Options for Seattle at #32 based on Mel Kiper’s latest mock

Todd!!

Last week we had a look at Todd McShay’s mock draft and the options available to the Seahawks at #32.

As the Huddle Report points out, last years ‘top’ mock draft only guessed 12 correct picks. The options at #32 are wide ranging given it’s the final pick in round one. We can’t assume my mock will be unusually accurate because it probably won’t be. We need to look at other projections to debate as many different scenarios as possible.

As with McShay’s, Mel Kiper’s mock hides behind a pay wall. I can’t reveal all of the picks in round one, but here’s a selection of the players off the board by #32:

Ryan Shazier (LB, Ohio State) — drafted by Green Bay at #21
Kelvin Benjamin (WR, Florida State) — drafted by Philadelphia at #22
Marqise Lee (WR, USC) — drafted by Kansas City at #23
Anthony Barr (DE, UCLA) — drafted by San Diego at #25
Cody Latimer (WR, Indiana) — drafted by New Orleans at #27
Morgan Moses (T, Virginia) — drafted by Carolina at #28
Ra’Shede Hageman (DT, Minnesota) — drafted by New England at #29

A lot of good players get agonisingly close to Seattle. It even makes you wonder if they’d consider a small move up the board to avoid missing out?

I think it’s increasingly unlikely Cody Latimer lasts until #32. The more you watch the more you like. He’s a fantastic receiver, potentially the 4th or 5th best in a good group. Going to New Orleans at #27 is a good shout. I spent a bit of time researching other teams this week and a lot of Saints fans think they’ll go receiver in the first round. They also have a very active front office in New Orleans so don’t be surprised if they trade up.

Kiper had the Seahawks taking Stephon Tuitt (DE, Notre Dame). I can see the thinking considering he has Red Bryant type size, he’s a former 5-star recruit who reportedly managed a 4.8 at +300lbs. He’s still recovering from a foot injury that kept him out of the combine.

I also suspect they’ll feel they can add a big bodied defensive lineman later on. Tuitt isn’t a brilliant pass rusher. A run stuffing defensive lineman in round one doesn’t seem very ‘Seahawks’.

Pete Carroll has talked about adapting the defense following Bryant’s release. A like-for-like replacement is perhaps unlikely. Tony McDaniel has already been tagged as a possible five technique which could mean Jordan Hill gets an opportunity to start alongside Brandon Mebane. They may wish to add another interior pass rusher such as Ra’Shede Hageman to the rotation — and according to Kiper’s mock they’d only have to jump ahead of New England at #29 to land him.

Kiper’s mock follows a similar pattern to my own projection with eight receivers leaving the board in round one. He ends with Jordan Matthews going to the 49ers at #30. Personally I think that’d be a significant reach, but it also wouldn’t be a total shock. His personality matches well with Jim Harbaugh’s. I can kind of see it.

Not only does he have a high number of receivers off the board, none of the really appealing defensive options for Seattle suffer a drop. Shazier, Barr and Hageman are all gone. Interestingly in McShay’s mock both Shazier and Barr were available at #32.

Based on Kiper’s projection the Seahawks could come really close to several players and miss out. And that could mean they’re willing to take a chance at #32, as I’ve tried to portray below.

Here are the options that I believe could be in play for Seattle, based on the availability in Kiper’s mock:

Joel Bitonio (T, Nevada)
Kiper has Bitonio leaving the board at #50 to Miami
You know my take on Bitonio by now, so I’ll just give you the highlights. People complain about his arm length, yet he has exactly the same arm length as Taylor Lewan (33 7/8 inches) and he actually has longer arms than Jake Matthews (33 3/8 inches). So what’s the issue if it isn’t a problem for Lewan and Matthews?

He had an exceptional combine in every single drill apart from the bench press. If lifting weights is the only problem — I’m not concerned. He can learn to get stronger in a pro-weight room. And again, Matthews only managed 24 reps compared to Bitonio’s 22. On tape he shut down Anthony Barr and handled his business against Florida State. He performed admirably against Boise State and Demarcus Lawrence.

Try him at left or right tackle and if it doesn’t work, plug him in at guard for the next ten years. For me he can be Logan Mankins inside or a very serviceable starting right tackle.

Demarcus Lawrence (DE, Boise State)
Kiper has Lawrence leaving the board at #41 to Buffalo
A 4.80 forty might be too slow for the Seahawks, but a 1.62 10-yard split will get their attention. Jadeveon Clowney had a 1.59 split while Aaron Donald had a 1.63. That’s some get off by Lawrence and ultimately a more important time than his forty yard dash. There’s a little bit of Aldon Smith to his game — and let’s not forget Smith also ran a 4.74 but clocked an impressive split of 1.66.

Like Smith there are also some character concerns. He served suspensions at Boise State and those need to be checked out. Seattle is scheduled to give Lawrence a private workout before the draft according to Adam Caplan.

I suspect they’ll consider adding another pass rusher depending on how the board falls. If a whole host of receivers are gone including Cody Latimer and perhaps if Bitonio is also taken before #32 it becomes more realistic. There’s just a lot of question marks here and while the Seahawks are right to do their due diligence — this still seems like a wild card option. For me he’s a better fit for the 49ers at #30 and he could easily land in San Francisco — or, potentially, with the Cardinals.

Marcus Smith (DE, Louisville)
Not included in Kiper’s two-round mock
I was a bit surprised not to see Smith’s name in round two at least. In a draft with so few legit pass rushers I can’t see him getting out of the 30’s. If we’re talking about 10-yard splits how about this one — a 1.57 at the combine to go alongside a 4.68 forty. Smith also has terrific length at 6-3 and 251lbs with 34 inch arms.

He had 14.5 sacks in 2013 and could be taken before team mate Teddy Bridgewater. I spent a bit of time watching Bridgewater earlier today and overall I’d probably grade Smith higher. I’m really not sure why Twitter is so aghast at the possibility Teddy could fall. That’s a debate for another day I guess…

Smith has a knack for stripping the football. He could stand to get stronger — although in fairness he’s a converted quarterback still adapting to defense. His arms lack definition and with a good pre-season in the weight room he could be even better.

The 10-yard split is again the crucial part here. I think the Seahawks love extreme speed off the edge. Bruce Irvin ran an official 4.50 while Cliff Avril managed a a 4.51. Smith’s 4.68 doesn’t look all that great in comparison.

Now let’s compare the 10-yard splits: Irvin (1.55), Avril (1.50), Smith (1.57). Avril’s time was explosive, but Smith compares well. And it’s worth noting he also topped Avril in the broad jump (10.1 vs 9.9) and the vertical (35 inches vs 32.5) — two other tests used to determine how explosive a player is.

I’m not sure how vital the forty times are compared to the split, broad and vertical jumps. Smith is an explosive athlete and he could be an option for the Seahawks at #32 if a cluster of wide outs and tackles leave the board before their pick.

Both Lawrence and Smith in my view are vastly superior to Dee Ford and Kony Ealy.

Donte Moncrief (WR, Ole Miss)
Kiper has Moncrief leaving the board at #57 to San Diego
Moncrief doesn’t compete well enough for the ball in the air, but it’s really the only thing stopping him being a very attractive option for Seattle. He carries 221lbs incredibly well on a frame just shy of 6-3. He ran a 4.41 at the combine with an impressive 39.5 inch vertical. He had a 10-yard split of 1.50 which is better than 5-9, 189lbs Brandin Cooks (who ran a 4.33).

There’s just so much to work with here it’s unreal. As is the case with many receivers in this class, he had very little support from his college quarterback. Ole Miss’ offense has had an identity crisis ever since Hugh Freeze took over. Bo Wallace was regularly swapped in and out for a read-option replacement. There was very little fluidity to the passing attack and it hurt Moncrief’s production — particularly in 2013.

He needs to show stronger hands and he needs to high point better — but he has incredible leaping ability and it’s not like he’s totally useless in 50/50 situations. His best football will almost certainly come at the next level. For me there’s a great chance he’ll land in round one but he might end up competing with Cody Latimer to be taken in the 21-32 range. If Latimer has leapfrogged him on a few boards — it’s possible he lasts until #32.

Nobody should be disappointed if the Seahawks take Moncrief in round one. He eats up a cushion and shows crisp breaks in his routes. He can make people miss in the open field and explode. He’ll take the quick hitters Seattle threw at Golden Tate and when he wants to block — he can block. He’s another explosive player with a ton of upside.

Dominique Easley (DT, Florida)
Not included in Kiper’s two-round projection
In Kiper’s mock Easley was available at #64, but I’m going to bring him up here anyway. I don’t believe the Seahawks will take him in round one because the two knee injuries have to be a concern.

Yet he appears to be coming along in his rehab. He moved well at his pro-day last week and considering he picked up the injury in September — there’s at least some chance he’ll be ready for training camp. By July he’ll have been in rehab for 10 months.

Let’s just imagine this scenario. 7-8 receivers leave the board in round one including Cody Latimer, Odell Beckham Jr and any other wide out we’d expect the Seahawks to covet. Joel Bitonio perhaps leaves the board in the 20’s with Morgan Moses going to one of Miami at #19 or Arizona at #20. No defensive prospects like Anthony Barr or Ryan Shazier drop to #32 and one or both of Demarcus Lawrence and Marcus Smith get over-drafted due to a lack of alternative pass rushers.

Suddenly, the options aren’t that great. And you’re struggling to generate a deal to move down.

If they feel comfortable about Easley’s ability to stay healthy and make a full recovery — why wouldn’t you at least consider him here? Injury free he’s a legit top-25 pick. Maybe even top-15. And you can get him at #32.

The 49ers took Tank Carradine at #40 last year and had to redshirt him. The Seahawks wouldn’t have to redshirt Easley because he picked up the injury months before the end of last season. You could potentially get a disruptive, edgy three technique who consistently collapses the pocket from the interior. Plug him into the rotation with Bennett and Avril rushing the edge and it looks like a deadly combo.

The Seahawks want difference makers in round one and that’s what a healthy Easley can be. You could get another Sheldon Richardson but in the late first round.

Let’s put it this way — if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft him at #37 how would you react? Would you say it’s worth a gamble in round two? Would you say it’s justifiable in that range? If so — it’s only five picks later than Seattle and the Buccs aren’t the defending Super Bowl Champions.

I’m not trying to convince people this is going to happen or even should happen — but I think we should talk about it. If they were able to take a shot on Easley at #32, draft an offensive tackle at #64 (one of Ja’Wuan James or Antonio Richardson for example) and hunt for value the rest of the way — would that be a bad draft for Seattle? I think a worse draft would be to force the situation if all of the top receivers and tackles are off the board by the end of round one.

Easley is a major wild card — a player who could be taken before the #32 pick and could just as easily drop into the round 3-5 range depending on how teams view his injury history. It’s worth noting the Seahawks have used picks in the third and fourth round to search for interior pass rushers — and it’s unclear if they’d consider the position early without a top player being available. There’s also Dan Quinn’s insider knowledge to consider here.

I’d hate the Seahawks to pick Easley without us having this discussion though. His talent is worthy of a conversation about the #32 pick — even if the injuries scare you off.

63 Comments

  1. Stuart

    I have said it before and I will say it again, I would be very happy to trade next years #1 for a 2nd rounder this year.

    Based on the scenario Rob laid out, hmmmmmm, very possible, maybe even likely….The pick of Easley could be a HOME RUN, make that a GRAND SLAM…..

    GM Stuart would love:

    #32 WR Latimer
    #40ish (2015 #1 and probably change) DT Easley
    #64 Leo Marcus Smith

    • Vin

      I’d be on board with that draft. Gives us depth this year, and possible starter(s) next year in the event we lose Avril and/or Baldwin.

    • oz

      Smith won’t be there at #64. Easley? Probably….

  2. Vin

    Thanks Rob for another great article. The draft can’t come soon enough. Question, in your scenario, with the Hawks taking Easley @ 32, and O/L @ 64….is Brandon Coleman off the board at 64? Or do you just see the O/L options as ‘better options/value’ vs whatever WRs are available @ 64? It’s too bad the Hawks don’t have a 3rd rnd pick. Thanks!

    • Rob Staton

      IMO Coleman will be gone by #64 but if he’s there, I’d struggle to pass on him for any tackle. I’d tell Tom Cable to get his late-round list out in that scenario.

      • Madmark

        I don’t know but I get a feeling that Coleman would still be there at 64. I think at best he goes in the bottom of the 3rd round but then again I don’t believe Moncrief is a 32 pick. I like him and he probably go in the middle to later part of 3nd round and that’s because so many receivers have already been taken and there so many teams in need that it push up some of these guys stock.

        • Madmark

          oops 2nd round for Moncrief.

  3. James

    Rob,

    First, all props to you for identifying Latimer and Bitonio well before the national guys.

    Second, Kiper’s mock must put a smile on your face, because you have created a number of scenarios for us where the favorites of this board (Benjamin, Bitonio, Latimer, Shazier, Hagemanm, Moses) are long-gone, and Kiper continues the discussion by removing all but one: Bitonio. The good news is that at least one of our favorites is virtually certain to be there (in this case Bitonio), under nearly all scenarios.

    Demarcus Lawrence would certainly be a wise investment, due to the possibility (likelihood?) of Avril leaving after this year. It seems you can never have enough DLs, so a R1 investment there is always a good move. Easley…the notion of drafting someone R1 with two ACLs makes me too nervous to even think about….maybe if Dr. Ed K swears on his mother’s grave, I would consider it. The Aldon Smith debacle in SF has Lawrence being mocked there quite often in the past few days.

    Given that improving O line play, and more important, keeping RW healthy, has to be the top priority, Bitonio certainly seems the way to go given Kiper’s scenario. In that event, perhaps Bryant would still be there at #64 (with Robinson, Moncrief and Landry clearing the WR path in R2), finally giving Pete the 6-4 SE he has long sought.

    • Rob Staton

      You can’t go wrong with Bitonio at #32 in this scenario IMO. Just a really solid pick and a guy you can plug in right away — whether that’s at guard or tackle.

      • Vin

        I think Of all the options you’ve listed, I think I like Bitonio best @ 32. In that scenario, I’d hope that Coleman or Moncrief are there @ 64. On another note, Walterfootball has a reader mock. They’ve reached the 49ers. It will be interesting to see what the readers will pick for the Hawks….might be telling of just how many people follow SDB.

      • Steve Nelsen

        I would be happy to take Bitonio at 32 if the draft fell the way Kiper mocked it.

        I didn’t realize that Easley might play this season. If so, put him in the mix for 64.

        Another injured player I like is CB Aaron Colvin. He just got a strong endorsement on his recovery from Dr. Andrews.

        I have DE Adham Talaat as my 7th round pick. 6-6, long arms, athletic and Seattle was at his pro-day.

      • Brad

        I watched the Bitonio vs Barr tape and I was not as impressed you were. I saw Joe get bent way back at the waist allot. This is where his bench press numbers (only 22 reps) show up. His strong lower half and quick feet bailed him out, all be it against a college prospect. What happens at the nfl level vs someone like Justin Smith? I have some doubts about him, his lack of arm length says guard but his lack of power says not a guard. And he operates out of a two point stance. The two point stance helps to hide his lack of upper body strength and makes him look quicker then he is. If he is opperating out of the three point stance or moved inside to guard does he get jammed up and driven into the pocket before he can set his feet?

        • Rob Staton

          As long as he gets the job done I’m not too concerned. He needs to get stronger and IMO will get stronger. I wouldn’t say a strong base and quick feet/mobility bailed him out — I’d say it enabled him to do his job and keep the QB clean (which is essentially the goal). If he gets stronger with those qualities already he can excel.

          • Arias

            Have you heard the criticism about Bitonio’s frame not being large enough for additional growth? I’m not saying I agree, just that this criticism of Joel is out there because it’s said he’s a bit undersized.

            • Cbr1969

              I think one important thing to consider is good footwork, if a prospect can slide, dig in and open holes for his rb I would prefer that to a slow footed power guy ala Tony Mandrich. Bitonio seems to have good feet as well as the two Tennessee boys and Sua filo. That said and a majority of receivers gone, I would go with one of the above or Donte Moncrief. I think he has a lot of potential. Rob, I said the same thing about Alshon Jeffrey in our discussions last year and boy did that work out for Chicago. The only hesitation, is Olé Miss under utilized his abilities with a chappy offensive scheme. Moncrief, to me offers the skill sets we need which are to quickly beat press coverage in the NFL west, make the catch and get up field. Would he be available at 64 with most teams grabbing wrs that needed them in the 1st?

              • Cbr1969

                Crappy offense.

            • Rob Staton

              It’s not a concern for me. I think Bitonio can get stronger in the upper body in a pro-weight program, he has the potential to add another 5lbs in muscle. His frame is acceptable to play guard or right tackle.

  4. Cysco

    I would love to know if Easley has just had really bad luck, or if there’s something structurally wrong with his knees that has caused his injuries. I have to imagine that an expert would be able to check him out and make that call.

    I’m sure if he’s another ACL waiting to happen, they’ll go another direction. Otherwise, I’m all for the value. It’s obviously better value in round two, but if injury risks are minimal, there’s still value to be had if they take him at 32.

    Rob, if you’re thinking about things to write about, perhaps consider creating your own version of Seattle’s “big board” . (maybe top 40-50 players?) It would be interesting to see what order you put the players based on your understanding of the Hawk’s needs/wants and would be a fun thing to reference back to on draft day(s).

    Keep up the great work. Everyone here truly appreciates it!

    • Beanhawk

      Rob’s (and Kip’s) mini Seahawks’ big boards prior to each day of the draft certainly made the draft a lot more fun. If time permits, I certainly endorse this suggestion as we get closer to the draft.

  5. Nate Dogg

    A lot can change depending on how the board falls and trades, but my guess right now is Marcus Smith at 32 and Kevin Norwood at 64. Smith has work to do on his pass rush skills but he’s an explosive athlete and can cover if they want to mix him in at LB. Norwood has fantastic body control and catching ability plus decent size and athleticism, he remind me of Sidney Rice.

    If they do go this route, their should be some nice athletic project lineman for Cable to pick from in the mid to late rounds.

    • Rob Staton

      Personally I think that would be a reach for Norwood.

      • Nate Dogg

        Maybe, but I think he’s underrated and Seattle will like him quite a bit.

    • Madmark

      I like Kevin Norwood he’s actually really good go to guy but he’s a early 5th rounder in my opinion.

      • Jake

        I love Norwood as well. I think Latimer at 32 is a better scenario than Norwood in round 4, but he’s definitely on my short list of WRs I would like the Hawks to pick.

  6. Colin

    Easley is what so many pundits thought Sharriff Floyd was last year (except Floyd had almost no good tape- just an amazing body). Dominant, eye catching, an “if I’m going to hell I’m taking this offense with me” attitude. I love this guy. His tape is worthy of a high 1st round pick if not for the injuries.

  7. Hawk2Mock

    Not sure why Marcus Smith isn’t getting more hype. I really like his tape, he’s a fluid athlete who has flashes that remind me of Avril. I would be happy with him at 32 but also think the rush on WR won’t happen until late 1st early 2nd. With so many teams wanting to bolster there defense to copy the hawks I feel they will reach for them in round 1.

  8. CC

    What if Martavis Bryant is there at 32 instead of Lattimer – do you think he has shown enough to be drafted in the first round? I love Easley and I’d be happy with him at 32 if available.

  9. bigDhawk

    Since Brandon Coleman has been completely ignored by the ‘Hawks all offseason, do you think he is the pick at 32, given how PC loves his huge WRs, and Latimer is just a smokescreen? Also, Rob, I don’t think you have a future as a Photoshop guru. Kiper and McShay /agree.

    • Rob Staton

      I think Coleman’s in contention for sure.

      I didn’t do the photoshop to be fair — just google’d Kiper and it popped up.

      • CC

        Any of these tall guys who need some work could be in play with Sidney back in the fold. He certainly could teach them the ropes – as he has been willing to do for the young guys!

  10. Don

    Thanks Rob, great article.

    Now that you have convinced me to take Latimer over Matthews, he is now not available in the 1 rd. Aghhh!!!!!

    Given the scenerio Kiper laid out, I would trade down to 36 and pick up a 3rd rd pick. With the #36 take Bitonio and trade #64 and new 3rd rd to move up and take M Bryant.

    This new late draft date really makes me mad. With more time for GM’s to evalute players and research measurables and tape, and hear who Seattle is interested in, it allows other GM’s to copy the evaluation procedure to be more like Seattle. Seattles success in later rounds will be diminished, making it harder for Seattle’s to find hidden draft talent late in draft.

    The reason they moved it to May is because the NFL wants interest from the fans for every month of the year. It is about NFL Network ratings and money. May was the one month that nothing was happening until now.

    Feb = SuperBowl
    Mar= Combine
    April = Free agency
    may= Draft
    June= mini-camps
    July = Training camp
    Aug= preseason games

    More time will allow gm’s to study in detail more prospects, and not feel the need to trade as much because they are more confident in other options.

    • Brett

      I don’t think that’s the case. Every front office has their own evaluation procedures. Not everyone will suddenly start copying Seattle’s way of doing things. And I’ve seen analysts argue that the extra time isn’t really helpful. Most teams have completed their draft boards by now.

    • Arias

      I sort of doubt a couple extra weeks is going to give any team looking to copy Seattle’s methods any extreme advantage. All they can really do to figure out who Seattle is targeting in the late rounds is keep their ears to the ground and look to who the hawks bring in … which is going to be a mix of smoke and mirrors that they can’t read too much into anyway.

      Plus there’s the whole ‘player dev’ aspect that really gets under-appreciated with the draft process. There’s no guarantee of similar success for a player drafted late had the player been drafted by another team. Conversely, a player that didn’t find success getting drafted in the late rounds elsewhere might have found success being coached up by Pete and among these players. I think with earlier round picks, players bursting with talent would likely find success regardless of which team picks and develops them. But with the later round picks I think player development and the right environment to nurture their skills becomes increasingly more important.

    • Rob Staton

      I wish the NFL Network would provide better content personally. It’s daily fluff from mediocre analysts. I’ve seen Daniel Jeremiah and Charles Davis do three top-ten mock drafts between them. Enough already. Let’s talk about players. You have Mayock — use the guy.

      On the trade Don — I think it’ll be tough to get a third rounder for moving down three spots. In fact you might struggle to get more than a 5th or 6th rounder in that scenario. To get a third you’d have to move into the back half of round two IMO.

      • woofu

        I like DJ and CD and suspect Mayock will be injected very soon. However they all are getting a little “heady” to me.

        As to the NFLN as a whole they are still recovering from the “pick magnet” stigma. They make very sketchy daily choices and are hard to watch outside of the top tier guys. Slow news days exposes their depth as a network.

        The May draft date does give teams more time to evaluate which was a central purpose of the move. The ratings issue was obviously of importance to the NFL but to believe that the Seahawks remained static while the rest of the teams caught up would be hard to swallow considering the best FO in the NFL just got more time to out draft the other 31 teams. Think Secretariat in the triple crown.

      • Colin

        I stopped putting much stock in NFL network when I read Bucky Brooks “2010 Redraft” and he still had Tim Tebow going in the 1st round. Mind boggling. Nothing but a publicity stunt. For as much flack as Kiper and McShay get, I enjoy them much more.

      • AlaskaHawk

        I’m of the opinion that the teams already have their boards and from here on out it is all about spying on the other teams and throwing up smokescreens. I wouldn’t trust any draft rumor reported by the national media. We still don’t know if Houston will pick Clowney or a QB, and now Carr is getting a lot of love on sportscenter as being the most NFL ready QB. Let the drafting games begin!!!

  11. Stuart

    I hope Latimer is not a smokescreen. It doesn’t matter to me where we get him, as long as we get him.

    • Rob Staton

      He’s very close IMO to an ideal Seahawks pick.

  12. Christon

    Rob, I love reading your opinions and mocks because you don’t fall in to the groupthink mentality that most of the national media falls into – you know, take the same 32 players and plug them into slightly different spots to teams with obvious needs. I love that you actually do your own analysis and mock them accordingly to your grades and disregard where everyone else has them slotted. Kudos for that. That’s why I love your mocks and respect your opinions so much. Your weeks ahead of the national curve and on to several players before they become trendy picks.

    Marcus Smith at #32?..Interesting. I hadn’t thought about it but it makes some sense especially if the board falls that way you mocked they pass week or Mel Kiper’s board. What was the biggest difference between the 2012 Seahawks that lost to Atlanta in the playoffs and the 2013 Seahawks that won the Super Bowl? The Pass Rush of course. With 34″ arms Marcus Smith could become a suitable replacement. Sure, Bitonio or Lamiter would also fill a need but with how thin the draft is at LEO, #32 might be their only change to get a decent one and with such great depth at WR and OT in this class they might have to fill those needs later.

    • Rob Staton

      Smith could become a scary pass rusher if he gets stronger.

      • oz

        Smith would be my choice at #32.

        • oz

          That is if Bitonio and Latimer are gone.

    • CC

      I like Smith too! Oh, so many wants and so few choices!

      I really wish we had the 3rd rounder!

  13. EranUngar

    This is frustrating. Facing potential situations where our “obvious” picks are mostly all gone make me miss all the other information we do not have.

    On Monday the gang is back to start physical training. If a healthy looking Jesse and Scruggs report at peek condition ready to take over it has an effect on our “needs”. If Mayowa reports a bit heavier and stronger, if Boatright looks bigger and faster it effects the situation. If Bowie and Bailey after a year under TC with a lot of injury cause play time last year look ready to take their place it effects the need for Bitonio.

    With all the above and the current depth of the roster even at WR,DL,OL I can see a gradual change in our drafting philosophy. I no longer see the need for numbers to stock the always compete search for mid/late round gems. I think the top 2 picks should be used for players with high starter potential because most of the others may not make the 53 cut. I can see us trading up a few places if the list gets thin. I can see us use mid/late round 2015 picks in trade and fighting to keep our top 3 rounds picks.

    In view of the above, if 7-8 receivers are indeed picked early and with Rice signed i don’t see us drafting the 9th receiver at 32. It will be Bitonio or a healthy DE – Lawrence or Smith. I can see them trading up from 64 into the 50’s to pick a WR or OL if they didn’t get one already. (using this year’s 5th and 2015 4th and 5th).

    It’s those 2 potential starters in the top 2 picks this year and next year that will solidify the dynasty aspirations. Those should be healthy BPA starter rather then bust/boom picks.

    • Rob Staton

      I think we need to get of the mind frame of picking ‘the ninth receiver’. The number taken before #32 is irrelevant. It’s whether the 9th guy is good enough to be drafted at #32. And IMO there are players in Kiper’s projection that are well worth considering even if they are the ninth receiver.

      • EranUngar

        I have no problem with some of the 9th WR and beyond. I think that if the rush is on WRs in the first it will ease in the 2nd. Between picking the 9th at 32 or the 11th/12th in 52 the drop in quality is minor and a Bitonio/Moses or a Smith/Lawrence at 32 sounds like an overall better value.

    • CC

      You bring up some really good points – that the FO will know a bit more about their needs with the off season work outs starting on Monday. If Scruggs and Mayowa are ready to go – and if Chris Matthews is a guy Rice can mentor, it certainly gives us more options at 32.

  14. MarkinSeattle

    Rob, curious as to whether or not you viewed Tuitt’s sophomore season (2012)? You state that he isn’t much of a pass rusher, and while I think that was accurate for this year at 325 lbs, my recollection last year was that he was a monster (12.5 sacks). And including this last year, he has 20 sacks the last two years. He also has fairly long arms to go with good speed.

    If you have watched his 2012 year (especially the first 6 games, before he developed the hernia), I would be curious to hear your impressions on the difference between his play then and this year and what his limits are.

    • Rob Staton

      I have seen the 2012 games and it was better than the 2013 that’s for sure. But for me it was still inconsistent. I had a few concerns about his pass rushing ability at the next level even before the injury. I’d be fascinated to see what his 10-yard split is if he is capable of running in the 4.8/4.9 range. I’m just not convinced even at 305lbs that he can trouble the edge at the next level. He lacks the initial pop of someone lighter like Michael Bennett who ran a 5.00. I think his best role at the next level will be at the five tech or moving inside. I wouldn’t be relying on him to win off the edge.

  15. DoubleJ

    Hmmm – this makes me feel like we need to move up slightly as you suggest, or move back, hopefully aided by 1-2 qbs falling late in round 1

    I really am hoping we can land players in rounds 1-2 who we dont have to redshirt

    • Rob Staton

      I can’t see teams moving up for these QBs.

      • oz

        I could see where QB needy teams picking at the top of the first trade trade up to get their man. considering the level of talent at the QB position this could very well happen. The Patriots slot is an option and could only benefit Seattle.

        • Rob Staton

          Possibly. I just feel like the teams will be willing to wait for the QBs who may all go later than expected. Every year we predict teams trading back into the first to grab QBs and it never happens. If teams don’t grade a player in R1 they’re unlikely to be aggressive to take them in that range.

  16. Madmark

    Don’t get me wrong but I do like a Joel Bitinio. There’s some reason thou I think we don’t draft him.
    I’m all in on a Donte Moncrief at 32. I’ m not going to give stats other than the guy has it all and won’t be 21 till Audust 6th this year. Drafting him in the 1st round I can get this guy for 5 years and I just love the fact that by the end of his contract he will only be 25. I Tom Cable could work his magic on a Ja’Wuan James at pick 64 for the RT spot and groom Bowie for the LG spot this year. The stats on James is more to what they like and he’s played the position. 6’6″, 311lbs., 35″arms,9 7/8″ hands, 22reps(like Bitinio), 29″vj, 103″bj, 5.43-40, 7.42-3cone, 4.56shuttle. I’m going on a hunch do to the guys we pickup FA who are more in line to play guard. The NFL physical condition is so much better than college and you can see that with Sweezy and Scrugg who have all bulked up that I’m not concerned about strength.
    Speaking of Sweezy and Scruggs. I saw an article on who you think will be the most improved player on the Seahawks roster this year. I know Harvin will do a lot more this year and that’s a no brainer but as far as improving? Well I just say with his contract we just expect more so I’m going to go with Christine Michaels. The link tells me we really have good depth at RB.
    http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzprXP6mkyk

    • CC

      I really like JaWuan James – I would love for us to draft him!

      • AlaskaHawk

        I agree on James. Should be a few good right tackles left at #64. But we got to take care of business and draft a solid player instead of speculating on a flashy player with high potential that has issues.

        • Madmark

          What issues does he have? I don’t understand?

        • CC

          I don’t think James is the flashy one – he’s the under the radar one of the two UT tackles. Richardson has gotten all the press, but I like James better.

        • AlaskaHawk

          Yes I like James in the second round. The flashy ones are players that have a lot of potential but don’t have a defined need on the Seahawks or they are recovering from injuries. Nothing wrong with picking them in a later round like that defensive linemen we got last year in the 5th. I just hate seeing us draft that way early when we have important positions to fill.

  17. CHawk Talker Eric

    3 things I can’t stop thinking about:

    1. Dominique Easley. At the time he tore his ACL early last season, Easley was playing at an elite level. Had he stayed healthy, he most likely would be a top-15, or even a top-10, prospect going into the draft. IMO, if Easley’s knees check out, I’d rather have him than Aaron Donald. And it’s possible he’ll be there at 64. Just saying.

    2. Latimer vs. Moncrief. Of all the WRs in the draft likely to fall to #32, I like Latimer and Moncrief the most. And I can’t decide which I like more. They’re remarkably similar in physical stature and athletic ability (though I’d say Latimer’s game is more strength/power and Moncrief’s more speed/elusiveness). Latimer’s physicality makes him the better blocker, but Moncrief seems entirely willing to get himself in the mix. Moncrief seems to have better quickness off the snap, and more speed downfield, but Latimer is no slouch. So which one would I take if both are available? I think I go Moncrief, as much because he regularly faced NFL-caliber DBs in the SEC as anything else.

    3. Ryan Shazier. Of all the prospects in this draft, the prospect of watching Shazier play on Sundays in a Seahawk uniform excites me the most. To those who say we don’t need another LB, I say this kid is an exceptional physical talent that could be the key to implementing SEA’s defensive scheme in the front 7 in the same way that Earl Thomas is the key to implementing the defensive scheme in the secondary.

    • MJ

      Shazier is the Earl Thomas of LBers. Plays at a different speed than everyone else at his position.

  18. Darin

    The feeling I get the more I think about it is that the early part of the draft is going to go defensive. Three linemen gone through release an free agency, and unless, Carrol and Quinn have that much faith in the young guys already on the roster.

    Guys like Tuitt and Easley make a ton of sense to bring in along the defensive line. Easley brings in a skill set similar to Bennett and we all saw how having a versatile DE/DT can be, and having two would give the D-line an even bigger advantage. Tuitt would give them a Red Bryant type with more pass rush than Big Red ever had.

    If the Hawks went DL with the first two picks, I’d actual be happier with that, if this was the way the board fell.

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