Devin Smith should go in round one — he’s the real deal
You don’t need to be 6-4 and 220lbs to be a leading NFL receiver. Size helps. Julio Jones, Megatron, Demaryius Thomas, Mike Evans. Players that are open even when they’re not. Throw them the ball. They’ll make the play. They’re also a key mismatch in the red zone.
Yet recently we’ve seen a different type of receiver emerge. The sudden athlete. The guy who works the middle and just finds a way to get open with quick-twitch athleticism. Antonio Brown led the league in receiving yards this year. We all saw what Odell Beckham Jr did as a rookie. Emmanuel Sanders excelled in Denver. It helps when you play in a high-powered passing offense. but it shows you don’t need size to be a great receiver.
The Seahawks need a big target — but not because they lack an orthodox, tall #1 receiver. They need a red zone option more than anything. Seattle should be a better red zone team — they have Russell Wilson’s mobility, Marshawn Lynch running and yet it’s been another year of settling for field goals inside the 20. Wilson needs a fade option, he needs someone who can line up against a linebacker and just win with size/speed. If there’s a flaw in Wilson’s game it is the tendency to occasionally over-throw. The Seahawks needs someone who can go up and get a safe, deliberately over-thrown pass against a smaller defender.
This receiver or tight end doesn’t have to be a 1000-yard mass production guy. He just needs to be a touchdown maker. He needs to turn three into seven a few more times next year. For that reason, one way or another, I expect they’ll look at hulking big targets in free agency or the draft. Vincent Jackson might still be an option via trade. Jermaine Gresham and Jordan Cameron might reach free agency. It makes sense to add a veteran proven commodity like Jackson — especially given the thin options in the draft.
It doesn’t stop them (or us) looking at smaller receivers, similar to what the Seahawks already have. Ohio State’s Devin Smith looks Seahawky whether they draft him or not. He is a fantastic prospect and should be a first round pick.
He’s 6-0/6-1 and just under 200lbs. He has all of the explosive suddenness we’re seeing with Brown and Sanders. I’m not even scared to make a Beckham Jr comparison. He shares some similar characteristics. He can be a home-run hitter downfield but he’s also savvy on the shorter routes, knowing how to get open and settle into the soft zone. He has excellent hands and ideal catching technique. He’s controlled and competitive in equal measure. He’s got the long speed to be a deep threat but it’s that initial burst getting into his route that is most attractive.
A stat-line of 30 catches for 799 yards in 2014 doesn’t do his talent justice. It’s worth remembering he was playing with a second and then third string QB this year. He’ll be one to watch in the Sugar Bowl playoff game with Alabama.
Let’s look at the tape:
0:14 — Here’s a classic example of settling into a soft spot in the defense. The corner lines up tight on the snap but expects a deeper route over the middle. Smith settles down and throws off the defender, presenting an easy pitch and catch. He turns and gets up field. Textbook play to convert a 3rd and 15.
1:29 — Lines up in the slot and makes a difficult contested grab over the middle. Snatches the ball away from his body.
1:59 — Runs a route on the right sideline and wins at the red line. Keeps the defender away from the sideline creating a huge space for the quarterback to throw into. It’s a simple pass after that — all he has to do is drop it into the space and Smith tracks the ball in the air to catch over his shoulder. Perfect route technique and understanding. Smooth catch for a huge gain on 3rd and 23.
2:42 — Downfield touchdown. Again lines up in the slot and just runs away from two defensive backs on a go route. He eats up the cushion against the first DB easily and the safety doesn’t have enough time to react. It’s pure explosive speed and yet another nice catch away from his body for the big play.
0:11 — This is a hopeful chuck by the third string quarterback — and he’s bailed out by Smith’s ability to adjust and locate the ball in the air. Look at the replay and see how he destroys the cushion and turns the DB. The corner is in panic mode almost immediately, struggling to keep up. At the point the two meet to run downfield, Smith could’ve done anything. If he works back to the QB he has the whole field to aim at. He continues to the end zone but he’s got the leverage and the position — so he can afford to look for the ball while the defender simply tries to stick. It’s a bail out by the receiver, but one hell of a bail out.
1:14 — Another big touchdown play. Again Wisconsin give him a huge cushion (this equals respect) — but he flies past the DB and the quarterback does a nice job dropping it into the endzone. Smith locates the ball and catches it over his shoulder.
1:56 — My favorite play on either video. The corner blitzes leaving Smith to run downfield and match-up against a safety. Bad idea. The quarterback sees the mismatch and throws to the left corner of the endzone. Smith again has position (the DB isn’t facing the ball and is simply trying to keep up) and just goes up to high point the football for another touchdown. It’s just perfection.
He’s also active as a special teams gunner. His run blocking could be better, but you wouldn’t draft Odell Beckham Jr and then complain about run blocking. Can he return kicks or punts? Possibly.
Speed, suddenness, hands, technique, grit, intelligence. Smith is one of the most exciting players I’ve watched this year looking ahead to the 2015 draft. The type where you immediately realize ‘this guy gets it‘. I have no doubt over time he will begin to fly up the media boards and eventually settle into the first round debate. Perhaps even in the top-20.
We’ve discussed Seattle’s need for a big target for two whole seasons. Whether they get one or not — if they draft Devin Smith in the first round, you’d find no complaints from me. This guy is the real deal.
Thanks Rob – the tape on him is very good. If he performs well at the combine, I’m doubtful he’ll last until 32 – we’re I expect we’ll be picking.
Great player and looks Seahawky but I don’t think it’s worth a first round.
He has the same height than Paul Richardson or Kearse and I would like as a replacement for Kearse.
Worth pointing out that his second string qb ended up a top five Heisman candidate and now holds several Ohio State single season passing records – not exactly your run of the mill backup.
True but how much of that was down to his ability to run and make plays? The point being I don’t think the system and the changes were conducive to great WR stats.
He is a good looking WR. Once we accept the idea that the WR does not need to be 6-5 there are a lot of them. What does he offer that we do not already have? I like our group of WR’s. In the NFL beating the CB and the S over the top is not that common but I expect Baldwin could make all of the same plays that Devin Smith just made. And did anyone see what Doug Baldwin did to Antonio Cromartie?
Kinda my thoughts as well. It’s a small sample size but my initial impression is he seems somewhat redundant to our current squad. At first blush he doesn’t quite seem to have top-15 explosiveness like an ODB. If we’re looking to replace Kearse I’m interested but I think I’d have to see some more excellent tape to consider him at the end of round one.
I know it flies in the face of the article’s premise, but I would like to see some scouting analysis on the Georgia Tech twin tower seniors, Waller and Smelter. They are both huge wideouts in the GT tradition that play in a very run-heavy offense where they are asked to run-block and snag deep balls. Sounds Seahawky to me. Also, Stanford’s 6-4, 229# Sr WR Devon Cajuste had a heck of a game in the Chicken Bowl or whatever bowl game that was they were playing in last night. He’s a tall, sturdily-built receiver (almost a joker TE) that looks really polished running routes and has soft hands. I didn’t really see him high point a pass or run away from anyone but when the ball was thrown his way he came down with it, a couple times in the endzone too.
Smelter recently tore his ACL.
Yeah just learned of that. An absolute shame. Hope we take a late round or UDFA flier on him.
Has he declared?
Yeah, isn’t WR Cajuste a jr.?
He’s a Sr. according to Stanford’s football roster page.
Rob he’s an interesting guy – no question…
However…I think Paul Richardson is – perhaps – an even more interesting guy.
I’ve seen every play our rookie has made this year – the many short look ins (often in tough going) – the sideline catches – the wonderful hi-point catch last game – even the blocking(ish) results and efforts he puts into them…
To me – he’s a rookie – who’s made almost no errors – and shown solid growth in his results as his testing and training have been increased game to game as the season has progressed. I see Paul becoming at least – a Golden Tate – and perhaps somewhat more.
Rob – where do you see Paul in 2 to 4 years? What have we got here? What gives you concerns? What excites you about him (if anything)?
I think the most exciting thing about Richardson is he’s just a naturally gifted receiver. Real fluid and sudden. He makes things look easy. He’s perhaps not the burner we thought he might be, but over time I see him establishing into a strong safety net with the capability to make the occasional big play.
Have to agree. I spooled up last year’s Richardson tapes and I don’t even see Smith as Richardson’s equal as a prospect. I guess I see Devin Smith and Paul Richardson to be the same kind of player. But I think Richardson is the better prospect.
Not saying Smith is bad. But literally I don’t see any special quality I can attribute to him that you can with Paul. And I can’t see how he’d grade well relative to Richardson or Baldwin who is really the better comparison.
Lack of special quality and relative grading being low (I’d argue downgrade) would make it hard for me to envision Seattle taking Devin Smith.
Richardson excites me. What I find to be most encouraging going forward, is his progress as a complete receiver running the intermediate/short routes. He has thus far shown that his slight physique isn’t a liability as he’s been durable and tough even. Physically winning 50-50 balls. He has the speed and it’s not been featured yet.
OOPS Rob – I meant to wish you a Happy New Year! I’m sure I speak for all (well almost all) of your regular readers when I say your work, insights and analysis are all exceptional!
Thanks man, happy new year!
Personally, I see a young, healthy Miller type as the need at the skill positions assuming they can coax another year out of Lynch. But if they have a chance to bring in a highlight reel type WR to compete, I could think of worse scenarios.
Rob, all things relative but if Kevin white or Devin smith made it to 32 who do you prefer?
Tough call. I’m not sure. I like both.
Fair enough, thanks!
I’m still not convinced we need a ‘big’ receiver – we need a #1 receiver, the kind that you can’t just ignore and figure you can handle, the kind that will eviscerate you if you stack against Marshawn or spy Wilson. If he’s 6’5 all the better, but if he’s a dynamic 6’1 I’m not going to argue. It’s just been too long since we had a legit threat outside, and God knows we’ve sunk plenty of resources into trying to find it.
A bigger wide out would come in handy in the red zone.
I get the argument about running a fade route into the corner to a big WR. But the numbers do not seem to confirm that the team has a problem scoring in the red zone. The Hawks are 27th in the NFL in total passing yards (3250). They do not throw it as much due to their run heavy offense. But their average gain per pass is 7.7 yards, which ties them at 6th in the league. Furthermore, despite being 28th in passing, they are 20th in the league in passing TD’s (20). It seems the Seahawks have found other ways to score than with the back corner fade. The slant to a smaller WR is a viable option in the red zone. These are all passing stats and do not include the running TD’s we get from Marshawn and Wilson.
The Seahawks have drafted 5 WR’s in the last 5 years. Only one, Kris Durham, was taller than 6-2. Durham didn’t last long. Neither did any of the FA guys they brought in. I would respectfully suggest that using the big WR is not high on their list of priorities. The Hawks have found a formula that works for them. If an amazing 6-6 talent comes along, sure they would be interested. But those guys go in the top of round 1. The team is building the WR corps with middle of the draft talent and so far, it seems to be working for them.
Finally, let me extend my best holiday wishes to you and your family. I am sure everyone appreciates the work you do for us on this blog.
Seattle are ranked 20th in red zone scoring in the NFL — they score a touchdown 51.67% of the time they’re in the 20. That’s down from 53.03% last year. This all despite being 80% in the red zone in their last three games, so a late boost has actually taken the Seahawks up to 20th. This is a major area for improvement. It’s why they went after Jackson/Fleener/Cameron/Thomas. They know they need one.
I know Seattle tried to trade Harvin for Julius Thomas, Jordan Cameron, Coby Fleener, etc., but help me out here Rob, when did they try to trade for VJax or was that a rumor? I personally don’t remember them saying what or who they would have given up for him.
There were well sourced suggestions that talks took place with compensation discussed. Tampa Bay were asking for a lot it seems.
Thanks. Didn’t quite remember what was being asked for VJax.
Slant isn’t Russell Wilson’s specialty -throwing high to a point where his receiver is more likely to come down with it is….big target in red zone with good hands would be nice. Doesn’t even have to be a burner.
Yeah, as MYLegacy said ‘Happy New Year Rob!’
Love, love WR Devin Smith. I said in another post THIS is a ‘Seahawky’ WR. One of the most exciting players in the country hands down. Why do some people think just because WR’s are the same size that they are the same type of player? Is Cordarrelle Patterson like Dez Bryant? No. Is Kelvin Benjamin like MegaTron? Nope. Devin Smith has elite speed, he’s a special athlete, overcame a great adversity in his life after almost dying in a car accident this summer, he loves the camera, shows up most under the bright lights/big games, makes the most of his opportunities, and says if his job is to run block he’s more than glad to do it, because he knows there’s other playmakers around him. Sounds like a Seahawks WR to me. Maybe what makes Seattle’s WR core ‘unique’ from the rest of the league is that they aren’t huge or don’t have great size? Devin Smith plays ALOT bigger than his size too. Has a really good catch radius. I’d take this kid in a heartbeat, and IMO he’ll probably still be on the board.
Rob, what do you make of Texas A&M DB DeShazor Everett? I know he’s inconsistent/frustrating, some say he’s a S in the NFL, but he’s a great athlete, makes big plays, is physical, loves to play the run, has swagger and grit, and does have Seattle length and size. I guess what I’m really asking is, knowing all this, do you think PC could make this guy another 5th-7th rd. gem at CB?
30 catches 799 yards? Crazy production. Do you know how many targets he got? The game film and highlights look incredible but how consistent is he? I think he will be a little redundant on this roster for a first round pick. I’ve said all along I think they trade down but this kid looks like he can play.
I believe he had 44 targets.
I would like to see Seattle bring in Ty Montgomery. They would probably have to move up in the 2nd to get him Though. Good return man. He is actually a borderline first for me. Very underrated. He has had some injury issues and is said to not be available for his upcoming Bowl game. We need a return man bad. Get him healthy and let him compete. A field position changer.
Here every day Rob. Love your work. And a Happy New Year to ya!!!
I expect a boatload of guys including FA’s competing for the punt return job and Bryan Walters roster spot. I would not be surprised to see them draft two returners and invite a couple more to camp..
Rutgers TE Tyler Kroft has announced that he will skip his senior year and apply for the draft. Rob, what are your thoughts on him as that redzone target?
TE Kroft had 1 TD this year. Not sure if he’s a red zone threat, or if it can be boiled down to the offense he played in. Just my opinion.
He led the Scarlet Knights in TD receptions last year (4) with Brandon Coleman on the roster. Makes me think it’s more the offense than his play.
He’s ranked at or near the top of TEs on most predraft lists. He’s an interesting prospect for sure, just not sure he’s a red zone target, nor if he really brings something to the Seahawks they don’t already have.
Happy New Years Rob!
Thank you for all the great draft analysis.
Here’s to another Lombardi trophy in 2015 and another great draft class to keep the Seattle dynasty rolling.
He seems to primarily operate as a deep threat, though it looks like he could be used in other ways, even though his stats don’t really bear that application(short/intermediate/possession threat) out. How is he different from this aspect of Richardson or Harvin’s game, whom we have struggled to get the ball to down the field all year? Despite plenty of proof from prior tape that both of those receivers are downfield threats, neither has been used or has shined in this way in our offense? What would be different about Devin Smith?
Would our O-line be able to protect Wilson long enough to get consistent usage out of a premier deep threat like Smith?
His talent is evident on tape, but I’m struggling to imagine how he overcomes what Harvin and Richardson seemingly could not or cannot in our offense.
I’m not sure I’ve ever heard someone say ‘speed’ is redundant. Maybe Seattle’s struggled to get P-Rich and Harvin the deep ball, because both of them aren’t deep threats. Rob made a good point in saying P-Rich might not be the deep threat we thought he was, but more of that short/intermediate/possession WR you mentioned. Just because P-Rich had that one amazing catch against the Rams, I’m not sure that’s a play we’ll see him consistently make. Devin Smith is ALOT like Golden Tate, in his ability to high point, he’s gritty and physical, with the speed, if not better, to match. Devin Smith also has that ‘suddenness’ off the LOS, whereas P-Rich seems to be more of a long strider.
There was loads of college tape of Prich being a deep threat. Also tape on Harvin in the NFL. Most of Smiths suddenness appears to be mid stride down the field after he eats up the cushion, not necessarily stop/start suddenness which Harvin possessed
There’s not many athletes who posses what Harvin has. IMO Harvin isn’t a TRUE WR, he’s a gadget or a niche player.
Agree there was loads of tape on P-Rich being a deep threat, but I said P-Rich ‘might’ not be the deep threat we thought he was going to be. I stress the word might, because it’s still way too early to tell.
I still don’t see what’s not to like about having 2 potential home run hitters in P-Rich and Devin Smith (if Seattle were to draft him). Add in a clutch, do it all type with Doug Baldwin, and 2 possession WRs in Kearse and Norwood, mix in Lockett, plus a return specialist once Walters spot is upgraded sounds very appealing to me. If they were to keep 7 WRs on the active roster that is.
Let’s add that ‘big’ target or red zone specialist at the TE position, which seems to be where Seattle’s interest lies regarding that type of player or role. Especially since we know they tried to add some of the more exciting young TEs in the league in Julius Thomas, Jordan Cameron, Coby Fleener, etc.. etc. Then that would give Seattle a unique/speed/move TE in Luke Wilson, an old school/ST type H-back in Cooper Helfet, and a younger more athletic version of Zach Miller. Or what Zach Miller was in his earlier years down in Oakland.
It’s tough to say from some highlight reels, but Smith looks like his greatest strength as a receiver is his ability to track the ball and adjust to make the catch. His speed is an added bonus.
I can see the comparison to OBJ.
Not saying he’ll be as successful, but how many of us would love to have OBJ on the roster?
Great point. That’s kind of what I was trying to get at. I don’t see want would be wrong with an OBJ type WR, and P-Rich on the outside. I get they don’t have great size, but damn the thought of those 2 potentially together is exciting.
Another way of thinking about this is: given the Seahawks roster and the current WR depth chart… What type of receiver will rank higher for them in the 2015 draft? A guy that sacrifices speed but on tape shows himself to be that possession receiver to threaten in the red zone and move the chains? Or a guy like Smith who is a true home run threat?
Last year there were plenty of these guys available and we picked the home run threat (Richardson) over the other type of available receiver on the board. And we clearly valued many other attributes over simply height/size.
What about this year? Does what we learned about the team trying to trade for Julius Thomas, Vincent Jackson and Jordan Cameron indicate we have different priorities?
Also, happy new year! And thanks Rob, for this blog and all the work you do throughout the year.
Kearse and Walters are replaceable. Norwood can replace kearse and he has 3 more years on his rookie deal. I see areas of competition ( and the hawks draft against their roster) being WR, OL, DT, DB, and RB ( the latter 2 are dependent on [a] maxwell lost in FA and a guy like Shead going somewhere where he has a chance to start [b] marshawn retiring. If marshawn stays for the last year on his contract I would be stoked!) Schofield’s situational rusher role could be drafted for competition as well. To me the Hawks can draft BPA; so if a special athlete drops or is available (almost regardless of position) I feel like the Hawks can draft them. We can go for difference makers! Go hawks!
I think we will also draft an ILB. When Wagz was out our run defense really suffered. Coyle did not make many plays.
Good point. I wonder if they see Coyle as a replacement for Heath Farwell? Although, I will say that Coyle has loads of potential and IMO will end up a solid depth player. I’m also curious to see if they take a MLB, as you said, or another SAM LB who can play special teams to replace Mike Morgan. Really like Oklahoma SAM LB Geneo Grissom as a late round developmental backup to Bruce Irvin, with KJ Wright’s length and size.
Coyle looked decent in preseason, but he was flat out lost at times when Wags was out.
Rob, sorry to get away from the topic on hand, but who do you like or think is a better fit for Seattle’s LEO position? Utah DE Nate Orchard or Arkansas DE Trey Flowers?
Orchard. As much as I like Flowers he’s not a quick-twitch edge rusher.
Again, thanks. Not sure if you saw my question from earlier or if you’ve ever got the chance to watch him, but do you think PC could make Texas A&M DB DeShazor Everett the yearly 5th-7th rd. gem at CB?
And sorry to bombard you with ‘who do you like or what do you think of’ questions, I do hold your opinion in high regard, but, this kid had a great bowl game, is a weight room monster, a ‘strength’ freak (made Bruce Feldman’s 2014 top 20 freaks list), a great run-stuffer, good lateral agility, has a high motor. TCU DT Chucky Hunter. What are your thoughts on him?
Again, thanks.
Sorry to bombard you with ‘who do you like or what do you think of’ questions, I do hold your opinion in high regard though, anyways this kid had a great bowl game, is a weight room monster, great run-stuffer, good lateral agility, is a ‘strength’ freak (made Bruce Feldman’s 2014 Freaks list), and has a high motor. TCU DT Chucky Hunter. Thoughts on him?
Apologies — not focused on those guys enough to be able to pass comment.
Hell yeah….! I go off and on, on the who do you like bombardment and gave chucky hunter a shout a bit back. I know I’m no Rob…ha!…but personally Hunter with a 4th or 5th round pick sounds awesome to me. Actually the first thing I thought when I saw his tape was….” man Tcu is using him wrong….this guy would be perfect in the old red Bryant heavy set position….” or before Hill came on a faster hand fighting Clinton McDonald….still couldn’t hurt to have more of that on the line…
Love me some Chucky. He’s the type of player that’s probably going to gain traction during the draft process, though, especially if he measures well at the combine. He might go as high as late 1 early 2 but if he is there in the third I pull the trigger til my fingers bleed. He is Jordan Hill + Clinton McDonald from a program that looks like the spitting image of the Seahawks at the college level.
Honestly you could be right after the combine….not very many people now give him the time of day but I could definitely see him gaining traction
Happy New Year Everyone!
DT Chucky Hunter looks to have some ‘special’ qualities to me. Glad I’m not the only one who see’s that in him. I think over time this kid would be a great replacement for Mebane. I have to disagree though, even though he does have freakish strength, I’m not sure he’ll be a 1st or 2nd round guy. He looks like the classic, bowling ball built DT that goes in the 3rd who has the body type Seattle seems to covet at DT most of the time. But, yeah I’d take this guy in the 3rd every day of the week and twice on Sundays.
Peter, bigDhawk, and others. Have you guys heard of E. Carolina DT Terry Williams? 6’1, 350 lb. and from what I’ve heard he’s going to put up a really good SPARQ score. Now, he’s bigger than the prototypical Seahawks DT, but man with that size and some ‘freakish’ athletic traits, what a sleeper. He’s more of a late 4th-5th round guy, but him and TCU DT Chucky Hunter are my 2 favorite PURE DT types so far in this draft class.
Favorite hybrid DT/DE or 3-tech is hands down Arizona St DT Marcus Harrison.
Arizona St *DL Marcus *Hardison
Chucky is not a pure NT like Mebane, which I agree would be a third round pick or later most of the time. He rushes off the edge just as much up the middle and is just generally extremely active all over the line. I hesitate to make this comp but Aaron Donald comes to mind, just simply for the fact that Donald started the draft process in relative anonymity but as his measurables became apparent his stock skyrocketed. I’m not saying Chucky will reach the same spot in the draft as Donald, but his trajectory might be similar in direction, if not in magnitude. If his measurables are respectable I can see him easily going in the draft about the same spot as Ra’Shede Hageman, maybe a bit higher.
I am not familiar with Williams or Harrison yet, but will check them out.
That;s a pretty good comp with Aaron Donald there bigDhawk. Yeah, I’m not so sure Chucky is 6’1 as he’s listed at, but if the comparison does hold up after the combine, interview process, etc. then I would spend a 1st on him. I’m a huge proponent of NOT drafting DTs before the 3rd round, unless they’re a Donald, Sheldon Richardson, Fletcher Cox, Goldman, etc. I just think those type of athletes are one of the hardest if not the hardest to find.
Oh by the way, it’s Marcus Hardison not Harrison. The damn spell check changed it on me. 6’4, 290, 4.7 40, 40 +tackles, 14 QB hurries, and 10 QB sacks, IMO he’s just scratching the surface.
Chucky had a great game!!!!
Watched the game versus Oklahoma. He appears lost and doesn’t have great vision to get off a block and track down a ball carrier. He is not very effective on passing downs in pushing the pocket or getting into the backfield on running plays. He may have a higher ceiling but does not appear to be the Mebane type coming out of college. He also seems to end up on the ground quite often and struggles to anchor versus a double-team.
This is just one game, and I didn’t see the bowl game, but this is what my notes say on him
I agree with some but not all of this. I also saw Hunter getting double teamed from the second quarter on, nearly every snap. I’d like to see him shed more blocks there but Oklahoma as a rule are no slouches on the lines so if they double him repeatedly then some one else is responsible to clean up the ball carrier.
Damn it! Disregard my 2nd of the same post there. It didn’t seem like the site was loading or submitting my comment. My apologies guys.
Watching GT and still liking Darren Waller a lot! He’s a big dependable WR who can block. They are a running team, so Waller won’t be worrying about touches. He runs good routes and has had several sideline toe tap catches. He helps out his average QB by sitting down in holes. He’s pretty thick – 6’5″ and they are saying 230. But he just makes catches. Likely day 3 guy, but with one of the extra compensatory picks, he has potential. I’ll wonder what he runs – because maybe he ends up as more of a Joker in the NFL.
I don’t think he’ll last till day 3. People who use Stephen Hill as a reason to be sour on Waller are probably making a big mistake. They are not the same player. Waller looks physically special to me, in a way that the Seahawks tend to value with their higher picks.
I’d be fine if the Seahawks drafted him earlier – IMO we need to give Russell some weapons and a big WR who can out physical db for a long ball would be great.
I also like that we signed that arena football WR Douglas McNeil to the practice squad – he is tall and fast! If some how McNeil can make something happen, maybe he’s a possibility. He had some amazing catches – even if it was arena league.
WR Darren Waller is definitely intriguing.
Being saying he’s perfect draft pick for Seattle since his Sophomore year. Good blocker like all Ohio State receivers which is something Seattle looks for. Like you said a big play machine! But he’s not a first rounder. Unless he has an amazing combine we should be able to get him round 3 or 4 and focus on O-Line first two rounds.
IMO I think Seattle’s needs as it stands right now, in no particular order, are TE, WR, hybrid DT/DE, LEO-DE, OG. Whether they re-sign Carp or not, I think they need depth at G and at RT. Just think, we can cross of 4 of those positions in the first 3 rounds, if not all of them in the first 3 rounds. And that’s without signing any outside FAs.
Happy New Year to everyone! I really enjoy everyone’s contributions on this blog!
SEA-peat!
Baylor wr K. Cannon is very impressive.
All the Baylor WRs are impressive. I think K.D. Cannon is a true SO.
This Mizzou KR/PR Marcus Murphy is fantastic! He’d definitely be worth a late round flyer. Mizzou DT Harold Brantley is a flat out stud!
What about Alabama OG Arie Kouandjio as Seattle’s LG if Big Carp isn’t re-signed? I’d expect Seattle to take a OL with their 3rd rd. comp pick or in the 4th.
One guy who I completely forgot about it is Florida DT Darious ‘Bear’ Cummings. Does anyone know what kind of year he had or if he was healthy? He was a guy who flashed quite a bit on screen last year when I watched them.
Maxx Williams – 5 catches 77 yards and this 54 yard catch and run for a TD. Hurdling 2 defenders
http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/2316533-minnesota-te-maxx-williams-hurdles-2-defenders-on-his-way-to-54-yard-td?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=programming-national?is_shared=true
Also watching 6’4 250 lb maxx Williams run for 54 yds and hurdle 2 guys for a td!! I soooo want him with our first pick! There’s no way he’ll be there with our second pick
Yup. Best TE in the country at only 20 years old. His potential is limitless. He’s got some sneaky/underrated athleticism.
Stranger on Fieldgulls lists his top32 and I’m surprised by a handful namely Rowe, Holliman, Prewitt, Washington and esp Hardison.
I’ve been the only one on here talking about Marcus Hardison. I’m telling ya this guy could be special. I don’t know about 1st round, wouldn’t surprise me, but he’s 1 guy Seattle should absolutely not leave the draft without. He may just be my favorite DL this year. Totally ‘Seahawky.’ He’s got a little Darnell Docket to his game. He’s got the production, athleticism, character, and leadership that Seattle looks for.
Cody Prewitt has Jam Chancellor potential. Holliman is a ball hawk, but can’t tackle worth a lick, I;m surprised by DB Eric Rowe, but DT Adolphus Washington is a man child! That kid is a beast!
Also wondering about Devonte Fields in the later rounds or UFDA if he declares
Read Stanger’s remarks in the comments section of one of his previous articles this year: http://www.fieldgulls.com/2014/11/20/7253243/2015-nfl-draft-the-wrong-books
What a pleasant individual.
Yeah, he’s kind of a douche and comes across as pompous. Plus in his mock drafts, he tries to get too cute by taking all small school or under the radar type guys.
We got your back Rob. Like our Seahawks say ‘We all we need, we all we got!’ Right?
I don’t need Stanger to tell me if Marcus Hardison is a good prospect, 1st rounder, whatever. I trust my own damn eyes. I’ve liked Hardison since the Arizona St vs Notre Dame game, the bowl game against Duke just reinforced what I already thought.
Sorry didn’t see this previously. IMO Reads to me as if he’s trying to make light of mass media draft projections and goes a bit far, was it directed at u?
Nevertheless, do like your stuff and equally your professionalism in the blog
Check the comments section at the bottom of the article.
Ok, agreed he went way OTT. Admittedly I read both sites all to get analysis on the best fit for our hawks. Have said before Im a big fan of the blog & appreciate your insight and well researched & reasoned prose. Just trying to add to the chat but won’t cross pollinate again. And to quote Ron Burgandy, “You Stay Classy…. Rob. Thx again
Feel free to post the links Ukhawk — I’m not interested in pettiness with another writer. Just wanted to highlight that tirade, which I found amusing.
Just clicked the link never having been to that site before. I didn’t scroll down to the comments, I wanted to read the article first.
What a blowhard that’s needs attention. Then the comments. Wow. He must be deficient in areas I don’t want to go into.
Enjoy the site Rob, even when we don’t agree. Keep it up, it keeps me going in the offseason.
Go Hawks
Rob, since we’ve been discussing him and he lit up a pretty good D in Miss St (how about that catch with the DB draped all over him?), I would love to hear what you think of Georgia Tech WR Darren Waller?
IMO he reminds me of BMW, but obviously without the production. Then again Georgia Tech doesn’t exactly chuck the ball all over the field. His size and strength seem pretty unique and I think spending one our 4th round pick’s on him would be an awesome selection. He’s definitely a project, but, he just might be THAT guy to go up and get RW overthrown/high passes, and man what a red zone weapon! Gotta love his run blocking and un-selfishness too. From the few games I’ve seen him play, seems competitive or feisty enough to hold his own against the LOB every day in practice.
Like the other GT WR better
Anyone have any thoughts on oregons 6’5 wr Stanford?
OSU’s 2nd and 3rd string QB’s were both highly ranked kids coming out of HS. Its not as if they were scrubs by any means.
Highly ranked out of high school doesn’t mean much. Cyler Miles was a four star recruit.