The list of known VMAC visitors is growing. In the last week or so the media has revealed the following players have visited or will visit Seattle for an official-30 visit:
Parris Campbell (WR, Ohio State)
L.J. Collier (DE, TCU)
Dre Greenlaw (LB, Arkansas)
Darnell Savage (S, Maryland)
Juan Thornhill (S, Virginia)
Darwin Thompson (RB, Utah State)
Rashan Gary (DE, Michigan)
Corrion Ballard (S, Utah)
Tony Pauline also reported the Seahawks had met with Chauncey Gardner-Johnson but it’s unclear if this was a VMAC visit or a workout/meeting.
A lot of the names aren’t surprising. The likes of Collier, Savage and Thornhill are expected to go in a range Seattle will trade into. They’re always looking for great athletes to take in the later rounds or UDFA and Ballard, Greenlaw and Thompson fit that bill.
Then there’s Rashan Gary.
Despite a lot of negative reports among some Twitter users and bloggers, Gary is a likely top-10 pick.
He was a former #1 recruit in the country and described by some High School scouts as one half of the best D-line duo to enter college football at the same time (along with Dexter Lawrence).
He has an unbelievable physical profile. Think of all the positive press Ed Oliver’s had this week for his pro-day. Rashan Gary is a similar size (277lbs) but he’s faster (4.58), more explosive (tested better in the vertical and they had the same broad jump) and their short shuttle’s are in the same range (4.22 vs 4.29). The difference is Gary doesn’t have short arms or a frame that’s difficult to place in a full-time starting role (nobody’s touting him for a switch to linebacker…).
People talk about his lack of production but schematically he was asked to play a certain role that didn’t involve screaming off the edge as a speed rusher. Even so — our article earlier this week highlighted his pressure percentage was better than pure-speed rusher Ben Banogu’s (15.5%).
Perhaps more impressive than anything though was the way he performed at the combine. Teams had him run the linebacker drills to show off his athleticism. His movement, change-of-direction and agility at 277lbs was unbelievable. He performed better in the drills than most of the 240-250lbs OLB types. Gary looked like a natural working in space (he couldn’t catch a beachball though):
In a loaded class of defensive players, he’s #1 for upside and ceiling. He’s incredibly versatile and can line up as a base-end, he can kick inside, he can play the five technique, you could look at him as a full-time three-technique and he could even work in space on some snaps to rush and contain. He’s a phenomenal talent.
If he had more production — he’d be in the running to be the #1 pick. It’s the only missing piece and again — that was down to scheme more than anything.
Here’s what one of Bob McGinn’s scouting sources said about Gary:
“Looks pretty good to me… Can do a lot of things. Athletic, tough, strong, versatile. Some of that (minimal production) was how he was used schematically. You just have to go by the eyeball test. Just watch the tape. You see everything.”
He won’t be there at #21 and he definitely won’t be there after they’ve traded down. So what gives? How come the Seahawks are meeting with him?
You could have some fun speculating that the Seahawks might be about to acquire a high pick. Mike Garofolo was recently interviewed by Brock Huard. Garofolo said Frank Clark would be worth a high first round pick if the Seahawks decided to trade him. Put two and two together and you’ve got one Michigan defender replacing another albeit at a cheaper cost.
In reality there’s very little to say the Seahawks have any ambition to trade Clark. Pete Carroll said numerous times ‘Frank will be with us’ before he was franchised. Things might’ve changed since but it’s more likely Clark will either sign an extension or play out his final year in Seattle on the franchise tag.
Whether that’s a wise stance to take is up for major debate. Clark has been a consistent producer for Seattle but is yet to turn into the game-wrecker that might warrant a +$20m a year contract. The Seahawks would also be risking losing any meaningful compensation by letting him play on the tag.
However — that’s where the precedent takes us. The Seahawks, under Carroll, have never traded a player in his prime to get optimal value. They’ve consistently tried to keep core players together — even going above and beyond with contract extensions. Is that likely to change now? I’m sceptical — even if you can make a compelling case for a trade this year.
You’ve also got to wonder whether anyone would truly be willing to give up a high first round pick for Clark. It’d probably need to be a top-10 to get Rashan Gary. Even though Clark is only 25 (he turns 26 in June) — it’d be a hefty price to pay given the strength of the draft is defensive line. Dee Ford only gained Kansas City a 2020 second rounder. Clark is a superior player — but is he so much better to warrant a top-10 pick? Probably not.
When Jay Glazer linked the Bills to Clark I thought a fair deal might be swapping #21 for #9 and the Seahawks gaining Buffalo’s second round pick (#40). That gets you into the top-10. But even then — how many big trades like that actually happen in April rather than the first flush of free agency?
So back to Gary’s VMAC visit. What is it likely about?
It’s a boring answer but it’s probably intel for the future. The Seahawks aren’t just planning and preparing for the 2019 draft. They need information on these players for years down the line.
Look at the 2013 class. The Seahawks didn’t even pick in round one because of the Percy Harvin trade. You still need to do your homework on the top prospects because years later they ended up signing or acquiring the following:
Luke Joeckel — #2
Dion Jordan — #3
Barkevious Mingo — #6
D.J. Fluker — #11
Sheldon Richardson — #13
Arthur Brown — #56
Eddie Lacy — #61
If Rashan Gary became available in a few years time — it’d pay to have a dossier of information about him.
Why him over some of the other top prospects? Simple. He’s exactly the type of player the Seahawks love. Former top High School recruit. Extremely good athlete. Ideal length, agility, explosion, speed. Versatile. Fits exactly what they want from a DE who can kick inside. Has shown discipline to work within Michigan’s scheme and get on with the job (important if you’re playing in Seattle’s front seven).
If they get a chance to sign him in the future, they’d probably seriously consider it.
So the VMAC meeting is probably less about a dramatic imminent trade and much more about putting together a complete profile for a player who could be their #1 ranked prospect in the class.
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Seattle was also one of only 4 teams to show up at TCU WR/R KaVontae Turpin’s (5’7, 158 lbs.) personal pro day.
4.38 40
40″ vert
10’9″ broad
6.57 3 cone
4.09 20
Seattle either really likes the TCU program or they like one, maybe even more guys than what’s been reported.
We know this backstory/what a guys made of is the type of stuff they love.
https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/sports/high-school/2019/03/23/tcu-defensive-end-l-j-collier-climbing-up-nfl-draft-boards-munday-moguls/3257662002/
So seahawky character and unseahawky testing. If they draft him we will find out what JS and PC value more.
Given he didn’t re-test anything at his pro-day, the Seahawks probably want as much info as possible. Apparently teams were a bit disappointed he didn’t re-do some of the tests given the combine numbers.
His #’s weren’t that bad for his position.
A dude so small, he gets lost in the backfield… then explodes upon the defense.
A multi-tool with game breaking speed. Could you see him as a clone of Percy Harvin (without the baggage) in a PC offense?
Little bit. More Tavon Austin like. Percy had such a muscular frame.
He comes with baggage too. Hasn’t been convicted of anything, but has some DV on his record.
Tiny and really light and not even that fast (ok, he’s solid, but ton of guys ran sub 4.4 the 40. 3 cone is ridic good, 20 is really good)….he’s fast, but he’s also like 50 pounds lighter then most of the guys who ran similar or just a bit slower times. He can be a priority UDFA, but I wouldn’t draft him anywhere
Things we can be pretty sure on:
1. Seahawks will trade down to acquire more picks.
2. Top priority of the draft is to add a pass rusher or two. Talk of pressure percentages point to any defensive linemen drafted early being more on the pass rushing side. LJ Collier, Anthony Nelson, Charles Omenihu, Christian Miller, Deandre Walker, Joe Jackson, Justin Hollins are all players who are likely available after a trade down and will interest the Seahawks.
3. Safeties are interesting seattle. We will likely see a safety drafted first three rounds in my opinion. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Darnell Savage, Juan Thornhill, Nasir Adderly, Amani Hooker are all candidates for this range. Marvell Tell and Corrion Ballard will be available a little later.
4. Seahawks will need to draft a tight end. Will Dissly is coming off a horrific injury and both Ed Dickson and Nick Vannet are on the last years of their deals. Plenty of options round 2-4, Drew Sample, Jace Sternberger, Trevon Wesco, Josh Oliver, Kaden Smith, Dawson Knox, Kahale Warring, Foster Moreau.
5. WR may also be a priority but I doubt at the very top of list. I don’t think they’ll sacrifice the pass rush to draft Campbell or McLaurin.
6. If they go corner, Oline, linebacker, or runningback, it will be much later in the draft.
7. They need a backup QB, but is it worth sacrificing the chance to fill other needs with limited stock? You’d think they’d like Will Grier, but you’d also think they’d like a guy like Tyree Jackson a little later (round 3)
The only point I feel obliged to challenge here is point number seven. If they decide to draft a QB it won’t be because they think they need a backup. If they’re drafting one early, it’s because they’re legitimately concerned about the Wilson contract situation and want to protect themselves moving forward. And we won’t know how they truly feel about that situation until after the draft.
Another good find Rob.. im sure they do like Will Grier.. looks like to me hes going to be a 2nd rounder which would mean they would have to spend their first pick to get him.. which i doubt.
I wouldn’t go as far as to say I ‘doubt’ it happens. I think it’s best to simply say it’s a possibility (based on the small amount of information we can know as outsiders).
I’m pretty sure Frank Clark will be traded this is based on evaluating the entire situation including Pete’s comments. As far as Gary, somebody’s is gonna fall to the teens, you gotta do your homework and determine if the best decision is to trade back or pull the trigger. Personally I would be asking for more than #9 for Clark right up to the last moment, hopefully Seahawks can get a couple of teams in a bidding war.
I don’t know how anyone can say with any confidence that Clark will be traded. When’s the last big trade that happened in April? When have the Seahawks under PCJS dealt a player in his prime? What has Pete said, at any point, that strays beyond ultimate confidence that Clark will be with the team in 2019? The only thing even hinting at a trade was Jay Glazer’s report that teams had called about Clark — including Buffalo. And then the Bills shot that down within 24 hours.
I agree Rob. I think a trade is unlikely if past is precedence with PC/JS. I don’t agree with how they have handles these situations in the past allowing guys to walk if they can’t sign them but that has been the MO. The only core player they have ever traded was Bennett and that was basically releasing him.
I think he absolutely has to be signed or traded before the draft but I would put the probability of either at less than 20%. I fully expect him to play on the tag have another double digit sack season and sign elsewhere in 2020.
Agree. I think what might be complicating matters, however, is a lack of clarity on the likelihood of a deal. They have a deadline for the tag to be signed and might be hoping that ends up being a catalyst for an agreement. But that date is in July, well after the draft. So it’s like the Wilson situation. Are you going to throw the baby out with the bath water and trade a player you really like without going through the full process? Because if you set new deadlines before the draft, Clark’s people will likely reject them. You can’t force a player/agent to negotiate on your terms when, in their advantage, they reach the open market in less than 12 months. Or are you going to give that process an opportunity to play out and risk losing him for very little compensation down the line? I think the Seahawks will always work towards the second option under Carroll. Which isn’t necessarily the wrong thing to do. If they re-sign Clark it could be the 100% right thing to do. But if he walks in a year we’ll all be here wishing they’d acted differently.
Gary is an interesting one, Pff doesn’t see him as a first round pick at all. He ranked as the 68th best pass rusher in college this year according to them. Maybe he’s seen as a project someone will decide to role the dice on, but what if he did slide to 21, or even later would we even want him or is it just misdirection. Undoubtedly the best athlete available in this draft, but plenty of tape and no hint of the dominant athlete having his way against college tackles where he has a monstrous physical advantage. I think he’s just a juke move for the hawks and they’ll target a QB or Wr with there first pick. If he somehow slide to the 2nd round I could see them grabbing him after trading down a couple times, but someone will probably take him and be ultimately disappointed he’s never going to be more than he is right now( kinda good against the run and a liability in pass rush situations). Pff has a breakdown on YouTube free for Gary, but fair warning it’s not kind in any regard if you would like to be excited about him as a prospect skip it 😂.
PFF for useful stats like pressure percentage — superb
PFF for judging where players should go in the draft based on tape observation — absolutely terrible
Frank — he’s far better than this. I recommend everyone go and watch his stuff. Consider what he was asked to do in Michigan’s defense. By the way — a highly productive defense. This idea that he’s just some great athlete with no effort and useless tape is so far from the truth it’s unreal.
The Frank tape is unreal. No doubt some of my favorite stuff.
I think it’s against N’Western, but he legitimately makes 10-11 impact plays. Most of it jaw dropping.
I am struggling to find much tape on him, his highlight reel definitely shows a tremendous athlete who can do anything. I definitely never questioned his effort or claimed there was horrible tape, just that on percentage basis by pff rating he doesn’t add a lot to a teams pass rush. The highest ranked player in their history is Frank Clark bye the way, with current seahawk Martin also putting up elite numbers so seems like a stat the Seahawks might find value in. If Rob says someone is a top ten pick, I tend to believe it but if I had a top ten pick I wouldn’t spend it on him. If somehow he slipped to late enough to trade down and still grab a blue chip athlete like Gary I’d definitely go for it. Not seeing someone as a top ten pick doesn’t mean you hate a prospect, just that you don’t see a player that can dramatically improve your teams pass rush the minute he’s drafted.
He shows you everything here.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_lrq5IXElLA
I would also say, just because a guy can or can’t get to the QB…. doesn’t always reflect how disruptive or how impactful they are in a game. If a guy constantly takes on double teams and frees up other players, that is valuable. If the player is stout in rush defense and can throw in a few sacks every season, that is valuable.
He also was in a Michigan defense that had a former HQ that demands attention to detail. They were no joke as a group or singularly. He’ll go top 50 and most likely much higher, top 25.
I always wonder if Seattle builds up records on many prospects, so that when the day comes and they are cut loose or are FA, Seattle already has the background built up…. so they can fairly evaluate a player when he is 3-4 years into his NFL career. Due diligence if you will.
How excited would they be about him if he had better stuff in the box score?
The thing that gets lost during the pre-draft process is projection at the next level.
I don’t understand the Rashan Gary hate. Top ten pick for me all day.
Though If we are speculating that the Hawks would be moving up through a trade to get someone like Gary, why suggest it would be for Clark ? Would a potential Wilson trade not also be the reason for it ? The Giants have a 6th and 17th.
Based on the Hawks’ front office MO I guess they are doing their due diligence. But why would it be for Clark and not Wilson. Is it because of the timing ??
It’s almost certainly for neither player.
Just due diligence.
Could we get a top10 for Reed? I highly doubt it, but if the Hawks are unsure of him as a 10+ sack DT and he wants to paid like that and other team also see him as a 10+ sack DT he might worth a top10 pick. That would leave a huge hole inside, but to me Frank is a more proven commodity while Reed might have a higher ceiling regarding impact and uniqueness
No they can’t get a top 10 for Reed
Maybe it’s possible the Seahawks have an offer for Clark already, and they are seeing if they can get him signed first, if not maybe they will move him for a package of picks. I don’t think they will get a high first for him, but maybe they could get a second and a third for him. Then they might want to pull the trigger. I highly doubt this is the case though.
I really think the Gary stuff is just doing their homework in case he slides. Or as Rob already said, just completing their folder on him. They have no intention of drafting high in the first round though, even if they traded for a high first round pick, I still think they would trade down before picking.
I think it’s a combination of due dilligence, as Rob said probably highly rated on their board, and maybe they have intel he could slide. Someone has to even if he ain’t the one. Can’t be 77 top 40 picks.
Didn’t JS mention something a couple years ago about identifying prospects during summer camp, before the season of something?
I don’t want to sound rude, but it’s utterly ridiculous to think PCJS would trade Clark for anything less than a first.
And a high one at that
You may be right. I am just basing off of their tradition of paying high. They over paid for Harvin, and Graham as far as I’m concerned. Then they held out for the moon with Sherm and Thomas and were not able to get a deal done and watched them go out the door for nothing. So I was just exploring the possibility that they would be willing to accept less for Clark if they felt they needed to this time around.
Plus I personally think none would be willing to deal a high first for Clark while he is on the tag, maybe if he was signed to a long deal, but not when they are going to have to pay high dollar for him, and give up a high 1. He is not Mack
Does anyone have the updated SPARQ links, data base? Every time I click it on it, nothing.
https://3sigmaathlete.com/sparq-rankings-2019/quarterback/
The other positions are at the drop down tab
This has to be one of the deepest draft classes of my recent memory.
I buy that precedent with this front office is generally indicative of what they’ll do. Any keen observer of the team would acknowledge that. At the same time all these contracts coming due at the same time is without precedent. Not only that; the way they have white-knuckled their defensive talent started blowing up in their faces in recent seasons. I should hope the FO has learned from those mistakes, and is at least a little less stubborn about it. This is not the time to be stubborn with more giant contracts than franchise tags. To me this meeting feels like a mixture of due diligence if they have to trade Clark, and a message to his camp. Personally I’m getting ready to flinch. Every day we get closer to the deadline of the draft the knots in my stomach get worse. I don’t want Clark gone so much as I want a bird in the hand. Including the 21st pick in exchange for a high-1st and a number of day two and day three picks kills numerous birds with one stone. We get a replacement for Clark; we free up both money and our tag; we don’t lose Clark for nothing; and we effectively get our trade-down we need to fill out our picks — only from a position of strength instead of one where teams know we need to do it.
I just have a hard time thinking this could in any way be them sending a message. “Hey we’re meeting with a top-10 pick so you better agree terms or we’ll trade you to a team that clearly really really wants you and will probably pay you a huge new deal.”
Clark would probably say… “great let’s make a trade happen.” Because anyone willing to trade a top-10 pick for him (which I highly doubt with this draft class) isn’t going to let him play on the tag. They’re paying him a huge extension.
Top-10 pick seems a bit steep to me now compared to a few weeks ago. I probably overvalued positional value. But with the 21st included in exchange for the later picks we seek, some rationale begins to take shape. Maybe I shouldn’t have made it sound like a threat. Obviously Frank Clark has to be willing to leave town to secure generational wealth. I would still think he would like to have a say in that though. Instead of message to Clark; maybe we should just think of it as evidence that the possibility is real enough to them that they feel the need to prep for it. Meeting with him at the combine or pro day is one thing; a VMAC visit is a bit more serious. My desire for resolution to this situation could be clouding my judgement too though.
I’d still say though — those official 30 visits are very precious. Using one to challenge Frank Clark is a waste of a visit and really a waste of a day. They put on a big schedule for these guys. Imagine going through all that just to give a nudge and a wink to Clark’s agent.
I think the article kind of sums this up. It’ll be due diligence because they love Gary’s physical profile and if they ever did have an opportunity to acquire him, they’d like a full dossier of info on him.
My thoughts as well; see below. I would take it more as evidence of intent or willingness — opposed to a toothless negotiating ploy.
Due diligence for sure.
Part of due diligence includes down the road, as Rob mentioned, and part of it is for this spring. It doesn’t mean they have imminent plans to trade Clark for a high round pick, but they need to prepare for that situation.
If someone did make an offer they couldn’t refuse (whether it’s Wilson, Clark, Wagner) they need to make certain their draft board can function at all tiers of the draft.
That presumes, however, that they have any intention of trading Clark, Wilson or Wagner. And I don’t think they have any intention what so ever.
I agree, I don’t think they want to, but I do think preparing for all potential outcomes is likely. They always say that they consider everything. The likelihood is tiny, but let’s do our diligence on one of the best prospects in the draft, just in case.
It’s possible — certainly wouldn’t say it’s definitely not what they’re doing because I don’t know for sure. I do suspect very strongly though that this is merely due diligence for a player they really like.
You being the world’s foremost media authority on all things involving the words “Seahawks” and “draft” could answer this question possibly off the top of your head: Have the Seahawks ever had a VMAC visit from a player clearly out of their range before? Last year they met with Rosen; that wasn’t bringing him to Seattle as one of the 30 though, was it? It would be interesting to me to know if they’ve done this before.
Nah man, they’ve said in the past that they use visits differently every year
cloak and daggers ….could they be using gary to target someone else? maybe winovich?
Doubt it. Not sure how inviting Rashan Gary to the VMAC could help them in a pursuit of Winovich. Plus Winovich really isn’t the type of player they’ve drafted. Doesn’t have the length, not a natural EDGE or LEO in Seattle.
Think it’s as simple as the article lays out — due diligence for the future because he’s a player they really like.
i said maybe winovich . could be someone else. what i’m trying to say and badly is … when recruiting players the view of coach and a player will differ . so probably what you say but also his view on team mates
Maybe. But I’m not sure you use an official visit for that when you can send your scouts to spend time around the college teams year round. They speak to coaches, high school coaches. They can get all the info they need on a team mate without needing to burn an official 30 visit, give a guy a tour of the facility, something to eat. All just to hear Rashan Gary say Chase Winovich or someone else is a good dude.
But appreciate the thought. It’s an interesting discussion, trying to work out why they met with Gary.
I have watched a lot of Wolverine football and Gary has always reminded me of a young Reggie White. (going by the eye test only) If he were to be turned loose he would have more sacks than anyone in CFB…. He is elite at turning speed to power. GO HAWKS!!!!
No doubt JS/PC would love to have Gary. But so would a lot of other teams. As far as drafting a QB I see it only as a long shot this year. They have limited draft capital. Next year is a different story. The only way the Hawks take a QB this year is if they trade down, acquire numerous picks and someone they like falls into their lap. The Hawks simply have too many needs.
Yes the Hawks have a great trio at linebacker. But Wagner/Kendrick are free agents after next year. K.J. Wright’s deal is is basically a prove it deal. He also has health issues. The Hawks need to get younger at LB. The Hawks also need help at DL, DB, TE, WR. The really need to take a wide receiver. Plus David Moore NEEDS to step up to the plate this year.
It’s not a long shot at all. I’m not going to go over the same argument yet again but the ‘lack of picks’ means absolutely nothing. They will get more picks and if they fear the Wilson situation is so desperate that they have to plan ahead, they’re not going to sit there and say… “yeah… but think about 2019!”
This team is planning ahead. Forget ‘too many needs’. None will be more important than QB if Wilson’s future is in the balance.
Doesn’t mean it’ll happen but it’s absolutely not a long shot.
I love the fact the Hawks are bringing in some safeties for visits. Hopefully it’s a sign that during the off season PC has realized TT shouldn’t be anywhere near the starting lineup of an NFL team. I still hold out some hope for Delano.
Plus, with losing Coleman, that nickel corner spot needs to be addressed. At least couple of the safeties visiting (Thornhill, Savage Jr.) have the skill set for that too.
I remember Ballard at Utah. It’s hard to see him making an impact but he must have some intangible the Hawks like. Backup safety/ST role to replace Luani?
They ran too way too much Cover 2 last year and got shredded. Ken Norton also put 3 safeties on the field more than any time under PC.
Maybe down to lack of quality LB depth?
Maybe a DeShawn Shead type. Ballard that is. The more you can do, versatility, the better.
People are way too harsh about Tedric Thompson.
I think they’re looking at Ballard as a corner convert.
Never thought a guy getting a VMAC visit like Rashan Gary who is 100% the type of player they target first overall would be such a hotly debated topic. Good grief.
Well it’s a hotly debated topic because he aint getting out of the top-10. So it adds a layer of intrigue. Although the reality, as discussed in the article, is probably quite dull.
Yeah, but they only have 30 visits. Can’t they find 30 guys who will be in their range and interesting to them? Or are they thinking that having a visit with a guy who they might or might not have the chance and interest to sign 4-5-8-9 years later.
I mean…unless they can also have some intel on some other Michigan players they’re interested in, or they think a trade might be on the table that can give them a top10 pick (not saying it will/should happen, but if they think it’s a real possibility) then I think it’s a bad resource management…
It’s not a bad use of resources. You’re mistaken if you think these teams are thinking short term and only focusing on this one draft in 2019.
Seeing Haskins is training with AB. Find that very interesting.
my initial thought after the visit was that this is an attempt by PCJS to better understand why a player (who fits their profile perfectly) didn’t “compete” the entire season… the love grit and a guy that plays through the tough times.
this looks more like a long term, information gathering, and gut checking type of visit – nothing to do with a trade.
i’m not criticizing RG, just find it hard to believe that PCJS would spend their first pick on someone that hasn’t squeezed out every little bit of juice for his program, team, and fans.
full disclosure, i haven’t done any digging into his injury outside of a few headlines.
Rashan Gary: doesn’t love football, top 10 pick.
Jerry Tillery: reads books. Red flags! Red flags! This guy spent part of his scholarship with his head buried between some pages? Disgusting!
* This is a joke BTW. I have no info about Gary and know there’s more to it than that with Tillery.
hahaha, i am truly beginning to enjoy the offseason more than the actual season – thanks rob!!
I’m glad you added it was a joke…
Rob, it is rare that I burst out laughing but you got me with this one: “Gary looked like a natural working in space (he couldn’t catch a beachball though)“
After reading that and watching the accompanying clip it was pretty hard not to laugh as he struggled to catch a football. So ya, probably won’t be an INT machine but could perhaps be a sack/pressure machine at the next level if he is used in the right way.
Absolutely — he has the highest upside among the defensive half of this draft. Incredible potential.
Didn’t Jim Nagy recently tweet that they like to scout the top prospects so that they can get the reps (as evaluators) or something along those lines.
I dont think there is any question that both sides are watching Dallas and Lawrence and waiting for that standoff to end and set the market. the big difference is the Hawks don’t realistically have the option of a second tag to slap on.
My prediction is if there isn’t an agreement by training camp, Hawks go in accepting the fact this is the last year with Clark and look for a last second trade from a team that gets desperate…similar to how we acquired Duane Brown. Won’t get max value for Clark in that regard, but 1 first or second rounder in 2020 draft is MUCH better than a 3rd in 2021.