— Leonard Fournette (RB, LSU) could be the #1 pick in the 2017 draft. Who cares if he’s a running back? We’re talking about a generational talent with zero flaws. He runs away from DB’s at 6-1 and 230lbs. He has brilliant vision, a second gear, the power to drive through and break tackles and the hands to be an effective force in the passing game. He’s 20-years-old and already looks like he’s pushing 30. Against Syracuse he was unstoppable — recording 244 yards and two touchdowns. He had another +80-yard scoring run called back on an illegal formation penalty. Physically there just hasn’t been a player entering the league with this amount of talent in over a decade. He’s on a different level to even Adrian Peterson. Whoever has the #1 pick in 2017 will need a good reason to pass on Fournette.
— Tre’Davious White (CB, LSU) is already the best corner in college football and was given the coveted #18 LSU jersey this year. Against Syracuse he showed he’s a special teams threat too with a 69-yard punt return for a score. The Tigers have quite the production line for CB’s. White is the next great one and should be a top-ten pick in 2016. Water-tight coverage, a good enough tackler in the open-field, fantastic athlete, incredibly respected by his team mates. NFL GM’s and coaches are going to want to work with this guy badly.
— Vernon Hargeaves III (CB, Florida) on the other hand is tremendously overrated. A highly touted prospect who started early, Hargreaves is living off reputation. In Saturday’s flukey win over Tennessee, Hargreaves missed several open-field tackles and became a liability. Florida is developing quite a reputation for over-hyped corner prospects (with Joe Haden the obvious exception). Hargreaves’ future is likely as a slot corner project and unless he impresses during interviews at the combine (and runs well) he might be fortunate to go on day one in a loaded class for corners.
— Robert Nkemdiche (DE, Ole Miss) has 0.5 sacks in four games so far — but he should still secure a place in the top-10 of next years draft. Teams will salivate over his athletic potential. If Ziggy Ansah is a top-five pick, it’s safe to place Nkemdiche in that bracket. He’s already scored a tight-end-esque catch-and-run for Ole Miss this year. On Saturday he added a rushing touchdown against Vanderbilt. A bit more production would confirm he’s place among 2016’s elite — but there aren’t many human beings with Nkemdiche’s size and athleticism.
— If Leonard Fournette is the best player in college football and a shoe-in to go very early in 2017 — Myles Garrett (DE, Texas A&M) will be right there with him. Also a true sophomore, Garrett had a crucial sack against Arkansas to force overtime before the Aggies eventually won. Last week he had 3.5 sacks against Nevada and he’s on 6.5 after just four games. He is lightning quick off the edge with ample size (6-5, 260lbs). It’s way too early, but Fournette and Garrett could go #1 and #2 in 2017.
— There were two injury scares this weekend. Darron Lee (LB, Ohio State) left the Buckeyes game against Western Michigan with a leg injury. At the time it looked serious but he did return. Jack Conklin (T, Michigan State) suffered a knee injury playing special teams and it could be serious. Mark Dantonio, a well known misery guts, refused as usual to discuss any injuries after the game. Hopefully it’s just a sprain. Both players are possible (probable?) first round picks in 2016.
— We discussed Jared Goff (QB, California) this week. If he’s going to propel himself beyond comparisons to Brock Osweiler (not unflattering by the way, Osweiler had many plus points) he has to win games against Washington and perform well in the process. Job done this weekend. His first touchdown pass was particularly impressive — off balance, thrown into a tight spot and perfect accuracy. If you want to throw your lot in with any QB eligible for 2016 — this is the guy.
— Tre’Davious White (CB, LSU) and Eli Apple (CB, Ohio State) could be the first two corners off the board in 2016 — but they’ll be well supported in round one. Will Redmond (CB, Mississippi State) showed good instincts to pick off Auburn’s freshman QB in a key SEC win. Cameron Sutton (CB, Tennessee) was tremendous against Florida and the Gators tried their best to avoid throwing his way. Kendall Fuller (CB, Virginia Tech) has the bloodlines and talent to also push himself into day one.
— After a frustrating day against Toledo, Alex Collins (RB, Arkansas) is showing why he could even usurp Ezekiel Elliott (RB, Ohio State) to be the top running back in 2016. He ran with purpose against Texas A&M for 151 yards and a score. He has good size and speed — but his best aspects are a physical running style and unmatched cut-back ability. You won’t find a better cut in college football. Given Seattle’s love for one-cut runners, he has to be on our radar as possible Seahawks targets.
I thought Adolphus Washington looked good yesterday, too. It’s pretty impressive to see a DL score on an interception return for a TD.
Alex Collins and Devontae Booker are my 2 favorite ‘Seahawky’ RBs. Both exceptional one-cut runners, both have a phenomenal cut-back ability. But Booker just looks more dynamic in the passing game, and that’s another to say Collins doesn’t have receiving skills.
Also, what was with that stat I saw? Collins has never rushed for more than 100 yards after October 1st!?
W.Michigan’s Willie Beavers was my ‘breakout’ player yesterday. I’m a huge fa/proponent of drafting LTs and mkoving them to C and Beavers looks like the ideal candidate. One of the better looking ZB O-lineman I’ve seen this year.
Speaking of Cal QB Jared Goff, keep your eyes on Cal’s WRs for Seahawks targets regarding that position.
Oh by the way, Willie Beavers is that rare or exact opposite of what we’re seeing in CFB. All the good O-lineman coming out of HS are switching to the D-line. Well Beavers was a D-lineman for Illinois, but is now playing LT.
Watching the Cowboys vs. Falcon. Geez Weeden has all the time in the world to throw and Randle and McFadden are Just running through grand canyon type holes. Ok I’m in for best linemen rd.1 and Devontae Booker rd.2 right now. Then another offensive line guy rd. 3. We need to fix the line!
Adrian Peterson just made the highlight reels. Boom!
Dallas have a good line but they didn’t stop their QB picking up another injury last week. Romo missed time last year two after a beating in Washington.
That’s true but I really see Russel Wilson as a durable quarterback compared to Romo especially. Russel is solid muscle and knows how to slide and when to get out of bounds. Something some people don’t give him enough credit for. We’ll just have to roll with it this year. I believe that Tom Cable will make things better. Sometimes things just take a bit of time to work instead of instant success. It’s the hard work that makes it worth the outcome.
Your right that we need to fix the line, but as Rob has pointed out numerous times, there’s different ways to do that besides investing 1st round picks every year. And PC/JS seem comfortable letting TC take his guys in his sweet spot or preferred range, which seems to be rounds 2-6.
I know but watching the Dallas game makes me envious. I just want Russel to have time to make decisions on a constant basis.
And another big sack conceded on third down just now.
Seattle will never seek an environment where Wilson is sitting in the pocket with time throwing passes across the middle. It’s not their style. Partly because of Wilson’s height, partly because he’s at his best on the move getting out of the pocket. It’s a style that has brought about two Super Bowls. Dallas’ O-line would love that opportunity.
Luck is having a rough day in TEN.
And Mariotta just hooked up with DGB for his 2nd TD catch of the season.
Yeah, Booker or Collins would be ideal. We couldn’t go wrong with either.
I’m almost thinking Seattle goes RB in round one, then O-lineman and another O-lineman in the 4th or 5th.
Yeah but what about your guy from western Michigan who you said contained Joey Bosa yesterday? I personally think that Okung is a good player and all but he has been far from staying injury free and will not be worth resigning unless he gives us a fair deal. I trust your judgment V12.
See my post above. He contained Bosa a couple times, but Ohio St likes to move Bosa around. I’m not sure Willie Beavers is an NFL LT. I think he could play there in a pinch and would even make a fantasic RT, but I like Beavers as a C conversion.
I appreciate the kind words and trust in my judgement, but I’d trust Rob’s more. As I said, I try, but can only hope to be half as good as the boss man aka Mr. Staton.
V12 as of today is Devantae Booker worth the 31st pick in your opinion? As most of you know the Patriots won’t have a rd. 1
Oooh. Great question. That’s a tough one man. It depends on what juniors come out. But for a team like Seattle, yes he is. Him and HB Alex Collins both are IMO. I’m a sucker for RBs that are 5’9-5’11, 210-222 lbs. or so. But, I could also see both of them being around in the 2nd.
And we also have to remember that Seattle almost likes to take guys a round earlier than therir projected, because it basically guarantees them of getting ‘their guys.’
He’s the top senior RB in the country for sure. But is he worth a R1 pick?
For Seattle, yes. Him and Alex Collins. Be better to get one in the 2nd though.
I Love that strategy, get your guy even if everyone else thinks your jumping the gun. That’s exactly what I would do if I was in charge. Thanks for the feedback V12!!!
Big Ben just went down with a nasty looking ankle injury.
BTW, I don’t think I’ve seen a Rams defensive snap in the last 2 years where Aaron Donald isn’t the first person off the snap, on either side of the ball.
Donald is already a Hall of Famer in the making.
Donald is a quicker Warren Sapp. The get off and closing speed of Donald are unrivaled.
The Lions passed on Donald and Odell Beckham Jr for…. Eric Ebron.
Ouch! I wonder what the Lions saw in Ebron that made them think they had to take him. While watching the draft, I was really bummed when the Rams picked Donald. I knew that unless we traded up, it was unlikely that we’d have a shot at him but I definitely didn’t want one of our division rivals to get him!
That was a dirty hit. Guy stumbled for 3 yards before launching himself into Rothlesburgers knee.
I have to think Dan Quinn has a lot to do with ATL coming back and leading in DAL. Good adjustments during the game.
PIT just intercepted Foles with less than 3 mins left. Barring some sort of fluke, STL will lose its 2nd game of the season.
Brilliant pass from Mariotta to DGB. Can Mariotta pull off a little “Luck” of his own (game winning 4th qtr drive)?
Almost game time. So excited for the legion to get it’s boom back.
Is Lynch playing today?
Let’s get Jimmy going man.
Go Hawks!
Yep already looked that up. It’s Beast Mode Time!!!
4m4 minutes ago
Bob Condotta @bcondotta
Marshawn Lynch was declared as active for game. Not on sideline as game gets set to begin. But he’s come out late before and played well.
Is he being a diva again? I wonder.
Sherman “fakeout” return
https://streamable.com/ac34
ARI is already up 28-0 over SF in the 2nd qtr.
31-7 ARI at the half.
We’re just not looking good so far. Hey we are a second half team but this shit sucks!
At what point in time do we get to question the FOs judgment in defending Bevell all this time. Also trusting Richard. Because they are both dreadful. NO ONE can tell me that we aren’t loaded talent wise. And I haven’t seen a single thing this season that tells me they are a equate to lead this team to success. I don’t care about the previous two seasons because maybe our talent level was on far superior to the competition that they could overcome a coordinator as uninspired as Bevell. Chicago comes out in a really unique look and just starts running it down our throats. We are getting stomped in our own house. They are whipping us in every aspect. One miracle special teams play hold not make us feel confident. We are getting absolutely WHIPPED. At what point in time are we allowed to question whether these guys are qualified to be coordinators for a team this talented. I don’t care about last season. We are playing like garbage this year. This is the lowest I have felt watching a football game in a long time
Pretty discouraging so far the lack of intensity and execution. This is the home opener for the NFC Champ and former SB Champ after an 0-2 start, and they just don’t look hungry.
Except Graham. He looks pissed off for greatness.
C’mon Jimmy. Go up and get that.
Why even play the 1st half of games Offense!!!!! Wow this is awful.
I am not sure if it the play calling by Bevell, execution by Wilson of the fact our OL stinks but the 1st half of the last 8 games has been absolutely disgusting offensive football.
We have no identity on offense. It’s difficult to watch at times. We used to be able to impose our will of a run first team. Now I’m not sure what we’re trying to do. Are we going to see Russell get out of the pocket in the 2nd half?
With this OL we are not a power run team! When is our coaching staff going to figure that out. Bevel needs to get some Kubiak coaching lessons and get Wilson on the move. How can a guy who has been coaching his whole life not see this. Our OL cannot blow anyone off the ball. The days of imposing our will with a power run game are over with this group.
We hadn’t really tried to be a power run team until these last 2 drives. The read option is not a power run. Rawls has some burst and looks good running downhill. This is the running identity I was asking for! Go hawks!
If we are playing any team but the Bears we are down double digits right now.
The most alarming thing for me is that we are relatively healthy. All of our playmakers are out there on the field and we just look like crap. How good are we? Did we go to 2 straight Super Bowls and then all of a sudden we forgot how to play football? We don’t do anything that we used to. Poor tackling, the other teams running backs are dragging our guys, we haven’t made hardly any big plays. Maybe this is who we are now. And that concept really makes me feel ugh
Once again special teams making the score look more lopsided than it really is. The Lockett CAN do on an NFL field. I am convinced. Clark is a non factor in real gametime. But Lockett is a game changer
No E are you kidding me!!!
Lockett the G’lockett that’s for you Volume12! He i
s unbelievable !!!
This just in Tyler Lockett GOOOOOD!
i dont think anyone is complaining now about trading a couple of mid round picks to get him in the 3rd round. He is a steal. 1st round talent and play maker. He has been the best player on the team IMO this year.
Does anyone still think Evan Mathis could not have helped this team at LG. I thought we should have cut Mebane and signed him and I am convinced now. When big guys like Mebane get injured at his age they just keep on coming usually.
That’s how to use Graham. Long time coming that was.
There we go I feel a little better now a Jimmy TD! Get it to Graham! !!!
I know it is the Bears but Rawls looks good since replacing Lynch.
Shutout!!!