When it comes to picking in the fourth round, you’re really just looking for someone who can outperform their draft placing.
In the case of Colby Parkinson, he was the 133rd player selected. By that stage in the draft you’re looking at physical ideals.
We saw it with Deejay Dallas and Alton Robinson too. Dallas was in their ballpark for size/explosion at running back and Robinson was a top performer in the short shuttle, a test we’ve identified as important on the defensive line.
There’s been a lot of talk about Parkinson’s potential role in Seattle. This is because he was mainly used as a big receiver at Stanford. He did very little blocking. People have wondered whether, as a consequence, he might’ve been drafted to do a similar job in Seattle.
I’d hold back on that thought for a while.
To me this pick was 100% about profile. It’s not what he showed at Stanford that is the key here. It’s what he showed at the combine.
Firstly, we’ve previously identified the importance of the three cone when it comes to selecting tight ends. The Seahawks have consistently targeted players who ran around 7.10 or faster:
Luke Willson — 7.08
Will Dissly — 7.07
Nick Vannett — 7.05
Anthony McCoy — 6.99
Zach Miller — 7.01
Jimmy Graham — 6.90
Greg Olsen — 7.04
Jacob Hollister – 7.12
This isn’t a coincidence by now. There are too many examples.
Historically there’s also some correlation between the best tight ends in the league (or the tight ends who are drafted very early) and their performance in the three cone:
Top performing tight ends
George Kittle – 7.00
Austin Hooper – 7.00
Coby Fleener – 7.02
Zach Ertz — 7.08
Travis Kelce — 7.09
Hunter Henry — 7.16
Rob Gronkowski — 7.18
First round picks since 2016
Noah Fant – 6.81
O.J. Howard – 6.85
Evan Engram – 6.92
David Njoku – 6.97
T.J. Hockenson — 7.02
Hayden Hurst – 7.19
We can clearly see that the NFL is placing a high value on this test at the position — and it’s also a good test to determine future success in the league.
Parkinson ran a 7.15 three cone. So while he’s not in the 6.8’s or 6.9’s that likely would’ve propelled him into day one or two of the draft — he’s also in the Kelce, Henry, Gronkowski range. When it comes to using a pick at #133 — he ran a good enough time to believe there’s something to work with there.
It’s not just his three cone either. Parkinson ran a 4.46 short shuttle. That also compares favourably to Seattle’s previous additions at the position and the top TE’s in the league:
Luke Willson — 4.29
Will Dissly — 4.40
Nick Vannett — 4.20
Anthony McCoy — 4.57
Zach Miller — 4.42
Jimmy Graham — 4.45
Greg Olsen — 4.48
Rob Gronkowski — 4.47
Hunter Henry — 4.41
Austin Hooper – 4.32
T.J. Hockenson — 4.18
Coby Fleener – 4.30
Zach Ertz — 4.47
Travis Kelce — 4.42
George Kittle – 4.55
With Parkinson’s profile, at the #133 pick, you can take someone who gives you a chance to outplay his draft placing.
You might bring up his forty time. He ran a 4.77. Clearly that’s a step below people like Kittle (4.52) and some of the freaks who went in round one (Engram, Howard).
Again though, there are positive comparisons:
Rob Gronkowski — 4.68
T.J. Hockenson — 4.70
Jordan Reed — 4.72
Zach Ertz — 4.76
The Ertz profile is particularly interesting. When you put the two former Stanford TE’s side-by-side, they are similar:
Zach Ertz
Forty — 4.76
Vertical — 35.5
Broad — 9-7
Short shuttle — 4.47
Three cone — 7.08
Colby Parkinson
Forty — 4.77
Vertical — 32.5
Broad — 9-1
Short shuttle — 4.46
Three cone — 7.15
Granted, Ertz is more explosive and his three cone is 0.07 seconds quicker. Yet Parkinson also has a length advantage (33 1/4 inch arms vs 31 3/4) and in every other test they are similar.
I don’t believe the Seahawks drafted Parkinson because they saw his receiver-style tape and thought he’d compliment what they already have. I think they see someone with the kind of tight end profile that generally succeeds in the NFL. They have little pressure to start him as a rookie. He can be developed and harnessed in year one. I think they will try to mould him into a typical Seahawks ‘Y’ tight end. The fact he has also shown to be a solid receiver with, reportedly, zero drops in 2019 — that’s simply a big bonus. He’s also very accomplished in the red zone.
This is why I highlight physical ideals in our combine reviews every year. All teams have them and the Seahawks are quite strict with theirs. Parkinson has a profile you can work with.
He’s going to have to work on the consistency of his blocking though, as the video above discusses.
One other thing to consider is how highly rated Parkinson was going into the 2019 season. Some believed he could rise into the top-50 range, perhaps even the first round. It never really happened — in part because Stanford had a bad season and finished 4-8. Parkinson scored 11 touchdowns in his first two years at Stanford but only recorded one score in 2019. Yardage wise he was a consistent contributor.
One of the main reasons I’m starting to run through 2021 tape earlier this year is because I think the Seahawks had players like Darrell Taylor and Parkinson graded highly a year ago. They weren’t able to enhance their stock in 2019 but the talent and potential still exists. It might be something to keep in mind moving forward.
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64 big boards or bust
He’s certainly one of the most interesting draft choices. I still don’t have a good sense of his blocking abilities but know the Seahawks value that aspect for their TE’s. The mismatch opportunities should be good though.
Rob, curious about your views on releasing Fluker. I understand they did if this early to give him a chance to find a new team but the speed at which the Ravens signed him makes me wonder if they couldn’t have at least picked up a draft choice for him.
I don’t think any team would have given up draft capital for Fluker. I feel like in an ideal world that PCJS would have kept him, but the push for Clowney is real and they needed the cap space. Like Fluker said, “it’s business.”
Going to miss him though. Hope the OL can come together.
I think that’s very unlikely. If they’d tried to get a pick out of the Ravens, Baltimore would’ve just said, ‘no thanks’. The main appeal with Fluker is he’s available. They can have a look at him with no strings attached.
Thanks for the write-up, Rob, and for keeping this blog going. Your work has been terrific. Made for a fun draft during these otherwise dull times. Really enjoy this site. You’re a god-send. By the way, I’m very excited about Parkinson. He’s an intriguing prospect. All of our tight ends are a bit iffy beyond this year so it’s nice to have a potential starter in the wings. In fact, I liked our entire draft. It’s solid all the way through.
Thank you
6’7″ with those testing #’s is worth a 4th round flyer. But I am still shocked that Freddie Swain is the WR the Hawks ended up with out of this potentially historical WR class. I’ll need to go back and see who was picked after Parkinson.
Hollister, Sullivan, and Parkinson are all below-average blockers. Is this indication that the Hawks are changing their preference at TE?
No — Hollister is a move-TE that I think they feel like they want as a compliment. Sullivan is just a seventh round flier based off a recommendation from Ed Orgeron. They’ll see where he fits, if at all. Parkinson has a prototype profile for a tight end and I think they will try to mould him into a prototype for their scheme.
Thank you for keeping the blog going for now. It is a welcome outlet during this time. I think that Sullivan may be a player like Nate Boyer. He is good to have around the team for as long as you can.
👍🏻
Thanks Rob.
Here’s where I get impatient and frustrated a little.
This feels like Jimmy Graham all over again.
Why not just develop a small package of plays for him? With his height and length, how about the “Jimmy Graham box out from the 2 yard line automatic TD” play that the Hawks used him extensively for JG’s final year?
I’m not opposed to him learning to block and integrating that flexibility into the game plan, but you’ve got an Olsen, a Dissly, and a Hollister on the roster. You can afford to have a specialized single-use weapon for 2020 and he fits that profile.
Maybe they’re punting on using him in 2020 since they have those 3 and he’s a roster stash. But it feels like there’s an opportunity to use him like DK in 2019. “Here’s your 5 routes. Run these and when the ball comes your way, catch it and you’ll keep getting touches.”
I don’t think it’s Jimmy Graham again to be fair. That one was harder to justify because Graham was a proven touchdown maker/playmaker who everyone knew couldn’t block. Trading a R1 for that and trying to change his game after 4-5 years in the league was unwise. But drafting a guy at the back end of round four with a prototype profile for the position, then trying to mould him into a fit for your offense? That makes perfect sense.
I’m sure it does make sense. But like I said I’m impatient LOL.
I agree. This is similar to how experienced CB’s have a hard time learning the Seahawks kick-step, but rookies have an easier time. Graham was who he was by the time the Seahawks acquired him.
You’d think a 4th round rookie would be more motivated to put the work in and learn to block (or at least try) than a guy already making $10m a year.
I dont ever see home as a Will Dissly, George Kittle blocker, but he can improve enough, with his physical profile, he can be a weapon at the position.
I feel like it’s because his profile shows he can be a complete “Y” TE in this system. So if you have him and Dissly as complete TE’s to go with Hollister, now you have something. Olsen will be here 1 season, I think Willson won’t make it through camp and Sullivan has already been tabbed as a WR, not a TE. If Parkinson doesn’t develop and just can’t block, then you move on to see if he can at least be a receiving TE.
PC said during one of the pressers that Hollister has a unique skill set the other TE’s on the roster don’t. I would think they try to find someone else like him to join the group. Didn’t they add an UDFA TE? Wonder what his profile is…
Tyler Mabry is the UDFA. He has huge hands, long arms, is not real tall, and had good production at Buffalo, and marginal to no production at Maryland. He is a project with all the projectables.
Why not see if you can evolve him into a complete tight end? It’s the smart play and if it works it gives you more options to use him. If he cant show it in practice you wont see him attempting it in a game. The big difference between him and Graham is that he has at least 2 guys ahead of him on the depth chart and he isn’t expected to be a world beater day 1. But I am with you, I see his biggest contribution right now as the post up, jump ball TD pass that Russell and Jimmy perfected in that last year of the Graham experiment.
I think that’s the key. With Dissly, Olsen, Hollister… there isn’t much need for him to have to contribute this year. So why not try to develop him into an overall good TE? That’s a good idea. If he sucks at blocking and they keep making him do it in ’21 (like they did with Graham), then that’s pretty stupid. But I like the idea of trying to make him a complete player first – especially when there’s little need for him to contribute as a rookie.
I agree with Cha on this one. He’s currently 6’7, 250 lbs. He looks tall and lanky on film. They can teach him blocking fundamentals and hope to develop him into a traditional tight end, but there is a lot of weight/strength that has to be gained before he can block efficiently. That may take 1-2 years to come.
I’m hoping that they are able to use him out of the gate on some of the things they used Hollister for. Put some RZ and slot plays in for him and try and get mismatches. He’s a smooth catcher with length. Hollister is JAG to me.
Hollister made some vital plays last year. He might not be a long term fixture but as a move compliment to Dissly and Olsen, that’s a nice fit.
It definitely showed what a move TE can do in Schotty’s offence. I’m probably a bit low on Hollister, but seemed like they schemed him into a lot of yards. Hollister is an NFL player and seems a nice compliment to Olson/Dissly in 2020.
It’s probably more than I’m frustrated that they saw a need to give him a 2nd round tender and the contract that goes with that level of tender. I think they could have gone cheaper on the role. They sprayed too much money around this off-season on non-difference makers.
I’d like to believe they won’t do that with him, but then again I never imagined they would have handled Jimmy the way they did. Same with Percy Harvin. We didn’t get to see much of him, but I got tired of the bubble screens really quick. Exactly how much of that should be laid at the feet of Darrell Bevell I don’t know. Pete found a way to get Tanner McEvoy involved in a variety of ways because he saw Tanner as having unique attributes. Hopefully they can refine Parkinson into a viable weapon.
Rob, your efforts to identify which physical traits are important to Seattle for every different position and prospects that match those profiles is tremendous. It is a very practical approach.
If someone was asked to predict what groceries a shopper is likely to buy, they could study their pantry, evaluate what they need, research consumer reports on products that meet the projected needs, factor in the shopper’s budget and come out with an educated guess that will probably be wrong because of all the assumptions that go into that approach. “This guy needs to eat more vegetables, broccoli is in season and a great value so I predict he will buy broccoli.”
Instead, you could evaluate the shopper’s past purchases, identify trends and then predict that trend to continue. “Every time this guy goes to the store, he buys Newcastle brown ale so I predict he will buy Newks.”
Love the broccoli analogy Steve, can’t wait to see what other veggies you use for the rest of the draft picks!!
Haha! That’s one of the more entertaining analogies I’ve read.
Seahawks don’t care what’s on sale or in season, that’s for sure.
That was just a delicious analogy Steve! Rate it 5 bottle caps!
I remember watching him play in Boulder this year (commented on 11/9 post).
He just seemed to make plays to extend drives, a safety valve in the middle of the field and sure hands. Defenses had to account for him and often saw him double teamed.
He wasn’t on the field as often as I expected which I found interesting. As if Stanford couldn’t scheme him more or he was limited in his play as a receiver and not a blocker.
This could also be part of what you said a post or two ago. Maybe they have drafted these players off of there 2018 tape versus there 2019 tape. I dont think thats exactly how you put it but its in the ball park. Plus you just cant teach 6’7″. For sure great in the red zone as you can just throw it up and its either caught by us or incomplete.
One question is, do we really care if he can block? Or ever becomes really good at it? Yeah if he plays inside you want to at least give it a go but if Dissly can stay healthy in the future (big if) he can be your primary blocker and you have a good one -two opposite punch there. Maybe Im just an idiot which is probably the case but I dont really care how good of a blocker he is.
For the scheme it matters a lot, especially if Dissly can’t stay healthy.
If he can block, he becomes more difficult to defend. He can be in the game on running plays, screen passes, long passing routes, everything. Defenses will key toward passing defensive alignments if you have a player who only comes in on those types of plays. This makes the team less successful.
If he can block, you force the opponent to play their base defense more often, which makes life easier for the OC.
It’s so much easier for a defense to defend a guy if they know exactly what he’s going to do everytime he enters the game. Imagine him blocking two plays and then they go hurry up and split him out against a 5’9 corner.
I just want him to block well in space. We suck bad at short passes, screens because our WRs can’t really block like Baldwin and Kearse could. Previously you saw a shorter pass and at least 2 guys running in front of the receiver (WRs/TE/OL). Now like nothing. This is why Claypool would’ve been cool. To see Lockett running behind Claypool and DK on a short pass to pick up 17 yards
Ughh, don’t bring up Kearse blocking – you know what play it makes me think of… 🙁
It feels like he has a high floor due to his specific skill set as a receiving TE, especially in the RZ. With a year to focus on strength and blocking (while likely still being used for his current skillset in the RZ) he has the chance to turn into a really nice all around TE.
Rob, have you ever written a piece about the history of this blog? That would be fun to read. I’ve been reading from the beginning, but many are new. I remember you being a commenter on SeahawkAddicts, then when the the guy who started that site left (can’t remember his name), it went downhill pretty fast, and you started this place. Or something like that:)
Was surprised for Parkinson’s length how he actually tested. If he actually can work into a true Y role for us it would be and even better pick. I was originally thinking more the receiving TE role. The write up and video just seems to add a little more optimism.
Was also wondering if anyone else was surprised Seahawks wouldn’t take the opportunity to use the 16.5M UFA tender on Clowney like the UFA tender Giants used on Golden.
My guess is either they agreed not to do it, like agreeing to not franchise him, or Seattle recognized it would puss him off and so,didn’t use that tactic.
Interesting. So two teams in the top 10 apparently felt comfortable enough to take Tua despite not having access for a medical check.
That is surprising
You’re assuming that people actually follow the rules. I would not surprised if both of these teams found a way to get their info.
+1
They could easily have a doctor see Tua in his own city. However, when you are making multi million dollar franchise decisions, you really want your own doctor to see the player. For a lower round draft pick or UFA, sure. Any good orthopedic doctor will do.
I would think the NFL would come down hard if they found out a team is breaking the guidelines. I do not think that Tua could travel, someone would notice him. The team doctor could perhaps. But, if found out, I would guess the NFL would suspend that team doctor.
All good stuff, But if it were Parkinson’s profile that was 100% driving the pick, they would have drafted Hunter Bryant instead– he measured equal or better in every metric. I think it was the sure hands, the zero drops in 2019, that made him too good to pass up. A player with sure hands under pressure, with a wide catch radius, in the red zone, a receiver that Russell Wilson can trust… I can think of a few key plays where we could have really used that last season.
My point is he fits their ideal profile. You’re talking about differentiating between two players. I wasn’t doing that. Otherwise I would’ve made a comparison.
One big thing though, Hunter’s only 6’2″. There seems to be a pretty clear body-type metric for the Seahawks TE’s, 6′ 4″ or over seems to be the cut-off point. Was interesting to look up current and just past TE’s:
6’ 4” Jacob Hollister
6’ 5” Greg Olsen
6’ 5” Luke Wilson
6’ 4” Will Dissly
6’ 4” Ed Dickson
6’ 7” Jimmy Graham
6’ 5” Zach Miller
6’ 2” Hunter Bryant
I love Hunter, been following him as a Dawg alum since his ECHS days. Was shocked he wasn’t drafted, but he didn’t seem to fit the TE body-type metric for Seattle. Plus the knee injury history and a solid number of drops this year for the Huskies (catch % seems like a metric as well)
I love the Parkinson pick, that guy bodied db’s out like a basketball forward with great hands, I think any db under 6’0″ is gonna struggle with him in man coverage. Man, he killed the dawgs, also Oregon which is always a delight.haha
Hey all just wanted to pass along NFL game pass is free until June like you don’t even need a credit card free just download app anyway I’m watching Russ rookie year through Super Bowl GO Hawks!!!!
Its saying I dont have a former Game Pass membership. Oh well, worth a try.
One of my favorite pickups this year.
I had mocked Parkinson to us leading up to the draft and feel like the 4th round was the sweet spot to get him. Most draft boards didn’t seem to know where to place him, but if his production is any kind of a knock on him I think you have to look at the QB situation at Stanford. Last year was a down year for them and the first in a long time. KJ Costello was a bust in that system.
Now that we have the player, it becomes a question of how are they developed in our system and alongside our roster. I think TE is a great group as far as development right now if not the best, solid contributors across the board last year in a variety of ways and vet presence. Hopefully he develops in a well rounded player.
Sometimes it’s very simple. When people ask me about certain players at the high school level, I break it down in two ways. 1. What can the player do that’s a standout skill? 2. Do you have to focus on said player as a coach, and does he affect your game plan? I hated when the Huskies would have to play against this kid. Too many opportunities to just post up, out reach smaller defenders for the ball. He has soft hands as well. The dude is a football magnet. He suffered from his QB being injured this year but he wasn’t to blame for their rough season. I remember he and Smith being a problem the year before as well. Even if it takes a while for him to pop, he’s a guy you draft in round 4 and smile about. Love this pick.
The number of rookies that can be the full package at their respected positions to plug and play in their first season can be measured on a single hand leaving a few free fingers. A good coaching stuff should work on improving their weak spots (Parkinson’s blocking or Brooks coverage) but use their strengths first when they play.
It’s another way of saying “put them in a position to succeed” or “don’t tell me what can’t do, tell me what they can do”
In a way, both Brooks and Parkinson are similar in that regard.
Brooks has that read/react speed that reminded me of Earl. The burst of speed in the correct direction avoiding obstacles and closing speed. When you think of all the misdirection, spread runs etc. you face in the NFC west – Brooks can be a key contributor in early downs against the run and as a green dog rusher.
Parkinson – When was the last time you saw a 6-7 player with 33 inch arms with smooth breaks and the capability of easily catching balls when his body is in the air and his hands are fully extend away from his body?
We talk a lot about catch radius as a physical trait. It not just that. Very few long players can easily make hard catches at full extension. If you do not believe me – check DK’s film from last year.
Yes, Parkinson marks a lot of the physical boxes but he was draft because there is something he can do on the football field that is rare. Brooks too.
His catching radius would’ve been irrelevant if it wasn’t for the physical profile we’ve highlighted in this piece.
Stephen Sullivan gets the call
https://twitter.com/Seahawks/status/1255195073702064128
Great video
Really rooting for Sullivan to make the roster even if it the PS year #1. Love the personality and character.
I hope Schneider will.be life.time Seahawks GM. I love thst man soo much.
That is so cool to see. “Let’s get to work!”
What did Stephen spoke all the time? Did he call Schneider “couh”? Dont play ne couch?
I dont know every coach in the NFLs name off the dome. He’ll learn quick tho. Seems like a great glue guy at the very least.
MAKE THEM PUT MY NAME UP THERE
Dude…this guy rocks.
Pete is definitely going to do everything he can to find a spot for him – even if it is just the practice squad at first.
Man these moments really show how amazing sports can be.
Glad you’re pumped, let’s bring that same energy all the way to opening day brother
‘Coach’
Rob – You have to listen to the Softy interview. It’s legitimately the best thing you will ever hear…I’m not being hyperbolic about that.
What an incredible moment. The gratitude just oozes out – don’t bet against this kid.
OH MY GOD…
Please tell me you guys have heard the Softy interview of Stephen Sullivan – it is seriously the best interview I’ve ever heard. Hilarious. Inspiring.
I could not love a pick more than this one.
Here’s the link: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/139-softy-and-dick-interviews-27882152/
Young man certainly has an infectious personality, and a very gritty backstory! I wish him good luck!!
He’s a great talker
Wow, that was great. When he said Miami told him they were going to take him with their second 7th round pick, I looked up how much they missed him by… Turns out we traded with Miami for that exact pick!
Can’t argue with that value!
Hope he pans out. What a whirlwind few minutes for him. Talk about a turning point in your life. Dallas to Philly to Miami to Seattle in moments. Nuts!
Nice to know that you’re wanted. His confidence should be boosted by that. Really look forward to see how he plays.
that is definitely not a tear in the corner of my eye, someone must be peeling onions nearby or something . . .
gotta love the draft.
I was not a fan of Parkinson pick at all. Really felt the team had bigger needs and should have added competition at DT or Slot CB. For me Parkinson seemed too slow to be a Move TE and not physical enough to be the traditional Y TE.
Hope I am dead wrong because if he works out the Hawks would be set at TE with him and Dissly. Hopefully Sullivan can develop into a Move TE and you have three young guys going forward with a year to learn behind Olsen who should be a great mentor.
Rob. I hope you will agree with me the Ravens get it. They go get C. Cambell. For basically nothing .the Brockers deal. Fails but guess they go out. Sign Derek Wolfe. D J. Fluker gets released two days later Ravens signed him there draft was really impressive.my question is who had a better off-season then the Ravens
Hey Trevor, fair points! But Parkinson for me is my ‘best value’ pick of this draft for the Hawks, mainly from ‘tape’. Watched him over the last couple of years against the Dawgs and the rest of the P12. RW’s gonna love him. One poster talked about his smooth transitions out of routes, amazing for a guy that big and I think that’s true. His body control and hands are amazing. He also has sneaky speed once he gets going, he’s a ‘long-strider’ who isn’t easy to catch from behind, watched him run away from smaller faster P12 db’s more than once. He’s really a pain in the ass to cover on 3rd down and in the red zone. For sure, blocking needs to upgrade quickly, hopefully not another Jimmy Graham there. Time will tell.
Absolutely agree on slot corner need. Amadi looks like a short college safety trying to transition to NFL corner to me, too short and terrible ball and route instincts as a slot corner. Great ST player but I think he’s a bust as a coverage corner. Hawks will need to trade for a veteran slot corner or find one on another team’s roster after cuts. A slot corner Diggs pick-up maybe, for a 5th rounder? Hopefully sooner than later.
Not really worried about DT, yet anyway. JS always seems to grab a good cheap veteran.
I hear ya, but I don’t believe a team should draft for need in the 4th round. Just pick the best players. These players don’t exactly contribute much as rookies anyways.
“Parkinson seemed too slow to be a Move TE and not physical enough to be the traditional Y TE.”
Thats pretty much what I saw too. Clearly Parkinson need to add strength and work on his blocking to become an everydown TE. I’ll believe he can do that when I see it. Think hes the type of player that can help a team win with a handful of red zone snaps. He’s 6’7″ knows how to use that height- blocking out smaller defenders- and has great hands.
I have a feeling we are gonna look back on this pick in a couple years and say it was another mid round steal. He is ideally suited for our offense and you can’t teach that size. Russ is gonna love him and he has the potential to be an absolute beast in the red zone.
QB play at Stanford last year was beyond bad – that won’t be a problem for him going forward.
Rob,
I wonder if the scouting staff studied their past drafts found that their “summer scouting board” had looked more favorable then their post-combine board. Perhaps in the past they weighed SPARQ/combine testing too heavily and that would push a player up the board too far.
In the past, we were taking elite athletes that were raw in skills. Now, it seems like we are taking players that have proven on film in their Soph/Junior years that they can play. That allows the combine testing to act as a confirmation tool as opposed to a driving force.
I wouldn’t agree there. Brooks is clearly a big time athlete if he’s running in the 4.4’s like they suggested. Taylor is pure upside — very little polish. Lewis is a good weighted TEF tester. The day three picks all fit their physical ideals/trends.
On ESPN 710 today, his coach at Texas Tech said that Brooks didn’t plan on running at the combine because he hadn’t been working out long because he was recovering from surgery. But, his competitiveness got the best of him. So, it is very conceivable that the Seahawks did time him in the 4.4’s at a time when he was in better shape..
I thought I remember the Seahawks signing a NCB – they grabbed a dude off waivers from Miami. Not sure if he is any good, but looks like he will compete with Amadi and ??? for the NCB role…
https://www.seahawks.com/team/players-roster/linden-stephens/
They also signed two UDFA CB’s who profile as NCB’s:
CB Kemah Siverand, OK State
CB Gavin Heslop, Syony Brook
https://www.pff.com/news/draft-ranking-the-top-15-undrafted-free-agent-signings
I suspect they will bring back Geno Smith and Gordon will make a nice PS player for year one. Very much doubt they go into a coronavirus impacted season with a rookie UDFA backup QB. But it goes to show how the Clowney situation continues to hold everything up. They have the cap space to sign Smith right now — plus a RB and DT. And they can’t. Not really. Not until the big issue is resolved one way or another.
It is so maddening! I can’t believe that JS is letting Clowney hold us up like this.
What are his options? They are obviously still interested in signing him. Shine him on because he won’t sign when they want? If that was the case, they would have already signed Griffen or someone else. The waiting game will continue.
Like I said…maddening. Eventually JS is just going to have to move on. I don’t know what has been said between the two of them but at this point it is weakening the Seahawks as a team.
I’d like to see them keep a backup and a developmental QB on the roster to compete for backup and retained for future trade value. I’m afraid if he were on the PS another team would pick him up.
I wondered if they might use a late round pick to get Gordon but I agree that they will probably go with Geno or anther veteran as backup. If Gordon makes it through camp though then they might use one of those extra roster slots for him and carry three QBs, in order to protect him from being claimed.
Keep in mind the Air Raid makes its living on short throws
That’s not really true. It’s an offense designed to force the defense to cover every blade of grass on the field. They live off of the check-downs until a defense adjusts and then the intermediates, vertical routes get some one on one coverage. When you see a defense who is superior athletically and can tackle in space, as well as get pressure with only 3, that’s how you silence the Air Raid.
I like the potential of Parkinson. Things were changing during his time at Standford. They didn’t really have that bell cow Toby Gerhart/Bryce Love running back and power run game. They started to open up the system and give the QB a little more to do. So the fact that he was split out more and not asked to block as much as past Standford TE’s doesn’t bother me. Can’t punish a kid for not going along with the game plan. As you said, very good traits and they once again will bet on themselves to develop him. Also, he can’t be worse at blocking than Hollister. yeeesh..
Rob,
If you’re willing, I think a post that everyone in the community would be interested in is if you did a retrospective of who you old have picked in each Seahawks draft slot, given who was actually available. I suspect you’ll stick with the Damien Lewis #69 pick, but would be very intrigued with who you would have chosen for Hawks in other selections
I’d rather not Donovan — because I always feel that type of piece makes it sound like I know better (which I don’t). Plus — a draft class that is born out of a vision and a plan that is well structured and executed, to me that’s all you can ask for.
I have requested something like this previously as well. I understand why you are reluctant to do this. But I do wish that you would reconsider. That piece is something that I know the community would value greatly as we obviously place a lot of value on your opinion.
I’m going to side with Rob on this one. It is what it is and any woulda, shoulda, coulda speculation just doesn’t add any value to the reality of what is. I respect Rob’s opinion and he has told us over the past few months what he thinks. Look at his vertical board, look at his player reviews. At this point we have our new team members and just accept it because none of us has the power to change it.
I agree. There really is no use. Teams have so much more information that any of us. We really do not know how a draft will play out until a few years anyway.
People know my opinion on certain players by now. Me saying ‘I would do this differently’ doesn’t really do anything other than place me in direct opposition to the Seahawks.
Agreed. To me, this blog (unlike some other places on the Internet) has always been about understanding what they might do and why, or understanding why they did something other than what we expected. Talking about what they should do our should have done is a different thing entirely.
Before here I used to go on DraftCountdown a lot. He picks a guy from each round that he thinks will be successful. It doesnt have to be necessarily related to the Seahawks. Would love to see you do something like that.
Hey Rob… or anyone,
Do you think the Hawks have not signed Griffen because: A) Clowney is still option 1, or B) Griffen is not an option at all. ? Griffen market seems as cold as Clowney’s. The wait is killing me.
They’re waiting for Clowney, and Griffen is waiting for Clowney too IMO.
I think they are going to wait this Clowney thing out until he signs somewhere else.
I think they’ve determined nobody can have the impact he has. They’ve waited him out this long. Think it just drags on until there’s a conclusion now.
I agree Clowney is option A and Griffen is option B if Clowney signs elsewhere.
Yes.
And unfortunately it seems like they’re also willing to wait this out to the death, just like Clowney. Which means we’ll have weeks if not months of uncertainty to come.
Considering the weeks to months of uncertainty in the world, I guess they are just trying to remain consistent!
This is my opinion. According to John Clayton Seahawks have offered Clowney 15.6mil. Clowney has lowered his asking price to 17mil. Come on John Schneider bite the bullet. PAY Clowney THE 17MIL.
Please don’t lose a Super Bowl opportunity because of 1.4mil. That would be stupid. That would be insane. It’s only for one year. It’s not a long-term deal. This will give the Seahawks young talent on defense to develope. Pay Clowney his 17mil and make him happy. You don’t want to sign an unhappy Clowney.
Is that with another “no tag” provision though? If we do sign him on just a one-year deal, I don’t want to go through this again. The tag has to be an option for the team to have any real leverage in negotiations.
I dont care about the tag, if teams are concerned about his long term durability, lets get another year, and continue to draft and add talent next year. At this point in the process, we are resigned to a “just dont f*@% up this season!!!” point in the game
Is Clowney going to be happy even at $17M though? You’re probably signing an unhappy Clowney anyway. And he may want to wait until restrictions are off so he can take physicals with other teams and see if anyone else will bite. Maybe he would take a bit less to be back on the east coast by his family? Like TEN.
It has been mentioned a few times, but I am confused with the “waiting to take physicals with other teams” narrative. We have seen trades happen with injury prone players, and seen injured guys get signed in free agency. They all took physicals in order to be traded, and get signed. How is Clowney’s situation any different where he cant do what everyone else is doing? Is it possible that other teams aren’t worried about the injuries as much as we are thinking, and it comes down to being unwilling to pay the player?
Several have mentioned that – between Clowney’s production and the fact that he has to take practices off to keep his knee from degenerating too quickly, and his contract demands, they all just make for a bad mix.
You have to agree to terms before a medical. Teams are not offering Clowney the kind of money he wants until they can get a proper look at him. That’s the issue. So he’s waiting and hoping eventually they will offer him more, knowing they can meet with him and check him out properly.
Cant the terms be conditional though? Obviously conditioned on him passing, but also on the assessment? The numbers based on the health, and if he doesn’t agree with the assessment he can just deny to sign? And id imagine hawks can get a proper one right? Or doe sit not matter that he player for us last year?
Honest curiosity
The teams aren’t even making those conditional offers though. That’s the problem. They are saying to Clowney — we’re not making an offer till we’ve had a look.
I like the Parkinson pick and I think he will definitely be an end zone weapon for us – I think Russ misses just throwing it up high to Jimmy Graham! Russ is already good at throwing the lob and I think they’ll set him up to take advantages of mismatches with smaller defenders. Can you imaging DK out wide on one side and Parkinson on the other? Throw it up to either side Russ!
Russ likes looking for his TE’s in the red zone! For me, the over/under on TD’s for Parkinson his rookie season is 5. What do you guys take – over or under?
Go Hawks!!
I would absolutely love to get 5 TDs out of a rookie, but I also think its entirely possible he only has 5 catches being that he likely starts as 4th on the depth chart. So I’ll root for the over, but I’d bet on the under.
Seahawks Claim CB Jayson Stanley Off Waivers
According to a seahawks.com facebook video Cody Parkinson grew up a seahawks FAN!!!
https://www.seahawks.com/news/seahawks-claim-cb-jayson-stanley-off-waivers
Pro day results
40 Yard Dash: 4.46 seconds
40 Yard (MPH): 18.34 (MPH)
20 Yard Split: 2.59 seconds
10 Yard Split: 1.56 seconds
Bench Press: (N/A) reps (225 lb)
Hand Size: 8.5 inches
Arm Length: 33 inches
Vertical Leap: 35.0 inches
Broad Jump: 126 inches
20 Yd Shuttle: 4.34 seconds
Three Cone: (N/A) seconds
Height: 73.63 inches
Weight: 209 lbs
Wingspan: 79.375 inches
Parkinson was definitely picked in what seems to be the sweet spot for playmaker TEs.
Travis Kelce – 3rd round
George Kittle – 5th round
Tyler Higbee – 4th round
Darren Waller – 6th round
Jared Cook – 3rd round
Austin Hooper – 3rd round
Mark Andrews – 3rd round
Hopefully, they can figure out how to take advantage of his physical traits, coach him up, and get him ready to make plays in their system.
Although we’d like to try to forget about Jimmy Graham – he was 4th round, too.
I think Waller was a WR who smoked too much weed… that’s why he fell so far. With the rules today, nobody would care as much and he would have been taken much higher.
Just for info, Lindy’s draft magazine rated Parkinson as their number 3 TE. Surprisingly quick off the snap with a huge catch radius. Rob thanks for all you do. Your research put you head and shoulders above others
Smart for the Saints to sign Jameis as a backup to Drew in Teddy’s role. Limit his damage, maximize his learning and if he can be taught to be a better, more educated risk-taker then this is the team to do it. I love our NFC “enemies!”
Best thing I heard all day
Hill tossed 10 passes to Saints Players
Winston tossed 7 passes to Saints Players
LOL
HaHa! Gotta love it!
Pretty sure it’s the other way around, Jaemis 10, Hill 7
It’s the other way around…
https://twitter.com/MasterTes/status/1254429749025308672ll-1.1470138
I can’t get enough of robs posts. I’m gonna have draftblogitis after this year.
Me too. I contracted corona-blogitis!
Cardinals DC Vance Joseph said Isaiah Simmons will be a linebacker for the Cardinals. It’s unlikely he’ll play much safety or corner, so his role won’t be exactly like it was at Clemson. -Josh Weinfuss
Seems like trying to box him into one position negates a lot of his value. Unless you are still moving him around to cover TEs and rush the passer… so let’s hope his role is very different from Clemson for ‘Hawks sake.
Looking at some of these TE combine measurements, no ones arm length even comes remotely close to Stephen Sullivans at 35 1/8.
How crazy is this scenario….
The Bengals trade Dalton to Seattle for peanuts and pick-up a decent portion of his contract .. so he can be RWs back-up???? Sounds ludicrous, but Seattle loved him when he came out of college…. “there might be a chance” 😉
Unless they’re willing to pick up $16m of his $17.5m cap hit in 2020… there’s no chance.
How crazy?
Very crazy.
Interested why some think that Darrell Taylor is more suited for the LEO and Alton Robinson for the 5 tech when they both are the same height and same weight?
Senior Bowl measurements.
Taylor:
6035
259
Robinson:
6030
259
Robinson’s not lean like Taylor.
Ok, so more of a stocky frame?
Robinson also played 5T a lot at Syracuse and was told by Seattle that he’d be playing there.
Taylor has a LEO frame. Robinson is rounder and shorter arms.
Thanks Rob for all your work, your site is the most informative site on the Seahawks!
Thanks Ken 👍🏻
Thanks for the fantastic coverage for the past few months. I learned a lot over the past few months from your writing. One thing that stuck out to me from this year’s draft press conferences is that PCJS appear interested in a particular type of interior line prospect on both sides of the ball. This player type is exemplified as having a wide base and being short while having good relative length in their arms. Jordan Hill fit this mold. Poona Ford fit this mold. Damien Lewis fits this mold. I’ll be keeping my eyes out for a player of this type next year especially at the 1T and C positions.
Thanks again Rob.
Thanks Matty
Josh Gordon still an option? Would be great given the current circumstances!
He needs to be reinstated before he can sign with any team. Apparently, his suspension last year was for more than just marijuana. He has expressed interest in returning to Seattle multiple times over the past couple months.
Thanks for keeping it rolling a bit late for us this year. It was an odd year and unfortunately the global crisis hit close to home this year, and while I won’t go into detail it was greatly appreciated to have an outlet to think about anything else, even though admittedly I invested less time than any other year in the past decade really getting to know the draft into the later rounds. Truly grateful the NFL kept the draft schedule, and all of the contributors here helped offer intelligent polite and thoughtful analysis to at least someone stay involved in the process. There really isn’t any place like this on the internet, and more grateful now than ever.
Take care, man. All the best.
Thank you 👍🏻
And take care Frank.
I have listened draft call for Sullivan at least 20 times now…and what make it so special is fact.that he was so happy because it was Seattle…he allready knew Miami will.select.him in seventh round but when he found out it is seattle…On 0:28sec you can here him when says (Seattle?)…he couldn’t believe…Pete will keep this guy on 55 roster no matter what…
Loved that call too, he’s someone to get excited about for sure. But he has a serious uphill battle in order to make the final 55. He’s not beating out Dissly, Olsen, Parkinson, or even Hollister. I believe he’s destined for the practice squad, let’s just hope we can stash him there!
Did anyone listen Brack and Salk?
Men I dont agree with so many things they said…
I really like Brock & Salk.
But I listened really wanting to chime in during their last podcast. There’s a fundamental lack of understanding with each of these picks. We’ve identified on here over the years their ideals and preferences. And you can disagree with those ideals and preferences. But that’s why they made the picks they did.
And those same ideals delivered their best players too.
But they weren’t wrong about the off season overall. It has been a failure so far. They haven’t closed the gap to even Green Bay, let alone SF & NO.
If the Seahawks re-sign Clowney, do you think that they’ve taken a step forward from last years roster on paper?
No, not really.
I think we’re clearly worse off than at this time last year
I was speaking about their draft analysis when I said I don’t agree with them…I mean Mike said that John didn’t know what he is doing when trade with GB fall apart…I mean really…John is one of the best, if not the best GM when it comes to planning draft, what are steps 1,2,3 during draft etc…did you hered what Mike said about Lewis…wtf…Dallas is same as Trevor???…he is exactly type of RB Seahawks drafted for years (Homer wasn’t) size and testing wise…Taylor Is is tailor made LEO for Petes scheme…no production Brock said? Really? …
And when its about improving team…really don’t know what to say because…are they gonna improve in main problem from last year is big projection…All of guys they added, and the ones who stayed, are big question marks for next year…they didn’t add single player for whome they can say, he will be star next year, he will have 10+sacks…but where I don’t agree with you is I think Clowney isn’t that guy to…first you never can know will he be healthy enough to play whole season, and second he just isn’t sack producer…
There is no question we would be much better team if they add him before season starts…but I am not sure it is good for long term…him playing means a lot less time for LJ, Green , rookies etc…and you need to give guys playing time to improve themselfs…you need to see what you have in them…and only way to see that is to give them chance to play (not only few snaps)…I think they set the team good enough to take gamble this year…I think its right thing to do this season…I know most of you don’t agree with that but that’s how I see things…
I know you don’t agree with this but this is how I see our current DE group…this is from Chris Cluff (@chawk talker) article about state of the roster
It’s not that I disagree. It’s just wrong.
Carroll is not relying on these guys. They are determined to bring back Clowney. It is blindingly obvious.
Collier and Green won’t get better simply with snaps. They need to compete and earn a role, not be hand gifted it and hope it works out.
Ok.
But what do you think, whats the reason he isn’t already seahawks for 2020?
Cap space? They have enough cap space for him and they easily can create more with cutting Jackson and Hunt.
Physical? They are the only team in the league who have all information on his healt.
Few millions more that he wants? The whole roster is set (one more DT and maybe RB but its only couple of milions), so now they know how much cap space they have and few millions shouldn’t be problem to give him if they want him so bad. I mean its not like you give money from your pocket and you want to save some money. It would have sense to speak about it month ago, but now, I don’t see any difference between 14 and 17mil. You wont use that 3 mil on some player who will make your roster much better. And even if you would, you can crate that 3mil easily.
So i really cant find any good reason why they didn’t sign him already if , as you say, they are so determined to bring him back.
It’s simple.
He wants a salary that nobody in the NFL is willing to pay.
And rather than take the best available offer, a man who already has $50m in the bank is deciding he won’t be forced to sign a contract he doesn’t like, so he’ll risk a few million to see if he can get a better offer down the line.
Might be frustrating for the Seahawks and their fans but that’s his prerogative. And clearly the Seahawks have decided there’s no alternative that matches up to Clowney, so they are waiting this out too.
You’re right Rob. With the recent cap reductions of Britt & Fluker, they have more cap space than Tennessee, which will enable them to match whatever they offer Clowney. Unfortunately for Clowney, nothing has come up better than what Seattle has offered.
The (2) players that I hope they eventually sign are Clowney & Snacks. Both would help fill their needs of stopping the run, which is a glaring need presently. Perhaps Christmas, Mone, or one of their UDRFAs could help in that regard with that DT rotation. But, Harrison is the best available Vet for that role.
(3) DT Rotation:
Reed
Snacks
Ford
P.S. Christmas/Mone/UDRFA
(3) EDGE (LEO) Players
Taylor
Mayowa
Irvin (SAM/LEO)
(4) 5TECH
Clowney (5T/3T)
Collier (3T/5T)
Green
Robinson
These could get the job done the help of Jordan & BWag shooting gaps in stopping the run. The big bodies will have to step though.
“They haven’t closed the gap to even Green Bay, let alone SF & NO.”
I really don’t get it. It’s a constant base line assumption since the end of the season.
The Seahawks were ranked 1st in the NFC after week 12th after already losing Dissly and Britt for the season.
The “gap” wasn’t there after 12th weeks.
Even after losing their WHOLE RB room plus injuries to Clowney, Brown, Iupaty, Diggs, Griffin they where inches away from the NFC west championship and a last drive failure from the NFCCG.
There is absolutely no telling what they could have achieved with one decent RB still standing or Clowney/Brown healthy.
IMO, a healthy Dissly or a productive Olsen or better 2nd year DK can be more than whatever gap separated those teams.
None of this matters though.
Even when they were “#1 in the NFC”, they weren’t really. We could see it. Re-read everything I wrote last season after every game. They were winning, mostly due to their QB, but were seriously flawed with massive issues on defense.
They are still flawed and as of today have lost their best defensive lineman.
Rob, you know I have read every word you published for many years and watched every second of every game. If you re-read my comments during that time you’ll find I was way more bullish on this team from the start and I still believe that with Carson/Penny still standing they were as good as any in the top of the NFC.
I am not trying to portray this team as a great defensive powerhouse. There is no argument that they had massive issues on defense.
“They were winning, mostly due to their QB” – This is a very impotent statement, not a side note. That QB is still on the roster, with a better assortment of weapons (hopefully) and it only takes winning a game or two more to end top of the NFC.
Since the middle of last season when we could all see how badly this defense struggles they have invested the following:
5th – Diggs.
5th – Dunbar.
1st – Brooks
2nd Taylor.
They resigned Reed for 16 games rather then 10 and signed Irvin and Mayowa.
They still have the cap space to add one more player, hopefully Clowney but someone worthy of a double digit salary.
To say that this team as a whole defense & offense, has taken a step back is not what I see. When it’s all said and done we’ll see the final product on the field and evaluate the combined effects.
You might’ve been more bullish but that doesn’t matter either. This team was massively flawed and it showed in the fact they were among the five worst teams in the NFL in every pass rushing category, run defense and missed tackles. Sorry Eran but even blind faith can’t argue against the long list of numbers stating the fact that they were massively flawed. And now they’ve currently lost their best defensive lineman.
OK.
Just one last question.
Since we all agree that this team had one of the worst defenses in the NFL with massive issues across across the board, does their record indicate that they must have had some massive advantages elsewhere to balance that in the win/loss column?
and, if so, does that not compute into the “gap” calculation?
Yes, their quarterback carried them.
And that means what would otherwise be a ‘picking in the top 15’ roster is capable of making the playoffs.
Agree 100%. Being able to win what, 9 or 10 games by less than 5 points or whatever it was (a very small number anyway) again this year is highly unlikely. Regression to the mean says 4 of those will be losses without improvement on D. Has the D gotten better? Likely but the question remains is i enough so far? I say ‘no’. 11-5 could well turn into 9-7 or 8-8 even with a top 3 QB.
Quick word of notice.
Anyone who puts Trey Smith in a ‘2021 mock draft’.
You can’t trust what they’re writing. He’s just a big name because of recruiting. Nothing… and I mean nothing… about him is a R1.
I haven’t watched him; this was the only reason he was even on my list:
https://youtu.be/KTrpif7tkGs?t=119
+1
Javon Kinlaw is welcome to that view. He may well have had a good game against him.
I’m reading all these ‘too early mocks’ though (not here, elsewhere) and I click off every time I see Smith included. Those people clearly haven’t watched him much in college.
If seen 2 already mocking him to Seattle…
Darrell Taylor Gets the Call from John Schneider | 2020 NFL Draft
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHnO9AkZfsQ
PC calls Taylor:
https://twitter.com/Seahawks/status/1253849641684066305
Jordyn Brooks Gets the Call from John Schneider | 2020 NFL Draft
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9-v_CxMPEs
Does anyone know when was the last time the Seahawks drafted a junior or someone who only had been 3 years removed from their high school graduation?
Rasheem Green at least. He was a yungin coming out
Thank you Kenny. And to kind of answer my own question, Colby Parkinson was a junior.
DK, Homer, Ursua last year?
Ursua is already 26
Travis Homer
I don’t understand the narrative that we’re worse than we were last year.
If we sign Clowney or Griffen, we are going to be much better. The only meaningful losses were Al Woods and QJeff. (Britt, Fluker, Ifedi were replaced by players who are on par with them or better than them).
We have the same DTs as we did last year, minus Woods. Swap Ansah and QJeff with Mayowa and Irvin, add in Darrell Taylor and Alton Robinson, and whichever DT we end up signing to swap with Woods. That’s a pretty clearly upgraded DL. Especially since we added the biggest thing we were missing – Speed. Mayowa and Irvin are just simply better than QJeff and Ansah.
We added a difference maker at corner in Quinton Dunbar, who could really be a lockdown guy for us. We added a speedy, rangy BAMF Linebacker in Brooks will will give Bobby and KJ more rest, injecting youth and speed immediately. We now have a plethora of TEs. We added more special teams guys, including a return man, which will help keep Lockett healthy and is as good a depth signing as any. Our depth is MUCH better than last year, which as we all should know by now is instrumental in making a deep playoff run.
Y’all doubted this team last year and they shut y’all up. Watch em do it again.
I doubted them, last year: Thought they would go 8-8, maybe even 7-9.
They didn’t shut me up. If anything, they confirmed that they were an average team led by an elite QB.
1. No, nobody ‘doubted this team’ last year. I for one said 10-6 and they finished 11-5. Most people seemed to agree. Nobody ‘doubted’ them. The absolute worst thing anyone said was the pass rush wasn’t good enough, the defense looked poor and they needed another off-season. All valid.
2. The whole point of saying they aren’t better is the pure, simple fact that they haven’t signed Clowney yet. And until they do, this D-line is NOT better than it was a year ago.
3. Even if they do sign Clowney or Griffen, the only significant change from last season is Irvin, Mayowa, Dunbar and a bunch of rookies. Sorry, but that is not enough to warrant any level of confidence that they are going to be all that much better than last season. It’s perfectly plausible for people to expect more given they’ve used millions of cap space and a full draft class and the end result is hoping two journeymen plus a second and fifth round rookie is going to turn one of the worst pass rushes in the league into something better. The pass rush needed fixing and so far it has most definitely not been fixed.
Please accept people are allowed to criticise this team. Nothing being argued is unfair or unreasonable.
Can I change my answer?
Yeah as of now, without the Clown, it’s not better, but I expect that to happen.
And absolutely, people are entitled to their opinions. Not trying to say they aren’t allowed that. I just disagree. (So long as Clowney signs)
Lets not forget two divisional opponents missed makable FGs at the end of two different games to give us two of those wins. This team won, but it wasn’t as easy as some seem to look back on. Heck, even the Bengals were terrible and they got hammered all year and only won one game. But one of the best games of their season was against the Seahawks. This team would have had a top 10 pick in the draft if they didn’t have a certain QB.
Do you have a prediction for our record now? Does Clowney add a win? Multiple wins?
No. Too early.
If there are games….
I dont think I’ve ever seen a closed door NFL game. But I watched Dortmund v PSG earlier this year and that was an haunting atmosphere. It would be a trip to hear every word on the field
I agree with Coleslaw as long as they do resign Clowney, the defence will be better.
They had no real Leo at all last year, Ansah was done and Griffin is just too small for that role.
The secondary looks improved with Dunbar and Diggs and hopefully Blair becomes a factor. Reed won’t be missing the first six weeks.
Irvin and Brooks bring better options to help Wagner and Wright.
Your second sentence is the key. *If* we sign Clowney or Griffen.
I’m one of the most optimistic fans and I choose to believe SEA will be better this year. Still, even I admit that as it stands today, the only place on D I can confidently say I think will be better is the secondary. You’ve got a full season of Diggs. Add in Dunbar. Hopefully Ugo and Blair take a step. Shaq had a good year and Flowers has a chance to break out too.
On paper, I can’t say the LB group will be better. Kendricks was a very good player. I think Brooks will be very good, but he’s a rookie. Bobby and KJ are a year older. Barton and BBK will hopefully step up. I hope they will be better and I think they can be, but we don’t know.
Last year when Ansah and Clowney were acquired, there was talk about that killer DL group of those two along with Reed and Poona. Most of us felt pretty good about that. Ansah was a non-factor possibly due to injury, maybe age. Reed missed 6 games and never really got back to 2019 form. Poona was fine, but underwhelmed. Maybe expectations were too big for him. Clowney was good, but got injured. Jefferson and Green were nice, rotational guys. Collier was hurt. Branden Jackson was Branden Jackson. Woods was good and then he got suspended.
This year, I think a realistic expectation is 10 sacks combined from Mayowa/Irvin, 5 from Green/Collier, 5 from the DT group, 5 from blitzing CB/LB/S. That’s 25 sacks. They had 28 last year. As you said, they need to sign Clowney or Griffen. That should reasonably be another 5 sacks. Still in the ballpark of last year. I’d love to add another 5 from Taylor/Robinson because I think they could do it, but looking at Collier and Green’s rookie years I can’t confidently do that.
They need to sign Clowney/Griffen and a vet DT. It’s that simple. I think they will do these things. However, they haven’t yet. That’s why I’d grade them as incomplete right now. They’re hedging on the development of young players, which I believe will bring them success. I can see the consternation though.
I could go through the offense too if you want, but I’m not that worried about them. Sign the guys I mentioned above and I agree with you. I don’t think they’ll be worse than last year, and have much more potential. They need to follow through on that.
I know many don’t like to count on it but a lot of the improvement i expect is from the 2nd and 3rd year guys The 3rd year in particular has been a “leap year” for the production of a lot of picks ie Reed, Shaq, Britt. I expect a big step from Green and Flowers. Penny and Dissly too if they are healthy. All have shown flashes and this is the year they could find consistency. A lot of 2nd year guys got a taste too. Now they need consistent roles. Blair, Barton, Haynes, Ursua. I think Amadi takes the biggest leap though i hope Blair does too. I know we need some nickel depth but I really think Amadi has got something. He is always around the ball. Took some lumps and will probably take some more but i think he’s gonna be good.
I really hope Greg Olsen doesnt make the team. Thats an IR waiting to happen.
Same, but he isn’t going anywhere. Owed too much guaranteed money not to make the team.
Win Forev-
https://twitter.com/1j_reed/status/1255500066565099526?s=19
JReed confirming he is going back to wearing 90.
Not sure if this is something to worry about as per Clowney.
Does this mean it’s set in stone as per him not returning?
It literally means nothing. Reed was 90 before Clowney. He gave it up when they got him. Clowney is not on the team currently. Why save a number for a guy that isn’t on the team?
If it does they better get a shift on with Everson Griffen.
I agree with what you said above, Rob. This seemingly isn’t going to be resolved any time soon. It’s obvious at this point Clowney is willing to wait it out. He has little incentive to sign a deal now. Nobody seems to be knocking Griffen’s door down. SEA knows the impact of Clowney is more than Griffen, so they’re going to have to wait it out. It’s a game of chicken and it sucks.
Can’t imagine this is good news for a Clowney return. Don’t you think Reed would reach out to Clowney before making this switch, they were teammates after all. Maybe he just said, “go ahead and take 90 if you want it” or possibly “I ain’t coming back man, do what you want”. Hopefully it means nothing, but jersey numbers are important to most players, so could be meaningful!!
Probably just rewarding Reed.
Doubt it’s make or break for Clowney.
This is a very interesting listen if you’re interested. It’s Pete Carroll and Steve Kerr’s podcast (that exists apparently). They briefly talk about the draft, but there’s also a pretty eye opening discussion about dealing with defeat in the biggest moments, the superbowl particularly. Reading between the lines Pete seems to have some regrets about the way he shouldered the blame for the SB loss, and how some of the players reacted to that.
https://www.theringer.com/2020/4/28/21239564/nfl-draft-recap-handling-a-championship-loss-and-vulnerability-in-sports-with-brene-brown
Go back and listen to the first 2. They’re both great.
+1
This dude nailed it 🤣
https://twitter.com/Hawk/status/1255210838836703232
After reviewing Clowney situation, it does not make sense. Clowney is looking for 1) super bowl contender team 2) big money contract.
I fail to understand if clowney does not sign he might lose money. Such a dumb guy
Again though, Ashish, I’ve explained this. To me or you it might seem dumb to lose money. To a man who has already made over $50m in his career, it’s perfectly plausible for him to say… ‘no, I’m not going to agree to a contract on your terms, I’m going to wait this out.’
He can afford to do it if he wishes. To him, respect and doing things his way is more important than just getting whatever the best deal is.