No time to celebrate for @Seahawks GM John Schneider. He's at @seniorbowl scouting college prospects @NFLonFOX
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) January 20, 2015
For a full list of measurements for both the North and South squads click here.
— Nate Orchard (DE, Utah) is one of the day’s winners so far. He measured at 6-3, 251lbs and has 33 inch arms — with a wingspan just shy of 80 inches. That’s some nice length — even if he’s shorter than Utah’s listed 6-4. Compare that to another productive PAC-12 pass rusher. Hau’oli Kikaha (DE, Washington) is just over 6-2, 246lbs and has 31 and a half inch arms. To compare, Bruce Irvin has 33 and a half inch arms. It’s hard to imagine the Seahawks going after Kikaha early. Orchard? Maybe he is a candidate. He needs to run a good 10-yard split at the combine but could have a Marcus Smith style rise over the next few weeks.
— Owamagbe Odigihizuwa (DE, UCLA) looks superb as expected. He has the physique of a top-ten pick. He’s 6-3 and a half, 266lbs, has enormous 11 inch hands and 33 inch arms. He has a wingspan that nearly reaches 82 inches. He’s one of the more interesting prospects at the Senior Bowl and could be a big riser if teams trust he can stay healthy. He’s adept at dipping inside and powering through the interior. He needs to prove he can also be an effective edge rusher.
— Sammie Coates (WR, Auburn) has some nice length. At 6-1 and 6/8th’s he has 33 and a half inch arms. That’s pretty special. His wingspan is 78 and a half inches. He has nine and a half inch hands. We already knew he’s a tremendous athlete and he weighs a solid 213lbs. He needs to prove he can be more consistent, but physically he’s an exciting talent. If he had even a decent level of consistency, he could develop into a real threat.
— Markus Golden (DE, Missouri) might be off the radar after today’s not totally surprising measurements. He’ll make a team happy, it just probably won’t be Seattle. He has 31 inch arms and Seattle loves length. It’s kind of strange that he has short arms and nearly 11 inch hands. His wingspan is just under 77 inches and he’s just over 6-2. Despite a lack of length, reports say he dominated the South practice with a fantastic display.
— La’el Collins (T/G, LSU) looks like a stud. 6-4 and a half inches, 308lbs, over 33 inch arms and a wingspan at around 82 inches. The arm length will intrigue teams still planning on using him at tackle. You look at the size and the combination of upper body power and footwork and you can’t rule it out. For me he’d still make a terrific guard and should go easily in the top-20 wherever you want to line him up.
— T.J. Clemmings (T, Pittsburgh) is as advertised. He’s 6-4 and 5/8th’s, 307lbs and has the second best wingspan on the north squad (85 and a quarter inches). That kind of length and size is attractive. The big question is whether he can show enough polish after making a late switch to offense during his college career. Tony Pauline says he struggled a bit during practice today.
— Preston Smith (DT, Mississippi State) confirmed his size could be a difference maker in terms of where he lands. He’s just under 6-5, 270lbs with 34 inch arms and a wingspan at just over 82 inches. Datone Jones went in the first round with just under 33 inch arms at 283lbs. The challenge for Smith is to prove he’s as athletic as Jones.
— Danny Shelton (DT, Washington) will dominate this week because the north’s interior O-line talent is badly lacking. He’s 6-1 and 6/8th’s, 343lbs with arms listed at 31 and 6/8th’s. He has a wingspan of 77 and 6/8th’s. The arm length isn’t such a big deal for a power guy like Shelton. Dontari Poe’s arms are only 32 inches long.
— Ty Sambrailo (T, Colorado State) is 6-5 and 6/8th’s not the listed 6-7. Ty Montgomery (WR Stanford) came in at 5-11 and 6/8th’s despite being listed by Stanford at 6-2. Happens every year, still not sure why.
— Devin Smith (WR, Ohio State) is 6-0, 190lbs with nine inch hands and 31 inch arms. He has a wingspan of 73 and 3/4 inches. In comparison, Paul Richardson was 175lbs at last years combine, had just under nine inch hands and 32 inch arms. Physically they are similar. Smith is a dynamic athlete with genuine suddenness (an aspect Seattle loves), the ability to compete for the ball and special teams value. Keep your eyes on this guy.
— Phillip Dorsett (WR, Miami) is 5-9 and a half, 183lbs, has nine inch hands and a 74 inch wingspan (31 inch arms). He’s another dynamic athlete although at his size, he might have to be worked into a gameplan. He’s more polished than you’d expect when you watch the Miami tape.
— Bryce Petty (QB, Baylor) is the best quarterback in Mobile — and he has ten inch hands which is a major plus point. Let’s see how he performs in drills. In a weak class for QB’s, there’s a battle to be had for the #3 spot behind Mariota and Winston.
— Carl Davis (DT, Iowa) is massive and warrants a good look over the next couple of weeks. He’s also 6-4 and 5/8th’s, 321lbs, with an 84 and a half inch wingspan. He has eleven inch hands and 34 and a half inch arms. They just don’t make many dudes like this.
— Vince Mayle (WR, Washington State) is 6-2 and 219lbs but only has nine inch hands and under 32 inch arms.
NFL.com has put 10 minutes of OL vs DL practice up for viewing. Danny Shelton starts well but gets gassed very quickly. The last couple of rushes he had were the complete opposite of the first two where he dominated. Conditioning could be an issue here. Carl Davis impressed in this segment.
By the way, if you want to celebrate Seattle becoming NFC Champions by buying ‘stuff’, use the banner below or the sidebar on the blog.
After just checking the weigh ins and measurements myself, one guy who screams ‘Seahawk’ at me and there Ian’t many of them yet, is UCLA’s DE Owl Odighizuwa. What a freak! Hoping his 2 hip injuries scare some teams off. He checks every box they look for in prospects.
As for Iowa’s DT Carl Davis, he kind of reminds me of DT Kevin Williams a little bit. Obviously not as talented or polished, but Seattle does love length at the 3-technique. I know interior DL probably won’t be a high priority, but if he’s the BPA when they pick, what a get he would be. Inner city Detroit kid, plays angry.
I knew DE-LEO Nate Orchard wasn’t lacking in terms or length. And I’ll expect him to turn in a good athletic performance at the combine too.
Odighizuwa is one to watch for sure. Just wish he flashed a bit more off the edge not just dipping inside.
Thanks for staying on top of this stuff, Rob. I’m still recovering from the NFCCG.
After just watching a one-legged ARod go mostly unmolested on Sunday, interior pass rush is high my wish list for the 2015 draft, and Carl Davis is an intriguing new name to me. He has enticing measurables, but is he quick-twitch and explosive? Is he a solid technician? And the all-important championship character question? Interested in your thoughts.
hmmm…this was supposed to be a new post. Not sure how the reply fail happened.
I like everything about Davis physically and he doesn’t get pushed around as you’d expect. But after watching a couple of games on Tuesday night, I was kind of underwhelmed. I think he’s more of a clogger than a pass rusher. Will be stout at the point, won’t get moved around off the ball. But in terms of pass rush — there wasn’t a great deal there. When the top couple go (Goldman and Brown) it’s not a great draft for interior pass rush.
I like Mario Edwards jr. for the Hawks in the first Rob. If him or Irvin were available they would address two of our biggest needs. Like Irvin a lot. I think he will be gone though. Your thoughts?
I just haven’t seen enough from Edwards. I think he played hurt in 2014, but still very underwhelming IMO.
Good point. Although he plays with that fire I think that attracted them to DE Cassius Marsh last year as well. I think if they got Odighizuwa down to about 260 or so it would help his get off some, I kind of like the fact he’s not a finished product and raw, Seattle can really mold him into their style and he doesn’t possess many bad habits.
Where do you Iowa DT Carl Davis’s stock at? Late 1st, 2nd round, early 3rd?
I intend to watch some tape tonight.
Man my typing is not on point lately. Sorry about that.
One of the SPARQ Seahawk guys (FieldGulls) tweeted out this morning that the Seahawks hadn’t drafted anyone with less than 32 inch arms. Pete said again last week how he likes long arms – so that makes sense. Kikaha will all his flashes, doesn’t seem to be a Seahawk. I’ll be watching for the DT and OL for the first round.
There’s good value later in the draft for that big DT though. Mizzou DT Lucas Vincent seems like a perfect fit for Seattle. Can play 1-tech and some 3-tech.
Central Michigan DT LeTerrious Walton is huge with length and should be available later as well.
San Jose St hybrid DT Travis Raciti plays with a mean streak, is athletic and a high effort guy who may be there too.
East Carolina’s Terry ‘Swamp Monster’ Williams is a massive human being who moves like a 3-tech and with his off the field red flags should be available late on day 3.
I caught some one on one drills and both the Iowa guys pushed the O-line guys around – not familiar with them, but they had some get off.
Iowa’s DT Louis Trina-Pasat is one nasty dude, Great motor, competitive, interesting back story. He could end up a steal for someone. Good eye CC, he may be on the Hawks radar in the mid to late rounds.
Should say *Trinca-Pasat
Thanks – yes that was the guy!
Haven’t taken the time to watch D. Smith tape yet, but from the descriptions here and elsewhere, he sounds A LOT like Paul Richardson. do you think this would be a bit of a redundant pick for the Hawks, and if so, is that fine because of P-rich injury situation?
Personally I didn’t think they’d go after a P-Rich body type last year with Harvin, Baldwin and Kearse. Now you’ve lost Harvin, Kearse will be a FA in 2016 and Richardson will have to come back from a serious knee injury. I don’t think the similarity is a problem in terms of potentially drafting Smith. They seem to like suddenness, competitiveness, big play potential, special teams value and blocking rather than specific body types.
I think special teams value will definitely put him on our radar if he shows that ability.
Obviously, Seattle wants difference making playmakers. Harvin and Richardson attest to that. Smith is very similar to Richardson in terms of his explosive quality as a wide out. His size at 6′ (confirmed by Senior bowl measurements) certainly would slot him as a competing prospect to Kearse’s roster spot and role in the base offense. His speed and suddenness clearly gives him value as a hedge player for Richardson’s role.
Richardson really should be viewed as unlikely to play in 2015. A knee injury (recurring at that) this late in the season should imply he won’t be even testing that knee until well into the season. I’d expect him to start on the PUP and then IRed after it expires. The fact that Seattle was typically vague but still kind of framed the injury in ominous terms is very unencouraging. Pete is generally all sunshine and rainbows with his optimistic tone about these things and for him to admit to it being serious should be seen as pretty damning for all hawks fans.
Picking Smith (or not picking him) really doesn’t have to be related to Richardson’s injury. As a prospect, he doesn’t really seem to be competing for Richardson’s spot on the roster anyway. Nor does he necessarily mean he competes with Baldwin either. Smith looks very much like a prospect who could play all three positions, similar to Kearse. That kind of flexibility should be seen as very attractive for Seattle.
Which has the added value of not necessarily precluding Seattle from pursuing their long coveted big WR in the future. Smith is a versatile explosive talent who can coexist with future additions just fine.
If Smith can return punts and/or kicks, then you’re looking at a high impact talent who can produce in the base offense, while competing for Brian Walters roster spot. And if that’s the case — then Smith really should grade very highly for Seattle when they assign grades relative to the current roster. Seattle obviously considers ST value very important, as it was a major factor in acquiring Harvin and it’s cemented Lockette’s roster spot pretty nicely.
I could see the 3 year plan as kind of being Smith, Richardson and a future big WR as our base 3 WR set. Moving on from Baldwin/Kearse as they age and get closer to their third contracts. With the immediate value still being realized by virtue of ST value and injury replacement.
I am of a similar opinion as Rob. I don’t see redundancy as a big hindrance in a possible selection of Smith. Certainly in Seattle’s quest to improve our passing efficacy and ability to convert on third downs — Smith could play a significant role even with the roster as constituted.
I think with the injury he is an option for the first, without the injury he would a pear to be redundant to me. There’s a chance he won’t play next year and who knows if he will fully recover. It would be a dam shame if he didn’t but I don’t think it would be smart to plan on prich being there and back to normal.
There was a report that the Seahawks talked to D Smith.
Rob. Just saw that former Auburn QB Nick Marshall will move to corner from QB. He is at senior bowl so should get some measurables. Any thoughts on him as a DB?
Hard to judge unfortunately without seeing it. QB to CB is quite the switch!
At first glance, athletic and intelligent enough to make transition in college. Could be a late round guy.
He played CB at Georgia, as I recall. He played at least a year at CB then switched to QB in JUCO before transferring to Auburn.
Rob- Curious, why does your guy Devin Smith have nine-inch hands but a guy you are admittedly not wild about in Vince Mayle have ‘only’ nine-inch hands?
I don’t want to speak for Rob, but Mayle is considered a “bigger WR.” I think it was just commentary based on his size. Those are really small hands for a relatively big dude.
As MJ noted — Mayle was touted as a big target. It was a little surprising to see he didn’t have bigger hands/arm length and was only 6-2. I think we always knew Devin Smith would be a smaller receiver.
One thing about Mayle is that he is new to football. He played basketball in high school and as a freshman at a California JC. He then took a year off from school to help his mother, as she was very sick. He went back to a junior college the next year, but he tried out for football instead of basketball. He transferred to WSU where he played the last two years.
He was outstanding at times, but he also dropped a lot of passes. He is so new to football, he would be good to go to a team that can develop him and not need him this year.
Another basketball player turned football player? I didn’t know that about him! Now I want him even more badly
I’m truly not one to beat the drum over and over but as a cougar fan and mike leaches history of wr’s being drafted. Vince Mayle could be something of a really good draft pick to who ever gets him and I really hope and think he could be a Seahawk. With his background of growing up quick and taking care of his mom and then in a couple years at leaches spread offense lights it up and gets better every year. Seahawks like their background story’s because it shows grit, faith, pride, and most importantly Determination. I get where Rob says he’s watched two films and was underwhelmed because frankly I have been too watching live games! But it’s the games not online and where only on the PAC 12 network or I watched. He’s such a player. He’s got so much heart and really works on winning that catch. He’s going to be a great player in yrs to come I hope. I’ll hold my breath for something spectacular during the draft and will quit tooting his horn.
He has good hops.
One of the stand-out performers from day 1 of practice at the Senior Bowl, is currently a favorite WR prospect of mine for the Seahawks. Baylor WR Antwan Goodley. He made some splash plays (one-handed catch over the middle) and routinely beat 1 on 1 coverage. Take it with a grain of salt, I know it’s just day 1 of practice and somewhat meaningless, but I found it interesting nonetheless.
He measured in at 5’10, 210 lbs. (down from his listed weight of 225) and that will only help his speed, explosion, and suddenness. Has 9 inch hands, 31 inch arms (one tenth short of 32 inch arms), and an incredible 77 inch wingspan. Whoa!
Extremely unique sized WR, gets consistent separation off the LOS and out of his breaks, game-breaking speed, field tilting talent. One of the main things I love about him is his un-assuming personality. Very humble, respectful, and seems to have the type of character that would mesh perfectly with RW. I could imagine those 2 being very close. But, don’t mistake that kindness (for lack of a better word) for a weakness. I’ve noted this before, but Goodley describes himself as ‘a dog out on the field.’
Not a no. 1 WR by any stretch of the imagination, but he could fill that WR Golden Tate role that we currently lack, help off-set an injured P-Rich, and would be a great weapon to add to the arsenal of RW and the receiving core.
Oh and he had pretty good stats as a kick returned when he started at Baylor!
Thanks Peter. Totally forgot to mention the fact he was a retuner at Baylor early on, and still possess the ability/talent to help out in the return game at the NFL level.
There’s just so many ways to get this kid the ball. Jet sweeps, he’s a former HB so he can take hand-offs out of regular run formations, would be quite interesting to implement him in to some read option plays too, can line up outside, in the slot, return kicks and punts, would make a good gunner. He’s that type of athlete.
Let’s also not forget he has an incredible back-story, has overcome multiple obstacles in his life, extremely mature, loves to show off his dance moves (move over Black Santa! Lol.) And is also tough as nails. Played through a quad injury this year and was still productive after having a crazy year stat wise in 2013. I’d be totally on board with him as Seattle’s first overall pick.
I looked at his tape after you mentioned him the other day and he looks good. Very unique size to speed ratio but where is he projected to be drafted?
Right now he’s in the 3rd to 4th round range. But I suspect with the combine numbers he’s rumored to put up, he’ll be a late 2nd, early 3rd round type guy. Remember, P-Rich was in this range as well last year at this time, Seattle tends to take the guys who are somewhat overlooked.
I can definitely see him getting into the second. It only takes one team and his production plus as you say Volume 12, if he puts up some sparqy combine numbers especially 40 and three cone or even very…watch out in this slightly down class.
I was thinking 3rd, seattle definitely has a role for him.
I am btw hoping its us in the third.
Your right Peter, it only takes 1 team to determine whether a guy is a 1st or 3rd round pick.
I’d venture to say taking WR Goodley with the first pick, is about as good as it gets in this WR class. He could step right in, fill multiple roles, has the back-story, athleticism, grit, he’s a difference maker, high character.
As of right now I’d have to say my 3 favorite players that fill a position of need, but who also may be the best player on the board and who could be available in the first three rounds are obviously Baylor’s WR Antwan Godley, UCLA DE-LEO Owa Odighizuwa, and Oklahoma OL Daryl Williams.
As for need on this current roster I’d agree with goodley and owa…no doubt. Haven’t watched any o line yet based on my view that if carp stays the fo will think there are set. I actually think CB will be a need but I almost never watch videos because frankly college cut UPS are good enough for every position except CB and every safety not crowding the box. I’ll check out Daryl Washington thanks!
Wouldn’t worry about the CB position prter. That’s PCs specialty and the one position he’s constantly been able to find studs at. Having said that, I suspect they’ll always draft a CB I. every draft, just seems like the thing they do. But, I think their comfortable taking them in the 5th-6ht rounds, possibly in the late 4th with one of our comp picks if a guy they have to have is sitting there.
Georgia CB Damian Swann is possibly the most ‘Seahawky’ of all the CBs in this draft class. He can line up inside, outside, playmaker, has a knack for creating TOs, plays the run, challenges bigger WRs, has the requisite length, and has that swag the LOB plays with.
How likely are the Seahawks gonna move up this draft considering the amount of spots available will be limited next season?
It’s hard to say. Obviously it depends on a certain player being within touching distance.
More will be clearer as we move through free agency and see who the hawks bring in for visits.
Question on Coates:
What kind of run blocker is he?
You figure that was a big part of what he was asked to do in Malzahn’s offense. If he already brings that to the table he may be a guy who Seattle might still target.
His run blocking didn’t stick in the mind on first viewing. I’ll go back and check — but I wonder if in a lot of the run plays if he was used as a decoy.
Rob you’re always good for the philosophical….i just did a quick scan of stats for Coates vs. Martavis Bryant and I guess I’m not sure why Coates gets so much love when he has not a ton more receptions at nearly the same yards per and the same tds as Bryant did? I’ve got no problem with Coates and since half of Seattle picks sit a year anyways I could see a spot for him…maybe I’m either too stupid or too smart to see why he gets mid first round buzz and Bryant with his combine and being an athletic specimen as well, was the steal of the draft…
The big issue with Bryant was character. On the field he was a truly dynamic playmaker. A fantastic prospect who we spent a lot of time discussing. But the reports were not good in terms of character. That’s the only reason why he lasted as long as he did. For what it’s worth, Bryant was so far ahead of Coates in terms of the technical side of the game. He’s a much more natural receiver. Coates has to show he can be more consistent and has room to grow.
If we go receiver in round 1 I would hope it would be a more NFL ready player. With our injury situation we may need someone who can play right away. That is unless we pick up a receiver in free agency or trade. I have been banging the drum for the “big receiver” but with P-rich out for at least the first half of the season and more than likely the entire year, I am coming around to the option of a speed guy who can make the big play as well as fill a glaring whole in special teams kick/punt return. Devin Smith would fit that role for sure.
On the D Line side, where do you see Carl Davis going in the draft? He has the size and attributes Seattle likes. Might be one to watch if he slides a bit.
I watched some Davis tonight. Wasn’t totally wowed to be honest. Nice size and length but didn’t see a flash of brilliance.
I think it’s a tough one because for me Seattle’s big need is to fill talent around Wilson at receiver and tight end. They don’t have the money to go big on a veteran unless Lynch retires. The best thing to do is to draft and develop your own given SEA’s run-based offense. But then it’s hard to find impact players at WR and the options won’t necessarily be great at #31 or #32. As much as I like Devin Smith, there could be superior players at other positions I’d rather have. Quite easily. So it’s a tough one.
My preferred situation would still be to somehow find a way to add a guy like Vincent Jackson via a trade and then re-do his contract… then add another receiver between rounds 1-4. That way you get a guy who can have a quick impact as a veteran, and another guy to bring along in development, adding long term quality to the group.
That’s the exact senerio I am hoping for. Some how picking up VJack, trading down a few spots and landing Maxx, going D line with the second, O line 3rd, depth a WR/DB with our 4th X 2 and BPA with the rest. Easy pleasy.
Thanks man! I was pretty sure it was character concerns…still though that’s the one from last year that got away in my mind.
One thing I have noticed about Sammie Coates is that he has good ball skills. I didn’t see any 50/50 jump balls but there were a lot of deep passes that were contested and he usually found a way to get them.
Nick Boyle from Delaware looked pretty good as a blocking TE who can catch, but didn’t do a lot of it. The TE class is weak so maybe someone does draft him on day 3 – but he has the proverbial potential.
Rob, have you looked at kasen williams from uw at all? He’s probably a undated fa and will probably sign with the hawks after the draft if there’s not much interest in him. He’s had a bad career at uw but showed some promise at the end of the year. He was a 5 star recruit out of high school and did play with one of the worst qbs in college imo and had injuries. I figure he’ll at least be a camp body.
Heard he looked terrible in the east/west shrine game. Like the worst player on the field terrible.
Game is this Saturday. According to this article, he’s looked pretty good during practices
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/24962216/shrine-game-pac-12-prospects-on-west-squad-intrigue-scouts
I’ve seen him while generally watching Washington over the years. I think you’re right, he’ll get a chance in a camp somewhere. Will have a shot to stick.
I’m know husky homer in the slightest in fact I cringe a bit when huskies are brought up because of the homerism at times, but kasen Williams…and I’ve got no horse in the race…..sophomore tape looked pretty dang good under sarks reign before the injury. I know I’m extremely future casting here but I think as a udfa with an actual.qb throwing passes he could stick even with the hawks. That’s one of the benefits of having such a meh wr corps is honestly it gives a wide variety of players a chance.
Question rob, if we lost Dan Quinn (sounds like we are) we will loose our d line developmental skills? He was kinda the “d line” guru right?
We still have D-line coach Travis Jones, who helped develop Cameron Jordan down in New Orleans and was part of their Super Bowl club.
Quinn is believed to be taking a defensive coach to ATL with him to be a D cord. per reports. I’d assume Jones is the guy hes bringing. not sure of too many other coaches i could see him bringing.
He’s a former D-line coach so it will be a loss. But at the heart of everything defensively is Carroll. While PC remains I think the D will always play at a high level.
In the NFCCG the hawks had Cohen playing 14 snaps. 3 weeks ago he was running a valet parking service.
Either we have a dire and urgent need for a DT or it’s a position we can get anybody to play with 3 weeks training. When you consider the Likes of McDonald, McDaniel and Williams manning the DL under minimal contracts I guess we have the answer.
With Hill injured a lot so far, Marsh suspected as injury risk and Schofield probably gone in FA, it seems that a pass rushing DE/DT is indeed a need but with the great overall shape of the defense, not as immediate as the needs on offense. (Unless it’s a rare must have talent) Same goes for CB even if we lose Maxi to FA.
We must bolster the OL somehow (guard, tackle, anything…). With PRich injured we need a ball catching target WR/TE to start as WR 3 on game 1 of 2015. (Norwood was a non factor in that game even with PRich on IR. Not a great confidence builder)
Those are, most likely, the top 2 picks just like last year. (Let them do it till they get it right…)
With 11 picks at hand I’d assume they will double dip on those positions later in the draft as well. (Or maybe, just this once, after 2 consecutive SBs, they will find a player worthy of trading UP for and securing a young key contributor for years…)
We can start ignoring top 2 rounds defensive players and concentrate on the task at hand. (IMO)
I agree for the most part with this. I think the focus should be on offense because even if Maxwell walks, they’ve consistently found ways to fill gaps at corner. For all we know, they might just promote Tharold Simon. Or start another fourth or fifth round pick. Getting another D-lineman would be nice (inside or out) but it really depends on who’s available. Not many teams have the luxury of fielding two edge rushers of the quality of Avril and Bennett, and while it’d be nice to add to the rotation, it’s not an absolute priority to find a rotational player for an already thriving defense. But if there’s just a really good player sitting there (Eli Harold? Owamagbe Odighizuwa? One of the top two three tech’s?) it’d be worth considering.
Free agency will impact things. I still think they need a day one starter at WR or TE. Someone who will dramatically upgrade the passing game quickly. And that’s why I still hold out at least some hope they have enough free cap room to do a deal for a V-Jax. Or that an as of yet unknown veteran is cut and willing to come play for a ring. Even then, I’d still be looking to spend one of the first three picks on a wide out.
Running back is the dark horse. If they lose Lynch IMO this takes on a whole new focus. They could roll with Turbin and Michael. But I suspect they’d be keen on adding another. If Melvin Gordon is within touching distance they might go and get him. I just sense his athleticism, production and gym-rat habits will appeal. Then there’s Gurley. Obviously if Lynch returns this is less of a striking need, but in a good year for RB’s adding another now might not be such a bad thing, especially if you don’t see Turbin and/or Michael as the long term future.
And on the O-line there’s some really nice options. I’m not convinced they’ll go there early — I think they back Cable to find guards if Carpenter walks. I’m not totally sure they’d want to move Britt inside and then spend yet another high pick on a right tackle (their last two — Carpenter and Britt — would’ve ended up inside). But the talent is there in R1-2. I’ve seen people projecting La’el Collins to the late first. I’d have a hard time passing in that situation.
Collins or Irvin would be fantastic!!!!
I agree with you about the RB issue. If Lynch leave we either check what Murray wants or use the new found cap space and give Cable what he always wanted – A no name RB behind a bunch of garbage men (Gibbs).
If that happens you have your budget for a quality WR/TE.
Next year’s “upgrade” should be in the passing game. I thought it’ll come from PRich but by the time he is healthy to play and after missing the pre season he wont be that effective. We need a FA or high draft pick who’s more polished rather high potential.
Or, we win this SB and the next one with UDFA pedestrians…it could happen….
I’m going to assume that Richardson is all but a write-off for 2015. It took Clemons until right before the season to come back. This is Richardson’s second ACL tear on the same knee and Carroll has already admitted there are other issues at play here. Even if he’s healthy for say week 4 — that’s a whole year missed on working on technical improvement, conditioning and most importantly — timing with the quarterback.
I actually think there is a decent chance we’re active on the FA TE market. Julius Thomas, Jordan Cameron, Charles Clay – all guys that would look good in a Hawks uniform. A number of good buy-low candidates too.
I’d agree with a lot of this except without knowing if carp walks. .i think he does…its hard to see where they bolster the line. We may have opinions but for some reason the coaching staff seems to think its the one spot in the field you don’t need competition and that seniority wins the day. I like Unger a ton when he’s healthy but the interior play this last half of the season has sucked when he’s in because I think he’s still not healthy. Is Britt seriously better then say Gilliam…dont know and don’t know if any if do. I do know for a fact that his pass pro is garbage but his run blocking is great. But they never had to me a realistic competition at that spot, cable said hey my man you’re going from a spread concept left tackle to a zone power run concept right tackle. And that was that.
So where are they really going to upgrade? I think baileys overall game is better then carps but pete’s ragging on his weight while starting a guy who has almost never been in shape every season he’s been here, who is a total beast in run blocking but also sucks against speed rushers and is good for a boneheaded penalty a game. Is Unger unhealthy, really that much better then Lewis? These are the questions I have when it comes to the line.
Meanwhile we may be able to plug and play d linemen but maybe for a change we switch gears and plug and play low round o line men as that sweezy is currently the most consistent out of all of all of them and get a serious badass at d line so we don’t have to play non factors like Cohen and when we rush four we can keep mebane etc fresh so they can be effective longer in games and in his case in his career.
Rob, what would be most plausible and helpful:
Draft
1st Coates/Williams/Clemmings
2nd Walford/Jackson/Sambrillo
If we could get 2 FA, which combo:
FA
Jackson/T. Smith/Green/Bennett/Paea/Fairley/Sheard/Hughes
I like Coates the person, Coates the athlete but not Coates the football player. If it has to be between those three in the first I probably gamble on the upside of Clemmings and get Cable to work with him. I’m not particularly enamored with the round two options and if I’ve taken Clemmings in R1 I’m looking at skill players.
As for the FA group, I’m a huge Jabaal Sheard fan.
More reports coming out that Chip Kelly will do whatever he can to get Mariota.
Wonder what that would do to the first round and the potential prospects available to SEA.
Any interest in running a mock with trades??? I really enjoy those.
I actually did one a few weeks ago with Philly trading up for Mariota.
Can you post the link?
I’ve gone through the past 2 months and can’t find it.
Thanks
Rob, what do you think of Duke WR Jamison Crowder?