2016 combine day one open thread

February 26th, 2016 | Written by Rob Staton

I’m busy with the day job today but will have a review post up later. I’ll update what I can in the meantime. My schedule is cleared for Saturday-Monday.

For now feel free to use this as an open thread.

They’ve switched it around this year with the running backs working out today with the offensive linemen. The tight ends will work out tomorrow with the receivers and quarterbacks.

Group 1 OL unofficial forty yard dash times

Vadal Alexander — 5.56 & 5.59
Jack Allen — 5.32 & 5.27
Willie Beavers — 5.26 & 5.31
Caleb Benenoch — 4.97 (1.68 10-yard split) & 5.05
Evan Boehm — 5.31 & 5.32
Le’Raven Clark — 5.14 & DNP
Jack Conklin — 4.98 (1.75 10-yard split) & 5.03
Fahn Cooper — 5.20 & 5.16
Joe Dahl — 5.17 & 5.20
Taylor Decker — 5.21 & 5.22
Joshua Garnett — 5.30 & 5.32
Graham Glasgow — 5.11 & 5.14

Laremy Tunsil has decided not to run at the last minute.

Conklin is more athletic than people thought based on his performance in the forty. He isn’t going to last long in round one. Graham Glasgow looked good too.

Some have suggested Vadal Alexander could be an early round tackle or guard. Along with team mate Jerald Hawkins, he’s one of the most overrated players in the class. Running an unofficial 5.56 and 5.59 pretty much confirms that. And he actually dropped weight for the combine. He labored in the initial movement drills. Fahn Cooper and Jack Conklin both looked very agile for their size. Taylor Decker looked incredibly stiff which was a surprise.

Graham Glasgow looks terrific in drills. Quick, mobile. Jack Allen labored a bit and stumbled on one run. The difference between the two in terms of athleticism and size is palpable. Joshua Garnett also looked really athletic in the drills.

In the kick slide drills, Fahn Cooper again looked good. Joe Dahl and Jack Conklin were a little more labored. Taylor Decker was a lot better here. Joshua Garnett again looked great and is having a great combine so far. Graham Glasgow didn’t look like a natural slider and appeared awkward. He’s very much an interior lineman.

The defensive linemen have been weighing in. Andrew Billings was listed at 6-2 and 300lbs by Baylor. He’s actually 6-0 and 311lbs with 33 inch arms.

Appalachian State’s Ronald Blair is 6-2, 281lbs and has 34 inch arms. Nice. He’s one to keep an eye on this weekend. Joey Bosa is 6-5, 269lbs and has 33.5 inch arms.

Here are some other highlights:

Jonathan Bullard — 6-3, 285lbs 33.5 inch arms
DeForest Buckner — 6-7, 291lbs 34.5 inch arms
Vernon Butler — 6-4, 323lbs, 35 inch arms
Shilique Calhoun — 6-4. 251lbs, 34 inch arms
Kenny Clark — 6-3, 314lbs, 32 inch arms
Maliek Collins — 6-2, 311lbs, 33 inch arms
Kamalei Correa — 6-3, 243lbs, 31.5 inch arms
Sheldon Day — 6-0, 293lbs, 32.5 inch arms
Kevin Dodd — 6-5, 277lbs, 34 inch arms
Javon Hargrave — 6-1, 309lbs, 32 inch arms
Willie Henry — 6-3, 303lbs, 33.5 inch arms
Austin Johnson — 6-4, 314lbs, 33 inch arms
Chris Jones — 6-6, 310lbs, 34.5 inch arms
Darius Latham — 6-4, 311lbs, 35 inch arms
Shaq Lawson — 6-3, 269lbs, 33 inch arms
Dadi Nicolas — 6-3, 235lbs, 35 inch arms
Robert Nkemdiche — 6-3, 294lbs, 34 inch arms
Shawn Oakman — 6-8, 287lbs, 36 inch arms
Emmanuel Ogbah — 6-4, 273lbs, 35.5 inch arms
Sheldon Rankins — 6-1, 299lbs, 33.5 inch arms
D.J. Reader — 6-3, 327lbs, 33 inch arms
Jarran Reed — 6-3, 307lbs, 33.5 inch arms
Hassan Ridgeway — 6-3, 303lbs, 33 inch arms
A’Shawn Robinson — 6-4, 307lbs, 34.5 inch arms
Noah Spence — 6-2, 251lbs, 33 inch arms
Charles Tapper — 6-3, 271lbs, 34.5 inch arms
Lawrence Thomas — 6-3, 286lbs, 33 inch arms
Jihad Ward — 6-5, 297lbs, 34 inch arms
Adolphus Washington — 6-3, 301lbs, 34.5 inch arms
Anthony Zettel — 6-4, 277lbs, 31 inch arms

Some nice length among the DL’s. Ogbah, Calhoun, Dodd off the edge. Let’s see if they’re able to run a 1.5 10-yard split. Darius Latham, William Henry, Jihad Ward, Vernon Butler, A’Shawn Robinson, Adolphus Washington and Chris Jones have vines for arms and great size. It’s no surprise that Shawn Oakman has incredible, stunning size. Ogbah’s 35.5 inch arms were not quite as expected.

The length and size of the D-line class is the greatest characteristic of the group. Now we need to see who has the kind of agility and speed to develop into a NFL pass rusher.

It’s been revealed Clemson cornerback Mackensie Alexander will sit out the combine. He has a hamstring injury. Receiver Pharoh Cooper also won’t run the forty yard dash.

If you want to have nightmare tonight…

I’m heading to work now and will do some updates later, plus a review post. Use this as an open thread.

242 Responses to “2016 combine day one open thread”

  1. Drew says:

    I really wanted to see Alexander at the combine and see what kind of numbers he has. He shows great agility and hip movement on tape, curious to see what his 40 would be and measurements.

    Hopefully sitting out, just means the drills, I think he’d be stupid to not show up and do interviews and measurements.

    • Rob Staton says:

      Yeah he’s just not working out.

      • Ty the Guy says:

        Alexander, Apple, and Hargreaves should all get looks from the Hawks in the 1st round.

        Not saying that CB is the biggest need, but these guys look good enough on tape.

        I think the only way we go OLine early is if one of the top tackles drops. I see interior line depth in the middle rounds and tackle projects as well.

        • HI Hawk says:

          I want to see William Jackson III’s workout. I think he’s the best fit, highest upside CB not named Jalen Ramsey in the draft. If it all adds up, I wouldn’t have any problem at all with the Seahawks locking down the RCB position for the next 4-5 years with Jackson at 26. For some reason everyone has him projected late 2nd/early 3rd – I don’t get it. On tape he’s dominant and exceptionally physical.

  2. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    Josh Garnett looks pissed off while he performs every drill. Like a man who ‘seeks to run through men’s souls.’

    You want SEA to bring back the tough and nasty?

    • CHawk Talker Eric says:

      He’s 100% effort. Every practice, every play.

    • Trevor says:

      I really hope he is our 2nd round pick.

      • Volume12 says:

        Love this kid. He’s ‘Sehawky’ to the core. Pissed off for greatness.

        • Volume12 says:

          I know someone that doesn’t like Garnett because of his 40 time.

          But, he claims to be a guru.

          • Attyla the Hawk says:

            To be fair though, he’s going to have to kill the agility drills.

            To put in perspective, James Carpenter ran a 5.28 and 1.81 in 2011. Garnett didn’t make either (although basically the same). Still, Carpenter is not an ideal that I think we strive for.

            Love demeanor. Wonder if there’s something to his moving left issue that’s been bounced around since Mobile. Hope he’s not the OL version of Rick Mirer.

    • bigDhawk says:

      I’ve brought his name up a few times. Nothing to dislike with him. Most of us probably have him pegged as a LG but I think he is athletic and nasty enough to be the type of RG we like, which would free us up to get a real monster at LG.

    • Attyla the Hawk says:

      Just found this tidbit from Schneider that may apply:

      when it comes to evaluating linemen this week and beyond, the Seahawks will be looking for more than just big, athletic guys.

      “You can’t just go with the most athletic, best-looking dude with the longest arms,” Schneider said. “There has to be an aspect of his mental quickness, his awareness, his ability to pick up stunts and blitzes, study his opponent, be ready to play the game, and that cohesion to be able to work with the guy next to him.”

      This may be this year’s change to how we grade prospects. We’ve seen it before the last two years. Seems intelligence/mental acuity may be a core value Seattle is grading on this class.

      I would take that to mean that when we look at athletic metrics — that we broaden the scope to include ‘good enough’ athleticism. Smarter players (I’d put Nick Martin in that firmly) are going to rate significantly higher in our grading than it has in years past. Don’t presume the draft tendencies of the last few years will apply as strictly.

      • Miles says:

        That’s one thing I love about Schneider and Carroll. They definitely have niches and styles they prefer. But they are so ready and willing to tweak their philosophy when new evidence presents itself. They are constantly questioning themselves in an effort to be “The best to have ever done it.” I think that is so atypical of most coaches and GMs in sports.

        I don’t know anything about Josh Garnett. But I do know this: If he ends up being the most successful guy named Garnett to ever play sports, he will be really good amirite?

  3. Rik says:

    At this point I’d be pretty excited about Washington in the 1st round and Glasgow in the 2nd. Or some combo of Garnett/Johnson in the 1st/2nd. So many good options this year for DL/OL. And Westerman in the 3rd.

  4. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    Graham Glasgow looks sold. I like this kid.

  5. GeoffU says:

    At 270ish it’s hard to see Ogbah or Dodd running in the 1.5’s. If they do that would be elite.

    Also, where does the 10-yard split numbers come from? The NFL.com combine site doesn’t list 10 yard split numbers. Is it an unofficial thing?

  6. Sam Jaffe says:

    Taylor Decker’s relatively slow times are good enough for a right tackle and he’ll now probably be available at #26 (if not well into the second round). I thought he was going to pull a Taylor Lewan and prove to be very fast.

    Fahn Cooper (or is it Cooper Fahn?) is really growing on me as true Seahawk candidate. Willed himself into the SEC. Now willing himself into the NFL. If Tunsil turns into an Eric Fisher or Lane Johnson type of disappointment, Cooper might end up being the best Ole Miss tackle in the NFL.

  7. Sam Jaffe says:

    The NFL is going to be really flummoxed by Zettel. His size fits nowhere in the modern game. He’ll either turn into a late-round steal if given the perfect niche role, or he’ll prove to be another Mike Mamula.

  8. Sam Jaffe says:

    We can nix Corea as a potential Irvin replacement. Arms are way too small.

  9. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    @JFowlerESPN: Remember Kelechi Osemele bought mom a house? He can buy dozens soon. Buzz in Indy is he’s looking at $10+M per year

    Thus ends any hope of signing Osemele in FA.

  10. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    Looks like the ghost of Jim Harbaugh has a little Chip on his shoulder

  11. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    Alex McAlister 6’6″ 239lbs 36″ arms

  12. Sam Jaffe says:

    Of all the mighty-mite linebackers being proposed (isn’t that a more gentle name than “Deathbacker”?), my vote is for Cravens. He’s the smallest, but if height doesn’t matter anymore, than who cares? He’s got a knack for blitzing and he’s a better pure football player than Deion Jones, Terrence Smith or Travis Feeney. His arm length will be extremely important, as well as his timed speed.

    Nevertheless, my expectation based on past drafts is that the Seahawks will stick with their tendency of 6’3″, 250 lb. extreme wingspan athlete for OLB. That means Jordan Jenkins, Josh Parry, Leonard Floyd, Curt Maggit or one of the DE’s slimmed down a little bit. Please, please not Floyd. The UGA defense was designed around him, but he was mediocre on the field. Jenkins is the most likely choice–as he has lots of snaps and the Seahawks will need a day one starter at a spot on the defense where mistakes really matter.

    • GeoffU says:

      The 6’3″ 250 is more for DE/LEO (but should include 1.5 10-yd split). For OLB I don’t think they’re so strict. Mike Morgan and Pinkin are 6-3 but only 230. Malcolm Smith was only 6′. KPL is only 6′. They just can’t be slow.

      I think speed and athleticism is really the most important, but size helps at DE when you have to go head to head against lineman nearly every down.

    • CHawk Talker Eric says:

      Leonard Floyd measured at 6’5 5/8″ and 244lbs

      • Volume12 says:

        I like Floyd’s game and athleticism, but I’m not convinced he’s rugged enough or has the swag for this defense. Seems really meek.

        • CHawk Talker Eric says:

          Yeah, I’m not very high on him either. Just surprised he measured so much taller than his listed height at UGA

        • Steele says:

          I think it would depend on his role. He can toughen up and add bulk in an NFL camp.

  13. lil'stink says:

    Jatavis Brown for money-backer or whatever it’s being called. It will be interesting to see how high he goes.

  14. Sam Jaffe says:

    Connor McGovern just landed in the second round with a sub-5.1 40.

    • Madmark says:

      I think Connor McGovern would be a steal. He could possible play right tackle but a move to inside I think he would be a killer pro for years to come.

  15. Volume12 says:

    Wow! Jack Conklin is a much better athlete than I thought.

    Caleb Benenoch looks like an athlete man.

    And all that length on the D-line. Jeezuz!

  16. Volume12 says:

    Westerman and Whitehair putting up some good numbers.

    • CHawk Talker Eric says:

      Good 10-split for Whitehair.

      Brandon Shell (South Carolina) ran a 5.2 with a 1.75 10-split at 6’5” 324lbs with 34 3/4″ arms and 10 3/4″ hands!

      • Volume12 says:

        Former basketball player, nephew of Art Shell. It’s in his blood.

        But Josh Garnett’s daddy was an NFL player too. Never knew that.

        • CHawk Talker Eric says:

          Didn’t know that either.

          Garnett is moving up my Seahawks board.

          • Volume12 says:

            Yeah- I’m crushing hard on this cat.

            Alright my man, I’m off to the diner to get some B-fast. Keep me updated, and we’ll continue to burn up the reply chain, when I return. Deal? Haha.

            • Volume12 says:

              Hey, what do ya think of Florida’s Keanu Neal? Great name BTW.

              • CHawk Talker Eric says:

                He’s the Grim Reaper.

                And the best tackling CFB prospect I’ve seen in a while.

              • Attyla the Hawk says:

                Really stands out as a physical player.

                Schneider did stress how they wanted to add bullies to the team again. That we’d lost a lot of our edge.

                Neal would fill that void well. It seems every year we get a bit of tunnel vision with what we think Seattle wants. Especially early.

                Neal should be on our board. How high probably depends on both where he fits with us, as well as how comfortable we think the day 3 options will be for need.

      • j says:

        One of my favs. Kiper said he could go as high as the late second with a good pre-draft season – he is doing is part.

  17. Volume12 says:

    Holy ish! I just saw that Shawn Oakmn did indeed bulk up. He’s up 17-18 pounds from the Senior bowl IIRC. He’s listeningggg.

    • bigDhawk says:

      I brought up Oakman as an alternative in that Derrick Henry at 26 thread a while back. I have a feeling Oakman is going to own the combine.

      • Steele says:

        Rob doesn’t like him. Don’t disagree.

        • dawgma says:

          Indeed. Cmike 2.0 – otherwordly athlete, totally ordinary football player. If they learned the lesson the first time they won’t touch him in the fourth round.

          • Miles says:

            Totally different skill sets. I don’t think the position Oakman plays will require as much mental sharpness as the one Michael plays. Seattle runningbacks are asked to do a lot behind the line of scrimmage. Seattle DEs are asked to rush the passer and set edges.

  18. CHawk Talker Eric says:

    @MarkDulgerianOS: Myles Jack checking in at 6’1″ 245 with 33 5/8 arms is great for him. Checks off measurables boxes

  19. Volume12 says:

    Mizzou’s Conor McGovern is killing this thang!

    NC St’s Joe Thuney is a sleeper. Like him.

    • Attyla the Hawk says:

      Have said for weeks now that the R3/R4 options for the OL and DL are going to be superb.

      Seattle can get day 1 starters at 90 and 98.

  20. Dylan says:

    Cable caught nodding off on camera, lol.

  21. KingRajesh says:

    Tyler Ervin with 39″ inch vert?
    Nice.
    Henry with 37″ inch vert?
    DAMN.

  22. JC says:

    Numbers wise, Spriggs won the combine with athleticism. 4.94 and broad jumped 9’7″, 31x on the bench. 34 1/8 arms an eighth inch below consensus #1 pick Tunsil

    • nichansen01 says:

      I beleive that Spriggs is going to shoot into the top ten.

      • Sam Jaffe says:

        The only reason I disagree with you is the much publicized failure of similar athletic freaks that suddenly shot into the top ten after the combine (Lane Johnson, Eric Fisher, Lewan). All are good NFL players, but they turned out to be not worth top ten picks. Spriggs has some serious flaws in his game and needs a lot of coaching to become a Pro-Bowl level player. I think he still goes in the 15-25 range.

        • TannerM says:

          Now, now, Lane Johnson and Eric Fisher were both victims of that horrible 2013 draft. I mean, the only player that ended up picked in the Top 10 and still probably would be in a re-draft was Ezekiel Ansah.

          • HI Hawk says:

            You don’t think Lane Johnson is still a top-10 pick? I do. Fisher and Joekel are disappointments, but I don’t think Johnson deserves to be lumped into that pile.

            • TannerM says:

              True. Johnson’s been pretty good. I was just pointing out the ugliness of the 2013 draft. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if players in the 20-30 range this year would have had a chance to break the Top 10 that year.

    • matt says:

      Spriggs made a boat load of money today! He’s bound to go in the top half of the first round now.

    • MisterNeutron says:

      Spriggs will probably either go to Philly at #13 or Indy at #18. If he falls to #26, that’d be just dandy.

  23. Trevor says:

    When it is all said and done I bet Buckner gets drafted ahead of Bosa and should IMO. He has almost 11 5/8 ” hands that is crazy?

    • RealRhino2 says:

      Crazy. Still think Bosa goes before Buckner, but they should both be top 10, so it comes down to what a particular team likes more.

      Think the Cowboys take Bosa if Ramsey is off the board.

      Starting to come around to Rob’s way of thinking that Wentz will not be 1st or 2nd QB drafted.

      Think Titans should take Ramsey or Ezekiel Elliott #1. One way to keep a QB upright is to give him a guy to hand the ball off to half the time, especially if it’s also a guy with good hands and good blocking ability.

  24. RealRhino2 says:

    Rob, did you see the times for the guy you mentioned in the last 3000 mock draft podcast, Keith Marshall from Georgia? Something like 4.29 with the fastest 10-yard split? At 5-11, 219, not bad.

    • GoHawks5151 says:

      Followed it up with a 4.31. Legit.

      • HI Hawk says:

        Marshall also did the most reps on the bench – beat multiple offensive linemen. Can’t wait to see the vertical and final SPARQ numbers. Two years ago, he was considered the equal of Todd Gurley – they split time in the UGA backfield until Marshall was injured. Interesting results, I didn’t expect that power in the bench press (or weighing in at 219), but am not surprised by his speed.

        • nichansen01 says:

          Keith Marshall, Connor Mcgovern and Caleb Benenoch are going to shoot up the boards.

          • RealRhino2 says:

            Not how it works, IMO.

            • Miles says:

              Keith Marshall would be a nice pick for us.

              4.29 40. I believe a 1.52 10 yd split. By the way, he’s 219 at that speed. To reiterate, he’s 219 pounds and he is one of the top 5 fastest runningbacks at the combine in the last 5 years if not more.

              The knocks are injuries and not playing a lot. Sounds a lot like CMike.

              His highlight tape is how you would imagine it given his 40. He just blows by defenders, especially when it looks like he’s well within reach. You get Marshall a clear lane and he’s very dangerous. It also looks like he’s an adept pass catcher, too.

              I would like the pick a lot. Could see it with one of our thirds.

              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEDaTV4p28o

            • HI Hawk says:

              Byron Jones literally jumped from a middle round CB/S prospect to a 1st round draft pick last year. It only takes one team to invest in these tangible physical qualities. Coaches have HUGE egos, they all believe they can be the one to get that potential out of these guys. One single jump was enough for Dallas last year, Marshall could be looking at an equally meteoric rise. In this case, GMs and coaches aren’t going to find bad tape on Marshall, he’s not an Oakman or A’Shawn Robinson – he plays hard. When healthy and not stuck behind Todd Gurley or Nick Chubb, he produced. The speed is real, the tape backs up his workout, we’ll see what this does – but there aren’t many reasons not to draft Marshall high.

              • Volume12 says:

                Byron Jones had production. Marshall might rise up the board, but he’s not a 1st rounder.

                • HI Hawk says:

                  I’m not saying 1st round, but there’s a long history of UGA running back success in the NFL. Marshall was an equally celebrated recruit to Gurley, the competition to start went into the season and was still unsettled until Marshall was injured. Then Chubb was the top RB recruit, Marshall came back from injury too late as Chubb was tearing up the SEC filling in for the injured Gurley. Marshall carved out a little 3rd down role and has some impressive tape from his early years at UGA and in spot duty. If he’s fully healthy, there’s no reason to hold lack of production against him because other 1st round backs were in front of him on depth chart.

                  • David says:

                    Would be a great change of pace, 3rd down/2-minute guy for the Hawks if they could nab him in 3 or 4. Could be the gadget play guy, jet sweep and potentially returner as well. I just don’t see Lockett as the returner for much longer. He’s too important as a WR and he took some brutal hits last year, especially on punts.

                  • Robert says:

                    Excellent post! Context is everything and that sounds like a legit story to explain the lack of production. Love this kid’s special skills!

              • j says:

                Jones jumped from a mid-round media prospect to a first round draft pick. We have limited information on what the actual teams thought of him pre-draft. We know that his combine created a lot of media hype, and that its really all the 40 is good for.

                Most teams already know which guys are phenomenal athletes – by watching tape and talking with coaches/other sources. It’s really only a revelation for John Q. Public that lacks the resources the NFL teams have.

                Most important parts of the combine are interviews> measurements>>>>>>>>>>work-outs.

              • j says:

                It’s not like teams were saying “Boy I like Byron Jones but he is too slow and nonathletic to draft in the first”.Maybe he would have been a early second guy sans combine but it isn’t anything orders of magnitude earlier.

              • RealRhino2 says:

                I also think we just don’t know. Media types say a lot of things about where guys are going to go, but they don’t know jack a lot of times. For every Byron Jones I could find you five other guys that didn’t get picked within THREE rounds of where media gurus had them going.

                To put any discrepancy on the combine performance is still just guessing.

                Having said that, I do think it can make a big difference for small school guys or guys for whom there just isn’t a lot of tape. Everybody else, I think teams don’t change much based on athletic testing.

  25. KingRajesh says:

    NFL.com reporting Derrick Henry ran a 4.45 unofficial!

    • Coleslaw says:

      No. I saw a video of him and Elliot running together and elliot was at least .3 seconds ahead, and Elliot ran a 4.45

  26. Cysco says:

    “not bad”

    That’s the understatement of the year. That dude was truck’n.

    He destroyed christian michael’s performance. Basically the same size (one in taller. same weight.) two fewer reps on the bench, but lit that track on fire.

    Guaranteed that got PCJS’s attention.

  27. HI Hawk says:

    And the Gold medal in the underwear Olympics is awarded to Keith Marshall, Running Back, Georgia! We’ll be seeing that dude running, jumping, and lifting weights for the next couple of months. He earned some publicity, no doubt about that.

  28. Cysco says:

    OK, just spent some time watching video of Keith Marshall.

    Take the injury history out of the equations and he’s the best RB in the draft IMO. I’ve watched tape of all the big name RBs and none of them got me excited the way the Gurley did last year. I watch tape of Marshall and I see the same caliber of RB that I saw when watching Gurley tape. Explosive, great hands, good vision blistering speed.

    He’s the most impressive RB prospect I’ve seen this year

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEDaTV4p28o

    • Miles says:

      I don’t know if I’m willing to go there yet. You’re saying he’s better than Zeke Elliott? I will say that he looks like a starting runningback. I could see him even being the third runningback off the board.

      • Cysco says:

        better than Zeke Elliott? For my money at the next level? yep.

        If you knew nothing about the two players and watched highlights of the two of them back to back, Marshall would be the one the jumped out at you as the rare talent.

        Elliott is a good back, but I’m not sure he has that special spark that will make him a true field flipping weapon at the next level.

        Watching Gurley tape, you saw something special. A combination of crazy athleticism and ability. I see that same game changing ability in Marshall.

        C-Mike size with speed in the neighborhood of Chris Johnson. That’s scary.

        The seahawks had C-mike towards the top of their board. If that’s the case, Marshall should be even higher, because he’s destroying C-mike numbers.

      • RealRhino2 says:

        I wouldn’t either. He looks like Derrick Henry, to me. A bit upright, one cut and upfield, slow to cut, but super fast. Don’t think he’s the guy for us, but he could certainly be useful to somebody.

        • Miles says:

          The thing is, all that leverage stuff with RBs is coachable. You can get guys to run with leverage. You cannot get them to be that fast. They just have to be born like that.

          Normally I would say take it with a grain of salt. But the fact that he can come out of the backfield and catch passes makes me look twice for sure.

          This isn’t like that one small-school WR who reportedly ran a 4.19 then never did anything. Forgot his name …

          • Volume12 says:

            This made me laugh. Sorry.

            Keith Marshall is not better than Zeke Elliott. Not on tape, and not based off his combine meadurables.

            • Steele says:

              When healthy, Keith Marshall is one of the absolute top handful of RBs. The total package. Speed, explosivenes, cuts, ability to take it to the house on any given play. Georgia just has these with their backs. Gurley, Sony Michel, Marshall.

              You laugh. If he stays healthy, Marshall is the one who will laugh, when he lands a starting gig and becomes a star. He is capable of it.

              • Volume12 says:

                I’m sorry, I see speed that’s it.

                He’s not better than ‘Zeke’ Elliott.

                He wasn’t replaced by Gurley, Chubb, and Michel for only injuries,

          • RealRhino2 says:

            Agree with V12. I did watch tape back to back, and Elliott was better.

            I don’t think the difference between the two (or between Marshall and Collins, or even Dixon, def. Perkins) is coachable. Some guys can simply get their hips low and cut faster than others. For what we do, I think that’s valuable.

            If I’m running toss sweeps, Marshall’s my guy. But we generally don’t.

            • Volume12 says:

              Thank you.

              Marshall is really good at bouncing it to the outside, but I quetion if he can get tough NFL yardage between the tackles.

              He hits the hole to fast. ‘Slow to the hole, explode through it.’ Your wasting speed when you hit your 2nd gear behind the LOS.

              • Makal says:

                Marshall does the window washer move with his hands when cuts. This is a big sign he lacks lower body balance. I don’t see good vision or jump cuts from him. He just flashes speed when he gets a seam.

                • Volume12 says:

                  Runs with no patience or control.

                  He’s a one cut and go back. I like him as a back that’s extremely raw with a ton of upside, but he’s gonna need time. Not dissimilar to C-mike.

  29. Trail Hawk says:

    Any thoughts on Killebrew teammate James Cowser Southern Utah? All he seems to do is produce. The guy intrigues me as a later round pick. Convert him to OLB and use him on special teams? Possible major upside. Any response would be appropriated. Thanks for this site Rob and all you do. My NFL IQ has jumped the last few years from reading you and all the contributors here.

  30. Miles says:

    So Derrick Henry broad jumped a full foot farther than Ezekiel Elliott at 10’10”. And, had a 37″ vert, and 4.45-4.5 40?

    Dude is going in the first frame.

  31. Volume12 says:

    Watch out for Clemson’s Shaq Lawson. I’m telling ya’ll this dude is extremely ‘Seahawky.’

    • Coleslaw says:

      He’s already interviewed with Seattle, Atlanta and 2 or 3 others, they mighy be looking to replace Marsh with more production, or maybe Lawson would be the Bennett type and Clark is the 2nd string LEO.

      • Volume12 says:

        Nice.

        I had a hunch they’d like him.

        He can take over games, and his personality and grit fit this team to a ‘T.’

        You can never have enough guys that can play inside and out, and IMO Seattle is starting to go away from the under-sized DE’s.

        • rowdy says:

          The guys motor never stops either, he’d be perfect in the marsh role and would allow us a better rotation

          • Volume12 says:

            He could be a hedge for Bennett in a worse case scenario, only weighs 4 more pounds than Bruce Irvin, is the same size as FA Chris Long, he could always drop weight, same with Frank Clark, and speaking of Clark, he’s athletic enough to play LEO or LDE.

    • rowdy says:

      I thought I was alone liking lawson. I think with Clark and Bennett though we can’t spend a 1st on him and I always thought he goes in the first

      • Volume12 says:

        Why can’t you spend a 1st on him?

        • rowdy says:

          I’m all for it personally just figured pc/js wouldn’t pull the trigger in the first with Clark and Bennett on the roster.

          • Volume12 says:

            Yeah- his measurables are gonna have to match/line up what thet look for, but if they do, he’s who I’m mocking to them in the 1st.

            • rowdy says:

              Everyone seems to like dobb more them lawson on here but I love his film. Plays pissed off and has plenty of impact plays that don’t show up on state sheets

              • Volume12 says:

                That’s a great point. Some of what he does can’t be found in a box score.

                I’m pretty high on him too.

          • GeoffU says:

            Never hurts to have more pass rushers. Pretty sure pc/js feel the same.

            • GeoffU says:

              In fact this is what I expect at #26. Either a pass rusher (DE) or pass protector (OT). Only other area I could see is a high upside skill position player, like WR or RB.

            • rowdy says:

              Absolutely that’s why I would do it but I also think some impact players will fall in a more pressing position like linebacker if Irvin leaves. What if jaylon Smith falls?

              • Volume12 says:

                He’s gonna fall outta round one,

                There’s a report, to be beleived or not IDK, that says he failed his medical exams and might not be ready to play this year.

              • GeoffU says:

                I don’t consider that a position worth a 1st. Wagner was a 2nd and that’s as high as we’ve drafted a non-rush linebacker and he was a MLB. Just don’t see it. Jaylon Smith will fall, it’s looking like, and that’s because he’ll be sitting out the 2016 season and perhaps beyond. Really really bad news for him, if the reports are correct. Still probably wouldn’t pick him with our 1st though, even if healthy…

                • Coleslaw says:

                  Jaylon smith in the second would be a steal even if he misses all of 2016, that dude is going to be great.

                • rowdy says:

                  Ouch just read the story. Nerve damage in both ankles, horrible news. There’s a chance he goes undrafted depending on how bad it is.

    • Steele says:

      Shaq Lawson would be a Frank Clark type of outside inside disruptor. I question his pass rush get off, which is worse than Dodd’s. But he makes up for that with LOS power stuff.

      If “Seahawky” in this case means splash plays minus pure speed around the edge, sure.

      • Volume12 says:

        ‘Seahawky’ means a lot of things my man.

        He’s got speed and a fantastic bull rush,

        Yes, splash plays. The ability to take over games.

  32. Volume12 says:

    Joe Dahl and Connor McGovern are really good looking O-lineman.

  33. Volume12 says:

    In a pretty weak CB class, I wonder what team could’ve asked Georgia WR Malcom Mitchell to try out at CB.

  34. Volume12 says:

    I actully think that Cal RB Daniel Lasco is a better RB than Keith Marshall,

    • Volume12 says:

      11’3 foot broad and a 41.5″ inch vert. He was hurt this year and only got 88 carries, but in 2014-

      210 att, 1115 yds., 5.31 YPC, 12 TDs
      33 rec., 356 yds., 2 TDs.

      That’s a 3rd down back.

  35. Coleslaw says:

    What’s up with Alex Collins?

    • Volume12 says:

      Him and Kenneth Dixon look slow man.

      This Daniel Lasco is a freak. Tied Marshall’s 10 yd split, and had a better broad and vert, why isn’t he being discussed?

      Watch Lasco’s pass protection. Superb.

      • Coleslaw says:

        I haven’t seen any of the RB stuff yet, but from what I’ve read in this thread, I think there will be some very good 3rd down backs available for both of our 3rd round picks.

        • Volume12 says:

          I posted up above what Lasco did. Best broad jump from a RB in 6 years, half an inch under C-Mike’s vert, and look at that production when healthy.

          Ran a 4.44 and 4.53 40, which should even out to a 4.48 40.

          • Volume12 says:

            I’m beginning to wonder if Lasco or Lawler is who Seattle was looking at when they scouted them 3 times this year.

          • Coleslaw says:

            I could dig it, 10 yards per reception, I’m gonna have to watch his tape for sure.

            • Coleslaw says:

              Just caught the drill where they catch 3 balls and run, Collins looked very quick to me, his plant foot wasn’t in the ground for more than a half second, gets to speed very fast. But, that’s the only drill I saw.

              • Volume12 says:

                Looked slow in the 40 yd dash. But, these numbers will change come pro days.

                I still Derrick Henry is in play. What this guy is doing at his size, is unreal!

                • Coleslaw says:

                  Henry looks slow to me honestly, his change of direction is not very good, heavy feet. He’s a sprinter.

                  • Volume12 says:

                    He’s different, yes. That’s ok.

                    Unique.

                  • Volume12 says:

                    Ya know who else ran a slow 40, but looks good in these drils? Auburn’s Peyton Barber. He’s 228 lbs.

                  • GeoffU says:

                    Maybe I just watched the wrong tapes, but I kind of agree. Not so sure it’s his lack of change of direction then it is picking the wrong hole. Against Florida he sure seemed to be doing a lot of running into the back of his own guys. Good thing about picking him is though his physique and combine numbers are almost identical to Von Miller, so we could always turn him into a LEO 🙂

                  • Steele says:

                    Derrick Henry has not lateral quickness, no moves, and poor short area quickness. He needs yards of buildup before he hits stride, and even then, he doesn’t change direction well. Runs high. Goes down easy. Not a power player. Just a big dude who wants to run like a halfback and can’t.

                    Won’t matter what he does in these drills.

                  • Rob Staton says:

                    “Derrick Henry has not lateral quickness, no moves, and poor short area quickness. He needs yards of buildup before he hits stride, and even then, he doesn’t change direction well. Runs high. Goes down easy. Not a power player. Just a big dude who wants to run like a halfback and can’t.”

                    Most of this isn’t true.

                  • GeoffU says:

                    Mediocre 3 cone and short shuttle seem to confirm this: 7.2, 4.38

              • HI Hawk says:

                Lasco looked great at the shrine game too. If we’re looking for a 3rd down specialist, I’m all aboard. Marshall has better size though and could project to a full time role for some teams. It all depends on what the teams are looking for.

      • Steele says:

        Are you rooting for guys you like to do better than expected? Because that is what shoots them up the board and out of consideration.

        Like stocks, you want a prospect to meet expectations but not get too much attention. In fact, take the ones who do less well, but you know based on other information that the workouts can be discounted.

        • Volume12 says:

          That’s right, because every guy that has a fantastic combine are 1st round picks.

          You do realize what Seattle’s 1st picks consist of right?

          • Volume12 says:

            Why would root for a guy to struggle?

            • Steele says:

              So you can get them cheaper. Best reason of all.

              • Volume12 says:

                That’s ridiculous.

                A great combine doesn’t mean a prospect is all of a sudden out of reach for Seattle. If anything, it makes them sit up and take notice.

                Good players fall through the cracks all the time.

  36. J Boy says:

    One of my favorite prospects in this entire draft is Eric Striker. I love almost everything about him- his relentless motor, knack for making the splash play, decent bulk, quick feet, big hands, dynamic personality- I could go on and on. However, I say I like ALMOST everything about him because he has only 31 1/4 in arms. Do you guys see this as a deal breaker for the Seahawks? His arm length doesn’t seem like a major weakness on tape, but you just don’t see many great LB’s with arms shorter than 32 in.

    • Steele says:

      The Seahawks have passed on a good number of great prospects because of measurements. I’m against that. Give or take a bit, fine, but a quarter inch, a half inch, so what.

      Jared Goff is going to drop because fools think his hands are too small. They’re the same size as Derek Carr’s.

      Striker is a nice compromise between the Deion Jones fans in here who want a fast LB playing in space, and those who want a guy who can get to the QB.

  37. Volume12 says:

    Connor McGovern might just be the best Seahawk O-lineman to emerge from the combine. NC St s Joe Thuney too. We know how much TC loves his Mizzou OL.

    He checks off what Seattle said they’re looking for in O-lineman this year. SRT aka Smart-Reliable-Tough.

    I’m a little cautious about Garnett and Dahls 10 yd split’s. 1.8 is not good.

    • Volume12 says:

      Everything else looks good about Dahl though.

      Westerman, Whitehair, Spriggs, and Ryan Kelly look ‘Seahawky’ too though.

      • Pete said in interview with nfl radio that they want the ball more.and some guys can knock that ball out better then others.he is correct does anybody think we got enough turnover s.this year.does anybody in this draft stand out in that

      • GeoffU says:

        Is it just me or does there seem to be a lot of talent in this draft? Not so much on the top end, but that’s good for Seattle since we never pick there anyway.

        • Volume12 says:

          End of 2nd-end of 5th is where the talent is.

          But, I do like Derrick Henry, Shaq Lawson, Keanu Neal, Jason Spriggs, Cody Whitehair, Xavien Howard, William Jackson at the end of round one.

      • CharlieTheUnicorn says:

        Dahl would look good as a value pick in the 3rd day portion of the draft.
        I’m also thinking, Whitehair and Spriggs will be gone by #26, due to having solid (expected) combine numbers.

        • Volume12 says:

          You could be right.

          Dahl and McGovern are who I got my eye on. And UCLA’s Caleb Benenoch as a developmental/backup OT later in the draft.

          There’s also gonna be some guys that emerge from the pro days too.

          And Garnett might have everything they look for but some of the numbers.

  38. Volume12 says:

    Now, I know why TC was ‘dozing off.’ Only 7 O-lineman meet their criteria for the broad jump and 10 yd split’s so far. And maybe 6, because one of them had awful agility drills.

    K-St’s Cody Whitehair
    Mizzou’s Connor McGovern
    TCU’s Hal Vaitai- awful agility numbers
    NC St’s Joe Thuney
    Indiana’s Jason Spriggs
    UCLA’s Jake Brendel
    ND St’s Joe Haeg

    Wazzu’s Joe Dahl matched everything but the 10 yd. split.

    • Nick says:

      Have they never drafted anyone that doesn’t fit these criteria on OL? Will our analysis now be limited to these six guys as a result?

      • Volume12 says:

        Oh IDK about that.

        But, if they do place a premium on the 10 yd splits and broad jumps, these are the guys. Honestly, I’m disappointed in this O-line class.

        • Nick says:

          It’s looking more and more like they use Rd 2 and Rd 3 to address their O-line. Rd 1 looks like they could focus on a defensive playmaker (Lawson, Neal, Jones, Rankins etc.).

        • lil'stink says:

          Why would you be disappointed? Just because a player doesn’t check all the boxes at the combine doesn’t mean he won’t go on to be a very successful NFL player. It just means Tom Cable won’t want to draft him 😉

          • Volume12 says:

            A lot of guys struggled to move. Almost labored.

            I don’t think an O-lineman has to check all the boxes, but Seattle does place a premium on 10 yd splits, broad jumps, and guys that are tough, gritty, nasty, play with an edge.

    • GeoffU says:

      Is there some place you’re getting the 10-yd split numbers? Or is it from watching NFL Network?

      • Volume12 says:

        The network and Josh Norris from Rotoworld.

        • Volume12 says:

          And if they are in fact looking for Strength-Reliability-Toughness or SRT, which JS speifically mentioned, in their O-lineman this year, perhaps they shift and place a premium on other things.

          But then we hear, ‘they aren’t changing in how they do things.’

          Stanford’s Josh Garnett could be the Tyler Lockett of this O-line class.

          • HI Hawk says:

            SRT = Westerman. I really like that kid after watching the combine workouts and then his draft breakdown videos. Such a nasty, competitive, exceedingly strong man. He is my favorite offensive lineman.

    • RealRhino2 says:

      If this is what got us John Moffitt, Justin Britt and Terry Poole, then we need new criteria….

  39. Volume12 says:

    Is NC St’s QB Jacoby Brissett gonna be our backup?

    • MisterNeutron says:

      Brissett is one of 3 QBs I have as a potential late-round/FA Tarvaris replacement, the others being Trevone Boykin and Jeff Driskel. Boykin has had some serious off-field issues, but I really like his play and his raw talent. Driskel was awful at Florida but looked great at Louisiana Tech. Driskel is pretty mobile for a guy his size–in 2015, he had 323 yds rushing and 5 TDs, including a 37 yd run.

      • Volume12 says:

        Both of those guys are nice options too.

        Driskel really stepped up this year.

      • CharlieTheUnicorn says:

        I’ll throw a name out there as a mid/late rounder…. Prescott

        • Trevor says:

          He is going in the top 3 rounds. I could see him being a big riser. Nice pick.

          • MisterNeutron says:

            Yeah, Prescott is in that 2nd tier of QBs. I’d be shocked if he makes it past the 3rd round, provided he has at least a good showing on Saturday.

            • Miles says:

              So far I would say no thanks on Brissett. He takes a lot of sacks and worst of all he only really makes one read on tape for nearly every play. Definitely a developmental guy.

              • MisterNeutron says:

                But if he can be had in the 7th round or as an undrated free agent? Keep Tarvaris for another year if possible and develop Brissett.

  40. MisterNeutron says:

    I’d be happy with either Tyler Ervin or DeAndre Washington as a later-round pick. Both are smart, productive guys with great athleticism who tested well, both could share KR/PR duties with Lockett, and both could be a fast, elusive, pass-catching 3rd down back. Not sure about Ervin as a blocker due to his slight frame, but he has “lesser Percy Harvin” written all over him (but with a better attitude). Kenyan Drake is another intriguing 3rd down/pass-catching back possibility; he looks more like a wide-out than a running back.

    On the flip side, a bit disappointed with Alex Collins’ performance today, but I still like him–perhaps in a later round. Same with Paul Perkins, who did test well in a few areas not as well as I had expected. The big surprises today were Keith Marshall and Daniel Lasco–Lasco came out of nowhere to kick butt in some of the drills. Even so, Lasco’s draft stock probably won’t rise that much due to his injury and performance struggles in 2015.

    • Volume12 says:

      Collins is gonna be one of these backs that run a faster 40 time at his pro day. Which is fine. He’s still a really good back.

      Mike Davis from S. Carolina last year comes to mind.

      • Trevor says:

        That 28″ vertical is little worrisome though.

        • Volume12 says:

          He’s gonna jump again on his pro day.

          They liked Mike Davis last year, and his combine was worse than Collins IIRC. But that pro day changed it.

          • Volume12 says:

            Couple other backs had really nice combines.

            Kenyan Drake and CJ Prosise.

            • Trevor says:

              I really like Prosise. Great receiver out of the backfield and would be an awesome compliment with Rawls. Would like to see him as our 3d round comp pick maybe.

        • MisterNeutron says:

          Yeah, I was less concerned about Collins’ 40 time and more worried about his vertical and the pass-catching drills. He didn’t fare so well in the broad jump either, and he didn’t participate in the 3-cone or in either shuttle drill. All that said, after watching Collins in 4 games I’m still a big fan and think he’s a smart, tough player who should have a good NFL career.

          • Volume12 says:

            If he didn’t participate, maybe he’s hurt?

            Or if he felt like ‘nah, screw it.’ Then I wouldn’t touch dude with a 10 foot pole.

            • MisterNeutron says:

              I don’t think Collins chose to skip those drills–it looks like all the same RBs missed those three drills. Not sure what happened there.

      • matt says:

        Collins’ weak performance surprised me a great deal. He looks really explosive on tape, but just didn’t bring it today.

    • J says:

      Like Jonothan Williams better than Collins personally.

  41. Greg haugsven says:

    Salary cap set at $155.27 million.

  42. CharlieTheUnicorn says:

    I’m still trying to get over the OT that has officially measured 11.75″ hands.

    • Volume12 says:

      Who was that Charlie?

      • Trevor says:

        It was actually a DL Deforest Buckner. He and Ramsey are going to be the first two defenders off the board IMO. Buckner is a beast.

        • MisterNeutron says:

          I’d rather have Buckner than Bosa. I think Buckner has a higher ceiling. A shame Seattle has no shot at him in the draft.

    • matt says:

      Westerman and Le’Raven Clark both measured 11 7/8″ hands.

      • HI Hawk says:

        Westerman! No mention of him during the primetime replay, but watching drills, he was awesome. If he interviewed like he played, I’m guessing JS enjoyed the interview.

  43. smitty1547 says:

    I it possible to have an attitude worse than Harvin?

  44. Ed says:

    Rob will probably start a new article and not answer this, but here it is. Reports say Jaylon Smith has nerve damage and will miss the entire 2016 draft. That says no 1st round at all, but if the Hawks trade back, is it something to think about?

  45. Nathan says:

    Keanu Neal may be off the board if the reports about Pittsburgh and Arizona are true.

  46. Michael M. says:

    What the hell Alex Collins? Seriously gonna jump a 28.5″ vert? Guess I can say goodbye to the idea of you as a Seahawk.

  47. HI Hawk says:

    Sold on Westerman! Stud, nasty, competitive, alpha, aggressive, athletic. I’ve seen enough to want him blocking for Russ. On non contact drills he can’t seem to help himself.

    Late round guy, Seumalu. Might need to add strength, but exquisite footwork and balance.

  48. matt says:

    Out of all the great performances today, Dan Vitale surprised me the most. Didn’t run a great 40-4.60, but tested fantastically in every other drill:
    T1(out of RB class) BP-30 reps
    3 VJ-38.5″
    T5 BJ- 10’3″
    9 3C-7.12
    1 SS-4.12

    At 6’1″ 239 lbs Vitale is a sparq monster! Higher score than Henry I’d bet. He had a real good Senior bowl week, showing versatility to play some TE to boot.

    • HI Hawk says:

      Henry is damn near 6’3, 247 lbs, so significantly bigger and more athletic than Vitale. No chance his Sparq score is higher.