Despite signing some veteran linebackers in free agency, Pete Carroll still stated his desire to draft for the position when speaking to John Clayton last week.
Recently we highlighted how important the short shuttle times appear to be for Seattle. Now it’s time to look a how significant the 10-yard splits are.
Here are the times for Seattle’s draftees since 2010:
Kevin Pierre-Louis — 1.53
Mike Morgan (UDFA) — 1.54
Bruce Irvin — 1.55
Bobby Wagner — 1.57
Brock Coyle (UDFA) — 1.60
Malcolm Smith — 1.61
Korey Toomer — 1.61
K.J. Wright — 1.66
K.J. Wright is an exception but everyone else has ran a really good split. Anything faster than a 1.60 is considered elite.
For example, here are the ten yard splits for some of the top DB’s in the 2017 draft:
Jamal Adams — 1.60
Budda Baker — 1.56
Jabrill Peppers — 1.54
Josh Jones — 1.58
Marcus Maye — 1.56
Marcus Williams — 1.61
Gareon Conley — 1.56
Chidobe Awuzie — 1.64
Cordrea Tankersley — 1.56
Seattle’s linebackers ran similar times to some of the DB’s in this loaded draft. Get-off, explosion and short-area quickness appears to be just as important as agility.
There weren’t many fantastic forty times among the linebackers at the combine. However, there were some impressive short shuttle times and the 10-yard splits are also better than expected.
Here are all the linebackers in the 2017 class who ran faster than a 1.65 split either at the combine or at their pro-day:
Dylan Cole — 1.54
Jarrad Davis — 1.54
Duke Riley — 1.56
Anthony Walker — 1.57
Zach Cunningham — 1.58
Alex Anzalone — 1.59
Tyus Boswer — 1.59
Jayon Brown — 1.59
Jordan Evans — 1.59
Haason Reddick — 1.59
T.J. Watt — 1.59
Elijah Lee — 1.60
Blair Brown — 1.61
Brooks Ellis — 1.61
Raekwon McMillan — 1.61
Marquel Lee — 1.62
Paul Magloire — 1.62
Hardy Nickerson — 1.62
Tanner Vallejo — 1.62
Vince Biegel — 1.64
Pita Taumepenu — 1.64
As you can see, there’s a long list of really quick linebackers.
Jarrad Davis stands out at the top. His closing speed shows up time and time again on tape and it’s validated here. Considering his size, quickness, athleticism, tenacity and character it’s impossible to imagine him not going in the first round. He could go in the top-20.
Would the Seahawks consider him? I think they’d have to. And while there might be an alternative defensive back or offensive lineman that wins the day due to need — you at least have to make Davis part of the conversation. He’s that good.
He also managed a 4.29 short shuttle at his pro-day so there’s another positive mark. Bobby Wagner ran a 4.28 at his pro-day.
Of the list of names above, here are the prospects who ran a sub-4.30 short shuttle and a sub-1.65 10-yard split:
Dylan Cole — 4.08 & 1.54
Jarrad Davis — 4.29 & 1.54
Duke Riley — 4.21 & 1.56
Zach Cunningham — 4.29 & 1.58
Alex Anzalone — 4.25 & 1.59
Tyus Boswer — DNP & 1.59
T.J. Watt — 4.13 & 1.59
Blair Brown — 4.18 & 1.61
Brooks Ellis — 4.25 & 1.61
Paul Magloire — 4.28 & 1.62
Vince Biegel — 4.16 & 1.64
That’s not to say the Seahawks wouldn’t draft a linebacker with a +4.30 short shuttle time — but the players they have added since 2010 ran the following times:
Korey Toomer — 4.00
Kevin Pierre-Louis — 4.02
Bruce Irvin — 4.03
Bobby Wagner — 4.28
K.J. Wright — 4.35
Malcolm Smith — 4.54
Smith was a seventh round pick and compensated with a 1.61 split, a 4.44 forty and a 39 inch vertical (he also had knowledge of Pete Carroll’s system at the start of the new regime).
There may not be any 4.44 runners in the 2017 class of linebackers but there’s enough burst and quickness to imagine the Seahawks will come across some attractive options.
And if they want to draft Obi Melifonwu to act as a big nickel or safety/linebacker hybrid — he ran a 1.51 split and a 4.09 short shuttle at 6-4 and 225lbs.
Daniel Jeremiah gave some props to Tyus Bowser in a recent podcast. Mentioned there isn’t a ton departing him from Hassan Reddick. Could he sneak into the first round and be picked by us? Trading down and getting him in the top of the 2nd would be ideal, but I think trading down might be tougher than in years past. Teams will probably want to get in front of Houston if they are trading up.
I will look at a scenario tomorrow where Bowser could come into focus that early.
True about Houston, but it might also be important to get in front of PIT and KC after that.
Oops, that thought was incomplete. Meant to add as well that a team like the Jets might also want to jump in front of the teams at the top of R2 (CLE, CHI, JAX), depending on what direction they went in R1.
Plus there is the 5th-year option to consider.
Josh Norris has us taking Bowser at 26 his most recent mock, published 4/3:
26. Seattle Seahawks – EDGE Tyus Bowser, Houston – Bowser’s lack of pass rush snaps might limit his true EDGE evaluation. He tested in the 95th percentile and would likely play the SAM role for Seattle.
http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/71013/344/mock-draft-iv?pg=3
rd 1 Jarrad davis / Hassan reddick (both unlikely to fall to 26 imo
rd 2 Tyus bowser, Zach Cunningha, tj watt
I really dont think rd1 is an option compared to the seductive DB choices we will have, so that leaves us with the 2nd rd and by 2.26 unless we trade up which im not a huge fan of for any of these 3 I dont even know if any of these 3 LB’s will fall to us.
I think the best bet is 3-5th rd with one of the lesser guys.
Ran through a projection today where Obi, Adoree’, King and Conley were off the board at #26… and it didn’t seem unrealistic. Will publish tomorrow.
In a scenario like this — and it didn’t feel ridiculously unlikely — a small move down and taking Bowser or Watt kind of felt like the best move.
That would be a tough scenario Rob but I agree, if they are off the board then dont force something else, take the dynamic athletes that are remaining and maybe pick up a later pick. Id add Willis to to make that a trio of Watt, Bowser, Willis.
Willis is a great tester and has great production but doesn’t seem sudden as an athlete n the field and gets locked into battles pretty easily since it seems he doesn’t really have any pass rush moves other than “hustle.” I think he’s third round guy. I think Seattle would definitely take him but I feel like the second round is going to be full of some surprise difference makers this year.
I would agree almost regardless of King and Conley. Tankersley and a lot of other DB look possible in Rd 2, where as the LB seem to drop after Bowser/Anzalone. Still want to come away with 3 DB in first 5 picks though.
2nd Bowser (LB)
2nd Douglas (CB)
3rd Griffin (CB)
3rd Luani (S)
The other 3rd would be either DE, OL, TE or WR.
That is an truely outstanding group.
However, I believe Rob has supported the fact that Luani may be available a little later than our third round. Not sure if that entices us into a third round trade down for a fourth, fifth and maybe a sixth round pick, but it could make a lot of sense.
I’d sure like to get Luani on our team for a boat load of reasons.
I dont get the hype around Luani here? He seems small for safety only 204 lbs.
I bet we can get Douglas in the third. That being said i think he would be an excellent pick. Someone brought up Richard Sherman’s tackling statistics in college and how the Hawks may have been so keen on him because he amassed such a large amount of tackles in such a short time. Richard Sherman in 2 years had 113 tackles with his best total coming his junior year with 62 tackles. Rasul Douglas has 77 tackles in two years with only one year starting, his season high in tackles came his junior year with 70 tackles.
Another interesting comparison
Interceptions: Douglas 9 Sherman 6
More interesting comparisons between the two:
20 yard shuttle
Sherman 4.33 Douglas
40 yard dash
Sherman 4.56 Douglas 4.59
Douglas also matches Sherman with 16 reps on the bench. I have issues with Douglas however. Inspite of his very physical coverage style he rarely presses, and when Douglas did press it rarely turned out well. Douglas makes up with this thanks to his excellent ball skills. I think the Seahawks are looking at Douglas very closely. Too bad we haven’t seen any updated numbers from Douglas because i feel that he could improve his performance significantly. I expect the Hawks to be looking for players that can create turnovers, and Douglas has proven his ball skills. His speed may not be an issue with Earl Thomas over the top and if the Hawks feel they can teach him to beat up receivers at the line then i would fully expect the Hawks to select Rasul. He has the want to when it comes to tackling and it really sets him apart due to his size. Douglas is worth a second round pick without a doubt in my mind but i suspect teams will be fooled by 40 times and let him slip into later rounds.
I can totally see that. And in the long run, that might be in the best interest of the team because I can totally see the upside of Watt or Bowser equaling that of the DBs, too. Provided the team is able to take advantage of the DB depth of this draft with its next pick(s).
If Humphrey, Obi, Adoree’, King, and Conley were gone (and Lamp/Bolles) and the only guys they loved were Watt/Bowser… depending on the scenario… they may even stand pat and take one of them because I can totally see the Steelers, Cowboys, and Packers pouncing on a pass rusher if they don’t get a DB themselves. With Peppers gone, I totally see Watt staying in Wisconsin and the Packers going CB in round two. And it seems the Steelers draft a LB in the first round almost every other year.
It seems like the Seahawks have developed a linebacker since Ken norton left. How much of an impact do you think he had on the current crop of lb’s?
He’s only been gone two years
Just saw another prominent mock with King going to Seattle at 26 (Jeremiah on nfl.com). Anyway, in that scenario, Budda Baker, Garret Boles and Obi were still available.
Perhaps King is the exception, but CBs generally don’t start as rookies. Sherman started mid-season after two injuries (Trufant and Thurmond). And even if he was drafted in the first round and started on the outside, I think we could expect some level of rookie play, perhaps be less effective than someone else. Sure, Thomas started as a rookie, but it didn’t make much difference at the time. Now, it really does.
Also, it seems highly likely that Seattle will like CBs they can draft in round 2 and later, with the intent to start a veteran on the outside in 2017 (Lane, Desir, Elliot, Thorpe – whoever).
Which brings me to the thought that Seattle would be better served to draft a first round player that will contribute in 2017, and going forward. Not only that, but a player that is unique in that there aren’t other players at the position remotely comparable later in the draft.
My short list of such players (in no particular order and based mostly on what I read here) is:
– Bolles
– Lamp
– Obi
– Baker
– Adoree Jackson
The first two become instant starters on the o-line. Obi plays the big nickel, death backer, whatever. Baker and Jackson play a similar role as slot corners, with Baker primary backup to Thomas and Jackson a prominent role on special teams.
CBs that fit Seattle’s blueprint can be found later in the draft, with potentially starting roles after 2017. Getting someone truly unique (and King might actually fit that criteria) seems like the more likely possibility in round 1.
One of those players is certain to be available at 26, likely more than one. You can’t realistically project the first 25 picks without leaving some of them out.
No linebackers at all on your list? “Come on man” 😉
Originally had Reddick, and Rob has convinced me that Davis had no chance to reach 26, but those are the two I would add.
Watt and Bowser are more second round possibilities, IMO. Very good, but not in the same unique class as the others.
Totally agree. I would add the two big dogs just because, even though they shouldn’t be there, you never know and I just get this feeling a real gem will be there for us at 26. Although we’d still need to determine who the best pick is, if Davis or Walker slipped by some miracle to us, would be nearly impossible not to leave our #26 pick without one of them!!!
PC/PS are very ardent in taking the long view. They don’t want a Super Bowl window, they want to be consistently in the conversation like the Pats and Green Bay. To that end it seems really logical that they will restock the LOB with a future starting safety and CB. When Thomas, Sherman, and Chancellor all come due for new contracts and big paydays something has to give. PC/PS are not going to just let the chips fall where they may and this draft is the perfect opportunity to address the future of the LOB.
First of all, although Jeremiah says … , we should have all just learned to disregard his mocks as unrealistic. Not unlike so many other mock out there, even though he has a much better reputation than many others, it is out of touch and fails a very easy acid test that many of us spotted quickly. We would all be better served not to reference his mock as evidence or hope of any players availability.
That being said, you raise a good point, discussed often, about the issue with starting rookie corners. Worst case we have a few of these obviously better CBs on standby, waiting for a chance to sub in or earn a spot into the season. I’m very excited about having some great corners competitively pushing the daylights out of our more experienced CBs that may initially have a better chance of starting early in the season.
Let put a clock in our new DBs and see how long it really takes them to start, injuries to our primary starters excluded.
Just thinking, 2017 with better LBs support, stopping opponents running game, quality safety backup, ability to avoid getting our slot CB and cb2 getting torched and getting to forcing turnovers, EXCITING. And all that before seeing Russ get a little more time in the passing game and getting better blocking in the running game and getting our herd of quality RBs punishing the opponents. Ahhh Seahawks football, so looking forward to it.
They just signed 3 LBs to 1 year deals, drafted zero last year, regularly take them late day 3 or as UDFAs. I just don’t think they value that 3rd spot as much as fans do, nor do they care long term about it.
Rob- I do know you are also a Luani fan. Can you give us you’re talk on what round he may likely be taken and or what round/grade you give him. I’d the FO told you to personally do you best to get him but the most value possible, but without the risk of losing him, in what round would you walk to the podium with his selection?
R3-5 for Luani I think
Rob, can you do a profile or maybe just tell us your assessment of a couple other safeties – Marcus Williams of Utah and John Johnson of Boston College? From what I’ve seen of draft projections, Williams has a 2nd-3rd round grade and Johnson the same as Luani – 3rd to 5th. Saw this on Williams at PFF:
“Marcus Williams was one of our second-team All-American safeties in 2016, as he put together an all-around outstanding season (he led all FBS safeties in run-stop percentage). Possibly the most eye-popping stat on him this season was his 0.09 yards surrendered per coverage snap. This metric takes the total yardage a player allows into his coverage and divides it by the number of coverage snaps played, and is a way to gauge the efficiency of a player’s production in coverage. Texas A&M’s Justin Evans was the next-closest safety (likely to be drafted within the first three rounds) to Williams, at 0.53. Not surprisingly, Williams also led all qualifying FBS safeties (more than 100 coverage snaps played) in total yards allowed, with just 38. While players like LSU’s Jamal Adams and Ohio State’s Malik Hooker are getting all the top-15 hype (and for good reason), Williams may have had the best statistical season in 2016 of this year’s loaded safety class.”
And on PFF’s new 3 round mock draft – https://www.profootballfocus.com/draft-3-round-mock-draft-myles-garrett-marshon-lattimore-first-off-board/?utm_source=email04417&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nflnl2016
– it has him going to Dallas at 60, stating: “he can play multiple coverages on the back end. He managed to haul in 11 interceptions over the last three years and does a fine job working downhill in coverage while bringing solid tackling to both the run and pass game.”
On Johnson of BC, the bottom line on his NFL.com page says “Ascending defender with the experience, athleticism and ball skills to play as a high safety or in man coverage. Johnson is well above average as a ball-tracker and has the soft hands to finish at the catch-point against receivers. He has decent size but won’t be a banger as a tackler, however, his ability in coverage has NFL personnel men buzzing as a potential early starter in the league.”
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/john-johnson?id=2558183
Excellent highlight on this page – http://nflmocks.com/2017/02/12/john-johnson-s-boston-college-2017-nfl-draft-scouting-report/
Many more on this Youtube highlights video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBLLva1Cd5U&t=2s
If all those prospects are gone as is a strong possibility, would like to see us trade down and pick up CB Tankersley of Clemson in the late 1st/early 2nd, and either safety Williams with our 2nd or Johnson with one of our 3s. On that same PFF mock draft page it says: “Tankersley has the length to play press man coverage, and he moves well enough to play off coverage, leading to strong three-year production that saw him allow a passer rating of only 40.7 on passes thrown his direction.”
Tankersley highlights –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPSwarGOj3g
What is your opinion of these 2 safeties – Williams of Utah and Johnson of BC – either in the 2nd or 3rd round, Rob?
Quite like Johnson but wish he ran faster than he did, Williams very explosive and a playmaker but not sure he’s physical enough for SEA.
I agree and also wish Johnson ran faster than a 4.6 at the combine, but he seems to be one of those guys that plays faster than he timed. Also on his NFL.com page it says (theoretically at the Senior Bowl) “Way more athletic than a lot of the safeties you see out at this game.” — NFC secondary coach”
On Williams, he would seem to have a good amount of physicality or he wouldn’t have led all FBS safeties in run-stop percentage. But on NFL.com’s page on him the summary/bottom line is “Ball-hawking free safety who has outstanding ball skills and has shown a propensity for causing turnovers. He can play from a high centerfield spot and utilizes his instincts to swoop down and challenge throws. He’s able to get running backs down, but he’s not physical enough to be a combination safety. NFL teams love defensive backs with athletic traits, instincts and ball skills. If he works out well before the draft, he should move up team boards.”
What worries me most about Luani is he has LOTS of missed tackles – NFL’s summary on him is: “Luani has the ball production and enough flashes on tape that scouts will be forced to keep him alive in their draft meetings. While Luani showed some improvement as a tackler, Washington State was forced to protect him by playing him in more underneath zone where he was able to cover and not worry about being the last line of defense. Luani likely needs to get his start as a special teams cover man, but without fundamental tackling, that could be a challenge.”
And for weaknesses, again with the bad/missed tackles: “Teams will have trouble trusting him as a tackler. Has been tagged with 31 missed tackles and 11 broken tackles allowed in just two seasons. Instincts against the run are below average and he’ll take poor angles to the ball. Too eager to fill rather than waiting for running back to commit to a run lane. Not a form tackler. Needs a more square-up, wrap-up approach. Loses track of deep ball responsibilities, at times, when asked to play on the back end.”
Seems like there are hardly any close to perfect safety prospects except for maybe Jamal Adams who will likely go top 5. Even Malik Hooker has a few flaws, and might be over rated because he ran back his interceptions for TDs.
Adams summary at NFL.com is: “Interchangeable safety with a sheriff’s mentality. Adams is a physical tone-setter who should thrive near the line of scrimmage or in a robber role. Should be a commanding presence in the locker room early on and his do-as-I-do play demeanor could be the catalyst for turning a struggling defense around quickly.”
So many of the safety prospects have many flaws – Maye and others get beat deep, Luani and others miss lots of tackles, Thompson and more shy away from tackles, and many are too small, slow etc. Who do you see that we can get with our 2nd or one of our 3s that doesn’t get beat deep or misses tackles regularly, or is too slow or small? Josh Jones of NC State?
I think that Jarrad Davis and Obi Melifonwu are the two truly special defensive players in this draft that *might* be available to us at #26 if we get a healthy dose of luck. Reddick is of a similar calibre but that ship has sailed. Kevin King and Adoree Jackson are probably half a notch behind them in my mind but either would be fantastic consolation prizes.
What draws me so close to Jarrad Davis is his intense personality and pure, unadulterated passion for the game. Seattle has always been about characters and personalities under Pete Carroll but as our team has matured and grown in recent times it feels like we could really stand to benefit from someone like Davis.
The prolonged Sherman drama is obviously the first thing that comes to mind here but it has been a slow, transitional thing for Seattle on the whole. Our core-players are obviously still passionate about winning but that edge can dull just enough when you are grinding it out at the very top of the NFL. Having a young firebrand to rally around and carry the torch forwards is something that really resonates with me.
I know it is becoming a nickel league but we are also seeing a small resurgence in high-profile 3-down feature backs. A true Buffalo is clearly better suited to covering David Johnson when he splits out wide but he has run the ball A LOT against us recently. Dallas/Zeke are now probable post-season opponents and there is a very real chance that Leonard Fournette lands in the NFC West at the 49ers (or otherwise in the NFC at Carolina). Having that third, elite ‘backer to help contain the run games of these teams could prove crucial when it really counts.
+1 on Davis and Melifonwu… Davis just needs to stay healthy and Obi just needs to find the right fit.
Davis moves so well I almost wonder if he couldn’t be a hybrid LB/box safety for us. I’m hoping we extend Kam, but wouldn’t be surprised if he prefers to try and test the market. Having a guy like Davis would make losing Kam a little bit easier to take. I think he could be an impact player here day 1.
My only question on Melifonwu is how he fits in Seattle. If the team thinks he can play CB he would be worth it. I’m wondering if CB will be his most effective position as opposed to safety.
You know I’m a Davis fan, but that’s a very astute way of framing why Seattle could have a reason to consider him.
Two CBs I’m interested in are Jeremy Cutrer from Middle Tennessee State and Jaylen Myrick from Minnesota. Both are mid to late round considerations.
Cutrer is obviously a small school candidate and lost visibility because of injury. He’s 6’1″ with long arms but only 167 lbs. He seems to have some grit and athleticism and I wonder if NFL conditioning might add some meat. Or, maybe he’s a late grower. He can also play safety.
Myrick is 5’10” and 200 lbs. Again athletic but I couldn’t locate his arm length. I’m not sure what his ceiling is but he was an important part of a very good defense.
Anybody have anything else you know about these two? Thanks.
Vince Biegel — 4.16 & 1.64 / 6’3″ 246 lbs
This guy keeps popping up on different matrix. Definitely a name to keep an eye on day 2-3 range.
“Effort-based worker bee with edge-setting hands and attitude, but a lack of power that could lead to inconsistency in play. Biegel’s football character is off-the-charts and he can be counted on to put the effort into improving in areas that need work. He lacks individual rush talent but could be a good fit for teams utilizing exotic rush packages. Average NFL ceiling but has the demeanor and traits of a potential special teams demon.” ~ NFL.com
And of course Obi was mentioned right before the close of the article….. 😉
+1
What’s Seattle’s exotic rush package through?
Him and Watt both seem much more suited for a 3-4.
I think Watt is the perfect Leo if ever there was one.
I think the ideal LEO is probably a bit more twitchy.
Watt more like Marsh + I think.
Agreed. Mentioned this a few posts back that the case, for me, against an early Watt pick, and it pertains to Biegel as well: Wisconsin runs a 3-4 with multiple blitz formations. Seattle rushes four. And once in a super blue moon Bobby wagner or a db goes. But not very rarely. I’m concerned that either would struggle rushing one on one in their assignments.
VMAC visit alert!
Miss St. EDGE Jonathan Calvin
Few months ago mentioned him to IIRC it was Trevor or C-dog about how he was the sleeper of this pass rushing class. And the D-line guru who trains these guys (he is to them what George Whitfield is to QBs or Deion Sanders to CBs) said he’s going to be the NFLs next great pass rusher.
Also, a couple of the NT’s we’d thought they like, they in fact do. Albany St’s Grover Stewart and Idaho’s Glen Antoine.
Great info, thanks. Calvin is definitely now on my radar
He’s interesting. Kind of unique. Hybrid dude, but bigger and built more thickly.
Cool stuff. Here’s some pro day numbers via Pauline:
“We’ve mentioned Jonathan Calvin several times since January and the defensive end/outside linebacker had a great pro day. Measuring 6027/275 pounds, Calvin timed as fast as 4.72s in the forty, touched 35.5 inches in the vertical jump and reached 9-foot-4 in the broad jump.”
1. Obi Melifonwu
3 (trade back to early third) Akhello Witherspoon
3. Vince Biegel
3. Daeshon Hall
3. Nico Siragusa
4. George Kittle
6. Zane Gonzalez (kicker)
7. Malachi Dupre
I am about 80% sure Obi is going to Tampa Bay.
Everytime I have watch jarred Davis I have seen similar traits which ray Lewis had that sounds unfair but the way he plays his interview and how could the seahawks pass that up..I am not sure if he will be there at 26 but if he is there it’s a tough call for me.he brings attitude and the bully
I could definitely see him being there, I wanna say his floor is the Lions but Foster and Reddick might go in the teens too. Will we see a little rush on LBs like we saw last year with receivers? If not it could push Reddick or David to us.
You know what I am 100% backing Jarrad Davis in round one why was it Pete or John who said we have to bring back the bully .Mr Davis is intense I watch his you tube against Alabama pretty impressive I think we can get a decent corner in round two like Douglas or tankersly or witherspoon.Jarrad Davis is a tackle machine he is a tough football player
I love, love, love Davis, and would be pounding the table for him if I thought he might be available at 26, but where do we play him? We already have 26 and 27 yr old pro bowl LBs and PC/JS just stated openly that they are looking for a guy to play in big nickel.
That would be a huge conflict for me if he did fall to 26, because I love the player but can’t see how we fit him in, especially with other very enticing options likely to be avaliable. Lucky for us, I don’t think that will be a decision we have to make.
What you think about possibility to draft Jarrad Davis at 26th and then trade KJ Wright for 3rd round pick?
Highly unlikely
Rob, just when you get me sold on a can’t miss prospect, then you light a fire in my britches about some other guy! I admit I am greedy, I want to see them all in a Hawks uniform! I say pick the BPA at #26, then trade the 2nd and 3rd for a #30-40 pick. No trading down, they should trade up in the 2nd rd. Use next year’s #2 pick if needed to get an impact player.
Wish (dream) list:
1) Jarrod Davis
1) Obi
2) Adoree Jackson
2) tankersly
3) Robert Davis WR
End of Seahawks Draft
I think Tank will in the late 1st. early 2nd.
Notes from Pauline on some guys that interest us:
“Two defensive backs, Adoree’ Jackson and Justin Evans, are swiftly moving up draft boards.
Jackson is viewed as a game changer and one of the most improved defensive backs in the country. Teams love Evans’ film and believe he’s cast in the Kam Chancellor mold.
On the other hand, the draft stock of Marshon Lattimore is seemingly moving in the opposite direction.
Two trusted sources told me they feel Lattimore is overrated and lacks coverage skills. I agree with both statements and have stated several times I believe Lattimore’s ball skills pale in comparison to those of teammate Gareon Conley.
Lattimore’s injury history is also a big red flag for teams.
Again from trusted sources, I’m told that despite reports that a hip flexor prematurely ended Lattimore’s combine workout — he did not participate in position drills — hamstring issues did play a role in sidelining him during the final day of workouts.”
http://draftanalyst.com/da-draft-buzz-april-4th
Donald don’t forget about Kevin King, Hassan Reddick, and Garrett Bolles.
This LBs group makes me drool once more even if the FA additions cast a doubt regarding picking one in the first round.
Every time we zero in on a group, EDGE/CB/S/TE/LB, in this draft class, there are so many obvious contributors/upgrades available that you really can’t miss picking from any of those groups.
Every pick in the top 40-50 is as close to a sure thing as you can get in the draft and most teams all the way deep in the 2nd round will benefit from this draft class.
Looking at this draft class I feel that our first pick in the draft is almost meaningless. There will be a plethora of fantastic options and whoever they pick would be great.
This draft is so deep that “winning” it would depend on two main categories:
1. Getting a top talent with our 2nd pick. It is easy to make a list of top 30-40 possible Seahawks picks (excluding RBs, QBs, WRs etc.). We need to double dip from that top group. It could either be just smart picks at our original draft spots (if the draft rolls our way) or it would need trades back/up. Securing those 2 top contributors is the main priority.
2. Maximizing our 3rd round picks. IMO, The type of talent available in the 3rd round this year is similar to what you’d expect to get in the bottom half of the 2nd round on a regular year. There could be a few “2nd rounders” available at the end of the 3rd round (again, if the draft roles our way) or we may need to trade up in the 3rd for a “special” player that dropped beyond reason. Either way, we’ll need to come out of the 3rd round with at least 2 players that will play a long term role within our roster.
It is all there for the taking and as much as we drool over the difference makers at 26, a difference making draft will be won or lost on day 2.
I would love if before the draft we could rank the top 40-50 Seahawks picks, balancing talent and position value with roster needs. Once the draft starts we could delete players picked by others and get a feel for what’s still available and how it affects the draft strategy regarding moving up/down.
I am totally with you regarding the importance of the day 2 selections, they have to kill it! I also agree that it would be very nice to have a big board for the hawks beyond round 1. Hopefully someone finds some time until draft day;)
It seems as though our 3rd round is the “make or break” portion of this draft.
I’m finding it increasingly unlikely the Seahawks pick anything other than a CB wth their first pick in the draft. The majority of CB’s who best fit their physical profile for the position will be gone in the first 50 picks. Beyond round 2 there are mainly sub par athletes in relation to their norms and the typical late round athletes you find in every draft. Not picking a CB in the top 50 may force them to reach on a player who isn’t talented enough to go in the 2nd/early 3rd or pick a player who doesn’t really fit their physical ideals for the position. Similar to what happened with Justin Britt
Top 50
Obi Melifonwu*
Kevin King*
Marlon Humphrey*
Ahkello Witherspoon*
Gareon Conley*
Marshon Lattimore
Tre’Davious White
Quincy Wilson
Cordrea Tankersley
Adoree Jackson
Chidobe Awuzie
3rd-4th
Shaquill Griffin*
Rasul Douglas
Teez Tabor
Fabian Moreau
Cam Sutton
Desmond King
Jourdan Lewis
Sidney Jones
Howard Wilson
*32″+ arms 10’4″+ Broad Jump
Leo: Nice. Pretty accurate I would say.
Leo. I am going to throw out another 3rd round possibility. Brandon Langley. 6’0 corner out of Lamar. Weighs 202.
40 yard dash. 4.43
Bench press: 22 reps
20 yard shuttle: 4.21
Arm length: 32 inches
Former wide receiver with excellent ball skills. Loves to play press coverage. If the Hawks fail to get a cornerback in the first two rounds he might be a possibility in round 3.
BTW : I am really warming up to the idea of taking Kevin King. Can you imagined having Richard Sherman on one side and Kevin King on the other side
However I am starting to think that both Melifonwu and King will be snatched up. Before JS has a chance to take either one.
One last footnote. Listening to Brock Huard yesterday it sounds like he really wants to go OT in the first round. He doubled down Ramczyk. He would also be ok with Cam Robinson.
Cool I’ll check out his tape.
I haven’t watched tape of Ryan Ramczyk but I’ve read a few scouting reports. He sounds athletic enough but his length may be an issue with his sub 34″ arms.
Cam Robinson has the length but definitely isn’t a great athelte. And probably ends up at RT or guard
Garret Bolles is the fluid athlete that George Fant is, but he lacks the power to match
None of the top Left tackles are very experienced. It also adds too many bodies to the position.
Luke Joekel, George Fant and Rees Odihambo are all competing for the spot
Brock Sounds desperate for an immediate fix and I just don’t see how adding more youth makes the oline any better
Obi Melifonwu has been the player I’ve wanted the Seahwks to pick long before he was mentioned on the blog. Missing out on him would be really disappointing. I think he could play anywhere in the secondary and may be even better as a cornerback. He’s like Brandon Browner without the physical limitations.
Today is starting off weird. Am I the only one that refreshed this page and there was a new post dated 10 March 2017 posted regarding assessing LB? If the next post turns out to be what I saw then I’m buying lotto tickets later.
Disregard I figured out what’s going on. Not sure how I ended up there but lack of sleep seems to be a big factor.