Final 2022 NFL mock draft

This is the mock draft I will submit for Huddle Report scoring. I will publish the mock in list-form first and then there’s a lot to follow, including a Seahawks seven-round projection. Here we go…

Final 2022 mock draft

#1 Jacksonville — Travon Walker (DE, Georgia)
#2 Detroit — Aidan Hutchinson (DE, Michigan)
#3 Houston — Evan Neal (T, Alabama)
#4 NY Jets — Ikem Ekwonu (G, NC State)
#5 NY Giants — Charles Cross (T, Miss. State)
#6 Houston (v/CAR) — Derek Stingley Jr (CB, LSU)
#7 NY Giants — Sauce Gardner (CB, Cincinnati)
#8 Atlanta — Kayvon Thibodeaux (DE, Oregon)
#9 Philadelphia (v/SEA) — Jameson Williams (WR, Alabama)
#10 New York Jets — Jermaine Johnson (DE, Florida State)
#11 Washington — Kyle Hamilton (S, Notre Dame)
#12 Minnesota — Trent McDuffie (CB, Washington)
#13 Carolina (v/HOU) — Kenny Pickett (QB, Pittsburgh)
#14 Baltimore — Jordan Davis (DT, Georgia)
#15 Seattle (v/PHI) — Trevor Penning (T, Northern Iowa)
#16 New Orleans — Garrett Wilson (WR, Ohio State)
#17 LA Chargers — Chris Olave (WR, Ohio State)
#18 Philadelphia — Devin Lloyd (LB, Utah)
#19 New Orleans — Dax Hill (S, Michigan)
#20 Pittsburgh — Malik Willis (QB, Liberty)
#21 New England — Zion Johnson (G, Boston College)
#22 Green Bay — Drake London (WR, USC)
#23 Arizona — George Karlaftis (DE, Purdue)
#24 Dallas — Treylon Burks (WR, Arkansas)
#25 Buffalo — Andrew Booth (CB, Clemson)
#26 Tennessee — Tyler Smith (T, Tulsa)
#27 Tampa Bay — Travis Jones (DT, Connecticut)
#28 Green Bay — Devonte Wyatt (DT, Georgia)
#29 Kansas City — Kyler Gordon (CB, Washington)
#30 Kansas City — Boye Mafe (DE, Minnesota)
#31 Cincinnati — Logan Hall (DT, Houston)
#32 Detroit — Nakobe Dean (LB, Georgia)

There are two trades in the mock. The Texans move from #13 to #6 in a deal with Carolina. In return Carolina gets #73 (R3) and #108 (R4). The Seahawks move from #9 to #15. In return they get #101 (R3), #124 (R4) and #162 (R5).

Thoughts on the Seahawks’ pick

Let me be clear — this is not a reaction to anything that has been reported this week. Trevor Penning was the first player I wrote about at the start of the new draft cycle. Two weeks ago I wrote a piece about Penning, noting Seattle’s aims with their top pick could be pretty obvious. He fits so much of what they look for schematically and physically and I’ve mocked him to Seattle several times already.

Further to that, there are two gaping holes at offensive tackle. They’ve done nothing to address either position. Compare that to cornerback where they’ve at least brought in Artie Burns and re-signed Sidney Jones, or at pass rusher with the addition of Uchenna Nwosu.

I’d have to be bloody stupid not to pair Penning and the Seahawks together in this mock. All of the signs point to it happening — unless someone else takes him off the board before they pick.

I don’t want to believe the Desmond Ridder reports. I cannot for the life of me imagine taking him in round one. I just can’t. The accuracy issues, the absolute cringe-inducing misses at times, the robotic mechanics.

I contacted my source in the league today and he summed it up. He said Ridder has already reached his ceiling. And I agree. I also accept that might, sadly, be what the appeal is. He can probably come in and do what he was doing at Cincinnati in the NFL. The problem is, it’s just not good enough. So I’m not going to project that here. I’m going to hope they prefer to spend their picks at #40 and #41 further enhancing their offensive line and the front seven of the defense.

There are two other things I want to mention.

The Seahawks have a shell of a roster, frankly, and they need a major injection of talent to create competition, depth and improvement. I think they’ll set out to acquire as many picks as possible. Teams might be less inclined to trade this year because rounds 2-4 are so strong. I think Seattle’s intention though will be to use an absolute boat-load of picks to fill out their roster.

Trading down from #9 could still net a bit of a haul with picks in the third, fourth and fifth.

I do think there is also a scenario where the Seahawks wouldn’t trade down from #9. I think they’ll probably be open to adding a top, top player. Who constitutes a top, top player? My best guess would be Kayvon Thibodeaux or Derek Stingley Jr.

I have to address Jermaine Johnson. I’ve been saying for ages I don’t think there’s any chance he’ll be there at #9. In fairness, there’s still plenty of talk about that being the case in the media. If Stingley Jr rises though, someone has to drop. And it might be Johnson.

I would hope they would make that pick if he’s there. I just think everything points towards this team acquiring as much stock as possible and drafting a tackle. I hope I am wrong and if Johnson is available at #9, that they take him.

This is the problem when you go into a draft with glaring needs. The Seahawks would be better off, in my opinion, trying to get Johnson and say Tyler Linderbaum from this draft. Instead, they might end up trying to fill holes.

Other notes on the first round

— The Panthers are intriguing. In this mock the top offensive tackles were all gone at #6. I think that played into their hands for what they might actually want to do. With only one pick in the first three rounds, I think they’ll be desperate to trade down and get more stock. I also think they’re very open to drafting a QB, just not at #6. Remember — owner David Tepper is a significant booster at Pittsburgh. Is he prepared to risk Kenny Pickett going somewhere else and succeeding? How would that look? Plus Matt Rhule recruited Pickett when he was at Temple and got a commitment out of him. He only didn’t go to Temple because Rhule bolted for the Baylor gig. One other thing I’ve heard — Rhule has been the big decision maker in Carolina, not the GM. It’s worth noting because even if he’s fired soon, he might still have a bigger say than the GM.

— If Carolina drafts Pickett after trading down, I wonder if their next move will be to sign Duane Brown?

— I think the floor for Kayvon Thibodeaux is #8. Increasingly I think he’d be perfect for the Seahawks and the Seahawks would be perfect for him. He needs a coach like Pete Carroll. Seattle needs a player with his immense talent to rush the edge. Then again, they might have their heart set on trading down.

— The problem with trading down to #15 is, if the Seahawks want Penning, you run the serious risk of someone else taking him. The teams at #13 and #14 in my mock could select him. I wonder if that’s why they’ve been digging around Jordan Davis? Because if they move down to #15 the chances are Baltimore will choose between Penning or Davis. The Seahawks might go with whichever player is left.

Seahawks seven-round projection

#15 — Trevor Penning (T, Northern Iowa)
Not my first choice because I think he has significant technical flaws and I worry about him trying too hard to be a tough guy when he needs to concentrate on finding a level of fundamentally sound, controlled aggression. Even so — he fits the new blocking scheme perfectly in terms of size and traits and the huge gaping hole at tackle makes this extremely likely.

#40 — Tyler Linderbaum (C, Iowa)
Rather than trade up for a quarterback, I’m going to have the Seahawks give Drew Lock a run at this and focus on further improving the trenches. They might have to move up a few spots from #40 to land Linderbaum — perhaps even get back into the late first. However, it’s also been reported that no team has a firm first round grade on him. That’s understandable. At his size he simply doesn’t fit every scheme. He would fit in Miami, San Francisco and with the Rams but they’re three of the teams without any early picks. So why would Seattle do this, doubling down on the O-line? Carroll stood at the owners meeting and declared they liked Austin Blythe for his wrestling background. He also said they specifically wanted to try a new type of center — smaller in stature. Linderbaum has a strong wrestling background and he has an almost identical body to Blythe. And let’s be right here, Blythe is a hedge. Just as he was a hedge for Creed Humphrey a year ago. It stands to reason if they want this type of center, they’ll go after Linderbaum.

#41 — Channing Tindall (LB, Georgia)
I don’t think the Seahawks convinced their new defensive staff to take the gig on the proviso that they would get Shelby Harris, Uchenna Nwosu, Artie Burns and not a lot else. I’ve long thought the lack of activity at offensive tackle and linebacker was a massive tell for the draft. It’s also felt inevitable since that day at the combine, when the linebackers lit up Lucas Oil Field, that the Seahawks were not going to miss an opportunity to tap into the class. The Seahawks love special athletes at linebacker. They’ve often sought extreme speed, agility and explosive traits. Tindall ran a 4.47 at the combine and jumped a 42 inch vertical. He ran a reported 4.03 short shuttle at his Pro-day and the Seahawks are instantly attracted, it seems, to any linebacker running in the 4.0’s. Not only that, Tindall is a missile to the ball-carrier and showed at the Senior Bowl he will have immense special teams value.

#72 — Dameon Pierce (RB, Florida)
He has everything the Seahawks look for in a running back. He has the size, the explosive traits and the physical style and the ability to run through contact. He energises team-mates with the way he runs. From the first moment I watched him at Florida I thought, ‘they’re going to draft this guy’.

#101 — Michael Clemons (DE, Texas A&M)
They need a rotation of pass rushers and proper competition. The reason I’ve picked Clemons here is because he looks like a Greek God and he wins, on tape, the same way that Darrell Taylor won at Tennessee. He’s also an absolute BAMF who looks scary as hell and the Seahawks need a bit of that. Ideally the Seahawks take a pass rusher earlier than this. However — they’ve spent a fair bit of money on Nwosu and when they brought Mario Addison for a visit recently, that felt like a tell that they might need to find alternative options.

#109 — Logan Bruss (G, Wisconsin)
The Rams featured two converted tackles at guard (David Edwards, Austin Corbett) and I wonder if the Seahawks will try a similar plan? Bruss is well suited to kicking inside, he has massive hands that act like clamps and his testing profile is marvellous. He’s not only an explosive 3.08 TEF tester, he also ran a 4.55 short shuttle at the combine. I think Gabe Jackson’s days are numbered in Seattle and they’ll look for competition at guard.

#124 — Thayer Munford (T, Ohio State)
The Seahawks often tend to try their hand at a big-name offensive lineman with poor testing numbers in this range. Munford isn’t explosive or particularly athletic. However — he actually played well on tape at tackle and his size (6-6, 328lbs) and length (35 1/8 inch arms) is right up Seattle’s street. The Rams use big tackles. Munford’s a big tackle. Rob Havenstein is the opposite of athletic. So is Munford.

#145 — Percy Butler (S, Louisiana)
Like the Dameon Pierce pick, this one feels obvious. Butler is an absolute marvel as a gunner on special teams. We know the Seahawks love a good special teamer and this draft has a handful of day three prospects who offer excellent value on teams. With 4.3 speed I also think eventually you could develop his role into something more. He just looked like a Seahawk on tape.

#153 — Romeo Doubs (WR, Nevada)
There are no testing numbers available for Doubs but the Seahawks are less strict in this range. Why pair him with Seattle? He wins the way they want to win in the passing game — he gets downfield and makes plays. He stood out catching passes from Carson Strong. He’s got big hands and knows how to pluck the ball out of the air. He’s a good punt returner with big-time special teams value. He’s also known as an alpha type who is ultra-competitive. So basically, a Seahawk.

#162 — Carson Strong (QB, Nevada)
When I watched the Nevada games during the season, Strong impressed me. His arm talent was obvious and he made some mind-blowing completions. Then he stunk out the Senior Bowl. So I went back and studied the tape more closely. He played the entire 2021 season on one leg. He practically looked like Philip Rivers the time he played in the AFC Championship with a torn ACL. Initially I hadn’t noticed how bad it was. The knee wasn’t right and frankly, who knows if it ever will be? The Seahawks have been prepared to take chances in this range and if Strong falls — he’d be worth a shot to nothing. There’s definitely something there. It’s just a shame about the knee — and it’s possible he’ll never make it as a consequence.

#229 — Jaylen Watson (CB, Washington State)
I’m not sure Watson will last this long and frankly, in round seven, the chances are whoever they take here will be pretty obscure. He’s big, long, physical and although he lacks great speed he showed off subtle technique at the Senior Bowl to win plenty of reps and impress.

The full Seahawks seven-rounder

#15 — Trevor Penning (T, Northern Iowa)
#40 — Tyler Linderbaum (C, Iowa)
#41 — Channing Tindall (LB, Georgia)
#72 — Dameon Pierce (RB, Florida)
#101 — Michael Clemons (DE, Texas A&M)
#109 — Logan Bruss (G, Wisconsin)
#124 — Thayer Munford (T, Ohio State)
#145 — Percy Butler (S, Louisiana)
#153 — Romeo Doubs (WR, Nevada)
#162 — Carson Strong (QB, Nevada)
#229 — Jaylen Watson (CB, Washington State)

I like this group, frankly. It’s not flashy. It’s a building-block class with a lot of focus on the trenches. I’m fine with that.

Just don’t waste picks trading up for a quarterback.

I might regret not putting Sam Williams at #40. Still, we did talk about him recently as an early round option.

Let me know what you think in the comments section.

Lots of content coming your way tomorrow.

Enjoy the draft everyone.

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155 Comments

  1. KJ Smith

    Please take Johnson at 9
    That’s all
    Great site excited for tomorrow

    • Hughz

      Pound the table Clint! Get your guy to lead this defensive front.

      • Seager

        Only speaking about circumstantial variables, not tape, because I’m not qualified. But 1 big production year and turns 24 during his rookie campaign are not what I think of with our first top 10 pick in a decade. Again just going with some real basic logic. Doesn’t a 23 year old having his first big year in the NCAA show a red flag to yall? At least a red flag relative to the investment of R1P9

        • Rob Staton

          We’ve been over this though

          Look at who Georgia had in 2020. And guess what? He still played really well. He had the balls to go somewhere else to be the main guy. And he delivered, on a crap team.

          All this stuff about him being 23 is just the latest fad on twitter. It’s nonsense. So if he was 22 it’d be a massive difference? Will the ghosts of every failed 23 year old rookie come down to the field and hold him back as he tries to rush Trent Williams? Or is he a totally different individual ready to tell his own story in the league?

          No worries for me. Quality player.

          • derek allen

            Love your draft!! Getting the Oline together is a start. Let’s bring in another DI too. Love to trade back with GB our 9 for their 22 and 28 and whatever else it takes (DK?).

  2. ElPasoHawk

    My old butt might have a heart attack out of excitement for this scenario. The one player that Iwould try to squeeze in would be Zach Tom, my favorite day 2/3 dark horse. I think Carson Strong is going to be a steal for someone, might as well be the Hawks! Good job Rob.

  3. Ken

    Thanks for all your hard work on the Seahawks!

    I can’t wait for the Draft, I hated to sell Russ go but if he wants to go, there is no point in letting the situation bleed out”. Time for a fresh start, it was only a matter of time when the you are drafting at the back end of the 1st round for for the past decade to catch up to the Seahawks.

    It normally takes about 3-4 drafts to see the results, so this will be just the start of the rebuild.

    I pray to god, it’s not Penning, if the Seahawks are drafting at #15, I would prefer Wyatt or Winfrey, based on the Senior Bowl, they were difference makers unlike (yawn) Penning. You need difference makers at any positions early in the draft and I don’t see that with Penning.

    I will puke if they trade back, get Penning and miss out on true difference makers.

    • Seattle Person

      I don’t mind Penning in the teens. If they take him, I hope they have a plan to coach him up. At least he has a lot to work with.

      • Jackson

        I will be truly bummed if Penning is our first pick. I just don’t see it with him. Yes, he has the measurables and the athleticism, but that’s pretty much it. I don’t see natural OT ability and I see a player who tries way too hard to be a tough guy, but during the parts of the snap where the play has already been decided.

        I’m hoping for one of the five of Thibodeaux, Stingley Jr., Gardner, Johnson or Ekwonu or, as a backup plan, Jordan Davis.

        The rest of this draft would be lovely.

        Regardless, I can’t believe we’re finally here. Should be a fun night (or very early morning for you, Rob)!

        • Carl

          I also like most of this mock, but not Penning, also I think Doubs goes a little earlier than Rob has him in this mock. Seattle brought him in on a visit could be doing some background work on Strong with that visit as well.
          I also think we could get a little higher pick in trade down with Philly, Philly wins that trade on JJ trade value chart as well as Rich Hill trade value chart, I would want to get at least their 3rd rounder (Pick 83) if we traded with Philly. And trade down from 40 or 41 if we wanted an additional 4-6th rounder.

    • Paul

      How many true difference makers will there be to miss out on at #9?

  4. DK

    Rob, first thanks for all your hard work, you give us the best Seahawks info on the internet.

    I like your draft, outside the Penning pick. The more of Penning I read about and the film I watch just has me thinking he is still a teach at 15. If it was between Penning and Davis whoever the Ravens didn’t take I’d pray the Ravens took Penning and the Hawks landed Davis. As you said before, draft Georgia defenders. As long as Davis keeps his weight in check he can be an interior disrupter to an extent.

    I mean not that they need a safety but if the Hawks went Davis, Jurgens, Lucas or Linderbaum and Tindall, that would be a great set of three young players to add to the core of the team.

  5. Gross MaToast

    Congratulations on another great season of draft and team related posts. Your work never disappoints.

    If the Seahawks walk away with this projected draft class, I’d consider it a win.

  6. Seattle Person

    Meat and potatoes! You need your building blocks here.

    1) I really hope they target a QB later and not early. I actually love the Strong idea later in the draft. You roll the dice knowing he has special arm talent. Deep ball thrower and play-action. Strong can do that that. He threw rockets last season on one leg…If he never makes it — oh well. Move on next season.

    2) The meat and potatoes in the trenches are much needed. The reality is Gabe Jackson probably won’t be on the team much longer. Haynes’ contract is coming up and Lewis might not be a true fit in the offense. It’s smart to target a guard in a pretty good guard class.

    3) RB is also very much needed. Get a cheap and explosive runner that can be healthy for once. They will take one! Dallas and Homer aren’t dynamic enough.

    4) Getting a rotational piece with upside is going to happen. It might happen early. It might happen in the middle rounds. I just feel it’s inevitable. I want someone you can project and can contribute.

    5) The rest of the mock class aligns with my thinking. I disagree with a few players here and there but all of Rob’s picks scream Seahawks. Almost every single one fit classic Seahawks traits except maybe the later Olinemen that might mimic the Rams more.

    4) A rotational piece to develop at edge is also needed. They will take

  7. Ben Ft. Worth

    Its my favorite day of the year! I’ve got about 30 coworkers, friends, and neighbors coming over for tomorrow’s BBQ. Just finishishing hanging the streamers and flags. Our Pastor’s grandson Joel Dublanko from our church played for Cincinnati and was a full time starter. He’s already had calls from Miami, Pittsburgh, and Detroit. We think he’s gonna go in the 5th round tomorrow but you never know. We’re so excited for him.

    Remember the name, Dublanko

    • DougM

      That’s awesome to hear. My grandson played basketball with his younger brother and my grandson is very excited for him.

  8. Morgan

    Probably my favorite Seahawks projection you’ve done…and I’ve been around for all of them 🙂

    Of course the Seahawks will likely do none of this, do they ever? But it’s a fantastic outline. Good work this year and I like how you’ve embraced all the medias.

  9. Nick

    Rob, thanks so much man. This draft season has been infinitely more entertaining and exciting because of your content. I feel very lucky to have you in my fanbase.

    My hope is they go Devin Lloyd, personally. I think the LB depth is so poor on this team (second only to OT). And they’ve stacked up on big bodies in the DL to clear the way for an aggressive pursuer. That’s my hope.

  10. Blitzy the Clown

    I’d be pretty satisfied if this is how it shakes out. Tindall is a must-have for me. Same with Dameon Pierce. I don’t mind Penning at 15, and even though I prefer Zion Johnson, I understand Penning fills a greater need. Besides, I rather like Logan Bruss at 109 for LG. That seems like good value.

    I’ve done some deeper diving on Linderbaum lately, and even beyond the obvious talent on tape, he’s just a true blue chip prospect. His character, attitude, commitment, leadership…all not just remarkable, but exceptional. In a way, he reminds me of Russell Wilson the prospect – blue chip through and through, but sold short because of size limitations. If they draft Linderbaum, he’s gonna win the start at C by the time preseason ends guaranteed. Just like Wilson did.

    Like me some Micheal Clemons.

    • Hawkster

      Like the Bruss pick to, pretty nifty. He has always played right side though, would like to move Lewis back there. It’s another perk with going with Zion early, he’s more left side.

    • Kyle

      Yes, agreed–this is a pretty good haul. Honestly if they don’t go reaching to fill holes, as Rob noted, there are just a lot of really good players in this draft. Doubling even tripling on some positions may be a decent tactic.

  11. Submanjoe

    Surprised to see you have the Seahawks take 4 offensive linemen. I’d rather they take more on defense.

    • Rob Staton

      Lots of holes on the OL and new blocking scheme

    • DougM

      Lots of offensive linemen down the board with decent measurables. With a lot of picks using a shotgun approach makes sense. Better chance of hitting and some that will be good players in the league for a few years. And like he said, a lot of holes.

  12. Blitzy the Clown

    I think the floor for Kayvon Thibodeaux is #8. Increasingly I think he’d be perfect for the Seahawks and the Seahawks would be perfect for him.

    I’ve really come around on several big prospects this draft. Was originally kinda down on Stingley and Linderbaum but now I’d be very cool with either or both.

    Same with KT. In fact, if both KT and JJ were available to Seattle…if KT is available to Seattle period they should run to the podium.

    Truly Yeoman’s work this draft season Rob. You’ve outdone yourself.

    Bravo sir!

  13. JC

    Rob, I don’t usually comment on blogs. But your content is so outstanding, I just had to give you a sincere thank you for all of your efforts. Truly amazing. You are my favorite segment on Jake and Stacy!!

  14. Pugs1

    I really want A edge rusher in the 1st but if they go a different direction Sam Williams becomes a must for round two. I’m just hopeful that this draft class becomes a great one!

  15. Tecmo Bowl

    “I just think everything points towards this team acquiring as much stock as possible and drafting a tackle. I hope I am wrong and if Johnson is available at #9, that they take him.

    This is the problem when you go into a draft with glaring needs… they might end up trying to fill holes.”

    This feels like the cold harsh reality. Really hope JS just takes a blue chipper at 9.

  16. Bankhawk

    Damn, Rob! Your output this off-season has me half-convinced that the dude we see on the podcasts is really a clever crew of 2 or 3 doppelgangers working Microsoft Word in tag team fashion to produce the blog!
    You have truly made an exciting offseason even more exciting.
    And I wish you luck on the Huddle competition! (but I still hope it isn’t Penning with pick 1)

  17. Dregur

    I’m going to Seahawks draft party, I’m really curious how fans who are not as deep into draft analysis as people here are going to react to the pick(s).

  18. Kevin buckland

    It’s probably nothing, but what do you make of the report suddenly coming out from Fowler that indications are strong Metcalf is staying in Seattle, we really haven’t heard anything for a week or two, besides the fact that we already know, no deal will be done until this summer why all of a sudden with this random report??

    • Seahawkwalt

      Smokescreen? Maybe a deal is in place

      • Kevin buckland

        I’m just like why right before the draft do you make the same statement we have heard over and over again?? After not hearing anything for a while now, just seems weird to me, like are you trying to throw one more thing out there to see if someone makes you an offer you can’t refuse before you sign him long term or what??

    • Rob Staton

      Think it’s been obvious for a couple of weeks that Seattle has decided to keep DK. Probably get a new deal this summer

  19. Seahawkwalt

    Thinking out loud…If the hawks view Abraham Lucas as a viable LT option then our 1st rounder would be freed up (from taking Penning)
    1 J Johnson/Stingley
    2 Tindall/Q Walker/T Andersen
    2 Lucas

    • BRNDNvsWRLD

      This is my exact ideal draft scenario with the first 3 picks as well. The only difference would be I’d prefer to shift Lucas to RT and re-sign Duane for now.

  20. cha

    I both love and hate this draft.

    Penning feels like a total Tom Cable pick. “He acts tough! He’s big! Don’t worry, we can teach him how to play football later!”

    Trading down with JJ on the board to take Penning has an air of inevitability to it. But getting 3 picks in a deep draft is hard to argue with. As is spending 4 – count ’em, 4 – picks on the offensive line.

  21. mtpgod

    With all the talk about how deep this draft is in the middle rounds, I’d love it if we picked up a 3rd/4th/5th to trade back to 15, and who knows, maybe there’s a run on WRs and a qb or two and a J Johnson or K Thibs falls to 15, no one seems to have any idea how this whole thing is going to shake out so who knows. With all the uncertainty, some “for sure” top 10 pick is likely gonna fall, and a Kyle Hamilton or someone is going top 10.
    The one thing that everyone’s in agreement with on here is that Seattle is gonna go left when everyone else is thinking we’re gonna go right and make a disappointing pick. Here’s to the shocker being we trade down, accumulate picks and an Edge falls to us in the mid-teens. Will it and will come true, isn’t that what Walter tells the Dude…

    • Kyle

      The Seahawks often find new ways of disappointing me. Just when I think they’re going to predictably disappoint me, they unpredictably disappoint me. But I am glad you are optimistic and hope it rubs off into their war room.

  22. Roy Batty

    Please, football gods, deliver us a pass rusher with the first pick.

    Your humble *servant, Roy.

    P.S. Please give Rob a win on The Huddle Report.

    *replicant

  23. Graeme Hanson

    Penning terrifies me. I just don’t see him having the skills to make it in the NFL. He’s so bull-rushable. Half the snaps I’ve seen he’s got his head tilted back and he’s looking at the sky. The rest of your draft is filled with blog faves which of course we’d all love. This same haul with Johnson instead of Penning would be incredible. If they could just avoid LT and QB they could do so much long term good.

  24. Seahawkwalt

    If we were to trade Metcalf for #10, then we could have a ton of mid round draft picks in a very deep draft if we were to trade down multiple times w one of the first rounders

    • Roy Batty

      I expect we hear his new contract details very soon after the draft.

      They will field offers leading up to the first pick, then sign him ASAP next week.

      He’s the only stud WR from his draft class attending workouts, and talking up his team.

      That says a lot about his situation.

    • Scot04

      Unlikely they trade him now, but if they did I’d rather have #35, 38 & 69 vrs #10.
      Basically same value only at the sweet spot of the draft & ability to fill more holes.

  25. Big Mike

    Thanks Rob. Disappointing first pick but seems utterly inevitable based on the holes at Tackle they’ve created. Ifedi 2.0.
    Rest looks pretty good and would make me happy.

    • Big Mike

      My hope is that if the round goes as you’ve predicted, Baltimore takes Germaine…..er, Trevor and Seattle pivots (to Davis?).

    • CaptainJack

      Could also be Kolton Miller 2.0 (good player)

      who knows

  26. Sean

    Well, for better or worse, I now have my hopes set on Thibodeaux falling to #9 and the Seahawks staying put and taking him. Unlikely, but sounds like it is more possible than say, 24-48 hours ago.

    Sounds like there is plenty of buzz about the Seahawks bumping up into the back end of the 1st round to take Ridder. Matt Miller reported today that “The Seahawks have done the most pre-draft work on Ridder of any team.” I just cannot get Ridder’s flop against Bama out of my head; he had a golden opportunity to show his talents on a national stage and did absolutely nothing. I want to see a top QB prospect rise up in those moments and make some plays to help show their mettle.

    • Rob Staton

      I think it’s pretty unlikely KT lasts

      8 is his floor I think

  27. CaptainJack

    If this is actually how the draft night plays out I’m going to be sick. However, getting Linderbaum and Tindall day two would almost make up for taking Penning round one.

    Personally my fingers are crossed that Singley lasts and the seahawks make the obvious choice.

  28. A, Chris

    Interesting stuff, Rob. Seems like a very sound and reasonable projection. Hope you grade out well. I have trouble thinking the Hawks take 4 O-Linemen, though.

    I’m keeping my eye on Troy Anderson over Tindall.
    I also think they’ll take a tight end in the mold of Dissly- maybe Otten or Ruckert. They may also like Bellinger after his Senior Bowl appearance (and Jim Nagy’s praise).

    A weird flyer on day 3 (or priority UDFA) might be Isaiah Pacheco out of Rutgers. Kind of a gadget/role guy on the surface but he’s got a lot of juice. Ran a 4.37 at 220 and put up 27 on the bench. I could definitely see him stealing a spot on the roster after training camp.

    And his teammate Bo Melton is my draft crush this year. Kids got some of the best releases in the class.

    Happy Draft Day, y’all.

    • DougM

      Those are all good observations. James Mitchell would be another TE to add to the mix.

  29. Hawkster

    Like that mock’s plausibility. The trade back gives up fair bit of value vs the trade value charts, so not being too greedy there (the 83 instead of 101 would be closer to straight up according to trade charts). Reasonable to expect Penning at 15, Tindall at 41, Clemons at 101, Bruss at 109, Pierce 72

    There are a lot of chances for Linderbaum to leave before 40, I’m thinking he doesn’t make it into the 2nd, unless maybe folks are looking at Tom/Strange/Jurgens/West as better value. If the 101 was instead an 83 maybe get a stab at on of these IOLs in R3?

    Looking forward the final Horizontal chart. The horizontal chart is my main source for finding who to youtube some film on. Just a great resource.

  30. Ashish

    Will like if hawks end up these four players. I really want good center and running back to start with and good DE. Hope 1st pick is worth a risk, but 1st pick is mostly flop for hawks.

    #40 — Tyler Linderbaum (C, Iowa)
    #41 — Channing Tindall (LB, Georgia)
    #72 — Dameon Pierce (RB, Florida)
    #101 — Michael Clemons (DE, Texas A&M)

  31. HawkFan907

    Looks good Rob. I’m holding out hope that Penning is a smokescreen masterclass laid out by the guys. If not, Johnson would be a steal. If Johnson goes 8 and Thibodeaux is there at 9, I’m calling Dallas (who is rumored to love him). If I can get a 2023 first and some more mid round picks for that all the better.

    #24 – Kyler Gordon
    #40 – Abraham Lucas
    #41 – Channing Tindall
    #72 – Dameon Pierce
    #88 – Michael Clemons
    #101 – Logan Bruss
    #129 – Danny Gray
    #145 – Percy Butler
    #153 – Jack Coan
    #229 – James Empey

  32. cha

    Speaking of first round picks, Matty Beniers appears to be the real deal so far. 7 pts in 8 games.

    He didn’t hustle back and cover his man resulting in a Kings goal. Very next play he leads a rush and draws a defensemen and sets up Eberle for a goal. Atta boy.

    • Nova hawk

      Side note…. Has anyone seen the Baker Mayfield / AT&T commercial about trading in his beloved 10 year old phone for a new better one? It feels like he is all but talking to the Seahawks. Funny commercial.

      • Kenny Sloth

        That was bleeding Matt Stafford my g

        I don’t really want baker in seattle

    • Jordan

      Stud. And just a teenager. That’s like DK fumbling on the 1 against Dallas one week and then chasing down Budda another week.

      Should be in the rookie of the year race next season.

      They’ll add a really nice prospect high in this draft. Wright, Cooley, Savoie, Juraj, Nemec.

      Their Russian goaltending prospect looks legit too.

      • cha

        Juraj is a man among boys. He’s my early crush.

  33. Mr drucker in hooterville

    I am rooting for Penning to get drafted prior to #9.

    • JC3

      Please, I don’t want another human turnstile ala Ifedi.

  34. KennyBadger

    Is it technically blog Christmas Eve tonight? I hope we don’t get poop.

    • mtpgod

      Or Cole (Strange) in our stockings.

      • Sea Mode

        Well played! (but I like Strange’s potential)

  35. Denver Hawker

    I don’t love it, but I don’t hate it either. The Penning trade only feels palatable to me because of who you selected with the added picks.

    I’m hoping we can find the elusive “game wrecker”, but also hoping you win the Huddle Report.

    Nice work this season Rob- outstanding as usual.

  36. Jordan

    McShay on PMT had the Hawks very much in on Jordan Davis.

    • Rob Staton

      It’s very random all considered

      I think, as noted in the piece, that he is possibly the Plan B if they trade down and Penning isn’t there

  37. Old but Slow

    I am hoping that our first pick will be on defense, and pin that hope on the idea that it would be a message to his new defensive coaches.

    Rob’s last big board showed one offensive player with a pure 1st round grade (Neal), and 9 defensive players. While there is strength throughout the class on both sides of the ball, the top 10 does not seem as star studded as most years, so the value of those picks is diminished.

    Take advantage of strengths when they present themselves, so, if the team stays at #9, go defense.

  38. ShowMeYourHawk

    Rob,

    First of, let me echo the many thanks of my fellow avid readers. You really have a passion for this stuff that’s overwhelming addictive and I’m so happy for you that you’ve been getting more attention from local (PNW) media and even having gained some access to national sports media. Once each Super Bowl concludes, I always look forward to hopping on the blog here to get the scoop on how the Hawks can improve. Thanks for giving up free and family time for us. Appreciated.

    As a Nevada alum, I’m tickled at the prospect of Doubs and Strong both being drafted by my favorite team. Doubs has been wildly underrated nationally. He’s got real potential to be a solid #2 or #3 WR at the next level. If Strong’s leg could stay even at 80% for his career, he could be a QB you could win with, if not because of. That said, it’s not likely. He’s probably played his best football, to this point. Though, with your predictions of the Hawks drafting so many OL this year, maybe they could keep Strong having to move…. like, at all?

  39. BoiseSeahawk

    Thanks to you Rob, the Seahawks likely have the best fan-driven draft analysis in the league. You might have to start blocking any readers from outside our fanbase to avoid any intel leaks.

    Before I found this blog I’d maybe tune in to the draft and do 2 mock drafts per year. Now I easily do about 200/year. It beats scrolling through facebook or instagram every time!

    On the draft selection though, I really hope they don’t go for Penning. Using our most valuable draft asset from trading the best QB in franchise history just to move back and select the first player not from a major conference seems like a recipe for disappointment to me. How big a gap is there between Penning and Lucas?

    For the record I hope they pick ALL defense.

    • mtpgod

      I used to only frequent FieldGulls, now this is the only site I dwell, Rob is the best and tells it like it is. I used to see commentors at FG say Rob was too negative and they didn’t like it…some of us like/prefer ppl who call it straight/tell it like it is. If I want rainbows and fuzzies, I’ll watch cartoons.
      For the record, I want all trenches, all day. Sick of being pushed around by the 49ers/Rams, I want physical alphas who will fight to the death.

  40. Peter

    Rob absolutely amazing stuff.

    A lot of great names to begin filling out the roster.

    Stoked for this weekend.

  41. Twoten

    Rob,

    First time commenter, long time reader. Obviously really appreciate all you do (need to figure out patreon, will do that next). Just wanted to say it was refreshing to see your open-mindedness play out with JJ slipping to 10. I know you’ve been saying no edges will make it to 9 for awhile; the nuts to go back on that, on your final mock (the competitive one!) because you think the tea leaves might be indicating a new possibility….that’s just so damn refreshing in this day and age of internet echo chambers and circle jerks. Thanks for being reasonable (which doesn’t sound like much of a compliment, until you log onto Twitter lol).

    Keep up the awesome work, don’t forgot about us when you go big time in the American football scene!

  42. Jabroni-DC

    Tossing in my guess. Pete Carroll remembers that stopping the run & running the football is how he builds a foundation. That paired with the shotgun method of drafting via multiple trade downs.

    #9 – Jordan Davis, DT Georgia
    #48 – Sam Williams, EDGE Mississippi
    #61 – Kenneth Walker III, RB MSU
    #72 – Cole Strange, OL Tenn-Chattanooga
    #109 – Rasheed Walker, OT Penn State
    #129 – Tariq Castro-Fields, CB Penn State
    #139 – Damarri Mathis, CB Pittsburgh
    #153 – Obinna Eze, OT TCU
    #155 – Cole Turner, TE Nevada
    #158 – JoJo Domann, LB Nebraska
    #183 – Percy Butler, S Louisiana
    #202 – EJ Perry, QB Brown

    • Peter

      Interesting. Been thinking about Davis a bunch….

      • mtpgod

        Shelby Harris, Al Woods, Poona..what am I missing regarding Davis or interior line being a need? If he’s the bpa, I get it, but specifically going out and seeking Davis when it seems, at least to me, that we have enormous holes at OT/Edge. Again, to confirm, I’m the opposite of a draft expert or someone who understands team building, just from my comfy seat on the couch it seems like this is helping fill our most glaring holes.

    • Tecmo Bowl

      Would love to see Davis in a Hawks uniform!
      Heres my ideal draft. Traded down from 41 for 50+103. Traded 153 for 223+Baker@$3-4m salary

      9 Jermaine Johnson edge
      40. Abraham Lucas RT
      50. Leo Chenal LB
      72. Zach Tom C
      103. Damarri Mathis CB
      109. Rachaad White RB
      145. Tyquan Thornton WR
      223. Cameron Dicker K
      229. Isaih Pacheco RB

      Sign Duane Brown or Eric Fisher at LT.

      • Pugs1

        I really like that you have two RB’s in your mock. White & Pacheco would be great picks! IMO Nothing has had held the Seahawks back more the last five year than injuries to the RB’s

        • DougM

          I like it too, especially those two.

    • Sea Mode

      I like your draft in general and we coincided on several players. I just don’t think they’ll take Jordan Davis at 9. After a trade down, maybe. And I have a hunch they might be more interested in Devonta Wyatt/Travis Jones anyways if they’re looking interior DL.

      • Rob H

        I hope it is Jones.I think he will be special.

  43. All I see is 12s

    I too am dreading a bit of Tony Pauline‘s report. However, I would like to point out that what he reported is very, very specific. When do we ever hear such a specific report regarding teams draft plans over multiple rounds? It feels like disinformation to me. Only leaked to get teams to trade up to get those players before Seattle does perhaps with the intention of pushing other players down to Seattle’s spots. That’s what I hope anyway.

    • Rob Staton

      As I keep saying, we shouldn’t dismiss reporting from a good source just because it’s convenient to do so

      • All I see is 12s

        Not dismissing it. Just contemplating it

  44. Sea Mode

    Using the same trade down:

    #15 — Devin Lloyd (LB, Utah)
    #40 — Sam Williams (EDGE, Ole Miss) / Matt Corral (QB, Ole Miss)
    #41 — Abe Lucas (T, Washington State)
    #72 — Dameon Pierce (RB, Florida)
    #101 — Cole Strange (C, Chattanooga)
    #109 — Kevin Austin Jr. (WR, Notre Dame)
    #124 — Kerby Joseph (S, Illinois)
    #145 — Michael Clemons (DE, Texas A&M)
    #153 — Percy Butler (S, Louisiana)
    #162 — Martin Emerson (CB, Miss St.)
    #229 — Carson Strong (QB, Nevada)

    • D

      if we did that i think i’d be dancing round the room

    • Jabroni-DC

      Lloyd kills 2 birds with 1 stone so to speak. Seems like he’d be great all around. Pass rush ability with 4 INTs on top of it all. He doesn’t have the hypersonic testing numbers but the dude looks for real on the field.

      If Corral is there at #40, could easily see that being the pick.

      Nice looking draft!

  45. JimN

    Thinking about QB again. I do think that Lock is/was the guy at the time of the WIlson trade. Buzzing in my head was the idea that the Hawks would draft a QB in the later rounds as part of the competition. Now i am wondering, pretty strongly, if Mayfield might be traded for with one of those late rounds, and of course with Cleveland paying the lions share of his 2022 Salary. Another younger, yet experienced QB in the room. While not a big Mayfield fan, he has shown some real moxy before he got hurt last year. Where else would Mayfield play? The more i think about it, the more i am leaning that way.

    • Tecmo Bowl

      Same here. It’ll be interesting to see what Cleveland gets for him, they really backed themselves into a corner. Guessing a pick swap of 153 for 223+Baker @$3-4m salary might get it done. Thats a better option than cutting him.

      A true QB competition between Baker, Lock and Geno, with all being on 1 year deals.

  46. Sea Mode

    Breer on Stingley again fwiw:

    For what it’s worth, Seattle’s done a lot of work on Stingley. Taking him in the top 10 would be a pretty big departure from the team’s standard operating procedure under Pete Carroll and John Schneider—they haven’t taken a corner higher than 90th overall over the 12 drafts they have run together.

    There’s a real chance it happens this year, with new coordinator Clint Hurtt in the saddle.

    https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/04/27/2022-nfl-draft-player-grades-trades-corner-projections

    • Rob Staton

      Starting to feel like the ship has sailed there

      And that he might not be there at 9

      • Sea Mode

        Yup, that’s my feeling as well. I mean, he’s a true blue chip in any draft. Not many of those at all this year.

        But if Jermaine Johnson gets past ATL and that was PC/JS plan all along… There was also that apparent connection with PC at the Combine, too. I’m not giving up hope just yet.

  47. Tecmo Bowl

    Would be cool with Stingley. He fits the bill as a blue chipper no doubt. Have a hard time seeing JS go CB early though.

  48. Rob Staton

    Thanks for all the positive feedback on the blog all, it’s much appreciated

    And to the trolls who have re-emerged and the muppets sending nonsense when they should be enjoying the draft… 🖕

    • D-OZ

      Good one Rob!! Kracked me up!!!

  49. UkAlex6674

    No feeling Deebo will get traded Rob?

    Also, you referred to the 2017 draft as a meat and potatoes draft. Do you view this one as the same?

    Just to echo what others have said – you’ve made the draft such a fun and exciting occasion and not only from a Seahawks perspective, so thank you so much for all you do.

    Good luck with the Huddle Report!

    • Rob Staton

      Seen the reports obviously on Deebo but with 24 hours to go, it’d be unique. And if the trade doesn’t happen I’d just cost myself potential points in HR scoring.

      I think this absolutely is a meat and potatoes draft.

  50. Kenny Sloth

    Happy Draft Eve!

    Great stuff as always, Rob!

    I agree Thibodeaux would be a perfect pick and am in no way biased as a Ducks fan! Don’t think he’ll last, but hey I can dream right?

    Penning looks the part though. We just need an injection of talent at a lot of positions, but need to keep building in the trenches

    • Sea Mode

      Hey, Kenny, good to see you around! Hope you’re doing well!

      Thibs would be too good to be true, wouldn’t he? I think DET takes him at 2. Hutchinson is overrated.

      With Penning, that’s the problem: he does “look” the part with his build and athletic profile. But he’s a HUGE project IMO. I would feel more comfortable taking him in the range that we got Ifedi, who was also a project, but not in a year when we finally have a top 10 pick.

  51. Ishmael

    Another immense season, Rob, although I know it’s far from done for you yet. Continue to keep us the best informed community on the internet. Grateful the fire still burns, would have been very easy to pack it all in after the last few years.

    If Penning is the pick, I won’t love it, but it also wouldn’t make me despair. He’s far from a finished project, but he’s got genuine tools you can work with. There’s clearly more depth at DE than OT, so I can understand an argument being made that it’s a better deployment of resources than going DE at 9, then having to find a tackle in the second round or beyond. And from a broader team-building pick, as ever, this draft will be made on day two and three.

    That said, if they go Penning then dip back in to take Ridder all bets are off and I will have a full melt.

    • Sea Mode

      Same for me with that last scenario. Yikes. But I’m much lower on Penning too.

      But I would rather get Jermaine Johnson at 9 then go after Abe Lucas at 40 (perhaps even trade up a few spots if necessary). I think Lucas has tools similar to Penning with a much higher floor. He blew me away with how well he moved at the Combine, and I like his quiet worker personality.

      Johnson, Lucas, Tindall would be the ideal start for me since I think Stingley will be off the board.

      • Ishmael

        Only real argument I can mount against that scenario (which would be absolutely outstanding) is that it is only one scenario – and it requires a lot to go right. I think Lucas will end up going a fair bit higher than the media do, and that he needs an agent who’s more willing to put in the PR work on his behalf. Say you get Johnson, but Lucas goes at say…33, what are you left with?

        I think they’ve dug themselves a hole with the tackles this offseason and are going to have to force things a bit – just to really mix things up after the last five years of abject mismanagement.

        • Sea Mode

          True, Lucas could get away from them.

          In that case, I think you just pay up what it takes for Duane Brown and roll with Curhan or whoever on the right, kick the can to next year.

          Just hate forcing a pick of a lesser talent just to fill a hole they dug themselves.

          • Rob H

            I would love your first 3 if it happened, Sea Mode.

  52. McZ

    First, as ever, I’d like to thank Rob for his thorough analysis and hard work.

    The growing mentions of this place within the wider draft media world, acclaiming a higher than ever profile, are well deserved. I get that feeling, that you will need to defend your IP much more in the years to come.

    I would be happy, if our draft would be such a trench heavy and culture setting affair. Disregarding the names, I want a “Rob style draft”.
    (But still, there is that miserable gut feeling, that this might be not the plan.)

    Penning will possibly be gone by #15. The only true R1 OT prospect, with Neal, Ekwonu and Cross all having their kick-in-to-guard questionmarks. Tough. But if it’s not Penning, then take Zion Johnson, and swap Bruss for Waletzko in later rounds. Or go the Abe Lucas route. Lots of options.

    That said, I also wonder if a Trevor Penning is the right way for the Seahawks to rebuild their bullying reputation. A setting, where teams heading to the PNW know, it’s not only a long flight, but also a physical, tedious affair to grind down what is currently a team in full rebuild mode.

    On the defensive side of the ball, IMO this cultural impact is connected to two names… Jordan Davis and Channing Tindall. Add Tyler Linderbaum on offense, plus using the depth of the draft to fill out the OL, and we should be okay.

    • Ben

      I would call Cross the best LT prospect despite lack of strength. I think kicking inside would probably be worse for him.

      All in on adding some culture fits. No finesse!

  53. D

    great work as always rob. i still dislike the idea of them picking penning especially if johnson is still on the board. But i can see the possibility of them doing it. love the other picks though

  54. samprassultanofswat

    I am going to keep an open mind on the Seahawk draft of 2022. I will reserve judgement until after the 2022 draft.

    I still remember the 2012 NFL draft. The Hawks had a chance to take either Fletcher Cox or Chandler Jones. Instead they took Bruce Irvin. Cox/Jones were the players I zeroed in on for the Seahawks. Irvin was a good player. But he was no Fletcher Cox or Chandler Jones.

    Value over need. Please
    Don’t sleep on Drew Lock (Shelby Harris)

  55. JD

    Rob and others,

    In agreement that Penning wouldn’t be the ideal plan but say that do that same trade down and someone takes Penning beforehand as their Plan A. Who do you think would be their Plan B at 15?

    • D

      devin lloyd would be my choice, but i wonder if they then look at davis

      • JD

        I agree those two could be in play. Probably Zion Johnson and Devonte Wyatt as well.

    • Rob Staton

      Possibly Jordan Davis.

      Or trade down again.

    • Sea Mode

      Devin Lloyd

      Wyatt or Travis Jones after a further trade down.

  56. Rob H

    Rob, thank you for making this the most entertaining and hopeful offseason in nearly a decade. I like your draft but like others here would much rather see Johnson than Penning in this scenario. Then you could swap Waletzko for Clemons. If we are going to have a developmental Tackle I hope they don’t waste the draft Capitol early for one.

  57. STTBM

    The last seven years haven’t been much fun as a Seahawks fan, the last two have been awful. I’m going to lose my last bit of hope if Seattle picks Penning–especially if they pass on Johnson or Stingley.

    There’s no way Desai is cool with the group as-is. He needs a good corner. But where can Seattle find one if Stingley isn’t there?

    I like your Mock Rob, in that it seems likey, and it gives us a few guys I covet–like Tindall, Peirce and Butler. I like the cb from WSU late, really hate the idea of Strong. Doubs is interesting.

    I’d much rather have Strange or Jurgens at C, really am hoping someone snatches Linderbaum so we have to pivot to the others. I’d like Lloyd or Chenal or Troy Anderson if we don’t get Tindall. I’d like Anderson even if we do…still hoping they get Lucas and not Penning….

  58. AlexG

    Cheers Rob, thank you!!!

  59. Mexican Hawk

    https://www.profootballnetwork.com/3-round-2022-nfl-mock-draft-tony-pauline/

    Pauline mock with same trade back with Eagles, Eagles picking same (Jameson) and Hawks picking same (Penning) only major difference is he doubled down on Hawks trading up for Ridder.

    Hawks get one of the Eagles 2023 first round picks in his example. Can strike again next year. If that is the case hope Chiefs get in the mix and an even greater trade package emerges if teams seek out the speedster from Alabama. By going back to the late 1st you probably won’t get Penning but you can maneuver back up from there the likes of Zion Johnson or Tyler Linderbaum.

    Let’s roll!

  60. Robbie

    Rob – first of all appreciate all your work man. Absolute beast! I know how much effort you put in and am grateful for all of it.
    Second – if this happens. I’ll be drinking tonight on our pod 🙂 straight whiskey. Feels like a very Seahawks thing to do and I hate that you’re probably right.

    • Sea Mode

      Whisky is like the two Lockett(e)s for the Seahawks: the one with no “e” is much better… 😜

    • Rob Staton

      Thanks man — for all of your support and help with the podcasts/streams!

  61. Bobby54

    I was watching a german potcast (don´t hate lol) yesterday and one of them is a huge Giants fan. He made a interesting prediction that they might go Malik Willis at #5. And I see where he is coming from.

    First of all, it´s interesting that the public never links them with a QB (same with the Falcons, who went for Watson and then traded Matty Ice away). Yes, they have holes at a lot of positions. But why is QB so out of question? It´s not like Danny Dimes is their long term solution. And who knows if they have the chance to pick that early again next year. They spended a lot of money in free agency.

    They have a new coaching staff and normally the new coach wants his own QB. With Jones being in the last year of his rookie contract, Willis could sit for a year ala Mahomes and would be ready to start in 2023. I am not saying that it is likely to happen. But if they go Willis at #5, i am not completely surprised.

    Regarding our picks: It´s common knowledge that the meat of this draft is at Day 2. But not every position has the same depth. I think we want to get away with OT, Edge and a DB with our first 3 picks (i am just ignoring the Ridder rumors). If Desai plans to play a lot of Nickel and Dime formations to get the best out of Adams, drafting a Safety/Nickel early would be a higher priority than let´s say LB. They seem to have interest in Cine which would support that thinking.

    At 40/41, there are a lot of good safety options available (not everybody will be there, but at least one of this group should be): Cine, Pitre, Brisker, Cross, maybe even Dax Hill. Same for Edge: Ojabo, Mafe, Ebiketie, Bonitto, Jackson, Williams. But at tackle, our options at 40/41 are very limited: maybe maybe maybe Raimann or Lucas but i don´t see them being available here. So just from this point of view, we should really go tackle with our first pick and tab into the deep Edge and Safety class at Day 2.

    In a perfect world, Neal slides to us. But i don´t see that happen, so trading down for Penning seems likely. I would also not count out Raimann after a trade down. I can see Pete absolutely loving the guy and his story. TE convert with lots of room to grow (yes he will turn 25 this summer, but tackles can have pretty long careers). Great athlete, perfekt for a zone heavy running game. I think we are very high on him.

    At 40/41, we than go for Edge (Drake Jackson has the traits and the USC connection) and DB (Jalen Pitre screams Seahawk to me and he would be a terrific fit in a Nickel formation which would be our “Base”).

    So in short my prediction for our first 3 picks:

    #9: Trade down to pick up Raimann (too early, but i like him more than Penning, would not completely hate it considering our options)
    #40: Pitre (love him, hope i am right Pete and John love him too)
    #41: Jackson (like him a lot, but would be absolutely fine with Bonitto, Mafe, Ojabo or Ebiketie)

    • Rob Staton

      I think Willis might not go in R1

      • Bobby54

        Wow, really? I think #20 is his floor but if i had bet i would say he is gone before #9 with Lions, Giants, Panthers and Falcons all being options)

        This years draft is so crazy. So many different opinions and rankings, the range of some of these prospects is ridiculous. But that sets us up for a great and entertaining draft. Well, at least from a neutral perspective

  62. Trevor

    I think the Hawks traded Russ with the idea that they would be able to add a dynamic pass rusher at #9 and for once things fall into place and the draft Jermaine Johnson at #9 despite getting several offers to trade back.

    The trio of Taylor, Johnson and Nwosu would be young, fast and dynamic. As good as any pass rush group in the league outside of SD.

    Then focus on OL and LB on day #2

  63. GoHawks5151

    Happy draft day SDB! Whatever happens the draft is way more fun when you have more than 3 picks.

    Hope it goes down. Hoping for Johnson, Lucas, trade back Jurgens and Pierce with our top 4 picks

    • Trevor

      Those are my dream top 4 picks as well.

      Would love if they could figure out a way to get Tindall as well but that might be asking too much.

    • Peter

      Completely here for that draft haul.

  64. Trevor

    If Damone Clark the LSU linebacker is there on Day #3 I really hope the Hawks take a flier on him because I thought that kid was a beast prior to the injury.

    At RB if they can’t get Dameon Pierce then I would like to see them take Pierre Strong from South Dakota St that kid is a physical freak.

  65. nolyon

    Rob, thanks so much for all the work you do. I read this site literally everyday and have come to believe that you are the best in the business as far as Seahawks go.

    I have to say that I’m SO BUMMED reading your projection. Not because I think you’re crazy or wrong, but because I know you know your stuff and I’m afraid you’re going to be right!

    You’ve hyped up Jermaine Johnson so much and got me hyped, but then it seemed like he wouldn’t be available, to have him be available and then pass on him would just be crushing for me.

    Especially for someone like Penning, when we could still get out tackle in Abe Lucas at 40.

    I just can’t get excited about adding mid round picks when we hold a top ten pick right now.

    Gosh I hope you’re wrong this time Rob.

    • Rob Staton

      I really hope they take JJ if he’s there.

  66. Dubb

    Great job, Rob. Enjoyed your content all winter (and early spring). If one of the elite 8 falls to #9 it’s an easy pick for me. However, in your mock if they trade down I think it’s for Jordan Davis or Mofe. If Davis keeps the weight down, I think he’s a game wrecker from the inside. If you can’t get the top 4 edge guys, Mofe is a good consolation. Then to get someone like Rasheed Walker in the 2nd. It’s should be an interesting 3 days.

  67. Steve R

    I’m still hoping we can land a top pass rusher. Heck I’d love to see Davis selected after a quick trade down. I think he can be a monster from the 5tech on rushing downs and NT. Not a need, but the guy is a monster. There are some good tackles to be had in our 2nd round range imo.

    • DAVID JOAQUIN

      I agree with this Steve totally.

  68. DAVID JOAQUIN

    Im still thinking they go get Thib or grab Stingley
    You retool the defense with coaches and scheme and you get your guys
    Last year was an offense and we got D Esk.

  69. David Ashton

    Really cool mock Rob. I came down and in each spot I could see the rationale. Especially the trades up. Great work

  70. Malanch

    Rob, John Canzano discussed Kayvon Thibodeaux on KXL yesterday, and included analysis from Nick Aliotti. In their judgment, teams would be wise to RUN from Thibodeaux. Extremely high bust probability. Your mock has the Hawks dodging the bullet, but what if the guy slides to #9? Would PCJS fall for it?

    • Rob Staton

      Why are you talking like whatever was said on this show is gospel?

      • Malanch

        Sure, we can ignore the Oregon insiders, but what happens when their warnings reinforce my own observations? Acknowledging this reinforcement is not treating their analysis as gospel.

        • Rob Staton

          You didn’t just acknowledge it though, did you? Your language implied it as factual (they dodge a bullet, will they fall for it).

          I spoke to someone in the league yesterday who told me exactly what the situation is with KT (have a listen). So nobody’s ignoring anyone.

          You’ll have to forgive me though if I don’t just assume some vague negatives on a radio talk show don’t move the needle for me over actual people in the league.

          • Malanch

            Probability. The operative term was probability. And yes, I would see not being faced with a Thibodeaux decision as dodging a bullet, simply because I don’t trust the Seahawks to manage that risk wisely. Also, I wouldn’t be so readily dismissive of Nick Aliotti’s candid assessment; he’s as plugged in to Oregon football as it gets. But the real argument against Thibodeaux resides in what he has put on film. Over his final year, he was largely a nonfactor when his team needed him most (ugh, those Utah games), and how could one reasonably predict a sudden change in that trend? Anyway, keep up the good work, Rob. Best Hawks coverage anywhere.

            • Rob Staton

              This is what you said:

              Your mock has the Hawks dodging the bullet, but what if the guy slides to #9? Would PCJS fall for it?

              And like I said, that quote clearly shows you took that vague negativity on talk show radio as gospel.

              Secondly, I didn’t dismiss anything. I said it’s vague and negative. And it is.

              I’ve watched the tape and have no problem with it.

  71. Olyhawksfan

    I could get behind that draft class, just hope the o-line prospects can step up. The guy that I would be the most excited about would be Clemons. He might be the real Thanos because of his voice.

  72. bk matty

    I have Lindbaum going in teh 20s, he is a Nick Mangold type. Starting C for 10yrs. Plus has size to grow. Iowa breeds em, Ferentz is the best OL guy in the biz, like Wirfs.. His guys are ready to play. LIndbaum is zero risk day 1 starter at C for a generation. He goes in 20s easily and Id target him if we trade back far enough in first.

    • bk matty

      century not generation.

      • bk matty

        Jets drafted D’brick and Mangold in 04 iirc, had a rock solid OL for 10yrs….

    • Rob Staton

      Mangold wasn’t scheme specific and he went at #29 — just before the end of R1

      So I wouldn’t say things like he goes in the 20’s easily. Especially when the average point where the first center leaves the board in the draft is in the 40’s

      • bk matty

        If im drafting 22-28 and I have a guy who is the center of my line for a decade, its irrelevant the number mate! You are grabbing him because you know hes not there 20-25 picks later when you get another look.

  73. Jason

    Haha, your last three picks are exactly the same as the ones I had in my last sim mock last night.

    Looking forward to Strong winning the 2024 Superbowl with a pass to Doubs.

  74. Aaron H

    To start, you’re the man Rob. I think I speak for everyone here when I say thank you so much for all the amazing coverage.
    Great mock and unfortunately I think you’re right with the Penning projection.
    If Jermaine falls to 9 I’d love us to just take the blessing and move on.
    There’s also been a good amount of buzz with us liking Cole Strange. I wouldn’t mind it if we traded back from 41, picked up additional draft capital and selected Strange later.
    Last note, I agree Pierce is a good prospect but with Hawks multiple years from contention I’d prefer us to wait until next year (stronger RB class) and build the core. I’m fine with patching together the rb group for 1 more year.

    Impossible to know where our picks end up falling w/ trades but here’s my wishlist
    Jermaine Johnson
    Abraham Lucas
    Channing Tindall
    Linderbaum/Jurgens/Strange
    Sam Williams
    Michael Clemons
    Logan Bruss
    Jaylen Watson

    Alternates
    Stingley (probably gone)
    Devonte Wyatt
    Lewis Cine
    Zion Johnson
    Perion Winfrey
    Nick Cross

    Praying we pass on RIdder or any other QB with our 1st & 2nd rd picks.

  75. Seahawkwalt

    Come to DaDa Mr Ebiketie….I feel it in my bones despite the 1.69 split

  76. QuestionMark

    It sounds like most of your readers are waiting, if not expecting, to be disappointed with the Seahawks selections, especially at the top of the draft. That is certainly understandable given past product. I have two rhetorical questions regarding your proposed Seahawks selections: Sitting at #9 where the Seahawks can grab a difference-maker, why (other than past history) would you have them trade down only to select the “fourth-best OT” when we could get the #1 rated player at another position of need? Maybe you’re suggesting that past history says this is what PC/JS will do. This year I believe will be different for the reason which leads to my second question: Why would the FO bring in a new defensive coaching cadre and give them no impact players at the top of the draft? My sense is that PC/JS will emphasize the defensive side of the ball this year. Tindall is a solid pick at #41 and would be even better if paired with Jordan Davis (or JJ or KT). Add a CB in the mid-rounds and you have improved the defense at all three levels. I’m not saying they should neglect the OL…getting one of the guys you’ve highlighted (Linderbaum, Jurgens, Abrams or Zion Johnson) could help. But Rome wasn’t built in a day…I think we go defense. If indeed OT is the number one priority then we should trade-up and get one of the top 3, if possible.

    • Rob Staton

      1. They spent an entire press conference constantly talking about trading down last week

      2. They have one million needs

      3. They trade down a lot

      4. They weren’t going to get the #1 rated player at another position unless you expect them to take another WR

      5. I think they like Penning and #9 is too early Penning

      6. They have gaping holes at tackle

  77. M

    Could that trade with the Eagles include one Gardner Minshew? 🤔

    • Rob Staton

      Doubt it

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