Seahawks Draft Blog

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Some thoughts on the controversial subject of Joe Mixon

October 7, 2016 /

Joe Mixon is a controversial figure in college football

The last time we discussed a topic like this it was Frank Clark — long before the Seahawks took him in the second round. The community here handled the debate with maturity and I hope that’ll be the case again.

Please be sensitive and respectful in the comments section.

Joe Mixon might be the most explosive player in college football not named Leonard Fournette. That’s not a surprise. Here’s a list of the top-20 2014 High School recruits per Rivals:

1. Da’Shawn Hand (DL, Alabama)
2. Myles Garrett (EDGE, Texas A&M)
3. Jabrill Peppers (S, Michigan)
4. Leonard Fournette (RB, LSU)
5. Quin Blanding (S, Virginia)
6. Adoree’ Jackson (CB, USC)
7. Kyle Allen (QB, Texas A&M)
8. Joe Mixon (RB, Oklahoma)
9. Marlon Humphrey (CB, Alabama)
10. Jalen Tabor (CB, Florida)
11. Travis Rudolph (WR, Florida State)
12. Racean Thomas (RB, Auburn)
13. Sony Michel (RB, Georgia)
14. Rashaan Evans (LB, Alabama)
15. Malachi Dupre (WR, LSU)
16. Bo Scarborough (RB, Alabama)
17. Cam Robinson (T, Alabama)
18. Dalvin Cook (RB, Florida State)
19. Raekwon McMillan (LB, Ohio State)
20. Damian Price (OL, Maryland)

Here are some other select names lower down the list:

26. Malik McDowell (DL, Michigan State)
31. DeShaun Watson (QB, Clemson)
35. Nick Chubb (RB, Georgia)
38. Jamal Adams (S, LSU)
49. Curtis Samuel (WR, Ohio State)
52. Royce Freeman (RB, Oregon)
61. Budda Baker (S, Washington)
77. Christian McCaffrey (RB, Stanford)

It reads like a who’s who of 2017 draft prospects. The best of the best in college football. It’s unusual for the top-20 to have so many names destined not just for the NFL — but as high draft picks. Mixon being at #8 in this group says a lot about his potential.

On tape he is without a shadow of a doubt one of the most impressive prospects you’ll watch this year. Oklahoma’s offense/team is a bit of a mess — but when Mixon is involved it’s must-see TV. Jenni Carlson wrote this piece calling — no demanding — the Sooners feature Mixon instead of persisting with a committee involving fellow running back Samaje Perine.

Mixon has everything you look for. Breakaway speed and the ability to accelerate at the second level, toughness and the willingness to finish runs, ability in the passing game, the physicality to push the pile and break tackles plus the elusiveness to make people miss. As a bonus he’s also a terrific kick returner. Mixon is 6-1 and 226lbs — the same height and 9lbs heavier than Adrian Peterson at the 2007 combine.

He has the freaky athleticism the Seahawks seem to love — plus the suddenness, physicality and ability to turn a good play into a scoring play.

When I wrote about Frank Clark in 2015 — I said something like this: He’s an explosive talent, one of the best in the draft. His tape is incredibly underrated and he dominates. He is a first round, top-20 talent based on what you see on the field. Yet his well publicised character flags involving domestic violence will make him undraftable for many — and some fans and the media will be uncomfortable and find it unacceptable if the Seahawks were to draft him.

This is, unfortunately, a similar situation with Mixon.

In Clark’s case the police report suggested he punched a woman in the face. It also quoted the victim’s brothers as saying they witnessed Clark punch her. He was dismissed by Michigan. After drafting him, the Seahawks claimed they conducted a thorough investigation before making the decision.

John Schneider said the following:

“Our organization has an in-depth understanding of Frank Clark’s situation and background… We have done a ton of research on this young man. There hasn’t been one player in this draft that we have spent more time researching and scrutinizing more than Frank. That’s why we have provided Frank with this opportunity and are looking forward to him succeeding in our culture here in Seattle.”

It was a decision that led to an initial backlash, especially at a time when the league was handling the high-profile Ray Rice domestic violence case. This article on Deadspin used the headline: ‘The Seahawks Didn’t Care Whether Frank Clark Punched A Woman‘

Two years ago Mixon entered an Alford plea to a misdemeanor assault charge for punching Amelia Molitor in response to her pushing and hitting him. The incident happened on July 25, 2014.

Unlike the Clark case where there was no video evidence, surveillance video of the incident shows, after the two had a discussion, Amelia Molitor pushing, then slapping Mixon, followed by Mixon punching Molitor. The video hasn’t been released yet but has been shown to reporters and could eventually be released to the public.

The plea allowed him to maintain his innocence while also admitting that the prosecution had enough evidence to convict.

As a consequence Mixon received a one-year deferred sentence and was required to perform 100 hours of community service and undergo counselling. He was suspended for the entire 2014 season by the Sooners although he was allowed to take classes and keep his financial aid but not take part in any team activities.

The incident became a heated talking point:

Mixon was reinstated by the team on February 14th 2015 and played last season. He was kept away from media duties and didn’t talk at all throughout the season — until he was required to speak per the rules of the Orange Bowl. It appears he was advised not to discuss the incident:

There’s a very obvious legal case for why he shouldn’t be talking to the media but some have argued the moment was not handled well by the Sooners:

The footage of the press conference isn’t particularly easy to watch. A well prepared apology or signs of sincere regret upon his return would’ve been preferable — instead this delayed, awkward and forced exchange really didn’t aid the situation.

Mixon hasn’t spoken to reporters since the Orange Bowl in December 2015 but last month Bob Stoops suggested he might be set to speak again:

“It’s something we’ve talked about… I’ve talked about it with the administration. We’re working on that. So there’s a possibility.”

Brady Vardeman notes, ‘It’s unlikely Mixon’s lawyers would allow him to talk about his incident with Molitor given the ongoing civil suit filed by her legal team in July.’

It’s impossible to know how the NFL will handle this. Frank Clark was dismissed by Michigan immediately after his incident but still attended the combine and then became a second round pick. He started his pro-career with no limitations, suspensions or sanctions and people rarely refer to what happened anymore.

Mixon wasn’t dismissed by Oklahoma but did sit out a whole season. In context it really isn’t much of a ‘punishment’ but will it conveniently allow the league or specific teams to judge the situation as at least partially addressed?

Clark didn’t fall much by going in round two. Who knows what’ll happen to Mixon — a legitimate first or second round talent. He could fall completely off the radar and never get a chance, he could be an UDFA or like Clark he could still be an early pick.

Teams will investigate. They will research the incident, the legal case and Mixon as an individual.

As the writer of this blog all I try to do is highlight the talent in college football so we can discuss possible Seahawks picks in the draft. I don’t know if Seattle or any other team would entertain drafting Mixon. This isn’t any kind of endorsement — but the Clark situation suggests we also shouldn’t avoid the subject. Talking about Clark pre-draft at least gave the readers of this website an insight into his backstory before the team subsequently selected him.

Mixon truly has the ability to be one of the great playmakers in the NFL. Seriously. We’ll see if the NFL decides he deserves a chance to prove it.

One other note on Mixon — when asked who his mentors were during a pre-college interview, the first name he gave was Marshawn Lynch:

2017 prospect watch list: October 4th

October 4, 2016 /

Marcus Maye (S, Florida)
Maye is a lot closer to the brilliant Keanu Neal than I think many people realise. He’s 6-0 and 216lbs so he’s right in the range to be a safety/linebacker hybrid (Deone Bucannon was 6-1 and 211lbs at his combine). Maye’s field awareness and read/react skills are superb. He had five forced fumbles last year and already has a sack, a pick and three PD’s in 2016. He has the speed and size to line up vs tight ends and his ability to direct traffic and get to the ball carrier is a good sign for any possible move to hybrid LB/S. There’s evidence of him being able to line up in the box and even set an edge. Great character and the QB of Florida’s secondary. In the video above Maye is #20 and Neal #42.

Azeem Victor (LB, Washington)
I stayed up until the early hours to watch Washington’s demolition of Stanford and it was worth it to watch the Huskies defense properly for the first time this year. Greg Gaines’ mobility for his size on his sack jumped off the screen, I could watch Vita Vea and Elijah Qualls all day and Joe Mathis might be undersized but he had the game of a lifetime rushing the passer. No wonder John Schneider attended in person. Yet the player who stood out most after Mathis was linebacker Azeem Victor. His range and closing ability stood out constantly — he was always around the ball. He took the right angles, didn’t miss a tackle and just kept a lid on things all night. At the 2015 Husky combine he ran a 4.10 short shuttle — that would’ve been the third fastest time by a linebacker at the 2016 NFL combine (Alex McCallister 4.00, Nick Vigil 4.00). This is a loaded defense without even mentioned Sidney Jones or Budda Baker.

Derek Barnett (DE, Tennessee)
He’s been superb in the last two games and he’s one of the main reasons Tennessee somehow remains unbeaten. His sack/fumble led to a touchdown against Georgia (he had two sacks on the day) and he took over the second half vs Florida (registering two more sacks). Great effort player but not a slouch athletically. Is he twitchy enough to go top-25? That’s going to be the question — but there’s a bit of Everson Griffen to his playing style and Griffen didn’t blow up the 2010 combine. Barnett plays with his hair on fire and that’ll make up for some of his possible physical limitations. He has good size for the Seahawks EDGE (6-3, 265bs) but his frame on tape looks more than capable of some inside work too.

Demarcus Walker (DE, Florida State)
Florida State’s defense is a mess but Walker is one of the few to come away with his reputation enhanced. His 4.5 sack performance vs Ole Miss was a sight to behold and he was the only FSU defender capable of containing Louisville’s Lamar Jackson. He’s an inside/out D-liner (6-4, 280lbs) with violent hands and the ability to disengage and then explode to the QB. He could play with more consistent intensity but players like this are valuable in the modern NFL. His swim/rip move is excellent and he can win in multiple ways — technique, speed, power. He’ll set the edge playing DE vs the run and collapse the interior as a pass rusher. For more check out this post from a few weeks ago.

Alex Anzalone (LB, Florida)
Impressive range and blitzing ability. Flies to the quarterback when asked to rush and showed potential in coverage vs Tennessee. Plays with intensity and is well respected by the coaches at Florida. Looks a lot like Clay Matthews at USC and not just the hair. Not the SPARQiest player during recruiting — only posting a 108.9 (Darron Lee had a 135.94 pre-draft). Matthews only ran a 4.67 at his combine but had a good split. Anzalone is so similar. You’d like to see Florida use him more as a rusher — against the Vols he was almost exclusively used in coverage and played well. Matthews had a similar issue at USC and then started piling up sacks at the next level.

Evan Engram (TE, Ole Miss)
He’s putting it together this year (as noted yesterday — check out the piece) with big performances against CFB’s elite. Impressive vertical, mobility and speed. A genuine modern day X-factor who lines up in multiple positions to create mismatches. Good character and well spoken. Vastly underrated. Averaging 16.25 yards a catch against top opponents including Alabama is not easy. Incredible hands. Love the guy. One of my favourite prospects to watch so far in 2016. Don’t undersell his athleticism and while he’s only around 6-3 and 227lbs — he shows up as a blocker and he can handle work in the slot or split out wide. Just draft him.

Mike McGlinchey (T, Notre Dame)
It isn’t a good tackle draft unless others emerge and McGlinchey might be the best available. He definitely looks the part and he’s a chiseled 6-7/310lbs. Former basketball player with the kind of mobility you’d expect — he’s also a well spoken, intelligent individual (something Tom Cable admitted was important after the 2016 draft). Struggled a bit vs Malik McDowell but that’s understandable. Looked at ease vs Duke and Syracuse. Decent balance and ability to set quickly. Kick slide isn’t explosive but good enough and he’s technically sound. Might never be one of the greats but certainly capable of being a starter for a long time in the NFL. He might be the only first round tackle in 2017.

Dan Feeney (G, Indiana)
The Seahawks look set at this position but Feeney still warrants a mention. He’s adept at pulling and hitting the target at the second level. His pass protection and run blocking is equally good working in a phone booth at the LOS and he plays with the kind of aggression you want to see. Finishes plays. Another impressive, modest individual. Speaks well. Technically sound as well as powerful — shows well driving at the line but also capable of subtle hand use to turn the DL and create a running lane.

Carl Lawson (DE, Auburn)
I’ve not had a chance to watch Lawson or Auburn properly this year but I’m really keen to watch him down the line. His injury history is a problem and could really impact his stock. He missed the entire 2014 season with a torn ACL and missed six games last year with a hip injury (the details of which were suspiciously vague). He has four sacks already this season and if he’s finally healthy he could be set for a major rise. Based on what we’ve seen in the past — in terms of physicality, intensity, ability vs the run and ability to convert speed-to-power Lawson is one of the best 2017 prospects. His size fits Seattle’s EDGE profile (6-2, 258lbs) and he plays big — but does he have the required length? Lawson is a tone setter who plays through the whistle and fits the personality of this defense. Former 5-star recruit.

The Evan Engram appreciation post

October 3, 2016 /

Evan Engram — underrated and very, very interesting

Jimmy Graham is borderline unstoppable at the moment. His blossoming chemistry with Russell Wilson is exciting for Seattle’s offense and he’s starting to look like the 1200 yards, 10-15 touchdown TE we saw in New Orleans.

Nick Vannett’s return to health makes the tight end position quite a strength for Seattle. Luke Willson is a very solid #2 while Brandon Williams is a decent blocker and core special teamer.

Tanner McEvoy is also on the roster and had his first career pass (and touchdown) yesterday. He’s essentially a WR/TE hybrid and a project who could end up permanently at either position.

The Seahawks seem to like McEvoy while their receivers are all signed up for the long haul. Graham isn’t going anywhere and they just drafted Vannett. Yet Willson and Williams are both free agents in 2017 and if both depart — that leaves at least one opening in the off-season.

Is there room for another crazy athletic big target on the roster in the future?

Always.

The line between receiver and tight end is becoming increasingly blurred these days. Big, explosive TE’s with a massive catching radius are all the rage — occasionally taking the place of the ‘orthodox’ #1 receiver. Complimenting these seam-busting giants are the smaller, sudden receivers who work as well in the slot as they do hugging the sideline (eg OBJ, Antonio Brown, Doug Baldwin, Tyler Lockett and lately Will Fuller).

The idea of two truly dynamic TE’s has been intriguing since the Gronk/Aaron Hernandez days in New England. It was incredibly difficult to defend. Gronk was the all-round monster and Hernandez more of the ‘joker’ style receiver or H-back. There’s a chance Graham and Willson could develop a similar dual-threat partnership this year — but if that happens it’ll be harder to re-sign Willson.

Vannett could be pencilled in for such a role too but appears to be more of a traditional TE that can be used as an extra blocker. Even in that role he’d be an asset in this physical offense. Theoretically you could see all three TE’s on the field at the same time later in the year — with Graham in the slot or out wide and Willson/Vannett book-ending the OL.

The point I’m making is multiple TE sets and TE/WR hybrids appear to be here to stay and they might lose a couple of TE’s in free agency. So why not spend a bit of time looking at a player who is extremely underrated today?

Ole Miss’ Evan Engram is a little bit like Jordan Reed albeit 10lbs lighter. He can line up anywhere — inline TE, detached, slot, H-back. He’s a mismatch. At a listed 6-3 and 227lbs you could just use him as an out-and-out bigger receiver if you wanted. He has the agility, fluidity and athleticism to make it work.

So far in 2016 Engram has averaged 95.8 yards per game and 17.3 yards per catch. He is Ole Miss’ leading receiver with a healthy 174-yard lead over #2 target Damore’ea Stringfellow. Engram also has four touchdowns in five games.

These numbers are even more impressive when you consider his poorest statistical performance came in a week two walkover against Wofford. Presumably he didn’t play many snaps in the 38-13 victory where the Rebels never got out of second gear. Here are the collective numbers he put up in the other four games against Florida State, Alabama, Georgia and Memphis:

Receiving yards: 436
Receiving yards average per game: 109
Yards per catch: 16.25
Touchdowns: 4

That’s an impressive return against tough opponents — and Engram is well on his way to a +1000 yard season with +10 touchdowns.

It’s easy to see why he’s so productive… those hands…

Now fast forward to 0:38 in the video below. Doesn’t this catch just remind you of Jimmy Graham’s brilliant one-handed grab against the Jets yesterday?

How athletic is he? Expect an incredible vertical leap at the combine. Check out his touchdown vs Georgia at 1:41 in the video below:

Check out 0:48 and 1:31 below from the Florida State game to see his capabilities as a blocker, helping to spring a couple of really nice runs by sealing the edge. He also has a nice touchdown at 2:17, running a crisp route and showing he’s in sync with the QB on a timing throw:

In terms of his personality/character — he also seems personable and intelligent:

If he runs well — and there’s no reason to doubt that — I suspect Engram will go a lot higher than people are currently projecting. Athleticism + size + character + production in the SEC = high draft grade.

It’s worth putting him near the top of your watch list this season.

Instant reaction: Seahawks claim vital win in New York

October 2, 2016 /

A lot can happen in two weeks.

The anguish and desperation and yes — overreaction — that followed the Rams loss has well and truly been put into perspective. The Seahawks — even with a banged up quarterback — are back on track.

Russell Wilson has a MCL sprain and a high ankle sprain but still managed a 309 yard, three touchdown performance with zero turnovers. This was a pocket-passing masterclass from Wilson, proving once again his usual mobility is merely an asset and not solely what makes him such an effective thrower.

Even better — he didn’t pick up any new injuries. With a week five bye to come he can rest ahead of a home game against the Falcons in a fortnight.

Here are some other notes from a crucial win to get to 3-1:

— Remember all those (misguided) calls to cut Jimmy Graham after his injury? He had his second consecutive 100-yard game (6-113) including some spectacular and crucial grabs. He and Wilson have really got a connection going and he looks like the player who dominated for so long in New Orleans. With Gronk hurt — who is better than Graham at TE when he’s in this kind of form?

— The O-line had a superb game. Todd Bowles’ defense is based around exotic blitzing and pressure. The Seahawks consistently picked up the blitz and really slowed New York’s fearsome front line. You’re not going to pitch a shut-out against Wilkerson-Richardson-Williams but Seattle came close. Bradley Sowell is really coming along at left tackle, Glowinski and Britt looked good on the first viewing and Ifedi settled in at right guard nicely.

— The turnovers are starting to come. It’s all well and good testing Richard Sherman. Ryan Fitzpatrick had some success throwing to Brandon Marshall vs Sherman. Yet it felt inevitable that Sherman would get his big play. If you bait the dog eventually it’ll bite. Sherman’s first pick was a huge play in the game and he added a second late on. Earl Thomas also had his first interception.

— Another point on the defense — it was four more sacks today and they completely shut down the Jets’ running game giving up just 58 yards.

— Christine Michael isn’t Marshawn Lynch and when (if?) Thomas Rawls gets healthy he might go back to being the #2. Even so — he isn’t letting anyone down. He’s making key plays (including in the passing game), taking what’s on offer and not making any significant mental mistakes. He deserves praise.

— C.J. Spiller probably won’t have a major role — but the fact he got a touchdown on debut in the red zone is a really positive sign. He could end up being an absolute steal if he can make a handful of good plays this year.

Podcast & a first 2017 mock draft

September 29, 2016 /

This week we run through a full early 2017 mock draft. I’ve listed the picks below but listen to the podcast for more detail…

1 Chicago — Myles Garrett (EDGE, Texas A&M)
2 San Francisco — Leonard Fournette (RB, LSU)
3 Jacksonville — Jonathan Allen (DE, Alabama)
4 Cleveland — DeShaun Watson (QB, Clemson)
5 New Orleans — Tim Williams (EDGE, Alabama)
6 Indianapolis — Jabrill Peppers (S, Michigan)
7 Miami — DeShone Kizer (QB, Notre Dame)
8 Buffalo — Malik McDowell (DE, Michigan State)
9 New York Jets — Jarrad Davis (LB, Florida)
10 Tennessee — Marlon Humphrey (CB, Alabama)
11 San Diego — Justin Evans (S, Texas A&M)
12 Tampa Bay — O.J. Howard (TE, Alabama)
13 Washington — Cam Sutton (CB, Tennessee)
14 Tennessee — Reuben Foster (LB, Alabama)
15 Atlanta — Tre’Davious White (CB, LSU)
16 Houston — Jamal Adams (S, LSU)
17 Oakland — Jalen Tabor (CB, Florida)
18 Detroit — Christian McCaffrey (RB, Stanford)
19 New York Giants — Cam Robinson (T, Alabama)
20 Arizona — Malachi Dupre (WR, LSU)
21 Dallas — Brandon Facyson (CB, Virginia Tech)
22 Kansas City — Alex Anzalone (LB, Florida)
23 Cleveland — Dalvin Cook (RB, Florida State)
24 Cincinnati — Jehu Chesson (WR, Michigan)
25 Pittsburgh — Budda Baker (S, Washington)
26 Seattle — Mike McGlinchey (T, Notre Dame)
27 Philadelphia — Cordea Tankersley (CB, Clemson)
28 Carolina — DeMarcus Walker (DE, Florida State)
29 Denver — Josey Jewell (LB, Iowa)
30 Baltimore — Jake Butt (TE, Michigan)
31 Green Bay — Dan Feeney (G, Indiana)
32 New England — Lowell Lotulelei (DT, Utah)

Notable mentions:

Carl Lawson (DE, Auburn)
JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR, USC)
Evan Engram (TE, Ole Miss)
Desmond King (CB, Iowa)
Damore’ea Stringfellow (WR, Ole Miss)
Dorian Johnson (G, Pittsburgh)
Adoree’ Jackson (CB, USC)
Caleb Brantley (DT, Florida)
Bucky Hodges (TE, Virginia Tech)
Marcus Maye (S, Florida)

Seahawks add C.J. Spiller

September 28, 2016 /

The Seahawks have signed C.J. Spiller today, adding much needed depth to the RB position.

With Thomas Rawls out and C.J. Prosise still recovering from a wrist injury, Spiller can act as a rotational back and a third down back. He was strangely cut by the Saints after week one despite not featuring against Oakland. New Orleans incurred a dead cap penalty because they kept him on the week one roster.

We’re just recording this weeks podcast now and will touch on this, plus we have an early 2017 mock draft.

Monday draft notes: Kizer, McGlinchey, Engram

September 26, 2016 /

There’s a lot of hype around quarterback DeShone Kizer at the moment. Every year there’s a fashionable ‘alternative’ #1 overall pick. It ends up becoming a consensus and then the overreactions follow when reality sets in.

I’ve watched all four Notre Dame games now and feel comfortable judging him. In terms of physicality and talent he’s the complete package. Ideal size, nice release, plus mobility with the ability to both extend plays and make gains as a runner. You could make a highlight reel of 5-6 throws where Kizer looks every bit a possible #1 overall pick.

The thing is, there’s also a lot of ugly in there too. And that shouldn’t be a surprise — he’s only featured in 17 games in college. In comparison, last years #1 pick Jared Goff started 37 games at Cal. Kizer looks like a raw starter who just needs time to figure everything out. For that reason, the ideal situation would be for him to return to Notre Dame next season and feel the benefit of extra time on the field before turning pro. That’s a tough decision to make if there’s a chance you’ll go in the top five of the draft. Andrew Luck made a decision to stay at Stanford and risked injury. Kizer faces a similar dilemma.

In Saturday’s home loss against Duke, three plays pretty much sum up the hit-and-miss September 2016 version of DeShone Kizer. With 52 seconds left in the first half and ideally placed to lead at least a field goal drive before half time — he launched a pass so out of reach for the intended target even the defensive back climbing onto the shoulders of the WR couldn’t make the catch. On the next throw on a 3rd and 14 crossing route, he threw marginally behind the target on an easy completion and let the DB get a hand on the ball to break it up.

Yet on his first throw to begin the second half, he fit a perfect pass into the smallest window for a big gain — throwing over a linebacker and in front of the DB. It was perfection (the WR caught it and fumbled, summing up Notre Dame’s day).

His touchdown pass was equally beautiful — a perfect fade to the left corner of the end zone with ideal touch, velocity and placement.

Yet after that he came right back with another shocker — a hopelessly under-thrown ball to the left sideline that was easily cut off by the DB (who dropped the chance at a possible pick-six). It was a real cringe moment — just like his bizarre decision that ultimately cost Notre Dame the game.

With about a minute to go on 3rd and 20, Kizer had to take the snap into his own end zone. He had good protection but sensing he needed to get rid of the football to avoid a safety — he lobbed a hail mary pass into coverage and was intercepted at about the 40 yard line. The TV cameras picked up a bemused looking Brian Kelly mouthing ‘What are you doing?’ at his QB with disbelief written all over his face. Duke drove into field goal range and won.

Kizer also fumbled a snap during the game.

These are all pretty basic errors that scream a lack of experience. A team can try to iron out these kinks in the pro’s and due to his high upside and potential that might be what happens next year. Let him sit ala Jared Goff and Paxton Lynch. A case can also be made that he’s better learning lessons on the field in a competitive environment. Kizer is really, really good — and as long as he stays healthy he’s assured of a place at the top of a draft be it in 2017 or 2018. For the long term benefits of his career — he looks like a guy who just needs more experience. And the remaining schedule in 2016 with Notre Dame slumping to 1-3 might not be enough.

On a separate note — Mike McGlinchey looked really good in this game. Great balance, never flustered, kept everything in front of him in pass-pro and showed some power in the run game. His athletic testing at the combine will be fascinating. Both Kizer and McGlinchey come across really well during press interviews and teams will love their character.

Tight end Evan Engram is such a weapon and might be one of the more underrated draft prospects this year. He had a big day against Georgia with six catches for 95 yards. His best moment? An incredible endzone leap to high point the football over a defender for a touchdown. His vertical leap looks like it’ll be incredible at the combine.

Ole Miss frequently line him up in the slot and Engram has receiver athleticism and creates constant mismatches vs slot corners and linebackers. You can imagine him working in the Patriots offense as a slot receiver or in a 2TE set alongside Gronk. He could easily work his way into the latter part of the first round or the top of the second.

One final note — Pete Carroll keeps talking about suddenness at running back. He mentioned it again today on ESPN 710 when discussing Christine Michael. If that’s the most important aspect for a Seattle RB going forward — the most ‘sudden’ back in the 2017 class could be Christian McCaffrey. He’s not a physical powerhouse, wearing down a defense. In terms of burst and ability to get upfield quickly — he’s extremely good. That was my big takeaway from the UCLA game on Saturday. It’s something to monitor — especially if RB becomes a key need in the off-season.

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