I’ve noted some key names below. For a full list click here.
Isaac Asiata — 6-3, 323lbs, 33 3/4 inch arms
Adam Bisnowaty — 6-6, 304lbs, 33 7/8 inch arms
Garett Bolles — 6-5, 297lbs, 34 inch arms
Dion Dawkins — 6-4, 314lbs, 35 inch arms
Jermaine Eluemunor — 6-4, 332lbs, 33 1/4 inch arms
Antonio Garcia — 6-6, 302lbs, 33 3/8 inch arms
Dorian Johnson — 6-5, 300lbs, 35 1/4 inch arms
Roderick Johnson — 6-7, 298lbs, 36 inch arms
Forrest Lamp — 6-4, 309lbs, 32 1/4 inch arms
Damien Mama — 6-3, 334lbs, 35 inch arms
Taylor Moton — 6-5, 319lbs, 34 1/8 inch arms
Ryan Ramcyzk — 6-6, 310lbs, 33 3/4 inch arms
Cam Robinson — 6-6, 322lbs, 35 1/2 inch arms
David Sharpe — 6-6, 343lbs, 35 3/8 inch arms
Chad Wheeler — 6-7, 306lbs, 33 1/8 inch arms
Some quick notes…
— A lot of the players, yet again, were measured short at the Senior Bowl. The likes of Forrest Lamp, Adam Bisnowaty, Dion Dawkins and others somehow managed to grow their arms by as much as an inch in the last month. It’s unclear why there’s consistently such a discrepancy between the two sets of measurements.
— The good news here? It means cornerbacks like Tre’Davious White, measured with 31.5 inch arms at the Senior Bowl, might top the 32-inch mark at the combine. The more cornerbacks fitting into Seattle’s profile the better. Only two CB’s in Mobile had 32 inch arms. They obviously do things differently in Indianapolis. (the Seahawks haven’t drafted a cornerback in the Pete Carroll era with sub-32 inch arms).
— Dorian Johnson was recruited as a 5-star tackle prospect but played guard at Pittsburgh. At 6-5, 300lbs and with +35 inch arms, he could be Branden Albert 2.0 and play tackle in the NFL.
— It might not be a great draft for offensive linemen but there’s a nice collection of size and length. Players like Damien Mama and Dion Dawkins with 35-inch arms and good size become very intriguing.
— Garett Bolles measured as expected. He’ll likely gain 10lbs quickly when he gets pro-guidance. Expect a killer workout and a top-15 grade.
— Ryan Ramcyzk’s length isn’t an issue at 33 3/4inch arms at 6-6. There were some doubts about his length — not anymore. He won’t workout due to injury.
John Schneider spoke at the podium today. This was interesting:
Schneider says the #Seahawks would like to add some veteran experience on the offensive line this offseason.
— Stephen Cohen (@scohenPI) March 1, 2017
Schneider also admitted regret in releasing Jahri Evans and suggested the Seahawks were too young on the O-line in 2016. This suggests they will look to acquire some veteran help in free agency and that early picks on the O-line (aka even more youth and inexperience) might be unlikely.
If you missed our combine preview podcast, check it out here.
Running back measurements are listed in full here.
James Conner — 6-1, 233lbs
Dalvin Cook — 5-10, 210lbs
Matt Dayes — 5-9, 205lbs
D’Onta Foreman — 6-0, 233lbs
Leonard Fournette — 6-0, 240lbs
Wayne Gallman — 6-0, 215lbs
Brian Hill — 6-0, 219lbs
Elijah Hood — 6-0, 232lbs
Kareem Hunt — 6-0, 216lbs
Alvin Kamara — 5-10, 214lbs
Christian McCaffrey — 5-11, 202lbs
Jeremy McNichols — 5-9, 214lbs
Samaje Perine — 5-11, 233lbs
Jamaal Williams — 6-0, 212lbs
Joe Williams — 5-11, 210lbs
There aren’t too many headlines. D’Onta Foreman is 16lbs lighter than the weight listed by Texas. Elijah Hood is 12lbs heavier than his expected 220lbs.
The Seahawks ‘type’ over the years has been around 5-11 in height and 220lbs. There are players close to that (eg Brian Hill) but there aren’t any real standouts. Explosive testing is the key on Friday at running back (vertical, broad jumps).
If you missed our big combine preview, click here.
Thanks for the quick summary. I agree, after hearing JS’s comments it seems unlikely that SEA devotes an early pick to OL.
If there is a run on CBs in the first round, his comments also suggested this may be the year where they go CB early.
Saturday’s CB measurements are going to be fascinating. Hopefully a lot of the top guys hit the 32-inch mark. Would be good to see Tre’Davious White, Adoree’ Jackson, Kevin King, Howard Wilson and a few others get that mark.
Agreed! We will be spoiled for CB choice in Rd 1 and Rd 2, depending on how the draft goes.
The expected run on CBs makes me think they may pass on safeties early on (like Budda Baker). Seeing as there is really good depth for safeties that could be taken later on in the draft.
To me he basically told us, expect CB to be selected earlier than normal for them and why wouldn’t it? Because they haven’t in the past? They buck trends every year, but more important, its a glaring need and they absolutely must hit on 2 defensive studs this year. Haven’t done that in 4-5 years, besides Frank Clark & possibly Jarran Reed.
O-line in FA.
Likes the depth on the D-line late into day 3.
Vol, great points. When did he mention he likes the D-line later on? I must’ve missed that.
He hinted at it.
Also confirmed that Shead won’t be ready to start the season as it stands now.
Possible no Oline early could mean some Hassan Reddick in draft and possibly a splash in Free Agency. Okung, Zeitler, Wagner?
I wouldn’t expect a splash.
More a calculated move.
The cap came in officially at $167 million instead of the projected $168 million. Not a big difference but it reinforces the idea that Seattle will be cautious. Okung might be the 2nd best FA OT on the market and get priced out of Seattle’s range.
I guess there isn’t a standard for measuring arms? Reminds me of a number of other things I deal with. The closer you look, you realize the dirty little secret that what is supposed to be tested or set in stone gets measured differently depending on the place and event. Like 40 times measured electronically and hand held, or running on different tracks.
So it’s to the players advantage to run on a fast track, but harder to compare when the rest of the group is on a slow track.
Trust the hand held. There’s a reason why they’ve used it for decades. It gives scouts something to compare and really shows ‘speed in pads’ much more than a track that’s been run on how many times and some special electronic clock.
As for the length issue? Its why we see Seattle bring in guys with 31 1/2″ arms for example. Because they, meaning Seattle scouts, probably measured them at 32″. There’s different ways to do it and that’s what we see almost every year.
IMO it is silly to ask football guys to get down in a track stance and run a 40 yard dash. Never EVER will any football player line up in that stance. I don’t see how it is even relevant. Not to mention how different guys are once they put the pads on. Good points Alaska!
That’s why they also measure the 10 yard split times… that they actually would encounter in a game. You show explosion and top speed with a 40 yard dash.. but that’s why it’s more of a spectacle than what is actually used. It’s only really effective for RBs, WRs, and CBs.
I just find it frustrating when I read that Seahawks have never picked a cornerback with less than 32 inch arms, and then read that the arm length varies by measure. But I promised myself not to become a doubter during the combine measurements. So let the SPARQ Hunger Games begin!
Zack Banner tipping the scales at ‘only’ 353′ is certainly good news for that young man. He often played at a chubby 380+ at USC and lacked endurance. That he has committed to losing the weight will show NFL teams that he is serious about playing in the league. At 6-8 he is never going to be svelte. If he can show up at a training camp below 350 and keep it there he can be a powerful force in the NFL for a team that wants a pile mover in their offensive line.
I wouldn’t mind him as an udfa
I could definitely see that and would love that move. Why not local kid whop seems like a great personality.
Hasn’t there been talk that Banner hasn’t been the most driven player? He certainly has the size, but I wonder if he’s more like Alvin Bailey.
I think thats a crock…
Everything out of USC is he is THE leader. He leads everything… Always at the front of the group.
Natural speaker and beloved there
It’s like saying Bolles was spoonfed assignments.
He just has a minor weight problem that must be monitored. The way he moves as the heaviest guy on the field you’d like to see him lose 15 more..
15 more might be his absolute limit. He is naturally big boned. His father, Lincoln Kennedy, is listed at 6’6″, 335. At 6-8, getting down below 340 might be tough for Banner. I am not too concerned about the weight number as long as it is not bad weight he is carrying. I give him credit for losing 30 lbs in two months. I wish I could do that. At 340 he is a different player than what showed up on tape.
Had no idea he was Lincoln Kennedy son
Kennedy is Banner’s biological father but didn’t have any relationship/contact with him growing up IIRC.
Damien Mama just got more fascinating. Especially when you combine the fact how hard they scouted USC this year. Might be something there.
If I’ve had a pet this year it’s been Mama. I believe he would come in and flat out win the LG spot hands down. Only concern was his weight and at 334lbs sign me up!
‘Can’t be a jag-off?’ Who says that? JS that’s who. That had me laughing out loud.
That rules out Beachum, Amukamara and Cyprien in free agency.
It depends on how the start of FA works out, but I wouldn’t be surprised at this point to see a run on OL in the 1st round, even perhaps a couple guards. I honestly only see them keeping their 1st round pick if Bolles or Ramcyzk are available (highly unlikely).
As such, I would expect them to trade down, try to either get another 3rd rounder or more picks early on day 3.
A few trades that would make sense for JS to go for and are (at least in my view) realistic, should a top prospect QB fall:
1. Swapping our 1st and 2nd (26 and 58) for Cleveland’s two 2nds (33, 51), and acquiring picks 139 and 142 (Cleveland’s 4th round comp picks). It’ll fill in the huge draft gap (we have no picks in 4th and 5th), while also making it a little more likely to grab someone like Kevin King or Obi Melifonwu with our 2nd rounder. Cleveland ends up with a total of three 1st round picks this year with two more still on day 2 and 5 on day 3.
2. Last top QB still on the board, NYJ wants him. We drop far from 26 to 39, but also pick up #70 (early 3rd rounder), leaving us with 6 picks on day 2. NYJ got their first target with their native 1st, and grab a QB for the future with ours, while we get set to fill in many needs on day 2.
What do you guys think?
Won’t rule it out.
But this draft, I think there are going to be a lot of R1 talents still on the board. And probably much stronger need/fit options among them.
I kind of expect us to not trade down unless the guys we were expecting to be on the board get taken.
I believe one of Cleveland’s 4th round comps actually goes to another team. Wouldn’t mind trading our first for their 33 and 108. Only slide back several spots and pick up the first pick in the 4th.
I think the last couple of years, there has been an average of like 6 OL in the first.
Though the draft is very anecdotal and every year is different, I think we’ll see some surprises regarding OL overdrafts
Unfortunately, I think we will also see a correlating amount of surprise FA OL overpays which may make it more difficult for Seattle to get that veteran presence on the OL that Schneider mentioned today.
*shrug* its the name of the game
He also said “we’re always aggressive in free agency, we just don’t get a lot of deals done right now” hahaha
Although I think you’re exactly right, my hope is that trend won’t extend to some of the lower level OL guys Seattle goes after and the package needed to sign them is a little bit more reasonable and less inflated.
If we could get Riley Reiff or Ricky Wagner I think that might be the best move we can make this year. If we can solidify the RT spot and Fant can grow significantly in year 2, our offense should really kick back into high gear.
I am thinking the same thing. Depending on what Okung is asking for, perhaps a guy like Reiff, Vollmer, or Wagner would be the more financially tenable solution. Get a reliable RT in FA and draft a high upside type at LT and allow the competition to determine the LT (Fant, Odhiambo, Gilliam, rookie) in camp/pre-season. I keep coming back to Odhiambo, he was a high upside 3rd round pick just last year. I have to believe they expect him to be a serious competitor for a starting role in 2017 no matter what happens over this offseason.
I think Wagner might get close to $10m APY. Vollmer might retire.
Do you think Reiff would be in the Hawks price range?
Very hard to say considering how many teams need OT’s
It’s true that it will be hard to get a starting T in FA with how much demand is out there for them. The best case is that between Reid, Wagner and Vollmer, their value depreciates to the point where they are willing to take a one year flyer to enter free agency the following year. Don’t think it will happen, but that’s basically what would get the Seahawks one of those guys.
Rob, what round do you think Bisnowatay will go in and could he be our next starting RT?
I haven’t heard JS’s full talk yet, but concerning veteran leadership (e.g. Jahri Evans release), it baffles me how such an experienced coaching staff and FO can make such poor decisions. I still believe “In PC/JS We Trust”. However, strongly feel that Michael Robinson’s return to the team was A KEY FACTOR in this teams SB victory. (Remember, he was resigned late in the season because of injury to the FB.) The next year they lose M Rob, Clemmons, Red, and Breno just to name a few. Listen to an interview by the great Walter Jones. He freely admits that Roby Tobeck was the glue and leadership that helped make that line so great.
It certainly will be interesting to see what combinations of youth & veteran leadership they can come up with.
Is there a link anyone has to the sound or video for the recent JS podium talk?
Full audio and visual: https://www.periscope.tv/w/1yNxaPeyqYDJj
It’s really informative. JS a real straight-shooter, with very little of the coach-speak you typically get from Carroll or Cable.
JT . . . I owe you one, thanks.
No sweat
That was exceptional. I don’t have the opportunity to hea, let alone see, him speak often. That was a rare treat for me. I do like how forthcoming he is and how he directly answers almost every question that he can that is put to him. Continues to boost my confidence that Seattle’s front office and management is moving the team in the right direction.
What I wouldn’t give to have open access to him and Pete as they prepare for the draft and to be in the draft room with everybody while it was happening
Totally. You won’t get the war room, but there is a PC presser tomorrow!
Thursday, March 2
9 a.m. — Pete Carroll, Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Press Conference
That quote from JS was the best news I have heard this off season. I have been saying all along that if we miss on Bolles and Ramzyk as expected then lets just focus on the defense this draft which is stacked.
I love the JS interviews by the way. He really is the best GM in the league and such a great communicator. Easy to see why players, agents and other GMs all seem to like him. Perhaps Pete’s greatest move coming back to the NFL was picking JS as his partner.
I have a feeling this off season JS will get the OL he wants which I think will be a variation from the past.
Yes he is. All these guys that came from Ron Wolf are amazing at what they do. Ron Wolf could watch 5 minutes of a prospect and if he didn’t like what he saw? He’d tell his staff ‘tape off.’ Because here’s the thing. You can watch every minute of every tape available, but some guys don’t need to and just have ‘it.’
GB, KC, Seattle, I know I’m missing a name or two are perennial playoff contenders and/or SB contenders. Not coincidental.
Just watched Jamaal Williams’ tape against Michigan State. My goodness, can that man pass block! He took on some seriously big dudes and handled them extremely well.
Kind of random, I know, but it made me remember something. Watch Malik Hooker #24 on this play:
https://youtu.be/oa9C6saEcuY?t=60
That’s 6’6″, 325 G Tyler Bowling…
(Oh, and you are allowed to watch the new Lattimore Highlights as well!)
I like Williams too, I hugely prefer him to Hood or Foreman due to his lateral ability, my issue with Hood is that he hardly makes moves, reminds me of Christian Michael, a freaky athlete but not a fluid runner. He seems to have to think before he makes his cut where as Williams does it so suddenly. With the offensive line that the Hawks have right now we are in need of a guy who can make a sudden move, I also liked Williams receiving ability quite a bit as well. I think he would be a 3rd round steal. I see a bit of Marshawn in his vision, he has the capability to stop on a dime and go to the hole on the other side of the line and a bit of David Johnson in his running style.
Cam Robinson is a jag-off
Ha nice, whatever you say JS.
That’s the name that immediately came to mind for me too.
Via the “seattlechawks” Instagram page, in a post about John Schneider’s interviews, they say “the seahawks are expected to contact Russell King on March 9th when free agency begins.”
They’re gonna kick the tires, but he’s not going to agree to their offer.
It seems that the Seahawks have made clear they will be willing to take him back and Okung has let it be known he’d have interest in coming back. Obviously, they aren’t going to significantly overpay for him, but they are going to go out and get a veteran.
I struggle with bringing him back, even if I do think he might help the line. Yes he might be an upgrade over our current OL, but he also comes at a cost and I don’t mean financial. I have memories of him being a penalty machine and I think Denver does as well. Denver needed help as well and the fact that they are happy to let him go should tell us something we need to think about seriously. I’d be far more interested in getting Evans back, especially as JS expressed some regrets on letting him go.
Not arguing about Okung as a player, but the Denver part is a bit overstated in my opinion. Elway has said they intend to discus a new contract with Okung, albeit on obviously new, lesser terms. From this chair, in no way did Denver ever intend to pay the hefty terms of year 2-5 of that deal. Those big numbers allowed them to lure Okung in the door at a team-friendly price.
As for the Hawks, i can see the interest…but as always it will depend on price. Okung has some rust spots, but would be a pretty clear upgrade. I just can’t imagine JS/PC are willing to watch another year of their LT on skates
Nice to see Elijah Hood come in with so much weight.
If he shedded that 5 10 pounds he would undoubtedly gain that extra degree of separation and suddeness that some see as a negative area for him.
Agreed, I like the heavier backs in general this year, a couple of them are bound to have a solid combine
I really like Elijah Hood. He has a little Marshawn Lynch to his game, never stops going forward.
What round do you guys think he will go in the draft, and who do you think he compares to on the NFL level?
He reminds me of Turbin!
I would think he goes in the early fourth for what he is.
Completely disagree about Hood. That weight is disappointing.
Why do you say that? If he tests as expected I don’t see a negative side to it.
Because for one he already has a rigid, stiff running style. That weight won’t help that.
Secondly, we all saw what Alex Collins looked like presumably around that weight and when he dropped it and got into shape? Night and day difference.
Yes, if he duplicates what he did in HS weighing 9-10 lbs less, it will be impressive. But I wouldn’t bank on it.
Agree. Generally speaking, a guy is going to gain weight in the NFL, not lose it. I look for a guy that is a lighter little waterbug in college, because that guy in the pros is going to (usually) turn into a more solid back, with a little less wiggle but a little more pop.
They generally want RBs to be 5’9-6’0, and 212-220 lbs. They have a wheelhouse so to speak. There are outliers too.
However, the guys that are bigger are also going to be taller. Or they’ll be a FB/RB hybrid.
I agree you want him to be lighter and more fluid.
He is absolutely rigid. Perine would be a better option based on the tape imo
Very excited to hear that JS is looking for veteran o linemen to bring experience and leadership to this group of young guys. I would love to enter the 2017 season with an o line depth chart that looks something like this…
LT: Odhiambo, Fant (Odhiambo needs to beat out Fant and is more than capable of beating out Fant)
LG: Glowinski, Draft pick (Glow is solid but needs young competition to push him)
C: Britt, Hunt (Status quo is fine with me)
RG: Ifedi, FA (Ifedi needs legit competition that will push him to step up or get moved down the depth chart)
RT: FA, Gilliam (In a perfect world, Gilliam is not our starting RT at any point next year)
I really hope they go heavy on defense in this draft, especially at LB and DB. Time to bring in the next generation of core defensive players to add to our future core star Frank Clark.
Does any GM say “Dude” more than jS?!
That part killed me.
Type of dude hahaha I wanna work for this guy someday
+1
Much like CBs and bulk, I think the RB group in particular have their weight down in prep for testing drills. Fournette still at 240! Guys who I though might add weight like Kamara and McCaffrey didn’t. Speed kills. Explosion in important. Players Ike Bolles, as Rob stated, can add weight later. I can’t wait for more info. Thanks Rob. Best Seahawks content.
Dion Dawkins — 6-4, 314lbs, 35 inch arms is someone I need to take a look at. Seems ideal at first glance.
He’s pretty good. A lot less physical than youd like. But good effort and athleticism make him a solid second rounder.
One of those guys that should get overdrafted and go in the first despite recent projections.
Most of them have their weight up or the same.
Oh what a joy to see these two: Kareem Hunt — 6-0, 216lbs & Alvin Kamara — 5-10, 214lbs right in the neighborhood of what the Seahawks like. Kamara should be one of the best testers in this class athletically, and at 214 lbs that will be impressive. Hunt was a bell cow at Toledo and has the size to continue that role in the NFL.
I suspect Hunt will not meet people’s expectations in testing. Has great moves, though.
His tape is fascinating though, his power and moves in a phonebooth are extraordinary. I wouldn’t mind if he had an awful combine so he can fall into the later rounds. One man cannot possibly put him on the ground and that alone makes me want him more than any other back in this draft.
Hunt is hyped to run ~ 4.45, which is certainly possible. Moreover, Hunt was one of the more athletic players (regardless of position) coming out of high school. He high jumped 6’08”, and long jumped 23’03”.
Source: this cool site tracks HS athletic testing and sells the results to colleges for recruiting purposes I believe:
https://www.trackingfootball.com/blog/289-330-nfl-combine-invitees-hs-multi-sport-athletes/
They rate players’ athleticism on a “Player Athletic Index” (PAI), where 5.0 is the highest possible score (14 of combine invites this year scored a 5.0 going into college), and the average FBS recruit is 2.7. Kareem Hunt’s PAI score was 4.7.
If Hunt’s athletic testing approaches elite levels like that, then he will easily go on day 2. Probably even Round 2 in this RB-heavy draft.
He’s my #4 RB after the big 3 (Fournette, Cook & Caff).
Good stuff!
Some real interesting names scored a perfect 5.0 PAI athletic score coming out of high school by that site:
D’onta Foreman
Leonard Fournette
Myles Garrett
Roderick Johnson
Jabrill Pepers
Cordrea Tankersley
Chris Wormley
Mike Williams
He would be #4 for me as well. I would love him in the 3rd round!
Hunt is my favorite RB in this class outside of Fournette and Cook which obviously won’t be available for the Hawks. Great vision, tough, excellent balance, consistently breaks tackles, pass pro is good, pushes the pile forward, and doesn’t like to go out of bounds. He checks all the boxes for what the Hawks want in a RB. He looks like a more polished and less erratic version of Rawls. Love Rawls, but he is so high strung that he sometimes lacks discipline in his running. Hawks do need someone to spell/backup Rawls and the jury is still out on Collins to fill that role.
Marlon Mack. 5-11, 213. Would make a pretty good Prosise replacement if the injuries keep coming.
http://www.news-herald.com/sports/20170226/kareem-hunts-goal-at-nfl-combine-is-to-turn-heads-with-fast-40-time
According to this Hunt played at 215 for the 2016 season.
He should test well athletically and has the agility and foot quickness which seems like a trait the Hawks look for in their running backs. He can run in-between the tackles and make catches out of the backfield so is the ideal backup to Rawls and Procise.
He’s been my favourite RB all year and seems to suit the style of back the Seahawks use on 1st and 2nd down more than anyone else in the draft.
In fact looking at his actually athletic numbers he seems like an really good all round athlete.
http://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/Athlete.aspx?AID=3120044#/L4
I know why Braden Albert was a guard in college and that’s because he played guard next to a couple of offensive tackles at Virginia who were each taken in the top eight in their respective draft classes. While Albert was good/great enough to be a first round pick himself, there was simply better options at left tackle.
I’d like to know why Dorian Johnson wasn’t a tackle because I don’t remember guys from Pitt on its OL being first round picks last year or projected to be a top 10 pick next year. Albert would have been a left tackle in college but he wasn’t good enough at Virginia to beat out guys each drafted in the top eight (Virginia wanted to keep Albert at guard, I think, to have a dominant left side of its line). I could be wrong, but I think Albert was a LG at Virginia.
My biggest question about this draft is if they go CB in the first round or the second round? It seems pretty obvious. Even if they take Baker in the first, I’d expect them to go CB in the second – with LB depth in the third with a pick or two.
I still think it’d be pretty awesome to end up with Baker and King. I’m not even a Huskies fan.
It’s possible Virginia simply viewed him as a LG best. I mean, Stanford’s HC didn’t even want to be in the same area code as Richard Sherman. Tyron Smith, arguably the best LT in the NFL, was played at RT at USC.
Coaches don’t always know best
I remember the Virginia coaches talking about how Albert would have been a great LT and would have played there had it not been for Ferguson and/or Monroe.
For the past two years i have become convinced that College offensive linemen have become so unready for the NFL that any rookie is a liability during his rookie year. I have expressed it here repeatedly. (Yes, even Bolles)
The few that do manage to to have a reasonable season are usually integrated into a solid OL group surrounded by 4 experienced players who already played together before.
Hearing JS admit that the Seahawks line was too young last year is another validation for me and fuels my hopes for next year. The Seahawks have paid dearly to get Fant, Ifedi and even Glow the playing time they needed to be much better next year. Some veteran help, especially at RT would only be welcome.
There is no magic solution to stocking a roster with young day 1 ready linemen. If you are able to work a long term plan and add those new young players gradually into a solid functioning line you can keep a quality unit going. Rapid multiple changes will derail that unit quickly.
I hope we the tuition cost of the past 2 years will get us that basic solid line that we can keep adding to carefully without disrupting it.
I am so glad to hear JS confirm that this is the team view.
I’ve floated the idea of taking a defensive linemen in the first few rounds and converting them to offensive tackle. You would get the physical presence that Seahawks want, they are used to getting banged around in the trenches, and you could train them how you want for offense.
If they were willing to play a seventh rounder like Sweezy, or use Fant who was barely trained, I don’t see why they couldn’t start with a high pick defensive guy.
Because that’s awful value.
JS knows that a rookie O-lineman is going to take 2-3 years to get their footing. The O-line needs some veteran leadership. They’re way too young.
Lets be realistic. They are too cheap to buy a good free agent offensive tackle. And the offensive linemen they have may or may not become permanent members of the Seahawks. The offensive linemen they want to draft for left tackle will be gone in the first round, which leaves the middle to to late rounds to search for a backups for the offensive line.
I don’t buy into the pick Moton argument as the Seahawks already have two starters on the right side. So where will he play?
If you just want the offensive line to grow for 3 years they can stand pat. Keep the ones that prove themselves, and rinse and repeat on rookie picks for those positions that don’t make it. By that time Russell Wilsons contract will have expired, and he can decide how long he wants to stand behind that line.
Taking a defensive player in the 1st few rounds and converting them makes 0 sense when you can do that with UDFAs who don’t cost a thing.
I agree with you about them drafting an O-lineman this year. Maybe 1 starter in the draft, more likely a depth pick for the future.
As for Moton, you said it yourself. These guys might not be permanent members. But, who’s the starter on the right side? Gilliam? Ifedi needs to be pushed. Just because he was a 1st rounder does not mean he should be guaranteed of anything. He needs to make massive improvements in his game. I personally think he will, but if not?
This O-line is a flat-out mess and they need all the help they can get or RW will be running for his life again.
“They are too cheap to buy a good free agent offensive tackle.”
They aren’t too cheap to buy a good free agent offensive tackle. Name a good free agent offensive tackle they’ve been cheap on so far?
This team isn’t deliberately ignoring the OL like so many think.
You hope that a guy picked in Round 1-2 will turn into a starter; maybe a Pro-Bowler, and you expect them to contribute right away.
Nobody has successfully converted a defensive lineman into a Pro-Bowl offensive lineman. And all of Seattle’s conversion projects who played as rookies played at a level below league average. Many had elite athleticism. Sokoli had a SPARQ higher than any 1st-rounder and he couldn’t convert. In addition to athleticism, you need to be able to learn all the intricacies of pro-level play in a very short time frame (1-2 years). That is what is key.
The concept of converting an athlete (whether he is a defensive lineman, tight end, or basketball player) into a starting-caliber offensive lineman is mostly unproven. The best example so far is J.R.Sweezy who became a league average starter after 4 years. Cable gets huge kudos for that. Gilliam looked like he might be a second success going into last season and he still might be if he gets over what caused his early-season regression last year. The jury is out on Fant but he needs to really continue to improve to get to average in 2017.
I don’t know that there is another O-line coach besides Cable that could do as much as he has done with these conversion projects and they have cost the team almost nothing in dollars or draft capital. Maybe Cable is learning more each year about the type of player that is more likely to succeed as a conversion project. But I would not want to use a top pick on another conversion project.
Bingo.
TC takes a lot of flack, but he’s insanely talented, they’ve pumped countless capital into this O-line but it just hasn’t worked out these past couple years.
While I say they need all the help they can get, listening to JS today they seem to be on the right track. I still beleive without a doubt that last year was a little bit of a rebuild year. More so on offense.
I think there’s a reason why other coaches and front offices around the league rate Cable. He’s very good at what he does.
Something that comes to mind is a little throwaway comment from Justin Britt, who said he’d been trying so hard to emulate Sweezy in really being a tough, agressive, blocker that he maybe wasn’t as receptive to coaching as he could have been. Sweezy leaves, Britt goes to centre, play magically improves. Sometimes players make as big a difference as coaches do. Wonder if that might be why Scheider was talking today about being ‘too young’ on the offensive line, and making a mistake in letting Jahri Evans leave.
That is why I would like to see them start with a defensive linemen that not only tests well but also has played well in college. That is what is lacking in these conversions. They weren’t on championship teams, they were never that good at playing their position. Pick a player that can play defense and bring fear to the hearts of their opponent. Lets say that we had too many defensive linemen (we can only wish). What if Reed had been converted last year and had a year to practice before starting this year? The guy was taking double teams and moving them. I bet he would make a fine offensive linemen if he just had some practice time.
Holy cow, Fournette has the build of a fullback. If he runs a sub-4.40, is he the most physically impressive running back prospect ever?
Yea it is crazy that he is 240lbs with that kind of speed. He is an absolute Beast. Would love to see that kid in a Hawks uniform. Talk about getting the power run game back!
Yeah for sure, too bad we have no shot at him. Mock drafters seemed determined to find flaws in his game, but there is no way NFL front offices are going to fall for that.
If I recall, he had the fastest top speed of any player in college football this year. Imagine him running full speed at you, at 240 lbs. how many pounds of force is that going to impact at? Him being a tone setter is an understatement, he might be causing a lot of retirements by safeties.
He could probably lose 10-15 lbs and still be dominant physically. Personally I think his foot speed isn’t the greatest and that losing a bit of weight would help with that.
I would have liked Fournette to be closer to 230. If he somehow maintains awesome speed at 240 that’ll really be something. The way these things go, though, he has a built-in excuse if he doesn’t meet 40 time expectations.
Maybe stupid mock drafts won’t have him going in the second half of round one anymore?
I think this extra bulk is from combine training. He definitely wasn’t 240 this year
My fear is he goes to Carolina, him and cam on the goal line would be nasty.
Totally agree. Hopefully the Jets or the Jags will pick him up.
I was terrified that Carolina would take Derrick Henry last year
Still no Bo, but that is monstrous.
FAO Rhino
http://sports.mynorthwest.com/category/podcast_player/?a=10016101&sid=1141&n=John%20Clayton
9:30 ish in
John Schneider yet again states the best athletes in High School are choosing to play defense.
People say all kinds of things all the time that might not make sense, even those in a position of authority.
I would take exception with the concept of “choosing.” That’s a little like saying the best athletes in baseball “choose” to play shortstop and centerfield. Typically, the best athletes in football end up at cornerback and running back. Just go check out any youth football team, or watch any of the highlights that NFL Films shows from time to time of NFL guys playing peewee, and they are almost always at RB.
Outside of the LB/RB positions, the offense has built-in advantages that *allow* lesser athletes to succeed, so of course the defensive counterparts are generally going to be the better athlete. But not because they are “choosing” to play there, but because you play a guy at the position he’s most suited for until he shows he can’t play there. Like when Charles Woodson moved from CB to safety, it wasn’t because he “chose” to play one or the other, it was because CB was the most valuable position he was athletically qualified to play, so he played there. Until he couldn’t.
And there was me thinking denial was just a river in Egypt…
Your snarky comment has me thinking I’m not articulating myself very well. What am I denying, exactly?
Defensive linemen are generally more athletic than offensive linemen. Cornerbacks are generally more athletic than wide receivers. I think LB and RB are generally pretty even.
So what am I denying? I deny only that it’s that way because of the player’s choice, or that the fact of athletic superiority is a recent change. I’ll see your John Schneider and raise you a Bill Belichick: “A lot of defensive players get moved from offense because they’re not good enough on offense.” He went on to note: “Most of the offensive linemen get moved from defense because they don’t run well enough.”
They get “moved” because they didn’t want to be there, they had to to have a job. They aren’t good enough to play defense, as the athletic standard there is too high. You’re proving Rob’s point.
No, that’s always been my stance: that DL have always been more athletic than OL, and they aren’t that way now more than ever because they are choosing to stay at DL.
They chose DL first and had to be moved.
They all want to play DL. Arik Armstead only committed to Oregon because they let him play DL and basketball xD
Let’s just drop it. I really like the blog, I really like what Rob does and provides here, so I don’t want it to get further bogged down in this discussion.
I think this discrepancy really only applies to the trenches. Running backs and wide outs are still consistently better athletes than defensive backs and linebackers.
We’re talking about guys who do OL/DL in HS. A 165lbs wide out in high school isn’t demanding to play DL.
John Schneider literally said the same thing today
Agree.
Better athletes play defense for many reasons other than choice, mainly because offensive schemes and strategies continue to evolve. Responding and reacting to a moving ball, necessitates better athletes.
Jack Conklin doesn’t have to defeat Johnathan Allen, just give his QB 2.5 seconds to throw the ball, or have a OG pull or have a RB set up a screen. Football competitions don’t occur in a box, in isolation. Arguing that they do is just tired.
That said, we’re seeing better athletes across the board and teams will continue to scheme to find advantages, etc. Reason we’re seeing the Seahawks value multi-dimensional RBs and TEs and QBs. Even with a thumper, I think we continue to see a rise in pass/run rations.
“Better athletes play defense for many reasons other than choice, mainly because offensive schemes and strategies continue to evolve. Responding and reacting to a moving ball, necessitates better athletes.”
And yet the GM of the NFL team we all follow keeps referencing that the best HS athletes, given the choice, are opting for DL over OL.
‘…many reasons other than choice…”
Tired argument. Out.
Thats what you said. ?
Nobody said football occurs in a vacuum.
You didn’t really have even half a good point.
And that’s the most tires argument of all.
You Rob’s secretary, now?
What don’t you understand?
It’s tiresome because I basically reiterate a view expressed by multiple NFL GM’s that makes a ton of sense — and for some reason people want to pick it apart.
You’re listing the reasons they choose to play defense and acting like those factors take the decision out of their hands. Your points argue against your position.
Does it really mater if the players “chose” or the coaches direct them?
The fact is that among big men, defensive linemen are better athletes than offensive line man.
It also makes perfect sense when you the rules favor the offense and even more so for the spread offense in college.
The rules changed to make the more attractive passing game easier and more efficient. The rules help WRs get open faster and protect the QB. It gave birth to the spread offense with a shotgun QB firing the ball quicker. It reduces the time the OL needs to protect said QB. It makes the OL job easier and forces the DL to work harder to get to the QB in time to effect the play. The natural result is that you need your DL players faster and more athletic and you can get by with lesser athletes on the OL since they only need to delay the DL a little for the play to succeed.
The bottom line is a growing discrepancy between the athletic capabilities of D and OL players that NFL teams need to overcome.
Yes it matters. The top athletes/recruits want to play defense and in order to win recruiting battles, teams are pandering to their preferences. And it’s leading to a dearth of top athletes playing OL.
I understand that.
However, the attraction to play D is related to the level of future pay to the top players at that position. That level of pay stems from the need to man those positions with top athletes to counter the effective passing game. etc. etc.
It’s the chicken and the egg chain reaction. It started with the rules change and is a natural reaction to it.
It doesn’t matter why it’s happening. The only point I’m making is that it is.
Except you’re totally right aabout why it’s happening.
I mean. If it was level of pay shouldnt these young athletes recognize that OL are getting overpaid left and right?
‘These young guys want to sack the QB, they don’t want to block’ John Schneider.
Its not chicken and the egg at all. It’s very obvious what is happening and why
All the glory is in sacking, not giving up the sack.
We may, however., see a market correction in the coming years, to Eran’s point.
Julie’n Davenport measured in with over 36inch arms do you know much on him and could he be a late round option for the seahawks.
Elijah Hood at 232 is very interesting. Is he chubbing out mowing taters or is he a beast thats ready to wear green and blue? I remember Pete once saying his ideal back would be 230.
I suspect the problem is he’s gained weight during training. He is an incredible athlete but UNC stopped him when he was squatting a certain weight because they didn’t want him overly big. Without those controls, he might’ve added too much bulk.
I doubt it’s bad weight. He’s a freak. But might be too tightly wound now.
230 lbs and well over 6’0.
Is Elijah Hood worth one of our thirds?
There’s alot I like about him, but things I dislike. He’s a very weird one for me to work out.
Let’s see what he does. We know he’s capable of some explosive athleticism.
On the surface I would say yes to one of the thirds. But like v12 said let’s wait for the combine.
If he tears up this combine he jumps up to a second rounder that probably slips due to talent and gets snapped up early third.
Bye bye eli
Talent at other positions* and his honestly. That’s McCaffrey’s range to me as well
Ooh. OK St RB Chris Carson is at the combine? Very interested to see him perform. 6’0, 218 lbs., shredded, and over 33″ arms? OK.
I liked what little I saw of him this year. Was the #1 JUCO recruit last year. Became a team captain. Love his attitude and style. Clean hands.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BEwMQgwbAR0
Run through a MF’s facemask!
*at RB I should say.
He looks good. Reminds me of Ricky Watters! Disappointing not to see any breakaway TDs on that highlightbthough..
You’re the best Vol
I watched the two tapes on him on DBD and I was pretty impressed. OKST has there offense so there were a ton of plays where I thought he could have it it up in the passing game but they would go to someone else. Okay pass protection. Didn’t really see him level any one nor get beat.
But honestly I think he might be my new favorite RB. I was rewatching Kareem Hunt vs. BYU and the name that kept popping in my head was “Christine Michael.” He totally explodes and I expect him to Sparq it up at the combine but then like Michael at least vs. BYU he had tons of runs that his own feet were his own worst enemy.
Anyways thanks for the heads up on Carson. It’s a weird year for RB. A lot of these guys are right in the Seahawks wheelhouse size wise and I think most of them will do almost exactly the same at the combine but very few can I point to and say “yeah that DUDE is a ‘hawk.”
Great find, Vol!
Very nice hands catching out of the backfield, willing to block, nice patience without trying to dance around and get cute with it, and he’s even got a little bit of that Marshawn wide stance balance to him too, doesn’t he?
Sign me up!
De’veon Smith 5’11 223lbs, Michigan RB could be another interesting option in the later rounds.
Runs really hard and can definitely move the pile. Has really good balance and agility and seems capable of making guys miss in space. He also had 22 reps on the bench press.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgqI9nGg5Q4
I think we need to consider this- Malik McDowell in the first if he slips a bit. There is your interior rush. Raw, needs to be coached up, work ethic concerns, but I think as a blog we should consider it.
Also, if Takk somehow falls due to shoulder concerns, he needs to be looked into as our first pick also. Or if Charlton, Harris, Barnett, any of them fall, I think he have to consider a first round edge rusher more seriously on this blog. One of these guys might fall for whatever reason and we need to be prepared for it.
You can NEVER have enough pass rush in the NFL.
I actually agree with all of this except McDowell.
If he’s falling there’s a reason
McDowell’s attitude and effort at the end of last season was appalling
“work ethic concerns”
That’s the Seahawks No-No. No Seahawks will ever be drafted with work ethic concerns. I never say this, but there is a first time for everything: Count on it, the Seahawks will never draft McDowell.
Also why aren’t we considering Ryan Anderson as a sam?
We are, just not in the first round. I was impressed by his game against UW.
I know the Seahawks like 33′ plus arms in O lineman but with Forrest Lamp coming in at 32+ is a bit of a game changer when considering his play versus Alabama and other top flight competition make him a likely plug and play Guard if for some reason he drops in the draft.
Fournette at 240 is just erotic. If he runs well… Good lord. Jags have to have a look at him don’t they?
Erotic?
This blog is getting kind weird lmao
I heard he was actually 245. He might have to watch his weight and this could be a big issue for him moving forward. Christian Okoye 2.0 maybe….. shortish but outstanding career.
Mos def not erotic.
hopefully JS is considering the merit of getting one decent OL in FA rather than 2 bad ones like last year. I would rather he spent $6-8 mil on a player that can start, than $5 mil on 2 players who can barely play (like Webb and Sowell). Not sure what they can get, but Evans would have been a lot better than Webb and at a far lower price. The O line needs 1 or 2 vets who can push for playing time and help the kids grow. then JS can restock the defense this year in the draft and find some hungry kids who can fly to the ball. The D is still good, but no one is afraid of it anymore. And no one is afraid of their offence either, but a competent o line and some health at rb could change that
Combine week gotta love it! Almost as good as Senior Bowl practices.
My Pre- Combine Seahawks Mock (not what I think will happen but would love to see happen)
Rd #1 (Trade back to early 2nd for an early 4th and 5th)
Rd #2 Buddah Baker (DB/ Wash)
Rd#2 Tyus Bowser (LB / Hous)
Rd#3 Howard Wilson (CB / Hous)
Rd#3 Comp Karem Hunt (RB Toledo)
Rd#3 Comp Deashon Hall (DE / Tex A&M)
Rd#4 Tewan Taylor (WR / W.Ken)
Rd#5 Eddie Vanderdoes (DT / UCLA)
Rd#6 Jeremy Cutrer (DB /Mid Tenn)
Rd #7 Eric Stauber (TE / Drake)
Rd #7 Zane Gonzalez (PK / Ariz St)
I bet Gonzalez goes in the 4th, maybe 5th.
Based on the vocal reaction from NFL GMs (Detroit in particular) and analysts about Joe Mixon not being at the combine I think if he keeps his nose clean prior to the draft he will be a Day #2 pick for sure and not the UDFA most seem to think.
Don’t think he’ll be a day 2 pick, the likes of Fournette, Kamara, Cook, Foreman, McCaffrey will all probably go before Mixon
Is Mixon going to be allowed at Oklahoma’s pro day? Or is he going to have to meet with teams directly. Thinking about that it might be a blessing in disguise for him, getting a chance to show teams he can be a respectable presence
He was invited to the Oklahoma pro day.
I’m thinking 3rd or 4th round… someone will take a flyer on him.
I disagree.
He goes for a 6th or 7th round comp pick or is undrafted
I think 3rd or 4th myself, I hope it’s one of ours
It only takes one~
Speaking of ultra talented but troubled players. Buzz is that Josh Gordon is trying to get reinstated. Hue Jackson said he would never play for him again previously.
Would you trade a late round pick for a flyer on him? The talent is undeniable and he is exactly the type of big WR we need, but unfortunately as much as the potential excites me he is probably not worth the hassle if we want less drama.
I wouldn’t even blink about trading a fifth rounder or up for him. This is one of the best locker rooms in the comp, and Gordon is an animal. Imagine him if Wilson can find his deep ball again, lawdy.
It would be sweet if he has turned things around but he has burned a ton of bridges.
Imagine if he went to new england…
I bet that’s where AP goes.
Just saw a clip of Bolles today and I know he only weighed 299lbs but he looked like a b-ball player not an OT. I think he is going to put up crazy good testing #s and could easily put another 15-20lbs on that frame and be in shape.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/0ap3000000788788/Scouts-combine-for-2017-mock-draft
Interesting Collaboration from Bucky and Daniel.
Thanks. I enjoy hearing their thoughts in this format.
Here’s SPOILERS for whomever doesn’t have time/desire to listen to full 15min.
Brooks picks odds, DJ picks evens.
1. CLE- Myles Garrett (BPA)
2. SF- Solomon Thomas (they consider it a surprise pick, until people see him at combine…)
3. CHI- Mitch Trubisky (young QB for John Fox, knows how to play in cold weather)
4. JAC- Jamaal Adams (plays with hair on fire, comp Eric Berry/Polamalu, paired with Ramsey in secondary)
5. TEN- Malik Hooker (versatile, comp Ed Reed/Earl Thomas, pick could go to a weapon for Mariota)
6. NYJ- Marshon Lattimore (no QB worth it here, replace Revis)
7. LAC- Reuben Foster (get some attitude they haven’t had since Seau, impact player)
8. CAR- Leonard Fournette (Brooks questions how comfortable he will be in shotgun)
9. CIN- Ryan Ramczyk (they think it’s a little rich at this spot, but needed)
10. BUF- Corey Davis (weapon across from hopefully healthy Watkins)
11. NO- Derek Barnett (Sean Payton is on record saying they must address pass rush)
12. CLE- Jonathan Allen (could he fall to here being a DT?, pick could go to NE for Garoppolo)
13. ARI- DeShone Kizer (good fit in vertical offense, grow behind Palmer)
14. IND- Taco Charlton (Brooks thinks he can be inconsistent at times, dominant when he’s on)
15. PHI- Mike Williams (comp Dez Bryant or T.O. in toughness)
16. BAL- Sidney Jones (covers easy, mirros easy, ball skills)
17. WAS- John Ross (Desean Jackson clone)
18. TEN- Quincy Wilson (big corner completes secondary overhaul with Hooker)
19- TB- Dalvin Cook (familiarity with Winston to keep him in check in locker room)
20. DEN- O.J. Howard (considered Bolles)
21. DET- Forrest Lamp (mentioned Bolles again…)
22. MIA- Takk McKinley (fast edge rusher, steals from NYG at next pick)
23. NYG- Charles Harris (replace JPP)
24. OAK- Teez Tabor (comp Marcus Peters)
25. HOU- Budda Baker (at nickel)
26. SEA- Garrett Bolles (need meets value perfectly)
27. KC- Deshawn Watson (Andy Reid QB whisperer, likes athletic QBs)
28. DAL- David Njoku (weapon to grow up with Prescott, replace Witten)
29. GB- Christian McCafferey (need RB, but fits what they want to do in the passing game)
30. PIT- Jarrad Davis (need LB)
31. ATL- Dan Feeney (no big holes on roster, sort of luxury pick)
32. NE- Haasan Reddick (classic Patriots type player, versatile, considered Ryan Anderson)
Any mock that has Bolles falling has my seal of approval!
I keep coming back to all the wrangling on the whys and what to dos regarding the Hawks O-Line struggles over the past several years. Blame gets laid in various places-Cable, the players, and by ĂŞxtension, JS/TC-who picked them.
Some cite pỏor draft evaluation. Others assert that we have been cheapskates in free agency as regards O-line. But none among us complain about the results of the cracking-good D and those well paid core players who have carried us to so much success. And I cant argue against the fact-our O-line is among, if not THE lowest paid in the league. But serious draft capital has been sent that way, and I certainly dont recall us ever having ridden out a season with cap dollars that could have been put to use on a league-average or above OT just laying around unspent. And good to remember that in all fairness, its been quite a while since weve picked anywhere other than near the bottom of the order.
I like the assertion by JS that they will add vet ĂŞxperience to the mix. Im sure we will see someone added through the draft, though certainly not one of the big two OT-we can dream, but alas…
Now hêre is where Im appealing for help-I buy into the argument that the athletic elite college recruits tend to opt for D. Increasingly? I dont claim to know. Also I buy into the idea that the popularity currently of spread-style offenses does decrease the pool of pro-ready O-liners. But I seem to recall quite a few top 10 picks on O-Line over the last 10 years or so who have disappointed, if not turned out to be dỏwnright busts. If the Hawks simply havent picked the right gúy (which is not my assertion-its too easy an explanation) which teams have hit home runs? Which high-profile picks have been the biggest whiffs? Name some names, as mẻmory often fails me. For example, how long did it take-oh, say a Flucker to get up to speed, and what has his ceiling turned out to be?
I, for my part, am encouraged that what JS outlined in his combine interview, along with the progress experience and continuity will afford, and the boost a fully healthy RW, CJ Prosise, Tommy Rawls, and returned Tyler Lockett will bring will make all the difference in the world. Thats my story and Im stickin to it! .-)
Isaac Asiata — 6-3, 323lbs, 33 3/4 inch arms
I keep circling back around to this guy. JS comments make it seem less than likely an early pick would be OL. So, I guess a slight draft crush might not ultimately make it to Seattle. He had an interview on 710 with John Clayton around 10AM local time… he fleshed out a little bit more of the draft process. The key thing mentioned in cross talk later was that Seattle look for what guys CAN do, while the majority of scouts look for what guys CAN’T do. Very intriguing.
Asiana probably would be a third round pick. I don’t see that as an early round so maybe there is still hope.
Asiata would be the ideal pick in Rd #3 IMO. He is nasty can battle for a Guard spot and backup the Center position.
If we take an OL besides Bolles or Ramzyk I hope it is Asiata in the 3rd.
He’s very close to a lock for me in terms of my mock draft I’m beginning to put together.
I like him as well. Wouldn’t mind Ifedi moving to RT and throw him in at either guard spot.
Charles Harris – a see a bit of cliff Avril in him. Why not consider this guy at 26th if he slips?
The deeper the rotation, the more energized our pass rush will be later on in games.
As part of the discussion on the very deep CB talent in this draft, Brandon Wilson:
5’10” 201# University of Houston
Highlights: https://youtu.be/QJsCRbjNW-4
Article: http://www.foxsports.com/college-football/gallery/top-20-freaks-in-college-football-for-2016-bruce-feldman-myles-garrett-leonard-fournette-072716
“Before we get into his Freak cred, let’s give him props for this: He was the only player in the nation last year with multiple touchdowns in all three phases of the game with two touchdowns each on offense, defense and special teams. The 5-10, 200-pounder with 4.38 speed benches 370 pounds, deadlifts 515, can vertical 40 inches, broad jumps 11-2 and can do pull-ups toting 150 additional pounds of weight.”
https://youtu.be/3LiScX7uuDo
Runs just like Earl! Wonder if he wouldn’t be better at safety. He transitioned from RB to CB just because the team needed someone to fill in for injured players. Either way, he certainly knows what to do with the ball when he gets it in his hands.
I remember seeing him on that list and the “kick-six” putting his name out there.
Sounds like a smart, hard worker, too. I think learning a new position and being successful at it shows that. From his HS coaches:
“It was our pleasure to help Brandon because he’s such a great kid, a great football player and he comes from a great family,” Dawson said. “Just his speed and his toughness, his explosiveness.”
Even more importantly, he loved Wilson’s character, work ethic and academic prowess, which led to honors in the classroom as a freshman. When Wilson graduated with a degree in sports administration last May, Dawson recalls beaming with pride for a week.
“He was always a very, very hard worker,” Meeks said. “Just as far as doing what he needed to do to be the best, that’s what he did. I think with the size and strength and the elite speed he has, I think he definitely has a great opportunity to be successful.”
http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2016/10/19/calvarys-wilson-making-most-opportunity-houston/92426104/
I wonder if the Hawks might see him as the slot corner type we had hoped for from Baker, the Hawks do often try to find alernatives in later rounds for players they planned to draft
For whom JS said that he is an elite player and that he loves him? It was at the and of his interview.
Sherm
thx.
1. Charles Harris/Taco Charlton/ Takk McKinley (best DL available)
2. Raekwon McMillin
3.Adoree Jackson
3. Rasul Douglas
3. Cooper Kupp (wishful thinking?) Or Kareem Hunt
I would say the wishful thinking is Adoree Jackson in R3. He’s late R1 or early R2 for me.
I don’t think there’s any way he’s a 1st rounder. Teams would pick slot corners in the first after all the good outside corners are gone, that won’t happen until at least mid round 2
Tony Pauline says Adoree’ Jackson is a first round lock. I tend to agree with him.
I’m a EWU alum, get the watch a few of their games. I’ve thought for some time now that Kupp would fit this offense sooooo well!
I will just enjoy not watching him burn the Griz every opportunity he gets!
I like Jackson. He is versatile and that dude makes plays. He does gamble which Pete doesn’t like but he can flat out make plays.
6.7, 315lbs, 36 inch arms, 87.5 inch wingspan, 22 yes old, 2 yr team capt, he is athletic and should test well at combine this week. One of the best prospects out of the FCS. That’s Julie’n Davenport of Bucknell this guy must be on the seahawks radar. Rob what do u know about this man mountain.
Watching a bunch of the DBs again today and two guys jump off to me as Seahawks CBs.
Howard Willson and Rasul Douglas. Would love to see either of these guys in a Hawks uni next year both guys just battle out there and are not afraid to stick their nose in.
Could a Charles Harris play SAM? He has similar size to Irvin.
Also, could McKinley play sam?
I am waiting to see how well he runs but I believe he can. In addition to SAM we need another DE in waiting to step in to Avril’s role. We know Takk can rush the passer. As JS said yesterday, you don’t draft a guy unless you have a plan for how he would be used. The first round pick has to get on the field more than the 30% of the snaps we utilized SAM last season. Takk would need to be a three down player for us to go in R1.
David Njoku – initial reports that he measured 6’4, 246 lbs, with a 6’10.5″ wingspan. So add freaky length to his outstanding athletic profile.
Definitely, I think this guy is going be a stud. Probably not on Hawks radar because of position but man would he be a great guy to pair with Jimmy and then eventually take over for him.
Some big TEs in general, I would like them to tap into one of these guys with the position group being so deep. Leggett looks really impressive to me now given he seems to move so well on tape and he measured in at 260 lbs and over 6’5.
What ever TE we draft breaks out and cry’s 2 min after & not a happy cry
What are people’s thoughts on Marcus Maye if he’s still available at the end of round 2?
I think he could play the buffalo role Rob has discussed or eventually strong safety. He is always around the ball (along with Jarrad Davis) and that is good. But I also feel he is one of those guys that, as JS mentioned in his press conference yesterday, you have to know what role you are going to put him in if you draft him. Set him up to do what he does well: run support and man coverage.
The knock on him is that he does not excel in zone coverage, but again, you have to look at what he can do and set him up to succeed there. Instincts and tenacity are off the charts, athleticism I would like to see his workout to make sure.
Caught flat-footed too much which for me translates to more of a man coverage scheme.
Does he have the speed for FS? For PC you better be a burner to play there.
I really liked that Simmons kid from Boston College last year.
I remember hearing he was doing well wherever he went?
Denver. John Johnson from BC is almost identical to him this year. Also a hybrid S/CB.
Buchannon clone.
Rob, I saw Sheil Kapadia on ESPN stole your thunder–with no credit given, of course–on Seattle liking O-linemen with great Broad Jumps who were long and strong. He also noted Seattle has not drafted a CB with sub-32 inch arms. What a tool! You’ve been noting that for years!
Anyway, props to you on the back-handed compliment. Stealing is the writers sincerest form of flattery lol!
I think Seattle drafts Asiata. They’ve been scouting him hard and he just fits their mold. I also dont see them taking a T in the first, unless Bolles or Ramcyck (sp?) fall. They will pick a DB high–first three rounds, likely first two–and a SAM by the third. And they will take a back but likely not in the first two rounds. Its pretty obvious what their needs and preferences are, but they do throw us some curve balls from time to time, so anything is possible.
Still waiting for them to pick a WR who is over 6′-2″ and 210 lbs. They havent had that since Big Mike W, and all the guys 6′-3″ plus and under 220 have been slow and injury prone. Maybe Chesson later?
Really excited about this draft. Lots of DB and LB talent, should really help Seattle get better if they dont get too cute. Still smarting from drafting PRIch in the best WR draft since the early 80’s….
Quite a few of the local writers have been discussing physical ideals this week. I don’t for a second think they copied or need to give credit — but I suspect we (along with others) have helped generate the importance of these talking points to the fan base.
Although I will say — I think we do a good job overall here and it’d be nice if they gave us a shout out every now and again while continuing to review the opinions of messrs Kiper, McShay, Rang, Brugler etc 🙂
One day I’ll be working for Schneider and you’ll be the hottest name in Seattle Sports Talk and I’ll just have to leak you misinformation every year.
“Naw we don’t love Takk McKinley…. Solomon Thomas is overrated….. Leonard Fournette is a bust” xD
Thats cool you are taking the High Road on this one Rob. Youre a gentleman. But it seemed to me the piece I referenced was very careful to omit a bit of your TEF in order to make it seem he figured stuff out himself. Just the tone of it I guess, and the fact he pointed out both the O line and CB traits. Perhaps I should give the guy the benefit of the doubt though. Suspicious bugger that I am lol!
Yes, the other media should point it out. A select few give credit–like the Tacoma News Tribune giving Props to Bobbyk for his work that was instrumental in the successful Easley HOF campaign this last year. But most refuse to give credit, especially to blogs and/or the semi-pro or amateur ranks. And I think that sucks!
But take it as a compliment that your work has been noticed and is getting around!
There are quite a few hard-core Seahawks fans who follow many forums and we know when someone is posting some stuff that really isn’t their own, yet they are writing to almost insinuate it’s their own “original” thinking – such as Kapadia from earlier. I simply think less of him and his work when he does that (not that I’ve seen him specifically do that a lot – just a generality for many others, too). I love guys like Eric Williams and Mike Sando at ESPN because they would never do something like that.
Independent blogs don’t get the credit they deserve sometimes. I’m not sure why really. I think what we do here and Hawkblogger provide a service that is free and accessible and as good as anything you’ll find covering any team in the NFL. We are professionally run sites we just don’t have ‘ESPN’ or ‘CBS’ plastered in the top corner of every page.
And I think the work we do here on the draft year-round, not just from January-April, should get more focus than some of the lesser ‘national’ types who spend almost no time considering Seattle’s trends and intricacies.
But ultimately as long as we have a great, thriving community providing great discussion none of it really matters. Just keep spreading the world people 🙂
Where have you read that the Hawks have scouted Asiata hard? Im not doubting you, I just feel like that is a huge piece to the puzzle. If I remember correctly the picks the Hawks usually make on the OL are guys that Cable has visited and put through a workout. Has this happened with Asiata? Another piece is the wrestling background… Any connection with Asiata and wrestling?
Schneider has personally scouted Utah*
I have no doubt that Bolles and Asiata are both on JS radar and very high on the Hawks wish list.
Wonder when Joe Williams is going!
I heard somewhere that they were down in Utah and were specifically interested in Asiata and asking about him. More than one site mentioned it online, and it was mentioned by folks in the know on this blog awhile back. I think it was Walterfootball that I first heard about it, other than on here.
Dont know anything about wrestling in his case though.
They’ve scouted Utah 3 times this year, met with him at the SR bowl, and he was just on 710 ESPN. That last part may be nothing, but Lockett was as well in 2015.
* Meant as a response to HawkfaniMT.
And Tony Pauline said Asiata told him he’d put up at least 38 reps on the BP!
Did you see the video on NFL.com? Heath Evans just put up 45 right there live!
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/0ap3000000788867/Heath-Evans-goes-beast-mode-during-bench-press-competition
Respect.
In a suit, too!
That is impressive. That is a dedicated gym rat
Thanks for the response guys! I knew they had been to a Utah, but assumed Bolles. Kinda like when they scouted Wilson, and everyone assumed it was Vance McDonald.
I think Asiata is an ideal 3rd rounder if he makes it… hope they don’t reach in the 2nd though.
Right now I’d like to see a trade back in the 2nd and a trade up in the 2nd and walk away with
2nd Davis
2nd Baker
3rd Kupp
3rd Asiata
I think they scout most of the team when they’re there. Taking account of the underclassmen for later years
No King or other CB in the first 4 picks? That is one of our biggest needs right?
Was Scot McCloughan just fired or let go by Washington?
Would love him back here in the PNW.
Was it an amicable separation when he left for the Skins? I can’t remember if he was pushed out for drinking, or if he just left for the promotion. If amicable it would be great to get him back
Originally upon leaving Seattle, the word was he was going to open his own scouting service, to sell info to whatever team(S) wanted to pay for it. I think the League didnt like the implications of that, and possibly leaned on Washington to hire him. Regardless, he helped Washington get better in a hurry.
His drinking is going to kill him, and he’s got to be out of chances no matter how brilliant a talent evaluator he is.
Sad story.
The family issues reason was used the last two times he was fired for drinking. The family issue reason is being used again.
Not fired, but it was cause for the separation.
Thats what you call a substance abuse problem when you are a sensitive organization.
Wouldn’t be surprised. I brought it up a couple of weeks ago that they were pretty clearly making moves to push him out – some very grubby stuff being said.
He’s a brilliant scout, arguably the best in the business. I’d love to get him back in Seattle.
Yeah it really is too bad because he is the best talent evaluator in the business but obliviously has a pretty serious problem. I came from a family with several alcoholics and it really is a lifelong battle with those demons. Hope things work out for him. He was a big part of helping Sea get and SB.
Yep, I’ve got an alcoholic uncle. It’s an utterly destructive illness, even if the person is somewhat ‘functional.’
Might just be that he’s not cut out to work as a GM, the pressures and temptations must be brutal. Getting him in as a scout, or consultant, making sure he gets all the help he needs…
Working for Dan Snyder is brutal.
Bengals are taking a RB, possibly at 9 via their GM
Also says if you’re good at scouting you can find an RB anywhere so
Fournette and Gio would be a lethal 1-2 punch.
Why does Marvin Lewis still have a job as a HC? I can’t with that guy.
I agree. He’s the Head Coach version of Andy Dalton
In the 11 years between Wyche and Lewis, 4.7 wins per year. With Lewis, 8.5 wins per year. That’ll keep your job, generally. Obviously hasn’t had the playoff success, but they’ve come from laughingstock to a team that’s at least always relevant.
A N D Y D A L T O N
5 games is random. Everybody knows this, and yet they forget when Dalton, Lewis, Schottenheimer, etc, comes up: then everybody knows they can’t win in the playoffs.
I saw that DeShone Kizer ‘blew the doors off’ his interview with SF too.
He’s got an absolute CANNON
And he beat out Zaire for that job at ND who I really liked
“There’s a significant amount of talent at that position,” Vikings GM Spielman said Wednesday. “And to be honest with you, I can’t remember a year where the draft class at running back is this deep.”
Have to disagree with him there.
Joe Williams, Elijah Hood, Foreman, Kamara, McCaffrey, McNichols, Perine, Dayes, Hunt, Conner, Jamaal Williams, Gallman, Brian Hill. that’s about half of the draftable names I can think of.
Pretty deep imo
Wide not deep though. A lot of those guys are much of a muchness.
Say again? I think I agree but perhaps something was lost in the euphemisms
Ha sorry.
It’s not necessarily a ‘deep’ running back class insomuch as there are three really top tier guys in Fournette, Cook, and Mixon. You could maybe make a case for Kamara as well. After that there a lot of prospects, but they all have major flaws
There’s a good quantity of acceptable running backs (width) but the real quality (that would mean depth) isn’t necessarily there. Does that make a bit more sense?
I am not in love with any of the options beyond Cook and Fournette.
2008 draft was pretty crazy for RBs
PC presser is ongoing.
Pretty much said there’s a wide open competition between Rawls and Prosise for lead back.
Fant is their LT.
Vannett will play a big role for them at TE.
Yep, the big takeaway for me is that RT is up for grabs. Fant is going to go into the season as the LT. Rees will probably push him (and be the #2 option) and we’ll bring in a veteran to push Gilliam at RT.
You could imagine us drafting a G as someone to back-up/push Glow.
Did he saay that?
Did he say “Fant is safe, we want a new RT”
Said Fant is our LT. He should grow more than anybody could possibly grow in terms of his game. Gilliam is expected back, but IMO he’ll be the swing tackle.
Wowzers that’s a big thing to say
I think your hope of continuity is exactly the approach that PC is taking, I doubt we see much change at all on the offensive line, honestly it wouldn’t surprise me if we didn’t see a single draft pick dedicated to the O line. They have their guys, all of them have played together, all of them are going to get a full training camp and all of them are young so chemistry could factor into a huge improvement at all 5 spots.
I think we could see a selection if only to encourage growth and competition.
oh certainly but i think they are pretty content, depth picks are aways a possibility on the OL as most offensive lines see a few long injuries during the season
To push Glow, Ifedi, and possibly replace Britt. But I hope they don’t have to do that with him. Fingers crossed he’s kept.
I like this
If he is our LT that could mean Reddick at 26? Even if Bolles or Ramcyck are there. Unless you put them at RT. I’m still waiting for him to say we want Ifedi as our RT
Anybody know how to find official combine measurements? As in, not the ones rounded to the nearest full inch, but the ones that go to 1/8 of an inch? I was poking around NFL.com but couldn’t find them. Not a fan of their design.
Rob posted this yesterday, it’s really good: http://www.fanragsports.com/nfl/nfl-scouting-combine-2017-player-measurement-tracker/
Thanks. Unfortunately, for some reason they are also just listing guys in full inches. Is the NFL just not releasing 1/8 inch measurements this year?
BTW, just hit me that OT Dan Skipper listed at 6-11!
Yep hes got that JS Arkansas connection, too.
He plays so tall.
Oh, you mean height. I was looking at arm and hand which do have the 1/8, etc.
Let us know if you end up finding something.
Here you go:
http://www.steelersdepot.com/2017-nfl-scouting-combine-results-tracker/
Hey, why isn’t this guy getting any buzz? WR Victor Bolden, Oregon St. I think he will once people see his 40 time at the combine, they’ll go back to the tape.
And when they do, they will see that besides the easy speed, what a great natural hands catcher he is. Watch how he catches all the deep balls with his hands away from his body.
A really nice sideline tiptoe catch too vs. Sidney Jones in his highlight reel.
Check it out: https://youtu.be/XtiwOr9TkZc
He may be a notch slower on paper than John Ross, but he is still expected to run in the 4.3s and all of the speed he does have you can see translates onto the field as a runner/receiver/returner.
The Hawks love their receivers to be fast, and have great hands to be efficient with their targets. He’s got all those.
They also love production. That’s where one could see a knock on him. After an outstanding sophomore campaign (including 10 passes for 145 yards, with a 72-yard touchdown performance vs. Washington), his production did dip a little in his Junior and Senior years. But in 2015 Oregon St. both lost Mannion and hired a new coach who switched to a Pro style offense. Without those two factors, he could have easily been another Brandin Cooks, and might have that potential at the next level.
Stats: http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/victor-bolden-1.html
DBD vs Washington St. 2015:https://draftbreakdown.com/video/victor-bolden-vs-washington-state-2015/
(with a really impressive catch at the 4:40 mark while getting popped by Shalom Luani)
Nice find, definitely a kid to keep an eye on. We know they’re more interested efficiency than volume stats for WRs, be interesting to see how Bolden holds up under those metrics. Looks like he needs to clean up his route running a bit, but Baldwin and Lockett should be able to help with that.
Somebody was saying something about wanting the Hawks to find a 6’2″ 220 lb WR…
Cordarelle Patterson maybe?
http://www.fieldgulls.com/2017/3/2/14781220/seahawks-cordarrelle-patterson-free-agency-2017-dark-horse-receiver
That was me Hawfkan. I liked Patterson coming out, but he’s been a major disappointment in the NFL. Still, he’s a fine Kick Returner and still has potential…if he could get over being a knucklehead.
Still want a physical, tough WR at least 6′-3″ to come in and own the sideline and the Red Zone. Then again, we have Graham and Bevell cant figure out how to score TD’s in the Red Zone with him…
Link to PC presser:
http://www.seahawks.com/video/2017/03/02/seahawks-head-coach-pete-carroll-2017-nfl-combine-press-conference
If you were a reporter there, and you could ask PC one question, what would it be?
Remember, if you try to get too specific or revealing, you are not likely to get much of a response.
How does your team set up their draft board, how do you wait for a player like Sherman to be available in the fifth round?
I would have wanted to know what his ideal playing time would be for Wagner and Wright, knowing that each played in about 97-98% of defensive snaps last year. That could provide a nugget how much more important that “linebacker depth” statement he made in January would be.
Rob if Reddick and King are on the board at 26 who would you take? The more I see of King the more convinced I become that he is perfect for cover 3 and could not have a better landing spot than Seattle. I’m a big fan of Reddick too but i think CB is probably priority #1 right now. Overall which do you think would have the bigger impact? I believe it to be CB because your CB #2 is going to be on the field every defensive snap taken.
Reddick for me.
You can get Corners late especially in a class like this.
There’s never athletic edge rushers available late honestly.
I agree with you Kenny , there will be great cornerbacks available through the second round. And by great I mean a good athlete who has performed well on the football field.
+1
Happy with either. Let’s see how they test.
Heres to hoping that 31 other teams make the mistake of giving us both somehow
Reddick all day then Howard Wilson or Rasul Douglas later. The drop off between King and those two is very little if at all.
All day Reddick
And all night . . .
For those Fournette buyers out there, Titans said they are shopping the 5th pick. I would not do it but i know some on here who would.
F*** that!
In this class?! With our stable of backs.
Creates more problems than it solves really
The Seahawks offense was championship caliber when it had Marshawn Lynch.
There is no RB on the Seahawks right now that can be that kind of bellcow.
Would I stake the next 5 years of the organization on this move right now if I was under the gun? Probably not. But it’s seriously worth considering if we want to have a shot of re-creating the kind of run game that blows people’s doors off.
You make some good points, but as many GM’s have said the last two days “if you’re good at scouting, you can find an RB anywhere”
The Hawks were championship caliber when there line was not a sive, all of those from SB team are gone, has as much to do with it as Lynch. Jim Brown would be just another JAG behind last years line.
I disagree on all points.
I think our run game gets better with the OL getting more experience and a healthy Russell Wilson having the read option to keep defenses honest. Not as good as having a guy like Fournette, but good enough.
I don’t think we have a “stable.” I think we’ve got two guys with serious injury issues. One is going into his third NFL season and hasn’t had a healthy year since he was going to a public school. The other had a bunch of different injuries in his rookie season.
I don’t think anyone who knows is worried about that.
+1
That would probably take a first round and a future first round pick, and our second rounder.
I think I would rather trade up in front of Denver and snag a left tackle. That would be a smaller move and cost less in draft capital.
All depends on what they want for #5
But I’m interested.
Sounds like Titans are looking for a speed receiver (brandin cooks trade rumors)
I’d trade Paul Richardson, Our 1st and maybe a 3rd if Fournette is there.
I don’t think SEA has enough draft capital alone to move up that far.
I would make that trade in an blink but it will take more than P rich and a 3rd to move from 26 to #5.
Probably.
But if I’m JS and Fournette is there and the Titans are in a dealing mood, I’m picking up my phone and finding out what the price is.
What if it’s PRich, #26, #102, #106
I think I do it.
Still pick in the 2nd, still pick at 90. Deep draft… I think I do it.
Not even close to enough.
Never know. Unless you call and ask. That’s what I’m saying..
I at least want to know what the price is.
I know for certain right now that a second round injury prone player. Basically a second round pick and a fourth. Arent enough to jump 21 spots in the first.
That being said I would be very shocked if they weren’t doing their due diligence as you suggest. Calling them up and checking the price tag.
I think if Fournette runs a 4.45 forty, you might change your mind. Couldn’t we package say Jimmy Graham, our #26 pick and next year’s #1 to move up a get him? Seems like the math adds up, but I don’t how they classify current players to trade values. Imagine getting Fournette and still having our #2 and three #3’s? Just my $.02 worth as I’m a big Fournette fan…
We are not packaging Graham. Pete really likes him. He’s basically untouchable, unless somebody tries something really stupid, like packaging 5 first-round picks.
Way too many cases of #1 backs getting injured to stake so much on that position IMO. I’d love to get a bruiser to go along with Rawls and Prosise. More flexibility and your season isn’t shot when your bell cow goes down.
Alshon Jeffrey wants to sign with a contender:
“I’m looking at the teams that obviously need a wide receiver, but also put me in the best situation to win a championship right now. I also want to see what other free agents may be attracted to the same teams I’ll be looking at. That can help that goal.”
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000789014/article/alshon-jeffery-wants-to-sign-with-a-contender
I say he’ll forget about that when he sees the boatload of cash that bad teams with the most cap space can offer… unless NE…
*AFC coaches traumatic flashback to 07 Moss*
Eli Manning looks to the sky: “well, i guess i gotta stop him again”
He is exactly the type of big WR Pete loves. Just not sure we could ever afford him.
I think he becomes a Titan
Players always seem to say this, but end up taking the cash.
Yep. Money talks. Players rarely take less to play with a contender. Just because one does, people will focus on that one and ignore the 50 others who took more. lol
Apparently Jonathan Allen has some long term concerns with his shoulders. He’s torn both labrums in the past and it’s resulted in an arthritic condition in both shoulders, although mild. It’s always interesting when the doctor reports start coming out. Maybe he drops a bit, but no way out of the top 10?
Bolles is not doing the Bench Press wonder why!
Our boy Asiata tore it up with 36 reps. If we take an OL this draft he is my pick for sure.
A lot of these linemen lack the strength to play in the NFL and it is showing up on the BP. Asiata is too short at 6-3 to play tackle. I prefer Ethan Pocic for the position versatility he provides.
I’m with you on Asiata, Trevor! It would be great if Seattle was able to draft him with one of their 3rd round picks. He just seems like a player that could come in and make a push to see playing time.
He comes with a little versatility as well, he can’t play T but he can play C as well as guard.
Has the bench press happened?
Another guy this sight has talked about often, Dion Dawkins, got 26, which is a shade under the TEF limit (per say). That being said, considering he has 35″ arms, that’s pretty good.
Pretty sure Ifedi had 26 last year
Ifedi had 24 reps
Thanks for the work Rob!
I like James Conner out of Pitt as a Seahawk… for those that haven’t seen him play or know his story look it up. Dude is a fighter, can straight out ball, and runs through, around, and over people.
So Fournette says the 240 number was from water weight.
Wanted to weigh 235 which is what he played at. He says it all went away and wants to run somewhere in the 4.4s.
RB Perrine with 30! on the BP. Mccafrey only 10.
Was expecting more like 40 tbh 🙂
What a beast! The top OL did 37 I think?
He will run at least a 4.5. IMO, he’s the #1 pick.
Alright, so I found a better tracker because I got annoyed trying to scroll sideways with the one on Fanrag. This one is embedded correctly and has more precise height measurements:
http://www.steelersdepot.com/2017-nfl-scouting-combine-results-tracker/
They were even kind enough to load in pre-draft measurements with an asterisk. Once the combine ones are in, the asterisk is removed.
OT Erik Austell, Charleston Southern
6031, 301, 32 arm, 9 hand
Was a guy I had my eye on as UDFA project. Would obviously play inside. Has put on 10lbs since Shrine game.
Super smart, described as a “coach on the field” type, and highly athletic, with a mean streak that comes from playing with a defender’s mindset (played DL in high school). 84 knockdown blocks in 2016.
http://americansportsnet.com/news/all-american-tackle-erik-austell-paces-charleston-southerns-rushing-attack
If we gave Joey Hunt a shot pretty much just based on smarts and technique alone, then this guy might get a shot as well when you throw in the athleticism and toughness. “Smart, tough, reliable” is the Hawks catchphrase.
Was interviewed by the Redskins during Shrine week. Pauline had some good notes on him:
“it was difficult for defenders to shed [Charleston Southern T Erik Austell] once he was able to get engaged with them [during East-West Shrine Game practices].”
“[Austell] plays a little high, sometimes,” Pauline wrote, “but he also displayed a strong lower body when he was able to pass set properly and sit low.” The 6-foot-3, 285-pounder actually began his career with the Buccaneers as a defender before moving to the offensive line in 2013. He went on to start 12 games that season and has been an anchor ever since, though he may well have to try to latch on with an NFL squad as an undrafted free agent. Jan 21 – 3:46 PM
Forrest Lamp with 34 reps too. Pauline says lots of teams are starting to peg him in R1:
“Most of the talk during the first day of combine weigh-ins has centered on the offensive line. In speaking with people, it seems the majority of teams have Cam Robinson, Garett Bolles, Dan Feeney and Dorian Johnson ranked on boards as four of the top five offensive linemen, regardless of position.
After that there’s a wide range of opinion.
Some teams have Forrest Lamp grouped as a top-five blocker; others place Ryan Ramczyk with the top pack and a few shockingly have Roderick Johnson in the handful of five.
What surprised me was the number of teams that have Lamp as a top-five lineman and how many didn’t include Ramczyk in the group.
I’m hearing more and more buzz Lamp could land in the first round after a good combine workout and end up somewhere in the late 20s. I initially wrote about this on February 21 with some skepticism, but it seems to be becoming a reality.”
http://draftanalyst.com/combine-report-31-lamp-headed-round-1
I think people always have about 45-50 pegged for the first round this time of year. 🙂
The more I think about it, we’d probably have to move up to at least #4 to get Fournette. Would Graham, Rawls, the #26 and next year’s #1 be enough? I realize we’d be giving up a lot, but it would be a dream to get Fournette and still keep our existing #2 and the three #3’s this year to shore up the secondary and other needs. JAX recently lost their TE Thomas and needs another RB (IMO). I’d even give up more than that (one of our #3’s, if that’s what it takes). Call me crazy, but this guy is going to be special. Thanks for reading!
I really think you should rethink this.
We would be worse off after that trade. I am also for trading up for Fournette but you have to be willing to walk away at a certain point.
Personally the most I would offer is this year’s first and a third, a first next year and maybe a second the following year.
Thanks for the feedback Mr. Offseason! I just don’t see that we’d be any worse off after that trade having Fournette (a big upgrade from Rawls IMO), eliminating $10m in salary cap space for Graham (to use for a FA lineman) and still keeping our four #2 and #3 picks. I guess the question would be if JAX would be willing to take Graham and Rawls off our hands? In this scenario, we would still be able to address the defense with the #2 pick and the three #3’s, use the extra cap money to address the OL, resign Willson and draft another TE. I know losing next year’s #1 would sting, but it will probably be the #32 anyway when we win Super Bowl LII with the new offensive Rookie of the Year, Leonard Fournette! A pipe dream? Probably. Just my $.02 worth.
In my opinion, you win long term by drafting a David Johnson in the 3rd round (Cards), not by mortgaging your future for a RB.
I’m all for a Fournette Trade.
But that scenario is the definition of insanity.
I could and would trade Rawls. But Jimmy G , and next years 1st rounder I’m not willing to part with.
I guess I’m insane then. 🙂 I don’t get the hype for keeping Graham…..he’s good and all, but man, to get the next Herschel Walker or Bo Jackson is a once in a lifetime chance! What’s so important about next year’s 1st rounder? I get that it would make the conversation around here next year a little less lively, but I just don’t see giving up Graham, Rawls and next year’s 1st rounder as mortgaging the future. You save $10 million in salary cap, you lose the guy who wouldn’t play anyway and next year’s probably late 1st pick? It’s probably a moot point anyway as I doubt JAX would bite on this particular scenario, but the only feedback I seem to get is that I’m crazy! LOL
Thanks for the feedback though!
Lance Zierlein‏”On the field I want to put people in the dirt. I want to be the nastiest prick I can be.” – Utah OT Garrett Bolles on edgy play demeanor
How about OL Tim Lelito?
He is a 28 year old (in July) O lineman that can be a swiss army type…has played G, OT, and C…
FA from the Saints…Not saying he would be a starter, buy maybe?
He seems to be one that could be cheap enough with some upside…
Hopefully way more than Webb, and Sowell…
Rob, Vol12, and Kenny Sloth would provide more upside than Webb or Sowell.
Did a little mock of the 1st three rounds if we went offense the first two rounds. I know with recent statements from JS that we aren’t looking to get younger on the OL, but with the way Lamp is testing it might be worth a look if Bolles/Reddick is off the board.
Thoughts?
1: R1P26
OT FORREST LAMP
WESTERN KENTUCKY
2: R2P26
TE EVAN ENGRAM
MISSISSIPPI
3: R3P26
CB HOWARD WILSON
HOUSTON
4: R3P38
EDGE TYUS BOWSER
HOUSTON
5: R3P42
S TEDRIC THOMPSON
COLORADO
I’m late, I know, but I didn’t want to leave a really nice looking mock with no reply!
Not sure if Lamp is our guy in R1 with less than ideal arm length, but FWIW Mayock has said he is one of his favorite players in the whole draft and mentioned the Hawks as a possible fit. Maybe Feeney as an alternative in R1 if they want to go best OL available regardless of position (seems unlikely).
Bowser has upside as an athlete, but is pretty raw and, despite his speed, leaves me with doubts regarding his potential in coverage. They might believe they can coach him up, otherwise maybe they could consider Anthony Walker Jr. at that spot.
The other guys I absolutely dig. Looks good, Jason!
Hot Topic: Who will be the better pro back; Dalvin Cook or Leonard Fournette? And why?
All else equal, OL, QB, carries/touches. Who you want for the next 6 years?
I’m going west coast. McCaffrey will surprise everyone with his versatility in running or catching the ball and outperform all other rookie running backs.
I’m sure it’s no surprise, but Fournette for me! I do think it depends on the situation in which each player is drafted. I’ve been pro-Fournette on this blog as I think he would be a perfect fit for the Hawks – a bludgeoning type of back that in combination with a CJ Procise would take the Hawks to the next level. Put him on the Browns and maybe not. Cook is a different type of player, probably offers more in the passing game than Fournette and probably has a better chance of breaking it for 80 yards. Seems more like a Doug Martin type of player to me though. Fournette is a beast and wait until he runs that 4.45! I’ll be perfectly willing to eat some crow if it doesn’t happen, but he’s my #1 pick in the whole draft.
I understand where your coming from, but Fournette still needs blockers. Without improvement in the offensive line the running game is going to suffer no matter who you put behind them. It appears that the best left tackles will be gone by #26 or that the Seahawks will go defense. That leaves the Seahawks with standing pat with the offensive line they got, or picking offensive players in the later rounds who probably won’t start unless there is an issue or they really shine in preseason.
I meant to say they probably won’t start unless there is an injury or they shine in preseason.
There’s no way this offensive line won’t improve “standing pat.” It’s natural for rookies to get better in year two (3 of our 8 OL were rookies last year). It’s natural for second year players to improve in year three. Although the line sucked last year, it’s going to improve. Can’t get much worse. Nevertheless, it will improve. How much is the question.
Asiata can take Glowinski’s job easily. Not even a contest…
I 100% disagree. Why would they want to get younger at left guard, especially after the Schneider comments yesterday? Pair Fant with a rookie on the left side?
Glowinski is a solid player who is going to be an asset moving forward. He was set up to fail last year, as was the entire line and Schneider almost admitted as much. Any left guard was set up to fail between Fant and a first year center.
Britt was set up to fail next to a rookie and a first year starter. Amazing he did as well as he did but he still wasn’t one of the better centers in the NFL. Ifedi was set up to fail next to a first year center and the clown show we had at right tackle all season. You don’t blow that up to get younger.
Your house is valueble for me. Thanks!…