UCLA’s Kolton Miller could be a target for teams needing a tackle
It’s fairly safe to assume that the Seahawks will trade down from #18. Without going over old ground too much, here’s a quick summary:
— They don’t have any picks in rounds 2-3, meaning they’d pick at #18 and then not until #120. Particularly this year, the Seahawks can’t afford to sit and watch 102 players come off the board.
— It’s a common opinion that there’s anywhere between 10-20 legit first round grades in this draft class. Even if they stay at #18, it’s possible they’ll be picking from a pool of players with second round grades.
— Seattle’s priority appears to be fixing the running game. With a cluster of talented guards and running backs set to come off the board between picks 25-60, trading down would allow them to tap into that value and address key needs.
The Seahawks successfully traded down in the last two drafts. Last year the Falcons were determined to add a pass rusher so made an aggressive move to go from #31 to #26 to get Takk McKinley. In 2016 the Broncos and Cowboys were bidding with Seattle to move up and get Paxton Lynch.
Here are three scenarios that could lead to a team coveting the #18 pick…
1. Left tackle
This isn’t a great class for offensive tackles but there are quite a few teams needing one. Joe Thomas retiring in Cleveland and Nate Solder leaving New England for the Giants created needs for the Browns and Patriots. The Broncos, Colts and Eagles could also be in the market for an athletic tackle.
There’s no real top-tier prospect in this class. Mike McGlinchey and Kolton Miller are likely competing to be the first off the board. When one goes, however, it could create a scramble for the second. After these two the options are extremely limited. The position is also important enough to warrant an aggressive trade.
The Cardinals at #15, Ravens at #16 and Chargers at #17 could all take McGlinchey or Miller. If one goes and the other remains by #18, teams might get a little anxious about missing out. Especially if the Seahawks end up talking to multiple teams about tackles. They also had representatives at the UCLA pro-day and might send out signals that they’re also prepared to take Miller.
This might be the ideal scenario for a trade down. The Browns, Patriots and Colts all have multiple second round picks. The Seahawks could be able to turn #18 into two second rounders or in the case of the Patriots — #31 and #63.
2. Wide receiver
This isn’t an appealing draft for receivers. It’s likely one of the reasons the wide out market exploded in free agency. We might only see one prospect — Calvin Ridley — drafted in the first round.
Ridley’s stock is tough to get an angle on. Some really like his polish and ability to get open. He had a fairly accomplished career at Alabama. There’s also nothing particularly outstanding about his physique. He’s only 6-0 and 189lbs. He ran a 4.43 which is fine at his size but not remarkable and his short shuttle time of 4.41 was beaten or matched by five defensive linemen, 10 edge rushers and one offensive lineman (James Daniels).
Even so, someone is going to take a shot on Ridley as a reliable target. The Dallas Cowboys might be looking for a receiver in this draft and could take him at #19. If teams grade Ridley as the clear #1 receiver they might be willing to jump ahead of Dallas to get their man.
Atlanta, Indianapolis, New England, Philadelphia, Tennessee, New Orleans and Minnesota are not improbable suitors.
One other thing to consider here — the rising cost of the receiver market in free agency could make Ridley an appealing option. Having him at a relatively cheap price for five years could be an attractive proposition. And some teams are going to really like Ridley. He might generate quite a mix of opinions across the league. But some teams might even see him as a top-10 type talent.
3. Defensive prospects
It’s quite possible the two teams picking after Seattle (Dallas, Detroit) will go defense. Quite a few of the teams in the 20’s could also be thinking defense in round one (Buffalo, Los Angeles, Carolina, Tennessee, Atlanta, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville).
Dallas and Detroit could be thinking linebacker. This is a good draft for the position with some high class talent set to go in round one. Tremaine Edmunds will likely go in the top-10. Personally I think Leighton Vander Esch will be the second off the board.
Roquan Smith is regularly mocked in the top-12 picks and he had a particularly strong end to the season with Georgia. However, Tony Pauline has reported on some possible injury red flags and scheme fit is also important with Smith. He’s a very good player but he’s only 6-0 and 236lbs. He’s unlikely going to be an option for the 3-4 teams.
Alabama’s Rashaan Evans is also a very talented, highly touted option. He’s expected to go in the second half of round one.
If you want either of these players, you might need to get ahead of Dallas and Detroit. Both teams could be thinking D-line as an alternative. It’ll also be curious to see how long Derwin James lasts.
A year ago Atlanta traded with Seattle to secure the defender they wanted. We might see a similar situation this year.
No quarterback scenario?
It just doesn’t seem likely. Increasingly it looks like the ‘big four’ will go in the top-10 and that could push Lamar Jackson up the board too.
Would the Cardinals take Jackson at #15?
Most of the teams in the 20’s already have a quarterback anyway. Assuming Buffalo also makes a move using their #12 pick, virtually all of the teams in the second half of round one have an established starting quarterback or someone they only recently drafted.
What can the Seahawks collect in a deal?
The best move would be to trade straight from #18 into the late first or early second round. The bigger the drop the more likely they are to come away with a haul. They need multiple day-two picks.
Getting two second rounders, for example, would enable them to address O-line and running back.
Such an offer might not be forthcoming though, which could mean two separate trades. Can they move from #18 to about #25 and collect a third rounder? Then make a similar move from #25 into the top of round two?
That would give them three picks instead of one. An Earl Thomas trade could also generate a late first or second round pick — enabling them to address multiple key needs. If they were able to come out of day two with a running back, guard, defensive lineman and safety — that could be a good days work.
The players are there to make it happen:
Running back — Ronald Jones II, Nick Chubb, Kerryon Johnson, Derrius Guice, Sony Michel, Royce Freeman, Rashaad Penny
O-line — Isaiah Wynn, Will Hernandez, Austin Corbett, Frank Ragnow, Billy Price, Braden Smith
Front seven defense — Josh Sweat, Lorenzo Carter, Kemoko Turay, Andrew Brown, B.J. Hill, Sam Hubbard
Safety — Jessie Bates III, Justin Reid, Ronnie Harrison
Meanwhile…
Seahawks continue working on their offensive line. Have agreed to terms with DJ Fluker
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 20, 2018
This is an interesting signing. It could be an O-line hedge if they want to go running back first in the draft. It could purely be a move to add competition at right guard.
In an ideal scenario the Seahawks would be able to add one of Isaiah Wynn, Will Hernandez or Austin Corbett to the O-line while still landing one of Ronald Jones II, Nick Chubb or Kerryon Johnson. That won’t be easy though unless they own two picks in the top-45.
Nevertheless, there’s no harm in adding some competition up front. Fluker worked with Mike Solari in New York last year and had a decent spell before injury ended his season prematurely.
Meanwhile defensive tackle Bennie Logan and cornerback Dontae Johnson reportedly visited with the Seahawks.
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I think this could go one of two ways. Either some prime talent ends up falling and there are multiple teams clamoring to move up, leading to someone overpaying to do so, or no one wants to move up and Seattle ends up settling for a lackluster offer because they don’t have any choice but to move down. I suppose the far less likely third option would be Seattle actually picking at 18, which would be surprising but it would also tell you how highly they think of said player should it happen.
Hopefully we get lucky! Like you have pointed out Rob, this could be the perfect draft to trade down.
Rob, I’d like to hear you’re thoughts on my boy Arden Key. The guy was literally a Swiss army knife last year. Do you think this is a player that might be on Carroll’s radar?
I doubt it after the Malik McDowell experience.
Too much baggage.
JLC says Seahawks signed DJ Fluker. Wow. Does G lose its value in the early rounds now? With Pocic, Rees, and DJ now on the roster?
I think they did this for Trevor
That is funny but I really think he could have a big impact in the run game. Look at the RB game stats last year with the Giants when he was in the lineup and when he was not.
It is not a small sample size and the difference is almost 50 yds per game.
you have called it for a long time
now start calling for a Donald to Sea trade for a 4th round pick!
Should pacify the Twitterverse.
(Kidding.)
I think Fluker is very much a right sided player. So if anything I think this creates legit competition at RG and possibly acts as a draft hedge.
The problem they’ll have is they might need two picks in the top-45 to get at OL + RB. So unless they get a high pick for Earl, it might be a non-starter. And then they’d have to choose one or the other. And they need a running back. So Fluker helps in that regard.
Yep, adds a lot of flexibility. Interested to see if its a one-year deal ala Joeckel.
I like it. I’ve said before, but it makes sense to bring in someone Solari has had on his team and in his system. Robert Gallery and Zach Miller came from Oakland with Cable back in 2011. Additionally, these were Seattle’s RGs last year:
Mark Glowinski (ended up benched/cut)
Oday Aboushi (IR)
Ethan Pocic
Saying the play at that position was pretty bad would be an understatement.
Fluker is a plus run blocker at RG, and can also play RT.
If they plan on keeping Ifedi at RT, I’m curious to see what it means for Pocic. He could legitimately play anywhere but LT.
Seattle also still has Odhiambo and Roos to compete at G.
Throw in one of the beasts like Wynn at LG and the Seahawks might just have something really good.
Heard it’s 1 year / $8 million with $7 million guaranteed.
Please no. That’s exactly what they gave Broeckel last year. Is it April 1st already? Fluker’s contract was only $3M last year and he played 6 games. Then again, I was floored when I heard the details of Luke’s contract last year.
I’ve not seen any numbers but I’ll be very surprised if they’re paying that.
710 AM ESPN.
Hoping + praying that they were just spitballing and/or I misheard.
I suspect they were probably joking because it’s what Joeckel got a year ago.
Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking.
Terms will be telling. Depth, competition or starter?
Likely you misheard and they were referencing the Joeckel deal, because that’s penny for penny what Joeckel got ($7m gtd, $8m salary).
Was walking dog and streaming radio, so wouldn’t be surprised.
Rob, where do you currently see Price of Ohio State among the top O-line prospects in the draft? Significantly below your top guys?
I believe Fluker is a one year deal. The Hawks have made a recent practice of signing free agents who were first round draft choices in 2013.
Thank you for all that you do.
I’m a big fan of Price but he’s a tough one to judge at the moment due to the injury. I think others have been able to take a step forward and he hasn’t due to his absence. He chose not to go to the Senior Bowl then got injured at the combine. Hernandez, Wynn and Corbett all shone at the Senior Bowl and Hernandez/Corbett had good combines.
Been eyeing Fluker since we first hired Solari. Thought it would be a good fit to bring in someone who was familiar with the system.
Brown-Pocic-Britt-Fluker-Ifedi would be a line I’m comfortable starting this season.
That line works for me. With Fant getting coaching as left tackle backup this year. Maybe he could be coached for right tackle too. Given some better training, I would have hopes for him to eventually move back to starter.
I rather see Fant competing for the RT job. Make Ifedi earn it.
Fluker-Ifedi is a lot of beef on the right side – they might struggle in pass pro but should help the run game. They did well with the style of run-block no pass-block with Sweezy-Breno before.
A couple thoughts. One is that I don’t think Buffalo will move up. There are just too many draft picks involved with getting into the 2 or 4th slot. Why give up all your picks just for a QB? In all likelihood Lamar Jackson will fall to them anyway, and in my opinion he is a great prospect. So why bother to move up?
Why would teams move up? I think defense is the most likely reason. Everyone knows the great defensive players go early. Plus as you pointed out their just aren’t good choices at tackle or wide receiver. For a little frosting on that cake = what if Vea slips?? I know you will say it won’t happen, but it could happen and Seahawks could benefit from it. You can fill in your preferred defensive player for Vea. If not him there will be some other great defensive player that some team will want to get before Dallas.
I meant to say QBs Mayfield or Jackson will be available, possibly into the late first round.
“Why give up all your picks just for a QB?”
Deshaun Watson
Patrick Mahomes II
Carson Wentz
There’s three reasons why!
And others would include Goff too.
I liked Allen after his Senior Bowl performance. Its the first time I have seen him throw. I don’t see a lot of difference in the top five QBs. I’m firmly convinced that Mayfield is the best QB of the bunch, but no one else is convinced of that. It all leads me to think that there all those guys need some development time. In other words, probably any of those 5 have the same chance of success. And none of them are a Watson or Wentz, except for Mayfield and I’m the only person who thinks that.
Might be easily forgotten but people questioned Watson and Wentz too. Heck — the Browns actively traded out of #2 because they didn’t want Wentz. And people ragged on Watson all year and picked apart his game.
Darnold, Allen, Rosen, Mayfield, Jackson — all have a legit chance, IMO, to be franchise QB’s. If you don’t have one, go get one.
Yes very true, I have a friend who is a big time Browns fan and Cleveland sports talk radio completely went sour on Watson because he could only throw a football 49 MPH. I would argue with him at ends about the championship game, but he did not want to hear it, Watson was going to be a bust. That’s what all of Cleveland sports talk was saying. I bet they regret that idea.
It costs a lot of draft capital to trade up for a franchise QB, but if you get it right a franchise QB on a rookie salary gives you a lot of opportunity to fill holes in other ways.
Indy has been a terribly run franchise, but what a great way for a new GM to build. They get a ton of picks AND still get Nelson, Barkley or Chubb.
We are not talking about QB’s here. The point is there are 15 to 17 prospects with 1st round grades in my opinion, with 3 or 4 more you could move into that 2nd tier. CB’s LB’s, OG, OT and WR’s will be coveted. The Hawks will get multiple offers, you can take that to the bank man!!! I want the Hawks to trade down, not to far, a little at a time but multiple times.
I’d include Goff. He showed well last season. I’ll be interested to see how he is in his sophomore year with McVay.
I would make the case that of the only one or two of the projected big 4 QB’s have a legitimate 1st round grade. I agree that all will be gone before the Seahawks even sniff their pick. If there are 16 legitimate first round grades, as has been reported, I believe one or two will fall to 18. This is another scenario for trading down. The likelihood increases if Jackson goes early. Too many teams desperate for a QB.
Fluker? Interesting.
I’m glad they got a FA lineman and I think his familiarity with Solari will help the rest of the guys pick it up more quickly! I was wondering how Fluker rates of all the FA guards available? Is this a win-win from talent and scheme familiarity or just a win on scheme and not as much on talent? Is he a lock to start next year because he’s one of the best 20 guards in the league?
Thanks for your thoughts and Go Hawks!
He was ranked the #34 guard in the League in run blocking. 74th in PB….
So your saying he is better than Seahawks other guards?? 🙂
Believe it was actually 17th out of 78 rather than 34th.
What he’s saying is that there are 64 starting guards in the NFL. To be 74th in pass blocking means there are 10 back-ups that perform better than Fluker.
I know you see this as a hedge Rob and it could be, but what if it is as simple as they are just filling their roster with players through free agency and through the draft? So whoever comes to them at a price they like they are picking up via free agency, and they will fill the rest of the roster through the draft. That way they can just add as many value pieces as they can through the draft. Not being concerned with a certain position.
The one counter thought to my premise though is that they have not signed another running back, which would indicate that’s the position they are going to target in the draft more highly than other positions. Of course with so many talented backs in this draft maybe they think they can bring in plenty of competition at the position in the middle rounds, or at least in the third. Thoughts???
Really that’s what I mean when I call this a hedge.
For me this provides them some flexibility. If they can’t add a guard they like, they already have Fluker. If they want to go RB early it’s going to be hard to add a Wynn/Hernandez/Corbett. So this move enables them to fill a hole. And if, come draft time, they do have an opportunity to collect an OL they like — they still can.
Makes sense, does this increase their chance of going defense early?
No. Priority will be the run.
Seattle under Schneider has always done this. If they have a desperate need for say a cornerback, they pick one up in free agency prior to the draft. That way they don’t have to reach and they’re less predictable. They might still draft that position, but they aren’t forced to, and can wait till the value is there. Schneider has always been smart that way.
“This isn’t a great class for offensive tackles but there are quite a few teams needing one. ”
I’m still scratching my head about Trey Adams not declaring. Even with his injury he’d get pushed up the board in this OT class.
Because Trey, Jake and Gaskin are gonna lead us to the promise land for their senior year grand finale! Go Dawgs !! Huskies will wins Pac 12 and be in playoffs!
Woof!
Yeah, I’m good with that as well. Trey wouldn’t have been able to work out like he had wanted to. He’s a possible top ten-15 guy next year if he comes back healthy. I don’t blame him at all for coming back.
I like the Fluker signing. I’d like to see, left to right, Brown/Ifedi/Britt/Fluker/Pocic (or Fant). Ifedi seems more of a brawler and less of a technician. I’m hoping Solari simplifies the blocking schemes and lets Ifedi play to his strengths. Pocic seems more of a technician than a brawler. We need to be able to blow defensive lines back when we need to pick up a crucial 1-2 yards.
Any drafted OL could then work into starting later in the year or next year. Use the earliest pick to get a great RB.
Why are you moving Ifedi?
I’d think
Brown/Pocic/Britt/Fluker/Ifedi
I don’t see a rookie starting.
Pocic was pushed around inside last year. No power, lacks strength. However, seemed to have better agility than Ifedi. I really just want to move Ifedi inside because of his power, which I think is more effective in a phone booth. It would help with the run game, and provide an inside wall for RW when he drops back to pass. I also got tired of watching Ifedi whiff on the outside. The step back and slide technique required at RT seemed to remove his aggression and made him uncomfortable.
I like Trevor’s ultimate O-line scenario listed below even better, but that may cost us the better RB.
Well he had trouble when he was a guard also. He couldn’t pick up the stunts, he would just stand there while a defensive linemen ran right by him. So I’m not sure what he is best suited for. But if your going to spend a first round pick, the preferred position based on salary is tackle.
I like it. Pocic can play any where but is better off outside right now due to his lack of strength. Ifedi has been tried at RT and does not seem to have the quickness needed. A move inside for him seems inevitable. Flucker locks down the RG spot. Fant backs up both tackle spots. They like Roos and Odhiambo, I doubt we use a draft pick early on and OL.
Finally the Hawks (if it is true) have made a move that I am excited about. Hopefully Fluker can put Aaron Donald on his back.
I am debating on a nickname for Fluker.
a) D.J. (Roadgrader) Fluker
b) D.J. (Bulldozer) Fluker
c) D.J. (Pile driver) Fluker.
Folks: Which one sounds the best.
How about Blotto? It’s gritty, it’s got street cred, plus I can keep my monogrammed slippers.
Anything to do with PILE is not recipient… 🙁
I like:
(d) D.J. (competent blocker) Fluker
D.J. (Better than our RGs last year) Fluker. He has to be better than Joekel was last year, this must be an improvement!
Fluker>Joekel
Solari>Cable
I like DJ Bubblegum Fluker = sticks like glue.
We already have bubblegum, (gets chewed up frequently). 😛
I can see Carolina trading to #18 for Isaiah Wynn as a Norwell replacement. 1-24 and 3-24, then use 1-24 to trade into the second if possible? Maybe Indy wants back into the first for 2-4 and 4-4. That may be the last spot Will Hernandez could potentially be available, but there may be room for one more trade down in the second and still have enough ammo for the last of the second-tier guards and one of the usual suspect second-tier RBs. Its a lot of trading but the McDowell pick was the end of a decent trade train…
Last year a big reason we had a poor run game was because both our Guards (Joeckel and Pocic) got little to no push because of lack of strength.
That will be not an issue with Fluker. He has gotten a bad rap because he was drafted high to play OT but he should never have been an NFL OT. He got converted to Guard last year and it is clearly where he was meant to play and is ideally suited to play Guard in Solari’s scheme.
I love the signing. Have my fingers crossed now they take Wynn or Hernandez with thier first pick after a trade back into late 1st round.
Since we hired Solari I have been dreaming about an OL of
LT Brown
LG Hernandez
C Britt
RG Fluker
RT Ifedi or Fant
Now that would be a Bully OL and offer instant improvement to the run game.
It would be a deep unit with Pocic, Reed, Roos, Fant in reserve.
With a young D ball control and time of possession will be key. If we had this OL I would be confident that we could will the TOP battle every week with a solid run game to wear defensive lines down.
+1
+1
Agree with the signing of Fluker, but think his signing all but guarantees the first pick will be a RB. I think they want to come away from this draft with one of RoJo or Chubb (and possibly another prospect on Day 3 like Bo Scarborough), and both will be off the board by 40, possibly 35.
I wonder what their plans are at left tackle? Does brown play out his contract? Perhaps with the market much hotter for left tackles they could consider trading him? Seems preposterous…but he is older and they like me…love fant. It just seems crowded now…and brown is the guy with the most commodity…he is also cost the most…i think and happens to be the oldest.
I think Fant could be our RT next year if Ifedi does not show improvement under Solari. With a new coach coming in he will just pick his guys and not be worried about where guys played or were drafted.
Seeing Solari in the Combine he looked really hands on and engaged. I think with him we could see a big improvement in the young guys (Ifedi, Fant, Rees, Pocic,Roos). That and a more power scheme should really help Ifedi.
They’ve been desperate at left tackle and now have solved the issue. The Seahawks can’t rely on Fant coming off his injury. They won’t be trading Brown now.
Agree completely I would like to see a 2 yr extension to keep this OL together the next 3 years in order to really develop as a unit.
Fant is a great hedge in case of injury or if Ifedi does not improve.
I know JS is getting killed in the media for this free agency period. But I really like all his signings.
Have to see the #s for Fluker but the deals for Mcdougald, Brown, Mingo, Dickson were all really good value for guys who are definitely going to contribute.
He has not made a bad signing this off season IMO. Hopefully he has learned from last years fiasco signing Joeckel and Lacy which made no sense from day #1 IMO.
I think the Hawks offense with the player and coach changes will be vastly improved next year.
It’s been quite predictable so far. Changes on defense. More competitive type roster.
I think people were shocked by the Bennett/Sherman departures (they shouldn’t have been) and wanted to see big names coming in to replace them (wasn’t going to happen).
It won’t be a bad free agency at all if they can pad up the D-line a bit and re-sign Maxwell.
Agree they need a vet DT and Maxwell was a must resign IMO like Mcdougald.
Camp should be fun next year with a bunch of young guys battling for spots on D.
I’d like to see at least a couple of DL’s added.
There seem to be lots of options and there will be lots more after cuts. I trust JS when it comes to finding cheap veteran DL who can contribute.
Agree. He found Tony McDaniel at the airport once!
Question: Thoughts on DE-Ade (Nigerian Nightmare 2.0?) Aruna. from Tulane? Very, very Raw, but ……………. 6-6/262 with 34″-arms, 10-5/8″-hands, tested well in speed and agility scores. Looks like a beast physically, good coaching could improve his ceiling significantly IMO. What do y’all think about this developmental player? Maybe if he’s around in the 5-th round area, would he be a Seahawk? Note: Aruna is currently ranked #152-overall, projected Rd-4/5 at nfldraftscout
with DE’s: Thomas, Fitts, Lewis, Holmes, Speaks, Hand, et. al. all ranked above him.
He looks raw but wow great athlete with the length the Hawks like.
I thought Aruna, on tape, looked like a great athlete but a completely raw project that will need major work at the next level. Probably a late rounder at best. The difference between him and Marcus Davenport was palpable watching lower level football. Not someone I’m particularly excited about to be honest. Will need a redshirt year at least.
JS now just sign Pryor as our big WR!
Then in draft
Pick #1 Wynn or Hernandez
Pick #2 Rojo or Michel
The rest of the draft young Defensive players come in and compete.
I don’t get the love for Pryor. He’s athletic, but not a craftsman at WR. If he is our WR3 we are in trouble. Plus, signing him would negate a comp pick later. No thanks.
Funny how quickly things change in the nfl. Last offseason many people though he would get WR1 money (after putting up big numbers with Cleveland). Instead he had to “settle” for a one year 6 million dollar deal and had an injury plagued season and didn’t seem like a fit in Washington’s system. I don’t care much one way or another about him but I think we could do a lot worse at wr 3. If he was cheap I’d bite on a one or two year deal.
If he’s our WR3 we are in trouble? I disagree with that. I like the fact he’s a different type of WR than the ADB & Lockett. I’m sure Russ would love to have a nice, big WR to work with.
Just sign Suh and Maxwell and my free agent wishlist is complete. Love the fluker signing.
Seems like we were looking for a vet RB, but the news on that has gone cold. Any word on if they are looking at bringing anyone else in?
Bennie would a low key good pickup.
+1
Xavier Williams is my dude, too. More of a NT but we need one, should be cheap. Reed, Jones, Logan, Williams would be a tough run defense and keep Wagner and Wright nice and clean. Those 2, Pryor or Jordan Matthews and I’m good on FAs
Logan, Reed and Jones could be a pretty decent rotation inside, IMO. I can totally see this type of signing.
Mike Garafolo
@MikeGarafolo
9m
9 minutes ago
It’s a one-year deal for DJ Fluker in Seattle, his agent @DerykGilmore confirmed: “He’s in the best shape of his life and really excited about this opportunity.”
I also read that he weights 342. Funny to me that he’s 342 and “in the best shape of his life.”
He is a very large man. A svelte 342 could devastate defenders.
Size 22 shoes – the man is big everywhere.
Trev, you got your guy! You’re been calling this for quite awhile now. Respect my man.
Agree with Rob 💯. This is a hedge signing, and a pretty good one at that. Nothing wrong with a prove it deal.
Could even mean Seattle goes RB and S with their first couple selections if one of their guys at guard isn’t there as mentioned in the piece.
They had to add to the O-line during this FA period, might not be the move a lot of fans wanted, but mission accomplished.
Agreed. Wyatt Teller strikes me as someone we could potentially get later, and is someone who ticks a lot of the necessary boxes for LG.
Teller is under rated for sure.
Agreed they did not have the $ for Norwell or Pugh and Fluker knows Solari’s scheme so it made a ton of sense. Hope is was $4 mil or less. He is only 27 so if he plays well perhaps he becomes a longer term option.
Would love Hernandez at LG now and just let them start road grading with the biggest OL in the league.
+12 Hernandez would be legit.
I’d love Hernandez too, but he would require an early 2nd or late first pick methinks. I would far rather have Chubb and Wyatt Teller than Hernandez and Penny, for example. Thoughts?
Rumor on the street is 1 year 3.5M
That’s a great signing then.
A lot cheaper than Joeckel..
And a lot more powerful.
That is a big boy at RG.
Maybe even bigger than Carp, and he is massive.
Is Michigan FB Khalil Hill a VMAC visitor?
That was on twitter and reported by ESPN……
he is a fav of mine to get grabbed by Seattle mid rounds of draft (5 or 6 roughly).
They better pick a 6th then….
Ok, so it looks like Seattle is looking at FB. What RB in this draft is best suited for an i-formation? Chubb?
Chubb is probably most familiar with it. So many teams do shotgun running now. Other ones suited to it might be Barkley, Guice, and Scarborough.
Freeman imo would kill in in I
I feel like Royce basically ran out of shotgun. Right?
Correct. Would take some work for him
Would love to get Freeman. Hernandez/Wynn plus Freeman please.
Vol who are your Day #3 /Udfa RBs to check out? I have not checked on any except the regular guys we discuss on here.
With none added in FA I think they will draft 2 at some point and likely sign 2 more udfa to compete.
Not Vol. Martez Carter, Grambling.
I think if Bo Scarborough is available o Day 3, they’ll take him. Maybe with one of their four R5 picks. He had a great Combine, testing well above their thresholds. He’s not been able to translate that athleticism to the field consistently, but you can see flashes of it (like the Peach Bowl vs UW). He’s worth a Day 3 flier because he has the tools.
Also like Jarvion Franklin, WMICH
The Fluker signing is fantastic! Easily best run blocker since Sweezy at RG. Probably puts RB as priority 1 in the draft. Do we still need a LG though? Solari has a lot of o liners to work with, and high picks at that. Just look at this for the main guys…
Brown: 1st
Ifedi: 1st
Fluker: 1st
Britt: 2nd
Pocic: 2nd
Rees: 3rd
Roos: UDFA
Fant: UDFA
That’s a lot of talent. Maybe they add another one to the mix, but I’d say not until round 3. Trade down, pick a RB in round 2, then go o line round 3.
If Pocic plays LG (athletic but not a brute) and you’ve got oodles of beef with Fluker and Ifedi on the right side and now a quality blocking TE… I bet we see ample runs to the right side with Pocic as the pulling guard. Dickson will sneak out on play action for some nice gains, too. Ball control is going to be achieved and this defense is going to get the time possession help that our talented defense of the past three years never did get (but part their fault with poor 3rd and long “defense”).
This is the first signing I’m actually excited about. Not that the others were bad, just didn’t excite me.
+1
It’s a good signing, but I think Mingo will turn out to be inspired, like Avril or Bennett was. He’s a natural LEO, Chris Clemons with Bruce Irvin athleticism. Together with Dion Jordan able to man the Red Bryant 5T DE role, I could see a return to the 2012-2013 style defensive fronts.
The 1-year contract keeps players hungry and more willing to “compete,” too. Granted, didn’t work for Luke or Eddie last year, but the difference between Joeckel and Fluker is that Fluker has tape of being a mauler on the interior, whereas Joeckel’s tape only showed that he sucked less at LG for Jax than he did at LT.
Is it just me… or is Seattle accumulating 1st rounder types from the 2013 draft?
It’s not just you. Seattle seems obsessed with single-handedly salvaging the 2013 draft.
Maybe, but what if its the 2013 class is out of contract status?
People have been joking that we’re winning the 2013 draft for a while now.
I think it’s probably just a product of PCJS loving reclamation projects and 2013 being a bust heavy year. Big pile of junkers for the pawn stars to refurbish if you will.
Could it be leftover notes from mccloughlan or the last of Pc’s recruiting familiarity?
also, their deals are ending around this time. All of the guys who were worth resigning long-term wouldn’t hit the open market. It’s just the current cycle of guys who’s rookie contracts expired. Opportunity meets needs.
That 2013 first round was full of busts, which is why they’re free agents now and cheap. I think the hope is we can coach them up and convert that athletic upside into on-the-field performance.
Is injury history the only reason Marcus Davenport is seen by many as the superior prospect to Josh Sweat of FSU?
Davenport is a very, very good prospect in his own right. Sweat’s injury history is legit.
Sweat has some holes in his game too. He’s mostly untapped potential and he’s not super impressive against the run. Not from the Edge spot.
Drewdawg that’s literally reading like a comment from the Bruce Irvin days. Now I’m feeling like sweat will be drafted by the hawks.
I would take Bruce over sweat 10 out of ten times. I don’t get excited at all about this kid and where people would have to draft him. I don’t see it with him, but I haven’t taken the time to study him. When Bruce was in college I actually said to my buddy “he’s going to be a nice players. Hope he’s there in round two.” Didn’t think he was going to be our first. I was actually ticked that we traded down and didn’t take fletcher cox.
Bruce was prolific in college, played with his hair on fire and had massive production. Easy to forget but for a time Irvin was the best pass rusher in college football.
Google hangout question: Thoughts on WR-Justin Watson, who recently had a nice Pro-day with his
#’s: 6-3/215, 20-reps, 40″-Vert, 10′-broad & a nice 4.39/40. After his pro-day, he is drawing some interest. Maybe A Rd-7 Seahawk target? Watson would seem to check the size, speed, production and consistency boxes, even if at the FCS level. His 40 time will likely get him drafted, but by whom?
WR-Justin Watson, Penn. (FCS), 6-025/213, projected 4.59/40 +/- (Level of competition hurts some)
Currently #451-overall @nfldraftscout.com; Currently #302-overall @drafttek.com (with up arrows)
see: http://www.pennathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3732
2017: 81-receptions for 1082-yds, 13.35-ypc, 14-TD’s
2016: 89-receptions for 1115-yds, 12.52-ypc, 8-TD’s
2015: 74-receptions for 1082-yds, 14.62-ypc, 9-TD’s
In 2017 Watson led team in receptions (81), receiving yards (1,083) and receiving TD’s (14) ………… Accounted for 47.6% of Penn’s total receptions – most of any FCS or FBS wide receiver .. Accounted for 50.5% of Penn’s total receiving yards – most of any FCS wide receiver and No. 2 among all FCS & FBS wide receivers ……… Some Other Career stats: 19 games of 100+yd. receptions, 40 consecutive games with a reception & a streak of 10 consecutive game with a TD reception.
Personally, he is too small. Seattle just added two WR’S to compete for the departed Richardsons spot. If Seattle goes WR, it will probably be a 6ft3 and above type. Maybe, one more 6ft guy but unless it’s DJ Moore, in my opinion they are going big.
We have all heard John say, every year, that he puts a team together before the draft. He goes into the draft with positions filled and no driving needs. Some of the signings are explained by this and might just be place holders for a couple draft picks or late pickups that play into the starting lineup. I think not.
We have also all seen that just a few plays here and there can make a difference between a satisfying season and suffering as we do this off season. A few injuries can make the difference between a long run in the playoffs early exit. Health is connected to youth, but not always. So many balls in the air.
The Seahawks and their fans were blessed by with the fortune of consecutive years of simultaneous mid round draft luck on top of Pete, Earl Thomas and Beast Mode. It was remarkable and will not be duplicated. The next chapter will be different.
What is repeatable is that a ball control, run based offense will make it easier on the defense, reducing their time on the field and the time allowed for the other team to score. That should also improve the health of the QB.
I think Rob has got it right in this article, and I can not help but want the top player on each of the three lists. I only watch some film, but Sweet looked like a Seahawk. Give me him first but any two from the O line and RB list. It will be interesting, but I think no rookies start this year (unless it is a kicker!) Chris Carson is an all pro, the offensive line is praised, and a couple of undrafted free agents make big contributions to a couple of playoff wins.
Crazy thought.
With Solari coming in, and putting his stamp on the OL, would it be the zaniest thing in the world if Ethan Pocic is given the center spot, and Justin Britt moves to LG?
Britt is the stronger player of the two, Pocic might be viewed as a better tactician and more upside at center than guard.
Just something to toss put there.
Really like the Fluker signing, by the by.
not crazy, he is stronger and it could work. Put them both in the place that makes the team strongest
I think they want Pocic to play after using a 2nd round pick on him, just a matter of where.
Curious to see how the o line performs this year, seems like forever we have been waiting for them to turn the corner (only to see them get smashed by an on coming train…)
That’s a nice plan, until you face a monster NT who is lined up directly on Pocic’s face and he’s forced to snap and then engage with the beast. You can’t hide your weak link, so it’s vital that he grows into his frame more and becomes less of a liability against power.
I don’t think it’s out of the realm of reason for Pocic to add strength. One thing I think Seattle does pretty well is it’s offseason workout program. Last year Jarran Reed made advancements on getting quicker, and Fant did a lot to build himself up. It will be interesting to see how Pocic takes to it. If he gets stronger, I think he could end up being a really good player.
Heard Pocic got bigger over the off season.
I think OTAs might start answering a few questions.
The line of Brown-Pocic/Draft pick-Britt-Fluker-Ifedi-Dickson is nice because you have the young guys Ifedi and who ever plays LG with a veteran on either side of them.
Great point Greg!
I’m not sure what rebooting would be. Britt now has as much exp at center as pocic does but at the nfl. If poci c could anchor that would be great.
Kicker is concerning My hang out ? — Are there any kickers in the draft worth picking and would hawks really spend a pick on one?
Daniel Carlson or Eddy Pineiro. I like Pineiro a little better. Carlson has the bigger leg.
I could for sure see them drafting one to compete with a veteran or two. They you hope the draft pick wins.
Someone over on Fieldgulls just said that it was karma that we had Walsh in 2017 after winning the playoff game in Minnesota on his missed kick. I had never even thought that. Walsh is complete headcase. At the end of the season, he started practicing at the Clink to try and replicate the game. He practiced away from the entire team. He tried everything. It didn’t work. Dude has a strong leg, unfortunately his head is not. I would much rather have a kicker with an average leg (able to hit from 41 yards) and be mentally resilient. I hope we find him.
I’m really surprised that we let Terrel Pryor get out of Seattle without a deal. The fact that Russ wanted him so bad and that we need someone to replace Jimmy Graham as our big receiver at the goal line, I thought this was a slam dunk!
Thoughts? I think he is the big receiving threat that Pete always wants and that this team needs. Otherwise, who strikes fear in our opponent’s dbs from our wr room?
Go Hawks!
Personally, I think we can replace graham 3rd production via the draft and improved running game. Big wide receivers will be available day 3. Pryor I feel is kind if meh. Cheap prove it deal at most.
I think the hawks are getting somewhat low on cap space after the Brown and Fluker deals even though we don’t have the details yet. Over the cap has us at 18mil in cap space before the Fluker and Brown Deals. So my hunch maybe we are at 10 mil now. If we cut Avril 16-17 mil if we cut ryan 18-19mil so we minus 7-8 mil for ir and p squad that gets us to 9-11 mil. We still would need to add CB DL DE so if we could free up Earls 8.5 mil then I think the hawks would be more aggressive.
Depends on price. The WR market has been hot. Moncreif got almost $9m from the Jags. So Pryor might be wanting more than the Hawks were comfortable with.
Im very happy with what they have done in free agency so far. Very low key signings but very effective. We now need to resign Maxwell, add a bargain DT and personally I would like Marcus Smith back. I could go either way on Terrell Pryor. I think Suh is most likely a pipe dream at this point. Remember there is also still a chance that Cliff Avril could be back in the fold as well. You cut Avril and Marcus Smith becomes a possibility as well as Suh at that point.
Wilson can be excited all he wants to. Pryor has one average season in three years with a good deal of injuries. He’s also not a touch down machine. 4 tds in 140 targets (only 70+ catches btw…not good). Isn’t really a good return for value.
to give people some context. Luke Wilson has 137 targets, 89 catches and 11 tds with his time in Seattle
Pryor switched positions. He’s still learning the craft. Last year in Washington, he was injured in week 2. He played hurt until he had to have surgery on his ankle in November. Watch his 2016 highlights. I think you’ll be impressed. He’s not your average tall WR. He’s 6’5”, 230 lbs and runs 4.38 40. There’s not many CBs that can defend him. He has more room to grow as a WR.
Just read Richard Sherman’s account ” How it all went down”
https://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/richard-sherman-49ers-seahawks-free-agency
A great read. He is so articulate, such a smart guy. Shrewd contract with 49ers created a win – win for team and player.
Seahawks never negotiated – just released him and 49er jumped up and grabbed him. As I thought, we asked for the opportunity to match or beat any offer he got on open market but passed up. They were looking to change the culture, if his market was cold and deals was really low maybe they would have bear it but that was never going to happen.
He was respectful and grateful for 12s who support him and will still live in Seattle! He was shocked by folks burning his jersey… I am saddened that a few idiots can make the fanbase look like fools. Hopefully he sees they’re outliers as I believe all the true 12s will always have a soft spot for Sherm.
He, Kam and Earl – LOB v1 – often imitated but never to be replicated. Go Hawks Go Sherm ( when you are not playing us!)
He did a good job on that piece. It’s clear he still holds Seattle as place near and dear to him. It’s an interesting read.
Rob, the Colts have a plethora of picks now in the second round, what do you think they will be doing? In my opinion, they would be a good trade partner if they were looking to jump back into the first round for a specific player.
They’re in a similar situation to us, looking to plug many holes.
It’d be nice to have some of their picks but I think they’ll look to keep them (and possibly add more).
Looking at the future of the O line, if we’re waiting to pick one until our second pick, we should look for big mauler types. Someone who could play LG or RT.
If our future outlook for the O line is
LT: Fant
LG: ?
C: Pocic
RG: Fluker
RT: Ifedi
We can draft the guy now to play LG, if Ifedi turns out to be ok then he stays at LG, if Ifedi fizzles out, slide the guy to RT and find another guard, or move Britt to LG and then you don’t have to add anyone.
I don’t understand the love for pocic. the hawks just picked up britts option with a new regime and so it would seem they are happy with him at center. I get pocic played center at lsu. But he had a seriously hard time blocking last year. If he can take over at left guard great but I don’t see the benefit of moving Ifedi anywhere else on the line and certainly over to another mirror position so he’d have to relearn his motions.
sorry for the grumpiness but until otherwise notified for me pocic was a lame pick. a hedge for a center? That you then gave a good chunk of money to. a scheme versatile guy who may grow into a position but wasn’t very stout against the defense? I’m not sure he’s the one not looking outside through this churn
Pocic play well for a rookie making the All-Rookie team and reportedly added weight in the offseason. Not sure what more you want out of a rookie.
Well this isn’t a pocic issue at its core. It’s a Tom cable issue. Is pocic a center, picked where he was to not play center a good use of draft capital?
If he had been picked in the late third might that have been better?
I liked the Pocic pick but thought it was a reach. Pocic and McDowell were underwhelming picks for me. Would of rather had Cam Robinson. I’ll laugh if we get Billy Price, kid is good but I’m worried of ending up with 3 “versatile” lineman, all of which are probably best at center.
I liked the Ifedi pick though, I hope that kid can come into his own.
I would hope that Odhiambo puts together a healthy season and competes well at LG. He was pretty atrocious at LT but he was really playing out of position. Hopefully he shook the injury bug
Reece was maybe one of the worst left tackles I’ve seen in years. However, that was his college position, so it wasn’t exactly foreign territory. He’s just a backup guard at his point.
Lots of college tackles can’t hang at the position in the NFL and have to play Guard
Question: In the 2017 N.F.L. draft Kareem Hunt and Alvin Kamara turned out to be real sleepers. Does any see any 3rd round running backs that could be sleepers in this draft for the Hawks?
Idk about 3rd round but I think Jones II is getting underhyped. I mean it is justified cause he’s not a 3 down back at the moment, but he’s electric, gonna be a top 15 runner the minute he steps on the field barring an adjustment period. He gets knocked for not doing much in the receiving game but he averaged 13.4 YPC. If we trade back into the top 40 I think he’s our guy and I’d be so pumped! A guy Rob discussed really early on as an option at 18, now presumably available in the top 40.. steal.
Penny.
I’ve been banging the drum for Kelly all offseason, and see no reason to stop now. He’s one of the six or seven best backs in this class IMO. He can have a Kamara type impact. I’d be thrilled if we spent a third or fourth on him.
+1
3-4 too high. Perhaps at 5-7 for me.
If you get Royce to drop his pads he’s a franchise back.
My favorite player in this draft is Billy Price .I have respect for Urban Meyer and when he raves about a player that made me curious.. I watch some tape and to listen to some Billy Price interviews and it’s impressive. Billy Price will be a solid pro in NFL for Ten years and every single offensive line coach who will coach him will love that guy.if the seahawks draft him I will not be disappointedv
It is too bad he got hurt as it will no doubt affect his draft stock but I agree he is a smart tough leader on the OL and will likely be a really good pro for 10-12 years. Someone will likely get a steal in the middle of Rd #2.
FSU pro day was yesterday and I guess Josh Sweat had another great day. I think is there was a guy in this draft who JS could pull a Bruce Irvin type shock pick on it is Sweat. There are just not many guys on the planet with that combination of size, length, speed and agility. He really is the prototype LEO and would be the perfect replacement for Avril.
He’s definitely the type of EDGE they’ve taken in the past. Very rare physical traits like Irvin, Clark and McDowell. Ran a 1.5 10-yard split, incredible length and explosive qualities. Good short shuttle.
The running game is going to be the priority but if they acquired multiple R2 picks, wouldn’t be surprised at all if they take Sweat.
Interesting note I guess the training leading up to combine and all his off season work is the first time since his injury in high school he has been cleared to take off his knee brace and he says it has made a huge difference.
I love the talent and he seems like a good character guy as well but the injury scares the crap out of me. He is a true boon or bust pick. If he can avoid injuries I think he will be a star but that is a big “if”. Definitely the type of player I hope they acquire if they trade Earl for more picks but not with our first pick.
Signing Fluker makes it easier to justify Sweat (assuming you’ve already drafted a back)
I think the top 10 picks are almost set in this draft. Not sure what order but I see this group as the pretty clear top 10 picks
Barkley
Nelson
Darnold
Rosen
Mayfield
Allen
James
Edmunds
Vea
Chubb
Denzel Ward is 99% 1st round pick.
top 10 not 1st round. Rob is there any chance to add “edit” button? 🙂
The only one I’d disagree with is Derwin James. He won’t be top 10.
That is what makes the draft fun because I think he is a lock to be the first DB off the board.
You think no CB in TOP 10?
I’d be very, very, very surprised — and I’m not the biggest Denzel Ward or Minkah Fitzpatrick fan either. But they will both go first.
This FA period shows wath position value more. CB >>>>>>> S.
Thanks for the great write up, Rob. If had known yo had it in the wings I would’ve held my question yesterday. Great explanation of the scenarios.
Re: Fluker, I have mixed thoughts. On one hand the guy is a beast in the run game and shoudl vastly improve that piece by himself. On the other hand, the passing game….woof! To say PFF was not generous in the pass game grade for last year would be an understatement. Take PFF grades for what you will, but they aren’t usually far off from actual value. Its has Fluker listed at 42.3, and Pocic at 35.7 for comparison. An undersized rookie was nearly as effective….
Also need to wait on the contract details, but it is possible he doesn’t even make the team if others show rapid improvement under Solari. Sometimes a different voice is all you need to make a turn. I look back at the Jahri Evans signing and remember thinking problem solved only to not have him on the team at all.
I am probably in the minority here but I am far more down on Ifedi than I am on Pocic. Rookie struggles by an undersized player are to be expected, but Ifedi has shown almost zero growth in 2 years. More than that though, the penalties drive me insane. More penalties than anybody in the league and damn near the worst time possible every time. Felt like every big run or vital 3rd down conversion, there was Ifedi (literally) single-handedly killing the drive. Id want him to move back in to G and work in closed space.
The ideal OL I would want to see how it works (as of today): Brown – Ifedi – Britt – Fluker – Fant
Ifedi’s pass block grade for last season was 71,5. It is pretty good. Britt’s was 73,2 , and Brown’s was 77,5.
Ifedi’s grade for first season was 34,2 and for 2nd 48,6. Yes , he has shown growth.
Like I said, I’m probably in the minority on him. For me the penalties weigh far more than a handful of grade points. A bad block can be overcome or not affect the play at all. You at least have a chance to make something happen. A penalty kills the play before it even gets going and gives a 0% chance of achieving the goal. I hate penalties more than anything; one of the reasons I’m not very torn up about Bennett leaving.
I just think Ifedi is outclassed at T and would be much better inside. Easy for an outside observer to say though.
I think Ifedi deserves a chance under new coaching.
Totally fair
I agree with that. But let it be an open competition. Just because he was 1st round pick doesn’t mean he should be starting unless he earns it.
Jacksonville just created $8m in cap room by re-working Telvin Smith’s contract.
It gives them $18m in cap room now.
They are a logical trade partner for Earl Thomas. They’re in extreme win now mode. They use a scheme that would utilise Thomas. They got burned too often on easy deep passes last season and Thomas would solve some of that. They’re not going to get a player of Thomas’ quality at #29. It’s also possible New Orleans and Pittsburgh will take safeties off the board at #27 and #28.
So there’s one logical trade partner if you’re hoping the report of a first and third round pick for Thomas is at all realistic.
That secondary would be sick
^^would be a joy to watch
New blog post on the possibility of the Jags & Thomas now posted: https://seahawksdraftblog.com/are-the-jaguars-a-possible-earl-thomas-trade-partner
That makes a ton of sense. I have always thought SD and the Jags make the most sense as a trade partner.
Rob which would be a better option for the Hawks a 1st from the Jags or a mid round 2,3 from SD?
If we got a 2nd and 3rd from SD it would basically be recouping the draft capital lost from Brown and Richardson trades.
Take the first and the third. You can then trade back if you want and get another third. But if you wanted the flexibility to pick in the late first, you’d have it too.
🙂