ESPN analyst Todd McShay posted his first 2019 mock draft today. It’s behind a paywall but if you don’t have an ESPN+ account, a Reddit user has posted the list in full. So that’s an option if you want to check it out. You can also start a free trial of ESPN+ by clicking here.
I thought this would be an opportunity to post my own updated mock draft and compare it to McShay’s.
Seahawks Draft Blog mock (draft order via Tankathon):
1 San Francisco — Nick Bosa (DE, Ohio State)
2 Arizona — Quinnen Williams (DT, Alabama)
3 Oakland — Rashan Gary (DE, Michigan)
4 Atlanta — Ed Oliver (DT, Houston)
5 New York Jets — Clelin Ferrell (DE, Clemson)
6 Buffalo — Christian Wilkins (DT, Clemson)
7 Jacksonville — Dexter Lawrence (DT, Clemson)
8 Tampa Bay — Raekwon Davis (DT, Alabama)
9 Detroit — Greedy Williams (CB, LSU)
10 New York Giants — Kyler Murray (QB, Oklahoma)
11 Cincinnati — Devin White (LB, LSU)
12 Green Bay — Josh Allen (EDGE, Kentucky)
13 Cleveland — Derrick Brown (DT, Auburn)
14 Washington — Drew Lock (QB, Missouri)
15 Carolina — Taylor Rapp (S, Washington)
16 Philadelphia — Cody Ford (T, Oklahoma)
17 Denver — David Edwards (T, Wisconsin)
18 Miami — Jachai Polite (EDGE, Florida)
19 Indianapolis — Jaylon Ferguson (EDGE, Louisiana Tech)
20 Tennessee — Zach Allen (DE, Boston College)
21 Minnesota — Greg Little (G, Ole Miss)
22 Baltimore — Damien Harris (RB, Alabama)
23 Pittsburgh — Jerry Tillery (DT, Notre Dame)
24 Oakland — Marquise Brown (WR, Oklahoma)
25 Seattle — D’Andre Walker (EDGE, Georgia)
26 Oakland — Kaden Smith (TE, Stanford)
27 Houston — Byron Murphy (CB, Washington)
28 Los Angeles Chargers — Noah Fant (TE, Iowa)
29 New England — Daniel Jones (QB, Duke)
30 Green Bay — A.J. Brown (WR, Ole Miss)
31 Kansas City — Dre’Mont Jones (DT, Ohio State)
32 Los Angeles Rams — Jonah Williams (G, Alabama)
Players included by SDB but not by McShay
Kyler Murray (QB, Oklahoma)
Drew Lock (QB, Missouri)
Taylor Rapp (S, Washington)
David Edwards (T, Wisconsin)
Damien Harris (RB, Alabama)
D’Andre Walker (EDGE, Georgia)
Kaden Smith (TE, Stanford)
Byron Murphy (CB, Washington)
Daniel Jones (QB, Duke)
Players included by McShay but not by SDB
Justin Herbert (QB, Oregon)
Dwayne Haskins (QB, Ohio State)
Montez Sweat (EDGE, Mississippi State)
DeAndre Baker (CB, Georgia)
Jawaan Taylor (T, Florida)
Devin Bush (LB, Michigan)
Jeffery Simmons (DT, Mississippi State)
Michael Deiter (G, Wisconsin)
Deionte Thompson (S, Alabama)
Johnathan Abram (S, Mississippi State)
Notes on the differences
— I think Kyler Murray is by far the best draft eligible quarterback for 2019. Ignore the size. Just watch the way Murray plays compared to Drew Lock, Dwayne Haskins and even Justin Herbert. You will see every kind of throw, to all areas of the field, with accuracy, touch and precision. Murray has zero limitations as a passer. He’s also highly dynamic and athletic — capable of extending plays, throwing on the run and breaking off huge gains as a runner. Murray deservedly won the Heisman. McShay possibly didn’t include him due to the uncertainty over whether he’ll choose football over baseball. I’m going to include him until he officially rules out the NFL. Murray is a spectacular prospect with limitless talent and potential.
— I included Drew Lock because he was considered a possible first round talent this year before opting to return to Missouri. He’s long been on the NFL’s radar and has a skill-set that can be developed. A team with uncertainty at the position and needing a cheap option (eg the Redskins) could look at him. I didn’t include Dwayne Haskins and don’t consider him a top NFL prospect. A lot of his throws are out to the flat or check-downs to an arsenal of fantastic talent at the receiver and running back positions. Ohio State are loaded with explosive skill players and Haskins was given a lot of easy throws to get the ball into their hands. Compared to Kyler Murray it was night and day. Murray throws into difficult windows over the middle, manipulated defenses and threw receivers open. Haskins doesn’t show anywhere near this range. I think he’s a day two developmental prospect.
— It’s good to see McShay include Rashan Gary and Dexter Lawrence in the top-10. Both players will go very early. Gary had an underwhelming college career and Lawrence has been unfairly critiqued at times. Here’s the thing though. In a year lacking obvious top-10 quarterbacks, left tackles and cornerbacks — the league will tap into major potential on the D-line. Gary and Lawrence were considered by many to be the best defensive tackle duo to ever appear in the same recruiting class. Ever. They were freakishly good in high school and remain difference making athletes. The upside with both is off the charts. They could easily end up being two of the best in the NFL. Teams will recognise that and feel comfortable drafting them early.
— Taylor Rapp at #15 overall in my mock is a little rich. However, according to Tony Pauline the Panthers have identified safety as a key target in the draft. Tapp, for me, is the best available. A lot of people talk about Deionte Thompson at Alabama. He ran in the 4.7’s at SPARQ, didn’t make a ton of plays in 2018 and has a long, lean frame. He looks like a Seahawks day three corner convert — not a rangy free safety or a towering strong safety. Rapp has quickness and agility plus the ability to make plays in space. The Panthers might try to trade down once they’ve identified which safety they want. I didn’t include trades in the mock.
— McShay has the Seahawks taking Jeffery Simmons at Mississippi State. As a player he’s exactly what Seattle needs. Simmons can play any down or distance at defensive tackle. He’s a tremendous run defender but also provides some dynamism as a pass rusher. He’s quick and physical and has taken a leadership role on the defense. A player with his talent could create a fantastic trio with Jarran Reed and Frank Clark. I’m still not convinced he’ll be drafted by the Seahawks. This video (warning — it’s not nice) is the reason why. Someone will draft Simmons, just like someone drafted Joe Mixon. Will the Seahawks go down that road? Be prepared to deal with the reaction? Not sure. A mistake shouldn’t be the end of your career but it does require a lot of investigation. How accountable are you to the mistake? How have you made amends? How have you changed? What lessons did you learn? These are all questions NFL teams will be asking.
Here’s another video about Simmons that offers an insight into his character:
— I don’t plan to mock D’Andre Walker to Seattle every time. I think he’s a fit as a physical and explosive EDGE with the ability to play the run, operate in space and offer some pass rush. He showed against Alabama that he’s one of the top defenders in this class. Unfortunately a lot of the possible alternatives are off the board. It’s one of the reasons I posted the piece about Kyler Murray yesterday — and why it might be an option if he chooses to play football and lasts into the late first round. If the Seahawks continue to win and progress beyond the wildcard round of the playoffs, they will work their way out of range for the best defensive linemen. And then they have a choice to make. Roll the dice on an undersized player like Brian Burns (supposedly playing in the 220’s this year), consider someone like Gerald Willis II (who has had a weird college career but will destroy the short shuttle at the combine) or keep trading down to restore stock in days 2-3. It’d be great to imagine what a Derrick Brown, Christian Wilkins or Jachai Polite could do for this team. All three are likely to be off the board very quickly, however.
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Great write up Rob. What are your thoughts on Oshane Ximines? He looks like a dynamic DE that would be available late first, early second.
At the level he plays you want to see a freakish, dominating talent. Marcus Davenport was a good example of that a year ago. When I watched him, I was pretty underwhelmed. I didn’t see a player destined to go that early.
Mychal Kendricks’ IR inches us further toward the possibility that Seattle looks in the LB direction this year.
Maybe. I’d urge some caution there though. For starters — there aren’t a lot of obvious options in the draft. Secondly, I think there’s still a decent chance K.J. Wright and/or Mychal Kendricks come back on a cheap contract. Even if they drafted a rookie, it’s unlikely they’ll find someone they can truly trust as a day one starter. The injuries are a concern but might actually hammer the market for Wright and Kendricks and make it easier to keep one or both.
Might we look LB later on? Especially if we drop back and pick up extra picks? Unless there’s a BWagz out there, I don’t think they’d go LB in R1/2, but maybe something like KJ Wright was, a 4th rounder?
I think it’s possible. It’s a bit early to think about who they might consider in that range but certainly after the combine it’s a position I intend to study a lot. We’ve looked a lot into LB’s for two years and they kind of avoided the position. We’ll see what this class has to offer.
There’s also this: https://twitter.com/BradyHenderson/status/1072993758650585088
Sounds like the Seahawks are practically already preparing to bring Kendricks back in 2019.
That’s good news we should focus on other positions
Can we really hope to have Wagner, KJ, Mingo and Kendricks all under contract next year? Seems like an either/or with Kendricks and KJ to me.
I think we shouldn’t forget how much they’ve talked up Mingo at WILL as well when he was thrown in there without ever having played the position before. With an off-season of practice at the spot, he could be an answer there as well, or at least valuable backup if KJ and Kendricks are unavailable.
I think Daniel Jones might return to school
Not sure there’s anything to return for.
Pauline says he’s declaring***
Any thoughts on EDGE/LB/DE-Jordan Brailford, Oklahoma St., 6-3/250, est. 4.74/40, I’ve just noticed that he’s entering the draft and I seem to recall him as a pretty darn good player in the few Oklahoma St. games I’ve watched. He was out with injury in 2016, however most of his 31.5-TFL’s & 16-Sacks have come in the last 2 years since his injury season. Medical checks and questions will likely drop him into the middle rounds. Has anyone paid attention to this guy? He’ll play in the Liberty Bowl on 12/31 and one of several players that I’ll be watching closely.
See: http://www.draftscout.com/members/ratings/profile.php?pyid=131078
Career to date: 34-games, 133-tkls, 88-solo, 31.5-TFL, 16.0-sacks, 1-INT, 1-PD, 3-FF.
PER: sports-reference.com
What about Justin Herbert? He’s included on Shays but not yours.
I don’t think he will declare.
Word is he wants to spend a year with his brother who will join Oregon.
Not sure his stock will ever be higher and I doubt Oregon will compete for a national title next year.
Handsome Herbert is overrated and I don’t really want another year of injuries and lack of clutch play.
I thought it was extremely difficult to not be underwhelmed by him. He certainly leaves you wanting just a bit more.
He has all the tools. Super inconsistent, not a gritty competitor.
I agree, he should strike while the QB market is hot (or should we say weak). He should jump into the draft, since he will be at worst a low 1st round pick and could rise to mid 1st… and dare I say higher. Next years QB crop looks more robust, so he might go 2nd round or risk a major injury during CFB and blow his shot.
Would Oregon have enough talent to fight for a PAC12 Championship? They have had a few very good recruiting classes in a row and might be better than people (draft experts) realize. But I still do not see him improving his draft stock much more than this year….
As a PAC 12 fan, I didn’t like what I saw from Herbert. He has an arm but his accuracy and decision making are not good enough for the pros (yet). Looking at the last three years of stats, his percent completions was 59.6 this year, throwing for almost 3,000 yards. But a 28 touchdown to 8 interception ratio is not very good.
I see him as a backup, and probably shouldn’t be taken before the 3rd round, but we all know that teams are desperate. At least he looks like a quarterback, he’s tall and has a strong arm.
What arm? I must’ve missed that.
Strong arm? You’re being very kind to him
I really think Zach Allen is the most underrated player in this class. He may not be the kind of athlete the hawks typically go for in round 1, but he’s got everything else they’ve have looked for in a 5 tech. Incredible size, can play inside out, ability to play the run and rush the passer. I recognise he’s gone in this mock, but only just and he’s available in McShay’s. I’d be ecstatic with that pick up.
Same.
I’m probably way off, there’s no way to know every single game, but Seattle has their eye on someone at BC. They scouted them 5 times.
Doesn’t mean they can get to that player or it could a non-eligible prospect, but just something to keep in mind.
You know what they say, when you go to scout one guy in particular, you find another gem hidden on the same team. Good example, when they drafted 1 TE over the more highly touted other TE on the same CFB team. (Vance McDonald / Luke Willson at Rice)
I’m sure they’ve got a pretty thick file on S Lukas Denis. Good ball skills and great range, perfect for a deep zone defense. I know they say how much they like Thompson but this guy is good. Reminds me a little bit of Kevin Byard, whom I had such a draft crush on.
Likely BC players of Seahawk interest: Zack Allen & Lukas Denis. I’d expect Allen to be the major draw.
“”Five Boston College football players have been named to Athlon’s Preseason All-America teams, the magazine announced Tuesday. Sophomore running back AJ Dillon (second team), senior defensive back Lukas Denis (third team), senior offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom (fourth team), senior defensive end Zach Allen (fourth team) and senior punt returner Michael Walker (fourth team) were named to Athlon’s preseason All-America squads.””
https://bceagles.com/news/2018/6/19/football-five-eagles-earn-preseason-all-america-honors-in-athlon-magazine.aspx
“Allen may not be the kind of athlete the hawks typically go for in round 1, but he’s got everything else they’ve have looked for in a 5 tech. Incredible size, can play inside out, ability to play the run and rush the passer.”
100% agree. Dion Jordan has foiled his chance, QJeff is a solid rotational piece, Green the jury is still out, Jackson…meh. Allen looks like a perfect fit opposite Clark. Plays great assignment sound football, who makes plays in and out of his area. Would be ecstatic if we draft him.
Dion Jordan played excellent football the other night, he’s inexpensive = zero risk. Rookie DE = cap space and huge risk. Bosa brothers have not contribute much this year and they cost big $$$$. If Jordan continues to play good ball we will keep him same goes for Jefferson. I have not seen 1 player in college football this year that can do what Jordan & Jefferson can do that means something even though I havn’t seen all the DE’s.
Agreed on Jordan… I love him as a rotational guy. I don’t think he has to be the top 5 pick superstar he was originally drafted to be to be worth keeping around (which is good because I don’t think he’s ever going to be that guy again), but I’m more than happy keeping him around as part of the rotation.
Thanks for adding the second video on Simmons. Above and beyond who will or won’t consider drafting him, it’s good to see a guy turn it around.
Willis as well made huge strides. The difference between his 2016 and 2018 interview is abismal. Here he reflects on his growth through his own hard times:
Gerald Willis III | Post Practice Presser | 8.5.18 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmDFPfq1cHo
It wasnt domestic violence and I think Pete will give him a 2nd chance. Just like everyone deserves imo
I think this years draft will be disappointing to trade back and pick up picks. If there’s a good defender available for us in round 1 that’s physically talented with tons of upside. I think this defense needs that instead of multiple day 2 and 3 picks. kinda like when they drafted Bruce Irvin. Its going to be a difficult draft year. They need more depth on defense, but also need 1 or 2 energetic athletic monsters to be a truly dangerous defense again.
If the D-line monsters are gone when you’re picking, though, there’s not much you can do.
Speaking of Bruce Irvin, Brian Burns. IIRC Bruce out on 15 lbs before the combine. Burns will have to do the same. They’re very similar players. Both natural pass rushers.
If Pete is as high on Rasheem Green as he sounds and they have big plans for him (and they should), than that means whoever Seattle drafts at DE is very likely gonna be a sub package player anyways.
Worth noting though that they had a rotation of Bennett, Avril & Clarke for three years. And before that it was Clemons, Bennett & Avril in 2013. So even if they think highly of Rasheem Green, it doesn’t mean they won’t draft another any-down DE and once again have a three-man quality rotation.
No it doesn’t. Of course the intent is to find/draft 3 down players.
Key word there is rotation.
Give me the guys who are gonna make an impact on the $ downs and help get this team off the field on said downs.
The more I watch of him, one of their main targets should be a guy you’ve mentioned previously. He screams ‘Seahawks’ high draft pick to me.
‘Bama’s Christian Miller. SR bowl (just accepted his invite) and combine will be big for him and he’s not the most consistent prospect, but those splashes of his are next level stuff and f***ing amazing. There’s a lot to work with there and add behind Reed and Clark as he develops.
Looks long and fast, with an attitude. Has room to add a bit more on that frame I think. Held the edge well in the game you posted below. And that bend was a thing of beauty.
10 TFL, 7 sacks on the season is not bad. Color me interested to see more.
Very athletic, very versatile. Looks the part. Could definitely see him on their radar.
That versatility jumps out.
Just in that 3 min. clip they line him up at SAM, 5-tech, 2 point stance.
This is a guy that I think they’d have on there board. If they believe Rasheem Green is going to fact in big as an inside/out type (I believe he will), what they might determine they really need is another explosive edge.
NASCAR = Clark, Reed, Green, Miller/Walker type.
I think they might really want that NASCAR back to the height of where it was. Jacob Martin is a player to watch through these next handful of games.
Christian Miller vs Ole Miss (2018):
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-IHZVsMI-uc
This play at 1:15 has me half chubbed. Hoooo my gawd!
2:40 haha just walks the RB right into the QBs lap
2:57 swats away the hands of Greg Little keeping him outta his chest plate, gives him the inside shoulder and makes the play with his outside shoulder. Great stuff
Jefferson is playing great football, Jordan played better last night than any rookie will play for us next year, Martin is obviously a stud, and Rookie Green has 3 games to play at Playoff level. After the Vikings game you cannot assume Dion Jordan is average and you certainly can’t assume a highly touted Rookie 1st round draft pick is more reliable than a veteran DE. The Seahawks right now are a dangerous defense but we are ? At WILL but WILL is not being used as much this year upcoming Chiefs game will be perfect example plus Chiefs allow us to feature Jacob Martin more.
Everyone on defense looked better vs the Vikings. Part of the reason is that the Vikings OL is weak. Part coaching & maybe across the board improvement? Hopefully the defensive performance we just witnessed is more the norm than not. It was a great showing. The rest of this season will tell.
Rob, any idea why you think Justin Herbert won’t declare, but Daniel Jones will?
I feel like if you’re just going off on how hot their stock is, it seems like Herbert would declare because he’s been widely projected as a top 15 pick. Not sure how much going back to school would help his stock.
Daniel Jones on the other hand is being looked at as a late 1st round pick at best. If he returned back to school, another year in a pro style system could really help him, as well as the opportunity to go to the Senior Bowl.
Thank you again for providing the best draft coverage around!
There’s been a lot of talk about Herbert preferring to return so he can spend a year with his brother at Oregon.
Daniel Jones — there’s nothing for him at Duke to return to. He’s done everything, achieved everything, and there’s been talk about him preferring to declare.
Really like this tape of Montez Sweat. At 0:56 he absolutely destroys an OL (with one arm!). His length is impressive and his build suggests that he could put on another 20-30lbs.
Sweat worries me to be honest. Looks like exactly the type of college player who has trouble translating to the next level. Some character concerns too.
Oops. Here’s the video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2CZ8WzDqts
A player to watch is Clemson SS/OLB Isaiah Simmons. He might stay at Clemson, but man… if he declares for the draft, watch out! Very similar size, speed and athleticism to Kam Chancellor.
I think safety’s an overrated need for Seattle. Bradley McDougald has locked down the SS spot for the next few years. Tedric gets unfair criticism because he’s not Earl. I could see them adding a new free safety but they’d have to be a.) really quick and b.) I can’t imagine it’ll be an early pick.
And Pete said some positive things (maybe for the first time) about Delano on his presser yesterday. Pete said something like: “We thought Delano was the best tackler coming out of college|.
Translation to me = 2017 & 2016 great years for middle round draft picks and/or WE NAILED IT!
Our solution to stopping 3rd and long was to add Coleman which worked out pretty good but not good enough But we doubled down by loading up on DB’s this year and added another DB. Bobby Wagner is the best pass defending LB in the league and we added DE Jacob Martin. We have the best Bandit unit in the league by far but it took over a half season to get our guys up to speed.
Not a huge fan of Simmons. He has the athleticism and size, but I don’t think he’s a difference maker on that defense. I’ve seen all their games and have seen him get beat more than a few times.
I found Simmons’ tape more underwhelming than explosive. I think he’s a bit overrated. There’s talent there… but he’s not on a Christian Wilkins or Derrick Brown level.
Are you speaking about same Simmons? 🙂
Sorry — my mistake. No I’m talking about Jeffery. Misread the situation.
Is my name getting poached again? Haha. Happened last year too!
Jacob Martin jumped out at me and I was shocked to see he only had 13 snaps. Any chance he turns into a more prominent player for us?
Looks like a stud to me!
Very possible Khawk
Martin has been flashing that burst and relentlessness. Agreed that he looks to be carving out that 3rd down edge rusher role going forward. Highly productive his last 4 games:
56 snaps-2sacks-1ff-1tfl-4 QB hits
On the season Martin is logging 19.7% of the defensive snaps. For reference Frank Clark played about 30% of snaps as a rookie.
Does Martin’s maturation move the need for an undersized edge rusher down the board?
Martin is probably the best player on the Bandit unit which includes our starting CB’s & DB’s. He plays Bandit best!
He’ll yes it does! He beat out Mingo who was our top FA target! Mingo is a better run stopper and pass defender than Martin but Martin is still a rookie and kicks Mingo’s but in Special Teams and pass rush. We don’t need an oversized DE (Jordan & Jefferson) and we don’t need an undersized DE (Martin, Mingo, Griffith)
When I went to training camp this past August, Martin really stood out. At one point they were doing a drill where he systematically took every single offensive tackle to the shed. The first guy who actually handled him after he had devoured four or five guys – Not brown mind you but guys like battle etc.,- was JaMarco Jones for what it’s worth.
Quite possible.
I don’t know if there are any other players on this roster that that I am more excited about seeing what comes out of the 2019 strength and conditioning program than Jacob Martin and Rasheem Green. Both have fasinating potential, and I’m not sure that the team even knows yet what their final positions will be. Martin could easily stay a rush end, but they might look at him at SAM. Green is probably a 5T, but he looks like he has the frame to add another good 10 to 15 lbs, and that could have him slip inside more.
PRO BOWL BALLOT DEADLINE APPROACHING
Good case for Wilson, Lockett, Brown, Britt, maybe Flukes and Ifedi. Wagner, Clark, Reed, maybe McDougald. Go ahead and vote for Shaquille too.
Dickson is probably safe already
The more I think about this… the more I LOVE THIS PICK
10 New York Giants — Kyler Murray (QB, Oklahoma)
To update. Later online ESPN said we are sure to trade back no matter where we finish. I wonder if we will struggle to find a trade partner this year with only specific draft strengths.
Rob. Just wondering. What do you think if Raheem Green as an interior pass rusher? Do you think he could play the Michael Bennett role (obviously not to the level as Bennett)?
Based on his USC tape I would say it’s possible. But he’s played so little for Seattle it’s hard to project him much at all. Would be nice to see a few more splashes before the end of the year.
I read a lot about simmons last couple of weeks (but i didnt want to copy here some articles because Rob sounds clear that he dont want to talk about him- and i respect that 100%).
But as you see in this video he really looks like.a good dude who made.a huuuge mistake in his past. I think.that he will have great interviews at combine and will be on most team boards.
Here is something from one article:
And here’s the deal: There have been no incidents. Not. One.
Simmons has been – and this is no exaggeration – a model student-athlete. He has achieved better than a 3.0 GPA in human development and family science. He has landed on SEC Academic Honor Roll twice. He has participated in all sorts of community service, speaking at camps, schools and serving as a mentor in Macon. He won Mississippi State’s Newsom Award last spring for his work on the field, in the community and the classroom. His is a story of redemption.
“Jeffery has checked all the boxes,” State athletic director John Cohen said. “He really has been the model for what you want in a student-athlete.”
Rob,
I think the off the field stuff might take Walker off the Seahawks draft board. On field, fantastic.
So, how would you compare him to Frank Clark / pre draft off the field problems….. do you think #55 had more or less serious problems as a whole. The flip side, do you think Frank Clark could mentor such a guy (Like Bennett and Avril did to him) and help him become a legit pro with VERY LITTLE off the field stuff or drama after being drafted by the team? (Turn him into Frank Clark 2.0 and not Aldon Smith 2.0)
I’m not aware of any off field issues with Walker. Do you mean simmons?
If it’s Simmons —- it’s different because there’s video. However, he seems to have turned himself around since then. The video shows that. I think he’s a little overrated as a player but there’s something there.
Ahhhhhhh… got the names crossed up. My apologies.
How about Ben Burr Kirven as someone in the second round. Huge UW homer here, but this kid just makes plays all over the field.. I know the expectation is that he won’t test well and is undersized, but Chris Peterson has said that he is one of the fastest players on the team… Not the type of dude to over hype players. I think if he tests well he has to be in consideration right? He has all of the intangibles and competitive spirit that Coach Pete (the seahawks one) looks for. BTW, this is coming from someone that told everyone before the season that BBK would be a huge liability to the UW defense this year.
R2 is a little rich IMO
Love him. Think he can be a heart and soul type player. Not sure if he is a scheme fit for Seattle, but would be happy if they drafted him. I can see him fitting in really well in the 3-4 scheme like Wade Phillips runs in LA.
I like Burr Kirven because he is a sure tackler. But he is undersized, so he needs to find a niche as a nickel back. 4-7 rounder in my opinion due to lack of size. He does have some Honey Badger in him.
A dream pick for me would be Jachai Polite. But a more realistic pick would be D’Andre Walker. Rob, do you expect the Seahawks to draft players on the defensive line only since the Seahawks have already expressed interest in resigning Mychal Kendricks?
I think they’ll focus on the D-line
Legit curious. What does that mean defensive line ‘only?’
I meant to say the positions in DL only like EDGE, DE, DT. Sorry for not being clear 😀
Enjoy! PC Week 15 Wed press conference notes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqfXxZvMNWQ
In general:
– Quick turnaround coming off MNF.
– We prepare like it’s a new opponent even though we just played them.
– Having more fun than previous years? This group has been obviously well-connected from the start. Just sensed they had an opportunity to do something special. I don’t ever want to coach a team that doesn’t have fun. You “play” the game of football, you don’t “work” the game of football.
– Good things happen when you keep battling, no matter when things look tough. Russ and Bobby are prime examples of the power of that positive thinking. It took us a while to find some continuity to count on, but since we have, we’re in the right mentality to make something happen.
– Since mid-season, we’ve had consistency throughout the week in practice that helps us to be consistent in games. You just have to earn that, to work for it. All that does is give us a chance, and with one more win we will have taken the first step for what this season can be all about.
– On Frank Clark’s post-game comments of some vets that aren’t here are still getting over SB loss. Does it surprise PC that Frank said guys were still lingering with it? “He gets to say whatever he wants to say. I trust Frank. I didn’t read it. If he feels that way, there’s probably something to it in Frank’s mind. There aren’t many guys left around here who would understand that or have reference to it. I guess… I don’t know… It’s a pretty good thought…”
On Offense:
– ADB’s absence was definitely noticed. Need other guys to step up and do what they do well. Nobody is Doug.
– We feel really good about versatility and flexibility of OL depth. Pocic can play all 5 spots, Joey can do G as well, Fant can play on both ends plus TE.
– Does PC encourage Penny running back across field like he did? Yeah. Can make one nervous at one point, but he has that sense with his returner background as well. “And when you’ve got Tyler Lockett peeling back on the block, you’ve got a chance…” 😊
On Defense:
– McDougald has brought consistency and production as a playmaker. His versatility gives us some choices to move other guys around. Responsible as veteran for keeping the group together.
– On Tre Flowers’ mental strength to move on from bad plays. Consistent technique. Tough mentality.
– Confident in Calitro’s ability to step in as a starter.
– TT is going to get his hands on a ball before the end of the season. He’s really good at it.
– Confident in Delano Hill if he has to step in. Great athlete and best tackler coming out of that draft. Can compete for time.
– Is this the best Bobby has ever played? He’s been great for years. We’ve called on him to do more than in the past, particularly rushing the passer. Just taking advantage of his opportunities when he gets them.
On injuries:
– Kendricks got hit on the outside of his knee. Finished the game. Not a terrible injury, but will take at least 6-8 weeks.
– KJ went through walkthrough. Getting close. Needs a couple more weeks to have a chance.
– Taking it slow with Baldwin.
– Fluker might have a chance by the end of the week.
– Maurice Alexander had a concussion.
– Penny has sore knee after the game. No issues, just some swelling he felt at the restaurant afterwards, so he will get rested a bit throughout the week.
On pro scouting:
– What tipped off interest in Jordan Simmons? Coming out of SC, he didn’t have a lot of play time. Hard to evaluate based on that. Playing for the Raiders in pre-season, he looked capable. Moved better than a guy that big should. Good flexibility. And when he arrived, he just fit in. Great potential in pass pro as well with his good feet. Still young and nervous, but “in time he’s going to really settle in and be a really competitive guy for us.” Big, strong, well-balanced athlete. Held his own against great competition in Rams and Vikings DL. “Really a positive sign for his future with us.”
– Scouts are always ready when a player like that is unexpectedly made available. By the end of the pre-season, there is almost an entire draft board ready and team scouts predict who might be cut, on the roster bubble available via trade, etc.
– Neiko and Justin Coleman have also been fruit of that process. We’ve been able to pick up some important players.
‘Having more fun than previous years? This group has been obviously well-connected from the start. Just sensed they had an opportunity to do something special. I don’t ever want to coach a team that doesn’t have fun. You “play” the game of football, you don’t “work” the game of football.’
That’s one of the main reasons why I think he likes and is better with younger players. That and they buy into his mantra before they realize how unfair life can be and how it can truly make mice of men.
I love these posts of yours BTW.
when are you starting the seamode blog?
Some free agents I think Seattle should look at:
Phillip Dorsett. He should be a pretty cheap option for the burner role, which we could really use and would make our offense even more explosive. The chiefs are so good because they have Tyreek and Watkins threatening downfield constantly, which opens stuff up underneath and over the middle. Lockett and Dorsett would be a nice package themselves.
Grady Jarrett. I think we’ve talked enough about him.
Margus Hunt. This dude has really turned into a nice player and the best on Indys DL. He can be that pocket pusher at DT or DE, and would bring a really nasty attitude and a lot of toughness and power. I really think that grit would go a real long way for our DL, especially if we drafted a dynamic EDGE in the draft also. Not to mention hes no slouch at splitting gaps, either. He could be a 3T for us and a 5T on all 3 downs.
Tre Boston. I know TT is actually playing pretty decently, but I just like Boston a lot, hes more established and would still be really cheap. At worst it’s more excellent safety depth. At best you’re getting 5+ INTs from your FS.
None of these guys would keep us from resigning our guys or keep us from drafting DL with the first pick. All fill smaller, but real needs with cheap veterans, exactly the type of moves I’d like to see us make to fill out our roster for a real run next year.
I’m keying in on Terrell Suggs for a year. Absolutely playing top level yet again this year. Big, tough, gets after the QB. Could be great across from Frank.
That would be sweet!
Crazy Suggs has still got it.
Where do you play Rashan Gary? Is him going that high based on how he’s expected to test come combine time?
I think you maybe play him inside. Or at least inside/out.
If you play him inside and his projection is based on his athletic profile, I can’t remember a DT his size that’s put up what he’s rumored to be capable of.
He doesn’t have much bend or flexibility as an end either.
I was a huge fan of Solomon Thomas when he came out. But he doesn’t seem to have a natural fit as a tweener, end, or inside. Just hope it’s not a similar situation for Gary because I do think he’s talented with a lot of potential.
My fear for Ed Oliver too. He is a Solomon Thomas clone height, weight, and speed wise.
Seattle made a scouting visit to UAB this summer. I saw someone mention the DT they have, but they got a DE that’s intriguing too as a late round/UDFA type they hit on. A guy I’m gonna say creates some buzz for himself through the draft process.
EDGE Jamell Garcia-Williams (6’7-6’8, 255-260 lbs.)
2018 stats: 42 tackles, 15.5 TFL, 9.5 QB sacks, 4 PBU
Just curious where do you get this scouting info at
Uh oh, Vol. Schneider is on to you… 😉
Is Sheldon Richardson free agent after this season? We have much more space in SC than last off season. Maybe JS and PC will try to bring him back.
Why would we do that we’re not at risk to lose anyone and were getting better results without him. Shamar Stephens has been a great for us.
He is… but I can’t see it. Think that bridge has burned.
Only if he brings a 2nd round pick with him in his suitcase…
DT is my prediction besides they always get hurt you can never have enough. If there is a QB, G, RB, CB that fits Seahawk profile we should draft them. High picks DT,QB, RB. Low picks HUGE G, CB, super fast LB.
Hey Rob, do you think this is realistically what we could see our free agents cost? What would you change?
$61,300,000
Frank Clark DE UFA $16.5M
George Fant OT RFA $4.5M
K.J. Wright UFA
Mychal Kendricks $4M (1 of KJ/Kendricks)
Justin Coleman UFA $2.5M
D.J. Fluker UFA $2M
J.R. Sweezy UFA $1.5M
David Moore ERFA $2.5M
Dion Jordan UFA $1M
Sebastian Janikowski UFA $4.5M
Maurice Alexander UFA
Remaining cap space: $22,300,000
I would expect Frank Clark to get more than $16.5m and believe he will be franchise tagged. I doubt they offer a first round tender to George Fant. More a R2 tender and negotiate it down, so at most about $2.9m. I think Just Coleman will earn more than $2.5m (he’ll probably get Jeremy Lane money), Fluker more than $2m (I think about $2.5-4m) and Sweezy more than $1.5m (same as Fluker). I don’t see any way what so ever Janikowksi gets $4.5m. His cap hit this year is $1.6m and that’s the ceiling for him.
Tack some money on for Simmons too. He’s performed well. $750k
Put down $1m for a backup QB.
Maybe $2m or so for Shamar / Quentin Jefferson DL types.
Clark will be around 18.5-19.5M / year
Kendricks or Wright might be in the 6.0M range
Janikowski is a likely goner
D. Jordon has had a nice rebound season, I think 4.5M might be low, but I’m not sure what he could get.
Coleman will get more than 2.5M, he can probably get 4-5M since 3rd CBs that can play slot are very valuable.
Thanks for the input guys
We should have kept that Meyers kid at K. He looks like a stud, and great from distance. Would’ve been cheap, and someone to build around.
I would argue It’s a much different environment in which he can be more comfortable. Less pressure to win every game there.
The more I see of this guy, the more I like him.
Didn’t know his dad was a 9 yr NFL player as well.
https://www.tidesports.com/gameday-alabama-linebacker-christian-miller-perfectionist/
Great piece.
Just got his master’s degree too.
‘Member what JS said? S-R-T.
Smart? √
Reliable? √
Tough? √
And he’s also highly explosive and agile.
Very interesting prospect who could easily rise during the process and one for us to watch.
His arms look like vines too. Uses his hands well. Issues with his footwork, but that can be cleaned up.
Kelvin Benjamin is fat and unmotivated /s
There is actually a good chunk of 2018 tape of Jeffery Simmons on YouTube (vs Kentucky, Kansas State, Florida Gators, Alabama and Auburn). I am a complete scrub at scouting but here is the stuff that jumped off the tape on first viewing of those five games.
Miscellaneous stuff:
He had to eat double teams all the time and he got held plenty. The vast majority of his snaps featured him lining up from the interior but he had the odd snap rushing off the edge. His 2018 tape is definitely a case of him been disruptive and not necessarily productive but I dare say Montez Sweat was one of the primary beneficiaries of that situation.
Mississippi State has produced some pretty handy interior defensive linesmen in recent years with the likes of Fletcher Cox and Chris Jones sitting in the top echelon of NFL talent. The pedigree is there in that regard and Simmons is probably the sort of talent that can blossom in the NFL. Great physical frame and raw strength with what looks to be decent football smarts on the whole.
Positives:
Generally he was extremely stout against the aforementioned double teams in the run game. He looked quite disciplined when defending the run, maintaining his gaps and foregoing chances to freelance opportunistically (unlike Dre’Mont Jones who I also looked at last night). I thought he was quick to diagnose when the opposing O-line was telegraphing a screen and eschewed gunning after the QB to instead find the intended screen target.
I wouldn’t say he has an insane motor as he certainly didn’t fly sideline-to-sideline (relatively for a big man) after the ball but he would usually end up in the frame giving pursuit.
He has a pretty decent swim move and bull-rush when he gets lined up one-on-one in pass rushing scenarios.
Negatives:
Struggles with pad-level a lot and he is almost always the combatant with higher pads. As stout as he usually is against double-teams, he can be a bit sluggish shedding blocks to tackle running backs. His also missed a few tackles across those five games.
If he didn’t win with power or in the initial get-off with a swim move when pass rushing, he usually ended up getting bogged down in the pass rush. A decent chunk of that was due to some blatant holds but he didn’t have the requisite counter moves to free himself up from the blockers. With that said, against Auburn he did show a nice little pull and rip to disengage at one point.
This could be my eyes tricking me but I thought he sometimes looked a bit awkward executing stunts. I wouldn’t mark him down too much for that though because I could be off the mark there.
If you are convinced he has turned the corner since assaulting that woman, I think there is a great deal to like. I wouldn’t expect him to post eye-popping numbers by any means but he could be a piece that further augments the production of Frank Clark and Jarran Reed.
Looking back at this season, aside from the first 2 games when we didn’t run the ball, we are 8-3. Our 3 losses are a 2 point loss to the Rams, a 5 point loss to the rams and a 8 point loss to the chargers. Chargers just beat the chiefs without Gordon and Ekeler, they both played against us.
We can play with the top teams, I fully expect Russell to go down to Dallas and outduel Dak Prescott. Then we would likely go to New Orleans though. I think we can play with them too. It won’t be easy but superbowl is not out of the question in my eyes
Sensitive subject alert, I’m sure. A lot of other Seahawks blogs have been talking about have been addressing the Sherman-Clark comments. Personally I don’t mind the comments either way. What I do mind is some like Brock Huard taking the stance that this team is so much better without Sherm and “his defense”. I find this so ridiculous. It’s revisionist history. It’s disrespectful. The issue I have most is media including the aforementioned in what amounts to condemning this group as a whole. That they needed to get rid of the LOB to move forward with new and exciting players. What bothers me about that is the carpet bomb of blame across all players from that era on the team. That losing Kam, Earl, and Cliff is just as important as getting rid of Sherman. Be real. If Kam, Earl and Cliff could play we would not have got rid of them and would be better off for it this year. I don’t get the Bennett hate either. For all the sleeping in meetings, he has also spoke up for Russ and Pete in the media before. Both Russ and Bobby were present during this time too. Why should they get a pass from the blame? If you are a leader you should be able communicate with your peers to work out issues. I I have that we have seen an all time unit and some are quick to marginalize those involved. All time defenses like the Ravens, Bucs and Steelers are still revered by their fan bases many years later and many players left for money, left with something to prove or left in anger. Maybe time will fix it all. You can include me in those excited to see how this team will continue to be built but I find some of this so short sighted.
Jeeze. Sorry for the grammar. I tried doing this from my phone while holding my 9 month old.
The only person I personally believe has been disrespectful is Sherman.
Don’t have any issue with Brock’s comments either.
Agree on Sherm. He made his bed. But why condemn them all? A guy like Cliff was never involved in anything. And why not include Bobby as part of the issue? He was out there saying people should cheer for Sherman. This subject is old i understand but to scrub the whole defense is dumb to me.
I don’t think that’s what Brock was saying. I think he was very clearly pointing out two men in particular.
If you listen to Brock and Salk you clearly know who Brock is pointing out. Earl Thomas, Richard Sherman, Michael Bennett.
His comments also aren’t diminishing their respective talents or contributions to the team. Brock has stated as much. What he takes issue with is their attitude and not giving the other teammates on the team credit. To me this isn’t about agreeing or disagreeing as it is acknowledging they had a culture issue where these players egos have come before the team. Agree or disagree with that not whether the LOB are were not great. I think you are misinterpreting Brock if you think that the point of it was to disrespect what those players did for the team as players.
I generally agree with this. People are just so tribal. We root for the laundry, and guard against outside criticism. If Sherman had stayed and Russell had left, we would be justifying it the other way right now (be honest). To be clear, I think “the purge” was the right way for this front office to go for multiple reasons, and I certainly don’t agree with how Sherman has played his hand; the term “gracious” I don’t think is in his lexicon. At the same time he’s nothing if not consistent and honest — he’s been prompted by certain questions and in response has given a peek into his feelings about the team and the “divorce.” I think that’s to be expected. Nobody likes to see their ex doing better than them. Fine by me, but it’s ‘game on’ when we see him.
I also don’t understand the Bennett hate, the guy was an absolute warrior for us and as far as I know was never an agitator against Pete and was a defender of Russell both publicly and privately when all the turmoil was happening. I think his personality and leadership maybe weren’t suited for the young players we had coming up, and we needed those guys to step up and be hungry. He might’ve been complacent (i.e. reading, and likely other interactions we will never know about), but he never said a cross word about the team or his time here. He said after the season that he wanted to be here forever, but felt like his time was up and that there were no hard feelings.
We don’t need to admonish the LOB era to feel great about what is happening in 2018. Time goes on; things change. That’s about all there is to it. As long as we have some combination or Pete, Russ, and John, we’ll likely have more things to be thankful for than not.
I’m saddened by the drama of the Super Bowl, and that many of the players on the defense were unable to get over it. I’m saddened that they pitted themselves against Russell because he’s not a perfect QB or person, and that that’s why the era came to an earlier end. But truth be told, that team and that era lasted far longer than anyone could’ve hoped for. C’iest la vie, explain it however you want. Those guys deserve to be remembered well, sometimes in spite of themselves, and I can’t wait until everybody gets there.
First let’s grind the 49ers into dust again in front of Sherman for old times sake, it’s what brought us together in the first place.
Let’s take a step back here. Have people forgotten that article at the start of the season? The one that had multiple players on the roster referring to the Seahawks as the TITANIC while they were still on the team?
Remember all those articles in the past about Wilson not being ‘black enough’?
Remember all the other articles over the years, undermining Wilson and Carroll.
Listen, I’m very happy to remember that LOB era fondly. But hell yes it’s going to take some time to get back to that. These guys ran themselves out of town. They thought they knew best. They tuned out. And sure, they could still go out on the field on a Sunday and win games. They’re good players. But you could tell something wasn’t right after that Super Bowl.
That Patriots game didn’t need to be the end. It could’ve been an unfortunate chapter in a glorious story. A way to galvanise and enable the team to come back even stronger. Show their resilience and prove a point. Nope. It was the end. Because the defensive players let it be the end. They pointed fingers at Carroll and Wilson, came up with bizarre conspiracy theories about Carroll wanting Wilson to be the MVP and not Marshawn Lynch (who was also a massive pain in the arse). Everything about them and their bitterness and their inability to move on and bond and be as one as a team.
They weren’t all equally problematic. Clearly Sherman and his ‘smartest guy in the room but not really’ personality was different to maybe the way a guy like Bennett handled his business. But clearly they HAD to go. You don’t eat money like you do with Bennett’s contract unless he’s a problem. And now look at the harmony, the connection, the togetherness. It’s a band of brothers again. We all we got we all we need. Not a bunch of complaining, miserable know it alls.
A change was clearly needed. It is clearly more singularly focused. But do you really think they would have got rid of Kam and Cliff if they had still been healthy? I know this doesn’t matter because they did get hurt but I have a hard time believing they would ship them out too, in particular Kam. He was always a positive voice in the locker room. Also both still work with the team so they didn’t completely cut bait. What about Earl? If he didn’t get hurt would this be any less of a band of brothers on the field? The more that is said it really seems to be about Sherm vs the world like he likes it. Making the others look bad is all I’m saying.
No I don’t think they would’ve got rid of Kam. Cliff could’ve easily been an easy cap casualty.
But neither of those two have been singled out.
Brock Huard, quite rightly, has discussed the increasingly toxic atmosphere in that team. And several players were moved on as a consequence. Bennett being dealt had barely any financial benefit. That tells you all you need to know. I don’t need to explain the issue with Sherman. Brock’s point isn’t to rag on every single player who played prior to 2018. Brock’s point is — they NEEDED to move on from certain individuals, they did move on, and are clearly better for it.
They changed the coaches too! Everybody should be amazed at what Carroll & Schneider have done this year! We’re back no doubt about it!
Part of the issue being that the defense didn’t step up for the superbowl. I was reading that they gave up over 197 yards after catches were made. Where was the tackling? The Legion of Boom had a big problem for as long as I can remember. They couldn’t get stops on third down and long. You remember that? They lost in at least one playoff game (Atlanta) and the second superbowl because of that.
The current crew may be less talented, but we also expect less from them. We also know they will grow and next year they will be more talented. For this year, it really is up to Wilson, Carson and the offense to produce.
OMG my message got posted right away! Whoooo Hooo.
There were a lot of issues in that Super Bowl. The play at the end was just the exclamation point. The Seahawks took control of the game. Had a ten point lead. They just needed to bleed some clock on offense — they couldn’t. They just needed to limit the damage on defense — they couldn’t. They nearly still managed to pull it out at the end. But didn’t. Lot’s of issues. A blown opportunity in more ways than one single play.
And I still think Donta Hightower’s tackle of Lynch before ‘that’ play doesn’t get enough attention or credit. Lynch was scoring there. Hightower somehow got him down. Would’ve been so different otherwise.
I really though Marshawn was taking it in there. I look at that run as well and think he shouldn’t complain about not getting the ball — he did get the ball and didn’t punch it in.
Well said Rob! It’s a Greek Tragedy but lots of life lessons for everyone I wouldn’t be surprised if Carroll becomes a better coach because of it.
Well, certainly nothing you’ve said there is wrong, Rob. I get what you’re saying. I guess I just appreciate those players for who they are, warts and all, and I think they poured mind, body, and soul into this team. They just made some fatal mistakes that some of them keep doubling down on.
I guess you’re right, it’s going to take awhile to get back to “kumbaya.”
Haha. Bennett slept through team meetings?
Personally, I think those reports are lost in translation somehow. There was something about reading books, but he later said that it was during rookie meetings he didn’t have to be in (still strange and dumb, but I just get the sense that the truth is not exactly what was “reported.”). Pete also is on record saying that wasn’t true.
Man.. Clemson is a WR factory.. Sammy Watkins, Martavis Bryant, Deandre Hopkins and tonite’s hero Mike Williams. It still hurts that we could have had Hopkins with the pick we traded for Percy Harvin.
Also, everyone was expecting 2017 as a defense heavy draft, no one was expecting a WR to be taken in the first round (I just saw Rob’s final draft and he had Mike Williams as the first WR at #30). Instead, 3 WRs went in top 10 and 3 QBs in top 12. Could we be overlooking offensive talent in 2019 class? Not that Seattle needs to draft WRs but that would mean more defensive prospects falls to the twenties.
There have been a lot of posts to this article, so I apologize ifthis it has already been covered. But it’s probably worth pointing out that as it relates to the Simmons pick that John Schneider has been on record saying that he would not draft someone who actually hit a woman. Many SDB readers will remember that he said this shortly after the Frank Clark pick. So mcshays selection of Simmons to the Seahawks may be a moot point.
Did he say hit a woman or something like involved in domestic violence? I know its morally the same but semantically it would give him wiggle room, for better or worse…
His statement was specific to hitting a woman. They have had numerous players involved in incidents of domestic violence.
I have good news and bad news….. the Chiefs will be playing for something in a week.
They are a banged up bunch, but have plenty of fight in them. I’m also going to give the Chargers PROPS….. they went for the win in regulation. Plenty of big balls to do that. Sadly, this opened the window for the Patriots to get homefield in the AFCCG again. : /
IMO, it’s a good thing that KC has something to play for. SEA having to play against a KC team that’s still trying to win will be a much better test for the team than if they rested guys. It can only help them in preparation for the playoffs and I’m honestly excited to see them against Mahomes. But that’s a discussion for another day…first let’s take care of business against SF.
Logan. Be careful what you wish for.
Why? If SEA wins in the first round of the playoffs they’ll play either NO or LAR and I’d rather have had the test of playing a KC team with something to play for.
Agree. Bring it on.
+1
It opened the window for the Chargers to get a home playoff game where the stadium will be filled with 75% Pats fans in the AFCC game where the Chargers will be 5 point favorites and lose to the Pats by 14.
Eventually Rivers has to sack up and do something on the big stage if he is to have a memorable legacy. In previous years his purpose on Earth was to knock out the PM led Colts which I applauded, only to then fizzle out.
Personally I’d like to see the Steelers get flushed out of the playoff race & have someone like the Colts go into Foxborough and knock the Pats out. Someone new to represent the AFC please!
Bruh. The man has like 11 kids and wears bolo ties. He’s already a legend.
And was involved in the one the classically shyster moves of all time… ELI to the GIANTS
Carson Wentz injury an indicator of mismanagement?
Former Eagles on the record as unhappy with that medical staff.
Having a serviceable / viable back-up QB not a bad option for a club.
I’ve now watched every Oklahoma game from 2018 focusing on Kyler Murray.
He is one of the five best draft eligible players for 2019.
Might be the best player eligible for the draft period.
I wish I’d properly been able to watch him weeks ago.
Incredible, incredible player. Fantastic. I’d draft him #1 overall if I needed a QB.