It was at least a little bit interesting last week when Pete Carroll suddenly added ‘pass rusher’ to the list of possible draft options for the Seahawks. He’d previously listed cornerback, linebacker and O-line as the priorities for the off-season. He made reference to CB and LB again — but swapped out the OL following the additions of Luke Joeckel and Oday Aboushi.
That’s not to say the Seahawks won’t go O-line at #26. If one of the big names falls into range, a Bolles or Lamp for example, they could easily be the pick.
However, I wanted to look at a scenario where the Seahawks consider a pass rusher earlier than we’ve been discussing:
#1 Cleveland — Myles Garrett (EDGE, Texas A&M)
#2 San Francisco — Solomon Thomas (DE, Stanford)
#3 Cincinnati (Trade) — Leonard Fournette (RB, LSU)
#4 Jacksonville — Deshaun Watson (QB, Clemson)
#5 Tennessee — O.J. Howard (TE, Alabama)
#6 New York Jets — Malik Hooker (S, Ohio State)
#7 LA Chargers — Jamal Adams (S, LSU)
#8 Carolina — John Ross (WR, Washington)
#9 Chicago (Trade) — Marshon Lattimore (CB, Ohio State)
#10 Buffalo — Marlon Humphrey (CB, Alabama)
#11 New Orleans — Haason Reddick (LB, Temple)
#12 Cleveland — Jonathan Allen (DE, Alabama)
#13 Arizona — Reuben Foster (LB, Alabama)
#14 Philadelphia (via Min) — Kevin King (CB, Washington)
#15 Indianapolis — Forrest Lamp (G, Western Kentucky)
#16 Baltimore — Cam Robinson (T, Alabama)
#17 Washington — Taco Charlton (EDGE, Michigan)
#18 Tennessee — Gareon Conley (CB, Ohio State)
#19 Tampa Bay — Adoree’ Jackson (CB, USC)
#20 Denver — Garett Bolles (T, Utah)
#21 Detroit — Obi Melifonwu (S, Connecticut)
#22 Miami — Jabrill Peppers (S, Michigan)
#23 New York Giants — Ryan Ramcyzk (T, Wisconsin)
#24 Oakland — Jarrad Davis (LB, Florida)
#25 Houston — Mitch Trubisky (QB, North Carolina)
You might say it’s unlikely that Obi Melifonwu, Kevin King, Adoree’ Jackson and Gareon Conley are all off the board before pick #26.
Maybe it is?
Here’s the thing though — it isn’t that improbable and here’s why:
— Melifonwu is the definition of what teams are looking for on defense in 2017. A 6-4, 225lbs defender with the short-area quickness and agility to cover the slot, the size and explosive traits to defend the run and the versatility to line-up in various different match-ups and positions. He could be a corner, a strong safety or a ‘Buffalo’. Simply put, there aren’t many human beings with his physical profile on the planet. He could set a new standard at the big nickel.
— There aren’t many cornerbacks ever that have possessed King’s combination of size, length and athleticism. He has the deep speed to cover outside, the size to handle true #1 receivers and unnatural short-area quickness and agility to work in the slot despite his 6-3, 200lbs frame. When interviewed he talks about the intricacies of the offense he’s facing and what he learned during tape study. He had 16 passes defended in 2016 — as many as any of the top cornerbacks in this draft — and one incredible interception against Arizona State that will have teams salivating at his potential.
— Jackson is a first round pick in any draft class. A genuine, true game-changer. He can handle the slot at a time when teams are predominantly using nickel in base. He has the potential to be one of the all-time greats as a kick returner. He can handle a package on offense. Every time he’s around the ball he’s a threat to score. Furthermore, he was a team captain at USC and despite his lack of size — he doesn’t shirk a tackle. I’ll say it again — he’s Percy Harvin on defense without the hassle.
— Conley isn’t quite as freaky as the other three and he has some issues with hand use, offering far too many free releases in college. He’ll need to learn to jam and re-route and get a feel for when a receiver is breaking without getting flagged. There will be a learning curve. That said, he’s pretty much everything you want from a starting outside corner. He has the size, length, speed and instinct. His positional play — knowing where to position himself to break on the ball — is exceptional. Cornerback is a vital position and Conley has a shot to be a high-end starter in the NFL.
When you actually consider the talent, production, physical profile and positional value of the four players — it’s very easy to make a case that they won’t get out of the top-25.
What is more likely, after all? That Tennessee’s Derek Barnett remains in the top-25 despite being a short-armed, undersized defensive end with a middling physical profile? Or that teams instead look at the extreme potential and ability of the four names above?
I’m not trying to argue that this is definitely going to happen. It will be Seattle’s good fortune if one or more of the four DB’s fall into range. It’s not something we’ve really considered though — that they won’t be there. And whether it’s likely or not, it’s at least possible.
In the top-25 projection above the top O-liners are also off the board and a possible consolation prize like Jarrad Davis is also gone at #24 to Oakland.
So what happens in this situation?
Have the Seahawks been planning for this scenario?
— Pete Carroll recently noted Bradley McDougald could act as a ‘big nickel’ or ‘Buffalo’. Seattle needed safety depth anyway — but if depth was the key, this draft is loaded with good safety’s. Was McDougald brought in because they feel Melifonwu, a possible target to play as a ‘big nickel’, now won’t be available at #26?
— If they were hoping to draft Adoree’ Jackson but he’s now expected to go earlier than originally expected (top-20 is NOT a stretch), this might explain why the Seahawks had a good look at Houston’s Brandon Wilson at his pro-day last week as a possible later round alternative:
— Carroll stated that Germain Ifedi is moving to right tackle and Luke Joeckel will get a chance to win the left tackle job. Is this an admittance that they don’t believe the top tackles will reach #26?
— A final interesting nugget from Carroll’s conversation with John Clayton last week was Jeremy Lane moving to outside corner as the ‘next man up’ in replacing Deshawn Shead. It essentially cleared the way for McDougald to be the new ‘nickel’ and perhaps signals Seattle’s intention to let their existing corners battle it out to start across from Richard Sherman, rather than bring in a first round pick to start immediately.
Admittedly, a fair bit of dot-connecting is going on here. Yet it doesn’t feel entirely implausible either. The Seahawks generally set themselves up for every draft class and have a pretty good idea of who will/won’t be available at their various picks.
And if this type of situation arises, maybe they will take an EDGE rusher early?
A top-25 like this presents a few different options:
— Trade down (Mahomes and Webb are still on the board as trade bait)
— Continue the rush on defensive backs with Budda Baker, Chidobe Awuzie, Cordrea Tankersley, Justin Evans or one of the many other options
— Take a pass rusher such as T.J. Watt, Tyus Bowser, Takk McKinley, Jordan Willis or Charles Harris
I’m going to make a case in this piece for Tyus Bowser and T.J. Watt.
This piece highlights how similar they both are physically to Khalil Mack.
Here’s the key info from the article:
Ten yard splits
T.J. Watt — 1.59
Tyus Bowser — 1.59
Khalil Mack — 1.64
Short shuttle
T.J. Watt — 4.13
Tyus Bowser — 4.40 (Pro day)
Khalil Mack — 4.18
Three cone
T.J. Watt — 6.79
Tyus Bowser — 6.75
Khalil Mack — 7.08
Vertical jump
T.J. Watt — 37
Tyus Bowser — 37.5
Khalil Mack — 40
Broad jump
T.J. Watt — 10-8
Tyus Bowser — 10-6
Khalil Mack — 10-8
Forty yard dash
T.J. Watt — 4.69
Tyus Bowser — 4.65
Khalil Mack — 4.65
Production (final college season)
Khalil Mack (2013) — 10.5 sacks, 18 TFL’s
Tyus Bowser (2016) — 8.5 sacks, 12 TFL’s (in just eight games)
T.J. Watt (2016) — 11.5 sacks, 15.5 TFL’s
Watch this footage of Bowser at the combine. Look how quick, fluid, twitchy and ripped he looks:
Here’s Watt’s workout as a comparison:
We know both players ran a 1.5 split (Seattle likes that), we know both ran exceptionally well in the agility tests (Seattle likes that) and we know they’re both really explosive, productive and passionate about the game (Seattle especially likes that).
Even in a worst-case scenario with so many good defensive backs flying off the board, there’s still a really attractive, freaky upside alternative in these two.
And with the great depth at cornerback and safety in this class — the Seahawks should be able to find options at both positions in rounds 2-3.
If you’re feeling a little bit down after reading about the top DB’s potentially being off the board at #26, this’ll cheer you up. Mel Kiper and Todd McShay ran through a two-round projection today. Kiper had Seattle drafting Marlon Humphrey and T.J. Watt with their first two picks. That would be a haul.
Here’s another player to keep an eye on too as a possible day-three option. Noble Nwachukwu (DL, West Virginia). Gritty backstory, basketball background, good length, grown man. Could be an inside/out type rusher.
Lets not over think this draft, plenty of options. Let the chips fall where they may. I wouldnt trade down. I would pick the best player available regardless of position. We have 4 picks in the next two rounds to address needs. In this scenario I believe Watt is a hell of player but there are injury concerns. Is he worth the risk? You would have to take into account his injury history.
Running through scenarios is not overthinking the draft.
Plus it is fun!
I think the opposite of lennyjames. If all those players are gone then I would be more inclined to trade back. Also what is Frank Clarks long term position? Is it Avrils role or Bennetts. At first I thought it was Bennetts then he lost the weight down to 257 which says Leo to me.
Clark dropped that weight to pick up more quickness, but he still has the strength to work inside as a rusher on occasion. Essentially, I think he’s a hybrid of Bennett and Avril. Very special player.
+1
I’d play him at LEO and inside sometimes for speed.
I wasnt speaking about the article just in general
Yes, we might overthink and explode!
Or implode and thus create a blog of black holes!
I always in favor of more pass rush. Plus Seattle really needs to get younger there this year imo.
That makes me think of a Saturday Night Live skit. More Cow Bell. We need more pass rush. Maybe Im just laughing at myself which is par for the course.
I got a fever, and the only cure is more pass rush
PC has a fever and the only cure is more pass rush.
Kiper gave us Humphrey (a great pick in its own right) with Melifonwu, Bolles, Bowser and Jackson still on the board. Budda Baker is there for us in the second as well. We win by either staying at our native picks or trading down and then up on Kiper’s board.
Still, we aren’t too far off the draft now and the mainstream draftniks really aren’t getting close to a consensus after Garret at #1. Tony Pauline now has Lattimore’s stock falling (injuries, poor coverage skills) along with some other unfortunate news is Isaac Asiata likely moving up into the second frame. Bang on time with Rob’s recent spotlight work, he also has Adoree Jackson (and Justin Evans) rapidly climbing up boards.
It could be a really crazy ride right through the first three rounds this year.
A question for you Rob. If we continue with the supposition you made about connecting dots with the O-line and secondary, would you put David Njoku/John Ross/Evan Engram/Zay Jones back on the board for our first pick?
I wouldn’t, purely because I think they need to add to the defense.
They struggle enough as it is to work out what they want to be on offense without throwing another first round skill player into the mix.
I agree with defense being a big concern. It seemed like we could not get off the field on third down. Is it more the the pass rush or the pass coverage? They work together so it is hard to tell. It sure seemed like we could not get pressure on the QB at critical moments. What part of the defensive backfield gave up the first downs? Would upgrading the nickle make a big difference? Was the defense just giving up 1st downs because they were tired from being on the field too much? Did that impact the defensive line more than the rest of the players?
Sherman was obviously mad about the offense’s impact on the defense. This is a game of inches and effort, and being pissed off at the offense sure could make a difference. He is the one who spoke out, but others must agree to some degree.
I think they need to add both DBs and pass rush, but a ball control offense with an effective running game and short passing game could make the defense better all by itself. We could literally not add a player on defense in this draft and go back to leading the league in defense by dominating the time of possession on the offensive side of the ball. A healthy QB will help there, as will a better offensive line, but what else? A fullback and a tight end who can block would help, but unless Howard falls we will not see those in the first round.
Would a TE as pass catcher or a WR make a difference? What is the upgrade over what we have? The first round is for freaks, so Ross and Engram qualify. TE is a long term need so maybe, but Ross seems a lot like Lockett and Richardson, and will likely be gone. McCaffery is also likely gone and a dark horse if he drops.
My preference lines up with Robs about both the positions and players. OL, DB, Davis/Watt/Bowser. This write up was perfect for us to consider another scenario. Thanks Rob.
In the above scenario, I would draft Corey Davis.
True number 1.
I think the Seahawks want to add a pass rusher in the third or later. Perhaps Jonathan Calvin (miss state).
WR could be the sneaky pick if Davis or Williams falls to us.
I do think Davis is a huge wild card and someone the Seahawks would heavily consider in the first that many aren’t expecting. Rob has talked about the possibility before too. The offense sputtered for obvious issues on the offensive line but also after injuries to the WR postion and Kearse playing terribly. Adding Davis would be a big boost to the offense in my opinion.
+1
This would be the perfect trade down with the 1st round and up in the 2nd senecio.
Also Marshon Lattimore is available there, do we draft him? To me he’s terribly overrated.
Tony Pauline agrees with you. He has Lattimore slipping down boards due to poor coverage skills and injury red flags.
I have really come along on the idea outfacing brandon wilson. Love the versatility. What round is he likely to go in? ceiling and floor maybe
Draft news:
Philadelphia Eagles ✔ @Eagles
Roster Move: #Eagles acquire DT Timmy Jernigan and a third-round pick (99 overall) from BAL in exchange for a third-round pick (74 overall).
9:07 PM – 4 Apr 2017
Fletcher Cox and Timmy Jernigan working together inside, and all they did was drop back 25 spots in the 3rd in a deep draft. That’s a great haul for the Eagles.
He’s also only 24 years old.
Eagles far and away won that trade.
Ravens tend to know what they are doing though when it comes to the draft, so I wouldn’t be too quick to try and declare a “winner”.
75 a lot sweeter than 99 in this draft
There’s a bit of a cliff half way through the second round. Up to that point there are special players available. After that there are a lot of good players. Normally the cliff is around the 20th pick in the first round. I’d trade every pick I had and next year’s as well to get more picks in the first two rounds of this draft.
Interesting basketball transfer FA prospect:
Virginia Commonwealth basketball player Mo Alie-Cox, 6-foot-7, 250 pounds
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000797799/article/vcu-basketball-standout-mo-aliecox-isnt-eligible-for-nfl-draft
@APGroover
LSU RB Leonard Fournette weighs in at 228 pounds at @LSUfootball pro day. Down from 240 at Combine
6:23 AM – 5 Apr 2017
I am ok with Hawks trading Sherman, but don’t think (unless it was for 1 and 2 or two 1’s) trading him to the Falcons would happen. Raiders/Jaguars/Jets/Chargers/Dolphins.
As for draft, don’t care how they do it, but come away with 3 DB’s with first 5 picks, then 1 of each (DE/LB/WR/TE/OL).
PC already sent a message to Sherman, not sure why JS chose to word his comments today the way he did. Makes me think the team might be legitimately interested in trading him. I only wonder what the lowest offer they would accept is.
Would this blog rather have Mike Williams or Corey Davis on the Hawks? I like both, and I think
They’re both still better than Ross. I think I’d go with Davis, but Williams could also be a star.
I’d take Ross over Williams or Davis.
To me it’s like saying do you want DeSean or Jordan Matthews. And I’m taking DeSean every single time.
Not that I’d expect Seattle to draft a R1 receiver anyway.
I’d take the speed too, except I think Williams and Davis are going to be a good deal better than Matthews, and we still lack the big physical WR with speed our offense has been lacking forever. Not that I really want Seattle to take a WR in the first, I love too many other prospects at positions of greater need.
Just my two cents. Still hoping for Bolles or Mellifonwu or King…lol! If youre gonna dream, dream big right?!
I also like Ross over Williams or Davis. However, we need a bigger WR not another smurf. Given the way the roster sits at the moment I would go with Davis.
C. Davis, by far.
Ross is unique. Where do you find that kind of speed with a feel for the game as well? His only demon may be injury. There are other Williams’ and Davis’ in the league but Ross, as PC likes to say, tilts the field.
This draft class is so fluid I would bet there are 2-3 people we’ve talked about who will go surprisingly high and just as many we consider to be out of reach that will fall to #26. Honestly, unless we get a very good trade offer I hope we stay put and take whomever falls to us.
Well the good news is we’ll wait until our pick comes to trade back, so no worries about missed opportunities there. Also, if we were to trade up, it would have to be for someone they really love.
JS on Brock and Salk this morning on Sherman: “What you’ve seen lately in the news is real. That’s on both sides.”
“I think we’re a very unique organization in that regard. We have a great relationship with a lot of our players,” Schneider said.” There’s very much an openness. What you’ve seen lately in the news is real. That’s on both sides. It’s just open communication. He knows what’s going on. We know what’s going on. I don’t know if anything would ever happen, but like I tell people all the time, 98 percent of the deals that we’re involved with, we don’t follow through with. But at least we’ve opened that door, gone down the road and seen what’s behind Door A or Door B.”
“Absolutely,” Schneider said when asked if the lines of communication with Sherman are open on this matter. “This isn’t a secret like this just came out of nowhere. People find things out and we’re not going to lie to each other and we’re not going to BS each other. It’s going to be all laid out, and like I said, that doesn’t happen everywhere. We have open lines of communication between our coaching staff and our player personnel staff. It goes through player development, it goes through our sports science group. There’s a lot going on there.”
http://sports.mynorthwest.com/261761/schneider-on-sherman/
I listened to that too. I don’t think that a Sherman trade happens but it is clearly a possibility. I think I have underestimated Sherman’s pride getting in the way of his being a good teammate. I also overestimated the FO’s willingness to look past his behavior because of his talent. For example, when Sherman dismissed a team meeting last year as “kumbaya stuff that is more important for the young guys than the veterans” I was alarmed at what he was role-modeling for the young players. And I thought it was disrespectful for him to publicly refuse to acknowledge the impact his sideline blowup had even after Coach Carroll said he would. But, I didn’t think it would lead to this.
No way any rookie plays close to Sherman’s level so there is a short-term talent drop but if they added a mid-1st via trade, maybe they figure King is a rookie starter, future all-Pro and they get younger and cheaper at the position.
“kumbaya stuff that is more important for the young guys than the veterans”
that statement right there is enough for me. you don’t mock your head coach or any coach. its funny that his whole career hes been all about respect for him and then he disrespects his head coach and the OC. with as much leeway that PC gives his players, that really seems like a slap in the face of PC.
I keep reading things like well no one can come in and play like sherm! well no shit but we are never gonna have this perfect storm again; value for Sherman(and yes a high second would be value) a draft loaded with CB’s a lot of teams have the cap space we need the cap space moving forward and it sends a strong message to the team that TEAM is the only thing that matters.
Sherman being on the block changes the calculus for the draft. A CB1 and CB2 becomes a higher priority than another SS. Neiko Thorpe received a two year contract. That maybe insurance against losing Sherm. Schneider has shown a lot of love for Thorpe, Elliott and Desir. He is counting on these guys to step up. I cannot think of a time when a team started two rookie CB’s.
The unfortunate reality is that Sherman’s antics last year, completely crossed the line, especially as a leader on a team. It’s tantamount to toothpaste out of the bottle. Good luck putting in back in.
That said, I don’t think a trade goes down. Ultra deep CB class + RS is expensive/older. Nobody is going to give up enough to move on.
The hope is that this whole scenario sobers Richard Sherman up. That said, I don’t expect to see a dramatic shift in his attitude. All it will take is another slow start to the season and we could see the dysfunction resurface.
I agree Sherm was way over the line and something had to be done. I do think that Carrol is giving Sherm another shot to “reset”, as he says, to come back and get his stuff straight. He’s too good a player and too integral to the mentality of the team as a whole to just dump. BUt the leash will be very short…
Completely agree. The real question is, will the genie go back into the bottle?
I think you just hit it. Carroll wants to keep him. Just wants Sherman to get right
Really hoping Sherman doesn’t leave. Yes he can bring problems but he is irreplaceable IMO. Amazing character and amazing player. Yes he maybe volatile sometimes but that’s who Richard Sherman is. I like seeing his character in interviews and on the field. He seems like a genuine person who wants to win. Sick of seeing robotic NFL players who seem to lack emotion. It’s a hard mans game and Sherman is hard as they come. Why would you not want another two years of good play out of the best corner of this generation. Look at Seattle over this PC/JS era, who is the player that embodies what the Seahwaks are all about, RICHARD SHERMAN. No rookie is a sure fire replacement to any corner never mind him. Just my opinion however
Marshawn Lynch IS the Seattle Seahawks
*current player
Then again looks like Beast Mode may be back in action soon. Not for us unfortunately:(
well, I will not be surprised either way, if he stays or if he goes. (Sherman)
I do fully expect the Hawks to have a plan B and C in place if they trade him, and I have more confidence in that then their Plan B and C for the offensive line.
The D will still have 6-7 pro bowl caliber players and should still be a top 5 unit. But always a chance you trade him and the trade pick is a whiff.
going to be interesting any way you look at it
He played like a beast but behaved like a , well, I won’t say. He was basically the one Seahawk that I could point to as an example of how not to behave to my children. lately Sherman has been filling that role , which is sad because previously Sherman was everything that was great about the Seahawks.
Get me two picks in the top 50 in this year’s draft for Sherman and it’s where do I sign.
Well I am comfortable going on record and say I’d absolutely flip out of my skull in excitement if Seattle drafted Marlon Humphrey and T.J. Watt with their first two picks. Shoot, I’d be jacked if they took Watt with the first pick.
I’m right there with you C-Dog! Watt is going to have stellar career and an instant impact as an edge defender and pass rusher. He’s the ideal Bruce Irvin replacement in my opinion, as he would be able to play on all three downs as well as contribute on special teams.
Both are locks for the top 40
No way we are able to snag both, marlon likely gone by Denver’s pick at #20
If the scenario of all our favorite hyped prospects being off the board before our pick has you a bit down, here’s an awesome road to recovery vid of Earl and quote to get you going again:
http://sports.mynorthwest.com/261610/seahawks-earl-thomas-opens-up-to-gee-scott-on-what-is-driving-his-comeback-from-a-broken-leg/
Q: “Where does your drive come from to come back better than ever?”
A: “My drive comes from the strides I made last year and my understanding of how our defense works and how big of a impact I have on the defense. I know if I train hard and commit myself, I’ll give myself a chance to be dominant again and also us a great chance to win a championship. I truly believe things would’ve turned out differently if I would’ve never went down last year.”
does anyone have the audio line to the Schneider interview this morning?
link
You probably already heard it, but here it goes
http://sports.mynorthwest.com/category/podcast_player/?a=10017353&sid=1007&n=Brock%20and%20Salk
Humphrey and Watt would just be a stupidly incredible haul. No way it happens, but wow…I’d be beyond ecstatic.
Man, that brandon wilson tape is fun to watch.
VMAC visitor alert!
Cyril Grayson, track athlete, LSU (4-time NCAA track champion)
Just ran a 4.33 40yd at LSU pro day. Now THAT is how you explode out of your start!:
https://twitter.com/LSUTrackField/status/849648513264832513
Here are his pro day numbers: https://twitter.com/LSUTrackField/status/849688020139880454
Speaking of your start on the 40 yd dash, it looked like Bowser did not have good form with his start and that only makes his time (and the 10 yd time) look that much better. He also seemed to be very comfortable on the broad jump and vertical, meaning that he was not on the edge of his performance. All this add up to me that he did not practice or at least master these drills and his excellent performance looks that much better.
After watching the video above I would go with Bowser over Watt.
Here we go…
@RapSheet
Retired player Marshawn Lynch is, in fact, in the #Raiders building today… as @PatMcAfeeShow noted. Short trip from his Oakland home.
Source: The #Seahawks cleared Marshawn Lynch’s visit to the #Raiders facility as all sides explore their options. Fact-finding mission.
11:27 AM – 5 Apr 2017
Think Seattle could maybe try and swap first or second round positions with Oakland?
Or package Sherm and Lynch together and trade them to Oakland for a 1st. Really don’t want Sherm to go, though. But that might be the best deal we could get, and if things are beyond repair…
It wouldn’t take both of them to get a first. We might be able to get a second for Marshawn alone.
There is absolutely no team that would give up a 2nd rounder for a 30 year old RB. You probably can’t get anything for Lynch. And you’ll be lucky to get a Kaye first for Sherman.
Maybe thirds. Lynch not going to command much in trade value, Seattle just looking to get something for him. It wont go over well if they refuse to trade him and he forces them to cut him by showing up at Camp ready to go for 9 mill…
But who knows? I been wrong before…
@RapSheet
Retired RB Marshawn Lynch did, in fact, tell #Raiders he intends to un-retire and play again, I’m told. It’s a long process, tho #BeastMode.
1:12 PM – 5 Apr 2017
How can Watt and Bowser fall this low? Mack was a 5th overall pick. Irvin went 15. Is the tape just not there? The athleticism sure seems to be.
Mack had a very consistent four-year career. Watt played one season at LB after transitioning from TE and Bowser switched from basketball. So they’re undercooked compared to Mack.
I see. Mack only had 4 sacks his first year, so it’s very likely it might take awhile before you see any production from these two.
And just like you cant quantify suddenness–as in Harvin, A Jackson, Mack–you can get guys with the same height/weight/speed and the same times in drills but end up with totally different players. Mack is an amazing player, and somehow better than guys with better drill times and measurables. Bruce Irvin was nearly identical in height/weight etc to Aldon Smith, yet has never been the pass rusher Aldon was.
Not saying these guys (Watt, Bowser, etc) wont be the next Mack, just that you cant always quantify that with measurables. Being a great football player is more than being a great athlete. So who knows with these guys? But they sure have the traits you love to see!
Hmmm… interesting stuff from Sherman’s brother via Rapoport:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000797901/article/shermans-brother-thinks-trade-talks-is-just-what-cb-needed
“This is something that’s going to play positive on both ends — on the organization that is trying to regain its power and on Richard,” Sherman’s brother, Branton, told NFL.com this morning. “They’re making it seem like they don’t need him. This is the same player that everyone doubted and denied, saying he’s too tall, too slow, his hips aren’t good enough, fifth-rounder. This is a new chip Richard is going to use. He’s going to be like, ‘You think you can trade me? I’m going to show you guys. That you would even talk about trading me…’ This is a new obstacle, mentally.”
In a wide-ranging, highly-nuanced, level-headed conversation, Sherman’s big brother, who is also the business manager for the Richard Sherman Family Foundation, said Richard told him, “I love this (expletive).” Meaning, he loves the world talking about him and doubting him and debating his worth. He uses it as fuel.
Branton Sherman added that his brother does not want to be traded.
“He doesn’t want to leave behind that brotherhood.”
[…]
“This will help get him back to the mental state from the first few years,” he said. “He’s my brother, I know him better than anyone. I know what it takes to get him going. And this is something he’s going to thrive off of. He’s going to make all the naysayers pay. Now, Seattle, they knew what they signed up for. They knew when they drafted him. There are no hard feelings. It’s a business, you do what it takes to get him back to that, and I’m happy to see it.”
Throughout this whole ordeal, dating back to the outbursts, there just hasn’t seemed to be any sincere acknowledgment from Sherman (or his camp) that maybe he could have handled situations better, or that maybe he crossed a few lines, or that maybe his brand of “leadership” isn’t what the team needed or expects from its highly-compensated superstar. I guess that bugs me. Even now, his brother seems to be dangling the victim card
Thats not what I hear in Branton’s words at all. Just an even-handed take on Seattle reigning in Sherm and lighting a competitive fire under his ass at the same time.
+1
yeap, seems like a pretty rational unbiased comment from someone who should be biased.
I see Branton as the “voice of reason” in the Sherman camp.
Let’s not forget, while Sherman is getting old by NFL standards, he is a young pup in the world.
I said and did lots of dumb things in my 20’s,
and 30’s
and 40’s
50’s………
and some 70 year old guy who says some pretty controversial things just got elected President of some country!
For the record, I hope this blows over and he remains a Seahawk!
However, that’s what bothers me so much about him too. People can say what they want to, but he has been disrespectful to so many people in this community and this team.
This community (Seattle) has loved this guy from day one, this community supported him through everything this year and every one before it. Does he have to apologize to the fans? Nope, not at all – just drop it.
This staff (Pete, John, etc) has drafted him, taught him everything he knows as a CB, gave him a huge deal and supported him throughout his struggles. Does he owe any of them an apology? Nope, he doesn’t actually have to apologize to anyone at all.
Now, his brother is pretending like this supposed “hate” is someone else’s fault. I do not and will never understand how people completely deflect blame in the face of clear evidence. Pride can make people turn really, really ugly I guess. No one doubts him or doubts his worth, on top of that the team doesn’t even want to trade him. I have a lot of pride, but he is downright insane if he believes this isn’t his own doing. He’s backed himself into this corner somehow and now he’s ready to full on “spider-face” himself in the immortal words of Michal Scott.
Awesome!! This all makes sense that this will serve as motivational fuel. I met Branton in Charlotte 3 years ago after a game. He was real cool and took pics with my group. He was also wearing a SBXLVIII ring though that may have been a copy. Regardless it was a hell of a way to cap a close win.
Yes, our starting CBs will be Pierre Desire, Jeremy Lane, and or Neiko Thorpe. So thrilled!
Right? They draft these guys, want their personality to shine through, actually they don’t, and when they do they’re shocked?
Like I don’t agree with Sherms antics on the sideline, but why can’t he speak his mind and vent his frustration? Someone had to tell PC and staff that.
That’s the thing about PC. Very image obsessed. Behind closed doors, this dude is probably more Jim Harbaugh like than we’ll ever know.
I cant tell if youre being serious or sarcastic or what Volume. Sherms personality has always been edgy, but his antics last year were beyond wrong. He also apparently led Carrol to believe he would apologize and then Sherm not only didnt, he doubled down on his earlier whack comments.
Personality is one thing, but being utterly off the rails is another. Sherm monkey-wrenched the team and our season with his behavior, and he has to tone it down. As Carrol said, he wasnt able to reset and come back to the team mentally and emotionally, and it cost the entire team. Other peoples livelihoods besides Sherms depends on doing well, he should realize that he isnt the center of the team and no one, not even RW, is above the team.
I said they were wrong always have.
I’m dead serious. This FO is so damn flaky it’s hilarious.
No I’m not excited about those 3 as our starting CBs with ET coming off surgery and Kam Chancellor and Shead.
And why does he have to apologize for something he beleives? To save face and protect the image right?
*Sherm was wrong I meant
Protect the team.
Rule #1.
Sherman needs to remember that.
Right. I get that, but I also think he spoke some truth and it shook PC in a way that can become a locker room distraction.
It’s not the ‘speaking the truth’ that is the problem.
It’s the way he handled the aftermath. Not backing down. Keeping it alive. Patronising Carroll’s attempt to calm the waters as a weak ‘kumbayah’ meeting.
That isn’t protecting the team.
Can’t argue that. I mean I could, but it wouldn’t hold any weight. And there’s too much of that.
Fact is message is sent. Carroll is very ‘kumbayah’ we know that, but behind the curtains he rules with an iron fist as he should.
I think he probably has an edge but I’m not sure it’s an iron fist per se. I think he wants respect. He wants to give these guys the freedom to express themselves, to play in an environment that enables them to excel on and off the field.
But when you exploit that, a message needs to be sent. And it needs to be appreciated. Carroll gave Sherman the message. I think there were actually a couple of meetings. And Sherman just carried on, ramping everything up a notch. Patronising the coaches’ attempt to get everybody on board.
That can’t happen and I think what we’re seeing at the moment is an attempt by the Seahawks to send a message in two ways. 1 — We will trade you if you don’t cut it out 2 — Nobody is banging the door down to acquire you, so you’re maybe not as brilliant as you think you are.
Well stated, Rob.
Not excited about Lane anymore, but Sherm, ET and Kam should be a hell of a three legged stool. We have a lot of big bodied fast corners on board already, should add a couple-three DB’s in the Draft as well. Its shaping up to be a really cool competition for nickel/buffalo/outside corner. Maybe none of the young guys will work out, but between Seisay, Desir, Thrope, McDonald, McDougald, and the rest it should be a really fun Camp and Preseason to see it sort itself out.
Our FO is not exactly flaky–they simply arent perfect. Carrol tried to allow his players to be themselves, but sometimes a player goes too far–as Sherm did. Then you see Carrol say Enough is Enough. What else can he do? Thats not flaky, thats adjusting.
He isnt going to turn into Bellicheat and get all Draconian, but he isnt going to remain Mr. Happy in the face of crap like that from Sherm–or anyone else.
Sherm needed to apologize for putting himself ahead of the team, for disrespecting Carrol and Bevell, and not being truthful with Carrol.
Wow! Just about the best thing we could hear! I sincerely hope Sherm gets himself together and focuses on destroying the competition this year, and on bringing the team together rather than fighting with Coaches. I would HATE to see Sherm play for anyone else–just as I hated seeing him be a jerk to Bevell, Carrol, and the media guy (DC Richard earned his encounter).
Is this nwachukwu related to the DE the team signed in 2012 to face Atlanta after Clemons injury??
That was Patrick Chukwurah. Almost an anagram with the last names! That was also the season we had Ryan Longwell for a cup of coffee…
Ah! Thanks. I pride myself on knowing every Seahawk since about 2003. He was a memorable guy, be it for just one game though…
No problem! Memorable guy in an unfortunate situation. But hey, that led us to 2013!
Bowser is a MAN. He looks the part, that’s for sure.
I wonder if the Seahawks would invest a third to move up in the first to grab Obi? I’m drooling over having that kid in the slot instead of Lame! TE neutralizer, much better run support and fear factor for crossers.
Here’s what I don’t get.
It the T-step aka kick step and other nuances of the technique that Seattle teaches their DBs takes a 1-2 to fully grasp and learn, why spend a 1st on a red shirt (unless its a QB of course)?
If they go DB in the 1st, and it still seems to be trending that way, but not 💯 then that theory was bogus from day 1.
I think they’ll love Xavier Woods and Tankersley as 2-3 round options. The more I marinate on it, the more I think they don’t go with a CB in the first round (unless that DB also offers special teams upside – eg- they can be impactful in that first year while they are learning the step).
Huge fan of Tankersley, not of Woods.
I like Tankersley as well, and am hoping we can get him–by hook, crook or trade-up, in the second round.
As mentioned in this piece, a pass rusher is a dark horse option early on. Because say they do trade Sherm. How do you help out a young secondary or in this case group of CBs? With a wave of pass rushers.
Vol., I was sorta thinking the same way on that! Knew I could count on you to bring some sênse to this whole *trade Sherm sh..storm*. Any which way things shake out, the ability to come with 4 serious pass rushers is the best help any nascent DB stars we draft could have!
Apologies for addressing a rather wide-ranging discussion already well in progress by responding to a single narrow part of the whole. As is my habit when revisiting a comments column Ive caught the beginning of before, I was reading up from the most recent post to the point where Id left off before-hence my comment came whilst unaware of the broader drift that things were taking.
For the record, then-I hope things get smoothed over and that things can get put right and that Sherman can see his way clear to assume his *proper place* in the LOB. Ultimately, I think most 12s do want to see *The Big 3* retire as Hawks, if at all possible and no one wants to see the team or its fans dragged through a *messy divorce* fraught with acrimony.
That being said, if this whole thing has gone too far down the path of parting ways (which I will continue to doubt until I see it) thêre is, of course, some deal out thêre that would be palatable even to a Sherm supporter like me. I just tend to think we wont get a deal that reaches that threshold.
-Sherman traded (maybe)
-Kam not extended (maybe)
-Lane probably won’t make it past next year
-Shead probably won’t make it past next year unless he signs friendly deal
-Thurmond gone
-Browner gone
-Maxwell gone
The LOB is gone. Time for LOB 2.0. Trade Sherman, don’t extend Kam and draft their replacements this year (Obi/Tankersley/King/Douglas/Baker/Jackson). Save that $18 million.
Next year FA:
Graham ($10)
Joekel ($8)
Kam ($8)
Lacy ($4)
Wilson ($2)
McDougal ($2)
Gilliam ($2)
That’s $36 million available. Add Sherman $11 if trades that’s $47 million for 8 players you save. This draft is critical.
And they waste another year of RW before Britt leaves too and you have to replace him.
Cool they have $36 mil for what? Over paid has beens?
Not saying use it on FA, just saying that’s a lot of cash. I hope Joekel balls out and can get a long term deal done because he is still young. I hope Lacy goes 1,200 yds 12 TD and he resigns. I hope McDougal has 5 INT and he resigns. All those things would work for me, but to remain on top you have to make hard decisions and those can’t be emotional.
2018 FA
Trufant
Landry
Hopkins
Freeman
Ansah
That’d be a great haul and I won’t poo on your dream we all have a right too.
Not saying get them all, just saying their is some young talent available too, not just retreads.
I don’t know why anyone thinks we could replicate those picks. No one is Earl Thomas. I’d put money down that none of these corners manage to play as many elite years as Sherman will after this year, let alone as many fantastic seasons as Sherman has had. Putting a rookie in place of Kam would destroy communication, unless the Hawks draft Obi and let him learn Kams spot, but then by not extending Kam we lose another edge to our secondary. I know its enticing to get younger and cheaper but, in a scheme like Seattles with a chemistry like Earl, Kam and Sherm have, it would be crazy to trade any of them away. We have it good the grass isn’t always greener.
+1 Del tre
Ultimately this team has been going sideways since XLIX. A mini-rebuild is in order. Some of the players Ed mentions are moving passed their primes and are replaceable. Always compete. We have to adopt the Patriots cutthroat philosophy.
They were a blown home game away from being the #2 seed in the NFC last season, despite having an injured QB the whole year, a horrible OL and missing various key players like Bennett, Thomas, Lockett, Kam and others.
Let’s have some perspective.
Additional perspective would be acknowledging how fast the wheels can fall off of formerly elite teams. Age, injuries, and chemistry issues often create a ‘first-to-worst’ result. The smart teams (patriots) don’t shy away from cutting/trading guys that are beginning to decline or are hampering cap flexibility, The Pats traded Jamie Collins and still won the Super Bowl last year.
Perhaps the loss of ET caused the collapse of our defense in the Packer and Falcon games. But if that’s so, then why are we paying Sherm and Chancellor so much? Those games should have scared the crap out of the coaching staff that our success rides on one non-QB.
There are no untouchable players. Like Ricky Bobby and Belichick say: “If you ain’t first you’re last’.” We’re treading water. We need to get what we can from the guys in decline, restock the secondary, infuse some youth on the DL and OL, OL,OL.
Sure, the wheels can fall off. It might happen here. I’m sure they’re planning ways to avoid that.
But the perspective here is in relation to a statement that a mini-rebuild is in order. And I think the evidence on the field suggests that is premature.
It’s premature until it isn’t Rob. Nobody is saying trade Sherman, cut Kam, etc…. What I said is, the LOB is expensive and some coming on a 3rd contract. Age, salary, distraction are all things to keep into consideration. You keep saying what a great DB draft it is, well I’m saying the Hawks should capitalize on that because Sherman might get traded, Kam might continue to breakdown and still want big money, Lane was garbage last year, Shead might be out all year, Thomas is coming off of a big injury. In 2 years, Thomas could be the only member left and his contract expires in 2019. The LOB is overpaid, time to start bringing in some new pups and this is the year (Baker/Jackson/Obi/Maye/Luani/Douglas/Tankersley) the list goes on.
Grab 3 DB with first 5 picks and I will be a happy camper.
You mentioned a mini rebuild. Personally I think any talk of rebuilds is premature.
Can they start to plan ahead? Sure. But they’re not rebuilding this thing. And I think the draft will be about adding to what they have and supplying depth rather than drafting replacements.
I actually agree with you Rob. Football is a game of inches. I would argue that the Seahawks are very nearly as good as the 2013 team. The seahawks were spectacularly healthy in 2012 and 2013, and even in 2014 somewhat. We didnt have to face Von Miller in the super bowl that year because he was injured. It usually evens out.
Traded Collins, Gronk was out, played with 2nd and 3rd string QBs. Had a different OL every week they. They just keep on winning we lose 1 guy and it’s like over were done.
Not to mention chandler Jones
Excellent points Rob, though I choked when I saw “a horrible OL” in your comment lol!
The problem is that Pete sells loyalty and brotherhood, where Belichick sells doing your job and the business of football. Pete can’t be someone else. He has to coach in his way, negativity is a challenge for him. I’m willing to see if this public challenge to Sherm will work out, but I’m guessing this isn’t so much a willingness or desire to trade him, but a last ditch effort to get him onboard with the Seahawks with an out option (trade) if it doesn’t work. Maybe it’s extreme, but it’s tough to manage a guy who doesn’t seem to have any self-awareness or ability to accept any blame whatsoever.
IMO these coaches are all the same, they just go about things a different way. Its why we all had favorite teachers when we were in school.
Pete isn’t about loyalty; it’s all about competing. Remember LenDale White? I thought, regretfully, that he would stick because of loyalty. PC though was respectful of him, but cut him right away. Mike Williams stayed on a while, until he couldn’t cut it any more.
On the larger point of Sherman, his brother’s words are music to my ears.
Bingo. Newer does not equate to better. More exciting? Yes.
Can’t be emotional. They get old, they get hurt, why be so closed minded to moving on just before it’s time. Silly to think that these guys can stay playing at this level for 4 more years, on top of that paying them. The LOB is costing $35 (Sherman/Kam/Thomas/Lane) and I’m sorry, but they didn’t play to that value last year. This is the draft to find their replacements either this year or next, so get it done.
I don’t think anyone is saying they shouldn’t draft a couple to a few contingencies for these guys. But, they’re in the middle of a SB window here. 4 years from now? Yeah they’ll blow this team the f**on up and start over. But there’s 20-30 guys league wide that aren’t replaceable. In time everyone is. But these 3 dudes are in that group that aren’t duplicated.
And if they lose Chancellor they lose the glue that holds this team down.
His departure will such an unimaginable impact in the locker room. These guys are more than any skill set ever will be.
just speaking for myself..I’m ready to move on from the LOB. They used to be young, fun and dominant. Now they just complain a lot.
I’d rather follow an 8-8 Seahawks team with players I actually like…
We lose Kam and Sherm we just might be 8-8. And not much fun to watch.
That might still win the division. Only team that could cause issues is Arizona.
You want to follow 8-8 Seahawk football?
You can borrow my time machine then. Have fun. When you decide you like to watch winning football then come back to the present for this years’ Super Bowl run.
This isn’t emotional. All pros dont grow on trees. 38 million might get us the top CB that year (probably only a year or two younger than sherman and not ready for the kick step) and maybe one top tier defensive linemen or one mediocre offensive linemen. Yippee.
I’ve found it to be the ones being emotional and unrealistic are people like you saying Sherman needs to go. Because its honestly not based on his play.
The hawks run a cover 3 scheme based off of experience in the system and knowing what other players are doing. The chemistry might notbe there like this ever again. Some corners will never get the kick step and development doesn’t always pan out. Part of winning forever is an adequate back up plan. The plan you laid out makes the team so much worse off, probably a 5 win team. You guys are the ones acting like 5th round all pros grow on trees, that we can replace Kam chancellor who is really unique and even Obi Melifonwu with all his athleticism may never be even half the player Kam is because it isn’t combine numbers that make a player, It’s their mind.
If you want to be unemotional start looking at scenarios where we don’t blow another year of superbowl contention and add depth to the team to prepare for letting some of our guys go. Good odds that if get Obi in the 1st we can pick up Ahkello Witherspoon and Rasul Dougoas after, and still get Daeshon Hall in the third. Witherspoon is more ready to start than king in this scheme anyways so since in this scenario we have Sherman and aren’t trying to scramble for a CB #1, we can actually afford to start a rook at CB 2 since Earl can focus on the other side of the field. Besides that Sherman has 2 years on his contract with no “decline in play” so even if we want to get rid of him, it makes more sense to keep him in until his contract expires.
Just because Sherman said something that made everyone upset and then doubled down. I wasn’t mad at Sherman for that, fire the idiot coach who caused the problems in the first place. Sherman isn’t the problem trading him would be treating symptoms and not treating the cause. If they trade sherman you think Bennett will be quiet about it? How about the silent Kam and Earl Thomas? Groupthink it won’t create an even bigger rift in the locker room? Always compete applies to coaches too shouldn’t it?
Lets look at some track records
Kris Richard: #1 defense and #3
Tom Cable: 4 years of top 5 rushing production
Bevell:Blew the superbowl and other than an advanced metric from playing bad teams at the end of 2015 also failed to score a td in like 5 games this year.
Harder to find a guy like sherman than a B- OC which would be a huge upgrade. So yeah if I’m a player on the defense thats been top 5 years in a row and #1 for about 4 of them, I’d be pissed too.
You guys really think sherman is the only one who would double down on that opinion? Until Bevell is gone there will never be a fixing of the defense because everyone saw that stupid play call. And everyone can see now that he can’t stick to a game plan, he panics and makes calls that make no sense. The only reasons for his previous success were Marshawn being great and forced Bevell to hand him the ball
Richard Shermans outbursts are Pete Carrolls own fault. Trading sherman would put the lockerroom in shambles.
Solid points. I hope this all just remains a story and not an actual trade unless the return is huge.
Trading Sherman wouldn’t just be losing an all pro, it would really hurt the locker room and be much more far reaching than a few draft picks could account for.
I agree with you completely, if cleveland calls and says hey you want #1 and #12? thats different, people are suggesting minimal compensation for sherman, one first rounder would not cut it.
+100
You don’t just up and replace hall of fame players. Best to keep them as long as they are giving us value – and as of now every one of their contracts are team friendly. Its always good to add depth and draft for replacement, but thats the attitude they have every draft I imagine.
You have to try and extend Kam. If he wants to test the FA market that’s fine, it’s his prerogative. He is the leader on this defense. His play on the field this year warranted an extension. You can’t just not make an effort.
The Seahawks front office really, REALLY does not want Richard Sherman on this football team in 2017. They keep fanning the flames on the trade front. I wouldn’t be surprised if they let him go for a 3-4th rounder. Schneider always buys high and sells low. They seem determined to fix the locker room problems that Sherm created last season.
Three way trade:
Patriots send Malcolm Butler to NO for at least a 1st (No. 11) Butler has a R1 tender.
Seahawks send Sherman to NE for the picks from NO.
Sherman is much better than Butler.
On the other hand, NO may just trade the picks to Seattle for Sherman and come out ahead,
I hope we don’t draft tight end with our top five picks.
Why, don’t you want to draft a good player?
I just feel as though decent tight ends can be found anywhere. And if Luke and Jimmy both leave, finding one in next years draft and picking up a street free agent to be the third guy shouldn’t be too difficult.
They need another weapon in the passsing game man.
I agree, but I would rather that be a wide receiver.
I think whoever it is, they need to be able to get open. Or at least be able to take a contested catch in the end zone. Wilson will always take the 1v1 when it’s there, just need a guy who can make the most of it.
The draft isn’t a one year plan. The only TEs under contract for 2018 are Nick Vannett. Yup, that’s the list of them. If they’ve decided that Jimmy’s contract is too expensive after this season, the time to get his replacement could be now. I wouldn’t eliminate any position other than QB in the first two rounds.
Seriously – what a time to be a Seahawks fan. No lack of drama.
Never is. Even if your not a fan of this team, and everyone here is, they are far from boring and always bring the entertainment.
Can you imagine being a fan of the Pats? Sure they win, but they’re one of the dullest teams in pro sports.
I think Lynch is more important to Oakland now that they have decided to move to Vegas. It would be a good PR move for this year because you know Lynch will never move to Vegas with them. Plus, he’s BeastMode, too.
I wonder if we could trade our first two picks for their first two picks? Or at least #26 for #24? I know it might not seem like much, but what are we going to do otherwise… keep Lynch and his $9 million in the same backfield as Lacy, Rawls, and CJ?
Will be interesting to see it play out.
This Sherman thing is just weird. He must really just think it’s about him. As has been stated by others, I never thought it would come to this (if he’s traded) but you could tell something was wrong when he made the “kumbaya” comments. He just viewed himself “above” others. Sad. And he’ll probably realize he was wrong in about 5 years. By then it’ll be too late for the championship window. You need two things to win championships. Talent and lack of true cancers on the team. It’s unfortunate that he is, seemingly, both right now. You just don’t get rid of superstars who can legitimately claim they are absolutely the best at what they do if there’s not something seriously wrong.
Bobbyk, I agree with your points regarding BeastMode being great PR for the Raiders, as well as the stuff on Sherm. I think Sherm knows he’s wrong, he’s just too damned prideful in the wrong way to admit it publicly.
Doubt Raiders will even drop two spots in the first, but we might get them to swap thirds, and in this draft that would be a decent price for Lynch. Sure would be cool if they did swap a couple spots in the first thouh!
Carrol doesnt want Lynch back, that much is clear from his comments this offseason. I think the business where he practiced all week then refused to board the plane to Minny was the last straw between them. I think its cool they may let Lynch have his wish and play for the Raiders, but I am sad to see him go. Hope we get some decent compensation for him…
He’s gonna look great in a Raiders uni though…gross as that sounds its somehow fitting!
Yeah, I really don’t know what they could hope to get, but jumping in front of QB-needy Houston in R1 would be huge for someone looking to trade up with us for a QB.
A possible trade partner would be Cleveland. Sherman could be the big fish in the frozen pond there, I’m sure he’d love it. A trade (the equivalent of a late 1-st in value) would have the Seahawks getting picks #33, 108 & 145.
They could really do a lot with those additional picks……I’d especially like that pick 33 at the opening of the second day of the draft, giving 24 hours for the phone to ring…..
This Browns front office has proven they want picks, not give a bunch of picks away to move up (especially in a draft when they’ll already have made two picks before the Hawks make their first). Just because they have a bunch, their depleted roster needs all of them.
What are the chances of Chris Wormley slipping to the end of the 2nd?
He’d be the ideal 2 gap base end, be disruptive against the run and has interior pass rush potential
The way Schneider talked about the loss of Red Bryant (on the Brock and Salk show) and how they really didn’t want to let him go, got me thinking about a player who could fill a similar role.
Seems like most draft analysts think that he will be there at the end of round 2, but who knows.
The Red byrant comp is why we are foaming at the mouth over Grover stewart, Glen Antoine, Roderick hederson Big bodied NT that DEMAND double teams or they will Crush the pocket onto the QB.
Chris Wormley had a 10 yard split of 1.62 which is incredible at 297 lbs. That’s better than a lot of the edge rushers in this draft. Plus he is more likely to have an early impact after having NFL level coaching at Michigan.
Wormley’s official split I believe is a 1.67
Where’s that listed?
I think LeoSharp is referring to this
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=125917&draftyear=2017&genpos=dt
a 4.86 at 298 is Aaron Donald like. If Wormley were available with our number two selection and the Hawks get Daeshon Hall in the third thats an insanely deep defensive line, and the eventual replacements for Avril and Bennett.
I could see a draft where the Hawks take Obi or Adoree in round 1 and then focus in on the corners left in round 3. That might actually be a legitimate way the Hawks are thinking of approaching the draft.
PC did specifically mention pass rush and how there were guys in the draft that they liked. With the DB depth won’t they be more likely to target positions like DL because some players will be pushed down the board in favor of other positions.
Would anyone really disagree that pass rush consistency, or a lack there of, has been the achilles heel of our defense the last two years? Im not saying it was the worst in the NFL, but it wasnt great either. Stats can be very misleading. I’ll be excited if they draft an explosive, productive pass rusher or two early.
Contrary to whatever statistics people might try and throw out there, it was frustrating to see other teams convert as many third-and-long situations as they did last year. And that problem isn’t really anything new. I would rather put pressure on the quarterback instead of dropping so many people in the zone any day of the week.
Absolutely. They have a 4-man pass rush. But they only have 3 good pass rushers. It greatly improves, imo, if they rush 4 good players, as opposed to 3. Getting an edge allows our interior to be Bennett and Clark on those 3rd and 8 situations.
XLVIII was the only year we had what I consider an adequate pass rush & I include quality depth in that assessment. The year prior we lost Jones & Clemons and then bowed out to Atlanta. The year after we lost Avril in-game and you know what happened to our 10 point lead in XLIX. Quality & quantity.
And even that year we had Obrien Schofield taking relief reps and he was underwhelming. They never should have let benson mayowa go
Dude for real! For a team that talks about development we sure gave up on him quickly in favor of an older more expensive option.
I liked Walter Footballs latest mock. He has us going:
1. Adoree Jackson
2. Zay Jones (Tyus Bowser was also available)
3. Cordrea Tankersly
I’d take that. Anything is possible with the depth of this draft.
Walter football is really low on Tankersley for some reason.
I’d take that as well..what did they have for the comps?
George Kittle and Eddie Vanderdoes I believe.
I really hope they can get Sherm back onside as you never get equal value when you trade a guy like Sherm.
That being said I really think broke Pete’s basically only rule by putting himself above the team. Then Pete gave him a ton of chances to get back on board but he basically mocked Pete instead.
I really believe he is on the way out.
Ask yourselves this can you ever remember a front office so openly talking about trading a star player then not do it? I can’t think of many if any examples.
Ideally trade him to the Titans for #15 and a 4th. The Titans need a CB badly, have the cap space, lots of draft capital and are in the AFC.
If we do trade Sherm however extending Kam this offseason to mentor all this young guys becomes absolutely critical.
I think that’s the point. We have never seen the Seahawks be this open about a trade. If they wanted to get rid of him they would like they did Percy Harvin and some of the others. But they haven’t done that. I think this tells us they’re still trying to mend the relationship while simultaneously making a larger point
Regarding Sherman, I sense this is all about winning and the frustration of not achieving the lofty expectations for this team. Since the XLIX heartbreak and through 2 sub par seasons (for this team) we have witnessed the entire organization coming up short. Careers don’t last forever and Richard might feel some of that. Maybe there are issues at home adding fuel to the fire. Children aren’t easy. I don’t know. I do believe that the issue of winning gets settled this year and that the competitive fire is reborn in the 2017 campaign for the entire team. I love Richard Sherman, he’s an all time Seahawk. Yes his antics can rub wrong but that is a part of the whole. Some day none of these players will be here. I’m gonna enjoy this ride as long as it lasts.
I don’t see how they trade Sherman and have a better team this year.
You usually do not trade a hall of fame caliber player and end up better off for it.
I tend to agree with those that say they want to keep him, but want to send him a message to be more of a team player. But WR’s and CB’s have a diva element more than any other position, and this will be a tricky situation going forward. If they keep him, he will play well, he has too much pride. But that fact that they have put it out there must mean they are not happy with his attitude and they are worried about it.
I think we we will know by the end of the first round where he is playing this year. They don’t have to trade him, but if they do, they have to replace him.
The Herschel Walker trade started the cowboys dynasty…
We arent going to get anywhere near that kind of haul even if we trade Sherm AND Lynch to the same team. You cant compare those two. Closest comp is the Jets trading Revis to TB, which sucked for both teams.
unfamiliar why it sucked for both teams? didn’t the jets get 2 firsts from the bus for him?
And what did they do with those picks? How much better was their team without Revis? Ultimately it did them little or no good. Revis wasnt the only thing that caused them to tank for years, but trading him wasnt a net gain for either side. Tampa didnt do any better with him either, and let him go soon after. They didnt win either.
One of the more credible sources just came and and said it was sherman who wanted out and requested a trade?
And Jeremiah just came out with the best mock draft I’ve ever seen . . . Riiiight.
Sherman is not going anywhere, in my opinion. Or at least, he shouldn’t.
Look at the panthers after letting Josh Norman go.
Agree with Nich: Richard Sherman isn’t going anywhere. If Seattle traded Sherman they would not get value back. With that said. There are two teams that could make a run at Richard Sherman. Tennessee and Oakland. I have also heard that the Patriots are an option. But please don’t trade him to New England. With that said you are NOT going to get back value for Sherman. If Seattle trades Sherman they will not be as good as before.
“If Seattle trades Sherman they will not be as good as before.”
Too early to make such a definitive statement. It’s possible they wouldn’t be as good, but it’s also possible they would be better. It all depends on what (who) they get in trade.
BTW I was scanning NEP roster for a player I’d want in exchange for Sherm and I had no idea Greg Scruggs is a TE on that team. Or was (he’s a UFA).
But odds are its true. You wont replace Sherms play or leadership this year–the odds of finding someone as impacting as Sherm immediately are astronomically small. Like finding another Tom Brady in the sixth–it aint happening.
Marshawn Lynch “trade” sort of/kind of
So let’s say he comes back and Seattle and Oakland need to do a deal.
I was running through a few mental hoops to figure out how it would work.
I’ve heard a conditional 7th would be the best they could do, but how about expanding our minds.
So let’s swap some picks around, no net gain or loss of picks, but change of draft position slightly.
Oakland: #24 / pt 740 for Seattle: #26 / pt 700 +
Oakland #129 / pt 43 for Seattle #106 / pt 82
Net 782 points for Oakland + rights to beastmode
Net for Seattle 783 for a slight upgrade in 1st round draft position.
This seems fair and can influence the 2017 nfl draft for both teams.
This seems like a possibility but we really have no leverage.. If we make him stay why would he even try? He’d make he’s on the bench or cut
Because SEA could demand Lynch repay half of the $5M signing bonus they gave him last year and let him keep even though he retired.
Lynch won’t want to cough up $2.5M. So If OAK want him to play for them, they’ll need to trade for him, or pay SEA the $2.5M for him.
Exactly. If Seattle trades his rights they can’t get any of that signing bonus money back, which would allow the Raiders to sign him for less money.
Moving up 2 spots in the first would be sweet.
This team deliberately drafts big personalities, guys who not all teams are going to want to deal with. I actually love seeing outspoken guys, proud to support a team that wants its players to be human.
Did Sherman go too far last year? Maybe, probably? But without knowing what was going on behind I’m loath to speak too much about it. All I can say is that I know all of Pete’s ‘kumbaya’ work absolutely wouldn’t do it for me.
I think we’d be in huge trouble next year if we lost him. His dip in form was way overblown, and we now know that he was playing through a torn MCL. I don’t care how many opioids he was on, that would have hurt like a bitch and wouldn’t have done anything good for his lateral mobility. He doesn’t come back, Earl can’t shade over to the CB2, suddenly the full field is up for grabs again.
We’ve been so spoiled these last few years, watching one of the greatest secondaries ever assembled. Everyone loves some fresh meat, but I’m not ready to watch the show finish just yet
re: Sherman..it might come down to whether or not the FO has decided to offer him a third contract. If no..then it might make sense to trade him now..because you won’t be able to next year (w one year left on contract)…and you won’t get a comp pick for him leaving until 2020..
let’s say we could get a mid- 2nd round pick for RS. We package that with one of our 3rd’s to move up into the 1st..and we potentially end up with starting dbs next year of King, Obi, ET, Kam & Lane…
Use our native 2nd on an Edge rusher/LB…
More cap room/less drama..pretty good chance of having a darn good D…
Mike, one of my first thoughts when hearing that these trade rumors were maybe more than just rumors was very similar – what if we could get both King and Obi? I was thinking they get a mid first and a fourth for Sherman – using the mid first on King and then packaging up a later pick along w the 26th to move up and ensure getting Obi. But basically along your line of thinking. Or staying pat at 26 and taking the remaining of Obi or Peppers.
Agree – King, Obi, Lane, McDougald, Kam, Thomas is still a pretty damn good secondary. It has the added benefit of immediately getting a lot younger in secondary, thereby extending the window of the LOB (LOB 2.0) by creating a new version. And you get out from under 20m plus worth of salary over the next two years. You can extend some or all of Kam, Jimmy, Britt this year and/or roll cap savings to next year. And with the money saved in 2018, could potentially do one splash fa signing.
Im not necessarily in favor of trading Sherman, but I have to admit there is some appeal in the scenario you touched on.
I’d be surprised if SEA drafted Peppers.
curious, why do you think it is unlikely? he’s a big personality, hype guy. Very versatile.
Strictly a measurables thing. They would draft him to play DB (FS, buffalo, slot) and he doesn’t measure anywhere close to their preferred length. FWIW Budda Baker has the same length arms yet I think SEA would draft him — in R2. I guess they might compromise on Peppers in the same range but he’ll be long gone by then.
It’s still a chance though. What if Obi is a bit too reserved to really hang with the dudes in the DB room? What if they can’t really find a fit for him? What if King can’t pick up the kick step that well and suddenly the left side of the field is open season? What happens when Kam gets banged up again and misses a couple of games?
It looks good on paper, but we already know how good things are with Sherman.
IMO, it was Sherman’s “kumbaya” slight against Pete is what definitively went too far. I can not see how that was not an undermining moment.
Chances are, Seattle will not loose Sherman, as they probably won’t find the value they are seeking in a trade, an he will remain a Seahawk for this year, but to borrow a line from the great Samuel L Jackson “hang onto your butts” for the 2017 season because that’s when things could get really interesting between the player and the team, especially if recent indications are true the Sherman is the one who initiated the trade talk to begin with.
Fair enough, I like it when players are outspoken and stand up for themselves. Be interesting to know whether Sherman is alone, or if it’s a fairly widely held sentiment.
The vibe I’ve been parsing is that there are legit questions about his leadership on the team. RW, and especially Baldwin and Chancellor seem like the undeniable team leaders. RW will always say and do whatever to protect the team, even if it’s a bit canned for some tastes, but Baldwin and Kam will give some pretty brutal honest assessments but yet they always manage to do it in a way that puts team first. They don’t slight coaches, they share in blame. Personally, I kind of wished Sherman would have done that in his outspokenness, but instead, he always chose to double down, and even throw a few under the bus a bit. Sherman, as we know, is no dummy. I think he knows what he was doing. He seems like a pretty calculated guy, and chooses his words and how he wants to come off.
Honestly, I don’t totally buy into the notion that the team is trying to send a message to the player, I think this really might be on the player, that he legitimately may not want to be in Seattle any longer, and there has been a little intentional torch and burning going on with him, leaving the team trying to figure out what value they might get for him in a year where it’s seemingly record deep at cornerback in the draft. They probably aren’t going to give him away, he’s too valuable. They might be looking at acquiring another player in addition to a pick. If they have to draft his replacement, maybe they want to add a veteran pass rusher to easy the burden of the Next Generation LOB.
That’s more vibe parsing than I’m willing to do to be honest. Locker rooms are weird environments to begin with, and the Hawks have a lot of big personalities in there. I think Kam is the big dog in that room, and to be honest I don’t get the sense that Wilson and Baldwin are leaders in nearly the same light. But then again, Wilson leaves me a bit cold so what do I know?
I do think something was off last year. Whether that was exclusively Sherman or other stuff I genuinely have no idea.
It’s pure speculation at this point, but I’d say the odds of a Sherm trade are at least even, maybe more.
Anybody else request time off from work to IMMERSE THYSELF on April 27-29?
+1
I have already done that. 😀 But I had a good reason because in my time zone draft will start at midnight.
Already have the vacation days approved!
Taking Friday off. YES!
The good thing it is at night. But the beer is already chilling. I know I’ll be sitting there all draft getting excited then they will trade out of the first and I’ll have to wait again.
yeah..that first round seems to take forever to get through!!
Nowhere near as bad as it used to be, though. Remember back when teams had 15 minutes to pick in the first round? Some years it took more than 6 hours to get through. (Except for 2003 when the Vikings passed on their pick and everyone else started scrambling to get their picks in first. That was fun.)
What are your guys thoughts on Qualls?
Like him as a player, but I don’t think he fits the measurements for what Seattle likes at DT.
I don’t know how early, but a bell just went off for a possible Edge target. Not so sure about these LB/DE hybrid types Rob highlighted in this column, but more of a straight DE type, Daeshon Hall.
Already a VMAC visitor. Just checked his mockdraftable comps. Verrrry interesting, as they say. First, the top two are Chandler Jones and Aldon Smith. Yes and yes, please. Two more comps were Obum Gwachum, who the Seahawks drafted, and Damontre Moore, who the Seahawks signed.
The athletic profile sure seems to be something the Seahawks have been interested in the past and that has been very successful in the NFL.
Definitely think he’s a day two target for Seattle.
Lot of good things mentioned so far about him, by Rob, SDB community and credible other sources. I think he would be a big pick up. Like always, just need to weigh every selection against the other draft opportunities.
ON SHERM TRADE from ACQUIRING TEAM’S PERSPECTIVE
Something I hope does not happen, did like Branton’s assessment as per it helping both sides. Disagree with Sherm as per pass on Superbowl though I know I might be in the minority on this (do disagree with actual pass called just would have called a different pass play) agree with his right to voice it, but totally disagree with his approach THIS YEAR as per that same issue and his follow up.
Too much noise for us to ignore. They are really putting it out there. Hope he stays, all things being equal if if he where 26 instead of 29 it’s a non existent issue, unless you get a king’s ransom or him really being a detriment to the team.
Since he is 29, the likelihood of a trade is quite higher. Ever since chatter started I focused on teams in the 20-32 range as per trade partners. Figuring it had to be a team that feels it is one player away and looking at a 1-2 year window.
Looking at teams 15-19 though I see three with true “franchise” QB’s that are not quite on the upper tier map. Colts at 15, Titans at 18 and Bucs at 19. Richard Sherman would put any of these teams OVER the map. If maybe not the Superbowl Map at least in terms of winning their division and them becoming one of the relevant teams (on people’s minds and on the networks). Titans might be for sale ($$$$$!).
Again hoping against, but this would put us in the Forrest Lamp range. Realize the hole in our secondary would be huge, but see more value in using second pick on that.
Just a thought.
The Titans have been rumored a few times, linked to Sherman. Seriously doubt you would get a #1 from any team, but maybe a swap of #1 (draft position)) might be agreeable. That is why Oakland and Seattle swap makes a bunch of sense for Lynch.
Could they do a package deal Sherman + Lynch for Oakland #1 swapped with Seattle and maybe a mid round (4th and 5th) round pick for the combo??? Not likely, but I could see it if things keep on keeping on
You’d trade Sherman just to move up 2 spots in R1 (plus a mid round)?
There was some speculation OAK would make that swap just so SEA would release Lynch and not demand he repay his signing bonus which they let him keep in retirement.
And you’re willing to add Sherman to that?
No thanks
At least a first, IMO. The additional pick gained can be used as ammo to move up.
Interesting to hear Schneiz mention a gap in draft, plus lack of depth. Then he mentioned loss of 4th and 5th (would gap be there?). Figure to move up at least once in Rd 2 and 3.
As per Richard, I hope he stays. Lynch is probably only garners a late pick.
Now all this talk of trading Sherman is scaring me. I wake at night yelling “no, no, no”, the guys at the pub are all over it, and I keep hearing my ex-wife, “It’s over”.
Everyone has a price, I know I have one, but the exchange had best be substantial. Perhaps a high tier offensive lineman and a mid-round pick?
+1
New England trades Malcolm Butler to New Orleans for the picks 42 and 76, then ships pick 42 and DT Malcolm Brown to Seattle for Richard Sherman. Seattle trades pick 26 to Cleveland to picks 33, 108, and 145
33: R2 P1
EDGE T.J. WATT
WISCONSIN
42: R2P10
S BUDDA BAKER
WASHINGTON
58: R2P26
EDGE DAESHON HALL
TEXAS A&M
90: R3P26
CB RASUL DOUGLAS
WEST VIRGINIA
102: R3P38
WR JOSH REYNOLDS
TEXAS A&M
106: R3P42
CB SHAQUILL GRIFFIN
UCF
108: R4P1
TE GEORGE KITTLE
IOWA
145: R5P1
OT ADAM BISNOWATY
PITTSBURGH
210: R6P26
G AVIANTE COLLINS
TCU
226: R7P8
DL JOSH TUPOU
COLORADO
Pete Carroll said last week that there was a few pass rushers they liked in this draft. One receipt for dealing away your pro bowl cornerback while your other starter from 2016 is on the mend, is to increase that pass rush that went kinda dormant for a stretch of games late in the season, maybe not with one player, but players. NE signed Lawrence Guy to a handsome 4 year deal that maybe makes Brown expendable kinda like Timmy Jernigan just was. Seattle gets a young DT with some legit 3 down potential to rotate in with Reed and Rubin. Cleveland trades up to 26 to grab Mahomes, and with the 33 pick, Seattle land Watt, and then, two picks later in R2, at 58 grabs Hall. Three young pass rushers all on rookie deals that each do it in different ways to rotate in with Avril, Bennett, Clark, and don’t sleep on Q Jeff if he stays healthy, Marsh and Reed also figuring to factor in. That gives Seattle 9 players on the DL that could rotate in throughout 4 quarters.
With the 42 pick from NE, Seattle takes local phenom Budda Baker to back up Earl, and play nickel cornerback, as Jeremy Lane will likely be manning the outside.
R3, they take long, scrappy, physical corner Rasul Douglas who they think will fit their style well, then long deep threat and redzone target Josh Reynolds, and a more athletic corner in Shane Griffin.
They get an athletic y, yTE in Kittle top of R4, SDB favorite Bisnowaty in R5, athletic guard prospect Collins in R6, and a big physical nose tackle in Tupou in R7.
UDFA’s include FB Freddie Stevenson, RB Elijah Hood, QB Jerod Evans, CB Xavier Coleman, LB Joe Mathis, LB Jimmy Gilbert, DL Jeremiah Ledbetter, OT Daniel Brunskill, K Jake Elliot, S Nate Gerry.
If you are going to deal Sherman, which really does feel insane in a championship window, you better have a plan. If Seattle is shopping him, it was be pretty presumptive to assume they don’t have a solid plan in mind. Carroll has said, repeatedly, that he is always looking for rushers. I think one plan to remedy the loss of Sherman is to go Bonzo on some pass rushers while Lane, Elliot, Desir, Thorpe are competing to fill the void as they work along what is probably going to be at least a couple rookies until Shead gets healthy enough to also contribute. Getting a guy like Budda who could play nickel and safety would also probably be a big bonus as they would probably rely on Lane more on the outside.
Finally, if they were to deal Sherm, I hope like heck they turn around and extend Chancellor for at least three more years, if not four.
I was just about to post that I could see a 3-way trade between SEA-NEP-NOS that sends Sherm to NEP, Butler to NOS and picks to SEA. My scenario was a little different though.
Not to be contrary, but the most NEP would get for Butler is 42 by itself. I can’t see a team giving up a R2 and R3 for him.
And although I would love to get Malcolm Brown, I can’t see NEP letting him go. He’s 23 years old and on a (relatively) cheap rookie contract with at least 2 more years. There’s no upside to moving him, even for Sherm.
Even so, I could still see a 3-way trade with Butler to NOS, Sherm to NEP and 42 + 72 or 96 to SEA.
You well might be right on Brown. Personally, I think he’s a nice player that I wished for Seattle a few years ago, but I came across something a while ago that BB wasn’t entirely happy with Brown’s overall consistency, even though he’s flashed, and that was before the Lawrence Guy signing (who I think PFF loved as a player). I’m doing some significant parsing here, but if they Ravens dealt Jernigan because they felt they weren’t going to forward his services much longer, and NE just paid fairly handsomely to Guy and also have Branch and a few other younger players they like, maybe Brown could be offered up to Seattle for Sherman and a second rounder?
On Seattle’s end, I’m not confident, at all, that Seattle will get a first round pick for Sherman, and I think they feel that. I think this is probably the sticking point, and maybe they looking a player to acquire with a lessor pick that could step in and help the team, even at a different position. Just looking at the present depth, I tend to think that Seattle might be inclined to look for someone on the DL, since they haven’t attacked that in FA, and they really don’t have much on the roster playing inside with Rubin and Reed being the only players to who have proven themselves at any length in a regular season. Many thought they’d be aggressive there in FA, but they haven’t. Could be they like where Reed is headed in year 2, and the prospect of Q Jeff being healthy, but when the Sherman to NE chatter started happening, first place my mind went to was Brown and a pick.
Sherman worth more than that JS wont accept that deal, ever.
Never say never Stevie.
2 top 100 picks in the deepest draft in a long time, plus freeing up $11M in cap space this year, and $13M next year, while removing a significant sideline distraction and maximizing the value of a player whose value likely will decline in the next couple of seasons isn’t a bad thing.
I’m not saying that’s the best they could get for Sherm, but if it was I wouldn’t be disappointed.
What if we traded Sherman to Washington for Josh Doctson and pick #17? We’d get 3 or 4 more years of a first round receiver on the low. Also (This is far out) if we somehow got Oakland to trade up to 17 we could get another third and pick at 24&26 (Houston will probably go QB so we basically would have back to back picks). Or we could trade down again or take someone at 17.
The only way I would be on board with getting rid of Sherman is if they know he won’t get another contract. If that’s the plan, we’ll see us go CB early and often with or without a Sherman trade
1.24. Kevin King
1.26. Obi Melifonwu/ Adoree Jackson
2.58. Cordrea Tankersley
3. Nico Siragusa
3.90. Vince Biegel
3.102. Daeshon Hall
3.106. Brandon Wilson
6. Jake Butt
7. Joe Mathis
Strictly dream material. Nice concept, though. Very creative.
Basically a way to get a first and third and Doctson or whoever without one team having to give it all up
Hope I’m wrong..but I just can’t see a team giving up a first for RS. He’s basically a very expensive two year rental (with baggage)..and Seattle db’s haven’t exactly lit up the world after they’ve left the Seahawks (leading to speculation they are “system” players).
I think a 2nd is possible though (which i would go for if I was JS)..but a 3rd is more likely (which I wouldn’t).
if we accepted anything other than a 1st. Would be stupid for us to do. Looking to precedent, revis was dealt to bucs at just a year younger than sheer for 2 firsts if i remember correct. And he had just come off a serious knee injury.
I can’t see a reason we would trade him for anything less than a 1st. Especially when talk of Butler fetching a possible first from NO, and he not near the corner sherm is.
Regardless of sherms antics, he is a great player, and great teammate. He speaks his mind, and is a character. I personally am not even for trading him for a first, regardless of how great and how many players id like in the draft.
just looked it up…NYJ got a first (14th pick in 2013 draft)..and a fourth round the next year (2014) from TB for Revis.
I’m guessing TB regrets that trade… (but hope you’re right about Sherm’s value on the open market)
If you have the cap space, who would you rather have, Sherman or Gareon Conley (or similar)?
depends upon where my team was development wise (and my personal job security). Under normal circumstances.. I would continue to build thru the draft (avoid high priced “rentals”)..but I can see the temptation to do so if I felt I was in a “win now” situation.
..and Tampa bay replaced their GM after the 2013 season..so read into that what you may
It’s true that Sherman has put himself in a situation where he still remains at odds with the FO, but you can’t find a shutdown corner, like a franchise QB they get paid a lot but are so difficult to find, if we did a trade it would have to be for something phenomenal. His ego won’t let him admit what he already knows, that he went too far. This may be his best year in a long time, if we do trade him then next off season he may have more value. He makes more than most players just in endorsements alone!
Yesterday I was up in Helena at the VA so i missed a lot, i also missed hooking up with STTBM since he moved away from there. I would have loved to buy him lunch and talk Hawks intensely like only he can do.
Still miss Helena. You’ll have to truck out my way eventually though Mike!
Really freaking out about the whole deal with Sherm. To me it looks like Seattle is now desperate to unload him and they forced their hand, blabbing too much when this should have been kept Patriots-secret until the team they plan to trade with is on the clock.
Looks like Seattle isnt getting anywhere near what they hoped in offers for him. Duh, no one wants to give up a lot for a 29 year old with a huge mouth, no matter how good he is.
Really wish both sides could “have their Koombiyah Moment” and make peace. I really hate the idea of Sherm playing anywhere else, nearly as much as I hated his drama and a-hole behavior towards Bevell and Carrol last year (again, Kris Richard deserved what he got).
Can we trade Kris Richard too?! Serve him and Sherm both right to trade both to the same team lol!
what did Richard do??
Hi Rob,
Long time reader of your site.
I wanted to add something on the Sherman trade rumor.
On the Cardinals radio station here in Phoenix, one of their Peeps said last night that it was Sherman who asked for a trade. He received a text message from one of his sources that had this info. I thought I would share this information with this group. Keep up the awesome work that you do.
Hi AZHawk, thanks for reading the blog and getting involved.
Adam Schefter said something similar yesterday.
that makes a lot of sense..because if it was the FO’s idea..they probably wouldn’t be talking about it in the press (they would just do it). This way they can tell RS..”hey..we tried our best..the best offer we got for you was xyz”
wow, this feels like it’s becoming real:
Ian Rapoport
@NFLRapSheet
Richard Sherman being linked to a trade to Falcons where he would reunite with former DC Dan Quinn, per sources.
I’m not sure Atlanta has the cap room for him…
This just published as welll though:
“Very little chance it happens, but both sides are listening,” Sherman told Breer. “I honestly don’t have much more to say about it than what I’ve already said. We have a great relationship. … There is a lot of love and respect. There is no bad blood.”
Some have wondered if all of this is the Seahawks looking to send Sherman a message, to which he replied: “Not at all. I’m not in the least bit concerned about that.”
http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2017/04/06/richard-sherman-trade-talk-seattle-seahawks-nfl
If it does happen–and I don’t think it will–it will happen on draft day. Some team will miss out on the guy they really wanted, panic, and throw Seattle enough compensation to make it worth their while. Or (less likely) someone Seattle really wants will drop far enough and the Seahawks will pull the trigger.
Either way, watch the first round closely. If you see “Trade” flash across the screen early in the first round and Seattle’s logo pops up, there’s a good chance Richard Sherman just became an ex-Seahawk.
Fake account. Ian Rapoport’s account is @RapSheet
Nice catch! I totally missed it.
Oh FFS. I hate twitter sometimes.
All this Sherman stuff is just clickbait the media is used to generate clicks during a rather slow period of the off season.
At least that what I hope..,
Here’s one to chew on… #neversaynever
@PSchrags
Here’s one for Wednesday night. Heard from multiple front office execs over last few days. Feeling is now Christian McCaffery goes Top 10.
6:02 PM – 5 Apr 2017
Cincinnati would be my guess if he went top 10
They have Bernard, a similar player to McCaffrey..
I wouldn’t be shocked by this, in all honesty. He can be “the weapon” on an offense. He could be a high end WR in this league. I truly believe that. He’s also a very underrated inside runner. You could hypothetically run a 2 RB offense where your 2nd RB doubles as a high end slot WR. He would be a fun toy with a creative OC.
Marshawn’s $5M bonus is an important piece of the negotiations. Why should Seattle pay the bonus for the years Marshawn plays for Oakland? They shouldn’t. If Marshawn pays it back then Oakland will need to include that in his compensation package. It could free up $5M in Seattle cap space next year. Or, Seattle could agree to forget about it. It has already been charged against the cap. That $5M would become gift to the Raiders unless they return the value with an appropriate draft pick. What will $5M of cap space and an All Pro RB buy in the draft?
More Sherm stuff… no idea what his source is or how trustworthy his reports tend to be.
Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports that the Seahawks have let it be known that they’re looking for “a very good player plus a high draft pick” in return for CB Richard Sherman.
Salguero’s source added that Sherman wouldn’t be willing to give any money back and would want to play for a team who has a chance to compete for a Super Bowl title.
If trade talks were to progress with a team, a deal most likely wouldn’t be complete until the start of the draft on April 27-29, according to Salguero.
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/armando-salguero/article143077999.html
Salguero very reliable
Can’t believe this is the road we are heading towards, but life is like that. Sherm and Lynch where the heartbeat of the team (with Kam as locker room leader). Earl more talented, but not as outspoken if you will. In the long run it will be all Russ and Pete, just as NE is all Tom and Bill. Can’t complain.
I would imagine they would prefer shipping him to an AFC Team, but above all getting adequate value from whoever it may be. I mentioned Titans in previous post, they still seem to me as being the most viable option. Jon Robinson is probably my favorite young GM besides Schneider. He has shown a willingness to wheel and deal.
Is Sherm worth a 1st round pick from an acquiring teams perspective. Football wise maybe not for a 29 year old CB (I would argue yes for Sherm for a team that wants to take it to the next level), but if you look at the money it’s not out of the question that Sherm adds millions to the bottom line of a teams value. Talk on that has died down lately, not sure if Titans are really for sale.
Philly picking at 14 could also be an option. Dez, OBJ, Brandon Marshall, Terrelle Pryor in same division. 14th pick seems too high a price to pay, but Eagles are not in the picture without him. Seems he would fit in with the Philly crowd.
Most likely likely a late first plus a mid-tier player earning 3-5 million is what team can expect in return.
Schefter keeps on saying Sherm requested trade. 🙁
Bingo.
It is pretty funny looking at other teams blogs/websites etc. and seeing them talking about Sherman. There are some… Interesting takes out there.
Give us the Cliffs Notes version…
‘I’d maybe give up a third and sixth for him if he agreed to take a pay cut.’
‘Nothing! He’s not as good as (insert CB of choice here) anyway and he only looks good because of the system’
‘I never liked him, don’t want him. Wouldn’t even give up a 6th.’
‘He’s good, but he got destroyed by Antonio Brown and we need a guy who can cover him so no.
‘Yes! But only if we can do it for a third or fourth’
Etccccc
Love Sherman’s play, but his behavior is straight bunk.
You don’t publicly criticize, blame and embarrass your offensive coordinator. Reason enough to move him. For me, it’s his reference to ‘that play’ that pushes him out the door. For a team, fan base and ownership group to move on, focus on the present purpose of returning to the Super Bowl, you need everyone in the organization to be all in, buy into a winning culture. Sherman’s not. Instead, he seems preoccupied with disparaging Carroll’s ‘kumbaya’ culture (that, incidentally, won them a Super Bowl), blaming to Bevel, punishing his critics (attack on Moore was straight petty/punk) and avoiding accountability. Time to move on.
While it’s probable that a Sherman trade would hurt the secondary in the short term, it also allows you to draft another first round talent, address areas of need, free up some cap space to be creative in extending your core players (Kam, Graham, Avril).
Give me another first in this deep draft + some cap space to pursue the next Bennett/Avril and/or reward your team leaders with extensions and I take it 24/7.
Here’s an idea after thinking about the SAM/nickel/buffalo/SS positions.
Seahawks draft Obi @ 26 to play buffalo in 2017 and to be the SS/Kam Chancellor replacement long term. In 2018 Kam moves to SAM on base downs (he does weigh 230 lbs) and is able to extend his career. On base downs Obi plays SS. Or they can swap depending on TE alignment (slot vs in-line). This would help Kam extend his career by managing his snaps more.
Kam wouldn’t be quick enough to play SAM
Rob how much longer do you think Kam realistically is a Hawk for? I honestly can only see a scenario where he’s extended for only 2 years after 2017 with little guaranteed after 2018
I think the way he played in 2016 is very encouraging for the future.
If they really do move Sherm I really hope they extend Kam 2-3 years. They will need his leadership with the young guys they bring in.
Forgot to add..could pick up a guy like Luani from WSU to come in 2018 as the SS in sub packages and Obi moving over to the slot.
This was a great read, Rob! With the options that you still have available, I think that would be a tough choice for PC/JS, but I would like them to pick J. Willis at 26. He has more experience than both Bowser and Watt, and his athleticism matches both Seattle’s ideals and the other two players mentioned. His tape versus Stanford, against a possible top-20 pick in McCaffrey, was impressive. He reminded me a lot of Cliff Avril, in that he was constantly living in the back field.
When Pete says he likes some of the pass rushers in this draft, seems like everyone is assuming he meant an Edge rusher. Could be a potential 3-technique rush Tackle. I would personally would like to see that.
I think the reason everyone assumes EDGE is because the interior pass rush options are so mediocre in this class.
Maybe in the second round they won’t seem so mediocre.
The options are mediocre in every round this year IMO. Just not a good class for interior pass rush.