Seahawks Draft Blog

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Memphis receiver Anthony Miller is really good

October 20, 2017 /

On the recommendation of community member Volume 12, I spent tonight taking a look at Memphis receiver Anthony Miller.

He’s received a fair bit of buzz recently. One anonymous NFL executive said this about him:

“He’s a highly productive, competitive receiver who plays faster than he will test. He runs very good routes and has a large catching radius. All he does is make plays.”

Chad Reuter at NFL.com says:

“(Miller) will be one of those third-round receivers who contributes immediately for whatever NFL team drafts him.”

And Tony Pauline listed him as a week three draft riser:

“Miller gave serious consideration on entering last April’s draft but decided to return to Memphis for another season. It looks as though he made the correct choice.”

Tony also notes the importance of his combine workout. At 5-10 and 190lbs he’ll need to test well. The Seahawks drafted Tyler Lockett after the following workout:

Height: 5-10
Weight: 182lbs
Forty: 4.40
Vertical: 35.5
Short shuttle: 4.07

Lockett performed as well as any receiver before the 2015 draft. He also had a strong Senior Bowl. Hopefully Miller will compete in Mobile too.

So far in 2017 he’s put up major numbers, providing the Memphis offense with a dynamic X-factor. In the same way Paxton Lynch elevated the Tigers a couple of years ago, Miller seems to be having the same effect.

Today I watched his play against Houston, UCLA and Connecticut and he had a huge impact in all three games:

UCLA — 9/185 and two touchdowns
Connecticut — 15/224 and four touchdowns
Houston — 10/178

He combines crisp routes and excellent body control with fantastic speed. He’ll explode out of his routes to create separation, he’s a terrific deep threat and always competes for the ball.

Miller isn’t a flawless hands catcher but he has a tendency to make the occasional spectacular grab:

He also makes his fair share of contested catches:

Against UCLA he made a fantastic diving catch, laying out to collect a deep shot despite tight coverage. He runs by the defensive back on a post route and just extends to make a finger-tip grab. It’s a stunning play made with just a minute to go until half time. Shortly afterwards he beats man-to-man coverage to complete a 33-yard touchdown. Memphis went ahead 27-24 before the break and it’s all on Miller and the quarterback.

That drive was the perfect illustration of the way he can have a game-changing impact.

When you consider his athleticism, the chunk plays and the contested catch ability — Miller absolutely has to be on our radar moving forward.

In terms of his character, here’s his postgame interview last night:

Note the bit about him being a former walk-on (grit).

This isn’t a great class for wide receivers. Some of the bigger names have been a bit underwhelming so far and a prospect like Miller could rise up the boards considerably over the next few weeks. There’s always a team looking for an early round weapon on offense.

It’s hard to say whether the Seahawks will be in the market for another receiver next year. They have been willing to spend high picks on the position (Golden Tate, Percy Harvin, Paul Richardson, Tyler Lockett, Amara Darboh). They have a young group they clearly like. Richardson is out of contract though — and Miller is the kind of player you can imagine them liking even if they ultimately don’t draft him.

So far he has 55 catches for 784 yards and nine touchdowns in 2017. Last year he finished with a 95/1434/14 stat line.

Keep an eye on this guy.

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Most impressive 2018 draft prospects so far

October 19, 2017 /

1. Saquon Barkley (RB, Penn State)
Barkley just finds a way to make explosive plays and put points on the board every week. He’s a freak of nature with great character. A top five placing seems inevitable if he avoids injury.

2. Quenton Nelson (G, Notre Dame)
It was tempting to put Nelson at #1 but Barkley is too good. Nelson is the complete package at guard — he’ll pull to the second level, hit people at the LOS and open up huge running lanes. Fantastic prospect.

3. Bradley Chubb (DE, NC State)
There aren’t many players at 6-4 and 275lbs who combine great athleticism, quickness and power. Chubb is an every down edge rusher, is physical against the run and has the same bloodlines as top-tier athlete cousin Nick Chubb.

4. Christian Wilkins (DT, Clemson)
There are some similarities to Sheldon Richardson. Wilkins is a ball of energy. He’s not the most prolific pass rusher but his motor never switches off. He hustles to the ball and doesn’t stop. Good athlete.

5. Taven Bryan (DE, Florida)
An inside/out rusher who dominates the LOS. Bryan drives blockers into the backfield with a vicious bull rush but he also wins with quickness. He’s highly underrated and one of the best players in college football.

6. Vita Vea (DT, Washington)
Yes there are accusations of inconsistency but there aren’t many players with Vea’s skill set. He and Greg Gaines are a force inside, clogging up run lanes and providing some pass rush. Excellent nose tackle prospect.

7. Clelin Ferrell (DE, Clemson)
Shaq Lawson type defensive end coming off a forceful 3.5 sack performance against Syracuse. Ferrell is listed at 260lbs but looks and plays bigger. Good against the pass and the run. Part of a fantastic front seven.

8. Maurice Hurst (DT, Michigan)
His performance against Indiana was dominant, adding to a great year so far. He lived in the backfield and blocked a crucial field goal. The league needs quality three-technique prospects. Hurst’s a classic example.

9. Minkah Fitzpatrick (S, Alabama)
Highly athletic, modern day defensive back capable of lining up in multiple positions. Aggressive, leads by example and should be an early starter at the next level.

10. Derwin James (S, Florida State)
He’s sometimes a bit stiff in the open field but he has the size to defend the run and the range to make plays in coverage. He’s listed at 6-3 and 211lbs and could play some strong safety and big nickel.

11. Josh Rosen (QB, UCLA)
He isn’t getting much help and he’s had some pretty terrible interceptions. That said, Rosen has also shown poise, accuracy and the ability to move around in the pocket to make a wide range of throws.

12. Lamar Jackson (QB, Louisville)
Playmaker. Capable of running for a 1000 yards to go with his throwing ability. Continues to grow as a passer. There are too many critics with Jackson. He has a big future at quarterback. He gets no help at Louisville.

13. Billy Price (G, Ohio State)
Price plays like his hair’s on fire. Very active, very aggressive with the mobility to move to the second level. Switched to center this year but could play guard in the NFL. A notch behind Quenton Nelson but really good.

14. Mike McGlinchey (T, Notre Dame)
Solid rather than spectacular but he emphatically won every battle against Boston College speed rusher Harold Landry. If you want to make a case for McGlinchey that’s the tape you turn to.

15. Bryce Love (RB, Stanford)
Home-run hitter, just needs a crease to explode to the second level and break off a big run. He’s not the biggest (listed at 5-10 and 196lbs) but he’s incredibly dynamic. Making a strong Heisman case.

Not included…

Sam Darnold (QB, USC)
He hasn’t even had a full season as the starter at USC. There’s no rush to declare, especially if Cleveland ends up with the #1 pick.

Trey Adams (T, Washington)
Reports suggest he won’t turn pro at the end of the season after suffering a serious knee injury. A weak tackle class could tempt him — but for now we have to assume he’ll stay with the Huskies in 2018.

Derrius Guice (RB, LSU)
He’s a little bit banged up and needs a strong finish to the season to get some momentum behind his stock.

Nick Chubb (RB, Georgia)
He’s coming close to his best again but the medical checks will be so important. We know he’s a fantastic athlete. We’ll see if he’s still at that level at the combine.

Courtland Sutton (WR, SMU)
He’s starting to find some form. With #1 receiver size and a little Dez Bryant to his game, Sutton has time to push himself into the early part of round one.

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Wednesday notes: Cliff Avril & offensive tackles

October 18, 2017 /

Cliff Avril on injured reserve

This is sad news and certainly not the way you’d want Cliff Avril to potentially end his career.

Thankfully, it doesn’t appear that’s the case:

Avril has long been under-appreciated and underrated not just in Seattle but in the NFL overall. He’s had an extremely consistent and productive nine-year stretch for the Lions and Seahawks. Between 2010 and 2016 he played in all but four games, recording 62.5 sacks. Always there for his team, always making plays.

He’s also an exceptional athlete. At the 2008 combine he ran a 1.50 10-yard split at 253lbs. Anything in the 1.5’s is considered elite. Avril nearly cracked the 1.4’s.

At only 31 years old hopefully he will make a full recovery. His cap hit next year is a ridiculously team friendly $8m. In the modern market a player of Avril’s quality might cost double that amount.

It’s also possible he could still return this year. The Seahawks can call back two players from injured reserve and haven’t got another candidate at the moment. It seems unlikely due to the serious nature of the injury — but at least the option is there.

More importantly though this is about a man’s health. Avril has done so much for charity during his career and was an integral addition as the Seahawks won their first Super Bowl in 2013. The time where they added Percy Harvin, Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril in an incredible triple move will go down as one of the more exciting weeks in franchise history.

This is a big opportunity for Frank Clark. He had an exceptional game against the Rams and is eligible for a new contract in the off-season. We’ll see if Marcus Smith expands his role and hopefully Dion Jordan can have an impact down the line.

Avril is one of the best pass rushers this franchise has had. Period.

They can only dream of finding a player in the future with equal stature who will provide so much quality at such great value.

If you want to donate to the Cliff Avril Family Foundation, or if you want more information on the great work they do, here’s the link.

Offensive tackle problems

The knee injury for Trey Adams — and the reports since suggesting he will now return to Washington in 2018 — has left the offensive tackle draft class looking pretty thin.

We’ve had this discussion before…

There will be some nice O-line options in the draft next year (Quenton Nelson, Mike McGlinchey, Billy Price) but there’s no getting away from the fact the tackle numbers are light yet again.

Tony Pauline sums up the problem:

That leaves just two potential first-round tackles: Mike McGlinchey of Notre Dame and Oklahoma’s Orlando Brown.

People I’ve spoken with tell me they expect Brown to enter the draft but that he doesn’t grade out as a top-25 selection — an opinion I share at this point.

Several scouts are enamored with Chukwuma Okorafor of Western Michigan, but I haven’t heard any first-round grades on him since the season began. The recent ankle injury to Martinas Rankin, which I’m told is worse than what’s being reported, also negatively impacts the position.

The projected crop of free-agent tackles for next March does not look very promising either. This means teams needing an offensive tackle in the offseason could be in a bind.

That last paragraph really does ring true. A league lacking adequate talent at left tackle is facing another barren year in the draft and free agency.

Nate Solder, recently struggling with the Patriots, is arguably the best prospective free agent set to hit the market next year. Then you have the likes of Luke Joeckel, Justin Pugh and Jack Mewhort. There’s no Andrew Whitworth next year.

This is possibly why so many teams spent big money on O-liners in free agency in March — anticipating an even weaker crop of veterans in 2018.

This might be one of the reasons why the Seahawks have been pursuing the likes of Branden Albert and Duane Brown. At the very least they’d get some veteran security on the left side of the line and some insurance for 2018. They wouldn’t need to pick at the limited options available on the open market.

It’s only October and a lot can change over the next few weeks — but the injury to Cliff Avril and the continued issues with the O-line make it increasingly likely we’ll be focusing on the trenches again come draft time. It’s looking like there’ll be a very attractive crop of defensive line talent available. And at the very least a handful of good O-line options (Nelson, Price, McGlinchey).

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Monday draft notes & O-line latest

October 16, 2017 /

— Michigan defensive lineman Maurice Hurst had a fantastic game against Indiana, looking every bit a first round pick. He blocked a vital field goal and was constantly creating pressure. On numerous occasions he moved the quarterback off the spot and forced him out of the pocket. His combination of quickness and an effective swim move were really impressive. His stat line of 1.5 TFL’s barely tells the story. He was the outstanding player on the field, consistently in the backfield and is destined to be a high pick as a three technique.

— Florida’s Taven Bryan continues to look incredibly impressive too. Against Texas A&M he had 1.5 sacks and it’s weird how he isn’t getting more attention. A highly disruptive, supremely athletic defensive lineman who can play inside and out — Bryan is an early first round talent. He just has the perfect combination of size, quickness and power. With the likes of Hurst, Bryan, Christian Wilkins and Vita Vea — this is shaping up to be a really good class for interior defensive linemen. If you need a reminder of what he’s capable of:

— Washington left tackle Trey Adams has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury. This is really sad news for a couple of reasons. Obviously it hurts the Huskies. It also impacts the 2018 draft. There was every chance Adams would’ve been a very high pick had he declared. His combination of size, length and athleticism would’ve really shown up at the combine, catapulting his stock at a time when the NFL is desperate for good tackle play. According to Dave ‘Softy’ Mahler, Adams is planning to return to Washington in 2018.

— Here’s the latest on Seattle’s search for O-line improvements:

This is perhaps indicative of Seattle’s inability to spend money at the moment. Albert, having spent considerable time in the PNW, is now leaving. We’ll see if the Seahawks admit defeat in their attempt to upgrade the O-line or whether they have something else they’re working on. Sadly, with such little cap room to play with, any kind of a deal will take a sacrifice of some description. And the Seahawks might be unwilling to undergo severe roster surgery mid-season.

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Report: Seahawks actively trying to make an O-line trade

October 15, 2017 /

We know Branden Albert met with the Seahawks this week. Rumours have also linked the Seahawks with interest in Houston hold-out Duane Brown. According to Jason La Canfora, another name has been considered:

The Seahawks had previously approached the Bills about their left tackle, Cordy Glenn, but those conversations largely fizzled. While Glenn could be an option to be moved ahead of the deadline — Buffalo has a plethora of tackles at a time most teams have a scarcity, and the team is high on several of its young linemen — it would take a considerable haul to land him. That and his high salary made for a poor fit with the Seahawks.

This one appears to be a non-starter but it’s indicative of Seattle’s desire to prop-up their O-line. While Germain Ifedi has shown steady progress and Justin Britt continues to play well, Luke Joeckel’s bye-week surgery and the play of backup left tackle Rees Odhiambo will be a concern.

As we saw today, the NFC is wide open this year. Aaron Rodgers could be out for the season with a broken collarbone and Atlanta lost at home to Jay Cutler’s Miami despite leaping to a 17-0 lead.

The only two teams playing a consistent brand of football seem to be Philadelphia and the Rams. Seattle already won in LA and face the Eagles at home in week 13.

There’s an opening for someone to take control of the conference and stake a claim for the top two NFC seeds. Last year Dallas saw an opportunity and took it. It could be the Eagles this year — they have three consecutive home games coming up next, all winnable (vs Washington, San Francisco and Denver).

It could also be the Seahawks. The defense is certainly showing signs of classic form. For it to happen, however, the offense has to be better. Or at least more consistently balanced.

Losing George Fant to injury in pre-season was a significant blow and it’s been tough sledding for Odhiambo in relief. The injury to Chris Carson is compounding matters — stripping the team of its top running back.

This really shouldn’t be dismissed when we consider the impact of the two injuries on the offense. Fant and Carson aren’t Tyron Smith and Ezekiel Elliott (for example) — but it’s still Seattle’s starting left tackle and top RB. Only teams with top tier quarterbacks are going to be able to roll with the punches in this kind of situation. Even Russell Wilson has been streaky in this difficult environment.

When Seattle lost Malik McDowell they went out and made an aggressive move to bring in Sheldon Richardson. Now, with Fant and Carson out, a similar move to help the offense seems to be required.

Here’s more from La Canfora:

It may result in a far lower-profile transaction before the deadline, but other teams that have been in contact with the Seahawks are convinced of their intent to improve the line, and if Brown is dealt, expect Seattle to have at least made an attempt to land him.

It feels like there’s quite a lot of poker going on behind the scenes. The Cordy Glenn name drop in La Canfora’s piece might be deliberate. It lets the Texans know the Seahawks are looking at other options. The Branden Albert interest might follow a similar theme — but it’s also an opportunity to meet with a viable alternative (and one that won’t cost any draft compensation).

Either way it seems like the Seahawks are primed to do something, possibly before the Giants game. Either sign Albert or make a trade.

There’s a big opportunity for someone to rise to the top in the NFC. The Seahawks can be that team — but the offense will need some help to make it happen.

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A podcast — and a question about future podcasts

October 10, 2017 /

For the last two seasons the ‘3000 NFL Mock Draft’ podcast was a regular weekly feature. This season, sadly, that won’t be the case.

I was invited to appear on the Field Gulls podcast ‘Seahawks Chats’ this week (see below) and was happy to accept — but 3000 NFL Mock Draft will no longer be recorded weekly.

I want to continue to provide regular audio content and intend to start a new podcast to fill the void. I want to know what you, the community, want to listen to.

For example:

— Would you prefer two main presenters or just the one?

— Would you like to hear interviews with invited guests within the draft/NFL community?

— Would you prefer more Seahawks or more draft content (or a mix of both)?

— How long do you want the podcasts to be?

Let me know what you think in the comments section. In the meantime here’s the episode of ‘Seahawks Chats’:

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2018 draft October projection list (not a mock)

October 9, 2017 /

I don’t want to call this a mock draft because it’s October 9th. There are teams paired with players but really it’s just an exercise to highlight a few names.

A glorified watch-list.

If there’s anyone you think should’ve been included, let me know in the comments section or on Twitter (@robstaton).

A quick note — USC quarterback Sam Darnold is not included. He hasn’t completed a full season as the starter in college. I suspect he will weigh up his options and feel another year starting at USC in 2018 will be the best plan. If he was included, he’d be right up there with Josh Rosen in the top two.

For the draft order I used this website, because it is brilliantly called ‘Tankathon’.

#1 New York Giants — Josh Rosen (QB, UCLA)
Rosen has really looked the part so far this season. Poised in the pocket, accurate, nice variety of throws and highly productive.

#2 Cleveland Browns — Josh Allen (QB, Wyoming)
Allen has the tools — good size, athleticism and a great arm. He needs time, more so than Rosen. Makes too many poor decisions at the moment.

#3 San Francisco 49ers — Saquon Barkley (RB, Penn State)
A highly dynamic playmaker with star quality. Barkley warrants going this early. He’s a complete player with freaky athleticism.

#4 Los Angeles Chargers — Lamar Jackson (QB, Louisville)
Incredible playmaker with a Michael Vick skill-set. Better than some will have you believe. Puts points on the board.

#5 Chicago Bears — Christian Wilkins (DT, Clemson)
All-action player, never stops moving. Capable of playing inside or out and highly athletic. A Sheldon Richardson type player.

#6 Indianapolis Colts — Bradley Chubb (DE, NC State)
Wonderful talent with the perfect blend of speed, mobility, size (6-4, 275lbs) and attitude. Big time player.

#7 Arizona Cardinals — Taven Bryan (DE, Florida)
Bryan is a wrecking ball on the D-line. He’s just as likely to beat you with a violent bull rush as he is to win with speed and quickness. Exceptional.

#8 Cincinnati Bengals — Quenton Nelson (G, Notre Dame)
Nelson brings the physicality every week. Dominating at the LOS, he also moves with ease to pull and reach the second level.

#9 Tennessee Titans — Minkah Fitzpatrick (S, Alabama)
Like James, Fitzpatrick is a match-up option for defenses. He could line up over the slot, start at free safety. Very athletic and tough.

#10 Dallas Cowboys — Derwin James (S, Florida State)
Playmaking safety who provides a match-up option. Instinctive with the size (6-3, 211lbs) to move around.

#11 Oakland Raiders — Trey Adams (T, Washington)
Adams is a very accomplished tackle with the ideal size and frame to make it work at the next level. Could go even higher after testing.

#12 Cleveland Browns (via HOU) — Harold Landry (EDGE, Boston College)
Landry is a bit one-dimensional as a speed rusher but he has exceptional quickness and works well in space.

#13 Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Clelin Ferrell (DE, Clemson)
Shaq Lawson type pass rusher with the size to set the edge and the athleticism to make plays in the backfield.

#14 Miami Dolphins — Vita Vea (DT, Washington)
A nose tackle who teams up with Greg Gaines to shut down the running game. Vea has the necessary athleticism to go very early.

#15 Minnesota Vikings — Billy Price (C/G, Ohio State)
Followed Tony Pauline’s advice and watched Price today. A very active, gritty lineman who locks on and finishes consistently well. Like Quenton Nelson he plays with an edge and moves well.

#16 New Orleans Saints — Mike McGlinchey (T, Notre Dame)
I think he can play left tackle at the next level but teams will be happy to try him on the right side too. He excelled vs Harold Landry.

Two players who deserve a mention

Nick Chubb (RB, Georgia)
Medical testing will likely determine Chubb’s stock in the 2018 draft — but he looks a lot sharper a year on from his rushed return from a knee injury. It’s worth highlighting again just how special an athlete Chubb is. He scored a 143.91 at the 2013 Nike SPARQ combine — topped only by 5-10, 180lbs Speedy Noil. Chubb’s mark included a +40 inch vertical and a 4.47 forty. If he gets close to those numbers at the combine — watch out. So far this year he has 618 yards at 6.8 YPC and eight touchdowns.

Luke Falk (QB, Washington State)
It won’t be a major shock if Falk goes a lot earlier than people are currently projecting. A safe estimate would be round two — but this has been a nice step forward in 2017. He looks healthy, his arm strength is improved and he’s making some really difficult throws look easy. His combination of accurate, catchable passes, size and excellent character will appeal to teams. He carries himself like a franchise quarterback. If a reasonable team like Washington loses Kirk Cousins, is it beyond the realms of possibility they would target someone like Falk as a replacement? They’re not going to get at the names at the top of round one after all.

Meanwhile, if you want a Seahawks topic to discuss today:

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Instant reaction: Seahawks defense shines in huge win

October 8, 2017 /

This was a crucial win. Think about the sliding doors effect.

If the Seahawks lose this game you’re looking at two weeks of teeth-gnashing and hand-wringing. The game in New York against the Giants would be labelled a ‘win or bust’. They’d be 2.5 games behind the Rams, ceding all momentum in the NFC West in the process.

People would be questioning Seattle’s ability to make the playoffs — and you’d hear a lot about the Championship window closing.

The Rams? They’d be crowned in the media.

Instead, the Seahawks are in first place in the NFC West and showed they’re still the team to beat in this division.

The game in New York has a totally different feel now. After a week of rest, it’s a big opportunity to continue building momentum.

People will ask questions about how good the Rams truly are.

The Seahawks have a crucial tie-breaker against their strongest opponent in the division. Arizona look a shell of their former selves.

The Giants are hurting. Eli Manning reportedly has a neck injury. Odell Beckham Jr broke his leg. Brandon Marshall and Sterling Shepard both picked up ankle injuries. Dwayne Harris fractured his foot early in the second half. Big opportunity in a fortnight.

This was such an important victory.

The season feels like it’s starting to come to life.

Seattle’s offense clearly still has a ways to go. The Rams gave the Seahawks numerous opportunities to close the game out. The defense forced five turnovers and the offense didn’t really capitalise.

The running game in particular continues to toil and struggle. The Rams had the 30th ranked run defense coming into the game and yet Seattle mustered only 62 yards on 25 attempts. 16 of those yards came from Russell Wilson as did five of the runs. To only run 20 times in a game like this was a little peculiar against such a poorly performing opponent.

Even so, this is the Rams — the opponent that regularly devours Seattle’s offense. And while it’d be tempting to over-analyse and pontificate about the struggles running the ball — this should be a day to celebrate the Seahawks defense instead.

Five turnovers, limiting Todd Gurley to just 43 yards on 14 carries and some huge game-changing plays is the story of the game.

Earl Thomas’ incredible forced fumble in the first quarter took seven points off the board. It’s the second time he’s done it against the Rams — and confirms again why he is one of the true defensive greats of his generation.

Frank Clark dominated his side of the line versus the run throughout. The Rams, time and time again, ran to his side on first down only to be met with a negative consequence. On one play he rode Andrew Whitworth into the backfield before dumping Todd Gurley. Clark also had the vital sack/fumble and ended with two TFL’s (it felt like more). He is truly developing into a big time playmaker.

Sheldon Richardson joins Naz Jones in collecting a big-man interception. He might not be having the kind of impact everyone hoped for as a pass rusher — but his work against the run and his two big plays today (the pick and the fumble recovery) meant he had a significant impact on a game for the first time in Seattle.

He wasn’t the only defensive tackle having a big day. Jarran Reed is really emerging into a terrific player. Did you see him bench press an interior lineman into Jared Goff on the Thomas interception?

After a couple years where the turnover numbers for this defense regressed, this has been a really promising start to the 2017 season.

There were a few sloppy moments along the way — Tavon Austin’s sauntering touchdown, the third and long problems continue and Los Angeles nearly stole a win with a relatively easy last gasp drive.

Overall though the defense dealt a reality check to the Rams and asserted their authority on the division. The team with the hyper-productive offense, the magical young Head Coach, the dynamic running back and the developing young quarterback had a 10-point day.

That’s not to dismiss Los Angeles completely as an overrated upstart. They have talent and will surely only get better with time.

Yet Goff looked a lot like the player we saw last year as a rookie. Despite facing very little pressure he was often jumpy and inaccurate. The Earl Thomas interception followed several other throws that could’ve been picked.

He wasn’t facing the 49ers, Colts or Cowboys defense today.

This was a big stage for Goff and LA’s offense. A chance to make a statement that the hype was justified.

Seattle’s defense ended up making the statement. They’re still here, they’re still the team to beat in the NFC West and they’re starting to look dangerous again.

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Friday draft notes: McGlinchey, Chubb, Falk & more

October 6, 2017 /

Mike McGlinchey makes his case

I watched Notre Dame’s win against Boston College this week, specifically to check out edge rusher Harold Landry vs left tackle Mike McGlinchey. Consider this one a victory for the O-liner.

Landry spent most of the game facing off against the right tackle and had some success. You can see why he’s highly rated. He has a really nice get off and some suddenness to his rush. He’s light and nimble and he’ll be expected to test well at the combine.

However, whenever he did switch over to the other side — he was manhandled by McGlinchey. Time and time again the left tackle just got his hands on him and it was over. At 6-3 and about 250lbs Landry was giving up a big size difference and he didn’t have the counter to win against McGlinchey. He’d dart for the outside and get run out of the play. When he engaged he was shut down. All in all he looked pretty one-dimensional coming up against a tackle with an NFL future. On this evidence he’s better off playing in space as a 3-4 OLB. He’ll need to improve his strength, hand technique and repertoire to play DE.

McGlinchey on the other hand looked in complete control. His set was very fluid, he knew what he wanted to do and against a player touted by many as a first round prospect he excelled. He looked the part here and with such a need for good tackle prospects in the NFL a performance like this could propel him into the top-20.

Needless to say Quenton Nelson the left guard at Notre Dame also stood out. Check out this double team here on Landry:

McGlinchey makes the initial contact then Nelson comes in to clean out Landry before delivering a ‘stay down’ at the end.

He’s just a terrific player — great pulling in space, combative at the LOS and plays with a great edge. Nelson could/should be a very early pick. If you’re looking for a ‘favourite 2018 prospect’ here’s your guy.

Bradley Chubb continues to impress

Chubb has been a blog favourite since the Hurricane game last year between Notre Dame and NC State. In horrible conditions akin to running through quicksand, Chubb just looked better than everyone else. He finished the year strongly and could’ve been a first round pick had he declared.

He returned to NC State and is putting forth a strong case to go very early in round one in 2018. So far he has 6.5 sacks in six games, collecting another against Louisville last night. Not many people can chase down Lamar Jackson from behind on a scramble drill — Chubb managed it.

He carries 6-4 and 275lbs perfectly, plays with fantastic athleticism and quickness and looks a little bit like Derrick Morgan during his Georgia Tech days. You always knew Morgan was going to find a way to impact a game in college — Chubb has that similar knack for big plays.

He’s the cousin of Georgia running back Nick Chubb — one of the best athletes to test at the Nike SPARQ combines in recent years. Bradley looks like a bigger version of Nick — with the freaky athleticism to match.

What will Lamar Jackson be thinking?

He didn’t have a terrible game in last nights loss to NC State. On an off-night for the whole team he dragged them back into it and his late interception was during a potential game-tying drive with a couple of minutes to go.

Even so, he wasn’t at his best. He was generally inaccurate and didn’t show some of the progress we saw as a passer in the first handful of games to start the season. He was much more effective as a runner.

Louisville are 4-2 currently and while Jackson is putting up the big numbers, it feels like he’s chasing the likes of Saquon Barkley in the Heisman race. NFL teams will also likely analyse his two toughest games in 2017 — Clemson and NC State — and see two middling performances to go with two defeats.

Jackson is a fantastic playmaker and a better passer than some will have you believe. He’s also still developing. And like Sam Darnold you wonder if he’ll benefit from another year in college next season.

Christian Wilkins looks tremendous (again)

He isn’t an Aaron Donald pocket-destroyer who creates relentless pressure and takes over games. Wilkins is, however, so incredibly athletic for a man his size.

In the win against Virginia Tech last Saturday he was doing a bit of everything. He had more success rushing from DE than inside — but Clemson were also asking him to drop into coverage at 6-4 and 300lbs. He did it well. He chased down the sideline. His motor never stopped. He’s just a ball of energy, constantly active and needing to be accounted for.

Clemson are looking increasingly like a National Championship contender again and it’s mainly due to a fantastic defense. Wilkins could be a top-10 pick. Dexter Lawrence will be a high pick in 2019. Dorian O’Daniel finds ways to make a big play pretty much every week (2.5 sacks and two pick sixes from linebacker already this season). Austin Bryant is really intriguing as a 6-4, 265lbs DE with five sacks and an interception. Clelin Ferrell looks like another Shaq Lawson.

This front seven is loaded with NFL talent. It’s fun to watch.

Luke Falk’s character will interest teams

After watching Falk’s performance against USC I did some studying this week. I don’t live in Washington so I’m not privy to some of the exposure the two teams receive in the state. I’m starting to realise why some people think Falk could go a lot earlier than he’s being projected.

It’s also pretty clear why the Seahawks might be showing interest in him.

I watched some interviews with Falk, read a couple of long articles and listened to Mike Leach on 710 ESPN yesterday. Here’s the rub — Falk is a former walk-on who took his opportunity when it was presented to him, studies relentlessly and just seems to have this calm demeanour that screams franchise quarterback. There’s an inner-confidence and grittiness you notice when he speaks.

Is he the most physically gifted player? No and nobody would ever accuse him of having a Patrick Mahomes rocket arm (although his arm strength looks noticeably better this year).

Character matters though and Falk is an A+ in that department. Some teams will give up a little bit in terms of arm strength to get an accurate passer with ideal size and the right approach.

If Falk continues to play at a high level and help extend Washington State’s unbeaten run, don’t be surprised if he’s one of the biggest draft risers this season.

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