The picture above is my top-35 board for the first round. Click on the image to make it bigger. Thanks to Sea Mode for creating the graphic.
Here are some quick thoughts before the first round begins…
— There’s a bit of talk about the Seahawks trading up. The speculation seems to be based around Seattle and Denver potentially competing for offensive linemen. It’s possible for sure. Don’t be surprised, however, if they move up for someone like Jonathan Allen as we discussed a few days ago. Jason La Canfora has him dropping to #17 in his mock today. That’s the kind of range where they might be able to move up and get him for a fair price.
— It was interesting that Mel Kiper suddenly moved Demarcus Walker up to #31 on his final big board. Mike Mayock moved him from ‘not ranked’ to the #2 interior pass rusher in his final rankings list. He’s the forgotten man of the draft after a fantastic 2016 season. He’s someone to keep an eye on today or tomorrow.
— My opinion hasn’t really changed on who I think are the most likely targets for Seattle. Adoree’ Jackson, T.J. Watt, Chidobe Awuzie, Obi Melifonwu, Takk McKinley, Garett Bolles and Kevin King are the names I listed. The other three big-name O-liners, Quincy Wilson and Tyus Bowser could also be options.
— A year ago the Seahawks drafted two of the toughest players in the draft in Germain Ifedi and Jarran Reed. Both players played with an edge. John Schneider made reference to ‘being the bully’ again, something Seattle never really achieved in 2016. This might influence what they do in the first few rounds. Tough, athletic, physical tone-setters with gritty personalities could be the key.
I wanted to list some names to watch at each likely target position over the first three rounds. This is based on draft trends and possible fit. I haven’t included unrealistic targets:
Outside cornerback — Kevin King (Washington), Ahkello Witherspoon (Colorado), Quincy Wilson (Florida), Michael Davis (BYU), Brian Allen (Utah)
Slot/big nickel — Jourdan Lewis (Michigan), Chidobe Awuzie (Colorado), Adoree’ Jackson (USC), Brandon Wilson (Houston), Fabian Moreau (UCLA), Budda Baker (Washington)
Safety — Rayshawn Jenkins (Miami), Shalom Luani (Washington State), Obi Melifonwu (Connecticut), Marcus Maye (Florida), Monte Nicholson (Michigan State)
EDGE — Takk McKinley (UCLA), Tim Williams (Alabama), Taco Charlton (Michigan), T.J. Watt (Wisconsin), Tyus Bowser (Houston), Carroll Phillips (Illinois), Jordan Willis (Kansas State), Daeshon Hall (Texas A&M), Derek Rivers (Youngstown State)
Interior D-line or Inside/Out rusher — Jonathan Allen (Alabama), Malik McDowell (Michigan State), Carlos Watkins (Clemson), Chris Wormley (Michigan), Larry Ogunjobi (North Carolina Charlotte), Demarcus Walker (Florida State), Dalvin Tomlinson (Alabama), Eddie Vanderdoes (UCLA), Noble Nwachukwu (West Virginia), Jeremiah Ledbetter (Arkansas)
Linebacker — Ben Gedeon (Michigan), Vince Biegel (Wisconsin), Duke Riley (LSU), Alex Anzalone (Florida), Anthony Walker Jr. (Northwestern), Zach Cunningham (Vanderbilt), Elijah Lee (Kansas State), Jordan Evans (Oklahoma), Dylan Cole (Missouri State)
O-line — Garett Bolles (Utah), Forrest Lamp (Western Michigan), Ryan Ramcyzk (Wisconsin), Cam Robinson (Alabama), Nico Siragusa (San Diego State), Taylor Moton (Western Michigan), Isaac Asiata (Utah)
Receiver — JuJu Smith-Schuster (USC), Curtis Samuel (Ohio State), Zay Jones (East Carolina), Taywan Taylor (Western Kentucky), Chris Godwin (Penn State), Amara Darboh (Michigan), Jehu Chesson (Michigan), Josh Reynolds (Texas A&M), Malachi Dupre (LSU)
Tight end — Evan Engram (Ole Miss), Bucky Hodges (Virginia Tech), George Kittle (Iowa), Jake Butt (Michigan), Adam Shaheen (Ashland)
Tonight I’ll be live blogging the first round with an accompanying open thread. As soon as Seattle makes their pick (or trades out of round one) Kenny and I will be doing a live instant reaction podcast.
Excitement is growing now, just hoping we get a Seattle pick tonight. I’m saying Awuzie after a trade down to the end of round 1. Extremely versatile player and plays with an edge.
I actually mocked him at #31 in a live radio mock draft event in Phoenix last night. Great fit, smart, athletic, producer and very versatile at outside CB, slot and safety. Although I’d really like a WOW guy in R1, he might be the right guy if our other big names, like Adore and the rest, are off the board.
Yes. With an edge.
That might be the best clue in today’s article. The FO wants to “be the bully” again.
Awuzie has that edge. Is he a bully? It seems Bolles is a bully and has an edge. Who else from Rob’s list will help the Seahawks be the bully again?
Well done Rob! Us 12’s are so appreciative of your hard work & insight!
It will be a blast to see what the Hawks do the next four day.
I agree but why no Evans in the safety pool?
We need to keep our eye on the ball, priorities gentlemen… are we going to get Trey Griffey or not?!
😀
Just so he can demand a trade to Cincinnati?
Thanks again Rob for putting this information together.
I wish the season started next week!
How deflating is it going to be when we don’t pick at all tonight?
Right?
Teasing builds anticipation so when the climax arrives its amazing… according to my wife >_> – I hate a tease.
Ok…
I’m actually preped for tomorrow anyway. Getting ready to bunker in at a local Seahawks hangout.
I’ll like and be happy with whoever they pick… but that doesn’t mean I won’t be hoping for some TJ Watt!!!
as a Badger alum…I approve of this message!!
i see Rob has him on tier 4 but not on his LB or Edge list?
He’s on the Edge list. I vote for Watt too!
Damn I looked twice!
Maybe some teams will overlook him too? Fingers crossed!
I like the graphic, SeaMode!
Who did the graphic? I’m in that biz and I can say – well done.
Sea Mode
Thx, guys.
Great graphic there.
Many thanks to Rob (and Kenneth Arthur for podcasts) and all the contributors to this site. I’m not much of a poster but I read the blog every day and I really appreciate all the effort people put in.
I hope the draft falls the Seahawk’s way.
Way cool!
Honestly hoping for trade down, even if means not picking tonight.
It will allow them to do what they did last year, this time moving up to grab a falling DB or securing Zay Jones who I would love the Seahawks to draft.
There’s another clue! 30 minutes ago but I haven’t seen anyone talk about it yet. Aaliyah Moulden- love is like a heatwave.
Moulden is 15 years old, juju smith-Schuster is The youngest player in the draft.
Who wears #15?
Lots of love songs this year, Pete must be really happy lol
That’s gotta be someone from Texas A&M.
Josh Reynolds, Daeshon Hall, Justin Evans, Tyus Bowser, Brandon Wilson etc…
It’s a stretch, but Phil Collins later covered the same song and he’s British = Jermaine Eluemunor?
More than going solely off the clues, just trying to match them with players we know the Hawks might be interested in.
Elijah Molden is a freshman recruit for UW, and could possibly step in and start at nickel. Nod to Buddha Baker or Sidney Jones?
Vandellas could = Vandals
Idaho NT Glen Antoine
Blake Shelton is her ‘coach.’ W. Virginia WR SHELTON Gibson. And it would tie in to the the other clue about a mountain. W. Virginia Mountaineers.
He’s a close comp to WR Taywan Taylor.
Is there a better time in sports than an hour or two before the NFL draft begins??
It’s an absolute great time on the sports calendar. I’ll be watching NHL playoffs live, PVRing the draft so that I can skip commercials and the talk between picks ( drafts are perfect for pvr if you can force yourself to avoid spoilers). NBA playoffs too.
Seahawks 2017 Final Mock Draft
Well, here we are. Here’s my last attempt of the year at being as wrong as always… enjoy!
For trades, the chart value just has to come somewhat close and there must be some reason to think the other team would want to tango.
*Trade down*
From SEA: R1P26 + R6P210 = 707 pts. (700 + 7)
From ATL: R1P31 + R3P95 = 720 pts. (600 + 120)
Atlanta looks to move up in front of several teams in late R1 who are thirsty for pass rushers, as reported. JS plays hardball and says this isn’t 2012 and that the R4 pick is not enough. For throwing in our R6 pick this year (ATL doesn’t have one), he gets them to cough up their R3 pick, in value more similar to last year’s trade with the Broncos.
R1P31- OT Garrett Bolles, Utah
Seattle aggressively upgrades its achilles heel. They tried to get it done in FA with Lang, but it wasn’t to be. Without the ability to establish the run game and control the clock, they lose their identity, expose their defense by tiring them out, and the whole cannon shatters. You DON’T pass up the chance to draft a starting-caliber LT in today’s NFL who also fits the Seahawks’ ideals for backstory, TEF, and bully.
*Trade up*
From SEA: R2P58 + R3P90 + R3P106= 542 pts. (320 + 140 + 82)
From NYJ: R2P39 + R5P150 = 541 pts. (510 + 31)
The Jets continue in rebuild mode, and seeing all the top QBs get swiped ahead of them in late R1 and early R2, are content to move down and start accumulating picks. No sense in reaching for a QB this year with no supporting cast around him anyway.
R2P39- DB Obi Melifonwu, Connecticut
Seattle sees their Only Hope still sitting there at the beginning of R2 and goes and gets him. Pete Carroll is seen jumping up on top of the desks in the draft War Room live feed. SDB readers follow suit.
Obi comes in to play Buffalo and shadow big targets wherever they line up. They feel safe moving up for him because they feel he can fall back at outside cornerback or safety too if it doesn’t work out at big nickel. He’s one of the few that meets (and well exceeds) the wingspan requirements anyway for outside CB.
(Backup options that make the trade still worth it if Obi doesn’t last: Chidobe Awuzie, Evan Engram, Marcus Maye, Justin Evans, Daeshon Hall, Tim Williams. Right at 40 is the place to be. Just see who falls.)
R3P95- DT Carlos Watkins, Clemson
6030, 309 lbs. with 34 5/8 arms. Seattle scouted Clemson multiple times this year and met with him at the Senior Bowl. Like Jarran Reed, he’s not the SPARQ-iest DT out there, but also like Jarran Reed, he has a knack for finding the ball carrier and played with intensity on a national championship defense. Unlike Reed, he had 10.5 sacks from the interior this year. Perceived concerns with his conditioning push him to this spot, but in a rotation his first year he will be effective as he gets proper pro conditioning before eventually taking over down the line for Rubin. He could play 1st and 2nd down, 3rd and short with Quinton Jefferson subbing in on 3rd and long.
*Trade down
From SEA: R3P102
From CIN: R4P138, R5P153
The Bengals have two picks in each of rounds 4-7, so they feel comfortable trading up to secure someone they like before heading to bed on day 2.
R4P138- QB Joshua Dobbs, Tennessee
An actual rocket scientist at QB? Sweet! Winner, leader, confident, student of the game. We ideally want a backup that can play a similar style to Wilson, prioritizing the running game and explosive plays, and he fits both with his running threat and with accurate deep balls. Shows up when it counts: Dobbs led all of this year’s draft prospects in 2016 second half passer rating.
R5P150- OG Jermaine Eluemunor, Texas A&M
I originally had Brandon Wilson here, but decided to try for Crossan later because everything about Eluemunor screams Seahawks to me. Plus size, backstory, tough as nails, nasty, wrestling background, 101.1 wTEF, from Cable’s favorite program. He’s pretty raw but has a lot of upside and is perfect to learn for a year or two behind Aboushi/Glow before possibly lining up next to Ifedi at RT for a road-grading right side.
R5P153- WR Josh Reynolds, Texas A&M
Awesome kid, one of the best interviews of this draft class.
Bigtime production vs. high-level competition: led SEC as senior with 1,039 yds. Tied conf. lead w 12 TDs.
Great catch radius and effortless, soft hands. Glides deep with his long strides.
Props to sdcoug for banging the table for him.
R6P210- S Delano Hill, Michigan
He doesn’t jump out at you on tape, but quietly makes tackle after tackle. (watch vs. Michigan St.) Safety size with Seahawks CB length: 6010, 216, 4.47 40yd, 32 1/8 arm, 77.5 wingspan. Uses that length to fight of blocks admirably, make tackles, and break up passes.
He comes in as depth behind Kam at the SS position, whereas McDougald backs up Obi and Earl.
R7P226- RB Dalton Crossan, New Hampshire
I can’t help taking a late shot at a McCaffrey clone who still hasn’t even come close to his ceiling after converting from lacrosse. Backs up Lockett at KR and learns some tricks of the slot trade from Baldwin.
McCaffrey: 5’11, 202 lbs, 4.48, 37.5″ vert, 10’1″ broad, 4.22 SS, 6.57 3C, 10 bench
D.Crossan: 5’11, 204 lbs, 4.46, 35.0″ vert, 10’2″ broad, 4.06 SS, 6.84 3C, 10 bench
UDFA- staying mostly local…
LB Javancy Jones, Jackson St.
CB Xavier Coleman, Portland St.
LB Jimmie Gilbert, Colorado
OL Dustin Stanton, Oregon St.
SS Yamen Sanders, Montana
TE Andy Avgi, W. Oregon
WR Trey Griffey, Arizona
Thanks to all for sharing so many prospects. Here’s to the Hawks knocking this draft out of the park!
wow..what a haul..and very realistic also…great job!!
and thanks for all your contributions to the blog this year Sea Mode..
No DeClod, Oregon?
No, señor
St*
It appears sources are citing browns will select Garrett.
Great news if true ..wasn’t looking forward to having to block him two games per year (with the Niners)..
Thanks for another great season of work Rob, you’ve created the best source for Seahawks draft info. I really enjoyed the Pauline interview as well.
My draft prediction…Tim Williams in rd. One and Wormley in round two. The Hawks go heavy to stack that d-line and to get to days of upfront depth when they avril coming off the bench. In the third they grab luani…a wr…and a linebacker. Don’t believe the hype that Seattle will draft a corner in the first three rounds…they’ll get what they want at the dollar store…round 5 to udfa.
I could see that happening..like a great running game..a great DL improves every other aspect of the team
Love Williams and I also think we would have to use our first on him, but I couldn’t help but feel underwhelmed by it. The joys of drafting late.
Sherm is killing me with this Patriot nonsense.
what did he say??
That he wants to play for BB
He didn’t say that, some guy named Tom Curran said he heard that Sherman said that. Another garbage click bait article.
In the first 2 rounds I just want some combo of:
Jarred Davis
TJ Watt
Tyus Bowser
Buddha Baker
Garrett Bolles
Forrest Lamp
Dorian Johnson
Kevin King
Quincy Wilson
Adoree Jackson
Obi
Marcus Maye
Marlon Humphrey
Chris Wormley
Evan Engram
Even if it means burning a 3rd to trade up in the 2nd
In rounds 3 and later give me at least 2 of George Kittle, Isaac Asiata, Xavier Woods, Samson Ebukam, Vince Biegel, Larry Ogunjobi, Dalvin Tomlinson, Delano Hill, and John Johnson.
Whew.
The only way we get Bolles is with a trade up because Denver and the Giants want him as well. So if a trade down happens then its for someone else maybe Obi.
Wont´t be able to watch or follow the draft, Europe times.. Hope to wake up to a nice Obi or King-pick. Have fun everyone!
Thank for another great ‘draft season’ Rob! SDB rules!
I would be ecstatic if we got a mix of these players
TJ Watt
Tyson Bowser
Quincy Wilson
Juju Smith
Justin Evans
Eddie Jackson
Isaac Asiata
Rasul Douglas
I’m not afraid of Solomon Thomas. In my opinion, McDowell will be the better pro. Take that as a hot take (though I’m really just agreeing with Voch Lombardi’s analysis)
I have to ask in all seriousness. Because of the Udub game?
He was dominated by Kaleb McGary. McGary was short as useful as a traffic cone against Alabama.
Why did no one believe me when I said one of the next clues was gonna be Stephanie Rice ‘White Flag?’ Huh, huh? I’m j/k.
TreDavious White would be too easy right? What college team waves white flags like the terrible towels?
Although JS personally scouted the Arizona St/Wazzu game.
Is it him?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMKJ3wrfL1o
Wasn’t ‘Bama DT Dalvin Tomlinson a musician? All the clues are from The Voice. Hmmm…
Also- white flag could me surrender flag, which could be hinting at a player from a team that constantly blew other teams out. Alabama?
I’m sure I’m reaching, but the word “love” is associated with every clue – either in the title of the song or prominently in the lyrics.
Adoree?
Did PC give day 2 clues on day 1 last year?
Yes.
I was going with T. White, but Texas A & M waves the white flag, among others.
Marquez White, Florida St.
or
Chris Godwin, Penn State (white flags)
What was up with that? Did he post then delete or something?
I just guessed. I was not expecting that. When I was watching one of the videos, her thumbnail on the side kind of stood out.
Wow, maybe that’s how randomly he does it too… 🙂
Or, Volume12 is Pete Carroll.
The graphic is very very cool!!
If they get Bolles,this draft is already great success,as shown in the board.
Go Hawks!
I don’t know about Bolles, a 9 out of 50 in the Wonderlick? I always thought that the O-linemen had to be some of the smartest guys on the team.
And his picture…. I can’t help thinking of Hodor.
They don’t call ’em the “big uglies” for nothing…
🙂
LOL. Hodor…that’s cold.
Watching the red carpet — Adoree Jackson is already so comfortable – got a ton of SWAG! He’d make a great face of new LOB. King is there looking calm, cool and tall!
Face it there are a lot of great players – I trust JSPC to get someone who will contribute as we get back to SB Although I trust their taste in OL far less than their taste n D!! Speaking of taste DeShawn’s shoes are awesome! – He kind of reminds me of what Cam Newton would be like with a higher IQ!
Haha I’d remove Watson from my draft board just for the shoes alone
Notes from the red carpet:
Cam Robinson was a lot more likable than I expected and he sounds hungry (pronounced HOOUUNGGRY). Also, I think his sister just Pippa’d him and stole the show. She is gorgeous!
Tre’Davious White and Chidobe Awuzie are sparkling, personality wise.
Garrett Bolles’ troubles are behind him, and if they aren’t – his wife will put him back on track.
Takk McKinley’s family is amazing – he is amazing. I don’t care if he’s a Seahawk, he’s going to be a player I root for.
John Ross will be a star. He has grit and a family that will keep him grounded and pushing forward.
Deshaun Watson is going to be a pro bowl QB, and drafting any other QB ahead of him is stupid. He’s a natural leader with a past and clear determination. I love his family almost as much as Takk’s.
Going back to the first two clues for a second:
Up to the mountain = trading up.
Brennley Brown = with the Browns.
Top 12 performances = guess who holds the #12 pick…
Al = Alabama, Jonathan Allen
Green and Blue = a Seahawk!
Love and happiness = https://t.co/7ewM18Berq
Interesting theory.
But I think CLE trading up from 12 to 6 or 5 for Trubisky is likely, and it would cost a lot for SEA to move up 14 spots.
Who knows. Maybe not that much if reports are to be believed that many are looking to trade down, but few willing to move up.
As for CLE, I think they might be good with a QB at 26 instead.
Seattle trading up to 12 and that twelfth pick belongs to the titans after trading with Cleveland for 5. Tennessee/Nashville/Music related clues
Whoa!!! Hasaan Reddick!!!
@PeteCarroll
Still waiting for someone to get our #SeahawksDraftClues! Next: “Defying Gravity” by @feliciatemple on @NBCTheVoice!
4:36 PM – 27 Apr 2017
Or Dawkins?
Dion Dawkins?
With a 26 inch vert?? More like “cooperating with gravity”…
Lol Almost as good as the graphic.
Well done, sir
I think you may have it.
Maybe it’s move up to 12 and target either Reddick or Allen…
They’re all top 12 though aren’t they?
Is it just a reference to the 12’s playing along?
Is it Obi with his vert and broad jump?
Rob — thanks again for the hours of entertainment this blog provides. And for the way that you provide differing options without proclaiming that one option is obviously better. Take some time off and enjoy your family, and we will be waiting anxiously for your return.
Not draft related, but Washington and Ohio State have agreed to play each other in 2024 and 2025
First QB about to come off?
Thanks Rob for your work! I must say you’re my favorite sports writer. I’m sick of reading other writers that explain how a guy is a ‘big’ cornerback because he is 6’00” and another guy is small and can only play nickel because he’s 5’11”- with no mention of weight, vertical, etc. really? You don’t want to add any other stat or reason to justify your opinion? (Sorry, rant over). Anyways, I just appreciate your more detailed, reasoned-out reports.
Rob,
Michael Davis, CB, BYU is rated by most as an UDFA. Did the Hawks bring him in?