The combine concluded today with the defensive back drills
There’s a lot to get into so I’m going to combine general thoughts on the combine and the direction of the Seahawks, with notes on today’s defensive back workouts…
Lewis Cine should be on your radar
This has been the ‘Georgia’ combine and their star safety added his name to the list of athletic super-humans today.
On tape Cine is an absolute hammer. He loves to get downfield and deliver a monster hit. At times he’s almost reckless with it, just running at 100mph and throwing himself in a gap to belt someone.
He’s the type of defender the Seahawks typically love. Cine regularly lifted team mates with big hits and helped set a tone for Georgia’s brilliant (and loaded) defense.
Now consider what he showed at the combine today. He ran a 4.38 forty, jumped a 36.5 inch vertical and an 11-1 broad. He’s lightning quick, explosive and plays with extreme violence.
With this profile he should go in round one. Based on Kyle Hamilton’s disappointing combine, he should be propelled to the #1 safety slot in this class.
Draft for Georgia
When LSU won the National Championship with their loaded roster a couple of years ago, the general consensus was everyone should be trying to tap into their all-star roster of NFL prospects. Seattle did that by selecting Damien Lewis in round three.
It’s the same this year with Georgia on defense.
Jordan Davis, Devonte Wyatt, Travon Walker, Channing Tindall, Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean, Lewis Cine. It’s an unbelievable group.
Extend it to the offense and include Zamir White, who I’ll talk about later.
Tap into this group. Make sure you come away with a Bulldog (or two).
You can build a foundation in this draft
The combine confirmed that this is a fantastic draft class with amazing depth.
Multiple teams are going to have an opportunity to build a young core they can grow with. There is a legit chance to dramatically improve your team with the options that will be available on day two, stretching into early day three.
The Seahawks are less likely to draft a pass rusher at #41
As noted yesterday, the pass rushers failed to really sing. Only two players ran a 1.5 10-yard split (generally considered an elite time) and several top defensive ends measured with short sub-33 inch arms.
They could still take an inside/out rusher with their top pick. For example, DeMarvin Leal’s 4.49 short shuttle at 283lbs is the kind of time that has typically appealed to this team. Logan Hall also ran a 4.44 at the same weight. Joshua Paschal ran a 1.62 10-yard split at 268lbs.
So that inside/out type could be an option — although it’s worth mentioning Hall and Paschal were two of the players with short arms.
Pete Carroll said at his combine press conference that they were keen to add another Darrell Taylor-type player. There isn’t a player with his balance and ability to bend-and-straighten with dynamic athleticism, explosive power and agility.
Thus, it appears increasingly clear that they should be aggressive to sign a pass rusher in free agency and focus on other areas with their top pick.
Start free agency by landing a Chandler Jones, Von Miller or Harold Landry type (or by acquiring a Danielle Hunter or Za’Darius Smith). There are other options too. Fill that need and nip it in the bud — to set up the rest of your off-season.
As good as this draft is, you can’t rely on this class for a top quality EDGE at #41.
O-line with the top pick is an increasing possibility
Need could meet value perfectly for Seattle. If they do spend money on the pass rush — and retain the players they want to keep at other positions — it could still leave holes at right tackle and center.
Pick #41 could be the ideal range for three very attractive O-line prospects.
I’ve been convinced for months that Abraham Lucas will go in round one. However, he never gets any buzz and I don’t understand why. I spoke to Jim Nagy about it and he expressed the same confusion. Nobody talks about him.
He is a brilliant pass-protecting right tackle with top-level size and athleticism. He ran a 4.92 at 6-6 and 315lbs. He then added the top short shuttle (4.40) and three cone (7.25). Just think about that for a moment. A 4.40 short shuttle at 315lbs.
I’ve said many times — I think he’s the most athletic right tackle prospect to enter the league since Tyron Smith. Back in 2011, Smith ran a 4.93 at his pro-day and a 4.68 short shuttle. Lucas beats both times. The two players share almost identical results in terms of their vertical and broad jumps.
I’m not saying Lucas will match Smith’s career. I do think, however, it’s a good comparison to emphasise just how athletic Lucas is.
For me it’s inconceivable that he’ll be there at #41 but given the total lack of buzz — if he lasts, the Seahawks should be ready to run to the podium and lock him in as their new right tackle.
If he’s gone, the center position could/should take ‘center’ stage.
Cole Strange is going to go in round two. He had a terrific Senior Bowl, showing off a strong back and anchor. He didn’t have a ton of experience at center yet like Quinn Meinerz a year ago, he took to it brilliantly. When he had bad reps he came flying back on the next one. He showed he’s a quick learner.
Then at the combine he flashed world class athleticism. He’s nearly 6-5 and 307lbs with 33 inch arms and 10 1/8 inch hands — so he ticks the size box. He ran a 5.03 forty, jumped a barely believable 10-0 broad jump and ran a 4.50 short shuttle.
His TEF score, that we use to measure explosive traits, is a 3.42. That’s comparable to Tristan Wirfs (3.47). Creed Humphrey scored a 3.25 a year ago.
Strange provides an opportunity to land the highly talented, explosive center they missed out on a year ago by snubbing Humphrey. He won’t last to round three so if you want him, perhaps it’s time to finally invest in a quality center at #41?
There’s an alternative too. Cameron Jurgens is a highly physical player who gets after opponents. He ran a 4.92 at 6-3, 303lbs. He has 33.5 inch arms and 10 inch hands.
He might be available slightly later in round two after a small trade down.
The top defensive tackles aren’t likely to make it to Seattle
If it’s unfathomable to imagine Abraham Lucas lasting to #41, it’s even harder to imagine the top defensive tackles making it.
Jordan Davis should go in the top-10 after proving he’s basically Thanos. Devonte Wyatt will likely be a top-25 pick. Given Dontari Poe was the #11 pick in 2012 — there’s no reason why Travis Jones won’t go in the first round given the way he performed at the Senior Bowl and combine. Perrion Winfrey running an injury-impacted 4.89 at 290lbs with a 1.68 10-yard split is remarkable.
All of these players deserve first round grades. The idea of any of them lasting until the 10th pick in round two is fanciful, unfortunately.
An alternative for Seattle could be Matthew Butler in round three. He combined a strong forty time (5.00) with explosive traits (32 inch vertical, 9-4 broad) and he has the size (6-4, 297lbs) and length (33.5 inch arms) Seattle likes. On tape he plays with penetrating quickness and he makes plays against the pass and run.
Running back and receiver could be sleeper positions
Seattle’s top pick will depend on what happens in free agency. If they address the trenches, they’ll be in a better place to go BPA at #41.
People won’t like it but you can build a case for a handful of skill players.
If Rashaad Penny doesn’t return, you could argue running back is a big need. Let’s just park the debate over positional value for a moment and talk about players.
Breece Hall (217lbs) and Kenneth Walker (211lbs) running a 4.38 and 4.39 respectively gives them a Jonathan Taylor-type profile. Neither player is as good as Taylor but given they also excelled in explosive testing, we’re talking about a pair with the potential, at least, to be among the league-leading runners.
I want to throw another name into the mix.
Georgia’s Zamir White is one of the most underrated players in the class. I watched his tape over the weekend and the way he snakes through gaps, staying small and then exploding into the second level is incredible. He accelerates quickly to the line, plays with patience and finds the holes up front to make gains.
When he takes contact he always falls forward and he finishes runs, with yards after contact a regular occurrence.
He’s 5-11 and 214lbs. He ran a 4.40 forty. He jumped a 33.5 inch vertical and a 10-8 broad. I really like him.
White has an injury history (two ACL’s) that could limit his grade. However — I think he’s a second round talent who could be available in round three. For me, he has star potential.
For the third or fourth year in a row, the depth at receiver is incredibly strong. It might not be a top priority after spending a second rounder on Dee Eskridge a year ago. However, the modern NFL dictates you’re only as good as your third receiver.
Jeremy Fowler noted earlier today that the Seahawks are checking out the receiver market in free agency. It shouldn’t be a surprise. They’ve needed a top WR3 for some time.
I also think that leak is an attempt to send a message to the quarterback that they’re listening. Russell Wilson has petitioned for another top target for some time.
There are some big names available and if the value meets opportunity, they might be able to pull off a coup on a prove-it deal.
If it doesn’t happen then they could look to the draft. Whether it’s round two or three, some extremely talented players will be available. Keep an eye on Alec Pierce, Wan’Dale Robinson, Calvin Austin, Jahan Dotson, Christian Watson and others.
If they move on from Bobby Wagner they can get a linebacker
Georgia’s Channing Tindall is the player I want in Seattle. Highly aggressive. An absolute lightning bolt to the ball-carrier. He ran a 4.47 at 230lbs then jumped a 42 inch vertical and a 10-9 broad.
He might be available in round two.
Yet from there the depth is incredible. Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean, Leo Chenal, Damone Clark, Devin Lloyd, Troy Andersen, Chad Muma, Christian Harris, Brian Asamoah.
The linebacker on-field drills were the most impressive of the sessions in Indianapolis. The workouts were high-energy, with players flying around the field. This is a group you should want to tap into. There are multiple potential top-level starters in this class of linebackers.
The Seahawks should feel very, very comfortable about their position with Wagner. They aren’t going to be left short if they cut him to save $16.6m.
Notes on the defensive back drills from today
Firstly, it was really disappointing to see how low-energy the workouts were. I’m not sure if the coaches were tired after a long week but it felt like several players were coasting a bit and someone needed to deliver a rocket on that field.
That said, the official forty times showed just how quick and dynamic this group can be. Several players ran in the 4.3’s. It’s good news for a Seahawks team that is looking to use more man-cover concepts in 2022.
The two players who stood out to me were Alabama’s Jalyn Armour-Davis and Auburn’s Roger McCleary.
Armour-Davis just looked fantastic. He’s 6-0 and 197lbs but looks bigger due to his well put together frame. He ran a 4.39 and jumped a 34.5 inch vertical. He was silky smooth in drills, showed off a good transition and covered ground very quickly. He has fantastic upside.
McCleary only ran a 4.50 and he lacks size. However — in drills he showed off exactly what you see on tape. He might not have elite quicks in a straight line but he can shift his body in coverage. His movements are subtle and sharp, he flashes good hips and he gets into the right areas. You see on tape he does an outstanding job of sticking in the hip-pocket then breaking on the ball to make plays.
Both players might go too early for Seattle — given their preference to wait on the position. They were the two who caught my eye the most today.
Cam Taylor-Britt is immensely competitive and he loves to hit and tackle. Speed was the biggest concern for him but he ran a 4.38 which is great news. I really like his attitude and the Seahawks have missed having a corner like this.
Speed was also the biggest question mark with Kaiir Elam. He answered that with a 4.39. He’s a tremendously well built corner with a lot of potential. I think he bites too much on tape and he’s overly keen but there’s a lot of potential here.
If the Seahawks want a player more in line with their old approach to cornerbacks (long/lean) — keep an eye on Mississippi State’s MJ Emerson.
At safety, several players ran superb times.
We’ve already talked about Lewis Cine. Nick Cross ran a 4.34. He is a tremendous prospect with a stocky, powerful frame reminiscent of Johnathan Abram.
Percy Butler is a player I want to watch more of. He ran a 4.36 and looks lightning quick operating in space as a potential free safety. His NFL.com profile describes him as ‘an absolute stud as a special-teams performer’ that ‘creates highlight-reel hits as gunner’. Sounds like a guy Pete Carroll will love.
JT Woods really flashed during drills after running a 4.36. The Seahawks love production and speed at free safety. He had nine picks in his final two seasons at Baylor. Tycen Anderson’s 4.36 speed, length (33 inch arms) and size looked like an intriguing mix. I will check him out soon.
Who are the top-10 candidates?
It’s been a big debate for some time but based on what we saw at the combine — and tape study — I’d say the following players have a good shot to go in the top-10:
Jordan Davis
Aidan Hutchinson
Evan Neal
Travon Walker
Sauce Gardner
Trevor Penning
There’s mystery around the character of Derek Stingley and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Clearly they have the talent to be top-10 picks.
Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson could both work into that range. Based on the way they tested, you could arguably make a case for Devante Wyatt and Travis Jones.
Updated horizontal board
I’ll post a full update soon but here’s my immediate reaction to the combine for the first two rounds (click the image to enlarge):
Could the Seahawks look at QB at #41?
Let’s just recap what happened over the weekend. Firstly, Charlie Campbell from WalterFootball.com reported that the Seahawks had interest in Matt Corral. I have no idea how legit this report is. I would offer that it feels counter-productive that a Seahawks source would discuss which players they like before a draft — and thus I am sceptical over this.
Then, this tweet emerged:
Monte
Pete
Lane &
Matt pic.twitter.com/BeuJjD6CMz— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) March 5, 2022
At times like this it’s very easy to do the whole 2+2=5.
I don’t see any reason to shirk the topic, either.
By all accounts it feels like both the Seahawks and Russell Wilson are open-minded about ending their relationship — yet neither party actually wants to be the aggressor in a divorce.
Wilson perhaps doesn’t see a particularly attractive alternative right now and might feel he’s better off waiting until next year. If he has a strong 2022 season, he might have better suitors and greater leverage.
The Seahawks might be open to a trade, for the right price. Yet they know Wilson would have to agree to any move due to his no-trade clause. Squaring that circle is tricky and is probably why they continue to put the message out in the media that they won’t consider a trade unless Wilson forces the issue.
Yet here’s the thing. Ian Rapoport, who reported the Washington trade offer for Wilson at the combine, was on the NFL Network again today and stated ‘nobody is ruling anything out’ over Wilson’s future.
It comes down to this — are the Seahawks prepared to pay Wilson $45m a year (or more) in 12 months time? Because if not, he’s leaving one way or another. So you might as well accelerate the process — especially in a buyers market — if you’re counting down the days to an inevitable parting.
Unless, of course, the right offer isn’t there. And it isn’t going to be there right now because possible suitors — like Denver — are still waiting to discover what Aaron Rodgers’ plans are. The Seahawks won’t find out the true value of any potential trade until the Rodgers saga concludes.
Alternatively, it’s possible nobody will offer a mind-blowing deal. Or Wilson won’t agree to join the team making the offer. I suspect if Wilson was prepared to join Washington — and the Commanders were willing to offer multiple high picks and a player like Chase Young or Daron Payne — a deal might happen.
I’m just not convinced Wilson will want to go and answer questions about historical toxicity within that franchise, when he becomes the new face of the organisation.
Plus the ESPN article from earlier included a comment by Jeremy Fowler stating Wilson would prefer Denver over the NFC East.
Here’s a thought though. Let’s say a trade doesn’t happen this year for the reasons discussed.
If the Seahawks really like Matt Corral — and if he was there at #41 — would they take him anyway?
It’d be controversial — just as it was controversial when the Packers selected Jordan Love two years ago.
However — it would provide the team with leverage and protection. They could have a look at Corral this year to see if he is a future starter. If he impresses, it makes it easier to move off Wilson next year.
They could still negotiate a new contract with Wilson, only without the pressure they currently find of not having anywhere to go if they trade him. Wilson’s leverage will be huge in 12 months if Seattle’s only other option is to go after whatever scraps are in the veteran market or the draft.
It would create massive drama, of course. Yet the Seahawks have lived with massive quarterback drama over the last year anyway.
It’s something to keep in mind. If they do like Corral — drafting him and stashing him might not be such a preposterous move from a team perspective.
It could give the Seahawks leverage. It gives them an alternative.
And the worst case scenario is you spent the #41 pick to try and secure your long term future at the most important position in football.
If Seattle has no interest in doing this — they should just extend Wilson’s contract now, commit to him, lower his 2022 cap hit and get to work in free agency.
A final point on Corral. I’m not sure if this means anything. It is interesting to remember, though, that the Seahawks have only drafted two quarterbacks in the Carroll/Schneider era — Russell Wilson and Alex McGough.
Who was McGough’s college coach? Lane Kiffin, when he was at Florida Atlantic.
So they’ve drafted one of Lane’s guys before. Presumably, with his recommendation.
What’s coming up this week
1. A long list of players I think fit the Seahawks
2. A new post-combine mock draft
3. An article on Matt Corral
4. Exhaustive coverage in the build-up to free agency including a new off-season plan
5. Hopefully more streams
If you enjoy the content on Seahawks Draft Blog then please consider supporting us via Patreon (click the tab below)…
6. Sleep?
Honestly Rob, whatever writers make at any of the “professional” football sites, you should be making 10x the amount.
Thanks bm
1000%
I completely agree. It’s hard to believe this is just a hobby. Many thanks Rob.
Thanks Rob for always doing this coverage, it looks like there are some exciting options at 41 and I hope they sort out several of their needs in FA so that aren’t forced into taking a specific position there.
You might be covering this in a future post, but just out of curiosity are there any FA WRs that get you excited as a third option on the team? I know you mentioned Christian Kirk earlier and maybe OBJ. Thoughts on DJ Chark, Michael Gallup, or Will Fuller? Even though they all had injurys last season.
Fuller feels like he’s on the way out now
Gallup, Kirk, Chark, OBJ, Godwin, Gage, Wilson, Robinson, Williams…
Lots of attractive options
Chark and Kirk are who have my eye. Allen Robinson could be awesome too, but probably too much.
Really though, this crop of WR FAs are stronk.
Gallup feels very unlikely, given he was specifically mentioned as one of the primary players Dallas hopes to resign with the money saved in cutting Cooper. Kirk has always been a player I coveted.
I know you are dissapointed with the turnout here and elsewhere, but I just wanted to say to you that your hard work has provided me with so much analysis and observations that you can get nowhere else.
I know I’m not the only one that feels this way. Secretly (as a Hawks fan) I wish you were in the scouting department.
I really and truly appreciate your diligent work and this blog….So Thanks once again for all of it.
Every single letter typed is massively appreciated.
We’re not worthy.
Thanks L80
I really appreciate the nice words a few of you have posted today
Thanks Rob for another great article. I really wish new OL coach ask for new center for sure. It may be via free agency or draft.
Thanks for reading
Great read Rob. Appreciate it as always.
Like Ashish, I desperately want a quality Center either via draft or FA. C’mon Pete, aren’t you tired of watching Donald destroy your C and then hammer your QB?
Thanks Mike
I’m in the camp of trading RW before FA which gives you more money to shop with. Also more draft capitol for this year and beyond. I’m ready for the team to row in the same direction without all the drama. Embrace the new instead of the same ole stuff.
Any further thoughts on Tariq Woolen?
Obviously a great 40. Thought he looked stiff in his transition and he might be limited to zone. Clearly a great size/speed combo though.
A thought, if we were going to potentially entertain drafting a WR3 with our top pick, it doesn’t seem like much if a stretch to include TE Dulcich in that consideration as well, right?
Sure.
I don’t think either will happen BTW. Just throwing ideas out there.
Ya, I agree with you there. I’ve just found I’ve developed a bit of man crush on Dulcich. It goes Brad Pitt, George Clooney, that British Sergeant that came in half way through Tenet, team vampire, then Dulcich.
1st time back in nearly a year. I bugged out last offseason because of the Russ drama and could not stay away during the combine. It really is when you shine, Rob. And shine you have. It was like drinking water in a desert.
My one contribution is this. If Corral is pronounced the way I think, it would really be a miss if he did not end up on one of the horse teams. The Broncos, Colts or Cowboys are a natural fit. Seems the Cowboys have their QB, and Cowboys ride horses, they do not really need corrals like Broncos and Colts do.
Thanks DJ
Thanks for all your analysis, the Seahawks should hire you. You are amazing!!
Thanks Ken
Rob thank you for updating your horizontal board. Can’t wait to go back into the tape of some of these guys.
Thanks for not shirking the idea of Corral. Don’t love it but this team wasted it’s time with Wilson and it’s time to start over. Probably. Unless they go out guns blazing in 8 days during free agency.
Low key going to see wilson traded while wagner gets paid a kings ransom to think his thoughts on the field and adams to miss a third if the season again.
Thanks Peter
If Wilson gets traded, Wagner gets paid that 18 per and along with the peacock and his 17 per, that’ll be the “here lies” on the tombstone of Pete Carroll’s career. The angry at Carroll for what he’s done to this team side of me wants to see it happen. The love the Seahawks side of me does not.
In the end I swing to hope of course that our team is out there kicking butt and taking names on Sundays asap.
“Here lies” …is perfect. Because that is what this ultimately comes down to is it not? Change can be exciting. Can be aggravating. But when your division rivals go to the super bowl/nfc championship game as often as they do while dropping a ton of picks on a qb who doesn’t play or a good chunk of picks and a ton of cash on two qb’s while still building bad ass teams…only the most turtled up seahawks honk covering their ears like a little kid saying “i don’t wanna hear it,”….could believe these two in the FO are going to recreate anything like 2012/2013.
I just want what Rob highlights. Extension…to end this b.s. -or- a trade to hasten in the new era. Which includes a new FO shortly there after.
Good post man.
New FO should’ve happened this offseason
Hawks fans are lucky to have you on our side.
I struggle to find better draft coverage anywhere on the web regardless of team affiliation.
Thanks Denver, really appreciate that
I know the UW corners get all the love; but I hope WSU’s Jaylen Watson helped himself at the combine. Hopefully, a nice day-3 pick or UFA.
Just unbelievably great coverage – insightful and specific to the team. Christmas for draft nerds.
Rob would be great in the John Clayton Saturday slot on 710 talking Seahawks football from 8-12. It’s not like he has anything else to do and the Rob Staton Show would be straight fire for a market that sorely needs it. Anybody here pull the levers at 710?
My post-combine thoughts (I know everyone has been anxiously awaiting them) – I’m seriously considering whether trading Wilson at this point might be the best thing for the franchise. Right now, this is not a Super Bowl team WITH him, although a great slew of free agency signings might make up some ground within the NFC West, probably still not enough and Pete hasn’t had a great free agency in this millennium, has he? Just saying that history’s not on his side here.
Trading Wilson and having three firsts + 41 + an additional 2nd in this draft, however, could make this defense right in a hurry. Georgia-Georgia-Georgia-Georgia-Pierce – I’m good with that. Plus Chase Young?!! Slam Dunk.
But…
Who’s the QB? I don’t think it’s Corral and a trade seems to mean that you’re surfing the Jameis-Trubisky-Mariota wave hoping against hope for adequacy. Seattle is unlikely to have another elite, premier QB for years…and years…and years. Bummer, man.
So, Rebuild or Rerun?
Reruns are boring. I’m leaning rebuild.
Thanks man
And I sympathise with the dilemma you bring up about the future of this team
Zero chance 710 hires someone who doesn’t spout the team’s party line Gross. Or as Rob calls them “defenders of the faith”. Don’t know if you’re a Judas Priest guy Rob but that’s the first thing that come to my mind when I hear you say that. Anyway, metal digression done. What with 710 being the team’s flagship, I highly doubt someone who’s not mostly or completely towing the party line would be acceptable to them. I’m sure they live in fear of losing the cash cow that is the Hawks and unlike other markets where all the media is far more direct/caustic, another syncophant station would gladly step in and take the Hawks off their hands. Nice to dream of some honest Hawk talk though.
Love a bit of Judas Priest
Excited by the prospect of bringing back Brown, signing Brian Allen, and drafting Lucas is he’s really there at 41. If Haynes stays healthy, could be 4 young guys solidified for a while.
Allen and a big name DE would go such a long way towards improving this team.
Personally I’d disregard most anything from either Walter & Charlie @ Walter football website…. I’d been user of sight for many years, and the over the past 6+ years but especially last 3 yrs, their stuff has gotten absurd, ridiculous, extremely lazy and become all about clicks to generate ad revenue from ridiculous amounts of super annoying ads & pop ups. Plus seems like for many years now, that for the most part any reporter/analyst who drums up/posts some sort of Seahawks related story that isn’t a legit local Puget Sounder, is basically garbage/hype trying to draw clicks/stir up some offseason drama for the ravenous pack to chew on. It’s also far from new nor uncommon for Sea to kick the proverbial tires on some of the better QBs in any given draft class, John Schneider loves to do that seemingly more than anything else (including building a legit roster & properly addressing things) so it’s no suprise…. now if Sea actually spends a solid amount of time at Sr Bowl (or similar), at the combine (including official meeting/interview) AND uses 1 of their limited official workout visits at The VMAC in Renton on a QB, then there is a chance of it being a real possibility of drafting that QB, outside of that it’s all BS IMO. Not to mention, defacto owner Jody Allen would also have to approve of trading QB RW and reportedly she likes & prefers to keep RW. PC & JS are also on the proverbial hot seat for the 1st time, drafting any QB before 5 Round and or trading QB RW would only hasten the end of regime almost certainly at/by end of the season. If by some small chance they do intend to trade RW, they have to get beyond a King’s ransom of young, high positional value top tier talents & high draft picks, actually gut team of older & modestly to more expensive players, get aggressive with vet FA, RFA & trades to acquire very solid, good & top tier younger players with actual well thought out & executed, savvy strategy & plan on rebuilding a great young foundation & team in each of next couple offseasons, essentially planning on just developing & building a younger team, tanking in the at least 2022 (to get top 2-3 to maybe 5 pick in 2023) if not also 2023 (if get a top QB in 2023 then prob looking at top 7-15 pick, if don’t get a top rook QB in 2023, then a top 2-3 to maybe top 5 pick in 2024 draft for a top rook QB. But PC contract is up 2025 too, JS not long after that) in essentially a full rebuild… which isn’t something I frankly see PC/JS being very willing to do.
Tez, please take this as a final friendly warning.
Break up your text.
One long wall of text is virtually unreadable.
Try and shorten your posts and break up the sentences a bit please.
Superb coverage, as always, Rob. Thank you. Looking forward to the stories you mentioned.
Thank you
Is Abraham Lucas a potential starter at left tackle, or do people see him as limited to the right side? If he has similar athletic testing numbers to Tyron Smith could he be the heir apparent to Duane Brown?
Maybe. Although I’d like to keep guys where they are comfortable
Thanks Rob. Damien Lewis is a prime example of that idea.
I only ask because the team have been neglecting a succession plan for Brown for years, and I am old enough to remember them trotting out the likes of Rhees Odhiambo to try to protect Russell’s blind side. Since it like seems we are never in position to draft one of the top-rated prospects, I’ve tried to be alert for legit LT prospects that somehow last into the late first or later and thought Lucas may fit the bill.
As an MSU guy and FCS homer I hope that they look at Troy Andersen if they’re thinking LB. He plays as fast as he runs and maybe more so. All academic incredibly smart, and played both ways at QB and and RB which if I recall was because he has a cast on and couldn’t play QB. Seeing him live is just fun and incredible to watch.
I remember wishing they would draft Cooper Kupp after watching him kill the Cats a few years back and I’d hate to watch them miss out on Troy.
Phenomenal piece Rob, very detailed and no one does these better!
Thanks man
Thanks again for all the work the past few days Rob. Like usual the standard of work is incredibly high and really kicks the FA/draft season off on such a strong note. Really appreciate it man.
As far as the Matt Corral stuff, it’s something for the back burner. Monte and Lane are close to Pete and Corral is their QB. Pictures are not too incriminating for me. Nothing has changed yet I think. Free agency remains the crux of the off-season. It goes well, we take BPA at 41 on the lines and fill needs as the board allows. If it doesn’t Russ probably goes and then Corral becomes a reality. Biggest couple weeks of the past 7 or so years coming up
Thanks GoHawks
Something I forgot to mention in the piece initially that I’ve now added:
Oh, so it was new turf at Lucas Oil. Did they really fail to mention this “minor detail” on the broadcast, or did I just miss it? I say we add about 0.3-0.5 to all the times when comparing to previous years.
To piggyback on that topic…I hate the idea that the NFL wants to move the combine to different cities each year. That will screw up the evaluation from year-to-year. Some fields are faster than others.
Top class coverage of the combine, Rob. Looking forward for what you have coming for us.
Thanks Mick
Rob great coverage as always, haven’t commented but have been reading every day.
Every year you highlight players who get drafted early a long time before some of the supposed experts do.
Keep up the great work, it’s appreciated.
Thank you!
Playing armchair GM here is what I do;
Trade Russ to the Eagles for first round picks 15,16,19 and their native 2nd Plus QB Minshew.
Try trading 15 to a non qb needy team for second/third round picks.
15-trade with Jets for picks 35 and 38
16- corral
19-DT Davis, Wyatt or Jones
35-T Lucas
38-RB Pierce?
41 (seattle native) center Strange or Jurgens
74 (seattle native) TE, Highest on Robs board.
The rest of the draft picks are BPA with corner probably being first
Add in cutting Wagner and you have a boatload of dollars going into Free agency. Go get the best outside rush end, the best WR,TE and just more quality depth.
Pete then goes to the podium and says we are starting over just like Day 1 when I arrived here in 2010. It is competition everywhere starting at QB with Minshew/Corral and everywhere else on the team.
I’m tired of the same old crap, for me it’s time for a reset. If they keep Wilson and current draft picks/FA they will get better. But still at best be a 1 and done in the playoffs. Then lather rinse repeat with Russ next year.
Great coverage on the combine Rob. This is my favorite time of year on your blog.
51 (eagles native)- RB
The trouble with this plan is that Corral might be gone at #16. You have Lions, Texans, Panthers, Broncos, Washington picking before you. Then your QBs are Minshew, Geno Smith and Eason.
Thank you
Eburg, I like the way you think.
Best draft coverage I have ever seen – year after year – consistently high quality analysis. The Hawks will reveal their true strategy over the next 2 weeks. Tags are due and final today. League year ends in a few days. Next Monday FA begins with legal tampering and full on by Wednesday. Rodgers will surely declare his intentions this week. It will be hard to play it close to the vest much longer.
2 other thoughts – sources close to me ( friend at the bar) say the Hawks are leaning towards Randy Gregory in FA and
Since the wide receiver FA and draft market is loaded – trading DK to day Philly for one of their 3 picks makes some sense. I wonder how the DK and RW relationship is these days?
Thanks Happy Hawk.
I can see Gregory being a target for Seattle. 100%. Played for Dan Quinn. He is a Darrell Taylor type.
But the Seahawks won’t trade DK
They need to add a weapon, not subtract one
thanks for all your analysis
I know some people were looking at the potential of WR Calvin Ridley possibly being a trade target. He was just suspended all of the 2022 season for betting on games in 2021.
I love, love, love Russ… But if they can get the two 1s from Giants this year +1 next year and maybe even Barkley (or their 2nd with the idea to draft Breece Hall), I’d do it with the idea of taking Matt Corral with a late 1 or early 2.
Adding Nakobe Dean, Sauce Gardener and Barkley or Hall seems pretty attractive to me. I think Corral has a bright future though, so that’s why I’m ok with this.
Please no trading Russ. This group has drafted LJ Collier and others imagine losing Russ and havin LJ, Penny etc.
In fairness this crew also drafted the SB team
Rob yes they did i respect that. But their track record drafting from 2015 is medicore at the best. Dk Tyler Lewis are few bright spots. How many years they should get free pass for building great SB team?