Insider info: Bob McGinn’s latest draft nuggets

Heisman finalist Melvin Gordon could be an early first round pick

I’m going to do my first 2015 mock draft tomorrow. No trades. Just a projection now that we’re at the end of the college football regular season. I’m in two minds whether to do the weekly mocks this year. It might be a case of doing a mock after the Senior Bowl, combine, and then going weekly in April.

For now I’d recommend checking out Bob McGinn’s latest piece for the Milwaukee Sentinel. Every year McGinn gathers information from scouts and front office staff to get an inside view on the top prospects. For the most part it’s a really valuable source. Here’s a review of what’s said with a few of my own opinions along the way.

Quarterbacks

McGinn’s guys heap praise on Marcus Mariota (who will surely be the #1 pick next year) but voice concerns about Jameis Winston. “I would be deathly scared to have him” says one unnamed scout. Even when you put aside all the concerns off the field, Winston has not taken a positive step forward in 2014. He’s constantly been the cause and solution to FSU’s problems — starting slowly, making wild mistakes and then leading the fight back.  The scout adds: “He’s so freaking inaccurate to start games. He’s off the mark more than he’s on. He has arm strength and a good delivery. He’s a nightmare.”

I’m unlikely to include Winston in my first round projection tomorrow. The red flags in terms of performance and character are just too big. On December 1st Tony Pauline reported the following:

“…Talk with scouts or next level decision makers who watch the film in its entirety rather than the highlights and they’ll tell you Winston’s penchant for turning the ball over (is) very disconcerting. Talent? Lots of it. Upside? An enormous amount. But also an equal amount of downside risk which is dangerous for any signal caller, especially one who seems to struggle controlling himself off the field.”

Running backs

The scouts McGinn spoke to raved about Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon. Before his ACL injury Gurley looked like a potential top-five pick and Gordon a possible mid-first rounder. The same sentiment is shared here. On Gurley, one scout states: “He’s special. I don’t think he’ll ever run before (the draft) but you don’t need him to because he’s so fast on film. Not a lot of wear and tear on him because they rotate so many backs.” And on Gordon: “He’s a bigger version of Jamaal Charles. He’ll run 4.42. He’s really good.”

It’s worth noting another source told McGinn he saw Gordon as a second rounder. The thing is, it only takes one team to fall in love and he’s gone. I’m absolutely positive someone is going to feel like they need Melvin Gordon in the middle of the first round. Ian Rapoport has suggested the Seahawks have interest in him — but it seems like a major stretch to expect he’ll last until the end of round one.

There’s no indication on Gurley’s stock post-injury. It’s interesting though that he was originally being graded in the top five. There is absolutely no way the Seahawks would’ve had a shot at him without the ACL tear. If they get an opportunity now — with or without Marshawn Lynch — they have to consider it. He’s just too good.

Interestingly McGinn’s sources also tout Alabama’s T.J. Yeldon as a “definite” first rounder. He’s a former 5-star recruit and as a freshman looked like the next big thing. Yeldon never really delivered on that promise. In the SEC title game against Missouri he had 14 carries compared to Derrick Henry’s 20. Henry finished with 141 yards compared to Yeldon’s 47.

Four other running backs were graded in the #25-60 range — raising the possibility of four going in the first round. That’s how good this class is. Indiana’s Tevin Coleman was named first, perhaps coincidentally. He seems the most likely to work into round one and could be as good as Gurley and Gordon.

Wide receiver/Tight end

According the the scouts here, receiver and offensive line are the two best areas in the 2015 draft. Unsurprisingly Alabama’s Amari Cooper is expected to go in the top ten. “Excellent hands. Very explosive and fast. One of the better route runners to come out in a long, long time. Very skilled. Had big-time production.” Kevin White and Devante Parker are the next two players mentioned, again, somewhat predictably.

Aurburn’s D’haquille ‘Duke’ Williams and Sammie Coates are listed as possible first rounders. We talked about both briefly yesterday. Williams is the kind of player Seattle currently lacks. He’s not incredibly tall (around 6-2) but he has the size (220lbs) to box out defenders, win physical match-ups in the red zone and compete for the ball in the air. He has genuine #1 receiver potential. This is his first year at Auburn after converting from the JUCO ranks. It’s unclear whether he intends to declare. One of McGinn’s guys compared him to Alshon Jeffrey and Mike Evans. He’s not as big, but he’d be used in the same way.

Coates is a different player — incredibly athletic. One of the best athletes in college football. He’s all muscle and lightning fast. One scout tells McGinn, “He’s definitely going to (run) 4.3” but with a caveat, “does he have consistently strong hands?” The answer, sadly, is no. Coates is a big play specialist. In the Iron Bowl against Alabama made numerous chunk plays down field. He’s a true speed receiver. In the right offense he could be an explosive weapon. But he needs to improve his consistency.

Arizona State’s Jaelen Strong also gets a mention as a possible first rounder. For me he’s just such an underwhelming player and is more likely to go in the middle rounds. Here’s Tony Pauline’s take:

“Many are concerned with his lack of speed, quickness and the struggle he’ll have separating at the next level. Several area scouts have stamped Strong as a third rounder based off the film.”

As for the tight ends — Michigan’s Devin Funchess doesn’t get a terrible review. “He’s not unlike Jared Cook, who’s with the Rams… Pretty talented kid. Will he be your split-out tight end-H-back or a bigger wideout? I lean more toward the mismatch at tight end. He’s going to be kind of a hybrid player.” I’d say he’s one to watch for Seattle based on his size and upside — but he’s such a frustrating player to watch. Too many of these big hybrid-type players have entered the draft recently and not delivered. Funchess looks like a guy who needs to be pushed. He announced his decision to declare for the draft today.

Defensive line

The scouts speak highly of Washington’s Danny Shelton, insisting he’s the kind of prospect who will go in round one: “True nose tackle… When there’s a rare nose tackle like that, they go (high).” I’m still not sold on Shelton going as early as the first. Several other true nose tackles have entered the draft in recent years, looked like possible first rounders and faded away. He isn’t the second coming of Dontari Poe in terms of athleticism. He has nine sacks but seven came against Eastern Washington, Hawaii and Georgia State in the first four weeks of the season. The Senior Bowl will be big for Shelton.

McGinn’s sources confirm lofty expectations for Randy Gregory (Nebraska), Leonard Williams (USC), Eddie Goldman (FSU), Vic Beasley (Clemson) Dante Fowler Jr (Florida), Shane Ray (Missouri) and Bud Dupree (Kentucky). They add a few other names to the first round mix — Mario Edwards (FSU) and Jarran Reed (Alabama). We’ve been banging the drum for Oklahoma’s Jordan Phillips — he’s described as an early second rounder. I suspect he could slip into the first for the same reasons Danny Shelton possibly could. Phillips really is a nose tackle with rare athletic qualities.

On Kentucky’s Dupree — one of my favorite players in this class — one scout says: “He can be a physical player but he also can be an athlete… Has played both up and down. As he’s gotten better the defense has gotten better. Great kid. All the intangible stuff.” For me he could go in the top ten.

Baylor’s Shawn Oakman — who gives off a ‘looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane’ vibe — comes in for some criticism: “Looks like he’s going to be whoop (expletive) and he just isn’t… Looks like a pro but he’s got a lot of rawness to his game.” Size is both a positive and a negative for Oakman. He carries 280lbs better than any player in football, in part due to a 6-8 frame. But he’s not a sudden player who moves with the freedom of a 6-4 rusher. He’s kind of awkward. Even with a strong get-off he doesn’t really explode as you’d expect. He has all the length in the world but he’s a little bit stiff.

Offensive line

I wouldn’t expect the Seahawks to go after an offensive lineman early in 2015. They’ve already spent a top ten pick on a left tackle, a first round pick on a left guard, a second round pick on a right tackle and the center is a second rounder from the previous regime. They also used a third rounder on the now-retired John Moffitt. Even if James Carpenter walks as a free agent, does anyone really expect Seattle to go big on a guard? Have we not seen enough from Alvin Bailey to believe he can take over that role if necessary?

Cedric Ogbuehi (Texas A&M) is named as the top tackle but with an asterisk: “He’s soft… Never practices.” A more pressing concern for me would be the high number of sacks Ogbuehi has conceded since switching to left tackle in 2014. Does he have to move back to the right side as a pro? Does anyone really want to draft a “soft” tackle early?

I’ve felt for a while La’el Collins (LSU) and Brandon Scherff (Iowa) are better suited at guard — a view backed up here by McGinn’s sources. “Collins is a lot like Scherff… He was a guard early in his career.” Andrus Peat is touted as the first tackle likely to be taken if he declares, but Tony Pauline recently reported he was expected to stay at Stanford. There’s no doubt in my mind that Peart is the best prospect in terms of pass protection. And that’s what you want from a possible franchise left tackle.

Two other favorites — T.J. Clemmings (Pittsburgh) and Cameron Erving (FSU) are listed as possible first rounders. Since Erving switched to center he’s been nearly unstoppable.

Secondary

Overall it looks like a mediocre class. We might not see a first round cornerback — and Alabama’s Landon Collins might be the only DB to go in the top-32 altogether. McGinn’s scouts have a similar take — although there is an interesting update on Washington’s Marcus Peters: “He tried to strangle a coach on the sidelines… Then they let him back on the team and he did it all over again. Try selling that to your head coach.” On Peters, Tony Pauline recently reported:

“The issues which led to his dismissal from the Washington football program are well documented but several area scouts say it’s just the tip of the iceberg.”

Louisville’s Gerod Holliman has 14 interceptions in 2014, but that isn’t enough to gain any praise from McGinn’s scouts. “He needs to go back to school… He’s horrible. He can’t make a tackle to save his life. He’s got pretty good instincts but he’s not that athletic.”

Oregon’s Ifo Ekpre-Olomu entered the year with high expectations, but he struggled. There’s no respite here: “He’d be much better playing in the slot.. Good tackler, good blitzer, around the football. Little stiff. Probably not great top-end speed.” Slot receivers are valuable commodities these days. Look at Sunday’s game in Philadelphia — Seattle put their #2 corner in the slot and Tharold Simon started outside. For that reason Ekpre-Olomu could still hold some value for the right team.

According to McGinn’s sources, Mississippi State’s Will Redmond could be in the first round mix: “I’d say late first or second round… He will be more of an off corner. I think he will run in the 4.3s.” Redmond is 6-0 and 182lbs.

68 Comments

  1. Volume 12

    Rob, what do you think of Oregon’s dl Deforest Buckner and de-Leo Tony Washington? Also two cb’s who are ‘Seahawky’ are Miami,Ohio’s CB Quinten Rollins- freak athlete, former b-ball player, only played 12 games of cfb, crazy high upside/potential, good size at 6’0, 202 lbs. And BYU’S Robertson Daniel; This kid is so confident and has so much swagger. Listening to his interview’s he seems like he’d fit right in in the LOB. 6’1, 198 lbs., loves to hit and plays the run well, he’s got that ‘angry’ Doug Baldwin vibe and seems to have the requisite arm length Seattle loves.

    • Rob Staton

      Apologies but I haven’t studied any of these players enough to offer an opinion.

      • Volume 12

        That’s alright. As for the two cb’s I pointed out that’s just my opinion of them and a couple of guys to possibly keep an eye on for the Seahawks annual 5th or 6th round cb selection.

        • Rob Staton

          After the Eric Pinkins pick last year, I pretty much decided to give up chasing Seattle corners 🙂 It’s like they’re deliberately obscure.

          • AlaskaHawk

            That sums up my feelings about Seattle’s early round drafting strategy. I have a list of what I think they need, which for me starts with another defensive linemen. Even if I’m right about the position they will probably trade down a few times and then pick some obscure player that the rest of the world rates as a second or third rounder. I support the team fully but the last few years choices have been marginal for their position value. Many other pundits had better choices in the first few rounds last draft, including this site. While I understand the thrill of uncovering a gem that should be left for the mid to later rounds. We need solid starters. I’m okay with Richardson and Britt, they perform adequately – just not at a first or second round value. Not like Wagner for instance.

            So I look at the options, no real great tall receivers, and I think that position should be picked in the mid rounds when you can take a few chances. We need solid starters and they will be available in the defensive line and at running back.

            • Volume 12

              Yeah, it seems that the edge rushers in this year’s draft could be like the wr’s in last year’s draft. Who are some names you like AlaskaHawk? Two potential Leo’s I like are Lsu’s Danielle Hunter and Michigan st.’s Shilique Calhoun. A lot of good under-classmen this year it seems at almost every position. And a couple sleepers are Oregon’s Tony Washington and Montana’s Zach Wagenmann.

              • Ben2

                If so, I hope we don’t miss out by getting too cute….I feel like that happened a bit at wr this past draft. Edge rushers are expensive and if you can get one on a rookie contract that would be great

              • AlaskaHawk

                I don’t have any names. I would favor defensive players from championship teams like Alabama, Florida State, Oregon and Ohio State. I’ve also had a crush on Miss State and Ole Miss this year, Lots of good players on those teams.

            • JeffC

              This post sums up my thoughts on their early round drafting since they abandoned conventional wisdom after wisely selecting Okung and Thomas.

          • Volume 12

            Rob, have you seen that video of ‘Duke’ Williams inside the locker room when he was at the JUCO level? I’m having trouble embedding images (think it’s on you tube), but anyway that clip shows some BIG TIME leadership, maturity, and intensity. I’m starting to develop a man crush on this kid. Glad we finally see eye to eye on a potential Seahawk wr. I’m hoping maybe he’s your mock pick to Seattle tomorrow? Really looking forward to that by the way.

            • Rob Staton

              I haven’t but I’ll check it out.

            • Phil

              Volume 12 — is this the video? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB_vk2RQ29k&feature=youtube_gdata

              Reminds me of the pre-game words we used to hear from Big Red or Earl Thomas.

              • Volume 12

                Yes, thank you Phil! So glad someone posted that and also likes it. And I wasn’t thinking Big Red or Earl, but now that you say that;s exactly what comes to mind. Would this kid not fit in perfectly in our wr room? I know he’s not that 6’4 or 6’5 coveted wr, but he’s the same size as Dez, Andre Johnson, and probably a few others. Do you like him Phil?

                • Phil

                  Check out this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFY9gatN-5Y

                  How’s that for a Red Zone weapon? I hope he decides to enter the draft. He’s had some MCL problems and maybe that will cause some teams to go cool on drafting him.

                  • Volume 12

                    WOW, just WOW! This is the type of wr Seattle will like. He’s not just a big wr, but he’s an exceptional athlete as well. Yeah, I’ve been praying he enters the draft too Phil. The MCL injury will probably scare off some teams, but not Seattle. I was against a 1st rd. Pick at wr, but not if it’s this kid. Although I’d prefer him in the 2nd Rd. and Lsu De-Leo Danielle Hunter or Michigan St De-Leo Shilique Calhoun in the 1st.

  2. Jon

    I don’t think Gordon will be a Seahawk. He is tops in CFB in one category that is very important to PC/JC, and it is not good to be tops in. He has 5 fumbles lost this year (This does not include all fumbles). 5 Fumbles in 13 games scares me like crazy, especially when he will face smarter, faster, bigger, stronger players when he gets to the NFL.

    • Rob Staton

      It’s a concern but I will say this. In 2011 Lynch had three fumbles and lost two. In 2012 he had seven total fumbles and lost four. In 2013 he had four fumbles and lost one. This year he has two fumbles and lost one with three to play. So Lynch has been known to put the ball on the ground and yet Seattle has lived with it because he’s such a good player. If they think Gordon is a potential stud, I think they’ll live with and try to fix that problem too.

      • Michael M.

        I tend to think that fumble problems are one of the easiest things to improve with good coaching. Adrian Peterson had 20 fumbles in his first three years in the league, and only 11 since then. And when I say good coaching, I don’t mean the knowledge of how not to fumble; pretty much everyone has that, I mean the emphasis put on it by the coaching staff. No one puts more emphasis on avoiding turnovers than Pete Carroll. It’s all about the ball.

    • rowdy

      I absolutely love gorden as a football player. His teams qb was not just bad but nonexistent and teams knew all they had to do was stop him. His oline is badass though. He has a lot of grit to his game to. Fumbles are a problem though

  3. Turp

    I would love to draft Cameron Erving, but I assume a 1st rounder for a center would be too much for the Hawks. Unger is becoming quite injury prone.

    • Hay stacker509

      On the center topic, Rob what’s your opinion on centers to be drafted maybe? Unger is damn good and maybe this year is an off year but do you think this is an area the Seahawks might consider 2-3 rds?

    • Ben2

      I don’t know….our run game is important and look at that Dallas o-line and how good it’s made Murray look.

    • Michael M.

      I’d love to replace Unger. He’s always banged up these days, and I haven’t seen the consistent quality of play since 2012. Since we’ll be picking 32nd in the first round again, I wouldn’t mind pulling a move(s) similar to last year and getting a center in the top half of R2.

      Probably won’t happen though. Unger is still young (for a center) and under contract for another 2 years, and wouldn’t provide much financial relief if we cut him ($2.2 dead money)

  4. CA

    At this point in the season I think DL, RB, WR, OL, TE should be our first 5 picks(more or less in no particular order). The draft process will situationally sort the value of our selections out as it does every year and we’ll trust PCJS and the FO to do what they do best. They will continue to find explosive play guys(which they absolutely dominated Philly in 20+ yd plays like they did in every category of that game) on both sides of the ball. I just think that bolstering the offensive and defensive lines will be the best way to keep Seattle on top given their current situtation. Go Hawks

  5. rowdy

    What’s your opinion of Washington’s de (don’t want to butcher his name). He seems like a great Leo prospect. UW used him in a lot of ways like setting the edge and covering screens. I’m kinda surprised he’s almost an after thought right now.

    • peter

      rowdy,

      Did you mean Oregon State? I just WSU’s roster and there was nobody who had a name that stood out….then I remembered OSU Obum Gwacham…6’5″ a little light DE who his coaches rave about concerted TE…if this is the same guy you were thinking he’s my project pick this year

      • Jeff M.

        UW, not WSU. He means Hau’oli Kikaha.

        Tons of skill and production, great character and leadership (and a great story to come back strong after losing two years to injury), but a lot will come down to how he measures and tests at the combine. If he shows he’s big/strong enough for DE or fast/fluid enough for OLB I think he could sneak into the late 1st round (the tape and the numbers are definitely there), but if he ends up branded with the dreaded “tweener” label he could fall to the middle rounds.

        He’d be fantastic for the Seahawks if he drops to something like the late 3rd–could be very Clemons like in succeeding with hand use and moves more than size and speed–but I don’t know that he’ll get that far.

        • peter

          Thanks man

  6. Fake Anonymous NFL Scout

    If the Seahawks keep Lynch next season I wonder if they would take a flyer on Marcus Peters if he starts to fall? Lynch and Peters have a close relationship, and maybe Marshawn could hell him if he really does have that bad of an attitude problem. The Seahawks don’t have a huge need on the secondary, but he could provide good value if he falls far enough.

    • Beanhawk

      Can’t rule anything out with this front office, but this doesn’t seem like quite their style of reclamation projects. Guys who have had some drug issues, minor run-ins with the law, etc. might still be in play for this team. Players that seem unwilling to buy into the team and coaches appear to be immediate no-gos as far as the Seahawks are concerned. Pete Carroll is all about the “program,” and Peters doesn’t seem to be able to do that.

  7. Phil

    Just stating the obvious, but next year’s Seahawks draft seems exceptionally tough to predict because the fans don’t really know what the front office feels about Michael at RB, and PRich and Norwood at WR. The fact that Michael got more carries than Turbin in the last game may indicate that the front office wants to see more of him in game situations before they go ahead and use a high pick to draft a RB. (Then again, maybe Turbin got dinged and Michael was just the next guy up.) We are starting to see more of Norwood now that he has recovered from his injuries and, once again, I think the front office wants to see him in more game situations. I’m just hoping that before the Seahawks use a high pick for a RB or a WR, they get a chance to see what they already have on the shelf. The same also applies to Cassius Marsh on the DL.

  8. AlaskaHawk

    I agree with you Phil that next years draft is tough to predict. I don’t think the #1 pick will be wide receiver because the Seahawks don’t use a single wide receiver that much. One could even argue that the hawks have a decent passing game with the UDFAs and low round players they have picked up. I think it comes down to wanting somebody who can catch the ball in the specific situation of 3rd down and goal to go. We may be able to find that receiver in the mid rounds, basically we need a someone with good hands and jumping ability.

    Running backs, stat wise Michael is better then Turbin with 6.0 yards per carry vs 3.9. But Turbin has 15 receptions vs 1 for Michael. Turbin has been more effective catching the ball out of the backfield, and Michael has been more effective running the ball. I think Turbin could be replaced pretty easily, but is there a reason to replace him? Seahawks will undoubtedly pick up another running back, but with Lynch having one more year on his contract there is no need to pick above the mid rounds.

    It is easy to justify a high pick for defensive line or linebacker. Defensive line requires a large number of players if you want to rotate them. And linebacker is such a key position in stopping the run or short passes.

    Finally the offensive line. Some would argue we have spent a lot of high round draft picks on them already. I would argue that it doesn’t matter what round you pick someone. What matters is whether they play the position effectively and stay healthy. Over half the line has had a problem staying healthy. At the least they need quality backups.

    • HOUSE

      I know numbers TYPICALLY don’t lie, but Michael’s yardage in trash time doesn’t necessarily mean he’s more effective than Turbin. Turbin has had limited touches, but he is on the field blocking as well. The fact that the team had him start @ FB showed trust. Michael has been dinged for his piss poor pass protection since day 1 and to come in with no pressure and be asked nothing but to run, I think the jury is still out on him. If Lynch returns, I don’t really see a need for another RB unless they go after Gurley. If they make that move, it’ll show the complete thoughts of Michael.

      On a side note, I have seen the media hype of Jarryd Hayne (rugby star) looking at SEA/SF. The guy is 6’2″/220lbs and strong as an ox… I’d assume he’d get a short at FB/HB. Maybe be asked to play LB. Thoughts?

    • Rob Staton

      Seattle’s #1 pick last year was a receiver. They just traded down a few spots first. They also gave up a 1st, 3rd and 7th for Percy Harvin. All the evidence shows they aren’t against spending a high pick on the position just because the running game is featured.

      • AlaskaHawk

        Richardson may have been their #1 pick but he isn’t a #1 receiver and probably never will be with his smallish size. He will make an excellent #2 or #3. Harvin could have been a #1 receiver if they had sent him downfield instead of using him as a running back (‘m including bubble screens and sweeps in the RB category since they start behind the line).

        Perhaps the best we can hope for is a bunch of #2 receivers. The Seahawks just don’t don’t throw that often and when they do they spread the ball around. Would that be so bad??? The opponents defense wouldn’t be able to target any one receiver.

        On a sidenote I was reading about Denver’s Sanders (who came over from Pittsburg as a free agent) who was a third round choice. He looks pretty good with a passing QB. The question is, would he look that good playing for the Seahawks.

        • Rob Staton

          I don’t think they’re settling for a bunch of #2’s. Since Carroll got here they’ve looked at Brandon Marshall, Vincent Jackson and actually pulled the trigger on Harvin. I don’t see any settling there.

          As for Sanders, the easy answer is no. But most decent receivers in the league will look good playing with Peyton Manning in a high volume passing offense.

    • Volume 12

      Agree with both you guys that it’s extremely hard to predict a Seahawk’s draft, but isn’t that what makes it so fun and or intriguing? The whole ‘won’t they, will they?’ at wr, I was on board with a mid to late round pick, but after going back and watching the last handful of games I’m now with Rob that the one thing that stands out or their missing is that big wr. They should take one early and then that Tate or Harvin type mid to late rounds or even more expectedly UDFA.

      As for the rb’s, I agree Alaska that they will draft a rb because I think we all know the ‘running back by committee’ that PC loved at USC is coming whenever Beastmode isn’t here. PC always had a power back (Lynch), a speed guy, a combo of the two (C-Mike), and a ‘jack of all trades’ type guy(Turbo). So it wouldn’t surprise me if they take that speed/athletic freak at rb position and next year take the power back or vice versa depending on what Lynch does.

      The defensive line, or De-Leo is like the wr position last year. Meaning that the 5th or 6th best edge rusher may be better than the 1st or 2nd lb or og or whatever. With Avril as a FA, although he has said he’d like to stay in Seattle, I think this should the first round pick and wr 2nd round. Even if Avril stays you can never have enough pass-rushers. And I’d expect them to beef Marsh up and use him in a Bennett type role. Don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the d-line rotation’s have been more than cut in half the last few games. Bennett played in 98% of snaps two games ago and like 81% against Philly. Irvin played every snap the last two games and like 70-something percent% last game. Avril and Hill’s snap count has increased too, for what it’s worth. Lb they’ll probably continue to take them in the mid to late round, but again look for those athletic freaks.

      The always debatable O-line. Yeah, to my eye they need depth at C and OT and possibly a G if Carp don’t come back or Bailey doesn’t work out. Bailey to me is a great swing T and PC has said they like him better on the edge. Have you guys noticed all the former Hawks o-lineman that the Cleveland Brown’s have picked up? Bowie,McQuistan,Seymour, and someone else I can’t remember. Now it could be because they both run the ZBS, but Seymour looks like a young up and coming stud at C for them recently. So my point is I agree that it doesn’t matter where they pick them because Cable must be doing something right.

      • Jeff C

        I don’t think it’s fun at all when you watch them pass on a Bitonio to target a Paul Richardson. Then they end up drafting a player at RT who seems like a very nice kid, but doesn’t seem to be a great athlete for the position. And Martavis Bryant is still sitting there, waiting. I just don’t like their unpredictability. It’s cost them this season (and we know this because why try to get Vincent Jackson, Julius Thomas, etc unless you have a big problem?).

        And now they will invest in Russell at 20 mill/year. The investment needs to be protected. They need to approach the first two rounds as if they aren’t smoking pot and make solid picks like in that first draft with Okung and Earl.

        Again, no beef with Richardson, for it’s not his fault. I just don’t think they filled a need.

        • Volume 12

          Yeah passing on some of those guys was frustrating. P-rich went to the same High school as Marquise Lee and Robert Woods, so PC has probably wanted him for awhile. I’m not sure they were so unpredictable. Look at some of the guys they brought into the VMAC, interviewed, or worked out pre-draft. JaWuan James, Brandin Cooks, Dominique Easley, Jack Mewhort, Deone Bucannon, Terrance West, etc. then the rest of the league sees the SB champs interest in these guys and now teams aren’t going to let Seattle get close to picking these guys. And maybe they passed on Martavis and other wr’s because they thought they’d re-sign/have Sidney Rice?

          Getting rid of Percy meant completely changing an offense you installed the whole off-season in the middle of the season. And when he didn’t work they had to try and get something for him and that was probably them saying ‘let’s get back to what worked for us in the past. A guy who can own the red-line and someone who we can have fill in or replace Zach Miller.’

          80% of the time you aren’t going to get Okung’s and Earl’s picking outside of the top half of the draft. They’ve made mistakes in the past few drafts, but I think they’ve faired all right.

      • arias

        Did you really just say they should pick up Tate or Harvin types in the mid to late rounds? Wahahahaha. I’m sure they’d love to pick up 1st and 2nd round talents at wide receiver in the mid to late rounds. It hasn’t always worked out that read though given their track record.

        • Volume 12

          Yeah I really did just say that. Talent wise no sh*t they’re most likely not getting a Harvin or Tate wr in the mid to late round. I’m talking body type, that speed receiver or a guy who plays bigger than he actually is. I’m not sure what’s funny though about finding 1st and 2nd Rd. talent in the mid to late rounds. Pretty sure half their roster is made up of guys like that. The only thing that separates a 2nd or 6th Rd. guy for example is a coach’s or organization;s opinion of them.

  9. seahawks509

    I have been a huge supporter of either Gordon or Gurley. I have now focused my attention on another RB hoping we can use our first round pick on a WR. That RB is Jay Ajayi. I think he has a lot of similarities to Eddy lacy. Seattle is a team that takes value above anything else. They will pass on 2 RBs if they can help their team in a different position while finding a RB they can settle on later in the draft. Jay seems like that power runner we will need once Lynch leaves, and he looks like a perfect 1-2 punch with CMike.

    • Volume 12

      Seahawks509, agree with ya on this one. Ajayi might be the best kept secret (if we can call him that) on the west coast. He’s also a really good pass catcher and seems to have the size Searle likes at rb-5’11 (I’m not sure he’s 6’0 or 6’1 like they list him at),215-220 lbs. I see a little of Demarco Murray in his game. Eventually replace the man who eats skittles on the sidelines with the guy who drinks pickle juice. I like that.

  10. AlaskaHawk

    I’ve come up with an out of the box type suggestion for finding our #1 red zone threat receiver.
    Here is what I would do. During evaluation of defensive ends I would test them on leaping and pass catching ability. I would choose who ever is tall and has the best hands. Then train them as a wide receiver on red zone plays. The rest of the time they could be part of the defensive line rotation.

    Look at the size of the following defensive ends:
    Baylor Shawn Oakman, 6′-8″ tall, 285 pounds (probably gone before we pick)
    LSU Danielle Hunter , 6′-6″ tall, 240 pounds (available in first round)
    Oregon Arik Armstead, 6′-7″ tall, 296 pounds (available in second round)

    Here’s why I think it will work: they already did something similar with Sweezy. So let’s think out of the box and get a huge receiver from the defensive side.

    • arias

      what are the chances that the lineman with the best hands is actually one that can hold their own in this defense?

      • AlaskaHawk

        I think they are pretty good. A defensive linemen that can catch the ball is always of value. I really love the defensive ends that bat the ball and catch it themselves!!!

        Was it last week or two weeks ago that the ball was tipped and Bennett caught it over his shoulder?

    • JaviOsullivan

      From Oregon, I like DeForest Buckner. Similar to Armstead, underrated and available in second round (don’t think available in third round)

      I really hope he declare. I would like to see in Seattle

    • Jim Q

      DE-Lynden Trail, Norfolk St., 6-062, 260, 4.67/40(avg) 4.57(low) A TE conversion? He has TE history & catches red zone TD’s – plus as a DE with that size & those #’s he’s a possible LEO candidate, likely available in the later rounds. Freaky.

      • Volume 12

        I personally like both these guys as well. Buckner would be an awesome 3-tech.

        Jim, regarding Lynden Trail. I don’t know if you know or not, but he was at Florida when Dan Quinn was there, but ended up transferring. Now I’m not sure if it was because for a DE he was only 220 lbs., or if he didn’t like Will Muschamp, which he wouldn’t of been the first considering like 14-17 guys from his class ended up transferring. But I also heard it was because he didn’t have good practice habits, which could also stem from the fact he was a 17 or 18 year old kid (being from a bad part of Miami, this kid is articulate and bright. Seems mature to me) But if Quinn liked him and he is familiar with him, then… Yeah what a get he would be! Your right, he’s absolutely FREAKY and we know they wanted Jared Allen this off-season and Trail’s just a few pounds lighter than him. I really like Trail as well he’s FULL of potential, what an intriguing Leo he’d be, but I could also see Seattle taking him in the 2nd. I really could, it’d be a total Seahawks type draft pick. You sir, may have pointed out/found a potential Leo I now kinda hope they get.

  11. Phil

    For those who are looking for that big, red zone target, how about signing a FA WR who is 6’6″ and ran a 4.46 at the combine before being drafted in the 4th round by …………. Seattle?

    Any idea of who I am talking about?

  12. Volume 12

    If it isn’t wr Kris Durham from Georgia who I thought was 6’4 then I have to say I’m personally completely stumped Phil. Who?

  13. Phil

    You win the grand prize. I thought he looked pretty good in the game the Lions played against the Seahawks a couple of years ago. He would be cheap ….

    • David

      Uhm Phil. Durham never played against the Seahawks. Hawks played Detroit on oct 28th 2012 and he was placed on the Detroit active roster in December of that year. But it would be nice to see him come back and hopefully make a contribution. Liked his size and speed.

    • arias

      You mean the guy that convinced them to go after the sure handed Golden Tate in free agency because he’s dropped everything in sight? I don’t think he would be anything but a liability. They hated him in Detroit for his bad hands and highest drop rate in the league.

  14. Steve Nelsen

    I hope that PCJS are watching what has happened in Dallas. Investing in the offensive line is a good way to invest in a strong running game.

    Both Okung and Unger have missed significant time due to injuries the past two years, Carpenter didn’t take quite as big a step forward as I had hoped for this year, and the overall line play has been a team weakness for two straight years.

    We need to get some reliable pro-bowl type linemen even if that means investing earlier in the draft.

    • Rob Staton

      Dallas’ investment in the offensive line: one top ten pick, one pick in the middle of the first round, one pick right at the end of round one.

      Seattle’s investment in the offensive line: one top ten pick, one pick at #25 in the first round, one pick at the end of the second round. Plus they inherited an early second round pick and spent a further third round pick on a guard.

      Seattle HAS invested in the offensive line. If only it was as easy as going out and drafting ‘reliable pro-bowl players’ at any position. Dallas had to be bad enough to be in position to draft Zach Martin and Tyron Smith in the first place. Even without high picks, the Seahawks have drafted O-liners as a priority consistently since 2010.

      Dallas’ offensive line was torn to shreds by Washington and Philadelphia. Tony Romo was so badly hammered in the Washington game he missed the Jacksonville game the following week and has been taking painkilling injections before each game since.

      And this is perhaps the most important info on this subject. Football Outsiders (http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ol) currently ranks Dallas as the #1 run blocking team in the NFL. Seattle is at #6 when it comes to running the ball. So both rank highly in that regard. In terms of pass protection — Dallas are at #19 and Seattle is at #23. So basically the Cowboys are four places higher than the Seahawks and neither is anywhere near the top ten. And these are two teams that have pumped a lot of draft stock into their offensive lines. Neither team is ranked highly in pass protection — but both offensive lines are elite when it comes to run blocking. That’s what both teams have been striving for.

      • Volume 12

        Couldn’t agree with ya more regarding the O-line Rob. Very interesting tidbit there with the whole FO rankings.

  15. fountaindale

    Isn’t Okung in the last year of his contract? Given his age, injuries, penalty prone play, and with Wagner and Wilson getting paid this offseason can the Hawks really afford to keep Okung? If not is Bailey the left tackle next year, do they go the FA route or draft LT early?

    • Rob Staton

      Okung is under contract in 2015 at the bargain price of $7m for a starting left tackle.

  16. Rob Staton

    Mock draft delayed until Thursday. Almost finished but needs more time. It’s 3am here and I’m done in.

  17. Volume 12

    Rob, Phil, and others… What do you think of Georgia DT/DE Ray Drew? He’s 6’4-6’5, 280-284 lbs., runs a sub 4.9 forty, has great length, strength and athleticism, former 5 star recruit, high character/big personality. He’s been a little disappointing or inconsistent, but has a ton of potential. He’s a good interior pass rusher and we know Seattle likes unique or different 3-techs than what the rest of the league does and we know they like 3-4 personnel for their 4-3 D. I think he’s a mix of what they thought they had in DL Jason Jones, what they hoped they were getting in DT Gregg Scruggs and what they tried to get in Dominique Easley (not as explosive or good), but he could a great pick anywhere from the 3rd-5th rd. Just my opinion, yours?

  18. AlaskaHawk

    St Louis vs Arizona. I hope the Rams do our dirty work for us and take Arizona down. They have looked pretty good the last few weeks. There defensive line should be able to dominate Arizona. But Arizona’s receivers are excellent. Go Rams!!!

  19. Volume 12

    Rob, just curious and I know your probably crazy busy and whatnot, but when do you think the mock draft will be posted? Thanks.

    • Ealafa

      ROb. before the bowl games start can you put up a must watch list, or a list that you will be watching? too many to watch. need to set my VCR.

      • Rob Staton

        Sure.

  20. smitty 1547

    Coleman puts the ball on the ground way to much for my liking an im sure Petes too, if its bad now only to get worse at the next level. one of the truly under rated part of beast game which we take for granted.

  21. Trudy Beekman

    Some thoughts on OL in the first couple rounds should Seattle decide to go that route again:

    Ty Sambrailo out of Colorado State might be the best OT in this class. You look at Weston Richburg last year and now this kid who IMO moves perfectly for a tackle and I wasn’t surprised to see their HC, who is now headed to Florida, used to be Alabama’s OC when they didn’t have a starter going later than the 3rd Round on the OL. Definitely well coached and with a solid combine I think will be the first OL off the board.

    Ogbuehi looks like another T15 OT, but what you’re saying about him not practicing and being soft is disconcerting. Andrus Peat looks like a 1st rounder and is probably the only other OT to stay on the left side in the pros, but Stanford lineman are always scary because they’re getting so much help from TE’s.

    T.J. Clemmings I also think will go first round as a RT. Scherff right now is #6 overall at CBS, which is criminal. I would say no way this kid cracks the 1st round, but STL took Greg Robinson 2 overall last year, so what do I know. Has to kick inside to guard. La’el collins I could see cracking the back half of Round 1, but again at guard with the ability to play OT in a pinch.

    Daryl Williams and Cameron Erving could crack Rd 2. Williams could stay at RT, Erving should move inside.

    • Rob Staton

      I like Ty Sambrailo. He’s a player I want to watch more of before making a judgement.

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