I found it interesting this week that Tony Pauline suggested former Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson was likely to be a day two pick:
Continue to hear a buzz being built around receiver Denard Robinson, especially after his performance today. Though he just participated in drills (WR/RS/RB) scouts were impressed with his consistency and the fact he dropped no passes. Looks like Robinson has secured a spot for himself in the draft’s second day.
He looked awkward at the Senior Bowl working as a receiver and taking returns. There was talk of a potential switch to cornerback instead. Robinson looked like a great athlete without a home.
And while there was all this talk of position changes I couldn’t help but wonder why nobody was considering him as a running back? After all, he’s 5-10 and 199lbs. He ran a 4.43 at the combine. In comparison, Chris Johnson came in at 5-11 and 186lbs at the combine in 2008. Robinson basically played as a glorified running back in college, throwing occasionally bust mostly excelling in the read option breaking off big gains.
4495. That’s how many yards he ran for in his time at Michigan at 6.2 yards a pop. He scored 42 rushing touchdowns too. Take away his rusty first season and he averaged well over eight yards per carry with +1200 yards a season.
He wouldn’t be the first quarterback from the Big 10 to switch to the backfield — Michael Robinson made a similar move. Yet this latest Robinson has the kind of speed and vision to act as a playmaker rather than a full back. It’d be a completely unconventional second or third round pick, but imagine this guy in the backfield, especially on read option plays? When you actually think about it, he could be one of the most dynamic prospective running backs in the class.
Forget asking him to try and cover elite receivers at corner or learn a full route tree — hand him the ball. Get him involved in screens and bubble’s. Put him in a position to make impact plays for chunk yardage. At Michigan he was a prospective Heisman candidate and explosive playmaker. The only thing that let him down really was the passing side of the game. Well, at running back you’re pretty much taking away that negative.
Part of me thinks this would be such a Seahawky move. It’d be labelled a titanic bust at the time and raise a few titters from the media. And a year later it could be considered a master-stroke. Draft the guy in round two or three, put him in there to spell Lynch and let him hit a few home runs. You could argue that’s why they traded for Percy Harvin, but I don’t expect he’ll be taking too many snaps in the backfield. How do you gameplan against an offense that has Wilson, Lynch and Robinson in the backfield, Harvin in the slot and Rice split out wide? Robinson could act as the third running back initially, taking over the snaps given up by Leon Washington. He could spell Harvin with some returns. But eventually you’re looking at him potentially becoming a dynamic option in the backfield.
In 2010 Carolina drafted Appalachian State quarterback Armanti Edwards in round three (after trading away the rights to their 2011 second rounder). They believed he had the skill and playmaking quality to transform into a receiver at the next level. It’s never really worked out, but if a team is willing to draft Edwards in that range — someone is going to give Denard Robinson a shot too. Whether it’s Seattle or not.
As the last week has shown, the Seahawks love to keep you guessing. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he was a day two or three selection. Neither would it surprise me if he ended up becoming a truly dynamic change of pace back at the next level.
So what do you think?
Would you develop him at all as a second or third string QB or just give up on that aspect of his game?
I didn’t like him as a passer at all with Michigan. I think for trick plays it’s a wrinkle you could use and he could be the third string guy just like Mike Rob is at the moment. But I wouldn’t train him as a backup QB specifically.
Pete and John love players that are “unique”. They want players that have elite qualities in some areas (whether or not they are well-rounded or not) and try to put them in position to maximize their strengths. I can certainly see us drafting and using Robinson in some capacity, though he might be drafted early as an option QB (like Pat White was in 2009).
absolutely. get it done. classic seahawks pick.
This is genius.
In the third. He could be a total steal. He could get involved on some trick plays. The next Seneca Wallace?
Oh God I hope not (Wallace).
I thought Wallace was a very good back up QB. Seneca Walace in his prime would be a perfect back up to Wilson right now. I just wish they would have used him a little more at reciever or in the backfield when they did have him. Wasn’t going to happen with Holmgren though. He was a very good coach but I think he was a bit stubborn.
If Wallace was in his prime and on this roster, he may have been able to develop into a good quarterback. But he didn’t have anyone on the coaching staff in the mid-2000s who knew how to develop mobile quarterbacks. During his time in Seattle he had streaks of brilliance but was often unwatchable. Why he thought he needed to take 8-step drops on every play, I don’t know. Or why he never threw the ball away when he was outside the pocket but instead stepped out of bounds, for that matter. He wasn’t a good fit here.
Then again, mobile quarterbacks were very rarely the norm in the NFL at that time. Offenses never really built their teams around the mobile quarterback, but rather built their offenses however they would with a pocket passer, and then assumed their quarterback would spontaneously take off to gain yardage. This only worked in Atlanta with Michael Vick. Didn’t work in Seattle.
Imagine… this dude, Wilson and Lynch in the back field. Who’s going to run, who’s gonna pass. no wait a second, its a fake… harvin 90yds-> TD.
Not sure if I mentioned this before but he for sure is a guy I do not want to leave this draft without. He offers so much value to the Seahawks whether as a RB/backup developmental QB/WR/Gadget player/Special team player/kick or punt returner that I think he will be an contributor year 1. Thats the most you can ask with a team this loaded.
Shamarko Thomas is the other guy who I think may be able to backup Earl Thomas but also see some minutes at nickel corner or 3rd safety.
Robinson may not be all of those things but he may be one or two of those things. In addition we have a team leader/player from the big 10 who also changed from qb to rb. That may ease any transition.
It would definitely make sense for a team that values it’s special teams players. We have an opening at the punt return position, and Denard could fill that role while also being a wildcard player on offense. I would be very intrigued to see what D-Rob would do in Seattle.
I’m with you on Shamarko Thomas? Earl is the one guy on this team, besides Wilson, that could really hurt the team if he went down. I think finding a back up for him is over due.
It would definitely be interesting move and your right people would be poo pooing it in real time… The only question would be how many carries can u really get him in a game and how many will he need to hit the home run, another question would obviously be is he giving you anything if its not a home run, can he get doubles and triples or his he Carlos pegano homer or strike out… With harvin already adding a mouth to feed on offense, and turbines needing further development and as many carries as possible I don’t see the room for him in the offense, unless your ready to move on from Turbin which I’m not.
I think there’s enough hype/media/name recognition around Denard that the media wouldn’t view it as a miss, but rather a pick with great potential.
I also think the draft media has learned the hard way not to be so dismissive of PC/JS picks.
what are your thoughts on dj swearinger
I like him. Not sure Seattle goes that route in round two — but that’s the range he could go.
Yeah they could run the Zone Option Read – Option (Robinson could option the ball back to Beast Mode if it was given to him OR Robinson could pass it to Harvin when all the defenders are up at the LOS who just blew their coverage assignments! That would be awesome! And Chip Kelly would be totally jealous of this offense.
Rob,
if we don’t go WIll in round 2. Could you see PC/JC going after Margus Hunt in round 2. in the same vein as Robinson doesn’t he seem like a Seahawk pick?
A little bit. He’s unique for sure. His stock intrigues me because he could pretty much go anywhere from even the late first to the sixth round. It depends how teams view him. Is he a 26-year-old discuss thrower winging it at defensive end? Or is he a physical freak with major potential even at his age to get to the quarterback? I read some teams even view him as a potential convert to tight end. He’s a fascinating prospect.
Yeah his big hangup used to be he didn’t want to be a RB in the NFL. That’s why he wanted to do WR/CB drills. Looks like he may have started realizing what he can actually succeed at now.
I was actually going to do a “the player I guarantee you is a future Seahawk” post last night (with a picture of Denard Robinson), but I refrained because I usually take mock draft nights off. I think if there is a candidate for a surprise Seahawks pick, it’s Robinson. Perfectly fits the 3rd down RB role and can potentially develop into a Harvin/Tate kind of WR down the road. Sensational athlete, and Seattle grades for athleticism first.
Can you say what you’re looking for in a 3rd down back? Seems like your requirements would be pretty different if it’s 3rd and 1 versus 3rd and 10 (e.g., pile moving versus pass blocking). What would become of Turbin if we had DRobinson?
Here’s the Buckeye Pistol Formation: QB: Wilson
RB1: Lynch/BigRob
RB2: DRob/Lynch
TE T G C G T WR1 WR1: Rice/Harvin
WR2: Harvin/Tate
WR2 TE: Miller
QB RB2
RB1
I could see nightmares for DCordinators throughout this league if Denard Robinson were to get drafted by the ‘Hawks, holy smokes!!!!….
My bad: http://www.elevenwarriors.com/2008/10/that-pistol-thing-is-working.html
I hope Bevell is creating something similar to this.
I’d rather see Turbin and Harvin absorb any leftover snaps from the RB spot. I think Harvin is an elite KR so that leaves PR. I just don’t see room for Denard Robinson on this team. You don’t take away snaps from Turbin (many) and Harvin (few) and draft a guy who only has a bit role at PR and the occasional KR. I’d rather we invest elsewhere.
As much as I think this guy has potential, I sort of agree with Misfit74. I’d rather see picks for positions we have need in. I’d be happier if we took O line, D line, OLB, TE, or DB on day two. On day three I hope we take any of those we missed as well as small school/off the radar RB, Big WR, or anything.
If he were a legitimate option as a backup QB then I could get behind it. But otherwise I agree the overlap with Harvin and Turbin amounts to a waste of his capabilities unless you’re dropping Turbin. But without Turbin you truly don’t have anyone backing up Lynch that can approximate him. If we went RB I’d rather go for someone like Eddie Lacy (probably not available) or Spencer Ware or Montee Ball.
Do you guys think Turbin is an inadequate backup? I mean sure he isn’t the pure bull-rusher that Marshawn Lynch is, but there is a power aspect to his game. Not to mention he has quickness and COD (change of direction) in his arsenal. I really like Turbin all year last season. Why does Lynch’s backup need to be just like Marshawn Lynch? I’d rather have a guy come in who runs differently and makes the defense think twice.
I like Turbin a lot. I’d add that he was a pretty reliable receiver most of the year. My point is just that on the spectrum of Harvin to Lynch, DRobinson is closer to Harvin (and Tate too) and if we’re going to draft another back early I’d rather have him be closer to the Lynch end of the spectrum. Two guys in the mold of Harvin, plus Harvin himself, seems like overkill to me. But if he were a legit backup QB that could actually contribute with Russell Wilson on the field, then heck yeah.
I was just logging on to say the same thing. I think you are correct Rob to say that DRob’s surest route to being an impact player is as a jack of all trades RB. I have a tough time buying that being worth even a 4th rd pick to SEA. I have nothing vs Robinson, but we really have no idea if he can block at all, which is a prerequisite for a change of pace back, and there are tons of guys in this draft.
Great point on the blocking aspect. It’s something he’s never done.
Great point indeed dave. Of course, catching passes was something DRob had never really done either (NONE before last season, and even then only 3 receptions total). In the few months since then he’s worked hard enough to change the perception of many an NFL scout about his ability to play WR. I suspect he would bring that same determination and work ethic to learning how to block.
There may be a ton of guys in this draft, but not a ton of RBs. Even fewer with game changing athleticism.
The pass blocking skills is what worries me. 3rd down backs have to be very sound at pass blocking. He has to recognize the Mike LB, understand the pass protection, often has to check out of his route so he can stay in and block and perhaps most importantly, protect the QB. If you ever wonder why some of these lightening quick RB’s aren’t ever in there on long yardage plays, it’s because the coach and QB don’t trust them to recognize the blitz, pick out the closest rusher and protect the passer to allow the QB enough time to check down or elude the pass rush. We have a franchise QB- absolutely the most valuable asset in the NFL. I don’t want a 3rd down back that isn’t a great pass blocker, pulling a ‘Sammy Morris’, who missed a block and cost Brady his ACL and MCL.
Maybe Denard has an advantage there because of his QB background, but he didn’t exactly become known for his ability to read defenses…. and I wouldn’t wager very much without proof- and what proof is there that he can play RB and pick up the blitz? Basically none
Not sure that’s a fair assessment – his (in)ability to read defenses. Perhaps more accurate to say he didn’t become known for being able to exploit defenses (as a QB). But I take your point.
So draft him and keep him off the field in 3rd and long situations until you’re sure of his read and blocking abilities (I think he could be effective in 3rd and short downs). If he never gets good enough at that, then he’s not your 3rd down back. Heck, even if he just doesn’t work out in general, it’s not the end of the world.
There isn’t a single prospect who is ALL upside and NO risk.
Yeah, but…he’s not a first down back, not really a third down back. Already have a good back up RB. Already have a great ‘slash’ player in Harvin…already have a good PR/KR in Harvin…but he could spell him there…less and less touches for the guy. Sounds less and less like a 3rd round pick to me.
Despite the nice free agency, this team has needs that rank a lot higher than a 3rd string rb and part time KR/PR.
I’d much rather take a shot at a number of LB, WRs, DTs, TEs and OTs, and even already established RBs before I try to find a spot for Denard on this team.
There you go JW. I totally agree with you here… at least insofar as it relates to selecting the BPA for a given need (as opposed to just the BPA).
Despite my stumping for DRob on this post, I can’t say for sure that I’d take him in the 2nd because I have no idea who else will be available. For example, we still need (yes NEED) a true space-eating, run-stuffing DT. So if Sly Williams, or either of the Jonathans (Hankins or Jenkins), is still on the board, I’m gonna look REAL hard at them before moving on to a player like DRob. Ditto with Melenik Watson on the other side of the line.
And as far as the skill positions, hey if Hopkins should fall that far, you bet I would take him over DRob (though that’s not likely). I might even take Hunter in that spot.
I’m not sure there’s a LB I’d take that high, except perhaps Greene. I say perhaps because, like many of us, I was put off by his lack of speed. However, he was able to shave a tenth of a second off his 40 time (4.61s), and he added 4.5″ to his vertical, at Rutgers’ pro day.
yeah, we’re on the same page. Seems like quite a few of us are.
Did PC recruit Robinson in college? That seems to be a clue LOL
What if he were to eventually replace Tate? He’s in a contract year next.
I hear his hands are real natural and strong.
I think we’ll see Tate re-signed pretty soon to a new deal. Just a hunch.
I think so, too. They can lock him into a medium length medium cost deal with incentives.
I love how the uncertainty of the JSPC drafts are causing all to predict uncertainty.
Watch them go all BPA and screw everything up.
Perhaps they will but in fairness I did write a mock draft yesterday that had Seattle taking essentially a BPA candidate in Dallas Thomas at #56.
DRob could be the ultimate change-of-pace RB for Lynch. He could also be a receiver out of the backfield the likes of which hasn’t been seen before. And he can return kicks. I wouldn’t ask him to do anything else, especially passing.
We may have “needs” elsewhere, but none are so glaring that we’ve all been saying lo these past few days, SEA is in a true BPA draft mode. And DRob very well could be the BPA at 56.
I’m not on board with this one. We are a couple of depth pieces away and with the 2nd round pick I’d like to see a bit more of a conventional pick. I like OLBs Gooden and Moore or OT Fragel with the pick. They’d fit well and Fragel would take over next year for Gio.
I also think you may see a trade up by JS this year… Its already going to be tough to make this roster, so if there is a year he moves up… Its this one.
Reid Fragel certainly fits in Seattle on a size/length stand point, but I’m not convinced he’s a second round talent. I’m thinking more R5-6 for depth. But that’s just my take.
Giovanni Bernard – I think Rob had him at 55 in his latest mock…I’d rather trade up for him
I wouldn’t use my highest pick in the draft on a RB with known knee/ACL issues, let alone trade up for him.
He missed 2010 with ACL injury and has had success post-recovery. Frank Gore had ACL surgery in college, played, and then got drafted in the 3rd. Adrian Petersen now has a “history” of knee problems so he’s not as valuable? ACL injuries or just part of football and full recovery from them seems to be more of the norm. My comment was more about my preference for a bell cow back that could potentially replace Beast Mode as opposed to a gadget player.
I get you. My comment was more about not spending the highest remaining pick on a position and prospect that isn’t a pressing need and has a reconstructed knee, respectively (not to mention trading UP to do that).
Even so, I think your example proves my point: Gore was a 3rd rd pick. Not a 1st or a 2nd, and (without checking first) I don’t think SF traded up to get him.
AP is just a red herring. He was the best RB in the ’07 draft, was the 7th player taken overall, and despite some minor injuries in college, was 100% healthy at the time (certainly his knees were 100%). He also played nearly 5 full seasons before busting out his knee. And nobody will mistake Giovani Bernard for another Adrian Peterson.
I wasn’t advocating for DRob as a replacement for Lynch (who doesn’t need replacing, btw). In fact, it’s the drastic difference in their respective games that (IMO) would make DRob an effective change of pace RB to Lynch. Oh, and by the way, DRob is also a WR and a KR. In other words, he’s more like Leon Washington than Lynch. Also, I don’t equate superior athleticism and versatility with “gadgetry”.
I don’t mean to pick on you. Indeed, I’m all for picking Marcus Lattimore somewhere in this draft. Just not in the 2nd, or maybe even the 3rd.
Drob would fit in leons old spot but give you a back up for oft injured Harvin. This would be a smart pick. Stashing an amazing player in your roster from the competition and offering yourself insurance incase any injury sneeks up. DRob woumd fill in for Turbin who could take over for Marshawn if injured ie back. DRob could fill in for Tate or Harvin in that bug bites. This is where the rich get richer. Im not saying you steal touches from your stars you give yourself the ability to stay at the top and be 4the dimensional! ! Go Hawks
Don’t know why but with Zach Miller’s contract status…any chance they go for a tight end in round 2??? Any chance the TE top picks falling?? Hawks might surprise by drafting a big X receiver. I really like Ryan Swope, but he’s going to be draft before 25 in round 2. Datone will also be long gone. My gut tells me Hawks will draft offense even though my head says they should draft defensive line in second round.
Once again I think you are looking at a guy who has a very unique and special skill set. He is absolutely electric with the ball in his hands, a real difference maker. Realistically how many of this years draftees have a legit shot at making this roster so why not swing for the fences with a pick or too. This guy just happens to be the very best college player at running the zone read offence. He would provide depth at several positions and imagine what he could do on special teams?? PC/JS are all about picking + athletes and letting them find their place on the field. If he makes the team he will have to beat out a pretty damm good player to do it. Would LOVE to see this guy rockin the wolf grey this year!
I just wouldn’t want to have a situation like in New York where Mark Sanchez comes off the field for two or three plays a game so that Tebow can run a terrible read option bubble screen. I know the Hawks are unorthodox in practice but I’m a big believer that the QB needs to stay on the field; especially Russell Wilson, he really knows how to control the tempo.
I think Denard Robinson is an intriguing player, but I wouldn’t want him to spell RW3… EVER!
Wilson is one of the positions that he would not spell.
He may fill some of the Washington role. He may spell a Harvin for return duty. He may fill in for Tate or Balbwin a few plays a game. The only way he plays a snap at QB for me is if Wilson is injured and our Backup cannot do the things that a playcall is designed for.
I see him playing 5-10 total snaps per game at just about every skill position (not ever QB).
Why take the best Zone read QB out of the game to put in a guy for some trick play. Robinson can’t throw as well so in the idea of some trick play he takes away some of the double threat dimension.
How can you not get behind this guy? The thing that strikes me about him is his attitude. Incredible athlete that is willing to do whatever it takes to make it in the NFL. He fits a role that we lost with Leon and has the room to grow into something special. I’m in.
So what dose he add to this team.
1) recieving out of backfield
2) Returning Punts/kickoffs
3) Recieving out wide or in the slot
4) Insurance for Baldwin, Tate, Harvin injury
5) Threat of a trick play (can throw at any time but not regularly)
So pretty much this all adds up to one amazing quality as far as injury insurance and well as a few plays a game. It really is another move that allows the Hawks to add an extra player at a position that otherwise may have been lacking in depth.
sounds pretty Seahawk to me.
It makes sense for the Hawk to go into this draft with two goals in mind.
#1 find players that can be worked into positions where there are currently older and more expensive people in place. The team is going to need cheaper (and younger) options at TE, RB, WR as Miller, Lynch, Rice etc. come off the books. The defense doesn’t have many older/expensive players (intentionally I’d imagine) that will need replacing in two years so planning for the future with less expensive replacements isn’t as important on D.
#2 CYA in case of injury to key players this season. With the Harvin acquisition, I’d imagine a good chunk of the offense is being designed around Harvin. Either plays designed to target him or plays that work best because he’s there to act as a decoy. So what happens if Harvin goes down? I can see it being very important to the FO to find a guy that could step in for Harvin if needed and provide at least a portion of Harvin’s ability in the offense.
Robinson for me passes both the criteria above. When Lynch moves on in a couple years, perhaps he’s part of the solution at RB. Or when Rice moves on, perhaps he becomes part of the WR core. (funny to think about a Harvin, Tate, Robinson trio split out wide. Fastest WR set in the NFL?). More importantly, he provides some valuable insurance this season in case Harvin goes down.
Not difficult to convince yourself that he’d be a good pick.
The idea is intriguing, but I wonder about his durability to play tailback. He had a hard time lasting through a college season. Might be good for 4 or 5 carries a game and a couple punt returns, can’t see much more.
I dunno hazbro. In 2012, DRob had 1266 yds on 177 carries with an average of 7.2 per in the Big 10 Conference. I’d say that’s pretty durable.
I don’t think this offense is going to change it’s style of play as much as some people think. I think we are still going to pound the ball with the run. Another thing I’ve notice and I think is quite funny. I probably heard that this guy is a 2 to 3 rd pick for a hundred different players and theres only 64 spots available in those 2 rounds. So its seems to me that there going to be some very good talent left for us in the 4th and 5th round. The question I asking myself is who are the players that will be falling?
I think the Hawks are switching to a more balanced offense. Pete Carroll said as much in the Percy Harvin press conference. Now just because he says it doesn’t mean it will happen, but usually Carroll says what he means.
With Harvin on the field, you almost have to throw the ball more. You’re going to get more chunk yardage that way. But one aspect I don’t like about this deal is our obligation to give Harvin the ball simply because he’s the highest-paid player on the team. That’s scary. But obviously, he makes good with his targets.
On a different subject, I was watch an interview with RW on the Dan Patrick show and Russel was asked about his speed compared to RGIII and he said he was a world class sprinter but that he did run 4.48 in the 40.
Rotoworld is reporting the Colts may be after Doug Baldwin suggesting a 5th or 6th round pick would be in order. I would hate that trade. I feel like Doug has a lot to offer as depth and is supper cheap right now. On the other hand if they throw in Chandler Harnish for backup QB and maybe make it a 4th or 3rd maybe. I just think he is a high character great depth guy who can provide coverage at multiple positions. Also I would hate to see him traded and watch him light it up with Luck. Thoughts?
The journalist speculating over this is just connecting the dots, and Rotoworld probably looked at his stats and plucked a compensation grade out of the air.
Seems most of you dont understand. He injured his ulnar nerve, he cannot grip the ball well enough to throw. This is why in his last few games and in the senior bowl he did not play QB, rather WO/Returner. Otherwise, he would be entering the draft as a QB. So, saying ‘developing him as a QB’ for backup/trick plays does not make sense. In my opinion, he is super athletic and driven (fast as heck too) but not experienced for WO/CB. RB would make sense, but seems like he’s not going there.
Just because a guy is a fast athletic beast, doesnt mean you draft him in round 2, 3, 4, or 5 in my opinion. He finds gaps running and knows plays/def coverage well having QBed for years, im just not buying.
-Im a Seattle native and hawks fan and in my 4th year of grad school at University of Michigan.
I think even without the injury Dan he’d be working out at RB/WR/KR this off-season. He knows his greatest asset is the athleticism and playmaking skills he brings to the table, not his ability to throw. Nobody will draft him to play QB at the next level. But he could be a day two based on his athletic potential.
Picking Robinson before rd 5 would be a terrible decision for this team.
We have fully committed to Harvin. He does all of what Robinson does but better. We dont need more playmakers at this point.
We need depth and to develop players to replace the upcoming cap casualties.
Robinson would not be depth for Tate. He doesn’t fit the mold for a Seahawk sideline receiver.
Why not pick up DT or TE’s? These are positions we will both have need for within the next few years and also are notorious for having surprise production from mid-late round candidates.
Why not find a legit backup for Lynch who plays physical and breaks tackles? It takes a year or so to become acclimated to the ZBS typically.. pick up a guy like Lattimore.. teach him the ropes while he heals. Maybe another physical back with good cuts.
How about a legit no.1 or 2 receiver option for when Tate leaves or if Rice gets hurt?
Frankly I dont know what benefit Robinson would provide. It seems marginal given what we have in place and we could be passing up on candidates that will give our team a much higher opportunity of success.
Unless I’m not understanding properly, you think it’s better to spend $67m on a dynamic but injury prone player, then stick him out there on KRs?
Did you not like Leon Washington? Were you not somewhat disappointed to see him go? Wouldn’t it be great to have a player just like him to handle hazardous duties like KRs? Who can also play RB and WR? And give Harvin the best chance to stay healthy and do his thing?
As for fitting molds…that’s exactly what DRob doesn’t do. He breaks them.
I’m not sure I’d call Harvin injury prone. I’m not sure why he gets this reputation. He missed 1 game his rookie year, 2 games his second, 0 games his third. Last season he hurt his ankle but did not miss all those games for the injury but, apparently, for behavior. He hasn’t had a migraine in 2 years and never missed a game from them, either. I don’t think Harvin has been injury prone.
I don’t really want him on full time special teams (part time is ok) because he’s more valuable getting his touches through the offense and staying fresh, but I also wouldn’t spend a 2nd or 3rd rounder on Robinson, either.
Not in the 3rd round. We let go of a proven dynamic KR/PR player in Leon because he was too expensive. Robinsons draft cost is too high to fill this need in my opinion. We could get something different that will fill a need down the road from the same pick and provide much greater value because it solidates a foundational part of this team. Picks 2-4 are golden in PC/JS era.
Im not saying Molds by NFL standards, Im talking about seahawks etc. If we didnt have harvin I would be onboard with this. We do. As a result of Harvin getting the dynamic playmaker touches the value of Robinson would be low considering the number of touches he would get and the bust potential he has.
Not enough value for the 3rd or maybe even 4th round and basically becomes depth for Harvin or a PR guy.
Cade I think we’re debating opposite sides of the same coin. Please see my recent post in reply to JW above 🙂
And yes, I would prefer to have Harvin (who could be considered the best KR in the league) take the Kickoffs. This is part of what Harvin was brought on to do. Pete has said it to the press and the Leon move validated that statement.
Given that there are not many kickoffs in a season.. its a low risk proposition. You got to get your playmakers chances to make plays. Of course there are always injury risks.
I take exception to the phrase ” we don’t need more play makers at this point”. If fact I would argue that the play makers need the most depth of all. Having a player with robinsons unique skill set provides great depth for multiple positions. But ESP for Tate. They do so many of the same things rt now, and give this guy a year to learn the position he could be very special.
We already have a legit backup for Lynch, unless you’ve given up on Turbin for some reason.
Like most teams, they will have three running backs on the roster next year. And having a third RB who offers some playmaking as a runner/receiver/returner would be an asset. They tried to feed Leon a role the last two years but he didn’t do a great deal with those carries. There is room for a guy with Robinson’s skill set.
I agree Rob. I meant to respond to Cade’s post above, but neglected to hit the reply button.
Lynch is a legit no.1 running back
Turbins a no.2 and I see that as his ceiling
We need to work on finding a backup no.1 with leg drive. Turbin doesnt break tackles well or push the pile. Lynch like running is part of this teams identity.
I disagree with pretty much everything you’re saying in regards to Turbin.
The user posting under the name ‘Lou Thompson’ is banned from this site. So if you’ve seen some of your messages deleted in the last hour or so, that is why.
Rob… this site has always maintained a respectful tone among the users, unlike many other sites, which seem like they are comprised of 70% psych patients. Thank you for keeping the standard up.
Logically, Golden Tate should be an elite punt returner. He has the hands, the speed and the run-after-catch ability to excel at the job. But Golden always seems to lose concentration at least once every game, and that simply cannot happen in a punt returner. Don’t be surprised if John & Pete draft a top punt returner, such as Denard Robinson whom you profile, or Tyrann Mathieu (who also is described as a “turnover machine” which is perhaps Pete’s favorite attribute, even more than bigger/faster/stronger).
…”turnover machine” as in causing turnovers, not making them. The former Honey Badger was unbelievable duirng his time at LSU in wreaking havoc and creating turnovers. He only fell short when asked to play a shutdown corner on the edge. If he has straightened himself out (a huge IF) he would be a perfect nickel CB.
Word.
I feel like I’d rather have Goodwin than Denard Robinson. Goodwin impressed at the senior bowl, by many accounts, both by his present skills and his coachability. He’s lighter than Denard but not by much, and no one is faster. Goodwin isn’t as multipurpose- not a RB- but seems like he brings a role to the table as a threat/KR, and depth WR.
I guess I’d like either one of these guys, or Kerrwyn Williams, too..all a bit different…but not before the 4th round. Just too many other guys I’d take first.
Some notes on Jordan Reed (and Florida in general)…
Reed wasn’t going to workout at Florida’s pro day last Tuesday (citing a bruised left knee), and instead was going wait until March 22 to hold a private workout. But apparently, 1 head coach and 7 other TE coaches (no word on which teams were there), showed up specifically to watch him, and convinced him to give it a go because they wouldn’t be coming back again.
Apparently it was a wise decision: he had a great positional workout. He didn’t participate in any Combine drills, and still intends to do that on the 22nd. But he looked very strong catching the ball. Here’s a link to some video of him in action.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/0ap2000000151071/Evaluating-Florida-s-pro-day
If you watch the video, you’ll also see Matt Elam (FS) looking utterly fantastic in his workout. I know SEA doesn’t really need a FS, and even if they did, Elam probably won’t be around to take. Nonetheless, he impressed the hell out of me.
Jelani Jenkins participated in running drills for the first time since breaking a bone in his foot during the season finale vs. FL St. Unfortunately, his (unofficial) time of 4.78s didn’t help his cause, although to be far he ran on a rain soaked field.
Also, even though I can’t find any video of his workout, PK Caleb Sturgis demonstrated “an explosive leg, including hitting a 58-yard field goal on the rain-soaked field.” He’s widely considered as the top PK prospect in the draft, and is projected to go somewhere in RDs 4-5
One more thought on Reed, in particular his relatively slow 40 time at the Combine. Here’s a post workout interview from Tuesday in which he claims he should be able to run the 40 in the 4.5’s.
http://video.gainesville.com/video/2221813420001
Denard Robinson would be an interesting pick, but the Seahawks should consider taking a wide receiver on day two, particularly if one falls to them high on their draft board.
As mentioned earlier there are rumors the Seahawks are about to trade Doug Baldwin to the Colts. This is only a rumor, but it’s based on Irsay taking to Twitter to say the Colts were very close to landing a receiver. It seems Baldwin is a likely candidate for that acquisition because he played for the O-Coordinator and with Andrew Luck at Stanford.
I would not be surprised if the Hawks made this move. Especially when you consider Doug Baldwin will be a free agent next offseason. He will only be a restricted free agent, but he’s good enough that someone will probably give him an offer sheet. With all the money tied up at wide receiver, the Hawks would be unlikely to match it. Therefore it makes sense to trade him this year when we can get a draft pick for him. If we can get as high as a fourth-rounder for him, I think the trade would work out well for us. It would also make D-Rob to Seattle a little more likely.
However, I am still very interested in Ryan Swope out of Texas A&M. If the Hawks pick up an extra draft pick for defense later in the draft, it makes sense to take Swope in Round 2. Of course, I would only imagine the Hawks would have lost out on all the players they really like in DTs, OLs, and CBs at this pick for Swope to be a solid possibility.
I would hate to lose Baldwin; he has phenomenal character. But he may be more valuable to the Colts and that could work out well for us in the end.