder (DT? Oline? LB?) and then with that extra 4th it allows us to change up what we do with our other 2nd, our two 3rds and our other 4th.

    Who knows the impact but it could be big. I like having two 2’s and two 3’s and two 4’s. I think that really opens up what and where we pick certain positions. I like the idea of the trade down allowing us to grab a position in the top 4 that we wouldn’t have gotten otherwise, who knows maybe a O-linemen that ends up being a starter.

  7. Darnell

    Vernon Butler.

    This defense doesn’t need pro bowl caliber players at DT, but it would be nice to potentially have one.

    I’ve always thought that when in doubt it is best to go with the best trench player available.

    • CA

      I like that train of thought. Good all Darnell

  8. Darnell

    Though, IMO, a healthy Kendall Fuller is an absolute steal.

  9. RockNRowland

    In this scenario there’s likely no 1st round grade/value left. A trade down is a potential solution if a trade partner is available. If not, I think the best available DT in Butler is the choice.

    • RockNRowland

      Perhaps Treadwell would be a good fit as well. The problem I see for a trade down is there any player left on the board that a team with a high 2nd RD pick wouldn’t be able to get if they just waited for the board to come to them?

      • SES

        Agreed. There has to be someone of value for a trade to happen. If the Hawks are able to orchestrate a trade, how about a 2017 pick as part of the deal. That is suppose to be a potentially great draft and we would have the option of trading comp picks.

  10. Carl

    I would trade down for an early second round pick (with a target on Whitehair) and a fourth.

  11. Nick

    If I’m the Seahawks and the draft goes this way…I am for sure trading down. No questions asked.

  12. Steve Nelsen

    I think some of the guys at NFL.com read your blog Rob. They posted a 4-round mock (no comp picks) where Seattle gets:
    1. Sheldon Rankins
    2. Will Fuller
    3. Willie Beavers
    4. Graham Glasgow

    Not sure about Beavers in the 3rd but I love the other three picks.

    • Trevor

      I would run to the bank with those picks Rd #1-4

    • Steele

      This would necessitate them going free agency for o-line.

      • Greg haugsven

        I agree Trevor, I’d be doing back flips.

    • MisterNeutron

      Willie Beavers doesn’t just have a great name; he’s a gifted, athletic o-lineman who could play either G or RT. I’d be happy if Seattle drafted him in round 3 or 4.

      • MisterNeutron

        Yikes! After watching more Beavers film I wonder about his technique–he looks good, even dominant at times, and at other times…not so good. Maybe he’s more of a round 5-6 guy.

  13. footballnerd

    Why would Detroit take Stanley over Coleman?

    • Rob Staton

      He’s three years younger. Some will prefer his upside in the passing game.

      Not a decision I would make but I’m not picking for the Lions.

      • CharlieTheUnicorn

        The Lions go off the reservation when making picks….. so anything is possible with these guys. Heck, they might trade Stafford for a #1 and try to fully rebuild. Ok, maybe not that crazy, but they might do ANYTHING with their pick. I think a guy like Elliot would be in play when they pick…. they need a RB.

        • Coleslaw

          Ameer Abdullah is a stud and he’s sitting behind Bell for now, they don’t need a RB at all lol

          • Tien

            I have no idea how the Lions will draft but Abdullah is not yet a stud. Bell was injured for most of last season so Abdullah was given every opportunity to take over that lead back role and he underwhelmed, not great production and he also had a little fumbling problem. Abdullah was a high investment (2nd round) and the Lions may decide to give him another shot this year and they have other needs, especially if Megatron does retire, so I can see it being unlikely that the Lions spend another high pick on RB. But if the Lions think that Elliot will be a big upgrade over Abudullah, who I thought was really meh last season, it wouldn’t shock me if they go RB in the 1st round.

            • Coleslaw

              He’s a rookie, probably just needs to adjust to NFL speed. Bell isn’t going to be injured every year lol…

    • Michael M.

      The lions picking Stanley over Coleman would make a lot of sense if they are going to continue to throw the ball 50 times a game…

  14. Nathan

    Let’s not just assume that we can trade back, even if we want to.

    I heard Andrew Brandt tell the story of when they drafted Aaron Rogers.

    He was the only player left on their board with a round 1 grade, they had the most durable quarterback in probably nfl history on their books.

    They all sat thre and waited for the phone to ring, it didn’t.

    • Nick

      In that scenario, I imagine PCJS picking up the phone and dealing their pick.

      • Nathan

        Who do you start ringing? if your guys goes off the board at 25, you can’t call 30 other teams in 10 minutes.

        Someone has to want a player still on the board, that they think might be gone by the time they pick.

        • Nick

          Naturally. Though, I know PCJS have certain teams they have good relationships with. But yes, if they do not want to trade back, they may be stuck on an island. Also note, that other teams know we like trading back. So they may be more willing to reach out because of previous history.

        • Steve Nelsen

          JS talks to teams well before the draft about potential trades. He doesn’t wait for someone to call.

          If there was someone who potentially wanted our pick at 26, he would already know about it.

          • Nathan

            He doesn’t know what player they’re thinking of though, they’re not going to tell him.

        • CharlieTheUnicorn

          A team, looking for a QB, might want to jump up into the late 1st, for the 5 year potential deal. Jets come to mind, as would the Bills possibly. The Texans might also do something to try to grab Hackenburg in the late first and pair him up with his old college HC.. current Texans HC O’Brien.

    • Rob Staton

      There’s certainly no guarantee they’ll get a deal to move down.

      • Attyla the Hawk

        Absolutely.

        It would be fascinating to be a fly on the wall to see how the process works. Obviously we know they wanted to deal the Carp pick. And even had suitors. But the deals were not good enough for us to agree.

        It’s been reported that we were interested in moving last year (up or down I’m not sure). But that prospect didn’t happen either. We did ultimately move up to get Lockett — but we really had to pay a very steep price to do it. Ultimately the guy we took was worth it. But from a draft value standpoint we gave up a mint.

        I get the strong feeling that Pete/John are always looking to deal the pick in order to establish it’s value and to get that discussion going ahead of time. Maybe to also find out which teams are interested in moving picks around so that they know who potential suitors are. And maybe even what they might be wanting to add in the draft.

        The draft kind of has to fall a certain way. There has to be guys worth moving up for. Usually it’s QBs that drive that. But it can be others.

        • Robert

          Actually, we gave up less Draft value than we received in terms of points value. But trading 4 prospects for 1 really hurt!

  15. Javiosullivan

    At 26 I would like Jonathan Bullard or Kenny Clark.

    If they try to trade back into early 2nd a few players become interesting:

    Jason Spriggs
    Austin Johnson
    Vernon Butler
    Ryan Kelly
    Nick Martin
    Cody Whitehair

    • Rob Staton

      Not sure Bullard is enough of an athlete for this team to consider in round one. More of an effort player. Arguably a nice option in the late second or third (where they took Jordan Hill) but not sure they go with him in R1. Clark a pure run-stopper — again, not sure that’s something the Seahawks would attach a first round pick to.

      • Jww

        Rob – what are your thoughts on Dodd and what kind of athlete is he? His bend around the edge is very impressive.

        • Rob Staton

          Poor get off — one year wonder. Not convinced he’s a top athlete.

  16. Tom Page

    Vernon Butler was a beast at the senior bowl so I wouldn’t mind him at #26. I think he is an instant upgrade over Brandon Mebane, although only a two down player, stuffing the run is a big priority for our scheme.

    • Rob Staton

      It is a big deal — but it could also be argued they can find run stuffers with good gap discipline without needing to spend a first round pick.

      • Steele

        “…they can find run stuffers with good gap discipline without needing to spend a first round pick”.

        I agree.

        • Michael M.

          I don’t think we’ll ever see the Seahawks spend a 1st rounder on a DT unless they somehow end up in the top 15. DT’s with any kind of pass rush ability just don’t typically last much longer.

  17. Trevor

    Rob this question is completely off topic but I am fascinated with the Leicester City Football story. Is there a salary cap of any sort in the EPL? What would their payroll be vs the likes of Man City and Chelsea? Do really think they have a shot?

    • Ignorant

      1) No salary cap. 2) They have much less budget than say, Man Utd (which spent this season alone more than most teams in the EPL have spent in their entire history), Man City (their roster cost 1 billion pounds) and Chelsea. 3) Leicester City’s recent success is unprecedent in the recent history of the EPL. 4) Odds are stacked against them, and even if they make it, it’s very likely they’ll need to sell Vardy and Mahrez in no more than 2 years for bigger clubs in order to not lose them for free (Bosman rule).

      • Trevor

        Thanks it is a great story and I am certainly rooting for them. Did they get lucky developing some young guys or is it just a group of players having career years at the same time and a great system?

        I have watched the last couple of games and I was never a soceer fan but I will follow the rest of the season for sure. The Man City game was amazing to go into that stadium and win.

        • Ignorant

          Roster is a perfect storm.

          There are those former promising young guns who didn’t particularly pan out on bigger clubs and they gave a shot (attacking midfielder Albrighton, defensive midfielder Drinkwater, goalkeeper Schmeichel), there are nice young pickups they took a flier a couple years back and are having amazing seasons (attacking midfielder Mahrez, Mahrez, Mahrez, Mahrez and defensive midfielder Kanté), veteran pick ups used to rigid, German, tactical schemes (center back Huth, full back Fuchs), and veteran guys having carreer years (striker Vardy, Vardy, Vardy, Vardy, centre back Wes Morgan and fullback Danny Simpson).

          They are having such an unique season, that, if they planned this way and shoot for the title, it wouldn’t work out as good. Such an amazing history.

          All united under veteran, experienced, high profile, motivational and somewhat outdated Claudio Ranieri.

    • Rob Staton

      No salary cap but their wage budget and transfer budget is considerably lower. Them winning the league would be like the Cleveland Browns led by Josh McCown winning the Super Bowl this season.

      They have a shot though.

      • Darnell

        Is there a postseason, or would finishing on top of the standings be the EPL’s equivalent of winning the Super Bowl?

        • Rob Staton

          No post season. If they finish 1st they win it.

          • Group Captain Mandrake

            And they would qualify for the champions league. I’m an Arsenal fan, but if they can’t win it, Leicester winning would be really cool.

            • Morgan

              And then they have to spend money they don’t have to expand their roster to levels they can’t sustain and they turn into Portsmouth.

              • Group Captain Mandrake

                With the expanded revenue from TV that isn’t the issue it once was. It’s why you see teams like Stoke buying quality players like Bojan and Xerdan Shaquiri. Money isn’t the stumbling block it once was. And they can’t really expand their roster too much since the limit is 25 players. Portsmouth, like Leeds spent more than they had over the course of several years and didn’t always buy smart.

  18. bobbyk

    My pick will be determined by what happens in free agency. For example, if we don’t resign Kearse AND if Baldwin does not sign an extension prior to the draft, our depth for 2017 is terrible after Lockett. We’ll have Lockett and Richardson for ’17. Not much else. In this scenario, my pick would be:

    Laquon Treadwell

    I don’t want a WR in the first round. I want an OL or DL as bad as any of you. However, I can’t see passing on a talent like this when there will still be quality linemen to add in the second and third rounds.

    If we have Baldwin locked up, I like the idea of simply going with either Whitehair or Martin. There are variables to everything, but if Whitehair would be able to add 10 pounds (to get to 310), maybe he could be our LG for the next 8-10 years (if Cable approved – and, yes, I know he likes guys in the 325 pound range… but maybe he’d be okay with Whitehair if it meant him actually being good, as opposed to every 325 pound bum he’s ever ran out on the field at LG).

    However, if Cable isn’t interested in the size of Whitehair, they could take Martin if they don’t fully believe in Lewis.

    Really, my pick comes down to free agency (Treadwell, Whitehair, Martin). As of today, I would go with Treadwell. Supposedly he isn’t 40-fast, but if you watch him – he’s football fast. He reminds me a bit of being slow but having football speed like Jerry Rice (and, no, I don’t expect him to be as great as Rice).

    For those of you who get mad that I would take Treadwell, I’m mad too. I want OL/DL badly. I just think they can yet get a Tretola or Kirkland to play LG later. It would tie their hands to go OL/DL (one of each) with their next two picks though.

    • Rob Staton

      The issue I have with Treadwell to Seattle — if he runs in the 4.6’s or 4.7’s, do we really see this Seahawks front office taking a player with such a modest athletic background in the first round?

      • bobbyk

        If he runs a 4.75, absolutely not. If he runs a 4.57 like DeAndre Hopkins a few years ago at the combine, then I could see it.

        No shame in simply selecting Whitehair or Martin either. I’d go with either of those guys if Treadwell is running too high of a 40.

        • CharlieTheUnicorn

          If he runs a 4.57, he will be gone before #26…. if he runs 4.75…. might be bottom of the second round.

          • bobbyk

            This is the mock I had to choose from and he was available.

            • CharlieTheUnicorn

              There was a mention of only 2 WRs going in the first round, because they are mostly #2 or #3 WRs, very few #1s. Fortunately, the combine is a few weeks away and we can dust off and fire up the SPARQ meters!

              • bobbyk

                True. Can’t wait to see the number Fackrell puts up.

          • Morgan

            Like Jarvis Landry’s 4.77.

        • Rob Staton

          I loved Hopkins — but the Seahawks preferred to trade for Harvin (better athlete) than select Hopkins.

      • bobbyk

        Actually, in your scenario, I’d call Pittsburgh and offer a pick and #26 for their #25 draft choice. 🙂

      • Tom Page

        I have been questioning some the draft experts on Treadwell because of his speed. Most of them site Alshon Jeffery as a guy who didn’t run fast but is a very good NFL WR. Jeffery slipped to the second, and I will let you decide whether it was due to his weight gain at SC or whether it was speed related. I believe Treadwell is a possession reciever in the NFL aka Kasan Williams

        • Volume12

          They aren’t going WR early at all guys.

          They got 12 of ’em on the roster already.

  19. Trevor

    Love that picture of Conklin. In my mind when I think of a nasty Hawks Olineman that is what I envision.

    We could do worse than take him in Rd #1 as our RT and the Jack Allen in R#3 Comp pick as our Center. Then take Glasgow in the 4th to play LG .

    The nastiness of our OL would go up 10 fold. Playing those guys for 4 Qs would be no treat.

    Rd#1 Conklin (RT)
    Rd#2 Chris Jones (DT)
    Rd#3 Deiondre Hall or Rashard Robinson (CB) if Lane is not signed Victor Ochi if Lane is signed
    Rd#3 Comp Jack Allen (C)
    Rd#4 Graham Glasgow (LG)

    2016 OL
    LT Gilliam
    LG Glasgow
    C J Allen
    RG Glowinski
    RT Conklin

    Could sign veterans Loadholt and Wisnewski as veteran presence / insurance in case one or two of the rookies need more time.

    • Rob Staton

      IMO Allen will be available in the round 4-5 range. I suspect Glasgow is a third rounder now.

      • CharlieTheUnicorn

        I’m thinking he will get the Ali Marpet treatment and keep rising. Ali was way off the radar, but then the combine really put his name on the map and he went much higher than “almost” any thought he would on draft day.

        • Attyla the Hawk

          Marpet put his name on the map in the Senior Bowl.

          He went much higher because his athletic scores were in the top ten of all OL going back to 2010.

          He hit the second round because he had elite athleticism and a great showing in Mobile.

          Glasgow isn’t likely to make much hay at the combine. I’d expect a rather unremarkable exhibition from him. But he could surprise.

          • Rob Staton

            Glasgow is going to be a steal for someone if the alcohol issues are in the past.

            • 12thManderson

              Wouldn’t that be fun. Starting LG Glasgow starting RG Glowinski…. “The Glow Bros”

  20. Jarhead's Sokoli Bandwagon

    I wouldn’t be against a tradeback if it were to secure 2 players who were relatively instant contributors at positions of need. If we got Martin in the 2nd after a tradeback, a player like Dieon Jones (we value moderately sized athletic LBs more than your average team) with our original 2nd, and player like Dahl or take a flyer on Clark with an acquired 4th- then I would be pretty pleased with that on paper. Personally, I’d rather just have them get their guy from jump street and have it be just a solid football player. I say we save our freak athlete flyers for the mid rounds…

    • Jarhead's Sokoli Bandwagon

      And I still wonder if my man Soke could be used best as jumbo TE. I mean he has to AT LEAST be as fast as lead footed Zach Miller. And maybe he could even catch a pass or two. I feel it would be worth a shout at least. Get my boy on the field!

      • Darnell

        There has to be some threat of a possible pass, otherwise you are telegraphing the playcall.

        Craig Stevens should probably be very affordable in free agency, and Demarcus Dobbs played both ways when he was with the 49ers.

        • Jarhead's Sokoli Bandwagon

          We use Bailey in that capacity often. NE uses a 6th lineman in many of their run packages. And if it was used mostly for Jumbo, or play action sets- I think it could be effective

      • purpleneer

        I’m very much of the opinion that Sokoli should be on the Gilliam track, an OT that gives more as the big package TE, and that center is the worst OL position for him.

    • CharlieTheUnicorn

      I would rather they draft their guy at 26. No reason to get too cute with this draft. Just get multiple solid players in the first 4 round (5 picks).

      • Attyla the Hawk

        Yeah Charlie, but the next time Seattle goes that route will be the first time they go that route.

        That’s just not now PCJS roll. They don’t like solid. They want athletes they can train.

  21. RealRhino2

    I like V. Butler in that scenario, using picks in the next two rounds to pick up OL/LB help.

    Rob, think they’d budge on arm length standards for a CB they might plan to line up against the slot? I’m thinking of a guy like Harlan Miller, who at a glance reminds me of Marcus Peters, who I loved going into last year’s draft. His arms were measured at just 30-7/8 at the Senior Bowl, but he really does a good job of jumping routes and really sticks his nose in there in the run game, from the little game film I’ve seen.

    • Rob Staton

      I think they might do for a slot corner — but that slot corner would need to be a truly elite athlete.

    • purpleneer

      It could make sense to budge a little, but more than an inch seems like you’d be completely ignoring the preference. And this is a preference that makes sense.

  22. Ignorant

    Not sold on Vernon Butler. Out of the high profile DT prospects this year, he draws the best comparison in the NFL (Wilkerson), but also disappoints me how weak he is at finishing plays, which looks imo, result of serious technical flaws.

    Also, it would be a huge pain to take center round 1 or 2, because Lewis came through in the second straight season of taking over midway through the season the starting C spot and saving the day for the Seahawks, just by being an average starter. I think he deserves to start week 1 of 2016 season, but Martin looks just that good to pass up. He could anchor this OL in a way that Patrick Lewis can only dream to do.

    Given this mock draft, I can only hope several teams make huge evaluation mistakes on the top OT/DT prospects (or Fackrell) and we have better options at #26, other way, trade back to the 36-40 range and net a 4th.

    RD 2: Nick Martin
    RD 2: Deion Jones
    RD 3: Joe Dahl
    RD 3: Javon Hargrave

    Round 4 we’d have two picks, one for a pass catching option (either a developmental TE, 3rd down back or WR) and the other for a CB (Fabian Moreau, UCLA).

    • J

      Not sure we would draft Hargeave with his 31 inch arms.

    • Rob Staton

      I’m not sure what the Seahawks will do at center this off-season — but I suspect one is coming in (FA or the draft). Lewis did OK. But not when it mattered late in the season and they need better.

      • vrtkolman

        Agreed, Lewis is a good backup but really shouldn’t be a 16 game starter. Other teams have had recent success starting rookie centers, even later round centers (Bryan Stork, Corey Linsley). I love Nick Martin but I almost feel like it would be a waste to take a center before round 3 or 4.

    • CharlieTheUnicorn

      John Clayton mentioned (today on local radio) Seattle being very attractive for NFL Vet FAs… and a guy who might be cut loose soon in DE Mario Williams. Perhaps the need for a pass rusher via the draft might not be as great as we think, because a vet pass rusher can provide verified NFL quality pass rush vs a true rookie from year 1 / game 1 with the team.

      Mario said he wants to play for a winner, perhaps he would take a pay cut to play for team such as Seattle??? Unlikely, but if the price is right…. Vet FA might be the answer, not the draft.

      • Nathan

        He just makes so much sense for the Giants, to me.

      • bobbyk

        Did Clayton mention Williams specifically with respect to the Hawks? Because, yeah, a signing like that would most definitely eliminate a major need. Of course, the dollars will determine the rest of the story but they will get a few of our current holes taken care of prior to the draft. Who knows, maybe they go all in on Mack as their splash of the year (like Graham last year and Harvin a few years prior, and Bennett/Avril the year before that, and even Sid Rice the year before that). If they went of a Mack, then all this Martin talk is over and done and a potential need area is off the list.

        • CharlieTheUnicorn

          He said it was not out of the question, due to his age and opportunity to get to a SB. But, until he is released, nothing can happen.

          • bobbyk

            I remember the Seahawks were interested in him when he hit free agency that year. It’s just that many teams who were interested were also turned off by the crazy contract that Buffalo offered.

          • Steele

            Remember that JSPC actively pursued Mario Williams in 2012. The question is what to make of his lackluster 2015. Was that a system fit /Rex issue? Age? How much would Mario be willing to ask for?

            We don’t have price tags yet, but for me, I would love to see them go after:

            William Hayes
            Olivier Vernon
            Tamba Hali
            Mario Williams (if he checks out)
            Jason Pierre-Paul (if he medically checks out) (is it still possible to pass rush with one hand?)

            Cheaper rotational options would be the Nick Perry, Jason Jones types.

            • franks

              Hayes or Perry would fit our budget better. Buut aybe if Irvin leaves ad the league has cooled off on Mario. AND he takes a winner discount. Seems like a pie in the sky though.

              • Morgan

                Cameron Wake will probably be a cap casualty in Miami. Sure he’s 34 but he had like 7 sacks in the three games he played before blowing out his achilles. Maybe if his recovery is looking good he might want to go for a victory lap in Seattle?

                • CHawk Talker Eric

                  Olivier Vernon won’t make it to FA. MIA will either resign or slap him with the franchise tag.

                  Wake will almost certainly be a cap casualty, unless he finds a really cool market and is willing to stay in MIA for much less than the $8.25M he’s due in 2016.

                  But I’m all for signing Wake. As V12 has pointed out numerous times, and Dwight Freeney demonstrated for ARI, pass rushers get better with age. Wake is a guy who could feed off Avril and Bennett and add a handful or two of sacks in rotation.

  23. ivotuk

    Athletic DT! For heavens sake! Screw extra picks if they cost you a chance at Vernon Butler! I prefer Sheldon Rankins, but he will be long gone! As a matter of fact, I would trade up for Rankins!! Guys like him rarely come along, and when they do, you do whatever it takes to nab them!

    I know Pete said offensive line, but that doesn’t mean he will forsake anything else in the first round for “just a guy” on the Oline.

    He has always talked about the importance of unique DTs. Even Bill Walsh described what you want in a DT, and how important that spot could be.

    This defense needs a middle of the line disruptor, similar to Geno Atkins or Aaron Donald. IMHO, that one player could make all the difference in our defense. The difference between a completion and a sack is Sheldon Rankins.

    John Schneider has shown that he will change his philosophy to suit the situation, and the situation was this, we have a great team, spots are limited, we needed a kick and punt returner, we traded up for No E.

    Note the situation is this, we need more pressure up the middle to help out our “slightly” aging secondary. Injuries take their toll, and who knows who will be across from Richard? With Rankins up the middle it won’t matter.

    • vrtkolman

      I think I’m all aboard this train, unless a tackle falls to 26.

    • franks

      I’d be so excited to land Rankins man. Glad I’m not the only one. Draft chart says he could get him, in this scenario by trading up with our second. Worth it? Not sure … But would that really do it? What would it take to move up to 17 here Rob?

      • MikeB'hamster

        Upgrading the OLINE is maximum priority. Ideally, if it were possible, scrap up the funds to do that via free agency, or trade. THEN, trade up to land a disruptive DT in,the draft.

  24. vrtkolman

    Rob, what were your thoughts on Malcolm Brown last year? I know it was a surprise he fell to the Patriots, but he seemed very average to me and his play so far hasn’t done anything to prove me wrong. It just seems like the DT class is a lot more exciting this year, and I hope the Seahawks cash in. I would be totally fine with Vernon Butler in the 1st, in fact I would be pretty excited.

    • Rob Staton

      I thought he did fairly well overall.

  25. Tom Page

    I’m not buying Deion Jones because he reminds me of Malcolm Smith. I loved Malcolm but he is not the profile they are looking for which is why they let him walk in free agency. The KPL experiment reinforces this point because he has not been able to fill the role they hoped for.

    • vrtkolman

      I think they let him walk because he had a terrible 2014 season after getting fat and happy as a result from his SB MVP (that’s my theory anyways). Smith was a very solid player and the KPL pick just reinforces that it is a profile they are looking for.

      • John_s

        I think it’s more that Malcolm smith was going to get paid by a team. You can’t pay you backup lb 2 yrs 7 mil which is what he got from Oakland.

        Kpl’s issue is that he can’t stay healthy and he has trouble reading the plays.

        • Steele

          Malcolm has been a decent Raider. On a defense that is often in disarray, he made plays.

          • John_s

            I agree. And he played well during the super bowl season when he played while Bruce was suspended.

    • Rob Staton

      Malcolm Smith not really the profile they’re looking for?

      So why did Pete Carroll recruit him for USC and then draft him for Seattle?

  26. CharlieTheUnicorn

    Rob, I’m not sure how long you followed the NFL or if you followed NFL Europe (back in the day), but have you been following the “new” Major League Football league being put together to run from April -June in the United States starting in 2016. It’s stated goal is to make players far more attractive to NFL teams….. give them coaching, the tools and exposure in NFL Pro style offenses. The league have no illusions of competing with the NFL like the XFL did, but more as a level of football play 1 step up from major DIV 1 NCAA football, but one step down from NFL play…. I guess similar to what MLB minor league or D-League NBA basketball works. Approximately 8 teams are in the inaugural season.

    Is this the beginning of the NFL developmental league everyone has been craving for QB, OL and DE needing refinement to take their game to the next level (NFL) ????

    • Rob Staton

      Hope so Charlie.

  27. Tom Page

    One pattern we have seen is Tom Cable pounding the table for an athletic skill set that may not line up with production. Jason Spriggs fits that profile. Spriggs got used at times during the senior bowl, but Richard Sherman was beat by a double move in the senior bowl. Sometimes they just pick athletes and we have glaring Oline needs.

    • bobbyk

      The main difference is that they took Sherman in the 5th round. I’m sure they would take Spriggs in the 2nd or 3rd round for sure, but I don’t know about him in the first. Martin and Whitehair seem so much safer with just as high of a ceiling.

      • Tom Page

        I sort of agree, but Spriggs is capable of playing LT and that is a very valuable position. Most of the LT’s in the NFL were high first round picks with some exceptions. So it would offer the ability to fill a very high value position with a lower first round pick.

        • bobbyk

          I think the film of Whitehair shows that he was a better left tackle than Spriggs was in college (at least definitely as good). Springs seems like a guy who if he busts at left tackle, he’ll probably bust, whereas in the case of Whitehair if he were tried at LT and flopped, he’d still have a future as a great left guard.

          • Steele

            I agree with this.

            • Volume12

              Spriggs is gonna have a Lane Johnson like combine and rise into the top 15. Don’t be shocked if the Giants take him at 10. Hearing they like him.

              • matt

                Agreed Spriggs is likely to rise after the combine. Hope he does so Conklin or Coleman drop to us.

                • Ignorant

                  Fingers crossed.

  28. Jake

    I think they trade back if they can find a partner. If not, I think they play it like the year they took Carpenter and reach a little to fill a need. This year I hope that would mean taking Nick Martin.

  29. nichansen01

    Free Agency – Resign Ahtyba Rubin and Jeremy Lane. Sign Oliver Vernon and Phil Loadholt as free agents.

    1. Vernon Butler – Upside to become a special, special defensive tackle. Floor is still a competent starter who can replace Mebane.
    2. LeRaven Clark – Bad form, great build and athleticism. This is the type of player Cable can mold into a special left tackle. Gilliam can stay on the right and Bailey and Clark can compete in camp.
    3. Sebastian Tretola – A massive left guard that can alliviate Seattle from having to deal with Justin Britt for another year.
    3c. Joe Dahl – Could potentially start at right guard and potential at center. If the Seahawks want to strengthen the trenches this is a great pick.

    Day Three:
    Now that Seattle has added to the trenches on both sides of the ball, Seattle can look at other needs.
    4. Jordan Howard, RB – With Fred Jackson likely retiring, Howard would be the perfect backup to Rawls. Rawls has what it takes to be a lead back… And a potentially great one… But paired with Howard Seattle can return to its formidable run first identity.
    5c. Nile Lawrence Stample – DT – Depth at defensive tackle that the Seahawks have reported interest in.
    6c. Travis Feeney- LB – A great local player who falls due to repeated shoulder injuries. 9 sacks in 2016.
    7. Ronald Blair – DE – Camp competition.
    7c. Justin Zimmer – DT – Camp Competition

    • CharlieTheUnicorn

      Oliver Vernon is going to get 5 year / 60+ M deal on open market

      • matt

        Think Vernon is going to get a major deal too. It’s the Dolphins so they’ll give Vernon the money and cut Wake. They take 2 steps forward and 3 steps back every offseason.

    • franks

      R1-Trade 26 with R4 and R6 and something next year, or with 3a. more likely, and take CONKLIN at 23.

      R2-56-HARGROVE

      R3-90-Traded

      R3 comp- TRETOLA

      R4 – the next CB project we don’t see coming

      R5 -Connor McGovern Connor who?? MCGOVERN. courtesy Madmark

    • Volume12

      Rotoworld’s Josh Norris, great follow BTW, has Ronald Blair inside his top 50 big board.

      Does that mean he’s a top 50 or 2nd round talent? Not at all, but I’ll be floored if he lasts until the 7th.

      • Rob Staton

        I think he could go R3-4 for sure. What a talent. Highly sought after recruit too.

  30. Therick05

    Rob, did you Watch Ryan Kelly?

    • Rob Staton

      Yes. Thought he was solid. Not as good as Nick Martin IMO.

  31. Clayton

    My vote would be for Emmanuel Ogbah DE OK State. Rob, what do you think about him?

    • Steele

      Yes, Rob, what do you think of Ogbah? I see him as more of an interior type than edge.

    • Rob Staton

      I think he’s a third or fourth rounder personally. Awful effort/motor.

  32. WALL UP

    This is a good pickup by JS. I had Marquez North for that role @ Rd 7 245.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGc7pnUU_Dk

    • WALL UP

      Cameron Marshall as well. JS is building good depth in the back end.

      • nichansen01

        I definetly like both of these moves, good camp depth.

        • Volume12

          Fuller is exactly like Chris Matthews. Not only are their combine numbers similar, but how’s this?

          Both went undrafted, both played in the SEC, both had big time production, both played in the NFL for a year, both went to the CFL for a year, and both came back to the NFL.

          I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t draft a WR at all. Target Cal WR Bryce Treggs in UDFA.

          • Wall UP

            I’m with you on that. You know the motto, always compete. I’d now take that chance Marquez North could be an UDFA pick up as well. Then, have them duke it out for the role as that big WR. Having Graham and the other Big WR both split wide would be lethal for most DB backfield in the red zone.

            The other WR that I was tempted to get in the draft was T Boyd @ 56. But, interior push up the middle is a far greater need than the stretch of the field that would come from T Boyd, or W Fuller.

            But, if Coleman is not available @ 26 and they do trade dn and receive 34, and 67 for 98c. I just might take the one that is available @ 56 and take Hargrave for that interior push @ 67, or move up to get him.

            P Rich hasn’t had a healthy season sense when? Having that consistent threat up top would free up everything. I just don’t think P Rich can stay healthy the whole season. Even if he, having either T Boyd or W Fuller, P Rich and Lockett, with Dougie B and Graham, plus another Big WR! That would be a lethal WR group no one could stop!

            I think JS just may not be able to pass on that opportunity. Now if Coleman is their pick @ 26, do you gamble that P Rich stays healthy and pass on TB or WF for DL push? This is my dream scenario:

            26) Coleman OT
            56) T Boyd or W Fuller WR
            90) Hargrave DT w/ trade up attached
            98) Allen C (They can say whatever they want about his height, he won’t get pushed around).
            125) C J Prosise RB
            172) Avery Young T/G
            215) Joel Heath DT/DE
            223) Ugonna Awuruonye DE
            245) Fahn Cooper OT
            UDRA – Denzel Thompson DB, Marquez North WR, Evan McKelvey SS, Montese Overton LB/SS

            • Wall UP

              UDFA. I might switch Heath w/ Cooper.

          • CHawk Talker Eric

            SEA have 12 WRs on roster. Assuming they resign Baldwin, can’t see them spending any draft capital on the position even if Kearse departs. Also, Lockette plans on returning this year.

            • Volume12

              Exactly. Nailed it buddy.

            • Wall UP

              Which of the 12 would provide a down field threat, besides P Rich & Lockett? Having a fused vertebrae is a risky proposition running seam routes or crossing routes that could lead to another blindside hit. Besides, Lockette may not even make it back, and he’ll be 30yrs old.
              That just leaves P Rich to give a legitimate threat, but he just can’t stay healthy. Lockett will now demand help over the top. So, with Boyd or W Fuller opposite of Lockett, that will free up everything.

              I see them keeping 6 WRs. Kearse may be too expensive to keep. That leaves you with:

              1) Baldwin – slot / possession receiver
              2) Lockett – wide out deep threat / slot
              3) P Rich – wide out deep threat / slot. * (health risk)
              4) Smith – slot / possession receiver
              5) B WR – possession receiver, red zone threat
              6) Boyd or Fuller – wide out deep threat / fly sweeps & screens & crossing routes

              What other vertical threat is there of the 12? If P Rich stays healthy, no problem you have it. He becomes a FA next year too. Do you pay him, or go with TB or WF for the future? I would think twice about it, but with the caveat of still getting Hargrave with their next pick

  33. Steele

    Rob, in this scenario, I see Joey Bosa going in the top two picks. And the Giants are desperate for a pass rusher. They are worried about the one-handed Jason Pierre-Paul, are disappointed with the others they have. If Noah Spence is available, they would take him happily at #10.

    As for the what is left at #26 for the Seahawks, this would be a trade down scenario. I don’t like any of the remainders—except for Leonard Floyd and Vernon Butler. Floyd is a damned good edge rusher, is less good at dropping into coverage, would need to add some weight.

    • Steele

      I am not high on Deion Jones, at least not for the Hawks. He’s 6-1, is kind of a Swiss Army Knife smurf, not great at any one thing. Is he overrated?

      • Steele

        As for Chris Jones, I don’t see him as a rd. 1. I would rather them go for a Javon Hargrave type a bit lower down.

        • franks

          Well I like all 3 of those guys but like you say not in the first.

      • Rob Staton

        Bobby Wagner is 6-0.

        Jones is very sturdy for his size, good hitter, good in the run. Also an explosive athlete.

    • CharlieTheUnicorn

      I think Spence might go higher than #10, but I think you are on the right track with the Giants.

      • CHawk Talker Eric

        Spence to TBB at #9.

  34. Hawbbes

    I wonder if Houston would be interested in paying a king’s ransom in order to get the 5th year option on their QB pick, which will almost certainly be their second pick in this draft. It would then allow us to move back up to the top of the second half of the draft to snag one of the hot centers in this draft.

  35. Nate

    I would be pretty happy with Leonard Floyd at 26 and I would like Laquan Treadwell as well. I highly doubt he runs a 4.7 and if he did I doubt we would pick him.

  36. TurnagainTide

    Kevin Dodd would be my choice. Very underrated DE. Remember that they don’t always fallow player molds (Avril succeeded Red Bryant at left DE so they are ok with a variety of skill sets) so just because he doesn’t look like Irvin doesn’t mean we should rule him out. A 3rd down DL of Dodd, Clark, Bennett, and Avril would be a pretty formidable “power” rush IMO.

    • Steele

      Wouldn’t mind Dodd. But the question on him is whether he is a one year wonder and slightly overrated.

    • Jww

      Would be me first choice in this scenario. His bend around the edge is very good.

      • matt

        Dodd’s skill set is redundant to Bennett and Clark. We don’t need another DE who can slide to DT on passing downs. imo

        • HI Hawk

          You can never have too many good pass rushers. Bennett/Clark/Dodd/Avril would be pretty awesome as a nickel rush package. If either Bennett or Clark struggled to rush from the end I could understand your concern, but they don’t. They are equally adept from any spot on the field, Dodd replacing Irvin would open MORE options, not fewer.

  37. Coleslaw

    I would hope to trade back in this scenario and if there’s no option I would take Michael Thomas from Ohio. If I could trade down I would pick up Ryan Kelly and hope that Austin Johnson makes it to 56

  38. LLLOGOSSS

    If we could get another second I’d be happy to trade back for a chance at Martin and Jones or Clark. Does Clark last until the back end of round 2? Does Jonws last until our first round 3 pick?

  39. bobbyk

    Mike Mayock has Willie Beavers as his #5 ranked offensive tackle. He has him ahead of Shon Coleman, too. Anyone familiar with the Beavers? Ward? June? Wally?

    • Old but Slow

      Big, strong. 6′ 5, 325. Looks like a LG, maybe RT.

      http://draftbreakdown.com/video/willie-beavers-vs-michigan-state-2015/

      • Volume12

        Pass. Him struggling to pick up on the drills, instructions, and not take to the coaching, reminded me of Oklahoma’s OL Tyrus Thompson last year at the combine.

        Rob, remember that?

    • Rob Staton

      Beavers might be technically even worse than Le’Raven Clark. Can’t believe Mayock had him at #5. Stunning.

      • oz

        Analytically Mayock is better on the defensive side of the ball.

      • CHawk Talker Eric

        I dropped him from my watch list after Senior Bowl.

      • Trevor

        I know he looked absolutely terrible in the Senior Bowl and is not the physical specimen Clark is. Mayock is a pretty good evaluator but he must have been having a drink when he wrote that one up.

  40. bobbyk

    This is a good read for some of you looking at different free agent options we could get. Obviously, I have no hopes of getting a guy like Cordy Glenn, but a few of these guys make sense for the Seahawks if the price is right:

    https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/01/27/pro-top-10-offensive-line-free-agents/

    • franks

      Schwartz or Beachum nice options at RT. Incognito though could be the bargain on that list, could be the only guy we can afford.

      Richie Incognito, yes. You know the competition for him won’t be fierce. I wonder if Pete and John have discussed this.

      • C-Dog

        Beachum was the starting LT for the Steelers before he got injured. I think he could be a likely target for Okung if they don’t get a deal done with him.

        Osemele is the one big FA I would be really fired up about if they could somehow strike a deal with. Could open up the draft to go a number of ways at 26.

      • CharlieTheUnicorn

        Incognito stated he would like to stay in Buffalo, if possible.

      • CHawk Talker Eric

        Schwartz and Beachum got released for good reason. Both are aging, oft injured and ineffective.

    • Steele

      Good list, thanks for the headsup, bobbyk. It would be nice to see one or more free agents added to the roster. I am against Incognito. Way too much character baggage and negativity.

  41. franks

    What they should do here is Trade. The pick has first round trade value but the first tier guys are gone.

    Ranklin available at 17, Coleman at 20 at 23, these are all 3 surefire picks at positions of need. Good starters from Day One. We gotta at least TRY and trade up.

    But I say that every year. Trading down would be the next best thing, I guess. Staying put and selecting the next James Carpenter: not an option.

    • franks

      That was supposed to say Conklin at 23

    • franks

      So going off the Value Chart we could trade 26 with nbr 56 and get Rankins, or with nbr 90 and a fourth or fifth for Coleman. Yeah it’s outdated but if would a trade in that neigborhood be worth it? Versus picking Martin, and going into the second rounds with a better OL unit, but improving on a position that might be good enough when there’s one Tackle and one Guard that definitely are not.

      • nichansen01

        Trading doesnt make sense. Too many major needs (DT, OG, OT) to justify going after one mid first-rounder.

        Rankins is going to be good but he’s not Aaron Donald.

        • troy

          To be fair, how many “Aaron Donalds” are there in the entire NFL? To get a guy on that level is pretty amazing, doesnt happen very often that being said I think its somewhat of an error to use Donald as a measuring guide to stack every player that plays DL against such a unique talent.

          • MikeB'hamster

            Watching Aaron Donald play, particularly against the Hawks, it is easy to see the huge impact a top player at that position has…disproportional in fact.If the Hawks could find funds in their very limited budget to address an upgrade via free agency or trade at LT, LG, and center, then trading up in the draft for an Aaron Donald type player, or as close to that as attainable, would make a lot of sense.

            • MikeB'hamster

              Trading up has produced good results…see Tyler Lockett. The Hawks have also done well with UDFA’s. Going for high picks at the top, and low or no picks at the bottom, might be a better approach than the ‘muddle in the middle’!

  42. C-Dog

    Big DT Austin Johnson from Penn St at 26 for me. 78 tackles, 15 TFL, 6.5 sacks looks like a lot of activity and productivity for a 6-4 320b DT. Those are pretty good numbers for a linebacker.

    • nichansen01

      I would be happy with either Billings, Johnson, Butler (and of course Rankins if he falls) in the first; but i would take any of Decker, Conklin and Coleman before if one one the trio was avaliable.

      • C-Dog

        Yup. I agree. If Decker, Conkin or Coleman are there, I think that’s pretty much a no brainer, especially if they can move to LG. This is a DT rich draft, there should be options down the line.

        Trading down is very possible scenario, as well. I would almost expect them to do that. Johnson just seems like a very interesting prospect, maybe too good to pass up.

  43. Attyla the Hawk

    Ok, so I’m assuming that this exercise is more of a nuclear winter scenario where all the guys we’ve been talking about are somehow taken and there is no trade option. I.e. we have to pick someone.

    Personally, I think I’m going Hargrave. Gotta figure we’re going to take a guy who is considered a 2nd round talent in the first. That’d fit our history to a T.

    However for this exercise, I’ll submit the following candidate:

    Reggie Ragland

    He’s just a kind of playmaking defensive talent that you don’t let slide if you can help it. I would definitely take a playmaker at a position of lesser need, than compound our Carpenter/Britt mistakes by again scraping the dregs of the OL leftover pool because we ‘have to’ take a guy.

    • C-Dog

      Interesting submission. He was an inside backer for the Tide. Are you thinking of him as a SAM, or moving Wagner to WILL and KJ to SAM?

    • Rob Staton

      Hargrave in round one?

      Can’t see that to be fair. Ragland also more of a MLB.

      • HI Hawk

        I think Ragland would be a perfect candidate to move to SLB. He could play all three positions, but he’s a good pass rusher from the edge so I’d work him out at SLB first to see if we can keep Wright/Wagner where they are.

        • Rob Staton

          Not sure about that to be fair. He’s a classic MLB for me. Seattle loves speed and athleticism at linebacker (Wagner, Irvin, KPL). Ragland more of that AFC North, inside LB type. A bit of a plodder.

          • HI Hawk

            I think it’s an Alabama scheme thing. He was used EXACTLY like Hightower was and I think Hightower is a very good comp to K.J. Wright (when K.J. played SLB). The only difference is Wright learned to play WLB whereas Hightower never was asked to move outside of that 3-4 ILB style of play. I thought Hightower was the perfect SLB candidate and I think Ragland is just a little behind him as a prospect. Irvin’s best attribute at SLB is strength at the point and setting the edge. His secondary role is as a nickel pass rusher, where he is better than Ragland is now due to better athleticism. As a LB, I believe Ragland is stronger, better at setting the edge, a better tackler, but not as athletic in zone/man coverage albeit with more experience and sound technique. He was a capable rusher in nickel at Alabama, if not for incredible depth on the DL, he would have done more of it. He excels at shedding blockers and flashes with speed, power, and he finishes tackles violently.

            • Rob Staton

              The two players they’ve most recently drafted for that position though are Bruce Irvin and Kevin Pierre-Louis. Irvin ran a 4.50 and KPL a 4.51. Hightower ran a 4.68. The evidence suggests the Seahawks want a lot more speed than Hightower/Ragland are offering for that role. KPL also had a 39 inch vert and Hightower a 32. Major difference here.

              • HI Hawk

                K.J. Wright was drafted to play SLB – he offered more versatility than I think they anticipated and Irvin’s inability to play in space (or be an every down LEO) made it beneficial to move K.J. to WLB so Irvin could get on the field. I believe that KPL was drafted to play WLB, to replace Malcolm Smith’s role as a core special teamer and sub package LB (perhaps start if K.J. goes back to SLB).

                If they view the SLB to do what Irvin actually does best (set the edge), Ragland is ideal. If they’ve altered their view of what a SLB does (more of a 3-4 edge rusher) because of what Irvin has been for them as a pass rusher – then maybe not. But I still think Ragland can do everything that K.J. did as a SLB (and what Irvin does), but with more pass rush capability than K.J. and less than Irvin.

                • Rob Staton

                  Wright is the one exception though — and he offered unnatural length. He has 35 inch arms which is crazy. He was also a very smooth looking player in college. Here’s a scouting report on NFL.com on Wright: “Very nice combination of length, speed and size”. There was still a ton of upside there. Everyone else they’ve had at linebacker — Wagner, Smith, Irvin, KPL, Morgan, Coyle. Fantastic athletes. It’s too much of a trend to think they’d go for someone like Ragland, especially in R1.

                • purpleneer

                  I think today’s NFL really hurts the value of linebackers who struggle in space. If you aren’t at least decent at covering more than the flat, most offenses are going to take advantage

  44. nichansen01

    Michael Thomas, Ohio State WR, Snubbed from the combine.

    • nichansen01

      Nevermind, NFL.Com reported this incorrectly.

      • Attyla the Hawk

        It wasn’t that Michael Thomas.

        Michael Thomas (So. Miss) was the snub.

        Name is correct. There are two this year.

  45. Josh

    I am going to continue to pound the table for this guy. Here is Michael Thomas vs La Tech. Shows excellent body control on multiple catches. This game wasn’t his best, the bowl game vs UW was.

    https://youtu.be/USQJzfoFgDM

    • Steele

      If they go for a top receiver, I love Thomas. But that is only if.

  46. Grayson

    In your recent mocks, you have the potential of Vernon Hargreaves and Laquon Treadwell falling to the Hawks. I feel like we have needs on both lines but id hope PC/JS would look hard at these two. The secondary isn’t in need of a huge upgrade but VH would fill nicely into the slot. I imagine he will test well at the combine, but I doubt he passes the arm length test. Seattles passing game looked much better this year but I still think it leaves something to be desired, especially with Jimmy set to miss some time. Pairing a big bodied possession receiver (who may have some of the better body control in the draft) with locketts speed and dougs elusiveness… Man, that would be a tough matchup for any team.

  47. Roland jose

    Draft to strengthen the middle of the oline because pressure up the middle is the strategy that many teams like the rams employ to stop russ. Ya, they maybe rookies but they will come cheap for the next 4 or 5 years, and if we draft guys who we perceive are ready to start then the development will be faster, guys like martin, whitehair, Dahl are plug and play guys. find a shorterm cheaper veteran replacement at either tackle position, let that guy compete with gilliam for the left tackle spot, the loser goes to right tackle. draft a tackle for the future to develope like a le’ raven clark, or fahn cooper, or alex smith. As for the defensive tackle spot, it’s based on if we can keep both rubin and mebane on short term contracts, if not keep one and draft another, so there is atleast some experience next to the rookie., then draft another the following year, so when the short term contract for either mebane or rubin ends (within 2 years), now we have one with experience and one rookie, and we r young again, if both stay draft defensive tackle who can help hill with the passrush like washington, or the Penn state kid johnson or Hargrave, then eventually that tackle will have developed to stop the run, so size is a big priority. All other positions we can find later in the draft and UDFA, as we always do. The game as I always say is won in the trenches on both sides of the ball. GO Hawks!;)

  48. Ben2

    I skipped down about 1/2 way through the thread because the overwhelming sentiment seemed to for trading down – what if a trade partner can’t be found….how about a trade UP? If a guy the have a legit 1st round grade on falls into the late teens or early 20s (The Texans at pick 22 seem like interesting trade partners….they need a QB and there isn’t ine available so -from there perspective – why not trade?) do you think Schneided goes and gets him? We do have an extra 3rd this year…if it meant, say, getting Coleman do you give up you 2nd rd pick?

    • Ben2

      Sea rd 1 & 2 picks for Colts Rd1 & 3 picks….Seattle then picks Coleman in Rd1

    • Attyla the Hawk

      I think the point of this exercise was to see if sentiment would necessarily follow one of the presumed gaffe’s this team has committed.

      Basically, we presume we whiffed on players early in the draft by reaching for need. In this case, all of the guys to fill need are gone.

      It’s an interesting experiment. If faced with the same situation — do we repeat our sins and still go with the next available guy at need. Or do we just take the next really good player even if the need isn’t so great.

      It’s a yearly dilemma. One that fans in hindsight deride teams for making the wrong decisions. But the decision at the time is never that straight forward.

      We have two needs. In this scenario — the answers to those needs are all off the board. The experiment is do we take a much lesser player, or to do take a greater player who has been pushed into our laps due to circumstance?

      • Attyla the Hawk

        Which is also why I’m assuming that the trade back option is not available. Assume nobody wanted what’s left. Have to choose.

  49. Old but Slow

    It seems like both Ohio State and Alabama have a wealth of players that will be drafted this time. I can’t help wondering if having so much talent on a team will make some players look better than they really are because of superior play around them. On the other hand, a player might be overlooked for the same reason.

    Is there any history that addresses my concerns?

    • Ben2

      See: Trent Richardson

  50. JS

    If we don’t bring back Lane, what would you guys think about trading back and grabbing LSU’s Rashard Robinson in the early second? Not a sexy pick and he hasn’t played in awhile, but if his character issues get ironed out, he will be an elite NFL CB. I read somewhere he runs a 4.29 at 6’3, 197. Plus he completely shut down Mike Evans in 2013. I can easily see John and Pete becoming enamored with this kid and reaching for him early with a good performance in Indy.

    • Trevor

      I really like Robinson’s potential and agree he would be an ideal corner for the Hawks to take. But too much risk to make him our first pick IMO. If he is there in the 3rd I would run to the podium if the character stuff checks out.

  51. Ukhawk

    Simple, trade down for:
    Kelly + Martin
    = interior sorted

    • Ben2

      Yeah, I’m at the point where if we used both of our top picks on the OL I’d be fine with that…seems like we’re better at finding fefensive gems in the later rounds anyway.

      • Ben2

        Defensive

  52. Hughz

    I would say Vernon butler or Martin. Depends how much they believe in sokoli or Lewis. If they feel Martin can anchor the offense for the next 6 years then I wouldn’t screw around…get your guy.

  53. C-Dog

    New Mock focusing on toughness on both sides of the ball when Decker, Coleman, and Conklin are off the board. Seattle stays put.

    R1. 26 Austin Johnson. Big, powerful, active, productive DT that in Jon Ledyard’s words was the “Engergizer Bunny” on Penn St’s defense (78 tackles, 15 TLF, 6.5 sacks). Ledyard also believes he can develop as a solid pass rusher in the NFL, and that the 4-3 fits his is strengths better. Interesting.

    R2. 56 Le’Raven Clark OT. Seattle is thrilled to get this raw athlete here. Played guard early in his college career, may look to start him there at LG, if not tackle.

    R3. 90 Kamalei Correa OLB. Was a rush end for Boise St, has played in coverage, good pursuit, will come in and be groomed as the next starting SAM.

    R3. 98 Joe Dahl OG. Comes in to either compete at center or guard.

    R4. 125. CJ Prosise, RB. Big back with a fifth gear to come in and provide a 1 2 punch with Rawls. Former WR, could develop into their 3 down back.

    R5. 172. Fhan Cooper OT. Comes in to compete at RT.

    R6. 215. Justin Burris CB. 6-1 213 pound corner who starred a bit in the Shrine game, Seattle is thrilled to take him here.

    R7. 223. Jaydon Mickens WR. Hawks love the skill set of this Husky.

    R7. 245. Cory Johnson DT. Pass rush 3 tech prospect named also Johnson to add to the DL rotation, and provide depth. Nickname is Poop. He will fit in well with the team.

    In this scenario, Seattle isn’t shy with it’s few extra FA dollars to add to the OL, maybe 2 new veteran starters. They feel like they don’t need to force a need, and are patient. Patience pays off in R2, Clark is simply too good an athlete to pass up.

    They signed Rubin, so Austin Johnson is immediately penciled in as a starter. Rubin potentially slides to 1 tech, which may be his more natural position. Perhaps they bring Mebane back on a small one year deal if he hasn’t signed else where. The immense depth of DT in this draft perhaps make the FA DT market slow.

    Correa they like as a DE/OLB prospect, and see as their next SAM. Very happy to take Dahl who they could start out as a guard, but ultimately finds his permanent home on the OL as their eventual starting center.

    Prosise is Turbin with an extra gear. Cooper provides depth and the ability to grow into a starter. Burris falls in line with their mentality of drafting and developing corners. Mickens they love as another speedy route runner. Poop Johnson they like as an active pass rushing DT coming off the bench.

    • Volume12

      Sorry to burst your bubble, but Burris doesn’t have the length the my man.

      • C-Dog

        Really, isn’t he 6-1 6-0? Ah, I get it, short arms.

    • Steele

      Correa has a good motor but looks a bit stiff. Looks more like a rotational than a star. Same with Ian Seau. But who knows. This is a pretty hit/miss draft for edge rushers.

  54. Volume12

    I woulda said ND C Nick Marin at #26 in this scenario, but I just have a feeling that Stefan Wisniewski is coming aboard or another FA C.

    Still think that Auburn’s Shon Coleman is gonna be sitting there for the taking. Whether they pass on him or not.

    In this particular scenario, I trade outta round 1, and pick up an extra 4th.

    • Ukhawk

      Think Coleman will be there too. Too many red (herring) flags the suits won’t be able to look past

    • Trevor

      I think if Mack goes to Jacksonville then we will get Wisnewski. I think you may be on to something Vol.

  55. Volume12

    With the signing of WR Jeff Fuller, they now have 12 WRs, and 9 CBs on the roster.

    Starting to think they won’t go WR before the 7th or more likely UDFA, and CB might not be taken until the 6th. It’s not a good class for CBs IMO. I think they take a corner, they have every year, but he might come later like Byron Maxwell and failed convert Eric Pinkins.

    Sets them beautifully to focus on the trenches and grab one of the 10-12 RBs at the combine alone that fit their parameters.

    • nichansen01

      Why describe Pinkins as failed? He hung around the 53 at the end o the year and will compete to replace irvin this training camp. Not bad for a seventh rounder.

      • Volume12

        He’s a failed CB convert. Not a failed prospect. He just outgrew the CB spot they drafted him for.

        Jeremy Lane was a 6th rounder too IIRC.

  56. RWIII

    Guys. This draft is LOADED with Defensive tackles. John Schneider should have NO problem picking up a solid defensive tackle later in the draft. The Hawks NEED to go best available pass rusher or best available offensive lineman. Or trade down. Let’s say you can’take find a partner. The pick here would be Nick Martin. Rob you have got me sold on Nick Martin. Nick Martin could be the long-term solution at the center position.

    • Coleslaw

      Ryan Kelly is just as good IMO you should check him out too!

    • bobbyk

      This is a loaded DT class. However, if you get a 4th round DT the odds of them making a significant, positive impact right off the bat is a fairy tale, imo. Think of our own Jaye Howard. He sucked, we released him and got good in KC. Now he’s about to cash in big time in FA. He’s kind of like Michael Bennett (released and got good after being a worthless rookie). Every year teams develop guys for a year and then they become contributors (like Glowinski is about to do or perhaps Smith, too).

      • C-Dog

        Howard was having a pretty solid pre-season in 2013, though. Just fell victim to the numbers game on a deep DL. The DL isn’t near as deep this year, especially at DT. There’s a chance two rookie DT’s can be drafted and make this team.

  57. EranUngar

    Interesting mock Rob.

    I like because it is a worse scenario mock and still leaves us enough options to both make the pick at 26 or trade back and still get one of the guys.

    Every year, after the combine and the pro days, a few sparqy candidates shot up the board. Usually, at least 2-3 of them find their way into the first round. Those, in turn, push a few guys back into our range.

    Who, of the guys drafted before 26 do you see as possible drop back candidates?

    • Rob Staton

      Conklin, Coleman.

      • Rik

        I’d grab either one of these guys in the first and hope that Johnson drops into the second. There’s a chance that Martin drops to the bottom of the second where we can grab him, too. It wouldn’t surprise me if PCJS grab Ronald Blair with our first pick in round 3 – his tape is really, really good.

  58. Cysco

    Last time the team tried to get cute and trade down, we ended up passing on a guy like Joel Bitonio and had to settle/reach for Britt. I’d personally rather not risk it again. The team needs to start finding some “sure things” rather than projects for the OL. Especially in the scenario where they’re faced replacing essentially the entire OL.

    Zach Martin may not be a sexy pick and won’t be setting any records at the combine, but he is a rock solid player who would be a fixture of the OL for years. Could you trade down and still potentially get him or someone like him? Sure. But, there’s every chance you trade down and the 2-3 players you’re hoping for get picked a few places before you.

    I’m pretty sure Britt wasn’t their target when they traded down in 14. It was “oh crap, all the dudes we wanted are gone. I guess we take Britt”. Improving the Oline is too important to get cute this draft.

    • Trevor

      Love Martin but if JS picks a Center in Rd #1 I would be absolutely shocked. There is nothing in his draft history that would suggest taking a Center that early or from his background with GB as they have never taken a Center in Rd#1.

      The will be really good options at Center in Rd #3 wth our comp pick if we don’t get veteran like Mack or Wisnewski.

      I would be shocked if they don’t take a premium position like OT, Edge Rusher or Penetrating DT.

  59. Michael M.

    Articles like this always send me back to the previous draft years to look at where certain guys ended up. In doing that today, you know what’s really hilarious?

    In 2014 the Browns took CB – Justin Gilbert when they could have taken DT – Aaron Donald
    In 2015 the Browns took DT – Danny Shelton when they could have taken CB – Marcus Peters

    Poor Cleveland fans…

    • Rob Staton

      That’s painful to read. Even as a non-Browns fan.

    • Volume12

      Don’t forget they traded away the 6th pick, dropped back, selected QB Brandon Weeden, and WR Julio Jones went in the spot that Cleveland originally had.

      They coulda had Aaron Donald, Marcus Peters, and Julio Jones.

    • matt

      Not to mention skipping over Beckham Jr.

  60. nichansen01

    This is a crazy deep draft for interior lineman. Here are my ranges for everyone:
    Round 1:
    Sheldon Rankins – Louiseville
    Jarran Reed- Alabama
    Robert Nkemdiche – Ole Miss
    Andrew Billings – Baylor
    Vernon Butler – Louisiana Tech
    Austin Johnson – Penn State

    Round 2-3:
    Adolphus Washington: Ohio State
    Kenny Clark – UCLA
    Ashawn Robinson – Alabama
    Chris Jones – Mississipi State
    Jonathan Bullard – Florida
    Jihad Ward – Illinois
    Javon Hargrave – South Carolina State
    Sheldon Day – Notre Dame
    Willie Henry – Michigan
    Anthony Zettell – Penn State
    Ronald Blair – Appalacian State

    Round 4-5:
    Lawrence Thomas – Michigan State
    Maliek Collins – Nebraska
    Matt Ioannidus – Temple
    Hassan Ridgeway – Texas
    Darius Latham – Indiana
    Vincent Valentine – Nebraska
    Quinton Jefferson – Maryland
    Corey Johnson – Kentucky
    Joel Heath – Michigan State
    Adam Gostis – Georgia Tech
    Devaunte Sigler – Jacksonville State

    Rounds 6-UDFA

    Justin Zimmer – Ferris State
    Melvin Lewis – Kentucky
    Nile LawrenceStample – Florida State
    DJ Reader – Clemson
    Darran Lake – Alabama
    Antwuan Woods – USC
    Chris Hayes – Georgia
    Josh Tupou – Colorado
    Connor Wujciak – Boston College

    • matt

      Great list! There’s talent to be had at DT in virtually every round. It’ll be interesting to see how the combine shakes it up. Was bummed to see that Zimmer didn’t get a combine invite.

  61. Sea Mode

    I know Schneider may not hit on all his picks (nor is it expected that any GM do so), but I think he is one of the best in the business at estimating where a targeted player or position group will go in the draft and letting the draft play to him. (He seems to have recognized and regretted his one obvious reach with Britt). This always gives me a good sensation that we will be able to get great value each year in the draft.

    Even then, I just have this hunch that they will take Le’Raven Clark in Rd.2. It’s just too much their type of guy and I can’t see them even risking him being taken by someone else, even thought they could most likely wait until Rd.3 and get him anyway. An elite athlete at a prime position, close to a blank slate to be trained by Cable. It’s just too clear… I can already practically hear Carroll raving about the pick in his presser…

    Anyway, I am not against the pick as the upside is so huge, I just think we can safely say the only thing they will “reach” for in a draft from now on is athleticism, not immediate need. And I find that a great strategy, although on OL in particular I am of the opinion they should settle for some solid base hits instead of swinging for the fences. Sacrifice a bit of upside for a higher floor. I know they want to “do it better than it’s ever been done before”, but we don’t need 5 pro-bowlers on OL to win and shooting for them could very well cost us a trip to the Super Bowl again in the next couple seasons.

    • Sea Mode

      Or I could be completely wrong and Clark – Britt – Sokoli – Sweezy – Gilliam could just need more time and turn out to be a great unit at the lowest cost in the league.

      Let’s sure hope that’s the case, but not bank our Championship hopes on it!

    • Trevor

      The pick of Clark in Rd #2 is something I could definitely see. I would prefer him as a 3rd rounder but he may not still be on the board. I am with you he seems like the type of guy they would think they could coach up to be a star.

  62. Hughz

    Just saw the Bears won’t be keeping Forte. Is he an option for the Hawks?

    • Trevor

      He has said it is about the chance to win an SB not $ for him now so he might well be a great option as a 3rd down back and great insurance for Rawls and Michael. Good veteran presence. If they can get him on a cheap deal that would be a great addition.

      • matt

        Would love to get Forte, as long as the price is right.

        • Steele

          Look for NE to make a run at him.

          • matt

            He’d be a great fit in NE.

  63. Ed

    Would really enjoy either Fuller/Miller in 1st or 2nd, but would almost prefer first 4 picks (no order):

    DT
    OG
    DE
    OT or OC

    • Volume12

      Don’t be disappointed if they don’t draft a Wr at all this year. Not a good class anyways. At least compared to the last 2 years.

      • Ed

        I know, but those 2 guys would be quite electric with Lockett and Baldwin.

        • Volume12

          That they would.

          Baylor’s Corey Coleman is the best WR that’ll go early IMO.

          • MisterNeutron

            Realistically, I see the Seahawks drafting one WR in a mid-later round, and snagging one or two as UDFAs. Given the number of WRs on the roster, there’ll sure be major competition this summer.

            Their draft plan of course somewhat hinges on what happens with Kearse, who could easily be somewhere else next season. If they plan on giving Baldwin the big money, which I think they will, and if they like what they see with a few of the guys lower on the depth chart, then the odds of them retaining Kearse are pretty remote.

  64. Ignorant

    PFF’s write up on Wisniewski. (Top 5 free agent G/C)

    1. Stefen Wisniewski
    2015 team: Jacksonville Jaguars

    “The top spot in a somewhat lackluster center group goes to Wisniewski, who’s coming off of a one-year deal in Jacksonville. Only three centers had a better pass-blocking efficiency than Wisniewski did last season, after allowing just 14 pressures in 686 snaps in pass protection, and he’s graded well above average there in four of five seasons. As a run blocker, he struggled at times in 2015—particularly during the Jaguars’ two-game stretch against Baltimore and Tennessee in Weeks 10 and 11—but for his career, he’s graded above average there. Teams should also be enticed by Wisniewski’s age (27 when the season starts) and durability, given that he’s played 5,174 out of 5,193 possible snaps over five seasons.”

    Interesting. My perception of Wis was him as a plus run blocker and a minus pass blocker. It’s pretty safe to say that this write up indicates he’s played himself to out of our price range. Center in this Draft, here we go.

    • Volume12

      Don’t jump the gun.

      This C class is pretty good. It’s ginna drive down the price of guys like Wisniewski and Mack.

      Seattle is either gonna sign a FA C or FA G. Bet on it.

      • SeventiesHawksFan

        I sure hope you are are right, V12. And I do agree. We need at least one starting OL position addressed in free agency. My preference would be center and signing Wisniewski, since we can count on the protection calls being right. likely more so than any rookie we might draft.

        And which arguably was THE single greatest single factor to the improvement made to the line’s overall performance after Lewis replaced Nowak.

        A signing of a player like Wisniewski buys the team TIME to develop Sokoli and any later round center they pick up this year.

      • Ignorant

        “Seattle is either gonna sign a FA C or FA G. Bet on it.”

        I think that’s the plan but… 18 mil capspace. That could not be enough. Michael Bennett is criminally underpaid. His average salary per year doesn’t match neither his productivity nor his snap count. This issue is something Schneider absolutely have to address urgently, we’re completely wrong and leveraged here. Bennett is vital for the Seahawks. I don’t know how it’s not gonna involve committing an extra 1 or 2 million of 2016 cap.

        Also, we got to resign Mebane and/or Rubin. That is an extra 6 or 7 mil, unless they plan on going the risky way and let one of them go. Then we have Lane and Irvin. I think everyone gave up on Irvin, but Lane can command anything between 5-7 mil, and if Lane bluffs 8 mil, they pretty much have to call unless they wanna roll with Simon/Shead/Seisay at CB2 and Burley/Tye at nickelback.

        Let’s say 7 mil for Rubin/Mebane, 6 mil for Lane and an extra 1 mil for Bennett. 14 mil spent this offseason, leaving us at around 4 mil to “splash” on FA. Not nearly enough imo.

  65. EranUngar

    Anybody has info regarding arms length for CB KeiVarae Russell (ND)?

    Could be one the high rising sparq freaks at the combine. Had a productive year before he fractured his fibia.
    (60 tackles, 4pbu, 2 int)

    • EranUngar

      found it, too short 31 1/4 and had spotted academic record. NEXT…

      • MisterNeutron

        Well, Russell did get a solid B+ in Women’s Studies, so there’s that.

  66. Robert

    I think we will likely trade down unless they really like a DT prospect. Mebane and Rubin are likely re-signed, but are on the wrong side of 30. Drafting a DT to groom behind them makes sense. He could rotate in a bit in the base defense and hopefully provide some pass rush on passing downs.

  67. RealRhino2

    So Rob, I mentioned him above but am curious about your specific thoughts on Harlan Miller (if you have any). Ignoring his arm length, what do you think as a Day 3 guy?

    • Rob Staton

      My only exposure to him was the Senior Bowl practises/game. His length almost certainly rules him out in Seattle unless he performs amazingly at the combine (so he can be a guy for the slot). Hard to judge him until then.

  68. Steele

    I continue to see Shilique Calhoun projected very high. Rob, you are not a fan. But if we are looking for pass rushers, even flawed ones, perhaps we should keep our eyes on him.

    • Rob Staton

      Such a meh player though. Doubt SEA bites unless he wows at the combine.

  69. Volume12

    Here’s some more small school sleepers, late rounders, and UDFAs to keep an eye on:

    TE Gabe Hughes, Florida Tech-runs a 4.59 40
    OL-Nick Richter, Richmond-keep an eye on hin. He’s very ‘Seahawky’ and will be a riser. Length, foot speed, good build, PC was on the Buffalo coaching staff when his dad played for them.
    OL-Dominique Roberton, W. Georgia- kerp an eye on him. At the combine, former JUCO guy, Seattle took a guy from this school in UDFA the last 2 years. Cali boy.
    LB Myke Tavarres, Incarnate Word- speed freak, transfer from Arkansas, at 6’2, 230 lbs., he returns kicks and punts, from the PNW.
    S Marqui Christian, Midwestern St- Steven Terrell like, 26 teams have scouted him
    S Patrck Onwwuasor, Portland St- 6’1, 220 lbs. They like this school.
    DE Morgan Fox, CSU-Pueblo- guy is a reported speed and rength freak, dominated his level of competition, a mix of Cassius Marsh and Jared Allen.
    DT Greg Milhouse, Campbell- ‘Seahawky’ size at 6’1, 305-310, another guy that could rise
    DT Tyler Kuder, Idaho St.- big, long 3-tech. Great motor and style
    EDGE Josh Gordon, Mankato-Minnesota- Don’t know too much about him. Sorry.

    OTs Nick Richtet and Dominique Robertson are who I got my eye on. Perfect mid to late round O-lineman to target for depth at least, if not starters.

    Keep in mind guys, Seattle drafts at least 2 small school guys every year under PC/JS.

  70. HI Hawk

    I run to the podium and select Laquon Treadwell. Sure we need offensive and defensive line help, but I’m not passing on a guy who ticks every box for us. Some of this depends on what they do with Kearse, but if Kearse is gone or signed to a modest contract I’m jumping all over Treadwell.

    • Ignorant

      There’s no version of PCJS drafting Treadwell.

      • HI Hawk

        I believe Rob asked for us to respond based on who’s available. Did PCJS tell you Treadwell is off their board or something? You have some inside information that I’m not privy to?

    • Rob Staton

      Speed is something they covet at WR though. If he runs in the 4.6’s or 4.7’s (as some have suggested) it’ll all but end his chances of landing in Seattle. Kearse ran a 4.58 FWIW and was brought in as an UDFA.

      • HI Hawk

        They have a ton of speed – a guy like Treadwell hasn’t been available in the past (I don’t actually think he’ll last to 26 anyway). I also expect Treadwell will run in the 4.5s at worst. I don’t claim to know exactly what they’ll do – but I do think a Super Bowl Chris Matthews and 2011 BMW still have a strong appeal to PC. I don’t know what he thinks of Treadwell, but if he thinks he can find his game changing big man, I think he’ll pull the trigger on it. I honestly think it’s more likely that they target Duke Williams around the 4th round range.

        • Rob Staton

          Bit early for Williams that IMO due to the character issues.

          Mike Williams — 6-5, 242lbs. Chris Matthews — 6-5, 218lbs. Laquon Treadwell — 6-2, 210lbs. I think that’s a significant difference. A 4.58 (for example) at 220-240lbs and 6-5 is a bit different to a 4.58 at 210lbs.

          I like Treadwell a lot — but nothing about his athletic skill set says to me he’ll be a Seahawks first round pick.

          • HI Hawk

            I absolutely see where you’re coming from, but I also think their draft strategy has been a work in progress at the position and Treadwell’s height might actually be an advantage. My thinking is that they may move away from the huge 6’5″ guys based on what Kearse has been able to do for them in big moments at only 6’1″. I’m very curious to see what they do with Kearse, because I see Treadwell as a better version, but with a learning curve. After Richardson and Norwood were drafted PC specifically said they have had more success with guys at their size, so we’ll see if that holds true.

            • Rob Staton

              All we can do is look at the trends. It would be a departure from everything they’ve done so far to take a player of Treadwell’s size if he’s running in the 4.58’s having already stated their off-season priorities to be OL/DL.

  71. Steele

    Two guys who remind me of Frank Clark, in both good and bad ways.

    Curt Maggitt, An apparent scumbag who assaulted a teammate for assisting a rape victim. Was injured in 2015.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p78RLiAVk7I

    Shawn Oakman. Rob, you wrote a piece a while back that he was “Seahawky”. A physical specimen who has not fulfilled his potential. But on film, he looks kind of Frank Clark-ish.

    • Rob Staton

      I wrote that piece a long, long time ago. Maybe two years ago. He’s the complete anti-Seahawk in all but size. Terrible motor, awful tape, awful production. Can’t see the Seahawks going anywhere near him until the late rounds.

  72. Ignorant

    Been checking on Allen Robinson. 143+ SPARq. Why the hell the Seahawks passed on this guy? Are they allergic to big receivers?

    • HI Hawk

      I wanted him so badly – Rob actually talked about him as the Hawks #1 pick leading up to the draft which made me look into him. After watching his tape and seeing him perform at the combine, I was completely sold. After we traded back, I was so happy that he was still there, then we picked, a WR, but it was Richardson. I was so disappointed then and Robinson rubs it in by being all amazing and everything.

  73. SeventiesHawksFan

    Your posts continue to be so thought provoking and fabulous, Rob! What a privilege to come here each day.

    I like trading down in this scenario. Or going with their board’s highest rated defensive player. Preferably at at the DT spot, if one of those is available; though really I just want it to be a high upside, change the field type player defensive lineman, regardless of which position he plays.

    Also how I’d feel about not getting a first round graded OT would depend on what they do in free agency prior to the draft. I expect at least one FA signing for the offensive line. Wisniewski or Loadhold remain my preferences there.

    What I would favor the least is a project player like La’Raven Clark. When does one EVER hear about that kind of unrefined athletic chaos and ‘raw clay’ ever turning into a player in his first year? It’s literally impossible. Mastering any skill, especially an starting NFL level skill set, takes TIME. And no matter what frame or body type you were born with.

    I hope the front office confines the developmental and project picks to 5th and later round selections. Offensive linemen may need ‘retraining’ after the get drafted according to Tom Cable, but an off season is simply not at all doable for a player of Clark’s apparent utter lack of familiarity with even the technique basics.

    Players like Clark must be awfully tempting, when the body type is so unique and ‘ideal’. But the brain of the player has to ultimately be able to make that body perform ideally. And thoroughly untrained brains cannot do that in their first year at the NFL level. Which is why no one ever hears about it EVER happening fresh out of college. The rookie star performers in their first year are without exception players who have done it before.

    • Volume12

      Tyron Smith was a raw, freak athlete that rose after the combine, for one example.

      While his tape was better than Clark’s, not by much.

    • Rob Staton

      Thanks for the kind words.

  74. MisterNeutron

    I still kinda suck at evaluating OL when watching film, but I’m getting better. The more I see of Cody Whitehair, the more I like, and think that Seattle could target him at #26, or a bit later if they’re able to trade down into the early 2nd. I do think that if the Seahawks take an OL with their first overall pick, it’ll be either Whitehair, Shon Coleman, or Nick Martin.

    On a running back note, I recently rewatched a bunch of film on Alex Collins, and sure wouldn’t mind if Seattle snagged him in the 3rd–but I don’t think he’ll last until their native 3rd pick. Very curious about the order in which RBs will be drafted this year, especially among the quartet of Collins, Perkins, Dixon, and Howard.

  75. Ukhawk

    http://mweb.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/25481108/nfl-combine-10-surprise-invitations-and-10-snubs

    Interesting read

    One combine snub that really stuck out to to me is DE Awuruonye

  76. Ukhawk

    http://mweb.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/25481108/nfl-combine-10-surprise-invitations-and-10-snubs

    Good read

    One combine snub that really stuck out to to me is DE Awuruonye

  77. mishima

    Unless someone drops to 26 (Apple, Coleman, Conklin), I would trade down and take BPA with first pick. If Martin is gone, go DL; roll the dice on Le’Raven Clark with second pick and Glasgow/Kelly with third or fourth.

    Great value in the top of the second.

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