3000 NFL mock draft: Episode #23

This week we’re joined on the podcast by Jon Ledyard from USA Today. Jon attended the Senior Bowl and gave us his thoughts on who performed well in Mobile. Kenny and I also talk about Nick Martin (C, Notre Dame) and give our Super Bowl predictions.

101 Comments

  1. Nick

    Rob, hearing Jon talk about Sterling Shephard…do you think Seahawks pick him up? Or do you think he’s too similar to Doug and Tyler? Or do you think they could try and create a dynamic, small WR corps that will open up the game for Russ?

    • Rob Staton

      I think Shephard will go just a bit too early for them (round 2, early third at a push). Perhaps he’s also a little too much like Lockett.

      • bobbyk

        With as dynamic as Lockett was a WR this past year and naturally on pace to improve in year two… I wonder how much thought Schneider/Carroll have at wanting another return guy who can possibly take pressure off of Lockett who, again, will be adding much more to his plate in ’16 in terms of playing receiver. I really don’t want to see Lockett tear an ACL on a punt return in the 4th quarter against the Whiners next year when we’re leading by 30 points.

        • CharlieTheUnicorn

          I would love to have zoomers at WR….. the more guys that can catch the ball and are explosive, the better. I’m not sold on the “need” for a big WR. Even the Patriots have limited production out of “big” WRs… and rely on their zoomers playing off the big TE in the middle of the field. Odd, this sounds a lot like how Jimmy Graham will fit in the offense.

          • Rad man

            Yes. Please give me 4 Tyler Locketts. Or 4 Baldwins. I’ll find a way to make it work.

            • CharlieTheUnicorn

              🙂

        • purpleneer

          Unless you’re thinking about dramatically reducing his punt return reps, including many other than that kind of situation, there’s no reason to put any real thought into who else will do it. There should be a half-dozen guys on the roster who can return or fair catch a meaningless punt.

          • Volume12

            Why would you be afraid to play your best players on STs?

            Taking Lockett off PR duties negates his playmaking abilities.

            Kevin Smith can take punts in a blowout, if not, let the ball bounce.

            • purpleneer

              Not even considering that. Just saying that the above mentioned situation doesn’t warrant worry. Lockett keeps taking the majority of returns and “backing him up” can be handled by someone as little more than an afterthought, at least as long as he isn’t lost to injury for a big chunk of games.

  2. Volume12

    Should we read anything into Bruce Irvin’s tweet?

    ‘No better feeling than to be wanted.’ Hint?

    The only team that can make him feel wanted is Seattle. Another team would be breaking the tampering rules.

    • bobbyk

      One thing I love about Bruce is that he’s not afraid to be real.

    • Trevor

      Curry with the Eagles just signed a big deal. He as probably just telling the Hawks he wanted some love. I don’t see the Hawks giving him the type of deal Curry got but someone on the open market will.

    • Nathan

      Maybe Russ doesn’t tweet him enough since Ciara arrived on the scene.

    • CharlieTheUnicorn

      8-9M a year is what he wants…. not happening in Seattle.

      • Jon

        Does this mean Irvin fetches us a third round comp pick when he leaves. The open market will get a higher yield then 2 months prior to free agency.

        • CharlieTheUnicorn

          That is the plan. Seattle wants a 3rd round comp.

    • SeventiesHawksFan

      Lots of implications to this. Would suggest that the FO does not feel good about finding an adequate LB replacement for Irvin via draft or FA. And we will be picking a project player instead with the physical tools but will need a year or two in the system. Probably also means we get one OL player at most via free agency. There should be enough still re-sign Rubin. The rest of the UFA’s are likely gone.

      • SeventiesHawksFan

        There may also be an emotional silver lining to re-signing Irvin if all of the other FA’s depart but he stays. The FO identified THE guy they were hellbent on keeping. And he’s still here. I suspect Rubin will the other one, if there’s more than one. I think the defense is in part held together by that ‘we’re the brothers who make this shit happen and it can’t happen without us being here’ sense they understand with one another. Getting Irvin back likely only galvanizes that further. Especially if Kam and Bennett’s contracts are also ‘made right’. After which time the entire core is ‘made whole’. Outside of the O line, our key moves will be squaring everything away that needs addressing from within. I like it.

        • bobbyk

          Of course, if you look at all his tweets tonight, it doesn’t appear to be the case (close to signing with Seahawks).

          • Volume12

            Yeah- I asked ‘should’ we read into anything he said, not break down everything little connotation.

            Woah. Opened a can of a worms.

            • C-Dog

              I’m starting to believe more and more the idea that Bruce will be back. I think this could be a scenario where his value to his present team might be greater than others on the market. On one hand, it’s a lot of $ to tie into the LB core, but the fact that he’s really a two-fer player with the time is spends at end, kind of makes a lot of sense. At 29 years of age, is some other team really going to throw down a big long term deal for him over Seattle? Makes more sense when a player is entering FA at the age of 26.

              • Volume12

                I hope he is back. For the right price, but that’s a given.

                I personally could care less about him being 29. There’s a reason teams dish out long term deals to pass rushers, the Dwight Freeny’s and DeMarcus Ware’s have teams lining up to sign them.

                Pass rushing is an art form. It truly is. They get better with age.

                • C-Dog

                  Yeah, all the more to keep him around. A guy that can cover and rush is a guy you can use in a lot of different ways.

    • Rob Staton

      I think Bruce was referring to the Vinny Curry contract.

      • Ben2

        And BI isn’t that good as a pass rusher – Pete must feel the same way – he scrapped his perfect “Leo” and moved him to linebacker so please don’t tell me “pass rushing isn’t what he’s asked to do a lot of the time” – he had a shot at a pass rushing position but the coaches thought his skill set was better elsewhere

        • C-Dog

          I think the signing of Cliff Avril when they had Chris Clemons impacted the decision to shift Bruce to SAM. He developed into a pretty good OLB and still spent a lot of time at End in the nickel after 2013, which was the year he didn’t generate many sacks, but that was the year they where incredibly deep on the DL, and he stayed more at LB. 22 sacks in 4 years of service aren’t bad numbers in a rotation.

          Lots of reasons why he may not be back, but I think a lot of reasons why they may elect to prioritize keeping him, as is the case with many of their vet FAs.

          • Tien

            I agree with Ben2. Irvin is great in our scheme and is a good but not great pass rusher. An overall good LB but not worth the $8 or $9 million a year that he’s probably asking for in FA.

            • C-Dog

              $8 to $9 million does tie up a like of money for a team that’s biggest focus will be getting the OL right, maybe looking to add veteran help in FA. I totally get that, and I think that, in itself, is grounds to maybe say goodbye to him. They have Clark to develop as a rotational end. SAM is arguably the least valuable position to play in their 4-3, if you looks at the snap counts, who plays in the nickel, and they could probably acquire a quality vet or rookie to plug and play.

              I just wonder if with Bruce, they see value in a two-players-in-one, a good OLB in the base, and a good DE in the nickel, and they get something done. I think it kinda depends more on Bruce, and whether he is sincere on a team discount. I wouldn’t run to the bank with that check, but if they get him at $7 mill, that’s kind of like spending $3.5 on a SAM, and $3.5 on a rotational LEO. With Bennett having two years left on his deal, gives Clark a chance to develop more as being his heir apparent, keeps depth in the edge pass rush intact.

  3. CHawk Talker Eric

    Great podcast. Great podcast season with some truly fantastic guests. Jon Ledyard is one of my favorite twitter follows, and I enjoyed listening to his scouting reports instead of reading them, especially his assessment of Nick Martin.

    Shon Coleman has been my top prospect for SEA since I watched him play vs Kentucky in mid October, about a week or so after Rob first posted about him. But I am starting to think the better R1 OL prospect for SEA in terms of day 1/game 1 impact/improvement is Nick Martin. Also, Kenneth brings up an interesting point about the high hit percentage for R1 interior OL draft picks, although that might speak more about the high valuation of the tackle position.

    I liked the part about watching Martin and Dahl play in the Senior Bowl and envisioning them in Seahawk unis as a RG-C tandem. I’d add Tretola to that group to complete the interior trio (which I guess you already did in the latest mock).

    • SeventiesHawksFan

      There is so much ‘recency bias’ based on a college prospects fake game that was just played coupled with evaluation of players of Seahawks players who won’t even be here next year in this form of reasoning.

      Let’s get back to reality: Glowinski IS Sweezy’s slated replacement. He has to blow it before we switch course. The BEST you can expect is low risk competition added for right guard in the meantime. The draft capital was already spent. And it’s nicely on track.

      Sokoli IS the future at center. The 53 man roster slot and draft pick has already been spent. And remains on track. And it will take Sokoli blowing it before anything other than a stop gap and reasonable FA signing or just going with Lewis again changes that course. And we aren’t using our first round pick to jump start that outcome by one year.

      Gilliam IS the present and future at one of the tackle spots. And most likely LT. Tom Cable already told us so, the moment he said only one rusher can beat him with speed (Von Millet who isn’t even in our conference).

      That’s three of five positions that remain on track. And NONE of which either the Carolina / Rams / Minnesota games OR the Senior Bowl has any bearing on.

      We are looking for a stop gap Center to give Sokoli time. A Left Guard. And a Right Tackle who will be ready next year, who may be followed by a project draft pick. Getting even one of those in free agency puts in such a different draft position. And getting two puts us in position to get two to three potentially special players, one of which is likely one of the OL spots.

      • bobbyk

        Cable has said some pretty stupid things that aren’t true. It’s not to imply he’s a bad coach because he isn’t. He’s simply a homer and rightfully so in defending his guys and bragging them up. He called Sweezy the best guard in football in training camp. He wouldn’t trade him for anybody. We all know Sweezy isn’t very good and that they probably aren’t going to pay him anything in FA because that’s what drafting Glowinski was for (looking to the future). So, just because he says there is only one guy in the NFL that can speed rush Gilliam, doesn’t mean it’s true. Heck, I saw Gilliam get beat by speed a few times this year and Von Miller wasn’t one of them. The trenches will be getting reinforcements, this we know. How they go about doing it is going to be the key to the off-season.

        • SeventiesHawksFan

          Bobby,

          The point isn’t what Cable literally meant vis a vis how Gilliam can defend every rusher in the entire league. Saying what he said MEANS he believes Gilliam is quite capable of being our Left Tackle OTF. That means no need to re-sign Okung if he even remotely believes what he says regarding Gilliam’s speed rush neutralization abilities. That’s not even thinly veiled code words for ‘I’m good with Gilliism replacing Okung at Left Tackle.’ That’s saying it wit kit naming Okung at all. Which is why that particular sentence has stuck so hard since the words came out if his mouth. He didn’t need to defend Gilliam by saying that.

          • Jdub

            The only problem with this line of thought is that Cable is not making these decisions. Pete stated that they will make it a focus on improving the oline and I guarantee that is the primary focus of this off season. We will not sit tight with what we have and will bring in others to compete.

            • Rad man

              Right. Cable does indeed say a lot of things that should be, at minimum, be taken with a grain of salt. Earlier this year he said this O line had the potential to be the best he’s ever had. Well, it also had the potential to be pretty weak. Calling Sweez the best guard in the league was laugh out loud stupid. When Cable talks about players, I tune him out.

      • 75franks

        I get what you are saying, but two out of those three u listed are unknowns. not to mention sokoli is a huge project. Only time will tell but if they aren’t the answer id sure like to have some quality behind them.

      • Rob Staton

        Too many assumed truths here, seventieshawksfan.

      • Ben2

        The tenet of our team is competition – I can’t imagine Sokoli is (a late rounder- 7th ? Can’t remember) that is a DL convert isn’t going to be handed the job….Don’t you remember Nowak to start the year?

        • Rad man

          I get the sense that the rest of the front office might have had enough of special projects as starters.

          Of note, however, is something Pete said at his end of season media talk with Brock and Salk. He said they weren’t looking for the best Center in football, the just need league average.

      • CHawk Talker Eric

        About recency bias – it’s a real thing and can be a powerful influencer. But in this instance it’s not applicable. I followed Notre Dame closely throughout the entire 2015 CFB season and made no secret of it on SDB. I’ve made numerous comments about the entire team, as well as specific players – including stating Prosise is my favorite RB prospect for SEA, Will Fuller was my favorite WR prospect for SEA (now it’s a toss up with Braxton Miller), Sheldon Day is among my favorite DLers. And while I haven’t banged the table for Martin before, I am quite sure that at least once or twice previously I stated my opinion that he’s the best C prospect in the draft.

        The only thing recent about my comment above is the change in perspective that the best, most effective way to improve SEA’s offense is to rebuild the OL from the inside out.

      • RealRhino2

        I know you are getting a lot of pushback on this, so I’ll limit my comments to speaking about the first sentence of you last paragraph and how it relates (or doesn’t) to sports. “We are looking for a stop gap Center to give Sokoli time,” you said.

        I doubt that’s true. The entire BPA philosophy is built around the idea that you do not pass on a great player because of what’s already on your roster. That is doubly true for a guy who MIGHT turn into something a year or more from now. Football in particular has a way of working these things out on the own. You get the best guy and let the chips fall where they may, either by suffering injury or letting a FA walk, etc.

  4. nichansen01

    I would personally draft Jordan Howard and Kenneth Dixon before Pual Perkins. I think Perkins is a tad overrated… I would take Alex Collins over Perkins also.

    • CharlieTheUnicorn

      Dixon is the guy I like in the mid rounds at RB. He is a perfect fit as a 3rd down back / receiving back from the highlights I’ve seen on him. Nice compliment to C Mike and Rawls Balls.

      • Volume12

        Perkins is a better 3rd down back than Collins or Howard.

        Collins and Howard are nice no. 2’s or eventual ones, but I wouldn’t want either one of those guys over the crop coming out next year.

        • CHawk Talker Eric

          Dixon, Perkins, Prosise and Drake are among the best 3rd down RB prospects. All can catch and all are willing blockers (including Drake, even if he’s not very good at it yet). Dixon is probably the only one with real feature back potential.

          Perkins also has the added benefit of being a very change-of-pace RB relative to Rawls or Michael. He’s just a completely different style of runner.

        • rowdy

          Perkins goes down to easy for my liking. He’s worse then turbine with the ankle tackles. He looks small to, around 200 small

          • CHawk Talker Eric

            I watched every single UCLA game last year and I don’t recall Perkins being an easy tackle. In fact, I remember the opposite – he’s so agile and shifty, he’s very difficult to bring down once he gets some space. He’s so totally different from Turbin they’re just not comparable.

  5. SES

    When I look at “high ceiling” vs “low floor” for all five O-line positions, this is how I see it next year:
    OPTION A:
    LT – Okung (1 yr prove it deal, opportunity to groom replacement)
    LG – Britt (a lot better run blocker than we like to admit, 2 yrs left on contract)
    C – Martin (Lewis quality back-up, Sokoli no better than Sweezy Part ll)
    RG – Glowinski (Sweezy is really a liability, the tape don’t lie!)
    RT – Gilliam

    OPTION B:
    LT – Gilliam
    LG – Britt
    C – Martin (love this R1 pick)
    RG – Glowinski
    RT – ? (There-in lies the challenge)

    Also, can we please find a blocking TE on the cheap

    • CharlieTheUnicorn

      OPTION C:
      LT – Gilliam
      LG – Draft Pick to be named later… let’s say DAHL or WESTERMAN for funsies
      C – Martin (or R Kelly)
      RG – Glowinski
      RT – Britt
      You’ve also got Poole, Lewis and Sokoli as back-ups.

      • SES

        Nice option

        • SES

          I really think Britt’s future is at LG. He is a good run blocker that is able to get to the second level, but he doesn’t do as well in space (eg tackle)

          • Coleslaw

            Pass blocking will be more of an emphasis now that Russ can be an elite pocket QB.

      • Ben2

        Dahl too small for Seattles roster mirroring tendencies at LG

    • sdcoug

      Just curious why the assumption Okung would even consider accepting a one year ‘prove it’ deal?

      • Coleslaw

        Because Okung underplayed his value this season and is hurt at the moment so he might not be happy with what teams are offering, he wouldn’t want to sign a long term deal at a low wage, he would take one year pay cut to prove to a team he is worth a big contract

      • SES

        Possibly there is not much of a market for an oft injured LT. Seattle has a rep for letting players prove their worth

      • C-Dog

        I think his injury is likely going to hurt his market, especially when teams look at his injury history. He won’t even be able to start any kind of practicing until at least June. If his market is cold, Seattle can decide if they want to bring him back on a one year deal. It makes sense for both sides. Gives Okung a chance for a healthy season and sign a better deal the following year. Gives Seattle a veteran presence, and the chance to let Gilliam grow more as a starting tackle on the other side, before potentially forcing him to learn another new position as a LT. If some team wants to throw a big contract at him, so be it, Seattle doesn’t have to match.

      • CHawk Talker Eric

        He won’t need to. LTs are too valuable and he’ll be the best one available in FA. All this talk about how his shoulder will kill his market is just a bunch of wishful thinking. The only thing that will affect is the amount of guaranteed money he gets.

        • Volume12

          Yup- with the dearth of talent on the O-line around the league, the overratec OTs in this class, Okung’s gonna get a nice chunk of mondy thron at him.

          • Volume12

            Jesus. I need spell check man.

            • purpleneer

              No, just slow down. Spellcheck is a crutch that fails too much.

    • Jarhead's Sokoli Bandwagon

      Lot of assumptions. And stating Glow is ready to be a 16 game plug and play starter, whilst condemning Soke to be Sweezy part II is a bit presumptuous as of yet. Let’s give everyone a training camp to flesh things out. I love Soke but this isn’t honking. I just want to have everyone come in to camp and have things fleshed out. Year 2 after a red shirt year has changed a lot of Hawks for the better.

  6. nichansen01

    What do people here think of Chase Coffman? Do really need to spend a draft pick on a tight end with Coffman on the roster?

    • Volume12

      No. I don’t see the value in drafting a blocking TE. You can find cheap vets from the bargin bin like Chase Coffman, or add an UDFA for that role.

      It’s also a pretty bad crop of TEs this year.

      • Volume12

        If your gonna draft a TE he better be a complete one, a move TE with speed that can also block.

        • purpleneer

          See, spellcheck’s not gonna catch that “your.” 🙂

          • Volume12

            Good catch.

    • SES

      I like Chase as a receiving TE, not much of a blocker though. I agree, don’t use a pick. Was thinking more of FA or UDFA

  7. Volume12

    I just hope we don’t hear the complainng at the start of next year about our O-line coming together and struggling for a period of time.

    They gotta fix this thing, and there’s gonna be changes regardless.

    If Gillam moves to LT, it’ll take him some time. Hand placement, footing, weight distribution, is all going to be flipped.

    Even if Sokoli and Glowinsk are the ‘answers,’ you don’t think those 2 will take time to adjust?

    A 1st or 2nd year player at LG between a rookie C and a 1st year LT?

    But ya know what? That’s okay. None of teams in the AFCC and NFFC championship the past 2 years got there due to their O-lines being the strength or best units of their team

    Seattle doesn’t need to invest or throw every early pick at the O-line this year, as Rob said.

    JS referenced Cincinnati and Dallas having the 2 best O-lines. How many playoff games, combined, have they won recently? It goes back to something else JS said, that gets skipped over/left-out. Look at how much draft capital they’ve spent there. He referenced not wanting or needing to go that route.

    There’s nothing wrong with taking the top ranked C overall with your first selection. Sokoli is a project, not a guarantee. Nothing wrong with adding a RG and competition for Glow. Worst case scenario, you nail down your RG and get a great 6th-8th O-lineman. Nothing wrong with not taking an OT with your first pick. It’s okay if Gilliam has growing pains as a LT.

    We need ‘good’ not ‘great.’

    • C-Dog

      I caught Dave Wyman on the radio today on 710 saying he was actually pretty good with Gilliam shifting to LT. He felt the real problem on the line was Britt at LG, said he felt he just isn’t one, no bend, awareness necessary to play inside, and would be better served moving back to RT and them getting some help there either through FA or the draft. I’ll go with what the former NFL MLB has to say on that one, if it wasn’t already painfully obvious enough already. Keeps me thinking LG is really something they go shopping for one way or the other.

      IMO, I think some are hanging too tightly onto Carroll’s words on Sokoli at Center in his last press conference. What I got is that they really like his athleticism, and “if he can figure out” how to play center, he could be a special player there. I think the “if” is very strong there. I think they will look at him there in OTAs, but I don’t think he’s the heir apparent.

      Also, for those who love to follow trends with this team, and believe in them, I think it’s important to also remember that there are times Carroll talks player up mightily, and they don’t even make the team when the season starts (Korey Toomer, star of OTAs, etc.) So, yeah, if the guy hasn’t logged any serious minutes in any game, at any part of the season, I wouldn’t put too much stock in his potential. They liked his athleticism enough that they didn’t want to cut him, and that says something, but if there is a center they really like at 26, and he’s the best offensive linemen, and they take him, you have to feel good about that. Maybe Sokoli can one day develop into a decent guard.

      • Volume12

        I like Gilliam as a LT too. His frame and athleticism is better suited for it.

        My point was, he’ll be fine there. But, it may take him a few games to get used to it. That’s not an end of the season scenario.

        • C-Dog

          Yeah, it will be interesting to see once he has a full offseason to get ready for it. I’ll be honest and say the notion still makes me a bit nervous, but I fully agree with the plan to fix the interior portion of the line and follow the Panther model. Definitely has the athleticism for it, and is a player that I thought improved as the season went on.

  8. Old but Slow

    It seems to make sense to find a blocking TE to allow Graham to be more of an H back or WR than an inline blocking guy. Even finding a below quality OL guy who can be a blocking TE could be enough to release Graham to his real strength. It just seems so counterproductive to have a plus athlete making poor blocks when he might be making defenses try to counter him.

    • Rob Staton

      I think they had already addressed this just before Graham’s injury. They were lining him up in different formations and occasionally leaving an extra OL in to block. They might add a veteran blocking TE (they don’t really exist in college any more) but money is tight so might just roll with what they have.

      • C-Dog

        I think they adjusted the way he blocked as the season went on and he was getting better at it before he got injured. At 6-7 260 pounds, it’s not like he has zero potential to become a better blocker. I think it was more of a case that he was incredibly raw at it and was learning in the fly.

        • Rad Man

          Sokoli as a blocking TE after Martin is drafted 🙂

          Honestly, I never understood the logic of turning a DL to a Center, of all things. That’s a position where awareness, defensive alignments, blocking assignments, snap counts, and snap technique are needed. Those aren’t things one picks up easily at the NFL level of effectiveness. Why do it at Center as opposed to LG or RG? If he’s a super duper athlete, why not a RT or LT?

          I had a pac 12 O line coach tell me last year that when he recruits O line, he targets LT and C. No guards. So he has a line of 3 centers and two LTs or 4 LTs and 1 Center, or some combo thereof. He said in that scenario you end up with either elite awareness, or elite athleticism. He didn’t understand this logic of converting DL to center, either. But understood it at RG (Sweez).

          Under this logic, he’ d rather have Martin and Glasgow, for example. Now you have two quality players who have experience at C and Guard.

          • vrtkolman

            I think Cable underestimated how hard it is to coach up O linemen from scratch. It took Sweezy his entire rookie contract to look average at best (if not below average). And that is probably his best success story.

            • purpleneer

              And the extra OL role just makes it that much more enticing to have him work at tackle.

          • purpleneer

            This is what I’ve been saying. It never made sense to me that center would be the choice to convert him to. Tackle is where a guy with the required physical tools should find it easier to learn quickly, especially a taller guy who might struggle with pad level.

          • purpleneer

            And the extra OL role just makes it that much more enticing to have him work at tackle.

  9. bobbyk

    Something to think about:

    Remember the off-season in which we drafted Bobby Wagner? There was actually talk that the Seahawks “don’t need a MLB” because all they have to do is resign David Hawethorne. Why create another hole by letting the Heater go? That made no sense.

    It almost reminds me of Patrick Lewis. I think Lewis is okay/decent, kind of like I thought Hawthorne was a decent or good enough MLB for us. However, if a Pro Bowl center is staring us in the face at #26… would it be wise to let him go and pick-up a lower rated player?

    Lewis will actually be a free agent next year and will be in line for a raise like Heater was the year in which he signed with the Saints and we drafted Wagner.

    If Coleman is gone and they don’t think Whitehair will be as good of a LG as Martin will be a C, I think they could just as well go with the better player and address LG in either free agency or round 2 or 3. LG must be addressed, that is for certain, but there is more than one way to skin a cat.

    Who know, maybe they go hog wild with paying for a LG in FA? I doubt it, but wouldn’t put it past them either.

    • vrtkolman

      I’m with you, in fact I think it would be a horrible move if we passed on Martin just because we already have Lewis. Lewis is just OK, I think we need at least 2 upgrades between Britt/Lewis/Sweezy.

  10. Miles

    Rob, I would bet you are thinking of addressing this in a future post. Just wondering what you think about McShay’s latest first round mock of Baylor DT Andrew Billings to the Seahawks at 26. He is turning just 20 years of age next month. He is 6’2″ 310. He seems to be the prototypical Bill Walsh DT. The question is, can he rush the passer? He recorded 5.5 sacks and 14 TFLs in 2015. He is known as a “complete freak in the weight room.” According to Sheil. Gotta say, this sounds like a Seattle draft pick on the surface.

    • Rob Staton

      I’ve already written a McShay mock reaction post 🙂 Will be posted shortly.

  11. Nick

    Rob, I just was on Twitter and saw Jared Stranger liked Ryan Kelly at #26. I pointed out how you also saw Seattle taking a center at 26, but that you liked Martin. Stranger than proceeded to go full ad hominem and dismiss your scouting. I had no idea he was so vehemently against your point of view. Sorry for tagging you in that tweet. I won’t make that same mistake again.

    I really appreciate how professional you are in your analysis. Stay above the fray!

    • Volume12

      He never misses on a prospect.

      Dude said Marcus Smith was a ‘can’t leave the draft without’ type of prospect. He’s been one of the biggest 1st round busts in recent memory.

      Said Jerome Couplin was a must have. Who?

      I can name at least 7-8 more guys he thought highly of or had in a mock draft that haven’t even sniffed a meaningful snap or down.

      • Nick

        Great to hear. I asked him, “This all seems very anecdotal. You’ve never scouted prospects that didn’t go where you thought they would?”

        Thinking you know everything in scouting is a dangerous business.

        • Volume12

          It really is. Your gonna miss more than you’ll hit on guys.

          And if ya can’t admit that, go love yourself bro.

    • Miles

      Just want to say that I have had a negative experience with Stanger before too. He went off about how Wisniewski was definitely gonna get paid last offseason when I said he could get a prove-it deal. He was kind of implying that anyone who thought otherwise was being dumb. After Wis got signed for $3m he didn’t have anything to say. I no longer follow that guy on twitter.

      • Nick

        It’s certainly left a sour taste in my mouth.

        • Miles

          Some guys think they work for ESPN when they work for Field Gulls. I like Field Gulls but come on man, it’s a fan page. Be kind to people.

          • Volume12

            Cat’s get personal over at FG’s.

            Relax. We all want the same thing.

    • Rob Staton

      Thanks Nick.

    • Jdub

      I second the appreciation for how professional Rob is. Jared can be a little childish in his responses. I have been following this blog for about 5 years now and Rob is all class 100% of the time. Truly appreciated.

      • bobbyk

        Ever since the Seahawks Insider at TNT died, I really haven’t found a “home” to be with other Seahawks fans. This is as close as there is (that’s meant as a compliment). It’s hard being from Minnesota and not knowing any other fans. I’d just like to chime in that although I’ll do a Fan Post at field gulls every once in a blue moon, I don’t like how they are “I am smart and if you disagree with me you must be dumb.” It started for me when Hasselbeck was struggling with a crappy line and I defended Matt and the “weapons,” or lack thereof he had to work with. They couldn’t understand that Hasselbeck might have had a bad supporting cast and pretty much blamed cancer, AIDS in Africa, the punt returner muffing a kick, etc. on Hasselbeck. That totally turned me off to them and I’ve never really followed them too much since.

        • Rob Staton

          bobbyk, I hope you continue to enjoy posting here. Your opinions on the Seahawks are very welcome and appreciated.

  12. Miles

    Frickin’ just drafted the SDB all-star team on Fanspeak. 😛

    26: R1P26
    C NICK MARTIN
    NOTRE DAME
    56: R2P25
    DT JIHAD WARD
    ILLINOIS
    90: R3P27
    OLB ERIC STRIKER
    OKLAHOMA
    121: R4P26
    G SEBASTIAN TRETOLA
    ARKANSAS
    193: R7P4
    RB KENNETH DIXON
    LOUISIANA TECH
    215: R7P26
    WR PAUL MCROBERTS
    SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE

    • Volume12

      Nice.

      I like Striker, but where do you play him?

      • Miles

        My thinking was, and I’m not as coached up on him as many here, but I would put him at Strongside LB where Irvin played. I assume he can’t put his hand on the ground like Irvin could though. But if in the 3rd round you can solidify your LB corps, I think that’s a huge upgrade.

        • Volume12

          Yeah- he just struggles beteen the hashes. In spacehe’s fantastic, he’s a really good speed rusher, but when bigger, stronger OT’s neutralize that in the NFL, then what?

          I watched him during the senior bowl just getting washed down the line, swallowec whole by a bunch of mediocre OT’s.

          He’s gonna make his bones in sub packages and STs. 3rd round is too rich.

    • lil'stink

      Dixon fell to the 7th? If only that would happen on draft day.

  13. George

    After going thru the comments, I’ve read that Britt is a solid run-blocker and is best suited at G, and also that he’s been getting destroyed and needs to move back out to RT. At what point do you just admit Britt was a reach in the 2nd round and not suited for either position? Take two offensive lineman and a pass rusher in the first three rounds, resign Sweezy, Lane, and Rubin/Bane…let Okung and Irvin walk. Just my two cents.

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