Author: Rob Staton (Page 365 of 423)

We’re less than a month away from the draft and less than a week away from discovering the Seahawks new uniforms. Two titanic events (seriously) that will shape the design of the 2012 season in two very different ways. I want to draw attention to yesterday’s ‘State of the franchise’ feature by the NFL Network on the Seahawks. For the uniform enthusiasts (you know who you are) there appears to be a glimpse/leak of the team’s soon-to-be new logo in the intro, replacing the ‘Seahawks blue’ with what appears to be ‘Seahawks silver’. More importantly though, the piece features an interview with Pete Carroll:

“We’re excited about our defense, we really had a pretty consistent year finishing well, we really took the ball away from our opponents down the stretch that made a big difference. We’re excited – a very young group. We’re going to continue to build within, we’re trying to keep it together as much as possible and a couple of parts here as we go through the draft. I think it’s going to be a very formidable group. It’s one that’s excited and we’re looking to a big year for these guys.”

The defense is nearly there. There’s a lot of talent in the secondary and the defensive line is mostly set since the re-signing of Red Bryant. Two key areas remain unfilled – a further addition to the pass rush and at least one more linebacker. There are the two areas I suspect Carroll was referring to above, and the two key areas I expect to be addressed within the first three rounds of the draft.

I think they’re looking for a hybrid to fill one of the gaps – a pass rusher who reads well in space, can play at the LOS, take snaps at defensive end and provide solid run defense. Courtney Upshaw and Melvin Ingram personify that role and in my view, remain the two most likely targets for Seattle in round one. The second hole will be middle linebacker and I expect the Seahawks to follow the league’s trend by looking for speed at the position, mixed in with some attitude and coverage ability.It wouldn’t surprise me if the Seahawks even looked at slightly undersized MLB’s who can move well and play smart.

It’s not the orthodox type we’ve come to expect at the MIKE, but times are changing and tight end’s are getting harder to cover. Prospects such as Mychal Kendricks and Zach Brown could be on the radar in round two if available. Kendricks only switched to the middle as a senior and Brown hasn’t played MLB, but options remain with KJ Wright also capable of moving inside. Speed rather than size is quickly becoming the key factor at linebacker in the league.

Running back will almost certainly get some attention early because the Seahawks appreciate the importance of the ground game to their offense. Even with Marshawn Lynch re-signed, they’ll need an upgrade at the #2 spot to help carry the load and fill in if Lynch misses time. As with the linebacker position, there will be plenty of options at running back in rounds 2-3. These are the three key areas I envisage the Seahawks looking at, with potential exceptions based on day-two value.

The Seahawks currently have six picks in total. For a full run down of the confirmed draft order, click here.

Jacksonville provoked the biggest tweak in this week’s projection. Their decision to actively pursue Tim Tebow was an eye-opener – a decision seemingly motivated by owner Shahid Khan’s desire selling tickets rather than building around GM Gene Smith’s vision. Smith traded up for Blaine Gabbert and the fact is he remains part of the team’s future, so it’s time to try and make him the way to sell tickets. The Jaguars employed an offensive minded Head Coach in Mike Mularkey who made use of talented receiver options in Atlanta, and Mularkey is unlikely to be satisfied with just Laurent Robinson as the team’s sole investment at the position.

For many weeks I’ve expected the Jaguars to play it safe and draft a pass rusher, which is still a big need. However, the last few days make you wonder exactly who is making the decisions here. Khan may step in again to instruct his staff to draft someone who can be the dynamic go-to receiver they lack. That could mean making a small move up the board to draft Justin Blackmon – let’s not rule that out. But if Blackmon leaves the board before #6 and no deal materialises, could they look to the next best receiver on their board? After weeks of thinking otherwise, maybe it is possible after all?

Updated first round mock draft

	#1 Andrew Luck (QB, Stanford) The inevitable.

	#2 Robert Griffin III (QB, Baylor) The inevitable part II.

	#3 Matt Kalil (OT, USC) Minnesota won’t waste any time calling Kalil’s name. He has elite potential. The inevitable part III.

	#4 Trent Richardson (RB, Alabama) The Browns have to find someone on offense to build around. Richardson would be the wise choice here.

	#5 Morris Claiborne (CB, LSU) The biggest spenders in free agency, Tampa Bay could still use a stud cornerback.

	#6 Justin Blackmon (WR, Oklahoma State) The Rams know this is now a three-draft plan so they need to take whoever is highest on their board with this pick.

	#7 Malcolm Floyd (WR, Notre Dame) They want to sell tickets, which means putting an offense on the field that is more exciting than last year’s farce.

	#8 Ryan Tannehill (QB, Texas A&M) Is this Plan C? Or are we further down the alphabet by now?

	#9 Quinton Coples (DE, North Carolina) Carolina wants players that will fit into 3-4 and 4-3 looks and Coples fits the bill.

	#10 Riley Reiff (OT, Iowa) The Bills are going to draft an offensive lineman here, the only question is which one will they choose?

	#11 Melvin Ingram (DE, South Carolina) You can never have too many pass rushers, especially with Peyton Manning now in the division.

	#12 Courtney Upshaw (DE, Alabama) Seattle needs to find a DE/OLB hybrid who reads well in space. Upshaw fits the bill perfectly.

	#13 Jonathan Martin (OT, Stanford) Whoever is playing quarterback for Arizona next year, the Cardinals simply must draft an offensive tackle.

	#14 Cordy Glenn (OT, Georgia) The moves made in free agency will allow the Cowboys to target Cordy Glenn or David DeCastro at this spot.

	#15 Fletcher Cox (DT, Mississippi State) One team will fall for Cox’s athleticism and ensure he’s taken early in the first round.

	#16 Dontari Poe (DT, Memphis) This is a fall of sorts given he blew up the combine. Rex Ryan will probably appreciate the potential on offer here.

	#17 David DeCastro (OG, Stanford) Cincinnati will want to make sure one of their first round picks is a corner, but DeCastro is hard to pass here.

	#18 Vinny Curry (DE, Marshall) With the top offensive lineman leaving the board before the #18 pick, San Diego may fill another big need here.

	#19 Michael Brockers (DT, LSU) Trading for Brandon Marshall will allow Chicago to concentrate on the best lineman available at this spot.

	#20 Peter Konz (OC, Wisconsin) There’s always a few shocks in round one. Konz is good enough to justify a pick this early and will play in the league for a decade.

	#21 Stephon Gilmore (CB, South Carolina) Gilmore’s performance at the combine has seemingly done enough to cement his place in the top-25 picks.

	#22 Kendall Wright (WR, Baylor) Cleveland needs to keep adding playmakers and could see Wright as a nice compliment to Greg Little.

	#23 Whitney Mercilus (DE, Illinois) The Lions have built up their interior defensive line, but could look to add another edge rusher here.

	#24 Mike Adams (OT, Ohio State) There are some legitimate concerns about Adams’ play, but Pittsburgh may take a chance.

	#25 Luke Kuechly (LB, Boston College) This is now the Peyton Manning show and they could easily go offense here. However, the defense also needs a new leader.

	#26 Stephen Hill (WR, Georgia Tech) Mind-blowing potential given his size, athleticism and hands. He stood out in limited targets during the 2011 season.

	#27 Doug Martin (RB, Boise State) It’s not like New England to take a running back in round one, but Doug Martin is special.

	#28 Andre Branch (DE, Clemson) The Packers are running out of options to improve their pass rush and could consider Branch in this situation.

	#29 Dont’a Hightower (LB, Alabama) Dont’a Hightower looks like he was born to play defense for the Ravens.

	#30 Coby Fleener (TE, Stanford) He could go a lot earlier than this. His pro-day raised a few eye-brows

	#31 Devon Still (DT, Penn State) His ability to line up in multiple spots could attract the Patriots, who are looking for more pass rush.

	#32 Dre Kirkpatrick (CB, Alabama) He might be forced to switch to safety. Coverage skills are weak, but he’s solid in run support.

Round two

#33 St. Louis – Jerel Worthy (DT, Michigan State)
#34 Indianapolis – Kevin Zeitler (OG, Wisconsin)
#35 Minnesota – Mohamed Sanu (WR, Rutgers)
#36 Tampa Bay – Bobby Wagner (LB, Utah State)
#37 Cleveland – Nick Perry (DE, USC)
#38 Jacksonville – Chandler Jones (DE, Syracuse)
#39 St. Louis – Kelechi Osemele (OG, Iowa State)
#40 Carolina – Jayron Hosley (CB, Virginia Tech)
#41 Buffalo – Ronnell Lewis (LB, Oklahoma)
#42 Miami – Mark Barron (S, Alabama)
#43 Seattle – Zach Brown (LB, North Carolina)
#44 Kansas City – Amini Silatolu (OG, Midwestern State)
#45 Dallas – Jared Crick (DE, Nebraska)
#46 Philadelphia – Mychal Kendricks (LB, California)
#47 New York Jets – Alshon Jeffery (WR, South Carolina)
#48 New England – Shea McClellin (DE, Boise State)
#49 San Diego – Brandon Brooks (OG, Miami OH)
#50 Chicago – Brandon Boykin (CB, Georgia)
#51 Philadelphia – Brock Osweiler (QB, Arizona State)
#52 Tennessee – Kendall Reyes (DT, Connecticut)
#53 Cincinnati – Lamar Miller (RB, Miami)
#54 Detroit – Dwight Bentley (CB, Louisiana-Lafayette)
#55 Atlanta – Josh Robinson (CB, UCF)
#56 Pittsburgh – Reuben Randle (WR, LSU)
#57 Denver – Brandon Thompson (DT, Clemson)
#58 Houston – Josh Chapman (DT, Alabama)
#59 New Orleans – VOID
#60 Green Bay – Brandon Weeden (QB, Oklahoma State)
#61 Baltimore – Harrison Smith (S, Notre Dame)
#62 San Francisco – Casey Hayward (CB, Vanderbilt)
#63 New York Giants – David Wilson (RB, Virginia Tech)
#64 New England – Lavonte David (LB, Nebraska)

Possible options for the Seahawks in rounds 3/4

(#75) – Chris Polk (RB, Washington), Kirk Cousins (QB, Michigan State), Sean Spence (LB, Miami), Dwayne Allen (TE, Clemson), Michael Egnew (TE, Missouri), Trumaine Johnson (CB, Montana), Jeff Allen (OG, Illinois)

(#106) Russell Wilson (QB, Wisconsin), Robert Turbin (RB, Utah State), Levy Adcock (OT, Oklahoma State), Jeff Allen (OG, Illinois)

Yesterday I was invited to take part in a collaborative mock draft alongside Dan Kadar of Mocking the Draft, Brad Clark of NFL’s Future and Jeff Risdon of Real GM. I’ve posted the results below. I’ll also be updating my own weekly projection tomorrow.

1. Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

This has been the obvious choice since at least December. The only unknown now is how the Colts will surround Luck with talent. The offense needs pieces on the line, the receiver group has been depleted and the run game is only ordinary. It’s a full-blown rebuild in Indianapolis, so they’re fortunate to have a franchise quarterback to build around.

2. Washington Redskins – Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Griffin was destined to be a Brown or Redskin. The ‘Skins pulled off the blockbuster and secured their quarterback of the future in Robert Griffin III.

3. Minnesota Vikings – Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

With Antoine Winfield nearing the end and Chris Cook’s status uncertain, the Vikings opt to fill the huge need at corner. Their division has three excellent QB’s and legit #1 WR’s and they must shore up the back end if they ever want to compete in the NFC North.

4. Cleveland Browns – Matt Kalil, OT, USC

The Browns could trade the rights to Kalil for a kings ransom. We’re not making deals in this mock, so Cleveland takes the best player on the board to create an incredible tandem with Joe Thomas.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

The Buccaneers would be in a tough situation if Claiborne and Kalil are both gone when they pick. That could open them to trading the pick to a team that wants Justin Blackmon. But with LeGarrette Blount sputtering to the finish last season, Richardson would give their offense a sure thing in the run game.

6. St. Louis Rams – Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma St.

They could be trade partners with Cleveland in this scenario for a franchise LT. If they stay put, the cupboards are bare at WR after Brandon Lloyd’s departure to New England. Blackmon could remedy some of the ills for Sam Bradford.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars – Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

They need a pass rushing force opposite Jeremy Mincey. Coples brings great physical tools and versatility to the young defensive front.

8. Miami Dolphins – Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

I’m not a big Tannehill fan but the Dolphins are desperate at the moment and need some positive PR. Drafting a quarterback might be the answer and Mike Sherman’s presence as offensive coordinator could increase the chances of this happening.

9. Carolina Panthers – Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi St.

The Panthers are bringing in several defensive linemen for visits, including Michael Brockers, Coples and Jerel Worthy. With the team set at nose with Sione Fua, the team needs a left tackle capable of generating a blitz. There are tackles more highly regarded than Cox, but he fills a hole better than others.

10. Buffalo Bills – Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

With the additions of Mario Williams and Mark Anderson the focus is off DE. Issues in the secondary and offensive tackle could be addressed here but I don’t see the value. The offense needs more weapons and Floyd is a perfect complement to Stevie Johnson.

11. Kansas City Chiefs – Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

Not the biggest need but Ingram has game-changing ability as a pass rusher and has shown he can play in space against the run. Pass rushing depth is a must in today’s NFL.

12. Seattle Seahawks – Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

The Seahawks need someone who can rush the passer and fit into a DE/OLB hybrid role. Upshaw is the ideal choice, considering how comfortable he is reading in space.

13. Arizona Cardinals – Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

With the top two 3-4 pass rushers off the board in Ingram and Upshaw, the Cardinals may look to upgrade their offensive line. Martin could be used on the left side, shifting the recently re-signed Levi Brown to the right.

14. Dallas Cowboys – Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

Jay Ratliff was inherited by Rob Ryan but certainly isn’t what he looks for in the middle of his defense. Poe is a splash selection with a ton of upside which suits Jerry Jones perfectly. Ratliff and Poe become movable parts for a defense predicated on versatility.

15. Philadelphia Eagles – Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

Lots of different opinions here. Brockers is still learning how to play inside but his is already a very good run defender. He has flashed potential as a pocket-collapsing pass rusher down the road. Brockers fits nicely as part of their DL rotation with Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson.

16. New York Jets – Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall

Riley Reiff’s still on the board and would make a logical choice at right tackle, but the Jets need a pass rusher. Curry is underrated and could go higher than most people expect.

17. Cincinnati Bengals – Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The fall of Kirkpatrick stops here. The Bengals have two picks in the first round and one of them is likely to be a cornerback. Kirkpatrick is a high-end talent who could shift over to free safety in the future.

18. San Diego Chargers – Cordy Glenn, OG/OT, Georgia

The good news for the Chargers is that Glenn can play both tackle and guard. They need both. Re-signing Jared Gaither was a giant step in the right direction but Jeromey Clary remains a mess on the right side. Glenn’s ability to play multiple positions on the OL should be the selling point for A.J. Smith.

19. Chicago Bears – Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

Very physical corner that fits nicely opposite Charles Tillman in an otherwise thin secondary. Could move to safety if the youngsters don’t pan out, and his perimeter run defense is a real plus.

20. Tennessee Titans – Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Adding Kamerion Wimbley allows the Titans to consider other needs instead of taking the next best pass rusher. Konz could be another Alex Mack – an extremely talented center to feature at the heart of Tennessee’s offensive line for the next decade.

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College

Rey Maualuga has been inconsistent on the field and has some off-field concerns. Kuechly, a local guy from Cincinnati, could easily slide into the middle and the team could jettison Maualuga. Now that the team has signed BenJarvus Green-Ellis, running back isn’t necessarily a first-round need.

22. Cleveland Browns – Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

The Browns need to add playmakers to their anemic offense. Wright showed out at the Baylor pro day after a disappointing Combine performance. With Wright’s ability to stretch the defense vertically it should open up the underneath for Greg Little to work.

23. Detroit Lions – Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

With Jeff Backus nearing the end and Gosder Cherilus hitting a walk year, the Lions bolster the tackle position with Reiff. I’ve often compared Reiff to a younger Jeff Backus, which makes him a natural fit in Detroit.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers – David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

DeCastro would be good value at this point and fills a need for the Steelers on the offensive line. He could feature in numerous spots, but his best position is probably the one he played at Stanford – right guard.

25. Denver Broncos – Devon Still, DT, Penn St.

The Broncos have their pass rushers, but need tackles up front who can occupy blocks and play the run. Adding weapons for Peyton Manning will be intriguing, but the team won’t win unless it can improve its overall defense.

26. Houston Texans – Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech

The Texans have failed to find a legit weapon opposite Andre Johnson for years. It all changes in 2012 with the addition of Hill. Hill’s as raw as they come but too much potential to pass at this point in the draft.

27. New England Patriots – Whitney Mercilus, DE/OLB, Illinois

The Patriots use the Mark Ingram booty on Mercilus, an edge rusher to fill the role of the departed Mark Anderson and his double-digit sacks. Mercilus had 22 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, and 9 forced fumbles in 2011, his only good college season.

28. Green Bay Packers – Andre Branch, DE/OLB, Clemson

The Packers need a pass rusher here and Branch is the best fit for their 3-4 defense. He’s not quite got the production of Mercilus at #27, but he has a nice initial burst and underrated technique.

29. Baltimore Ravens – Kelechi Osemele, OG/OT, Iowa St.

Along with losing Ben Grubbs via free agency, the Ravens have an aging Bryant McKinnie at left tackle. Osemele would be a player the Ravens could use inside at guard or move outside when McKinnie leaves if Jah Reid is ineffective.

30. San Francisco 49ers – Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

Athletic TE’s are in vogue in today’s NFL. Delanie Walker will likely be gone after this season leaving Vernon Davis the only option in an offense that relies on two tight ends. Fleener can be used in a multitude of ways with his athleticism. Fleener won’t make a living in-line but he won’t need to in Harbaugh’s system. The thought of a Fleener/Davis duo is mind numbing.

31. New England Patriots – Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan St.

Worthy is a hot-and-cold player that can dominate as an interior rusher when he’s on his game. Vince Wilfork is the only DT under contract beyond 2012, which makes getting quality reinforcements a bigger need than most perceive.

32. New York Giants – Mark Barron, SS, Alabama

Personally, I’d draft Doug Martin or Dont’a Hightower. However, I think the Giants will wait on a running back or linebacker and consider other options here. As long as he’s healthy, Mark Barron is still good value and he had a tremendous 2011 season.

Stanford tight end Coby Fleener made headlines at Stanford’s pro-day last week, running times in the 4.4-4.5 region at 6-6, 247lbs. He missed the combine due to rehab on a high ankle sprain picked up in the Fiesta Bowl.

Pass-catching tight ends that can stretch the field are en vogue at the moment, largely thanks to Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham. You’ll hear a lot of talk about how Gronkowski only ran a 4.65 in the combine in comparison, but it’s worth noting he’s 20lbs heavier than Fleener. Even so, he doesn’t necessarily have to be as spectacular as Tom Brady’s favorite target to be a success.

The Seahawks have placed a lot of emphasis on the tight end position since Pete Carroll’s arrival in Seattle, drafting Anthony McCoy and then signing Zach Miller to a $34m contract. Unfortunately, despite the teams best efforts, they’re yet to find any legitimate production from their TE’s. Miller managed just 25 receptions for 233 yards last season with zero touchdowns. John Carlson similarly struggled for production in 2010, while both Cameron Morrah and Anthony McCoy have battled injury and inconsistency.

Of course, a lot of this is down to the emergency blocking responsibilities during multiple injury crises on the offensive line. Even so, it appears the position remains one of serious priority. The Seahawks hosted Jacob Tamme and Visanthe Shiancoe recently, while they reportedly had interest in Washington’s Fred Davis (a former USC Trojan) before he was franchised by the Redskins. Pete wants a TE.

So the hunt is on to find a greater compliment to Miller. It’s been apparent from day one of the Carroll era that he wants to use a lot of 2TE sets. The offense is being built around the run, so having a lot of 2TE formations is no real shock. Finding TE’s who can block well and also get downfield quickly and help exploit play-action will be crucial moving forward. Considering the free agent market has so far failed to provide a solution, there’s a possibility the Seahawks will look to draft. That doesn’t mean Seattle will necessarily take a tight end early, but if the right one is available – who knows?

Fleener’s stock-busting performance last week probably secured his position in round one. San Francisco would like another tight end, so would the New York Giants. In fact there are multiple teams from Philadelphia at #15 onwards that could draft the guy in the first round. If there are GM’s and coaches out there looking for their version of ‘the Gronk’, they might take a chance on ‘the Fleen’.

But what if he slips through the cracks, and actually makes it to the top of round two? After all, prior to his workout nobody really expected him to be a first round lock. I’ve touted him as a firm second round prospect, as have a lot of other mock drafters (can we use that as a word?). Seattle’s priorities in rounds 1-3 are likely to center around DE, RB and LB – and I think it’s almost certain a pass rusher will be taken at #12. Beyond that? Maybe things are a little more flexible, especially if value matches need. Fleener falls into that category and for that reason he’s one to keep an eye on.

Compensatory picks

As expected, the Seahawks didn’t receive any compensatory picks today. Last year’s free-agency splurge on the likes of Sidney Rice, Robert Gallery and Zach Miller ended any chances of that happening. For a full list of what the NFL dished out, click here.

It means the Seattle currently only has six picks in the 2012 draft – their own choices in rounds 1-4, a 6th rounder and a 7th rounder acquired from Oakland for Aaron Curry. They traded their 5th choice to Buffalo as part of the Marshawn Lynch deal and their original 7th choice to Detroit for Tyler Polumbus.

(polls)

One player is likely to be a first round pick, the other is hoping to be taken early in round two. There’s a lot of people making a case for Luke Kuechly to Seattle with the #12 pick, but others will argue there’s better options later on. Following on from yesterday’s debate about Courtney Upshaw and Melvin Ingram, I wanted to look at another position of need today that is likely to be addressed in the first three rounds.

This is a slightly different discussion from yesterday. For starters, Upshaw and Ingram are competing to possibly be Seattle’s favored choice at #12. Here, we talking about the pro’s and con’s of taking a linebacker in round one or waiting until later. Is the MIKE vital enough to warrant a big investment in round one? Is Luke Kuechly so good, you just can’t pass? Or do you see a lot of similarities between Kuechly and Mychal Kendricks and would rather target a different need in round one? Maybe you think Kendricks is the better player?

Neither has elite size. Kuechly has the edge here because he’s taller at 6-3 and at least has the potential to gain extra weight (currently 242lbs). Kendricks is shorter at 5-11 and his frame already looks maxed out at 239lbs. Both players performed well at the combine – Kendricks in particular – and teams may consider a moving either to the outside in a 4-3 scheme where the size issue is less of a concern. Indeed Kendricks has real potential to move to the WILL (he only moved inside as a senior) and that adaptability could interest a team like Seattle, wanting to use different looks.

Kuechly’s read and react skills are among the highest you’ll ever see for a middle-linebacker prospect and although he’s not a big hitter who makes a lot of highlight-reel plays, he’s constantly around the ball carrier. This is the main difference between the two and although Kendricks is far from reckless, he does tend to suffer from ‘tunnel vision’. If you’re looking for an intense individual who plays with attitude, Kendricks is your man. If you’re looking for ice-cold leadership and consistency without much in the way of the spectacular, Kuechly’s your man.

There’s also some difference between the two in terms of leadership. Kuechly is a consomate pro, worshiped by his coaches at Boston College and most people expect he’ll be a team-leader even as a rookie. Kendricks had some minor issues at California, including unspecified low-key suspensions and nobody’s quite sure why he didn’t attend the Senior Bowl. At the same time, we’re talking about the PAC-12 defensive player of the year and although he’s not necessarily the blue-collar leader Kuechly is, nobody can deny Kendricks was the heart and soul of the Golden Bears defense.

I’ve included tape of three games for each prospect below. Take a look, make your vote and then back it up in the comments section.

(polls)

Two highly rated SEC pass rushers. Two prospects that make a lot of sense for the Seahawks in round one. So who has the edge?

There are similarities between the pair, especially with the role they’d take in Seattle. I think the Seahawks are looking for a compliment to Chris Clemons, and that’ll mean someone who can play as a 3-4 linebacker in certain looks and feature as an orthodox pass rusher in 4-3 sets. This is a hybrid defense and it could become even more so in 2012. Using Clemons as a specialist LEO has brought production in his two years with the team, but the Seahawks know they need more. Jason Jones will help as a situational three-technique, but it’s also about finding a greater presence off the edge. Upshaw and Ingram fit the bill perfectly as scheme diverse players who can also get to the quarterback. And that’s the key thing here, the Seahawks need to improve their pass rush more than anything else in the first round of the draft.

Being able to play multiple positions will be vital and it’s what seperates these two prospects from some of the other highly graded first round defensive lineman. Upshaw has experience in Alabama’s hybrid scheme and was asked to work underneath coverage, rush inside, beat the edge and provide a high level of run support. He’s very comfortable working in space and although he’s a little too stiff to take on full-time linebacker duties, he’ll become a real force in run defense and provide a high-motor pass rushing compliment opposite Clemons. Ingram similarly has experience in different roles having featured at both defensive end and tackle for South Carolina and also taking on some minor coverage duties when lining up outside. Versatility will be necessary for Ingram because he won’t lock down one side of an offensive line and he too often struggled with double teams when rushing the the interior. However, by moving him around frequently to keep blockers guessing he could have some success as a pass rusher.

There are also key differences too. Upshaw doesn’t have Ingram’s athleticism but he more than makes up for it with a complete mastery of leverage and upper/lower body power. He’s the superior player reading in space and will consistently diagnose, react and execute. Upshaw’s a pure football player who thrives on competition and will likely have a quick impact in the NFL. Ingram’s superior speed could potentially make him a greater threat off the edge and his spin-move will trick pro-lineman just as much as it did those in the college ranks. He needs to do a better job with his hands and too often struggles to disengage, but Pete Carroll likes rare athleticism and players who are a little different. Ingram showed with his assortment of highlight reel plays last year that while he’s far form a polished, orthodox pass rusher – he’s capable of having a big impact in the SEC. And who knows, maybe we’ll see him take the occasional fake punt to the house…

Although there’s a lot of talk right now about prospects such as Luke Kuechly and David DeCastro, it wouldn’t surprise me if Upshaw and Ingram were 1a and 1b on Seattle’s board of realistic targets. Will either be there at #12? It’s far from a lock, but it’s possible. And although there’s a lot of mixed opinions about these two players, don’t expect either to make it past the top-16.

Vote in the poll and back up your decision in the comments section.

In the lead-up to the draft we’re going to look at some of the linebacker prospects that could be on Seattle’s radar beyond after round one. The Seahawks are looking for more speed in the front seven and with David Hawthorne and Leroy Hill both free agents, linebacker could become a key need. We started this series with California’s Mychal Kendricks  and today we’ll look at Oklahoma’s Ronnell Lewis.  

Game tape vs Texas  

  

Game tape vs Nebraska  

  

Lewis comes into the NFL with a few concerns. He has some injury history including persistent back problems, minor knee surgery and having to be carted off in the 2011 Fiesta Bowl with a neck injury. The coaches at Oklahoma recommended he turned pro after an academic-related suspension for missing class. This goes alongside more favorable reviews about his leadership and a style of play that earned the nickname ‘the hammer’.  

Oklahoma predominantly used Lewis as a pass rusher, often lining him up on the edge of a four-man front of even in certain three-man looks. At 6-2 and 253lbs he’s going to have to transition to OLB – probably as a WILL in the 4-3 – but an impressive 36 reps of the bench press in Indianapolis shows he has more strength than his frame would suggest. His surprising strength will help avoid being engulfed by blockers at the next level and 4.68 speed will help when rushing the passer. Generally, he’s a thoroughly modern defensive prospect who can line up in many different positions to have an impact.  

The element of mystery comes with the fact he’ll transition to a new position at the next level, so judging him as a pass rusher makes a definite grade tough to come by. He’ll need quick instincts to play linebacker and generally looking at the tape there’s room for improvement. He’s more of a ‘pin your ears’ back type and when he is asked to make a judgement to react to the ball carrier or to help set the edge rather than dip inside, he’s sometimes on his heels or dwelling a little longer than preferable to make the right call. He makes up for it with raw athleticism, but to avoid being a liability at the next level he needs to show a natural field IQ – something Mychal Kendricks scores very highly on.  

He appears quickly in pursuit when asked to chase the ball so playing from a deeper position may afford him the opportunity to flash greater instinct as things develop. Kendricks benefits greatly from avoiding the cluster of bodies at the LOS, identifying a gap and exploding. Lewis’ combination of speed, strength and hard hitting may make for an even better overall package – and he’s flashed a greater playmaking knack during his career with the Sooners that could translate even more to the OLB position.  

Lewis’ tackling ability is first rate and he’s a secure, wrap-up tackler who has the wide base and power you want to see for the position. His nickname is well earned and with extra time to let the plays unfold, he could become quite a feared player in the second level and in underneath coverage. He’s a little tight in the hips which will limit his effectiveness in coverage especially in the slot, but he’ll also suffer slightly in 1vs1 situations in the open field.  

The one thing he brings to the table that the likes of Kendricks, Keenan Robinson and others don’t is proven pass-rushing quality. We’ve seen the guy playing defensive end for a powerhouse school and be effective. Whoever drafts Lewis will feel confident using him at the LOS on third downs and will create packages to get him pressuring the QB in obvious passing situations. He could develop into a Julian Peterson-style rusher eventually and while Peterson entered the league much more polished overall, Lewis has the same kind of tools for third-down play calls. I like the fact he isn’t totally reliant on the edge rush and will dip inside and look to keep a tackle guessing. If the Seahawks are looking for a linebacker with experience as a pass-rusher, Lewis has that – even if the need to transition will make him more of a project than other featured players.