Once again I’ve put together a mock draft using the Pro Football Network simulator. It’s a full two-round projection including trades (although the simulator wasn’t playing ball with many of the trades I wanted to make).
Let me know what you think in the comments section. And don’t forget to check out all of the interviews on the YouTube channel if you missed them last week. In the next couple of days I’ll be adding an interview with PFF’s Mike Renner and I’ll be speaking to Tony Pauline this week too.
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Is it fair to say Kenneth Murray might be the poor man’s Isaiah Simmons in 2020?
Before your last video I hadn’t thought of the hawks taking him in the first but now I’d be disappointed if they don’t pick him up.
Lombardi was refreshingly honest about the defensive scheme and updating it for dual threat opponents. I also feel like defending the run game along the sidelines is crucial for us to move forward. Am I overreacting or would Murray solve a ton of problems for us if as good as advertised?
I think Jeremy Chinn is probably the poor man’s Simmons based on traits (although I think Chinn is better suited to safety and Simmons can play pretty much anywhere).
A quick note on K’Lavon Chaisson.
A player who was once considered top-15 material by the national pundits, is now being mocked to the Seahawks at #27 by Todd McShay and Daniel Jeremiah/Peter Schrager (in a dual mock). That’s a significant drop and there’s room for him to drop a bit more too.
He can’t rush the passer consistently well. It’s just flashes — and they happen too infrequently.
Rob! I’ve been pounding the table for Hamilton for a while now. I’m glad that you see what I saw. I wonder something so tell me if I’m off here: When Cesar Ruiz talked about how he and Raekwon being the two toughest guys he faced, did that make you go and take a harder look at him? All I saw on film was a kid who was physically imposing his will and had more agility to wreck the game plan than given credit for. 320 lbs of athlete who is strong enough to never get owned by an offensive lineman.
Not really. I’ve been high on DaVon Hamilton since the Senior Bowl. I knew he was powerful and strong. But then I watched Ohio State again this week and also saw him shooting gaps better than I expected. It’s harder to do that at the next level of course. But I think he’s a player you can take a chance on.
I would absolutely love the combo of Uche and Hunt. Uche can be a SAM/DE and Hu t could be a G/T. Its almost like your getting four players in two.
The only downside mocking them both to us twice is you almost start to get attached to them two and if they dont draft one or both you’ll be dissapointed.
I personally won’t be disappointed. This will be a harder year to project because Seattle has a massive need that doesn’t fit in with the strength of the class. Add in the unknowns due to the virus and the lack of info on so many prospects and very little will surprise me. But I feel comfortable with those two as potential targets — even if Seattle goes in a different direction.
Trade time, what does JAX want?
It was an all out to get 4 picks in the 2nd. There was stuff as always I did not take, Ruiz at 64, that sort of thing. What the other sides of trades netted is shown.
27>30+94, 30>33+107, 33>37+ 116, 59+107>49, 94+133>79
27 GB gets Erza Cleveland,
30 CIN gets Josh Jones,
33 JAX gets Xavier McKinney (Lions take Winfield Jr at 35)
37 SEA takes KJ Hamler, I keep trying to pick Hamler.
49 SEA takes CEH (59+107 PIT gets Madubuike and Cam Akers)
63 SEA takes Willie Gay (79+116 Chiefs get N. Gallimore and Troy Dye)
64 SEA takes Robert Hunt.
101 SEA takes Hunter Bryant
214 SEA takes Calvin Throckmorton
I always worry that Locket could break and want another quick slot type on the roster.
Thanks Rob. Nice reasoning, and I appreciate you changing things up and talking about different scenarios.
My question on Uche is – would he be a good pick where you selected him, even if the Seahawks didn’t have such a crying need?
If SEA had other more pressing needs, then probably not. Captain Obvious, right?
But would Uche be a good pick at 34 for any team needing a speedy EDGE? I think so. His production was on par with Chase Young, speaking about pass rush win percentage, which is a better comparative metric than overall stats.
He also has the athleticism and length he’ll need to translate his game to the next level.
Personally, I think I like Baun slightly better than Uche, but it’s going to come down to fit. I think Baun’s arm length might become a sticking point if they see him playing the edge, and his testing numbers were good, not special… but this kid is so adept at setting the edge in the run game and coming up and making tackles with proper angles and technique. I think he’s going to be a good one and I would favor him a bit more in the run game than Uche.
First of all my sympathies for the trouble with the Trade Simulator. It was programmed in a very unrealistic fashion. Also, I was going to ask you about when you thought the Hawks would take a RB but you answered that right before your pick at #64. Some thoughts: would it be possible Akers is gone at #75 so perhaps it might be wiser to take him at #64 and Hamilton at #75? Or, was your thought process simply that Hamilton is more highly coveted than his ranking indicated? One more or, was it a matter of an area of need for Seattle that you wanted to address first and foremost?
I think Hamilton might actually go a bit earlier than people think.
Thanks Rob for this great content. I’m so appreciative of the hard work you’ve been putting into these blogs, interviews, and just everything. Honestly keep these videos and interviews coming because I’m loving them!
Thank you 👍🏻
Love the idea of a Hamilton/Fotu, but… when was the last time the Seahawks drafted a 1-tech? Seems like they prefer signing vets on the cheap for that.
Jarran Reed, round two. Was a one technique who has turned into more.
Would be great to have another talented big DT we can develop on a 4 year contract with also a fairly cheap deal as a 2nd-3rd round rookie. Both Reed and Ford will be FAs in 2 years.
Thanks for all the recent interviews Rob. Have been listening to them every day you post them, and they are all fantastic.
Thanks pal, I really appreciate that.
I think there’s been some really good guests. People I wanted to hear from so I figured you guys might too. I’m interviewing Tony Pauline on Tuesday and Mike Renner interview will drop on Monday.
That is great news! Remembered you said that you normally talk to Tony closer to the draft in one of your earlier interviews or when you were on Brandon’s podcast. Renner is very good as well and the lead draft analyst for PFF. In additon to asking mostly about players, can you please ask Renner how PFF comes up with the frequently mysterious grades for the OL and others at their site? Maybe not, probably has nothing to do with him and would take away from the players’ info.
Who still needs a QB when we’re on the board ahead of the Chargers in this simulation?
Rob have you accounted for where you think Clowney lands? Newton, Winston if they’re starters/in the hunt
I haven’t really. Don’t think Winston or Newton go before the draft now. Who knows with Clowney 🤷♂️
But they will all sign somewhere eventually.
Newton or Winston in Miami could buy you a year or two as a coach/gm
Yes but it’s hard to project. And I’m not going to do a mock based on them going anywhere. Plus Newton might not play in 2020 IMO. Winston is looking at a backup job.
I don’t think they can use the language you suggested for a Tua contract with Miami (#5). Agents flat won’t go for it and I think it may be against the CBA. Of course, the CBA has changed recently, so who knows the ins and out right now.
Against CBA very likely. Interesting thought process teams ought to take little to no risk.
It depends how badly Tua wants to go early though. I think you can pretty much put anything in a contract. Eg — if he can’t pass a physical after year three there’s an out.
f
I completely agree with the Saints pick in the first round (CEH). I pretty much was thinking this might go down the last week or so. A guy who can pick-up the slack is Kamara goes down, but brings a potent element to the offense when he is in the game, so Kamara can get more of a breather. The cost control for 3-4 years is just a bonus for the organization.
With the news that Brees signed some type of deal post career, it makes me think this might be his last rodeo… so they need every weapon they can get their hands on to go for it in 2020*.
I think this is a perfect match too. CEH’s talents fit so much with how NO likes to play and utilizes their backs.
Hey Rob, I have a challenge for you. I want you to do a 7 round mock draft for the Seahawks, but a few rules that you must follow
1. You MUST draft a OT, OG, OC, and a wildcard O-lineman throughout the draft
2. You ARE allowed trades both moving up and moving down.
3. For the remaining picks, it can be whatever player you would be comfortable taking as a GM
4. If you have multiple picks in the same round, the majority of the picks must go to O-lineman (3 picks, draft 2 OL and a BPA, 5 picks, draft 3 OL and 2 BPA)
Why would you hamstring a draft in such an unrealistic way? They already have 17 O-linemen on the roster, why the pressing need to add 3 more?
https://twitter.com/SamuelRGold/status/1249193983961632773
This is silly. You’d get 90% of the way there with, “a 7 round mock that includes a center”
Interesting, but unrealistic and not a great use of Robs time.
How about just an updated version of a 7 round Seahawk mock?
Perpahs a version with the Pass rushing sorted predraft and one without.
Both assuming we at least add a rusher of Griffins ability or above (wo YN) predraft, cause if we don’t. . .
Rob I know you think it cant happen…but if you are Schneider, would you call Chiefs GM and offer him two firsts for Chris Jones? Dont lose anything for trying…
Not Rob, but if I’m the Chiefs’ GM, I’m doing all I can to contend right now while Mahomes is still on his rookie deal, so I say, “no thanks”.
No I wouldn’t.
Two firsts for Chris Jones would be an astronomical price for him. Especially when you consider you’d have to pay him +20m a year.
Plus very few DT’s remain at the top level for any length of time. Most peak early then fall away. It’d be a horrendous trade to deal two firsts.
But the Chiefs aren’t trading him.
Ok ,tnx both for answering.
Happy Easter, SDB!
Thanks Sea Mode 👍🏻
Happy Easter to Rob and everyone here!
Happy Easter!
Tip for doing trades in the simulator: I think the logic works from the perspective of the second team you select needing the trade to be in their favour (because you, the player, are proposing the trade from the perspective of the first team you pick). So basically decide a trade you think is fair, and if it doesn’t work flip the order you select the two trading teams and make the same proposal.
This always works for me.
Thanks, I’ll try that next time
You mention the $30M guarantee for Tua at #5. What’s the guarantee at #14? I think it is also likely he falls, too big of a risk to a franchise at that price point.
About $15m so half as much.
Boy, that’s still a lot that might just be dead money. Risk/reward, huh? I guess if I was GM, or his agent, I would do everything possible to get him evaluated by an independent, well-respected doctor. Doctor visits are considered essential activities, and evaluations can occur in a clean environment. If his hip is healthy, that would help Tua’s cause the most. Then only his long term injury risk would be in the equation.
It’s all about managing risk and cost. $15m guaranteed is a lot but it’s half as much as taking him in the top 10. You can tolerate a $10-15m gamble on a franchise QB. $30m? Way too much.
Look how much money Nick Foles and Ryan Tannehill are making. Neither of those guys have been able to stay healthy. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him go top 5 or slide a bit.
That’s in no way a comparison. Ryan Tannehill got paid because he led the Titans to the AFC Championship game and it’s essentially a two-year deal for a proven commodity — which they need. Nick Foles has won a freaking Super Bowl.
Loved the mock BTW. I really appreciate all the great content you are putting out. Your commentary as the mock plays out is very interesting.
As I’ve tried various mocks on the simulator, there are sometimes quality players that fall and are available at #27. For the Seahawks I think they need to trade back that pick to gain an additional quality player or 2 in the top 100. However, what player (outside the commonly recognized top 10) if he falls would warrant picking at 27? Kinlaw has shown up several times, and I think he is such a talent that they might pick him there. Others?
This question has been asked and answered a few times. If you check the archives I’m sure you’ll find it.
Rob. A couple of quick questions. In regards to NFL draft what position group(s) are strengths of the 3rd and 4th rounds.
For example how strong are the 3rd and 4th rounds in regards to receivers, running backs and the center position.
Also do you think the Hawks will play Finney at center? If so do you think Finney can be the long term answer at center?
One observation. The Hawks have Poona Ford and Jarren Reed at DT. However I think they are still lacking @ the DT position. I think the Hawks need to add two DTs either in the draft, free agency or a combination of the draft/free agency.
Well, the deep positions are the deep positions. So WR and interior OL.
I don’t know on Finney. They like guys who play multiple roles on the OL and that’s probably a big reason why they signed him.
Since they signed a number of offensive lineman in free agency and that is also the strength of the draft, I think it could be possible that they are targeting an offensive lineman with their first pick after a trade down, possibly Ruiz or Cushenberry. If they are not there, then they are protected.
They can’t just keep pumping resources into only one area.
Rob,
Why do you think they targeted oline so much in free agency?
I have no idea.
Probably just works with their plan there over the last 2-3 years to add value veterans and draft to develop.
I think they would like to have more depth there and some of those resources aren’t going to make the cut.
I think Ogbuehi’s 3m contract is almost fully non-guaranteed and Warmack is only on 750k. If they don’t show in camp or get out performed by the younger guys, they can easily be cut.
Just over 10 days until the draft on the 23rd, so have to think that we will try and clarify what we’re going to do with Clowney, Griffen or others at edge/DE during this next week. Supposedly chances are “slim to none” on re-signing Clowney and in the last few days, Griffen told NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero “never say never,” when it comes to re-signing with his longtime team. We have to be bold and sign them or others(trade?) to define what we’re going to do with the DL and other positions in the draft.
We could backload one or both or their contracts plus convert most to signing contracts, may also help if we cut Britt and/or several others at the back of the roster, which could give us $10-15 mil. more in salary cap space. Believe we have at least $13 mil. even after signing Mayowa, although still haven’t seen Irvin’s contract reflected anywhere. I’m convinced mostly by looking at history that JS will trade back and pick up several more picks on days 2 and 3 to get to 10-12 picks. Even if we do sign one or both of Clowney and Griffen, hopefully we will still draft one or 2 of Uche, Okwara, Zuniga, or Weaver at edge, and one or 2 of Madubuike, Blacklock, Hamilton, Lawrence or Fotu at DT. Also wouldn’t be surprised to see us trade back at least a little once or twice on day 3 to get additional 6th and 7th round picks. Pretty sure JS hated to trade this year’s 6th to get WR Ursua in the 7th last year, and won’t want to have to do that similar scenario again.
I’m hoping most of our picks will be used on the DL and OL lines, with a pick each at LB, RB, WR and DB. Looking forward to us doing very well over the next 2 weeks in FA and the draft and redemption for the slow or at least uninspiring start to the offseason. Somewhat concerned about this remote online draft with everyone at home, my internet has gone out rarely before the pandemic, now 1-3 times a day with so many people home on the web. Would be very frustrating if picks get passed over with connection problems and things are chaotic like when the Vikings(?) hesitated and were passed over 2-3 times before they got it together during round 1 a few years ago.
If we can play a little fantasy and say Hawks are willing to trade to #2 spot with Washington for Chase Young, what would that entail, given our roster we’d be willing to offer (say Penny, Carson, Tre Flowers, Barton(?), Wright, Britt, Quill Griffen, McDougle, or any combination plus picks). What’s the damage from moving to #2 from #27?
Philly traded up from #8 in 2016 to #2 to get Carson Wentz. The price:
3rd and 4th round picks in 2016
1st round pick in 2017
2nd round pick in 2018
So take that as your baseline and add whatever you think it would take to get from #27 to #8. Probably another first and 3rd at least.
It just wouldnt be worth it. You would be giving up your present and future. Might even be your next 3 number ones plus a ton this year.
On the other hand, the Redskins gave up three first round picks and a second round pick to move up from #6 to #2 and select Robert Griffen.
Maybe an outlier I don’t know, but that baseline is even higher
I just watched a youtube video on Dunbar and am really excited about that trade now. I think he will make a huge difference on our team if he can stay healthy. There will be more sacks this year because of coverage. I am not saying the Seahawks have the pass rush they need, just saying that trade may go along ways to helping the pass rush out.
Him and having Diggs the whole year. Looks like a pretty good starting four in the secondary, at least on paper.
+1
I hope they can both stay healthy for an entire year. We might have finally fixed our secondary.
3 first round picks. They still likely say no. They don’t want our unwanted pieces.
Great mock, Rob. I love Uche or Zuniga with our first pick.
Thanks
What’s people’s true thoughts on what will happen?
A) Clowney
B) Griffen
C) Both
D) Neither
B or D. Not feeling at all optimistic about Clowney any longer, he’s as likely to take a lower offer elsewhere just for spite! Hope not, but that’s the feeling!
At the risk of appearing to ride the rainbows and unicorns wagon, I’m actually going to pick B.
Although I don’t like how we got to where were at, or being where were at, I just have this feeling…
To me. Running back is a position of need. Doubt it if Penny will be ready at the start of the season. Carson had a hip injury. Hip injuries can be serious.
Factoring in the higher priority of a pass rusher solution, I agree. I don’t think we should take anyone less talented than Zach Moss.
Since the Zierlein interview I’ve been paying attention to the player ratings and looked over the drafts since 2014 on the nfl.com site. The only players the Seahawks have drafted with with a rating of 6.4 or higher are Malik Mcdowell(6.8), Jarren Reed(6.7), and DK Metcalf(6.8).
2016 Germaine Ifedi 6.30
Players passed up in order drafted after Seattle with grade of 6.7 or higher
Ogbah 6.37
K. Dodd 6.8
Jaylon Smith 7.3
Hunter Henry 7.00
Myles Jack 7.5
Chris Jones 6.7
Noah Spence 6.7
Reggie Ragland 7.00
Derrick Henry 6.70
A’Shawn Robinson 7.5
2017 Malik McDowell 6.8, Ethan Pocic 6.2
Players drafted after Pocic with grade of 6.7 or higher
only one Alvin Kamara 6.7
2018 Penny 6.30
Players with grade above 6.7 drafted after
Teven Bryan 6.8
Will Hernandez 6.7
Ronald Jones 6.7
James Daniels 6.7
Harold Landry 6.7
Josh Jackson 6.7
Derrus Guice 6.7
Carlton Davis 6.7
Justin Reid 6.7
2019 LJ Collier 6.3 and M Blair 6.2
Players drafted between Collier and Blair with a grader of 6.7 or higher
Jawon Taylor 6.8
Cody Ford 6.7
Delton Risner 6.7
Greedy Williams 6.7
After Blair
Erick McCoy 6.7
AJ Brown 6.70
Parris Campbell 6.7
DK Metcalf 6.8, lucky to get
Drafting for need and not drafting better players in the first 2 rounds has really hamstrung this team over the last few years.
Now here we are with 3 picks in the firs 2 rounds with 68 players with a grade of 6.30 or better.
Drafting Uche with our first pick with a 6.26 grade would be another mistake.
Let’s also not take the gradings as gospel. I like Lance a LOT but he gave A’Shawn Robinson a 7.5. He was never a 7.5. I had him in round two throughout his final year at Alabama. He also has Chaisson at 6.8 I think. For me Uche is better.
I understand that the grades aren’t perfect. But it gives them a better chance of picking a good player if they choose from that group.
No it doesn’t. It gives them a better chance of choosing a player Lance Zierlein has graded highly. That’s it. Nothing more, nothing less.
It’s not just Zierlein. You are using your analysis along with Zierlein’s, or the FO’s analysis with Zierlein’s.
They know that there are higher ratted players on their board that they are not drafting because they are drafting for need instead of best available player. I’m just saying draft the better players on your board.
You’re not getting it though.
The whole basis for your assertion that they are leaving better players on their board is Zierlein rated them higher. But as I said already, there’s no way A’Shawn Robinson deserved a 7.5. Never in a million years. Were they wrong to pass on him? Of course not.
Their board will be very different to national pundits who aren’t tailoring their board for the Seahawks. Seattle’s board is very, very, very, very different to Lance grading each individual and then giving them a score. The horizontal board here is a crude but good example. Lance is doing a vertical board that speaks to generally to his own personal views — and doesn’t take into account specific needs, schemes or preferences.
Listen, I’m happy to critique the rights and wrongs of Seattle’s recent draft history. But you can’t use Lance’s grades to use as a stick to beat them with. You just can’t.