Tonight Oregon take on Auburn in the BCS Championship. The two sides are very different – Oregon as a system and man-for-man team are by far the best in the country. Auburn by contrast have one superstar player who happens to be unstoppable.

It’d be unfair to place all of the Tigers’ success on Cam Newton – clearly Nick Fairley has been stunning this year for the defense. However, Newton represents his team’s only chance tonight – and it was no different against LSU or Alabama.

I’ll be watching (and tweeting) so feel free to join in the discussion. I’ll have a post on the blog covering the game tomorrow.

Following confirmation that Janoris Jenkins (CB, Florida) and Justin Blackmon (WR, Oklahoma State) won’t be declaring, I’ve decided to update the mock draft to represent prospects who are likely to be available once the deadline passes on January 15th.

I’ll come onto the mock in a moment, but first a quick thought on the why prospects like the two named above may have chosen to stay in school.

The draft advisory board are notoriously conservative with their gradings. We all know Jake Locker got a grade in round 2-3 last year, although I have a hard time believing he would’ve got past Washington with the #4 pick overall (whether that would’ve been deserved or not is another question).

This year the likes of J.J. Watt, Jenkins and Blackmon have also received similar grades. All three – in my opinion – were first round certainties. I’m not sure if it needs to be re-affirmed to these prospects that the gradings are given with the intention of leaving room for improvement. If everyone got given their exact grade – it could technically send out the wrong signal. For example – let’s say you’re a first round pick before any workouts. It only sets a prospect up for potential disappointment and maybe even lethargy.

Jenkins in particular announced he was going to be leaving Florida to declare for the draft but appears to have made a U-turn after getting his grade and speaking to Florida’s new coaching staff.

I’m not entirely sure what Jenkins has to gain by going back to Gainesville. Alshon Jeffery, A.J. Green and Julio Jones all had their worst games statistically against Jenkins. Teams will throw on the tape and be wowed by those three performances. He may have struggled to tackle Terrance Toliver – but watch him cover the elite potential of Green and the obvious quality/size combo of Jeffery and Jones.

The one knock on Jenkins was a lack of elite size in comparison to Patrick Peterson and Jimmy Smith. That won’t change in 12 months.

Perhaps he’ll benefit from a 2012 draft that won’t be as deep at cornerback, or maybe he’ll struggle to match his 2010 season and drop down the board? Either way – I think the draft advisory grades could do with being defined a little better. The draft has lost two real talents in Jenkins and Blackmon – in a year when Seattle could use as much depth as possible now they won’t be selecting until the latter part of the first two rounds.

To see the latest projection click here or select ‘Mock Draft’ in the title bar.

The mock only has a few tweaks to ammend for the prospects that now we won’t be available and the updated draft order. It means some prospects that previously received second round grades have sneaked into round one. I wanted to wait and see Aldon Smith at the combine before putting him at #20, but with the depth weaknening I think he’s almost certain to be a first round choice health permitting.

Picking for Seattle was tough this time, with a lot of potential picks off the board. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Seahawks made moves up or down the board next April.

It was difficult to pass on Mark Ingram but I don’t believe this regime will draft a running back in round one. It’d be a big investment so soon after trading for Marshawn Lynch and you’d struggle to justify it behind a line that hasn’t blocked well for the run.

Baldwin has been soft at times this year and his effort has been far too inconsistent. At the same time – he’s got a unique blend of elite size and genuine ability to get deep and make big plays. Did he lose interest in what has been a farcical year for Pittsburgh? Will turning pro re-focus his undoubted talents? Questions that need to be answered, but he might be BPA after Ingram.

I will post a list of underclassmen who have chosen to declare over the next couple of days. The deadline falls on January 15th.

Two big name prospects appear to be leaning towards staying in college. There’s a lot of speculation coming out of Oklahoma State that receiver Justin Blackmon won’t turn pro. Today Florida cornerback Janoris Jenkins wrote a tweet which suggested he won’t be declaring.

Both prospects I would rank third at their position. Blackmon has natural fluidity at wide out, great control and playmaking qualities. I’d grade only A.J. Green and Julio Jones above him. Jenkins is my third ranked corner behind Patrick Peterson and Jimmy Smith. Top receivers Green, Jones and Alshon Jeffery had their worst games statistically against Jenkins. He’s proven reliable against coverage despite a lack of true size – but he struggled with open-field tackling particularly against Terrance Toliver (WR, LSU).

The receiver position will be further hit if Juron Criner (WR, Arizona) opts to join Nick Foles in staying with the Wildcats.

A couple of people have asked about Nnamdi Asomugha comments section and via email. It was announced today that he’ll become a free agent after his contract with Oakland was voided due to incentives that were not matched.

I mention this because it raises an interesting point. The prospect of Asomugha being available is enticing not just for the Seahawks, but every other NFL franchise. He’s undoubtedly one of the most talented players in the league at any position – a true shutdown corner. 

However, unless a new collective bargaining agreement can be signed nobody will have the chance to sign him this year.

No trades or signings can be made until the new CBA is agreed. Everyone hopes that it will happen very soon – mostly to avoid a lockout and no football next season. With regard to Asomugha, I wonder if the Raiders structured the deal as such understanding that football was possibly going to be unlikely in 2011?

The draft is slightly different in that it’s secure as part of the existing CBA and will take place under any circumstance. Let’s consider a not-unlikely scenario where free agency does not occur and the draft is set to take place.

I just wonder how teams would approach it? If there’s no prospect of football in 2011 and if you’ve not been able to add any players during free agency – it changes things surely?

The Seahawks will have a pick in the #25-32 range in rounds one and two. They don’t have a third round pick. So let me put this question to you…

If we get to a point where football is unlikely 2011 – would you be more prepared to trade a substantial amount of your draft to move up from that late first round position? Consider that the team would likely have a free agency period and another draft in 2012 before football eventually returned. Would you treat it like ‘business as usual’ or would you consider the big, bold move to get one prospect knowing that depth isn’t really an issue in a year without any games?

I’m not suggesting the Seahawks or anyone else would actually do this – it’s merely a discussion starter to see what kind of opinions are out there. A one-year football sabbatical will change things in the NFL, we just have no idea how.

I’d be interested in your thoughts on this one. If there’s a top quarterback, cornerback, defensive lineman, receiver – or any other position for that matter – would you be more willing to ‘go get them’ than in a year where you’re planning for a full schedule?

Consider that the eventual free agency period could be doubly strong with 2011 and 2012 free agents available and with potential trades on offer due to teams hoping to make considerable moves ahead of football’s return. Could the 2011 draft be used – in essence – to bank the guy you want at a greater cost and wait out the CBA? Or do you just treat it like any other draft?

I suppose many people will care little for this information after a 41-36 win over the Saints – but this is a draft blog.

I’ve double checked the rules on determining draft order. The Seahawks will now pick no earlier than #25 overall in the draft. That will also be the case in round two.

Although many won’t want to focus on the draft this week – it’ll be interesting to look at how this may change the dynamic of Seattle’s draft next April. Of course if they defeat Atlanta or Chicago – they will pick between 29-32 next April.

Andrew Luck’s decision not to declare for the 2011 NFL Draft has left the quarterback class one prospect lighter.

It’s time to take a status check on the market.

I’ll run through each of the four prospects I consider to be in first round contention.

 

 

 

 

 

Cam Newton (Auburn)

Status check: Newton will compete for the BCS Championship on Monday when Auburn take on Oregon in Arizona. Expect an announcement shortly after on the quarterback’s intentions to declare. Controversy based around his recruitment by Auburn and an unexpected winning season have eliminated any doubt that Newton will be part of the 2011 draft.

Draft stock: With Andrew Luck out of contention, Newton and Blaine Gabbert will gain greater focus. A lot of attention has been spent looking at Luck and talking about him as the #1 pick and nobody else has really been considered. Both Newton and Gabbert could be the first overall pick this year. Newton’s abilities on the field (rare athleticism given his size, sound throwing motion/arm strength, more capable as a passer than some believe) make him a prime candidate to go first overall.

His stock will be defined by team meetings during the combine and leading up to April’s draft. There are two main concerns in my opinion. Firstly – with everything proving so easy in college football due to his undoubted talent, how is he going to respond when life becomes more difficult in the pro’s? Is he going to be the ‘last out of the building’ type who can dedicate himself to tape? Will he struggle and lose interest and attempt to live off his athletic qualities?

Secondly, a story surfaced in November reporting that Newton was facing expulsion for academic cheating during his time with the Florida Gators. It needs to be distinguished whether this story is in fact true and whether it leads to any concerns about Newton’s ability to diagnose information. He’ll need to master a substantially larger playbook in the NFL than the one he’s used at Florida, Blinn and Auburn. Of course, the story may be true and justified in other ways – lack of academic interest for example (which may have since been rectified). It needs to be checked out though to justify the first overall selection.

It’s impossible to speculate whether any of this will affect Newton’s stock because unlike NFL teams – we have such little access to information and background checks. We won’t be able to meet with Newton regularly leading up to the draft like GM’s and coaches.

Talent wise he’s more than capable of being the first overall pick. If these issues prove enough of a concern to put teams off, you wonder if he will fall on draft day. I believe Newton has greater potential than Vince Young. In 2006, Young reportedly scored just six on the wonderlic but still went third overall. On-field talent can sometimes dwarf off-the-field concerns and that could also be the case for Newton.

Interested teams: With all four of the quarterbacks it’s still too early to accurately project who will be definitely interested. Teams will sign free agents, make trades or consider other needs that suggest they’ll avoid drafting a quarterback in round one. Even so – I would suggest seven of the teams in the top ten picks are very likely to consider the position early in the draft. Carolina (2-14) with the #1 pick have to consider Newton – who is a far superior talent to Jimmy Clausen. If he gets past the #1 pick then Buffalo or Cincinnati may keep him in the first round.

Even in a worst case scenario it’s hard to imagine Newton falling past Tennessee at #8, Minnesota at #12 or Miami at #15. He’s a top-15 lock who could easily go first overall.

 

 

 

 

 

 
Blaine Gabbert (Missouri)

Status check: Gabbert confirmed he would declare for the 2011 NFL draft earlier this week. The decision was made after a largely positive outing in the Insight Bowl against Iowa – although his interception return cost Missouri the game.

Draft stock: He lingered in the back of most minds throughout the 2010 college football season. Consensus opinion believed he would return to Missouri for another year, but it became increasingly clear over the last month that Gabbert was seriously considering the NFL. Despite losing the game with his pick-six, the Insight Bowl showed off his talents as a big-bodied, strong-armed quarterback capable of making NFL throws.

There’s a lot to like about his game – specifically how he understands when to take some velocity off the ball and make touch passes. Against Iowa he consistently flashed ability to thread the ball into a tight window with inch-perfect accuracy. NFL scouts will look at the arm, the size, the mobility and see major potential.

You’ll very rarely find a faultless prospect coming out of college – particularly at such a scrutinised position like quarterback. Gabbert is no different. The spread offense at Missouri had a lot of scripted or one-read passes which aren’t a great demand for a young passer as talented as this. Like Newton, he’ll have to learn the complexities of the pro-game to maximise his talent. The investment is in potential here that he could be the complete package. It’s whether he’s prepared to work – as Sam Bradford has done this year – to make the most of his physical talents.

All reports suggest Gabbert is a leader with good character and work ethic. There’s no reason to believe he won’t work on the things he needs to develop.

The other main issue is Gabbert’s occassional reckless decision making. He takes risks and sometimes needs to realise when a play is broken and it’s more important to live for another down. He isn’t the greatest throwing on the run – a similar issue to Ryan Mallett (see below) but these are coachable problems that don’t compare to the positives Gabbert will bring to a team.

With so many clubs needing a quarterback this year, it’s hard to imagine a guy like Gabbert making it out of the top-ten. There’s every chance he could be drafted first overall by Carolina. Right now his stock is firmly placed in the top-ten range and I see very little that can change that between now and April.

Interested teams:I look at the seven teams I’ve identified in the top-ten as likely to consider drafting a quarterback and it’s improbable to think none will take this guy. If he gets past the first wave of teams (Carolina, Buffalo, Cincinnati), there’s no way he’ll get past Arizona, San Francisco, Tennessee or Washington. If someone wants Gabbert bad enough they’ll have to trade up – but I can’t see him on the board when the 11th overall pick is called.

 

 

 

 

 

Ryan Mallett (Arkansas)

Status check: It was confirmed yesterday that Mallett will enter the 2011 NFL Draft. This was a forgone conclusion after coming close to declaring for the 2010 event. After transferring from Michigan to Arkansas, this was always expected to be the year he went pro.

Draft stock: Mallett made major strides this year – positives that are too often ignored to concentrate on the negatives. He’s improved his completion percentage from 56% to 65% this season. One of the biggest complaints about him was the poor record Arkansas had on the road in 2009 – something that improved in 2010 with key victories over Georgia, Texas A&M, South Carolina and Mississippi State. Overall he’s looked a much more polished prospect who always had incredible physical tools (amazing arm and size).

But aside from the physical qualities the biggest compliment you can give Mallett is his ability to dissect a defense, go through his progressions and open up the offense. He’s not just a big-arm who resorts to a series of long-bombs and some underneath stuff. He’ll go to a third or fourth option when he’s given time and in that sense, he might be more developed than any of the other prospects available in this class.

The problems really start and end with his footwork. This was no more emphasised during the Sugar Bowl – when Ohio State created constant pressure and didn’t allow Mallett to settle into the pocket. Although suggestions Mallett is a ‘statue’ are way off the mark (he’s more than capable of avoiding pressure when he needs to) he struggles to re-set his feet. Against the Buckeye’s he was constantly being asked to step into/out of the pocket and throw downfield. When he can’t re-adjust and needs to get the ball out – he loses the technique and mistakes happen.

Arkansas lost the game against Ohio State because of such an error – throwing straight to a defender when put under pressure. It was a similar story against Alabama earlier in the year – when he threw one pick trying to get the ball out of bounds (technique wobbled, ball thrown poorly) and another where he wasn’t able to plant his back foot and lobbed an awkward looking pass into double coverage.

What you’re left with is a weapon that could be capable of big numbers in the NFL. It’s hard not to think of a Jay Cutler/Ben Roethlisberger type QB when you see Mallett in terms of the potential for extreme quality but also erratic play and mistakes. The fades he threw against OSU were incredible, but he should’ve won the game for Arkansas at the end.

There are lingering concerns about his attitude, character and work ethic – as emphasised by this tweet from the NFP’s Wes Bunting. As with Newton, it’s something teams will have to do their homework on.

Interested teams: Mallett’s stock is the most debatable at this point. The need at quarterback and positives to his game could easily keep him amongst the top-15 picks. Tennessee at #8 have been prepared to ignore character time and time again (despite the recent decision to move on from Vince Young). It’s unlikely – in my opinion – that he would go as high as #5 to Arizona or be a Jim Harbaugh pick at #7, but his stock could fall between the Titans at #8 and Miami at #15. What about Jacksonville at #17? It really all depends on the character issues and if they’re addressed. I could see Mallett in the top-15 and I can see him falling into round two.

 

 

 

 

 

Jake Locker (Washington)

Status check: As the only senior in this quartet we already knew Locker would be part of the 2011 NFL Draft. Despite a limited performance statistically, Locker played his part in Washington’s upset victory over Nebraska in the Holiday Bowl.

Draft stock: Locker started the year amongst the top listed prospects for the 2011 draft. Some wondered whether he was a candidate to go first overall or even win the Heisman Trophy. It’s important to remember that the draft committee gave Locker a grade in the round two or three range last year. There was some speculation that he almost reversed his decision to return to Washington at the last minute.

It’s difficult to look at Locker’s 2010 season without some mixed feelings. The Huskies achieved a 6-6 record and made a Bowl game – before upsetting Nebraska in San Diego. For that reason it’s hard to question the decision to return – Locker achieved what he set out to do at the start of the year and his final game for Washington should be remembered fondly.

At the same time, he failed to improve on a 2009 campaign that put him on the national agenda. Scouts maintain concerns about his accuracy and decision making – he failed to become a more polished pocket passer. Disappointing performances against Nebraska (regular season), Stanford and Washington were of particular concern. Big games against USC and Oregon State were largely glossed over in comparison.

A lot of teams won’t regard Locker as a first round pick. I’ve read items that suggest teams don’t even consider him to be Washington’s best senior. That’s how negative some reviews have been – and clearly there are teams in the NFL who won’t be thinking Locker is worth the big investment.

However – there will be some that believe they are capable of turning him into a pro-level quarterback. Mike Shanahan is a fan of Locker’s and Washington own the 10th overall pick. I would be surprised if Seattle’s Pete Carroll didn’t share that enthusiasm. Although Locker’s stock will be defined by the team you’re speaking about – he will have admirers early in round one.

Interested teams: I would be very surprised if Locker lasts beyond the 10th overall pick and Washington. Shanahan will draft a quarterback and he’s a big Locker-fan. The question is for me – would someone take him earlier than that or trade up ahead of Washington? San Francisco are a possibility, what about Arizona and Tennessee? Would Minnesota or maybe even Seattle trade up above Washington? Even though I personally wouldn’t grade Locker that high – I think he will very likely be taken in the top 10-15.

I couldn’t see a scenario where Andrew Luck didn’t declare for the draft.

It was common knowledge that the Stanford quarterback was open to staying in college and completing his degree. As only a two-year starter, he continues to improve with every game.

Even so – I fully expected him to enter the league. When it became obvious that Jim Harbaugh wasn’t going to stick around, you got the feeling it was a foregone conclusion.

The Carolina Panthers even appeared to admit they’d draft Luck with the #1 overall pick.

So it was a surprise that he’s not going to be part of an event in which he’d be the main headline.

Andrew Luck staying at Stanford, won’t declare for the NFL Draft

For the updated mock draft – minus Andrew Luck – click here

A heavyweight quarterback class just became slightly lighter. So what happens now? Let’s start at the top with Carolina and the #1 pick.

You can look at this two ways:

1. Luck’s absence allows the team to concentrate on other areas of the team, possibly defense – or maybe by bringing in a talented offensive playmaker such as A.J. Green.

2. The team were prepared to move on from Jimmy Clausen after just one year to draft a vastly superior prospect at quarterback. If they rate one of the other quarterbacks highly – will that remain an option?

I can easily see the Panthers standing by their investment in Clausen. They took a chance with the 48th overall pick last April when many others passed. It was a difficult environment for the former Notre Dame quarterback – joining a team with a lame duck coach limping slowly to a 2-14 record.

However, Clausen wasn’t completely blameless for a quarterback rating of 58.4 and a touchdown/interception ratio of 3/9. In ten starts he never topped 200 yards passing and only had 61, 47 and 72 yards against Chicago, New Orleans and Pittsburgh.

When two Carolina officials touted the drafting of Luck with the ‘#1 pick on Tuesday – it was mainly due to the Stanford QB’s talents, but also partly due to Clausen’s struggles in 2010.

Almost a year to the day I wrote this report (click here) on the limitations in Clausen’s game. I projected a second-round grade and talked about his lack of physical tools and the high percentage nature of the offense he worked.

A lot of that has proven true so far.

Even so – I did say a second round grade and not ‘undrafted free agent’. When you take a quarterback in round two, there’s a certain degree of faith that needs to be shown – although perhaps starting immediately isn’t the right plan. It wasn’t really until I watched Clausen against the Seahawks recently that I realised that maybe even that second round grade was ambitious and perhaps unjustified.

That’s not the issue now, though. This is the worst team in the NFL with a 2-14 record and the #1 pick.

The Panthers need to ask themselves – “How do we recover?”

They may decide that backing Clausen is the right way to go. Give him a talented receiver such as AJ Green or rebuild the defense with a Da’Quan Bowers or a Nick Fairley.

That would be a mistake in my opinion. Go and draft the prospect that can lift this franchise. Go and get the prospect that can define the future and be the face of the revival. If that means returning to the quarterback position – so be it. Andrew Luck was going to be that man anyway, so look at the alternatives.

For many, Andre Luck was a class above both Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton. I didn’t feel that way. I think all three have amazing potential in different ways. Luck and Newton in particular have that unquestioned ability to define a franchise.

If Luck was good enough to end the Jimmy Clausen project, then so should Cam Newton.

Homework needs to be completed on the Auburn star performer. Questions need to be answered – not least about whether this hugely talented quarterback also has the burning desire to be brilliant. There’s no doubt he finds it easy in college – he’s too good for most opponents. When life is harder in the NFL – will he respond, or lose interest?

That’s for the Panthers to find out over the next few weeks and months. If Newton checks out then he has to be the pick.

Yes – he needs to get over that rookie hurdle of adapting to a much bigger playbook, making complex reads and checking down to a third or fourth option instead of working in a two-read-and-run offense.

That’s not new for college quarterbacks and he can do that. He’s making difficult throws already. Newton’s shown he can look off a target and make an accurate pass into tight coverage. The athleticism is a bonus – but he is capable of adding a different dimension to the position.

I’ve no doubt that Newton has star-potential – the kind of ceiling that Clausen will never have.

It’s unfortunate for him that Carolina have regressed this much to be in position to own the #1 pick – but that’s life. Since Peyton Manning was drafted by Indianapolis in 1998, ten of the thirteen first overall picks have been spent on a quarterback.

Cam Newton can have the kind of impact for the Panthers that a Bowers, Fairley, Green – or a Clausen – simply cannot match.

For that reason, I maintain that Carolina should and possibly will draft a quarterback with the first overall pick – even with Luck out of the picture.

By Glen Peer…

Now that it is official that the Seahawks will draft no higher than pick #21 and with the top 20 picks set in stone – the draft discussion can really heat up. My belief is that the Seahawks greatest need is at QB and believe Seattle should do whatever it takes to get the guy they think best fits their system to lead this team for the next 8+ years. I also believe that if that QB does not present itself this year at our pick, it will not be completely devastating to wait. A great example of that would be the Jets who traded way up to land Mark Sanchez after their roster was established with a great line, and the leagues top defense.

If the future QB comes this year in the draft, outside of Andrew Luck who the Seahawks have zero chance of landing, I’m not sure if there is a QB talented enough to effect the entire offensive unit like Sam Bradford did this year. I wanted to look at what the rosters of recent rookie starters looked like when they started. Continue reading

I’ve updated the mock draft today considering we now have a confirmed order for picks 1-20. You can view the latest projection by clicking here or selecting ‘Mock Draft’ in the title bar.

A few thoughts before I get onto the Seahawks:

– Don’t read too much into Michael Lombardi’s piece on NFL.com which suggests the Panthers aren’t thinking quarterback with the #1 overall pick. Carolina hasn’t even appointed a new Head Coach yet and after watching Andrew Luck in the Orange Bowl, probably just want teams to know they aren’t locked into the top spot if they get an unbelievable offer. Without a move down the board – Luck will be a Panther.

– Some will disagree with my decision to place four quarterbacks in the top-ten and five in the top-15. It would be an incredible turn of events, but there are just so many teams that need quarterbacks this year and the 2011 class is much deeper than most recent drafts. Things could change if teams trade for or sign veteran starters, but until they do it’s hard to see a franchise like Arizona going into next season having not addressed the position.

– The depth at quarterback dries up substantially after round one, which could also force teams to solve their problem early.

– Prince Amukamara (CB, Nebraska) continues to be over-rated in many mock drafts. I wasn’t entirely comfortable having him as early as #13 to Detroit. However – that’s exactly where Malcolm Jenkins went in 2009, a prospect with similar issues to Amukamara. Both look like they’ll end up playing safety in the long term.

So what about Seattle?

Many people will question the decision to projct Justin Blackmon (WR, Oklahoma State) to the Seahawks with the 21st overall pick.

Let me make the case for why I think such a move could happen.

While I appreciate the continued problems along the offensive line – there really aren’t any solutions to the guard or right tackle position in the first round. This is an area the Seahawks will have to work hard to improve during free agency and subsequent later rounds.

I’ve argued for some time on this blog that one of the biggest reasons Seattle can’t run the ball anywhere near efficiently is due to a stagnated passing offense. Opposition teams are willing to take gambles against the Seahawks – whether that’s showing an eight-man front or blitzing creatively. There is neither a quarterback or an exciting group of playmakers that can force a defense into more considered coverage.

I think Pete Carroll and John Schneider appreciated that when they arrived in Seattle. Immediately they set up meetings with Brandon Marshall and there was a genuine interest in Vincent Jackson too.

Mike Williams was given another chance at redemption and he’s proven to be a solid possession receiver for the offense this year. However – the team still lacks a level of dynamism on offense even with Williams’ comeback.

People will point to the likes of Golden Tate, Ben Obomanu and Deon Butler. We’ve seen glimpses from Obomanu and Butler, but not consistency. Obomanu is due to be a free agent. 

Tate has had a rough rookie season that isn’t totally unexpected. I’ve always felt the former Notre Dame wideout benefited from a high-percentage scheme in college that relied on his ability in the open-field. The Seahawks have tried to make him a more complete receiver, but it’s just not happening. His lack of game-speed, control, solid route-running and size is being exploited in the NFL.

It’d be unfair to write-off Tate at this early stage in his career, but he has a long way to go to become a starter or an effective weapon.

In my opinion, the Seahawks would benefit from gaining another talented receiver who can play most downs alongside Williams (who has renewed his contract for a further three years).

That receiver may come in free agency – especially if the San Diego Chargers opt against placing the franchise tag on Vincent Jackson. Indeed, the upcoming chaos regarding the CBA and a potential lock-out makes this year’s free agency period a complete mystery at the moment.

Assuming the team does not bring in a receiver, then it has to be considered a need alongside the more obvious first round options – quarterback, defensive line and cornerback.

After watching Brandon Harris (CB, Miami) struggle against the height of Michael Floyd (WR, Notre Dame) in the Sun Bowl, I was less inclined to pair him with Seattle who will look for physical, taller corners going forward. Stephen Paea (DT, Oregon State) was also a consideration as someone who could play the one-technique or even the Red Bryant position.

However, it kept coming back to offense and how poor it’s been accross the board this year. If the Seahawks can’t draft a quarterback, they have to improve the situation elsewhere. Improving the offense has to be the #1 priority for this team. It’s not even close to average.

Justin Blackmon is not an elite physical talent. He isn’t going to run a Chris Johnson type time in the forty-yard dash and he doesn’t have great size at 6-1, 207lbs.

He might be the opposite to Golden Tate however, in that he’s already running very crisp and fluid routes and finding ways to get open.

Like Tate, Blackmon won the Biletnikoff this year. Both put up big production, but Blackmon is doing it with a lot more down-field routes. Although I think Prince Amukamara is over rated, Blackmon put on a clinic against Nebraska and dominated his opponent. He also had strong games against Texas – who have maintained a good secondary – and Oklahoma.

He topped 100-yards in every game he played during 2010 and scored 21 total touchdowns.

Is he a pure #1 receiver? I’m not entirely convinced. His best role may be for a team like Kansas City in support of Dwayne Bowe.

Do I think that will necessarily stop him being an option for the Seahawks? No. He’s proven capable of making the big plays, putting up the big production and getting downfield. I’m projecting a smaller learning curve than a lot of rookies due to his natural route running ability and control.

Ideally you’d find a prospect like Julio Jones (WR, Alabama) sitting in that range, but I wouldn’t rule Blackmon out. However, I think receiver is a position perhaps ignored by most when considering what the Seahawks could do in April and I want to try and keep it in the discussion – which is why I made this projection.

And at the end of the day – you can never have enough good wide receivers. Green Bay have regularly drafted wide outs to pad out their offense – a system which could continue in Seattle now that John Schneider has moved to the North West.