Today’s pre-draft interview is with Lance Zierlein. He does an outstanding job compiling scouting reports on hundreds of prospects for NFL.com (viewable here).
Big thanks to Lance for taking the time and don’t forget to also check out our interviews with Jim Nagy, Robert Hunt, Damien Lewis and Cesar Ruiz — plus my recent two-round video mock draft.
I also wanted to post a few quick points on two tweets by Daniel Jeremiah, where he referred to sources believing Isaiah Wilson will be a first round pick and Willie Gay a high second rounder.
Regulars will know we’ve rated both players in this range for some months now. I want to speak specifically about Wilson. The Seahawks love huge, hulking offensive linemen with power, an edge and run blocking ability. They also like explosive linemen — and Wilson ranked second only to Tristan Wirfs in weighted TEF.
Don’t be surprised if the Seahawks decide to spend a high pick on Wilson, potentially at #27 (although trading down seems likely again). Minnesota at #22 or #25 is another option. Tennessee and Miami are possible options too.
I think it’d be a great pick. Wilson has major potential. The signing of Brandon Shell feels like a hedge more than a definitive move to replace Germain Ifedi. The Seahawks under Carroll and Schneider have regularly targeted linemen early.
Here’s a reminder of what Bob McGinn’s scouting sources said about Wilson:
“He is one tough, nasty guy… He’s the right tackle but I guess you could play him on the left and get by. He needs to learn to use his hands more. He’s strong and really nasty.”
“I think people are asleep on him… He could play on the left side. He’s enormous. He’s just not as clean of a package as Thomas. Thomas is a cleaner kid. But there’s film of Wilson where he looks every bit as good as Thomas.”
If they finally draw a conclusion to the Jadeveon Clowney saga and potentially find a way to add Everson Griffen too — they’d have optimal flexibility in this draft to tap into the strong areas — namely O-line and the skill positions.
And if you’re not sold on Wilson — go and watch Jake Fromm tape on YouTube. You’ll notice he has an obscene amount of time in the pocket. That’s on Wilson and Andrew Thomas. They were both superb in 2020.
If you want to add a physically imposing offensive tackle — he’s the next best on the board after Mekhi Becton.
You can now support Seahawks Draft Blog via Patreon by clicking the tab below.
I have another interview lined up for Wednesday which I am very, very excited about. Stay tuned.
Isaiah WIlson!?!?
Also, again. Thank you for all the great content. I’m currently working at home working, as is my wife. She usually doesn’t like me listening to football stuff while we are both working in the office but she finds the English accent soothing so thanks again for saving my sports talk during the day!
It’s not a player… will reveal all on Wednesday.
You know… when I started doing these I just hoped it’d act as a distraction for a few people during a tough time. Comments like yours Gohawks5151 mean the world to me. I’m so glad people have enjoyed them so far. I will keep trying to arrange interesting guests.
Now have two interviews lined up for Wednesday…
CLOWNEY?!
😂 Sadly not
My wife still rolls her eyes at me listening to football interviews in April, regardless of the accent. Sorry Rob lol
Great interview, thanks for keeping them coming!
My pleasure
+12. Ditto, Beyond excellent work. Please keep them coming. Look forward to a video soon discussing potential gems in the late rounds.
There aren’t many obvious gems this year
Of course they are not obvious Rob…they are “hidden” gems!!!
Thanks again for all the content, this has become my one place to keep up with everything Seahawks!
Thanks
Rob, these interviews keep getting better. This one with Lance was fun. You played your questions off his comments very professionally so it sounds more like a relaxed conversation between two football guys.
These conversations have added great content to your already top notch site and frankly they come at a really cool time. I appreciate looking forward to something fun at the end of a stressful work day. Thank you.
I am looking forward to Wednesday!
Thanks Steve!
Wednesday will be a lot of fun.
Dave Wyman?
Not Dave no. You won’t be able to guess. Just wait and see.
Bucky brooks
Not going to lie, I’m a bit in awe at the amount of content you consistently produce, Rob. And now interviews with top names in the draft community? You’re a marvel, dude. I’m so grateful that you somehow wound up rooting for the same team I do. We don’t deserve you, man…
Thank you for those words, it means a lot
I can’t tell you how much this site, you in particular, and the great content has meant to me! Thanks. The obvious interviews we need now are JS, PC, and J Clowney!!
Thanks man — that really means a lot to read those words.
Thought this was pretty cool.
The pro football HOF voting committee announced their all decade team.
HC’s: BB & PC
4 Seahawks: Sherm, Lynch, ET, BWagz
Disappointed that Kam was not on the list. He redifined how current safeties play SS
Tyrann Mathieu over Kam? Hmm…
Matthieu over Kam is a joke.
Rob another awesome interview.
I found Lance’s comments about the difference between pressure rates and sacks really interesting. It makes sense that guys with more sacks and QB hits with the same or less pressures would be more skilled. It is a pass rushing nuance I had not really considered. What are your thoughts on that take?
That was cool, as well as his description about Clowney.
YEah that was really interesting, and cool
I’m not sure to be honest. It made me think for sure.
I think about a guy like Micheal Bennett or Terrell Suggs. They are know for working at technique and honing their craft. Both guys have been prolific pass rushers despite very average athleticism.
Really was not something I ever really thought about though when it comes to pressures vs sacks and hits however.
Speaking of, is Suggs a free agent? Another one for the doomsday scenario…
This is precisely why I think Yannick is the better long term option
Really, interesting stuff about Clowney. I’m starting to think that even if they’d had the option to franchise tag him, that they wouldn’t have. But then, evidenced by the fact they haven’t made a major move in a different direction, it doesn’t seem like smoke that they considered signing Clowney a priority.
Rob, after hearing that, are you still feeling like they should have simply gotten this deal done?
Yes because they stated he was a huge priority, they badly needed to add not replace on the D-line and at the moment the line is worse not better.
+1 because despite any short comings he is light years above any other option that does not require giving up draft capital.
Rob- Thank you for helping us all get through these incredibly boring times. If I didn’t have this site to visit with new information every day… yikes!
So, I was wondering if you could do a small favor…
In the ‘Scouting Reports’ or ‘Archives’ tabs at the top of the page, could you post links to your articles that reference the vital #s (measurements and testing) the Seahawks look for at each position?
If time does not allow, totally understand.
Thanks again for all you do!
I really, really, really want to redesign the site completely. The problem is the cost. It’s a lot more expensive to get a new website in 2020 than it was in 2010.
I hear ya. Hope I didn’t come off as ungrateful, b/c I absolutely love what you do here!!!
What about a gofundme? I’m sure you could get everyone on here who loves the site to pitch in (as all of this fantastic analysis is free). Just an idea!
Appreciate the thought — but it’s my blog and therefore my responsibility to fund it.
Rob, do you have access to the premium version of PFF that Lance mentioned in the interview?
I don’t… it’s very expensive
200 bucks a year? Sounds like a bargain if it would let you do your thing more effectively. Or is Elite something else?
I think elite is just stats. Ultra is the video system.
Have you considered just moving to a wordpress solution? Pretty easy nowadays.
I think this is what you’re looking for:
https://seahawksdraftblog.com/the-ultimate-seahawks-combine-preview-2020
That helps, but I was hoping for even more specific with the exact times in the short shuttle, three cone, etc.
I could ‘old school’ it and go through the different articles and cut and paste and make my own Google sheet…
I just like it when others do the work for me. That’s why I became a teacher!
Gotcha. Unfortunately with so many guys skipping drills, the testing data is pretty incomplete this year. I’ll copy/paste for you as my good deed for the day.
Ideal size (DL)
DL — +6-2, 300-310lbs, +33 inch arms, +31 inch vertical, +9’ broad, 4.50 ss
LEO — 6-4, 250lbs, +33 inch arms, 1.50-1.59 10-yard split
Key tests
Forty yard dash, short shuttle, vertical, broad, three cone
Ideal size (LB)
+6-0, 230-240lbs, 4.4-4.5 forty, 6.70 three-cone, +10’ broad, 4.00-4.35 short shuttle
Key tests
Short shuttle, vertical, measurements (arm length),
Ideal size (CB)
+6-1, 195lbs, +32-inch arms, 4.50 forty, +35-inch vertical
Key drills
Forty yard dash, Three-cone, Vertical, Broad
Ideal size (S)
+6-0, 200-220lbs, 4.4 forty, +39-inch vertical, +10-5 broad jump
Key tests
Vertical, Broad, Bench
Ideal size (OL)
6-3/6-5, 305-320lbs, +33 inch arms, +31 inch vertical, +9’ broad, +30 bench reps
TEF: 3.00 or higher
Here’s the formula we use:
1. Vertical ÷ 31
2. Broad ÷ 9, then cube the result
3. Bench ÷ 27
4. Results added together = TEF
And here are the 2020 results:
Tristan Wirfs — 3.47
Hakeem Adeniji — 3.27
Cesar Ruiz — 3.25
Austin Jackson — 3.21
John Simpson — 3.20
Ezra Cleveland — 3.16
John Molchon — 3.09
Matt Peart — 3.08
I’m also hoping for a spot to easily find the guys that meet Seattle’s measurables. I have been going through each individual combine report and pulling names. Maybe someone has a list in a google sheet or excel sheet? Thanks guys!
I will publish a new watch list soon
Thanks a lot Rob!
That was an excellent interview, Rob. Bet you would have loved to talk for several more hours with him. Awesome stuff!
Loved every minute. Thanks Tom.
I haven’t had time around childcare to listen to all the interviews yet, but what I’ve listened to has been amazing, as have the mock drafts. Thanks for all this content, Rob. It’s truly wonderful.
Thanks man
It makes me so sad that I only found your site a couple months ago.
You do an amazing job Rob !
Thank you! Makes this difficult time really a lot better. Keep up your awesome work
Thank you!
Rob, you are a shining light in the quarantine darkness! Thanks for this incredible quantity and quality of content!
I thought Lance had some good insights toward the end as regards to our pick and looking at OT or Edge.
Appreciate those words Dan. I hope this place has been a distraction, albeit temporarily.
Rob this in incredible. These interviews are simply awesome and it would be legit to have them coming like this. We are getting a behind the scenes look at players and analysts that we normally wouldn’t. I never knew you could get interviews like this. Keep em’ coming man.
Will do! Two more planned for Wednesday.
That sucks… Why not just test everyone.
The tests that are currently in use have a pretty bad false negative result. Approximately 30% of the time an infected sample was tested, the result showed as a negative.
Testing would create an unfair playing field: Team X is totally healthy, Team Y has 12 cases and cant be in the same room
I’ve been reading this site for 10 years (but almost never comment) and the content has always been amazing. But these I feel like these interviews and video mock drafts have taken things to a whole other level. Thank you so much for the work you do.
Thanks Dave — and thank you for being a reader for that long. It really means a lot.
Loving all the interviews Rob. Cool to see the blog evolve like that!
Now let’s all get back to hoping Schneider has some some secret master plan to pull a miracle and get pass rush in ways no one saw coming.
Thanks Mike
Rob, great stuff! I love lance and his perspectives. He made a great point about the “developmental” players not having offseason work with the team and how that will curtail their personal development. As a high school coach, I’m feeling the same pressure. No spring football and we have to trust the kids to just get themselves bigger, stronger and faster, while also watching the Hudl assignments. I myself need to catch up on some film work, but I’ve been swamped with converting to online teaching. Such a strange time, but I echo everyone else’s sentiments. Thank you for this wonderful place to enjoy Seahawks content.
Thanks!
Rob: LOVE the interview with Zierlein. Brock Huard is really high on Austin Jackson. When I get the chance I will have a few more comments and questions.
Jackson has a lot of potential. Very raw though.
FWIW, Jackson has never carried a lot of weight. He was a star tackle here in the valley, but he was maybe 265 lbs in high school. Always knew he was going to be a stud. He’s someone who in 4 years you’re kicking yourself that you didn’t draft him.
I was thinking about something…now its offical that everyone will need to be at their homes during draft…so , it probably mean it will be tough as hell to make trades..maybe we could see some big pre draft trades because of that?
I think it’ll be fine. The NFL will make sure communication lines are solid, as will the teams. They might extend the process by a day and spread things out in the early rounds. Plus some ‘trade’ proposals are cooked up pre-draft.
The teams are always in war rooms for the draft and make trades by phone anyway, so I doubt it will be much different in that aspect.
When dealing with three team deals, that could be a juggling act since they won’t have the same conferencing features. Its doable and they have weeks to get their home offices retrofitted with whatever they need.
Imagine what the ratings are going to be for this draft!!!
No kidding! What else are we going to do?! That’s another reason to add a few minutes between picks in all rounds. Milk it!!!
Your mention of ‘war rooms’ in juxtaposition with your ‘blog-handle’ brought a smile to my face! One of my favorite roles by one of my favorite actors from one of my top ten all-time faves!
I bet they modify the times between picks to allow a little more time just in case there are hiccups in the process. I think the first round is like 10 minutes between picks, 7 min for 2nd round and 5 min for 3-7. I can see them tacking on a few extra minutes to each round. This is all uncharted territory so we’ll see.
Maybe the best option this year will be to control the ball longer. If we can’t stop offenses than maybe we end up drafting a RB early and forklifts up front.
I’ve had the same thoughts. I thing that’s what they are doing now. They will probably still find another Pass Rusher but I think they are going heavy ball control this year.
No guys.
They’re not going to neglect a massive, backbreaking defensive need and believe they can make it up on offense.
We have a decade of Pete Carroll football as evidence.
That aint happening.
Rob you keep firing back every time I post something like this. That’s fine, I really really hope your right, but I am just looking at the evidence to date. I just have a feeling. Not trying to ruffle any ones feathers.
I’m not ‘firing back’. I just get a little impatient when we go down blind alleys.
We know how this team is built by now. We know Pete Carroll.
The idea of him saying ‘screw it’ to the defense and just going all in on offense just isn’t going to happen.
They were talking just now on 710ESPN about the need to spread out the draft due to going remote. Got me thinking…
Thursday: Picks 1-16
Friday: 17-32
(both 15 minutes per pick)
Saturday: RD2
Sunday: RD3
(both 10 minutes per pick)
Tuesday: RDs 4-5
Wednesday: RDs 6-7
(both 7 minutes per pick)
Anyone..?
On the first day of Draftmas Pete Carroll gave to me
A pass rusher matched with Clowney
On the second day of Draftmas Pete Carroll gave to me
Two running backs
And a pass rusher matched with Clowney
On the third day of Draftmas Pete Caroll gave to me
Three mauling lineman
Two running backs
And a pass rusher matched with Clowney
On the fourth day of Draftmas Pete Carroll gave to me
Four pass catchers
Three mauling lineman
Two running backs
And a pass rusher matched with Clowney
On the fifth day of Draftmas Pete Carroll gave to me
FIVE…PROJECT SAFETIES..
Four pass catchers
Three mauling lineman
Two running backs
And a pass rusher matched with Clowney
🏅🏅🏅
Well done, Cha!
Andrew, I think this is a possible scenario. They might extend the coverage each night to allow for the extra time between picks.
Thanks, Rob, for the top notch content. I’ve always loved hearing your insights and analysis. The interviews are a wonderful addition as well. It is great getting to hear the players personally, and your questions have been great. Keep up the good work! Only 17 days until the draft! Hopefully we can settle the pass rush by then to keep all options open. It should be fun!
Thank you 👍🏻
So i think it is obvious at this point that Seattle will trade back pick #27 and will probably try to pick up a 2 and a 3. However, depending on if they sign Clowney &/or Griffen, they might need to trade back a few more times to compensate the need for a LEO. If they get both, then i think its just the one trade back and go BPA across the entire draft board, but if they miss out, especially on Clowney, then the first or second pick will definitely need to be a LEO and so having a few extra picks to tap into the strength of the draft would be helpful. Also i’m wondering if Seattle would be interesting in taking 2 OTs this year, both heir apparent to the left and right spots or just get a left tackle of the future and rely on short term starters on the right side until 2021/2022?
It seems, in the past, when they decided to focus on a weakness, they’ve drafted 3 players at that position.
2019: WR
2017: Safety
2016: RB
2015: OL (including Sokoli)
2013: DT
2011: DB
Absolutely love the interviews and mock drafts. I hope manage an interview with Tony Pauline. I tell everyone I know that this is the go to site for your commentary and the posts by knowledgeable fans. If you want to increase your knowledge about football as well as follow all matters Seahawks this is the place.
100% I will get Tony on. Traditionally I talk to Tony a bit closer to the draft.
Daniel Jermiah tweeted today what you have been saying for months Rob.
“I talked to 2 GMs in last 24 hours and both believe UGA OT Isaiah Wilson will go in the 1st round. That’s too rich for me but it looks like it’s going to happen. Betting on the upside.”
After Ruiz, which of the other centers do you see as the best fit for the Hawks? There seems to be good ones this year from Wisconsin, LSU, Temple, and Washington. I could see them drafting one later if they don’t get Ruiz.
Maybe we should draft harris because he’s short and it might work well with Russ.
My black swan pick for Hawks at #27 is Jonathan Taylor.
Good to see I’m not only one who wants Taylor.
Charlotte EDGE Alex Highsmith is super intriguing. 1st step is great, excellent get-off, has some violence and strength his hands w/ a nice push-pull move. Would like to see his UOH be more consistent. IMO he’s a speed rusher.
Doesn’t work well up and down the LOS even though he has the agility to do so. Fails to stay square. But line him up wide and let him get after the QB. I actually think he’ll be much more effective in a structured/disciplined scheme.
Your also getting a high character with a great work ethic. I think he’ll appeal to Seattle. Have a feeling they’re gonna reach on one of these pass rushers somewhere on day 2.
There are some interseting prospects later on and I agree they may take a flyer on one…in addition to Highsmith:
DJ Wonnum, South Carolina
Bryce Huff, Memphis
Jonathan Garvin, Miami
I love Highsmith. I would be thrilled if Seattle takes him in the third or fourth round.
Great interview! There was a lot of new information in a short period of time. I wish you could go deeper into guys like Chaisson or Gross Matos since this is where everyone here disagrees the most with those guys. Would be really interesting for me to hear where their expecations of those players come from and how they answer the low pass rush win % issue for example.
Was really interesting to hear Lance Zierlein talk about Clowney and the sack vs pressure debate. I think there is definetly some truth behind it. Clowney was also not producing a lot of sacks when paired up with JJ Watt so I don’t think his pressures will magically turn into sacks if we add a guy next to him.
To me it also sounded like he was not very critical of the Seahawks in that regard. He was rather “blaming” Clowney for missreading his market.
Folks should be critical of Seattle for not doing much to anything else about the DL, not necessarily that they didnt get a deal with Clowney (yet).
Good insights on Clowney from Zierlein as well.
Hey Rob,
Long time lurker and occasional poster, usually getting chippy over one prospect or other, and how great they are.
Enjoyed the interview today and all the coverage to date this season.
Was interested to see Zeirlein push up the value of sacks over pressures. What’s your take on this if anything?
Cheers mate
It certainly gave me reason to think. Not sure I’ve come to a conclusion yet though.
In regards to sacks vs pressures, I would like to weigh in. I was helping a friend out at local Phoenix College a few years ago, and they had a really terrific staff for a JC. All of these guys coached in major college football previously. One of the defensive coaches specifically talked about “pressures” and the way he laid it out was perfect, and I have always agreed with this. Pressures are only valuable if it leads to a positive outcome for the defense. If you flush the QB, but he takes off for 30 yards, you lose. If he steps up into the pocket and delivers a dime, you lose. If you pressure a guy into a mistake like a pick or a loss of downs for grounding, bravo. Not all pressures are created equally.
I’m going to chime in here with another observation. People repeatedly refer to Clowney as someone who “creates chaos” in the backfield. I do think that’s a legitimate characterization, but just as with the pressures vs sacks debate, the issue is that he has difficulty tracking the ball. For every splash play resulting in a TFL or QB pressure/hit/sack there’s at least one where he completely whiffs because he’s lost track of the ball. I’m all for signing him, and I think he would be an outstanding addition to the team, but I can see why his market isn’t what he thought it would be.
I am all in on Willie Gay. Pair him with BWagz and the 2nd level will be set for a while with Gay able to take over for BWagz.
Also how is this for testing?
Wagner –
40 – 4.46
Vert – 39.5
Broad – 132
SS 4.24
3 Cone – 7.03
Bench 24
Gay –
40- 4.46
Vert 39.5
Broad 136
SS 4.3
3 Cone 7.08
Bench 21
Damn.
Yeah we’ve seen the comparisons before and I’m all in on Gay jr. as well. I think we would be great fit locker room wise too. We might have to get him in the top 2 rounds though.
Do we know if he will be a good fit locker room-wise? Some questions about him still.
At the risk of falling prey to recency bias, I think this is your best interview. Your questions were succinct, but they offered multiple avenues for Lance to go down. He did a wonderful job, too. Great work.
Thanks Nick
I agree. I like how Rob gets to the point quickly and doesn’t try to put his own opinions in the mix. It allows the interview to solely put the focus what their opinions are. Also if I could make a request Rob, maybe ask the players you interview about what they think about other players we are interested in. I liked how you did that with Lewis.
Agreed. It’s very rare to have folks in the interview process just ask a clear question and then pass the mic to get a longer and better answer, rather than over talking the question for the sake of trying to bring an inappropriate amount of attention to themselves or their opinion.
Well done.
After these interviews I’m starting to realize how important character really is, as well as locker room fit. Character and personality is highly underrated.
We know that Duane Brown is not ready to retire. But Austin Jackson might be able to slide in at Left tackle when Brown does retire. It is my understanding that Brown had a learning curve also when he came into the league.
There is a rumor that the Browns have interest in Clowney. If the Brown did sign Clowney the Browns would have to release Olivier Vernon. It does make a lot of sense. However if the Browns did sign Clowney and release Vernon. There are a couple of problems. Number one Vernon and Myles Garrett share the same agent. Don’t know how happy that would make Garrett if Vernon was released at this late date. Another problem is without a phyiscal the Browns are rolling the dice on Clowney. Clowney has a history of an arthritic knee. Or least teams may not want to sign Clowney until they look at his knee. Brock Huard even mentioned going year to year on Clowney. Because of his knee history. I think the uncertainty of Clowney’s knee is why teams do NOT want to go long-term with Clowney.
Hypothetical questions:
1) If the Browns did sign Clowney they would have to release Olivier Vernon. Question if the Browns release Vernon would you be interested in Vernon?
2) We know that if the Hawks sign Clowney there is a pretty good chance that Britt would have to be released. Let’s say the Hawks did sign Clowney. Would you release K.J. Wright to make room for Griffen?
3) Third and most important hypothetical question. If you were playing poker and John Schneider sat down at the table. Would you keep playing?
#2 is Interesting. Yes! Seems a lot easier to get a LB than an edge rusher. But I love KJ as a person and I’d be happy to see him back.
Been on this blog since 2008, this was probably my favorite interview of yours. Lance offered a ton of insight, the dedication he puts in probably rivals more than a lot of NFL area scouts. And then on top of that, he has to put it in “layman terms” for his audience, nfl fans, and straight “Bob Ross” it for us, a summation of over 300 prospects.
I would love for you and him to do more of these in the future. Well done Rob.
Lance is great. The amount of work he does for each draft is incredible.
Would it be fair to say, that you’re OUR British “Lance Zierlein”?
Also, would you be open to do a round 5 thur 7 only of diamonds in the rough? That’s usually JS’s favorite day and of course our most consistent hits. Specifically the DE from North Dakota Derek Tuszka?
Thanks Rob for all you do on this blog!
The problem with day three is essentially I have to watch players who didn’t stand out enough to go earlier and then see through that to project them being more than the tape shows. Usually that’s down to the kind of character and physical assessment I can’t provide.
I think with guys like Tre Flowers and Chris Carson we’ve done a good job identifying some later round targets over the years. Phil Haynes was also a TEF tester. But I can only provide details based on physical ideals and preferences really.
Another great interview Rob! I’ve been reading this draft blog for several years now and have enjoyed all the content you posted over the years. I really think you’re one of the best in the business especially when it comes to Seahawks insider talk. That mock draft simulator that you shared has really caught my interest and has been a great tool to use during this quarantine.
I recently went through the simulator I made a few trades up and down the draft board, not
Sure I got the best value on the trade but here’s how it went:
27: Jonathan Taylor – I just love this guy and would love to see him in a Seahawks uniform. He has all the grit and attitude that the Seahawks love in a running back and I think he’d be a perfect fit for us. I like his determination and power but yet he has the speed that Carson doesn’t. While I am vision is maybe trading down in this spot, if Taylor is there I would like to see us take him. And ironically we drafted Penny with same pick 27 just a few years ago.
49: Josh Uche – as we all know edge rush is a huge priority and need for the Seahawks regardless Of the Connie situation. I have us trading back up to get the guy they want. I had to swap 59, 64, and 133 for 49 and 71. Uche has the speed and 33+ inch arms that the Hawks look for. I think he would be a good get for us. I think he could be mentored under Irvin and eventually take over the same role as the SAM backer, but in the meantime as a rookie hopefully he can be a third down pass rusher.
71: Raekwon Davis – as a part of that tree down scenario I mentioned, I have a selecting Davis. I don’t know if he will slip this far but if he does I would love to have him. Was really bummed we weren’t able to capitalize on the Calais Campbell trade market but here we get a young guy that can hopefully one day have an impact for us with similarities to Campbell.
101: Bryce Hall – I was holding out hope for Robert Hunt in the situation but I don’t think he will last as long as Rob has mentioned before and in the simulation he was gone. So I rolled the dice on Bryce Hall who is the guy that’s been talked a lot before on this site. Good size and length that the Hawks like and can hopefully develop down the line for us. I’m not sure how much money Shaquill Griffin will command and I don’t see the Seahawks wanting to pay big money. We will see how well Dunbar plays this year but I can’t see us paying both Dunbar and Griffin so hopefully a guy like Hall can step up and start in year two.
167: Quintez Cephus – I traded down from 144 and gave up a fifth next year to get pics 167 and 170 this year. This sounds kind of dumb but I just wanted a few more pics this year. I realize Cephas might not be an ideal draft pick for us as he only ran a 4.73 at the combine, but he’s a guy I just love to watch. As I did this draft I watched the Rose Bowl of Oregon vs. Wisconsin and I love the way Jonathan Taylor and Quintez played in this game. Cephas reminds me of an and Anquan Bolden type. He is a guy that can go up and win contested catches and I just love his toughness and physicality.
170: Nick Harris – Not sure if Harris will last this long, and I was kind of bummed out that I didn’t draft a lineman like a Hunt, Dotson, or Lewis. However if we were to cut Britt or just need a C in the future I think Harris would be a good fit.
214: Trey Adams – I hadn’t taken an offense tackle at this point and so I decided to go with another local product. Hopefully he can stay healthy and develop down the line for us to be a quality swing tackle or maybe a starter one day.
Thanks for the kind words and for sharing the mock.
Nice mock.
Reading between the lines, his take on Clowney seemed to be “great athlete who hasn’t dedicated himself enough to be an equally great player,” but without actual coming out and saying so. Did anyone else get that same feel from his comments? It was something about the way he referred to sacks versus pressures being the result of skill, which IMO comes from dedication to one’s craft.
No, he pretty much did come out and say so.
I’d love to see the Seahawks re-sign Clowney and bring in Michael Bennett. Bruce and Bennett can teach Clowney how to be a better pro and how to “learn” how to get more sacks.
Cliff Avril could also be helpful, and I’d love to see him take Clowney under his wing. Cliff is a sack and sack/strip machine who played with impeccable technique and a big motor. He’s a great Seahawk.
Clowney was under JJ Watt’s wing for 4 years. He’s had his apprenticeship.
I like the Avril idea. Regarding Bennett, I’m not interested in him at this point in his career. When he was last in Seattle, he made more news with his offsides penalties and questionable attitude than his play. He has played with the Eagles, Patriots, and Cowboys. If he was such a sought after commodity, you would think he would have stuck with one of those clubs or be signed by now.
The only reason people are even talking about Bennett is because he did an interview saying he would like to come back.
There’s never been anything to suggest the Seahawks, who paid for him to go away, would be interested.
And neither should they be. It’s time to move on.
I agree with Lewis, that is exactly what he said.
He’s also a player who will turn on the jets a few games a year but disappear in others.
Mike Salk suggesting that NFL Draft should be one round a day for 7 days. Would make for some nice talk during Quarantine!
Not sure we need it for seven days. By round six I think even we’d be flagging.
But I think it makes sense to maybe have a bit more time per pick in the first three rounds.
Rob,
This is a left field question, but who were some of your influences during your formative years to get into broadcasting, journalism and/or football (Premier League and NFL)???
(I ripped this off from a radio show from earlier today, thought it was an interesting question)
Thought about trying to break up the draft talk and Clowney talk for a few minutes.
I grew up listening to BBC local radio and the two people I looked up to the most (and still do) are Paul Walker and Seth Bennett, simply the best two sports journalists and broadcasters. If it wasn’t for them giving me a chance when I probably didn’t deserve one I’d have never had a sniff of a journalism career.
I learnt everything from them. How to interview, host a radio show, a phone-in, break stories. I’ve never been as good as they are/were but being able to strive to at least not let them down for giving me an opportunity has meant I’ve achieved more than I otherwise would’ve done.
Really cool! Thanks for sharing this Rob. Always great to learn more about the man who produces all this amazing content.
Big fan of Gay and would love to have him on this team. Would bring speed and hard hitting of old.
Top 10 Pass rushers (base DE to situational EDGE). Not trying to get tied up in 5T vs LEO just looking for guys that can get after it. Kinlaw would be at the top of this list if he lasts due to medicals (worth the gamble IMO if it happens).
Uche
Chaisson
Baun
Gross-Matos
Okwara
Lewis
Greenard
Zuniga
Anae
Weaver
Exact ranking subject to debate due to medical red flags and incomplete testing.
Just missed (Kareem, Highsmith, Taylor)
Excluded guys like AJ Epenesa and Marlon Davidson that are likely moving inside.
How would you guys rank these 10 or am I missing someone?
Seeing as it’s a pass rushers list… how can Chaisson be #2?
Worst pass rush win percentage in the class.
I didn’t rank them. Just grouped the SAM type guys at the top.
I do think he’s one of the better ones though. Regardless of the %s. Felt that way throughout the season. I was damn near sold after the peach bowl.
I think he’s one of the most overrated players I’ve ever watched.
I still think Chaisson has massive upside, but we will see.
You would think if Chaisson had the potential, we would have seen a lot more production out of him considering the level of talent surrounding him at LSU. To me, that does not bode well at the next level where getting wins against o-lineman gets much harder as they’re the cream of the college crop, and the talent differential between your team and your opponent is much smaller than LSU and most other schools.
Curious what you base your perception on. Not trying to be a jerk or anything. Just genuinely curious what you see that makes you think that.
For me, Chaisson looks like he should be a baller. On paper he looks great, like Danielle Hunter or to a lesser extent, Arden Key. It’s easy to see why. They’re all very similar physically. They all played the same position for the same school. Chaisson even wears # 18. All the pieces are there for him.
But on the field, to my eye, he’s been more like Barkevious Mingo than either Hunter or Key. Actually, that’s not really fair to Mingo who was pretty good at LSU; he just didn’t transition his game to the pros.
Anyway, maybe I’m missing something that you see.
That’s what I see.
A worse Barkevious Mingo.
I see Uche as being the same, am I wrong and why?
Obviously I haven’t studied as much; why I saw though, was a guy who is too slight and not strong enough to transition speed to power, who will get washed out and set on his arse.
I really hope we don’t draft him.
Not really.
At least Uche has shown he can bend and straighten properly and really attack the edge. His pass rush and pressure percentage marks are unreal.
You should have asked Lance Zeirlien that question. This is the conclusion of his overview on Chaisson:
“Chaisson’s stock has gained momentum with his surging performance matching the elite athletic qualities. It adds up to an increasingly confident projection as an impact pass-rusher with Pro-Bowl potential.”
He strikes me as a luxury type player, someone who feeds off emotion and crowd energy. Squirmy little guy who dips and can make himself small through crevices then explode to finish off the quarterback. The interesting aspect is that LSU fans absolutely love Chaisson and seem to hold him in higher regard than anyone on the 2019 team other than Burrow. That shows up on every message board and draft site where LSU fans post. They insist his slow start in 2019 was due to lingering effects of the ACL injury from 2018, but once he got healthy and confident toward the end of the season he was a dynamo.
Regardless, he has 32.25 arms so that doesn’t fit the typical Seahawk criteria. Based on style alone I think he would be a fantastic slash and dash compliment to Clowney’s power, if Clowney is retained.
Play to play on a weaker team then some of Chaisson’s weaknesses will be exposed. He’s someone who can help a good team get closer to the top.
By far my favorite guy to watch so far has been Weaver. Short arms, unusual build and all… he just seems to be able to get the job done. He’s a bit of a load, with enough explosion and grit to find little ways to get home. The competition has to be considered, but I liked his tape better than anyone.
Anae has just awesome hands, and again, nasty. Too bad about his athletic profile, but in the 4th or 5th I’d be thrilled.
Okwara didn’t seem to have any technique or much of a plan, but maybe he doesn’t need it with his speed if he’s going to be beating people off the edge. I worry a bit he’s just an athlete, though.
Same for Zuniga, though he has more strength to mix it up with, I can see him as a guy who may improve year 2 or 3.
The LB’s Uche and Chaisson are not options for me. I really hope we don’t draft them; they aren’t hand in the dirt guys to me. Maybe if we were a blitzing team. Neither are Bruce Irvin circa 2012, and even he wasn’t able to handle the strength of NFL OLmen then.
My ranks are basically
A) Weaver,
B) Okwara, Zuniga,
C) Anae.
It’s not a great outlook…
So when you watch the tape of both, how do you say Weaver > Anae? I get the athletic profiles and upside etc. But just off the tape, to me, Anae is the better player. The Senior Bowl of Anae just abusing the dudes is crazy! He has pass rush moves and technique now and has been going against Pac12 guys, not Mountain West…
And I think they both go late 2nd or early 3rd because the drop after this tier is steep!
Well, to my untrained eye I just felt like what I was seeing from Weaver was penetration; he dictates immediately, and his first step seemed more impactful than Anae’s. Combined with his play strength, once he got a little bit of a window on the OT, it was hard for them to deal with him and recover the rep.
I think winning earlier in the rep matters at the next level. Anae was absolutely abusive once he got his hands on you, but I just feel that approach in going to take a split second longer to develop, and then there’s the matter of accelerating to make the tackle. Anae to me was obviously not a great athlete on tape, he does a lot of falling on people’s legs (which also might prove ineffective in the NFL) to make tackles because he doesn’t have closing speed.
Again, I do like the player, but that’s the difference I saw. Granted, Weaver’s competition level does have to be considered.
Of the limited prospects in this draft I think Okwara is the only one who fits their “type.” But I Fant really see him as a first round talent. Mid-2’s, if they can get him down there, perhaps.
I’d love Isaiah Wilson at #27 for the Seahawks. I think he’ll be a mauler and eventual 12th Man favorite!
Rob, I had to laugh, Steve Smith Sr thinks your boy Brandon Aiyuk will be the steal of the WRs in this draft. You been all over this guy for months. Great value pick possibly late 1st or early 2nd round.
With his 40 time you don’t think he lasts into the mid second?
I think a lot of teams will have him as the 5th or 6th WR right there with Justin Jefferson and Denzel Mims.
I don’t agree but I’ve been before.
We should all be able to agree the top tier are some order of Jeudy, Ruggs and Lamb
Then a second tier of about 5, some order of Reagor, Mims, Aiyuk, Jefferson and Hamler. Some olk include Higgins, who’s not a bad WR, but he just didn’t test well enough for me to list him with this second group.
For me Bryan Edwards leads the third tier and after that it doesn’t really matter. Shenault doesn’t even make my list. I just wouldn’t draft him. Ok maybe I would in the fourth round or something but otherwise, no thanks.
*folk
👍🏻
Lance Zierlein interview was great, I was pretty surprised by how spot on his draft analysis for seattle was. Cleveland would be an interesting choice, I wouldn’t love it but it would make sense.
Great job doing these interviews.
Anybody have an opinion on Greg Cosell?
Is he someone worth paying attention to?
A most enjoyable interview. I’ve read Lance Z. for years and seen him in snippets on the telly but this was a sustained exposure to him. Very insightful.
Great interviewing, Rob. I like how you both conducted yourselves. And you asked succinct incisive question then graciously stepped “out of the way” to let him speak.
Obvs the takeaway was the potentially accurate insight into what JS and Carroll might be thinking re Clowney. This would certainly explain their patience. Seems like they understand the market and understand Clowney’s limitations (he’s a remarkable athlete but not without limitations). They’ll sign him but not at any cost.
Thank you 👍🏻
Rob, thanks a ton for these interviews. It has been a true delight to listen to the players (who we too often don’t hear from) and from experts (who interviewers too often just push a point onto). You’ve done a great job with these, and I’m refreshing the page for reasons other than Clowney news.
Question after listening- who would you want available at 27 to resist the urge of trading back? I’d love to get Ruiz and firm up C for years, but I still feel the draft has value and depth between picks 50-100.
I did the two mocks below (one staying close to the original pick and the other trading back thrice) while targeting some of the same names. Now, I’m trying to think of which player would be solid enough as an early pick to shift my preference to the first draft.
Draft 1:
37. Cesar Ruiz (C)
59. Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB)
64. Raekwon Davis (DT)
71. Jabari Zuniga (DE)
101. Robert Hunt (OT)
144. KJ Hill (WR)
153. Kindle Vildor (CB)
185. Alex Taylor (OT)
186. Tanner Muse (S)
Draft 2:
54. CEH
64. R. Davis
71. Zuniga
80. Hunt
86. Willie Gay Jr. (OLB)
91. Rashard Lawrence (DT)
101. Kevin Dotson (OG)
133. Hill
186. John Reid (CB)
188. Muse
214. Marc-Antoine Dequoy (S, because I’m going to slip a Canadian prospect into one of these mocks– love his speed)
SD: 27-> 37, 71, 186
BUF: 37-> 54, 86, 188
OAK: 59, 144-> 80, 91
Thanks again!
Draft 1 please. Quality over quantity.
Thanks! 👍🏻
I’m not sure there is a ‘have to have’ player at #27. There are plenty I would consider but they’d all be OL or skill positions.
2020 Draft Inquiry
->Jadeveon Clowney & Reality
This is my opinion. Be nice.
There are now two strong NFL sources that have stated directly that (paraphrasing) Clowney “has great athleticism, but has not developed skill” at DE.
Willie McGinest – on 710 ESPN with Bob, Dave, and Moore. He speaks of his tendency for the inside swim.
Listen Here: https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geK.aWCoxextsApOFXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTEycW51ZHE3BGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwM0BHZ0aWQDQjI5NDRfMQRzZWMDc3I-/RV=2/RE=1586264855/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fsports.mynorthwest.com%2f828640%2fmoore-seahawks-clowney-consistency-hang-up%2f/RK=2/RS=zvIMfO70REHEj_msSZvEuv6r.aw-
Now Lance Zierlein confirms the NFL thought. He views Clowney as Athletically Gifted, but not having developed pass rush skills. He states Clowney himself owns this thought. Stunning!
So, food for thought.
How different is Yetur Gross-Matos from Jadeveon Clowney.
Jadeveon Clowney
6’5
266 lbs
34.5” arms
10” hands
4.52 403
21 reps bench
37.5” vert
124” broad
7.27 3-cone
4.42 shuttle
Yetur Gross-Matos
6’5
266 lbs
34.87” arms
9.74” hands
4.7 40
20 reps bench
34” vert
120” broad
? 3-cone
? shuttle
The hang up on Yetur is two-fold:
1. He lacks skill in pass rush
2. His motor runs hot and cold… he at times lacks passion
The hang up with Jadeveon, AT AGE 27:
1. He lacks skill in pass rush
2. his motor runs hot and cold… he at time lacks passion
If we are honest, Clowney is most likely the better athlete. Clowney also has better experience. Clowney also has proven valuable in the NFL.
But is Clowney REALLY worth 18M a year. The numbers say no.
The draft says No.
I have come full circle now hearing Zierlein. Clowney is all gift and no substance. He is a great human being. Hugely blessed. And that is enough for him. God bless him. That attitude is better than 80% of the NFL.
I would suggest that attitude does NOT win championships. Is not worth more than 8-13M a year.
Clowney is a good player, who if replaced by a upper developmental project high in the draft, is easily replaced.
Food for thought.
Food indeed
Appreciate your analysis and time put into this. But . . . I know what my eyes told me this past season: Clowney was the best defensive player the Hawks had last yr. And he gutted it out through injury in a contract year.
Without 3 cone and shuttle we have no idea how good is YGM. A solid athlete, but Clowney beat him in every category, sometimes by a wide margin.
I don’t really want a poor man’s Clowney in the draft. Clowney is the best rusher we had. But he’s not a top10 passrusher in the NFL. If he would the Hawks would gladly give him a 20m+ contract. If he would I’d rather draft a younger, less polished, little slower version of him.
I wouldn’t give Clowney 20m contract right now, but around 17m with 10-13m first year cap hit…I’d definitely take Clowney over YGM and draft Okwara/Zuniga/Uche and also Madubuike or Raekwon Davis. That’d be a line of solid depth, pretty good potential and not too low floor (at least not worse than last year, and I feel we could at least expect to be a bit better and maybe a lot better)
Jadeveon Clowney is a freak of nature athlete.
Yetur Gross-Matos…. is not.
So, now the question is, “what does pass rush skill look like with average athleticism”?
Let’s look at a recent success story: Michael Bennett.
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/michael-bennett?id=71205
Michael Bennett
6’4
274 lbs
? arms
? hands
5.00 40
24 reps bench
31” vert
110” broad
? 3-cone
? shuttle
No athletic measurements, but his explosive measurables are limited.
Yet Michael Bennett is a terror as a pass rusher.
The knock on Bennett is:
1) He freelances to much, putting run defense at risk
2) He is quirky
Bennett gets more from his skills than Clowney gets from his athleticism.
To bad Bradlee Anae is not 273 🙂 He reminds me of Bennett… albeit 15 pounds lighter.
But Bennett was an UDFA who made it happen. That will happen from time to time. You don’t draft a guy like that in R2 though and then expect them to outperform a bad physical profile.
I agree. What has occurred to me is how “fine the line” is in prospecting for the NFL.
There is so much we don’t know, in terms of medicals, personality, passion for the game.
I ponder… does it make sense to pay for blessed athleticism with minimal skill growth.. for that massive moment, hopefully in a big game.
or… does it make sense to drop down like NE and just gather all the player types at each position and see who rises to the top.
Seattle 2013 was a mix of 200 some-odd transactions and late round gems.
It is such an art.
Pass rush is a skill set, and that is why I hope we can take Curtis Weaver despite not an ideal athlete.
I don’t mind they pick CEH @ 27 and trade up in second for C. Weaver.
They might not have the resources for an OT this year with so may holes still need to fill.
I like the thinking.
I do agree JC, but I think Bradlee Anae > Weaver. Go watch tape of both of them and Anae is the better player right now…especially the Senior Bowl tape of Anae where he just abuses some of the better OL prospects! And he played against much better competition than Weaver did. So I think it’s a little odd that Weaver is projected ahead of Anae in a lot of drafts.
Its a shame DE hasn’t been addressed because the cliffs in this draft seem to align perfectly with the Seahawk’s other needs. Here’s hoping Clowney is brought back.
42. Isaiah Wilson – OT Georgia
59. Justin Madubuike – DT Texas A&M
64. Zack Baun – OLB Wisconsin
73. Bryan Edwards – WR South Carolina
101. Cam Akers – RB Florida State
133. Damien Lewis – G LSU
137. Hunter Bryant – TE Washington
144. Michael Ojemudia – CB Iowa
214. Javelin Guidry – S Utah
Baun, Uche and Zuniga were all there at 64. My mind goes back and forth between all three, however I’m recently leaning towards Baun. I’m hoping Irvin gets to play more as a Leo, allowing someone like Baun to play SLB, however if they plan on playing Irvin more at SLB as they have in the past, then maybe it’s best to go with Zuniga who can play all over the line at Leo, 5T or rotate inside on passing downs.
Originally I was a Davis fan because of his special size, but his lack of production has scared me recently and there are plenty of other impressive DT prospects with less risk. Madubuike for one reminds me of Poona in that he’s undersized (weight rather than height) but is a monster in the run game (with big arms), the difference is that Madubuike has an actual ability to rush the passer as well.
Guidry is an insane athlete (4.29 40, 21 reps) who at the least will be impactful as a gunner, and could even be tried as a Nickel guy. Shorter arms then Carrol usually takes, but with possible Safety/Nickel/ST versatility, might be willing to roll the dice in Round 7. Needs coaching, but then we all regard PC as a DB guru so it seems like a great fit.
The rest have been discussed ad nauseam.
I like it but I miss some passrushers. Not sure Clowney only would fix our passrush issues.
I’d maybe draft Zuniga at 59, trade up a couple of spots from 101 to 90-92-94 with 137, draft Fotu/Lawrence/Hamilton there. And draft Moss at 133 and hope Lewis or Dotson will be available at 144
Did a “Russ wouldn’t be too happy” draft 🙂
Seems unlikely not to draft an RB or WR, but wanted to fix speed and passrush on the defense and strenghten the OL.
Trade #27 for #37 and #71 with Chargers
37. Isaiah Wilson, OT Georgia
Wilson was there which might not be in the real draft but if the OTs need a bit more time to adjust because of the preseason is a huge questionmark he might slip a little. A potential need and as it is so hard to get solid OTs I had to get him
59. Jabari Zuniga, DE Florida
I had to target a passrusher here. Anyone who can work out for us and still available. Rob wrote about Zuniga, he’s a solid prospect
64. Willie Gay Jr., OLB Mississippi State
Wanted to get a solid OLB. Didn’t specify WILL or SAM as if Uche is available at that spot, I’d take him and use as SAM and rush, or if he’s gone (as likely), I’d reach a bit and go with Willie Gay who is a really good OLB with great ceiling. KJ might be cut or this might be his last year, we need talent at LB and depth too. Barton can battle out with Willie Gay or Barton could be move back to backup ILB
71. Bryce Hall, CB UVA
Yeah, nCB is a must have, Hall can play slot or outside CB too. A true playmaker.
Trade #101, #133 and 2021 R4 for #89 with MIN
89. Davon Hamilton, DT Ohio State
I think around #90 there’ll be a dropoff with DTs. between 80-100 Hamilton, Lawrence and Fotu might go.
I always draft Madu or Davis early. Wanted to o a different way and draft DT later. I think the most likely scenario for DT could be either get Madubuike or Davis in early-mid-late R2 or draft Fotu, Lawrence or Hamilton in late R3 (between 80-100). Went with Hamilton as Ruiz told that he and Davis were the biggest challenges.
This is probably a 99,9% unlikely and stupid move as I traded back for the Hawks original pick. Traded #144, #214 and 2021 R5 for #133 with MIN. Unlikely, but didn’t want to miss out on Dotson
133. Kevin Dotson, G Louisiana
Big people mover, Rob likes him and wanted to solidify the middle
I like the later DT pick (Hamilton, Fotu, Lawrence) and I think Hall should be targeted hard. I also like that in this draft I got Willie Gay, but not a fan that I didn’t get a WR or RB and made a stupid second trade
I like the quality over quantity approach as well. 5 guys that will all come in and contribute immediately.
Rob,
Thank you for continuing to pump out outstanding content day after day. I can’t thank you enough.
I’m interested in Rob’s and everyone else’s opinion of Antonio Gibson out of Memphis. He was a running back in HS then converted to WR. Then as a senior, split time at WR and RB. Athletically, he compares favorably to Jonathan Taylor. To me, he would seem like a perfect RB to target later so we can use rounds 1-3 for other needs.
I haven’t really studied him but the guy has a handful of carriers as a runner. For a team like the Seahawks who truly value the run, I think they’ll want a more proven commodity.
John and Pete are good at drafting.
https://twitter.com/PP_Rich_Hill/status/1247417395305734145?s=19
2011/12 were such good classes. How nice would it be to find that kind of success again? With how this off season is going so far, we’ll need to.
They trust their scouts and clean up on day 2 and 3. It’s the 1st round or 1st overalk pick they’ve struggled with lately.
Rob – Thank you for the high quality content. It is an honor to experience the NFL with your excellent writing and deft leadership. Much appreciated.
Thank you — it really is massively appreciated.
Two observations today…
— John Clayton is still calling Yetur Gross-Matos… ‘Utah Gross-ma-toast’
— Dane Brugler has called his own draft guide, ‘the beast’. Errrr. Okay…
Think I’ll stick with Pauline/PFN and Staton/SDB.
Did Clayton mention TJ Lockett or Will Tukuakumaufala today?
His went over his big mock that he sent to the Washington Post yesterday and mispronounced 3/4 names.
#27 Utah Gross-My-Toast
#59 Lucas Nyag/Nyeage (corrected his incorrect version to a different incorrect version)
#64 Cam Akers
#101 Maleck Harrison OSU
I like John, but his name pronunciation is basically comic relief at this point. At least he stopped call Yannick Ngokoue – Unique Engookee
Let’s face it, “the professor” is senile.
M’kay
“Everyone’s always in favor of saving Hitler’s brain. But when you put it in the body of a great white shark, oooh! Suddenly, you’ve gone too far!”
Haha, well done sir.
“But as Deepak Chopra taught us, quantum physics means anything can happen at any time for no reason. Also eat plenty of oatmeal, and animals never had a war. Who’s the real animals?”
Love me some Deepak Chopra. I read his golf book a long time back. I am attempting to get back to my Kriya Yoga days. Zen is always there for me 🙂
We need to listen carefully for what Lance said about Clowney.
To me he said – Clowney is not a 20M DE hampered by some minor core injury concerns. He was very clear saying that converting pressure to sacks is a skill set that Clowney did not have and did not invest enough to develop.
Good disruptive defensive linemen that are not good enough in getting the QB down are usually sub 15M at best. HOU did not think Clowney is that top 10 money DE after 5 years, Seahawks do not think he is that top 10 money DE after a year and 30 other teams did not rush to pay that kind of money.
I think it’s time to realize that it’s not just having your doctor do the medical. I think tat teams do not believe that a currently healthy Clowney (with his medical history) is not a an 18-20M bargain.
When Clowney realizes that he may see the Seahawks waiting with the best offer on the table in a different light.
It’s pretty clear that him not being able to do medicals is a big part of this. Yes, the money is too. And the sack numbers. But nobody, no one at all, can say Dee Ford and Olivier Vernon are better players than Clowney. And they are earning big sums. He’s well within his rights to expect to be paid well. He doesn’t have to realise or accept anything.
Clowney is well within his rights to expect to be paid well. But no one is paying him what he wants.
Yes, I know.
But that doesn’t mean he has to sign for whatever the Seahawks are offering just because. He can, if he wishes, wait this out for as long as he wants. He has tens of millions in the bank already.
Yes Clowney can wait this out as long as he wants. So far according to John Clayton Clowney has misread his value.
So what?
The Seahawks have also misread how to address a stonking positional need.
Khalid Kareem with some drills. Not testing drills (40, SS, broad, etc) but video of him in drills.
https://irishsportsdaily.com/s/12137/video-watch-former-notre-dame-de-khalid-kareems-pro-day-workout
Without the injury, what kind of prospect would this guy have been?
New Bucs uni’s. They finally get rid of those hideous 80’s alarm clock numbers.
https://twitter.com/Buccaneers/status/1247569827411243011
I like them.
Still not the creamsicles, but the pewter on pewter looks dope.
First thing I thought of was it reminded me of the Falcons unis. These are a lot better looking than what they were wearing. Bet Jameis is sad that he won’t be wearing these.
Meh. The colors should pop. Bland design, though. Better than before at least.
About to cop Lavonte and Evans in the Pewter and White as soon as they come available. Supa hot fiya
You think this is real?
https://twitter.com/E_Dilla/status/1247586458061418499?s=19
Looks real to me and aligns with previous reports of 2 years at $27M.
If it is real, then it seems like Clowney felt disrespected by the offer. It wouldn’t make sense to share it otherwise.
I’m guessing the Seahawks aren’t thrilled with it showing up on Twitter either.
But look at date…March 17th…if this is true there were never 18.5mil offer from Seahawks…
It looks legit… but how the hell has he got hold of that?
Sounds like Utah RB Zack Moss would’ve been a VMAC visit. Had a FaceTime meeting with the Hawks.
I’ve come full circle on Zach Moss for the Hawks. I peeled away when my lens looked for a Carson replacement, and now preferring that compliment. He’s a battering ram. I think he’s a nice target with that late R3 pick if he’s still on the board.
SEA 42.
Prince Tega Wanogho
OT Auburn
trade icon
SEA 81.
Bryan Edwards
WR South Carolina
trade icon
SEA 91.
Zack Moss
RB Utah
trade icon
SEA 133.
Kevin Dotson
G Louisiana
SEA 168.
Stephen Sullivan
TE LSU
trade icon
SEA 201.
John Reid
CB Penn State
trade icon
SEA 214.
Harrison Hand
CB Temple
SEA 249.
Tyre Phillips
G Mississippi State
trade icon
heres my take on the Ngakoue scenario. 27 and 59 for Ngakoue and 42. Traded down a couple more times.
64 and 101 for 81 and 91
144 and 2021 6th for 168 and 190
190 and 2021 7th for 201 and 249.
In hindsight I wish I’d stayed pat at 190 and just took Neville Clarke and Calvin Throckmorton with my last 2 picks, but Reid is an awesome NCB option, Hand isn’t the typical physical profile for Seahawks Corners, but he’s pretty close, and still has tons of upside. Might end up in the slot here but worth a shot. Tyre Phillips provides hulking depth at G. I could see him stepping in for Fluker as a rookie and keep his head above water, while providing a lot of the same qualities Fluker does.
I enjoyed that interview, he would be a fun guy to meet at a party! I wonder how many times his name has been misspelled???
I was intrigued by his comments about how you could find a offensive tackle in the draft, but because of the lack of training available this summer, they might not be useable until year 2. And it would be ideal to pick someone to train behind Brown.
I kind of laughed because I remember Sweezy getting converted from a defensive linemen into a guard, and Fant was stuck into the tackle position with no experience. Neither one looked great but they survived the season and played reasonable at the end of the season. So yes the Seahawks will stick a rookie in if they are desperate.
On the other hand, they got plenty of players that are redshirted for a season. Maybe they contribute on special teams and train for a shot as a starter.
Anyway Rob = very good interview.
Thanks