Author: Rob Staton (Page 327 of 423)

Caught up with BJ Daniels. Had a great time in Dallas at Super Regional Combine. Working out for Seahawks today and Eagles Monday. #USF

— USF Football (@USFFootball) April 12, 2013

This won’t be much of a surprise to anyone who read Kip’s piece a month ago.

Meanwhile, USA Today is reporting that Tyrann Mathieu has admitted to an unnamed team he failed more than ten drugs tests at LSU. Or in his words, “I stopped counting at ten.”

Here are the three people we seem to have talked about the most this off-season:

1. Tyrann Mathieu

2. Da’Rick Rogers

3. Matt Flynn

Two overrated players with major character concerns and a backup quarterback. That can’t be right. I’m not sure what it is about guys like Mathieu or Rogers that make them so appealing to fans, but I’ve been prepared for another team to roll that particular dice for a long time.

Yes, credit Mathieu for being open and honest about his problem. But it’s still a very serious issue and it will be a distraction. I’m not sure what will come first in Mathieu’s life over the next couple of years — fighting an addiction to drugs, taking drugs or playing football. If he’s going to become an All-Pro (something I highly doubt based on his on-field ability) then I’m ready to congratulate the other team who gets him there.

It’s the same with Rogers. Here’s a guy who’s courted controversy everywhere he’s gone. During recruitment, during his time with Tennessee. Then we see reports suggesting the coaches at Tennessee Tech weren’t ready to giving him a positive reference. He too has failed drugs tests, but was a royal pain in the backside to his coaches. And before anyone brings up Percy Harvin — note the lack of Harvin being kicked off his team. It’s not like Florida wasn’t prepared to be tough with Janoris Jenkins. Unlike Rogers.

The team has enough playmakers, receivers and corners to not need to go down this line. It’s not about wanting choir boys. It’s about judging every case on its merits. I’ll pass.

For some reason, Shaun King has Cleveland passing on the quarterbacks and Trent Richardson… to take Matt Kalil. Despite the fact they have Joe Thomas. Can right tackles throw the ball?

Eddie Lacy ended the season on fire. He ran all over Georgia, he ran all over Notre Dame. For his size, he showed adequate burst. He has a patented spin move which he uses a lot (but it’s still effective) and he has a little beast mode to his running style.

In many ways he looks like a first round pick. Alabama has had a first round running back in each of the last two drafts. Lacy could make it a hat-trick. He won’t fit every everyone’s ideal as a first rounder, but teams like St. Louis that need a physical runner could consider him as a possible impact player.

Today he finally worked out for scouts, running in the 4.59-4.62 range. He was never a big speed guy so that’s no shock. It’s a good enough time. Reports suggest he also ran a lot of passing drills to try and convince scouts he isn’t a one-dimensional bulldozer. Personally, I think he’s good enough as a one-dimensional player to still succeed on talent alone.

Then there’s the issues.

Lacy didn’t feature at the combine and concerns over a hamstring injury still linger. But what’s probably more concerning is his attitude. In Indianapolis he admitted in his media conference that he’d allowed himself to gain weight and hadn’t worked hard enough during the off-season. According to some observers, his conditioning remains an issue:

But he literally shut it down during the positional workout. He was huffing and puffing and unable to finish drills.

— Bucky Brooks (@BuckyBrooks) April 11, 2013

Lacy was unable (or refused) to burst at the end of runs, which is concerning when 5 NFL RB coaches are there to work him out.

— Bucky Brooks (@BuckyBrooks) April 11, 2013

The lack of preparation also makes you wonder about how much he loves football, and whether he will commit to doing the hard work

— Bucky Brooks (@BuckyBrooks) April 11, 2013

This is only one man’s opinion, but the views expressed here by Bucky Brooks fit in with a person who admitted to gaining ‘bad’ weight during the most important off-season of his life. Lacy might’ve been able to rock up to the ‘Bama games, run behind Chance Warmack, D.J. Fluker and the rest of a star studded offensive line and produce 17 touchdowns and 1322 yards. In the NFL, that won’t be so easy.

While he played with great physicality in college, he needs to be completely dedicated at the next level. Despite a few off-the-field problems for Marshawn Lynch during his career, I don’t think anyone would doubt how much the guy wants to succeed. He doesn’t appear to need to be constantly pushed. Will Lacy need to be pushed? Especially if he earns a first round salary?

Players like this are very frustrating. Injuries, you can’t account for sometimes. But attitude and being dedicated to your craft are different matters completely. You shouldn’t have to push these guys. And that doesn’t mean everyone has to march into the complex at 6am like Russell Wilson. Just look after yourself, especially when your draft day is just around the corner. Don’t have any regrets.

On talent alone I could see Lacy going in round one. He’d be a player to fear if he’s running for the St. Louis Rams and Jeff Fisher. That wouldn’t be fun. Yet he’s another classic example of just how wide open this draft it. He could go #22 to the Rams. And I’d be equally unsurprised if he lasted deep into the second round. The good news is we’re only a fortnight away from finding out.

Seahawks are signing Brady Quinn to back-up Russell Wilson after working out QBs yesterday

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 9, 2013

With Brady Quinn expected to sign and Josh Portis already back with the team, I suspect this weakens the likelihood Seattle goes for a quarterback relatively early in the draft (as in rounds 2-4). Of course, if the right player is available, they’ll probably take him. Yet the team has a solid and largely inexpensive trio now. A late rounder or UDFA could be thrown into the mix as further competition. These things are hard to project, but Sean Renfree or Colby Cameron could be options in that range.

Close sources tell me DJ Fluker/T/Alabama is a real possibility for the Miami Dolphins with the 12th pick…more later..

— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) April 8, 2013

If you’re hoping the Seahawks draft some kind of swing tackle/guard at #56, the above tweet probably concerns you. Supply might not meet demand.

D.J. Fluker looks on tape to be a pure right tackle or guard. There’s very little evidence he’d be comfortable protecting the blind side. He isn’t great working against the speed rush and those issues will almost certainly translate to the next level. He’s a lunger who’s off-balance, pawing against a quicker defensive end who wins with the initial step. He needs to improve his stance, foot speed and kick-slide. The big positive is he’s a road grader type and if he doesn’t work out at tackle, at least you’re going to get an above average guard.

There is something to be said for that. As Tony Pauline notes, “Most of the decision makers in the Dolphins front office were taught under Bill Parcells, who loved road-grading offensive linemen.”

One thing that does work in his favour is insanely long arms. At nearly 37 inches, Fluker has a greater wingspan than any other highly touted offensive lineman in this class. And it isn’t close. Luke Joeckel’s arms measured just over 34 inches. That to me is the main reason why teams are starting to talk themselves into believing he might be able to play left tackle. That kind of reach is attractive. Perhaps some teams will just be happy to draft him early to play right tackle? I’d never draft a right tackle that early, but I’m not a NFL GM. He is a terrific run blocker and dominated Georgia’s defense in the SEC Championship.

If you can live with Fluker’s issues against speed (I couldn’t, personally… not in the top half of round one) then you can probably convince yourself that he’s worth drafting early. I think he’s a similar prospect to Andre Smith, who remains a free agent after being drafted 6th overall in 2009. Smith is only 26 and had his best year as a pro in 2012. And he can’t find a home. Despite Smith’s size and struggles against speed, he played left tackle for Alabama. Fluker didn’t. But he hasn’t run a hideous shirtless forty yard dash, either.

Smith’s inability to generate a free agent market might be down to existing interest in this years tackle class. Three players — Joeckel, Eric Fisher and Lane Johnson — could be gone by as early as the #5 pick. At the latest they’re probably all gone by #7. Considering the need at tackle stretches to San Diego and Miami at #11 and #12, Fluker could benefit as the next man up. It could be that we have to start considering his floor is Carolina at #14.

If the top four tackles go that early, there’s likely to be another rush long before Seattle picks at #56. Kyle Long, Terron Armstead and Menelik Watson could go earlier than people perhaps expect. It doesn’t leave much to get at in the late second round, unless you’re a big fan of Brennan Williams, Xavier Nixon or Jordan Mills.

Not that this is some huge need that needs to be addressed right now. Breno Giacomini starts at right tackle this year regardless. And he could still be re-signed to a modest extension. So there’s no need to panic.

By the way, speaking of Jordan Mills…

Antoine Winfield update

#Vikings DB Antoine Winfield will be en route to Seattle for a visit with #Seahawks today. Vikings making a strong push, mending fences tho

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 8, 2013

I’m intrigued to see how this situation plays out. Personally, I still wouldn’t be making any big push for Winfield until after the draft. This is a front office that has consistently managed to unearth talent in the secondary without major investment or turning to ageing veterans. Winfield was good in his day, but he’s still a free agent for a reason.

The return of Jon Gruden

It’s that time of year again. Jon Gruden’s QB camp’s are compulsive viewing during the draft process. The likes of Marcus Lattimore, Luke Joeckel and Manti Te’o are also taking part this year (which isn’t unusual, Earl Thomas met with Gruden in 2010). You can see Geno Smith’s grilling above. They’re fun to watch and Gruden is an engaging personality. Although he gets touted for coaching jobs every year, he has a certain flair for broadcasting. It’s no surprise he hasn’t rushed back to the NFL, or college. Although personally I think he would’ve been a great fit for the San Diego Chargers gig this year.

Former #Vikings CB Antoine Winfield is expected to visit the Seahawks early next week, according to a source.

— Sean Jensen (@seankjensen) April 7, 2013

The Seahawks also met with Cullen Jenkins and John Abraham. They signed neither. Winfield’s visit is no guarantee of a deal. It’s likely a meeting was proposed when he was initially cut by the Vikings. “See what your market is and if you want to come for a meeting after that, we’d be happy to entertain you for a meeting.”

It’s worth remembering how much success this team has had drafting young corners (or in Brandon Browner’s case, plucking them out of the CFL). Winfield has a great reputation but there’s a reason he’s still a free agent. The Seahawks might return to this situation after the draft when they can take stock of where they’re at.

Personally, I’d be surprised if this meeting led to a contract unless he was prepared to take a miniature salary to play for a competitor.

Matt Leinart, Brady Quinn to work out for the Seahawks Monday, along w/ Seneca Wallace + Tyler Thigpen: usatoday.com/story/sports/n…

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 7, 2013

Let the quarterback competition begin.

It seems likely one of these guys will be signed, but that doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily be the backup. I would expect some form of training camp competition involving one of these four, Josh Portis (re-signed last week) and a rookie (drafted or undrafted). Then it’s a case of who wins the job.

That’ll make the pre-season games slightly more interesting than they otherwise would be.

In terms of possible late round or UDFA quarterback prospects, I still like Sean Renfree (Duke), Colby Cameron (Louisiana Tech) and B.J. Daniels (USF).

Yesterday I posted a piece discussing the possibility of Seattle looking at Quinton Patton. It included quotes that made it seem like he was the second coming of Chad Johnson. And I’m not talking about on the field.

I think the interview above puts things into perspective. He’s sparky on game-day, he likes to talk. But he’s also articulate and not a clown. I can see why the Seahawks would show a lot of interest here. Having watched four Louisiana Tech Games this weekend to focus on Patton, he’s also a little more talented than I initially thought. He has a knack of making one bad play for every three good plays. But there’s something there.

He’s an interesting player and one to keep an eye on for sure. He’s an option if he’s there during day two.

British Olympian Lawrence Okoye impresses at NFL Super Regional Combine on Sunday nfl.com/news/story/0ap…

— NFL: AroundTheLeague (@NFL_ATL) April 7, 2013

Being British myself I’ve followed this story closely, but I feel obliged to tap the breaks a little bit too.

Lawrence Okoye competed in the discuss at London 2012 for Team GB. Essentially, British athletics were desperate to put on a strong performance as the home nation. Armed with fistfuls of cash, they spread their net far and wide to find potential Olympic athletes who could win medals for Team GB.

Okoye was a rugby player who fit the criteria and took on the discus. He didn’t do particularly well (in truth, he struggled). So after trying his hand at rugby and discus, he’s now having a go at the NFL.

Gil Brandt’s article suggests he turned down a place at Cambridge University to try for the NFL. This isn’t strictly true. He put on hold the opportunity to read Law at Oxford for the Olmypics. Whether he’s continuing to delay that decision now, I’m not sure. I don’t know how long Oxford waits for you. After the Olympics he did say he was going to stick with the discus and he’s since stated he’ll return to athletics if the football doesn’t work out.

Okoye has the look of a NFL player. However, several other British athletes also looked the part and found themselves to be out of their depth with the Gridiron. For example, if you put Marshawn Lynch on a rugby field he’d be less ‘Beast Mode’ and more ‘what am I supposed to be doing here?’

Physically you can be a match made in heaven, but you just can’t start playing a sport and excel. Okoye has never, ever played American Football. Think about that for a second.

Dwain Chambers was another British Olympian and still competes in the 100m today. He tried out for NFL Europe as a receiver and couldn’t pick it up.

I’m rooting for Okoye, but I fear the hype factor is set to go into overdrive, particularly with the NFL seemingly desperate to branch out internationally. Don’t expect him to be drafted as suggested in the NFL.com article. He’ll have to do it the hard way. We’ll wish him luck in his latest venture.

Also, on Quinton Patton, the #Seahawks have been very interested for a while apparently. Back to the 2011 season.

— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) April 6, 2013

I’ve not spent a ton of time studying Patton, but what I did see was generally a bit hit and miss. Yet this tweet seems to suggest a large degree of interest. This doesn’t mean the Seahawks will draft him at #56 if available, they might be really interested but with a third round grade only (for example). Even so, it’s interesting to highlight another prospect who could be a day two target.

Patton’s an interesting character. In this piece by Tyler Dunne (the same guy who wrote the Tweet above), he talked about his admiration for Chad Johnson. The article kind of explains why…

When Rob Likens first met Patton, he thought the receiver took it too far. The Louisiana Tech assistant head coach / wide receivers coach, who is now at California, had the same, mystifying first impression teammates did.

Dude, shut up.

“This guy hadn’t done anything and he’s coming in here, talking and all that,” Likens said. “When I spent every day with him, he’s like that every second he’s awake. He’s just energetic. He’s like that in the lunchroom, he’s like that everywhere.”

Patton’s future roommate felt the same way. Wide receiver Myles White is from Livonia, Mich. Up north, people are more laidback, reserved, he says. White wasn’t used to an unapologetic swagger. Patton was loud, obnoxious. White would often ask, “Why are you yelling for no reason?”

“At first, I said ‘He talks too much,’ ” White said. “After you get to know him, you see it’s his personality. Not just a show.”

I don’t have a problem with cocky, brass players. I’ve interviewed enough people from a multitude of sports to appreciate a guy who loves the sound of his own voice. As long as it never drifts into a negative on-field product, then it’s fine. Sport is better when there are characters playing and starring. Essentially, there’s supreme confidence and being a diva. There’s a fine line between the two sometimes.

The Seahawks aren’t averse to players having an outspoken personality (see: Richard Sherman). They’re not looking for robots or choir boys. That’s a positive thing. Too often under Tim Ruskell this franchise shut out talented players because they didn’t fit a strict criteria. If Carroll and Schneider feel Patton has a certain star quality to him, on and off the field, he could be landing in Seattle on day two. If, of course, he doesn’t leave the board earlier than most people expect. He has been touted by some as a possible first rounder.

Drafting a receiver early can’t be ruled out. Green Bay regularly stocked up their pack of wide-outs during Schneider’s time in Wisconsin. They didn’t shy away from drafting Jordy Nelson in round two despite having a deep crew of receivers. They went back into round two for Randall Cobb. They anticipated a day when Greg Jennings and Donald Driver wouldn’t be on the roster and planned accordingly. I don’t think you can ever have enough good wide-outs anyway.

Seattle should anticipate a future without Sidney Rice’s mega contract or prospective free-agent Golden Tate. Sacrifices will need to be made down the line. Despite what most people will tell you, receiver is a vital position in this league. Adding a potential star in this years draft gives you some security for the future, but it also doesn’t put pressure on the rookie to start in 2013. Patton could easily be red-shirted as he learns the finer points of the play book.

I need to watch some more tape on this guy. I’ve added four games below if you want to do the same.

my pick for SEA at #56 is William Gholston, 6-6, 281, 34 arm, add some weight and he can play 3T & 5T

— Davis Hsu (@DavisHsuSeattle) April 5, 2013

I’ve got a lot of time for Davis Hsu and his take on the Seahawks. I’m guessing most of you share that opinion. This was an interesting shout, bringing attention to a name we haven’t discussed yet.

With Gholston’s height, reach and ample size, he’s someone to keep an eye on. He carries 281lbs well and could even add another 10-15 to feature inside. The Seahawks have looked for length at defensive tackle, and length is Gholston’s best asset. He ran a 4.93 at the combine but shaved it down to a 4.8 at the Michigan State pro-day.

I do think he’s the kind of project Seattle could take on. He came into the college season as a possible top-50 selection, but ended up a major let down. I watched him against Notre Dame, Ohio State, Michigan and Nebraska and he failed to generate a single sack. It’s not all about stats, but in general he was a non-factor. After looking like an unrefined physical talent in 2011, he simply dropped off the radar this year. It was a little bit surprising he turned pro in the end. He was given a grade in the round 3-4 range by the draft committee.

He relies far to much on power and the bull rush to beat his man off the edge. It’s so predictable. Gholston’s incapable of mixing it up. He’s not got the foot speed or the hand use. He won’t think three snaps ahead to set up a blocker. There’s no repertoire. He’s basically a one-trick pony off the edge.

Any team looking to draft him as a power end will be distinctly unimpressed with the 2012 tape. In fact, I’d argue he’d be lucky to find a home in round four. Aside from rank average tape, he’s guilty by association. Gholston. As in, cousin of Vernon. To look at him, Vernon Gholston was a monster. And he played like a pussy cat.

You can’t help but think of the titanic bust from 2008 when watching his namesake at MSU. It’s incredible that at just 26, Vernon’s career is over. At one stage last season I wondered if William’s would ever get to age 26. His tape, particularly against the run, was just so lethargic. Underwhelming. Underachieving. He flirted with brilliance, but never quite got there. When you watch him getting driven back by a tight end you start to worry.

Yet the Seahawks dare to go where others won’t. A 6-6, 281lbs lineman to Seattle may scream ‘potential’. He’s not a big personality or character. He’s going to need some pushing around and cajoling. But get him up to 290-295lbs and he might be a capable defensive tackle in this unique 4-3 under-with-a-twist scheme.

Whether or not they’d take him at #56 I’m not sure. Mike Mayock ranks him as the #4 3-4 end available in the draft. In other places I’ve seen him with a grade between rounds 3-5. I suspect if they were going to take a chance, they’d want to wait a little bit. I’m thinking in that round 4-5 range. He’s one to keep an eye on though. There aren’t many tall, long defensive tackles in this class. Guys like Gholston will be all the more intriguing as convert prospects.

@robstatoncan you give 5 to tens names I should be considering @ 56

— joseph muldoon (@josephmuldoon) April 5, 2013

Wild stab in the dark time…

1. Khaseem Greene (LB, Rutgers)
2. Terron Armstead (T, Arkansas Pine-Bluff)
3. Brennan Williams (T, North Carolina)
4. Matt Scott (QB, Arizona)
5. Johnthan Banks (CB, Mississippi State)
6. Jordan Mills (T, Louisiana Tech)
7. Denard Robinson (RB, Michigan)
8. Travis Kelce (TE, Cincinnati)
9. John Simon (DE, Ohio State)
10. Christine Michael (RB, Texas A&M)

I could’ve included others, but tried to keep names in the list who might have a chance of making it to #56. The likes of Sylvester Williams, Menelik Watson, Robert Woods, Kyle Long, Gavin Escobar and Margus Hunt (for example) were assumed to be off the board. I didn’t include a single defensive tackle because unfortunately, I’m not convinced there are any players that fit what Seattle is looking for (length, size) in the round two range. I think this is a need they will try to address later on.

I wanted to put Steadman Bailey on the list. And Ryan Swope. But ‘short receiver’ probably isn’t a priority right now. If you want to know why Matt Scott is on the list, scroll down to the bottom of this piece.

Really I could put thirty names on this list and they’d still draft that player who was kind of obvious in hindsight but nobody thought about at the time…

Mayock is plugged-in around NFL, so have to wonder if movement in his rankings reflects what he’s heard from league execs.

— Evan Silva (@evansilva) April 5, 2013

Earlier I referred to Mayock’s rankings. As noted in the tweet above, Mayock is connected. It doesn’t mean he’ll get everything right, but he doesn’t do any mock drafts to be officially proven wrong either. He’s moved Eric Fisher above Luke Joeckel this week. Could that represent an indication that Kansas City might be leaning more towards Fisher at #1?

If Joeckel doesn’t go first overall, should we expect a mad scramble for the #2 pick (currently owned by Jacksonville) as teams like Arizona, Detroit, San Diego and Miami contemplate the opportunity to lock down their left tackle position for the next decade?

I’ve no doubt the Jaguars would love to move down. Perhaps more than once. I suspect their game plan will be to rebuild a terrible defense, add a big running back to partner Maurice Jones-Drew and just become tougher across the board. That’s how the Seahawks started under Carroll. That’s how the Jaguars should start under Caldwell/Bradley.

It wouldn’t surprise me if Joeckel and Fisher ended up going #1 and #2, whichever teams they end up with. Geno Smith should follow shortly after. Then it’s a crap shoot. Which is why a guy like Tavon Austin could suddenly find himself within the top-ten. Not impressed with anyone in particular? Draft the chess piece who ran a 4.2. Would anyone be surprised?

@robstaton my opinion is 3rd/4th but some i trust tell me late 2nd is a possibility..i think thats a bit early but that opinion is out there

— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) April 5, 2013

One final note… Tony Pauline is reporting that Matt Scott had a terrific work out with the Seahawks today. Apparently Scott completed, “all but two of the 65 passes he was asked to throw.” He also finished the session with a 65-yard downfield bomb. That’s why he’s on the list above for options at #56. As you can see from the tweet, Pauline believes the late second is a possibility.

Terron Armstead made headlines at the combine by running a 4.65 at 6-5 and 306lbs (it was later changed to an official 4.71, see above). I remember at the time wondering if Seattle would pull a reverse-Sweezy. Maybe they consider it? He’s got the length and the size they look for at defensive tackle. That’s some explosive speed for a big guy. Dion Jordan ran a 4.60 at 248lbs. Think about that comparison.

It’s fun to think about that kind of switch, yet in reality it’s unlikely. One of the reasons I suspect Seattle and Cable started to look at defensive converts is the extreme difference that’s started to emerge between offensive and defensive lineman. The best athletes in college play defense these days. As time goes on, it’s going to get harder and harder to find orthodox lineman apart from the usual stud left tackles. Once again the Seahawks are ahead of the curve in looking for defensive players who can switch. The league will catch on, especially if J.R. Sweezy develops into a permanent starter. We’d start to see more and more of this, because it could be the only way to match up physically in the trenches.

Moving from offense to defense — the reverse-Sweezy — seems unlikely. There’s already enough great athletes playing defense. Armstead is rare in that he actually has the tools to play offensive line in the modern NFL. Keep him where he is.

It’s been quite a journey for the former High School shot-putter. He started the draft process as an unknown from Arkansas Pine-Bluff, impressed at the Shrine game, made a last minute arrival at the Senior Bowl and left Indianapolis as a major talking point. No doubt many teams were scrambling to get hold of game tape after his performance at the combine.

As an athletic specimen, he’s the type Seattle probably salivates over. That’s why you can’t rule him out if he’s there at #56. As we’ve discussed before, the Seahawks can’t pay every offensive player top dollar. While Breno Giacomini performed very well for the most part last year, the right tackle position is sufficiently unimportant (context) that you don’t need to pay your starter $4.25m (Giacomini’s salary this year). It’s the kind of sacrifice you’ll need to make to keep guys like Russell Wilson, Percy Harvin, Russell Okung and Marshawn Lynch (etc) on the roster.

Armstead, if drafted at #56, would cost $644k as a rookie and a maximum of $1.2m by year four. That’s a huge saving for a position of limited importance (again, in context). Red-shirting him for a year behind Giacomini limits the need to throw him in at the deep end/ He could be spelled just like Sweezy and John Moffitt last year. It also allows Tom Cable to work with him and develop him into a more rounded pro.

I suppose you could argue that if the position is of secondary importance, why spend a second round pick? It’d be a fair point. Yet this is a team that has shown a tendency to chance their arm on upside. Armstead certainly has a lot of athletic potential and if they want to take a chance on a guy like this, they’re unlikely to find an alternative beyond day two. He has decent arm length (34 inches, the same as Menelik Watson, 1/4 of an inch shorter than Luke Joeckel). He’s definitely an intriguing player.

One of the reasons I argued heavily against taking Gabe Carimi in 2011 was because he’s a pure right tackle. I would never ever draft a player in round one who’s tagged as a pure right tackle. It usually means, like Carimi, they’re poor against the speed rush and play best in the run game. The NFL has changed and a lot of teams use dual rushers off the edge. Elite rushers like Mario Williams, Clay Matthews and J.J. Watt roam around, stunting and playing both edges. If you’re drafting a tackle in round one or two these days, I think the least you should expect is they can handle speed. A lot of these ‘pure’ right tackles can’t.

D.J. Fluker is another example. Watch Alabama tape and he has some struggles against speed. Yes he’s a powerful drive blocker for the run. I suspect, like James Carpenter, he’ll end up at guard because he’ll struggle when taking on the game’s best pass rushers. The one thing in Fluker’s locker is long arms — well over 36 inches to be exact. That’s some serious length.

Armstead has the quicks. It wouldn’t be misplaced confidence to believe he can cope well against a speed rush. I don’t take a great deal out of small school tape (see below) because the competition is so comparatively weak. Yet he did enough to keep me interested. And given Seattle has one of the best offensive line coaches in the league — I’d love to see what he could do with this guy. He’s a solid option at #56. Maybe even the type of player Seattle thrives on progressing.