“You’ve kind of got to try and enjoy the next two weeks. I don’t think we’ve been allowed to enjoy the last month/six weeks, because people have just gone to war about whether or not they should draft a quarterback or not. So, I don’t think we’ve had as much fun from this process as we could have done, as a fan base.” āRob
As far as I can tell, fan bases are only united on gamedays, and they’re only united in their collective desire for a ‘W’. For three hours and 15 minutes, they can party together over $15 pints, rising and falling as one with the ebbing and flowing of the game…until that inevitable moment when it’s time to strut/trudge to the parking lot and gird up for the gridlock. Then it’s back to the divide-and-conquer status quo. Bickering over Jalen Carter versus Anthony Richardson is cake.
Sluggo43
Funny, my take was the Rob was championing Will Anderson, and AR would be the secondary pick.
I did notice that they didnāt question Robs assessment of Carter tho, and, it was very professional sounding too.
Well done Rob.
I think that soon, and only because of your accent, you might be on a major mediaās payroll to talk footballā¦
But if I canāt even get on local radio in Seattle it seems unlikely š
Malanch
Rob, you did a good long segment on the Brock and Salk show last year, and it was a smash. Seems a re-up this year would be manageable. Brock did name-drop you a few months ago, back when you first mocked Jalen Carter to the Hawks. (He said you were playing to your audience for suggesting Carter could fall all the way to #5āLOL!) Wow, has the draft journey been a circuitous one this year.
Excellent interview Rob! Crushed it!! I’m just simply floored by how many national media pundits want to shove that Jalen “Square peg” Carter into a round hole. It just blows my mind. Anderson or QB HAS to be the option at 5. No question.
Not sure why you think that, if anything I’d say it’s becoming increasingly likely he’ll be the Colts pick at #4. Chris Mortensen said he was a top-five lock.
clbradley17
Most recent attempt at a PFN mock draft. Made 2-3 trades and had to trade some lower picks back to get higher ones on day 2 or 3.
5.
Will Levis
QB Kentucky
SEA
29.
Will McDonald IV
EDGE Iowa State
trade icon
SEA
37.
Adetomiwa Adebawore
EDGE Northwestern
SEA
52.
Mazi Smith
DT Michigan
SEA
60.
Luke Wypler
OC Ohio State
trade icon
SEA
89.
Jonathan Mingo
WR Ole Miss
trade icon
SEA
115.
Luke Schoonmaker
TE Michigan
trade icon
SEA
123.
Israel Abanikanda
RB Pittsburgh
128.
Jammie Robinson
S Florida State
trade icon
SEA
133.
Kenny McIntosh
RB Georgia
trade icon
SEA
199.
Sidy Sow
OG Eastern Michigan
trade icon
SEA
256.
Marte Mapu
LB Sacramento State
trade icon
Trevor
That is one of my favorite mock drafts that I have seen yet.
If the Hawks came away with a QB at 5 then got Ade Ade, McDonald and Mazi Smith for the defense I would do backflips!
clbradley17
Plus if they also added C Wypler and WR Mingo on day 2 I’d be doing backflips too. Really need to see them fill in the present and future holes at RB, S, TE, LB & OL as well on day 3.
That is if they don’t draft one of those high like a Mayer or Sanders. Get in as many speedy talented guys as UDFAs as soon as the draft ends before other teams do. We usually find at least 1 or 2 gems as UDFAs each year, and several more for the practice squad.
I noticed you’re going to have a show on your YouTube channel later tonight. Already clicked notification on. Who’s your guest(s)? Robbie, Jeff?
Really wish Jake hadn’t gone to Denver with Russ and left his Seahawks show with Stacy. Seemed like you were a weekly guest on their show for a month or 2 before the draft last year and of course recapping it afterwards.
Robbie and Adam are joining me, looking forward to it
Yeah it’s a real shame about 710. I loved doing the regular hits and based on the reaction they read out, they always seemed to be really well received. There’s was even talk about doing an extended bit at one point and I know Jake was pushing to have me on regularly. My appearances disappeared with him to Denver, unfortunately. Zero invites since.
Trevor
Unfortunately Rob when you tell it how it is instead of sticking to a narrative things like this happen. We live in a world where people want confirmation of thier beliefs and the narrative is often set. They donāt want original and critical thinking.
The fact that you are not doing a regular segment for 710 or one of the other local stations during draft season is shameful IMO.
Unfortunately Rob when you tell it how it is instead of sticking to a narrative things like this happen. We live in a world where people want confirmation of thier beliefs and the narrative is often set. They donāt want original and critical thinking.
Really is unfortunate it shook down like this, now there’s basically no reason to listen to 710 these days anymore. It’s just full of homerism, smooth brain garbage and repeating the same recycled narratives over and over again.
swedenhawk
interesting note about Geno Smith’s desire to mentor a young QB as a prelude to a coaching career. I hadn’t heard that before.
Walter football visit tracker says Seattle has a private workout with Richardson. I can’t find any other info on it, to confirm it, but interesting if true.
I doubt that. Thereās no reason to give him a private workout given he did everything at the combine and had a pro day. Not seen this reported anywhere and think it wouldāve been
geoff u
Yeah, I can’t find anything on it, so probably a mistake on their part.
MountainHawker
Would a “workout” allow them to check medicals? I know there are weird rules about what teams can and can’t do at certain types of meetings.
Peter King seems to think Indy would take Anthony Richardson over Will Levis, and I’ve seen this mocked elsewhere, too. (The Mock Draft Database consensus board currently shows Richardson at #4 and Levis at #9.) If this projected gap holds water, a Hawk fan ought to hope for Rob’s Levis-to-Indy projection to hold fast.
One thing: King suggests that Arizona would have to insist on Seattle’s #20, and I don’t see why this would necessarily be the case. If John Schneider were to package #37 with other enticements sufficient enough to exceed Indy’s #35, Monti Ossenfort should have no problem trading within the division provided he believes he’s securing a winning trade for Arizonaāparticularly if he sees Richardson as fool’s gold. In this case, his division rival would be chasing a low-floor quarterback while he moves down a mere two spots and gets his high-floor quarterback killer.
Over halfway down the page, it’s mentioned that the Seahawks among other teams have either shown interest in or brought in safeties Ty Okada and Jerrick Reed. It almost seems a foregone conclusion they’re going to draft at least 1 safety in the draft this year.
They’ve brought in several for top 30 visits. Adams and/or Diggs could be gone by next year at the latest, so they will need more with Love to run those 3 safety looks on D.
I think Kelee Ringo is part of the local prospects day rather than an official-30 FWIW
It seems like most of the official 30ās happened on Tuesday but Ringo is down the line, which is when theyāre having the locals guys in town. Ringo is from Tacoma.
The national mock drafts are mostly so bad as it relates to hawks. How could anyone really think the hawks go Corner at #5? Given their history at the position, their unrivaled success at finding great players late in the draft and the depth at the position in this draft. It’s lazy.
Given the lengths PC/ JS have gone to point out how important character was to last years draft class and thier process going forward if they did take Carter how could anyone take a word they said seriously going forward.
Thatās not a smoke screen they were saying this long before the Jalen Carter and draft process even started.
Brodie
I think you read Corner as Carter. I haven’t seen one that has CB at #5, but I’m sure they are out there.
I think LouCity mentioned in another thread that certain guys are tough to slot in a mock, so they just dump them on Seattle and move on to put the ‘buzz’ players with major market teams. It’s all about those clicks.
I’m guessing half of the mock drafts out there are done by people who haven’t watched tape on more than about 20 prospects and that ‘film review’ was one highlight reel on YouTube.
Malanch
The national mockers make a mockery of themselves on an annual basis.
RE your thoughts on Atlanta coming up to 3. Certainly possible, assume it would cost them this years pick 44 and next years 1st round to move from 8 to 3.
Arizona then has 8, 34, 44, 66 in the first three rounds. Also leaves them ammo for move up next year.
Trade swap with Detroit would get 48 and 55. So they then have 6, 34, 48, 55, 66 in the first three rounds.
The Atlanta idea gains traction if Murrays contract is easier to get out of after next year. If it is they would probably have the ammo to do it. Richardson to Atlanta would be exciting for them.
If Murray contract hard to get out of then the Detroit trade makes sense.
Waldo
Really like the point you made about PC loving players who have GRIT when explaining why the Hawks will not take Carter. The Seahawks will take players with character questions IF they show GRIT. Below is the definition of GRIT by Angela Duckworth (a good friend of PC)…does not look like Carter matches it:
Grit is passion and perseverance for long-term goals.
Grit isnāt talent. Grit isnāt luck. Grit isnāt how intensely, for the moment, you want something.
Instead, grit is about having what some researchers call anāultimate concernāāa goal you care about so much that it organizes and gives meaning to almost everything you do. And grit is holding steadfast to that goal. Even when you fall down. Even when you screw up. Even when progress toward that goal is halting or slow.
‘Even when you fall down. Even when you screw up. Even when progress toward that goal is halting or slow’.
Carter has fallen down, screwed up, and his progress is clearly halting or slowing in the draft process.
But yet here is he, visiting teams in the top 10 only, defining his own worth, in spite of everything that’s happened. Holding steadfast to his goal and belief.
So because heāsā¦ going on official 30 visits (only to the teams in the top-10, mind) that excuses everything else and means heās showingā¦ grit??
Seriously???
If he attends the draft and goes on the red carpet on draft night is that also showing grit?
UkAlex6674
I’m not saying it’s right or wrong.
I’m asking the question in the context of the quote Waldo set out.
Don’t skip the ‘passion and perseverance for long term goals.’ Is he willing to put in the hard work that is necessary each day to achieve the long term goals? Passion? Perseverance? Nah, I’ll pass.
GrittyHawk
Dealing with problems that he himself caused does not really qualify as “grit”.
shotime
UKAlex
You really need to figure out the definition of āgritā
Grit is a personality trait possessed by individuals who demonstrate passion and perseverance toward a goal despite being confronted by significant obstacles and distractions.
Here are some examples of grit I found online and none seems to fit Carter
Examples of Grit
Mentally tough athletes are more consistent than others. They donāt miss workouts. They donāt miss assignments. They always have their teammates back.
Mentally tough leaders are more consistent than their peers. They have a clear goal that they work towards each day. They donāt let shortāterm profits, negative feedback, or hectic schedules prevent them from continuing the march towards their vision. They make a habit of building up the people around them ā not just once, but over and over and over again.
Mentally tough artists, writers, and employees deliver on a more consistent basis than most. They work on a schedule, not just when they feel motivated. They approach their work like a pro, not an amateur. They do the most important thing first and donāt shirk responsibilities.
geoff u
Grit would’ve been Carter saying he let distractions get in his way during the combine and pro day, then working his ass off to get back into shape and having a private pro day for all teams this weekend and knocking it out of the park. A few months work and he’d be back in the top 3 and have made himself an extra 10 million.
Believe me, I wish this had happened, I’d LOVE for him to get picked before us, or for him to show actual grit and us to select him ourselves. Instead, he went the entitled route and refused to meet with anyone not picking in the top 10.
Malanch
“Is.this not āgritāā¦.?” āUkAlex6674
I don’t see it as grit; I see it as leverage. Jalen Carter has a strong hand to play due to the perpetual paucity of interior game-wreckers, all the more exaggerated this year by the epic cliff between him and the next-best at his position. Right now, the MDD consensus board shows he’s holding firm at #5, and if he does end out going somewhere in the middle of the Top 10āan eventuality which Drew Rosenhaus must feel pretty good aboutāthen just think what the guy will have learned: “I don’t need to change a thing.” Hardly the stuff of grit.
Hunter
Hey Rob, even though its probably highly unlikely would you do one of the mock draft simulators with taking Jalen Carter at 5? id be curious to see how that would end up changing the rest of the draft. in your opinion.
Peter
I see this a ton. “It opens up the draft.”
How though? Regardless of who you draft at five you need nultiple like up to three dlinemen from the draft through udfa.
There’s this idea that if you go Carter #5. All of a sudden you’re in a position to get the next best whatever as the draft goes.
This also assumes every teams draft board is identical. And/or no one will Coe along and take your guy.
Scenario:
Carter #5.
Then you want Mayer at #20.
But the raiders get weird and trade down a bit and select Mayer say at #14.
Now at #20 you’re out on your guy and are pivoting looking who fits best.
Point is it really doesn’t matter who you take at #5. You cant control what happens and the draft is not linear pick to pick.
Brodie
I get the appeal. Using our top pick on a DT who MAY be dominant IF things work out VS a red-shirt QB who won’t see the field.
For fun, I played Rob’s part in your request. I traded down a couple of times and back up too. Dealt a 24-R6 & Fant as part of a package to move up for Pickens.
I only went off of Rob’s horizontal board if there was a player a tier ahead. If there were 2+ in the same tier, I factored in need and the chances of someone else in that tier being available later.
10. Jalen Carter – DT
28. Darnell Wright – OT
30. Will McDonald – EDGE
37. Ade Ade – DE
52. Jahmyr Gibbs – RB
60. Luke Musgrave – TE
83. Luke Wypler – OC
92. Zacch Pickens – DT/DE
151. Dorrian Williams – LB
154. Corey Trice – CB
197. Chris Rodriguez – RB
The trades really are what ‘open things up’ in my opinion, but Wright is a luxury pick that could have been Keanu Benton for example and still get AR at #10.
Canadian Hawk
Great work Rob.
All the hard work you’ve put in coupled with your ability to form your own opinions and stay away from group-think – I’m sure we’ll be seeing many, many more of these segments looking ahead.
Nice to see you getting out and making the rounds! Chris Simms has Anderson as his 5th rated edge guy and said his connections around the league have all told him he’s not far off and that the media is overrating Anderson. Is he crazy? He said its not even close and he is baffled Anderson is being talked about as the 1st defensive player drafted.
It won’t happen but it sure would be nice if the people touting Carter and excusing his shit work ethic (putting aside his legal issues for the moment) would come back here and/or admit elsewhere that he was a bust waiting to happen. I will stand up and say I was wrong if he somehow discovers work ethic and becomes what his talent suggests he is capable of. You can bet if by some miracle that happens, all the “I told you so” folks will be out in droves ripping PCJS for passing on him but if he flames out, all we’ll hear is crickets.
Just like everyone who spent months angrily arguing (or even angrily reporting) that the Wilson trade saga was a āmedia creationā
geoff u
Play up the hits, ignore the misses, its what the careers of charlatans are made of.
Peter
Matt Miller invites you to join his draft newsletter. It’s written two years after the draft to get all the analysis you need. Hits, busts, guys he didn’t even know who they were or their position. Find out how your team did, today! ( tomorrow of course….)
GrittyHawk
Carter: ridiculous athletic upside, poor production, character concerns galore
Casual NFL fans and media talking heads: FUTURE HALL OF FAMER
Richardson: ridiculous athletic upside, poor production, no character concerns
Casual NFL fans and media talking heads: 5TH ROUND PICK LOLZ
So frustrating to watch this play out in slow motion multiple times a day without a hint of irony.
Peter
Richardson needs to develop….
HOOKER AT 37!!!! literally needs to learn a whole new way to play.
geoff u
Hooker is far more of a risk than Richardson. I think he has good throwing mechanics, but his injury, age, and that offense — ooof
Peter
Have you considered that he almost won the heisman?
I mean every heisman winner has been amazing. All of them. Mahomes. Allen. Great former heisman winners. Bradford. Manziel. Game wreckers.
geoff u
Almost doesn’t cut it! At this point, he could only dream of having a career as magical as Baker Mayfield or Marcus Mariota.
GrittyHawk
Fun fact I just discovered about Hooker rifling through some PFF data. 59% of his attempts this year were <10 yards. Only 18% of his throws were intermediate distance, by far the lowest of the top 5 QBs (Stroud was highest with 30% intermediate throws). He also had the shortest time to throw of those QBs on short routes. Seems to lend more credence to the idea that his offense was a huge gimmick. Seems he was only asked to get the ball out to his first read in under 2 seconds or launch it deep to one of his absurdly athletic WRs who could run past almost any college corner.
Peter
That is quite remarkable. The throw counts.
geoff u
There’s so many times where the two receivers on the non-read side just jog lazily up field because they know the ball’s not coming their way. Pretty hilarious to watch.
Can’t tell you how many times I watched Tennessee stack 2 WR’s on each side of the field to give them a free release and Hooker two wide open options.
That aint gonna play in the NFL.
Brett
Now compare that to Anthony Richardson and I found this to be really interesting and revealing
Ian
@NFLFilmStudy
Anthony Richardson’s catchable ball rate is fascinating.
Of the 91 charted QBs, only 1 (Marino) had a higher drop rate by his WRs.
The only QB better at avoiding sacks was Philip Rivers.
Had 5th least attempts under 10 yards.
Overall accuracy resembles Geno, Kyler, Pickett
There’s also a chart that shows the percentage of throws less than 10 yards (in college):
Geno Smith: 71%
Anthony Richardson: 52%
Kenny Pickett: 66%
Kyler Murray: 57%
I will be using this data anytime someone criticizes his accuracy issues as I think it’s a minor concern that most are blowing out of proportion.
MattyB
If the draft goes Young Wilson Anderson Levis who you taking?
Mick
Tough one. I’d trust John to make the right decision here. I would probably draft Stroud, but I’m not 100% on it.
I’m glad you led off your assessment of the Carter situation by discussing the on field issues of conditioning and practice habits. I think that is truly the determining factor for the Seahawks brain trust.
I don’t think the racing issue comes into play at all unless there was some way that it would cause further legal trouble or create suspension concerns. For all of the talk coming from the front office about character, this is still the franchise that signed Geno after he got busted recklessly driving while intoxicated, proceeded to be combative during the arrest, and threatened the cops. As long a player can ball out and the team is protected, then they have a chance to be a Seahawk. So, a DEEP dive into Carter’s drive and competitiveness is absolutely necessary, and the VMAC visit should clear a bunch of this up for them.
Tien
The problem is that Carter has stated publicly that he needed to be in better shape for the college football season and yet, he could be seen visibly gassed during games, despite him not playing a high percentage of downs. And for the Combine, he showed up overweight and he didn’t do all the drills.
If during the interview at the VMAC or at any other team’s facility, do you trust him at his word (assuming that he says all the right things about getting serious about working hard and being in shape) or do you trust his actions thus far, which is of someone not willing to do the work be realize his potential?
YDB
I haven’t seen any reports of him bieng “overweight” at the combine. And, he didn’t do drills there because he had a warrant out for his arrest and was dealing with an ongoing criminal investigation.
Carter showed up 9lbs heavier on his pro day than he was at the combine, which is not uncommon for prospects of his size since they want to boost their stock with fast times. Some people on scene at his pro day said that reports of his poor conditioning were overblown because positional coaches facilitating the drills were intentionally trying to run him into the dirt.
Now, would I feel comfortable drafting him at #5? No. But then again, I don’t have a staff of psychologists and security personnel that are trained to interview/interrogate prospects. Good thing for us that Pete & John do, so if they do pull the trigger on Carter, then we know they have made that decision with all due diligence.
Sluggo42
This is what I was alluding to last thread.
Itās too bad his laziness and character will ruin him, but then I suppose if he were a blue chipper, he could be the number one pickā¦
Tatupu51
85 player big board with scouting reports for each player form former Field Guller Danny Kelly:
He does some phenomenal work! His player comps are the best!
DONNOD
His Michael Mayer comp… Shades of: Heath miller; That berserker Uruk-Hai from Helm’s deep. š
Brodie
Fun fact: Peter Jackson wanted the Uruk Hai chants to be as authentic as possible, so he went with a sound crew to a cricket match in New Zealand. During the breaks they put up the chant words on the monitors and recorded 25k people doing the Uruk Hai war chants. They mixed it in the studio and that’s what made the film.
Troy
Seattle drafting Carter @5 as a trade with Houston who took CJ. Much like the Manning/Rivers flip. Both teams ensure their trade partners gets the player and then make the move.
If Seattle sits at 5 and Richardson does slip past Indy – not a guarentee – then they have their QB for 2024-25 and beyond and keep their pick at 20 and select the DT that can be as good as Carter with he grit they desire. Kancey.
YDB
There was a bit more at play with that Manning/Rivers “flip.” The Manning family held SD over the barrel about not wanting him to play there, so they forced the Chargers hand. If Houston wants Carter, they can just select him without having to deal with any second team shenanigans.
Brodie
Kancey is so short (height and arms) though, and doesn’t 2-gap. He’s a rusher through and through. There are entire games where he doesn’t make a difference. At times he turns his body to shoot through and gives up his back while also abandoning his gap.
His zero-eth percentile arm length is so concerning. There is a reason that teams prioritize arm length at certain positions. I heard him comped to Poona Ford, which… meh, sorta I guess. Poona was Big12 defensive lineman of the year, was only 5’11 but had almost 33′ arms and went undrafted.
I’m not saying Kancey will be UDFA, but #20 seems like a huge reach to me. I think he’s one that draft media have fallen for, but NFL teams will not be as enamored.
Could be wrong, but when I hear Lance saying that GM’s are telling him draft media has guys totally wrong, he’s one I can walk through a thought process of being overvalued.
BoiseSeahawk
A high risk/reward ‘win-now’ draft for Seattle, *hinges on Carter being coachable* but I like how each of these selections have immediate application to the roster and most if not all players are considered ‘NFL-ready’.
Why not? I, for one, could certainly use 34 million dollars
Tien
Haha! That’s right, Geoff, we want the chance to be millionaires also!
Peter
Give me Keion white every day over bresee. Way better athlete, motor, production.
BoiseSeahawk
Fully agree on motor alone, but I wanted to prioritize D Tackle over Defensive End in round 1. I would rush to the podium if we could get Keion in round 2.
Peter
Fair points.
Patrick Toler
I mean Bresee is a pretty great athlete too and his tape is significantly impacted by injury – which comes with some risks, but also could come into play when projecting where he will be at ‘xyz’.
But yeah, I like Keion white a lot and would love him to be a target at 20.
Peter
White is an end. But has said vocally about his desire to play other gaps.
If we downgrade his pro day 40 and compare to dline and not just ends like Macdonald his overall testing puts him top 5 of dt’s and that’s with a significant reduction of home cooking track speed.
Unlike a ton of other more celebrated players has very, very good production considering time he’s been at the position. 3 years. 2 colleges, and one major injury two years ago.
Do I think he’s sneakily the best player….no. do I think he’ll potentially give some team awesome value ala Michael Bennet. Yeah, I do.
Hoggs41
Here is a question for everyone. If Stroud (or Levis) was available to us and we drafted them do we release/trade Lock and eat the $1.75m netting us $2.25m in cap space?
Peter
I would.
geoff u
Depends on how capable they prove themselves in training camp/preseason.
For Richardson, I’d say the odds are higher that you probably redshirt him as the emergency 3rd QB and keep Lock.
For Stroud there’s a much higher probability he could be the backup and Lock gets cut.
Thanks for sharing this Rob. Interesting comment made about Geno’s future desires to be involved with coaching after playing days. I’ve always thought that myself, he’s bright/articulate and certainly has the demeanour to coach. Which ties into the Richardson plan. Peter also explains the “iron price” to get Arz to trade back. Which to me moving 5 + 20 would only make sense to move to #2 for Stroud.
Firmly believe that despite the reports that Arz has 6 teams calling, that’s likely b.s….any team considering moving up from say LV, Tenn, NE territory up to 3 to secure Richardson – who despite his insane potential could also not be game ready for 2 years – would be a massive risk.
A lot of chess gamesmanship going on with GM’s right now for certain. The deck is starting to shape and Seattle is in a very strong position. Having 5 as the spot that either Houston or Arz would move back to essentially guarentee’s 2 of 3 of Anderson, Carter, Tyree Wilson. No other deeper trading partner like Vegas, Titans, Pats, or anyone else can assure that.
To me, Stroud is worth 5+20. AR is possibly there without moving, and if Arz decides to move further back Will Anderson is an option if Stroud is at 2.
Bottom line, JS knows if there’s a must have QB by now. Doubt he’s wishy washy about it at this point. If we don’t take a QB, either CJ or AR, then he’s likely decided they weren’t worth the price.
Sea Mode
Added another visit to the Tracker: Illinois CB Jartavius Martin
Added a note on Ringo as well. Not counting him against the 30 would be smart, so I’m going to assume that’s what they’re doing and it’s not just a scheduling conflict (him visiting the Raiders yesterday). I guess either way he will visit the VMAC.
On the topic of Ringo, I know I haven’t paid much attention to him since the beginning of the draft cycle, but I came across this quote from Sherman and wondered if the Seahawks might be inclined to believe the same. Get the best “lump of clay” they can and trust their coaching to mold him? They sure have shown repeated interest.
Steezy A. Smith ššŗ
@steezyasmith
Ā·Mar 22
#Seahawks legend Richard Sherman on Georgia CB Kelee Ringo:
āHis flaws are easily correctable. You canāt say that about everybody in the draft – or in the league.ā
First impression, I like the way he speaks at least:
one more tyler steen today
Visits:
— #Bama do-everything RB Jahmyr Gibbs is on a visit with the #Bucs (19th), source said.
— #Bama OT Tyler Steen has visits with the #Jets, #Browns, #Commanders, #Seahawks, #Texans, #Patriots, etc.
— #Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon has a visit with the #Commanders today.
MountainHawker
Seeing Ringo run drills…well attempt to run drills…at the combine turned me off him completely. He looked super stiff. Wasn’t impressed. Am I being harsh? Yes, but that’s because I think there are very talented cbs that will be available later.
Niro
I’ve found myself wondering as a pretty casual fan. Is Carter actually “The most talented player in the draft” I’ve heard it repeated so many times but with the documented issues and no testing, as far as I can tell, is he just that good or are people projecting?
But he doesnāt even know what heās going to miss out on unless he completely changes his approach to his career and some extent his life
Malanch
I’ve seen Jalen Carter comped to Chris Jones, Fletcher Cox, Warren Sapp, Cortez Kennedy…but I’m seeing something more like Robert Nkemdiche. Ndamukong Suh-lite, best case.
The discussion on grit above has me wondering if Bryan Bresee could be a target at 20. Elite athlete, position of need, has fought through multiple injuries and personal difficulties. Obviously the medical checks and interviews will be important for him given his lack of playtime and at times lackluster tape over the last couple of seasons, but if those check out he’s a player worth taking a shot on, IMO.
Here’s what McGinn reported via anonymous scouting sources:
“Heās got really good feet. Heās just been so good his whole life, his makeup isnāt very good. Heās kind of a 5-star pampered, enabled, entitled guy. Works when he wants to. His body doesnāt look really good. You could argue, off this yearās film, he was productive in just a game or two.ā
Missed one game in September after his sister, Ella, died of brain cancer. Missed two games later with a kidney infection. āHeās got a lot of natural ability,ā said a second scout. āHe needs to learn how to play with his pads down a little more. Youāve just got to get into how much that stuff affected him this year. He can play 3-technique but heās more of a 5-technique.ā Played just four games in 2021 before suffering a torn ACL.
āI think heās overrated,ā a third scout said. āNo way Iād take the guy in the first round. I wouldnāt even think about it until the third round. He needed to stay. He aināt been healthy.ā Arms were just 32 Ā½, bench press merely 22 reps. Ran a 4.86-second 40.
Patrick Toler
“Youāve just got to get into how much that stuff affected him this year.”
I guess that is the key. All the football character / makeup concerns in the first paragraph would seem to pretty much disqualify him unless you are convinced that he’s come out of the other side of all his challenges with a drive to be great (and the ability to deliver on that drive). Similar to Carter I would imagine teams are doing significant digging into this given his natural gifts.
Thanks for providing this.
Roy Batty
Really great, well thought out interview, Rob. You really shined. I can see you getting many more followers in the coming days.
Mock at PFN, totally unrealistic, but I challenge you guys to get a better haul than this in 23 (did not get any 2024 picks in the bunch of trades I made).
Kancey lasting into the second round like that just seem so unrealisitc. But, in the few that I’ve done he is usualy there at 37. (along with a few other notable names)
I do wonder beyond the top-10 how realistic their projections are. I wonder what they use to determine their rankings.
Peter
Kancey dropping feels realistic to me.
He would be the first at his size to be productive.
God of Thunder
Haha! Pretty ideal but utterly impossible.
I had a similar mock and assumed there were an insane glitch in the software so I deleted itš¤£
Ashish
Rob I just listen to the show I like how your answer the questions. There was good balance even though we know how do you feel about Carter, Wilson or Richardson. I felt you are rooting for Will Anderson.
What an exciting time we are gonna have on 27th. Im rooting for QB followed by Will McDonald and Ade Ade.
Sea Mode
Hmmm…
Ian Rapoport
@RapSheet
Ā·4m
From NFL Now: The #Bucs hosting #Kentucky QB Will Levis today is interesting.
And lots of visits for Mazi.
Ian Rapoport
@RapSheet
Ā·9m
#Michigan DL Mazi Smith is on a Top 30 visit today with the #Bills today, source said. He’s had over 20 meetings or visits with teams, including the #Chiefs and #Steelers meeting with him at Michigan. Among others: #Bears, #Eagles, #Cowboys, #AZCardinals, and #Saints.
Buccs running our offense now so Levis would be a fantastic fit
Wilson502
Be a better fit in a Seahawks uniform, provided the other QB options aren’t available.
samprassultanofswat
Peter King said that he believes that Hawks will take Richardson. If Richardson is on the board I believe it will be Richardson. Richardson’s upside is two great to pass up. There are three teams ahead of Seattle that want to take a QB. And there are another six teams that have had discussions with Arizona. It’s possible that two of the teams could be Indianapolis and Seattle. But the odds are against Richardson being on the board for Seattle to snatch.
I believe that it will be either Will Anderson Jr. or Will Levis.
Anderson definitely has the kind of physical upside that would appeal to PCJS. They’ve seemed very intrigued by him.
Patrick Toler
It makes total sense that they will like all three of these players (as Rob has been saying for months) but if they really believe in one of these quarterbacks as a player they can develop into a top of the league QB, they should be aggressive in trading up. It sure seems to be trending that Richardson will go top 3 (at least in the media).
It really is. If they don’t extend him they’re left with $11M dead money in 2024. That would be a tough pill to swallow for a player you got one season of play from.
samprassultanofswat
Rob: You totally shocked me. I figured that you would say that the player Seattle really wants is Anthony RIchardson.
I still Seattle as the best fit for Richardson. The worst thing that could happen to Richardson is that he goes to team and then gets thrown into the fire. The guy only has 13 starts on the college level. And at time he is inconsistence. From everything I read on Greg Olson he would be the perfect QB guru for RIchardson. But I also think having Olson will benefit both Geno Smith and Drew Lock.
Between Bryce Young, Anthony Richardson, WIll Levis, CJ Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. One of those players will be on the board. You cannot go wrong taking any of these players.
What is kind of interesting is that Lance Zierlein mocked Houston might go defense. At first glance I said that he didn’t know what he was talking about. But, Zierlein is from the Houston Metro area. I guess he nailed Houston’s first round picks last year. So maybe there is something to it.
I figured that you would say that the player Seattle really wants is Anthony RIchardson.
Why?
samprassultanofswat
I guess I should have used the word “surprised” instead of “shocked” It is really not that big of a deal.
Many reasons. John Schneider and Pete Carroll were front and center at Richardson’s pro-day. Also at Will Levis’s pro-day. You have you mentioned that Richardson could be Seattle’s franchised QB for the next 10 to 15 years. He is the most talented QB in this draft. His talent are off the charts. He is capable of throwing the football 80 yards. And he can also run for an 80 yard TD. Basically his only issue is his consistency.
I guess that main reason is that for the past year you have spoke so highly of RIchardson. More than any other player. You have me totally sold on Richardson. I also don’t have any problems with Will Anderson Jr. being a Seahawk .Will Anderson Jr. is a very high class player, teammate and human being. Absolutely no problems with Will Anderson Jr.
As I mentioned before Seattle is guaranteed one of the four top QBs or Will Anderson Jr. Either way the Hawks are going to get a very good player.
PS: I did enjoy the interview with VSIN very much. As I do all your interviews.
Sincerely
Wilson502
The main thing for me when it comes to Anderson vs the QBs, is how much can they elevate the team? A QBoTF has the potential to elevate the team a lot if not carry it to a SB. With Anderson or frankly any pass rusher or OLB, they just don’t have nowhere near the same impact due to positional value. That’s not to knock on Anderson as a player, but he just doesn’t impact the team all that much compared to a QB.
Snicko
Just finished scouting the Edge class tape cannot see how Will Anderson is a top 5 pick let alone best Edge in this class. Tyree Wilson and Nolan Smith are heads and shoulders ahead of him, cannot see a way Anderson wins consistently at the next level. All because of the numbers he has (due to Saban’s scheme ) plays for Alabama made him very overrated be very upset if Seattle draft him.
1. Tyree Wilson
2. Nolan Smith
3. Lukas Van Ness
4. Will Anderson
Welcome to Seahawks Draft Blog, providing daily analysis on the Seattle Seahawks and the NFL Draft.
The blog started in 2008 and is now into its 16th year. I'm available for any radio or podcast invites, just reach out using the 'contact' section.
We have a great community in the comments, we just ask you keep things on topic.
I would assume the doomsday scenario describe at the end was CJ Stroud at 1? If not, CJ Stroud would be the pick at 4 or 5.
I’ve become so accustomed to not imagining Stroud being available, I forgot to mention him in that scenario
I was wondering about that, in my head I’m like “Stroud, Stroud, Stroud!” š
Nice one Rob, I enjoyed it. As usual, I wonder about the understanding skills of those who comment and say you champion for a QB.
I hope we don’t take Wilson. Might as well draft McDonald, Kancey or AdeAde at 5, they’re in same class as Wilson.
I think for some people I could go on one of these things and say, “The Seahawks play in blue” and someone would reply claiming I’m talking rubbish.
Not sure how anyone can watch that video and feel that was an unreasonable assessment
If people want to offer a more positive review of the piece in the YouTube comments, it’d be appreciated
Done and really enjoyed the interview. Would love to see you do more and more of this type of stuff.
I’m open to any invites
Love how these guys seem to have a working knowledge of the team and seems like they actually at least glanced through the site.
How come Seattle radio is not inviting Rob? Malpractice.
š¤·āāļø
Jake was very supportive of the blog
You’d run circles around their group think.
“You’ve kind of got to try and enjoy the next two weeks. I don’t think we’ve been allowed to enjoy the last month/six weeks, because people have just gone to war about whether or not they should draft a quarterback or not. So, I don’t think we’ve had as much fun from this process as we could have done, as a fan base.” āRob
As far as I can tell, fan bases are only united on gamedays, and they’re only united in their collective desire for a ‘W’. For three hours and 15 minutes, they can party together over $15 pints, rising and falling as one with the ebbing and flowing of the game…until that inevitable moment when it’s time to strut/trudge to the parking lot and gird up for the gridlock. Then it’s back to the divide-and-conquer status quo. Bickering over Jalen Carter versus Anthony Richardson is cake.
Funny, my take was the Rob was championing Will Anderson, and AR would be the secondary pick.
I did notice that they didnāt question Robs assessment of Carter tho, and, it was very professional sounding too.
Well done Rob.
I think that soon, and only because of your accent, you might be on a major mediaās payroll to talk footballā¦
That would be nice
But if I canāt even get on local radio in Seattle it seems unlikely š
Rob, you did a good long segment on the Brock and Salk show last year, and it was a smash. Seems a re-up this year would be manageable. Brock did name-drop you a few months ago, back when you first mocked Jalen Carter to the Hawks. (He said you were playing to your audience for suggesting Carter could fall all the way to #5āLOL!) Wow, has the draft journey been a circuitous one this year.
Excellent interview Rob! Crushed it!! I’m just simply floored by how many national media pundits want to shove that Jalen “Square peg” Carter into a round hole. It just blows my mind. Anderson or QB HAS to be the option at 5. No question.
Thank you
The more this process goes on, the more I’m convinced Will Levis will be the QB left at 5.
If we are offered a decent haul to move down, do you think we would take it or do we take Levis?
Not sure why you think that, if anything I’d say it’s becoming increasingly likely he’ll be the Colts pick at #4. Chris Mortensen said he was a top-five lock.
Most recent attempt at a PFN mock draft. Made 2-3 trades and had to trade some lower picks back to get higher ones on day 2 or 3.
5.
Will Levis
QB Kentucky
SEA
29.
Will McDonald IV
EDGE Iowa State
trade icon
SEA
37.
Adetomiwa Adebawore
EDGE Northwestern
SEA
52.
Mazi Smith
DT Michigan
SEA
60.
Luke Wypler
OC Ohio State
trade icon
SEA
89.
Jonathan Mingo
WR Ole Miss
trade icon
SEA
115.
Luke Schoonmaker
TE Michigan
trade icon
SEA
123.
Israel Abanikanda
RB Pittsburgh
128.
Jammie Robinson
S Florida State
trade icon
SEA
133.
Kenny McIntosh
RB Georgia
trade icon
SEA
199.
Sidy Sow
OG Eastern Michigan
trade icon
SEA
256.
Marte Mapu
LB Sacramento State
trade icon
That is one of my favorite mock drafts that I have seen yet.
If the Hawks came away with a QB at 5 then got Ade Ade, McDonald and Mazi Smith for the defense I would do backflips!
Plus if they also added C Wypler and WR Mingo on day 2 I’d be doing backflips too. Really need to see them fill in the present and future holes at RB, S, TE, LB & OL as well on day 3.
That is if they don’t draft one of those high like a Mayer or Sanders. Get in as many speedy talented guys as UDFAs as soon as the draft ends before other teams do. We usually find at least 1 or 2 gems as UDFAs each year, and several more for the practice squad.
40:43 here, Peter King says he’s got a feeling Seattle takes Anthony Richardson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFJc-pjKbc0
I noticed you’re going to have a show on your YouTube channel later tonight. Already clicked notification on. Who’s your guest(s)? Robbie, Jeff?
Really wish Jake hadn’t gone to Denver with Russ and left his Seahawks show with Stacy. Seemed like you were a weekly guest on their show for a month or 2 before the draft last year and of course recapping it afterwards.
Robbie and Adam are joining me, looking forward to it
Yeah it’s a real shame about 710. I loved doing the regular hits and based on the reaction they read out, they always seemed to be really well received. There’s was even talk about doing an extended bit at one point and I know Jake was pushing to have me on regularly. My appearances disappeared with him to Denver, unfortunately. Zero invites since.
Unfortunately Rob when you tell it how it is instead of sticking to a narrative things like this happen. We live in a world where people want confirmation of thier beliefs and the narrative is often set. They donāt want original and critical thinking.
The fact that you are not doing a regular segment for 710 or one of the other local stations during draft season is shameful IMO.
Yeah I’m bummed out it doesn’t happen any more. I’ll always be grateful to Jake for giving me the time of day.
You are 100% correct Trevor. It’s pathetic
To be realistic, a big reason for that would be not having a proper mic setup.
I work for the BBC
Access to a microphone is not the issue
Really is unfortunate it shook down like this, now there’s basically no reason to listen to 710 these days anymore. It’s just full of homerism, smooth brain garbage and repeating the same recycled narratives over and over again.
interesting note about Geno Smith’s desire to mentor a young QB as a prelude to a coaching career. I hadn’t heard that before.
Agreed, was interesting
Walter football visit tracker says Seattle has a private workout with Richardson. I can’t find any other info on it, to confirm it, but interesting if true.
I doubt that. Thereās no reason to give him a private workout given he did everything at the combine and had a pro day. Not seen this reported anywhere and think it wouldāve been
Yeah, I can’t find anything on it, so probably a mistake on their part.
Would a “workout” allow them to check medicals? I know there are weird rules about what teams can and can’t do at certain types of meetings.
I donāt think so no
Strictly a get them in the building affair
Peter King seems to think Indy would take Anthony Richardson over Will Levis, and I’ve seen this mocked elsewhere, too. (The Mock Draft Database consensus board currently shows Richardson at #4 and Levis at #9.) If this projected gap holds water, a Hawk fan ought to hope for Rob’s Levis-to-Indy projection to hold fast.
One thing: King suggests that Arizona would have to insist on Seattle’s #20, and I don’t see why this would necessarily be the case. If John Schneider were to package #37 with other enticements sufficient enough to exceed Indy’s #35, Monti Ossenfort should have no problem trading within the division provided he believes he’s securing a winning trade for Arizonaāparticularly if he sees Richardson as fool’s gold. In this case, his division rival would be chasing a low-floor quarterback while he moves down a mere two spots and gets his high-floor quarterback killer.
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-pro-day-news-and-rumors-bj-thompson-and-maalik-hall-headline-defensive-names-to-know/
Over halfway down the page, it’s mentioned that the Seahawks among other teams have either shown interest in or brought in safeties Ty Okada and Jerrick Reed. It almost seems a foregone conclusion they’re going to draft at least 1 safety in the draft this year.
They’ve brought in several for top 30 visits. Adams and/or Diggs could be gone by next year at the latest, so they will need more with Love to run those 3 safety looks on D.
They will definitely replace Ryan Neal with a draft pick at some point
Thanks. Added interest in Okada to the tracker. Keep ’em coming, everyone!
Seahawks visits/meeting/interest Tracker
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1J3d023YdKp9MFv7OQTy0YTssJ65qLd_aB0UJFGVHxPY/edit?usp=sharing
We now already know exactly half of the 30 VMAC visitors.
Relaying this from the other thread:
What are your thoughts on playing Ringo at safety?
I think heās strictly a corner
The national mock drafts are mostly so bad as it relates to hawks. How could anyone really think the hawks go Corner at #5? Given their history at the position, their unrivaled success at finding great players late in the draft and the depth at the position in this draft. It’s lazy.
šÆšÆšÆ
Given the lengths PC/ JS have gone to point out how important character was to last years draft class and thier process going forward if they did take Carter how could anyone take a word they said seriously going forward.
Thatās not a smoke screen they were saying this long before the Jalen Carter and draft process even started.
I think you read Corner as Carter. I haven’t seen one that has CB at #5, but I’m sure they are out there.
I think LouCity mentioned in another thread that certain guys are tough to slot in a mock, so they just dump them on Seattle and move on to put the ‘buzz’ players with major market teams. It’s all about those clicks.
I’m guessing half of the mock drafts out there are done by people who haven’t watched tape on more than about 20 prospects and that ‘film review’ was one highlight reel on YouTube.
The national mockers make a mockery of themselves on an annual basis.
Great job on that video Rob.
Thank you š
RE your thoughts on Atlanta coming up to 3. Certainly possible, assume it would cost them this years pick 44 and next years 1st round to move from 8 to 3.
Arizona then has 8, 34, 44, 66 in the first three rounds. Also leaves them ammo for move up next year.
Trade swap with Detroit would get 48 and 55. So they then have 6, 34, 48, 55, 66 in the first three rounds.
The Atlanta idea gains traction if Murrays contract is easier to get out of after next year. If it is they would probably have the ammo to do it. Richardson to Atlanta would be exciting for them.
If Murray contract hard to get out of then the Detroit trade makes sense.
Really like the point you made about PC loving players who have GRIT when explaining why the Hawks will not take Carter. The Seahawks will take players with character questions IF they show GRIT. Below is the definition of GRIT by Angela Duckworth (a good friend of PC)…does not look like Carter matches it:
Grit is passion and perseverance for long-term goals.
Grit isnāt talent. Grit isnāt luck. Grit isnāt how intensely, for the moment, you want something.
Instead, grit is about having what some researchers call anāultimate concernāāa goal you care about so much that it organizes and gives meaning to almost everything you do. And grit is holding steadfast to that goal. Even when you fall down. Even when you screw up. Even when progress toward that goal is halting or slow.
šÆšÆšÆ
‘Even when you fall down. Even when you screw up. Even when progress toward that goal is halting or slow’.
Carter has fallen down, screwed up, and his progress is clearly halting or slowing in the draft process.
But yet here is he, visiting teams in the top 10 only, defining his own worth, in spite of everything that’s happened. Holding steadfast to his goal and belief.
Is.this not ‘grit’….?
So because heāsā¦ going on official 30 visits (only to the teams in the top-10, mind) that excuses everything else and means heās showingā¦ grit??
Seriously???
If he attends the draft and goes on the red carpet on draft night is that also showing grit?
I’m not saying it’s right or wrong.
I’m asking the question in the context of the quote Waldo set out.
Well then the answer I would suggest is, no
Don’t skip the ‘passion and perseverance for long term goals.’ Is he willing to put in the hard work that is necessary each day to achieve the long term goals? Passion? Perseverance? Nah, I’ll pass.
Dealing with problems that he himself caused does not really qualify as “grit”.
UKAlex
You really need to figure out the definition of āgritā
Grit is a personality trait possessed by individuals who demonstrate passion and perseverance toward a goal despite being confronted by significant obstacles and distractions.
Here are some examples of grit I found online and none seems to fit Carter
Examples of Grit
Mentally tough athletes are more consistent than others. They donāt miss workouts. They donāt miss assignments. They always have their teammates back.
Mentally tough leaders are more consistent than their peers. They have a clear goal that they work towards each day. They donāt let shortāterm profits, negative feedback, or hectic schedules prevent them from continuing the march towards their vision. They make a habit of building up the people around them ā not just once, but over and over and over again.
Mentally tough artists, writers, and employees deliver on a more consistent basis than most. They work on a schedule, not just when they feel motivated. They approach their work like a pro, not an amateur. They do the most important thing first and donāt shirk responsibilities.
Grit would’ve been Carter saying he let distractions get in his way during the combine and pro day, then working his ass off to get back into shape and having a private pro day for all teams this weekend and knocking it out of the park. A few months work and he’d be back in the top 3 and have made himself an extra 10 million.
Believe me, I wish this had happened, I’d LOVE for him to get picked before us, or for him to show actual grit and us to select him ourselves. Instead, he went the entitled route and refused to meet with anyone not picking in the top 10.
“Is.this not āgritāā¦.?” āUkAlex6674
I don’t see it as grit; I see it as leverage. Jalen Carter has a strong hand to play due to the perpetual paucity of interior game-wreckers, all the more exaggerated this year by the epic cliff between him and the next-best at his position. Right now, the MDD consensus board shows he’s holding firm at #5, and if he does end out going somewhere in the middle of the Top 10āan eventuality which Drew Rosenhaus must feel pretty good aboutāthen just think what the guy will have learned: “I don’t need to change a thing.” Hardly the stuff of grit.
Hey Rob, even though its probably highly unlikely would you do one of the mock draft simulators with taking Jalen Carter at 5? id be curious to see how that would end up changing the rest of the draft. in your opinion.
I see this a ton. “It opens up the draft.”
How though? Regardless of who you draft at five you need nultiple like up to three dlinemen from the draft through udfa.
There’s this idea that if you go Carter #5. All of a sudden you’re in a position to get the next best whatever as the draft goes.
This also assumes every teams draft board is identical. And/or no one will Coe along and take your guy.
Scenario:
Carter #5.
Then you want Mayer at #20.
But the raiders get weird and trade down a bit and select Mayer say at #14.
Now at #20 you’re out on your guy and are pivoting looking who fits best.
Point is it really doesn’t matter who you take at #5. You cant control what happens and the draft is not linear pick to pick.
I get the appeal. Using our top pick on a DT who MAY be dominant IF things work out VS a red-shirt QB who won’t see the field.
For fun, I played Rob’s part in your request. I traded down a couple of times and back up too. Dealt a 24-R6 & Fant as part of a package to move up for Pickens.
I only went off of Rob’s horizontal board if there was a player a tier ahead. If there were 2+ in the same tier, I factored in need and the chances of someone else in that tier being available later.
10. Jalen Carter – DT
28. Darnell Wright – OT
30. Will McDonald – EDGE
37. Ade Ade – DE
52. Jahmyr Gibbs – RB
60. Luke Musgrave – TE
83. Luke Wypler – OC
92. Zacch Pickens – DT/DE
151. Dorrian Williams – LB
154. Corey Trice – CB
197. Chris Rodriguez – RB
The trades really are what ‘open things up’ in my opinion, but Wright is a luxury pick that could have been Keanu Benton for example and still get AR at #10.
Great work Rob.
All the hard work you’ve put in coupled with your ability to form your own opinions and stay away from group-think – I’m sure we’ll be seeing many, many more of these segments looking ahead.
Thank you (and hope so)
Nice to see you getting out and making the rounds! Chris Simms has Anderson as his 5th rated edge guy and said his connections around the league have all told him he’s not far off and that the media is overrating Anderson. Is he crazy? He said its not even close and he is baffled Anderson is being talked about as the 1st defensive player drafted.
Some of the points Simms raised are very fair
But I think he went OTT on the rankings
Yeah Shaun, we know
Thanks for posting this Rob.
It won’t happen but it sure would be nice if the people touting Carter and excusing his shit work ethic (putting aside his legal issues for the moment) would come back here and/or admit elsewhere that he was a bust waiting to happen. I will stand up and say I was wrong if he somehow discovers work ethic and becomes what his talent suggests he is capable of. You can bet if by some miracle that happens, all the “I told you so” folks will be out in droves ripping PCJS for passing on him but if he flames out, all we’ll hear is crickets.
Just like everyone who spent months angrily arguing (or even angrily reporting) that the Wilson trade saga was a āmedia creationā
Play up the hits, ignore the misses, its what the careers of charlatans are made of.
Matt Miller invites you to join his draft newsletter. It’s written two years after the draft to get all the analysis you need. Hits, busts, guys he didn’t even know who they were or their position. Find out how your team did, today! ( tomorrow of course….)
Carter: ridiculous athletic upside, poor production, character concerns galore
Casual NFL fans and media talking heads: FUTURE HALL OF FAMER
Richardson: ridiculous athletic upside, poor production, no character concerns
Casual NFL fans and media talking heads: 5TH ROUND PICK LOLZ
So frustrating to watch this play out in slow motion multiple times a day without a hint of irony.
Richardson needs to develop….
HOOKER AT 37!!!! literally needs to learn a whole new way to play.
Hooker is far more of a risk than Richardson. I think he has good throwing mechanics, but his injury, age, and that offense — ooof
Have you considered that he almost won the heisman?
I mean every heisman winner has been amazing. All of them. Mahomes. Allen. Great former heisman winners. Bradford. Manziel. Game wreckers.
Almost doesn’t cut it! At this point, he could only dream of having a career as magical as Baker Mayfield or Marcus Mariota.
Fun fact I just discovered about Hooker rifling through some PFF data. 59% of his attempts this year were <10 yards. Only 18% of his throws were intermediate distance, by far the lowest of the top 5 QBs (Stroud was highest with 30% intermediate throws). He also had the shortest time to throw of those QBs on short routes. Seems to lend more credence to the idea that his offense was a huge gimmick. Seems he was only asked to get the ball out to his first read in under 2 seconds or launch it deep to one of his absurdly athletic WRs who could run past almost any college corner.
That is quite remarkable. The throw counts.
There’s so many times where the two receivers on the non-read side just jog lazily up field because they know the ball’s not coming their way. Pretty hilarious to watch.
It was a huge gimmick
Can’t tell you how many times I watched Tennessee stack 2 WR’s on each side of the field to give them a free release and Hooker two wide open options.
That aint gonna play in the NFL.
Now compare that to Anthony Richardson and I found this to be really interesting and revealing
There’s also a chart that shows the percentage of throws less than 10 yards (in college):
Geno Smith: 71%
Anthony Richardson: 52%
Kenny Pickett: 66%
Kyler Murray: 57%
I will be using this data anytime someone criticizes his accuracy issues as I think it’s a minor concern that most are blowing out of proportion.
If the draft goes Young Wilson Anderson Levis who you taking?
Tough one. I’d trust John to make the right decision here. I would probably draft Stroud, but I’m not 100% on it.
Stroud or Richardson
Thanks for posting this Rob.
I’m glad you led off your assessment of the Carter situation by discussing the on field issues of conditioning and practice habits. I think that is truly the determining factor for the Seahawks brain trust.
I don’t think the racing issue comes into play at all unless there was some way that it would cause further legal trouble or create suspension concerns. For all of the talk coming from the front office about character, this is still the franchise that signed Geno after he got busted recklessly driving while intoxicated, proceeded to be combative during the arrest, and threatened the cops. As long a player can ball out and the team is protected, then they have a chance to be a Seahawk. So, a DEEP dive into Carter’s drive and competitiveness is absolutely necessary, and the VMAC visit should clear a bunch of this up for them.
The problem is that Carter has stated publicly that he needed to be in better shape for the college football season and yet, he could be seen visibly gassed during games, despite him not playing a high percentage of downs. And for the Combine, he showed up overweight and he didn’t do all the drills.
If during the interview at the VMAC or at any other team’s facility, do you trust him at his word (assuming that he says all the right things about getting serious about working hard and being in shape) or do you trust his actions thus far, which is of someone not willing to do the work be realize his potential?
I haven’t seen any reports of him bieng “overweight” at the combine. And, he didn’t do drills there because he had a warrant out for his arrest and was dealing with an ongoing criminal investigation.
Carter showed up 9lbs heavier on his pro day than he was at the combine, which is not uncommon for prospects of his size since they want to boost their stock with fast times. Some people on scene at his pro day said that reports of his poor conditioning were overblown because positional coaches facilitating the drills were intentionally trying to run him into the dirt.
Now, would I feel comfortable drafting him at #5? No. But then again, I don’t have a staff of psychologists and security personnel that are trained to interview/interrogate prospects. Good thing for us that Pete & John do, so if they do pull the trigger on Carter, then we know they have made that decision with all due diligence.
This is what I was alluding to last thread.
Itās too bad his laziness and character will ruin him, but then I suppose if he were a blue chipper, he could be the number one pickā¦
85 player big board with scouting reports for each player form former Field Guller Danny Kelly:
https://nfldraft.theringer.com/?_ga=2.126783822.2138632328.1681218672-1536429961.1597695408
He does some phenomenal work! His player comps are the best!
His Michael Mayer comp… Shades of: Heath miller; That berserker Uruk-Hai from Helm’s deep. š
Fun fact: Peter Jackson wanted the Uruk Hai chants to be as authentic as possible, so he went with a sound crew to a cricket match in New Zealand. During the breaks they put up the chant words on the monitors and recorded 25k people doing the Uruk Hai war chants. They mixed it in the studio and that’s what made the film.
Seattle drafting Carter @5 as a trade with Houston who took CJ. Much like the Manning/Rivers flip. Both teams ensure their trade partners gets the player and then make the move.
If Seattle sits at 5 and Richardson does slip past Indy – not a guarentee – then they have their QB for 2024-25 and beyond and keep their pick at 20 and select the DT that can be as good as Carter with he grit they desire. Kancey.
There was a bit more at play with that Manning/Rivers “flip.” The Manning family held SD over the barrel about not wanting him to play there, so they forced the Chargers hand. If Houston wants Carter, they can just select him without having to deal with any second team shenanigans.
Kancey is so short (height and arms) though, and doesn’t 2-gap. He’s a rusher through and through. There are entire games where he doesn’t make a difference. At times he turns his body to shoot through and gives up his back while also abandoning his gap.
His zero-eth percentile arm length is so concerning. There is a reason that teams prioritize arm length at certain positions. I heard him comped to Poona Ford, which… meh, sorta I guess. Poona was Big12 defensive lineman of the year, was only 5’11 but had almost 33′ arms and went undrafted.
I’m not saying Kancey will be UDFA, but #20 seems like a huge reach to me. I think he’s one that draft media have fallen for, but NFL teams will not be as enamored.
Could be wrong, but when I hear Lance saying that GM’s are telling him draft media has guys totally wrong, he’s one I can walk through a thought process of being overvalued.
A high risk/reward ‘win-now’ draft for Seattle, *hinges on Carter being coachable* but I like how each of these selections have immediate application to the roster and most if not all players are considered ‘NFL-ready’.
Rounds 1-3:
1.5: Jalen Carter, DT Georgia
1.20: Brian Bresee, DT Clemson
2.37: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB Alabama
2.52: John Michael Schmitz, C Minnesota
3.83: Jonathan Mingo, WR Ole Miss
Iāll pass on that R1
we always draft better in rounds 2 and 3 though right?
Doesnāt mean we just draft anyone in R1
Why not? I, for one, could certainly use 34 million dollars
Haha! That’s right, Geoff, we want the chance to be millionaires also!
Give me Keion white every day over bresee. Way better athlete, motor, production.
Fully agree on motor alone, but I wanted to prioritize D Tackle over Defensive End in round 1. I would rush to the podium if we could get Keion in round 2.
Fair points.
I mean Bresee is a pretty great athlete too and his tape is significantly impacted by injury – which comes with some risks, but also could come into play when projecting where he will be at ‘xyz’.
But yeah, I like Keion white a lot and would love him to be a target at 20.
White is an end. But has said vocally about his desire to play other gaps.
If we downgrade his pro day 40 and compare to dline and not just ends like Macdonald his overall testing puts him top 5 of dt’s and that’s with a significant reduction of home cooking track speed.
Unlike a ton of other more celebrated players has very, very good production considering time he’s been at the position. 3 years. 2 colleges, and one major injury two years ago.
Do I think he’s sneakily the best player….no. do I think he’ll potentially give some team awesome value ala Michael Bennet. Yeah, I do.
Here is a question for everyone. If Stroud (or Levis) was available to us and we drafted them do we release/trade Lock and eat the $1.75m netting us $2.25m in cap space?
I would.
Depends on how capable they prove themselves in training camp/preseason.
For Richardson, I’d say the odds are higher that you probably redshirt him as the emergency 3rd QB and keep Lock.
For Stroud there’s a much higher probability he could be the backup and Lock gets cut.
Exactly.
You would not have to cut Lock until you get multiple looks at Stroud/Levis. Rookie camp, OTA’s, even training camp.
Rob Staton says:
April 12, 2023 at 3:22 am
40:43 here, Peter King says heās got a feeling Seattle takes Anthony Richardson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFJc-pjKbc0
Thanks for sharing this Rob. Interesting comment made about Geno’s future desires to be involved with coaching after playing days. I’ve always thought that myself, he’s bright/articulate and certainly has the demeanour to coach. Which ties into the Richardson plan. Peter also explains the “iron price” to get Arz to trade back. Which to me moving 5 + 20 would only make sense to move to #2 for Stroud.
Firmly believe that despite the reports that Arz has 6 teams calling, that’s likely b.s….any team considering moving up from say LV, Tenn, NE territory up to 3 to secure Richardson – who despite his insane potential could also not be game ready for 2 years – would be a massive risk.
A lot of chess gamesmanship going on with GM’s right now for certain. The deck is starting to shape and Seattle is in a very strong position. Having 5 as the spot that either Houston or Arz would move back to essentially guarentee’s 2 of 3 of Anderson, Carter, Tyree Wilson. No other deeper trading partner like Vegas, Titans, Pats, or anyone else can assure that.
To me, Stroud is worth 5+20. AR is possibly there without moving, and if Arz decides to move further back Will Anderson is an option if Stroud is at 2.
Bottom line, JS knows if there’s a must have QB by now. Doubt he’s wishy washy about it at this point. If we don’t take a QB, either CJ or AR, then he’s likely decided they weren’t worth the price.
Added another visit to the Tracker: Illinois CB Jartavius Martin
Added a note on Ringo as well. Not counting him against the 30 would be smart, so I’m going to assume that’s what they’re doing and it’s not just a scheduling conflict (him visiting the Raiders yesterday). I guess either way he will visit the VMAC.
On the topic of Ringo, I know I haven’t paid much attention to him since the beginning of the draft cycle, but I came across this quote from Sherman and wondered if the Seahawks might be inclined to believe the same. Get the best “lump of clay” they can and trust their coaching to mold him? They sure have shown repeated interest.
First impression, I like the way he speaks at least:
https://twitter.com/Chase_Senior/status/1631386780111888385
Also saw that they met with Charlie Jones out of Purdue yesterday. It was on FIeldgulls, that’s all I’ve got. Didn’t know if you have him down yet.
He’ll be better than people think. Like LaPorta, carried Iowa’s passing game while he was still there. Smart kid.
Clicking on the word “Tracker” in my above comment will bring you to it.
And yes, Jones is on the list. We were even commenting about him yesterday:
https://seahawksdraftblog.com/lions-falcons-trade-could-be-telling-for-the-draft#comment-736341
another two
Corbin K. Smith
@CorbinSmithNFL
Two names to add to top-30 visits list for #Seahawks: Wisconsin EDGE Nick Herbig and Troy C Jake Andrews
Isn’t Herbig a bull-in-a-china-shop kind of player?
Just an animal, but not as refined as you’d like?
Added. Thank you. We now know 17/30.
Make that 18. I had Jordan Howden down as just a meeting, but he’s been a long-known 30 visit.
one more tyler steen today
Visits:
— #Bama do-everything RB Jahmyr Gibbs is on a visit with the #Bucs (19th), source said.
— #Bama OT Tyler Steen has visits with the #Jets, #Browns, #Commanders, #Seahawks, #Texans, #Patriots, etc.
— #Illinois CB Devon Witherspoon has a visit with the #Commanders today.
Seeing Ringo run drills…well attempt to run drills…at the combine turned me off him completely. He looked super stiff. Wasn’t impressed. Am I being harsh? Yes, but that’s because I think there are very talented cbs that will be available later.
I’ve found myself wondering as a pretty casual fan. Is Carter actually “The most talented player in the draft” I’ve heard it repeated so many times but with the documented issues and no testing, as far as I can tell, is he just that good or are people projecting?
He has the talent to be incredible
But he doesnāt even know what heās going to miss out on unless he completely changes his approach to his career and some extent his life
I’ve seen Jalen Carter comped to Chris Jones, Fletcher Cox, Warren Sapp, Cortez Kennedy…but I’m seeing something more like Robert Nkemdiche. Ndamukong Suh-lite, best case.
Well done.
The discussion on grit above has me wondering if Bryan Bresee could be a target at 20. Elite athlete, position of need, has fought through multiple injuries and personal difficulties. Obviously the medical checks and interviews will be important for him given his lack of playtime and at times lackluster tape over the last couple of seasons, but if those check out he’s a player worth taking a shot on, IMO.
Iāll dig out the Bob McGinn scouting sources on Bresee in a bit but they werenāt complimentary
Thank you!
Here’s what McGinn reported via anonymous scouting sources:
“Youāve just got to get into how much that stuff affected him this year.”
I guess that is the key. All the football character / makeup concerns in the first paragraph would seem to pretty much disqualify him unless you are convinced that he’s come out of the other side of all his challenges with a drive to be great (and the ability to deliver on that drive). Similar to Carter I would imagine teams are doing significant digging into this given his natural gifts.
Thanks for providing this.
Really great, well thought out interview, Rob. You really shined. I can see you getting many more followers in the coming days.
Thank you šš»
The video is immediately one of the most-watched videos on their YT channel.
If anyone can share the video on Reddit or other forums to get the message out it’d be much appreciated
Or RT their tweet:
https://twitter.com/VSiNLive/status/1645969988925247488?s=20
Mock at PFN, totally unrealistic, but I challenge you guys to get a better haul than this in 23 (did not get any 2024 picks in the bunch of trades I made).
15. Will Levis, QB Kentucky
25. Michael Mayer, TE Notre Dame
37. John Michael Schmitz, OC Minnesota
42. Calijah Kancey, DT Pittsburgh
52. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB Alabama
74. Jonathan Mingo, WR Ole Miss
78. Zacch Pickens, DT South Carolina
83. Israel Abanikanda, RB Pittsburgh
89. Jordan Battle, S Alabama
112. Jordan McFadden, OT Clemson
123. Byron Young, DT Alabama
151.YaYa Diaby, EDGE Louisville
152. Dorian Williams, LB Tulane
183. Jay Ward, S LSU
198. Juice Scruggs, OC Penn State
Kancey lasting into the second round like that just seem so unrealisitc. But, in the few that I’ve done he is usualy there at 37. (along with a few other notable names)
I do wonder beyond the top-10 how realistic their projections are. I wonder what they use to determine their rankings.
Kancey dropping feels realistic to me.
He would be the first at his size to be productive.
Haha! Pretty ideal but utterly impossible.
I had a similar mock and assumed there were an insane glitch in the software so I deleted itš¤£
Rob I just listen to the show I like how your answer the questions. There was good balance even though we know how do you feel about Carter, Wilson or Richardson. I felt you are rooting for Will Anderson.
What an exciting time we are gonna have on 27th. Im rooting for QB followed by Will McDonald and Ade Ade.
Hmmm…
And lots of visits for Mazi.
Buccs running our offense now so Levis would be a fantastic fit
Be a better fit in a Seahawks uniform, provided the other QB options aren’t available.
Peter King said that he believes that Hawks will take Richardson. If Richardson is on the board I believe it will be Richardson. Richardson’s upside is two great to pass up. There are three teams ahead of Seattle that want to take a QB. And there are another six teams that have had discussions with Arizona. It’s possible that two of the teams could be Indianapolis and Seattle. But the odds are against Richardson being on the board for Seattle to snatch.
I believe that it will be either Will Anderson Jr. or Will Levis.
Anderson definitely has the kind of physical upside that would appeal to PCJS. They’ve seemed very intrigued by him.
It makes total sense that they will like all three of these players (as Rob has been saying for months) but if they really believe in one of these quarterbacks as a player they can develop into a top of the league QB, they should be aggressive in trading up. It sure seems to be trending that Richardson will go top 3 (at least in the media).
Ravens put 4 void years on OBJ’s contract to spread the hit out.
His 2023 cap hit on a $15m contract is only $3.9m.
https://overthecap.com/player/odell-beckham-jr/2951
Interesting tactic…
It really is. If they don’t extend him they’re left with $11M dead money in 2024. That would be a tough pill to swallow for a player you got one season of play from.
Rob: You totally shocked me. I figured that you would say that the player Seattle really wants is Anthony RIchardson.
I still Seattle as the best fit for Richardson. The worst thing that could happen to Richardson is that he goes to team and then gets thrown into the fire. The guy only has 13 starts on the college level. And at time he is inconsistence. From everything I read on Greg Olson he would be the perfect QB guru for RIchardson. But I also think having Olson will benefit both Geno Smith and Drew Lock.
Between Bryce Young, Anthony Richardson, WIll Levis, CJ Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. One of those players will be on the board. You cannot go wrong taking any of these players.
What is kind of interesting is that Lance Zierlein mocked Houston might go defense. At first glance I said that he didn’t know what he was talking about. But, Zierlein is from the Houston Metro area. I guess he nailed Houston’s first round picks last year. So maybe there is something to it.
Why?
I guess I should have used the word “surprised” instead of “shocked” It is really not that big of a deal.
Many reasons. John Schneider and Pete Carroll were front and center at Richardson’s pro-day. Also at Will Levis’s pro-day. You have you mentioned that Richardson could be Seattle’s franchised QB for the next 10 to 15 years. He is the most talented QB in this draft. His talent are off the charts. He is capable of throwing the football 80 yards. And he can also run for an 80 yard TD. Basically his only issue is his consistency.
I guess that main reason is that for the past year you have spoke so highly of RIchardson. More than any other player. You have me totally sold on Richardson. I also don’t have any problems with Will Anderson Jr. being a Seahawk .Will Anderson Jr. is a very high class player, teammate and human being. Absolutely no problems with Will Anderson Jr.
As I mentioned before Seattle is guaranteed one of the four top QBs or Will Anderson Jr. Either way the Hawks are going to get a very good player.
PS: I did enjoy the interview with VSIN very much. As I do all your interviews.
Sincerely
The main thing for me when it comes to Anderson vs the QBs, is how much can they elevate the team? A QBoTF has the potential to elevate the team a lot if not carry it to a SB. With Anderson or frankly any pass rusher or OLB, they just don’t have nowhere near the same impact due to positional value. That’s not to knock on Anderson as a player, but he just doesn’t impact the team all that much compared to a QB.
Just finished scouting the Edge class tape cannot see how Will Anderson is a top 5 pick let alone best Edge in this class. Tyree Wilson and Nolan Smith are heads and shoulders ahead of him, cannot see a way Anderson wins consistently at the next level. All because of the numbers he has (due to Saban’s scheme ) plays for Alabama made him very overrated be very upset if Seattle draft him.
1. Tyree Wilson
2. Nolan Smith
3. Lukas Van Ness
4. Will Anderson