I’ve not made a ton of changes this week. Seattle’s first round choice of Rutgers linebackers Khaseem Greene remains unchanged. I noted on Monday why I thought he’d be a likely target. I’ve stuck with it this week despite the availability of Kawaan Short, Sylvester Williams and Dion Jordan.
The Seahawks have drafted a senior in round one three out of four times. They’ve also always drafted scheme-fit types with big production. Very few pass rushers matched Bruce Irvin’s tally of sacks in two years at West Virginia. He was also described as the ‘ideal LEO’ by Pete Carroll. Not many left tackles have anchored a Heisman campaign, springing Mark Ingram for a huge season at Alabama. James Carpenter wasn’t an over-hyped prospect going into the 2011 draft, but he probably should’ve been and was ideal to improve Seattle’s weak running game. Russell Okung was seen by many as a cerebral left tackle and filled a crucial need within the zone blocking scheme.
Short, Williams and Jordan don’t have outstanding college production. Are they obvious scheme fits? Arguably not.
Compare that to Khaseem Greene. He’s an ideal WILL for Seattle’s scheme. He has back-to-back Big East defensive player of the year awards, 276 tackles in two seasons plus 9.5 sacks and nine forced fumbles. Greene is a Seahawks first round pick waiting to happen. I didn’t feel to fight this projection for the sake of it this week.
I’m going to write a piece tomorrow discussing the prospect of the Seahawks possibly drafting a big bodied defensive lineman. The type that doesn’t necessarily fit the ‘three technique’ requirement, but might still be on the teams radar. We’ll continue to look at many different options between now and April. However, Greene could very easily be in contention for the 25th pick. And while most other mocks are projecting guys like Tavon Austin to Seattle (can’t see it), I want to portray a very realistic option for at least another week.
I’ve switched around Seattle’s choice in round two. Having studied further tape on Justin Hunter I think he’s a poor fit for Seattle’s offense (not competitive enough for the ball in the air, doesn’t make the most of his size, inconsistent). Instead I have them taking Jordan Reed, the joker tight end from Florida. I wasn’t blown away by his tape against Georgia, but I really liked his performance against Texas A&M (see video above). He could be a nice roaming option for Russell Wilson, lining up in different positions to create mismatches.
I still think we’ll see quarterbacks going early. Seven have been drafted in the top-12 over the last two years since the introduction of the new CBA. If Christian Ponder can go as early as 12th overall, then there’s no reason why Matt Barkley, Geno Smith and Mike Glennon can’t crack the top ten.
First round
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#1 Matt Barkley (QB, USC) Kansas City needs a quarterback. Barkley should be the first to go. |
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#2 Sharrif Floyd (DT, Florida) Floyd has a ton of upside and could be ranked higher than the edge rushers in this class. |
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#3 Geno Smith (QB, West Virginia) This regime needs to put down some roots. Too many key pieces belong to the last front office. |
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#4 Luke Joeckel (T, Texas A&M) Chip Kelly needs to rebuild Philly’s offensive line. |
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#5 Bjoern Werner (DE, Florida State) The Lions could use an edge rusher, especially if they lose Cliff Avril. |
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#6 Dee Milliner (CB, Alabama) The complete cornerback prospect. He deserves to go this early. |
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#7 Mike Glennon (QB, NC State) They need a quarterback. If they can convince themselves Glennon is good enough, they should take him here. |
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#8 Alec Ogeltree (LB, Georgia) Ogletree is a star in the making. |
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#9 Star Lotulelei (DT, Utah) Putting Lotulelei alongside Muhammad Wilkerson and Quinton Coples would give Rex Ryan the three-man front he craves. |
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#10 Sheldon Richardson (DT, Missouri) Prototype three-technique. |
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#11 Eric Fisher (T, Central Michigan) They need to draft a left tackle. |
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#12 Damontre Moore (DE, Texas A&M) If Moore falls a bit he could find a home playing across from Cameron Wake. |
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#13 Desmond Trufant (CB, Washington) The Buccs will likely target cornerbacks early. |
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#14 Chance Warmack (G, Alabama) They hit on Newton and Kuechly. This would almost certainly make a hat-trick. |
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#15 Barkevious Mingo (DE, LSU) The Saints need a pass rusher for their new 3-4 defense. |
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#16 Kenny Vaccaro (S, Texas) Vaccaro would be a nice addition to St. Louis’ defense. |
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#17 Kevin Minter (LB, LSU) This could be Pittsburgh’s biggest need. |
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#18 Ziggy Ansah (DE, BYU) He’d make a great power end to compliment DeMarcus Ware. |
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#19 Johnathan Hankins (DT, Ohio State) A big, space-eating defensive tackle. |
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#20 Lane Johnson (T, Oklahoma) Unless they go the free agency route, this is Chicago’s priority. |
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#21 D.J. Fluker (T, Alabama) He could replace another former Crimson Tide lineman – free agent Andre Smith. |
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#22 Zach Ertz (TE, Stanford) This would be a great value pick for the Rams and Sam Bradford. |
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#23 DeAndre Hopkins (WR, Clemson) If they really are hoping Christian Ponder works out, he’s going to need a receiver like this. |
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#24 Jonathan Cooper (G, North Carolina) Incredible value if he falls this far. |
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#25 Khaseem Greene (LB, Rutgers) Converted safety prospect who looks like a John Schneider draft pick. |
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#26 Keenan Allen (WR, California) Donald Driver’s retired, Greg Jennings and Jermichael Finley are free agents. They could go receiver here. |
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#27 Jonathan Jenkins (DT, Georgia) Would they consider adding some size up front? |
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#28 Xavier Rhodes (CB, Florida State) After a rough ride in the playoffs, the Broncos could boost their secondary here. |
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#29 Jarvis Jones (DE, Georgia) The spinal stenosis issue could lead to a fall. Someone will take a shot. |
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#30 Eddie Lacy (RB, Alabama) An ideal replacement for the ageing Michael Turner. |
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#31 Cordarrelle Patterson (WR, Tennessee) Randy Moss can’t play forever and return-specialist Tedd Ginn Jr. is a free agent. |
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#32 Manti Te’o (LB, Notre Dame) Tough shoes to fill, but the Ravens often look for value in round one. |
Second round
#33 Jacksonville – Jesse Williams (DT, Alabama)
#34 Kansas City – Tyler Eifert (TE, Notre Dame)
#35 Philadelphia – Barrett Jones (C, Alabama)
#36 Detroit – Matt Elam (S, Florida)
#37 Cincinnati – Dion Jordan (DE, Oregon)
#38 Arizona – Menelik Watson (T, Florida State)
#39 New York Jets – Stepfan Taylor (RB, Stanford)
#40 Tennessee – Alex Okafor (DE, Texas)
#41 Buffalo – Tyler Wilson (QB, Arizona)
#42 Miami – Johnthan Banks (CB, Mississippi State)
#43 Tampa Bay – Kawann Short (DT, Purdue)
#44 Carolina – Sylvester Williams (DT, North Carolina)
#45 San Diego – Gavin Escobar (TE, San Diego State)
#46 St. Louis – Arthur Brown (LB, Kansas State)
#47 Dallas – Travis Frederick (C, Wisconsin)
#48 Pittsburgh – John Simon (DE, Ohio State)
#49 New York Giants – Sam Montgomery (DE, LSU)
#50 Chicago – Dallas Thomas (G, Tennessee)
#51 Washington – Phillip Thomas (S, Fresno State)
#52 Minnesota – Robert Woods (WR, USC)
#53 Cincinnati – Giovanni Bernard (RB, North Carolina)
#54 Miami – Markus Wheaton (WR, Oregon State)
#55 Green Bay – Oday Aboushi (T, Virginia)
#56 Seattle – Jordan Reed (TE, Florida)
#57 Houston – Larry Warford (G, Kentucky)
#58 Denver – Tavon Austin (WR, West Virginia)
#59 New England – Jordan Poyer (CB, Oregon State)
#60 Atlanta – Vance McDonald (TE, Rice)
#61 San Francisco – Datone Jones (DE, UCLA)
#62 Baltimore – Justin Hunter (WR, Tennessee)
Wait, Seattle passes on Patterson and the NINERS get him?
RAGE. It’s a mock draft but RAAAAAGE.
/agree
Can’t say I’m overly enthused about going OLB in the 1st anyway though.
I’d be pretty upset if Patterson went to the 9’ers… That would be pretty lame. Rob I thought you were all over Short and thought his upside was pretty high?
I like Short, but it doesn’t mean the Seahawks will necessarily take him at #25.
Just looking at the top 40 players I think Seattle will get a guy they really like. Hopefully a team wants to trade up to #25 and gives us an extra 3rd rounder.
I’d be bummed if Ertz made it that close to the hawks and was taken by a division rival. If he got that close I would hope the Hawks would have the bengals on speed dial.
I could live with Patterson to the 49ers. I don’t really think he’d be a good fit for that team. Dude seems pretty raw and prone to mistakes. I don’t think he really improves that team much. I’d be more concerned if Hopkins went there.
Agreed. I wouldn’t be too upset to see them use another 1st rounder on an undercooked WR after ostensibly wasting last years R1 selection on A.J. Jenkins.
Ever since you did the piece on Short after the Sr. Bowl you had me sold on him, excited too! I can understsand your logic in placing Greene for us in R-1 but I am curious why you didnt select Short instead. Is it because you are just assuming the Hawks sign a starter type DT as a FA?
Is Greene really going to be a 3 down player for us? Wouldnt he have to be if we used a 1st rounder on him?
That would be a killer if SF got Patterson, OUCH!
It’s really for the reasons listed in the piece. There’s a trend among Seattle’s first round picks not named Earl Thomas — seniors, big production, great scheme fit. Greene ticks all those boxes, while some others perhaps don’t. That doesn’t mean Seattle are as strict as Tim Ruskell in that sense. If a great junior falls they’ll probably take him. But in this scenario, I think Greene is a legit option.
If Alec Ogletree fell would you draft him ahead of Greene?
Me — yes. Would Seattle? I don’t know.
Since Houston is taking a Guard in R-2 at #27 how about this trade; Seattle trades our 5th rounder and G Moffit for Houstons R-2 and we select DE Jones perhaps? Carpenter and Sweezy will be the starters next year at Guard anyway. We do have 12 selections so we can be a little creative. Moffitt seems like a good teamate and all that but he is 2 for 2 on being injured every season…
I’m not sure Moffitt’s stock is so high to warrant that trade.
I know PC/JS aren’t trying to draft a CB 1st round but if Xavier Rhodes is still on the board do you think it will be tough for them to pass him up? He is a bad dude and is a prototypical Carroll corner. Someone posted this scouting video on field gulls the other day and it has stuck with me. He has to have PC salivating. I am not necessarily saying that they should for the record, but given Carrols love corners I just figured I would bring it up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw9oHp46Yqs
Decent film on Rhodes, but something else caught my eye. Werner completely gives up on a red zone run at the 3:32 mark vs Clemson. Very poor effort!
Hey Rob, I brought up the idea of doing a Post-season mock re-draft of the 2012 draft a couple months ago. If you’re ever looking for something to write about, I think a lot of us would be interested to see how you think the first round would play out if all the teams had a crystal ball.
I’ll consider a piece like that.
Agreed. I’d love to see this too.
That would be awesome
A redraft article would make me sad. I don’t ever want to think of a world where Russell Wilson is not a Seahawk, even if it is make-believe… Can you imagine RW signing off after interviews with, “Go ‘Phins”?
Not that he would necessarily end up a Dolphin, Heck, he might not even make it that far (Browns). One thing I can say with absolute certainty is that in a redraft, Russell Wilson would NOT be drafted behind any punters… Oh Jacksonville, you hapless bastards.
Given the recent infatuation with the dual threat QBs, is it feasible for EJ Manuel to go in the 2nd, even as high as the late 1st? While I haven’t watched much of Manuel, he seems to have a similar profile to Jake Locker – great tools, questionable decision-making, questionable accuracy, hasn’t put it all together. Even Tarvaris Jackson went in the 2nd round. If the new economics of the draft allow for taking greater risks in the first round, and he has high end potential if you pair him with a good coach, you’d think some team might take a chance.
I think he could go in the second for the reasons you stated. IMO he was the best quarterback in the Senior Bowl game, but you can’t take much out of that. Somebody could buy into his athletic qualities for sure.
Would you be happy if we got him late as a backup for Wilson? Flynn gone then obviously?
He would only be the backup, and I agree that he was by far the best at the Senior Bowl…
What round would make that a good pick for us? 4th and on?
…also, as another posted earlier about trading Moffit, do you see ANY players that Seattle might consider trading in addition to MAtt Flynn? Could we package Flynn and ____?
Any ideas?
I would be happy as long as it was the 4th or lower.
Any other players you might see Seattle trading? I’ve asked twice before and you have never answered? Does that mean you don’t think anyone besides Flynn will be a possible tradE??
Thx Rob
No I don’t see many trade candidates within the current roster.
I don’t know which team might want him, but I would be very happy to get rid of Leon. No offense to his game, he’s a valuable asset on special teams, but I feel trading him would be really beneficial. Be it rolling over more cap space or finding a key FA.
I see that as an option. If we had a FA DT and DE signed, we could take Tavon Austin, which I know Rob sees as a reach and non-fit, but he could punt and kick return to replace Leon, and be a WR and RB in mixed packages. I know he is short, but what did the ‘short’ Russell Wilson show us last year? Think ‘outside’ of the box and watch the sparks fly!!
Leon and Flynn to who?? Who could we trade these 2 two, for what???
I’d love just a 2, 3rd and/or maybe 4th round swap…that way the biting team doesn’t lose picks, just shifts them around. A good selling point for them…
Then we get Cap space from Leon and Flynn-spend that on Starks and Osi or whatever DE we want, and move forward…
UR thoughts?
Tavon is more than just “short”. He’s light, too. He’s not exceedingly fast in top gear. He’s not exceptionally strong in the legs or upper body (no barry sanders type squats or Nap Kaufman bench presses here). He doesn’t have exceptional vertical leaping ability (many taller players will have a bigger vertical leap, increasing their advantage). He doesn’t run terrific routes. He has good hands, but his only ‘great’ skill is he’s very elusive.
You compare him to Russell- but look what Russell has: He’s short but he’s exceptional in every other category- arm strength, mobility, accuracy- Russell is elite in those other categores. Tavon is not. And even with that, and at a much more valuable position, Russell was a 3rd round pick.
Tavon Austin doesn’t dominate enough in other areas to warrant a first round pick, imho.
Rob, looks like you think a good catching TE would be better off for Seattle than a WR…
Do you think a joker TE like Reed would be more valuable than a big WR?
Just curious…I bet we get a WR late also just to saturate the receiving core…
Do you have any lingering concern about Zach Miller’s injury??
No concerns, I just think they’ll look for a guy they can move around and play multiple roles. They looked a Winslow after all. And there’s not a great deal of depth for the big receivers this year.
Jordan Reed is basically a big WR. He would play flexed out a lot, anyway
This is a cool niche’ area… A big moving around TE to mix and match with Miller/Rice/& Tate looks like a pretty powerful combo…Ertz too…
Would any of the late guys work like this? Kelce, BJ Stewart, Vance McDonald or Fauria?
Thx
I don’t know much about Stewart or McDonald, but Kelce and Fauria are significantly less agile than Reed or even Ertz and Eifert. Those two are more in the Gronkowski mold, but I’d say with less RAC ability. Fauria’s blocking also leaves something to be desired. I don’t rate him particularly highly, maybe fifth round. Kelce on the other hand is late second material. Nice hands and great blocking. But probably isn’t a target for the Seahawks
I love Kelce, and think he could do an admirable job filling Zach Miller’s shoes if/when he becomes too expensive. Imagine if you added Reed in R2 and Kelce in R4 to create a poor man’s Gronk/Hernandez, cut Miller and give his salary to Melton or Starks, and hope that someone great falls in your lap at #25 (Ogletree, Floyd, Mingo, Cooper etc.)
Wow…ready to cut Miller all ready!
I do like the idea of mimicking Gronk/Hernandez to some degree… Formulas work for a reason!
Miller/Ertz, or Miller/Reed would be a nice combo-
Even Miller / Vance McDonald or BJ Stewart might be a tough combo…
Can’t wait for the combine and draft!! SO MUCH FUN!
What about TE ESCOBAR?
I haven’t been able to watch ANY tape of his. So I don’t have any analysis. He’d be a good option at Joker as far as I know, but from watching highlights, he doesn’t have the same speed and running ability as Reed whom I think is a fantastic pick in the bottom of the second round. I would be really happy with this mock draft.
I find it interesting that so many mock drafts have Manti Teo falling all the way to the very last pick of the first round. I can’t help but think this is a bit of an over-reaction (based on non-football factors). I know he missed as lot of tackles in the Championship Game, but he did lead his defense in getting to that point, and nearly won the first purely defensive Heisman since I don’t know when (ever?).
So Rob, why do you take Greene over Teo? Do you not have him ranked highly as a player, or is it more that he’s just not a good fit for the Hawks?
Well for starters the Seahawks don’t need a middle linebacker. And it’s not so much the Championship game as all the hysteria surrounding this fake girlfriend. He’s going to have to deal with a lot entering the league, including within his own dressing room.
I think weighting a fake girlfriend as a major factor in where you place a player on your draft board is incredibly short sighted, and frankly absurd. But it wouldn’t be the first time NFL GM’s could be accused of that.
It’s not absurd in the slightest. Many GM’s will look at the fuss over that issue, acknowledge the kind of drama the subject will cause in the media and the locker room and say, “let that be somebody else’s problem.” Whether we like it or not, other players are going to be bringing it up. All the time. Not just on the opposing sideline, in the home locker room too. And it could cause problems. And for the sake of drafting a middle linebacker, many teams will just go in a different direction. C’est la vie. That’s not to say Te’o won’t cope with the situation and excel. But there isn’t a single team in the NFL that’s a middle linebacker away from a Super Bowl. And while that remains the case, there are going to be teams that look at all the drama we saw over this fake girlfriend issue and say, “let somebody else deal with that.”
If I had him going in round six, feel free to call it absurd. A drop to the late first round is not an unrealistic proposition.
I don’t disagree with you that GMs may very well react as you describe. That’s why I said the their assessment of the future significance of the girlfriend matter is short-sighted and absurd (not your assessment of his draft placement).
I couldn’t disagree with you more however if you think it will be a significant factor in his NFL career. Our attention span in modern society is minuscule. We’ve already moved on.
Sure opponents will try to get some mileage out of it for the first half of his first season, but how long can they keep that up without making themselves seem ridiculous? Mark my words, if he succeeds, the scandal will be a minor footnote to his career.
Yes, if he takes a ‘water off a ducks back’ approach. Personally I’m taking an ‘intrigued’ stance to see how he deals with it. It will get talked about, and players will still be bringing it up in week 17. He has to rise above it and perform. Whether he can do it or not remains to be seen. He could crumble under the attention. I don’t know Te’o well enough to judge, but teams will have a chance to test him. I don’t think you brush this under the carpet though and say it definitely won’t be a significant factor. We have no way of knowing. All we can do is watch it play out.
I actually thought you had him overdrafted a bit. Besides fantastic instincts and awareness he does not show much on-field ability. I’d take him in the third if he were there. Not a round earlier. He reminds me of 2010 Urlacher.
The thing about Te’o is that he was made out to be this insanely great MLB this year, playing for Big Bad Notre Dame, and everything around him was just great, great greater. I agree, I don’t think the scandal is going to be a big factor of why he will or won’t succeed.
Personally, he isn’t the God-send ESPN and ABC had the average fan believing. The hype machine built him up.
Great points Rob. We tend to overvalue measurable s like height, 40 yard time, and forget that the game is only 60 minutes (3 hours) of a WHOLE week of interaction. This is why we are so fortunate to have Russell Wilson. Having “chemistry” in the locker room can’t be overstated.
I would prefer talented AND dedicated players…Greene fits that to a ‘T’ it seems…
If any one thinks that they are, “a middle linebacker away from a Super Bowl” It would have to be the Ravens right? Considering their recent Superbowl victory and expected retirement of their HOF middle linebacker… Good call Rob, and good selection for them if it falls that way.
I guess so, but they kind of carried Ray Lewis in the post season. The star of the show was the Joe Flacco to Anquan Boldin partnership. That more than anything took them to a title.
Sp you admit that the QB to WR, not their defense, won that SuperBowl?? Hmmm
That is why I want to arm up RW and the offense now… So they can blossom together for years and multiple rings!
Imagine our Offense with Rice, Tate, Miller…then Reed, Dobson, etc…plus Williams we have… RW would have time to build some chemistry, and would be LOADED!
Teo did not show much against the best competition ND faced all year. Big players show up in big games. I did not see much from him there…a few good instinctual plays, but otherwise he was manhandled. That’s enough of a reason for him to drop in the late 1st, imo.
We’ve essentially determined that Seattle needs to exit FA/draft with 3 items: (Not in specific order)
3 tech DT to play early downs; ability to push the pocket and disrupt run plays.
WLB to replace Hill. His days are numbered coverage upgrade would go a long ways.
WR. I’m not a fan of adding depth guys unless the value is there. Really need a game breaker.
Other pieces:
DB/S. Kam Chancellor had a poor season and Walter Thurmond cannot be relied upon.
LEO: Hard to fill, but maybe draft a developmental guy and see if it works out. Might have expected too much of Irvin in year one.
G: Depth is necessary. Wouldn’t be surprised if we cut bait with Moffitt after this year; hinges on J.R. Sweezy’s ability to show progress.
Don’t forget adding another catching TE. We saw what RW and Miller can do, but with Miller hurt-and you never know with injuries- we may need another just to get through the year…not to mention how awesome RW would be with 2 awesome catching TE’s!!!!!
I agree also on WR…we need a playaker that is scary to the D!
I’m not too concerned about Miller’s injury- not the kind of injury that nags, but your point is valid. McCoy and Miller form a legit combo, but if we were going to take a TE, I’d want it to be an Ertz or Escobar. Big play guy.
I thought a plantar fasciitis was a b-tch!
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/the_bonus/05/12/plantar.fascittis/index.html
I hope he is 100% well and ready next year, but PF looks pretty serious…
Miller tore his plantar fascia. I think that is a bit different than having plantar fasciitis. Red Bryant has the fasciitis, and it clearly effected his play.
You are right! He tore it, which is different from the inflammation of it…like Red.
I hope he heals quickly and completely… Thx for the clarity-
Seems like they need WAY better and deeper forms of stretching/yoga type stuff…
When I watch them stretch out pre-game, it looks like what we did in middle school!
Then these million dollar studs rip and tear muscles!!! If we could prevent that, what a help!
Really dude. They are NFL teams, they have THE BEST doctors, trainers and specialists…. these injuries just happen.
Please understand that I am trained in Chinese Medicine and internal Martial Arts…
It’s thousands of years old, and MANY see thing we do as a joke… But they WORK!
For 1,000’s of years… Something doesn’t last that long if it doesn’t work…
So my point is yes, even though they have “money and what you call the “BEST” doctors’, many of them are EXTREMELY ignorant of human potential in the ways I am mentioning.
You will prob laugh at me, but Qigong and Tai Chi produces 80 year old men that not even 1 of these NFL stars could even ‘touch’…LITERALLY…
So I would LOVE to see some more of this wisdom make it into the ‘mainstream NFL’…
Imagine these amazing athletes with an added spiritual and energetic forms added! SICK
Check this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWCn8PkHeuk
Cut bait on Moffitt? He’s our 6th best OL, he can play either guard position, and is also on the depth chart as a backup center. He’s on a rookie contract making 600K per year – peanuts. There is absolutely no way that they cut bait, unless he’s convicted of a felony or pulls a Roethlisberger.
What an absurd thought…
…a Rapelisberger??
Following up on Kam Chancellor, is it possible he could be shopped for 2nd round pick?
I highly doubt it. One middling season shouldn’t mean throwing the baby out with the bath water.
Any thoughts on why he struggled this year?
I’m not sure really, I think he had some very good games and started the season well. A lack of highlight plays create a negative impression. I also think he was asked to do certain things that very few safety’s can do (I’m sure he started the ATL game watching Gonzalez). Maybe the rein him in a bit in 2013. He’s still a good, physical safety with range though.
Kam had a lingering injury as well that required surgery at the end of the year. I’m not about to give up on Kam. We were the number one points allowed defense. Kam was a big part of that. He’s our enforcer. Many receivers and TEs fear Kam. I don’t want to get rid of that at all.
I just watched the second Seahawks vs. 49ers game again and Kam was awesome in that game. But, I’ll agree that he was MIA for most of the season.
I dunno, I just don’t see linebacker in the first. They’ve shown time and again that they have an eye for talent at the position in the later rounds. Will is a little different in skillset but I still think between norton and co they find someone deeper in the draft they can mold. With 25 I think they go for premium measurables/traits you can’t find after round 2. Part of me doubts that pick will even be a need, but Patterson is definitely someone you can’t find later on.
There’s a lot to like about Patterson, but also a lot to be frustrated by. That kind of pick would go against what the Seahawks have done so far and I’m not sure that’s necessarily the guy you say – “this is what our young QB needs”. In defense of the Greene pick, it could be argued there aren’t any other LB’s in this class with his statistics, awards or importance to his team the last two years. And while he’s not Alec Ogletree, we’re not talking about a slouch athlete here.
If you ChavaC could choose between Zach Ertz, Cordarelle Patterson, Tavon Austin, Hopkins, Wheaton or Reed, whom would you take??
It’s a hard choice! I really like Ertz/Hopkins/Patterson and Reed, but I have a gut feeling that Tavon Austin-despite his ‘size’ issue, would be a 4 in 1 pick! He can play WR/RB/PK/KR… 4 for 1 seems nice! I would love him in R2, but don’t see him falling that far… New England might take him to replace Welker at a fraction of the cost…
You?
Gut feelings are great, but not as telling as the tape. And Austin is not as fast as some seem to think. I mean. He’s got speed, but he could run as ‘slow’ as 4.5. Plus! We already have that role filled in Tate. I’m getting pretty tired of hearing about Tavon Austin to my dear Seahawks. I doubt the Hawks are looking for that kind of player. I’d most want Ertz out of those. And it’s not even close. Then Reed, then Patterson. I wouldn’t draft Austin, if I were Schneider. Many more important holes to fill than a pick like Austin. He’s simply superfluous.
Hopkins after Patterson, but before Austin, also.
Hopkins, Ertz, Allen seem pretty sound… But just like RW, you never know what can come from a small package…
Albeit, I doubt they take Austin… ANY TE that can kick butt will be welcome by me!
I’m not a big fan of Allen. Grade him in the third round.
This mock is amazing. If things fell this way, and it is very possible that they will, I would be one happy guy. I love the leadership that Greene would bring to the defense, and I love the playmaking ability that Reed would bring. I know Reed needs work on his blocking and some work on his hands, but he creates great mismatches and does great in the open field. Again, Greene is a great tackler who shows good speed and good instincts, He has good hands and running skills when he gets the interception too.
So I don’t really understand why you have Jarvis Jones dropping as far as you do without entertaining the idea of putting him in Seattle. An OLB who can rush the passer is exactly what Seattle needs. Do you really think his spinal stenosis is that serious? Thanks. Great info as usual.
It’s worth remembering that the team and program that advised Jarvis Jones to retire due to the spinal stenosis was USC, coached by Pete Carroll. So out of all the teams in the NFL, I suspect the Seahawks and Carroll in particular will be cautious about the issue.
I’m left to wonder about it too. I mean obviously, that same medical staff is not here in Seattle. I’m pretty sure Pete just went along with the medical suggestion. Should the Seahawks medical staff give a rosier outlook, I would expect Pete to overrule them.
I am clearly not in a position to agree/disagree with these opinions. But I would have to think that Pete would entertain the option of taking Jones if the Seahawks medical staff gave him a better prognosis — even if it conflicted with the opinion of SC’s staff. We will be cautious sure. But I don’t think it’ll exclude him if he’s given a cleaner bill of health.
We probably will never know what that medical opinion is here. At least not until after the draft. I’m pretty sure we’ll have a clearer picture after the combine though.
Wilson is so good at extending plays that we should look for a WR/TE that knows how to get open in situations like that. Markus Wheaton is known for this very thing. He might be worth taking at #25 and I personally wouldn’t be surprised.
I suppose I wouldn’t be surprised, but would be upset. If he’s there in the second I’d like it much more. But really wouldn’t be happy with him in the first. Too small, also. We”re probably looking for Height/Jump/Radius advantages. It’s just too hard to take the top off of a defense nowadays. Wheaton would be under utilized in our offense. Pats or Packers would use him a whole lot more.
We seem to be very focused and knowledgeable about defense, but seem to sell the offense short.
It doesn’t seem like we take the offensive side of the team seriously!?
A ‘defense travels well’, well so does a bad ass named Russell Wilson! Who brought us back from 20 points down in the 4th quarter!! Why is there a lack of respect for this piece…I know everyone appreciates him, but why are we SO defense focused?
If we score ANY points in the first half, and we win that game! I know PC is a defensive coach, but holding a team even to 3 points with ZERO ability to score still equals a loss…
Trust me when I say I want a front 7 that kills- But I also want an offensive 7 that KILLS!!!!
Out score them, and there is no late game loses… Yet most take the other side- Prevent from Scoring!
D ! D ! D! – We held the opponents to the fewest points in the league!! Fewest PERIOD!!
So yes, add a DT/DE that help us take it to the next level, but not at the EXPENSE of forgetting we have Lynch and Wilson to be a core for an AMAZING OFFENSE!
Maybe I’m a bit frustrated, but it just seems most are ALL about defense when we have one of the best.
YES- we lost games at the end… So you can do ONE of 2 things!
Either SHUT DOWN opponent’s offense more, or enliven our offense MORE!
Period… I just want a balanced approach to both… If we were still rocking T-Jack, then OK-Defense all the way…but we have RW now, and he can WIN games on his back…not just our D’s…
The offense has not been sold short. They invested big $$$ in Sidney Rice and Zach Miller. They canned Jeremy Bates after ONE season and brought in Darrell Bevell and Tom Cable to UPGRADE the offense. They invested heavily in the offensive line and worked a deal to bring in a running back that was widely seen as dysfuntional and a trouble maker, some Lynch guy… and then they added Russell Wilson.
The offense is fine, if not perfect. It will only get better. Relax.
They have upgraded the offense every single year, and they’ll continue to do so. But they aren’t going to ignore their core of defense. They will always draft more defensive players than offensive beacause that is who they are. Pete wants a nasty defense and a running game to impose their will on anyone.
We aren’t GB or NE and never will be. 30 points a game isn’t our style.
I wasn’t talking about the coaches, I was talking about the contributors to this website.
I have just noticed most are defensively focused…that’s all…
Thanks for the O update though, I just wish we (these peeps) believed in the importance of the offense as much as the D… Albeit I will die if they lose like they did to Atlanta again… Argh!!!!
Typing thoughts can be a biscuit to translate! Pictures are worth a …… wordS!
You say 30 points isn’t our ‘style’, but that is short sighted… Russell Wilson makes us a “possible” 30 point a game team… Realize that I LOVE our “beat you down” style, but we have a new potential because JS/PC’s bet on RW payed WAY off!
He is who he is, and he scores points! I do not want a 1-sided NE or NO, but I do want RW to be armed!!!
All I say is follow the white rabbit down the rabbit hole…
Adding 2 WR’s and a TE, 3 picks out of 12, would be IMO a basic necessity
Well, I can’t argue with anything you said.
BUT, I can certainly argue that when Russell Wilson hands a defense a lead, in the 4th quarter, and they blow it three or 4 times, well we know what the issue is.
Pass rush.
When teams had to throw against us, they could. Because we couldn’t pressure.
This isn’t 2011 where the D kept it close and Tarvaris needed to finish, but couldn’t. It was a reversal of roles, and this has been a SEVERE issue since Pete became Head Coach.
The Pass Rush is priority numero uno.
Ok…I will have to bow down and agree… If they could have hit Matt Ryan even 3 times, and sacked him even once, game changer!
It just seems the timing and chemistry of this year lends itself to getting some kick ass guys on defense through FA, and drafting some playmakers on Offense!
If we can get Starks, and add an Osi / Avril or Kruger, then BOOM! Our draft is free to be BPA for ‘our scheme and team’!
I just so want to see our O just killing it this year. I want to see every game with us ahead by 3 TD’s by halftime! I just love me some RW – Lynch killing!
I would also say that the focus has been on the D mainly because the only FA’s of the starters or even significant players are on the D. I would love to get our offense upgraded in a few positions but I think we “need” more help on the D to sustain and even get better.
We won’t be able to compete with SF without a stout D-line since they have a really good O-line and they are young too.
I looked at tape of Jaye Howard recently and did not see a dramatic difference in his play from some of the top DT’s in this draft. I wonder what happened to him this year that he was no impact. Is Clinton Mcdonald really better than him?
Part of the issue is that the old hawks had a great defense and we want it back. No third down stops is a recipe for disaster. The other issue is not recognizing the team has changed now that we found Wilson. more variety on offensive play calling. But we need receivers (thin) and offensive line (only half way there) to compete. In summary- besides defensive needs we also need two wide receivers and two offensive linemen.
Sneezy is fun but are you really depending on a 7th round DT for your offense? If so let’s recruit cage fighters.
So now we’re questioning Tom Cable’s judgement and his ability to coach up Sweezy?
Don’t put words in my mouth. If your content not to recruit any more offensive linemen then fine.
“Sneezy is fun but are you really depending on a 7th round DT for your offense? If so let’s recruit cage fighters.”
Considering Cable hand picked Sweezy and clearly believes he’s capable of making this work, I don’t think anyone has put words in your mouth.
THAT ISNT OUR TEAM>>>>!>!>!>!>!>!>>>>!>!>GR#*@%)(@)#$&!%
Are you sure you aren’t a Packers fan?!
This team is about ball control and punishing d. This isn’t about what WE want for the team. It’s about what we think Carroll wants for the team. We’re not drafting anyone. We’re guessing who Schneider will draft. We have more holes in our starting lineup on D than on O. We don’t need a gamebreaker on offense. We have our big play guys. Three of them. We need to get our defense off the field on third down so our offense CAN score.
Our team offensively is what Russell Wilson makes it. A passing team that runs to keep balance.
I think you were referencing me with the GB fan talk?
Do I like watching Aaron Rodgers kick ass? Sure, he is one of the best ever at his job.
So is Russell Wilson IMO… He will continually progress and grow…
You say we all ready have our 3 “big play guys” on offense…With All Due Respect, No Way!
We haven’t had a 1,000 yard WR in YEARS! From even before PC… And yes, we are not drafting, but the whole idea is that this gives us a forum to discuss whatever we want…not JUST what PC wants…
I understand PC’s philosophy of his team, and that is all well and fine, but that doesn’t mean he is 100% fixated like we portray him, and he would be losing out if he didn’t ADAPT his vision to match up with the reality of a team that now has Russell Wilson leading a much more capable offense… Thx
Wheaton in the second over the first seems pretty good, but I have to disagree slightly with the idea of taking the tops off of defenses. We just watched a playoff/superbowl run, where in one team did just that to three teams in a row. I could see the packers using wheaton, but think the hawks over the pats could use him more.
I have no idea if it’s schematic or what but I for one would like to see WR’s work back to Wilson a little more and Wheaton to me along with Hopkins are the kind of receivers that work back towards their QB’s to make something happen. Plus aside from Wheaton’s speed, he looks to me to be an actual threat in blocking for the run game, screens, etc.
Did Baltimore take the top off San Fran? Most of their success came throwing to Boldin and the big TD reception to Jones was in front of the DB’s, he tripped and juked his way to the end zone. I don’t recall any plays that went in behind the San Fan secondary.
Perhaps Hyperbolic on my part, but it could be said that when a DB falls down and can’t recover because of a deep bomb, maybe the “top hasn’t come off,” but it certainly isn’t staying on as well!! I’m not sure if the top off is right across the board but 15.6 yards per completion and over 20 yards per completion against Indy is some definite chunk yardage.
Living out here in Denver though, in that game they most definitely won by taking the top WAY off Denver’s D.
we do know that JS/PC track so called “explosive plays” and put a premium on players who can do that. We also know that RW throws a really, really nice deep ball. At least, he did it a few times last season. I would really like Wheaton as a second round pick if he’s around by then. I doubt he will be after the combine.
What if a good RT/RG falls to us in the first? Every other team in our division has a solid D-line. We should really focus on beating our division first and foremost. I believe the Rams picked up Titus Young off of the Lions because he was so effective against us this year.
Good one Zach…Titus Young won the Detroit game against us…
He no win- SEattle has home field advantage!!! BOOM
31 seconds on our home field would be a nightmare for the opponent!!!!!!
Go Hawks!
If Cooper falls to #25 I would be all over him. He fits our scheme perfectly, and it would give Sweezy time to mature and provide insurance for Carpenter’s (so far) “fragile” knees. With Cooper at LG and a Carp/Sweezy rotation (based on health and further development) at RG we might be right up there with the ‘Niners O-line.
I honestly would love D.J. Fluker or Menelik Watson. Field Gulls did a piece on them today, and boy are they impressive. D.J. Fluker, if we put him at RG, would finally stop our turning carasoul at that spot.
I’m amazed at how much Fluker has moved up the mock drafts. Warford, too. I was thinking Warford would be a nice 3rd round steal if he was there for the Hawks, but it looks like he’s generated enough buzz at the senior bowl to go well before the hawks 3rd round. He did very well there.
I am very interested to see where Warmack and Cooper go this year. DeCastro dropped to 24 (?) last year. St L is crazy if they don’t take him, given their issues, Bears, too. But it will be an intriguing test of the deemed value of an elite guard.
what’s concerning to me is the opportunity a team like StL has in revamping their O line this season. They could, conceivably, add two elite guards to their team in the first round, and then pick up nice quality skill players in the second. In one round they could turn a weakness into a strength.
Part of the carousel is the fact Sweezy is learning the ropes. It wasn’t a problem area for the team despite the growing pains. Seattle is fine at guard.
I’m happy with Breno, Sweezy and Moffitt for those positions. I doubt this team spends another R1 pick on the OL again any time soon.
Indeed. It’s hard to argue “fixing,” the O-line when we had the best rushing attack in Seattle since Alexander’s prime, and one of the best Qb performances Seattle’s ever had. Sure less sacks for Wilson Next year would be great, but addressing blitzes sooner against opponents in the form of changing the offensive play calling would be nice as well.
I agree with this.
I do think, that we will add an OL late. I really do believe our goal is to add a DB, OL, DL, WR every year. Even if it’s from the 4th round onward. Just always plug in new developing talent.
I firmly believe our OL treadmill is now complete and we will simply need to keep feeding it. Sweezy should be better next year. To a point where either Moffitt will fight off his challenge, or Sweezy will just take the position for his own. Rishaw Johnson is also another guy to watch this training camp.
This is supposed to be how this mill works. The guys you get to be productive players on the line, are the forgotten raw prospects from yesterday.
It’s not a particularly satisfying answer to fans. Because at our core, we want to be assured that every player is going to be great. We don’t like prospects that do nothing for a year but have the endorsement of the coaching staff. That doesn’t give us the warm fuzzy assurance that some high grade, hyped talent provides.
But it is ultimately how championships are won. Infusion of ‘who the heck is that’ day three talent. The Shermans, the Chancellors, the Wrights. Sweezy and Johnson and Lane and Scruggs and Howard are going to have to pick up their games and be the next development guys to carve out their careers here. I’d be shocked if two of those guys don’t make a serious contribution in 2013.
The treadmill is anonymous. And it takes more than a year to bear fruit. Right now, this OL as constructed is sustainable just by keeping the treadmill stocked. It’s in almost a perfect state.
Which would you rather have?
Combination A:
1) K. Greene WLB
2) D. Jones DT/DE
3) J. Fauria TE
Combination B:
1) K. Short DT
2) J. Reed TE
3) Z. Gooden WLB
Combination C:
1) Z. Ertz TE
2) S. Moore WLB
3) J. Hill DT
Each option has a TE. WLB, and a DT. For me, it would be Combo B because Seattle’s biggest need is a 3 tech DT and I don’t think the value is down there down the board with that position. Not that I don’t like Ertz or Greene I just think there will be better value options in the 2nd round for valuable pass catchers like Jordan Reed (or a wide receiver) and solid WLB later in the 3rd.
I think Zavier Gooden is a boss.
Combination A+ ; )
1) #25 K. Short DT/ D. Fluker OT/ J. Jones DE
2) #58 K. Greene OLB/ A. Brown/ T. Williams WR
3) #89 J. Reed TE/ D. Rogers WR/ B. Williams DT
4) # 122 T. Kelce TE/ OLB T. Williams/ W. Gholston DE
5) # 133 & #153 G. Escobar/ R. Wagner OT/ T Mathieu CB/ Z. Motta/ K. Geathers DT/ M. Buchanan DE
6) #186 M. Hughes DT/ A. Mellette WR/ M. Davis WR
7) #198,#217, #?, #? M. Maysonet RB/ D. Robinson WR-QB/ M. Wilson WR/ N. Florence QB/
D. Hopkins K/ D. Taylor DE/ J. Rodgers QB/ C. Taylor SS
I just can’t see picking Greene at 25 or Reed being there that deep in the second. Possible trade out of the first and a trade up in the second maybe. I do like the picks just not there. I would love to trade down to the top of the second and still pick up Greene…. And another third.
this seems like a great strategy if available. Either this, or move up enough to get a top 3T DT.
Greene is worthy of going in that range.
Definitely.
Even before the Senior Bowl, this was a guy that was a legit 2nd round grade guy. But his rise hasn’t been fueled by eye popping physical statistics.
Instead, it’s been borne from a closer look at what has been an incredibly consistent body of work, as well as a closer examination of him personally. This is a guy who is a leader. Smart. Trustworthy. He is an asset in the clubhouse. And he is dedicated.
His rise has been borne of the things that fans should be excited to see in their draftees. Greene is a leader and also happens to be a prototype Will to combat the passing attacks of the modern NFL.
I said at the time, that I thought that Earl Thomas would be the next Ed Reed. The kind of safety that every team looks for year after year. You look today at draft sites and they’re always comparing the Matt Elams, or Kenny Vaccaro’s to Earl Thomas.
Khaseem Greene is that kind of WOLB. In every way that Thomas is that kind of FS. And Wilson is that kind of QB. And Sherman is that kind of CB.
Greene fits Seattle’s forward thinking vision perfectly.
Couldn’t agree more. Perfectly put.
Well said. I am warming up to the idea of Greene. Really, does anybody think he wouldn’t be an awesome WIL in our system? He will be good day 1. Tough to get mad about a late R1 pick being good day 1 and filling a big need. That’s usually a home run in the draft.
Thinking the same thing Norm based on the way this mock falls…
The only positions we will pay top dollar for are DE/DT. JS/PC have a philosophy of mainly using the draft and not spending too much money in FA market. In a few years we will have to pay big money for Wilson, E.Thomas, Wagner, and Sherman so whoever we decide pay big in FA this year we have to top load the contract in the first two years when we can afford it. Let’s face it, Melton is the only DT worth paying big and there’s a 99% chance the bears tag him or sign him. This leads me to believe we will sign a young DE like Michael Johnson or Cliff Averill/ Paul Kruger. This scares me a bit because every one of those DEs have awesome DTs to feed off of.
Maybe it’s crazy but I think this is the year we jump 10-15 spots in the first round to pick up Richardson. The reason I say this is because there are not going to be many spots open on our roster for newcomers. You really think our 7 picks in the 5-7 rounds are making the team? Nope. If we trade for the jets spot at #9 we would give them like Flynn(equal to 3rd rounder), #25, our 3rd, next years 2nd and maybe a bunch of late rounders this year. We can only have like 8 foundation guys on the team and the rest are disposable, I would like to have a killer DT for the next decade and Richardson seems to fit the mold.
I don’t think an OLB is a great value in the first round. To paraphrase some comments I made on Field Gulls yesterday, it is arguably the least important upgrade we could make. We already have two linebackers who can play every down. Greene is probably better in coverage than either, so let’s say he comes in for Wagner. But then aren’t you just diminishing the value of Wagner, who is already adequate at worst with the potential to be very good? You’re selecting an every down LB, but it’s essentially picking a 2 down LB because he’s now kicking an existing talent off the field on 3rd down. I really don’t see how that is even an acceptable value with your first round pick.
I also mentioned how OLBs who are not primarily pass rushers are rarely taken in the first. Who was really the last one? Aaron Curry? The position doesn’t lend itself to major impact performers. They can be found on day 2 and 3. I would rather take a major risk on someone like Cordarelle Patterson than make the safe pick.
Wetherspoon was the last one, but there’s been guys go in the early second who fit that criteria. I wouldn’t argue that OLB is a major value pick, but sometimes you can’t fight the board or your philosophy. Filling that position for 7-8 years might not be flashy, but you’d be pretty much set with the back seven for a decade.
I’m going back through my tapes of last season’s games with an eye on how I would attack the Seahawks defense if I was an opposing offensive coordinator. This is leading me to focus on what the Seahawks need to address this off season, either through changes to the defensive scheme or to the players we have.
The team that IMHO had the best approach against us was Detroit. To refresh your memories, Stafford showed real patience that day, pretty much ignoring throws to WRs (Calvin Johnson had 3 catches for 45 yds.) and instead throwing to the slot (Titus Young 9 catches for 101 yds.) and TE Pettigrew (7 catches for 74 yds.). We sacked Stafford twice, but couldn’t get to him with the game on the line.
The success that Detroit had with that scheme leads me to think that perhaps we ought to be placing more emphasis on drafting a replacement for Trufant. Sure, we need to increase the pass pressure we get from our base defense, but I think that teams are going to attack us by throwing quick passes to slot receivers (pretty much negating the pass rush and the play of Sherman and Browner) so we will need to improve our play against the slot.
I’m rambling, but my point is that our need for better play against the “dink and dunk” passing offenses is being lost in all the emphasis that is being put on improving the pass rush. Let’s not forget that finding a replacement for Tru is a priority, too.
I think the issue with the Detroit game was down to the pass rush. Stafford could drop back pretty deep, unchallenged, and throw underneath. It doesn’t matter who you have in the slot, they’re going to struggle to cover underneath. It’s a very, very difficult position. You can’t cover underneath routes like that out of the game. Put a defensive tackle in front of Stafford, collapse the pocket — and he isn’t dinking and dunking like he did.
I might be wrong here but isn’t Jeremy Lane trufant’s replacement? I thought he showed well when Browner was out albeit in a different spot. With the major unavailability of Thurmond, it seems Lane handled himself well.
Lane acquitted himself well but he’s more of an outside corner. He’s physical and uses the sideline well, and I don’t see him being quite so successful in a slot role.
I agree Phil that we do need a slot CB… Rob mentioned how hard that area of the field is to protect, and the lack of pass rush doesn’t help, but when 1 guy / position is the one the opponent is beating you on, then you address it… Not a R1 need, but somewhere…
It’s also worth noting that PC stuck with Trufant for a reason. It’s easy to complain about MT but I trust Carroll and he didn’t make the switch.
I figure that Thurmond would’ve taken over for Trufant if he’d ever gotten his season off the ground. Otherwise, the other options of Lane, Maxwell, and Shead are outside guys who have no chance when taking on small shifty slot receivers, and I guess Roy Lewis was never fully healthy enough to get resigned.
Slot corner play, or any DB play for that matter, would really be improved by improving the pass rush. 49ers fans never thought Chris Culliver was a problem until the Smiths got hurt and became ineffective at rushing the passer. Using a mid-round pick on one is still warranted at least for insurance against Thurmond getting hurt again.
Why wouldn’t Lane be able to cover small shifty receivers? Arguably the fastest Hawk, not very big himself. He plays “tougher” than his slight frame/size but seems well equipped to stay with small quick guys. Between Thurmond and him, likely the third cb and Tru replacement is already on the team. Though they’ll probably bring in as much depth/competition at db as possible every year. Group seems crucial to Pete’s defense. Just don’t think that will be at the expense of other need positions this year.
Rob, I’d really like to see a piece on late round guys, because my knoweledge of them is weak to say the least.
Have you watched any tape on that there Walter Stewart fella?
He’s the kind of quick twitch guy I’d like to see at LEO.
I haven’t watched any Stewart tape. I’ll see what I can find.
It’s difficult to focus on too many later round picks because they’re notoriously hard to project. A great example if Kris Durham — who would’ve thought to watch him as a round four option? I try and identify 4-5 by April after the combine and everything else.
Very hard to believe that JS / PC would pass on Okafor if he’s still on the board in favor of a WLB who is under sized but was productive.
Leo / DE are so important to their scheme, whereas WLB is not an impact or critical position for their scheme.
Adding to that: JS / PC have no track record of using a first or second round pick for anything other than foundational players or perceived field changing players. Greene isn’t that, so I have a very difficult time believing that he’ll be their choice with a first pick.
I’d venture that even a receiver like Patterson would be taken before Greene would be with a first pick. WLB is a hole to be plugged for this defense. It’d be nice if we get first or second round talent for it, but I don’t think it means JS / PC use a first pick when a player at a position of more critical need is available.
I’m not convinced Okafor is a LEO. It’s not just about being an slightly undersized DE… it’s also about burst, speed, lean. Okafor is at his best engaged with a blocker because his hand use is excellent. But he’s NOT a great speed rusher. I don’t think he’ll run a great 10-yard split which is usually what you look for in a LEO candidate.
I’m not sure how you can say Greene isn’t a ‘field changing’ player. Sacks, forced fumbles, interceptions, tackles for a loss. The guy has more than any other linebacker in college football the last two years. They love game changers, leaders, athletes. Greene is just that. They have a track record of drafting good football players. Greene is a good football player. I think a lot of people are going to be surprised when this guy goes earlier than expected. None of the talking heads are rating him. They still think Justin Hunter will go in round one. Tape, production, leadership, character. This guy has the works.
Why hasn’t anyone been talking about Terrence Williams from Baylor as A possible first round target to second round target for the Hawks. He’s got the size at 6’3 he’s got the speed running a 4.47. What I have saw of him he can take a top off the defense but still runs good enough routes to get all the underneath stuff as well
Pure body catcher and that puts a lot of people off. Baylor’s run a prolific passing scheme for some time now — is he truly a game changer or the beneficiary of a system? My biggest concern is his reluctance to do anything but body catcher, even when it’s harder to let it hit his frame. Puts me off big time.
I like Khaseem Greene, but he sure feels like a Ruskell pick. I just don’t see Seattle drafting a linebacker in the top 50.
I understand Xavier Rhodes is not high on your list, but he would make sense. I am not convinced Browner will be resigned after 2013. Couple that with Rhodes length and physical play, and you have a Schneider pick. From what I recall, Schneider loves CBs, and thinks the position is one you must consider early in the draft. Richard Sherman seems to offset that theory, and I am unsure the pick would go over well in the locker room. That said, I am just not convinced Seattle goes LB, unless he can rush the passer.
We shall see.
“I just don’t see Seattle drafting a linebacker in the top 50.” — they drafted Bobby Wagner #47 overall last year.
Well, that ends that discussion. 🙂
🙂
I’m very surprised to see Dion Jordan from Oregon drop out of the first round. He seems like he would be a great fit for the Leo DE. Great first step,very explosive. He also is extremely long, uses his hands very well and is pretty nimble for someone over 6 foot 7. He is even pretty decent covering tight ends which could open up some zone blitz opportunities. He is not great against the run but he has the room to put on 20+ pounds in the weight room which could help alot.
Are his injury problems that serious or are you just not that impressed with him?
(Not a Ducks fan by the way)
The injury concerns bother me but having studied a bit more tape this week he won’t be in round two in next weeks mock. He will be an early pick.
We’ll find out how FA goes before the draft that would change it for me because when they start coming in for visits to seattle Randy Starks would be one of those players i wouldn’t let leave.
RD1 Khaseem Green OLB Rutgers
RD2 Oday Aboushi ROT Virginia
RD3 Travis Kelce TE Cincinnati
RD4 Bennie Logan DT USC
RD5 Zavier Goodsen OLB Missouri
RD5 Keenan Davis WR Iowa
RD6 I’m still looking
RD6 Terrance Brown CB Stanford
RD7 Devin Street WR Pittsburg
RD7 Damon Stafford FS Nebraska
With FA i wouldn’t let Randy Starks leave without a contract. I just don’t see DT i want falling to pick 25.
I know many disagree, but I just don’t think this team sees replacing Giacomini as a priority. Not in the slightest. In fact I’m convinced by it. I don’t expect to see high picks on the OL for a while.
I like Giacomini and think Sweezy had some great moments this year and a bright future if he puts it all together. But Rob, if they had a decent shot at Warmack do you really think they wouldn’t consider it? Wanting to be a physically dominate running first team, how could you not?
And no they probably won’t have that shot. But if they did…
Sure but we might as well ask ‘what if’ they have a shot at any of the top players in this draft. Warmack isn’t getting anywhere near the #25 overall pick. He’s too good to fall that far.
Well, I’d have to admit I’m one that would like to upgrade Giacomini but like Rob says, I don’t see the Hawks spending a high pick on an OT. In fact, he is one of the better run blocking tackles, so how would Warmack (even if he was available) be enough of an upgrade in that area to make it worth it.
I’d love to see the Hawks get Starks but it seems he would not get a bank breaking contract given the modest approach to FA contracts the FO has. I wonder if they would be willing to shell out for him if the market is high on him which I believe it will be at least a little bit. I’m not sure if the Hawks don’t think Malcolm Smith can handle the Will and would try for Greene in the first. Even if they got Starks, could you see them taking another DT or a special DE in R1 for the pass rush that PC/JS want? I just don’t see them not drafting DT or DE in R1 if they don’t get Starks.
Amen. I’m not sure where all this Giacomini needs replacing talk came from. Maybe if one of soon to be cut vetern tackles is willing to play for less than 3M we could have a discussion. Otherwise, it is just silly. DJ Fluker is Carpenter, no?
He’s almost identical to Carpenter, although I’d argue Carpenter was better protecting the speed rush at Alabama.
I hope that we can get one of the top WR’s and DL’s in free agency – for example, I think Mike Wallace would really take Russell Wilson’s game to the next level. If Miller and Tate were open before, wait until Wallace stretches the defense! Also, I think Starks from Miami would be a great addition on the d-line (he’s young and he’s a pro-bowl caliber interior pass rusher). Then Greene can be our starting Will and bring athleticism and a linebacker who really knows how to blitz as well as cover.
Overall, if we can add Wallace, Starks, and Greene, I think this team that was 30 seconds away from the NFC Championship just got a lot better!
Look forward to hearing your thoughts. Thanks and Go Hawks!
P.S. This is just a little research I’ve done on the top free agents out there. Any other free agents that you think the Seahawks should target?
I’m not sure how active they’ll be in free agency personally. I agree that Starks could/should be a target. Wallace would cost mega money and given they’re already paying Rice about $10m per year and Miller $11m in 2013 I think it’s an unlikely move. I could see them taking a look at Fred Davis and Jared Cook though.