Here is my final horizontal draft board for 2023.
Click to enlarge the image below:
Here are a few explanations…
— Players in red either have reported injury or character concerns (injuries have an ‘I’ next to their name, character flags have a ‘c’)
— There are nine players with legit first round grades (meaning they could be clear first rounders based on talent in any draft)
— There are 17 players in the second tier, which I classify as ‘would be willing to take them in round one this year’
— I have given 36 second round grades
In total that means I have 62 players I would be comfortable drafting in the first two rounds. Thus, I am very confident that whatever happens tonight — the Seahawks have an opportunity to add talent at a value cost and come of this class with a nicely bolstered roster.
If you missed my final mock draft yesterday check it out here.
If you’ve enjoyed the blog this draft season and want to support the site via Patreon — (click here)
The amount of work that went into that spreadsheet is staggering! Bravo Rob! Never been more excited or more informed for a draft.
I’m sure this will fire up the piss chuggers; get ready for Carter to work his way in the round 1-2 catagory & if he is your draft crush, you may want to feel good about this!
Thanks Rob: Love your website.
Notes from Michael Lombardi
I was listening to Michael Lombardi. The most important thing when it comes to drafting is information. It is a lot harder to get information today that it was 20 years ago. 20 years ago you could go to a college and they would give you all the information you wanted. You could go into the training room and the trainers would give you everything. The laws in the country do not allow this any longer. You have find other ways to get this information. It’s not easy. Also Lombardi went on to say that the biggest mistakes teams make has to do with character. Not talent. The biggest draft mistakes has not been over the evaluation of the talent. It’s been the evaluation of the character.
In regards to Carter. No one is going to say anything bad about Carter. You are going to have to find a way to dig deeper. To see who you are getting. Whoever draft’s Carter you are going to have to spend time teaching him how to be a pro. To be a professional. It’s gotta be hand’s on. You gotta spend time teaching him how to be a pro.
Michael Lombardi mentioned Anthony Richardson. Lombardi it might take two years to get him ready to play in the NFL. In regards to Michael Mayer. Lombardi had him as the best tight-end in the draft. And then when he watched the tape. He wasn’t as high on him as before. Before looking at the film he thought he could be another Gronk. But his blocking wasn’t as good as he thought it was. He still thinks he is a good player. But after looking at the tape. He not as high on as he was before looking at the tape.
Lombardi also said that their is not foundation to be believe that the Patroits are interested in Levis. In regards to the top 4 QBs they all have flaws. However, Bryce Young is heads and shoulders above the other top three QBs. The only flaw Young has is he height. He does believe that the Colts will take Levis at 4. With that said what the Colts should do is trade for LaMarr Jackson. Lombardi would take LaMarr over any of these QBs in this draft. LaMarr is going to have two contracts after this one. However, LaMarr probably will end up back with the Ravens. LaMarr is getting advice from people who have no idea how the NFL works. BTW: He also considers Levis a backup QB. He can’t get over how Levis could NOT beat out Steve Clifford at Penn State. Why?
He also said that he thinks the Seahawks are playing it smart. He heard the Seahawks are looking to move down. Maybe get a first round pick in next years draft. Also Caleb Williams would be the number one overall pick in THIS years draft.
I’ve heard the “Levis couldn’t beat out Clifford” from Joel Klatt as well. Um guys, is it possible Levis actually oh I don’t know, improved?
Look I’m not saying he’ll be good for sure, no one can say that. But the traits are there. “Couldn’t beat out Clifford” was 3 years ago.
We can run through plenty of other QB’s ‘who didn’t beat out’ a certain player in college
Then thrived
Including the NFC QB representative in the Super Bowl, and the AFC representative the year before
It’s a weak argument TBH
Not to mention what actual coaching can do. Look at literally anyone who went through Penn State. Franklin hasn’t had anyone succeed. Coaching matters. Growth matters. Want a kid that actually got better or one that is still running off of being a top recruit.
Saw Merril Hoge, Dan Patrick, and Klatt also mention how you can’t teach accuracy and pocket awareness. Also can’t showcase it when you are constantly down 20 by halftime and have to play do-or-die. Or your tackle is falling into you.
Also, Purdy got benched a few times in college. So he should be written off too correct? Last year was a complete fluke?
Joe Burrow couldn’t beat out Cardale Jones, J.T. Barrett, Dwayne Haskins, or Tate Martell at Ohio State and, the big loser he was, tucked tail and transferred to LSU. I still can’t understand why anybody drafted the bum.
It is an exceptionally bad argument. I could more easily argue its an indictment of a head coach than a player since the head coach is in control.
Clifford… the big red dog?
It’s draft day, the draft could literally not begin quick enough. How many hours before Seattle is officially on the clock? 6ish?!
10 mins per pick plus Goddell the puppet will talk a little to kick things off so I’d say right around 5:45
And the clock resets on trades. So if both the Texans and Cards trade down, it will be quite a while before the Hawks pick.
I did not know that. Thank you Roy.
Thank you Rob for another year. My go to place for fun draft and hawk news… that makes SENSE!
Hey it’s as good an answer as any other 🙂
https://twitter.com/RRantz/status/1651668623969370112
Haha I’m convinced Pete just messes with us and the clues have no meaning.
100% correct
They’re so vague they could mean literally anything (and possibly mean nothing)
I remember 2019 he gave a clue about Motown. I thought for sure we were drafting Rashad Gary! Boy was I wrong
Rashan
They wanted him though so maybe not wrong!
The replies though…..almost hoping for levis so the folks saying “God no” like they are tortured finally quit the team.
😂
I just posted some comments from Michael Lombardi. The comments I might disagree with are. I don’t think it will take Richardson two years to develop. According to Lombardi and I agree is that Richardson should have stayed in college. He is just not ready . If someone takes him and he is not ready it could be a disaster for Richardson. WOW!. Two years is a long time to wait for Richardson. The Seahawks have hired QB guru Greg Olson. So maybe it will not take two years.
Also Lombardi said that LaMarr is still going to have two more contract after is next one. Maybe. But the way his body is breaking down I don’t know about two more contracts. If he wants to two more contracts he better use his arm more than his legs.
If Richardson does extremely well, he still won’t be a complete product after a year, most great players make great strides in year 2. As long as he keeps improving, his team will be happy. He needs to drive his professional mechanics into his muscle memory, he needs to thoroughly understand the offense and each week’s game plan, he needs a deep understanding of what defenses do and specifically the things they will do to try to confuse him. He needs to have a deep understanding of his progressions and reads. He needs to learn how quickly to pull the plug on a play and how to just make things happen, running and throwing. He needs an offensive line unit with smarts and high end skills up and down the group, a receiver group that makes his life easier, a strong running game, and an offensive coaching group that makes it all happen at a speed that matches his development. He needs to learn to be elusive, to look off defenders, to hit a receiver in stride without looking directly at him, to pull defenders offside with snap counts and take advantage of the free plays. And while doing all that, be a natural leader. it’s one of the most daunting jobs in the world, so his fans need to cut him a lot of slack.
He’s a top prospect this year. I see no reason to risk injury in another year of college. Florida wouldn’t make waves next year anyways. I think he made the right call
He wanted to take care of his family. Pretty good reason to get paid, even if it’s a year early.
“Two Years to Develop” seems pretty reasonable to me, even optimistic. But I don’t view it the same as “Two Years to Become a Starter”… I think some things can only be learned from actual game experience, which Richardson has very little of, and after he starts playing (after maybe 1 to 1.5 years on the bench?) he will still be developing his game.
Clearly I am terrible at this newfangled Internet thing because I can’t find any information on Dawand Jones character issues other than him not doing a weigh in at his pro day. Can someone shed some light on that for me? Apologies for any burden my ignorance has caused, now and going forward.
I don’t know if it’s character issues, just that he didn’t do anything during the pre-draft process. That didn’t help him. At least that was my take. I coach youth football with his agent, and he loves the kid, but that’s coming from a guy with vested interest. For whatever it’s worth, they are hoping he slides into the end of round one, but won’t be surprised with round two. I didn’t press him on why they didn’t have him test. Didn’t think it was my place to question. He also represents Kazmeir Allen, who he hopes goes in the fifth.
A couple of Top30 visits were canceled or he didn’t show up (Steelers and Commanders). He also showed up heavier at pro day and didn’t do any drills, which can raise a football character flag.
One of Luepke, Mauch, or Kraft will be Seahawks. They scouted 2 of their games and were in attendance at NDSU’s pro day.
I have wanted a FB for a few drafts. A way to jumpstart the running game when it struggles, plus a big 3rd down back leaking out as a safety valve, 4th RB when injuries accumulate. Also Luepke has great TE testing numbers outside of size. Maybe he falls to day 3 and we get some extra picks from trade downs?
Honestly I’d be down with all three. Mauch is a little shy of 33 inch arms but would fit this blocking scheme like a glove at C or G, Kraft can catch the ball and get after you as a blocker, and Luepke is versatile enough to add to this offense potentially.
You mean Seattle area scouts were… doing their job?
A pro/anti checklist for 2023
Pro: taking a QB at #5.
Anti: taking Will Levis at #5. He’s a great kid from a great family and has intriguing tools but he makes some really bizarre choices and I wonder if he lacks the innate instincts to be a solid starter. Yes, Kentucky was awful and he dealt with a ton of adversity but he didn’t adjust and raise his game. Maybe it was the injuries and the lack of a viable supporting cast but it doesn’t excuse some of the bad decisions he made. It’s not what was outisde of his control but what was in his control that is troubling. The processing issues are real. To me he is a lot like Drew Lock.
Pro: DL, DL, DL! I hope that the majority of their early picks are edge and DT.
Anti: Taking Jalen Carter at #5. More red flags than a CCP military parade.
Pro: Trading down from 20. The strength of this draft is round 2. There is little material difference between what you get at 20 and at 30. Hopefully someone will trade up and we can add picks.
Anti: Taking a RB in first three rounds. Other than perhaps Bijan, I think we should wait. The RB class is deep enough that we may be able to get Spears, Roschon, McIntosh later. Walker will and should get 70% of the carries so his backup won’t majorly contribute contrasted with other positions of need. RBs are fungible and *usually* shouldn’t be taken high.
Pro: Returning to 4-3 defense. Our current personnel and the players in this draft are better scheme fits for a 4-3 cover 3 defense than the 3-4. It immediately provides a wider array of draft options at DL.
Anti: Taking a corner early. This regime has proven many times that they can develop corners selected in the middle rounds. There will be some intriguing corners going in R1 but we need to focus on the trenches.
Pro: getting one of the solid safeties in the latter rounds. We need to be ready for when we finally cut Diggs and Adams. I mean, that has to eventually happen, right? Right???
Anti: Taking a center in the first round. We’ve heard about JMS and Tippman possibly being selected in R1. This would be a mistake. The center position isn’t quite an emergency. If we can get a developmental player in the latter rounds (Juice Scruggs?), fine, but otherwise I’d roll with Evan Brown and Blythe and try to get Sedrick Van Pran next year.
Pro: dipping into a deep TE class. For a team that wants to run the hell out of the ball, Darnell Washington would be a godsend. He can operate like a third tackle while refining his route running. There are few true Y tight ends outside of Washington but many top flight athletes worthy of consideration throughout the draft.
Anti: Taking a WR in the first two rounds. I just see mostly a bunch of JAGs. Not a fan of Downs. Considering his high number of catches he has an alarmigly low YPC. We could use another WR for sure but I’d wait for a developmental player later in the draft or sign a free agent.
Pro: Cody Mauch hair, smile, fiery attitude.
Anti: Cody Mauch arm length and weight. He is likely to play guard and would need to add 20 pounds…
Pro: Live streaming the draft with a delirious Rob Staton, up way past his bedtime.
Anti: Watching ESPN/NFL Network. Their coverage sucks.
This is going to be complete chaos. Can’t wait 🙂
Not bad.
But remember Josh Allen was a truly horrible qb for three years with no help but also against players that weren’t any kind of opposition and John would have drafted him. Allen was brutally bad. Never controlled what he could control. ..buy there were flashes.
My response to Will Levis not raising his game is – look at how they did without him in their bowl game. Zero points.
Kentucky would have been 0-9 in the SEC and 2-12 overall without him. They beat Youngstown State and Miami without him but I’m not sure who else.
When you have a squad that bad you have to make bad decisions with the football. If you are down double digits throwing a three yard pass to a TE who won’t even sniff the NFL on third and long and hoping he makes a play doesn’t cut it.
Stroud wants to be a Seahawk. Seahawks don’t use the S2 test. Stroud “tanks” the S2 test.
Not sayin’ i’m just sayin’
If you missed it yesterday, please check out the VSiN video from last night:
https://youtu.be/EIHq1rpjNwA
I did miss it yesterday. Gave it a view, a like, and a comment now. Glad to see you on again (twice).
Thank you!
Apparently 12 of the 13 players in my last mock are on Rob’s board 🙂
SEA
23.
Calijah Kancey
DT Pittsburgh
(Trade with Vikings)
SEA
34.
Will McDonald IV
EDGE Iowa State
(Trade with Cardinals)
SEA
37.
Hendon Hooker
QB Tennessee
SEA
52.
Mazi Smith
DT Michigan
SEA
53.
Felix Anudike-Uzomah
EDGE Kansas State
(Trade with Bears)
SEA
57.
Joe Tippmann
OC Wisconsin
(Trade with Giants)
SEA
66.
Marvin Mims Jr.
WR Oklahoma
(Trade with Cardinals)
SEA
72.
Jordan Battle
S Alabama
(Trade with Titans)
SEA
96.
Zacch Pickens
DT South Carolina
(Trade with Cardinals)
SEA
123.
Roschon Johnson
RB Texas
SEA
151.
Dorian Williams
LB Tulane
SEA
198.
Nic Jones
CB Ball State
SEA
237.
Chamarri Conner
CB Virginia Tech
2024 BAL 2nd
2024 TEN 3rd
Anyone have access to McSay’s final mock? Curious what he did for the Hawks in his final one that he just posted.
Carter and Richardson 🤯
If they get AR I won’t care about Carter.
AR then a receiver
Rob: Appreciate everything. After the draft is over. You deserve to spend as much time with your family as possible.
Thank you
That 2nd clue Van Ness w/ his hockey background?
Makes sense
But it feels too obvious
True. His nickname being ‘Hercules’ and the Kraken is a sea monster in Greek mythology. Kinda all adds up
Kraken have tentacles, Tyree has tentacle like arms
Zach Harrison has even longer arms. Plus Kurt Cobain’s favorite Beatle was George Harrison
https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/kurt-cobain-favourite-the-beatles/
Don’t they also have a beak?
Time to start looking for players with a big nose
I don’t think he’s dropping clues about specific players/picks but more general
Clue #1: First comes love, then comes reality.
Hey Seahawks fans, you have who you love, and then there’s who we draft
Clue #2: Release the KRAKEN
Let’s hear your outrage!
I will choose to translate this as, sorry guys, I like Jalen Carter’s talent, but can’t do it.
There was an Always Sunny in Philadelphia episode where Charlie admits that Frank always makes him eat the beak first when he orders chicken.
Charlie Jones (WR-Purdue) confirmed.
Is that the player you want? These tend to be a bit like a rorschach test
I’d be happy w/ Van Ness. Will Anderson is my 1A though.
Could also be Jalen Carter. ‘8’ tentacles. The #8 is pretty important in Buddhism (Nirvans is the song playing in the YT video). He wears 88.
Ness is also the famous Scottish home of a mythical sea monster!
Wow. A report that reports nothing, somehow found its way to two league reporters 3 hours before the draft.
He just reported they agreed on a deal. I feel much more comfortable about Richardson being there at 5. I was legitimately worried the colts would trade for Lamar and the ravens would get 4 with Richardson being the obvious replacement.
Ah. It happened.
https://twitter.com/Ravens/status/1651682693841580048?cxt=HHwWoMCzgZeq-ustAAAA
Good for Lamar. Glad it wasn’t us. Rookie QB is looking better and better
Also curious to see what happens to DeAndre Hopkins.
This site has made me more knowledgeable than ever on not only the draft but the Seahawks blueprint and the game itself. Rob, your body of work is unequaled and you’ve built an incredible community here, a true gift to serious football fans. Thank you!!!
Thank you 🙏🏻
Is Foskey goes in R4 someone is getting a steal
Thank you to the community for being a place where civil and intelligent draft discussion can take place. And thank you especially to Rob for presiding over the community and working tirelessly to crank out top notch content. I can’t stress enough how much I enjoy tor blog and appreciate your efforts. We are lucky you chose to be a Seahawks fan!
Time to sit back end enjoy the day we have all been waiting for!
Thanks man
Appreciate you all 👏🏻
👊
I won’t be able to see the draft live (runs at 02:00 am swedish time).
So I will have to read about it tomorrow.
However, in regards to previous drafts, I have set the bar low so I will not be disappointed.
(I.e preparering for Wilson and some random namn at 20 that Rob doesn’t have on his seahawks big board).
But for the love of god JS and PC… PROVE ME WRONG!!!!
A.Richardson and mcdonald IV, please!
Will allmost be to scared tomorrow morning to find out the results.
In the spirit of getting back to drafting BAMF’s, should Wisconsin teammates Tippman C and Benton DT be two of our primary targets at key positions of need? I think yes, but wanted to see what the rest of the blog thought!
Go Hawks!
I think everyone is pretty high on Benton. Might have to take him at #37 to get him, which is kind of where you’d need to take Tippman too.
If it’s a choice, I’d take Keanu.
Hey Rob,
Thank you for all you do!
I’ve never followed a draft as much as I have this year. One really interesting trend I’ve noticed over the last year: punditry and industry consensus gravitating towards things you were talking about months prior.
Your work is recognized and very much appreciated!
Thanks for pointing that out Jerry
Might not get everything right but there’s a whole bunch of players again this year we were ahead of the curve on
I will be fine with Seattle’s draft as long as they don’t draft an OG in the first, WR in the fourth, or a TE in the fifth.
After many-a-runs through the PFN Mock Draft Simulator, I just had my favorite result. Would be EPIC if we pulled off something that even smelled like this (not holding my breath for one second though). Multiple trade downs involved obviously:
15 – Anthony Richardson – QB
20 – Nolan Smith – EDGE
30 – Calijah Kancey – DT
37 – Darnell Washington – TE
43 – John Michael Schmitz – C
52 – Jahmyr Gibbs – RB
Silly question but..What’s with Seaside Joe having a bee in their bonnet about this site?
It’s extraordinary. I think Rob must be the first thing Kenny thinks of when he wakes up each morning and the last thing before he goes to sleep every night.
I noticed that too.
Just ignore it
My guess? He’s trying to become the “#1 draft site” and knows the only way to do that in Seahawks fandom is to go after Rob and his evaluations. I generally like his stuff, but the draft stuff is all almost unreadable. He basically rants against combines, stats, film watching, and the rest of the evaluation process before launching into a diatribe on what “could” happen (since he claims no one can predict anything in the draft).
Frankly, it’s pretty condescending, and misses the point of covering the draft. Yet he’s continually tried to market his site for its draft coverage. I’ve taken a hiatus from there until after the draft lol.
Rob is living rent free in his head
Thanks again for the great work this year, Rob. You’ve really outdone yourself. Can’t wait to see what unfolds a few hours from now. Appreciate you!
One question for the masses: who is the one draft candidate you are MOST hoping to be a Seahawk by the end of the weekend?
For me, it’s JL Skinner. Next-best thing to Kam? Yes please.
And one last shout-out to Rob for all of the work he puts into SDB.
Derrick Hall
For selfish reasons Daiyan Henley.
Richardson or Stroud – We can get pretty good DE/DT/OG/OC/S/CB/WR/RB/TE/etc in late R1 any year, but usually you can’t get a good QB with franchise potential in that position.
But it’s hard…not sure who’s an absolute beast as a blocking TE, but I’d like one. And maybe Charbonnet as he has that hard running ability
Apart from blog favorites like Will McDonald and Keanu Benton…
I’m hoping for Keaton Mitchell and Tyler Scott on offense & Jerrod Clark and Antonio Johnson on defense. Pulling for Deuce Vaughn too, but both of those RB’s fall outside of the parameters that they’ve gone for.
Love Tyjae Spears & Sydney Brown, but they will probably go earlier than I think we’ll address RB or S.
As the draft starts, I will be chanting “Benton, Pickens. Benton, Pickens. Benton, Pickens”.
Benton & Pickens sounds like a firm of solicitors
Right there with you Roy!
Anderson and Richardson have both said Pete. Cool to see
https://twitter.com/JonDAdams/status/1651601307592019970?t=FjkHjfBjiLJIbHK8O4IMVg&s=19
Also made me realize there’s an incredible small entirely unrealistic chance we end tonight with Anderson AND Richardson
Well a, we trade up to #2 with maybe #37 to select Anderson AND we trade #20+2024 R1 and maybe 2024 R2 for around #8-12 and Richardson falls, I can’t see how that could happen. But if it would, I’d be over the moon.
I wouldn’t even care if we have like 1 or 2 picks this year other than those two (because of trading away the rest)
We arent moving up to #2 to take an Edge rusher, itll be for a QB if anything.
Draft clue #3:
https://twitter.com/PeteCarroll/status/1651693316835258374?s=20
Apollo Creed in I believe Rocky 3 when he agrees to train Rocky
Anyone have an opinion on that?
Van Ness. Apollo & Hercules. Carl Weathers also played DE in college.
lol I’ve convinced myself of this. Gone down the rabbit hole way too far
Okay, so it’s past 11 pm in Europe and I can’t wait until the draft finally starts.
Out of total boredom I read basically every comment about Pete’s draft clues on Reddit and some people have really good guesses that we can piece together.
(I am aware that Pete is most likely just playing around, but hey, I’m bored anyway)
The third season of Love is blind takes Place in Seattle.
There are 5 couples.
3 of them at least agree to marry.
Arizona is looking to trade out of the third spot.
3 / 5 couples -> Seattle trades up from 5 to three to three
The third season of Love is blind aired on 3/24, the exact date the Seahawks met with Will Levis as Rob posted.
Pete could also be referencing the theme of the show “making a life long commitment”, although a risky one because the candidates barely know each other, which could mean Anthony Richardson.
Then Pete’s second clue: The Song Lithium is the fifth song on Nirvana’s nevermind.
Hence Pete is making clear, that he was indeed talking about the fifth pick. (Nobody did come up with something better, I’m sorry)
Third clue: A Carl Weathers picture, eliminating Will Levis from the equation unfortunately.
So the Seahawks are going to pick Anthony Richardson after a trade up to three. Mystery solved. Lean back everybody, we can chill now.
*Insert the meme with the crazy conspiracy dude*
Ok those are interesting and I follow the logic.
Except for how a Carl Weathers photo eliminates Levis
Well if the rumors that the Cardinals traded down should be true, I think it’s actually the Titans. There was a lot of buzz around that.
Clue 3 was purely based on skin color, not Levis but AR.
With clue 1 it could’ve either been about the date the season aired (-> Levis) or the commitment to a “risky” player (-> AR).
So Pete needed to clarify that it’s indeed AR.
Just to make sure, I don’t think any of this is actually true, but it was definitely a funny pastime hehe
4th clue: Black hole from Interstellar
V12: Van Ness! Nothing more powerful than a black hole. No man more powerful than Hercules.
To be fair. I keep cramming Harrison into these clues as well for some reason (I’m not even sure I like him that much as a player). I saw Dillon from Predator and thought of this pic.
https://www.elevenwarriors.com/sites/default/files/styles/904×490/public/c/2022/10/133617_h.jpg
Geno training the QB we take at 5.
Is it a pic Dillon from Predator. Who was friends with Arnies Dutch. So Van Ness
Haha! That’s where I went with the pic too, but not the conclusion.
I actually like this one. Geno just needs to grow his mustache out a little bit.
I think it’s actually from The Predator. Dillon the CIA guy.
Ojulari or Roy. LSU Tigers.
Eye of the Tiger …theme song of Rocky
I like it
Thanks again Rob for all your hard work and help to us all. Here’s believing that you are the 2023 Huddle report champ!
https://twitter.com/_MLFootball/status/1651697034590576640?t=pNDug37q3JxATb6JW4XanQ&s=19
Done deal? Mannn the draft needs to start already
Iron price 😂
Prob won’t be finalized/announced until after pick 2.
Id really like to see the Seahawks move up to #2 and lock down Richardson. Not liking the fact that AZ is trading down.
A reminder about the Lamar contract, yes it’s 286 but the guaranteed amount is being reported as 185. He did not get the full guarantee he was seeking. I don’t know if the rest is a 5th year option or what but if it’s 185 for 4 guaranteed years that likely does not make him the highest paid QB. I do not know details but they will come out.
Rob I hope this is a labor of love for you because my excitement and preparedness for this years draft wouldn’t be this high without your efforts. Let me echo what many posters have done the last few days and thank you for everything you do here. Looking forward to enjoying this with the SDB community and your continued analysis. Cheers 🍻
My choice this evening will be Laphroiag 10 for the simple reason it was what I was drinking during last years draft and I will not be the weak link of the superstition team.
Thank you!
It really is a labour of love. I really love the blog but it’s growing to the point I might need to ask for the number of hours in a day to extend to 30! 🙂
Cheers! 🥃
Finally, someone else enjoying a good single malt scotch! Anyone else care to join us tonight?
I’ll be starting with an Arran Sherry Cask for pick 5 and then switching probably to Ardbeg Corryvreckan by pick 20. We’ll see what the mood is by then. Luckily, I’ve got lots of options. 😁
Redbreast Lustau (olorosso sherry finish)
And then probably some Woodinville Cask Strength
Nice!
That Kenneth Arthur guy is more obsessed with Rob Staton than the Seahawks. He’s really childish in the way he goes about it. Chill out Ken. 😂
Just ignore it
Seriously. It’s like that jilted ex girlfriend that still suits talks you to everyone she knows a decade after the breakup. Like just move on already, it’s getting sad.
Yeah, I had to unsubscribe. The one way drama was too much for me.
I smell jealousy. Best he stays behind a paywall.
Florio reckons Titans moving up to #3
https://twitter.com/ProFootballTalk/status/1651705869430562816
Everyone thinks Stroud, I wonder if it’s Richardson
Not liking this at all, Seattle should spoil their plans and move up to #2.
That Kelsey Plum can sling it. Sign her up
I also think Richardson. Wonder if we shouldn’t move to 2 to get him. But I could live with getting Stroud.
I am afraid it is for Richardson as well, but I am at the same time convincing myself that Malik Willis will sour them on taking another uber-athletic QB project. I know they are not equal in comparison, but that is my hope.
See I see Malik Willis as an indication of what they want at QB and Richardson is a clear and obvious upgrade
I’m thinking it’s Stroud due to the Ohio St connection with Vrabel. Counterpoint could obviously be that Vrabel might have negative information from Ohio St, but I can’t picture Stroud actually being “uncoachable”
Could this be to jump Indy for Levis?
He is the most pro ready. But I’ve a feeling it’s for Ant. Maybe for Stroud
I will say if its for Richardson and Stroud is there for us, its really an easy sell for the fan base. The media nationally will latch on to the tweet from 8 years ago and how this is perfect and all that. Although, I think in that scenario the talk around Flynn v Wilson QB competition will heat up as narrative because its not Richardson or Levis (who many will not bat an eyelash at sitting). Still, I would love it.
If the compensation isn’t whack and he is the pick and he gets close to where we hope he becomes…..I’ll probably be right back on my time to let Pete and John walk bullshit.
So….three ifs.
Right there with you, RW trade becomes a massive failure for me.
Was so hoping it was someone for Paris
They have only 6 picks in this draft and he’s a first time, first draft GM
That’s a helluva lot of risk
I dunno
How would Hopkins factor in? They’d have to give up even more, an insane amount, to get to him and 3.
Apparently Cards are trying to force Hopkins to be a part of the deal. Weird.
Imagine CJ Stroud falling to Seattle at 5, with the full compliment of 9 additional picks to stock the roster
Carroll said yesterday there are a couple of QBs they’d be thrilled to get.
I have a feeling the worst case scenario is going to play out and we get stuck with Will Anderson, and have to settle for somebody like Hendon Hooker with our 2nd pick. Should have paid the damn iron price.
I think the only way that happens is if Carolina upends everything by taking Ant themselves.
If Carolina takes Young as we all expect, I’m pretty confident Houston are taking Will Anderson. But if they take Ant and Young is available to Houston then I think they take him, which leaves Stroud for the Titans and Levis for Indy
There is a little part of me that wonders whether it goes:
CAR — Young
HOU — Levis
TEN — Richardson
IND — Stroud
But I’m cool with Will Anderson
😱😬🫣
Yeah, not getting a QBoTF is a massive miss. Unless they decide to take Hooker later in Round 1, the RW trade really becomes devalued for me. You may not agree, but thats how I look at it.
I am all for taking a shot on a quarterback (Richardson!), but it’s not like they are without risk. Anderson is an awesome player who very safely projects to be a significant piece of this defense. It’s not hard to imagine him having a Kam or Bobby type of impact in the team culture. Wouldn’t hate that at all.
Anderson just doesnt provide the impact to elevate the team like a QB does. He might be a “safe” pick, but plenty of “safe” edge rusher picks have busted. Adding Anderson to this team doesnt do much of anything with Geno still at QB.
With apologies Rob I’m using this as a teachable moment for the knobs who say how you are and other such b.s.:
Ahem…while I like Anderson as a pick I personally will be bummed IF the titans select Anthony Richardson. AND the trade compensation is not awful AND he ends up being great.
There. See. You too can argue with Rob on his own hobby platform and most likely not get kicked off…..
Please don’t kick me off btw…I don’t have time to come up with a new account for you to let on tonight😃
Could happen. Everyone dinging the QBs finds out that the NFL is… still a QB-driven league and you either have one or are doing all you can to find one.
Not to be nit picky but I think he said a couple guys, not necessarily QBs
Consensus among draft pundits is Carter to the Hawks. Even McShay switched his up last minute. God I hope they are wrong.
“It makes so much sense”
“Need meets talent”
“Best player in the draft”
“Carroll loves a project”
All of that is bollocks
I will be gobsmacked if it’s not and Carter is the pick
I completely understand it and I will shake my head for years if he isnt the 2nd coming of Cortez Kennedy
Where did McShay do that?
I’ve just seen it. That’s weird. To me that seems like he heard something last minute and is making it out like a personal choice.
Thank god the draft is tonight.
I noticed he simply moved them off taking Richardson at #5 to them taking him at #20. So I guess he’s probably heard Richardson is lasting deeper, like many are starting to project.
Same w 90% of my friends. They think I am crazy to even suggest a QB a #5. “Carter may be the best DL of this millenium.” :QBs bust all the time and we have Geno.” “jalen Carter will instantly fix our pass rush.”
I feel like I’m being gaslighted.
what good quarterback has ever won a Super Bowl anyway
Its because theyve been fed all the same lazy dumpster fire narratives and just accept it without any critical thinking.
If the Texans end up taking a Defender, and the Cardinals don’t trade down but take OL instead, I’m seriously wondering if the plan is to get Carter and Richardson.
Not the dream scenario of Anderson + Richardson, but could be worse imo.
It’s still my dream scenario….
Your friends have been gaslit by many. Some would have you believe Carter is the best DT prospect since Suh. I just dont see it and there is no way anyone can convince me he is anywhere close. He better be the second coming of Tez.
Suh was the most dominant college NT I’ve ever seen. And even he was no franchise savior.
Carter’s ceiling is peak Suh if he can finally put in the work and connect all the needed dots. Unfortunately, his floor is out of the league in 5 years or less if he doesn’t.
If it is Carter then I will hope for one of two things A) against all odds the guy actually turns things around, grows up and lives up to his talent or 2) it’s the last mistake Pete Carroll and John Schneider make for the Seahawks organization.
I mostly lurk here but I wanted to echo the sentiments that many others have expressed that the content for this year’s draft has been second to none, Rob. Your analysis is thorough, logical, and fully your own instead of following a media narrative.
Thank you! You are appreciated!
Thank you
My question here, if this is true — why aren’t the Texans or Cardinals taking him?
https://twitter.com/PSchrags/status/1651716865520017413
Was just going to link that. I could see teams wanting to jump the bears or eagles. Trading to 2 or 3? I’m skeptical
Or perhaps the eagles are jumping up like in your scenario
Multiple could be two, maybe Philadelphia like you suggested, & possibly Chicago. We’ll know fairly soon.
Because, well, you see…at picks 1-4 it’s just too much of a risk. But at 5, suddenly it’s ok. It’s the magical number for things like these.
Great point. Texans don’t need the next suh, Donald, tez, sapp….? Weird.
They are speed dialing the Cards and will the race to the podium (unless they are too exhausted from all the pre-draft work and then they will just make a half hearted effort to get to the podium).
Tbf he says “i heard from some friends that their friends…” so it’s third hand
I buy the rumor about Philly, but a host?
Skeptical
2 hours to go till the Hawks are on the clock, and I’ve got a serious case of the stomach butterflies
┐(‘～`；)┌
I’m a little scared that Pete’s draft clues seem very obviously point to a QB. In the first one the clip shows how the bachelor talking about getting divorced and looking for a new love (RW leaving and then drafting a new franchise QB), then showing Kelsey Plum hucking a t-shirt into the crowd. Too obvious, right?
Is there really still going to be a Schneider show today? Seems odd.
Didn’t mean to respond here, but that’s how this site rolls
Sure it’s not operator failure?
I kid
I cannot recall and plead the fifth
Pete’s clues are nearly always impossible to work out
I think he just has fun with them
Just trying to be cool about everything.
Whether they make picks we like or don’t there’s ten picks and they can do a lot to turn this team into even better than last year.
💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯
exciting and somehow stressful too……this thing really could set us up………..
A lot of noise at the last second here, including PC’s ridiculous “draft clues” and the potential AZ trade down, but is there really any reason to deviate from the philosophy of “take whoever is left of the 4 QBs and Will Anderson?” I don’t see it; anything else seems like overthinking or enormous risk (JC).
Thankfully we don’t have to wait much longer
My body is ready
Just a reminder that we should all be happy on this day no matter who is the pick. 2 years ago in the 2021 draft we didn’t even have a pick in the first round. It was miserable. This year we have 2 in the first and 2 in the second. Let’s enjoy this!
Incorrect. PCJS made it clear that Jamal Adams was the first round pick.
Cant believe we wasted 2 1s and a 3 for this clown, but we cant move up a couple of spots to lock down the QBoTF.
Exactly. Our beer glasses are totally half-full!
NFL Network or ESPN?
NFLN for me
ESPN. I avoid NFLN since they have Daniel Jeremiah on
I avoid Eastcoastbiased Sports Programming Network because they contribute way too heavily to the fawning over the Dallas cowgirls, Duke basketball, Zion Williamson, etc. The whole star making approach to sports is beyond bullshit.
As ever thanks for your work this year Rob. Great to see the reach of this blog really expand this year, it is well deserved.
Not sure everyone realises how lucky we are to have a BBC journalist do this as their labour of love.
Ever the optimist I’m excited for whoever we pick today.
Lets Go!!!!!
Whoa Lamar finally signed a deal! 5 year 260 mil
185 guaranteed
What’s Mama Jackson’s cut?
All of it. Lamar gets a monthly allowance.
I remember a bunch of people dogged on him for not having an agent. Guess he negotiated himself just fine.
Yup alls well that ends well for him…185 mil gotta feel pretty fucking good
Probably unlikely, but I’ve been warming up to an all offense start to our draft. My dream scenario:
5) Richardson
25) J Gibbs (trade w NYG (#20 & #89 for #25)
37) Duwand Jones
38) D Washington (trade w LV (#52 & #89 for #38)
I know it neglects the defense early on, but you could address that with picks 83, 123, 151 and 154, then use the final two picks on secondary or WR. We could also potentially resign some of our previous cuts for depth.
You’d have Richardson running the read-option with two stud running backs behind a young, massive offensive line. Sign me up.
Like the players a lot, but they gotta mix in defense with the 4 premium picks.
5. Anthony Richardson QB Florida
25. Adetomiwa Adebawore EDGE Northwestern
trade icon
37. Darnell Washington TE Georgia
52. Mazi Smith DT Michigan
83. Luke Wypler OC Ohio State
89. Tyler Scott WR Cincinnati
trade icon
123. Chase Brown RB Illinois
151. Cory Trice Jr. CB Purdue
154. Dorian Williams LB Tulane
198. Anthony Bradford OG LSU
237. Evan Hull RB Northwestern
Jalen Carter-DT GA
Jamyr Gibbs- RB Ala
Hendon Hooker- QB Tenn
O’Cyrus Torrence- IOL Fla
Jailyn Hyatt- WR- Tenn
Saiki Ika- DT Ore
Julius Brent- CB Kan St
DeMarvian Overshown- LB/SS Tex
Jarrett Patterson- IOL- ND
Chris Smith- FS- GA
Jacqueline Roy- DT- LSU
Louis Riddick just laid it out on Carter exactly right. Off the field character “Red Flag” On the field consistency “Red Flag.” Your organization from A to Z better be zipped up and sure…airtight. Carter outside of the top 10…I get it. Or for a team like Philly who can afford to mess up and has a championship quality squad that can ttell him to straighten up…sure.
The Seattle Seahawks in the middle of a rebuild/reset…..nope.
Feeling like Will Anderson at 5 to us?
1. Bryce
2. CJ
3. LV (AR) Boooo
4. Levis
5 Anderson
Opens up so much for us in trades for the rest of draft and we have to work on QBOTF next year
Watching the Tor-TB to keep my nerves sane
Rob enjoy this day (morning) your work was unparalleled this year and sit back and enjoy CHAOS
If CJ Stroud goes #2, not sure Arizona can move out
I think they take Anderson
If Vegas pays the iron price (1st next year + day 2 this year) and possibly getting Wilson (assuming DET thinks they can work with Carter)
Imagine making Will Anderson more motivated to play you twice a year by trading out of the pick
Gonna be fun Go Hawks!
Amazing coverage again Rob!
Thanks for making the draft into an international holiday.
If they can get one of either Cory Trice or Rejzohn Wright in round 3 I’d be thrilled.
I’ve got two bottles of whiskey sitting on my coffee table.
One – Dalmore 18
Two – Jack Daniels
One is reserved for any of Richardson/Stroud/Levis/Anderson/Kancey/McDonald/Robinson/Mayer
Two is reserved for Carter/Wilson/JSN/some random 2nd round graded prospect from left field
How about you guys?
Mine is red wine
one is Caymus reserve
two is Night Train
One is reserved for any of Richardson/Stroud/Levis/Anderson/Kancey/McDonald/Robinson/Mayer
Two is reserved for Carter/Wilson/JSN/some random 2nd round graded prospect from left field
🙂
Love it! I’ve already started the pre-party with the red wine. I’m afraid I’m going to need something a little stronger to calm my nerves in 30-mins
See discussion above!
https://seahawksdraftblog.com/my-final-2023-horizontal-draft-board#comment-758922
Thanks Rob for all your hard work and another great year!
Here is my attempt at a Hawks Mock:
1.5
Anthony Richardson QB- Florida
*Hawks can’t deny the physical tools and the athletic upside this QB possesses.
1.20 Trade back to 1.23 get 4th
John Michael Schmitz C- Minnesota
*The Hawks move back a few spots and gain a 4th. I think there is a chance they go best player available here, but center is a glaring need unless you feel comfortable with Joey Hunt at Center..
Round 2- 37
Adetomiwa Adebawore DL-Northwestern
*Hawks fans can stop complaining they haven’t drafted a DL after this pick. Runs a 4.49 40 at 282 LBS and dominated the Senior Bowl.
Round 2- 52
BJ Ojulari DE- LSU
*Very similar build to Uchenna Nwosu and can replace him after this year.
Round 3- 83
Marvin Mims Jr. WR-Oklahoma
*Tyler Lockett replacement in a few years. Can return punts as well.
Round 4- 123
Dorian Williams LB- Tulane
*College team captain who had 132 tackles and five sacks. Ran a 4.49 40. Can sit for a year to learn behind Bobby.
Round 4- 124 (Gained from Baltimore)
Braeden Daniels OG- Utah
*Versatile OL who can compete for a spot at RG after Gabe Jackson was cut.
Round 5- 151 Darius Rush CB- South Carolina
*A 5th round corner who use to play WR. Sound familiar to anyone? Long, lengthy corner that Pete can develop opposite of Tariq.
Round 5- 154 Jay Ward S- LSU
*Leader of the LSU defense. Versatile DB.
Round 6- 198
Eric Gray RB- Oklahoma
*Gray is a solid receiver out of the backfield and ran well in 2022. Travis Homer replacement
Round 7- 237
Calvin Avery DT- Illinois
*Short and stocky Poona Ford replacement.
They signed a free agent they won’t need to roll with Hunt
My out there prediction – QBs go 1/2/3/4 and we get Anderson at 5. Then we draft QB Holton Ahlers from ECU in the 7th and he leads us to a Super Bowl in 2025.
Crazy – Ahlers actually ended up being the only QB we came away with!!! UDFA instead of 7th, but still. LOVE IT.
Anybody else feel extremely nervous right now? I used to feel like this before I played games in high school football, this seriously might be the most important draft in seahawks history. 4 picks in the top 2 rounds, including pick number 5. This is franchise defining, one way or another.
Yep nervous. So much history with crazy drafts, Malik now Carter, QBOTF or not, Robs trade downs (love if a reality), but need a solid build draft.
Actually, not really. I was yesterday, but, amazingly I’m fine tonight.
Rob has prepped us so well, relieving most of my anxiety that they’ll muck it up. All the things Schneider has said over the off season tells us that he’s mirroring last years draft. They won’t get cute, will go BPA and jump on any talent that falls their way.
Strangely enough, I don’t really care much who they pick at 5. I know the player will be good. Even if it’s Carter, I’m confident he will contribute to one degree or another. This draft isn’t make or break on the #5 pick, no matter what amount of hyperbole is spouted tonight.
Just got back from a walk in the woods and feeling calm as a cucumber. Must be getting too mellow in my 40s but after months of angst I don’t think there is anything they can do that will upset me too much (maybe shouldn’t put that out into the universe). Carter or Wilson? There’s upside there. Trade down? Honestly this year there might not be too big of a difference in picking 5 or picking 10. Hoping for Richardson, but chilled out and excited to see what happens.
It’s a weird feeling isn’t it. To be sitting here on draft day not feeling the usual Seahawks getting cute anxiety.
The most nervous I’ve been regarding the Seahawks since SB49. Whatever happens, it has the potential to be talked about and debated potentially for decades. Pick a QB who’s a bust over Jalen Carter, who ends up maximizing his potential…or pick Jalen Carter over the next Patrick Mahomes? We won’t hear the end of it if Seahawks miss. Hoping for the best.
Not nervous. Confident that one of the QBs reaches #5 and if not, the defense will automatically be better with Anderson who plays the run very well and will give us a good pass rusher from day 1. Run D is obviously an area we need improvement.
I’m also not nervous that we take Carter. Pete made it clear it wasn’t going to happen without directly saying so.
I bet we take Herndon and White
Alright, Hooker at 5 might be the one pick that pisses me off.
For real! Would make me punch soomething
I don’t know if it’s been mentioned, but if AR tumbles, I’m wondering if they use the 20 and 52 to move up get him?
How about Rob gets all his Seahawks predictions right from his last Mock. Works for me.
Hope so…
https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/platform/amp/2023/4/27/23701513/nfl-draft-rumors-eagles-trade-up-jalen-carater-detailed-discussions-deals-seahawks-falcons-5-8-bgn
Gimme the 10, 30 and next years first.
We likely won’t have a shot at a top QB for a very long time, QB has to be the pick!!
My wishlist for #5
1.) Richardson
2.) Levis
3.) Stroud
Exact same
Ok, I’ve finally caught up on all the comments and it’s time for my stab at Pete’s draft clues so far. I mean, what else am I going to do waiting for 2am to roll around…?
I do think they always do mean something, while at the same time he chooses ones that could always mean a lot of things just to have fun with fans.
The little success I’ve had with the clues comes more from kind of “in plain sight” themes revolving around one player in the early rounds rather than super obscure references referring to several players.
My theory is this year is: PC is telling us they are going to draft a QB, one of the top 4.
Clue 1: “first comes love, then comes reality”
Premieres March 24 = Kentucky pro day was held on March 24 = Will Levis
“Not a lot of guys that look like us talk about the stuff like this.” = Bryce Young
“You can picture this great future with somebody, and then this person is gone.”
(could mean that they first loved Young, but then reality set in that they won’t be able to get him.)
Clue 2: “Release the KRACKEN”
Liam Neeson = Liam Coen, Will Levis’ OC/QB coach
Clue 3: Carl Weathers, whose hand was bitten off by a gator in Happy Gilmore = Florida Gators = Anthony Richardson
Clue 4: Kelsey Plum = big arm = Richardson or Levis.
Clue 5: The core of the onion = developing a QB into what he can be.
Is the Kelsey Plum one a little too obvious they’re taking a TE?
Which TE comps to Waller?
Russ?
absolutely
Oh shoot, that’s a great idea above from 805Hawk: Clue #1 could refer to the whole situation with RW.
“You can picture this great future with somebody, and then this person is gone.”
Clues #2 and #3 link fairly easily to the two QBs. Could the other two possibly link to the other 2 QBs?
Still waiting for that last clue as well. Hmmm…
I agree with V12 that the Kraken one might be Van Ness as a possible option at #20. The onion core? Maybe they think one of the center’s has great core? Or maybe it’s about the interior being solid (center/guard?)?
Or maybe Pete’s messing with everyone 🙂
Last clue is up. This was set up and seems more intentional.
I find it interesting that they panned into the shot and on the wall are pictures with “A” “B” “C” “D”. Open to taking any of the QBs?
“Jump on it” song, paying coin to move up?
Beastmode merch hanging visibly behind him.
Probably a nod to jumping on any of the 4 QBs.
This one’s really far out, but maybe the whole Realease the Kraken thing from Clash of the Titans, and the Kraken mascot handing them a gold tooth, could mean they are trading down with the Titans…?
A great omen so far on my end: my two cats and dog are all laying on the couch beside me. That only happens when there’s a foot of snow outside. Currently it’s 72 in Spokane and usually they’d be outside running around.
I’m surprised by how conservatively Levis is dressed
Serious suit for a serious occasion
He looks the best TBF
That’s because he’s a Finance MBA, not a communications major😂
Rapoport saying no guarantee Carter goes top-10
https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1651733002785894403
Let’s just get on with it
And we are hearing teams are looking g to trade up for him.
Bloody hell, let’s get the top 10 out of the way please.
Enjoy the journey man!
I am. I am.
It would be perfect if the Texans picked Carter. Not so much for taking him away from a possible Seattle pick, but more so we can move on from the guy for the rest of the draft.
Odds for top 6 taking form:
1) Young
2) Stroud
3) Anderson (maybe Wilson?)
4) Levis
5) Carter 😳
6) Witherspoon
NFL network really wants Charles Davis to be Mike Mayock
Carter will be the pick at 5
Cool hope he turns into q williams, suh, mccoy…..
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz……………………………
If I woke up at 3 to see us take Carter or Hooker, I’ll be damn pissed.
Will Anderson with all his sisters is PURE GOLD.
Why has draft twitter become convinced Houston are taking Stroud now?
betting odds i think….which kinda shows they don’t know how odds work
Sam Farmer on Richardson & Bijan…
https://twitter.com/LATimesfarmer/status/1651736673128988672
AR already showing off his new personal logo with that diamond encrusted pendant.
So did Seabuoy pay the gold price?
Is that what the last clue is?
Fantastic work Rob.
Curious, are you wavering at all on your stance of the Seahawks not picking Carter?
All of the well thought out reasons that Rob has used to predict that the Seahawks won’t pick Carter, still are true.
I doubt that he is changing his mind based on twitter rumors.
We’re 30 mins from picking
Why would I change my opinion now?
Well, here’s my final guess I posted. 😂
#1: “You can picture this great future with somebody, and then this person is gone.” RW3
#2: Liam Neeson = Liam Coen, Will Levis’ OC
#3: gator in Happy Gilmore = Gators = Richardson
#4: big arm = Richardson or Levis
#5 onion = develop a QB
#6: “Jump on it”, gold tooth = trade up
You think the Big10 isn’t drooling over the fact that two California kids could go 1 and 2 in the draft?
I hate that the first overall pic really takes this long. I mean come on you’ve really been on the clock for two months.
OK, now it gets interesting………..well, in 10 mins anyway and then if there’s a trade another 10 minutes and……………..
It’s like the last 20 minutes in an NBA game where the score is 101-109.
Foul. Timeout. Foul. Timeout.
Is there a seahawk war room stream??
https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1gqxvynmyMnJB
This is the hawks war room stream: https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1gqxvynmyMnJB
Jalen Carter here we come!
Shoot
War room: https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1gqxvynmyMnJB
Levis please
John is on the phone.
Hawks taking their time, trying to trade down I bet
Carter incoming…
Of course the hawks get a commercial break for their pick..
Damn…. Buckle that chin strap people lol
Well Rob you called it. You said if Richardson was gone they’d likely go Witherspoon. Great call.
How about:
Texans still get Anderson
Cardinals still get Paris Johnson
Eagles still get Carter.
Rob……should be the entire cbs draft “team”