Brent Urban is very much 'one to watch' for Seattle
These are some of the early names I reckon could be on the radar with pick #32.
Remember, we’re talking about the final pick in round one here. You’re unlikely to find a flawless talent in this range, not unless you get lucky.
I’m searching for guys who fill a positional need with major athletic upside and the potential to be great down the line.
Brent Urban (DT, Virginia)
Modern three technique with length and size (6-7, 298lbs). Very good athlete with the strength to drive blockers back into the pocket. J.J.Watt-like ability to tip passes at the LOS. If the Seahawks lose Tony McDaniel in free agency, Urban could be an option to replace him in the draft. He’s not being talked about much due to his lack of ‘stats’ but watch any tape you can get your hands on. He has an impact. There aren’t many players with his insane upside in this draft class. The guy is a monster who could be special.
Why he could be available at #32
A lack of production in terms of hard stats. Teams running orthodox schemes (unlike Seattle) will question where he fits. He has some injury history (ACL).
Why he fits in Seattle
Tony McDaniel will need to be replaced if he moves on in free agency. This team loves length at tackle. He’d be a great compliment to the pass rushers on the roster — consistently collapses the pocket, even if he’s not the one recording the sack. Make no mistake — Brent Urban could be one of the steals of the 2014 draft. Put this player on your radar.
Jeremiah Attaochu (LB, Georgia Tech)
He had 12.5 sacks in 2013. I started to watch some of Attaochu’s tape last week and wondered whether he could be one to monitor. He’s 6-3 and 252lbs with a little Cliff Avril to his game. He’s one to develop rather than expect instant results, but I’m going to keep watching his games to finalise my opinion. The combine is going to be big — is he going to run a 4.51 like Avril with a 1.50 split? That’s going to be telling. It’ll be really interesting to see how he performs in Indianapolis.
Why he could be available at #32
It’s the age old debate about whether he’s best suited to a 3-4 scheme at OLB and that could put some teams off. Despite his production this season, I still think he’s a developmental guy who needs time. He’s best used in year one as a rotational, impact pass rusher.
Why he fits in Seattle
The Seahawks might find some cap relief in reluctantly moving on from Chris Clemons — a real warrior for the Seahawks over the years. It might be tough to re-sign Cliff Avril after 2014, while Bruce Irvin has switched to linebacker full time. They need to plan ahead with these pass rushers — which is why they redshirted Benson Mayowa.
Brandon Coleman (WR, Rutgers)
People love to judge players based on what they’ve been, not what they can become. Coleman isn’t the finished article — far from it. But the offense at Rutgers wasn’t exactly conducive to big production at the receiver position. There simply aren’t many guys with his athleticism at 6-6 and 220lbs. He is a freak of nature with the potential to be another Josh Gordon a year or two down the line. I’d be surprised if drafting a big receiver wasn’t a huge priority for this team.
Why he could be available at #32
He’s performed in fits and starts. Coleman is capable of remarkable, game changing plays. In college he also had spells where he wouldn’t do anything for weeks. For me he’s one of those players you’d worry about taking in the top-20, but based on his upside I’m taking a swing at the end of round one.
Why he fits in Seattle
They need a big receiver. Mike Sando wrote a great piece this week about Carroll’s vision on offense, including his desire to acquire “a power running back, a risk-averse quarterback and a big, physical receiver.” Only one of that trio is missing.
Kelvin Benjamin (WR, Florida State)
Like Coleman, he’s a big receiver and would fill the teams greatest need (as things stand). On a good day Benjamin looks like a top-15 pick. He has ideal size and speed for the position and flashes so much talent. But then there are the things he needs to improve — avoiding ridiculous drops, running sharper routes and not giving up on plays. With a bit more polish he could become a top NFL receiver.
Why he could be available at #32
At the end of the day, however good you are physically, you need to be a reliable catcher. Benjamin has been guilty of some shocking plays this year, belittling his incredible talent. With a deep class of receivers available this year, there may just be more reliable players out there.
Why he fits in Seattle
If the Seahawks expect to get a brilliant physical talent who catches well every time, they better start considering a move up the board. For all of Benjamin’s flaws, he has elite potential and could be a fantastic game changer if he eliminates the errors. He’s worth gambling on at #32 — if he makes it that far.
Odell Beckham Jr (WR, LSU)
I hate the idea of replacing proven veterans with rookies, just because you can’t afford to keep the vet. Yet this is the situation that might be forced on Seattle going forward. Golden Tate is a free agent, but can they keep him? If Beckham Jr is there at #32, he could easily be the best player available. He’s a fantastic receiver who high points the football, has an X-factor as a playmaker and plays with real grit. You can’t justify drafting him unless Tate departs. But what a player.
Why he could be available at #32
He’s just shy of 6-0 and around 190lbs. Teams are often reluctant to draft receivers with that lack of size unless they’re really explosive. Beckham is great, but he wasn’t Percy Harvin or Tavon Austin in college.
Why he fits in Seattle
Huge hands despite his lack of overall size, plays with grit and determination, high points the football. He plays with the same edge as Tate or Doug Baldwin. You’d rather just keep those two and not have to draft a replacement. But if Tate walks, you’d have to fight against putting Beckham Jr on your target board.
Aaron Donald (DT, Pittsburgh)
When I went back to watch Donald’s 2013 tape, I was blown away. We’re talking about a relentless pass rusher who lives in the backfield. He’s not the biggest defensive tackle at 6-0 and 285lbs, but he plays with fantastic leverage and you can’t help but wonder if he’s the next Geno Atkins. If this guy can’t make it at his size, we might as well stop trying to find another Atkins and just accept he’s a freak. Donald followed up a great year by blowing up the Senior Bowl work outs.
Why he could be available at #32
Purely down to size. He has the production and the great tape. Medieval conventional wisdom about his size is the only thing that could be a problem. I fully expect he’ll go in the top-25.
Why he fits in Seattle
Clinton McDonald had a major impact this year with several key sacks. He’ll be a big loss if he departs in free agency. Donald plays with the type of attitude this team likes, and they drafted an undersized defensive tackle in Jordan Hill last year.
Dee Ford (DE, Auburn)
His tape from the Senior Bowl game looked great and reports have suggested he’ll run a 4.4 at the combine. He doesn’t have the length or size (6-2, 240lbs) Seattle has looked for in a pass rusher, but they also love speed off the edge. He seems to have it in abundance. The only concern is whether he’s a little one-dimensional. Cliff Avril’s ability to bull rush has been huge in both the NFC Championship game and the Super Bowl. Can Ford mix it up, or is he totally reliant on speed and featuring in a wide-9 role?
Why he could be available at #32
Size is the main issue and he didn’t always dominate in the SEC. He failed to register much impact against Alabama — that’s a game scouts will gravitate towards when they put on the tape. He didn’t spend any time working as a 3-4 OLB at the Senior Bowl and he might be too small to work as a 4-3 end at the next level.
Why he fits in Seattle
Again it comes down to long term planning at the LEO. Ford doesn’t necessarily look like a LEO in terms of length, but he has the speed this team values plus a character they will love.
Ra’shede Hageman (DT, Minnesota)
He’s something of an enigma. At times his tape is flat out crazy — he looks like a terror at defensive tackle. He can be unstoppable. But he’s simply too inconsistent. Everyone expected him to dominate at the Senior Bowl against a weak offensive line group, but he was completely overshadowed by guys like Aaron Donald. Anyone hoping Hageman would fall to Seattle should be pleased about that, but I guess you can also ask — how good is he really?
Why he could be available at #32
Production isn’t great and he’s too inconsistent. He’s lived a difficult life, that can be a positive or a negative. Has a few character issues in college that need checking out.
Why he fits in Seattle
Simply put he’s a fantastic athlete and if you can coach him up and get him into your system, he will have an impact. It’s pretty hard not to get excited about a more rounded and consistent Hageman featuring in this defense. He’s 6-6 and 318lbs. Length, size, athleticism = Seahawks. But how badly does he want to be great?
Xavier Su’a-Filo (G, UCLA)
The only interior line prospect I’d personally want to consider in round one. He has some experience at tackle but looks like a pure guard at the next level. He’s a fantastic athlete with excellent core strength. He’s not the big, dominating player many want at left guard — and I’m not totally sold he’s a Tom Cable-guy. But he’s a decent fit in the ZBS with a lot of upside going forward. If they want athletes, Su’a-Filo fits the bill.
Why he could be available at #32
He’s not Jonathan Cooper or Chance Warmack. Guards generally don’t go early and he’s going to be a late first or second rounder at best.
Why he fits in Seattle
I don’t think the Seahawks will take a guard in round one. For the purpose of this piece, here’s why they would. They haven’t really settled on one guy for the left spot and who knows whether they believe James Carpenter, Michael Bowie or Alvin Bailey can grab it long term. I think a long term starter emerges from that group in 2014.
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Curious if you feel Penn WR Allen Robinson @32. I’m starting to fall for him, but haven’t watched any full game footage yet. Highlights are impressive though, with exceptional body control and ability to make cuts with ball in hand at full speed.
I think there’s a pretty good chance he will be a top-20 pick. Big time character guy, superb YAC qualities despite not having elite or even great speed. Perhaps not necessarily the type of receiver Seattle is after, but could be long gone by SEA’s pick.
I love it Rob, already interesting stuff to read. Thank you for keeping me occupied waiting for the a repeat.
I think Clemons/Miller/Rice are all gone. We will probably lose Bennett/Tate/Thurmond for money reasons. Contract issues (will get paid or getting paid too much) in the next year (Wilson/Thomas/Sherman/Unger/Okung/Red/Lynch/Mebane).
Of your choices, the top 2 for me would be:
Benjamin
Coleman
We drafted Hill and Williams last year and with how we platoon our DL, we should be good. We need that big body on the outside. Any way Cleveland trades Gordon for #32?
JS/PC have built a great team, now they need to keep drafting well in the later rounds
Thanks again for an amazing site
Great read, thanks…
Am I crazy to worry about our offensive line? It looked just fine against (apparently) mediocre talent in the Superbowl, but our NFCW opponents all seem to have superior DLinemen that push our OL back and make Russ run for his life…
I’d love to see Russ with more weapons, but I’d also like to see the pocket hold up longer than 1.2 seconds.
I think we’ll struggle to put an offensive line on the field in any situation that shuts down or maybe even slows down the Arizona, STL and San Fran pass rushes. They are all elite. We have to manage those games whoever starts on the OL — thankfully we did that against STL and SF but failed against the Cardinals.
Putting a rookie at LG or RT with the #32 pick will not solve these problems IMO. Not with the talent available.
The best way to combat this is to try and maintain as much consistency as possible, be healthier in 2014 and keep adding talent around Russell Wilson. Those defenses will make plays at the LOS whatever happens. For me the best way to slow them down isn’t to foolishly believe we can block them 1v1… it’s making them second guess how much they want to commit and blitz because they’re crapping their pants about who the QB is throwing to at the second level.
Nice point, Rob.
Our offensive line is our weakest link. It is vitally important that they be able to run block for Lynch even when we face elite defenses. They also must protect an elite quarterback from injury. Considering the importance of the line we really do need to keep drafting until we have a good line that is not injury prone. I think we can do that with 2nd to mid round picks.
Thank-you, well put.
I’m a sports pessimist, so I always worry…
Rob – on the OLine – a full “healthy” year from Okung (foot) and Unger (chest muscles) should help. A year of mental and physical growth from Sweezy will help. A “heavy package” with Bailey basically as an other tackle beside Okung looks promising as well.
As the year progressed we were at least experimenting with things to try and stop the bleeding. A full year from Heavenly Harvin should help keep DLines at least slightly uneasy – every millisecond helps DangeRuss do the voodoo he do so well.
2014 has to be he year we start to introduce Michael into the mix a bit as well to see if his different attributes (vis a vis Beastmode) will also help to neutralize DLines – at least a bit.
All is not hopeless. Perhaps – even a free agent with some specific, under appreciated skill set might fall to us as well.
A “full healthy” year from Okung may be a long bet. At some point you have to start wondering if the data we have is the picture of the player. He’s oft injured. I’m not willing to assume that will change as he gets older and gets more snaps on his wheels.
Same goes for Percy. Prudent analysis pretty much requires we accept the fact that these guys are more likely than average to miss games going forward.
Incognito at left guard on a prove it deal?
I would feel better if we had enough offensive linemen for our heavy package, plus three good second string replacements. We need that amount to make up for our injury prone line.
Any thoughts on Davante Adams out of Fresno State, Rob?
Not hugely enamoured by him. Forced production at Fresno. Modest size (6-2) and looks like he’ll be an average WR at the next level. Although I do intend to watch more tape on him over the next two weeks.
Remember we did not have Harvin in any game against these elite defensive units. This may change some of the issues. Along with other weapons and consistency.
Keep the adverts rolling to the 15 th. Pay day 🙂
Here is my issue. The #32 pick gets a base salary of $1.2 million and a $3.3 million signing bonus on a four year deal. Given our salary cap issues, I cannot invest in a guy that is a ‘developmental prospect’. We cannot afford a backup player that redshirts like Christine Michael this year. Our first and second round picks have to step in and start, replacing someone with a bigger salary. If not, then we may as well trade the pick for several in the later rounds or something next year. Hence, with every pick we need to ask; Who does he replace on the roster? If he does not make the roster and play significant minutes it is a wasted pick.
I wholeheartedly disagree with this, Rock.
I agree they can’t afford to take a complete redshirt guy who never plays, but they most certainly can afford to take a developmental player who features in a limited role with the idea he’ll begin to look the part in year two. At the end of the day, it’s very, very difficult to draft impact players beyond the top 15-20 picks. After that it’s based a lot on position, forced playing time or just flat out learning quickly.
I can’t get behind the idea that unless the first and second round picks start, we might as well just trade for a bunch of later round picks (who have even less chance of contributing early). That makes very little sense to me.
There’s nothing wrong with drafting guys who don’t immediately hit the ground running. That is very difficult to do unless you’re picking early in round one.
The only reason I might disagree with Rob here is because of Schneider’s freakish ability, at least so far, to hit jackpots on picks in the 5-7 range, and free agency. Those guys are awfully cheap in the scheme of things…
The reason guys drafted in the Rd 5-7 range make an impact is the coaching they receive. It takes time to coach players up, especially WR or OL. Angry Doug and Sweezy were sort of an exception to this, but even they are not at an elite level any may never be. Sweezy is a starting guard because he is good enough and cheap. Baldwin is potentially an elite talent, but plays on a team that is a run first team.
While it appears that JS hits it out of the park all of the time, the truth is that the difference in athletic skills between round 3 to 7 players is really not that large and a lot of the successes we have had with Rd 5-7 talents is because of coaching and scheme, along with the attitude these players come to the team with.
We got Russell Wilson in the third and he played right away. Marshawn came for a fourth round pick. He played right away. Luke Willson, Bailey and Bowie played this year. With our front office it isn’t necessary to spend millions on a first round pick. It is especially stupid if the kid is going to take up $2M of cap space while sitting behind a veteran with an even bigger salary because he isn’t ready to play. Our early picks need to have a spot on the roster and contribute to our management of the salary cap long term. The draft goes hand in hand with the plan to manage the cap. We need those cheap starters to enable re-signing guys like Sherman and ET.
Let’s not start to expect them to keep finding starters late in the draft though, because this is highly unrealistic. As good a job as they’ve done so far, it’ll be very difficult to continue their hit rate.
A player taken with the #32 pick earns $1.25m as a rookie. That is absolutely nowhere near the kind of money that means a first round guy needs to start immediately to justify the cost. It’s still a relative pittance and a drop in the ocean.
I’ve barely started looking at draft prospects in earnest after this intense season, so all my opinions are really just first impressions with no further analysis buuuttttt…
In my noob eyes, Brandon Coleman is head and shoulders above Benjamin as a prospect and if we had the choice I’d take Coleman everyday. I’ve had the belief that when looking at a player, you wonder who makes who better. And Winston made Benjamin look much better than he is, in my opinion. I don’t see the down the field speed in Benjamin that I see in Coleman, and I don’t see the hands either. There’s limited tape on 2013 Coleman and Benjamin, but I just don’t see the hype for Benjamin. He’s got a lot of size but, at least in my initial impression, I didn’t get the feeling he fought for the ball or really dominated the competition. Coleman didn’t really do it either but I just think Coleman made his QB look better and will succeed in the NFL if he lands in the right situation (Niners? Please God no…) . Benjamin? I could see him take the Big Mike Williams Route.
One of the things I’ve been really looking forward to scouting though, has been the late round DB Seattle always seems to take. And I truly wonder if we see Seattle take Jean-Baptise. I just see Sherm when I watch him. He may never get there, but with Carroll’s ability to get the most out of DBs, I could see Jean-Baptise being a monster in Seattle. That said, I doubt we take a corner that high, even with Sherm and Maxwell entering the last year of their deals. The other corner I thought screamed Seahawk was Wait Aikens, who is big, physical and a player that swarms to the ball and tackles extremely well. Again, may go too high for Seattle to pull the trigger.
I love Odell Beckham Jr, but he just reminds me of the Harvin/Baldwin type receiver and wonder how much value he really has to this team. He is a beast though. If I could have anyone one of those players Rob, I take Coleman.
Jean-Baptiste is going to be severely overdrafted by copycats. He has stiff hips and doesn’t use his size or length to his advantage.
Same things that are the negatives for Jean-Baptise were said about Sherman. Looking at their college tape side by side shows alot of similarities in my opinion.
Sherm at Stanford:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzm6HeFS2sE
Thanks for the response. I’ll take a look. At the sherman footage and see if Baptiste really is all that similar to him.
Totally agree, I watched tape of Jean-Baptiste and could not have been more turned off. Does not tackle well, in fact he avoids contact. Does not play the ball well at all and is quite frankly pretty slow.
Agree re: Coleman vs. Benjamin. KB is just so raw that I can easily see him being a bust in the NFL – he just has so much to learn. Coleman looks amazing. I hope we have a chance at him at #32.
Also, Hageman is my next choice. If he can be coached into some consistency, look out.
I think we do let Tate walk and try to do something long term with Baldwin, so our top three next year is Harvin, Baldwin, Kearse. Then I want to use my number 1 pick on a perimeter threat on the outside, I prefer Colemen or Allen but wouldn’t mind Benjermen.
I think we resign Bennett but lose Clemons so with my second pick I want to go Dline. Remember we can alway put Irvin in Clem’s role, and have a LB core of Wright, Wagner, Smith, if that’s the case we need to probably scope up a LB in the second round.
In the fourth round I want to address either Dline or LB whatever we didn’t get done in round 2. ( Rob who are the Lbs we should be looking at in this draft) LB is a big concern for me if we can’t resign Wright or Smith in a year better began grooming there replacement now
I’m the fifth round I want to add depth to the secondary. As I see it browner and Thurmond are both out and we need to backfill behind lane and maxwell.
I understand the Tate leaving sentiment and it wouldn’t surprise me if he does go somewhere else. But Tate led the league in broken tackles by a wide receiver and his ability to fight for a ball in 1 on 1 coverage, plus his chemistry with Wilson makes me really hope we keep him. I think our offense would suffer more than people think if he leaves.
Think this, if Tate isn’t there, Russell Wilson throws a pick in the Rams game. And that play is all Tate. It was a horribly thrown ball and Tate made it a TD.
I think of Baldwin and Tate as a complementary pair of receivers. They alternate having good games or even seasons. I would like to keep them both and add a big wide receiver. With the lesser pace of our passing game it isn’t practical to pay them very much.. It will be interesting to see who stays and what there salary is.
This is a terrible LB class, for me. I can’t find anyone that can cover well. Only slow run stuffers and pass rushers.
i think that Irvin has proven that he cannot play the run well enough as a leo in this scheme. Perhaps Schofield is being groomed to replace Clemons?
Don’t forget about the UDFA kid out of Idaho that showed up in preseason and was stashedon the roster to give him a redshirt year, Benson Mayowa.
I’d like to trade back…BUT…
Unfortunately, nobody ever wants the last pick on the first day enough to want to trade up to #32. That’s reality.
Personally, I’d love to trade back and get say #40 & #103, or #48 & #90, or some such…
HOWEVER, after witnessing the Greatest Total Team Effort in Super Bowl History…
Today, I am wondering if it might not be such a bad idea to trade #32 & #64 to get, say, Kelvin Benjamin at #17-20.
Let’s face it, we need a future difference maker at the X, and its definitely worth considering a possible ‘trade up strategy’ such as this, in view of our current depth to 53, future team salary cap restraints, and Especially, if Sidney Rice & Golden Tate both leave in the coming months.
After all, remember, that’s how JERRY RICE was acquired for 2 scrubs (Trevor Matich, C, BYU & Ben Thomas, DE, Auburn) after the 49ers first Lombardi…
Here’s the proof quoted from Wiki: In the first round of the 1985 NFL draft, Dallas had the 17th selection and San Francisco had the last (as Super Bowl champions from 1984). 49ers coach Bill Walsh reportedly sought Rice after watching highlights of Rice the Saturday night before San Francisco was to play the Houston Oilers on October 21, 1984. On draft day (April 30, 1985), the 49ers traded its first two picks for New England’s first-round choice, the 16th selection overall (the teams also swapped third-round picks as part of the deal), and selected Rice before, as some report, the Cowboys were intending to pick him.
Only one piece of Pete Carroll’s Original Blueprint is missing… BIG WR… so let’s gitrdone.
CAN YOU SAY SEAHAWKS DYNASTY?
LET’S TAKE A PAGE OUT OF THE GREAT BILL WALSH’S PLAYBOOK, AND BEAT THE CHIEFS, PATRIOTS, SAINTS, NINERS, & PANTHERS TO THE PUNCH!!!
LET’S TRADE UP AND GET KELVIN BENJAMIN!!!
Replace Benjamin with Coleman and I’ll agree with you.
I’m with you! On tape, KB has phenomenal catch radius and is a great high pointer/hands catcher. Coleman is fast, but does NOT play physical and rarely high points or catches with his hands. KB is a menacing physical match-up nightmare for opposing defenses. He needs to work on his concentration and hone his skills. But he can dominate in the red zone right out of the gate. And provide an enormous target (catch radius) on 3rd downs. And he blocks like a TE! I hope he’s our guy. But in PCJS I trust!
I know John Schneider has The Jets GM John Idzik’s phone number… so let it be written, so let it be done.
I think the biggest impact to the team would be a big-bodied receiver. Mike Evans would thrive in the improv offense. (What are the chances he goes to someone other than SF and is considered a bust in a couple of year; then we can pick him up in a cheap trade.)
The Urban selection is very Seattle. It’s the reach pick that will be universally graded an F, but could have impact on an otherwise complete team.
I was taken aback when Rob first mocked him to us, but since, I’ve watched his tape and he is sooo powerful. Really sloppy hand use, but that’s a coachable thing. He has a crazy bull rush. He’ll get stonewalled by superior technique one play, then drive the center and the guard back a couple steps.
So disruptive.
Between he and Donald. It’s a coin toss, for me. Either could start in year one.
If I’m the Seahawks, I think I go with Urban because of his superior run stopping abilities.
Rob,
I really applaud the focus on boom or bust products. Now that PC and JS are firmly established (I doubt they will be fired within the next 5 years) they should be more willing to take risks that other coaches would not.
Looking forward to your upcoming work.
Is Kip still around? Some of his writing before and after we drafted Russell really made me start to hope that we had something special (even before the first minicamp).
Really hard for me to fathom that we’ve come this far in just 4 years. Thanks for all the great articles and analysis the past few years.
The offer is always open for Kip to contribute. Really, really value his take.
If Aaron Donald is there at #32, he will be the guy. A premium pass rusher with a great motor, very productive. DT is a real need, for Mebane and Bryant have two more years at most. As much as a tall WR would be a nice addition, both of the guys you highlight have talent but highly questionable competitive drive. When was the last time PCJS drafted a player who slacks off and on in his effort?
Good points. Although I am drooling over the thought of Kelvin Benjamin as an immediate red zone terror with phenomenal upside, I would be elated with Aaron Donald. He seems very similar to Bennett! Strong enough, great leverage, great motor and too fast for lineman!
I cannot see justification for taking Kelvin Benjamin in the first.
That is a reach imo.
Kyle Van Noy deserves to be a first round pick. Phenomenal instincts. Perfect fit at Sam for the Seahawks.
Maybe the best 3-4 OLB in this draft.
So who does he replace? KJ? Smith? Irvin?
I never said draft him. He’s a good fit. If they draft him, I’d be stoked.
Also. You don’t have to cut a good player just because you added another one at the same position.
“Perfect fit for the Seahawks” seemed to be a draft recommendation to me.
I’m glad.
Hahaha…the road bent to the right and then I realized it was a cul-de-sac…
I really like going TE at the end of the first if ASJ or Ebron is still there at #32 (feels so good to type that number) and trade up into the early second and take whoever is still there. It lets the team potentially free up some cap space by cutting or trading Miller since Willson looks like a good replacement, and we need as many big target for Wilson as we can get.
Don’t think we need to go defense that early or offensive line unless some guy drops who just can’t pass up on.
Hey Rob do you think we’re more likely to be able to trade guys off now that we’re Champs instead of cutting them? Seem to be a lot of rebuilding teams that want to copy our model now.
Unfortunately, it’s almost a given Ebron won’t be there. Unless he wrecks his hotel room at the combine.
I still think ASJ is a reach in the first round. Nothing on-tape has suggested that he is a difference maker at the next level. Doesn’t appear to want to be a ferocious blocker, doesn’t use his frame well.
If we want a TE, I think our best bets are Troy Niklas, Marcel Reece, CJ Fiedorowicz, Artie Lynch, or someone I haven’t seen much of like Gator Hoskins or that other TE with the crazy ass name. I’m starting to really like this TE class. Lots of depth.
I feel bad hoping for someone to get bust, but the best news I could hear is for Clowney to get busted doing something dumb. I’d settle for Ebron or Evans trashing the hotel room.
Though you got to think about a Gator Hoskins just on name alone. I mean that is a hell of a awesome name.
I said the same thing. hahaha
PCJS need to hire a pretty spy girl to get in that hotel room. Then lead Evans on a wild goose chase while her partner trashes his room and leaves liquor bottles about…LOL!
Personally, I would love to see the Seahawks draft ASJ. Having watched the Huskies all year, ASJ is an elite blocker at the college level. I have even heard talk about teams potentially being interested in moving him to offensive tackle. Also, in terms of athleticism, this is a guy who is athletic enough to pick up basketball in the winter and play on the UW basketball team. He does have some problems with drops but so do the wrs being talked about here
What about a late round gamble on the cocaine TE from Oregon…Colt Lyerla?
I wouldn’t mind a bit if they took him in the sixth or seventh. Got him drug counseling. Get him in a routine. He really has the potential to be a prototype Y with a sprinkle of Hback.
I think there’s always a chance you might be able to do more deals, but those players need playing time to prove it. For example, you could argue Byron Maxwell could be a trade option with value. But would you deal him? I probably wouldn’t.
Is it possible JS puts together a blockbuster trade of Richard Sherman? Save 15M in CAP AND fill up an armored truck with Draft Capital. Seems possible because clearly we have a formula for identifying raw DB talent and developing these prospects quickly to become the best CB’s in the NFL. How much better is Sherman than Maxwell? Is that margin worth all that CAP + the loss of all the Draft Capital we could acquire in a trade (IE Revis deal netted #13 pick AND a 3rd rounder)?
No, Sherman isn’t going anywhere.
Well that settles that, then…LOL! I just threw it out there like a possibility. I love your site, well crafted articles and intelligent community discussions. Great job on nailing last year’s Christine Michael pick!
Rob, why do people want to move Zack Martin inside?
For me he’s an above average tackle. Probably a long term starter at RT after failing to keep up with speedier edge rushers that are wider than 7 at LT. I don’t think he’s got enough sand in his pants to play inside at the next level.
He plays too high to consistently win against 300 lbrs.
Hell, he got stalemated on the move by that 5′ LB from Michigan State.
Second rounder for me.
Also, what was so great about Chance Warmack?
Ugh. I guess this means I’ve gotta start formulating actual opinions on the offensive lineman.
I think it’s the short arms issue and people will project his body type to being a better guard than tackle.
For me, I think he can play anywhere on the line. Technically he is the best OL I’ve seen since Alex Mack.
Wow. That’s a statement. I gotta give him a longer look.
Same here. The lack of length is wholly evident. His bubble isn’t very impressive, either.
He’s certainly tachnically sound.
I can’t shake the desire for an upgrade over Unger. I didn’t really like him coming out of Oregon and he’s been wildly inconsistent this year. Perhaps having inexperienced guards on either side of him has impacted his play, but I would love to draft his replacement in the fifth this year and let that kid sit and learn. There are definitely better centers than Unger.
From the limited tape I’ve watch of them, this is shaping up to be a pretty good Center class, too.
Yeah, what’s the deal with Unger this year? Big falloff from last year. Was it the chest or pecs?
Lets not forget we get Greg Scruggs coming back next season. I had high expectations before he got hurt last season.
It would really surprise me if JS moves up at all in the draft. He is just so great at drafting and does not like to lose any picks plus we already don’t have a R-3 this year.
#32 selection, the Super Bowl Champions. That looks pretty. This is heavenly!
Rob, I think replacing Sidney Rice with a big receiver is what we should be looking at first in the draft, and like you said either Coleman or Benjamin would be great picks (personally I like the idea of Coleman more than Benjamin). However, I can see a scenario where both could be gone by our pick. Carolina needs a big receiver and future #1 to replace Steve Smith and San Fran might need one if they can’t keep Boldin. What do you think our best option would be at receiver if neither are available? Allen Robinson or Jordan Matthews? I also like the idea of drafting Jared Abbrederis from Wisconson in the mid/late rounds if we don’t retain Tate, and personally I’d rather lock up Baldwin long term and let Tate walk and draft his replacement, especially since we have Percy.
I think Robinson could be a top-20 pick. If he, Coleman and Benjamin are gone, then I think you look elsewhere. For me Matthews is a late second rounder at best, maybe even a third rounder. Abbrederis is a pretty limited player for me and not a big need while they retain guys like Baldwin and Kearse. Of the mid/late round group, Donte Moncrief and Cody Hoffman are the two I’d keep an eye on. But I hope it doesn’t come to that.
I know it’s a popular choice to keep Baldwin over Tate…as it should be after his clutch performance in the playoffs, however i believe that Carroll and Schnieder will step back from this and choose to keep Tate if it comes down to a decision between Baldwin and Tate. With Harvin locked in, i do not think that they will commit much more money at WR to another injury prone receiver. Tate on the other hand, rarely misses a game.
The 1 thing that has really impressed me with the Seahwks as an organization since Carrols arrival is the cohesiveness between the coaching staff and Personnel department. For many teams it appears the Coaches and personnel department have a different view of a team identity and you get a complete mess. The Seahawks have a franchise identity, they know who they are , they know what they want to do, and they identify and select the players that fit their scheme and they dont care what outside influences say about their personnel decisions. The player they select might not be the Best player on the” group think board” but he is the best player for what the Seahawks do, its why they have been so successful
Rob – I seem to recall reading on this blog that JS has made multiple visits to Rutgers. Is there anyone else besides Coleman on their team that he could be scouting? Anyone know if JS has made multiple visits to FSU?
IMHO, Coleman looks more “fluid” than Benjamin. I guess this is another way of saying that he (Coleman) looks like a football player who happens to be tall while Benjamin looks more like a tall guy who happens to play football.
There is just absolutely no aggression to Benjamin’s game. If Benjamin isn’t AJ Green (he isn’t) then he has to develop a more feisty persona on the field to be able to win jump ball scenarios.
People have been raving about his jump ability and I haven’t really seen him go up at all. He seldom jumps forward to get the ball, isn’t strong enough to rip it away and doesn’t have big strong hands to inhale the pass and shield the ball.
Not a fan.
Re Rutgers: I think he could be scouting their FS Jeremy Deering who has played running back, wide receiver and even quarterback in his time at Rutgers. There are some OL prospects there, too.
Isaac Holmes is a candidate for the Michael Bennett role.
He could also like the Merrill twins. Jamal and Jamil. Jamil is a LEO prospect, Jamal is a WILL candidate.
Agree with all of this about Benjamin. Given his size, he should’ve dominated college and I don’t see it. Alot of Benjamin’s catches were great throws. I didn’t see alot of him just out playing DBs. At this point I think Tate has better high point ability and he’s half a foot shorter.
But I just go back to speed. Given how much this team admires speed on offense and YAC ability, I can’t see Benjamin being a good fit. He just looks like a plodder on tape.
You definately have not seen this tape. Imagine this catch radius in the red zone with RW pitching high balls!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTkyr7Qv8mc
Agree with all of this about Benjamin. Given his size, he should’ve dominated college and I don’t see it. Alot of Benjamin’s catches were great throws. I didn’t see alot of him just out playing DBs. At this point I think Tate has better high point ability and he’s half a foot shorter.
But I just go back to speed. Given how much this team admires speed on offense and YAC ability, I can’t see Benjamin being a good fit. He just looks like a plodder on tape.
Link fail https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTkyr7Qv8mc
Nobody at Rutgers I can think of Phil. Very easy to wonder if he was getting a good look at Coleman.
This is such a tough one. I totally understand the desire for a big receiver. That would really go a long ways towards freeing up some pressure on Wilson.
That said, the biggest reason we dominated in the Super Bowl was the defensive line. Seemingly every single play manning had a hand in his face or, in many cases, one of his offensive linemen being walked into him. Donald and Urban would both have real impacts next season.
For me, Urban seems like the most “Seahawky” player on this list. The Hawks historically swing for the fences with their first pick. They go for the physical freaks. Michael, Irvin, Carpenter, Thomas. All of them physically gifted. I get the sense that the hawks feel they can teach a player to play a position, but they can’t teach a player to be naturally bigger, faster, stronger.
On this list, Urban has the most “special” physical tools.
Seems like if we were to go OL in round one it would have to be at tackle rather than guard. Morgan Moses from Virginia and Antonio Richardson from Tennessee both look like they fit the profile (size/athleticism-wise) as potential replacements for Breno and unless there’s a seriously extreme run on tackles at least one of them ought to be there at #32.
I like the focus on DL in this piece as I think it’s our most-likely first round target but any thoughts on these two OTs?
I doubt the Seahawks draft one of Kelvin Benjamin or Brandon Coleman late in the first round as I believe there is greater value later in the draft for a tall, athletic receiver. Martavis Bryant, L’Damian Washington and Cody Latimer are all players that have similar skillsets to Benjamin and Coleman yet probably won’t require a first round pick.
I like all of those guys as well. You gotta think with how good of a ball that Wilson throws hands and height are the two most important things for a big WR in this offense. I also would qualify height more as physical height + arm length + jumping ability. Speeds is more of a plus.
We really gotta wait for the combine to look at the receivers available.
I agree and that is why I like Kelvin Benjamin a lot despite his inconsistency. Height + arm length + jumping ability + refined skill to high point the ball with big, strong hands = red zone terror and match-up nightmare for opposing defenses!
Please stay away from Martavis Bryant! I’ve been watching every game he has played for the past 2 years and he is so frustrating to watch. Yes he has height and speed, but he needs to put on a few pounds. He has many mental lapses and does alot of body catching, not so much with his hands. He does occasionally make the big play, but not nearly as often as he should, especially in the ACC. If he stayed one more year he would have gained a lot from taking over the #1 spot from Sammy Watkins, but as he is now, I wouldn’t spend anything higher than 5th/6th round pick on him, and that would only be if a big receiver wasn’t already drafted.
Personally I’d like to see the Hawks stay aay from him, but who knows, there’s a reason why PC/JS get paid the big bucks and I don’t lol.
I’ve watched some more of Martavis Bryant and I see the hands issues. This is particularly problematic as his main attribute is his length – if he can’t make contested catches how will he contribute?
A guy like Washington will be lucky to see out a camp to be fair. There’s a big difference between those guys and Benjamin and Coleman.
Can you elaborate on what separates Benjamin and Coleman from the others. I am having a hard time separating them as prospects and need to watch more tape and thus would appreciate what you see.
I feel both Coleman and Benjamin are raw in their route-running and hands catching. Coleman, however, has the highest upside of any receiver due to his speed and agility and your argument about how he suffered from the Rutger’s passing offense certainly holds true.
I also wonder how highly Latimer, Coleman and Washington would be regarded if they played with Jameis Winston.
There’s a significant physical difference between the players. Coleman and Benjamin’s upside is through the roof. There simply aren’t many athletes out there like these two at 6-6 220lbs (in Coleman’s case) or 6-5 and 234lbs (in Benjamin’s case). Washington for example is just a 5th year senior at Missouri who only really made plays late in his college career, he has a skinny frame that is going to really struggle in the much more physical next level.
We’re talking about players with limited upside and in some cases will struggle to make it at the next level — versus players who admittedly aren’t the finished article, but have an opportunity to be great.
I’ve been high on Jeremiah Attaochu for a couple months now. He’s the perfect fit to come in and take over for Clemons. He’s a ruthless competitor, a bit temperamental, but has the motor and nose for the ball/quarterback.
He definitely has the nose for the ball, but I’m not sure he has the pure athleticism we look for.
Remember we have Benson Mayowa on the roster. Owl 49 MVP. You heard it here first.
I’d like to see a move up to just in front of San Fran and steal a WR or DT, just to see a Harbaugh explosion.
Yes I would like to get ahead of San Francisco too. Somehow they have ended up with a lot of late round draft picks again. Now that PC training methods have led to a superbowl we need to trade a few second string players for future draft picks.
Would a second & third rounder work for Malcolm smith?
Perhaps this years 3rd and next yrs 2nd or vice versa? I don’t see anyone giving up both of this yrs picks
Even though Smith has proved his worth, I doubt he’s worth that much. I could see a 3rd and 6th/7th, but a 2nd and 3rd is pretty steep. Remember he wasn’t even a starter until late in the year due to injury so there is only a short time span of tape, even though that tape is phenominal.
That would be fun.
I don’t think it’s likely that Brandon Coleman falls past New England. They drafted 3 Rutgers players last year and have like 8 currently on the team.
Bill likes his Scarlet Knights.
I think the Pats go with TE first. With Hernandez gone and Gronk unable to stay healthy they need another big time TE. I’m betting they’ll grab Ebron, Amaro or ASJ, I’m guessing Ebron.
I agree he favors Scarlet Knights. However WR is not one of their top 3 needs in this draft. I would not assume they’ll take him there. They likely trade down and get somewhere in the 40s/50s if they want him. They can also likely stand pat and take him at 62.
If they do move down, it could force Seattle’s hand to take him at 32. I just don’t see NE indulging on a WR in round one, with the needs at OL/CB/DL and TE that they have.
Seems like New Englands top need is a better defense. I’m not sure what positions they need to fill, but they need to toughen up if they want to play with the big boys.
Their front seven is actually pretty friggin’ talented. With Wilfork in the lineup, they have a great box. They need to upgrade safety, grab a safety, and finally get a long term replacement for Wilfork.
They have Aqib Talib who has playing like his hair was on fire. They’ve thrown so many damned picks at Corner. It’s disgusting to see how few have worked out. They have Logan Ryan from the third last year. Kyle Arrington and Alfonzo Dennard are options for the #2 spot, but they have Steven Gregory and Devin McCourty at safety. If I’m a cornerback, that doesn’t make me feel very safe.
They really need to address that OL depth. They’re not getting any younger up front. Nate Solder is a solid building block and Mankins and Connolly continue to be valuable performers on the inside, but there isn’t much outside of them.
That offense needs a difference maker. Tom Terrific can make Kenbrell Thompkins look like the flavor of the month, but to truly dominate (like in 07) they have to have an elite playmaker at X.
Why does everyone assume that since they DID have two great TEs that that is their whole offensive philosophy and the only thing that will every work for them in the future?
There is great depth at TE this year, but the real value at WR is right where they are.
You are just completely wrong about the range in which Coleman is being projected. If he shows up to the combine at 240 only measures 6’4 and runs a 4.6, then we can talk about him falling to the late second. Until then. The tape shows that he is an explosive, HUGE, downfield playmaker.
You’re blind if you can’t see that.
Who would you rather take Jace Amaro, ASJ, or Brandon Coleman?
Admittedly, if Eric Ebron is there, I take him over Coleman every day of the week, but that’s unlikely.
There is no other clear cut Joker in this TE class, early.
I’m just not sure why anyone would not think that WR isn’t a top 3 need for them. I watched the Pats all year. Brady was constantly just waiting for someone to get open. The OL performed way better than the receiver group did.
They have Thompkins, Amendola, and Aaron Dobson as the likely starters next year.
That is not going to cut it.
Their window is closing and they need a playmaker.
grab a pass rusher*
I am very curious to see what happens with Mark Harrison in the coming season.
I was thinking the same thing, but he’s done nothing so far.
Did one of those silly mock draft simulations the other night and came up with the following haul:
32
OT CYRUS KOUANDJIO
ALABAMA
64
WR BRANDON COLEMAN
RUTGERS
128
DT JUSTIN ELLIS
LOUISIANA TECH
134
ILB JORDAN ZUMWALT
UCLA
160
DE BRENT URBAN
VIRGINIA
192
CB WALT AIKENS
LIBERTY
224
TE MARCEL JENSEN
FRESNO STATE
Saw those results and thought, “Rob would dig this draft”.
I just don’t see KOUANDJIO lasting that long and same with Urban lasting past the last 3rd. But who are we really kidding, PC/JS will do whatever they want and we will all sit back, scratch our heads and think “ok, this could work”
That would be sweet….
HAH!
Not sure about Zumwalt or Ellis, but this is like my fantasy, otherwise.
CBS Sports is quoting Tate as saying that he’d be willing to give Seattle a discount to stay with the team.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24431584/seahawks-wr-golden-tate-says-hed-give-hometown-discount
It still depends on how much of a discount he’d be willing to give us vs how much we can afford to pay our receiving group, but Tate’s a solid special teams player and receiver who already has the trust of his QB.
Thanks for this.
Jemea Thomas S GT in the fifth. Great special teams player, lightning fast, strong, cerebral, instinctive, highly underrated as it stands.
Might finally have a back up to ET.
One thing that interests me that I’ve not seen talked in detail about much is the specific player characteristics, both physical and intangible, that PCJS target at each position. For example, PC is on record as stating the two primary characteristics he values at QB is someone who ’tilts the room’ and who ‘throws a catchable ball’. Russell Wilson fits this description exquisitely. Also he has stated that his free safety is a player whose sole purpose is simply to erase the deep middle of the field. Ergo Earl Thomas. These characteristics are surely rooted in JCs Win Forever coaching and life philosophy, and tend to produce rather different results than those of the conventional scouting paradigm, as we all well know. I think the Bruce Irvin pick was a direct result of building our draft board entirely on these specific positional characteristics, and I have the feeling that this year’s board will produce a pick at 32 that will be similarly out of left field that no one saw coming, yet in retrospect will be a player that best fits the PCJS characteristics profile at his position, regardless of need.
So what I’d be interested to see is a detailed breakdown of all the PCJS characteristics we know about at each position along with some out-of-the-box draft options that fit those characteristics. Maybe this would be a good subject for a full article by Rob, if it has not been done previously.
Do you really rate Urban as a 1st rounder? For me he is a 3rd/4th rounder with upside. Seems to me to be a good prospect but a reach at #32. i was watching some tape this week of him and he needs developing.
The other prospects are all realistic.
Hi there Rob i’m new to the board. What do you think about Jordan Mathews? I’ve watched tape on several guys and he seems to be a tough “always compete” kinda guy. Great hands, great frame, decent speed and decent route running abilities. Where do you think he will fall in the draft?
I think Matthews will be a third rounder.