Harold Brantley (DT, Missouri)
The next great pass rusher off the Mizzou production line. Brantley is an ideal three-technique who really started to shine at the end of the 2014 season. He’s 6-3 and 290lbs and has the ability to take over a game with a top-tier get-off, superb technique and the ability to finish. He’s no slouch in the run game either. Comparisons to Sheldon Richardson are not totally unfair. They impact games in the same way.
Joey Bosa (DE, Ohio State)
Clearly the most exciting talent in college football. Bosa posted 13.5 sacks last season as Ohio State won the National Championship. He’s the perfect compliment of size (6-5, 275lbs), speed and technique. His father John Bosa played in the NFL and his brother Nick is a top 2016 recruit. Teams are going to fall over themselves to get at Bosa. He’s well know for the Bosa ‘shrug’ — he celebrates every sack like he’s been there before. It’s hard to find any flaws.
Tyler Boyd (WR, Pittsburgh)
Gliding receiver who finds another gear and explodes. Great catching technique. Not the biggest but only needs a crease to take it the distance. Plus kick/punt returner with the ability to be used conventionally and on trick plays. Snags the ball at its highest point and loves to compete in traffic. Sprinter speed downfield and makes the spectacular catches too. So difficult to cover. Exciting.
Robert Nkemdiche (DE, Ole Miss)
So far he hasn’t lived up to the extreme hype. Back in the day Nkemdiche was being compared to Jadeveon Clowney as an unreal defensive lineman who can play across the line. He’s 6-4 and 280lbs but played mainly a supporting role in Ole Miss’ flirt with SEC glory in 2014. His ability to play inside and out, 5-star athleticism and a strong Rebels team can help him max-out his talent in what amounts to a contract year.
Laremy Tunsil (T, Ole Miss)
He’ll need to bounce back from a serious injury like his team mate Laquon Treadwell. Tunsil broke his ankle and fractured a fibula but there’s optimism he’ll be good to go in 2015. Ideal size (6-5, 305lbs), a solid kick-slide and ability in pass protection and the run game could push Tunsil into the top-ten — provided he can stay healthy.
Laquon Treadwell (WR, Ole Miss)
Just a fantastic, competitive, athletic, gritty talent that suffered one of the more unfortunate injuries you’ll ever see. In the process of trying to make a superb game-winning touchdown against Auburn he broke his leg when an opponent fell on top of him. Will he ever be the same again? Fingers crossed he can make a full recovery because he’s every bit a #1 receiver in the league at around 6-3 and 230lbs with speed to burn and great hands.
Vernon Hargreaves (CB, Florida)
A class act from the minute he arrived at Florida, it’s been a waiting game for Hargreaves to become eligible. Florida’s best product at any position since Joe Haden. He plays above his size, has a nose for the ball and is really competitive. He’s been a NFL corner playing in the SEC for two years.
Kendall Fuller (CB, Virginia Tech)
Of all the Fuller clan, Kendall has flashed the most promise. In his first start in college football he looked like the best player on the field. He clearly has the NFL bloodlines and good enough size at 6-1 and 190lbs to register with teams wanting a presence at corner. He had two interceptions last season including a 47-yard touchdown return.
Ezekiel Elliott (RB, Ohio State)
Two players stood out for Ohio State in the college football playoffs — quarterback Cardale Jones and this guy. He ran for 696 yards and scored eight touchdowns in the Big-10 Championship and two playoff games. He has everything you look for in a workhorse back — bulk, breakaway speed, the ability to break tackles and vision. He isn’t Todd Gurley but he could easily be a first round pick.
De’Runnya Wilson (WR, Mississippi State)
He was one of four people arrested in March for marijuana possession. On the field he was a basketball player at receiver last season — claiming nine touchdowns and providing a legit outside threat for Miss State. He was particularly effective against in-state rival Ole Miss. Providing he avoids any further issues off the field, he’s a first round level talent with plus size at 6-5 and 215lbs.
Shawn Oakman (DE, Baylor)
Coaches will love him. He’s the heart and soul of the Baylor football team. He also has freakish size (6-8, 280lbs). If Arik Armstead goes in the top-20, Oakman will do to. He doesn’t dominate enough for the size he possesses — but he makes enough plays to hint at extreme ability. Can he keep the motor running none-stop to truly max out his potential?
Taylor Decker (T, Ohio State)
Could’ve been a first round pick this year but chose to stay at Ohio State for another year. He’s around 6-6 and 315lbs, a tenacious blocker and a great team mate. Comes from a Military family. Former basketball player. Has a tattoo of a gorilla on his arm and plays with that level of intensity. Another prospect teams will love. He’ll be viewed as a safe pick at either tackle spot.
Duke Williams (WR, Auburn)
Another player who could’ve declared early. Former JUCO transfer and lined up to be the top receiver in the SEC in 2015. Had an immediate impact for the Tigers in 2014, usurping Sammie Coates as the top target. He’s Mr. Reliable with plus size. Providing they find a capable quarterback next season he has every chance to make major headlines and thrust his stock into the top-20. Williams was video’d delivering a stirring speech to his team mates in the JUCO’s. Similar body type to Dez Bryant.
Carson Wentz (QB, North Dakota State)
He’s 6-5 and 222lbs but he’s not a total statue. He ran for 642 yards and scored six touchdowns. He stands tall in the pocket and throws well. Doesn’t force things. Arm could be stronger but he can work on that. He has a frame that can take a bit of extra bulk. He’s not a big name like some of the others but he’s one to keep an eye on.
Ronnie Stanley (T, Notre Dame)
Continuing the theme of players who could’ve turned pro this year, Ronnie Stanley deliberated for ages over his decision. He was a bit hit and miss and a little overrated in my view. However, there’s a premium for this type of player and provided he avoids any Cedric Ogbuehi-style setbacks he could enhance his stock at a school that has churned out some decent O-liners recently.
DeForest Buckner (DT, Oregon)
Seen by many to be superior to Arik Armstead, he could be on the fast-track to the top-20. This class could be dominated by offensive linemen and big, hulking D-liners. Buckner is 6-7 and 290lbs. Unlike Armstead he’s playing his best football in college and lacks the next level upside to take his game a further notch. Yet he’ll also be considered a safer projection. He’s scheme diverse and a terrific prospect.
Cardale Jones (QB, Ohio State)
If he plays anything like the playoff games over the course of a full season, watch out. Of course he has to win the starting job first. Questions remain why he was #3 on the depth chart to begin with. Yet when given a chance he led his team to a National Championship. There are some character and work ethic questions but the talent was obvious at the end of last season.
Derrick Henry (RB, Alabama)
He resembles a mountain that has somehow grown legs and discovered how to run. He’s 6-3 and 242lbs and moves like a 220lbs back. What a fun player to watch. Henry was the best running back on Bama’s roster last year, not T.J. Yeldon. It’ll be interesting to see if he takes his game to another level as the feature runner in 2015.
Rashard Higgins (WR, Colorado State)
He led college football in receiving yards last season. Losing his Head Coach Jim McElwain to Florida and his quarterback Garret Grayson to the NFL could have a damaging impact in 2015. If he continues to perform despite the changes, it’ll really boost his stock. He’s not a big receiver but he’s shifty and dangerous in the open field. Competes for the ball.
Marquez North (WR, Tennessee)
Tennessee has been stuck in a rut for some time and constant question marks over the quarterback position has severely hampered Marquez North’s development. Talent wise there’s no doubting his pro-credentials. He’s 6-4 and 221lbs with the deep speed and penchant for the spectacular to be a top NFL receiver. And yet he’s coming off a 320-yard season. He needs to improve — but he also needs help.
Alex Collins (RB, Arkansas)
He caught my eye against Texas A&M last season with breakaway speed, the tough running style to get the hard yards and good hands. It helps that he’s playing behind Arkansas’ monster O-line but he’s a talent in his own right. He might not be an early pick next year — but he has pro-starter potential.
A’Shawn Robinson (DT, Alabama)
Big body, big talent. Robinson is 320lbs and 6-4 and anchors the Alabama run defense. Not only that he does enough in the passing game (pushes the pocket, gets his hands up to tip passes) to interest teams using both schemes. He’s not a fantastic athlete and that will limit his ability to go very early — but teams looking for a cornerstone DT will be interested in Robinson.
Corey Robinson (WR, Notre Dame)
Part of an intriguing double-threat with William Fuller, Robinson’s size (6-5, 215lbs) really stands out. His father is NBA Hall of Famer David Robinson. He’s still growing into his role with the Fighting Irish but took a step forward last year. If he can become more consistent and use his size/speed to dominate on a weekly basis he could be set for a Kelvin Benjamin style rise.
Scooby Wright III (LB, Arizona)
I’m not sure what he is at the next level or the kind of range he can realistically go. I’m not even sure he declares. But every time you watched Arizona last season this guy made big plays time and time again. He had 14 sacks, 163 tackles, 29 (!!!) TFL’s and six forced fumbles. They aren’t career stats. That’s in a single season. His motor never stops, although he is undersized.
Jacoby Brissett (QB, NC State)
Showed enough against Florida State to suggest he has potential and appears to be toolsy. Can he take the next step in 2015? If you’re looking for a come-from-nowhere quarterback prospect who goes higher than expected this could be your guy. Will the supporting cast at NC State be good enough to support him? Or is a wide open ACC there for the taking?
Cameron Sutton (CB, Tennessee)
Like Marquez North, he kind of got lost in the wash as Tennessee struggled for relevance. He too impressed in 2013 as one of a crop of young corners entering college football. He has similar size to Kendall Fuller and similar upside. He’ll be tested plenty again next season. He recorded two picks in 2014.
Other notables: Devontae Booker (RB, Utah), Jalen Ramsey (S, Florida State), Miles Jack (LB/RB, UCLA).
A few players who need to show more to live up to the hype: O.J. Howard (TE, Alabama), Christian Hackenberg (QB, Penn State), Connor Cook (QB, Michigan State), Leonard Floyd (DE, Georgia), Shilique Calhoun (DE, Michigan State).
Tomorrow I’m doing a post-draft Google Hang Out with Kenneth Arthur and Zach Whitman.
Rob… you are the best…. 2016 already! Please God no tall SEs mocked to the Seahawks next year. I will take Derrick Henrey right now and call it a day.
James,
You beat me to it. I was just thinking about what a machine Rob is. The problem is that now I am hooked to the website and it’s going to gobble more of my time! Oh well, I enjoy it and I look forward to the information.
Thanks Rob. Keep it up
I think that if Beast retires after this season (IMO its unlikely), Seattle will resign Turbin and select a RB at the draft. Rob, do you see Elliott as a possible Lynch successor? They would likely have to trade up to get him if he continues this production.
Well, Elliott has a legit chance to be a first round pick and will probably be the best RB in college football in 2015. Whether that means he’s a possible Lynch successor, I’m not sure. Replacing Lynch will be the toughest thing PCJS have to do during their time in Seattle.
Elliot is my dream replacement for Beast Mode. He was a Beast himself in the Bowl Championship Series last year.
Beast Mode plays very little in the preseason and we know what we have in Turbin. I hope Micheal gets the majority of carries in the pre season to find out what we have. He flashes such great talent at times.
Agree that there is no need to see Turbin in preseason. Michael should be given about 15 – 20 carries in each game. I always wondered if the reason he was given so few carries last preseason is because the coaches were trying to send him a message to get his act together or else. His running skills seem exceptional, but he must protect the ball and he absolutely must be a reliable pass blocker. Do or die for Christine M this season.
I’m really curious if the RB position has bounced back or if 2 in the 1st round was just a blip year.
I’d like Beast to play till 2017 at least, when Leonard Fournette will be available.
Thanks Rob for the 2016 primer. I printed off the list so I have some players to track in 2016.
I will be focussing on RB, Tackle and WR for 2016 Seahawks draft.
It’s going to be a pretty deep draft for running backs again in 2016, depending on who decides to declare. For me, I think the cream of the crop is obviously Elliot, with Henry not far behind. One name to watch out for is Nick Chubb at Georgia; good size, ability to fight through contact, and great agility and speed. At the end of the day, he could be getting a telephone call on Day 1 as well.
Chubb is a true sophomore so not eligible for the 2016 draft.
Damn. Well, I guess he’ll be on the watch list for 2017 then. Kid has a little but of Marshawn in his game.
Chubb will probably be a top 5 pick though, absolute beast!
Rob, any thoughts on Georgia’s Keith Marshall, the other half of “Gurshall” with Gurley? Coming back from injury, but great back before that. Senior.
Showed a ton of initial talent but the injuries are a concern. Seems to be snake bitten and what he did do in 2014 appeared laboured. I’m not sure whether he can pinch enough snaps off Chubb to get his stock back.
Clemson’s LT Isaiah Battle has some freakish length to him. Needs to bulk up, but I really like him.
Steele, I know your a fan of the bigger bodied wideouts, so Portland St’s Victor Dean at 6’5-6’6, 210-215 lbs. should be a great guy to monitor. Tenacious run blocker, plays with a ton of swag and attitude, broke his femur when he was at Fresno St back in 2012, this kid is a red line monster.
Tennessee’s SAM LB/DE Curt Maggitt is very interesting. Goes hard evey snap. And VA Tech’s SAM LB/DE Dadi Nicolas will be a SPARQ freak IMO. If he adds some weight and cleans up his technique, he could be the next JPP. And like JPP he hails from Haiti.
Utah’s HB Devontae Booker and Arkansas’s HB Alex Collins are my favorite backs in this class that Seattle should have a realistic shot of getting.
Good list Rob, can’t wait until TC and the start of the 2015 CFB season.
If Srattle were to select Arkansas HB Alex Collins, who I think is more of a workhorse/3 down back, while Booker is more of a no. 2, they would eventually transition from ‘Beastmode’ to ‘Buddamode.’
I predict that DT and RB are going to be the two positions we focus on the most. With Mebane, Ruben, and McDaniel slated for free agency, there’s not going to be much left after Jordan Hill (and that guy has been pretty injury prone through two years).
Clowney never lived up to the Clowney hype!
I would take Clowney right now if his team doesn’t want him.
Here’s what depth chart would look like.
Michael Bennett
Cliff Avril
Frank Clark
Jadaeveon Clowney
Cassius Marsh
…
We’re not going to get Clowney lol. But that’s a pass rush for the ages.
Dreaming aside, I even think our pass rush next season might be terrifying with Clark/Bennett/Hill/Avril and Irvin/Marsh rotating in and out. No more Tom Brady sitting in the pocket forever picking us apart.
Rob,
A couple quick questions about 2016 while 2015 draft still fresh:
1 – will this be a stronger draft in the first round? In other words, if the Seahawks are picking late in the first, will they have 1st round talent to consider? Or are we destined to see them trade the pick before the draft, or trade back into the second during?
2 – do the Seahawks still have all of their native draft picks in 2016? Do they have any others, other than the comps that will be awarded? As for the comps, what can we expect?
3 – if Seattle has another ten or 11 picks next year, do you see a similar situation as 2015, where they will look to trade up for a targeted prospect?
I know this is really early, but this past draft was unique in Seahawks recent history, and I am wondering if we can expect something similar next year, in your opinion.
Over the Cap has a good system in the draft area of the website for comp picks. As of now we would expect a 3 for Maxwell, 5 for Carpenter, and 6 for Smith.
Awesome, thanks for that.
Plus native picks 1-7? That makes 10, without any trades. A lot, in other words.
I can see Seattle trading a low pick at the end of training camp for a veteran OG or C. They will try to get a vet on the cheap rather then going through the waiver process. Kind of like how they picked up a extra DB this year with Burley. Just my guess.
1– It’s very hard to tell. Two potential top-15 picks are coming off serious injuries. I think there are a lot more possible first round picks to identify this summer compared to last summer, but we had quite a few players emerge in 2014 (eg Kevin White).
2 — Seattle has a full compliment of 2016 picks and they will get an extra third round compensatory pick because of Maxwell’s contract in Philly.
3 — Very, very possible.
I think there is a good chance that we add a couple late round picks during the preseason. This year it seems our depth is at 2012/13 levels. We have a few players we will not have room for but teams will want. Most of them teams will just wait to hit the market. But I think there will be one or two that teams will not want to wait for.
Here’s a list of possible trade candidates just for kicks.
Will Blackmon – I think there’s every chance that Tye Smith comes into camp and just blows our defensive coaches away. Blackmon is nice depth but if Smith can show that he can play the nickel and outside effectively and immediately, Blackmon could become expendable.
Patrick Lewis – We still don’t know what will happen with the Center position and Lewis has shown he can spot fill at Center if not more.
Michael Bennett – An unlikely trade that would have to result in at least a second round pick and change. If he commits to holding out this becomes a little more of a possibility. Even then, the Seahawks have most of the leverage.
Demarcus Dobbs – With the drafting of Frank Clark this guy really becomes a fringe player. But if he’s needed he’s a big versatile guy that can play inside or outside and can provide an effective push. D-Line needy teams may be calling about him.
Anthony McCoy – I am not expecting much of McCoy after he had two achilles tears in two years on separate ankles. We saw what happened with Michael Crabtree after he had one – he became even more mediocre. But when McCoy is healthy he’s a really good all-around tight end. He can catch but what separates him is his blocking. If he can return anywhere near 2012 form, he will help somebody. Whether he will help us is up for debate. Personally i don’t want to rely on McCoy to be our third tight end. I’d rather re-sign Zach Miller. In that case McCoy becomes expendable. To be traded though, he must perform well in preseason.
Kevin Norwood – An interesting situation since he was drafted last year, but played so sparingly it would make one think the Seahawks aren’t that keen on him at this point. The Seahawks drafted Tyler Lockett, but in UDFA they went out and added Austin Hill. In a scenario where Hill bounces back and has an ADB-type resurgence in the NFL, I could see the Seahawks letting Norwood go. Some teams could see him as a poor man’s James Jones, ready to come in and contribute right away and therefore worth a 7th rounder.
Bennett said (again) that he has no interest in being traded. He just wants a little more money. I think there is some east coast sports writer that likes to speculate about players leaving the Seahawks. Since the rumors persist about Bennett and Irvin wanting to be traded. They are mostly just off season chatter.
I think Lewis has secured the center position, judging by a draft without centers. I don’t believe that any of the drafted players will be used in the center spot. There are just too many things that can go wrong with a newbie center, including bad snaps, bad snap counts, and missed blocks.
Yeah I wonder about McCoy and Norwood also. Norwood at least has a few years left on his rookie contract. So he is in a little better spot. McCoy has to stay injury free this year.
I have a hard time believing that the Seahawks are set on Lewis. There are no signs that point to that for me other than they haven’t added anyone else. Schneider gave props to Alvin Bailey as the starter at left guard if they played a game “tomorrow,” but didn’t say anything as much about Lewis. Neither has Pete. It seems like Lewis did a good job in the four games he played, but he needs to be part of the competition, not the unquestioned starter. That’s why I’m still wanting the Seahawks to get Chris Myers. The guy was the #3 rated run blocking center on PFF last year. He’s well-trained in the art of zone-blocking. He’s a veteran and could be a great leader on the line. It seems like a no-brainer to me if we can pull it off.
I don’t think the Seahawks should start a rookie center this year. If they sign Myers to fill the role this year and ask him to help groom Sokoli, I think that’s the best move. The only question is if Myers is looking to get anything more than $2m. If so I don’t think the Seahawks are going to pull the trigger.
And on McCoy, I have a really hard time seeing him doing anything this year. Coming back from two achilles tears and having a good season has to be Comeback Player of the Year-worthy. He hasn’t played football in almost three years. So not only is he dealing with the strength of his legs, but also he is probably very rusty and will need a year to get acclimated again. For me, it’s hard to see him even beating out Helfet.
Plus they drafted Graham as a tight end/wide receiver.
I have really wanted the Seahawks to work Gilliam in as a tight end. There is something fascinating about a 300 lb linemen that can catch the ball. If I were them I would have Gilliam running routes and catching passes every day. I just want to see him succeed. Wasn’t it great when the Seahawks pulled that trick play and instead of punting threw the ball to him? I’m puzzled why they haven’t used him more often as a tight end.
Centerwise, there was no move for an experienced center in free agency or the draft. Soooo, I guess the Seahawks don’t see it as a position of need. And I definitely don’t believe any of their guard/tackle/defensive guys are going to be starting centers. That would be nuts.
More nuts than JR Sweezy starting year one?
I just want the Seahawks to bring back Zach Miller. I’ve been crossing my fingers for it for a while. What a tight end group we would have with Graham, Miller and Willson. What a complete skill set we’d get.
It’d be cool to see Gilliam try it out for sure. But we don’t really know what kind of pass-catcher he can be at this level. Can he make contested catches and run athletic routes? All we have to go on is a lob pass to him when he was wide open on a trick play. I like Gilliam, and he makes for a good sixth o-lineman because he offers that trick play possibility teams will have to prepare for, but is he a natural pro-level receiver?
Bennett, Avril, Hill and Marsh are the only DL contracted past next year. Another reason I don’t understand why we didn’t take a M. Bennett per say. If Wilson is supposed to run around anyway (as Rob has stated is and will continue to be part of the plan), even if we don’t resign Okung, our biggest need will be DT. #1 D. #2 Run. If our D has no front, LOB can’t even cover.
Let’s hope we have some good DT available at #32.
The Seahawks have to sign somebody to play DL. Why not the guys we have?
Because none of the other guys we have do not have close to the talent or potential of Mebane/Bryant or even Hill.
They drafted Clark so they are making an effort to upgrade the defensive line. I don’t see a need to draft a high round DT when we can get free agents. Even in the 2015 draft there were a few DTs left in the fourth round that I would have been happy to get. So I’m not real worried about it.
I think the Seahawks are going to be fine on the defensive line. When you say we only have Marsh, Bennett, Avril, Hill and Clark contracted through next year, you’re really saying we have all our pass rushers locked up (which is huge), and our top two defensive linemen are going to be gone. We do have a job to do at the D-Line position.
However, in the next couple of years, some position is probably going to have to take a hit because of the cap. The DT position might be the one that has to take it. You can look at it this way: when Brandon Mebane got hurt, the run game was a mess, but that was because the D was also missing Bobby Wagner. When Wagner came back, the run defense returned to an elite level. That suggests to me that this defense really doesn’t need elite D-tackle play to have great run defense. So, spending lots of resources to get it is pretty unnecessary. The real key for our run defense is a healthy, re-signed Wagner.
I think what the Seahawks will do is continue to find effecting DTs in second-tier free agency. No longer will we have a guy on the level of Mebane, but again, it’s not necessary. We have shown we can have success adding our types of defensive tackles for cheap.
Yeah, I just don’t ser this team going after a pure run stuffer early per se, but there’s quite a few interior pass rushers in this year’s class if a fe juniors declare like they’re expected too.
Oklahoma’s DT Charles Tapper- freak athlete, former basketball player his whole life, that’s how HC Bob Stoops found him. He’s from the streets of Baltimore, has sickle cell anemia, so that’s something for teams to consider.
Penn St’s DT/DE Anthony Zettel- If your or Seattle is looking for the next Michael Bennett, I think it’s this kid. One of the best motors you’ll see, versatile, slightly cocky attitude, former Judo karate champion, has a bit of Jared Allen’s off the field personalitty to him, great strength. Keep an eye on him, IMO Seattle will like this kid. He’s also a fantastic athlete with the eye opening production to back it.
Georgia Tech DT Adam Gotsis- from Austrailia, former rugby player, looks up to DT Jesse Williams, so raw, yet filles with potential, another really good athlete, great length, plays with his hair on fire, they thought he wpuld redshirt hhis first year on campus but he dominated the competition in practice. The kind of project Seattle might like to take on.
Ohio St DT/DE Adolphus Washington- just a flatout ‘manchild,’ plays the game pissed off/angry, one of the consensus top recruits coming out of HS, hasn’t really lived up to expectations, but this will only be his 2nd year playing the interior, another exceptional athlete, I think this is the year he puts it all together.
Mizzzou’s DT Harold Brantley- Rob’s been high on this guy for awhile. Enough said.
And if you are looking for mid round runs stuffers…
Boise St’s DT Armond Nance- makes plays all up and down the LOS, grew up having to come home from school and take care of inner city kids, because his mom ran a day care out of their house in Houston, team leader, goes into the community and Bpise schools to talk too and inspire young kids, has the prototypical build Seattle likes out of their 1-techs.
USC’s DT Antwaun ‘twocka’ Woods- fanatstic backstory, from tje same part of South central LA as Frank Clark. In fact the exact same housing project, again, has the that protottypical Seahawk esque build for a 1-tech. He might be the closest comp to Mebane that I’ve seen in the past couple years.
That’s already a decent start, but consider Clark, Gwatcham, Slater under club control along with other developmental guys. And it’s not exactly impossible to get serviceable to very good players on the DL in free agency; in some stupid years, guys like Avril, Bennett, Sheard are even available on the cheap. Interior guys can find it easier to contribute as rookies without being highly drafted.
You can’t be completely covered long-term everywhere in the current NFL. I’m not worried about possibly needing to address the DL next year.
Has anybody checked out RB/FB Brandon Cottom that is in on a tryout?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsJ1mrz3ySQ
6021 262 looks like a load to bring down but is agile enough to make cuts and find lanes. 4.62 40 and 22 on the bench is very intriguing from a size/speed standpoint.
Seems to have some serious agility for a big man. One to keep an eye on if they sign him.
I could definitely see him as are fb
I really like rb James Connor from Pitt
Right now my favorite prospects to monitor for next year are:
Clemson’s LT Isaiah Battle, Penn St’s DL Anthony Zettel, Arkansas HB Alex Collins, Utah HB Devontae Booker, Virginia Tech SAM LB/DE-LEO Dadi Nicolas, and Oklahoma St DE-LEO Emmanuel Ogbah, who might end up being too much of a fast riser this year for Seattle to even consider.
Oops. Forgot to mention Portland St WR Victor Dean as well.
Prosecutor does not believe Clark struck the woman in the incident
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2015-05-07/frank-clark-domestic-violence-abuse-seattle-seahawks-2015-nfl-draft-michigan-prosecutor-lynne-gast-king
Derrick Henry is my man crush next year. He’s a more explosive Eddie Lacy IMO.
What do you guys think about the continuing noise about Bennett wanting to be traded?
I am really disappointed. He just signs a new deal. They go to back to back Super Bowls and he wants a trade.
I think out best option is to trade him straight up to the Jets for Wilkerson who is also looking for a trade. I think it would be a good deal for both teams. We would take a bit of a cap hit with Bennets dead money but would have the flexibility to cut Mebane or get him to restructure.
A front 4 of Clark, Wikkerson, Hill and Avril sounds pretty dynamic to me.
Not sure if it could ever happen, but I would be in. Tired of MB and this trade stuff. Send him to the lowly Jets
The problem that must be stated with Wilkerson is his single year left on contract. He will get very expensive as one of the best DT’s around. I would love the trade, but the cost in the future is not on our side.
Maybe not. But we could then let him go as a FA and get another 3rd comp pick.
3rd for Maxwell
3rd for Wilkerson
That could allow us to trade up pretty high in 1st and still have 2 3rd round picks
Not gonna be in the same year if it happens.
Omar Kelly
In my opinion, & based on the word on the streets, Dallas & Seattle are the front runners for La’el Collins. But we’ll see.
ProFootballTalk
Report: La’El Collins in Dallas to visit Cowboys http://wp.me/p14QSB-9LBW
Landing Collins isn’t just about landing a R1 talent in UDFA. It’s about the possible cap savings of replacing Okung in 2016 with a UDFA – as much as $10mm over the first 2 years (after which Collins presumably renegotiates).
News regarding RW’s contract isn’t encouraging. So far, it’s a “non-starter”. Why would they play a game of salary chicken with their franchise QB? Maybe they just don’t have the space right now (projecting forward), to offer him the contract he wants.
Danny O’Neil says Collins will not wind up in Seattle.
Because of all the bad press with Clark, or other reasons? If by fat chance it does happen, do you have him play LG this year then maybe take over for Okung, or play RT and move Britt to LG?
I think the Seahawks are in damage control with PR and that could be a reason why they’re withdrawing from La’el Collins talks. Imagine what the press would say if we signed Collins. “Seahawks get abuser and murderer in span of five days.” Nobody wants that. Then again Collins just passed a polygraph test and the baby is not his. Looks like he’s no longer a suspect. Let’s all remember how tragic this is and not forget to be sensitive toward the issue.
If the Seahawks signed Collins, he would likely compete for LG and, considering he would have been a first round pick, he would be the front runner for the position in my mind. The fact he can play LT would mean we could let Okung walk next year. It would certainly be a nice piece to the puzzle. Football wise. Suddenly the o-line, which has been scolded for being so weak, would be one of our biggest strengths. Especially if we then went and added a nice center like Myers.
Dallas signed him. Dallas now has the scariest O line I’ve seen (assuming he starts at LG). They are going to be a tough out this year.
Can’t say I’m surprised.
Collins would be the first round pick that we didn’t have this year. If they know he wasn’t involved, he is a no-brainer. Pay the kid whatever it takes.
LB isn’t a huge need for Seattle, and I’m not sure he would even be a scheme fit, but I’m a huge fan of Scooby Wright. In the game last year against Oregon that Arizona ended up winning, Scooby Wright just took over the game. He made the game winning play. The kid is just a pure baller, and he has one of the coolest names in football to boot. Would love to see him in a Hawks jersey.
So would Scooby Wright play the Sam LB position where Irvin and Pierre-Louis play in our scheme? If he puts up production like last year he will go in the top 15.
As an Oregon alum, I despise Scooby Wright. But I can’t argue with you that the kid can play and will probably do well in the NFL
La’el Collins signed with the Cowboys? Like they really needed another first round talent on that line! Gonna be a pretty scary O-line for a while if they can keep the band together.
It will be — but they’re also banking on a group of misfits to run behind it. We’ll see how that goes. Every team in the league should be studying the Washington tape @ Dallas last season. They hammered Romo. A great line will block four of five easily. A great line can’t do anything against six or seven rushers.
Good point. I also don’t think it was any coincidence that when Dallas had a legit 3 down back, they went from mediocre/middle of the pack, to a divison winner and of the best teams in tje NFC. Now what? Darren McFadden is a decent back, but if they use him like they did DeMarco Murray, they’ll run him into the ground.
Didn’t do anything to upgrade that secondary either. Byron Jones blew up the combine, but not impressed with his on field play. The defensive version of WR Chris Coney IMO?
Gotta give Jerry Jones credit. much like PC/JS he is not afraid to take a shot. He added Byron Jones, Lael Collins and Randy Gregory basically 3 first rounder’s when all he had was the 27th pick.
I hate the Cowboys but have to give him props. I pray they don’t somehow trade for AP because running behind that OL he would be an absolute nightmare and I would think would be 2k plus easily.
The Cowboys just really don’t care about taking guys with huge question marks. La’el Collins is not totally out of the woods on this murder case and they still signed him. It may end up working out for them and hopefully Collins didn’t do that, but I just think the Jerry Jones operates without a shred of dignity. He would employ a team full of nutjobs if it took him to the Superbowl.
Actually I think Collins is pretty much out of the woods. He established with a concrete alibi that he wasn’t there. He was an hour away with friends and geolocation coordinates on his phone at the time of the murder establishes that he was where he said he was.
The account of what went down, that an acquaintance had knocked on her door and asked to borrow her car. When she refused and started cussing him out he shot her. That doesn’t support the idea of a murder for hire. If it was, then that’s gotta be the most incompetent assassin ever that he’d expose himself as someone that knew the deceased well enough to ask to borrow her car, then execute her right there in front of her place of residence. I suppose even less competent assassins have probably existed but that would rank up there.
Steel, where did you go man? We miss your salty banter around here. Just hope all is well buddy, come back soon.
The draft is over, the offseason is mixed, JSPC made decisions I don’t support, take it or leave it. A good time to keep watching but take a step back.
Hey man, we all get frustrated. You just provide a lot of good input around here. Rob’s taking a break, so maybe it’s a good thing for everyone. Can’t wait to start talking about next years picks more in depth…
Steele, I always enjoyed your writing. I tried to warn you not to fall in love with any one player. Seahawks just pick whoever they want. It would be interesting if they ever let the Seahawks blog pick for them. Imagine Rob in the war room!!!
It’s not about me falling in love with any players. The Clark pick and how they went about it turns my stomach.