Author: Rob Staton (Page 9 of 423)

Will Howard makes a big impression

Jon Gruden brought back the ‘Gruden QB Camp’ series this year. It’s longer, more detailed and comes with a harder edge this time. The first episode is with Will Howard. I dare anyone to watch it and not come away thoroughly impressed with the Ohio State quarterback.

You can check it out by clicking here.

Being on the show can be a stressful experience. Gruden barks out different plays, audibles, what he wants the quarterback to say and do in the huddle. There’s a ton of information thrown at Howard and yet he processes it all with ease.

Throughout the episode Gruden looks across the table at him like a proud father. There’s a glint in his eye. He clearly liked his ability to take on the information and he liked his cadence.

A couple of people in the NFL world have said to me they think Howard is the most pro-ready quarterback in the draft. His football IQ is said to be off the charts and you see that clearly evidenced in this episode.

I asked one person not known for dishing out praise to quarterbacks what he thought Howard’s range is. He initially said second round, then suggested he might even sneak into the late first. I was taken aback because this individual is usually hard to please.

If this is what he’s displaying to teams it won’t be a surprise frankly. Howard doesn’t have the physical upside to project he’ll be an athletic marvel at the next level. He’s pretty good across the board though — as a passer, a runner and getting the ball out quickly under pressure.

He can be a very capable point guard. Not necessarily someone who you put the game on his back and ask him to out-gun Patrick Mahomes on the road but certainly someone who can lead an offense, manage a game and make enough plays to sustain drives and put points on the board.

Look at what he did in the playoffs. His QBR over the four games was 96.4. That’s virtually perfect. Ohio State were 50% on third down conversions. When the pressure was at its highest, he delivered in a big way.

A lot of young quarterbacks simply cannot process the way Howard does in that Gruden video. They drown in the jargon and complexity of it all. Howard looks like he’s learned the NFL language already and can pick things up pretty quickly.

This is half the battle. It’s why young quarterbacks fail. They go into their first camp and can’t process the information or execute. The entire rest of the roster then looks at them with a feeling of ‘this guy doesn’t know what he’s doing’. Imagine knowing the whole team thinks that, you go in the next day, and you’re no better. So many young quarterbacks look great in college with their half-field reads and easy play-calls with everything set up for them to execute. What you see in the Gruden video is life in the NFL — and it’s so frickin different to college. It takes no effort to imagine why so many young quarterbacks find their careers are over before they even begin.

Howard might not have the physical tools to ‘wow’ anyone but if you draft him, he’s walking into camp with a grasp of what’s going on. He will engineer immediate buy-in and respect. His pathway to competency and comfort within the league will be far shorter. This matters.

One other thing to note. A few weeks ago I wrote a piece detailing the quarterbacks in this draft class with a 2024 QBR over 80:

Cam Ward — 88.0
Dillon Gabriel — 86.5
Kurtis Rourke — 85.7
Jaxson Dart — 84.7
Will Howard — 83.0
Jalen Milroe — 82.8

Here’s a list of all the players between 2021-2024 with a QBR above 80 and where they were drafted:

Jayden Daniels — First round
Bo Nix — First round
JJ McCarthy — First round
Michael Penix Jr — First round
Caleb Williams — First round
Kenny Pickett — First round
CJ Stroud — First round
Bryce Young — First round
Mac Jones — First round
Justin Fields — First round
Zach Wilson — First round
Trevor Lawrence — First round
Kyle Trask — Second round
Hendon Hooker — Third round (injury)
Matt Corral — Third round (character flags)
Ian Book — Fourth round (physical limitations)

We know Cam Ward is going in the first round and there’s a reasonable chance Jaxson Dart will too. Kurtis Rourke won’t be a high pick but his stock will be heavily impacted by his knee surgery. Dillon Gabriel may be a mid-round pick due to his size.

Then you’ve got Howard and Jalen Milroe.

It’s been revealed Milroe has been invited to the draft in Green Bay, leading to speculation that he might go earlier than expected. Well, if the list above is anything to go by, the fact he has a QBR over 80 makes it quite likely he’ll be a high pick — whether he succeeds at the next level or not.

Howard will go earlier than people expect too. There is a definite trend here with the +80 QBR ratings. Put that with his playoff performance, football intelligence and pro-readiness and he is destined to be a higher pick that most realise.

Ty Robinson, Jared Wilson & Jalen Milroe are visiting the Seahawks

According to Tony Pauline, the Nebraska lineman will make the trip to Seattle.

Tony cites league sources who believe he can be a more athletic version of Cam Heyward. I can see it. Robinson lacks Heyward’s length but they have a very similar playing style and demeanour. The projection is a potential late second round range.

He also has the kind of personality the Seahawks love. If you missed my interview with him, check it out here.

I think he could be very much on Seattle’s radar to add to their defensive line rotation. He’d be an excellent pick in the mould of the old-school AFC North teams.

Wilson is an almost identical prospect to Erik McCoy, who excelled at center under Klint Kubiak in New Orleans. He is definitely a name to keep an eye on for day two.

Meanwhile, Milroe is also making an official-30 visit to the Seahawks. He’s the second confirmed quarterback visit after Tyler Shough. It speaks to the team doing as much due diligence as possible on this class. Drafting a quarterback at some stage is a possibility.

Milroe as a passer and a processor is an absolute mile off where he needs to be. As an athlete and a runner though he’s dynamic. I’m not sure you can develop the passing side of his game to a good enough level. However, Mike Macdonald has seen first-hand what a quality running quarterback can do. Milroe also has excellent character. He’s just such a frustratingly limited passer.

Here are all of Seattle’s publicly confirmed official visits so far:

Nick Emmanwori
Tyler Shough
Savion Williams
Bryce Cabeldue
Chase Lundt
Shavon Revel Jr
Mason Taylor
Mykel Williams
Ty Robinson
Jalen Milroe
Jared Wilson

Will the Seahawks trade up in round two?

It’s something we’ve discussed a fair bit over the last couple of weeks. I looked at an idea where they traded up for an offensive lineman. Chad Reuter posted a mock draft where the Seahawks moved up for a quarterback.

Could it be for a tight end potentially?

Tom Pelissero reports that they’re having LSU’s Mason Taylor in for an official visit. He and Elijah Arroyo are both in a tier that should see them taken anywhere between 25-45. Seattle’s new offense will only be at its absolute best with a dynamic pass-catching tight end on the roster.

Arroyo, for me, is the best fit assuming Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren don’t last to #18. If Arroyo goes earlier than expected (I don’t think the late first is out of the question) that could leave Taylor as their best bet to get an ideal tight end fit this off-season.

Noah Fant is effectively acting as a draft hedge at the moment but there’s nothing locking him on to the roster.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Seahawks are eyeing up their options at the top of the second round. Look at it this way. If they have players projected to go in the top-38 who are graded far higher than the players at #50, plus they think pick #92 comes after a significant shelf in talent, why wouldn’t they consider giving up that late third-rounder to move up?

Thanks to ‘Golden Hawk’ on Twitter for reminding me of this quote from John Schneider recently:

“Initially, you’re like, ‘Yeah, we’re going to take five really good players. But then you get in a situation where it’s like, ‘All right, that guy’s a starter, we should probably move to go get him.”

They might have a few targets in mind, including possibly Taylor.

More praise for Emeka Egbuka

Another day, another person lavishing praise on the Ohio State receiver. This time it’s Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt:

 
Firstly, it’s another pundit grading/ranking him as a top-20 talent in this class. It’s further evidence that he won’t be a reach if the Seahawks take him at #18.

Secondly, it’s another total validation of the argument I’ve been making about his fit in Seattle. What Klatt describes in that video is the kind of person the Seahawks want to draft. They have a Tyler Lockett sized hole on the roster — another player they felt led the way as an ideal Seahawk. Egbuka coming in and providing that same level of consistency, maturity and presence would be a big thing.

He’s not the only one who can do it. I know Malaki Starks has a similar reputation. So does Tyler Booker. Matthew Golden is well liked at Texas, as is Donovan Ezeiruaku at Boston College. These are the kind of prospects they are typically drawn to. Unless players like Colston Loveland or Jahdae Barron unexpectedly fall, it could be that they pick from the names I just listed.

Nick Emmanwori an unlikely option?

Bob McGinn’s scouting sources are regularly mocked on Twitter but as someone who has tracked his series for years, I have to say more often than not you learn a lot from what his articles say. They’re also pretty good at projecting range.

Here’s what his sources said about South Carolina safety Emmanwori:

“There’s some inconsistency and possible character issues. More like football immaturity.”

“He’s naturally contrarian to most everything. He’s got top-20 talent but there’s some bells and whistles that come with him. Just be sure you know. He can probably fray some things. You’ve got to have somebody to deal with the personality. They say this guy is so strong-willed, if you get him onto your side he’ll save the world. If he is opposed to your views he’ll burn the world down.”

This is probably why they had him in for an official-30 visit. They’re doing further background checks on Emmanwori the person, trying to learn more about him.

I’m not convinced they’re going to draft him given that second quote above. They just moved on from two headaches this off-season, do they want to dive head-first into another? Especially when there are players in this draft with similar or better grades who will provide A+ character. I can’t see it.

On Friday I noticed a five-round mock draft by Chad Reuter. It actually reflects what I think could be a realistic scenario for the Seahawks.

Round 1 — Emeka Egbuka (WR, Ohio State)

Having spent the last week talking about why this is plausible, I don’t think I need to add anything here. This is the second mock after my own projecting Ebuka to #18. He is the quintessential Seahawks-type draft pick.

Round 2 — Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas)

Here’s where it gets interesting. Reuter has the Seahawks trading up 15 spots in round two, going from #50 to #35. They give the Titans #92 (the pick acquired from the Raiders for Geno Smith) and their 2026 third rounder. They also get back pick #141 (the third pick in round five).

Let’s park individual opinions on Ewers for a moment and talk about the projection. I’ve been saying for a long time that it wouldn’t surprise me if John Schneider really liked Ewers. He’s young enough to draft and develop. Can I imagine him trading up to get him? Maybe.

If Schneider really believes in him and felt it was necessary to move up, two third rounders (while getting a fifth back) isn’t a steep price for a shot at a long-term solution at quarterback. The internet will explode if it happens — but it’s a worthwhile talking point pitched by Reuter.

I noted last week that there’s at least some feeling within the league that Will Howard will go earlier than people think. It could be that we see quarterbacks come off the board between picks 33-45.

Round 2 — Shavon Revel Jr (CB, East Carolina)

I really rate Revel Jr and he would’ve been a first round pick without the injury. I like his physicality, his mental make-up and his playing style. The Seahawks are clearly intrigued as he’s one of their official-30 visits.

I don’t think Riq Woolen is for long in Seattle. I can well imagine he isn’t on the roster this time next year, one way or another. Revel Jr’s understanding of scheme and the technical intricacies of his position when speaking during interviews is impressive. He’s clearly dedicated to his craft in a way Mike Macdonald will like, with a gritty backstory to boot. He could easily be one of Seattle’s key second round targets.

Round 3 — Cameron Williams (G/T, Texas)

I don’t think it’s unrealistic at all that Seattle’s first O-line pick could come in round three. There are players who fit the zone blocking scheme very well who will be available in this range and beyond. This includes Charles Grant, Wyatt Milum, Chase Lundt, Jack Nelson, Logan Brown, Connor Colby, Bryce Cabeldue and Williams, who Reuter pairs with Seattle here.

His tape at right tackle was awful at times in 2024, although he was carrying an injury at the end of the season. We have no testing numbers as a consequence to gauge foot-speed and get-off (burst) which is problematic. However, Williams is a very serious individual with some good zone blocking moments on tape. His best fit is to kick inside to guard rather than protecting the edge.

Round 4 — Drew Kendall (C, Boston College)

Again, this is an approach I can well imagine the Seahawks taking. Kendall has some of the athletic qualities you look for in a good zone blocking center. He ran a 4.51 short shuttle and a 5.05 forty at 308lbs. He’s well known for his toughness and intelligence.

Drew Dalman, another former fourth round pick, ran the exact same short shuttle time but was 10lbs lighter. Kendall could provide a very similar player at a much more palateable price. People will hate waiting until rounds three and four to draft linemen but this isn’t unrealistic.

Round 5 — Cody Simon (LB, Ohio State)

It makes sense for the Seahawks to add to their linebacker depth at some point. Even if Ernest Jones Jr and Tyrice Knight are locked in as starters, there’s no depth behind them. This is about the range where Simon deserves to go, although some have him graded higher. He defends the run well and he was impressive in Ohio State’s second game against Oregon.

Round 5 — Craig Woodson (S, California)

As with Simon, this is the kind of range I’d expect Woodson to go and he provides another safety option (something they need to address). I enjoyed his tape in a ‘solid if unspectacular’ kind of way. His testing was decent and he’s reasonably sized. He defends the run well and can play up at the line.

Round 5 — Thomas Fidone (TE, Nebraska)

The key to a tight end with pro-upside is a strong 10-yard split and good agility. Fidone ran a 1.57 split, a 4.29 shuttle and a 7.01 three-cone. He fits the bill. He’s a player they can easily add into the rotation in year one and try to develop into a contributor down the line. I like Fidone more than I liked AJ Barner a year ago.

So there we go. I have to say, this is the best attempt at a realistic Seahawks mock by a national writer I’ve seen in a long time. It doesn’t mean I agree with the decisions. There are also other players I’d select ahead of those paired with Seattle. However, this is very much the kind of draft class I can imagine the Seahawks having.

If you watched my stream a week ago (click here if you didn’t) you will know why I’ve shaped the conversation a certain way over the last few days. As I said at the time, I’m not an insider. Yet after 20 years of doing this blog, you’d be surprised who you come into contact with.

None of the information I receive is specific to the Seahawks. It’s always general to the draft class. One of the things discussed in the stream was the relative ‘meh’ feeling about the offensive linemen in round one. Another thing was discovering just how highly regarded Emeka Egbuka is. There’s a lot of other info I’d recommend checking out in the video.

This shaped my latest mock draft with the Seahawks taking Egbuka at #18 as a ‘quintessential’ Seahawks type player, then waiting on the offensive line.

It makes further sense given Daniel Jeremiah and Mel Kiper moved Egbuka up to 17th and 18th respectively on their big boards. Tony Pauline reported a feeling within the league that the Seahawks could go receiver at #18. Numerous mocks are projecting that idea.

I don’t think it’s ‘nailed on’ by any stretch. There are a handful of players that fit, as we’ve discussed, not just Egbuka. Malaki Starks, Donovan Ezeiruaku and Grey Zabel to name three. Matthew Golden is an alternative receiver option.

With the Colts, Cardinals and Bengals all needing an offensive lineman, there’s a chance Zabel won’t last. In that situation, the Seahawks will probably have no choice but to pivot. They cannot reach. They should not reach. They will take the best player on their board.

Even if Zabel is available, it is not 100% clear that the Seahawks will view him as a player worthy of #18. Some evaluators think that is too high.

I don’t get the sense there’s any panic among the front office about the offensive line — whether you think there should be or not. Seattle’s ability to build a great line will not rely solely on first round picks, especially in a draft where the high-pick options are not great. As we’ve also discussed, good ‘zone blocking’ fits will be available on days two and three.

As someone who has been critical of the Seahawks in the past, having spoken about the need to fix the O-line as a priority, I’m comfortable with the situation. I would hope that means something. I don’t carry water for the team or the GM. I’ve studied this draft rigorously and paired with information from my sources, I think reaching for certain linemen would be unwise. Equally, after studying the free agent options, I think the Seahawks did the right thing in targeting Will Fries, concluding the Vikings offer was not worth beating, then accepting the situation. The other options were not great or universally rated, so throwing good money at bad or average players would’ve been a bad idea.

I appreciate some people don’t want to hear this. They want to say it’s the same old Seahawks — as if they’ve been deliberately avoiding the offensive line need as part of their philosophy. They aren’t. I’m 100% sure they’d love nothing more than to draft an exceptional offensive lineman at #18.

If that player isn’t there, what can you do?

It’s no different really than demanding the team drafts an outstanding franchise quarterback. These players are rare. You can’t take a QB just because, then expect them to be great. It’s no different with offensive linemen. The player has to be worth the pick, based on your evaluation.

There are very few elite guards and centers in the NFL. That’s the reality.

The best center in the NFL was a late second round pick (#63 overall). PFF’s top-five from 2024 also included a fourth rounder and another second rounder. Cam Jurgens was a second rounder and so was Landon Dickerson. The top-10 guards include a third rounder from UW-Whitewhater, a fourth round converted left tackle and an undrafted player from Western Kentucky.

The prize free agent guard everyone wanted before he was franchised, Trey Smith, was a sixth round pick.

As much as we all want the Seahawks to fix this issue, John Schneider, nor anyone else, can create supply to match demand. ‘Just take or pay a lineman’ is not a reasonable request. You have to play the cards you are dealt, in free agency and the draft.

Have mistakes been made in the past? Yes, absolutely. But people sometimes act like the Seahawks were the only team to pass on Humphrey. In reality, the entire league passed on him twice. The entire league allowed Dickerson and Jurgens to reach round two. The entire league allowed Quinn Meinerz to last until round three. The entire league allowed Smith to reach round six.

This is one of the trickiest units to build and the Seahawks are not alone. You might want to continue to discuss Seattle’s misses of yesteryear when reflecting on whether the Seahawks will get it right in 2025. All I’d say is, for me, they’ve just executed one of the most effective and impressive off-seasons in a long while, a year after hiring a talented young Head Coach and now pairing him with an intriguing, experienced offensive staff.

I think the GM deserves an opportunity to show what he can do with this draft class and the coaching staff deserve an opportunity to work with the group they take on.

It might be slow progress. But let’s not act like a quick fix was available. When the Chiefs revolutionised their O-line in 2021, they didn’t just draft Humprhey. They had the opportunity to spend major money on a proven, elite player in Joe Thuney. They had the opportunity to trade a first round pick for Orlando Brown Jr. They found Smith in the sixth round. We’d all love that kind of off-season for the Seahawks — but elite 20-something guards were not available, no peak-year linemen were available via trade and they’ve not had the opportunity to draft anyone yet.

Nobody should expect two home-runs like the Chiefs did with Humphrey and Smith. That’s rare. Brett Veach deserves all the credit in the world — but he’s also the GM who traded up for Patrick Mahomes. It isn’t surprising. What does emulating Veach and the Chiefs look like?

For the offensive line, it doesn’t mean forcing a pick at #18. If a lineman isn’t worth drafting in that range, it means finding the player worth having in the late second and the hidden gem on day three.

At quarterback, it means creating a good bridge (Alex Smith) and waiting for the right moment to strike on the future (Mahomes).

If anything, I think the Seahawks are following this approach.

I know what the reaction will be if they don’t take a lineman at #18. People will immediately start ranting, raving and complaining. I don’t think this will be justified.

I want to play two clips from Mike Mayock this week. Firstly, here’s a video of him discussing the receivers. He believes there are four potential first rounders. Note he included Egbuka as part of the four:

 
Then, he was asked about the offensive linemen. Without prompting he brought up the Seahawks — discussing their needs at receiver and the O-line and how they might go about addressing both. Note, he speaks about the underwhelming nature of the offensive line draft class in round one (the same thing my sources shared) and he also says the options after the top-four receivers aren’t that appealing:

 
Mayock states there are better interior options on day two and wonders whether they might go receiver first, then look at the O-line. He talks about them having the flexibility of trading up. I don’t think it’d be round one like he suggests — but round two is more likely to get a linemen they really like.

Remember a year ago? They tried to trade back into round two to get Cooper Beebe. They drafted Christian Haynes when they couldn’t. It’s entirely possible they trade to trade up from #50 this year if a plug-and-play starting left guard is within striking distance.

Or maybe they just stick and pick? The official visit of Shavon Revel Jr — a perfect scheme fit at cornerback — speaks to their willingness to possibly continue to go BPA in round two and potentially rely on the attractive offensive line options for zone-blocking later on, such as Chase Lundt.

There’s also a final point from Andrew Siciliano about the lack of commitment to Sam Darnold and how they might look to draft a quarterback, something Mayock nods along to. This is also a possible option with any of their first five picks.

This is a very interesting draft for the Seahawks. They can further shape the future under Mike Macdonald. They don’t have to force picks. They’ll be best served drafting the best players available. Fans and media will hate it. I hope that isn’t the case. This is a great opportunity to make the roster better and they deserve not to be judged after one day of the draft if they don’t take a lineman at #18.

Round one

#1 Tennessee — Cam Ward (QB, Miami)
It feels like a lock that the Titans are taking Ward.

#2 Cleveland — Abdul Carter (EDGE, Penn State)
Pairing Carter with Myles Garrett is a terrifying thought for AFC North quarterbacks.

#3 NY Giants — Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado)
The Giants seem to be settling on a plan to go BPA here then assess the quarterback options later.

#4 New England — Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State)
No tackle is worth this pick. Jeanty is the pound-for-pound best player in the draft. He can take the pressure off Drake Maye.

#5 Jacksonville — Mason Graham (DT, Michigan)
It’s not a great position for the Jaguars with the three obvious ‘blue chippers’ off the board. They’d have to pick between Graham and Tyler Warren.

#6 Las Vegas — Jalon Walker (LB, Georgia)
Some people prefer Walker to Abdul Carter. He’s also a culture-setter in terms of personality and an ideal partner in crime for Maxx Crosby.

#7 NY Jets — Tyler Warren (TE, Penn State)
He just makes sense to add legit firepower to their passing game.

TRADE #8 LA Rams (v/CAR) — Jaxson Dart (QB, Ole Miss)
The Rams considered moving on from Matthew Stafford and their new arrangement feels short term. They aggressively move up to draft the future at QB in a deal costing them their 2026 first rounder.

#9 New Orleans — Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas)
He’s a terrific player and could be viewed as a lesser Devon Witherspoon.

#10 Chicago — Will Campbell (T/G, LSU)
If they’re comfortable with his arm-length, Campbell could finish off their new-look O-line.

#11 San Francisco — Armand Membou (T/G, Missouri)
He’s extremely athletic and talented but he’s not a left tackle and might be better suited at guard.

#12 Dallas — Omarion Hampton (RB, North Carolina)
Hampton has established himself as a player expected to go in the top-15.

#13 Miami — Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)
He’s one of the best players in the draft. The injuries are the only reason he won’t go in the top-10.

#14 Indianapolis — Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan)
A legit top-10 talent in this draft who only lasts due to injury. Some have him graded above Tyler Warren.

#15 Atlanta — Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina)
I’m not sure there’s a pass-rusher here who warrants the pick. Emmanwori’s testing and tape mean he could be viewed as BPA for the Falcons.

#16 Arizona — Grey Zabel (G/C, North Dakota State)
They’ve created a situation where guard is likely their draft priority and Zabel’s testing profile warrants a top-20 pick.

#17 Cincinnati — Mike Green (EDGE, Marshall)
The Bengals often ignore character flags. Green could be a terror across from Trey Hendrickson.

#18 Seattle — Emeka Egbuka (WR, Ohio State)
A quintessential Seahawks type of player and pick. High upside athleticism, exceptional character, physical and reliable. He could be BPA.

#19 Tampa Bay — Malaki Starks (S, Georgia)
As predicted he is starting to be talked about again and he’s rising up internet big boards. Starks’ combination of talent, deep-field playmaking and character will make him a coveted player.

#20 Denver — Matthew Golden (WR, Texas)
Many view Golden as the top receiver in the draft. If he lasts here the Broncos might see great value.

#21 Pittsburgh — Derrick Harmon (DT, Oregon)
They need to refresh their defensive line and Harmon is the type of player the Steelers are often drawn to.

#22 LA Chargers — Donovan Ezeiruaku (EDGE, Boston College)
Massive production, agility and length. Ezeiruaku can make plays for this defense.

#23 Green Bay — Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona)
I spoke to someone who knows their stuff and he is convinced McMillan will be the top receiver taken. Naturally, I’ve made him WR3.

#24 Minnesota — Maxwell Hairston (CB, Kentucky)
I love Hairston’s control, movement skills and transition. The allegations made against him online will need to be investigated by teams.

#25 Houston — Kelvin Banks (T, Texas)
For me he’s a right tackle. I struggle to know what to make of Banks.

#26 Carolina (v/LAR) — Mykel Williams (DE, Georgia)
The Panthers trade down 18 spots and get a player who could go in the top-10 or fall into this range. Williams’ stock is impossible to project.

#27 Baltimore — Tyler Booker (G, Alabama)
This feels like an excellent plug-and-play fit for the Ravens, not to mention his playing style suits the AFC North to a tee.

#28 Detroit — Shemar Stewart (DE, Texas A&M)
The physical profile is enticing, the total lack of any production in college is not. Plenty of players like this don’t succeed.

#29 Washington — Kenneth Grant (DT, Michigan)
The Commanders take a chance on Grant who plays in flashes but left you wanting more at Michigan.

TRADE #30 NY Giants (v/BUF) — Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)
The Giants move back into round one to take Sanders.

#31 Kansas City — Walter Nolen (DT, Ole Miss)
The character concerns with Nolen are legit. I also know some scouts love him, some hate him. There’s a feeling he is too inconsistent but the upside is obvious.

#32 Philadelphia — Elijah Arroyo (TE, Miami)
They’re moving on from Dallas Goedert and Arroyo is worthy of a late first round pick.

Round two

#33 Cleveland — Tyler Shough (QB,Louisville)
GM Andrew Berry recently mentioned four quarterbacks they’ve ‘zoned in on’. Shough wasn’t mentioned. Which either means this is a stupid prediction or there’s misdirection going on.

#34 Buffalo (v/NYG) — Tyleik Williams (DT, Ohio State)
The Bills need someone who can play one-tech. They move down and acquire a player with a lot of upside and plug-and-play ability.

#35 Tennessee — Luther Burden (WR, Missouri)
They have hardly any weapons and need more at receiver.

#36 Jacksonville — Mason Taylor (TE, LSU)
Taylor has only scratched the surface of his potential so far.

#37 Las Vegas — Jihaad Campbell (LB, Alabama)
I’m a huge fan of Campbell. He’s a top-10 talent in this class. Yet the labrum injury could push him into day two.

#38 New England — Josh Simmons (T, Ohio State)
They address their gaping need at left tackle with arguably most the talented one in the draft. Injury recovery and character concerns keep him on the board.

#39 Chicago (v/CAR) — TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State)
Henderson is a perfect weapon for Ben Johnson’s offense.

#40 New Orleans — Trey Amos (CB, Ole Miss)
They need to replenish the stock at cornerback.

TRADE #41 Seattle (v/CHI) — Donovan Jackson (G, Ohio State)
The Seahawks don’t hang about to address their biggest need. They move up nine spots to go and get Jackson, who won’t make it to #50.

#42 NY Jets — Will Howard (QB, Ohio State)
There’s a feeling Howard is locked into a round two placing. The Jets feel like a very plausible option for him.

#43 San Francisco — Azareye’h Thomas (CB, Florida State)
They need a lot of things on defense after losing so much talent, including a starting cornerback.

#44 Dallas — Saivion Williams (WR, TCU)
They can use him as a multi-faceted weapon. It feels like the Cowboys are going to focus on adding firepower.

#45 Indianapolis — Carson Schwesinger (LB, UCLA)
A quality testing session this week cements his place in the top-50.

#46 Atlanta — Bradyn Swinson (EDGE, LSU)
He’s such a good player and continues to be slept on. This would be a home-run pick.

#47 Arizona — James Pearce Jr (EDGE, Tennessee)
Part of me wonders if the character concerns could push Pearce Jr deeper into day two.

#48 Miami — Josh Conerly (T, Oregon)
Some people really like him. There are moments on tape where you see quality. I just look at the body type, though, and wonder how many starting left tackles look like him?

#49 Cincinnati — Tate Ratledge (G, Georgia)
Perfect fit for a number of reasons and a player who addresses a big need.

#50 Chicago (v/SEA) — Landon Jackson (DE, Arkansas)
After adding two offensive players with their first two selections, now the Bears go after pass-rush help.

#51 Denver — Darius Alexander (DT, Toledo)
I’ve got the Broncos taking DJ Giddens in round three to fill their running back need. So they add to their D-line here instead.

TRADE #52 Buffalo (v/SEA, PIT) — Benjamin Morrison (CB, Notre Dame)
It’s critical the Bills draft a cornerback, so they jump above the Buccs in a deal with the Seahawks to secure Morrison.

#53 Tampa Bay — Danny Stutsman (LB, Oklahoma)
Lavonte David can’t play forever and Stutsman can be the man to take over long term.

#54 Green Bay — Alfred Collins (DT, Texas)
Some people really like Collins but a disappointing pre-draft process surely impacts his stock?

#55 LA Chargers — Quinshon Judkins (RB, Ohio State)
Jim Harbaugh wants to run the football.

#56 Buffalo (v/MIN) — Oluwafemi Oladejo (EDGE, UCLA)
‘The Mayor’ finds a home in Buffalo.

#57 Carolina (v/LAR) — Isaiah Bond (WR, Texas)
I think he’s fools gold but there appears to be people who believe in him.

#58 Houston — Jayden Higgins (WR, Iowa State)
The Texans keep adding weapons for CJ Stroud.

#59 Baltimore — Xavier Watts (S, Notre Dame)
They need to draft a safety.

#60 Detroit — Ty Robinson (DT, Nebraska)
He plays like a Detroit Lion.

#61 Washington — Jack Bech (WR, TCU)
They still need more at receiver and Bech would complement their other targets nicely. He’s a quality player.

#62 Seattle (v/BUF) — Josaiah Stewart (EDGE, Michigan)
Wink Martindale loves Stewart. Mike Macdonald is a Martindale protégé. He would add further juice to Seattle’s pass-rush.

#63 Kansas City — Jonah Savaiinaea (T/G, Arizona)
I don’t think he’s aggressive enough and he doesn’t finish. But some like him more than I do.

#64 Philadelphia — Shemar Turner (DT, Texas A&M)
The kind of defensive lineman you can easily see fitting into Philly’s rotation.

The trades explained

Seahawks give Bears 50 & 92 for 41 and 148
Rather than reach for need at #18, the Seahawks take best player available in round one then trade up from to get an immediate starter at guard that they like in a range that feels right. The price of swapping a late third rounder for a mid-fifth rounder doesn’t seem unreasonable to come away with two quality impact players with your first two picks. Chicago might be open-minded about this kind of deal given they don’t own a fourth round pick.

Bills give Seahawks 62 & 109 for 52
After trading up from #50, the Seahawks now move back from #52. They know they can get the player they want in this scenario with a small drop, so take Buffalo’s early fourth rounder. It makes up for trading away #92 to the Bears. The two trades basically see the Seahawks manipulating the board to get the players they really want.

The picks explained

I’m not going to go over old ground with Egbuka or the trade proposal because we discussed them already in detail this week. I want to take a bit of time to pitch a few thoughts instead:

1. People will hate a receiver pick at #18. However, if they made these moves, I suspect fans would embrace and understand the logic. Grey Zabel is not available at #18. None of the other linemen taken after in round one are obvious fits. You still come out of the draft with a top-end guard and a weapon you like. Let’s put it this way — if they take a guard at #18 and then move up to get a must-have offensive weapon in round two, I think most people would applaud. There’s no difference here.

2. Emeka Egbuka is not a reach at #18. Daniel Jeremiah ranks him 17th. Mel Kiper ranks him 18th. It’s fair value.

3. The mock shows what I think could well be a cluster of players on Seattle’s radar:

14 Indianapolis — Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan)
#15 Atlanta — Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina)
#16 Arizona — Grey Zabel (G/C, North Dakota State)
#17 Cincinnati — Mike Green (EDGE, Marshall)
#18 Seattle — Emeka Egbuka (WR, Ohio State)
#19 Tampa Bay — Malaki Starks (S, Georgia)
#20 Denver — Matthew Golden (WR, Texas)

There’s very little chance of them taking Green based on character question marks. The other six players all tick most of the boxes the Seahawks look for. I’m mocking Egbuka here but it’s eminently possible they could have Starks or Golden graded higher.

4. Egbuka, Donovan Jackson and Josaiah Stewart just feel like Seahawks. Their attitude, performance, reliability and ability to start quickly. Predicting what a team will do is hard enough as it is without throwing in a couple of trades. However, even if this ultimately proves to be miles off reality, it at least feels on April 3rd like a plausible projection. You can see them doing this.

5. The Seahawks can add competition to the offensive line beyond simply drafting Donovan Jackson. Here are the players who graded well as zone blockers in 2024. Many of these prospects will be available from round three onwards:

Charles Grant — 93.0
Willie Lampkin — 90.4
Wyatt Milum — 90.0
Chase Lundt — 88.2
Armand Membou — 87.4
Jack Nelson — 86.4
Logan Brown — 85.2
Clay Webb — 84.9
Grey Zabel —- 84.8
Cam Williams — 84.0
Kelvin Banks Jr — 81.5
Hollin Pierce — 81.5
Marcus Mbow — 81.3
Connor Colby — 81.3
Bryce Cabeldue — 81.0

I am not concerned about Seattle’s ability to improve their line. I expect they will be able to achieve this via drafting and better coaching. I also don’t think it’s realistic to expect the Seahawks to find cast-iron solutions for three interior positions in one off-season. The chances are they will draft a starting left guard who will be anointed the starter. Then, they will possibly draft competition at center and right guard — while working to improve the players added over the last two off-seasons.

It’s also important to continue to develop Charles Cross and Abe Lucas.

For me this is a two-year project, not a one-draft fix. We all want to see immediate improvement. I’m not against drafting Grey Zabel at #18 and Tate Ratledge at #50 and feeling like a major statement has been made. I’m just not sure those players will be available or that it’s realistic to expect this.

6. I continue to wonder if Tyler Booker would be an alternative trade-up target if he lasts into round two. He’s not an obvious scheme fit but he’s the kind of tone-setter they need up front. He is mobile, he’s just not quick. He is highly aggressive. I’ll keep using the Aaron Banks/Kyle Shanahan/Matt LaFleur line for justifying continuing to talk about Booker.

7. If I was doing a full seven-round projection, I would have them taking a quarterback at some point.

8. I am optimistic about this draft for Seattle and how it can further shape the roster.

— Yesterday I pitched an idea where the Seahawks went BPA at #18 and then traded up from #50 to address their offensive line need, moving to #41 to get Donovan Jackson. It might be worth keeping an eye on Tyler Booker in this scenario too. He might not be an ideal zone blocker but, again, neither was Aaron Banks, who was drafted 48th overall by Kyle Shanahan and recently signed a $19.25m-a-year contract to play for Matt LaFleur.

None of Mel Kiper, Todd McShay or Daniel Jeremiah had Booker in the first round of their latest mock drafts. If he lasts to day two, he could be a target. He’s a good football player, can start immediately and his physicality and personality perfectly fit what the Seahawks crave. It would feel a little bit like when they moved up to get Jarran Reed in 2016.

Let’s also be clear. Booker’s testing was bad. He lacks foot-speed and quickness on the run. That’s the issue, not that he’s immobile. He’s a very capable puller and he showed during the on-field combine drills that he can move around with ease despite his size. His frame is in proportion for such a big human, which isn’t typical.

It’s just something to keep in mind. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if pick #18 isn’t an offensive lineman and they then move up from #50 to address their biggest need with a quality addition — such as Booker or Jackson.

— If they do take an offensive lineman at #18, such as Grey Zabel, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them move up from #50 to get Elijah Arroyo. Seattle’s offensive scheme is perfect for a dynamic pass-catching tight end. Arroyo is another excellent fit for the mentality of this team. Some think he is worthy of a late first-round pick and I agree. If he’s there in the 30’s or 40’s, he could be a target.

— I promise I don’t set out to keep repeating myself, but I do think there’s a strong possibility Emeka Egbuka will be the pick at #18. I’ve explained why in detail and the main basis for this is understanding, through sources, just how much Egbuka the person fits the Seahawks. Forget his position. Just focus on the individual. Everything about him — talent, physicality, upside, leadership, reliability — screams Seahawks.

It was with great interest then that I noticed two things. Firstly, Daniel Jeremiah recently moved Egbuka from 23rd to 17th on his top-50 list. Then, Mel Kiper moved him from 24th to 18th on his big board. They mentioned “rave reviews from NFL teams” and that “he’s NFL-ready and coaches will love him. He’s a grinder who can make plays and pick up first downs when they are needed most.”

For anyone thinking he’d be a reach at #18 — 17th and 18th on two prominent big boards suggests otherwise.

There are several players who tick every box the Seahawks seem to look for these days in terms of talent, production, reliability, high football character and physical upside. Some, like Jahdae Barron and Malaki Starks, might not make it to #18. Ditto Colston Loveland. I’m not sure Grey Zabel will make it to #18 any more.

Even if some of these players are available, Egbuka might still be their guy. The good news is they’re very likely to get someone they like in round one. Matthew Golden, Nick Emmanwori and Donovan Ezeiruaku also feel like personality/talent/scheme fits. I keep going back and forth on Kelvin Banks Jr.

Just don’t be shocked if you hear Egbuka’s name called at #18.

— I still think they’re going to take a quarterback. I don’t know when. Nothing would shock me. But I will be surprised if they get through all seven rounds and one hasn’t been taken. I’m fascinated to see if there’s a firm target or a plan in place to come away with a certain player. I think they will add to this room though.

— The pick at #52 fascinates me. This could also be a selection where they just take someone they love and the internet has a mini-meltdown (unless it’s an offensive lineman). It could be a quarterback pick. I can easily see them going for a player who just ‘fits’ the personality/style they want at a position most don’t see as a key need.

It could be Danny Stutsman the Oklahoma linebacker, who absolutely plays to the style of defense Mike Macdonald is establishing. Linebacker isn’t a huge need but we saw the importance of it in this scheme a year ago. They haven’t added anything to the group in free agency. If they like Stutsman — and I think they might — they could take him and let him compete with Tyrice Knight. Depth at that spot is hardly a problem. I also wouldn’t count out Carson Schwesinger or Demetrius Knight.

Jared Wilson’s testing is very similar to Erik McCoy’s, New Orleans’ center who excelled under Klint Kubiak last season. Bradyn Swinson, if he’s available, would be a tremendous selection to add to their pass-rush depth (although they might be eyeing Josaiah Stewart in round three). It could be Ty Robinson, who I’ve discussed a lot, or any other defensive tackle in a loaded class at the position. Joshua Farmer perhaps, who bullied opponents in front of Mike Macdonald at the Senior Bowl.

This is what makes this draft so interesting and why it’s great to have five picks to play with in the top-100. They can be aggressive if they want. They can get potential starters going into round three. They can also address key needs without moving off a ‘value first’ approach rather than forcing anything. This is a big opportunity for the franchise.

— Will Howard is going to go earlier than people realise. I think there are teams in round two who will take him. Possibly the Browns, Jets or Raiders. Speaking to someone who knows what he’s talking about last week, it was put to me that it’s not beyond the realms of possibility someone trades into the late first for him. Whether that happens or not remains to be seen but the second round feels like Howard’s likely destination.

It’s not a surprise either. He’s a good football player. His QBR average in the four playoff games was a near perfect 96.4, while his NFL passer rating was 126.8. Ohio State also had exactly 50% conversions on third downs in the playoffs. When the games mattered the most, Howard delivered — and this all came after bouncing back from the setback against Michigan.

He might not have the highest ceiling in the world but teams will think a year or two down the line, he can provide competent play under center. I also know people who’ve been around Howard who speak incredibly highly of him and there’s a sense he might be the most prepared to come into the NFL within this quarterback class.

— In the last week I’ve heard positive things about players I don’t rate very highly. This includes Cam Williams, Wyatt Milum, Jonah Savanaaia, Jonah Monheim and Deone Walker. I am in the process of watching them again while being mindful not to course-correct and look too hard for things I “missed”. That said, I wanted to note their names in this article. It’s important to share the views of people I respect greatly that differ from my own.

— I’m in Sweden this week but will be doing my usual Puck Sports slot today. I’ll add it at the top of this article later.