A quick scene-set. In this projection, the Seahawks sign Will Fries in free agency as their significant addition to the offensive line and one other, less expensive O-line addition. That could be Ryan Kelly, who played with Fries in Indianapolis. I also have them tapping into a good safety market to replace Rayshawn Jenkins and making key moves to re-sign Ernest Jones Jr and Jarran Reed.

Round one

#1 NY Giants (v/TEN) — Cam Ward (QB, Miami)
The Giants, with a GM and Head Coach in desperation mode, trade up to the #1 overall pick using their 2026 first rounder. They select Ward, a player I think deserves a second round grade but is being elevated in an atrocious draft for blue-chip talent at the top-end. As you’ll see in this mock, the top-10 is littered with players who would typically go later.

#2 Cleveland — Abdul Carter (EDGE, Penn State)
With question marks surrounding Myles Garrett’s future, the Browns take Abdul Carter. Financially it’s challenging for the Browns to trade Garrett before June 1st. If they do it, it’ll likely be for an obscene package of picks in 2026 and 2027. That could enable the Browns to be aggressive in the quarterback market next year, while adding a placeholder (Kirk Cousins) for this season.

#3 Tennessee (v/NYG) — Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado)
The Titans move down and acquire an extra first for next year. I get the sense they appreciate the need to build, not just go through an endless young quarterback cycle. This projection considers that situation and has Tennessee building — starting with Hunter.

#4 New England — Tyler Warren (TE, Penn State)
The Patriots could be big spenders in free agency to try and repair their offensive line. Tyler Warren was Drew Allar’s #1 target — a playmaker and a safety valve. Giving Drake Maye a fantastic, reliable weapon like this could be the making of him — provided they add O-liners in free agency. You have to believe they will.

#5 Jacksonville — Armand Membou (T/G, Missouri)
Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen virtually put a ‘for sale’ sign on this pick during his combine appearance on the NFL Network. There simply aren’t enough blue-chip players in this class to want to stay in this spot. The draft could become highly unpredictable from this point onwards. So when all else fails, take a plug-in-and-play offensive lineman. Membou could immediately replace the departing Brandon Scherff.

#6 Las Vegas — Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State)
Jeanty is pound-for-pound the best player in the draft. Putting him on the field with Brock Bowers will make the Raiders more interesting in 2025. Especially if they can get a quarterback later on.

#7 NY Jets — Tyler Booker (G, Alabama)
The likes of Todd McShay and Albert Breer have reported how much the league is buzzing about Booker post-combine, with McShay stating he’ll go earlier than people think. He is a completely safe pick and again, in a class without a lot of blue-chip talent, that’ll count for something. Booker can help to establish a Lions-esque presence up front for Aaron Glenn, with Alijah Vera-Tucker moving to right tackle.

#8 Carolina — Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan)
I’ve been saying it for months — Loveland will be graded way higher than the internet is suggesting. It’s now being reported by several known pundits that he won’t get out of the top-15. He will be seen as one of the few genuine first round talents in the class. He can become Bryce Young’s go-to target.

#9 New Orleans — Jalon Walker (LB, Georgia)
Walker is a lesser version of Abdul Carter. He can start right away and he has A++ character traits. The Saints need to re-energise their defense and Walker can help do that with immediate impact not only as a tone-setting linebacker but also as a pass-rusher.

#10 Chicago — Will Campbell (T, LSU)
Having 32.5-inch arms is a concern and I’m not convinced at all that he can kick inside to guard with his height and playing style, which lacks aggression. Also, his tape wasn’t as good as some are making out in 2024, just ask the LSU fans. However, high-end athletic traits could keep Campbell in the top-10 and the Bears are rebuilding their offensive line after trading for Jonah Jackson today.

#11 San Francisco — Mason Graham (DT, Michigan)
Weighing at about 295lbs with only 32-inch arms is a concern. He didn’t do any testing at the combine either. Even so, you get the sense the 49ers will prioritise rebuilding their defensive line and he has good tape.

#12 Dallas — Omarion Hampton (RB, North Carolina)
There’s a growing buzz that Hampton could go as high as this and that some teams grade him in a similar range to Jeanty.

#13 Miami — Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas)
He’s such a playmaker and his character’s off the charts. Barron can play in the slot or outside, he plays with physicality and running a 4.39 is the icing on the cake. The most impressive thing in 2024 was seeing how much he attacked defending the run. He could go in the top-10.

#14 Indianapolis — Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)
The Colts badly need an upgrade at cornerback and Johnson’s talent is being overshadowed by an injury plagued 2024 season.

#15 Atlanta — Jihaad Campbell (LB, Alabama)
Campbell’s stock is going through the roof and it’s not a surprise. He’s a punishing tackler, a great athlete and he can play in multiple spots including rushing the passer. He’s a potential game-changer for a defense needing a major upgrade.

#16 Arizona — Mykel Williams (DE, Georgia)
Apparently there are mixed views on Williams and it’s easy to understand why. There’s a noticeable difference in his upper body size compared to some of the other bigger defensive ends. He’s also struggled to stay healthy and consistent. That could keep him on the board longer than this.

#17 Cincinnati — Mike Green (EDGE, Marshall)
The character concerns will need to be investigated by all teams but if there’s one franchise typically willing to turn a blind eye it’s the Bengals.

#18 Seattle — Donovan Ezeiruaku (EDGE, Boston College)
He is exactly the type of player the Seahawks have been drafting early over the last few years. Ezeiruaku has exceptional football character, production (16.5 sacks in 2024 plus the joint most pressures during the regular season), he ran a brilliant 4.19 shuttle (in his weight-range of 245-260lbs, only 15 rushers have run a faster time in combine history) and his run defense is really good for a player of his size (tied first for run-stop responsibility percentage). Mike Macdonald seems to like to have four rush options based on his time in Baltimore and Seattle. Ezeiruaku could be a prolific sack-collector in his system.

#19 Tampa Bay — Shemar Stewart (DE, Texas A&M)
His physical profile is enticing but his tape is a mix of exciting and baffling. The elite players with his physical profile produced an average of 25 sacks in college. He only produced 4.5. Teams will be wary about that.

#20 Denver — TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State)
Apparently Sean Payton is after an X-factor weapon, someone who can do the Alvin Kamara job. He could wait until day two to scratch this itch but Henderson could be really good in Denver.

#21 Pittsburgh — Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina)
Everyone knew Emmanwori was a top athlete and I think some mocks are counting it twice after he ran and jumped well at the combine. He’s a good player — but I’m not convinced he’s a top-15 pick.

#22 LA Chargers — Kenneth Grant (DT, Michigan)
Jim Harbaugh is a trenches man. He’s going to draft for the trenches. He worked with Grant and will know what he’s all about.

#23 Green Bay — Matthew Golden (WR, Texas)
The Packers are under a lot of pressure to find a #1 receiver and they might be forced to use a bit more urgency to address that need in the draft by using a first round pick on the best one available. If they did trade for DK Metcalf this could be a spot for the Seahawks to take Grey Zabel.

#24 Minnesota — Walter Nolen (DT, Ole Miss)
The Vikings could use an interior defender with upside. There are questions about Nolen’s attitude but the Vikings have occasionally taken a chance on athletic potential. He’s a former #1 overall High-School recruit.

#25 Houston — Grey Zabel (G/C, North Dakota State)
His tape is excellent and he just jumped a 36.5-inch vertical. It’s time to take Zabel seriously as a first round pick.

#26 LA Rams — Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona)
With Cooper Kupp set to move on the Rams add a replacement weapon for the returning Matthew Stafford.

#27 Baltimore — Malaki Starks (S, Georgia)
The Ravens need a safety and have a knack of capitalising when players drop into range. His play fell off a cliff in the second half of the season but I thought he looked very good during combine drills.

#28 Detroit — Luther Burden (WR, Missouri)
The Lions can afford to let the board come to them and take the best players available, which in this instance is Luther Burden — who, like Stefon Diggs — could play his best football at the next level.

#29 Washington — Donovan Jackson (G, Ohio State)
The Commanders could do with refreshing and bolstering their trenches.

#30 Buffalo — Emeka Egbuka (WR, Ohio State)
The Amari Cooper experiment didn’t really work but Egbuka could end up being a version of the younger Cooper, as a reliable chain-moving target.

#31 Kansas City — Kelvin Banks Jr (T, Texas)
I think he’s best suited to playing right tackle but the Chiefs’ need on the left means they’ll probably try him there first.

#32 Philadelphia — Josh Simmons (T, Ohio State)
If there’s ever a team prepared to plan ahead at certain positions and think about the future, it’s the Eagles. They take Simmons and give him the chance to fully recover from his injury as a future starter at either tackle spot.

Round two

#33 Cleveland — Quinshon Judkins (RB, Ohio State)
He gave his stock a huge boost at the combine, testing brilliantly and looking superb. He has the physical profile to go in this range.

#34 NY Giants — Mason Taylor (TE, LSU)
A superb on-field work-out at the combine should secure his place in the top-35.

#35 Tennessee — Landon Jackson (DE, Arkansas)
Some teams are going to value this guy way higher than the Mike Green types who are short and lack length. Jackson is built like a terminator and is a ‘win getting off the bus’ type of player.

#36 Jacksonville — Maxwell Hairston (CB, Kentucky)
The Jaguars need a playmaker in the secondary. Hairston is fantastically athletic and smooth in coverage but his run defense and tackling is a big concern.

#37 Las Vegas — Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)
Sanders simply isn’t physically impressive enough, isn’t capable of avoiding creating his own pressure and based on Todd McShay’s reports about how he handled combine meetings last week, there’s a chance he will slide.

#38 New England — Josh Conerly Jr (T, Oregon)
The Patriots secure a left tackle, although they’ll need to dabble in free agency before they get to this point to fix their O-line.

#39 Chicago (v/CAR) — Elijah Arroyo (TE, Miami)
After a brilliant week at the Senior Bowl Arroyo could be Chicago’s answer to Sam LaPorta for Ben Johnson.

#40 New Orleans — Bradyn Swinson (EDGE, LSU)
Swinson is being massively slept on after recording the joint most pressures during the college football regular season. A quality player.

#41 Chicago — Derrick Harmon (DT, Oregon)
Harmon’s pass-rush win percentage from the interior is highly impressive and he had a good combine session on the field.

#42 New York Jets — Jaxson Dart (QB, Ole Miss)
The Jets stay patient and land Dart, a player who could compete to start quickly in New York.

#43 San Francisco — Carson Schwesinger (LB, UCLA)
With Dre Greenlaw seemingly set to depart, the 49ers get a steal by landing Schwesinger in round two.

#44 Dallas — Jaylin Noel (WR, Iowa State)
A quality player who jumps off the tape. He would provide a brilliant complement to Ceedee Lamb in Dallas.

#45 Indianapolis — Tate Ratledge (G, Georgia)
With Will Fries reaching free agency, the Colts select his replacement here.

#46 Atlanta — Azareye’h Thomas (CB, Florida State)
The Falcons need another cornerback and Thomas’ excellent Senior Bowl will secure a top-50 placing.

#47 Arizona — Oluwafemi Oladejo (EDGE, UCLA)
‘The Mayor’ finds his way to the NFC West as the Cardinals double-down on EDGE rushers.

#48 Miami — Tyleik Williams (DT, Ohio State)
Williams has so much potential but could stand to shed about 10lbs to realise it.

#49 Cincinnati — Demetrius Knight (LB, South Carolina)
He was such a force for the Gamecocks and had a better than expected work-out in Indianapolis.

#50 Seattle — Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas)
I get the sense some teams (not all) will view Ewers very differently to the internet. I have an inkling too that John Schneider might be one of the people who feels that way. Ewers has been working closely with Mike McCarthy recently, a close friend of Schneider. This could be the year the Seahawks take a QB.

#51 Denver — Harold Fanin Jr (TE, Bowling Green)
The Broncos need a tight end. Sean Payton has found ways to max-out receiver-first TE’s in the past and Fanin Jr might appeal to him.

#52 Pittsburgh — Will Howard (QB, Ohio State)
It’s very easy to imagine Mike Tomlin having a lot of time for Howard. You can see him in Pittsburgh and the AFC North.

#53 Tampa Bay — Jack Bech (WR, TCU)
A tremendous player who would be an immediate contributor and replacement for Chris Godwin if he departs.

#54 Green Bay — Princely Umanmielen (DE, Ole Miss)
The Packers try to kick start their pass rush by adding Umanmielen to the rotation.

#55 LA Chargers — Josaiah Stewart (EDGE, Michigan)
Again, Jim Harbaugh is a trenches guy. He could be set to lose Khalil Mack and/or Joey Bosa. As with Kenneth Grant, he knows all about Stewart’s qualities — with a NCAA leading 27% pass-rush win percentage.

#56 Buffalo (v/MIN) — James Pearce Jr (EDGE, Tennessee)
Character concerns push Pearce Jr into round two before the Bills end his fall.

#57 Carolina (v/LAR) — Ty Robinson (DT, Nebraska)
A tremendous player with a high level of intensity, power, athleticism and character. He had seven sacks in 2024. If you missed my recent interview with him, check it out here.

#58 Houston — Jared Wilson (C, Georgia)
The Texans continue to rebuild their interior O-line through the draft.

#59 Baltimore — Aireontae Ersery (T, Minnesota)
The Ravens are always prepared to take a chance on big offensive tackles.

#60 Detroit — Darius Alexander (DT, Toledo)
An excellent Senior Bowl and a decent combine secure a second round placing for Alexander.

#61 Washington — TJ Sanders (DT, South Carolina)
He lacks sand in his pants to absorb double-teams but as a pass-rusher he can impact games.

#62 Buffalo — Shavon Revel (CB, East Carolina)
If it wasn’t for the injury, he’d have a shot at the first round.

#63 Kansas City — Tre Harris (WR, Ole Miss)
A forty in the 4.5’s is an alarm bell — many receivers with his size and lack of speed fail to separate at the next level. He’ll need a good quarterback throwing the ball.

#64 Philadelphia — Sai’vion Jones (DE, LSU)
When he’s revved up and going full tilt, he can be incredibly disruptive.

Round three

#65 NY Giants — Xavier Watts (S, Notre Dame)
#66 Kansas City (v/TEN) — Terrance Ferguson (TE, Oregon)
#67 Cleveland — Tyler Shough (QB, Louisville)
#68 Las Vegas — Billy Bowman Jr (S, Oklahoma)
#69 New England — Jack Sawyer (DE, Ohio State)
#70 Jacksonville — Jayden Higgins (WR, Iowa State)
#71 New Orleans — Tai Felton (WR, Maryland)
#72 Chicago — Nic Scourton (DE, Texas A&M)
#73 Las Vegas (v/NYJ) — Darien Porter (CB, Iowa State)
#74 Carolina — Jordan Burch (DE, Oregon)
#75 San Francisco — JT Tuimoloau (EDGE, Ohio State)
#76 Dallas — Alfred Collins (DT, Texas)
#77 New England (v/ATL) — Kaleb Johnson (RB, Iowa)
#78 Arizona — Dylan Fairchild (G, Georgia)
#79 Washington (v/MIA) — Tyler Baron (EDGE, Miami)
#80 Indianapolis — Joshua Farmer (DT, Florida State)
#81 Cincinnati — Marcus Mbow (G, Purdue)
#82 Seattle — Jackson Hawes (TE, Georgia Tech)
#83 Pittsburgh — Tory Horton (WR, Colorado State)
#84 Tampa Bay — Andrew Mukuba (S, Texas)
#85 Denver — Shemar Turner (DE, Texas A&M)
#86 LA Chargers — Jake Majors (C, Texas)
#87 Green Bay — Benjamin Morrison (CB, Notre Dame)
#88 Jacksonville (v/MIN) — Bhayshul Tuten (RB, Virginia Tech)
#89 Houston — Omarr Norman-Lott (DT, Tennessee)
#90 LA Rams — DJ Giddens (RB, Kansas State)
#91 Baltimore — Jacob Parrish (CB, Kansas State)
#92 NY Jets (v/DET) — Denzel Burke (CB, Ohio State)
#93 New Orleans (v/WAS) — Riley Leonard (QB, Notre Dame)
#94 Cleveland (v/BUF) — Anthony Belton (T, NC State)
#95 Philadelphia — Barrett Carter (LB, Clemson)
#96 Kansas City — Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (DE, Georgia)
#97 Minnesota — Zy Alexander (CB, LSU)
#98 Miami — Jonah Savaiinaea (G, Arizona)
#99 San Francisco — Gunnar Helm (TE, Texas)
#100 LA Rams — Emory Jones (T, LSU)

Thoughts on the Seahawks

It won’t be a surprise to anyone who followed our combine coverage that Donovan Ezeiruaku is the pick at #18. I can imagine a lot of people will turn their noses up at him. It’s indisputable though that he is exactly the type of player the Seahawks love to draft and is worthy, within this draft class, of going in the top-20.

Character has been a big part of their decision making for some time. Ezeiruaku is A+ in this category. He was a captain at Boston College, he’s incredibly driven and has a passion for the game. Listening to his interviews, he perfectly fits the type of player they have come to target.

He’s highly productive, recording 16.5 sacks last season despite getting little help at Boston College. For a comparison, Jared Verse had nine sacks in the same conference in his final year at Florida State and had the benefit of playing on the same line as Braden Fiske. Ezeiruaku was also tied Bradyn Swinson for the most pressures (60) during the college football regular season. He had more than Abdul Carter. He won games for his team in 2024.

He’s not just a good pass-rusher. His run-stop responsibility percentage led college football at his position in 2024 (10.1%) — so he can start quickly and won’t be a liability on early downs.

His short shuttle of 4.19 has only been beaten by 15 pass rushers in combine history weighing between 245-260lbs. It’s in the same ball-park as former target Arnold Ebiketie (4.24) and Derick Hall (4.22). He also has 34-inch arms. The only thing lacking is a 1.5 10-yard split. We’ll see if he runs at his pro-day.

If you’re worried about his size (248lbs) it’s worth looking at the 2024 sack leaders. The list in the top-12 includes:

Nik Bonitto — 240lbs
Micah Parsons — 245lbs
Andrew Van Ginkel — 242lbs
Will Anderson — 243lbs
Will McDonald — 236lbs

This is a draft class where players drafted at #18 and #45 will carry similar grades. It’s going to be a real ‘pick your poison’ second half of round one. I wouldn’t underestimate Ezeiruaku as an option for the Seahawks. Don’t take my word for it — Lance Zierlein gave him a 6.40 grade. Only 16 players have a higher grade.

Questions about Uchenna Nwosu’s future and ability to stay healthy, plus Boye Mafe being in a contract year, could put an EDGE rusher among Seattle’s priorities this off-season.

For what it’s worth, I would seriously consider Grey Zabel at #18 after a brilliant combine workout on the field, plus explosive testing (3.23 TEF) worthy of a top-25 pick. If the Seahawks sign Will Fries though, it makes his selection less likely.

If the Ezeiruaku pick will divide opinion, I can feel the force of the collective eye-rolls from Seahawks Twitter at the Quinn Ewers selection at #50.

As I noted yesterday, I think we’ll see a run on quarterbacks on day-two. I also think the presence of a middle-class will create the best opportunity for Schneider to pick one he likes since trading Russell Wilson in 2022.

Ewers spending time with Mike McCarthy recently is interesting, given the connection between the former Cowboys Head Coach and Seattle’s GM. I’m not making any bold predictions for Ewers’ NFL career. I feel like we’ve done to death the positives and negatives of his time in college. I do think some decision makers will be intrigued by the prodigy nature of his upbringing and will feel like — with time — they might be able to ‘chase an edge’ and get a player who typically might’ve gone earlier if the injuries didn’t derail his final year at Texas.

Can I see Schneider picking Ewers? Yes. Can I see him being interested in several of these quarterbacks on day two? Also yes.

Alternative picks could include Georgia center Jared Wilson, Darius Alexander from Toledo and Ty Robinson from Nebraska.

The final pick in round three might feel like a reach but I don’t think it is. Georgia Tech tight end Jackson Hawes is a fit for the desired nature of this team. He’s an incredibly intense blocking tight end. Forget the 4.82 forty yard dash, it doesn’t matter. Focus on the 1.56 10-yard split at 253lbs (an elite time for a great pass-rusher at that size) and the 4.4 short shuttle. The best tight ends in the league have this kind of agility and short-area burst.

This is a tone-setter of a pick. It’ll be like having an extra offensive lineman on the field when he’s out there. I think he deserves to go in round three and if you want the Seahawks to be more tough, physical and better blockers up front — this is your guy. It’s also possible they could move Noah Fant after the draft if they make this selection — or just keep him for 2025.

Seahawks seven-round mock draft

#18 — Donovan Ezeiruaku (EDGE, Boston College)
#50 — Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas)
#82 — Jackson Hawes (TE, Georgia Tech)
#137 — Nazir Stackhouse (DT, Georgia)
#173 — Nick Martin (LB, Oklahoma State)
#187 — Robert Longerbeam (CB, Rutgers)
#212 — Isaac TeSlaa (WR, Arkansas)
#236 — Luke Kandra (G, Cincinnati)

A few notes on the day three picks. Stackhouse is a classic nose tackle who looked well proportioned with his weight at the combine. He was one of the big surprises. Martin tested superbly and is known for his great attitude and physical toughness. Longerbeam’s leadership qualities are said to be highly regarded at Rutgers and he too had an excellent day at the combine. TeSlaa was a big surprise with his testing — he’s raw and needs refinement but there’s a lot of potential here. He makes difficult catches look easy. Medical concerns could force Kandra down the board but he’s a really good fit as a developmental zone blocking guard or center.

Here is my updated horizontal board post-combine. I have added a new ‘fringe second round’ (R2-3) tier and adjusted grades based on testing and further film study. Below you’ll find a position-by-position breakdown with thoughts on the Seahawks along the way.

Click to enlarge:

Quarterbacks

After watching the throwing sessions, all of the combine interviews and reviewing the tape, I think there are seven quarterbacks clumped together in a similar grading range. Increasingly it appears Cam Ward could go first overall — a factor highlighting team desperation at the position and a poor draft class at the top-end. Ward is a mid-to-late second round talent. Like all of the quarterbacks, there are aspects to like and want to develop, yet taking him first overall will create intense scrutiny and require a high performance level very quickly in his career.

I’ve been saying for some time that there’s a possibility Shedeur Sanders lasts longer than people think. His dog and pony show during this draft season has been fairly laughable. He showed up for one day at the Shrine Bowl, didn’t do anything, and went home. He didn’t throw or compete at the combine. He isn’t physically impressive and creates far too much pressure for himself. He gives off a vibe of being a celebrity quarterback, which is a stark contrast to the way the likes of Tyler Shough, Will Howard, Quinn Ewers, Cam Ward and Riley Leonard have conducted themselves. He is not, in terms of pure grade, noticeably better than those players or Jaxson Dart — if he’s even better at all.

I think there’s a very realistic chance we’ll see a run on the position on day two and by the end of the third round, seven quarterbacks will have been drafted. It’s a better group than people have been suggesting. There’s a lack of a wow factor but there are several potential starters.

I still believe the Seahawks will take one of these QB’s. In the past we’ve seen quarterbacks go too early (2024) or simply not cut the mustard (2022). This year, with a reasonable middle-class, we should see players go in rounds 2-3. I don’t think they will force anything but this is the best chance since the Russell Wilson trade that we’ll see John Schneider select a quarterback.

Running backs

I have 27 runners with draftable grades and I still haven’t studied everyone. Three players — Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton and TreVeyon Henderson — could go in round one. Quinshon Judkins won’t be far behind. There are nine other running backs I think could justifiably be drafted on day two. It’s an incredibly deep class of running backs.

This obviously isn’t a high-priority for the Seahawks with their depth at the position. However, there will be value to be had at various points and it’s possible we could see players who are ‘too good to turn down’ even if it only means taking a runner on day three.

Wide receivers

I’m not convinced we’ll see a receiver drafted in the top-20. Matthew Golden might have the best chance after running in the 4.3’s. This feels like another draft like 2023 where the first wide out goes at around #20-ish.

There’s great depth again though. Jaylin Noel and Jack Bech look like excellent round two options. The likes of Tai Felton, Jayden Higgins, Tory Horton, Kyle Williams and Jaylin Lane all carry intrigue. In total I have 28 receivers graded for the first five rounds.

I wouldn’t rule out the likes of Noel and Bech at #50 for the Seahawks but players like Felton and Horton might be more likely in round three if they feel like they need a significant investment to replace Tyler Lockett.

Tight ends

Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland didn’t work-out but both could and should go in the top-10 and won’t fall beyond #14. They are both legit first-round talents, in a class with so few of those players available. Mason Taylor’s performance at the combine deserves separation as a fringe first-round talent. I have a group of seven tight ends graded in round three. Not all of these players will be taken in that round, meaning day-three value is likely.

Keep an eye on Jackson Hawes — the best blocking tight end who also had an excellent testing session at the combine, hinting at untapped potential as a receiver. I also really like the tape of Notre Dame’s Mitchell Evans and Syracuse’s Oronde Gadsden. Jalin Conyers has an excellent physical profile too. This could easily be a position the Seahawks tap into.

Offensive tackle

It’s an incredibly weak class at tackle. Josh Simmons’ injury and lack of length is a concern, despite his good tape. I no longer view Kelvin Banks Jr as a guard prospect and see him as a right tackle only. I’m struggling to keep Josh Conerly Jr at tackle because he just doesn’t look like he has the size for it — I’m just not sure he’s ideally suited to guard either.

There are some big tackles available later on but none really feel like early round types. Jack Nelson and Logan Brown could be diamonds in the rough or, at least, good depth players — but this is not a good year to want an offensive tackle.

Guard

I have six players graded for the top-45 at guard, then a significant drop off to round three. That’s worth paying attention to. If the Seahawks see a similar fall-off, they might be minded to avoid risking missing out. It all depends on what they do in free agency. If they make a splash on someone like Will Fries or Aaron Banks, this is less likely to be a target.

Tyler Booker’s brilliant on-field workout allays any fears about his poor testing numbers to remain OG1 on my board.

Todd McShay noted today:

“One non-quarterback whose name came up a lot in conversations with NFL personnel was Tyler Booker. I’m not sure anyone in Indianapolis had a better week than the Alabama offensive guard in terms of his interviews with teams. Many teams consider him one of the cleanest prospects in the entire draft. I was told multiple times last week that Booker will come off the board a lot higher than expected.”

Then there’s this from Albert Breer:

“I had one veteran exec tell me Booker’s was the best combine interview he’d ever had with an offensive lineman.”

In a class without a lot of blue-chip talent, a quality player with outstanding character and a clean report will be coveted, trust me.

Armand Membou isn’t too far behind in terms of tape and obviously he had a superb testing session. Only two offensive linemen have jumped a better vertical than Grey Zabel (36.5 inches) since combine records were first collected in 2003. One of those two players is Tristan Wirfs. It might be time to stop saying #18 is too early for Zabel. Donovan Jackson picked up an injury at the combine but comfortably deserves to go in the #25-40 range in this class.

Tate Ratledge was one of the big winners at the combine — he’s explosive, agile and fast and plays with a mean-streak. I am now grading him firmly in the top-45. He has an elite testing profile and if he’d stayed healthy in 2024 and performed well, he could’ve been knocking on the door for round one. Will Campbell tested well at the combine but he struggled throughout 2024 on tape, he has short arms and will need to kick inside — a move that won’t suit his current style of play which lacks aggression.

After these seven players are gone, it’ll be difficult to add a potential rookie starter to your roster with legit upside potential.

Center

Jake Majors didn’t test but he looked excellent during on-field drills. Jared Wilson was the star of the position group in Indianapolis with a brilliant series of tests and drills. He’s very explosive (32-inch vertical, 9-4 broad jump), ran the best ever forty by a center (4.84) — easily eclipsing Erik McCoy’s 4.89 and besting Jason Kelce’s 4.92. He also defeated McCoy’s short shuttle (4.52 vs 4.62). Given how well McCoy played for Klint Kubiak, Wilson is a name to watch. He is a legit option at pick #50 for the Seahawks.

After that the position falls off a cliff, unless you want to draft Marcus Mbow to move him inside to center. Later on, Kentucky’s Eli Cox is a name to watch after a strong combine. If the Seahawks want to add impact at the position it feels like their options are Drew Dalman, Ryan Kelly, Wilson and possibly Majors. Josh Myers is another possible free agent but does he fit the zone scheme?

EDGE rushers

Abdul Carter is clearly EDGE1 even with the injury. For me, Donovan Ezeiruaku is EDGE2. He ticks so many boxes. He ran a 4.19 short shuttle which is outstanding. He has 34-inch arms and knows how to use them. He had 16.5 sacks last season playing pretty much as a one-man-band for Boston College. His pass-rush win percentage is 18.2% and he created 60 pressures last season — joint most during the regular season with Bradyn Swinson. His run-stop responsibility percentage (10.1%) also led college EDGE rushers.

On top of all this, he was a team captain and has exceptional character and demeanour. He is exactly the type of player the Seahawks have come to rate highly and draft early. He is an option, in my opinion, at #18.

This is also a need. In 2022, Baltimore — with Mike Macdonald as defensive coordinator — stacked their EDGE rush depth with four players — Tyus Bowser, Justin Houston, Odafe Oweh
and Jason Pierre-Paul. In 2023, they had Jadeveon Clowney, Odafe Oweh, Kyle Van Noy and Tavius Robinson. Once arriving in Seattle, they made quite an aggressive move to keep Darrell Taylor, then were equally aggressive to try and replace him with Trevis Gipson. Again, they had four EDGE rushers — Boye Mafe, Derick Hall, Uchenna Nwosu and Darrell Taylor / Trevis Gipson.

Currently they only have three on the roster and Nwosu is an injury doubt after two challenging seasons. I think it’s somewhat likely they will actively seek to add another EDGE. Donovan Ezeiruaku fits the bill in so many ways from profile to performance/production and character. His 4.19 shuttle is worth noting — it’s similar to Derick Hall’s 4.22 (they had a first round grade on Hall) and Arnold Ebiketie’s 4.24 (they supposedly liked him a lot and potentially would’ve taken him instead of Boye Mafe).

Is #18 too high for Ezeiruaku? What I would say is — this is a class where the players taken at about #17-55 will carry similar grades. In a typical draft Ezeiruaku might be the 35th pick. This year, I could easily see him being taken between #16-24.

Reportedly there are legit character concerns hampering James Pearce Jr’s stock. I’m a big fan of Bradyn Swinson as a legit top-50 talent. Oluwafemi ‘the Mayor’ Oladejo has been one of the big winners this off-season. I think once Josaiah Stewart leaves the board this is an EDGE group that tapers off a bit, although Tyler Baron could be an interesting late third round option.

Defensive ends

Shemar Stewart is a tough one to analyse. He looked excellent at times during the Senior Bowl. He has outstanding flashes and running a 1.58 10-yard split at 267lbs is the real deal. Yet on tape he was too often a ‘nearly-man’ rusher, failing to finish plays or truly understand what is required to create a serious pass-rush plan. He was also spelled too often for comfort. His pass-rush win percentage of 12.4% is nothing to write home about, he only recorded 39 pressures and his run-stop responsibility percentage was a meagre 5.5%. It all makes you wonder whether the idea of Shemar Stewart is better than the reality.

Here’s a list of players who weighed +260lbs and ran a 1.60 or faster 10-yard split:

Montez Sweat — 260 — 1.50
Nick Bosa — 266 — 1.55
Yaya Diaby — 263 — 1.55
Josh Hines-Allen — 262 — 1.57
Vernon Gholston — 266 — 1.58
Nick Perry — 271 — 1.58
Whitney Mercilus — 261 — 1.58
Shemar Stewart — 267 — 1.58
Shea McClellin — 260 — 1.59
Jadeveon Clowney — 266 — 1.59
Dante Fowler — 261 — 1.59
Trey Hendrickson — 266 — 1.59
Preston Smith — 271 — 1.60
Bud Dupree — 269 — 1.60
Emmanuel Ogbah — 273 — 1.60
Carl Lawson — 261 — 1.60
Sam Williams — 261 — 1.60

There are some fantastic names on that list. There are also players who flattered to deceive or were just average. It’s worth noting that the star performers — Bosa, Hendrickson, Hines-Allen, Sweat — all had major production in college. Between the four of them they averaged 25 sacks each. The number would’ve been even higher had Bosa not missed much of his final year at Ohio State.

Shemar Stewart had 4.5 sacks in college. It speaks to his boom-or-bust nature. I do think he should be under consideration at #18 — but it’s important to have the right perspective on him

Landon Jackson’s excellent combine and playing style could secure a placing in the top-40. Mykel Williams didn’t test and looked small in comparison to Stewart and Jackson. Sai’vion Jones and Jordan Burch are both intriguing players with a potential range of #50-75.

Defensive tackle

I’ve long said this is a deep group of defensive tackles without many legit first round players. I’m even starting to doubt Mason Graham after he weighed 30lbs lighter than his suggested 320lbs by Michigan, with short arms and no testing numbers. What exactly is his level of upside? Until he tests, I’ve moved him down into fringe first round value. He simply doesn’t have the profile of an exceptional defensive tackle based on measurements.

We didn’t get any testing numbers for Walter Nolen or Kenneth Grant. I think they belong with Tyleik Williams, Derrick Harmon and Ty Robinson in the second round range — with Darius Alexander, TJ Sanders and Rylie Mills a tier below.

The player who possibly intrigues me the most based on combine impact was Nazir Stackhouse. He looked excellent and could be a terrific nose tackle option in the fourth round.

Based on what we saw and experienced at the combine I would imagine it’s increasingly likely the Seahawks will re-sign Jarran Reed. There’s depth at this position but unless they’ve fallen for someone like Nebraska’s Robinson, I suspect this won’t be an early-round target area.

Linebackers

Jalon Walker didn’t test but will likely go in the top-16. Jihaad Campbell was one of the big winners at the combine — looking superb during drills and testing well. He is a blunt-force impactor on tape and packs a punch as a tone-setting hitter. His pass-rushing value, versatility, physical playing style and excellent character make him a legit option for the Seahawks at #18. I think they’d love to have a player like this but I suspect he won’t get by the 49ers (#11), Colts (#14), Falcons (#15), Cardinals (#16) and Bengals (#17). If he somehow does — he could be their guy.

Carson Schwesinger deserves a top-40 grade and it’s very possible Demetrius Knight goes in round two after a better than expected combine. Barrett Carter also impressed me more than I expected but after him, I think there’s a significant drop-off at the position — even if the likes of Jackson Woodard, Nick Martin, Cody Lindenberg, Jeffrey Bassa and Teddye Buchanan could be interesting on day three.

I’ve no doubt the Seahawks will retain Ernest Jones Jr after watching the linebackers at the combine.

Cornerbacks

It’s a deep group. Travis Hunter will be a top-five pick and Will Johnson and Jahdae Barron likely won’t get out of the top-14. It’s looking increasingly likely that Barron could go in the top-10. Either player would be legit options at #18 if they lasted to the Seahawks.

Despite his awful tackling form, Maxwell Hairston will likely be a second round pick and Azareye’h Thomas is still in that range post-combine. I have 20 cornerbacks graded between rounds 3-5 so there’s depth on offer here. The Seahawks should be able to add to their cornerback room in this draft.

Safety

I was surprised that a tweet yesterday tossing out the possibility of doubling-down on offensive linemen in the draft received so much push-back from fans. Many replied saying they want the Seahawks to take Nick Emmanwori at #18 instead.

I’ll repeat what I said on Friday and Saturday. I like Emmanwori’s tape. He’s a unique player with exceptional size and speed. He’s a very good cover safety for his size, with versatility in his locker.

That said, I haven’t seen a single crunching hit on tape or forceful tackle. I think at times he could play with more urgency and intensity. The people comparing him to Kyle Hamilton need to remember that Hamilton was the best pound-for-pound player in the 2022 draft and he fell due to a bad forty and positional value. He was a far more accomplished — and physical — prospect than Emmanwori. He doesn’t succeed in Baltimore because he’s big and fast. Neither is Kam Chancellor a fair comparison. They’re both big players but Chancellor’s soul-taking intensity was way beyond anything shown by Emmanwori.

I don’t believe his addition will take Seattle’s defense to the next level. It would be a decent addition and nothing more, not a field-tilting move. I do not expect him to match Hamilton’s impact in Baltimore because they are a different quality of player. I have him as a tier-two prospect, with a similar grade to others at more pressing need areas.

I actually think it remains very close in terms of grading between Emmanwori and Malaki Starks. Granted, Starks running a 4.50 isn’t ideal and his 2024 season got gradually worse as it went along. During drills, though, Starks stuck out like a sore thumb. He will likely go in the 20’s or 30’s and it won’t be a surprise if he ends up being a value pick for a good defensive coach.

There is a drop-off after these two — although Xavier Watts’ production is very interesting, Marques Sigle’s testing profile catches the eye, Andrew Mukuba had a great year for Texas and Billy Bowman Jr injected life into his stock at the combine. Kevin Winston Jr is an impressive player but with an injury history.

Final thoughts

The Seahawks will go about creating cap room this week, with a likely Geno Smith extension and departures for players like Tyler Lockett, Rayshawn Jenkins and Roy Robertson-Harris. I suspect their free agency priority will be to add proven quality to the offensive line. My preference would be to focus on the center position first and foremost — and I wouldn’t mind them overpaying for Drew Dalman. Getting an elite center would be a huge get for this offense.

They will almost certainly set up to draft best player available at #18. If one or more of Jalon Walker, Jihaad Campbell, Will Johnson, Jahdae Barron, Tyler Booker or Armand Membou last to them — they could easily be taken.

If, as expected, they are not available, I think you have a cluster of players with similar grades who could be considered. This includes Donovan Ezeiruaku and Grey Zabel — not just the likes of Shemar Stewart and Nick Emmanwori because they unsurprisingly tested well. The more I’ve studied Ezeiruaku and Zabel, the more I believe their mix of character, production and physical profile matches up to what the Seahawks have looked for.

I firmly believe they are eyeing the quarterback class with the intention of drafting one of the top-seven QB’s provided the board works in their favour. Trading up from #50 wouldn’t be out of the question if they sense a rush is forthcoming and they have a conviction about one or more of these signal callers. I think teams are higher on this group than the media.

Other players who feel like good fits at #50 include receivers Jaylin Noel and Jack Bech, guard Tate Ratledge, center Jared Wilson, pass-rushers Bradyn Swinson and Oluwafemi Oladejo, defensive tackle Ty Robinson and cornerback Azareye’h Thomas.

The third round could be used as a trade-chip to move up from #50 if required. If they keep it, this looks like a good place to target tight ends, receivers and cornerbacks — unless the quarterbacks last into range at #82 and they could be an option there too.

The 2025 NFL combine is in the books and in this final review article I wanted to cover three topics:

— The offensive linemen I think best fit the Seahawks
— The growing buzz around the quarterback class
— What I think will happen this week with Geno Smith

The linemen I want in Seattle

We’ve all heard enough about the type of team the Seahawks say they want to be. It’s time to deliver. If you want to be horrible to play against, dominant in the run game and carry a nasty personality through the attitude and grit of your offensive line, you have to make it happen. With the exception of Abe Lucas, the Seahawks have not drafted or signed players who fit the persona they say they want to have.

That’s the first thing I’m looking for. The second thing is fit in the zone blocking scheme in terms of grading and athletic testing.

The two best fits, I believe, are North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel and Georgia’s Tate Ratledge. They tick every box. So much so, I would happily draft one to play left guard and the other to play right guard while plonking grizzled veteran Ryan Kelly in between them for the sake of experience and leadership. That’s the kind of horrible bastard offensive line this team hasn’t had in a long, long time yet constantly says it wants.

Zabel has been a blog favourite for months. His tape is excellent, showing a player perfectly suited for the zone system. He reaches to the second level easily. He’s extremely comfortable blocking in space. He combo blocks well. He can pull naturally. He has a natural feel for the scheme, like knowing when to shove a defensive lineman out of the way when the play flows to his side, creating a running lane.

His PFF grade in zone last season was a tremendous 84.8. Today, he jumped a sensational 36.5-inch vertical. Only two offensive linemen have jumped a better vertical since combine records were first collected in 2003. It’s the same effort as Tampa Bay’s star lineman Tristan Wirfs. He added a 9-3 broad jump.

On the field he had a superb mirror drill, getting good lateral range while changing direction easily for his size. He also finished things off with a superb screen drill.

Zabel didn’t run a forty or do agility testing. We need a 10-yard split and a short shuttle to truly grasp his upside within the zone scheme. However, the tape is just so good when he runs zone that it almost feels like an unnecessary data point. He’s nearly 6-6 so he’s not a center, as some are suggesting. I think playing him in that position will remove a lot of the better aspects of his game if he’s forced to snap and play front-on instead of in space or on the move. During drills he looked the part of a top-end guard. The kind of player we see drafted by the Eagles frequently and go on to predictably succeed.

Then there’s Tate Ratledge. He’s well known for his tone-setting playing style at Georgia and although he didn’t play his best ball in 2024 after returning from injury, he still managed a 71.4 grade in zone. Considering he was way off 100%, it’s acceptable. It’s even more acceptable when you consider his testing numbers today. He didn’t run a short shuttle but he did run a three-cone, recording a brilliant 7.38. It’s the 11th best time by an offensive lineman since 2003 and level with former first round pick Zion Johnson. He’s also highly explosive, jumping a 32-inch vertical and a 9-5 broad.

During drills he excelled, showing sharp, sudden movements and change of direction. He moved very easily out of his transition on pull drills — a critical test for zone blocking. For a pure guard, his pass-rush set and drop was really good too.

As with Zabel, it struck me while watching him — this is exactly the type of player who goes to Philadelphia and ends up being the next Landon Dickerson or Cam Jurgens. Both Zabel and Ratledge are in that bracket. They’re a pair of mullet and moustache wearing nasty bastards with outstanding physical profiles and huge upside to match an aggressive brand of football.

I think it’s unlikely the Seahawks would spend their first two picks on both players. The 18th pick might be too high for Zabel based on grading and #50 might be too low for Ratledge. However, I would have no problem at all if it transpired they used their top two picks on them. Seattle’s offensive line needs a transformational off-season. They perfectly fit the brand of football they want to play — schematically and tonally.

If you have an opportunity to draft a player like Jahdae Barron, Jihaad Campbell, Jalon Walker or Will Johnson in round one — maybe it’s too good an opportunity to pass? I’m not convinced taking a red-raw pass-rusher (Shemar Stewart), a very athletic safety (Nick Emmanwori), another defensive tackle (Kenneth Grant) or another receiver (take your pick) moves the needle much or makes you the team you claim to want to be. Actually building a quality offensive line will achieve this.

Yes, it would create a very young O-line. That’s why I would sign Ryan Kelly to play between them. He’s cut from the same cloth in terms of playing style and could guide them through their rookie seasons.

Would it be overkill? Maybe. Perhaps that’s what they need? Do you want to fix the O-line or not? Is investing a ton of faith in Christian Haynes working out a wise idea? And let’s be right here, look at Haynes’ body type and compare it to Zabel and Ratledge. You aren’t winning any games getting off the bus with Haynes. You are with Zabel and Ratledge, who embody the spirit of Steve Hutchinson — even if they never match his incredible career.

It’s been far too long since the Seahawks had a physically imposing O-line dictating terms to the opponent. I believe these two players can help get you there. I’m intrigued by this, even if it means manipulating the board a bit to move around and get the value needed. I don’t think anyone would regret it if, in a few years, they do what Dickerson and Jurgens have done and produce the interior foundation for the best O-line in the NFL.

Who else stood out among the O-liners?

Armand Membou had a very good testing and drill session. He’s an excellent zone blocker. His body type is not conventional and I think he’s limited to guard rather than tackle, unlike some. There’s no doubt he would also fit in terms of scheme and playing style/aggression. I suspect after today he will likely be drafted between picks #10-16 and won’t be available to Seattle.

I fully expected to be highly disappointed by Tyler Booker’s on-field drills after a horrible set of tests. To Booker’s credit, he didn’t hide — doing everything at the combine including the forty, a full set of jumps and the agility testing. So many players duck out if they know they won’t put up great numbers. Booker’s message was a legit ‘IDNGAF’ as he went out there and produced a series of non-impressive results.

However, much to my surprise (even as a big fan of his tape), I thought Booker was superb during drills and moved with a mobility and freedom belying his testing. I do think he can play in zone based on the Alabama film and the way he moved during drills. A quick reminder too — some of the best linemen in the NFL were not great testers. Are we really going to say he lacks explosive power after a 7-10 broad jump when the tape is full of examples of him blowing defenders off the line? Or that his near-two-second 10-yard split means he can’t run into space and reach up to the second level, as he did many times for the Crimson Tide?

Finally, Jared Wilson the Georgia center also performed incredibly well as a tester and during drills. He’s very explosive (32-inch vertical, 9-4 broad jump). He ran the best ever forty by a center (4.84) — easily eclipsing Erik McCoy’s 4.89 and besting Jason Kelce’s 4.92. He also defeated McCoy’s short shuttle (4.52 vs 4.62). Remember, McCoy excelled for Klint Kubiak in New Orleans. If the Seahawks want to take a center at #50, Wilson has the physical tools and the zone blocking grade (78.9) to justify it.

The growing buzz around the quarterback class

In the last 24 hours I’ve seen it suggested that while Shedeur Sanders might’ve turned teams off in recent weeks, the rest of the class are leaving an impression.

Todd McShay mentioned on Saturday that some teams rate Will Howard very highly, despite a so-so throwing session in Indianapolis. A reminder that I spoke to a very good source about Howard who suggested his football IQ is off the charts and that he’s the most NFL ready QB in this draft.

There’s a growing positivity about Quinn Ewers after he weighed and measured well and put on a very natural throwing session. Although the online sphere is not high on Ewers, I do believe some teams will have a different view on him. I don’t think it’s beyond the realms of possibility some will see him as a second round option, where the pressure and risk factor is reduced. Remember, this is a player who once received perfect recruiting grades — an honour typically reserved for players like Jadeveon Clowney. It’s very easy to imagine a GM taking a chance on developing and harnessing the talent that once made Ewers so highly rated. Heck, Christian Hackenburg — another once highly regarded recruit — went in round two and he’s not close to what Ewers is as a prospect.

Tyler Shough had a very impressive throwing session and I was blown away by his interview for the Ringer with McShay. Shough has a brilliant attitude, is very technically savvy, he’s immensely likeable and down-to-earth and he’s a competitor. He has great size, a live arm and he’s well equipped to enter the league and not be overawed. It will not be a shock if he goes early on day two.

Jaxson Dart has long been viewed as a viable high-ish pick and Riley Leonard should also be rising after a great combine, excellent playoff run and he too has an incredibly driven, mature, down-to-earth, likeable personality.

All of these players — and possibly Sanders too — could be clumped together. We might see a run on the position on day two. This is a draft where the grades from pick #20 to about pick #60 will be very similar. In that scenario, if you have to choose between a flawed quarterback and a flawed corner, receiver or lineman — if you need a QB, you’ll be inclined to take a chance on the signal caller.

Let’s not forget — we had a run a year ago with six of the top-12 picks being quarterbacks. We might see something similar just a little bit later on — potentially starting at #21 with the Steelers or #26 the Rams and going well into the second round.

This could also play into Seattle’s thinking. If there’s a quarterback they really want to take after waiting patiently for so long to take one — how do they approach the situation if they anticipate they’ll come off the board? My guess is if they were willing to be patient for Russell Wilson in 2012 despite rating him so highly, they’ll be patient again. It’s something to think about, though.

What I think will happen this week with Geno Smith

There’s no buzz about Smith or the Seahawks coming out of the combine, despite numerous other reports about various quarterbacks over the last few days. Given the two parties met on Friday, the silence suggests to me a deal is close. If they were far apart, I think it would’ve been made known by now — especially if Smith’s intention is to try and ramp up talks.

The Seahawks clearly don’t want to start scouring the market for a new bridge. And let’s be right, that is what Smith is. A bridge to what’s next and a very reasonable one at that. He turns 35 this year and finding a compromise agreement always made sense for both parties.

My guess is they will reach agreement this week, possibly in the next 72 hours. They’ll be able to lower Smith’s cap-hit, put more money in his pocket this year and retain the ability to move on from next year and do Smith a solid if they find a longer-term solution in the draft.

That move, along with the likely departure of Tyler Lockett, Roy Robertson-Harris and Rayshawn Jenkins, will give the Seahawks some cap space to use in free agency. They will also no doubt have big decisions to make on Uchenna Nwosu (who they’ll want to retain) and Dre’Mont Jones (who they might feel obliged to keep for one more year, despite his horrible contract).

ESPN reported earlier that the Seahawks are ‘lurking’ in the free agent O-line market, with Drew Dalman, Will Fries and Aaron Banks listed as potential targets for Seattle and three other teams (Chicago, Arizona and the New York Giants). Dalman is expected to receive an eye-watering salary to rival — if not top — Creed Humphrey’s paycheque. The same report suggested Atlanta has given up hope of trying to keep him. I don’t mind paying a lot for a legit top-five center in Dalman but I really don’t want to pay major money for Banks (who struggled in San Francisco) or Fries (coming off a bad injury).

If you missed our live-stream earlier discussing the O-line drills in full detail, check it out below. I will post a new mock draft and a new horizontal board post-combine tomorrow.

It’s the final day of combine workouts and it’s an important one. The Seahawks simply have to improve their offensive line this off-season. They successfully transformed their defensive line over the last three off-seasons, by drafting and acquiring talent. A similar approach is now required on the other side of the ball.

ESPN is reporting today that the Seahawks are “lurking” in the offensive line free agent market. I hope it’s more than a lurk. They aggressively pursued Dre’Mont Jones and Leonard Williams over the last two years. It’s important to try and land a top linemen, such as Drew Dalman, rather than settle for less. ESPN says Dalman, Will Fries and Aaron Banks are all set to be paid. All have experience in the zone system. I’d suggest there’s a marked difference in appeal between Dalman and the other two names.

Dan Graziano says the Falcons are resigned to Dalman leaving because his market is too rich. Last week there were suggestions he could get around $20m-a-year as the top interior lineman left on the market. That might price the Seahawks out. If so, I hope they’re ready to act on Ryan Kelly. They need solutions up front to set up a ‘best player available’ approach at #18 in the draft.

Even if they make additions in free agency, it’d still be good to see the Seahawks draft for the O-line too. He might not have the zone blocking grades to excite but Tyler Booker is an incredible prospect. He’s 6-4 1/2, 321lbs, he has 34.5-inch arms and massive 11-inch hands. He is the best pure guard to enter the league since Quenton Nelson. Scheme be damned — take this guy. I believe he’s athletic enough to do what you need in zone. I am not convinced he will last to #18.

It’s a terribly weak center class but several developmental prospects for the position have emerged. Ideally you have 10-inch hands for the role, to go with strong agility testing and explosive traits. Connor Colby, Jared Wilson, Marcus Mbow, Clay Webb and Luke Kandra all have 10-inch hands.

You can find all the measurement information here.

I really believe Grey Zabel is an ideal scheme fit for the system and will be monitoring him closely during drills.

I will be looking for offensive linemen who perform in these ranges (matching the average marks for the top-10 interior zone blockers currently in the NFL):

40-yard dash: 5.00-5.10
10-yard split: 1.73-1.76
Short shuttle: 4.50-4.55
Vertical jump: 30-32 inches

If you missed my day one review, read it here. For day two, click here and here’s my day three report on the quarterbacks, receivers and running backs.

Don’t forget to use this as an open thread. I will be posting regularly in the comments so join in. At the completion of the workouts Robbie and I will be jumping on a live stream and I’ll have my final review article up on the blog shortly after. Thank you to everyone who has followed our combine coverage this year.

Assessing the quarterbacks

I didn’t think this was a ‘wow’ session. There were no physical phenom’s on the field, as we’ve seen with the likes of Joe Milton, Anthony Richardson and Will Levis over the last couple of years. Not that it really means anything, given how their draft stock and/or NFL careers have transpired.

I’m going to share notes on all of the players below but the CliffsNotes version is for three quarters of his workout I was preparing to say Tyler Shough was the easy winner. I thought things got a little sloppy from him later in the session but overall, a good day for Shough. Riley Leonard had a very good day too, with Jaxson Dart and Quinn Ewers also having their moments. Jalen Milroe struggled and it was more miss than hit for Dillon Gabriel.

Andrew Jonocko, Seattle’s new quarterback coach, was on the field for the workouts watching closely.

Here are my full notes:

Jaxson Dart — threw with good timing and anticipation. Looked very relaxed. His ball placement was consistent and a lot of his throws were natural and effortless. Dart’s third deep ball was a bit flat but everything was in control mechanically. He missed one comeback route. I liked the air on his post-corner routes. His final deep throw was flat and hard and needed more loft, while his fade throws were too low and it was almost like he didn’t understand his role in the drill. Arm isn’t elite but is certainly good. I don’t think Dart announced himself as a first round pick with this performance but overall he looks like he deserves a day two grade and could be in the QB2 mix.

Quinn Ewers — on the early short throws to the sideline the ball popped out of his hand. His anticipation, accuracy and ball placement was impressive. Nothing about his throwing session was forced. He didn’t try to throw the ball too hard and he looked in control and relaxed. He produced the right amount of air on the trickier mid-range throws to the sideline. It appears Ewers has really cleaned up his mechanics. His back-foot was planted, he showed a much improved throwing base and yet he looked comfortable with the changes. He showed the best combination of touch and velocity on intermediate throws. Arm strength throwing downfield was lacking. He doesn’t have a weak arm but it’s far from a cannon and he’s not physically that impressive (although size concerns were allayed today with his measurements). His final deep ball had much better loft than the first two. He missed on all three of his comeback routes. Ewers’ third throw on the post-corner routes was perfect. He actually understood the fade drill unlike Dart. A good day and while he won’t be for everyone, you can imagine he will appeal to certain schemes (including McVay/Shanahan systems) and will be a day two pick.

Dillon Gabriel — his throws were off the mark to the sideline. He seemed to settle into the intermediate range throws but then the accuracy left him again. When he armed it out he generated velocity none of the others showed in the first throwing session. He had the most distance on his effort throws. He had one great throw on a post-corner route which was dropped by Tez Johnson. His fades tended to die mid-route. The accuracy throwing against air was a concern and mechanically he seemed to struggle as a left-hander. The arm strength was a pleasant surprise but this wasn’t a showing that will elevate his stock unless you simply wanted to see the deep-ball velocity, which still required a lot of effort in the delivery.

Seth Henigan — didn’t let it rip enough. Felt like his passes floated a bit. Deep throws were the right combination of velocity, touch, distance and accuracy though. His post-corner routes sailed. He had a good fade well caught by Tex Johnson. Not a needle-moving performance but not bad.

Will Howard — put a lot more into his early throws than the others. Tried to arm things out over the middle too much and was inaccurate. His third throw over the middle was better. His footwork drifted off center a bit and impacted his ability to set. Too many passes hit the floor. His second deep ball was better than his first but both were a little under-thrown. His comeback routes were very good — the best of the first group. However, he missed on the post-corner routes — the first was a bit flat and hard, the second lofted but a bit off target. He looks like he’s in the early process of some technical changes and I’d expect a better showing at pro-day.

Max Brosmer — the environment didn’t suit him because he’s more of a timing and rhythm passer working within structure, not someone who will wow you physically. I thought he did OK despite this.

Brady Cook — he’s a really good athlete which was surprising. He ran and jumped superbly. He had quite a consistent performance but it would’ve been nice to see him let it rip a bit more. It was a reminder why I liked his 2023 tape so much but 2024 was a disappointment.

Tyler Shough — loved the energy and celebration after running his forty. He is a good athlete with great size. He threw with anticipation and showed off a live arm. Early on his accuracy was pinpoint and impressive. He arrowed the ball over the middle nicely. He got a bit carried away after an excellent start and tried a side-arm release on the move and threw way off target. I’ve never seen anyone do that and it felt like he was feeling himself a bit too much in the moment. He showed the best combo of a smooth release, velocity and accuracy. When a receiver slipped he adjusted his throw to complete the pass rather than just deliver what the expected route was for an incompletion. A coach on the field praised him for that. Through 3/4 of the session he looked like the clear top performer on the day. His curl routes were sharp. His first deep throw was lofted and went the distance but his second was under-thrown. His final two go-ball efforts were so-so. His comeback throws were good. On the deep corner throws — his first was poor, second good and third not great. As the session developed he showed rushed mechanics at times and was too eager to get the ball out leading to mistakes. He also started to drift slightly in the pocket. His fades were poor. Overall a lot to like but some fluctuating moments at the end. The injury history is a concern but based on this showing he’s in the QB2/3 mix.

Kyle McCord — his timing and accuracy were very good on a short to intermediate range and he span it to the sideline well. He looked very relaxed and in control. His technique looked good and he was very comfortable with his drop and set. He didn’t show a big arm on the go-ball. He under-threw the fade and didn’t find the corner properly. About what you’d expect from McCord. Does he have the tools to start at the next level? I’m not convinced.

Jalen Milroe — He looked jacked. His accuracy was wayward and at times all over the place throwing to the sideline. He settled down briefly throwing over the middle but was hesitant and didn’t throw with anticipation. His first deep ball was under-thrown, his second was far better showing good touch, depth and accuracy. The third was decent too. He didn’t have a noticeably bigger arm than anyone else. Showed awful comeback and deep corner throws. He didn’t find the corner of the end zone on his fades. Increasingly he just doesn’t look like a passer. He’s a great athlete, a potentially exciting runner but this is now a poor 2024 season, a poor Senior Bowl and a not great combine for Milroe.

Riley Leonard — he looks in fantastic shape with a prototype frame. His ball placement to the sideline was good and his footwork was decent overall. Leonard threw with good base but he doesn’t have a rocket arm. His accuracy was very good and he threw nicely over the middle. His curl throws were useful and completed. Leonard’s first deep ball was under-thrown but his second was wonderfully executed. The third was good too as was his fourth to finish things off. He delivered good comeback throws. The added weight (up to 216lbs) suits him well and he looked muscular. His deep corner routes were decent. As the session went on, he was the one who was most consistent. His first fade had too much mustard, the second was better but the third inaccurate and fourth just OK. I think this was a good day for Leonard. He’s never going to be a special passer of the football and he doesn’t possess a cannon — but he has some intriguing tools and he’s a playmaker as a runner. There are things to work with here — and he had one of the most impressive interview sessions this week too.

I think there’s a reasonable chance the Seahawks will draft from this group on day two. There’s a decent middle-class of quarterbacks for the first time in a while. There are players here, particularly the ones I’ll mention below, who could be on Seattle’s radar. They shouldn’t (and won’t) force picks at the position — but if the board falls their way, I would anticipate Schneider taking a signal caller this year.

It’s possible Shough will go as early as some in draft media have been proposing — and it could be that he and Jaxson Dart ultimately end up as more appealing prospects than Shedeur Sanders (who didn’t throw and looked incredibly light on the field). The internet will hate this but I do think several teams will be interested in Ewers, including potentially John Schneider. I think the Rams will have serious interest in him too. On this evidence I think Leonard’s stock will improve and settle firmly into day two. He has some talent that can be harnassed. Howard’s stock might have stalled after a really excellent playoff campaign for Ohio State but he’ll have a chance to improve for pro-day.

Several receivers shine

The NFL Network doesn’t do a good enough job identifying the receivers being thrown to during quarterback drills, so it’s hard to know who impressed.

There were 10 wide receivers who ran a sub-4.4 forty, the most by any receiver group since at least 2003. Texas’ Matthew Golden ran the fastest forty (4.29) and could easily leap into WR1 range as a consequence.

Jaylin Noel, who could be a potential target for the Seahawks at #50, had the best broad (11-2) and vertical (41.5) and then ran a 4.39. I’m a huge fan of his game. Noel and Jaylin Lane both jumped at least 11’0” in the broad jump and at least 40” in the vertical jump, while also running a sub-4.4 forty. They are two of only eight wide receivers to meet all three criteria since 2003.

Noel’s Iowa State team mate Jayden Higgins jumped a 39-inch vertical jump and a 10-8 broad. He’s the sixth receiver to be at least 6-4 and 210lbs to jump over 39 inches and 10-foot-5 since 2003.

Isaiah Neyor recorded a broad jump of 11-1, making him only the second wide receiver to be at least 6-foot-4, weigh at least 215lbs and jump over 11-0 since 2003. I need to study his tape, as I do for Isaac TeSlaa. The Arkansas receiver had an amazing day with great testing and he caught the ball very well during drills.

Tory Horton’s 4.41 was really impressive. I really liked his tape but he got hurt during the season. I wasn’t sure he’d test so this was a bonus. He’s a really good option for teams — with on-field savvy, playmaking quality and speed.

Jack Bech looking unsurprisingly good catching the ball. I really like his body control, subtle suddenness to change direction, the way he extends his hands to the football to catch away from his body and he just looks like he can be a really good player at the next level. I do wish he’d tested though. He’s gifted and a natural football player.

Tai Felton, who reminded me of Tyler Lockett based on his skill on tape at Maryland, had an outstanding testing workout — running a 4.39 (faster than expected) and nearly jumping a 40-inch vertical. Kyle Williams also had a good forty and looks thick in his frame. Jordan Wilkins produced a good forty and a good gauntlet. Jimmy Horn also impressed.

Tre Harris’ 4.54 is a concern — bigger receivers who run at that speed tend to struggle to separate at the next level. Josh Kelly running a 4.70 is a big disappointment. Tez Johnson’s 4.51 is a problem at his size. I also have to drop Nick Nash and Ricky White III for their runs.

This is a loaded running back class

This is an incredible class of running backs. In previous years we’ve been able to identify running back targets for the Seahawks based on ideal height and explosive traits. In 2022, the year they drafted Ken Walker, there were 13 identifiable players. That was by far the most since I started the blog. In other years, such as 2016 when they took CJ Prosise, we’ve only been able to identify two players.

This year, there are 17 players who tick the size/explosive traits boxes. The numbers below are height, weight, vertical and broad jumps:

Quinshon Judkins — 5-11, 221, 38.5, 11-0
Omarion Hampton — 5-11, 221, 38, 10-10
DJ Giddens — 6-0, 212, 39.5, 10-10
Bhayshul Tuten — 5-9, 206, 40.5, 10-10
TreVeyon Henderson — 5-10, 202, 38.5, 10-8
RJ Harvey — 5-8, 205, 38, 10-7
Damien Martinez — 5-11, 217, 35, 10-4
Dylan Sampson — 5-8, 200, 35, 10-4
Montrell Johnson — 5-11, 212, 35.5, 10-3
Ollie Gordon II — 6-1, 226, 34.5, 10-0
Jarquez Hunter — 5-9, 204, 33.5, 10-0
LeQuint Allen — 6-0, 204, 35, 10-0
Tahj Brooks — 5-9, 214, 35, 10-0
Woody Marks — 5-10, 206, 35, 9-11
Ja’Quinden Jackson — 6-1, 229, 32, 9-11
Kyle Monangai — 5-8, 211, 34.5, 9-9
Raheim Sanders — 6-0, 217, 36.5, DNJ

Several others didn’t jump, including Ashton Jeanty, Kaleb Johnson and Kalel Mullings. They are expected to produce explosive testing results too — so there could be 20 serious potential starters and contributors here. This also doesn’t include players like Brashard Smith who definitely have a role waiting for them in the NFL.

A total of eight runners recorded a vertical of +38-inches, tied with 2020 for the most in a single combine since at least 2003. Bhayshul Tuten is only the sixth running back to jump +40-inches and 10-10 in the broad at over 205lbs since 2003.

Quinshon Judkins, more on him in a moment, recorded an 11-0 broad jump at 221lbs, becoming only the second runner to do that since 2003 (after Carl Stewart in 2008).

This is a tremendous class. The Seahawks have good depth at the position but with potential contributors available lasting into day three, they could add to their depth.

So who stood out?

Omarion Hampton has been getting top-15 buzz recently, with several well-sourced mocks pairing him with the Cowboys at #12 and Todd McShay listing him among the top-18 players in the draft. Jerry Jones attended the combine today, probably to take a peek.

His frame is exceptional and the idea body-type for a lead runner. His movements were subtle yet quick and explosive. He moved freely during routes, particularly running a wheel. Based on his testing and drills today, he has every chance to be a high pick.

Quinshon Judkins equally just looks the part. He has a thick lower body and excellent muscle definition throughout his frame. His change of direction was silky smooth and his lateral movements were easily the best during drills. He got out to the flat nicely when catching and showed explosive changes of direction. He has a complete profile and probably secured a place in round two after today.

DJ Giddens, a blog favourite for two years, was more explosive and ran faster than people expected. That will boost his stock. Raheim ‘Rocket’ Sanders also ran better than expected and showed a proportioned frame with plenty of power. Tahj Brooks, a good blocker, flashed agility in the short shuttle and had explosive jumps.

Bhayshul Tuten had the day everyone expected. He’s smaller but a ball of muscle and explosion. He ran a 4.32. He’s a very intriguing player. RJ Harvey accelerated well for his thick frame and he looks like he can pack a punch in short range situations.

If you missed today’s live stream earlier, check it out here:

Today should be an interesting day. The quarterbacks are throwing and all but two (Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders) are set to perform. All of the middle-class of quarterbacks are going to be on the field. I believe the Seahawks will select one of these players, if the board works in their favour (obviously).

Quinn Ewers measured well at 6-2, 214lbs with 9.5-inch hands. That will allay some fears about his size. Jalen Milroe’s hands seem to have grown since the Senior Bowl (9.5-inches) while Will Howard has surprisingly small nine-inch hands. There were some concerns about Cam Ward’s measurements — he’s 6-1, 219lbs with nine-inch hands.

You can find all the measurement information here.

I’m going to be focusing a lot on this group of quarterbacks. Robbie Williams is at Lucas Oil Field and will share his in-person perspective on our live stream later.

At receiver there are a bunch of players I’m eager to see test, including Tre Harris, Jack Bech, Jaylin Noel, Nick Nash, Kyle Williams, Tez Johnson, Jayden Higgins, Jalen Royals and Ricky White III. This is also a loaded running back group with many showing off explosive testing results in the jumps. Just looking at the list of recorded jumps, this is going to be a special class of runners (more on that in the review article posted at the conclusion of the day).

If you missed my day one review, read it here. For day two, click here.

Don’t forget to use this as an open thread as the combine is ongoing today. I will be posting regularly in the comments.

Identifying intriguing tight ends

The top players in the NFL at TE all share similar traits — burst and short area quickness/change of direction. The 10-yard split and agility testing (short shuttle & three-cone) have been a good way to work out who has a shot of being interesting at the next level:

Rob Gronkowski — 1.58 (10), 4.47 (ss)
Travis Kelce — 1.61 (10), 4.42 (ss)
George Kittle — 1.59 (10), 4.55 (ss)
Mark Andrews — 1.54 (10), 4.38 (ss)
T.J. Hockenson — 1.63 (10), 4.18 (ss)
Sam LaPorta — 1.59 (10), 4.25 (ss)
David Njoku — 1.61 (10), 4.34 (ss)

Meanwhile, the Seahawks have paid a fair amount of attention to agility testing in particular:

Luke Willson — 4.29 (ss), 7.08 (3c)
Will Dissly — 4.40 (ss), 7.07 (3c)
Nick Vannett — 4.20 (ss), 7.05 (3c)
Anthony McCoy — 4.57 (ss), 6.99 (3c)
Zach Miller — 4.42 (ss), 7.01 (3c)
Jimmy Graham — 4.45 (ss), 6.90 (3c)
Greg Olsen — 4.48 (ss), 7.04 (3c)
Colby Parkinson — 4.46 (ss), 7.15 (3c)
Gerald Everett — 4.33 (ss), 6.99 (3c)
Noah Fant — 4.22 (ss), 6.81 (3c)
Pharaoh Brown — 4.46 (ss), 7.24 (3c)
AJ Barner — 4.41 (ss), 7.02 (3c)

In the 2025 class, there are a handful of players who tick all of the boxes:

Jalin Conyers — 1.62 (10), 4.27 (ss), 6.94 (3c)
Harold Fannin Jr — 1.56 (10), 4.39 (ss), 6.97 (3c)
Jackson Hawes — 1.56 (10), 4.40 (ss), DNR (3c)
Thomas Fidone — 1.57 (10), 4.29 (ss), 7.01 (3c)

Mitchell Evans (1.55 10-yard split, 4.40 short shuttle) would’ve qualified but he ran a poor 7.25 three-cone. Therefore, the four names above jump onto the radar as particularly intriguing. I’ve done a lot of study on Fannin Jr and Hawes already and will dig into the other two in the coming days.

All of the 10-yard split were reasonable to be fair:

Mitchell Evans — 1.55
Terrance Ferguson — 1.55
Jackson Hawes — 1.56
Harold Fannin jr — 1.56
CJ Dippre — 1.56
Thomas Fidone — 1.57
Joshua Simon — 1.58
Gavin Bartholomew — 1.59
Jake Briningstool — 1.60
Moliki Matavao — 1.60
Bryson Nesbit — 1.61
Jalin Conyers — 1.62
Robbie Ouzts — 1.64
Gunnar Helm — 1.69

Overall I thought the class looked sharp, caught the ball well, showed off athleticism and made it clear there’s a tight end to be had in this class for Seattle.

Jackson Hawes is the best blocker in the group by far. We know the Seahawks really liked Will Dissly and Hawes carries a similar playing style but he’s a different level of athlete. He ran a faster forty (4.82 vs 4.87), a way faster 10-yard split (1.56 vs 1.69), plus he had a better vertical (34.5 vs 31) and broad (10-1 vs 9-3). They both ran a 4.40 shuttle. Admittedly Dissly was 9lbs heavier but Hawes looks in great shape for a blocking tight end. He has a big muscular frame and moved well for his size. He also caught the ball away from his body during drills, extending his hands to the ball. I’m moving him up to a third round grade after seeing these unexpected testing results. His 10-yard split being as fast as it was is a big eye-opener.

Mason Taylor looked fantastic on the field. He ran possibly the best gauntlet I can recall since starting the blog in 2008. Everything looked so smooth and effortless. He’s a very naturally gifted football player and on this evidence, without any testing results, he secured a top-40 placing. If he tests well at LSU’s pro-day, the first round is very possible.

I’m a big fan of Notre Dame’s Mitchell Evans and think he can be a chain-mover and red-zone threat as a receiver, plus a decent blocker. He stood out driving the sled while also looking a natural running the gauntlet . He presented his hands nicely to the ball, catching it away from his frame.

Alabama’s Robbie Ouzts, who projects as a potential full-back, jumped 34 inches in the vertical jump at 274lbs. It’s the highest vertical jump by a tight end weighing at least 270lbs since 2003 (when records began). He showed strong hands during drills and looks a bit of a character (see the image above).

Colston Loveland, Tyler Warren and Elijah Arroyo didn’t participate today.

Nick Emmanwori puts on a show

At 220lbs he jumped an 11’6” broad, tied for the second-longest broad jump by a safety weighing at least 220lbs since 2003. He also jumped a 43-inch vertical. He’s only the second player to run a sub-4.4 forty, jump over 40 inches in the vertical, over 11-0 in the broad, while weighing over 220 pounds. The other was, of course, DK Metcalf.

There’s absolutely no denying these are special results and Emmanwori deservedly will leave Indianapolis as one of the big winners (he didn’t do on-field drills after running a 4.38).

A cautionary note though, given I’m seeing people suggest a likely top-15 placing after this workout. The main reason he was being discussed as a first round possibility was due to his physical profile. We knew he would test well and he did. I’m not sure this will promote him 10-15 spots up the board having simply lived up to lofty expectations.

When you watched South Carolina, the force impacter was often linebacker Demetrius Knight or defensive linemen Kyle Kennard, Tonka Hemmingway and TJ Sanders. Emmanwori still played well but there were times where you craved to see the kind of crunching blow the likes of Jihaad Campbell deliver so well. He tackles well with a low missed tackle percentage but he’s not a Kam Chancellor type of player who will set the tone. Nor is he, for me, a direct Kyle Hamilton type. Hamilton wasn’t Kam either but he did pack a punch and also played with unbelievable instinct to make up for a lack of pure speed.

Emmanwori is a sensational athlete but he’s closer to Jeremy Chinn than the other two names mentioned here.

I think if the Seahawks are going to go defense at #18, I would prefer one of the collection of available pass rushers or one of Jahdae Barron, Will Johnson, Jalon Walker or Jihaad Campbell.

In terms of the other safeties, it isn’t a deep group and some of the name players didn’t do anything (Xavier Watts, Kevin Winston Jr). I would caution against reacting too quickly to Malaki Starks’ disappointing 4.50 forty and 33 inch vertical at 197lbs. He’s still faster than Brian Branch and has shown range on tape.

Starks had a poor 2024 season considering the standards he set the previous year. You could see in the drills he can move around the field, though. He plucked the ball out of the air, changed direction nicely and adjusted to the football well. He looked noticeably better than the admittedly limited others who were performing drills. He recorded the fastest top speed in four different drills — the gauntlet (18.39mph), line (18.66mph), W (17.92mph) and the Teryl Austin (18.74mph).

It’ll be a test of upside in many draft rooms, plus working out why his play tailed off so badly last season. There is a player here and as with Branch, he could fall into a range where he suddenly provides good value.

Cornerbacks look the part

The group recorded an average forty time of 4.44 seconds, making this the fastest class at the combine since at least 2003. Only the 2024 wide receivers averaged a faster forty time than this year’s cornerbacks.

I always think the corner workouts are an eye-test assessment. Who looks like they can play in the NFL, in terms of size and the way they transition? This was a mostly big, tall, long group with smooth change of direction skills. I enjoyed watching the session, which was shorter and more dynamic than we’ve seen in recent years.

Maxwell Hairston made the headlines by running the tied-fifth fastest forty by a cornerback since records began (4.28). He put on a real show in everything he did during drills and reached 24.25mph, the most among cornerbacks. Despite all of this I don’t think he’s a first round pick. His run defense will scare many teams off. He missed 44.4% of tackles in the running game last season. You can’t get away with that at the next level, even if you can stick in coverage. I think today’s workout cemented his place in round two. You just better work on his willingness to tackle versus the run.

Darien Porter looked long and languid with a classic frame for a Pete Carroll Seahawk. He was fast and I like the look of him. He ran a 4.30 forty-yard dash with a 1.50-second ten-yard split, reaching 23.89mph on his run, second only to Hairston. He reached a top speed of 18.30mph on the W drill, the second-fastest of any cornerback over the last three combines. His short shuttle (4.04) was impressive too. The problem is the tape is so hit and miss. Can the Seahawks put up with two Riq Woolen’s? I get the feeling Mike Macdonald might think one is enough.

Caleb Ransaw is known as a hitter in run support and a likely safety convert but he ran well enough (4.33) to be more than that. He’s well sized in his frame and also showed off explosive power (40 inch vertical). I want to watch more of him, as I do with Zah Frazier, Upton Stout and Marques Sigle.

Jahdae Barron running a 4.39 likely means he won’t get past Miami at #13 in round one. I didn’t expect Jacob Parrish to run a 4.35 and he added a 10-9 broad and a 37.5 inch vertical. These are good numbers. Nohl Williams reached a top speed of 20.05mph on the back pedal break drill, the fastest speed of any corner at this year’s combine and the only corner this year over 20mph. Dorian Strong looks the part with a big old frame and Bilhal Kone flashed a little. Azareye’h Thomas didn’t run a forty but looked good on the field.

I think there’s depth here and the Seahawks should be able to identify players they’d like to add. I do believe this could be a first round option at #18, as it was a year ago, if one of Barron or Johnson last to them.

Quarterbacks ready to perform tomorrow

I still believe there’s a middle class of QB’s this year — enough so that the Seahawks will likely take one at some point between rounds 2-4.

I’m looking forward to seeing how they all throw on Saturday, given the perceived top two of Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders aren’t doing anything.

I will pass on this note. I was speaking to a good source earlier today and we discussed Will Howard at Ohio State. His 97.4 QBR rating in the playoffs really stood out to me, as did Ohio State’s 50% conversion rate on third downs in the four decisive games.

The source called Howard ‘the most NFL ready QB’ in this draft, noted his football IQ was off the charts and that he was ‘a passer not a thrower’ — meaning he does a good job on intermediate/deep throws, delivering layered passes. He doesn’t have the biggest arm but there’s belief he can improve in this area with mechanical tweaks.

I thought I would share that perspective. It won’t be a surprise if Howard generates more buzz as the weeks go on, perhaps starting from tomorrow.

If you missed my day two review on the live stream, check it out here: