One sentence per prospect — 2020 version

Rashard Lawrence had a fantastic season for LSU in 2019

I did this a few times last year and it seemed to go down well, so here we go — 105 one-sentence scouting reports for the 2020 class…

Joe Burrow (QB, LSU)
The closest thing to Tom Brady we’ve seen.

Justin Herbert (QB, Oregon)
Love the tools and the improv potential but the erraticism and odd decision making makes Herbert a difficult projection.

Tua Tagovailoa (QB, Alabama)
How can you draft a player early if you won’t know for sure whether he’ll be able to play football again?

Jordan Love (QB, Utah State)
He can flick his wrist and get it downfield and his improvisational skills are strong but he did not have a good 2019 season and that leaves question marks.

Jacob Eason (QB, Washington)
The best arm in the draft but he can’t play off-script and he can’t improvise.

Jalen Hurts (QB, Oklahoma)
Credit to him for the way he competed in college but he doesn’t look like anything more than a useful NFL backup.

Jake Fromm (QB, Georgia)
Despite having the best pass-protecting O-line in college football, Fromm looked incredibly limited in 2019.

Steven Montez (QB, Colorado)
He has the arm talent, the size and the mobility but he never put it all together at Colorado yet there’s something to work with here.

D’Andre Swift (RB, Georgia)
You see little flashes but there aren’t many wow moments so is he worthy of the high grades he often receives?

J.K. Dobbins (RB, Ohio State)
He has mass-production potential with a fantastic combination of burst, explosive athleticism, pass protection and home-run hitting ability.

Jonathan Taylor (RB, Wisconsin)
The fumbles are an issue but he’s perfectly sized and has a second-gear that makes him a really exciting ball carrier.

Anthony McFarland (RB, Maryland)
Exciting, explosive, physical, sudden, fast, tough, underrated, brilliant.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB, LSU)
A combination of Michael Turner and Maurice Jones-Drew.

Eno Benjamin (RB, Arizona State)
Tenacious, tough, finishes runs and can catch the ball out of the backfield — but probably lacks the size for Seattle.

Joshua Kelly (RB, UCLA)
Well sized and looked incredibly quick in Mobile with plus running and catching ability — he’s one to watch at the combine.

A.J. Dillon (RB, Boston College)
Big and explosive and he should test well at the combine but he needs to prove he’s quick enough to truly be a threat at the next level.

Zack Moss (RB, Utah)
He doesn’t exactly have a chiselled frame but he loves to be physical, he finishes runs, he’s perfectly sized and we know the Seahawks like all of that.

Jerry Jeudy (WR, Alabama)
Doesn’t have outstanding physical talent but he’s adept at route running and being in the right place at the time.

Jalen Reagor (WR, TCU)
Lightning fast and incredibly explosive — making him a deep threat on go-routes and a danger in the red zone.

K.J. Hamler (WR, Penn State)
Loaded with dynamism and the short-area quickness to get open but also the long-speed and creativity to make big plays (strangely he seems to have long arms).

Brandon Aiyuk (WR, Arizona State)
Phenomenal acceleration skills — he’s a genuine threat to take the top off a defense or turn a WR-screen into a YAC dream.

Henry Ruggs (WR, Alabama)
This receiving class is all about explicit speed and Ruggs is the fastest of the lot which is really saying something.

Ceedee Lamb (WR, Oklahoma)
He does his best work with the ball in his hands but how he runs at the combine will be important against so many speed demons.

Tee Higgins (WR, Clemson)
Very technically adept as you’d expect from Clemson and could have an early impact but like Ceedee Lamb will need to keep pace with the other receivers at the combine.

Bryan Edwards (WR, South Carolina)
Faster than many people realise and a genuine playmaker on short or deep routes.

Laviska Shenault Jr (WR, Colorado)
Whenever you have to manufacture touches for a player it’s a problem and can be a distraction in your gameplan.

Justin Jefferson (WR, LSU)
Incredibly reliable and consistent in 2019 but teams will need to determine how much of his great year was down to Joe Burrow.

Denzel Mims (WR, Baylor)
He gives off a ‘pissed off for greatness’ vibe and he’s a contested catch specialist but he needs to run in the 4.4’s.

Van Jefferson (WR, Florida)
Flashed strong technical ability with his route running in Mobile but he’ll need to back that up with a good forty time at the combine.

Chase Claypool (WR, Notre Dame)
There’s a lot to like — his competitive nature, his willingness to block and his special teams value — but he needs to run well to be in contention for Seattle.

K.J. Hill (WR, Ohio State)
His short-area quickness and agility is excellent but his hands are inconsistent and there are question marks about his long speed.

Michael Pittman Jr (WR, USC)
I can imagine teams like Pittsburgh having real interest in him due to his size and production but I don’t think he’s fast enough for Seattle.

Lawrence Cager (WR, Georgia)
There are injury issues to check out here but in 2019 he played well, made some big plays and he warrants a closer look.

Benjimen Victor (WR, Ohio State)
Long, skinny receiver with some technical ability to get open but he could do with being more physical and consistent.

Harrison Bryant (TE, Florida Atlantic)
He finds holes in zone quickly and settles into areas where he can make plays — I’m just not convinced he’s a dynamic athlete.

Hunter Bryant (TE, Washington)
He’s essentially a big receiver who can chip in with some blocking but he does it well and his short shuttle will please teams.

Cole Kmet (TE, Notre Dame)
He looks thin and wiry and will need to add weight so the testing will be important for him — but he looks like a natural.

Adam Trautman (TE, Dayton)
He’ll need to learn some blocking skills but as a receiver he looks very fluid and athletic with an obvious basketball background.

Thaddeus Moss (TE, LSU)
He has quite a stocky frame and isn’t a prototype at TE by any stretch but he blocks well and he provided some X-factor moments as a receiver.

Devin Asiasi (TE, UCLA)
He’s a very clean catcher of a football and while he appears heavy there’s no doubting his quickness and athletic elegance.

Colby Parkinson (TE, Stanford)
They just lined him up at receiver all the time so it’s anyone’s guess whether he can block and he’ll need to test well at the combine.

Andrew Thomas (T, Georgia)
I’m not sure what other people saw from Thomas in 2019 but for me he was incredibly consistent, reliable, balanced and he dominated.

Isaiah Wilson (T, Georgia)
A hulking giant of a man who totally looks the part and will probably be rated a lot higher by teams than the media.

Cesar Ruiz (C, Michigan)
The ideal center prospect with the athleticism, power, mobility and upside to develop into a long-term starter.

Tyler Biadasz (C, Wisconsin)
Tough and physical but has some technical flaws and you just wonder if he’ll ever be more than average at the next level.

Nick Harris (C, Washington)
Was a bit exposed during 1v1’s at the Senior Bowl but showed well during scrimmages and someone will give him a shot.

Tristan Wirfs (T, Iowa)
An incredible athlete who will blow up the combine but whenever I’ve watched him I’ve thought he looks better suited to guard.

Jedrick Wills (T, Alabama)
Very solid in the running game but doesn’t have the frame teams covet and people are going a bit OTT on his upside.

Mekhi Becton (T, Louisville)
A massive human being but again, people are getting a bit carried away because while there’s a lot to like in terms of toughness — his pass-sets are incredibly raw.

Price Tega Wanogho (T, Auburn)
I really like him — tall, long, athletic, mobile and a ton of upside to work with.

Logan Stenberg (G, Kentucky)
Tough BAMF who takes no prisoners and finishes blocks like he’s collecting names.

Damien Lewis (G, LSU)
He looked good at the Senior Bowl and his tape matches it — he’s powerful, sturdy and one to watch.

Austin Jackson (T, USC)
Very athletic and has so much teams look for but you’ll probably have to endure two years of growing pains to get the finished article.

Josh Jones (T, Houston)
There is some potential here as he showed on the last day of Senior Bowl practise but he’s also something of a developmental project.

Trey Adams (T, Washington)
Unfortunately the injuries have taken their toll and he’s probably looking at a day three selection at best but he has a puncher’s chance of making it.

Tyre Phillips (G, Mississippi State)
I thought he battled away at the Senior Bowl and he has enormous size, great length and he can play different positions.

Jonah Jackson (G, Ohio State)
Solid at everything and while he lacks any real upside he could turn into a decent starter or backup at the next level.

Ben Bredeson (G, Michigan)
Nice size but lacks arm length — he can mix it up and had a strong year playing alongside the excellent Cesar Ruiz.

Matt Hennessy (C, Temple)
Solid and bigger than expected in Mobile where he had some very positive moments.

Hakeem Adeniji (G, Kansas)
There’s something about Adeniji I like and he could end up being a decent little project for someone kicking inside to guard.

Colt McKivitz (T, West Virginia)
He lacks the major upside of other players but he’s a fighter and will battle away at right tackle (and could even move inside).

John Phillips (G, Clemson)
His footwork is suspect and I think he tries to do too much but there’s talent waiting to be harnessed here.

Solomon Kindley (G, Georgia)
Has a sloppy frame and is on the turf too much but he’s also light on his feet, shows some power in the run game and he had a good 2019 season.

Lloyd Cushenberry (C, LSU)
He just gets the job done — the only problem is Ethan Pocic also ‘just got the job done’ for several years at LSU and he’s done nothing in the NFL.

Lucas Niang (T, TCU)
A forgotten man due to his injury but he can handle right tackle or guard duties and should be a reasonably early starter (health permitting).

Ben Bartch (T, St. John’s)
He was one of the gems of the Senior Bowl and performed as well as any of the tackles so there’s something to work with here.

Chase Young (DE, Ohio State)
A really quality player but not the ‘generational’ talent people have been suggesting (he’s no Bosa brother).

Derrick Brown (DT, Auburn)
Brown has the movement, aggression, versatility and talent to go in the top-10 of any draft class, any year.

Javon Kinlaw (DT, South Carolina)
He has the potential to take over games and could dominate as a pass-rusher with Fletcher Cox-like potential.

Raekwon Davis (DT, Alabama)
Yes it would’ve been nice to see more pass rush but there just aren’t many 6-7, 312lbs defensive linemen who look this good. He could be Calais Campbell.

Jordan Elliott (DT, Missouri)
He’s well talked up by PFF but on tape I struggled to find many splash plays or evidence of difference making power or athleticism.

Yetur Gross-Matos (DE, Penn State)
Long, lean and generally good with his hands yet lacks the kind of twitch to be a top-level prospect and struggles with consistency.

Julian Okwara (DE, Notre Dame)
Another inconsistent player but he offers raw speed off the edge and there’s something to be said for that.

A.J. Epenesa (DE, Iowa)
Jumps between plodding and dynamic but lacks speed and is probably better suited to playing power end or five-technique in a 3-4.

Jason Strowbridge (DE, North Carolina)
Plays with fire and is very aggressive and quick but his hand use is poor and he lacks control or arm length.

Curtis Weaver (DE, Boise State)
He got to the QB at Boise State but he’s a 300lbs player who lost weight and it shows because his frame doesn’t scream ‘twitchy NFL EDGE’.

Ross Blacklock (DT, TCU)
Very busy looking for gaps rather than holding down one of his own but does show the occasional blast of quickness to knife through.

Rashard Lawrence (DT, LSU)
Plays his arse off every game and you know what you’re going to get from him every week — so draft him.

Neville Gallimore (DT, Oklahoma)
He’s expected to test well but his tape and production was mediocre and he just doesn’t flash very much.

Leki Fotu (DT, Utah)
He’s big and intimidating to look at but his play is so hot-and-cold and teams will rightly question this.

Marlon Davidson (DE, Auburn)
He was spelled more than I expected watching tape and while he shows flashes he lacks the length to play outside and will probably need to transition to a three-technique.

Bradlee Anae (DE, Utah)
High effort and he has some pass-rushing skill but he also has short arms and isn’t expected to test brilliantly.

Jon Greenard (DE, Florida)
He was fun to watch in 2019 but the expectation is he’ll run a 4.8 or 4.9 at the combine and that limits his value significantly.

Jabari Zuniga (DE, Florida)
Zuniga had injuries in 2019 and his Senior Bowl performance was a big disappointment but there’s a ton of potential here and he could be a bargain for someone if he falls.

Terrell Lewis (DE, Alabama)
The injuries have taken their toll and he just didn’t do much in 2019 so it’s hard to imagine he’ll receive high grades.

Kenny Willekes (DE, Michigan State)
A big name in college football but he’s a try-hard walk-on with minimal athleticism, short arms and limited upside.

Darrell Taylor (DE, Tennessee)
There are a number of athletic DE’s in this class who suffered numerous injuries and lost momentum in college and Taylor fits right into that category.

Isaiah Simmons (LB, Clemson)
Teams will love his leadership and his combine workout and he’ll go very early.

Kenneth Murray (LB, Oklahoma)
Flies around and hits — what’s not to like?

Patrick Queen (LB, LSU)
He flies around and plays like you’d expect the modern day linebacker to play.

Willie Gay Jr (LB, Mississippi State)
He’s a playmaker with superb coverage skills but also an ability to make things happen around the LOS — terrific talent.

K’Lavon Chaisson (LB, LSU)
Like everyone else I can see the frame but where’s the production, how many stunts does he need to produce and can we wait until the combine to crown him an athletic dynamo?

Zack Baun (LB, Wisconsin)
He certainly made a lot of plays for Wisconsin this year but I’m having a hard time working out what exactly his ‘impact’ role is at the next level.

Joshua Uche (LB, Michigan)
He’s a SAM at the next level which is fine but it kind of limits how high he can go.

Jeff Okudah (CB, Ohio State)
Simply put, he looked like a star all year.

Trevon Diggs (CB, Alabama)
Highly athletic, well sized and does a terrific job tracking the football.

C.J. Henderson (CB, Florida)
Incredible short-area quickness and decent size but never quite lived up to expectations in college.

Kristian Fulton (CB, LSU)
Loves to mix-it-up and can play equally well outside or kicking inside to cover the slot.

Damon Arnette (CB, Ohio State)
Should be talked about more with his combination of size, cover skills and willingness to get stuck in and deliver a hit.

Cameron Dantzler (CB, Mississippi State)
Long and lean and looks like a Seahawks corner but has the cover skills to go earlier than they will consider.

Grant Delpit (S, LSU)
Bloody hell, the second guessing over Delpit is maddening because he’s absolutely fantastic in every area except ‘tackling’ and Earl Thomas was a crap tackler.

Kyle Dugger (S, Lenoir-Rhyne)
Plays with an alpha mentality, sounds like an alpha and has major special teams value too so don’t be surprised if he’s high on Seattle’s board.

Xavier McKinney (S, Alabama)
Alabama can afford to blitz their safety all the time and they did which is great — but why is McKinney getting vaulted above Grant Delpit for that?

Antoine Winfield Jr (S, Minnesota)
He might not test well but he’s a playmaker and always seems to be around the ball — I wouldn’t bet against him being a NFL success story.

Ashtyn Davis (S, California)
I just don’t see it — he’s clearly athletic but he’s passive and I thought underwhelming.

Note — I haven’t scouted many of the cornerback’s in this draft. I tend to wait until after the combine so we can identify the players most likely to be on Seattle’s radar in terms of physical profile.

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154 Comments

  1. millhouse-serbia

    just great…really really great…

  2. millhouse-serbia

    https://twitter.com/GeorgeFant74/status/1227236681306247168?s=19

    Fant wants his money. If I could choose between him and Ifedi for some amount, give mi Germain.

    • Rob Staton

      This all feels very Jermaine Kearse to me.

      Announcing through Schefter he’s moving on from Seattle.

      Then realising nobody was willing to pay him, so going back to Seattle on a modest deal.

      It’s OK saying you want to be paid but someone actually has to be willing to pay a guy who’s mostly played as an unnatural big tight end or sixth blocker.

      • millhouse-serbia

        agree 100%. He didn’t prove he can be starter at tackle in this league. I just can’t see anybody giving him multi year contract as a starting tackle (7mil apy or more).

        • Spencer

          Everyone seems to want him over Ifedi because they think he’ll be cheaper but they graded pretty similarly. He barely proved he can play a full season at RT, let alone LT. Just dont think the money will be there for him on anything more than a 1 year prove it (6-8m)?

    • cha

      That’s the UDFA fire I like to see. Fighting for every inch.

      This contract he’s about to sign is a life-changer. His career earnings at this point are less than the signing bonus Ifedi got for being drafted in the low first round. Not saying he’s better, just pointing out the financial picture. He’s 28 and this could very well be the only big contract with security he’ll ever get.

    • Trevor

      I think OT is a spot the Hawks need to address as I said yesterday. I think Fant and Ifedi are gone if anyone offers starting OT $ on the market.

      If they don”t get the offers they want to we even want them back? A quality RT would have a big impact on both the run and pass game. I just don’t see the Hawks starting a rookie at that spot again in the Russel Wilson era. Even if they were fortnaate enough to draft a guy like Isiah Wilson to play RT I think they would want to give him a year to settle in without having to start.

      I think and RT and young developmental swing OT should be high on the off season needs list. This looks like a good draft to find a guy at the end of Rd #2 who you could develop to replace Brown when his contract is up after a couple of more years.

      • Rob Staton

        “I think Fant and Ifedi are gone if anyone offers starting OT $ on the market.”

        But anyone will be gone if they get overpaid. What evidence is there that George Fant, with barely any starts, is suddenly going to get starting OT money?

        If they have to add a RT at some point this off-season (I think they will re-sign Fant easily) they really only have two options. A cost-effective veteran fill-in or a rookie. Could be either.

        • DC

          Luke Joeckel… Makes me wince.

          The FA market for OL doesn’t fit into the standard ‘overpay’ lingo. It’s in it’s own parallel dimension due to the chronically low supply of decent players. I hope you are right Rob that Seattle re-signs Fant easily but we’ve seen very mediocre linemen get paid handsomely on the open market. I’m still scarred from our recent OL woes. We can’t afford to patch one leak only to spring another. Both lines need to be good.

          • Rob Staton

            They’ll be fine. I’m not worried about it at all, to be honest.

            Aside from the fact it’s a good looking O-line draft for once, the Seahawks have been very smart with their veteran additions over the last 2-3 years. They’ve found excellent value with Fluker, Sweezy and Iupati. I’m sure they’ll be able to find a veteran fill-in at right tackle or someone they like in the draft. But failing that I’m equally sure Fant will return.

            • Trevor

              Rob if the Hawks are going to spend $15-18 mil on a TE and RT would you prefer

              Option #1 Austin Hooper (TE) Fant (RT) Draft a developmental OT in Rd #2

              Option #2 Jack Conklin (RT), Olson (TE) Draft a TE early as TE3

              Option #3 Jack Conklin (RT) , Trade 2nd Rd Pick for OJ Howard, Draft a developmental OT to replace Brown in 2 yrs.

              Personally I think Option #3 makes the most sense and would take the offense to another level particularly if they could get Aiyuk or Raegor at #27.

              Then spend the majority of your cap space in free agency on the DL.

              • Rob Staton

                Option #2 will cost a lot more than $15-18m.

                Option #1 might not even cost $15m, it depends on the market for Hooper and Fant.

                Option #3 assumes Howard will be available for a second round pick. I sense if that was the case he would’ve left Tampa Bay already.

                I don’t see any scenario where they spend $15m on a right tackle as realistic.

          • Eli

            Current Browns tackle Chris Hubbard is a pretty spot on comparison for what the market for George Fant may shape up to look like. Was a 6th linemen/swing tackle/blocking TE type for the Steelers during his first four years in the league. UDFA, played in 40 games, started 14. He got a 5 yr. $37.5m deal.

            • Hawkster

              It looks like Hubbard took 70% of offensive snaps in his finl year at PIT, Fant 43% last year.

  3. Happy Hawk

    Great read Rob! So according to this we should draft in this order after trading down and getting an extra pick our Seahawky/BAMF draft

    1. Raekwon Davis Dl
    2. Ceasar Ruiz – C
    3. B Aiyuk – Wr
    4. K Duggar Safety/slot
    5. L Stenberg – G
    6. P Tega Wanogho – T
    7. W Gay – Lb
    8. A Mcfarland – Rb
    9. R Lawrence – Dl

    Lets get faster and tougher in 2020!

    • Rob4q

      Happy Hawk, that would be an amazing draft for the Seahawks for sure! But I think a lot of those guys are going to go way higher than you have them…

      Rob is so ahead of the curve on this site it’s crazy! You’re now starting to see guys like Ruiz, Aiyuk, & Duggar showing up in mocks in the late 1st early 2nd.

    • Trevor

      Love the player list but I think they all go in the first 3 rounds.

      • Spencer

        This would be the greatest draft of all time haha.

  4. millhouse-serbia

    I am reading this again and again…it would be great if you could put this post somewhere we could find it easily…

    • Bayahawk

      It’s on the home page and in the Hot Topics section. If those don’t work, why not just bookmark it? Rob already does a ton of free work, no need to ask him to do more.

  5. Volume12

    Dope piece Rob.

    • Sea Mode

      Maybe the comments section should be limited to one sentence too on this post…? 😉

      • mishima

        Word.

        • DC

          Fo shizzle! 🤙🏽

          Great work.

  6. Sea Mode

    Some interesting NFCW thoughts, not too dissimilar from what we’ve been talking about here:

    https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28648779/five-2020-offseason-moves-nfc-teams-bill-barnwell-predicts-trades-free-agency-cuts

    • Rob Staton

      I think that’s a good review from a non-Seahawks fan perspective. He addressed the main areas of concern and didn’t fall into the trap many others do. I think the only thing I’d say is I’d probably expect them to be a bit more aggressive than simply tying up Clowney and Reed. They’ve just watched San Fran get to the Super Bowl with a dynamic front four. IMO they will go all-out to try and create their own dynamic front four. And that could include some surprises along the way to make it possible. Nobody say the Harvin, Bennett, Avril and Jimmy Graham deals coming. I sense something will brew over the coming weeks that equally has Seahawks fans very excited and intrigued.

    • Zeke

      Unless Hunter Henry can be signed for cheap or with an incentive laden contract, I’d hope they stay far away from him given his troubles staying in the line-up.

      If they both have similar market values, I’d prefer Tyler Eifert over Olsen mostly because of his blocking. They’re going to have to have incentives in their contract too.

      Fant for $6m APY and a vet like Iupati for $2m would be nice, then the rest of the cash thrown towards defense.

      • charlietheunicorn

        Clayton mentioned that he though Olsen would get around a 5-6M / year deal. Not bad, I think that is doable for a great number of teams. He essentially has to decide how much he fits and how important a winning franchise or situation is … since the money will be pretty similar in most cases. JC only thought the Bills could potentially overpay some FAs, to put them over the top and finally drive a dagger in the Patriots stranglehold of the AFCE.

        • Rob Staton

          If it’s $5-6m I’m out.

          But Clayton’s just having a wild stab in the dark there.

    • Simo

      Agreed, pretty fair analysis of the Hawks needs, and a possible course of action. There is definite agreement that they should/could pursue a top TE target. If not Henry or Hooper, then a possible trade for Howard or another.

      Not sure I completely agree with letting Ifedi walk though. He’s still at a great age, has gained valuable experience and has shown incremental improvement over the past four years. Can they reasonably find a better solution at RT? Be interesting to see what his market yields.

      Definitely support the statement about extending Griffin. He’s proven his worth, and they may be able to get him under contract reasonably this offseason.

      His assessments of the other NFCW clubs also seems plausible, overall nice job on this by a non-Hawks insider!

    • cha

      An off-hand ref to Clowney to LAR…Hmm…How many contract restructures would that take? LOL

  7. Davido

    You introduced Gay Jr to me. I didn’t see him in a single mock draft in the first two rounds. Watching his tape the talent was so present that I would love to see the Hawks taking a shot at him.
    What do you think where he realistically goes off the board? Assuming he has a good combine, which she should.

    • Rob Staton

      I wrote a mock draft the other day (didn’t publish it) that had him in the top-45. He will have an outstanding combine and I think his stock will take off. He has a big future. But teams also might be wary of his weird 2019 season.

      • Davido

        Top 45 would be slightly out of range. I don’t think he is that kind of guy you want to trade up for.
        Do you think he would be a match for the Seahawks? What position do you think he would be suited the best in the NFL?

        • Rob Staton

          I expect him to run a terrific short shuttle and forty so I would expect he’d be on their radar to that extent. He’s an outside linebacker best suited to the 4-3. I think he might go a bit early for them, considering the other needs they have.

          • Davido

            What do you rate as higher needs?
            You mocked a WR in your first mock draft and talked quite a bit about the options here. Imo another weapon for Russ is not a need. Or at least a WR3 is not a need. I consider TE a need if Dissly is down.
            This offense is pretty good, Metcalf will likely be improved next year and if we have a healthy O-Line and can run the ball I don’t really see a problem on that side of the ball.
            DLine is definitely a need but can we solve that in the draft? You also expressed multiple times that this is not the right draft to do so.

            Where I am trying to get with all this is that some speed and playmaking on defense is more of a need than many other things we could add during the draft.

            One of the most interesting prospects for me. Thanks for your insight!

            • Rob Staton

              Another weapon for Wilson is an absolute must. They can’t rely on just Metcalf and Lockett. It’s a cast-iron lock they will add another weapon (probably two if we count a new TE too). This draft is loaded at receiver and there could be some value to be had elsewhere (eg Stefon Diggs). Wilson deserves a strong supporting cast and will expect more weapons.

              But that doesn’t mean it’s the top need. Everyone can see that the D-line is the top priority and needs to be addressed aggressively in free agency.

              • Davido

                Well I never got the “add weapons“ narrative completely. Every QB wants weapons thus every team tries to add weapons just like everyone tries to get good players on the LOS.
                I don’t know why good players deserve better weapons. Maybe it’s even the opposite.

                However, Lockett was on his way to be a top 5 WR until he got injured last year. DK is a weapon for sure and the front office will bank on him to grow. Adding another WR of a Diggs caliber would boost this core to be in contention for the best in the league. Especially if you also add a TE like Hooper or a healthy Dissly. There are not many offenses with so many top tier weapons.

                By separating between “top need” and “need” you made it more clear to me what you meant.
                I am not against drafting a WR high at all. If a gamechanger like Metcalf last year falls to us go grab him. He would definitely fill a hole in this offense. I just don’t share the opinion that this is a top priority for this team. Especially with the way Pete likes to play.

                • Rob Staton

                  It’s not a ‘narrative’. The simple fact is the offense took a major hit when it lost Will Dissly and another major hit when it lost Josh Gordon.

                  The Super Bowl Champion QB has Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, Sammy Watkins and Mecole Hardman.

                  Wilson literally only has Lockett and Metcalf — and Metcalf needs to be more consistent. He deserves more, he will get more.

                  And I have to say, you can’t have read many of my articles if you think I’ve ever even flirted with the idea of a weapon for Wilson being the top need or priority. It’s still a need though.

                  • Davido

                    As said before, I get that you consider WR a need instead of of a “top need”. From my definition going into this a “need” was something you need to adress otherwise you have a big problem. You seem to interpret it a bit differently. I got that and agree.

                    Bringing up the “SB Champ has X” is an easy way to approach this. When the Eagles won the SB they liked to run 2 TE sets. Does any offense need that?

                    Same goes for Kansas. They almost abandon the run game and let Mahomes sling it with many super fast receivers that all stretch the field. Thats their way of playing offense. We wouldn’t play an Andy Reid offense if we had their receivers as long as we have Pete running the show. (I know they were running the ball effectively in the SB but thats just one game and not very representative)

                    The Chiefs could have easily lost to the 9ers if they would have been a bit smarter that day. Who do they have? Kittle, Deebo and Sanders.
                    I rate Lockett>Sanders, Metcalf pretty much evenly with Deebo and Kittle>Whatever TE we have next season but a combination of lets say Hooper and Dissly would almost equal 1 Kittle if that equation is valid.

                    Correct me if im wrong but there are not many teams out there that have more than 3 real threats receiving the ball. From the beginning I was never disagreeing with adding a TE. That would equal 3 threats with hopes for a young guy stepping up.

                    To clear out the missunderstandings. You said: “I think he might go a bit early for them, considering the other needs they have.”
                    And since you expressed multiple times that you could very well see us draft a WR early I was interpreting: WR = 1st “need” to adress in the draft.
                    Thats where my “top priority” comment was coming from. I was leaving out defensive line out of this because we both agree that this has to be solved before the draft in FA.

                    And this is the point I am cycling arround the entire time. I don’t believe that adding another receiver is necesarily such a big need that has to be adressed above adding talent on the defensive side. From my point of view fixing the defense requieres more than adding a DE in FA even if its a good one. You might disagree here and value the WR higher thats totally fine and you made your reasoning clear.

                    I hope this wall of text and the entire threat doesn’t annoy you too much. Good night!

                    • Rob Staton

                      The Seahawks need more than Lockett and Metcalf.

                      This is simply a fact.

          • Spencer

            Despite our other needs, if the Seahawks see what we see in Gay I think you might have to take him, depending on who else is there (Lawrence, Aiyuk?). Im not too sold on Barton/Griff as that guy if Kendricks moves on. KJ also might only have a few years left. Gay would be a solid starter day 1 and addresses a long term concern.

            • Davido

              Thats what I am thinking. Looking further into the future than just next season we need to add up on defense. Both aging Wagner and Wright will not be good enough. Kendricks was also struggling a lot at the beginning of the year and his future is still unknown right?

              We had a serviceable offense until we had to play with Hunt at C, without a TE, without starting caliber running backs and a hurt Lockett. Our defense was not serviceable at all and won’t be any time soon if there is no infusion of talent.

              As you said there could be guys like Aiyuk that are just too good to pass on if we get a chance to draft them.

              • Bigten

                Not to speak for Rob, but I believe that’s his point. The strength of the WR draft is to good to pass up. Meaning there is very likely to be someone there that is just to good to pass up. He isn’t arguing that the biggest need on the team is WR. But there is way more to roster building and management than rating the biggest needs and addressing them in the order they are rated. That’s not how you build a great team. You can’t force the draft board, you have to play with it. Drafting Gay In early second would be forcing the board. I still think he is going to be available later, not based on talent or upside, but on production. I also am not sold on his personality yet, and I think that is a bigger factor than we realize with PC/JS. I similarly want them to draft JK Dobbins. One of my favorite prospects, and I could just as easily argue that RB is a greater need than WR. But the fact is, it’s not, and you can’t force a board. They could fall in love with him and see him as a must get in the second, but that’s a variable we can’t predict. Much like we couldn’t predict DK would go shirtless to his interview with PC, and they fall in love with him (granted his fall was also an unknown variable in the equation).

                • Davido

                  i think Rob made very clear that he thinks another good WR is a necessity. And his point is very valid. Our WR and TE were not doing much. I was just countering that imo speed on the defense is at least a similar need if not bigger. Pete can not be satisfied with the way the defense played. And I think he was more upset by this than with our passing game.
                  This is why I am thinking that they might consider defense a lot as their first draft choice. If I remember correctly LJ Collier was discussed here before he was drafted but still many were suprised that they went for him with their first pick. Because there was talent elsewhere available. The need for defensive line talent must have impacted their decision I think.

                  Right now before we made a big splash in FA I would be very suprised to see them spending the majority of their resources on offense while our defense was that bad.

                  A scenario like signing Hooper to big money, trade for Diggs with 1.28 and draft an OLiner or WR early because of talent on the board, while hoping that someone like Fowler fixes the entire defense seems a bit too offensively focused.

                  • Davido

                    *our WR 3 and TE were not doing much. Lockett and Metcalf were good obviously.

  8. Volume12

    Tipa Galeai can’t perform at the combine because he *checks notes* got in a fight as a 19 year old? Seems reasonable.

    • Trevor

      That sucks he was a raw athletic guy I was hoping to checkout.

      The NFL had some of the most ridiculous policies. He had played at Utah St for 3 years and had zero issues I guys but can’t go to mobile for a fight 4 years ago? Makes a lot of sense.

      • dcd2

        He’ll still do a pro-day I’m sure.

  9. Zeke

    Just doing a little searching, why didn’t the Seahawks see what SDB saw in Kittle? fml

    • Rob Staton

      ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

      They needed a TE too.

      • Ashish

        I remember SDB and Hawks where on Kittle train, but that year hawks lost 5th round (if rem’ber correctly) for violating training camp rules by NFL.

  10. CHawk Talker Eric

    SDB gold this.

  11. millhouse-serbia

    https://twitter.com/dpbrugler/status/1227313529373503488?s=19

    this one is for Rob. 😁

    • Rob Staton

      Praise the lord. He’ll probably get credit for ‘discovering’ Wilson in a month’s time.

  12. Jace

    Hey Rob, just wanted to say thanks for all your hard work. I have been a ghost lurker to the site for the past 5 years reading every article and all of the comments. Your site and everyone involved in the SDB community has helped me do a full 7 round mock for the Hawks each year, as well as a full first round mock for all NFL teams. One of my resolutions for this year was to go from a silent reader of the site to being more active in the comment section, so here I am!

    • Rob Staton

      Welcome along and thanks for reading

    • cha

      Welcome Jace!

    • Steve Nelsen

      Nice post. Welcome, Jace.

      Rob’s thoughtful analysis and the great comments put this site head and shoulders above any Seahawks fan site.

    • Sea Mode

      You’ve moved your way up from the PS to the active roster… 😁 Good to have you!

  13. Denver Hawker

    Is this to be considered a 3 round big board for now? Super helpful on who study for first 4 picks ( unless they trade).

    Would be cool to see the Hawks snag Hamler for slot, Gay to spell Kendricks or KJ, and one of the centers to spell Britt or Raekwon to spell Reed. Would be great talent to help free up cap room to sign Clowney and Fowler along with a TE.

    • Rob Staton

      No I wouldn’t call this a big board. There are plenty of players on this list who wouldn’t be on my board. And I won’t make a board until the combine. There’s just too much information to be had at the combine — measurements, testing numbers, medical checks. A board made today would be practically worthless. This is simply a brief summary of 105 different draft prospects.

      • Ashish

        As always FA will play big part and also confirm the direction they will go in draft. So far atleast last 5 years Rob is spot on, on his predication.

        Rob, someone also reminded SDB should have own board for the draft.

  14. Awsi Dooger

    The closest thing to Tom Brady is sitting there and the Dolphins brainstorm to start winning games in midseason. That’s what stood out to me.

    You actually had Miami fans applauding it: Look at our coach…he seems tough. This is great.

    Any question related to why the Dolphins would consider Tua is easily answered by the name Ryan Tannehill, the human spare. In my boyhood a million things changed within 7 Dolphin seasons. With Ryan Tannehill nothing changed.

    No Canes on that list. That jumped out at me also. Yet Canes fans are insisting the talent is playoff level. What a joke.

    DeeJay Dallas should be there. He is superior to Travis Homer, although vastly different styles. Dallas tends to play too fat. I don’t think he was ever at his ideal weight in college. Miami’s conditioning program has been among the worst in the nation for a name brand school. Dallas essentially threw away his sophomore season by playing 20 pounds above his ideal weight. He trimmed down in 2019 and it really showed early in the season. Flashed against the Gators in the opener. Then he steadily gained weight again. You can basically look at his yards per carry and see it drop as the season progressed, due to that weight gain.

    If some team gets Dallas in shape he will outplay his rating, just like Lamar Miller did. I think Dallas’ name will be well known a year from now. Much more of a fan favorite with the Canes than Homer ever was.

    • Rob Staton

      IMO winning is always better than tanking. Beating New England in their own backyard to cost them a playoff bye potentially ended the dynasty. That’s something tangible you can build on.

      You don’t need the #1 pick to build a team. You just need intelligent decision makers and the right culture.

      I know you (and many other Miami fans) are determined to see Tua drafted and as I’ve said many times before, I get it. You’re a fan base that hasn’t had hope. You want hope. He’s a QB that offered some hope and excitement when you were losing. But the reality is nobody is going to know his true status by draft day. Selecting him will be a wild shot in the dark. You won’t have full knowledge of the hip’s recovery, we won’t know how it’s impacted his technique and we won’t know how it impacts his play. It’d only be human nature to constantly fear any kind of hit to the hip and in the modern NFL when you have to improvise and you get tackled all the time, who would blame him if this latest jarring injury lingered in his mind. For all we know, he might need hip replacement surgery within the next 12 months.

      Quite aside from that, he has a long list of injuries now. Can he ever stay healthy?

      There’s one thing worse than being stuck with an average QB like Tannehill. And that’s tying your future to a QB who can’t get on the field or simply can’t do the job.

      If I was Miami I’d try and sign Tom Brady. Seriously. Troll the Pats, buy yourself a couple of years to let this play out. You have three first round picks. Imagine how pissed off he’d be to shove it to New England. Next year teams at the top of the draft might be more willing to trade down and Lawrence/Fields might be available for teams with multiple R1 picks (Miami).

      • DJ 1/2 Way (Sea/PDX)

        Yes Rob! Brady to Miami. I love it.

      • Sea Mode

        Doesn’t Rivers want to relocate somewhere down Southeast…?

  15. charlietheunicorn

    Steven Montez (QB, Colorado)
    I’m intrigued. I’m not sure what round he will go… but if he is sitting there in the 3rd round or later, you have to think long and hard about finding a young back-up to Russ. A guy who can spend a few years maturing, then hopefully you can flip him for a meaningful draft pick in 2022 or so. I look at it like the Patriots with Jimmy G… pick him, let him mature, then get a quality draft pick back from the 49ers.

    Joshua Kelly (RB, UCLA)
    The combine could really elevate him, he already was plenty intriguing in the modern NFL game. He would be a solid addition to the RB stable Seattle has right now. Lets keep the PAC12 guys on the left coast!

    K’Lavon Chaisson (LB, LSU)
    He is the guy that could really help with great interviews and combine/pro day numbers. Will he land in Seattle, I’m 50/50 on that, but if he shows enough at the combine and through the interview process, he will go earlier than I think we dare believe (mid 1st round).

    Free agency
    DL Michael Bennett = Local heat from the media seems to be increasing that he might return to the Seahawks in 2020. I’m not convinced, but there is plenty of smoke coming out from too many people to think it is simply a “feel good” return to Seattle.

    The combine this year starts on Sunday, interviews and check-ins, but the actual “testing” will start in prime time Thursday night and run through the weekend. 2 full days (Tuesday and Wednesday I believe) of press conferences with GMs, coaches and athletes. Essentially, it is a 7 day thing now, instead of 5 days like before. Another example of how the NFL keeps winning at growing the sport.

    • Rob Staton

      What local heat from the media regarding Bennett? What smoke?

      I haven’t seen anything other than Jim Moore listing him in an article about targets and Bennett simply retweeted it.

      They paid him to go away last time. A few months ago the Pats did the same. He isn’t coming back.

      • Trevor

        I agree Rob I think there is next to zero chance PC/JS would bring him back into what looks like a great locker room.

      • D-OZ

        That type of player the Hawks are done with, per Snyder. They want players that are all in, love football and play for one and another.

        • cha

          Agree. Almost every question this year about team spirit and comradery, to a man all the Hawks players have gushed about how great it is and how positive the attitude in the locker room is. Nearly to the point of sounded like they’re taking side-eye shots at the Bennetts and the Shermans out there.

      • Adam B.

        Dallas isn’t exactly fighting to get him back either.
        Wearing out your welcome on an eclectic team like Seattle is one thing (though given Pete’s reputation, it’s odd enough), but when two other teams don’t want you around in spite of very good production at a high value position, something is very fishy in Denmark.

        Teams (unlike Michael himself) don’t usually hang out their dirty laundry on a former player, but given all of Mr. Bennett’s off-field antics and reading between the aforementioned lines, it’s not difficult to understand why he’s looking for a fourth team in as many years.

    • Trevor

      Really anxious to see Kelly at the combine as well. He really looked the part at the Senior Bowl and would be a nice replacement for Prosise.

  16. Gohawks5151

    I think people sleep on AJ Dillon too much. I like the kid a whole lot. He had a 135.39 Sparq score once upon a time and is a physical clone of Derrick Henry.

    AJ Dillon (Sparq)
    6-1, 245
    40 yrd dash: 4.54
    20 yrd dash: 4.18
    Vertical: 38.6

    Derrick Henry (Combine)
    6-3, 247
    40 yrd dash: 4.54
    20 yrd dash: 4.38
    Vertical: 37.0

    We will have to check on the agility numbers but explosive numbers are there. The guy has great production for 3 years despite the offense being one dimensional and people keying on him. Possibly the most important of all for a Seahawks RB, he was the best RB through contact in 2019 with 79 forced missed tackles and 1104 yards after contact. Some make a big deal about his ability to catch the ball but that is why you have Penny and Homer. If you don’t want to pay Carson I’d consider this kid.

    • Rob Staton

      Dillon doesn’t look anything like Henry though. They might weigh similar and have similar testing numbers but that’s not a comp I would make.

      Listen, we’ve constantly referred to Dillon’s good SPARQ numbers. But there’s a reason why there aren’t many 245lbs running backs. You need some shifty quickness and burst and to me he’s more explosive and better in short-yardage or straight-line situations.

      And they love Chris Carson. People need to get their heads around that. They seem his as a focal point.

      • Gohawks5151

        Non sarcastic question: Do you consider Henry quick?

        I’m not making a straight forward comparison but as physicals lumps of clay they are similar.

        • Rob Staton

          Yes I think Henry has always had an impressive burst.

          • Gohawks5151

            Maybe Henry’s longer stride makes him seem slow haha

            • Rob Staton

              He’s never been slow. Henry’s most impressive characteristic is his ability to reach full speed quickly on such a massive frame. He’s deceptively quick and much more of a size/speed freak than a power back. Dillon is much more what you’d expect for a back weighing as much as he does. More power back, more short-yardage and playing to the scheme.

              • john_s

                AJ Dillon looks more to me like LeGarrette Blount / Brandon Jacobs than Derrick Henry.

                • Rob Staton

                  I think he’s more like Blount for sure, without necessarily having the career Blount had. To me Dillon looks stiff. Athletic yes and as a straight-line runner he will probably run well. But in terms of being able to cut and burst and accelerate and avoid contact to me he looks like he’ll be a sitting target at times. That doesn’t mean I don’t like things about him or that I think he’s bad. It just means there’s a reason he’ll probably last to day three and why I’m not that excited about him in Seattle.

                  • Mark Souza

                    Those numbers can’t be right. Derrick Henry runs the 40 in 4.54 sec, and the 20 in 4.38? Both start at the line with zero forward momentum, and the only difference is the last 20 yards. So you’re saying Derrick Henry covered the last 20 yards of his 40 in 0.16 seconds? Extrapolating that top end velocity out would put his 100 yard time at 5.18 seconds.

                    And AJ Dillon at a sloppy (by comparison) 5.98 seconds for 100 yards. Sign me up for that.

                    • Rob Staton

                      You’re mixing the short shuttle with a 20-yard sprint.

                      Henry ran a 4.54 forty and a 4.38 short shuttle.

                      Some people call it a 20-yard shuttle. I call it a short shuttle.

    • D-OZ

      Ok, I have been banging the table for Dillon. He is the type of back the Hawks need, BAMF. Love Perine also…
      We already have The small shifty guy in Homer. Need to bring in some competition for Homer though. How about a Husky?

  17. Trevor

    One of my favourite writeups all year. Thanks for this Rob!

  18. CaptainJack

    More and more I think targeting Fant to be a starter over Ifedi is the right move. Fant can become a really high quality starter in this league if you would just let him play out a full season as a starting tackle instead of tight end/swing tackle. Ifedi isn’t worth what he’s going to demand.

    I love the idea of drafting Lawrence to develop some identity up front. Make a push for a star like Jones, let Reed go and bring Lawrence into the fold. Then sign one more pass rusher. I think after the Reed suspension the vibe with him in seattle isn’t right. There is something off with his play. Change of scenery best for both sides.

    • Rob Staton

      A push for Chris Jones will mean trading a first round pick, another high pick and paying him about $23m a year.

      • BobbyK

        Yep. It’d be exactly like trading Frank Clark for Chris Jones (only 1 year apart).

      • CaptainJack

        I’m assuming here you can get Lawrence in round 2.

        • Rob Staton

          He should be available later

  19. Happy Hawk

    CBS Mock 3 round mock draft:
    https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/three-round-2020-nfl-mock-draft-cowboys-land-tight-end-patriots-add-playmakers-three-qbs-taken-on-day-2

    They have the Hawks taking:
    1/27 Delpit Safety LSU
    2/27 Ruiz Center Michigan
    2/32 I Wilson Tackle Georgia
    3/36 A Robinson Edge Syracuse

    • Spencer

      If Delpitts there I’d take him. If we really see some Earl in him, then thats a clear upgrade. I realize it may be a lateral move, but McD can always play some slot or be moved for picks. The Seahawks grade in comparison to their roster so if Delpitt represents the biggest immediate upgrade then I can see the logic to taking him if he drops.

    • Rob Staton

      It’s CBS

    • Trevor

      I would love that draft but I think Delpit, Ruiz and WIlson all go before they have them slotted to us. I would be happy with Ruiz and Wilson to be honest.

  20. Spencer

    Im fired up about the depth of OL in this class. When our OL was healthy 2 years ago everyone was singing Solari’s praises. Get Brown and Fluker healthy, restructure Britt, bring back one of Fant or Ifedi, open up LG to our existing promising options, and use our picks to bring in competition at all 3 spots (G, C, T). The draft seems to have a ton of good options for guys to come in and compete, we have existing hedges at almost every position, and we can focus on allocating our money towards the DL and TE.

  21. Bigten

    Reading that Moss is a willing and aggressive blockers, makes me really intrigued by him. Let’s see his agility. I’m hoping for great agility, and average 40 haha so he doesn’t rise to high, but is still someone that would excel with Russ

    • Eburgz

      Moss REALLY sounds like a great fit. Good hands and a +blocker (especially in the run game). That’s exactly the skill set I’m looking for in a hawks TE. The bloodlines don’t hurt (Randy Moss was my favorite player for years)

      • Rob Staton

        I’d pump the brakes on him being a really good fit. The Seahawks only take TE’s who test well in the short shuttle and this isn’t an area I’d expect Moss to excel. We’ll find out at the combine.

        • Eburgz

          Ayee thanks for the feedback Rob. What do you need to see at the short shuttle ? 4.5?

          • Rob Staton

            Probably needs to be 4.4 or quicker

  22. Eburgz

    Great piece. Nothing positive to say about Shenault and T. Lewis? Two of my favorite prospects (Uche too) and you don’t got to do them like that haha.

    FWIW I disagree. I don’t think you “have” to manufacture touches for Shenault. You’d just be stupid not to. It’s not a negative that he’s a terror with the ball in his hands. And Lewis showed some really good potential as an edge this year from the games I’ve studied. Good burst, Size/length and power IMO, just wish he played with a better motor. Can win inside, outside and through guys; reports are that he had a great senior bowl (contrary to whats been said here) and I expect a good combine despite the injuries.

    And I don’t think Uche is “just a SAM”. He has the length and he was arguably the best pass rusher (defender in general?) at the senior bowl. I think he could play a role similar to what Irvin did for the hawks as a SAM/situational pass rusher on money downs.

    • Rob Staton

      1. This was a sentence per prospect and I needed to summarise my thoughts concisely. I think it’s a valid point nonetheless that Shenault is going to need manufactured touches.

      2. I didn’t see anything to get excited about with Lewis. He was carefully spelled and even when Alabama were well ahead and he could pin his ears back, he just didn’t really do anything. He had six sacks and 11 TFL’s which is ho-hum really given the situations Alabama found themselves in. And he didn’t stand out at the Senior Bowl either. His injury record is concerning and I just don’t see him as anything more than someone you might take a flier on if he lasts into day three.

      3. Uche is a SAM linebacker who will act as an occasional situational rusher. Length isn’t just whether you have +33 inch arms. Uche is a very compact, smaller sized prospect. He reminds me of Uchenna Nwosu. He’s not going to get to rush Calvin Throckmorton every week like he could in the Senior Bowl game. Bruce Irvin played that role in Seattle because he had rare physical talent and they had to find a way to get him, Bennett and Avril on the field. It’s not a role they’ve gone back to with any gusto since.

      • Kenny Sloth

        I hope Shenault has a combine that makes you reconsider

        • Rob Staton

          I doubt he will because I already expect him to be an athlete. It won’t make him any less in need of manufactured touches.

          • Kenny Sloth

            But is that such a bad thing?

            • Rob Staton

              Yes. It’s a major distraction in a game plan.

              • Kenny Sloth

                You dont think he’s a threat at the next level though?

                Really huge boom or bust potential, and you have to root for the guy with his backstory and the way he’s carried himself like a star in college

                • Rob Staton

                  I didn’t say I don’t think he’s a threat I just think he’s someone you will have to factor into a game plan rather than have him be a natural component of it.

                  • Kenny Sloth

                    Not to belabor the point, but can’t package plays be a boon for the gameplan as much as a potential hindrance? Is the problem that you think he lacks orthodox receiver skills and will only ever excel when he has manufactured touches?

                    • Rob Staton

                      No because let’s say the Seahawks acquire Stefon Diggs. They’ll give them the routes they run, he’ll learn them and then it’s just a case of they call a play and whatever the route is Diggs runs it.

                      With Shenault it’s going to be different. You’re going to need to get him the ball in creative ways. So instead of just calling a play and he runs a post or a dig or whatever there’s going to come a point in the game where you have to call a play that is specifically just to get him a touch because you want him to get 15. It gets in the way. Seattle found this with Harvin. They were struggling to fit him into the structure of the offense and were needing to do stuff just to get Harvin the ball.

                      Shenault is not a natural receiver. He’s a good athlete and can be a playmaker. But he’s a gadget player who will need manufactured snaps and the minute you start having to call plays to get him the ball rather than to exploit the defensive looks on the day you’re going off track.

              • Mark Souza

                Not to put words in Robs mouth, but when I read the phrase “needs manufactured touches,” my interpretation is that he doesn’t get separation on pass routes, so you’ll have to find other ways to get him the ball. I wouldn’t be craving a receiver that rarely gets open.

  23. Gaux Hawks

    Rob, it’s not a fair question pre-combine, but how do you compare Blair/Dugger?

    • Rob Staton

      Different body types. Blair more of a head hunter.

  24. Robert Las Vegas

    You Rob I really want to like Raekwon Davis he has incredible size and you can’t teach that but the lack of numbers is kinda of concerning . I remember Tony McDaniel and he was 6′ 7 and 305 when he played for the Seahawks . Tony was great against the run but was never the best pass rushers is that a fair comparison or do you feel like Raekwon has way more upside as pass rushers. Do you believe that Bryan Edwards could fall to bottom of round two ?

    • Rob Staton

      Raekwon has more upside but they need a McDaniel type and he could be it. Edwards could be there at the end of R2.

  25. Eburgz

    *Trade back for R3 pick*

    R2 OL Isaiah Wilson/Mekhi Becton
    R2 DL Yetur Gross-Matos/Terrell Lewis/Julian Okwara
    R2 SAM/LEO Josh Uche/K’Lavon Chaisson
    R3 WR Van Jefferson/Byron Edwards
    R3 TE Thaddeus Moss/ Adam Trautman/ Harrison Bryant
    R4 OL Netani Muti/ Logan Sternberg/ Damien Lewis
    R4 RB AJ Dillon/Cam Akers
    R5 DL Leki Fotu/Rashard Lawrence
    R6 Developmental Corner

    • Trevor

      I like a lot of those names. If Netani Muti has clean medical at the combine he will be a huge riser. Absolute beast when healthy and I think he will test really well.

  26. Bigten

    2-Brandon Aiyuk
    2-Raekwon Davis
    2- JK Dobbins
    3-Rashard Lawrence
    3-Damon Arnette
    3-Harrison Bryant
    4-Willie Gay Jr.
    4-Thaddeus Moss
    5-Trey Adams
    6-Alex Highsmith
    With the WR class so deep, and the depth of other positions slim, WR start dropping, with only 2 being drafted before our 27 pick. Denver trades into the first to grab one of the top WR (Shenault). They get 27 for 46,77,134.
    At 46, the hawks grab their guy in Brandon Aiyuk after Raegor gets picked before. Long arms, athletic, and good interviews. He talks as tho he wants to win and get better.
    Next pick, Raekwon Davis, who excelled in the drills, but was off putting in his interviews. He was goofy, showing immaturity to other coaches, and didn’t speak the greatest. He is huge, and athletic. PC see the potential.
    Next, they go after arguably the best RB in the draft. This is a low key need, with Carson and Penny likely not to be fully ready, and even if they are will have had little time to get in game shape. They could go with Cam Akers or Moss later in the draft, but PC falls in love with his attitude during interviews.
    77- Rashard Lawrence. After going after DE hard in FA, grabbing Fowler (who had a surprising affordable market), Beasley, and resigning Clowney, but also letting Reed walk, they double dip at DT grabbing Lawrence who is nasty and athletic. DL becomes huge, and also a strength.
    Next third we grab Damon Arnette. Antoine Winfield would be my pick here, but I think he gets picked before. Otherwise count him here with his production. Arnette though is Super underrated. Athletic, pro type size, and physical. Instant upgrade in the slot.
    Next third, Harrison Bryant. We fail to pick up one of the top FA TEs. Leaving the spot a drastic need. Harrison Bryant has the production, and had good lateral agility at the combine. But lacking long speed, he drops to the end of the third. He is a converted High School Lineman and DE and has been compared to Kittle.
    Round 4 first pick- we use our 7th rounder to move up in the 4th and grab Willie Gay jr. very athletic LB with ton of potential. But his tape isn’t great from 2019 and has been graded low. He does well at the combine, but doesn’t change reservations on him.
    Other round 4, Thaddeus Moss. Again, we miss out on the top TE FAs, while also letting Hollister walk. Moss is another plus blocker, having statements like “Willing to get grimy as a run blocker” and “Treats run blocking with conviction”. Similar to Bryant, his agility is excellent, but lacks runaway speed.
    Round 5- trey Adams. Medical is the biggest knock on him. Which has him drop this far. Seattle takes a chance on his potential, knowing that they can give him a redshirt year after resigning both ifedi and Fant (1y) to team friendly deals.
    Round 6 -Highsmith. They have been using later round picks to take guys with high production (Ursua, Jacob Martin) and highsmith was a highly productive smith on the edge, forging 12 sacks on the year. Adding to the potential blocks to help the DL.

    • Kingdome1976

      Funny how every year we all hope for these 10-15 different players in the first few rounds and the Hawks almost never pick them. It’s exciting never knowing who we pick on the first two draft nights.

      • Rob Staton

        Except the Seahawks do pick the players we talk about.

        Last year we had long conversations about Collier, Blair and Metcalf. In fact this site was one of the few places saying Blair was a R2 prospect.

        The year before we spent a draft season talking about the great RB class.

        The last early pick we haven’t discussed in great detail was Ethan Pocic and that’s because we assumed they wouldn’t draft a pure center and try and play him at tackle or guard.

        A more accurate thing to say would be it’s funny how every year people in this community have a great understanding of the players they’re likely to target and we’re often very familiar with the players they pick.

        • D-OZ

          Great write up Rob!!! Hope your feeling better…

          • Rob Staton

            Much better, thank you

        • Maurice Lovell

          Always hit on the players and player types. Why I always look at your content.

        • Hoff

          One name that seems to pop up a lot around here is Rashard Lawrence. I’ve watched a lot of his tape and just don’t see the appeal. He’s not very productive, not a good athlete, considered a good leader but that’s not saying much for a guy that gets mocked to Seahawks on the forums a lot.

          • Bigten

            He was a former 5-star recruit. Which still holds some weight to it. From what I see, he is a better run defender, but seems to be able to get after the QB. The biggest “trait” I like is that he is described as a leader and a dawg. And that is something that has been coveted over the years, and something we have discussed needing. He has the potential, if he isn’t already, to be mad BAMF. In the 3rd, I would love a former 5 star recruit, who was. Leader of a national championship program, and is described as a hard nosed dude who loves football. My prediction is that he shows to be athletic. Not destroy the combine athletic, but athletic enough profile to like.

            • Rob Staton

              Former #12 overall national recruit.

          • Rob Staton

            Well all I can say is when I watched him he constantly impacted the LOS, used his quickness to get into the backfield, battled like crazy and is exactly the type of warrior I’d want rotating into my DL.

        • Group Captain Mandrake

          What if Pete/John/scouts were coming to your page for information? I know they aren’t, but wouldn’t that just be a fantastic thing?

          • Rob Staton

            Not really — I’m pretty sure world class front office staff don’t need to come to a blog written by a British bloke in his spare time for information.

            If they’d ever visited it just for fun, it’d be cool. But they’d probably think I was talking out of my arse.

  27. Maurice Lovell

    As always, love the content. Also glad you are feeling better.
    Really hope we hit the FA market hard on defense. Probably will, since that is a big strength, and the draft class is a bit thin. And tgen take advantage of a good WR, and offensive line draft class. Definsive line will likely look very different this year. We were porous against the run, and barely got to the qb. Clowney, 1 or 2 dt’s, and another edge player are very possible.
    Have to say, my favorite offensive line prospect this year is Cesar Ruiz. I wouldnt be opposed to him in round 1 at all. Stenberg, and Niang are high on my list of fits in our system. This off season, is a big one. I usually have a ton of mocks by now, but really need to see how FA pans out. Thanks again Rob

  28. Maurice Lovell

    Out of curiosity, at what point would you be willing to take a guy like Hunter Bryant? Size is not ideal, and to me hands are a bit inconsistent. But he makes plays, looks like his short shuttle should be really good, and is a good blocker at his size. Might be more of an H-back type, than anything. I personally like him a lot, and he checks a bunch of boxes. Does his lack of length, leave him off our board though?

    • Rob Staton

      I think they and everyone else will need to grade him accordingly. He’s not an orthodox TE. He’s going to be Aaron Hernandez (the player) next to Gronk. He’s a player you look to get into mismatch situations and be a dynamic weapon. He can block better than people realise but he’s never going to be a Y-TE. I think the Seahawks will address TE in free agency though.

    • Volume12

      That dude is jacked. He’d give DK Metcalf a run for his $.

  29. New Guy

    My thought is that on offense we need the missing link – the linkage between run and pass.

    I’d like to see us get a fast & quick player player who is exciting at running, receiving and YAC.
    This player could line up either in the backfield or at the line of scrimmage and could open up a world of creativity for Schotty and add to the confusion of the opposing defense.

    It could also break up the appearance of the Hawks’ run-run-pass play schedule that we’ve seen in the recent past.

    I don’t have a particular player in mind and there could be several to choose from in the draft and FA.

    Of course I’d still like to see a premier tight end to run up the middle to disrupt the attention of the defense. Adding this offensive weapon/missing link to the tight end, our 1-2 punch of Lockett & DK, and hopefully effective run game would empower Russell.

    .

    • Bobby Swagner

      It was mentioned earlier, but it’s funny that Kittle was such an SDB favorite. Hard to believe he went in the 5th round. That’s one player I wish the Hawks snatched up.

      You can’t win em all…..

      • Jujus

        if he ever hits FA the hawks should pay any amount he wants.

        16 -18 mil i dont care.

        get him off the 49ers

        • Rob Staton

          He’s going to be in San Fran for the next 8-10 years at least.

          • Maurice Lovell

            No doubt Rob! I know you have covered trades for a, couple of the TE’s. Njoku and Howard, I believe. Any others you think may be able to be had? If we could pry Goedert away from the eagles, I would love it. Rumor has it he is unhappy playing 2nd fiddle. But just rumors, who knows.

            • Rob Staton

              The Eagles might move one of theirs. Hayden Hurst might be available. Trey Burton maybe.

              • Maurice Lovell

                Bleeding Green, put an article out after talks of an Ertz extension came to be. Which is why I brought up Goedert. Thanks for the input, Rob.

  30. Volume12

    The D-line/EDGE group just for SR’s alone is loaded next year!

    DTs:
    Florida St’s Marvin Wilson
    USC’s Jay Tufele (R-jr.)
    Purdue’s Lorenzo Neal (yes, he’s the son of THAT Lorenzo Neal)
    Oregon’s Jordon Scott
    Udub’s Levi Onwuzurike
    Colorado’s Mustafa Johnson
    ‘Bama’s LaBryan Ray
    Sparty’s Naquan Jones

    DE/EDGE:
    Wake’s Carlos Basham
    Pitt’s Rashad Weaver
    Michigan’s Kwity Paye
    Penn St’s Shaka Toney
    Temple’s Quincy Roche
    ND’s Daelin Hayes
    Oregon St’s Hamiclar Rashed

    Not sure what his role will be at the next level, but UVA’S Charles Snowden is as unique as they come.

  31. Maurice Lovell

    Clowney and Jefferson out of our own guys, to sign on the defensive line. For me anyway. I wouldn’t mind getting Robert Quinn, Jordandan Phillips, and Ra’shede Hageman. Quinn is productive and fits nicely with Green, and Clowney. Jefferson is versatile, does the inside and out. Phillips is stout against the run, and gives some pass rush. Not saying he provides the type of pass rush he have this year, butt he is definitely a pocket pusher. And Hageman is the type of reclamation player Pete seems to go after. Could be had on the cheap, and is athletically gifted. Many different ways to go though. Whether it be FA, or trade. Gonna be fun, watching how free agency plays out.

    • Maurice Lovell

      Holy hell. Lots of misspelled stuff, lol. Sorry all, I dont see well. And typically don’t check my writing.
      Sorry if rosterbation bothers folks. Just excited for everything off season brings. And cap space we have to work with

  32. Jace

    I know combine numbers could have a big impact on this, but who are your guys top 3 RB prospects and in what order? Not necessarily as SEA draft choices, but overall. Swift, Dobbins, and Taylor in that order?

    • Davido

      Dobbins, Swift, Taylor for me. With 1,2…3. Dobbins has the consistency and physical traits I want in an early RB choice, Swift has that upside, his tape before last season was very impressive. Taylor is not my personal favorite but is also a talented back despite his fumbling.

  33. Kyle

    Lots of receiver and OL options in this draft. I suspect if we don’t fight the board those will get some play.

  34. Barry

    People once said a 5’11” guy’s frame doesn’t screen QB. Just saying there is a long list of looks and tests like, but doesn’t play like who go in the top two rounds that never pan out. A argument can be made for players to stack stats at smaller conferences. Yet it’s easier to watch the tap of them going against all sorts of talent.

    • Rob Staton

      Nobody would argue there aren’t exceptions to physical rules. But just because Russell Wilson went against the grain doesn’t mean every player who doesn’t fit your ideals is going to be a future star. Ideals exist for a reason. And this is still a league dominated by the biggest, fastest and strongest dudes.

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