It’s hard to muster any real emotion about Seattle’s start to free agency.
Looking at most of the mega-deals being completed across the league, there’s not a lot to be jealous about. There isn’t really one particular move elsewhere that warrants any kind of envy.
Yes it would’ve been nice to sign a J.C. Jackson or Carlton Davis, for example. Yet those two players have signed for contenders intending to win a Super Bowl. The Seahawks can’t compete with that when they’ve just traded away their best bargaining chip in terms of 2022 ambition.
Perhaps the closest thing to a sigh I’ve had so far is Austin Corbett signing with the Panthers. It’s still hard to get too worked up about a guard with a 68.8 PFF grade going somewhere else.
Joseph Noteboom and Brian Allen stayed with the Rams. I’m not sure the Seahawks had much of a chance. Crossing the NFC West divide and going from Super Bowl champs to likely fourth placed also-rans isn’t attractive, whatever the offer financially.
Free agency is often an over-hyped disappointment. Bryan Bulaga was just cut after playing 11 games for the Chargers. It cost them $19m.
When you sign your own at least you know, to an extent, what you’re getting.
That said, what they have been able to do (which isn’t much) has provoked some chin-rubbing over the last 24 hours.
What exactly is the approach? I’m struggling to work it out.
Re-signing Quandre Diggs, Will Dissly, Al Woods and Sidney Jones suggests Pete Carroll was serious when he said he thought the team was in a good place after the Arizona win. They weren’t the typical moves of a rebuilding team, especially given how much the four players cost.
Yet at the same time, the Seahawks haven’t upgraded in any way.
So far they’ve simply lost D.J. Reed — their best cornerback. Reed was also a good age (25) and while three-years for $33m sounds a lot, it’s arguably a better investment than Dissly’s three-years for $24m.
Now they have a hole at cornerback, just as they did a year ago. While it’s possible they address the position during the draft — that simply means another one of the various other holes won’t be addressed. They don’t need to add to their list of priorities right now.
The offensive line is in flux with no solution yet at left tackle, center or right tackle. You can’t address those vital needs and get a pass rusher and a cornerback and a linebacker in the draft so something has to give.
The running game is so important to Seattle and we’ve seen how inept the offense is without it. Yet Rashaad Penny remains unsigned and what happens if he moves on?
Then there’s the quarterback position. I figured there was a plan when they dealt Wilson and it’s too early to say there isn’t. They might, after all, have their sights firmly fixed on one of these rookies.
If not — they’ve either been rejected by or weren’t really interested in Deshaun Watson (depending on which report you read). Kirk Cousins is off the table. They’ve not added a hedge like Pittsburgh did with Mitchell Trubisky.
Maybe Drew Lock is their hedge? I’m not sure anyone’s buying that though. He has, sadly, the misfortune of being considered a step down from even Trubisky.
Amid all of this — the Seahawks have committed over $30m a year to the safety position and stocked up at tight end (where they notoriously spend a lot for very little return).
One of my biggest complaints about this team is their penchant to invest in non-vital positions. There’s at least a small part of me that’s already worrying it’s happening again.
However — if you asked me what I want to see happen, I’m not sure I could give you an answer.
I guess if they made some bold moves on the O-line such as signing Terron Armstead and J.C. Tretter it’d be somewhat exciting. Yet Armstead has major durability concerns and will be expensive. Tretter was just cut by the Browns so they can press on with Nick Harris.
Eric Fisher is younger than Duane Brown but would it excite you to sign him to what would likely be an expensive deal?
I fear we’re going to be subjected to another year of Ethan Pocic.
I’d like to see them throw a pick Dallas’ way to take a chance on La’el Collins but even then, Collins’ career has hardly been plain-sailing. I wouldn’t want to give up anything before round five for a player who might be cut.
I want the Seahawks to spend #9 on a pass-rusher and that opinion won’t change between now and the draft. They’ll need a hedge of some kind but that likely means adding one of the available players approaching their mid-30’s.
Seattle needs a Jermaine Johnson or Kayvon Thibodeaux. They’ve said they want a game-wrecker. Post-Wilson trade I don’t want to spend a fortune on Chandler Jones, only to use #9 on one of the overrated offensive linemen or Sauce Gardner.
I found out yesterday Johnson ran a 1.55 10-yard split at the combine. Thibodeaux (1.59) and Amare Barno (1.54) were the only other two players to do so. Anything in the 1.5’s is elite.
Cliff Avril famously ran a 1.50 split. Johnson and Thibodeaux aren’t quite in that range but they’re not far off.
Granted, there is part of me that wonders if either will even be there at #9. The only thing worse than spending big on someone like Chandler Jones at age 32 will be not spending big and then missing out in the draft too.
A big reason for being at peace with the Wilson trade was the opportunity to create the kind of pass rush that has shown in recent years to be just as vital as a franchise quarterback. Not having either would be a crushing blow.
And no — pumping draft resources into the secondary and hoping Benson Mayowa can chip in with more sacks is not a viable alternative.
I’d be interested in Akiem Hicks or Calais Campbell for the right price but Al Woods’ return makes that less likely. I’m not sure why Stephon Gilmore would want to come here other than for an over-inflated contract.
According to PFF, Dante Jackson allowed just 120 receiving yards on 140 snaps of man coverage last season in Carolina. He’s 26. Is he going to be as expensive as Reed though, with more question marks in terms of fit?
At quarterback they could still add Marcus Mariota but Tyrod Taylor is joining the Giants. Admittedly I’m pretty fearful of what is to come at the position. I can live with being bad in 2022 to set yourself up for the 2023 draft. I can’t live with a horrible investment in someone this year — either via trade or using the draft.
The more I study the quarterbacks in this class the more convinced I am that Jack Coan is a better option in rounds 3-4 than any of the bigger names in rounds 1-2.
The complete lack of a steer so far is the anxiety-creating problem. It’s hard to get a handle on what they’re doing. They’ve made moves that go against ‘major rebuild mode’ and yet have so many glaring roster holes, including now at quarterback, that it’s impossible to imagine how anyone could see this as anything but a major rebuild.
When they’ve missed out on players in the past, that’s when they’ve started making trades and getting a bit desperate. I hope that doesn’t start happening now. This is a draft class where the more stock you have the better.
So I’ll settle for this, I think. I want to leave the draft without a glaring weakness this time. No more Ziggy Ansah and last-minute Jadeveon Clowney in 2019. No more desperation Jamal Adams trade in 2020. No more ‘figure it out when the season starts’ at center and cornerback like 2021.
Whatever the plan is, just make sure you have an actual functioning roster by the end of the draft.
On top of that, drafting some of these gold players would be nice:
Click to enlarge the image above.
And finally — if you missed my interview with Leo Chenal, you can check it out here:
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I’ve been speaking to one of my favourite draft prospects — and a potential target for the Seahawks in round two — Wisconsin linebacker Leo Chenal.
You can watch the interview on YouTube below or you can listed via Apple Podcasts by clicking here or by using the embed file below the YouTube video. If you are listening via Apple, can I ask you to please give the channel a nice review and a five-star rating? It helps with getting the message out.
I like Diggs. I think every Seahawks fan does. There’s something to be said in retaining his turnover production and he’s a good player.
I just have a hard time accepting that the two safeties in Seattle now have a combined average salary of over $30m a year.
I hoped this rebuild would include a renewed focus on investing in the trenches. The Seahawks fell into a trap of spending their money in the wrong areas. I’m a little bit concerned that the Diggs signing indicates they haven’t adapted.
It also breaks one of the rules I hoped they’d stick to in terms of investing in ageing players. Diggs is 29 and now signs a third contract. Are you getting his best years for this money or simply his final years?
So much for stealing the Rams’ linemen
It was maybe optimistic to think they’d want to jump across to a division rival. However, the Brian Allen signing (three-years, $24m) is the same contract Will Dissly signed to stay in Seattle. A move to potentially solve a problem position is what many fans were hoping for.
Meanwhile, Joseph Noteboom is also staying in LA.
Al Woods returns
Woods had a tremendous 2021 season and I have no problem with him coming back. Pete Carroll mentioned his name among a group of returners by accident recently — which more or less indicated they would keep him.
The money ($4.75m guaranteed) is quite high but he’ll be worth it if he plays the way he did last year.
This might suggest, combined with the Shelby Harris addition, that the Seahawks are not likely to draft a defensive tackle.
Sidney Jones stays in Seattle
I think this is a good move. Jones did enough to keep around and if they bring back D.J. Reed too, the Seahawks can feel comfortable about the position. It’s not a spectacular group but given some of the contracts dished out so far — you have to imagine JC Jackson and Carlton Davis are going to get ridiculous deals.
Will Dissly gets paid a head-scratching amount
This is where the Seahawks start to lose me. Yes, we’ll see what the final figures are. However, in no way, shape or form does Dissly justify a three-year, $24m deal. Nice guy, sure. Decent depth piece at tight end — yes. Reasonable blocker. Absolutely.
Yet this contract just makes no sense when you consider Brian Allen got the same deal to start at center for the Rams. Why not pay a bit more to get Allen, then just draft a tight end on day three?
Dissly had 231 receiving yards and one solitary score last season. His PFF grade was a 63.8.
It feels like the Seahawks got too involved in a heated market and overpaid to keep someone they like. Yet to think today they’ve invested as much as they have in safety and tight end — with nothing done to the O-line — is concerning.
Feel free to use this as an open thread for when free agency begins with the legal tampering period. I will react to any big news later today on the blog and via live streams. Firstly though, an announcement of sorts…
I started Seahawks Draft Blog in 2008. I’d returned to the UK from Canada and was starting a journalism career. I needed to practise writing every day so a blog felt like a good idea. I wanted to be motivated to write so picked a subject I knew would keep my interest.
The Seahawks were a passion and blogs were all the rage in the pre-Twitter world. There was a gap in the market for a dedicated team-specific website on the draft, especially with the Seahawks struggling and eventually earning the #4 pick.
Much to my surprise it took off and gained a reasonable following. I never intended to still be writing 14 years later.
We tracked the team from Pete Carroll’s arrival to the Super Bowl years and now to today, with Russell Wilson traded in one of the biggest deals in NFL history.
As with the team, it feels like it’s time for a change.
Firstly, the site has been outdated for a long time. The web-designer I used is no longer in the business and various alternatives have quoted incredible fees to revamp Seahawks Draft Blog because there’s 12 years of data attached to this version of it.
The banner is from 2014. The flash banner on articles doesn’t work any more.
It’s 2022. It’s time to start looking like a website from this decade.
Secondly, blogs aren’t what they used to be. Back in the day, it’s where we got our news. I’m sure many of you used to follow Mike Sando’s blog when he worked at the TNT. In 2008 I remember refreshing his blog during free agency, hoping for updates on Kris Dielman. That’s how things used to be.
Now — you get your news from a tweet by one of the handful of reporters who mingle with the agents and teams in the news-sharing industry. Then you often head on to YouTube or a podcast for reaction.
I want this place to get with the times. The articles and writing will remain. This is about adding not subtracting. But it’s time to take this beyond a mere blog. The streaming and podcast element is just as vital. This is going to be more of a multi-media site moving forward.
The name ‘Seahawks Draft Blog’ was useful because it explained what this place was. Yet the term ‘blogger’ has almost become a derogatory phrase these days. I’m relaunching the site under a new name.
I also want this website to appeal to more than just Seahawks fans. I’m a Seahawks fan and writer — but a lot of the draft work is universal and not team-specific.
So here we go. Here is the new identity.
I picked this because the timing, for me, is ideal. The Seahawks are beginning a new era. And so are we…
Today I am launching ‘The Rebuild’ — on the day free agency begins with legal tampering. Shortly the site will be redirecting to a fresh design and modern look. The objective is to provide the best coverage of Seattle’s rebuild — whatever shape or form it takes.
I am also launching ‘The Rebuild Podcast’ — which is where all my live streams, interviews and new audio offerings will be found.
“Seattle has checked in on the situation, but most people I talk to don’t expect the Seahawks to be seriously in the Watson mix.”
There seems to be this grand assumption that due to Pete Carroll’s age, the only plausible option is to aggressively build this off-season. Yet it’s unrealistic to believe there’s any shot of this team being a threat when you look at where they are.
Yes they have picks and cap space — but right now, they don’t have a viable quarterback and the following players are out of contract: LT, RT, C, CB1, CB2, FS, RB. They also just cut their starting middle linebacker. There were existing holes on the roster to begin with anyway — plus areas that needed upgrading.
There’s simply no realistic option other than to build over time.
A quick reminder that Bill Belichick also turns 70 this year and he has just embraced a big rebuild. The Patriots took a year in 2020 to take stock then spent rapidly in free agency 12 months ago. They didn’t force the situation at quarterback and eventually drafted Mac Jones in the middle of round one without trading up.
It remains to be seen whether the plan works — but it’s not totally ridiculous to think Carroll, like Belichick, realises there’s a lot to do.
After all — the Seahawks don’t just exist for Carroll’s career. He has a duty to protect the franchise’s interests. That means building a good team, reaping the benefits, then passing it on to the next person to continue the work.
Seattle’s immediate priority should be to create a core. If that includes a quarterback — great. Using all of of your cap space and picks on one player denies you an opportunity to build a core, though.
The Seahawks need building blocks, not a quick fix. As we’ve been saying for weeks — this is a draft class that can produce a foundation for the future.
For that reason, I hope Seattle’s biggest move at quarterback this week is to merely add competition for Drew Lock and Jacob Eason. A Tyrod Taylor type or Marcus Mariota, for example.
You’re not contending for a Super Bowl in 2022. Setting yourself up to do so in future years has to be the key.
So when free agency begins on Monday at 12pm (EST) — these are the rules I would set if I were the Seahawks:
1. Reinforce the trenches
2. Create a physical, intimidating defense
3. Invest in players at the right age
4. Don’t reach for a quarterback
5. Don’t trade for/sign older players
I would prioritise the offensive line in free agency and use the money available to try and craft a group that can be together not just in 2022 but for the next 3-4 years. I would try and steal from the Rams — hurting a division rival and helping yourself by adding players who know the scheme you wish to install.
Joseph Noteboom, Brian Allen and Austin Corbett would be on my radar.
I would stick to trying to sign players in their 20’s. A rebuild doesn’t just have to take place in the draft. In 2011 they signed Sidney Rice and Zach Miller — they should try for more moves like that.
They have money to spend. They should be prepared to pay big salaries to acquire talented young players.
I suspect they will also feel the need to draft a hedge at defensive end. You can’t risk missing out at #9 and being left with another year of bad pass rushing play. Spending a bit on a pass rusher isn’t a problem — you can never have too many. It shouldn’t prevent you from still taking a Jermaine Johnson, Kayvon Thibodeaux or David Ojabo.
I think defense should be the primary target early in the draft with a linebacker added in round two. I’d make a strong case for Nick Cross at safety, too, if Quandre Diggs departs. Otherwise, an offensive lineman such as Abraham Lucas, Cole Strange or Cam Jurgens would also make sense in the second frame.
I also think Carroll should lean into his philosophy. He’s leading this rebuild so he might as well. Add a running back like Zamir White or Dameon Pierce (if available) in round three to complete your circle — whether you bring back Rashaad Penny or not (and I would, you can afford to).
This might all seem underwhelming to some people.
For me, it feels like a necessary start ahead of a new era.
However, I would look to draft a quarterback. Just not early.
The Seahawks should now be in the business of adding a young QB every year until they find ‘the one’. In this draft, I’m not sold on the players projected to go early. So I would be patient, wait for next year when better players (Will Levis, Bryce Young) will be available — and take a flier on a day three prospect this time.
For me, it should be Notre Dame’s Jack Coan.
I’d never argue he’s a future franchise quarterback. He has limitations — but his limitations are no more severe, really, than the players projected to go much earlier.
He has a decent arm. He’s not a totally useless athlete. He does a good job throwing to all ranges and I like the way he attacks the seams (although it helps playing with a future top-10 pick at tight end).
I think he’d be a welcome option in round four to compete with your other quarterbacks in camp.
I mentioned on the stream a particularly interesting note on Coan. Notre Dame were playing Virgina Tech. They were leading. Brian Kelly introduced freshman Tyler Buchner to give him some experience. He threw a pick-six, then another interception. Instead of leading, the Irish were now trailing by eight points late in the game.
Coan re-entered with four minutes left and immediately led a touchdown drive then improvised to nail the two-point conversion. Tie-game.
They got a stop on defense and then Coan led a field goal drive. The winning kick was scored with 17 seconds remaining.
Little moments like that stick in the memory.
You might quibble about the fact he was taken out in the first place, purely to give the new guy a shot. Well — Coan was a bridge himself at Notre Dame, having transferred from Wisconsin.
And as for being replaced — let’s not forget NC State once picked Mike Glennon over Russell Wilson, leading him to transfer.
Coan came back in, with barely any time left, to clean up somebody else’s mess (Kelly’s arrogance and the struggling freshman’s performance) and win a game. That showed some serious character.
I would rather build up the defense and O-line as a priority and add Coan later on, then force anything at quarterback this year. I can’t see my opinion changing before April either.
There’s no quick-fix I’m afraid. It took the Seahawks three years to build a Championship roster from 2010. We need to expect that to be a reasonable time-frame again.
One other final note — Notre Dame receiver Kevin Austin Jr is stunningly underrated. He is an outstanding player with major potential who appears to be coming into his own. As I was watching Coan, I couldn’t believe how impactful Austin Jr truly was.
For me, a good team could justify taking him in the late first round. I think he’s certain to go in round two.
And if he’s there in round three — Seattle should seriously consider adding him based on talent alone.
Tomorrow I will be making an announcement about the future of the blog.
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When a GM and Head Coach have been with a team for so long, it’s a lot easier to get a feel for what they like.
If the Seahawks are going to embrace a fairly significant rebuild, with a new core, it’s worth reflecting on what history tells us.
They’ve invested a lot in linebackers and safeties.
The second round pick on Bobby Wagner (then paying him big money, twice). A first rounder on Jordyn Brooks. A first rounder on Earl Thomas. A second rounder on Marquise Blair. The Jamal Adams trade.
Not to mention reported interest in Luke Kuechly in 2012, who they could’ve taken (if available) with the #12 pick. Plus reported interest in Johnathan Abram in 2019.
Rightly or wrongly, the Seahawks under Pete Carroll have invested a significant chunk of their resources in these two positions.
As they look to reshape their defense, they might do it again.
Wagner’s release creates a potential hole. The same will happen at safety if Quandre Diggs departs.
Personally, I wouldn’t pay big money for a 29-year-old safety coming off a serious injury in a rebuild year.
The two picks in round two — #40 and #41 — could potentially align very well with the two positions we’re talking about here.
If they’re looking for a Wagner replacement — both Channing Tindall and Leo Chenal have the kind of speed, explosive traits, agility numbers and physicality to really fit the bill. As much as I’ve pushed back against the investment at linebacker over the years — these two players, in a deep group of linebackers — have a chance to be extremely good. Maybe even special.
Then you’ve got a player who the more I’ve studied, the more convinced I am the Seahawks will seriously consider drafting him.
It’s not just that they’ve put a lot of focus on the safety position. They like to play with a physical edge. Their three big investments at the position — Thomas, Blair and Adams — all had a reputation for their playing style.
Abram had it too. He combined 4.4 speed with an aggressive approach to the game. He hit people and left a mark. I think a big part of their clear disappointment after the first round concluded in 2019 was down to missing out on Abram (plus missing out on their pick of the pass rushers).
Maryland’s Nick Cross is an absolute hammer. He is a throwback. He delivered some unbelievable hits and provides the kind of fear-factor in the back-end the Seahawks have been missing for a long time.
Not only that, he ran a 4.34 at the combine and jumped a 37 inch vertical. He’s 6-0 and 212lbs too so has reasonable size.
Listening to him during interviews he’s well spoken, says the right things and gives off a big team-first vibe. You can imagine him in a leadership role.
I can imagine Carroll completely falling for a player like Cross. If the objective is to use the picks, play the long-game and invest in a younger core — he seems like the type of player who could be a cornerstone.
I wouldn’t be totally against the pick either — which I appreciate sounds like a major contradiction based on what I’ve been saying about spending too much on the linebacker and safety positions.
However — I would rather build around fast, physical players on defense who fly to the ball and play an aggressive brand of football. I want a violent defense again.
Jermaine Johnson, Channing Tindall/Leo Chenal and Nick Cross playing on the same defense as Darrell Taylor and Jordyn Brooks is very appealing. And hey — maybe that other safety could join the party next year.
This is just one idea of many. We’ve got over a month to discuss various scenarios and this is one of them. I am very open to the idea of finding a way, even if it means trading up, to get at one of these very impressive defensive tackles instead. The addition of Shelby Harris, however, might make that less likely.
I do like the idea of going all-defense in the draft though and trying to blitz one side of the ball with young talent. On offense, there are options in free agency to add a left tackle (Eric Fisher, Joseph Noteboom, Duane Brown), center (Brian Allen, Bradley Bozeman), right tackle (possibly La’el Collins) and receiver (Russell Gage, Christian Kirk).
With the second most cap space in the NFL this year and the most next year if the Raiders retain Derek Carr, there’s no reason not to splash some cash on the right types of players.
And if you can start a much more physical, younger, tone-setting defense next season — and combine it with a consistent running game — you’ll be setting the stall out for Carroll’s preferred method of football.
The Seahawks have been aiming to be the bullies again for some time and have turned into a finesse team instead.
Jermaine Johnson, Channing Tindall/Leo Chenal, Nick Cross, Darrell Taylor, Jordyn Brooks and Jamal Adams — with a running back like Zamir White or Dameon Pierce — and some free agent additions to fill holes on offense, can take this team a lot closer to being back to the team they want to be.
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Should the Seahawks build up their defense before attacking the quarterback position?
I’m comfortable with a rebuild year
Sometimes it’s difficult to take a step back, take stock and make a long term decision.
Increasingly this is what I think the Seahawks should do.
I’m not sure Pete Carroll will necessarily feel that way. Yet the franchise isn’t here purely to satisfy one man who is reaching the final few years of his career.
This roster, in its current guise, is empty.
They don’t have long-term building blocks at the premium positions other than Darrell Taylor and D.K. Metcalf.
First and foremost they need to add talent. That means giving yourself two off-seasons — with multiple picks and a ton of cap space — to build.
You can’t go from where they are now to a contender with one free agent class and one draft. You just can’t.
If they trade for Deshaun Watson — shelling out most if not all of the stock they’ve just acquired — what are you left with? The same empty roster, just with an expensive quarterback.
There’s also little point doing what the Washington Commanders just did — wasting mid-round picks to take a Hail Mary on Carson Wentz finding his mojo.
It’s time to embrace what this is — a rebuild.
What the Seahawks probably need to do now is what they did in 2010 and 2011 — create the foundations for the next contender.
If they really like a quarterback in this class, then fair enough. Don’t force it though. The only thing worse than not having a quarterback is investing in the wrong one.
What I think they should be considering is a pure ‘best player available’ approach in the draft, with an eye on the premier positions.
At #9 the aim should be a great pass rusher, left tackle or cornerback. With the two high picks in round two — they should be aiming to further add talent.
I’m going to talk a bit more about the draftable quarterbacks later in this article. However, I’d be totally comfortable with a year of Drew Lock competing with someone else. For me, the most important thing isn’t wins or losses in 2022. It’s to make sure that in 12 months time, we can list multiple players as part of a new, young core.
So here’s how I would plan for this current off-season:
I would rather throw money at Russell Gage (74.7 PFF) or Christian Kirk (72.1 PFF) to be a trusted third receiver. They are 26 and 25 respectively.
Originally I wasn’t keen on paying huge money to J.C. Jackson but his PFF grade of 78.9, age (26) and 25 interceptions in four years strike all the notes of a player you probably should be looking to acquire.
Jackson trails only Gilmore for the highest man coverage grade in the NFL since 2018. He has intercepted 19 passes in man coverage over that span, five more than the second-place player and twice as many as the guy in third. His mirror ability and poise at the catch point make him a nightmare to face in man coverage.
With the potential of more man-coverage in Seattle next season, this is a key paragraph. The Seahawks have also been linked to Stephon Gilmore (by Richard Sherman).
Carlton Davis and Charvarius Ward would also be good options to pair with D.J. Reed — who should be a priority re-sign. Mike Hughes could be another possibility.
Brian Allen is in his mid-20’s and has familiarity with the scheme you want to deploy, plus a 74.8 PFF rating. Bradley Bozeman was a 73.3. Can you acquire a proven, veteran center?
La’el Collins might be cut soon — surprisingly. Yet he’s 28-years-old and graded at an 80.2 as a right tackle. Joseph Noteboom — another player from the Rams system — graded at a 76.0. He’s 26.
Add to your D-line by stealing away D.J. Jones or taking a chance on Tim Settle.
You turn to these players — pay them — and ask them to help begin a new era of Seahawks football. That’s the motivation. Older players are going to struggle to see that same challenge and opportunity if they’re reaching the end. The temptation to check-out will be far stronger.
Channel your inner-2011. Go after the next Sidney Rice and Zach Miller.
2. The draft
Use the #9 pick to acquire a quality player at a vital position.
Create that dynamic EDGE duo with Darrell Taylor. There’s a realistic chance one of Kayvon Thibodeaux, Jermaine Johnson or David Ojabo will be there. If not, one of the top offensive linemen will last. There’s also Sauce Garnder and Derek Stingley.
At #40 I would seriously consider trading back into the late first if the right player is available. That could be one of the defensive tackles — Devonte Wyatt, Travis Jones or Perrion Winfrey (I’m assuming Jordan Davis is off the board).
You could also sit tight and simply draft whichever linebacker and defensive or offensive lineman you want with your back-to-back picks. The idea of Tindall or Chenal in particular — offering an aggressive combination of speed, agility, explosive traits and violence — is extremely appealing. Especially if they’re playing in a front seven with Johnson/Thibodeaux and Taylor, plus a defensive tackle with the potential for greatness.
This, for me, would be a great chance to build a young core and create the kind of defense that can scare opponents again.
That — combined with fresh additions at left tackle, cornerback and receiver in free agency, plus the arrival of Noah Fant — could set up an exciting future.
Here’s my slightly updated horizontal board (click to enlarge):
3. Target a quarterback next year
I’ve made no secret of the fact I’m a fan of Kentucky’s Will Levis. I think he has a tremendous future — and yet people continue to ignore him and focus on Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud.
I am very comfortable creating a much improved, deeper and younger roster — then trying to get ‘your guy’ in a years time.
This year I would be happy to create a competition in camp. Drew Lock is clearly going to be part of that. I would then add one of the free agents — Mitchell Trubisky, Marcus Mariota or another.
The names are underwhelming but you’re not looking for the definitive answer.
I’m not a fan of trading for a veteran unless it’s cheap. If you can get Kirk Cousins for a day three pick — just to have a look and see if you want to extend him next year — fine. But no more than a day three pick and Minnesota would need to eat some of his salary. I’m not opposed to Tyler Huntley either. Again though, it has to be a day three pick. No more.
The mature, sensible approach is to accept where this team is. It needs a complete refresh. The key to 2022 is to build. Short-term solutions feel short-sighted.
This excellent draft, rich in good players at important positions, combined with investment in veteran players approaching their prime — can set the team up for success.
It might not make for a lot of wins this year — but as we saw in 2010 and 2011 — things can certainly develop and grow to the point where greatness is eventually achieved.
Deshaun Watson will be traded very soon
The big NFL news of the day, despite all the signings, is this:
I don’t want Deshaun Watson in Seattle. If you give up all your stock for Watson — who could still be suspended by the NFL — you’ll remove almost all of your key resources to build up the roster.
What’s the point of having an expensive quarterback and an inept supporting cast?
The talk is the Texans still expect three first round picks, plus further compensation including players. Watson has a no-trade clause too, so can reject any destination he doesn’t like.
I can’t get behind paying, for example, #9 this year and your two firsts next year — plus further picks and maybe more — to have Watson and a roster in this state, without a first round pick until 2024 to build around him. Especially given he still faces the very real prospect of a suspension by the NFL.
I hope the Seahawks resist any temptation to make this move.
What the mock drafts are saying
Some of these were published right before the Wilson trade was announced, so they’re not projecting who the Seahawks take at #9. However it’s worth looking to see who was available in each mock.
Daniel Jeremiah had Jermaine Johnson at #9. He also had Kayvon Thibodeaux at #8. It’s worth remembering that the Falcons are a real threat to take a pass rusher. It’s a huge need for them — just as much as receiver. A mere suggestion here — but it might be worth jumping above them if the Giants will do it for a low-cost deal.
Lance Zierlein produced the worst case scenario (maybe). He had Thibodeaux go at #7 and Johnson at #8. He also had Aidan Hutchinson going at #6. Three highly-rated pass rushers coming off the board in a row. That would be difficult to stomach. He has the Seahawks taking Malik Willis at #9.
Todd McShay has the Seahawks selecting Thibodeaux. That would be a very exciting selection. Plenty of players fall for a variety of reasons. Look at Micah Parsons. The opportunity to select Thibodeaux, even if he does drop to #9, would be a rare one. You’d be getting a player with legit superstar talent.
Dane Brugler also had Thibodeaux going #9 overall, albeit to Denver. I suspect as the process continues teams like Houston (and maybe even Jacksonville at #1) will satisfy themselves over Thibodeaux’s supposed character concerns. Now is the time to fret. April is a time where teams will talk themselves into the potential. If he did drop to #9 the Seahawks should probably open a bottle of champagne.
He’s the former #1 overall recruit in 2019 for a reason. He was one of only two pass rushers to run a 1.5 10-yard split at the combine. He has the frame of a factory-built edge rusher and while he might be a bit full of himself during media appearances — how many of the NFL’s best are perfect in that regard?
If Seattle wants a game-wrecker — that’s what he can be.
Notable stat-leaders (front seven)
This is a list worth running through.
Their national ranking is the number before each name.
TFL’s — 2021
#1 Will Anderson (2023 #1 pick) — 33.5
#2 Devin Lloyd — 20.5
#4 Cam Thomas — 20.5
#6 Leo Chenal — 18.5
#6 Jalen Pitre — 18.5
#11 Arnold Ebiketie — 18
#12 Jermaine Johnson — 17.5
#18 Aidan Hutchinson — 16.5
#18 DeAngelo Malone — 16.5
#26 Sam Williams — 16
#34 Micah McFadden — 15.5
#34 Josh Paschal — 15.5
#34 Damone Clark — 15.5
#40 Nik Bonitto — 15
#66 Logan Hall — 13
#77 Christian Harris — 12.5
#77 DeMarvin Leal — 12.5
#90 David Ojabo — 12
#90 Kayvon Thibodeaux — 12
#90 Phidarian Mathis — 12
#90 Darrian Beavers — 12
Sacks — 2021
#1 Will Anderson — 17.5
#3 Aidan Hutchinson — 14
#5 Sam Williams — 12.5
#7 Jermaine Johnson — 11.5
#7 Cam Thomas — 11.5
#10 David Ojabo — 11
#22 Arnold Ebiketie — 9.5
#26 Eyioma Uwazurike — 9
#26 DeAngelo Malone — 9
#26 Phidarian Mathis — 9
#37 DeMarvin Leal — 8.5
#45 Leo Chenal — 8
#45 Devin Lloyd — 8
#45 Zach Carter — 8
#59 Kayvon Thibodeaux — 7
#59 Boye Mafe — 7
#59 Nik Bonitto — 7
#81 Jeffrey Gunter — 6.5
#81 Micah McFadden — 6.5
#97 Nakobe Dean — 6
I re-watched three games of Kenny Pickett last night and I’m working my way through the other three members of what I’d call ‘the big four’.
The more I watch of this quarterback class, the more it intrigues me. Not in an altogether positive way. But not in a ‘this is the worst class ever’ kind of way either.
Pickett, for example, does a lot of good things. I really like the base from which he throws. It allows him to generate better arm strength on an intermediate level than I think people give him credit for.
He’s very capable of scrambling away from pressure then either throwing on the run or rushing for a first down.
There are some occasions where he starts slow — or at least the whole offense does — but then he warms up and then you see the passes firing and the chains moving.
When a quarterback succeeds at a big school with an endless run of 5-star recruits, it’s not a huge surprise. Pickett elevating Pittsburgh to the ACC title is a big deal.
There are concerns too. He has a tendency to drift when he sits in the pocket, there are some crazy ‘chuck and duck’ throws downfield and while you can appreciate aspects of his game — there’s a lack of ‘wow’ factor to draw you in completely. And there’s the small hands, due to his unusually-jointed thumb.
I could easily imagine him being a poor-man’s Joe Burrow — or a Blaine Gabbert.
Yet on 710 Seattle Sports this week, Mike Salk relayed a clip of John Schneider discussing what he wants in a franchise quarterback. He said he wants a mobile QB who tilts the field and leads, who can make plays on third down and elevate the team.
When you reflect on Pickett — he ticks a lot of those boxes.
I’m torn on whether the Seahawks will like him enough to say ‘yes — this is our next franchise QB’.
When you watch Matt Corral, Desmond Ridder and Malik Willis you end up with the same thoughts. They all do a lot of what Schneider says he wants. They also either lack a ‘wow’ factor or have troubling flaws to offset the positives.
Corral has a surprisingly good arm for his size, the dynamic scrambling and he plays with a lot of competitive spirit. He led Ole Miss to a very successful season in 2021.
He also plays in a favourable offense and in an article by Bob McGinn today — an unnamed source claimed “There’s a lot of Johnny Manziel to this guy. Party boy.”
I suspect given Lane Kiffin and Corral are said to be extremely close that Kiffin will vouch for his quarterback. Carroll also clearly has a strong connection to Monte Kiffin, who is also part of the Ole Miss setup.
However — that opinion above is held by at least one person in the NFL. Carroll might like the rough edges of an individual like this (and he certainly defended Johnny Manziel when given an opportunity in press conferences). I’m sure they’ll be doing plenty of homework.
Desmond Ridder is a fantastic athlete and he has genuinely elevated his team — perhaps even more so than Pickett. He has exceptional spirit and appears to be a strong leader and proven winner. He has massive 10 inch hands.
His accuracy is also extremely erratic. Half the time you watch him and see a more athletic Alex Smith. The rest of the time you see Geno Smith. It’s hard to know what to make of that.
Malik Willis has all the tools — arm strength, great runner, ability to launch the ball downfield on the run. Yet he’s maddening to watch as a passer when he’s not playing hero-ball. If you got frustrated with Russell Wilson scrambling into trouble and not seeing the field — wait until you watch Willis.
He is capable of magical plays that leave you hitting the rewind button to watch a second time. He’s also capable of rejecting a wide open receiver, all alone downfield, in favour of scrambling out of the pocket and running into trouble because his initial read wasn’t open.
Then there’s his throwing mechanics that are problematic in their own right and could lead to turnovers aplenty at the next level.
Still — the magic. And he’s said to be a good guy with leadership qualities.
Frankly — based on what I’ve seen so far — I can’t rule any of these four in or out for Seattle. And I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to do that between now and the draft.
I feel certain they won’t take Carson Strong or Sam Howell. At least not in the first three rounds or so. But the ‘big four’ are a challenging projection. There are things to like and things to dislike. Reasons to believe they’ll appeal to Seattle and reasons to believe they’ll pass.
It might come down to how they’re viewing this. Are they now a team that takes shots at quarterbacks until they find the guy? Or are they treating this year as an opportunity to build the roster and then go after a specific target?
Or are they going to spend a fortune on Deshaun Watson, if he even wants to come to Seattle?
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There’s a lot to this article — so if you’ve only come for the mock draft, it’s at the end. Firstly though, I want to share a few more thoughts and suggestions 48 hours after a franchise-changing day for the Seahawks.
Clearly, it wasn’t a ‘normal’ meeting
A few weeks ago, the end-of-season meeting between Jody Allen, Pete Carroll and John Schneider received a lot of national media attention. Mainly, it seemed, because nobody outside of Allen’s inner-circle knew what was about to happen.
Members of the local media were quick to dismiss the meeting as ‘normal’. It was described as ‘no news’. Based on a quick scan of articles written at the time, I found this description of the get-together:
“The franchise sees this as a regular thing and not a potentially earth-shattering referendum on the front office.”
Since the meeting, the Seahawks have:
— Fired their defensive coordinator
— Added two new younger defensive coaches
— Moved on from Mike Solari
— Traded Russell Wilson
— Cut Bobby Wagner
It’s fair to suggest, with hindsight, this was probably anything but a normal, run-of-the-mill meeting. Even if everyone agreed major changes were required — the decision was fairly seismic.
Some of the people most vocal about this being a ‘normal’ meeting were the same people insisting, obnoxiously at times, that there was absolutely no chance Russell Wilson would be traded.
Whatever source those people were using is clearly prepared to tell people what they want to be relayed to the public — but not necessarily what is actually going on behind the scenes.
It’s worth wondering, then, exactly what the outcome of that meeting was.
The feeling in some league circles is that Pete Carroll is safe — he’s not ready to retire, and the Seahawks would have major guts to fire a legend outright — but that it might be time for Carroll to concede personnel final say to John Schneider. The two work together seamlessly, anyway, so the transition would be easy. And the move would embolden the personnel staff that sometimes feels handcuffed by coaches’ preferences.
Was this actually quite prophetic?
It’s felt for a while that John Schneider would be open to trading Wilson. It’s common knowledge he and Wilson’s agent, Mark Rodgers, don’t exactly see eye to eye (to put it mildly).
While many were focusing on whether Carroll would be prepared to embrace a rebuild, perhaps the bigger question is whether it was solely his call to make?
Cutting Wagner, too, feels like more of a long term move.
I doubt we’ll ever find out what the actual power-structure is these days. It could easily be nothing’s changed. They could be aggressive in the next two weeks to ‘try’ and build a contender quickly — which would be in-line with Carroll’s competitive thinking.
I raise all of this for a reason though. If Schneider has gained greater power in the personnel decision making process — is this more likely to mean the Seahawks embrace a long-term approach?
GM’s like having picks to spend. It’s their time to shine. To express themselves. To show what they’re about.
This tweet caught my eye earlier today:
Kirk Cousins has a fan in Pete Carroll. One source still indicated the Seahawks are headed for a two-year reset, however. https://t.co/nNGMkE4wKe
“One source still indicated the Seahawks are headed for a two-year reset.”
I’m speculating, of course, but this to me sounds like the kind of approach a GM would prefer, rather than a 70-year-old Head Coach we’ve all been assuming is in a great hurry to return to the top of the NFC.
Keep that in mind when pondering what comes next. If it is a two-year reset, they might be more inclined to use their draft picks this year to flesh out their roster. They might draft a quarterback this year or next, rather than make a wild trade for an experienced player. They might be less inclined to retain ageing veterans.
That said, it does seem like both the Seahawks and Wilson were just ready to move on. So it’s entirely possible very little has changed in terms of power structure. It’s just that Carroll has aligned his thinking with Schneider over a trade.
We’ll find out soon enough. It’s something to consider though — whether things have changed — and how that could shape their approach this off-season.
Deshaun Watson thoughts
Personally I’m not interested in trading for Watson. He likely faces a NFL suspension whatever the outcome of his legal situation. He hasn’t played for a year. Most of all though — Seattle’s roster needs rebuilding. There’s no point having Watson with no supporting cast.
It’s not that long ago that Jeremy Fowler reported Watson (who has a no-trade clause) was open to going to Tampa Bay or Minnesota.
Those are probably the two teams to focus on — even though Watson’s agent disputed the report.
The Vikings are said to be in a hurry to succeed — while Tampa Bay are still living off the expectations of contention courtesy of Tom Brady.
It makes you wonder if these two teams will make the biggest tilt — thus making Kirk Cousins available for a team such as the Colts or, yes, the Seahawks. As much as I’m underwhelmed by that prospect, we have to embrace the fairly significant murmur that Carroll is a big admirer of Cousins and has been for some time, dating back to before the 2012 draft.
Drew Lock’s addition could be telling
Things can change quickly and it’s always good to have a contingency plan. However, I can’t help but wonder why the Seahawks acquired Lock as part of the Wilson trade if they intended to go all out and acquire Deshaun Watson or Kirk Cousins?
In that instance, you wouldn’t need him, would you? Unless they suddenly want to change 10 years of thinking on backup quarterbacks and actually have someone of relative significance.
It arguably would’ve made more sense to have another pick from Denver instead, even a late rounder, if you’re just going to land a big name replacement.
This is complete projection on my behalf but I suspect bringing Lock in is indicative of a team that fully expects to have a competition at quarterback this year — between a couple of veterans and maybe a rookie — rather than make a big splash move.
Will the Seahawks try to add a familiar face?
This video from Mike Garafolo, discussing free agents who might be paid more than expected, was interesting today:
From @gmfb: A look at five NFL free agents who are going to secure a bigger bag in the next week than many might expect.pic.twitter.com/EFc0g0v5ux
It did make me think again about Seattle’s approach next week. As I said yesterday, I’d personally prefer to avoid signing older players. Target players in their mid-20’s you can grow with. In 2011 they added Sidney Rice and Zach Miller at great cost. Those are the types of signing I’d like to see now.
I listed the following names: Carlton Davis (CB), Christian Kirk (WR), Charvarius Ward (CB), Brian Allen (C), Austin Corbett (G), Bradley Bozeman (C), D.J. Jones (DT), Donte Jackson (CB), Michael Gallup (WR), Russell Gage (WR), Joseph Noteboom (T), Justin Reid (S) and Cedrick Wilson (WR).
On Garafolo’s list, one name stood out that they might look to add.
J.D. McKissic was in Seattle between 2016-18. Back in the day, he was celebrated by various members of the LOB-era team for his toughness and attitude. He never made it with the Seahawks but he’s since flourished as a receiving-running back in Washington.
I’m not saying I would do it — but I wonder if Seattle might. Not only to add a creative player who can be used in lots of different ways — but also because if his attitude and approach was as good as Richard Sherman and co. thought — they might see him as a potential leader and glue-guy as a new, younger core comes together.
You need culture setters. They might view him that way.
We’ll learn a lot on Monday
When free agency begins, I’ll be keeping an eye on the big name pass rushers.
Clint Hurtt has already spelt out their desire to add a ‘game-wrecker’. There’s a fantastic opportunity to do just that with the #9 pick — with the likes of Kayvon Thibodeaux, Jermaine Johnson and David Ojabo in range.
If they go out and sign an expensive veteran instead, it might suggest they really like at least one of these quarterbacks and will take them at #9 to avoid missing out.
If they ignore the veteran pass rushers — it’ll be a strong hint that they’ll take one with their first pick instead.
Could the Seahawks like this QB class more than we think?
I broke down the top rookies yesterday (check it out here). The short version is Malik Willis, Matt Corral, Desmond Ridder and Kenny Pickett all have characteristics, traits and/or experience that could appeal to John Schneider and Pete Carroll.
They’ve tended to think out of the box during their time in Seattle. They might even like the fact this class has been downplayed and lacks big, flashy names.
I could even imagine a situation where they’re comfortable with one or more of this quartet and therefore feel pretty relaxed about who they’ll end up with. They’ll no doubt be doing their homework in the coming weeks and it’s possible a decision on who pertains to be ‘their guy’ is yet to be made.
Will Levis highlights
I keep telling people to check Levis out because I think he’s a better prospect than Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud. I wrote about Levis back in the New Year if you want more. I figured I’d post a highlights video myself in this piece. Take a look…
Left tackle options
What is Duane Brown thinking at the moment? Is he inclined to return to the Seahawks or perhaps head elsewhere to end his career with a team in position to contend in 2022?
It might even be better for Seattle to try and get younger here, to grow with a different player over the next 3-4 years.
Eric Fisher is going to test free agency and has only just turned 31. After a reasonable season in Indianapolis, he could provide the Seahawks with a longer-term blocker. He also already has a Super Bowl ring so might be inclined to join a team that can sell him a vision (and a nice financial package) rather than one expected to try and make the Super Bowl in 11 months.
It’s also interesting that reports are saying Dallas are talking to teams about La’el Collins. Dallas can’t trade him, surely, due to the cap issues outlined here. He can be released though as a post-June 1st cut.
If he was available he could also be an interesting option for Seattle. There are some character issues but he graded at an 82.0 last season playing right tackle. He’s only 28-years-old.
Could the Seahawks move on from Jamal Adams?
NFL contracts are pretty challenging to read.
On paper it looked like dealing Adams or Tyler Lockett was nearly impossible due to their dead cap hits. NBC Sports Boston pointed out why it’s not so tricky with Lockett (although I don’t see any prospect of him being dealt — Carroll loves Lockett). Blog contributor Curtis Allen has since pointed out to me something similar with Adams.
The Seahawks owe Adams a $12.4m bonus but it hasn’t been paid yet. If they can talk a team into trading for him and paying that bonus, the dead hit will be far less. You’d only lose $7m.
It would impact whatever compensation you get back. You’d probably have to give him away. They did that with Percy Harvin (albeit in a far different situation).
I fear the Adams trade has become an elephant in the room for Seattle. An ugly reminder of blown picks and resource — a bad move that really needs to be written-off and moved on from.
Maybe a fresh start on defense can get the best of him? It’s possible. But the Adams trade has become a meme at this point. It might benefit the team to just move on, rather than have it be a negative talking point.
It might also benefit the player. It hasn’t worked out for him, apart from in his bank account. He might prefer to go somewhere else to kick-start his career.
As Mike Florio pointed out yesterday — he also might be somewhat agitated that he’s ended up back on a team that is rebuilding, shortly after working his way out of New York to play for what he perceived to be a contender.
I don’t think it’ll happen. I doubt anyone would want to pay him the bonus — or commit $25m over two years — for a player with shoulder injuries.
For a fourth rounder I’d take the hit and move on. I think all parties need a fresh start. There’s nothing wrong with taking a shot and missing. The Seahawks and Adams missed with this one and a parting might be best.
Updated mock draft
Congrats if you’ve read all that and stuck around for the mock.
First round
#1 Jacksonville — Evan Neal (T/G, Alabama)
With neither of the top two pass rushers doing anything particularly out of the ordinary at the combine, the Jaguars settle on the man who topped Bruce Feldman’s ‘freaks list’ and start him at tackle or guard.
#2 Detroit — Aidan Hutchinson (DE, Michigan)
An ideal fit in terms of need and Hutchinson, a local hero, stays in Michigan.
#3 Houston — Kayvon Thibodeaux (DE, Oregon)
They need a top pass rusher and despite the question marks over Thibodeaux, his talent remains tantalising.
#4 New York Jets — Travon Walker (DE, Georgia)
His combine performance was good enough to fly into the top five.
#5 New York Giants — Trevor Penning (T, Northern Iowa)
They have a franchise left tackle. Penning is ideally suited to the right side, creating a nice book-end for the Giants.
#6 Carolina — Ikem Ekonwu (G, NC State)
I think he’s overrated and his combine performance overblown (check his explosive testing and agility numbers). However, there’s plenty of buzz about him going this early and the Panthers are expected to go O-line here.
#7 New York Giants — Sauce Garnder (CB, Cincinnati)
Running in the 4.4’s was a major plus and teams appear to really like his mental make-up, length and college production.
#8 Atlanta — Garrett Wilson (WR, Ohio State)
After trading Julio Jones and losing Calvin Ridley to suspension, the Falcons suddenly have a desperate need at receiver. Russell Gage is also a free agent.
#9 Seattle — Jermaine Johnson (DE, Florida State)
The Seahawks have talked about adding a game-wrecking pass-rusher. After dominating the Senior Bowl, Johnson could be that man.
#10 New York Jets — Lewis Cine (S, Georgia)
Robert Salah is well aware of the impact a tone-setting, physical, hard-hitting safety can have on a team’s identity.
#11 Washington — Kyle Hamilton (S, Notre Dame)
After running a 4.59, can you take him this early?
#12 Minnesota — Jordan Davis (DT, Georgia)
I wanted to put him in the top-10 but too many teams have other needs.
#13 Cleveland — Chris Olave (WR, Ohio State)
Receiver is a key need and Olave’s outstanding forty-time could propel him into the top-15.
#14 Baltimore — Derek Stingley (CB, LSU)
I’ve resisted dropping Stingley but there’s a fairly constant murmur about his stock. The injury situation doesn’t help. Neither does his lack of length (30.5 inch arms). Could he fall? Maybe. He still has incredible potential though.
#15 Philadelphia — David Ojabo (DE, Michigan)
He had a good-not-great combine. I suspect Jermaine Johnson will go before Ojabo. Johnson has had an outstanding off-season and made headlines at the Senior Bowl. He was the clear alpha among the linebackers at the combine, barking at the others and keeping the energy high. That’s tough to compete with.
#16 Philadelphia — Trent McDuffie (CB, Washington)
The Eagles need a linebacker but the value will be good in round two at that position. Thus, they can afford to pivot to a dynamic defensive back like McDuffie.
#17 LA Chargers — Devonte Wyatt (DT, Georgia)
I recently watched a video detailing how Branden Staley’s defense doesn’t function properly without a dynamic interior disruptor. Thus, Wyatt is the perfect fit here.
#18 New Orleans — Charles Cross (T, Mississippi State)
Another one who had a good-not-great combine. The Saints might need to replace Terron Armstead, who’s a free agent.
#19 Philadelphia — Jameson Williams (WR, Alabama)
It’s easy to forget, because of the injury, just how absolutely fantastic Williams was in 2021.
#20 Pittsburgh — Malik Willis (QB, Pittsburgh)
Mike Tomlin doesn’t really try and hide which players the Steelers might draft. He was stomping around prominently at TJ Watt’s pro-day. He did the same at Devin Bush’s. Watching him basically standing right next to the Senior Bowl drills while Malik Willis was throwing seemed like a fairly obvious tell.
#21 New England — Kyler Gordon (CB, Washington)
If they lose JC Jackson they’ll need a replacement. Gordon didn’t run as well as expected but neither did Joe Haden back in the day.
#22 Las Vegas — Travis Jones (DT, Connecticut)
When you test as well as Dontari Poe, there’s not much chance you’ll get out of round one. Especially when you dominated the Senior Bowl, excelled at the combine and can run a 4.58 short shuttle at 325lbs.
#23 Arizona — Boye Mafe (DE, Minnesota)
Mafe feels like an ideal replacement for Chandler Jones, if he departs.
#24 Dallas — Abraham Lucas (T, Washington State)
If I’m proven wrong, I’ll hold my hands up. But I think the way ‘draft media’ is projecting Lucas is total and utter bollocks. First round talent.
#25 Buffalo — Zion Johnson (G, Boston College)
Explosive offensive linemen tend to go early. Per his combine testing, Johnson is one of the most explosive players to enter the league in recent years.
#26 Seattle (v/TEN) — Matt Corral (QB, Ole Miss)
If the Seahawks have identified a quarterback they like in this draft, it won’t be too hard to trade back into the late first round. The Titans don’t have a second-rounder, so might be inclined to drop back. This might only cost the Seahawks a fourth round pick. Corral’s competitive spirit and a recommendation from Lane Kiffin could put him in contention to be Seattle’s guy.
#27 Tampa Bay — Tyler Linderbaum (C, Iowa)
I like Linderbaum but he’s being overrated. Look at the range the center’s went last year. It wouldn’t surprise me if he lasted to #41.
#28 Green Bay — Perrion Winfrey (DT, Oklahoma)
Defensive tackles who run a 4.89 with a 1.6 10-yard split tend to go in round one. Especially ones who excel at the Senior Bowl.
#29 Miami — Bernhard Raimann (T/G, Central Michigan)
His lack of length is a concern but Miami’s GM took Liam Eichenburg a year ago so it’s clearly not such a big issue for him.
#30 Kansas City — Arnold Ebiketie (DE, Penn State)
If they cut Frank Clark they’ll need a replacement.
#31 Cincinnati — Kaiir Elam (CB, Florida)
I think they’ll build their O-line in free agency. Elam ran better than expected and the Bengals, over the years, have been happy to invest picks at cornerback.
#32 Detroit — Drake London (WR, USC)
They need a receiver and London could provide value and upside here.
Second round
#33 Jacksonville — Greg Dulcich (TE, UCLA)
Trevor Lawrence needs an outlet and Doug Pederson knows how to make good use of an athletic tight end.
#34 Detroit — Devin Lloyd (LB, Utah)
His character and playing style fits the profile the Lions are looking for.
#35 New York Jets — Jeremy Ruckert (TE, Ohio State)
This is a big need and although Ruckert didn’t test, he has the pass-catching qualities New York needs at tight end.
#36 New York Giants — Trey McBride (TE, Colorado State)
The run on TE’s continues and the Giants are another team who could tap into the talent pool early in round two.
#37 Houston — Andrew Booth (CB, Clemson)
He didn’t test at the combine which makes him a difficult projection. He has reasonable size, at least.
#38 New York Jets — Channing Tindall (LB, Georgia)
I just get the sense Robert Salah will love Tindall’s all-action approach and dynamic physical profile.
#39 Chicago — Jalyn Armour-Davis (CB, Alabama)
Few players declare early from Alabama unless they get positive intel on their draft stock. JAD showed at the combine why he is destined to go earlier than people think.
#40 Tennessee (v/SEA) — Cole Strange (C, Chattanooga)
The Titans’ starting center is a free agent and Strange’s explosive testing scores plus an impressive Senior Bowl put him firmly in round two.
#41 Seattle — Leo Chenal (LB, Wisconsin)
The Seahawks put a lot into agility testing at linebacker. Chenal ran a 3.94 short shuttle and a 6.84 three cone at his pro-day yesterday. He’s physical, explosive and quick and could be a fine replacement for Bobby Wagner.
#42 Indianapolis — Desmond Ridder (QB, Cincinnati)
The Colts have got to keep taking shots until they find a guy.
#43 Atlanta — Breece Hall (RB, Iowa State)
He tested in the Jonathan Stewart category and thus, will likely go in the same range.
#44 Cleveland — Sam Williams (DE, Ole Miss)
After running a 1.60 split he has every chance to secure a second round placing.
#45 Baltimore — George Karlaftis (DE, Purdue)
He didn’t test as well as some predicted and he has short arms. He reminds me of AJ Epenesa in terms of stock — a player projected to go very early but lasts deep into round two.
#46 Minnesota — Josh Paschal (DE, Kentucky)
He’s a disruptive, explosive defender who does a superb job making plays against the run and could be used as a five technique.
#42 Washington — Quay Walker (LB, Georgia)
The Commanders badly need to add a linebacker.
#48 LA Chargers — Nakobe Dean (LB, Georgia)
He’s undersized at 5-11 and 229lbs and that could keep him on the board longer than Tindall and Walker. He didn’t test at the combine.
#49 New Orleans — Kenny Pickett (QB, Pittsburgh)
They need to start taking some QB shots in the draft.
#50 Miami — Troy Andersen (LB, Montana State)
A remarkable combine and a strong Senior Bowl secure Andersen’s second round slot.
#51 Philadelphia — Christian Harris (LB, Alabama)
The Eagles love speed and Harris has that after running in the 4.4’s. He’s a great option for Philly in round two.
#52 Pittsburgh — Daxton Hill (S, Michigan)
I was underwhelmed by his combine. He promised a lot and didn’t really deliver.
#53 Las Vegas — Jahan Dotson (WR, Penn State)
The Raiders need to add some receiving talent after a difficult year.
#54 New England — Nick Cross (S, Maryland)
Cross, to me, screams hybrid Patriots defender who will appeal to Bill Belichick.
#55 Arizona — Kenneth Walker (RB, Michigan State)
He looked like a dude at the combine. Sometimes you just have to look at a player to think — they’re going to be really good. Walker gives off that vibe.
#56 Dallas — Cam Jurgens (C, Nebraska)
Country-strong, athletic and capable of great things at the next level.
#57 Buffalo — Tariq Woolen (CB, UTSA)
He ran brilliantly as expected but he looked a bit stiff during drills — which could keep him on the board a bit longer than initially expected.
#58 Atlanta — Logan Hall (DT, Houston)
He’s an inside-out rusher and they need an edge — but at this point they’ve just got to add talent.
#59 Green Bay — Jalen Tolbert (WR, South Alabama)
He’s so smooth on tape. I can see Aaron Rodgers building early trust with Tolbert, who knows how to get open.
#60 Tampa Bay — Bryan Cook (S, Cincinnati)
He’s be an excellent partner for Antoine Winfield Jr.
#61 San Francisco — Roger McCreary (CB, Auburn)
He’s extremely competitive and has a knack of playing the ball at the crucial moment.
#62 Kansas City — Jaquon Brisker (S, Penn State)
They might need to replace Tyrann Mathieu in the secondary.
#63 Cincinnati — DeMarvin Leal (DT, Texas A&M)
Underwhelming tape keeps him available and he’s the type of player the Bengals like to take a chance on.
#64 Denver — Tyler Smith (T, Tulsa)
With their first pick in the draft they bolster the O-line for Russell Wilson.
Third round
#65 Jacksonville — Alec Pierce (WR, Cincinnati)
#66 Detroit — Wan’Dale Robinson (WR, Kentucky)
#67 New York Giants — Dameon Pierce (RB, Florida)
#68 Houston — Treylon Burks (WR, Alabama)
#69 New York Jets — Zach Tom (C, Wake Forest)
#70 Jacksonville — Cam Taylor-Britt (CB, Nebraska)
#71 Chicago — Christian Watson (WR, North Dakota State)
#72 Seattle — Zamir White (RB, Georgia)
This could be one of the steals of the draft. I love Zamir White after really studying his tape. He fits Seattle’s size preferences, he’s explosive and he has the chance to provide a consistent, tone-setting running style to the offense.
#73 Washington — John Metchie (WR, Alabama)
#74 Atlanta — Dominique Robinson (DE, Miami-OH)
#75 Tennessee — Cade Otton (TE, Washington)
#76 Baltimore — Kerby Joseph (S, Illinois)
#77 Minnesota — Calvin Austin (WR, Memphis)
#78 Cleveland — Chad Muma (LB, Wyoming)
#79 LA Chargers — Jalen Wydermyer (TE, Texas A&M)
#80 Houston — Matthew Butler (DT, Tennessee)
#81 New York Giants — Drake Jackson (DE, USC)
#82 Indianapolis — Damone Clark (LB, LSU)
#83 Philadelphia — Sean Rhyan (G, UCLA)
#84 Pittsburgh — Rasheed Walker (T, Penn State)
#85 New England — Darrian Beavers (LB, Cincinnati)
#86 Las Vegas — George Pickens (WR, Georgia)
#87 Arizona — Jake Ferguson (TE, Wisconsin)
#88 Dallas — Brian Asamoah (LB, Oklahoma)
#89 Buffalo — Phidarian Mathis (DT, Alabama)
#90 Tennessee — Skyy Moore (WR, Western Michigan)
#91 Tampa Bay — Jack Coan (QB, Notre Dame)
#92 Green Bay — Jelani Woods (TE, Virginia)
#93 San Francisco — Jalen Pitre (S, Baylor)
#94 Kansas City — Kevin Austin Jr (WR, Notre Dame)
#95 Cincinnati — Kenyon Green (G, Texas A&M)
#96 Denver — John Ridgeway (DT, Arkansas)
#97 Detroit — Tyreke Smith (DE, Ohio State)
#98 Cleveland — Haskell Garrett (DT, Ohio State)
#99 Baltimore — Nik Bonitto (DE, Oklahoma)
#100 New Orleans — Tyrion Davis-Price (RB, LSU)
#101 Miami — Kyle Phillips (WR, UCLA)
#102 Kansas City — Eyioma Uwazurike (DT, Iowa State)
#103 LA Rams — DeAngelo Malone (DE, Western Kentucky)
Seattle’s remaining picks
#151 Seattle — Smoke Monday (S, Auburn)
The guy is just a dude. A physical, pounding tone-setter who loves football.
#152 Seattle — Ed Ingram (G, LSU)
The Seahawks don’t have much depth at guard. If they do transition to a blocking scheme that prefers athleticism over size/power — Ingram ran a 5.02 at 307lbs. He also has 33.5 inch arms — which they’ll like — and 10 inch hands.
#227 Seattle — Percy Butler (S, Louisiana)
Special teams is always a big deal for Seattle. Butler is a dynamic gunner who flies to the ball and has no concern for his own personal wellbeing. I can imagine the Seahawks making sure they get him for kick-coverage duties alone.
Final thought
The Seahawks set themselves up for success in 2012 after drafting a pass rusher, a linebacker and a quarterback. It’s a coincidence but that’s exactly what I have them doing in this mock draft too with their first three picks.
Jermaine Johnson would provide an ideal book-end for Darrell Taylor, setting up the best young pass-rushing duo in the league. Matt Corral would be competing with Drew Lock and another veteran to start at QB. Leo Chenal is a plug-and-play linebacker who plays the kind of aggressive football this team intends to feature in 2022.
If they preferred not to take a quarterback this year and wait until 2023 — the options at #40 would remain strong. They could take Cole Strange to play center (or Cam Jurgens), there are inside/out pass-rushers like Josh Paschal and Logan Hall available. They could add a physical, explosive safety such as Nick Cross. There are lots of plausible alternatives.
If you missed it yesterday, I was on 710 Seattle Sports with Jake & Stacy discussing the aftermath of the Russell Wilson trade and Bobby Wagner release.
Here’s the segment, check it out:
If you enjoy the content on Seahawks Draft Blog then please consider supporting us via Patreon (click the tab below)…
I don’t often post two articles in a day but this hasn’t been a usual 24 hours.
Firstly, if you missed it earlier, I was on 710 Seattle Sports with Jake & Stacy discussing the aftermath of the Russell Wilson trade and Bobby Wagner release.
Here’s the segment, check it out:
I also want to share some thoughts on how I ‘hope’ the Seahawks approach the next few weeks…
Don’t waste draft resources
It was a terrifying moment when I started to read a tweet saying Carson Wentz was being traded. Right up until the point it said ‘Washington Commanders’ instead of ‘Seattle Seahawks’.
I really hope they avoid making any trades like this. They’ve done it before. They gave the Chargers a third rounder and swapped second rounders in 2010 to acquire Charlie Whitehurst.
Don’t waste picks on mediocre quarterbacks. Lean into what this is — a rebuild. Use your picks to craft a new, young core.
I wish we could all make a pact. Low expectations across the board in 2022, acknowledging this is a process now. If you have to wait 12 months to get a quarterback and live with a year of Drew Lock, Tyrod Taylor, Marcus Mariota or someone of that ilk — so be it. You’re not going to win a Super Bowl in 2022 by going after Carson Wentz types.
Use the resources on offer to build the next foundation.
Don’t trade for Deshaun Watson
Watson clearly isn’t a mediocre quarterback but I still don’t have any appetite to see a big trade for him. The legal side of things needs to play out and I’m not passing judgement on that for now. I just don’t think using all the stock you’ve acquired and giving it to Houston for Watson is the right thing to do.
You’d essentially be in the same position you were before. You’d not have the picks or money to really improve your roster. You’d be a tier-B team, capable of the playoffs but not much more. You’d struggle to fill a lot of holes.
I’d prefer some longer term thinking this off-season.
Still look to spend in free agency
With $42m available this year and $120m next year, there’s no reason not to try and add talent.
Let’s view this as 2011, rather than 2010.
That year they went big after Sidney Rice, Zach Miller and Robert Gallery. They hit on two signings. It was an attempt to accelerate the building of the team.
With Wilson in Denver and Wagner cut, there’s little need now to go after ageing vets in an aggressive ‘win now’ mode. It’s time to target the best young players, who can grow with you.
That list, for me, includes Carlton Davis (CB), Christian Kirk (WR), Charvarius Ward (CB), Brian Allen (C), Austin Corbett (G), Bradley Bozeman (C), D.J. Jones (DT), Donte Jackson (CB), Michael Gallup (WR), Russell Gage (WR), Joseph Noteboom (T), Justin Reid (S) and Cedrick Wilson (WR).
All are in their mid-20’s. I wouldn’t be opposed, for example, to signing all three of the Rams’ offensive linemen listed above if your intention is to recreate their scheme up front. The list includes players proven in man-coverage and receivers who will complement what you already have.
There is room for experience and I’d still make a call to someone like Calais Campbell. You need leadership and guidance and he would provide it. I doubt he’d have much interest in joining a rebuilding team but there’s no harm in trying.
Don’t feel pressured with your re-signings
I like Quandre Diggs and appreciate what he’s done in Seattle. For me, though, he’s not a player you need to throw money at. He’s 29, you acquired him on the cheap. The trade worked and he should only be back in Seattle if the market comes to you.
You’re already paying Jamal Adams a fortune. Just add another veteran safety or draft a rookie — especially now there isn’t the intense pressure to be a contender in 2022.
I would like Duane Brown back because whoever plays quarterback is going to need protection. I’d rather not be forced into spending #9 on a Charles Cross type. If he moves on, I’d pivot to Eric Fisher or Joseph Noteboom.
Both Rashaad Penny and DJ Reed are worth retaining given their age. I suspect they’ll both be back.
If they’re embracing a youth-movement and a new foundational core — I don’t think they should move too aggressively to retain ageing players.
Make a decision on D.K. Metcalf now
The top receivers are being paid between $20-27m a year. Devante Adams could re-set the market if/when he agrees an extension in Green Bay.
Do you want to pay Metcalf that kind of money?
Personally, I am comfortable paying him. If he was a 24-year-old free agent, he’s exactly the type of player we’d want them to target. The Seahawks have money to spend from next year onwards so they can afford it. Provided you create an ‘out’ within 2-3 years, there seems very little reason not to pay Metcalf and roll the dice on him justifying his salary.
However, they could also look at what Metcalf has shown. Three years in — his speed is a huge factor and he’s clearly a talented player. Yet he’s never quite turned into a Mike Evans, Julio Jones, Calvin Johnson type who becomes unstoppable. He doesn’t make the most of his size to dominate receivers, even when covered. There are frustrating moments, such as ill-timed drops and plays you feel he should make.
He’s still an X-factor though. A player opponents have to game-plan for.
You need those.
It’d be tempting to push this issue into next year. You can always franchise him and trade him, which is what they did with Frank Clark. Yet the contract won’t get any cheaper in a year and you also run the risk of his stock diminishing if a bad quarterback is throwing him the football in 2022.
Make a call now. If you can imagine paying him a top salary, there’s nothing to worry about. If you know you won’t pay as much as $25m a year — answer the phone on trade calls. The Jaguars and Jets have young QB’s needing a big target. The Eagles and Patriots need a weapon. The Browns and Falcons desperately need one.
You should be able to set up quite a bidding war if you want to.
And with plenty of young receivers available in free agency, plus another loaded draft class at the position, you won’t be caught short.
I would make a decision now on his future.
What I’d do at quarterback
As I said in today’s other piece (which is worth checking out for quarterback reviews of the 2022 draft class) — the Seahawks didn’t make the Wilson trade without a plan at the position. They have a clear target or targets in mind.
It could be that they like 1-4 players in the draft — or they’re working towards adding a specific veteran.
I’d be shocked if they’re playing this by ear, rolling with the punches and just seeing what’s out there now.
Which is why I have a little bit of fear they’ll spend more than they should on a lesser veteran rather than having the patience you need with a rookie.
I want them to do one of two things:
1. Identify someone you really like in the draft and if they’re not going to be there at #40, prepare to move back into round one to get them. Use the #9 pick on a pass rusher, not a quarterback, unless you’re convinced one of this group will be elite.
2. Wait 12 months for the next draft and target Will Levis.
I would prefer to see a young quarterback added this year or next. Firstly, it’s more exciting. Secondly, it’s cost-effective. Thirdly, they won’t be a re-tread who wouldn’t be available if they were any good.
I’ve criticised this 2022 QB class like everyone else but I do think there are reasons why the Seahawks would like all of the top four (Corral, Willis, Ridder, Pickett). I actually think they’ve made this Wilson trade because they might be comfortable taking any of the four.
It wouldn’t surprise me if all this Deshaun Watson talk is a distraction tactic to throw people off the scent of their actual intentions.
Frankly, if they draft any of the top QB’s in this class — I could spend a decent chunk of time discussing what all do well. And yes, they have flaws too. But when you think about it, isn’t that the case with all quarterbacks not slated to go in the top 5-6 (where Seattle isn’t picking this year anyway)?
If they decide to wait until 2023 to go after ‘their guy’ — there won’t be any complaints from me. Use your picks to build up your roster and set the table.
The Seahawks can look back to go forwards
I think there are players in this draft that can help the Seahawks emulate some of what they did a decade ago.
For example, I think there are a ton of running backs in this class that can help establish a tone-setting force on offense — connecting the unit to the rest of the team. Zamir White, Kenneth Walker and Dameon Pierce are personal favourites but I could list several other names with the potential to get Seattle where they need to be.
You can create the kind of dynamic edge rush they used to have with Bennett/Avril/Clark by pairing Darrell Taylor and Carlos Dunlap with one of Jermaine Johnson, Kayvon Thibodeaux, David Ojabo or Boye Mafe (although Mafe lacks the length they like at the position).
I even think Johnson and Taylor could shape the personality and toughness of the team, much in the way Kam and Marshawn did in the past.
If you want a Michael Bennett inside/out rusher — there’s Logan Hall, Josh Paschal or DeMarvin Leal.
They’ve said goodbye to Bobby Wagner, almost certainly, because they see the riches at linebacker in this class. Channing Tindall plays with a violence they’ve missed. However, earlier today Leo Chenal ran a 3.94 short shuttle and a 6.84 three cone. That, I guarantee, will place him firmly on Seattle’s radar.
There are other linebackers too. It’s a crazy group.
Need another day three safety who can develop into a heart-and-soul leader? Look no further than Auburn’s Smoke Monday. Need a speedy, punishing, aggressive safety? How about Maryland’s Nick Cross?
There’s potential to add young, dynamic cornerbacks — headlined in my eyes by Alabama’s Jalyn Armour-Davis (assuming they don’t take one at #9). If they want physical skills — why not Cam Taylor-Britt or Roger McCreary?
Then on the O-line you can become young, athletic and forceful with Cole Strange and Cam Jurgens at center, finally sufficiently replacing Max Unger in a similar range to where Unger was drafted in 2009. Abraham Lucas, as you know by now, is also a big blog favourite at offensive tackle.
I could go on and on. Such is this tremendous, energising draft class.
More credit to the team
I didn’t expect them to move on from Bobby Wagner. I thought they’d be sentimental about it and keep him despite, in my eyes, the very clear evidence on tape that he was nowhere close to his best these days.
The social media reactions and statements today suggest he won’t be returning on a different contract. I think that’s the mature and correct decision to make. I think the Seahawks deserve a lot of credit for being brave enough to finally end the Wilson saga and make the big decision that had to be made over Wagner.
I said after Pete Carroll’s combine press conference that it was his best in a long time. Some of the old energy and swagger was back.
I think now we know why. I suspect a weight was about to come off his shoulders. He gave off a renewed positivity which was good to see.
