Month: April 2018 (Page 2 of 4)

This isn’t the one sent to the Huddle Report. However, with the news out there that Baker Mayfield is set to be the #1 pick, I decided to do a first round update…

#1 Cleveland — Baker Mayfield (QB, Oklahoma)
#2 NY Giants — Saquon Barkley (RB, Penn State)
#3 NY Jets (via Ind) — Josh Rosen (QB, UCLA)
#4 Cleveland (via Hou) — Sam Darnold (QB, USC)
#5 Denver — Josh Allen (QB, Wyoming)
#6 Indianapolis (via NYJ) — Bradley Chubb (EDGE, NC State)
#7 Tampa Bay — Vita Vea (DT, Washington)
#8 Chicago — Quenton Nelson (G, Notre Dame)
#9 San Francisco — Tremaine Edmunds (LB, Virginia Tech)
#10 Oakland — Roquan Smith (LB, Georgia)
#11 Miami — Rashaan Evans (LB, Alabama)
#12 Cleveland (via Buf, Cin) — Denzel Ward (CB, Ohio State)
#13 Washington — Derwin James (S, Florida State)
#14 Green Bay — Minkah Fitzpatrick (S, Alabama)
#15 Arizona — Lamar Jackson (QB, Louisville)
#16 Baltimore — Da’Ron Payne (DT, Alabama)
#17 LA Chargers — Mike McGlinchey (T, Notre Dame)
#18 Cleveland (via Sea) — Kolton Miller (T, UCLA)
#19 Dallas — Leighton Vander Esch (LB, Boise State)
#20 Detroit — Marcus Davenport (DE, UTSA)
#21 Cincinnati (via Buf) — Frank Ragnow (C, Arkansas)
#22 Buffalo — Billy Price (C, Ohio State)
#23 New England — Mike Hughes (CB, UCF)
#24 Carolina — Joshua Jackson (CB, Iowa)
#25 Tennessee — Harold Landry (DE, Boston College)
#26 Atlanta — Taven Bryan (DT, Florida)
#27 New Orleans — Hayden Hurst (TE, South Carolina)
#28 Denver (via Pittsburgh) — Will Hernandez (G, UTEP)
#29 Jacksonville — Isaiah Wynn (G, Georgia)
#30 Minnesota — Austin Corbett (G, Nevada)
#31 New England — Calvin Ridley (WR, Alabama)
#32 Philadelphia — James Daniels (C, Iowa)

My Seahawks seven rounder wouldn’t change:

(33) — Isaiah Oliver (CB, Colorado)
R2 (50) — Christian Kirk (WR, Texas A&M)
R2 (64) — Andrew Brown (DE, Virginia)
R3 (90) — Kalen Ballage (RB, Arizona State)
R4 (114) — Shaquem Griffin (LB, UCF)
R4 (120) — Dorance Armstrong (DE, Kansas)
R5 (141) — Leon Jacobs (LB, Wisconsin)
R5 (146) — Kameron Kelly (S, San Diego State)
R5 (156) — Tony Brown (CB, Alabama)
R5 (168) — Will Dissly (TE, Washington)
R7 (226) — Kyle Allen (QB, Houston)
R7 (248) — Keith Kirkwood (WR, Temple)

This is my final mock draft to be sent to the Huddle Report for scoring. It includes:

— Two rounds
— Multiple trades
— An Earl Thomas to Dallas trade
— A full Seahawks seven-round projection

First round

#1 Cleveland — Sam Darnold (QB, USC)
#2 NY Giants — Saquon Barkley (RB, Penn State)
#3 NY Jets (via Ind) — Baker Mayfield (QB, Oklahoma)
#4 Cleveland (via Hou) — Bradley Chubb (EDGE, NC State)
#5 Buffalo (via Den) — Josh Allen (QB, Wyoming)
#6 Indianapolis (via NYJ) — Roquan Smith (LB, Georgia)
#7 San Francisco (via TB) — Tremaine Edmunds (LB, Virginia Tech)
#8 Chicago — Quenton Nelson (G, Notre Dame)
#9 Tampa Bay (via SF) — Vita Vea (DT, Washington)
#10 Oakland — Mike McGlinchey (T, Notre Dame)
#11 Miami — Josh Rosen (QB, UCLA)
#12 Denver (via Buf, Cin) — Leighton Vander Esch (LB, Boise State)
#13 Washington — Denzel Ward (CB, Ohio State)
#14 Green Bay — Minkah Fitzpatrick (S, Alabama)
#15 Arizona — Lamar Jackson (QB, Louisville)
#16 Baltimore — Da’Ron Payne (DT, Alabama)
#17 LA Chargers — Derwin James (S, Florida State)
#18 Cleveland (via Sea) — Kolton Miller (T, UCLA)
#19 Atlanta (via Dal) — Taven Bryan (DT, Florida)
#20 Detroit — Marcus Davenport (DE, UTSA)
#21 Cincinnati (via Buf) — Frank Ragnow (C, Arkansas)
#22 Denver (via Buf, KC) — Will Hernandez (G, UTEP)
#23 New England (via LAR) — Rashaan Evans (LB, Alabama)
#24 Carolina — Joshua Jackson (CB, Iowa)
#25 Tennessee — Harold Landry (DE, Boston College)
#26 Dallas (via Atl) — Calvin Ridley (WR, Alabama)
#27 New Orleans — Hayden Hurst (TE, South Carolina)
#28 Pittsburgh — Justin Reid (S, Stanford)
#29 Jacksonville — D.J. Moore (WR, Maryland)
#30 Minnesota — James Daniels (C, Iowa)
#31 New England — Isaiah Wynn (G, Georgia)
#32 Philadelphia — Austin Corbett (G, Nevada)

How would this leave things for the Seahawks?

Having dropped down to #33 from #18, there are many things to consider:

— What are the cliffs at each position? Which areas can you address in rounds 4-7 and feel like you added a potential starter? Which positions are thin after rounds 1-3?

— How do you fix the run? This has been a consistent stated priority after two miserable years running the ball. Are you willing to roll with what you’ve got at running back, tight end and the offensive line? Is it all about Mike Solari’s ability to turn things around? Or do you need to seriously consider the three positions early in the draft? Especially when this appears to be a tailor-made draft for fixing a running game.

— Is the biggest hole on the roster the void left by Richard Sherman? With Byron Maxwell unsigned they might feel like they have to address this need as a priority if they wish to be competitive in 2018. Both Tony Pauline and Ian Rapoport have linked the Seahawks with Isaiah Oliver today. Drafting him early would solve a major need and arguably he has more potential than any other cornerback in this class to achieve greatness. However, this isn’t the way the Seahawks do things at corner. They run a scheme that allows them to plug in prototypes bought at a discount. It’d be a big departure from how they’ve done things in the past and that has to be taken into account.

— There’s a serious lack of edge rushers in this draft and that could force the Seahawks to consider the position early. Yet who are the smart, reliable and tough players at the position with no injury or character risks? There are players they could draft early, such as Kemoko Turay or Josh Sweat, but they’d be taking the kind of gamble they appear less willing to take this year.

— Do they need to draft a touchdown maker early? They had no production from the running backs last year and they’ve lost Jimmy Graham and Paul Richardson. If Russell Wilson is going to be more of a focal point in 2018 he’ll need some help.

Second round

#33 Seattle (via Cle) — Isaiah Oliver (CB, Colorado)
#34 NY Giants — Billy Price (C, Ohio State)
#35 Cleveland — Jaire Alexander (CB, Louisville)
#36 Indianapolis — Sam Hubbard (DE, Ohio State)
#37 Indianapolis — Sony Michel (RB, Georgia)
#38 Tampa Bay — Derrius Guice (RB, LSU)
#39 Chicago — Tim Settle (DT, Virginia Tech)
#40 Denver — Nick Chubb (RB, Georgia)
#41 Oakland — Geron Christian (T, Louisville)
#42 Miami — Dallas Goedert (TE, South Dakota State)
#43 New England (via SF) — Tyrell Crosby (T, Oregon)
#44 Washington — Ronald Jones II (RB, USC)
#45 Green Bay — Courtland Sutton (WR, SMU)
#46 Cincinnati — Ronnie Harrison (S, Alabama)
#47 Arizona — Carlton Davis (CB, Auburn)
#48 LA Chargers — Mason Rudolph (QB, Oklahoma State)
#49 Indianapolis — Mike Hughes (CB, UCF)
#50 Seattle (via Dal) — Christian Kirk (WR, Texas A&M)
#51 Detroit — Ian Thomas (TE, Indiana)
#52 Baltimore — Lorenzo Carter (LB, Georgia)
#53 Buffalo — Braden Smith (G, Auburn)
#54 Kansas City — Kemoko Turay (DE, Rutgers)
#55 Carolina — Rasheem Green (DE, USC)
#56 Denver (via Buf, LAR) — Connor Williams (G, Texas)
#57 Tennessee — Malik Jefferson (LB, Texas)
#58 Atlanta — Donte Jackson (CB, LSU)
#59 San Francisco (via NO) — Rashaad Penny (RB, San Diego State)
#60 Pittsburgh — B.J. Hill (DT, NC State)
#61 Jacksonville — Harrison Phillips (DT, Stanford)
#62 Minnesota — Maurice Hurst (DT, Michigan)
#63 Chicago (via NE) — Jessie Bates III (S, Wake Forest)
#64 Seattle (via Cle, Phi) — Andrew Brown (DE, Virginia)

The trades

— Buffalo trades #12, #22 and a 2019 pick to Denver for #5 to select Josh Allen

— The San Francisco 49ers trade #9 and #74 to Tampa Bay for #7 to select Tremaine Edmunds

— Cleveland trades #33, #64 and #114 to Seattle for #18 to select Kolton Miller

— Atlanta trades #26 and #90 to Dallas for the #19 pick to select Taven Bryan

— Dallas trades #50 and #90 to Seattle for Earl Thomas

Seahawks seven rounder

R2 (33) — Isaiah Oliver (CB, Colorado)
R2 (50) — Christian Kirk (WR, Texas A&M)
R2 (64) — Andrew Brown (DE, Virginia)
R3 (90) — Kalen Ballage (RB, Arizona State)
R4 (114) — Shaquem Griffin (LB, UCF)
R4 (120) — Dorance Armstrong (DE, Kansas)
R5 (141) — Leon Jacobs (LB, Wisconsin)
R5 (146) — Kameron Kelly (S, San Diego State)
R5 (156) — Tony Brown (CB, Alabama)
R5 (168) — Will Dissly (TE, Washington)
R7 (226) — Kyle Allen (QB, Houston)
R7 (248) — Keith Kirkwood (WR, Temple)

Notes

— In this projection I’ve included an Earl Thomas trade. The Cowboys trade down from #19 with Atlanta and collect a third round pick. They then use that pick and #50 to deal for Thomas. I’m not passing comment on whether I think it’s the right or wrong thing to do. I just think there’s a pretty good chance of it happening. The good news is in two days time the saga will be over one way or another.

— I’ve tried to fill multiple needs for the Seahawks, assessing where the cliffs are to maximise the number of contributors they can collect. The toughest challenge facing the Seahawks will be to bolster the D-line. The options are so thin at EDGE both in the early and later rounds. I have them passing on the early EDGE rushers (Josh Sweat, Kemoko Turay) and taking Dorance Armstrong later. I still think Andrew Brown is a viable target given his strong character, versatility and fantastic short shuttle time (a test that appeals to Seattle for defensive linemen).

— I’m not sure this is a seven-round projection that sufficiently addresses the running game. I still believe there’s a chance the Seahawks focus their attention on fixing the run. That could mean taking an offensive lineman and a running back with two of their first three picks. Yet there are so many new needs and areas to address you’ll have to see where the cliffs are in order to get ‘your guys’. And they may just think Kalen Ballage in round three and having the opportunity to go CB-WR-DL in round two is a better use of resources than taking Nick Chubb or Ronald Jones II earlier.

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Before we get started, if you missed yesterday’s podcast check it out below…

Tier one (5)

Saquon Barkley (RB, Penn State)
Quenton Nelson (G, Notre Dame)
Tremaine Edmunds (LB, Virginia Tech)
Bradley Chubb (DE, NC State)
Vita Vea (DT, Washington)

These are the elite five. None of this group will last to #18 but if they did, you wouldn’t trade down. The crème de la crème of the 2018 draft and five potential stars of the future.

Tier two (4)

Sam Darnold (QB, USC)
Josh Rosen (QB, UCLA)
Baker Mayfield (QB, Oklahoma)
Josh Allen (QB, Wyoming)

I thought about not including the top quarterbacks. After all, the Seahawks aren’t going to be trading into the top-10 to land a new QB. Darnold, Mayfield and Allen appear locks to go in the top-10. Rosen’s stock is a little less clear although in terms of talent, he’s the more natural passer in the group.

Tier three (5)

Ronald Jones II (RB, USC)
Leighton Vander Esch (LB, Boise State)
Roquan Smith (LB, Georgia)
Lamar Jackson (QB, Louisville)
Isaiah Wynn (G, Georgia)

These are the players I would separate from the enormous middle class. Ronald Jones II and Isaiah Wynn likely won’t go in the top-20 but you’ll be hard pushed to find better tape than theirs in 2017.

Tier four (20)

Austin Corbett (G, Nevada)
Billy Price (C, Ohio State)
Frank Ragnow (C, Arkansas)
James Daniels (C, Iowa)
Marcus Davenport (DE, UTSA)
Maurice Hurst (DT, Michigan)
Derwin James (S, Florida State)
Minkah Fitzpatrick (S, Alabama)
Taven Bryan (DT, Florida)
Isaiah Oliver (CB, Colorado)
Nick Chubb (RB, Georgia)
Anthony Miller (WR, Memphis)
Christian Kirk (WR, Texas A&M)
D.J. Moore (WR, Maryland)
Mike McGlinchey (T, Notre Dame)
Rashaan Evans (LB, Alabama)
Calvin Ridley (WR, Alabama)
Tim Settle (DT, Virginia Tech)
Da’Ron Payne (DT, Alabama)
Will Hernandez (G, UTEP)

Some of these players will go in the top-20. Others will last into the 30’s or 40’s. You can make a case that Austin Corbett, Billy Price, Frank Ragnow and James Daniels deserve better grades than Derwin James and Minkah Fitzpatrick. This is why I think trading down from #18 is inevitable. If you can get Corbett, Price, Maurice Hurst, Christian Kirk, Nick Chubb or Isaiah Oliver after trading down, you do it. Because the player at #18 isn’t going to possess a significantly higher grade than the player you take at #33, #38 or #40.

Tier five (34)

Denzel Ward (CB, Ohio State)
Courtland Sutton (WR, SMU)
James Washington (WR, Oklahoma State)
Kerryon Johnson (RB, Auburn)
Ian Thomas (TE, Indiana)
Dallas Goedert (TE, South Dakota State)
Kolton Miller (T, UCLA)
Braden Smith (G, Auburn)
Jessie Bates III (S, Wake Forest)
Justin Reid (S, Stanford)
Ronnie Harrison (S, Alabama)
Nick Nelson (CB, Wisconsin)
Carlton Davis (CB, Auburn)
Harold Landry (DE, Boston College)
Sony Michel (RB, Georgia)
Derrius Guice (RB, LSU)
Jaire Alexander (CB, Louisville)
Joshua Jackson (CB, Iowa)
Royce Freeman (RB, Oregon)
Rashaad Penny (RB, San Diego State)
Hayden Hurst (TE, South Carolina)
Malik Jefferson (LB, Texas)
Kemoko Turay (DE, Rutgers)
Josh Sweat (DE, Florida State)
Lorenzo Carter (LB, Georgia)
Sam Hubbard (DE, Ohio State)
Rasheem Green (DE, USC)
Terrell Edmunds (S, Virginia Tech)
Breeland Speaks (DE, Ole Miss)
Andrew Brown (DE, Virginia)
B.J. Hill (DT, NC State)
Derrick Nnadi (DT, Florida State)
Tyquan Lewis (DE, Ohio State)
Josey Jewell (LB, Iowa)

I didn’t see the point in ranking Denzel Ward any higher because Seattle probably won’t draft a short armed corner in round one. But he’s good enough that if he somehow lasted into the early second there’s no point not having him on the board.

I think Harold Landry is quite overrated. He’s often paired with the Seahawks in mock drafts but seems like a mirage to me. One of Bob McGinn’s sources said this about Landry: “He’s not a first-round property. I don’t think he can stand up (in a 3-4). He’s too tight in the hips. He’s a little guy and he doesn’t have the burst. Fool’s gold.” Another said: “Not a physical guy. Not strong at the point of attack. Doesn’t really play hard. Not a dynamic pass rusher. He’s more of a fall-into-sacks guy.” I’m not taking him off the board but this ranking represents where I think his stock should be in relation to the Seahawks.

Someone like Hayden Hurst could land in the late first round. Ditto Sam Hubbard. But Tyquan Lewis, Derrick Nnadi, Josey Jewell and B.J. Hill could end up being high impact players. Assuming the Seahawks trade down and acquire at least a second and third round pick in return, the likes of Speaks, Brown, Hill, Nnandi and Lewis would all be fine and underrated selections for a team needing to add to the D-line.

It’s at this point that the EDGE rush options fall off the proverbial cliff.

Why aren’t Sony Michel and Derrius Guice higher? Michel fumbles too often and with Guice it’s character. Jaire Alexander and Joshua Jackson could both go in the first round but don’t fit Seattle’s physical profile at corner, so I’ve placed them in tier six.

Tier six (17)

Kalen Ballage (RB, Arizona State)
Luke Falk (QB, Washington State)
Mason Rudolph (QB, Oklahoma State)
D.J. Chark (WR, LSU)
Dante Pettis (WR, Washington)
Holton Hill (CB, Texas)
Harrison Phillips (DT, Stanford)
Connor Williams (G, Texas)
Geron Christian (T, Louisville)
Tyrell Crosby (T, Oregon)
Nathan Shepherd (DT, Fort Hays State)
Justin Jones (DT, NC State)
Keke Coutee (WR, Texas A&M)
Jalyn Holmes (DE, Ohio State)
Shaquem Griffin (LB, UCF)
Tarvarius Moore (S, Southern Miss)
Donte Jackson (CB, LSU)

Some of the names in this list stand out more than others. Realistically the Seahawks could target Kalen Ballage and Shaquem Griffin. Holton Hill could be a hedge if they don’t acquire Isaiah Oliver, Keke Coutee could be an alternative to Christian Kirk and Jalyn Holmes could be an alternative to some of the defensive linemen.

Tier seven (15)

Quenton Meeks (CB, Stanford)
Kameron Kelly (DB, San Diego State)
Dalton Schultz (TE, Stanford)
Durham Smythe (TE, Notre Dame)
Mike Gesicki (TE, Penn State)
Tony Brown (CB, Alabama)
John Kelly (RB, Tennessee)
Brian O’Neill (T, Pittsburgh)
Dorance Armstrong (DE, Kansas)
Leon Jacobs (LB, Wisconsin)
Natrell Jamerson (S, Wisconsin)
Jaylen Samuels (RB, NC State)
Isaac Yiadom (CB, Boston College)
Oren Burks (LB, Vanderbilt)
Micah Kiser (LB, Virginia)

This group further illustrates the kind of depth that will be on offer stretching into rounds three and four. The prospects listed here will provoke mixed opinions. For me, it’s a really talented group.

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Before we get started — here is the final Field Gulls draft podcast before Thursday. Check it out below…

Seahawks make it clear — they’re not going to take another big risk

Smart, tough, reliable.

High character.

All football.

These are words you hear a lot in the lead up to the draft. With the Seahawks, the words don’t feel quite so empty this year.

Last week we suggested the Malik McDowell mistake would influence the Seahawks. Today, that was all but confirmed by John Schneider and Pete Carroll:

Schneider: We don't have quite as many names on our board. You have to meet certain criteria to be on our board. Not making excuses for some guys anymore. #Seahawks

— Aaron Levine (@AaronQ13Fox) April 23, 2018

The McDowell error cost two high picks. The one they used after trading down from #26 and the one they spent on Sheldon Richardson.

They won’t want a repeat.

On day three the stakes aren’t quite as high. They might be more willing to take a chance on someone in rounds 4-7. But with the early picks — expect a renewed emphasis on character.

The cliffs are important this year

The Seahawks have multiple needs to fill. This isn’t going to be a ‘focus on one area’ type of draft. They need to add to the D-line, secondary, fix the running game, replace some of the lost production at WR/TE and find depth at linebacker.

With limited early round stock there’s only one way to do this. Identify the cliffs at each position. If you can get a corner on day three but not an EDGE, that has to play into your thinking.

This year we’re not going to be able to assess Seattle’s draft until the conclusion. Some of their day three picks will be the most important. They’re going to need to find some competition and some potential starters in that range.

Dallas ‘waiting on Earl Thomas to become a free agent’

Forget the draft, if there’s one reason for this week to hurry along it’s to finally conclude the Earl Thomas trade saga.

The Seahawks and Cowboys have both been using the media to try and gain leverage. Initially there was the report Seattle wanted (and apparently could get) a first and third round pick for Thomas. It doesn’t take Poirot to work out the source.

Now the Cowboys are using the media to suggest they’ll wait a year and get Thomas for free when he reaches free agency. It’s a very blatant attempt by Dallas to smoke out the Seahawks.

There’s probably a compromise of sorts to be had. It’s hard to imagine Jerry Jones sitting patiently on day two knowing he can make a big splash. That could be Seattle’s ace up their sleeve.

That’s not to say a trade is necessarily the right move. However, surey only the most optimistic fan envisages a long term future for Thomas in Seattle. The writing, as they say, is on the wall.

Josh Sweat’s knee a concern

There are mixed signals on Sweat’s health going into the draft. Jason La Canfora says he could sneak into the late first.

Ian Rapoport is less optimistic, noting some teams aren’t comfortable with his short or long term future.

Bob McGinn’s NFL sources share that opinion:

“He’s got (knee) problems… He’s going to fall. Big time. He could only practice once a week in college. He’s a talented dude. Good player.”

McGinn as a consequence projects Sweat will go in the third-to-fifth round range. He previously ranked him in round two — so this is a new development.

With such a weak EDGE class the Seahawks might be willing to take a chance on Sweat. That said, given their apparent desire to avoid risk this year, they might end up looking in a different direction.

Tony Pauline projects a big trade for Seattle

In his latest mock published today, Tony has the Seahawks trading the #18 pick to Denver. In return they get the #40 pick, the #96 pick and a 2019 first rounder.

It’s an interesting proposition. The Broncos move up to get Lamar Jackson.

Such a deal would allow the Seahawks to pick twice on day two (probably the minimum they’re aiming for). The big positive would be the 2019 first rounder. The Broncos were terrible last season and it’s not unfair to wonder whether Vance Joseph is out of his depth. That first rounder could easily end up being a top-10 pick.

Tony has the Seahawks taking Austin Corbett (not the greatest need but would be a terrific pick) and Dorance Armstrong. The Armstrong pick is a bit of a reach at #96. For what it’s worth, such a deal would enable the Seahawks to take Christian Kirk and Kalen Ballage, two players they worked out together in Arizona recently.

If they did trade Earl Thomas for a package including pick #50, they would also be able to draft one of Josh Sweat, Sam Hubbard or Rasheem Green to bolster the D-line.

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These are my personal rankings, not a projection based on what I think the Seahawks will do. For those following the blog since September, there won’t be many surprises here. My opinion hasn’t changed on many players since the end of the college season.

Quarterback

1. Sam Darnold (USC)
2. Baker Mayfield (Oklahoma)
3. Josh Rosen (UCLA)
4. Josh Allen (Wyoming)
5. Lamar Jackson (Louisville)
6. Luke Falk (Washington State)

Based on how he performed at the Senior Bowl, it’d be easy to put Josh Allen at #1. He looked like a totally different player when not handling the duty of trying to make Wyoming relevant. But how are you going to prioritise? Some teams will have Allen at the top because he has the highest ceiling. I’m going in a different direction because Darnold, Mayfield and Rosen all showed more on the field (and it’s not like they’re lacking potential).

Running back

1. Saquon Barkley (Penn State)
2. Ronald Jones II (USC)
3. Nick Chubb (Georgia)
4. Kerryon Johnson (Auburn)
5. Derrius Guice (LSU)
6. Sony Michel (Georgia)

Saquon Barkley is the clear #1 and for me, Ronald Jones II is the clear #2. The comparisons to Jamaal Charles are warranted, he’s a truly dynamic playmaker and could have an Alvin Kamara-type impact as a rookie. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Seahawks have Kalen Ballage ahead of some of these names.

Wide receiver

1. Anthony Miller (Memphis)
2. Christian Kirk (Texas A&M)
3. D.J. Moore (Maryland)
4. Calvin Ridley (Alabama)
5. Courtland Sutton (SMU)
6. James Washington (Oklahoma State)

I put Anthony Miller in the top-20 of my first mock draft and felt he was the best receiver in the draft. Nothing has shifted my opinion since. He isn’t going to go in the top-20 because he’s not fast and there were some injury concerns. It’s a down year for the position overall but if I had to bet on one guy, it’d be Miller.

Tight end

1. Ian Thomas (Indiana)
2. Dallas Goedert (South Dakota State)
3. Hayden Hurst (South Carolina)
4. Dalton Schultz (Stanford)
5. Durham Smythe (Notre Dame)
6. Mike Gesicki (Penn State)

I’m still not sold on this group and don’t think any should go in round one. Ian Thomas has the biggest upside and 2-3 years down the line might be the best tight end from this class. I’m ranking the blockers (Schultz, Smythe) higher than most for their ability to do one thing really well.

Offensive tackle

1. Mike McGlinchey (Notre Dame)
2. Kolton Miller (UCLA)
3. Geron Christian (Louisville)
4. Tyrell Crosby (Oregon)
5. Brian O’Neill (Pittsburgh)
6. Orlando Brown (Oklahoma)

The best two tackles in college football last season were Isaiah Wynn and Austin Corbett but both are projected to move inside. Regardless, Mike McGlinchey and Kolton Miller could go in the top-20.

Guard/center

1. Quenton Nelson (Notre Dame)
2. Isaiah Wynn (Georgia)
3. Austin Corbett (Nevada)
4. Billy Price (Ohio State)
5. Frank Ragnow (Arkansas)
6. James Daniels (Iowa)
7. Will Hernandez (UTEP)
8. Braden Smith (Auburn)

Now you’re talking. What a group. Quenton Nelson is the clear #1 and a top-10 pick. Isaiah Wynn and Austin Corbett are both fantastic talents and deserve to go in the first round. There’s nothing between Billy Price, Frank Ragnow, James Daniels and Will Hernandez. They’re all top-50 talents. If any go in round one, it’d be fair. I added a seventh and eighth prospect to this group because it was too difficult to leave the names out.

EDGE

1. Bradley Chubb (NC State)
2. Marcus Davenport (UTSA)
3. Harold Landry (Boston College)
4. Kemoko Turay (Rutgers)
5. Josh Sweat (Florida State)
6. Lorenzo Carter (Georgia)

The EDGE options are severely limited this year. Marcus Davenport is raw and needs time. Harold Landry is a bit of a mirage and will be over-drafted. Josh Sweat has frustrating tape and too often is late off the ball (but he has a top-10 physical profile). Kemoko Turay might be the one who shines from this group along with Bradley Chubb.

Defensive tackle

1. Vita Vea (Washington)
2. Maurice Hurst (Michigan)
3. Tim Settle (Virginia Tech)
4. Da’Ron Payne (Alabama)
5. B.J. Hill (NC State)
6. Derrick Nnadi (Florida State)

Vita Vea is a top-10 talent. Incredible player. Maurice Hurst might be a specialist interior rusher but he’ll be a good one. Tim Settle has some Warren Sapp to his play. Both B.J. Hill and Derrick Nnadi have the potential to be terrific pro’s.

Inside/out rusher

1. Taven Bryan (Florida)
2. Rasheem Green (USC)
3. Sam Hubbard (Ohio State)
4. Andrew Brown (Virginia)
5. Breeland Speeks (Ole Miss)
6. Tyquan Lewis (Ohio State)

Taven Bryan and Tim Settle both deserve to go early. Rasheem Green could’ve been a top-20 pick in 2019 had he returned to USC and continued to develop. Andrew Brown and Breeland Speeks could sneak into round two.

Linebacker

1. Tremaine Edmunds (Virginia Tech)
2. Leighton Vander Esch (Boise State)
3. Roquan Smith (Georgia)
4. Rashaan Evans (Alabama)
5. Malik Jefferson (Texas)
6. Josey Jewell (Iowa)

The first three names here won’t last long. If the injury concerns over Leighton Vander Esch are overstated, all three could go in the top-12. Rashaan Evans plays with his hair on fire and so does Josey Jewell. They’re both incredibly fun players born to play in the old AFC North.

Cornerback

1. Denzel Ward (Ohio State)
2. Jaire Alexander (Louisville)
3. Isaiah Oliver (Colorado)
4. Nick Nelson (Wisconsin)
5. Carlton Davis (Auburn)
6. Joshua Jackson (Iowa)

There are some inconsistent moments from Isaiah Oliver but his combination of length, athleticism, agility and savvy are impressive. Nick Nelson is the best cover corner in the draft (watch him shut-out Maryland’s D.J. Moore). Denzel Ward and Jaire Alexander are very good but they’re undersized.

Safety

1. Derwin James (Florida State)
2. Minkah Fitzpatrick (Alabama)
3. Jessie Bates III (Wake Forest)
4. Ronnie Harrison (Alabama)
5. Justin Reid (Stanford)
6. Terrell Edmunds (Virginia Tech)

I think Derwin James is a 15-25 type prospect. He has incredible size and athleticism but you just want to see more. Minkah Fitzpatrick isn’t better than Earl Thomas, Keanu Neal or Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and doesn’t deserve to go earlier (but possibly will). I like Jessie Bates III’s potential and keep an eye on Terrell Edmunds.

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This is the penultimate projection this year. I’ll post my final mock on Wednesday and submit it to the Huddle Report for scoring.

Again it’s a full two-round mock with a Seahawks seven rounder to follow…

#1 Cleveland — Sam Darnold (QB, USC)
#2 NY Giants — Saquon Barkley (RB, Penn State)
#3 NY Jets (via Ind) — Baker Mayfield (QB, Oklahoma)
#4 Cleveland (via Hou) — Bradley Chubb (EDGE, NC State)
#5 Buffalo (via Den) — Josh Allen (QB, Wyoming)
#6 Indianapolis (via NYJ) — Quenton Nelson (G, Notre Dame)
#7 Tampa Bay — Denzel Ward (CB, Ohio State)
#8 New England (via Chi) — Josh Rosen (QB, UCLA)
#9 San Francisco — Roquan Smith (LB, Georgia)
#10 Oakland — Tremaine Edmunds (LB, Virginia Tech)
#11 Miami — Leighton Vander Esch (LB, Boise State)
#12 Denver (via Buf, Cin) — Mike McGlinchey (T, Notre Dame)
#13 Washington — Vita Vea (DT, Washington)
#14 Green Bay — Minkah Fitzpatrick (S, Alabama)
#15 Arizona — Lamar Jackson (QB, Louisville)
#16 Baltimore — Harold Landry (DE, Boston College)
#17 LA Chargers — Derwin James (S, Florida State)
#18 Cleveland (via Sea) — Kolton Miller (T, UCLA)
#19 Dallas — Calvin Ridley (WR, Alabama)
#20 Detroit — Da’Ron Payne (DT, Alabama)
#21 Cincinnati (via Buf) — James Daniels (C, Iowa)
#22 Denver (via Buf, KC) — Marcus Davenport (DE, UTSA)
#23 Chicago (via NE, LAR) — Rashaan Evans (LB, Alabama)
#24 Carolina — Joshua Jackson (CB, Iowa)
#25 Tennessee — Sam Hubbard (DE, Ohio State)
#26 Atlanta — Taven Bryan (DT, Florida)
#27 New Orleans — Jaire Alexander (CB, Louisville)
#28 Pittsburgh — Jessie Bates III (S, Wake Forest)
#29 Jacksonville — Justin Reid (S, Stanford)
#30 Minnesota — Isaiah Wynn (G, Georgia)
#31 Chicago (via NE) — Will Hernandez (G, UTEP)
#32 Philadelphia — Sony Michel (RB, Georgia)

#33 Tampa Bay (via Sea, Cle) — Derrius Guice (RB, LSU)
#34 NY Giants — Austin Corbett (T, Nevada)
#35 Cleveland — Isaiah Oliver (CB, Colorado)
#36 Indianapolis — D.J. Moore (WR, Maryland)
#37 Indianapolis — Carlton Davis (CB, Auburn)
#38 Seattle (via TB) — Christian Kirk (WR, Texas A&M)
#39 Chicago — Tim Settle (DT, Virginia Tech)
#40 Denver — Nick Chubb (RB, Georgia)
#41 Oakland — Hayden Hurst (TE, South Carolina)
#42 Miami — Frank Ragnow (C, Arkansas)
#43 New England (via SF) — Tyrell Crosby (T, Oregon)
#44 Washington — Ronald Jones II (RB, USC)
#45 Green Bay — Josh Sweat (DE, Florida State)
#46 Cincinnati — Ronnie Harrison (S, Alabama)
#47 Arizona — Maurice Hurst (DT, Michigan)
#48 LA Chargers — Billy Price (C, Ohio State)
#49 Indianapolis — Rashaad Penny (RB, San Diego State)
#50 Dallas — Malik Jefferson (LB, Texas)
#51 Detroit — Ian Thomas (TE, Indiana)
#52 Baltimore — Dallas Goedert (TE, South Dakota State)
#53 Denver (via Buf) — Mike Hughes (CB, UCF)
#54 Kansas City — Donte Jackson (CB, LSU)
#55 Carolina — Rasheem Green (DE, USC)
#56 Buffalo (via LAR) — Harrison Phillips (DT, Stanford)
#57 Tennessee — Courtland Sutton (WR, SMU)
#58 Atlanta — Chris Williams (T, Texas)
#59 San Francisco (via NO) — Royce Freeman (RB, Oregon)
#60 Pittsburgh — Kerryon Johnson (RB, Auburn)
#61 Jacksonville — Mason Rudolph (QB, Oklahoma State)
#62 Minnesota — Lorenzo Carter (LB, Georgia)
#63 Chicago (via NE) — Geron Christian (T, Louisville)
#64 Seattle (via Cle, Phi) — Andrew Brown (DE, Virginia)

The trades

— Buffalo trades #12, #22, #53 and a 2019 pick to Denver for the #5 pick

— New England trades #23, #31 and #63 to Chicago for the #8 pick

— Cleveland trades #33, #64 and #114 to Seattle for the #18 pick

— Tampa Bay trades #38 and #102 to Seattle for the #33 pick

— Seattle trades #102 and #141 to New England for the #95 pick

Seahawks seven rounder

#38 — Christian Kirk (WR, Texas A&M)
#64 — Andrew Brown (DE, Virginia)
#95 — Kalen Ballage (RB, Arizona State)
#114 — Shaquem Griffin (LB, UCF)
#120 — Holton Hill (CB, Texas)
#146 — Tony Brown (CB, Alabama)
#156 — Natrell Jamerson (S, Wisconsin)
#168 — Will Dissly (TE, Washington)
#226 — Poona Ford (DT, Texas)
#248 — Kyle Allen (QB, Houston)

Seahawks notes

— Tony Pauline told us last week the Seahawks want to have 10 picks in this draft. The moves made here (trade down twice, trade up once) enables this to happen.

— The point of the mock was to create competition at multiple spots. The one glaring omission is an EDGE. If the Seahawks do in fact trade Earl Thomas for a second round pick, it could enable them to bring in someone like Josh Sweat or Kemoko Turay.

— Ronnie Harrison, Ronald Jones II, Dallas Goedert, Nick Chubb, Ian Thomas, Austin Corbett, Billy Price and Maurice Hurst were also considered early in round two.

— This isn’t how I’d go about fixing the run game. I’m not the one making the picks though. At this late stage in the process I’m trying to project what they’re going to do, not what I would do.

— I’ve spent a bit more time watching Holton Hill and Tony Brown in the last couple of days. Tough, long, physical, quick, confident — they genuinely look so much like Seahawks cornerbacks. Hill could compete to start at outside corner, Brown would be competing to play in the slot. Both can tackle and if nothing else, provide some special teams value.

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Are the Seahawks going to trade down?

Yes. They’re in the middle of a major re-tool. They’re not going to pick at #18 and then watch 101 prospects leave the board before they pick again. It’s not happening. Not this year, not with their needs. Furthermore, this is a draft with only a handful of players who warrant legit first round grades. It’s unlikely many, if any, fall to #18. The person you take at #18 might have a similar grade to the player taken at #45 this year. Trade down, fill out your board, add talent at multiple positions.

What’s the ideal trade down?

Hope that someone (e.g. Cleveland) wants to move up for an offensive tackle. There are likely only two first round tackles this year — Mike McGlinchey and Kolton Miller. If you want one of them, you might need a top-20 pick. If the Browns are willing to give Seattle #33, #64 and a fourth or fifth rounder to move up to #18 — that’s your deal.

Do you still think the Seahawks will take Christian Kirk with their first pick after trading down?

I think it’s very possible for three reasons. One, he’s the ideal fit for Air Coryell. Two, every single piece written about Kirk refers to his high character, attitude and work ethic. Three, to quote one of Bob McGinn’s scouting sources: “This is the worst wide-receiver draft I’ve seen in my life.” So if you want to add a receiver, you might need to do it early. The Seahawks lost Jimmy Graham and Paul Richardson plus Tyler Lockett’s in a contract year. They need to add to the passing game.

What about their second pick?

A name to keep an eye on is Virginia’s Andrew Brown. I think he’s underrated and destined to be a top-75 selection. He’s a former five-star recruit with a relentless motor. He gives everything on the field. He ran a 4.48 short shuttle at 296lbs. The Seahawks have focused on the short shuttle with their defensive line additions (Quinton Jefferson — 4.37, Jordan Hill — 4.51, Jaye Howard — 4.47, Malik McDowell — 4.53). He has nearly 35 inch arms and can play inside/out. He’s your Michael Bennett replacement. USC’s Rasheem Green is another possibility — as is Ole Miss’ Breeland Speaks in the middle rounds.

What about the running game?

It’s strange that after spending so long talking about ‘fixing the run’ as a priority and the great options at running back — I’m now here suggesting they might wait on the position. I still maintain we were right to spend so long on that area of the team. I don’t regret spending a lot of time discussing running backs, interior offensive linemen and blocking tight ends. It’s still possible Seattle focuses on improving the run with their early picks. Yet as time has passed, I think it’s become less apparent they’ll do this with their first couple of picks. However, if they wait to address the running game and then struggle to run the ball for a third year in a row in 2018, they won’t have an excuse. Not with the first two rounds in this draft class. It’s tailor-made to help repair a running game. My thoughts on the top runners in this draft (Ronald Jones II, Nick Chubb etc) haven’t changed.

So what will they do with the running game?

It’s still possible they draft a running back early or a lineman like Austin Corbett. We shouldn’t rule it out. That said, Pete Carroll and John Schneider going to workout Christian Kirk and Kalen Ballage feels like an important piece of information. Ballage won’t be everyone’s top choice at the position. He had a very inconsistent college career. He’s flattered to deceive and there’s a very real possibility he’d end up being another Thomas Rawls, C.J. Prosise or Chris Carson — promising much but either being injured or inconsistent. However, he has the ideal physical profile for the position. We know they like running backs with size and explosive traits. We know they like unique players. Ballage has the potential to be positively freaky. He’s a superb pass catcher and could be the perfect modern day runner. Bob McGinn’s league sources say this about Ballage:

Scout #1: “Everybody will have question marks on his ability to play the physical game of football… But he’s got the size and the speed combination that will make him be a great asset to any organization.”

Scout #2: “He’s talented… Really good route runner. He has a chance to be dynamic. But he’s got to prove it over the long haul that he can do it day in and day out from the standpoint of being tough. I could see somebody jumping up in the third round because the talent is there.”

Like it or not, Pete Carroll looks for potential in a player and backs his staff to coach them up. Ballage can be dynamic. He is talented. He could also be a mirage. But the Seahawks might think taking him is only as much of a risk as rolling the dice on Derrius Guice’s reported character concerns, Ronald Jones II’s size or Sony Michel’s fumble problems.

What range would they have to target him?

It’s probably going to have to be round three. The potential is there and someone will take a chance on him. At the very least he’d be an excellent third down back, so he won’t hang around. I’m not totally convinced by Ballage myself. But it’s plausible they like him.

How are they going to add speed?

Pete Carroll felt the Rams were faster across the board during the 42-7 pasting at the end of last season. It was an honest and sadly correct assessment. On top of fixing the run, getting more speed on the team seems vital. It’s one of the reasons why Christian Kirk might be a fit. More speed, more competition, fix the run plus strong, tough, reliable players. If they want to add speed, tenacity, grit, special teams value and pass rushing talent — one name springs to mind. Shaquem Griffin.

What about other defensive positions?

It’s a nice class for fast, explosive linebackers. They might be able to convince several coveted UDFA’s to come in and compete. They need young depth at the position. Someone like Zaire Franklin at Syracuse could be someone they draft in the later rounds or bring in as an UDFA. If they can’t land a corner like Isaiah Oliver in round two, Texas’ Holton Hill could/should be a hedge in rounds 4/5. Adding another nickel corner is important with Justin Coleman an unrestricted free agent in 2019. Wisconsin’s Nick Nelson or Alabama’s Tony Brown could be options here. Brown in particular has the attitude, big personality, hitting ability and special teams value they like. Whatever happens with Earl Thomas, they could probably do with adding competition at safety. Natrell Jamerson warrants interest. They’ve been looking at interior pass rushers (Maurice Hurst, Poona Ford) and bigger nose tackles (Vita Vea, Derrick Nnadi). They also need another EDGE. If Josh Sweat isn’t an early pick, Dorance Armstrong could be a day three alternative. Kemoko Turay should be a name of interest too. This will be a good draft to fill out a defense.

Will they draft a tight end?

Probably. Ed Dickson is a short-term option and Nick Vannett hasn’t done much in two years. Tyrone Swoopes can only really be seen as camp competition for now. If they manage to acquire multiple day two picks, the likes of Dallas Goedert and Ian Thomas could come into play. Both could go in the top-50 though — so they might be forced to wait on the position. There are decent blocking tight ends available later (Durham Smythe, Dalton Schultz) but the Seahawks might just go for Will Dissly on day three. He’s a coaches dream and arguably the best blocker in the class. If a high-ceiling type like Goedert and Thomas isn’t available, Dissly could come into play.

Everyone says they’ll draft O-line early. Why aren’t you projecting that?

The Seahawks have already spend the following on their O-line:

Duane Brown — second + third rounder
Ethan Pocic — second rounder
Justin Britt — second rounder + big contract extension
Germain Ifedi — first rounder
Rees Odhiambo — third rounder

They’ve also signed D.J. Fluker in free agency, invested time and effort into George Fant and recently changed O-line coaches, bringing in Mike Solari.

Eventually you’ve got to try and develop someone, not just keep pumping high picks into a unit. If they draft a guard early, for example, it likely just means cutting Fluker or benching Pocic. It’s probably time to just let Solari work with these players.

They invited both Austin Corbett and Billy Price to the VMAC. Both are exceptional talents in this draft class. Both would be fine picks. There’s no reason to completely rule out an early O-line pick. It might just be unlikely this year.

So what’s the key to this draft?

Just. Add. Talent. The roster needs an infusion of young quality. Players with competitive spirit, high athleticism, size, speed and grit. Go for value. Whatever you think about the recent drafting history in Seattle, they always do a good job identifying positional talent cliffs and the range where they can get ‘their’ guys. Go find a new core group.

I intend to do a Google Hangout later today at about 7pm or 8pm PST. I’ll be providing more info based on Bob McGinn’s sources. There’s some interesting insight on the running back, receiver and tight end classes. I’ll post the video at the top of the page and you can watch live or on catch-up.

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Pre-draft plans: The #Seahawks are dining with Vita Vea tonight… and yes, he is a different player than Danny Shelton. pic.twitter.com/tfA14etjS4

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 19, 2018

In the video above, Ian Rapoport reports the Seahawks brass had dinner with Vita Vea this week. Rapoport also notes they’d have to move up if they wanted to get him.

It’s hard to know what to make of the meeting. Vea probably won’t make it to #18 — and the chances of Seattle even using the pick appear remote. Picking at #18 and not again until #120 remains an extremely unlikely scenario, especially for a team in the middle of a major re-tooling job.

They don’t have the stock to move up either. If they needed to get ahead of Washington at #13 (Vea’s apparent draft floor), they’d need to spend a pick worth the equivalent of a late second round pick. A collection of fifth rounders isn’t going to get it done.

The only scenario where Vea to Seattle makes moderate sense is if he somehow does drop into range and the Seahawks deal Earl Thomas for at least a second and third round pick. That affords them the opportunity to add talent in the early rounds and avoid a wait of 102 picks.

Overall the meeting was probably a case of due diligence. Just in case.

After all, two days before last years draft Tony Pauline reported the following:

— The Seahawks had a trade deal set up with Atlanta to allow the Falcons to move up to #26 to take a pass rusher (this happened)

— The Seahawks were targeting Garret Bolles with their pick after moving down

— Tom Cable made a late visit (Sunday before the draft) to the Utah campus to meet with Bolles

In the end Bolles was taken off the board by Denver with the #20 pick. There was never any chance to take him at #26, let alone after moving down to #31. Yet the Seahawks were apparently preparing, late in the process, to target a particular player. And they met with said prospect.

This could be a similar situation. Perhaps they’re getting a sense Vea might fall into range at #18? And perhaps they think he’s one of the very top players in the draft (he is). So they’re doing some late work on a player who, originally, had been seen to be well out of range.

That’s just a team doing what it needs to do pre-draft. Yet, sadly, the reality is Vea will almost certainly be gone in the top-13. The Redskins desperately need a nose tackle. There aren’t many humans on the planet with Vea’s size, athleticism, mobility and power. He’s a much better player than Danny Shelton (the #12 pick in 2015). He might be the second coming of Haloti Ngata.

Bob McGinn’s league sources listed Vea as a player ‘likely’ to be gone by pick #14. Here are the quotes provided by McGinn:

Scout #1: “He’s top 10. He’s a man. For a 350-pound guy he does (have movement). Plays hard. He just powers guys. Violent. Strong. He’s good.”

Scout #2: “He’s better than Shelton… Wide shoulders, good arm length, big butt, thighs, calves. He’s got some bad belly, though. You can’t believe how this guy can bend and squat. I saw him in warmups.”

In Tony Pauline’s latest mock draft, he paired Vea with the Dolphins at #11.

Vea would be a tremendous addition for the Seahawks. The type of bully up front that would help them control the LOS and shut down the run. He’s a two-down player for the most part — but the type you still take early. He’d help set the tone, home and away. The Seahawks are going to win games under Pete Carroll by shutting down the run and running well. Vea helps you achieve that.

Sadly, you’re probably more likely to watch him do his thing in Miami or Washington in 2018. He’s just too good to last.

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Earl Thomas, like the rest of us, is still waiting to find out what happens next

We’re just over a week away from the draft and one big situation remains unresolved.

Earl Thomas’ future.

There’s no new contract. No trade. Nothing.

Just a lot of talk about the Dallas Cowboys making a move.

So what’s going to happen? A deal with Dallas became more likely the moment Dez Bryant was cut. Without that move, the Cowboys can’t afford Thomas. Now they can.

They also created a hole at safety by acknowledging they’re shifting Byron Jones to corner. With Kris Richard now part of the defensive staff in Dallas, everything seems set up for a Thomas trade.

And let’s be honest here — it feels like we’re past the point of thinking Earl has a long term future in Seattle. By all means cling to that hope if you wish but the Seahawks seem, rightly or wrongly, to be quite ready to move on.

So why hasn’t it happened yet?

Here’s a suggestion…

The Cowboys have holes to fill. An Earl Thomas trade would likely cost them pick #50. Possibly more. They might want to accumulate some extra stock first. After all, this is a strong looking draft in rounds 2-3.

The Seahawks are almost certain to trade down from #18. What if Dallas wants to do the same at #19? See if they can pick up an extra third rounder themselves? That would soften the blow of dealing pick #50.

All the talk this week has been about Dallas and Courtland Sutton. Tony Pauline today reported the Cowboys like Sutton but don’t see him as a first round talent. Technically that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t take him in round one. They just don’t grade him as a first rounder. If they traded down into the 20’s, they might be picking from a pool of second round grades anyway.

So let’s piece things together. The Cowboys are showing a lot of interest in Courtland Sutton and need that type of receiver after cutting Dez Bryant. They don’t view him as a legit first rounder. Could they trade down into the 25-32 range, pick up a third rounder, and then select Sutton?

That could then set up an Earl Thomas trade. The Cowboys could send #50 and one of their third rounders to Seattle. Or, alternatively, they keep the two third rounders as a consolation for not picking in round two.

They’d still need to have a new contract with Earl Thomas agreed before pulling the trigger (or at least a high level of confidence it would get done). This could, theoretically, allow for serious talks with Thomas’ people at the end of day one of the draft — with a trade ratified before the start of round two.

This is just me thinking out loud. It could be completely wide of the mark. I’ve seen it suggested Thomas’ contract demands are already a stumbling block. We’ve all seen the talk of Seattle wanting a first rounder. It could simply be about both teams trying to gain the most leverage during a lengthy arm wrestle.

I think, considering how much time the Seahawks are spending meeting projected second round prospects, they probably expect a deal to occur (or they’re fairly certain they’ll be trading down from #18).

Whatever happens, I think we should expect the Seahawks to trade down from #18 in any scenario. Unless Saquon Barkley, Bradley Chubb, Quenton Nelson or a handful of others drop to #18 (which won’t happen) — the prospects touted for #18 are going to be graded similarly to the players in round two. It’s just that type of class.

Picking once at #18 and not again until #120 isn’t going to happen. We know that. Not with this team, in this type of re-tool. Picking at #18, #50 and then #120 seems only slightly less unlikely to me.

Ideally, if they trade Earl Thomas, they still turn #18 into two second rounders. That would give them three second round picks to try and acquire as many of the players they’ve been showing interest in (Christian Kirk, Ronnie Harrison, Josh Sweat, Isaiah Oliver, Justin Reid etc).

Getting three picks in this years second round? That’s how you launch a new era.

And on Christian Kirk — thanks to Sea Mode in the comments section for highlighting this tweet:

Nick Saban: "Christian Kirk is probably the best all-around player in our league."

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) October 6, 2017

It’s something to remember next week. The SEC isn’t short for talent and that’s high praise from Nick Saban.

Surprisingly we’ve come to learn virtually all of Seattle’s ‘official 30’ visits this year:

Justin Reid (S, Stanford)
Poona Ford (DT, Texas)
Maurice Hurst (DT, Texas)
Foyesade Oluokun (LB/S, Yale)
Ito Smith (RB, Southern Miss)
Keith Kirkwood (WR, Temple)
Khalid Davis (FB, Michigan)
Devron Davis (CB, UTSA)
Leighton Vander Esch (LB, Boise State)
Josh Sweat (DE, Florida State)
Cole Madison (G, Washington State)
Kyle Allen (QB, Houston)
Simeon Thomas (CB, Louisiana Lafayette)
Holton Hill (CB, Texas)
Breeland Speaks (DE, Ole Miss)
Andrew Brown (DE, Virginia)
Julian Taylor (DT, Temple)
Jacob Pugh (LB, Florida State)
Dorance Armstrong (DE, Kansas)
Ronnie Harrison (S, Alabama)
Austin Corbett (G, Nevada)
Kemoko Turay (DE, Rutgers)
Isaiah Oliver (CB, Colorado)
Billy Price (C, Ohio State)
Derrick Nnadi (DT, Florida State)
Tony Brown (CB, Alabama)
Jacob Martin (DE, Temple)
Edward Shockely (LB, Villanova)
Alex McGough (QB, FIU)

That’s a list of 29 names, provided by various reports or the players themselves.

They also had private workouts with Kalen Ballage (RB, Arizona State), Christian Kirk (WR, Texas A&M), Demone Harris (DE, Buffalo), Abdullah Anderson (DT, Bucknell) and Manase Hungalu (LB, Oregon State).

They had private meetings with Ronald Jones II (RB, USC), Nick Nelson (CB, Wisconsin), Natrell Jamerson (S, Wisconsin) and Shaquem Griffin (LB, UCF).

Just writing out these lists highlight the opportunity on offer for the Seahawks. Most of these players are expected to be second round, mid-round or late round types. Seattle can re-shape their roster in a weeks time. But they’ll need to move around to get their guys.

If you missed the Seahawkers podcast this week don’t forget to check it out. I was invited on to talk about the defensive options for Seattle. Next week we cover the offensive prospects:

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Two more ‘official 30’ visits were reported today. Ohio State offensive lineman Billy Price and Florida State defensive tackle Derrick Nandi both met with the Seahawks.

And they’re the perfect illustration of why this draft is loaded with value.

Regular visitors to the blog will be familiar with both players. With Nnadi, it goes back to 2016. Here’s a piece from November that year, discussing Nnadi’s potential as an early round pick.

He didn’t declare for the 2017 draft and didn’t quite have the same impact last season. The loss of DeMarcus Walker to the NFL and a down year for FSU contributed to a fairly quiet senior campaign for Nnadi.

Even so, he has a ton of talent. At times he looks an awful lot like Brandon Mebane. Big frame, anchors and controls the run and has surprising pass rush ability that hasn’t really been harnessed yet.

Lance Zierlein at NFL.com is projecting Nnadi to go in the third or fourth round. That would be an absolute steal. The worst case scenario is you might end up with a fairly league average NFL defensive tackle. His potential, however, is to develop into something akin to one of Seattle’s more underrated players in the last 10 years.

We’ve also spent a lot of time talking about Price this year. He’s a blog favourite — showing the kind of leadership, aggression and intensity you want on your offensive line. In February we put him in our ‘top-25’ group. And then he hurt himself doing the bench at the combine.

Any shot Price had to propel his stock firmly into round one disappeared. He was expected to run and test well. Instead he hasn’t been able to do any workouts pre-draft.

His stock as a consequence has dipped. He might be a late second rounder now rather than a late first. The likes of James Daniels and Frank Ragnow have jumped ahead of him.

A smart team will note the possibility of a fall and take advantage. He’s the type of player who takes a big step forward at the next level and becomes a respectable, solid starter. He can play guard or center and he’ll help set the tone up front.

The fact that players like Price and Nnadi could be there in rounds two/three represents the great value on offer this year. The value in round one, on the other hand, is poor in comparison. A player at #18 might have a similar grade to a player at #50.

Teams will always want to jockey for position in round one to address a certain need or make sure they get the security of a fifth year contract option.

That said, the Seahawks have no business sticking at #18 with the talent available on day two. Moving down, accumulating stock in the second and third round — that’s the key to this draft. Especially in a re-tool year.

They’ll probably be helped (possibly in more ways than one) by the Dallas Cowboys. They practically took out a page advert in the New York Times this week to tell the rest of the league they intend to draft a wide receiver. Everyone knows this after they cut Dez Bryant. So if you want Courtland Sutton or Calvin Ridley, you better get ahead of Dallas.

The receiver market is red hot in free agency and getting young, cheap talent at the position is crucial. If a team like Cleveland isn’t moving up to make sure they get a tackle — rest assured teams will probably be wary of Dallas taking the receiver they want.

If the Seahawks can turn #18 (and possibly Earl Thomas) into 3-4 picks in rounds 2-3 — it’ll present a big opportunity to re-shape this roster (which they appear inclined to do) and set a new course.

And let’s be right here — nearly everyone the Seahawks are meeting with is a day two prospect or a late rounder. So if you weren’t convinced they planned to move down before, you should be now.

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