Month: March 2016 (Page 4 of 4)

Possible Seahawks target Germain Ifedi creating a buzz

March 4, 2016 /

Germain Ifedi (right) looked and moved like a first round pick at the combine

This week we mocked Germain Ifedi to the Seahawks at #26. Ifedi’s tape is far better than some people will have you believe, he’s a genuine physical freak of nature with incredible upside and athleticism.

Essentially, he’s exactly the type of player the Seahawks have drafted in round one.

Ifedi was one of the big winners at the combine. He looked like the Hulk, moved incredibly well in the mirror and kick-slide drills and he had the second best vertical jump at 32.5 inches (Connor McGovern beat him by half an inch). Jumping 32.5 inches at 324lbs isn’t easy.

Scouts Inc. moved him up to #21 on their big board after the combine. You need to subscribe to read their full breakdown — but here are some of the highlights…

They grade players using a 1-5 scale:

1 — Exceptional
2 — Above average
3 — Average
4 — Below average
5 — Marginal

Ifedi is given an exceptional grade for: Production, height-weight, durability and pass protection. He’s given an above average grade for: Intangibles, awareness and toughness.

The one average grade he gets is run blocking. The blurb reads:

“Raw run blocker. Has the size and natural strength. Comes from an offense that predominantly features two-point stances and is more finesse than power in the run game.”

They end with the following status report:

“Straight out of central casting with a massive, long and ripped frame. Ifedi is an early entry with three full seasons as a starter under his belt (started freshman season at right guard and primarily right tackle last two seasons). Ifedi has the tools to develop.”

Jason Spriggs is generally considered the big O-line riser because of his athleticism. However, Scouts Inc. grades him at #46 overall with several average grades for durability, pass protection, run blocking and awareness. He gets a below average grade for toughness.

When you consider Taylor Decker’s middling combine performance, Ifedi could be challenging to be in the top five at his position. His #21 overall ranking on Scouts Inc’s board makes him the #4 offensive tackle.

They aren’t the only ones speaking highly of Ifedi. He was mocked in the first round by Daniel Jeremiah too. At the combine Jeremiah made the following remarks:

“I think he can play tackle. I know that there’s some debate, some belief that he can kick inside and be better at guard. But guys, to me he is what you want your tackle to look like. He can bend. To me the awareness is an issue and that’s something he’s going to have to learn and develop but man all of the tools are there for him to maybe even jump up — maybe sneak into the bottom of the first round. He’s right on that edge.”

It shouldn’t be a major surprise that he’s creating a buzz. He’s always been one of the more underrated prospects in this draft. The fact he wasn’t moved to left tackle in 2015 seems to have created a false impression of his ability.

Here’s what I wrote about him in December:

He’s an enormous 6-5 and 320lbs yet moves superbly. His footwork is quite brilliant for a man his size — his kick slide is good, he moves freely to the second level. In the two games I watched he didn’t get beat once off the edge by a speed rush.

There’s very little ‘bad weight’ to his frame — he’s an enormous tackle and most of it is muscle. When a D-end tries to hand fight he usually absorbs the defender and it’s over. Technically he had some nice blocks — turning his man to open up a crease and moving people off the LOS to create a running lane. He has the athleticism to adjust on the move and if he ever moved to guard he’d have no trouble pulling or kicking out to the next level.

Ifedi’s size and raw athleticism makes for an interesting combination. If the Seahawks make the playoffs and you’re pinning your hopes on an offensive tackle being available beyond the 21st pick — this could be your best bet.

There’s usually a blossoming offensive tackle who makes a late rise. Lane Johnson experienced it in 2013, Ja’wuan James in 2014 and Ereck Flowers in 2015.

Because he doesn’t get hyped like a lot of other prospects — people tend to assume Ifedi isn’t that attractive. As a worst case scenario you’re probably getting a good left guard. It’s a safe pick with the potential to be a great pick if he works out at tackle.

If you missed it earlier in the week, here’s evidence of his athleticism vs Laremy Tunsil in the mirror drill at the combine:

And here’s four back-to-back snaps vs Alabama. Note the way he uses length and a strong base to stone edge rushers. On the third snap he drives the DE into the turf and finishes. On the fourth snap he identifies and reads a stunt and shuts it down.

For all the talk of him not moving to left tackle — look at the pressure given up on the left side vs the right…

It’s only four snaps but it gives you an insight into his pass-protection skills vs the toughest opponent Texas A&M faced in 2015.

We need to spend more time looking at Le’Raven Clark over the next few weeks as an insurance option. He and Shon Coleman (who we’ve covered a lot) likely present the best two alternatives if Ifedi is off the board. Clark also has a high ceiling. Ifedi is far better prepared to start quickly.

While many are projecting a defensive lineman to the Seahawks at #26 — it really goes against everything we know at this stage. If Russell Okung departs in free agency, it creates a major need at tackle. It’ll be difficult to address that need after the first round looking at the players available. The Seahawks have also preferred to use the middle/later rounds and the cheap free agent market for defensive linemen. The sheer depth on the D-line will undoubtedly provide some attractive options in rounds 2-4.

Unless they find a way to retain Okung — everything points towards an O-line pick at #26. Ifedi provides a rare opportunity if he lasts — a prototype at the position available in the late first.

Seahawks free agency & draft predictions

March 3, 2016 /

Jeremy Lane could be Seattle’s top priority in free agency

Russell Okung moves on
With Cordy Glenn getting the franchise tag and reports of an aggressive move by the Raiders to keep Donald Penn, Okung will be the most attractive free agent tackle on the market.

The Seahawks are in a tough spot. Unless they view Okung as the top priority — they can’t offer him a big deal without risking losing the majority of their other remaining free agents. They have to let this one play out and hope he receives a lukewarm market (which is possible due to his shoulder issue and history of injuries).

If a team offers a deal similar to Jake Long’s four-year, $36m contract with the Rams — he’s likely gone.

The Detroit Lions have $33m in free cap space and need a left tackle. Add another $11m if Calvin Johnson retires. Switching to an offense that isn’t quite as physical up front and is tailored to the passing game could suit Okung and keep him healthy.

Prediction: Okung signs a deal with the Lions

Bruce Irvin gets paid
Malik Jackson could be set to earn a deal worth $13m a year. You better believe Irvin’s going to get some serious offers when free agency begins.

There aren’t many super-athletic edge rushers in the draft. With teams trying to copycat Von Miller — Irvin at least has the athletic capacity to be that type of player.

Expect a ton of suitors. San Francisco needs an athletic pass rusher and they have $55m in free cap room. The Giants are rebuilding their defense and have $58m in cap space. Tampa Bay are likely to focus on their defense and have $49m to spend. Chicago and Vic Fangio need an edge rusher and have $46m to play with.

Then there’s the obvious fits — Jacksonville and Atlanta — because of familiarity with the Head Coaches. Irvin’s preference might be returning home to Atlanta.

Fourteen teams in the NFL have +$30m in cap space to spend. Very few are strong defensively. Irvin is going to be wined and dined and can take his pick.

Prediction: If it isn’t Atlanta, the Giants, 49ers, Bears and Buccs could sign Irvin

Jeremy Lane will be Seattle’s priority
Seattle’s famous ‘Legion of Boom’ was a bit of shambles to start 2015. Kam Chancellor’s holdout and Cary Williams’ introduction made for a few struggles in key games — snatching away Seattle’s prime identity in the process.

It became evident that Seattle’s technique at cornerback and safety isn’t easy to pick up in a matter of months. The Seahawks have trained their guys over time with only Brandon Browner and Earl Thomas starting immediately. Chancellor sat out a year, Richard Sherman started in 2011 only due to injuries, Byron Maxwell and Lane had to wait.

There is a stable of young defensive backs in the clubhouse — but losing Lane would put a lot of pressure on one or two to step up in 2016 and possibly start. Keeping Lane maintains a level of consistency — something they haven’t had over the last few years with Browner, Maxwell, Williams, DeShawn Shead and Lane all starting across from Sherman.

The structure of the deal could be interesting. Lane only turns 26 in July. Maxwell signed his enormous contract in Philadelphia aged 27. The Seahawks could make a convincing case to sign Lane to a one-year deal with a promise not to franchise him — allowing him to start for a full year and enter free agency in 12 months with a lot of momentum.

That would also buy more time for the Seahawks to train and establish an heir apparent.

It won’t be cheap to get such a deal sorted — and if a team is willing to offer $8m APY over 3-4 years it could be game over. Good corners get paid in the NFL and even $8m a year would be considerably less than Maxwell’s $10.5m average.

Prediction: If it’s not a multi-year deal, the Seahawks sign Lane to a one-year contract worth $6m-7.5m in 2016 — a similar amount to Cary Williams.

Jermaine Kearse switches teams
The one thing that really works for Kearse is the way he performed in primetime games. The casual observer won’t watch every Seahawks game — but coaches, scouts, GM’s and owners will have noticed the guy who always seemed to make a crucial play on the big stage.

Any team that has a #1 star receiver will view Kearse as an ideal #2. Tough, reliable, a capable run-blocker and unlikely to complain about how many targets he’s getting.

He’s not going to get paid a huge salary — but he’ll likely get offers that are a little too rich for the Seahawks.

Prediction: The Falcons sign him to provide a no-drama sidekick for Julio Jones after cutting Roddy White this week.

UPDATE: Kearse is gone…

J.R. Sweezy moves on
A year ago it seemed likely the Seahawks would make keeping Sweezy a priority. Pete Carroll regularly sang his praises during the 2014 season. He’s young, one of their homegrown stars and the poster-child for Tom Cable’s O-line revolution in Seattle.

A Twitter rumour recently suggested there was friction between Cable and the Seahawks front office. There’s no way of verifying that — but it’d be understandable.

Cable is regularly asked to create a productive O-line on the cheap. Having had a relative success story in Sweezy (a 7th round D-line convert) — to then lose him in free agency must be galling. If they’re asking him to rebuild the line again because Okung is also moving on — his reputation is constantly being scrutinised.

Offensive lines are built on consistency, familiarity and cohesion. Cable’s almost never had that because of all the changes up front. His ability to improve the performance in 2015 from wretched to passable is perhaps his greatest achievement to date.

Unfortunately this is life in football. The Seahawks have chosen to prioritise the defense and their quarterback. Sweezy is a good age and doesn’t have much competition at guard on the open market. He likely commands an offer that is too expensive for Seattle to match. If he’s only getting offers in the $3.5m-4m range — he could easily return.

Prediction: A handful of teams show interest and he ends up in Oakland, San Francisco or Tennessee — unless the value keeps him in Seattle.

Brandon Mebane and Ahtyba Rubin remain — maybe
If the only move the Seahawks make is to prioritise and ultimately keep Jeremy Lane — they’ll have plenty of cap room to keep both Mebane and Rubin.

The question is — can they find a better option?

A year ago they swapped Tony McDaniel for Rubin and it seemed like a questionable decision. Carroll later praised Rubin as the best three technique the Seahawks have had during his tenure.

It wasn’t an obvious upgrade at the time. Rubin mustered minimal interest as a free agent and was a bit of a surprise signing. It might not be obvious right now but the Seahawks might be able to find alternatives again to save a bit of cap space.

That said, it’s unlikely both depart. They performed very well in 2015, preventing any 100-yard rushers during the regular season.

They likely place a limited value on what is essentially two base run-stuffing DT’s. If Mebane or Rubin get offers beyond the limit, Seattle probably just moves on.

They didn’t go anywhere near Terrance Knighton before he signed a one-year, $4.45m contract in Washington a year ago. Their limit might be $3.5m-4m for this position moving forward. Maybe less.

Consider this as well — the draft is loaded with run stuffing defensive tackles. The Seahawks might be able to find a replacement in the middle rounds for either player. Alternatively, the extreme depth at DT could weaken the free agent market considerably. That could impact the demands of both Rubin and Mebane — and other potential free agents too.

The Seahawks can go hunting for the best deal — without any real pressure.

Prediction: Rubin signs, we’ll see on Mebane.

Any outside free agents?
If Lane, Rubin, Mebane (or another DT) re-sign, the total outlay could be approximately $13-14m. Based on the brilliant Davis Hsu’s calculations, that would leave around $3-5m to spend on any extras.

They could look to add some D-line depth — especially if there’s a cold market due to the strong draft class. They’re unlikely to be able to afford Mario Williams or any other big name.

They could also look to sign a veteran offensive lineman.

Again, it’s unlikely to be a big name. Not even a backloaded deal starting at around $4m is going to tempt Alex Mack, Alex Boone or Kelechi Osemele.

Mack could sign with the Rams (he went to Cal, they have the cap room to offer him $10m APY).

Minnesota is likely to cut one of Phil Loadholt or Matt Kalil. Loadholt is the favourite to go and could be had at a minimal cost after he missed the entire 2015 season. He’s familiar with Darrell Bevell, specialises in run blocking and has the size plus tackle experience the Seahawks love at left guard.

It also wouldn’t impact Seattle’s compensatory picks in 2017 with Loadholt having been cut. Some of Loadholt’s perceived issues versus speed won’t be a problem if he plays guard.

It’s also a nice hedge. If the top offensive tackles are off the board by #26 (including Germain Ifedi for example) — they can look to start Loadholt at right tackle and draft a left guard possibly in round two (with a DE like Emmanuel Ogbah becoming an alternative pick at #26). It gives them flexibility.

If the contract is low enough it could leave enough room to add a veteran backup quarterback at a minimal cost and some second or third tier FA’s to add depth.

Prediction: Phil Loadholt signs a 1-2 year deal, a veteran quarterback is also added (possibly Tarvaris Jackson after a long wait).

How would this set up the Seahawks in the draft?
The #1 priority would be to fill the hole left by Okung at tackle. The draft is stacked with defensive players so they can wait until rounds 2-3 to address that need. They won’t get a starting tackle after the first day.

Germain Ifedi, Shon Coleman, Jason Spriggs or Le’Raven Clark at #26.

In round two they would need to add to the defense with an impact player. We projected Travis Feeney this week to replace Bruce Irvin and it’s an ideal fit if he checks out medically. Alternatively they could add the best available defensive lineman, linebacker or ‘deathbacker’ (aka the role played by Deone Bucannon and Mark Barron).

The Seahawks have three picks in rounds 3-4 and could target a running back partner for Thomas Rawls (Notre Dame’s C.J. Prosise makes sense) an interior lineman (competition at center — possibly Connor McGovern, Joe Dahl, Christian Westerman, Graham Glasgow) and a defensive lineman..

Receiver, cornerback and special teams (punter) to be addressed on day three.

Prediction: R1 — Germain Ifedi (T), R2 — Travis Feeney (LB), R3 — Joe Dahl (C) R3 — C.J. Prosise (RB), R4 — Best available defensive lineman (DT), R5 — Marquez North (WR), R6 — Deandre Elliott (CB), R7 — Nick O’Toole (P)

Tony Pauline’s draft rankings were used to determine who was/wasn’t available in the mid/later rounds. Concentrate on the positions/rounds more than the players.

If you missed this weeks podcast, don’t forget to check it out.

Todd McShay & Daniel Jeremiah mocks & Nkemdiche

March 2, 2016 /

Robert Nkemdiche could fall out of the first round

Todd McShay’s mock draft

McShay had the Seahawks taking Andrew Billings in his last projection. This time he goes with Robert Nkemdiche (DT, Ole Miss):

“The Seahawks have shown a willingness to take a chance on risk/reward prospects in the past, and Nkemdiche, who comes with plenty of off-field baggage, certainly fits that bill. Even though his tape is inconsistent, he has top-10 talent, and his combine workout confirmed his rare athletic ability. According to ESPN Stats & Information data, Nkemdiche is just the fifth defensive lineman since 2006 to weigh in at 290-plus pounds, run a sub-5.00 40-yard dash and jump at least 35 inches in the vertical.”

This has become a popular pick within the national media — based on the perception that the Seahawks are willing to take a chance on character flags.

How accurate is that perception?

There’s no doubt they’ve rolled the dice a few times — but they were all calculated gambles:

— Seattle drafted Bruce Irvin with the #15 pick despite perceived character issues. Pete Carroll recruited Irvin from the JUCO ranks and had significant information on him going into the draft.

— The Seahawks traded 1st and 3rd round picks to Minnesota for ‘problem child’ Percy Harvin. Again, Carroll had recruited Harvin during his USC days. Darrell Bevell also coached him during his spell as the Vikings offensive coordinator. It was a risk making the deal — but Seattle clearly had enough background on Harvin to feel good about taking the chance.

— Seattle drafted Frank Clark with a late second round pick in 2015. It became a national talking point due to Clark’s dismissal from Michigan after being arrested for domestic violence. Carroll and John Schneider went to great lengths to explain their decision and the study they’d made into the case. Whether you agree with the decision or not — they didn’t walk into that pick with any kind of ignorance.

Harvin flamed out — but Irvin hasn’t had any issues during his pro career and at the combine Carroll praised Clark as “a great kid in the program”.

Aside from the trio above, the Seahawks have taken very few character risks with their picks in the first three rounds:

2010 — Russell Okung, Earl Thomas, Golden Tate
2011 — James Carpenter, John Moffitt
2012 — Bruce Irvin, Bobby Wagner, Russell Wilson
2013 — Christine Michael, Jordan Hill
2014 — Paul Richardson, Justin Britt
2015 — Jimmy Graham, Frank Clark, Tyler Lockett

Of the 15 above there are more players with celebrated high character or zero flags than there are risks.

Nkemdiche’s issues are well publicised. Draft Insider Tony Pauline had this to say in a recent podcast:

“Lot of off the field issues that could really push him out of the first round. You look at him physically and you see a guy that should really be a top-15 pick… The fall out of the window is just the tip of the iceberg from what I’m hearing. There are some significant off the field issues and maybe they’ll make their way to the press but it’s definitely going to hurt his draft stock.”

This doesn’t feel like a calculated gamble — it’s a pure risk move. Unlike Clark there doesn’t appear to be one significant incident to research. It’s an entire character profile. If Nkemdiche’s bizarre press conference at the combine was an indicator — it’s hard to imagine he impressed Seattle’s top brass if they met.

I understand why many people want to pair the Seahawks with Nkemdiche. From the outside it would be easy to assume they’re a team intent on taking major risks. The reality is a little bit different and it’d probably be a shock if they drafted Nkemdiche at #26 with the stakes so high.

In round two you maybe start to consider the upside. The thing is, 32 other teams will be having the exact same thought.

The following players were available in McShay’s mock that were off the board in our projection yesterday:

Paxton Lynch (QB, Memphis)
Jason Spriggs (T, Indiana)
Reggie Ragland (LB, Alabama)
Corey Coleman (WR, Baylor)
Derrick Henry (RB, Alabama)
Andrew Billings (DT, Baylor)
Keanu Neal (S, Florida)

Daniel Jeremiah’s latest mock draft

Just like Jeremiah’s previous mock, the Seahawks take Alabama defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson:

“Robinson is one the top interior defenders in the draft and he would fit perfectly in Seattle.”

You could easily be forgiven for wondering what all the hype is about with Robinson. He had marginal production in college (3.5 sacks in 2015, 2.5 of which came in one game). Too often he was content to be blocked and hold position. He doesn’t get into the backfield and create splash plays.

The general feeling was Robinson is a unique athlete and his best football is still to come. He certainly carries 307lbs very well — there’s very little bad weight on his 6-3-and-a-half frame and he has 34.5 inch arms.

At the combine however he had a pretty average performance — comparable to guys like Ricky-Jean Francois rather than Marcell Dareus. He ran a 5.20 in the forty (1.79 split), managed only 26 inches in the vertical and an average 8-10 broad jump. Alabama team mate D.J. Pettway had a better three-cone. Jihad Ward’s three cone smashed Robinson’s (7.38 vs 7.80).

Compare that performance to Dareus’ in 2011. He was heavier (319lbs) and ran a 4.93 with a 1.68 split. His broad, vertical and three-cone were similar — but it’s that initial quickness at 319lbs that separates the pair.

Robinson might be little more than a disciplined run-stopper who is tough to move off the spot. And that’s fine — but it’s not often a player with this skill-set and athletic profile is taken early. The Seahawks have looked for freakish traits in round one. Robinson falls short in that sense.

The following players were available in Jeremiah’s mock that were off the board in our projection yesterday:

Jason Spriggs (T, Indiana)
Derrick Henry (RB, Alabama)
Andrew Billings (DT, Baylor)
Keanu Neal (S, Florida)

Germain Ifedi’s athleticism

In our mock draft yesterday I paired the Seahawks with Ifedi at #26. Jeremiah has him going to Carolina at #30 — McShay doesn’t include him in the first round.

Jeremiah talked more about Ifedi here.

“I think he can play tackle. I know that there’s some debate, some belief that he can kick inside and be better at guard. But guys to me he is what you want your tackle to look like. He can bend. To me the awareness is an issue and that’s something he’s going to have to learn and develop but man all of the tools are there for him to maybe even jump up — maybe sneak into the bottom of the first round. He’s right on that edge.”

Charles Davis followed up by mentioning Duane Brown. Jeremiah agreed with the comparison and suggested he’d be a “solid starting right tackle right away”.

Funnily enough Brown was the #26 pick in 2008. He’s a different body type to Ifedi (at the combine he was 6-4, 315lbs and ran quicker but wasn’t as explosive in the vertical jump). Brown also had 33 inch arms not 36 inches. He still had a very good career in Houston as a late first round tackle pick.

If you’re wondering about Ifedi’s athletic upside (and there’s no reason to after a 32.5 inch vertical at 324lbs) — here he is in the mirror drill at the combine going up against future #1 overall pick Laremy Tunsil:

The athletic potential of Germain Ifedi, combined with the size and length he possesses, makes him a very intriguing option for the Seahawks at #26.

The Mock Draftable database says his best comparison physically is Kelechi Osemele — a player that probably costs you $10m APY on the open market.

It’ll be no reach if they do select him in round one. For more on Ifedi, check out this review I put together back in December.

NFL mock draft: Combine update 1st March

March 1, 2016 /

Travis Feeney will rise after an explosive combine performance

This mock draft is a reaction to the combine and what I think will happen. All of my previous mocks represented a take on certain players (thus, Ronnie Stanley & Vernon Hargreaves falling). This is an attempt to guess how it might play out, regardless of my own views on a particular individual.

Round 1

#1 Tennessee — Laremy Tunsil (T, Ole Miss)
With Joey Bosa’s so-so combine, Tunsil is the big favourite to go #1 overall to bookend Taylor Lewan.

#2 Cleveland — Carson Wentz (QB, North Dakota State)
The NFL seems to be in love with Wentz. And while I still think there’s a chance Paxton Lynch ends up in Cleveland — there’s no reason to fight Wentz’s momentum.

#3 San Diego — Jaylen Ramsey (CB, Florida State)
He had a very good combine and with a combination of athleticism, technique and length — he’ll go in the top five.

#4 Dallas — Jared Goff (QB, California)
The Cowboys have to consider developing someone behind the perennially injured Tony Romo. Goff is perhaps best suited to Jason Garrett’s offense.

#5 Jacksonville — Myles Jack (LB, UCLA)
A rare athlete for the position, Jacksonville takes the best player available on defense.

#6 Baltimore — Joey Bosa (DE, Ohio State)
Bosa’s combine indicates he wins with agility rather than speed. He’d be a good fit working in Baltimore’s tough defense.

#7 San Francisco — Paxton Lynch (QB, Memphis)
The Niners might prefer to go in a different direction but Lynch is big, athletic and mobile.

#8 Miami — Ronnie Stanley (T, Notre Dame)
I’m not a big fan of Stanley but the Dolphins need a good pass-blocking left tackle.

#9 Tampa Bay — Vernon Hargreaves (CB, Florida)
He lacks length and explosive athleticism but admittedly he put on a technical clinic during drills.

#10 New York Giants — Darron Lee (LB, Ohio State)
What a performance at the combine — confirming he’s a legit top-15 talent. Lee is going to be great.

#11 Chicago — DeForest Buckner (DE, Oregon)
Buckner is an ideal fit to play DE in Vic Fangio’s scheme. This would be a good fit for the Bears.

#12 New Orleans — Sheldon Rankins (DT, Louisville)
Rankins played DE and DT at Louisville and could move around in New Orleans’ 3-4 scheme.

#13 Philadelphia — Jack Conklin (T, Michigan State)
He’s more athletic than anyone thought and could be a guard in 2016 before switching to right tackle when Lane Johnson replaces Jason Peters.

#14 Oakland — Ezekiel Elliott (RB, Ohio State)
It’s not a huge need but Elliott is a top player in this draft class.

#15 Los Angeles — Laquon Treadwell (WR, Ole Miss)
He’s not a burner but Treadwell looked so fluid during drills. A natural talent who will be a good possession receiver.

#16 Detroit — Jason Spriggs (T, Indiana)
Detroit fills arguably their biggest need with the athletic Spriggs.

#17 Atlanta — Leonard Floyd (LB, Georgia)
Floyd had a terrific combine. Dan Quinn adds another explosive athlete to his defense — his version of Bruce Irvin (who they’re unlikely to afford).

#18 Indianapolis — Taylor Decker (T, Ohio State)
Decker lost ground to Conklin and Spriggs at the combine but should still secure a place in the top-20.

#19 Buffalo — A’Shawn Robinson (DT, Alabama)
Not quite the performance we expected at the combine but Robinson is a 32-year-old grown man who is actually 20.

#20 New York Jets — Noah Spence (DE, Eastern Kentucky)
Whatever the reason for an average combine — Spence didn’t flash quick-twitch brilliance and will probably not go in the top-10.

#21 Washington — Reggie Ragland (LB, Alabama)
Scot McCloughan wants to be physical running the ball and stop the run on defense. Enter Reggie Ragland as a tone-setter on defense.

#22 Houston — Corey Coleman (WR, Baylor)
An explosive athlete who can compliment DeAndre Hopkins and whoever they bring in at quarterback.

#23 Minnesota — Derrick Henry (RB, Alabama)
How about a one-two punch with Adrian Peterson and Henry? Let’s not forget Peterson turns 31 this month.

#24 Cincinatti — Andrew Billings (DT, Baylor)
The Bengals fit Billings next to Geno Atkins — the perfect compliment.

#25 Pittsburgh — Keanu Neal (S, Florida)
What a player. A born leader who hits like a sledgehammer. He’d look really good in the AFC North. One of the best players in the draft.

#26 Seattle — Germain Ifedi (T, Texas A&M)
The Seahawks have to find an answer if Russell Okung moves on. They love length (36 inch arms), size (320lbs) and athleticism (top vertical jump among OL’s).

#27 Green Bay — Jarran Reed (DT, Alabama)
Physical, competitive run-defender. Green Bay needs more toughness and grit on defense.

#28 Kansas City — Eli Apple (CB, Ohio State)
A really good player and if he lasts into this range — he’ll be another cornerback steal for the Chiefs.

#29 Arizona — Kamalei Correa (LB, Boise State)
He had a very good combine and will interest the 3-4 teams as an OLB.

#30 Carolina — Emmanuel Ogbah (DE, Oklahoma State)
There are question marks about his effort but Ogbah ran an elite 1.5 split and has incredible length (35.5 inch arms) and production (13 sacks in 2015)

#31 Denver — Shon Coleman (T, Auburn)
Terrific, underrated player. The Broncos drafted 25-year-old rookie Sly Williams so won’t be put off Coleman’s age (24).

Round 2

#32 Cleveland — Shaq Lawson (DE, Clemson)
He can play DE or OLB for Cleveland in the 3-4.

#33 Tennessee — William Jackson (CB, Houston)
He had a fantastic combine and is knocking on the door for round one.

#34 Dallas — Mackensive Alexander (CB, Clemson)
The self-proclaimed best corner in the draft might have to wait a little while.

#35 San Diego — Ryan Kelly (C, Alabama)
He separated from the rest of the center’s with an excellent combine.

#36 Baltimore — Darian Thompson (S, Boise State)
Not a great combine but he was reportedly suffering with illness.

#37 San Francisco — Will Fuller (WR, Notre Dame)
We know how much Chip Kelly loves speed on offense.

#38 Miami — Kevin Dodd (DE, Clemson)
The Dolphins add another pass-rusher to their stable.

#39 Jacksonville — Charles Tapper (DE, Oklahoma)
One of the stars of the combine, boosting his stock by a full round.

#40 New York Giants — Vernon Butler (DT, Louisiana Tech)
A decent combine but others were better so he could last into round two.

#41 Chicago — Le’Raven Clark (T, Texas A&M)
Incredible upside gets him into the top-50.

#42 Tampa Bay — Kenny Clark (DT, UCLA)
He looked excellent during the combine drills. He’s a pure one-technique.

#43 Los Angeles — Robert Nkemdiche (DE, Ole Miss)
Jeff Fisher isn’t afraid of character issues. They also love to collect explosive D-liners.

#44 Oakland — Vonn Bell (S, Ohio State)
The Raiders need to add a safety and Bell is the best available.

#45 Los Angeles — Connor Cook (QB, Michigan State)
Cook is a quirky character but he can game-manage this roster effectively.

#46 Detroit — Michael Thomas (WR, Ohio State)
With Calvin Johnson set to retire — they’ll need a big target.

#47 New Orleans — Nick Martin (C, Notre Dame)
A terrific, solid top-50 player. He can play guard or center.

#48 Indianapolis — Jonathan Bullard (DE, Florida)
He had an impressive combine but this feels like his range. He’s best at DE in the 3-4.

#49 Buffalo — Kyler Fackrell (LB, Utah State)
An underrated pass-rusher and effective blitzer.

#50 Atlanta — Sterling Shepard (WR, Oklahoma)
Shepard put on a show at the combine to suggest he’s the next Tyler Lockett.

#51 New York Jets — Cody Whitehair (T, Kansas State)
He’ll kick inside to guard or center — two need positions for the Jets.

#52 Houston — Christian Hackenburg (QB, Penn State)
Is it too obvious? Hackenburg has the tools — he just isn’t accurate.

#53 Washington — Christian Westerman (G, Arizona State)
Athletic lineman. The type McGloughan will love. He can play center or guard.

#54 Minnesota — Joshua Garnett (G, Stanford)
Improving the O-line is a big need for the Vikings.

#55 Cincinnati — Josh Doctson (WR, TCU)
They might lose Marvin Jones and Doctson is an ideal replacement.

#56 Seattle — Travis Feeney (LB, Washington)
Pete Carroll wants to find a player to impact turnovers. Feeney is explosive, rangy and makes plays. He’d replace Bruce Irvin.

#57 Green Bay — Braxton Miller (WR, Ohio State)
The Packers like to draft and develop second round receivers.

#58 Pittsburgh — Chris Jones (DT, Mississippi State)
Adding another D-liner to their rotation up front makes sense.

#59 Kansas City — Austin Johnson (DT, Penn State)
Constantly active, intense defensive lineman with a non-stop motor.

#60 New England — Joshua Perry (LB, Ohio State)
I get the sense Bill Belichick will love Perry’s intensity and leadership.

#61 Arizona — Miles Killebrew (S, Southern Utah)
A player with major upside. They can develop him to to start at safety.

#62 Denver — Tyler Boyd (WR, Pittsburgh)
Terrific football player and a Mr. Reliable for whoever starts at quarterback.

63 Carolina — Charone Peake (WR, Clemson)
The Panthers can’t put enough talented receivers in front of Cam Newton.

Further thoughts on the Seahawks

The Ifedi pick is relatively straight forward. The Seahawks will need an answer at tackle if they lose Russell Okung (which seems increasingly likely). Garry Gilliam appears destined to switch to left tackle. Ifedi would play right tackle.

He fits their profile perfectly for the position — 6-6, 324lbs, 36 inch arms, a good 1.78 split and the best vertical jump (32.5 inches) in this years O-line class.

Physically he compares favourably to Greg Robinson, the #2 overall pick in 2014. Ifedi would give the Seahawks a tackle with an incredibly high ceiling at an affordable cost for the next four years.

Pete Carroll told Pat Kirwan at the combine that the Seahawks are looking to find players that can force turnovers on defense. We also know they like explosive athleticism and playmakers. Travis Feeney fits the bill perfectly.

At 6-4 and 230lbs he ran a 4.50 with an elite 1.59 split. He added a 40 inch vertical and a 10-10 in the broad jump. Feeney had eight sacks in 2015 and has the kind of character and personality the Seahawks like. He’s a competitor who impacts games.

The Seahawks will likely need to replace Bruce Irvin and while Feeney is lighter — they have started Malcolm Smith (6-0, 225lbs) and Mike Morgan (6-3, 235lbs) in that position.

After his combine display on Sunday, Feeney is unlikely to last until the late third round. If they want him they might have to take him at #56. He screams ‘Seahawks’.

These two picks also address the two biggest needs — O-line and pass rusher/defensive playmaker.

With two picks in round three they could target an interior offensive lineman (Connor McGovern? Joe Dahl? Graham Glasgow?) and take the best remaining defensive tackle. Willie Henry might still be on the board. I don’t think Javon Hargrave will be drafted until rounds 3-4. There’s a chance Sheldon Day, Ronald Blair III and Darius Latham could be available.

I also intend to look closer at Matt Judon from Grand Valley State. He’s 6-3 and 275lbs with 34 inch arms. He posted a 4.73 (1.66 split) and a 35 inch vertical. Penn State’s Anthony Vettel also tested well. The beauty of this defensive tackle class is there will be options in the late third and even the fourth round.

The depth at DT could also provide excellent value in free agency. If teams are looking at the draft to add a defensive tackle — it could open up the possibility of Seattle adding a couple of cheap veterans.

They could also consider adding a running back in round three. Notre Dame’s C.J. Prosise looks like the best fit at 6-0, 220lbs with 4.48 speed and a 35.5 inch vertical. He also has a lot of experience catching the ball out of the backfield.

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