2020 mock draft #3 & could Seattle trade for a pass rusher?

Following yesterday’s piece about Seattle’s needs, I sat down to write this mock and it really emphasised how unappealing the pass rush options are. That can change, of course. The Senior Bowl is very good for highlighting prospects. The combine will reveal who has the kind of speed and upside the defense currently lacks.

At the moment, however, the numbers appear thin. The Seahawks need more in the pass rush. They can’t have another season like this on defense in 2020.

Jadeveon Clowney is creating pressure and causing problems for opponents. The issue is he’s doing it practically on his own. Re-signing Clowney feels like a must at this stage as long as the price isn’t too unrealistic. Needing to replace him (possibly with a lesser talent) could be even more expensive than re-signing him.

At this stage, Clowney feels like priority #1 in terms of in-house free agents.

He needs some support.

Jarran Reed has an opportunity to prove he warrants keeping and they desperately need him to provide more of a pass rush in the second half of the season.

They might be able to bring in another player. It’s too early to say who might be available. They might need to sign more than one player. Whatever happens, they need more speed in the pass rush to compliment the size already on the roster.

One thing I wanted to suggest before getting into the mock — don’t be surprised if they end up using their 2020 first round pick in an off-season trade. If they feel pass rush is the top need and they don’t like the options in the draft — they could trade for a veteran. They used their first round pick in 2013 and 2015 to fill needs via trade. With two second round picks, using their top choice to get a veteran could be a tactic here.

There’s not much point speculating on possible targets because who knows who’ll be available? But a year after trading Frank Clark for a first and second round pick, could the Seahawks make a similar move themselves? It’s something worth considering because this isn’t going to be a draft class rich in impact pass rushers.

Mock draft #3

Note — in this mock draft I have Tampa Bay trading up to #2 to draft a quarterback. The Bengals move down. They’re giving Ryan Finley a chance to win the job. Let’s assume he plays well enough for Cincinnati to feel comfortable moving down (whether that’s the right thing to do or not — it is the Bengals after all).

#1 Miami — Tua Tagovailoa (QB, Alabama)
Very consistent and accurate but a little robotic.

#2 Tampa Bay (via Cincinatti) — Joe Burrow (QB, LSU)
The more I see of Burrow the more I think he’s the best QB in the class.

#3 Washington— Chase Young (EDGE, Ohio State)
He has 13.5 sacks already this season.

#4 Atlanta — Grant Delpit (S, LSU)
Delpit has the range and tenacity to play safety and the ball-skills, recovery speed and athleticism to play corner.

#5 New York Jets — Andrew Thomas (T, Georgia)
Supremely balanced and consistent, his footwork is superb and he anchors brilliantly.

#6 New York Giants — Jeff Okudah (CB, Ohio State)
He will destroy the combine and was a 142.56 athlete at SPARQ.

#7 Denver — Justin Herbert (QB, Oregon)
John Elways loves big, tall quarterbacks.

#8 Cleveland — Derrick Brown (DT, Auburn)
A tone-setting defensive lineman with the size, stoutness, quickness and ability to penetrate with speed or power.

#9 Cincinnati (via Tampa Bay) — Prince Tega Wanogho (T, Auburn)
He’s 6-7 and 310lbs but reportedly runs a 4.95 and can jump 32-inches in the vertical.

#10 Miami (via PIT) — Jerry Jeudy (WR, Alabama)
Lean and sudden with YAC ability and downfield talent. He jumped a near 38-inch vertical at SPARQ.

#11 LA Chargers — Jordan Love (QB, Utah State)
Eventually the Chargers have to start thinking about the future.

#12 Oakland — Isaiah Simmons (S, Clemson)
Will be valued for his leadership. Reportedly he can jump a 40-inch vertical, an 11-0 broad and run in the 4.4’s.

#13 Oakland (via Chicago) — Dylan Moses (LB, Alabama)
Moses would be a top-five pick if he hadn’t torn his ACL in pre-season.

#14 Arizona — Ceedee Lamb (WR, Oklahoma)
Kyler Murray is reunited with his favourite target.

#15 Philadelphia — Trevon Diggs (CB, Alabama)
Competitive cornerback who does an excellent job tracking the ball and breaking up passes. Stefon Diggs’ brother.

#16 Jacksonville — Javon Kinlaw (DT, South Carolina)
He’s +300lbs but carries minimal body fat. He dominated Alabama’s O-line a few weeks ago.

#17 Tennessee — Isaiah Wilson (T, Georgia)
Wilson is outstanding and highly underrated.

#18 Detroit — Raekwon Davis (DT, Alabama)
He could be the next Calais Campbell.

#19 Carolina — Kristian Fulton (CB, LSU)
A physical cornerback who tracks the ball almost as well as Trevon Diggs.

#20 Jacksonville (via Rams) — Henry Ruggs (WR, Alabama)
He’s being tipped to run a 4.2 at the combine. Great catching technique — he extends his arms to catch the football away from his body.

#21 Dallas — Laviska Shenault (WR, Colorado)
We’ve not seen him anywhere near his best so far but he’s a swiss-army knife who can score points as a runner, receiver or returner.

#22 Miami (via Houston) — Nick Harris (C, Washington)
Tenacious, physical, athletic and underrated.

#23 Kansas City — Shaun Wade (CB, Ohio State)
A former 5-star recruit who is excelling in the slot but could easily play outside.

#24 Minnesota — Walker Little (T, Stanford)
Ran a 4.40 short shuttle at SPARQ and scored an overall 107.25 (the top score by an offensive lineman in 2016).

#25 Buffalo — Jalen Raegor (WR, TCU)
Raegor ran a 4.41 at SPARQ but reportedly is capable of a 4.29 now. He also jumped a 38.5 inch vertical and can squat 620lbs.

#26 Indianapolis — DeVonta Smith (WR, Alabama)
Unstoppable on slants, wins at the red line and is incredibly sudden to create easy separation.

#27 Seattle — K.J. Hamler (WR, Penn State)
Ultra-dynamic receiver with speed to burn and creates easy separation.

#28 Green Bay — Tee Higgins (WR, Clemson)
He’s had a quiet few weeks but like most Clemson receivers, he knows his craft.

#29 Baltimore — Julian Okwara (EDGE, Notre Dame)
Productive but he was shut down by Georgia and Michigan. He’ll need to test well.

#30 New Orleans — Jonathan Taylor (RB, Wisconsin)
The Saints have enjoyed using a one-two punch at running back.

#31 San Francisco — J.K. Dobbins (RB, Ohio State)
The 2016 SPARQ king with an overall score of 146.76.

#32 New England — Terrell Lewis (EDGE, Alabama)
Injury history could keep him on the board.

Further thoughts on Seattle’s pick

If the Seahawks do end up picking in the late first round, it’s shaping up to be the ideal range to target a receiver. There are so many sudden, dynamic pass-catchers eligible for the 2020 draft. It might not be the biggest need but it’s certainly looking like a strength in round one.

K.J. Hamler is small and diminutive. It doesn’t matter — he creates easy separation and that’s what counts. There are so many bigger receivers in college who provide big catching radiuses and dominate overmatched cornerbacks. Then at the next level they can’t get open. Hamler has the suddenness Seattle loves on the short range, he can get downfield to make the big play, he does an excellent job disappearing in coverage to get open, he works well when the quarterback scrambles, he has YAC ability and he finishes.

He’s a step below Henry Ruggs, Jalen Raegor and DeVonta Smith for me but not that far behind. Ruggs might run a 4.2 and his ability to extend his arms to catch the ball away from his frame is highly impressive. I was stunned how well Raegor high-pointed in the end zone to win 1v1 matchups and Smith looks like DeSean Jackson sometimes the way he runs away from DB’s on simple routes and turns good plays into great plays.

Hamler might not quite be at their level but he’s incredibly effective and a big reason why Penn State remain unbeaten.

Every year the Seahawks become more and more about Russell Wilson. If there isn’t a way to revolutionise the pass rush in the draft (hopefully there will be a solution one way or another in the off-season) they have to keep making Wilson’s life easier by providing him with the tools to succeed.

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114 Comments

  1. Denver Hawker

    Getting a receiver with the 1st pick makes so much sense with the options available. I know this is tough to mock, but could see teams looking to get back in 1st round to get a 5th option on one of the QBs- Lamar Jackson’s option is looking good right now for Baltimore. Potential to slide back and still get one of the top shelf receivers.

    Really like Harris, but can’t see them taking him with R1, and need to see more Hunt/Pocic.

    Interesting lack of O-Line on in R1 compared to average years. College isn’t making them like they used to? Or teams realizing guys take longer to develop and not worth an R1 (devaluing).

    • Rob Staton

      Injuries are playing a part on the O-line prospects for 2020.

      I do think teams will follow Seattle’s trend moving forward — going with veteran O-liners.

      • DC

        Tbf, we’ve had our share of lemons in the vet OL department over the years. That said, they’ve had more success of late.

    • Volume12

      Might be thin in round 1, but there’s really good depth at the position this year. As is the case every year with just about every position, the underclassmen declaring will impact it.

      All the guys listed in this mock
      ‘Bama has 2
      Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs
      Udub’s Trey Adams
      Texas’ Sam Cosmi
      W. Virginia’s Colton McKivitz
      Houston’s Josh Jones
      NC’s Charlie Heck
      Wazzu’s Abraham Lucas
      San Diego St’s Dashawn Dixon
      ND’s Liam Eichenberg

  2. Volume12

    Love that pick. I know there’s people who hate this term, but Hamler is one of the most ‘Seahawky’ prospects IMO.

    I’d pound the table for him. Can win outside, in the slot, can do a ton of pre-snap motion with him, can play in the backfield. Being undersized doesnt affect him at all. Has grit.

    • Simo

      Don’t hate the term, just not sure its always used properly or effectively. Can’t remember how many times I heard last draft season how “Seahawky” Gary Jennings was, and how perfect of a fit he would be for the Hawks. He hasn’t even sniffed the field in half a season so far, and its not like the team is extremely deep at WR.

      I’m not against WR as the first pick next draft, just want it to be the right guy (Seahawky or not).

    • GoHawksDani

      McLaurin was a ton of Seahawky…most Seahawky WR I see in a long time (not in the sense, “Pete would love to have him”, but in the sense that he’s willing to do the dirty work, willing to block, good movement, good route running, good in scrambling situation, solid hands) and they didn’t select him. I’m a bit salty about it…although loving DK, but I’d love McLaurin a bit more…he feels like Baldwin (maybe they should start listen to their players. Baldwin up-talked McLaurin, Earl loved Budda Baker. And both do fine)

  3. Rob Staton

    I don’t have a name but as noted in the piece — if the Seahawks feel they have to improve the pass rush at all costs in the off-season, I could see them trading their R1 pick for a pass rusher.

    • Volume12

      Wouldn’t be the worst thing.

      I could see there being a pocket of talent at DE early day 2 and WR throughout day 2.

    • Denver Hawker

      It would eat a lot of cap and probably spell Clowney or Reed, but talk of trading Von Miller is very popular here in Denver.

      • Rob Staton

        Hmmm. Von Miller is 31 in March. He’s due about $50m in 2020 and 2021. By the end of his current contract he’ll have made nearly $150m in his career and he’s already won a Super Bowl and a Super Bowl MVP. None of this to me screams a player hell bent on four more years of all-out elite play. And for a first round pick I think you want to guarantee at least four years of production.

        But who knows? Maybe they would feel confident in that. My fear is that he’s on the downturn now and I’m not even sure Denver would be that open to a trade. Wouldn’t rule it out and Miller at his best is unstoppable. Is he still at his best though? Will he ever be again? Big question marks there I think. The Broncos might even just cut him. He’s due $25m next year and he isn’t playing at that level. They could get him as a FA.

        I’ve just had a look though and it’s alarming and interesting how few genuinely quality pass rushers are out there. I’m here saying they might trade for someone and the options might be as limited as the draft!

        • Simo

          These are all great points regarding Miller. I see no way the Hawks trade for him, the combination of draft capital and cap space is way to steep. Now if he gets cut by Denver, John should make a real strong play for him. Think he has at least a couple more years of excellent play in him.

          We all know pass rush is top priority next year, so would be fun to identify some more possible trade options and evaluate the best fit. Same goes with the top free agent options!

          Here’s to hoping someone, anyone steps up this year to help out Clowney!!

      • Eli

        I would trade for Von Miller, but probably not for any more than a 2nd and maybe a later round pick. Since we don’t have to pay his bonus, we’d get him for 2 yr./$35m (appx.), only $13m fully guaranteed. Money wise I think we could fit that in even if we brought back Clowney, could tack on another year or two to lower the cap hit even.

        Stats wise he’s not having a special year by any means but he’s on pace for 8 sacks. We could make that work. Lined up opposite of Clowney, both of them may be able to elevate each other.

        I guess the only thing I don’t have any insight on is if he is capable of playing with his hand in the dirt? I know he has been used primarily as a 3-4 edge rusher throughout his career.

        • Rob Staton

          I wonder if Denver might extend Miller or simply cut him. It’s hard to justify his cap hit of $25m next year.

          • Eli

            According to overthecap, the next two years on his deal are options with smallish guaranteed amounts – so if that’s true they can technically get out of his deal after this year and just have some lingering dead money.

            So yeah there is probably no way he’s gonna be there w/ a $25m cap hit. They’ll either use their leverage to force him into a new deal at a lower cap hit or move on from him.

            • Rob Staton

              Yep.

            • DC

              Once cut, it’s off to New England or Seattle.

              • MyChestIsBeastMode

                As good as the Patriots are, all of this talk of Brady contemplating retirement as his age is starting to catch up with him, you’d have to imagine players looking for a championship will take that into account next year. On the other hand, we’ve got a QB in his prime. I hope we can snag some elite old-timers looking to snag a championship before they hang up the cleats.

  4. Jeff

    Don’t see Denver taking another qb after investing in drew lock. But then again, Arizona drafted qbs in the first round back to back years.

    • Rob Staton

      If you don’t have the guy you’ve got to keep looking until you do.

      • mishima

        Well, John Elway certainly agrees.

    • Denver Hawker

      Denver is a train-wreck. The joke around here is they need a Noah’s arc draft- two of everything. Severe talent gap at almost every position. They still need to see what they have in Lock, he’s been injured. They have too many other needs to address than another QB under a 5yr contract. Cutting Flacco next year is dead-money too.

      But bad management only knows how to do bad things I guess.

  5. Kingdome1976

    I really do feel like Hurts will end up in the first round when it’s all said and done. DeVonta Smith is interesting and I admit I have only seen a few games and reels but I am a bit skeptical seeing that not very many mock drafts have him in the first round. Also I know that Terrell Smith has had injury problems but my goodness is not exactly what we need? If the Pats are willing to take him at #32 I think we should consider maybe trading back to #30 or so and taking a risk. Honestly I think we will end up losing in a wild card game and getting the 20/21st pick anyway.

    Hamler is awesome and I love the pick BTW.

    • Rob Staton

      I’ve never quite understood the concept of, ‘I’m not sure if X player will go in round one because other mocks don’t put him in there’.

      I/we don’t get everything right. Far from it in fact. But if there’s one thing we’ve consistently done, I feel, it’s correctly identify not often talked about first round players a lot earlier than other sites — most of which don’t spend anywhere near as much time as I/we put into this site. I mean let’s be right here. How many other websites are churning out articles like we do as often as we do? I/we do more articles than the Athletic and their writers do this full time. This is something I do in my spare time and I’d still back the work we do here during the CFB season over anyone else. Heck — I’d back what we do on the Seahawks over anything else. I think this is the best Seahawks website on the internet. I’m biased of course but who else is doing stuff like this as regularly as us?

      Let’s not go OTT on Terrell Lewis. He’s a good player but his injury history is significant and serious. In a decade of drafts the Seahawks haven’t taken a gamble on injuries with their top pick. And Lewis isn’t Von Miller with an injury history here.

      • Sea Mode

        +1 on that 2nd paragraph there. Every last word.

        SDB 💪💯

        • SgtPeppy

          Dilly Dilly!

      • cha

        Hear hear!

        • mishima

          Oh, man, I wrote, ‘Here, here,’ earlier today.

          /smh

      • MyChestisBeastMode

        Halloween 2019 will forever be remembered as the day Rob found his voice.

  6. Sea Mode

    I’m looking for two main things in the next Seahawks WR:

    ✅Ultra-fast
    ☑️Ultra-competitive

    Hamler would definitely fit the bill.

    • DC

      I would add,
      Separates with ease
      Sure handed
      Runs crisp routes

      • Sea Mode

        I mean, of course those are good traits, but at this point you might as well just continue on and describe the ideal, complete receiver. Maybe you want more of a Tee Higgins then.

        I chose those two to highlight the fact that I am looking for an X factor. Doesn’t have to do a ton of things well, esp. route running. He just has to be a threat with the ball in his hands in a way that Lockett and Metcalf really aren’t on certain types of plays. A Percy Harvin, if you will, but who can also go deep.

        • DC

          Haha. I know I was describing the T-1000. They’ll also be 7’ tall with octopus tentacles.

          I do like Higgins.

          • Sea Mode

            👌

      • GoHawksDani

        I’d add superb blocker. Seems like lately the level of blocking decreased as it was in the Lynch-era

  7. DC

    Whether it’s veterans cut, via trade, straight FA signing or picked in the draft, the FO will beat every bush. They are fully aware of what we have/don’t have in the pass rush department.

    • Rob Staton

      For sure.

  8. Sea Mode

    Rob, since you brought up Nick Harris, thought you might like a look at another Center when you get a chance. (I haven’t watched him yet)

    Tony Pauline
    @TonyPauline

    Scouts are falling in love with Cesar Ruiz…myself and @christripodi talk at length on the Wolverine center. #Michigan #michiganfootball

    https://twitter.com/TonyPauline/status/1190024846627016706

    Oct 31, 2019

    • Rob Staton

      He’s definitely someone I intend to look at this week.

  9. Jordan Epistola

    Rob are there any pass rushers who will be going to free agency this year? I know we have alot of cap. Hopefully we can pick some free agents up.

    • Rob Staton

      Chris Jones and Yannick Ngakoue are both free agents but you’d expect both to be retained by their teams. I think we’ll see a number of veteran DL’s cut to save money so the options will grow.

  10. WALL UP

    JH’s guys are well coached as well. Coach likes what he has in Ruiz: hhttps://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2019/10/31/michigan-football-cesar-ruiz-notre-dame/4102539002/?src=rss

  11. cha

    C’mon Kingsbury. You blew that one there.

  12. Saxon

    It’s still very early and there are a lot of players to evaluate, but I will be very disappointed if we go WR. IMO these are our top needs:

    Speed rusher / LEO
    Penetrating DT
    Blocking TE – ideally a complete TE
    Nickelback
    Developmental OT /RT
    Center
    Free safety
    Guard
    Corner
    WR
    LB
    RB

    Since there are no speed rushers likely to fall to us we need to strongly consider trading up for Chase Young. He will cost a king’s ransom. So what? We need our Bosa. Too often we have been content with letting the draft fall to us. I usually agree with the strategy but a transformational talent, like Young, is worth going up to get.

    Do we have the ammo? Maybe not. It will depend on the trade partner. It will take this years #1, both 2nds and 2021’s #1 just to begin the conversation. It may also require a player and 2021’s 2nd as well. Steep, and I usually chafe at committing so many assets to a single player, but if Young truly is what he seems then he can take our moribund defense to the next level. Certainly such a player will have more impact than a third receiver, no matter how talented.

    The 49ers are built along the lines. They don’t have much at WR, yet they dominate – albeit against a fairly soft schedule. They’ve built their team the right way. They are winning by playing Seahawks circa 2013 football.

    We need to reclaim our speed and physicallity on defense. It’s worth paying a premium to get.

    • Jeff M.

      That’s the kind of trade that can set up a dynasty…..for the seller. If you’re proposing a new Herschel Walker trade you don’t want to be the Vikings in it.

      • Saxon

        Usually I agree. But… knowing what we now know about Nick Bosa, would you have been tempted to make such a deal this past draft for him? There are quite a few scouts who think Young might be better. This is extremely early in the evaluation process, but if those scouts are right I might seriously consider it.

        Let’s not forget that our First and Second round picks have been mostly average to poor: Carpenter, Ifedi, Penny, McDowell, Pocic, etc. Our trades of Firsts and Seconds for established players has also been poor: Harvin, Graham, Richardson. So, why are we so worried about protecting these high picks when we usually waste them anyway?

        Occasionally there is a talent worth the price. The Falcons felt that way about Julio Jones and gave up a bundle to get him. They were right. The Saints paid a big price for Davenport and the jury is still out. It’s risk vs reward. But, if Seattle agrees that Young is another Bosa then they need to go get him.

        • Rob Staton

          It would be astronomical to go get him. It might take three R1’s. It’s a non starter.

          • Matt

            Might be hyperbolic – but I’d actually do that trade, as crazy as it sounds. We have had our debates about the Seahawks performance in R1 over recent years. No matter where you fall on that debate – I think we can all agree that they have not found a difference maker.

            This team is in dire need of difference makers. We actually have a pretty strong “middle class” as a result of strong drafting in the middle to later rounds of the draft. We have quite a few nice role players (too many to list). We need players that can singlehandedly impact the game on Defense. Clowney is about as close as we have. I honestly think Blair could be that guy at Safety. While Shaq is having a really nice year, he is not a guy that creates turnovers. We NEED difference makers, especially when you consider how PC coaches this team – he needs a strong defense to have post season success.

            **I know this is not realistic at all – it won’t happen. I am merely commenting that I don’t think it’s that crazy of an idea, if it could be pulled off. I think any Seattle fan would gladly trade Ifedi, Penny, and Collier for Chase Young right now. It’s not that those 3 are terrible – it’s that none of them are or look like difference makers in any sense. That doesn’t mean I’ve given up on Collier…but he’s not a difference maker. He’s a nice base DE that will probably provide 5-6 sacks in his prime.

            Again, the thesis of this comment is really that the Seahawks are in dire need of difference makers, not 6 really nice role players in the draft. They have to be proactive and take some risk in this regard.

            • Rob Staton

              The problem is though, you’re not trading Ifedi, Penny and Collier. You’re trading potential picks in the future. And it’s OK saying their first picks haven’t been great recently. They also took Earl in round one. And if Chase Young isn’t elite, you’ve just mortgaged you’re future on him. So many pass rushers don’t end up being Nick Bosa and show plenty of promise in college.

              It’d be a titanic gamble.

              I’d rather them trade a first rounder plus on a proven veteran than spend three on a rookie.

              • Matt

                Totally fair take. I wouldn’t rebut any of that. It’s more about a calculated risk – that I think both of us are very open to. And again – there is literally a 0% chance this would ever happen.

                Ideally you get a proven commodity for that type of gamble, but even that presents it’s issues, albeit entirely different ones (salary, age, health, past performance, etc).

                I do have a sense of urgency with trying to win while RW is in his early 30s. I know QBs have aged pretty well, but I do worry that RW losing another step or 2 could really change his ability to operate at an elite level. I have no doubt he will be a “good” QB until the day he hangs it up. I just would like to see more urgency with him operating at the elite level.

                Great, great discussions recently.

              • Simo

                Also, let’s not make Nick Bosa out to be the next Reggie White just yet! He’s played exactly one half of one season so far, and sure he’s been very good, as advertised even, but who knows where his career goes from this point forward. It’s to early to say for certain he’s going to be a superstar for years to come.

                No way we make that kind of trade, even for a highly regarded talent like Young! The Niners had to lose 14 games last year to be in position to draft Bosa. Don’t think we want that type of season for the Hawks either!

                There’s other ways to improve the pass rush to an acceptable level, I think John will get it done in the off season!

                • CHawk Talker Eric

                  The thing about Nick Bosa is he’s just one part of the best DL in football. So it’d be more of a big deal if he wasn’t having this kind of impact than it is because he’s been so effective. How dominate would he be on the Falcons?

                  For my money, Joey Bosa is having a better season than Nick, as you might expect considering he’s a veteran now, but also because he’s the only pass rush threat on his team.

            • GoHawksDani

              “This team is in dire need of difference makers. We actually have a pretty strong “middle class” as a result of strong drafting in the middle to later rounds of the draft.” -> This, 100000%

              Apart from RW I cannot name a true difference maker on the team.
              Lockett is special, so is Carson (when he’s not fumbling, lol…nah I love him). Bobby is great.
              I don’t need LOB2.0, I don’t need Frisco’s DL. But I want at least a single player on the D# who can be our next Earl Thomas, or Sherman, or Kam, or Avril, or Bosa (any of the 2) or primetime Von Miller, or Donald.

              Someone you just cannot block. Someone who puts the fear in you when you’re a QB and wants to shoot a deep pass. Someone who can intimidate you as a WR and an RB. A guy who makes OL jump because they scared and wants to have the first step.

    • GoHawksDani

      I think OL is a much higher need than you anticipate.
      2020 is the last season of Britt’s contract and he have ACL if I know well (not sure how would that impact his performance). Is Hunt/Pocic the future?
      2021 will be Brown’s last year and he also had some injuries this season and he’s getting old (I know, he plays pretty well and he didn’t have major injuries as far as I know…but he’ll only get older and maybe more injury prone so there’s also that)
      Iupati sucks and this is his last year
      Fluker sucks and 2020 will be his last year
      Ifedi and Fant will be FAs next year.

      So if no move would be made our line would look like next year:
      Brown-Pocic-Hunt-Fluker-Jones
      In 2021:
      Jones-Roos-Hunt-Haynes-Pocic
      Obviously there’ll be moves and maybe we keep some of the guys too.
      BUT…this OL needs to be able to push a bit for Carson and Penny. They need to keep Wilson upright.
      So I really hope at least they’ll get an OL guy in FA (I’m OK with a 1-2 year contract for a vet 4-6m APY) and get at least one rookie in the top3 rounds.

  13. cha

    Wow Sherm. Way to tackle there.

  14. DC

    Patrick Peterson looks terrible out there.

  15. Bigten

    Niners look good, but definitely beatable.

    • Pickering

      By New England?

      • MyChestisBeastMode

        Patriots have had the easiest schedule in football by far. I’m not saying they are a bad team, but they’ve almost entirely played bad teams.

  16. swedenhawk

    Hi Rob, just wondering if any of the WRs you’ve highlighted thus far in this year’s draft class have that bully/bamf quality you’ve previously mentioned as an area of need. Also, as far as potential DL/EDGE acquisitions, do you see any bamfs out there who the Seahawks might realistically target? Or is speed more the priority? Thanks, and keep up the great work!

    • Rob Staton

      Receivers don’t need to be BAMF’s they just need to get open. There’s a dearth of quality pass rushers in this class.

      • Michigan 12th

        Agree with you Rob, but it would be nice to have a Hines Ward type of receiver. One who can get open, and block with an attitude. Certainly not the most important factor to have when gauging a WR, but it would be nice to have that. Even another Baldwin that just played angry on every play.

        • Sea Mode

          Enjoy!

          https://youtu.be/y1S-Mx7X6GU?t=125

          • GoHawksDani

            Oh yeah Sea Mode…I’m in love 😀 not sure how well the guy plays, but I love when they seek contact and when they catch a pass they just refuse to go down

  17. charlietheunicorn

    TE is the position that screams need to me for Seattle. There is way too much uncertainty at the position to keep fooling around. They have had some decent groupings of TE in the past, but they have never been as thin as they are right now (or potentially in 2020).

    I could see WR, not necessarily a pick people would expect, but it would make some sense. They most likely are moving on from Brown and a few other WR prospects. SO why not find a guy who can be utilized in the screen game, take tops off defense roll and all around extreme speed/agility/playmaker from anywhere on the field.

    Playmaker. This is what I would prioritize with the first pick… and frankly, I could care less about position group and more about team fit. If it means grabbing a LB early or S or CB, then pull the trigger… if they are the highest prospect on your board.

  18. Kelly Orr

    Hey Rob,
    If Raekwon Davis does slip to #18 do you think we could trade our 1st Round and two 3rd round picks to move up to get him? Then use our two seconds to maybe get Willie Gay and Edge Rusher with speed and explosion?

    • Rob Staton

      It’s a bit early to say whether they’d do that — we’d need to see what they did in FA. I think at least one of their first three picks would be on offense.

  19. Georgia Hawk

    I think the only disagreement I have on this mock is Washington. I can’t see them passing up a QB, if they have the chance. There is a really good chance the incoming coach will want to get his own guy and not tie his fortune to Haskins.

    • Rob Staton

      The owner picked Haskins. Any prospective coach isn’t going to get a say.

  20. Henry Taylor

    Yetur Gross-Matos has a Seahawky back story. I appreciate he’s had a bit of a disappointing season, but could certainly have the upside to be worth a pick in the late first.

  21. Matt

    Totally understand the Hamler pick and wouldn’t be upset with it. That said, and I know they are at the mercy of who is available – but the Seahawks need a difference maker on defense and I don’t really care what position it is at this point. Yes, that includes CB even if history has shown they don’t do that.

    I really like Shaq and Flowers, but they aren’t playmakers. Shaq has had a great year but he’s not a difference maker in regards to changing the game. I’m not implying he needs to go, but he’s the type of guy you love as your #2 CB and yearn for more as your #1. Somebody needs to sack the QB or take the ball away – take away Clowney and there is a blackhole on that side of the ball in that regard.

    The Seahawks will not take the next step until they find 2 more playmakers on defense. They need to find it this offseason.

    • Rob Staton

      They definitely do — but they might have to find those players elsewhere based on the look of this class so far.

      • Matt

        Where ever they target them, I hope they are aggressive to get their guy. I think we are actually at a great place when it comes to depth (outside of pass rush). Every other position group I actually feel pretty good about, if a guy gets injured – of course, you’re not going to get perfect backups at every spot.

        Who are some wild cards that you would maybe like to see this team consider in the latter half of R1? Either available at our pick or maybe a modest trade up (even though they won’t do that).

        • Rob Staton

          I think it’s too early to answer that properly — we’ll need to see the Senior Bowl and combine to be able to make those suggestions. To me it looks like a fairly week class for defensive linemen early but the strengths are at receiver. Free agency will have a huge impact this year. I would expect the Seahawks to be quite active one way or another.

  22. Georgia Hawk

    Rob, you see any potential “reclamation projects” out there…a la Dion Jordan?

    • Rob Staton

      Jack Conklin maybe. Shaq Lawson.

  23. Sea Mode

    🤣😂🤣 Was called back too…

    https://twitter.com/WillBlackmon/status/1190092469217693696

    • cha

      I don’t know if it was shown on the broadcast, but in the TNF Rams game, TT did a whole lap around the stadium and did the EZ turnover group photo at each end while they were reviewing it.

      There’s joy and celebration and then there’s overdoing it.

  24. Sea Mode

    Well, at least we wont feel burned by “what could have been” at the trade deadline:

    Rick Stroud
    @NFLSTROUD

    #GoBucs TE O.J. Howard will miss his second straight game with a hamstring injury and won’t play Sunday at Seattle. Injury reports will be out later but TE Cam Brate was limited Thursday with a rib injury.

    Nov 1, 2019

  25. Sea Mode

    Ok, last silly one (for the moment):

    https://twitter.com/chiefsNjesus/status/1190270194557558784

  26. Volume12

    How did Mike Mayock have the same grade on Clellin Ferrell as Nick Bosa? How? That blows my mind. Ferrell shoulda been a late day 1 pick. Bosa was the best prospect in last years draft. Night and day difference.

    • Matt

      I wouldn’t put too much into that. That is more than likely GM/Coach speak. And for what it’s worth – I think Mayock and Gruden off the record would explicitly say that the Ferrell pick was about a “good pass rushing prospect who is an excellent team leader.” Guarantee that pick was as much about culture as it was on field productivity. The Raiders absolutely needed it…as do many teams which is why the Jets were smart to keep Jamal Adams.

  27. Paul Cook

    As far as the rest of the season goes now, there are a few things I want to see…

    1) I want to actually see a secondary UNIT out there on the field. Some real consistency the rest of the way. Figure out who your best players in the secondary are, and let them play together the rest of the way, barring injuries. If this is your best unit…

    -Diggs (S)
    -Blair (S)
    -Flowers (CB)
    -Griffen (CB)
    -Amadi (NB)

    …then go with them. The tinkering has got to stop now during this stretch run.

    2) Be more flexible, creative, unpredictable, and aggressive on offense. It sure looks like we’re going to have to score more points than we thought to get to that 10-6 or 11-5 record with our upcoming schedule and the inconsistent play of our defense. I’d like to see some more Prosise as a pass receiving back against teams with strong fronts. I’d like to see some more down-field throws on first downs. I don’t want them to settle for FG’s. These kinds of things.

    3) Figure out ways to get more pressure on the QB. We can’t sit back and let 2nd string QB’s have career days against us.

    4) If the LB’s aren’t going to be making those tackles at and just beyond the line of scrimmage, then more playing time for Barton and BBK.

    Anyway…

    • Volume12

      1. Thats a good point. Injuries have certainly played a part. But there really hasn’t been any cohesion.

    • Simo

      Agreed! Would certainly be a good thing if they can settle on the best guys in the secondary, there’s been a lot of uncertainty (and injuries) the first half of the season. Doesn’t sound real likely that we get a look at Diggs this weekend though, sounds like his hammy is still right.

      Would also love to see more creative play calling as well. Why can’t the Hawks develop a screen game that seems to be so effective for most good teams? Carson isn’t McCaffery or Kamara, but he is a capable receiver and needs to be used more in the screen and short passing game. Or, like you said, maybe Prosise should be used more in this role. Or Penny!

      It feels like the pass rush is going to be the team’s Achilles heel all season long. Ansah isn’t the answer, I think everyone knows that by now. Neither are Green or Jackson unfortunately. Sure hope Collier is fully healthy now and can provide something in the second half. Also, really need Reed to be an impact player as well. Sunday will tell a lot, as you can guarantee the Bucs will throw the ball 40+ times. They have to pressure Winston, he’s a turnover machine when he’s under pressure.

    • cha

      I really struggle with your thoughts on #2. They’re probably going “settle for FG’s” more than the fanbase would like. That’s just team strategy. PC has been pretty clear on that, like it or not.

      As for creative and unpredictable, I think they have some plays in their book that they haven’t shown in game action yet. There’s probably enough to satisfy fans. Besides, I think there’s plenty of “unpredictability” in RW’s talent for creating chances when the play breaks down, and Lockett’s ability to scramble drill.

      I could see them calling some more swing passes to RB’s Sunday with the combination of Vea/Suh up front with Hunt at C, to blunt the rush a little.

      • Paul Cook

        My thoughts about #2 simply come from the idea that we’re not as good as our record. And we’re now headed into our toughest stretch of games after TB. For heaven’s sake, we’re 6-2 and only have a +12 point differential. LOL Now, either our defense is going to start showing some real improvement the 2nd half of the season, or we’re going to need to score a bunch more points to get to a 10-6 or 11-5 record. There’s no other choices. We could go 3-5 the 2nd half of the season and finish 9-7 or *barely* get to 10-6 without some offensive adjustments and change of mindset on offense.

        Like Rob’s said numerous times, we’re going to go as far as RW takes us this year. We didn’t get him any help at the trade, so offensive adjustment are going to be needed, methinks.

        • cha

          IMO the BEST way to improve the offense is by improving the defense. The defense has far more room to improve than the offense. If the offense changes essentially nothing and the defense just gets *thismuch* better, the offense will vault from 26 PPG to 29-32 PPG almost instantly.

          The 2nd half of the Atlanta game is a good example. Falcons had 2 clock-eating drives in the 3rd quarter, helped by a Clowney false start on 4th & 2. On that play, if there was no penalty and Atlanta gets stuffed, there’s 8 points off the board and Hawks ball in good field position. Those 2 outcomes are not unreasonable expectations.

          Could the offense have been better in the second half? Absolutely. But the defense gave up a ridiculous amount of first downs. Just could not give the ball back to the offense to get in rhythm at all.

          Agree 100% that this is RW’s team/year. But you have to give him to ball to let him make plays!

          • Paul Cook

            When it comes to the defense, it’s OBVIOUS that our inability to pressure the QB and get sacks is a glaring problem. But there’s something else about our defense that’s not quite as obvious, and has been killing us. I’ve been harping about this for a little while now, but from the line of scrimmage to 4-5-6-7 yards beyond, we’ve been REALLY squishy on defense. I’ve said this before, but I can’t count the number of times I’ve said aloud watching the game “is that guy STILL on his feet moving forward?”

            I did not expect our defense to be that soft in this area of the field this year. I thought we had one of the very best LB corps in the NFL. This, of course, is not all on the LB’s, but I expected our secondary to be a work in progress this year. Not our LB’s.

            Off tackle runs, screen passes, quick outs to receivers, etc…these plays seem to consistently get a lot more yardage than they have any busy getting against us. Our pursuit and tackling has been pretty bad in this department. 3rd down conversions are coming too easy against us on this segment of the field.

            That’s why I’ve been harping a bit about giving some other players a chance at LB, guys like Barton and BBK. We just need some more pursuit, aggression, and tacking ability on this portion of the field.

            End rant/

    • GoHawksDani

      Agreed on most, especially on the 1st…except the #4
      Forget base defense like 60%
      Barton is a bit green and BBK is a bit undersized.
      I’d play a lot more big nickel. Put 2 safeties deep and one around the LoS helping with TE/RB pass coverage and blitz some. My dream trio would be McDougald, Blair and Diggs, but not sure which one of them would be deep and which closer to the LoS. I wouldn’t mind King, Lano or T2 as a closer to the LoS big-nickel either. King is a solid blitzer and not bad in coverage. T2 can hit hard and probably better in short space then as a single high. Lano is OK in everything.
      And to be fair Taylor plays pretty OK as nickel CB. Why not let him play a bit more?
      Kendricks is a wild animal. Pretty good for TFL and passrush, but cannot cover and have issues tackling in space.
      KJ is a step slow as of now. Having hard time to tackle in space or cover guys. Still OK, but getting old and the injuries are piling up on him. I’d only rotate him
      Bobby is Bobby, but with KJ and Kendricks having issues the pressure is just too much on him.

      Use these guys for certain roles:
      Bobby as himself a trustworthy guy in the middle
      Kendricks as a blitzer, run defender closer to the LoS, a bit more like a LEO or something like that (he doesn’t look the role, but he just have a crazy motor). I’d use him on downs that needs to go more than 5 yards
      KJ when it’s a short situation and we don’t wanna go with big nickel. Or to rotate in with Kendricks sometimes

      If Blair could man single high that would be great, but I think he’s not ready (might not ever be) for that. So I’d use 2 deep (Blair + McDougald/Diggs) and one big nickel.
      The big nickel would be responsible mostly for covering TEs, RBs and handing out some hits in the middle. He could also help controlling the run game and do some blitzing occasionally.

      So I’d run a base 4-2-5 where the +1 DB can be a safety or a CB based on the offensive scheme and players

      Well that’s just my 2 cents, I’m not a coach 😀

  28. Sea Mode

    Scott Wright
    @ScottWrightOK

    Source close to Tylan Wallace tells me that Wallace has a torn ACL and will be out for the rest of the #OKState season

    Nov 1, 2019

  29. Sea Mode

    Amid all the discussion about things we wish our team had, let’s take a moment and appreciate what we do have:

    NFL Stats
    @NFL_Stats

    Stat of the Day:

    Right now, Russell Wilson leads the league in Pass TDs (17) and Passer Rating (115.5).

    No QB has led both categories since Tom Brady did it in 2010.

    Nov 1, 2019

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      Russell Wilson is good for what ails you

      I’ll always remember his Rose Bowl performance, and how stunned and excited I was they were able to draft him in R3. R3! But he’s exceeded every expectation I ever had, and even more, he’s still getting better.

    • cha

      There was a thread on NFL official twitter about who was the first half MVP and they tagged Rodgers. It was gratifying to see 99% of the replies were essentially “hell no, it’s RW by a mile.” A couple even “I hate Seattle and I can still accept that it is RW!”

    • Sea Mode

      Here’s more where that came from:

      PFF
      @PFF

      Russell Wilson has been on the money when throwing DEEP this season! 🎯

      https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1190241079674707968

      1:16 PM · Nov 1, 2019

  30. JimQ

    RE: Wide Receivers;
    Rob, I know this is a sunbelt conference player, but he’s tearing this season up, have you watched him? Also, Bayless has had some early hype re: Heisman Award. Might be a guy to keep an eye on.

    WR-Omar Bayless, Arkansas State, 6-3/207
    2019: 8-games, 60/1070, 17.8-ypc, 12-TD’s
    Currently #1 in NCAA in -Receiving yards- & -Receiving TD’s, so far…….

    2019 game TAPES:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__i0SQZ3R2U
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtiSdcVGnbs

    • Rob Staton

      I haven’t watched him but will take a look

  31. Mike

    Rob..with the injury to Britt..did you consider T Biadasz for the Seahawks first pick?? I know you have some technique concerns on him..but he seems like he could possibly be a week 1 starter at either center or guard.

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      I’ve watched a fair bit of Wisconsin this season and I’m not sold on Biadasz. He’s big and strong and moves pretty well for a big guy. I’ve seen him get to the second level ahead of Taylor and be in a position to make a downfield block. But he has poor balance, not just at the LOS, but also downfield so even though he gets there well, he often whiffs on his second level blocks. I think his problems are coachable, but he’ll probably need a couple of seasons to get it right.

      I think Nick Harris is more pro ready right now. I also think his shorter stature is better for a shorter QB like Wilson. And finally I think Harris could be had in R2, either with one of their current picks, or after a trade down from R1.

    • Rob Staton

      Sure I considered him. But right now Joey Hunt has an opportunity to earn the job (if they do move on from Britt).

      • JimQ

        Interesting. I’ve seen many opinions that say Britt won’t return, thus it would seem to leave a “need” at Center. Even if it’s a backup Center, I think it’s likely that the Seahawks will invest a round 3/4/5 pick on a Center. PFF has identified the #1 top Center in CFB so far this season as:
        OC-Matt Hennessy, Temple, –PFF’s highest graded center (by a large margin), in both pass & run.

        Additionally, If Ifedi leaves, OT becomes a big need. PFF has identified the top OT’s so far this season as:
        OT-Penei Sewell, Oregon, -PFF’s National leader in both pass/run grades.
        OT-Josh Jones, Houston, -PFF’s #2 leader in both categories, just slightly behind Sewell.

        The Seahawks should have a shot at a couple of these guys hopefully in the middle rounds of the coming draft. IMO- The OL needs some new blood but not from the first two rounds of this draft.

  32. Sea Mode

    Wow

    PFF
    @PFF

    🙅‍♂️

    QBs BEWARE of targeting Shaquill Griffin in the #Seahawks’ secondary this season

    https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1190339482689650689

    7:47 PM · Nov 1, 2019

    • TomLPDX

      That’s cool! Love to see that kind of stuff for our “middlin” DBs.

    • GoHawksDani

      | |

      He’s that close to be an elite CB. He’s gaining momentum. If he can turn a bit earlier and locate the ball and get a bit better at recognizing routes and patterns he could be an INT machine. He had like 5 really amazing PBUs this year. He needs to ride this momentum and get just a bit better and we have a lockdown corner for the long run

  33. Rob Staton

    I’m concerned about Sunday’s game. I think we’re closer to dropping a WTF loss than we are beating a contender and making a statement. Our home form is poor, Ariana will have TB ready to go and I’m concerned that rather than improve we are seeing the start of a decline. That this could be a season of two halves. A rather fortunate 6-2 follower by a dose of reality.

    Hope I’m wrong.

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      Wouldn’t be the first time this season TBB traveled west and beat a NFCw contender. And in a shoot out too.

      I’m concerned, but don’t have a foreboding sense of the game (yet).

    • TomLPDX

      Hold your horses there, Rob. we have a chance to bounce back from last week’s horrible 2nd half and I think our guys are up to the challenge. Don’t forget that Jameis is known for making stupid (notice I didn’t say bad, just stupid) decisions and I think he will continue that trend. Screw Arians. I hope we beat them by 21 pts at least!

    • GoHawksDani

      Don’t be negative Rob!

      I think RW will play great (as usual). Hopefully the grass won’t be slippery and Carson can have a good game, and I feel Penny will have a really good game (like 12 runs, 90 yards, 3 catches 35 yards and a rush TD and a catch TD).
      I think it’ll be somewhat of a shootout, but also feel our defense will step up. They are angry about getting so many points, they are angry about everyone undervaluing them, they are mad about how they play at their home.
      I think Griffin will have an INT. Reed will have a sack. Clowney will have 2 TFL and a stripsack.
      Bobby will have a sack and a FF.
      I think 41-31 Hawks win
      (2 TD by Penny, 1 by Lockett, 1 by DK, and a pick6 for Griffin)

  34. line_hawk

    Welcome to Seattle Josh Gordon! 😛

    • Kelly

      Just heard the same on 710. Metcalf and Gordon on the outside and move Lockett to the slot. Russ is going to have some BIG targets!!!

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      😮

    • cha

      Ian Rapoport

      Verified account

      @RapSheet
      9m
      9 minutes ago

      More
      The #Seahawks have claimed former #Patriots WR Josh Gordon, source said. QB Russell Wilson gets his wish.

      • Paul Cook

        Worth a try. Worst that can happen is he doesn’t work out. It seems he could possibly take *some* pressure off TL and Met.

  35. GoHawksDani

    As of now and if this board falls this way, I highly doubt they’ll stay where they are at the moment. I feel like they either trade up (unlikely) to between 19-21 to get Harris (next will be Britt’s last year on his contract.) or Little (if Ifedi will play with another team and they want to keep Fant as a plus blocker/swing tackle or if Fant moves on too and they see Jones more as an OG). Or they might even move higher to get Kinlaw or Davis (if Reed walks or they wanna create a dominant inside group). I highly doubt they can crack the top10. But I think moving up is unlikely. Most likely scenario in my mind is to move down at least a couple of spots and either get an RB or an EDGE you listed at the end of R1, or move down into R2. They had much more success in R2/R3 anyway.
    And if a DT/DE/OT falls into R2 because of injury/other concerns they can more likely take a gamble there because they’d have 3 R2 and 2(? or 3) R3 picks.

    I love a good 3 WR sets, and matching your certain playmaker with defenders to be successful, but that is not the Hawks. They run some 3 or sometimes even 4 WR sets, but most of the time it’s 1 or 2 TE, 1 or 2 RB/FB and 2 WRs. DK does well, Lockett is amazing, but unless they wanna shift offensive mindset a lot, or only using the top3 guys (currently they rotating Brown, Moore and Turner as WR3). A WR in R1 would mean they only wanna use Lockett, DK and Hamler. Unless WR1 or WR2 gets hurt for an extended period WR3 wouldn’t be used that much. An R1 pick for me would be a bit rich. I’m fine with a WR3 in R3, but unless he’s a special receiver and a guy who excells in jet sweeps and screens, and an A+ blocker and most importantly a really good PR/KR, I’d pass and trade out of that spot.

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