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.
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):
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.
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:
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.
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).
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:
Yesterday, aside from the pre-announced injury absentees (eg Abdul Carter), 42 players opted to not run a forty yard dash. Several of these players also didn’t do drills. There’s little reason why we won’t see the same today. We already know Travis Hunter and Will Johnson won’t do anything. At tight end, Colston Loveland and Elijah Arroyo are both injured.
There’s been talk of the combine becoming too antiquated. Teams use Zebra Technology to track the speed players are running at in full pads in college football. They don’t really need a forty time anymore.
There are still tests, such as the short shuttle, three-cone and explosive jumps, that are useful for specific positions. However, the whole event has a bit of a ho-hum feel to it these days. It’s as if everyone has taken their eye off the ball. The combine hasn’t been modernised, it hasn’t adapted. It’s still doing old-fashioned tests like the bench press. It might have a Prime Time slot filled with six hours of two broadcasters trying to make tiresome pop-culture references but the combine’s usefulness has diminished.
I remember when I started writing this blog in 2008 and being absorbed by all of the players testing at the combine. Only the injured tended to not do anything. Now, there seems to be as many players not testing as there are competing.
The medicals, interviews and ability to get everyone together in one city is obviously crucial. The actual workouts, though, seem peripheral. It’s a shame but it’s entirely the NFL’s fault. The whole thing needs modernising.
In terms of who is performing today, I think we’re looking at three positions that could be targeted in the draft by Seattle. They were very prepared to draft a cornerback in round one a year ago and I doubt anything has changed in the subsequent 12 months. This is a need area. Safety is also a need, with Rayshawn Jenkins set for the exit sooner rather than later. At tight end, Noah Fant isn’t likely to be cut but they might try to replace Pharaoh Brown.
The tight ends I’m most interested in today are Oronde Gadsden, Mitchell Evans, Luke Lachey and Jackson Hawes. I hope they all do the agility tests and run a forty for the 10-yard split.
Jahdae Barron is a potential option for the Seahawks at #18 but if he tests well, he’ll likely go in the top-13. Will Johnson not testing could push him towards the Seahawks. That wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. Nick Emmanwori is expected to put on a show and it’ll be interesting to see how Malaki Starks gets on. I’m intrigued by Darien Porter.
If you missed my day one review, read it here. I also discussed the Geno Smith contract situation with the Seahawks and Smith’s representatives set to meet at some point today.
Don’t forget to use this as an open thread as the combine is ongoing today. I will be posting regularly in the comments. Plus at the conclusion of day two I’ll be jumping on a live stream and then producing a full written report.
In this article I’ll discuss how today impacts the Seahawks at #18, the latest O-line free agency situation and Geno Smith’s contract talks. But first…
Combine day one winners
James Pearce Jr (EDGE, Tennessee)
Only nine edge rushers have run a faster time at the combine than James Pearce Jr’s 4.47. He took this into the drills, showing effortless movement skills. He also ran a 1.56 10-yard split (anything in the 1.5’s is elite). When you consider he had the joint highest run-stop responsibility percentage among edge rushers (10.1%) and the third best pass-rush win percentage (22.7%) — it seems improbable at this stage that Pearce Jr will get out of the first half of round one.
Olu Oladejo (EDGE, UCLA)
Nicknamed ‘the Mayor’ for the way he led the players at the Senior Bowl, Oladejo jumped off the screen during drills. He’s built like a tank and looks absolutely jacked — yet his movement and change of direction was excellent. He didn’t run a forty but I’m inclined to say it doesn’t matter with the way he moved today. In a year lacking a lot of top-end talent, teams will gravitate to physical players with high football character. That’s Oladejo. At one point he was relaying instructions by the coaches to the rest of the team. He’s a natural leader and looks like a ‘win getting off the bus’ type of player.
Landon Jackson (DE, Arkansas) & Shemar Stewart (DE, Texas A&M)
Four players have weighed 260lbs+ at defensive end and jumped +40 inches in the vertical. These two, plus former #1 overall picks Myles Garrett and Mario Williams. That’s good company to keep. Stewart also ran an elite 1.58 10-yard split, tied for the second fastest by any defender over 265lbs over the last 15 seasons. Nick Bosa’s 1.55 seconds is the only faster time. Meanwhile Jackson’s runs were fine and he shifted around the field during drills nicely. He’d look like a Terminator if you painted him silver and some teams will prefer the Arkansas DE to the smaller edge rushers like Mike Green. Stewart didn’t do drills after hurting himself. One thing to note — don’t overreact to Stewart’s testing. He was only ever considered a first round pick in the first place because of his physical profile. Today shouldn’t give him a big jump in stock, it simply confirmed he is a great athlete. This isn’t new news. People are acting like he’s a top-12 lock all of a sudden. No, the assumption on physical skills was the only thing putting him in the round one discussion in the first place. A reminder, he only had a pass-rush win percentage of 12.4% and had 21 fewer pressures than Braydn Swinson and Donovan Ezeiruaku.
Ty Robinson (DT, Nebraska)
Although he looked a bit stiff at times changing direction during drills, you can’t argue with the fastest forty time among defensive tackles (4.83) and the speed on his 10-yard split (16.98mph) being the third fastest by a player at his position in the last three years. A 4.50 shuttle at 288lbs is very interesting and he’s extremely explosive — jumping a 33.5 inch vertical and a superb 9-11 broad. High character, incredibly physical, quick and explosive — with enough agility to be interesting. This is a second round pick profile to go with an AFC North mentality.
Donovan Ezeiruaku (EDGE, Boston College)
He didn’t run a forty but his 4.19 short shuttle at 248lbs was a highlight. Khalil Mack and Clay Matthews ran a 4.18. Harold Landry, a better comparison for Ezeiruaku, also ran a 4.19. He added a good 6.94 three cone, he has long 34-inch arms and he’s an explosive tester. He shared a leading 10.1% run-stop responsibility rate with James Pearce Jr and had a strong 18.2% pass-rush win percentage. He’s a reasonable 10-yard split away from being a comfortable first round selection.
Jihaad Campbell (LB, Alabama)
No linebacker was close to Campbell in terms of just how smooth he looked doing drills. Meanwhile, he ran a 4.52 at 235lbs with a 1.53 10-yard split. Roquan Smith ran a 4.51 at 236lbs with a 1.51 split. They are different types of players but their testing numbers are similar for quickness. The big difference is Campbell is far more explosive (10-7 broad vs 9-9). He’s such a ferocious, physical tackler and a versatile chess-piece who lined up everywhere from the box to edge to even free safety in 2024. There’s no doubt in my mind he’ll be on Seattle’s radar at #18.
Demetrius Knight (LB, South Carolina)
Every week on tape, Knight would make plays for South Carolina. Then you hear his backstory — taking on extra jobs to get by, showing pure determination to have a career in football. You just wondered about the testing. Not any more. Knight reached 22.76mph during his forty — the fastest time among linebackers (Jihaad Campbell’s 22.62 was second). He ran a 4.58 forty with a good 1.58 10-yard split. He also added a 4.25 short shuttle. Again, in a draft without a lot of obviously brilliant players — tough, productive, high-character individuals like this who test well will find a home in the first two rounds.
Other shout-outs
— Indiana’s CJ West is the ninth defensive tackle to weigh at least 315lbs and run a sub-5.0 forty at the combine since 2003. I haven’t studied him but will after the combine.
— Nazir Stackhouse looked like a tub of goo for Georgia but here he looked fantastic. He’s carrying almost no bad weight, he moved freely during drills and he was one of the big surprises for me. I can definitely see him being on the radar for teams looking for a nose tackle in round four.
— Derrick Harmon showed well enough to secure a top-40 placing and while Darius Alexander’s 4.79 short shuttle was disappointing, a 4.95 forty and some good explosive testing numbers are a positive.
— Tyleik Williams looks like he could stand to lose 10lbs but he still looked really good during drills. I need to check out Zeek Biggers after some good testing numbers for his size.
— Oklahoma State linebacker Nick Martin had a very good day of testing including an official 4.53 forty and a 38-inch vertical.
What it means for the Seahawks
I think it’s less likely that Jihaad Campbell will last to #18, while James Pearce Jr might’ve secure his place in the first half of round one.
There are a group of players who feel like they ‘fit’ the vision of a current-day Seahawk (high football character, tough, smart, productive). I’m starting to worry that a lack of top-end talent will push these players up the board. They include Colston Loveland, Jalon Walker, Jahdae Barron, Armand Membou, Will Johnson, Jihaad Campbell and Tyler Booker. All would be fine picks. All have, at one time or another, been mocked in a range close to #18.
I’d include the likes of Ashton Jeanty and Tyler Warren but I’ve not seen anything to think they’ll get out of the top-12.
Meanwhile, there are some question marks about the ‘fit’ in Seattle for players like Mykel Williams and Mike Green. I’m not sure how they’ll view James Pearce Jr’s personality and ability to compete against the run at the pro-level, despite his better numbers at Tennessee in 2024. The likes of Shemar Stewart carry a risk-factor despite his athleticism and I’m not sure Kenneth Grant and Walter Nolen are fits either. I don’t expect them to be interested in Shedeur Sanders.
They could end up in a bit of a no-man’s land at #18, just out of reach for players they’d feel really good about and a bit too high to consider someone like Grey Zabel. We’ll see how Kelvin Banks Jr tests this week but I’m not convinced he’s a guard on review and might be better suited to right tackle at the next level.
Don’t sleep on Donovan Ezeiruaku. He had a highly productive 16.5 sack 2024 season, he glides by blocks like he’s ice-skating and his ability to bend the arc and straighten is extremely impressive. Any combination of length and agility is appealing and he’s the type of player they’ve targeted in the past.
Trey Smith off the market
The Kansas City Chiefs have franchise-tagged their right guard, which wasn’t expected. Here’s what I think has happened. It’s been established at the combine that Smith would get more than the tag price of around $23m. The Chiefs have also discovered that most of the league wants Smith and are prepared to pay him. Now, they’ve taken control of the situation. They have an exclusive negotiating window with him to retain his services. Any team that wants him also now has to go to the Chiefs with a trade proposal.
I think it’s a smart move, in particular because Kansas City can just loan money from Patrick Mahomes’ contract to create tens of millions of cap space.
I do wonder though if this might make Joe Thuney available. Surely it’s worth asking the question?
On the negative side though, any team that was prepared to pay Smith a mega-deal will now have money to burn. They might pivot to Drew Dalman if they need a center. There’s been talk at the combine that he might get $20m a year. That could be too much for Seattle. We could also see more competition for other linemen with Smith off the market.
This isn’t going to be easy for the Seahawks to address their biggest need. They have to find a way to do it. Even if that means paying a bit more for ageing players like Ryan Kelly and/or Kevin Zeitler. They need some proven experience up front, especially if they want to insert another rookie into the line-up.
Geno Smith contract talks set for tomorrow
John Schneider told 710 Seattle Sports that he hopes to get an extension done with his starting quarterback and they’ll meet with his agent on Friday “where we find out what he’s thinking.”
Here’s what I think is going on. The Seahawks clearly want to retain Smith but only on their terms. That’ll likely mean a new deal that puts more money in Smith’s pocket this year, lowers his cap hit for 2025 and retains an annual out for the Seahawks as they plot a longer-term future at the position.
I think a lot of the upbeat, positive talk at the moment is similar to what they were doing with Drew Lock a year ago. They’re making a public statement of admiration because they think that will help in negotiations.
I also suspect Smith’s agents, privately, have been allowed to dig around at the combine to discover what other teams, if any, would be willing to acquire Smith and pay him a new deal. After a few days of research by both parties, now they’re going to come together to see if a compromise can be reached.
My guess is there isn’t a red-hot market for Smith given he turns 35 this year and didn’t put up great numbers in 2024. Therefore, a compromise will be reached and probably announced next week.
However, if Smith’s representatives go into that meeting tomorrow demanding silly money and a commitment without annual outs, this could turn quickly.
I doubt the Seahawks have any interest in pivoting to the Sam Darnold market, which will be big, or scrambling around for Daniel Jones types. Or, for that matter, having to start Sam Howell or have him compete with a rookie. This could be a leverage point for Smith’s people.
However, I don’t think the Seahawks are going to cave. I also think Smith’s best outcome is to stay in Seattle. It might be his best offer financially and his best environment, to have continuity.
I think it’ll get done. It’s best for all concerned. Clearly tomorrow is a big day though and it’ll be interesting to see what happens.
A final thought for now. If/when a deal is struck, expect a lot of big talk about commitment, being able to win with Geno and things like that. Why? Because I firmly believe the Seahawks have their eye on the quarterback class with the opportunity to take one on day two. It’ll pay off to try and convince the league that they aren’t interested, especially if you have one or two specific targets in mind.
If you missed my day-one combine recap stream, check it out here:
This year I will not be running a live blog throughout the combine. The workload was becoming too much, eight hours of live blogging going into the early hours of the morning followed by a full review of the day (including data analysis) and a live stream. Instead I’m going to share a few thoughts at the start of each day here, spend a bit more time on my daily review article and Robbie Williams will be joining me on a stream on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday to offer his thoughts from inside Lucas Oil Field.
A number of top players will not be testing or doing drills today. Abdul Carter, Mason Graham, Mykel Williams, Mike Green, Kenneth Grant and Jalon Walker will not be involved. Others, such as Jihaad Campbell, have promised a big day of testing.
Campbell really intrigues me. Regulars will know I’ve been reviewing some players over the last week or so. I’ve done 249 players on the board (plus many others who opted not to declare) so it’s important to reassess, review but not overcorrect. In recent days I’ve developed my opinions to be a little bit lower on Kelvin Banks Jr, quite a bit higher on Jaylin Noel and Jack Bech and I’ve also become really keen on Campbell’s tape having studied a few more games.
Aside from his impressive size and build, he just plays with a level of aggression that I think will appeal to the Seahawks. I told someone yesterday in an exchange that he reminds me a little bit of a linebacker version of Devon Witherspoon. When Campbell hits you he leaves a mark. He is a thunderous tackler with one of the lower missed tackle rates in college (5.9%) and he registered 65 total ‘stops’ — third most among linebackers (just ahead of UNLV’s Jackson Woodard who I also studied recently and really like).
He can drop easily in coverage, shows off a high football IQ and having originally joined Alabama as a pass rusher, he can be used to create pressure off the edge. He had eight sacks in 2024 and took 112 snaps as a defensive lineman. For what it’s worth, he also lined up four times at free safety and 27 times in the slot. He’s a great fit for Mike Macdonald because of his aggression and physicality, understanding of concepts and versatility.
If he tests well as he suggested, not only could he be a BPA candidate at #18 — he might not even get past the likes of Atlanta, Arizona and Cincinnati before Seattle’s pick. For me, he’s a much more complete, cleaner, less risky defensive playmaker than some of the pass rushers being touted to go in the teens. He has legitimate potential to be one of the best players at his position in the NFL.
Can the Seahawks justify taking him if they re-sign Ernest Jones? Absolutely yes. Tyrice Knight is not so good that you would avoid adding someone this talented. Knight would provide the kind of depth Seattle has lacked at linebacker over the years.
One final point on Campbell — he very clearly has high football and personal character. This is important to the Seahawks and has helped shape their last few drafts. I’m not going to get into it names here but that isn’t the case for some other players working out today.
I’m really keen to see how Bradyn Swinson tests. Can he produce the kind of 10-yard split that would make him a very exciting talent? How athletic is Josaiah Stewart or Donovan Ezeiruaku? Oluwafemi Oladejo had an amazing combine, how does he test here?
It’ll be interesting to see how Darius Alexander, Sai’vion Jones and Jordan Burch perform. Big things are expected of Landon Jackson. At defensive tackle, there’s hope Tyleik Williams puts on a show and I’m really keen to see how TJ Sanders, Ty Robinson, Joshua Farmer, Shemar Turner and JJ Pegues test (plus Riley Mills if healthy).
At linebacker, how good an athlete is Carson Schwesinger? I’m looking forward to seeing Demetrius Knight and Jackson Woodard too.
Use the comments section as an open-thread. I’ll be chipping in throughout the workouts.
If you missed my huge combine preview, which goes position-by-position, check it out here.
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