Dante Fowler had an excellent 2019 season with the Rams
I’ve broken this piece into four tiers — expensive free agents, value free agents, trade candidates and players who will likely be tagged.
Expensive free agents
The Seahawks need an injection of talent, particularly on the defense. They need more speed and more physicality. In 2011 they accelerated their team building by signing Sidney Rice and Zach Miller. For the first time in a long time, they will likely be players in the market again this year.
That said, they also need to find value where they can. The 2013 off-season was a success because of the value of the Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril deals, not just because they landed both players. Their ability to find value (as they did in the Clowney & Diggs trades in 2019) is as important as anything. Yet free agency is a new beast these days. And they might have to prepare to go big.
Dante Fowler (DE, LA Rams) ranked sixth in the NFL with 16 TFL’s — the same number as Nick Bosa and Cam Jordan. He also ranked highly with 11.5 sacks and 36 pressures. Fowler also ran a 1.59 10-yard split at the combine and the Seahawks are desperate for some speed. He’s only 25-years-old. He should receive a lot of interest and Seattle could (should?) be one of the suitors. A book-end duo of Clowney and Fowler could set them up for a number of years and would be worth investing in.
Arik Armstead (DT, San Francisco) ranked 16th in the NFL with 35 pressures in 2019 — more than Robert Quinn, Matt Judon and Everson Griffen and two fewer than Von Miller. Armstead also finished with 10 sacks and 11 TFL’s. He has massive size (6-7, 290lbs), defends the run well and can move across the line. He’s only 26.
James Bradberry (CB, Carolina) doesn’t get much attention but he’s one of the better players set to reach free agency. The Panthers aren’t flush with cap space. Bradberry, 26, had to cover Michael Thomas, Mike Evans and Julio Jones in the NFC South and held his own. The Seahawks are unlikely to spend big on a cornerback (we know how they roll) but Bradberry is someone who will have a strong market.
One position they could invest in is nickel/slot corner. That was an area they really struggled with in 2019. Chris Harris Jr (CB, Denver) will leave the Broncos and would be an expensive addition but would inject genuine quality to the position.
There’s a dearth of good offensive tackles in the league and Jack Conklin (T, Tennessee) has timed his return to form perfectly. He had the fifth best run-blocking grade among tackles per PFF and has really helped Derrick Henry excel. I’m not sure we’ll see the Seahawks go big for a pure right tackle but he’s someone who’s probably high on the NFL’s radar.
Jordan Phillips (DT, Buffalo) recorded 9.5 sacks in 2019 while also setting a career-high in tackles (31). He also had 13 TFL’s — one fewer than T.J. Watt. He’s 6-6 and 340lbs with the arm length (34.5 inches) Seattle loves. He plays well against the run but provides a plus pass rush for his size. The Bills are going to let him test the market and he could get an attractive offer.
Anthony Harris (S, Minnesota) led the league in interceptions in 2019. Per PFF, Harris has the top regular-season coverage grade among safeties at 91.6. He was sixth in 2018 too. He missed just four out of 100 tackles in 2018 and 2019. He combines ball-hawking and good coverage with sure-tackling. The Vikings will be desperate to keep him but they’re currently $4m OVER the cap for 2020.
Austin Hooper (TE, Atlanta) will likely have a robust market. He’s only 25, has excellent agility (4.32 short shuttle) and does everything well. He had 787 yards in 2019 and six touchdowns in 13 games. With a weak looking tight end class in the draft and considering his production and consistency, it’ll be a surprise if Hooper doesn’t get paid big money.
Players who could provide value
Karl Joseph (S, Oakland) is someone I’ve liked for a while. He was the fiercest hitter I think I’ve ever watched in college. He was a former #14 pick but it hasn’t really worked out in Oakland. Let him be an intimidating force. He’s only 26. He needs a change of scenery and a chance somewhere.
It’s tempting to think of Ndamukong Suh (DT, Tampa Bay) as a busted flush these days but there are two reasons to be interested. Firstly, he might be cheaper on a short-term deal at his age (33). Secondly, he anchored Tampa Bay’s top run defense. They gave up 73.8 YPG in 2019 — the best record for five years. He also had a healthy 24 pressures this season.
The Seahawks were reportedly interested in Everson Griffen (DE, Minnesota) before he re-worked his contract. He is able to void his deal in the off-season. He had 12 TFL’s, eight sacks and 34 pressures in 2019. At 32 he would be a shorter-term option but probably wouldn’t break the bank.
Remember everyone laughing at the Redskins for giving the Chiefs Kendall Fuller (CB, Kansas City) and a third rounder for Alex Smith? Despite his horrible injury, Smith looked good in Washington and Fuller’s career collapsed. He was even moved to safety. He played his best football in the slot though. A fresh start and some confidence plus a return to nickel might be just what he needs.
A former third-round pick, Jordan Jenkins (OLB, New York Jets) has the size and length (6-3, 260lbs, 34 1/4 inch arms) plus the quickness (1.58 10-yard split) Seattle needs. He has 15 sacks in the last two years. He could provide some value as a complimentary rotational piece. His 4.80 forty, however, isn’t very ‘Seahawky’.
Danny Shelton (DT, New England) was linked with the Seahawks a lot in 2019 before eventually returning to the Patriots on a one-year $1m contract. If that’s the kind of money he’s available for, the Seahawks could do a lot worse than sign him to aid their run defense.
Brian Poole (CB, New York Jets) signed a one-year deal worth $3.5m a year ago. The Seahawks might be a bit more pro-active at the nickel spot this off-season. Poole has some value and his experience in Atlanta means he should be able to adjust to Seattle’s scheme somewhat comfortably.
Formerly the #32 pick in the 2016 draft, Emmanuel Ogbah (DE, Kansas City) has fantastic size and length (6-4, 275lbs, 35.5 inch arms) and he ran superbly at the combine (4.63 forty, 1.58 split). He had 5.5 sacks in 10 games in 2019. He’s someone you might be willing to take a chance on with such an attractive physical profile but he’s unlikely to get big offers.
The Seahawks have been willing to take on a reclamation project in the past. Vic Beasley’s (DE, Atlanta) career has stalled. However, he ran a 4.53 at the combine plus a 1.59 split. They need some speed and Beasley might be comparatively cheap if other options are unavailable.
Possible trade targets
Trades are vital. Clever deals can set you up to win big. Look at the Seahawks. They spent barely anything to acquire Chris Clemons and Marshawn Lynch. More recently, they traded up for D.K. Metcalf and got fantastic value in deals for Jadeveon Clowney and Quandre Diggs.
The Niners are better with Dee Ford, ditto the Titans and their trade for Ryan Tannehill. Is any Chiefs fan complaining about Frank Clark after his performance against Houston?
It feels like there’s room for a trade addition at some point during the off-season.
As noted in more detail on Tuesday, a trade for Von Miller (DE, Denver) could potentially work for both teams. Seattle would acquire a player on a reduced salary, they could rush with four again in 2020, they’d solve their biggest hole without needing to enter the free agent market. It’d be expensive though and would probably cost the #27 pick.
Calais Campbell (DT, Jacksonville) has had an incredible three years with the Jaguars. He had 31.5 sacks, 44 TFL’s and 76 QB hits. He anchors the run defense and he creates pressure. The Jaguars may well have zero interest in trading him. It doesn’t mean you can’t pick up the phone.
We’ve seen how much the Seahawks benefit from good safety play. Jamal Adams (S, New York Jets) was a trade target for Dallas before the deadline. He’s such an intense, physical, playmaking safety. He’s a blue-chip talent. However, they really like Bradley McDougald and only spent a second round pick on Marquise Blair a year ago.
Ryan Kerrigan (DE, Washington) is 31 and has one year left on his contract. His cap hit is only $11.6m in 2020. He has 90 career sacks. He has the length and the quickness Seattle needs but he has been banged up. If the Redskins decide to make some changes under Ron Rivera, it’s possible he might be available at a decent price on a one-year rental.
Russell Wilson, like everyone else, is going to want to see the defense fixed. But you better believe he’s also going to be pushing for more weapons. The draft is extremely rich at receiver so this could be a moot point. However, Stefon Diggs (WR, Minnesota) is clearly frustrated and is close to Wilson. So is Odell Beckham Jr (WR, Cleveland) and who knows if he sticks around with the Browns? Wilson deserves as many quality targets as possible.
The Seahawks need to add a tight end at some point. O.J. Howard (TE, Tampa Bay) and David Njoku (TE, Cleveland) have both been linked with moves away from their current teams. Seattle really values the agility testing at the position and Howard ran a 4.16 short shuttle and a 6.86 three cone. Njoku ran a 4.34 short shuttle and 6.97 three cone. Howard will be expensive but it’s hard to tell with Njoku given Cleveland’s just cleaned house again.
Players who will get tagged and be unavailable
Chris Jones (DT, Kansas City) has had so much production. There’s no way the Chiefs let him go. A trade would only be a possibility if he has ridiculous contract demands. If that isn’t the case, Kansas City can carry on during this window with all their top talent intact.
Yannick Ngakoue (DE, Jacksonville) might want to leave Jacksonville but it’s pretty obvious they have no intention of letting him walk. They can save $20m alone just by cutting Marcell Dareus. That money will simply be transferred to Ngakoue.
Derrick Henry (RB, Tennessee) has nothing left to prove. The likelihood is he gets tagged and then the Titans work on tying him up for the long term.
If the Bengals had any chill they’d just let A.J. Green (WR, Cincinnati) finish his career with a contender. But this is Cincinnati. So they’ll probably hold him to ransom on numerous tags and force him to retire. He’d be an outstanding addition for Seattle but they probably won’t get the chance to sign him.
Justin Simmons (S, Denver) has been excellent for the Broncos but they have more than enough cap room to franchise tag him.
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No mention of Byron Jones from DAL?
Not alot of Ints but Dal seems set to let him go…
Robert quinn?
Don’t think he’ll be worth the money he gets.
This isn’t about listing ‘every’ option.
Just in case anyone is still in the “eh, I’m not sure we need to sign Clowney” camp
https://twitter.com/byAlistairCorp/status/1217531667620827136
I ‘get’ all the counter arguments, but even BEFORE that watch-my heart wanted him in Seattle! Good one-thanks for that.
Great writeup Rob I really enjoyed this piece! Lots of different name and ideas.
One guy I would love to see you put on the Hawks free agent target list is Canadian David Oneyemata (DT/Saints). The is an athletic BAMF at DT who excels in the run game and provides some pass rush . If you checkout the Saints fan sites they love this guy.
He would be an ideal addition to the Hawks DT rotation IMO if the Saints let him get to free agency.
Would love to see the Hawks to the following in free agency
Defense
-Resign Clowney ( 5 yrs /100 mil) make him your cornerstone to build the DL around
-Sign Dante Fowler (4 yrs /75 mil) Hawks have thier new 1-2 pass rush punch going forward
-Let Reed test the market and ring him back on a 1 yr deal to help him rebuild is value (1 yr /8 mil)
-Sign David Oneymata (DT / Saints) YOung BAMF DT with is athletic and really good against the run (3 yr / 15 mil)
-Sign Kendall Fuller (CB/KC) bring him in the compete for the nickel spot with Amani and hope Pete can build him back up. I remember Scott Mcloughin being a huge fan of his (1 yr /2,5 mil)
-Let Quinton Jefferson test the market and bring him back only if the price is right.
-Look at Vic Beasley but only on a 1 yr prove it deal
Offense
-Sign Fant (3 yrs /20 mil)
-Trade our 3rd Rd Pick this year and 2nd rounder next year for OJ Howard
-Look at veteran Guard and OT options for depth on deals similar to what they have done with FLuker and Iupati.
-Target and young stud OL and WR on Day #1 and #2 f draft
I like it
This is going to be a exciting offseason made 100x better because of SDB. I really appreciate all the work you’re doing Rob it never seems rushed or repetitive and I always enjoy reading. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Sam
Awesome work on the last couple of pieces Rob! Last year the Packers were in a similar dline issue and spent 4 years $52m on Preston Smith and 4 years $66m on Zdarius Smith so roughly $13 and $16.5 million per year respectively. Looks like that could be a bargain. Seattle has to do something similar. Like the trade idea if V Miller, C Campbell, and/or Adams are available. Signing Clowney is a must. Love Fowler and Armstead in FA. Rob what are your thoughts on Chaisson (LSU Edge) as a possible Hawks target at #27? Keep up the great work Rob!
Chaisson is more of a SAM type who acts as a situational pass rusher at the next level IMO. I’m not a huge fan, I don’t really think he’s an impact, consistent pass rusher at the next level.
I’ve another Chaisson comp:
Randy Gregory
I thought Gregory had more potential to be an EDGE but needed to add weight.
Chaisson to me is just a pure SAM/situational. Even looking back at his sacks. So many stunts. He’s not going to get a free run to the QB as often at the next level. He has a nice spin move but again — experienced NFL tackles aren’t going to leave inside open. They’ll plan inside/out and shut that off. There’s barely any evidence of consistent rounding the edge and creating problems for tackles in that way.
And it limits his stock. Because you look at Bruce Irvin who ended up as a SAM/situational. He had the athleticism to play anywhere really. In college, though, he was the best EDGE rusher for two years straight in the whole NCAA. Chaisson isn’t that.
I think he’s going to last a lot longer than people think and actually, down the line, there’s probably a time when he becomes somewhat of a value pick. And I have no issue with adding someone like him in the middle-rounds area as long as they take care of business in FA and get a proper EDGE.
But there are more interesting players for me at other positions.
Let’s say the guy is there in the 5th round, that sounds like good value for a guy who could be part of the solution as a situational pass rusher, with “relatively” little money or draft stock invested.
Totally agree, knock out what you can in FA, then everything else falls into place.
When and if they can get back to 4 DL providing adequate pass rush, the rest of the defense will “start to shine” even more. There were problems in 2019, but they really were closer to being good than bad.
I really like that take, Rob. In nutshell, what makes you so great as a Hawks commentator-analyst is the total way you ‘grok’ both the probable and the possible. You seem always to start from a position of understanding ‘what Pete wants/likes’, and after that, factor in the condition of J.S.’ wily patience and the way that those things mediate the ‘what is out there to be had’. Seems to me that these are the things that the past decade’s glory has been built on. Never stop man-we love it!
Thank you 👍🏻
He is the polar opposite to Gregory. Gregory had a bad work ethic and drug problem. He had all the talent in the world but nothing else.
Chaisson is the undisputed leader of a National Championship winning defense. You may not like him as a prospect that is fine but he is not like Randy Gregory in any way except perhaps that they are both 6-4.
Rob I agree with you on almost all your analysis of player but the idea that Chaisson will be there on day #3 is laughable unless there is a serious medical red flag.
I never said he would be there on day three so let’s have less of the ‘laughable’. I have to say Trevor, we seem to disagree on a player every year and I seem to recall in the past I’ve been right for the most part 🤷♂️
Chaisson isn’t a round one prospect. There’s nothing to suggest that. Better pass rushers, who were excellent athletes (eg Jordan Wills), have lasted to R3 and beyond. Heck, Chaisson hasn’t even declared yet! The hype for him is one of the most baffling things I’ve seen in the media and on here. And one guy who actually is worthy of a high pick and actually has declared —- Patrick Queen —- silence.
Your argument for Chaisson yesterday was he had three sacks against four good teams. Yet two came in one game against Oklahoma and one of those was when he was being blocked 1v1 by… a receiver. He had a run of six games without a sack. His sacks are stunts. He had two in his career on spin moves when NFL linemen will play inside out and that won’t happen (it never does). He has about 2-3 career sacks actually rushing the edge. He’s light, he will need to play SAM and learn that role. He will be a situational rusher or blitzer at best. The only counters I get to this is “he has athletic qualities and potential”. So did a lot of other non-early round picks. And again, who says he will even declare??
You are right there seems to be one or two guys every year. I remember Kyler Fackrell for sure you liked a lot and I didnt at all so props to you on that one. I liked Josh Sweat and you didn’t. Good call on that one as well.
The other two I can remember are Brian Burns and Derwin James who I had rated much higher than you did and really wanted for the Hawks. It was moot as both went before the Hawks picked. But James was an All Pro as a rookie and Burns looked like a stud his rookie year.
Anyways that is what makes the draft fun and this blog so great. If we all agreed on every player it would be pretty boring.
Time will tell on Chaisson and perhaps he wont declare. Might be wise for him given he never really had a full season last year after the ACL injury and maybe he can develop more as a pass rusher before entering the draft. If he does declare, has no medical red flags and makes it out of Round #1 I wont question your judgement on a player again 🙂
The point on Derwin James was you insisted he would go top-10 and I said mid/late teens and gave reasons why. On Brian Burns likewise — my point throughout was always he looked about 225lbs, there were reports he was 225lbs. When he rocked up at the combine at about 250lbs it was longer an issue.
Chaisson has declared today BTW.
Well I guess we will find out. Two other guys we had differing opinions on were Chris Jones and Daniel Hunter so I have gotten a couple right.
I hope you don’t take my debating a prospect disrespectful because it is not meant that way at all. I value your view on players as more than other other draft expert and even more so for the Hawks. Your track record has been amazing.
It will suck if Chaisson does not go in Round #1 and I have to eat crow but I will own it. The one caveat are his medicals because that is a big ? Mark for him.
My concerns on Chris Jones were rooted in fact though — there were serious concerns about his character and he had a mediocre combine. His tape was meh in college. If anyone could anticipate he would become what he became, he wouldn’t have lasted to #37.
Danielle Hunter I never really had an opinion on. His college production was non-existent. You couldn’t watch him at LSU and pinpoint a star. All you could do is look at the frame and say — if it clicks it could work. Thus, he lasts to pick #88. So I’m not having that I got anything wrong on those two. If anything my view was validated. They lasted into the range I expected.
I don’t take any disagreement as disrespectful. I want people to have their own views and disagree away with me. I also hope, in return, people appreciate I will be equally robust. But nothing offends me, ever.
I’d love to see Suh as a situational pass rush specialist from up the gut. As his age, that’s the best for his production and he’ll take some plays off but we wouldn’t have to worry about that if he was only on the field for 55% of snaps (like both Avril and Bennett were in ’13). In that case, he’d be a good worker to work with these young guys, too. I’m sure we all get frustrated on those 3rd and long plays and seeing the limited pass rush and inevitable first down conversions. Having a fresh Suh would greatly improve the all important third down defense.
There really are a lot of FA DL additions this year.
It’s too bad the Bengals are so weird and really don’t seem to care about winning (if we judge actions and not words). I agree that what Rob wrote about AJ Green is probably true because, after all, they are the Bengals or I would suggest Geno Atkins as a potential trade partner. He’s on the wrong side of 30 and the Bengals will be building a franchise around a rookie QB next year. Why not get a draft pick for a dominant DT like Atkins, who will be a mid-30s guy not that good anymore by the time the Bengals get good again (if they can ever get “good”). At least with keeping Green, it will help Burrow early in his career, whereas keeping Atkins really doesn’t matter long-term.
I think the big plus with Suh is the run blocking. He is still a really good run blocker, one of the best. The results speak for themselves. If he wants one last tilt at a ring in the area he grew up in, it’s a good fit.
The Bengals are a weird team. Weirdly run — like a family business that expects undying loyalty. They never seem to trade anyone. You either play your contract or you’re stuck.
You forget about Suh but he for sure could be a 55% snap guy along side maybe Reed. He is an odd one with the run defense as he was part of the great TB run defense this year but he was part of the Rams last year that gave up 5.1 yards per carry. Mostly though he has been a good run defender. He got $9.25 mill from TB so maybe one year $8-$9 mill might do it?
My problem with Suh playing a large amount of snaps is that he admitted last year with the Rams and his final year with the Dolphins that he took plays off. He’s not a guy Pete would want on a “compete” 100% of the time team because that looks bad to the other guys if he’s on the field for 75% of the snaps and not giving max effort all the time. With his skill set at being an effective player at this stage of his career – I’d rather have him consistently in for 3rd and 8 over 1st and 10 if he only has so many snaps per game.
But imagine a 3rd and long offense having to block Von Miller, Suh, Reed, and Clowney with their ears pinned back. There would be a lot of dump off passes and having a sure tackler like Wagner in the middle would be huge. That would be fun to watch. Someone would win on almost every snap. Can’t double them all (not that Reed would command doubles, but always seeing single would be a huge boost to his productivity, too).
In the 8 years the statistic has been held, Suh has never logged less than 65% of snaps played in a game (week 4 this past year). Usually he’s playing somewhere in the 70-90% of snaps though with plenty instances of 90+ and even a 100%. Just an interesting research fact.
Rumor has it that Burrow’s dad doesn’t want Joe to go to Cincy and who can blame him. This could be an Eli Manning situation.
Remember how badly Carson Palmer wanted out?
Panthers should try and come up with a deal to get him. Probably would take (4-5) first round picks or something crazy like that.
To my recollection we haven’t seen one of these Eli Manning situations in a while, this would be interesting if Burrow refuses to play for Cincy. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bengals drafted him, then played hard ball and refused to trade him anywhere.
Maybe Carolina could entice them to trade by offering a nice package of picks and Cam?
The Bengals would play hardball. Remember what they did with Palmer? All Burrow could do is sit out the year and reenter the draft next year. But then he won’t be the #1 overall pick either because we all know who that’s going to be in 2021.
There are some things I really do like about the Bengals organization. But, man, there’s a few minor things they could do/improve with them.
It seems to me that Burrow would actually be a good fit for Cincy since he is from the area and has spread a lot of goodwill lately when talking about the Ohio area and the struggles they have faced. He would be loved by the fan base and if the owners were smart they would capitalize on that fact, surround him with talent and try to rebuild their franchise. If you think about it, it is a golden opportunity for the Bengals to rise from the ashes…just my thoughts on the matter…carry on!
I’ve been hearing a lot about this “Seahawks are one of the youngest teams in the NFL. Nothing but big runway ahead.” So I did a little research and the results are interesting and slightly disturbing:
Here’s the preface: Does average age of your 53 man roster matter? Or do you think average age of your starting lineup does? I decided to look at the average age of our starting lineup compared to the 49ers:
SEA Offense: 27.45 Years Old
SF Offense: 27.09 Years Old
SEA Defense: 26.73 Years Old
SF Defense: 25.45 Years Old
I’m not here to make any grand proclamations but this is a talking point I’ve heard a lot on local sports radio and I think it’s kind of a dumb way to look at the team without context.
So, what do I gather from this information? When it comes to “real” Seahawks contributors – we have 4 guys under the age of 25 (DK, Shaq, Poona, Green-generous to include him). Chris Carson is 25 and coming off major injuries. I didn’t include Dissly because he has yet to stay healthy for even half a season.
This team is desperate for younger difference makers. Outside of a potential resigning of Clowney – you are starting to look at a roster that is hard to project to get better without getting younger. We are going to see noticeable degradation from Duane Brown, Bobby Wagner, KJ Wright, Bradley McDougald, Fluker, Iupati, Britt.
Diggs, Lockett, Ifedi, Reed are who they are at this point. For Diggs and Lockett – those are really great players. Ifedi is serviceable and Reed’s season (this year) is probably a better example of his standard play. There’s a real possibility that Reed and Ifedi are not here in 2020.
DK, Shaq, Green, and Poona are 4 guys who could still explode based on their potential. DK is already a difference maker. Shaq is a really fine corner but needs to start creating turnovers. Can Green become an all around starting caliber DE? Can Poona notch up his ability as a disruptor? If Green and Ford can take the next step – that would be massive.
The Seahawks really do need more, younger, difference makers on this roster. This shouldn’t stop them from going hard after Pass Rush in Free Agency. I think where the rubber truly meets the road is needing to get more out of the draft. Being the 53rd man is not going to get this team over the hump. At this point – I’d like to see them take more gambles on difference makers, rather than safe/low ceiling players. I really do trust Pete to put these types of guys in the right situations to succeed (DK the most recent example).
The intent of this post was not meant to be doom and gloom. I just wanted to see the quality of the “4th youngest roster” talking point – it’s tantamount to saying “I have more money than you because I have twenty $1 bills and you only have one $100 bill.”
This really is a make or break offseason. We have the Cap space and we have the draft capital. I really hope PC/JS approach this offseason with “let’s try to hit homeruns” rather than “let’s play it safe.”
*If I’m missing any younger players in my example – please chime in. Go Hawks.
*the obvious caveat is that there very well may be some younger guys who didn’t get much time this year that could explode next year. High likelihood that happens but impossible to guess at this point. I only included younger guys who showed it with any consistency this year. Flashes are great, but we saw David Moore flash like he was going to be a big time WR only to kind of be a nice #4.
The same can be said of the 49ers (they may very well have younger guys who didn’t get much time this year that could take off next year).
We’ve got some vets such as Brown, Woods, and KJ who really change the average. It would be interesting to see what the distribution of young players who have three years or less in the league by team. SF is just now starting to face the specter of it’s defensive line coming up for their first FA contracts and that will change their ability to field a defensive line composed of top ten draft picks.
My theory is that John Lynch is a pretty good GM
Found out when they can go a few years in a row without picking in the Top 10 every year.
Kittle, Deebo, Greenlaw, Warner, Moseley: All starters, taken in last 2 drafts, after 1st Round.
Not to mention what he’s done in free agency and trades.
Jury is still out on Lynch. He had some big misses in his first draft (Solomon Thomas #3 overall and Reuben Foster #31) but the real test will be when he has to manage the cap. He inherited something like $60m in carryover when he started but that’s gone now. Time to make choices…and he’s not had to do too much of that to date.
When you have one of the best HC’s in the league it’ll make you look like a great GM.
I agree, Lynch is proving to be a very good GM, much to my chagrin. Even when teams pick in the top 10 for a number of years, they have to make the right picks. No doubt the chances are greater with higher picks, but SF has made a number of very good picks.
I also agree Lynch will earn his money now that SF will be picking much lower than in previous years. Its difficult to consistently hit on picks at the end of rounds.
Said this several times so I know I’m not adding anything new, but I’d really like to see:
– Clowney re-sign. Absolute must to retain his play-wrecking ability
– Armstead. Expensive, but legit against run, gets into the backfield and long. Those paws reach up disrupt throwing Windows
– Reed. Let him test the market, being him back if reasonable. If not, go cheaper with a stout guy like Shelton or a short-term like Cambell
– Fowler. Perfect complement and age on the edge.
Costs some good coin, but I think it’s the single biggest way this team can leap forward. And let’s not forget, we face mobile, young passing QBs in Murray, Goff and Garoppolo 6 times a year and maybe more
Savings: Dickson, Britt.
Draft: 27 for Ruiz, and two seconds for WR, OL
The only way they get Campbell is through a reasonably high trade so if they do it’s probably with the intention of extending him at least a couple of seasons.
I’m not sold on Fowler. It depends on price. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that his best year by far as a pro was playing on the same front 7 as Donald, Brockers and Matthews. I’m not saying I don’t like him, I’m just saying I’m not convinced he can make his own rain. So for me it depends on price.
I’m on board with Armstead. SEA like those inside-out DLers and he’s a pretty good one. He’s versatile like Bennett, or Campbell, effective in multiple roles. He’s not an Avril replacement though so you still need a speedy EDGE.
I go back and forth about Britt. I like Ruiz a lot and think he’d be a great anchor for the OL for years to come. Depending on who else might be available, he’s definitely one of the prospects I’d be happy if SEA take at 27.
But then I think, I like Britt. He’s already a good anchor for the OL, or he was becoming one prior to his injury, and there’s the whole continuity issue. I think if they can cut him and resign him for a decent amount, they should do that and keep the draft capital available for other needs. Maybe they could resign him long term and backload the contract so the cap hit is minimal in 2020. Even redo the prior contract at 3 years $27 million with maybe a $2 million cap hit iin 2020.
I think Reed’s market will be pretty soft. He’s not a dominant DT by any stretch, and now he has off field baggage. He’s been an average starter, notwithstanding a good 2018. I won’t be surprised if SEA resign him for $6-7 million apy. 3 years at $20 million with aggressive performance bonuses to incentivize him.
Good stuff and mostly agree. The reason I included cutting Britt (unless it’s a steep discount) is to free a big chunk of $ in order to fit contracts for Clowney, Armstead, Reed, and Fowler. Not gonna pretend his injury doesn’t concern me either. Anchoring a line against 300 lb wooly mammoths on a recently hurt knee…I dunno. Guess I’ll have to let the team and trainers decide that one the closer we get.
As for Fowler, I get the hesitation. But a line with Clowney, Armstead, etc would keep a lot of attention off him.
Regardless, to me, getting a young clog in the middle like Armstead is more impactful than an edge (if only one can be fit into the budget), but I’d love to see them be aggressive and do both.
Agree with both on Fowler. Looks an appealing option, but will he sustain the level Aaron Donald et al lined up with him. Also, he seems like just the sort of player that a team with cap room and a mediocre front office will horribly over pay for
I wouldn’t consider Goff or Garoppolo to be “mobile quarterbacks”
Then even more important to have a pocket-collapser in the middle
Bud Dupree could be a good option too. He was a raw explosive athlete, without a clear position, coming into the NFL, and enjoyed a breakout year at age 26.
11.5 sacks. 16 tfls. 4 ff. 2 fr.
The athleticism(2 sigma sparq), playmaking skills and frame(6’4″ 269) are there. Dupree has also been durable the last 3 years, missing only 1 game over that time, after struggling with injuries early on.
Don’t think he’s really a fit for the scheme, very much suited to Pittsburgh’s scheme. Also, there’s a lot of expectation that he will be tagged or extended.
I agree Tecomo. He looks like the perfect LEO to me.
I see two little trends in the way Seattle prioritizes pro scouting: 1) second contract guys that wildly outperformed their late-round or UDFA draft status on their team 2)extremely high round athletic freaks busts
1) Quandre Diggs, Jacob Hollister, Jaron Brown, Bradley Mcdougald, Michael Bennett, Chris Clemmons–they all proved their grit by sticking with a roster in a league that overcompensates for a player’s draft status (probably for CYA reasons by the GM).
2)Bark Mingo, Dion Jordan, Jadaveon Clowney (not a bust but still underperformed #1 status)
If number one is indeed a priority, then look for interest in Chris Harris, Littleton, Harris and Matthew Judon. But keep in mind that all of the above examples are also high SPARQ and young when acquired, so Judon, Harris and Littleton stand out.
If number two, then Vic Beasley, Danny Shelton, OJ Howard and maybe Jack Conklin.
One more trend: They always add an ancient whose body doesn’t work anymore at O Guard. So I’m awaiting that call from John Schneider any moment.
Judon is apparently a lock to be tagged.
Saw on the East/West Shrine practice reports that A Highsmith edge rusher out of Charlette is out performing the group and really impressing. Rob do we know anything about him? Mid round possibility?
Not seen any tape
https://youtu.be/GnP6iynRTjg
V Clemson. He does well and keeps fighting when they’re down big
If Clowney does ultimately leave, what do you think about him going to big D? He’d be across from D Law & give McCarthy one heck of a pair at DE. It be the kind of splash that Jerry Jones is looking for to launch the MM era and they are showing $80+M in available cap space. Clock is ticking on the old man.
They have to get the Dak deal done 1st, before anything else.
Its hard to imagine Dallas signing Clowney. They may have $80m in cap space, but they need to sign Dak, Cooper, maybe B Jones and R Quinn. This will eat a large amount of their available cap before they can consider outside FA.
Dak sure. I’d take Clowney over Quinn. And Cooper? Rumor has it this is an epic draft for WRs. Point being, if they want to go after JC they can.
Now Clowney did say he wants to go to a contender. Dallas?? Haha. Only if all of the stars align. ✨ ⭐️ 🌟
Really? IMO, Dallas has a very competitive roster that’s set up to make a run; only question being Dak. NFC is lucky they’ve been poorly coached and underachieved.
We agree Dak is going to take a huge chunk out of their cap space, but I don’t think they can replace Cooper’s production by just drafting a WR this year. AC is a proven producer in the league and would we tough to replace. I also think Byron Jones is a terrific talent that they probably really want to keep.
Also, not sure you can compare Clowney and Quinn, and just take JC over Quinn. He’s likely to cost nearly twice what Quinn will command.
You may be right in saying they could do it, but it just seems unlikely with all the other needs Dallas has to fill.
I could see him in Baltimore if not Seattle.
I Just found an interesting pair of quotes in the Bio for EDGE-Alex Highsmith, Charlotte 6-3/244.
LINK: https://charlotte49ers.com/sports/football/roster/alex-highsmith/6179
“”Clemson LT Jackson Carman unprompted on DL Alex Highsmith, Sept. 24 (Matt Connolly, The State):
“He was a dude. I’ve been playing football for 12 years and he’s by far the fastest off the ball I’ve ever gone against. – Ever.”
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney prior to Sept. 21 contest vs. Charlotte: ““He’s on all the ‘great player’ lists. I kept watching him and going, “Holy cow.’” He looks like Xavier Thomas. He’s physical, fast and
disruptive. He’s causing sacks and tips. Really, really good football player. That #5 could play for anybody in the country.”””
Highsmith had some really good production numbers this year and even though from a smaller school, he played well against some bigger schools. Perhaps Highsmith should be watched carefully at the combine to see how his #’s compare to Clemmons? I think Alex Highsmith might even beat a few of these #’s. If he’s under 1.60 on his 10-yard split, “Holy cow” would seem appropriate & Clemmons a good comp.
— OLB-Chris Clemons in 2003, (per MockDraftable) 6-3/236, 4.68/40, 34″-Vert, 116″-Broad, 18-reps.
*rubs goatee*
very interesting comparison.
Xavier Rhodes will likely be cut too. Not sure he’s exactly what we’re looking for, but the Vikes are up against the cap and he’d be an $8M savings.
Xavier Rhodes has fallen off a mountain this year. Looked absolutely toast. Like it was actually kinda sad to watch cause I like the guy. I guess I wouldn’t mind taking him as a CB2 but it would have to be like in the $2-3 million range with little guarantee, cause we haven’t really had much luck with old hurt rehab projects like these.
He got toasted by the Seahawks when they played previously. I think he might be done.
Minnesota fans want him gone so bad.
So Bobby, what happened to Rhodes? He was a BAMF when he first hit the league and watching him this year was just sad.
I just realized you mentioned Danny Shelton at DT… not a bad guy to kick the tires on… a big plugger upper in the middle of the DL…. and a very modest price. I wonder if his best days are behind him, but who can scoff at paying him 1-2M / year deal. That would be a proven vet to pair with potential youth added in the draft or already on the team.
Shelton is 26 year old. I hope for his sake his best days are in front of him.
He was available last year at a minimum price and we didn’t show any interest. He sat around for about 2 months, as we debated who the Hawks could sign on the DL and as far as I know he never even had a visit.
I was surprised that we didn’t kick the tires last year. I’ll be surprised if we do, this year.
First of thank you for your article I enjoyed it alot my thoughts are free agency is tricky stuff how many of us thought Justin Coleman would get a 4 year 36 million dollar contact I pretty sure not many of us that .I would really like either Suh or Shelton my question for you Rob if Jacksonville cuts Marell Darius they save 20 million in cap would he be somebody who would be interested in? If you could get a resonable price?
Hey Rob. Fantastic article. Loved reading every minute of it. Nice work.
It be really great to steal Fowler away from the Rams and Armstead from the 49ers.
Gotta say Rob, I think Karl Joseph is a great shout and hopefully he flies a bit under the radar.
He’s the type of BAMF we need as the site identified in ‘16, he’s scheme/position versatile and was really coming in as a starter before injury
What I like most is he might be able to not only play safety but also play the buck, big nickel spot rather than just safety.
Here’s what Mayock said after drafting him:
NFL Network draft analyst and now Raiders General Manager, Mike Mayock said this of Karl Joseph after the draft, “With his range, toughness and ability to drop down in the slot and cover man, he’s like a poor man’s Earl Thomas. He says he models his game after Brian Dawkins. Some say he’s much like Bob Sanders. This is a dynamic playmaker.”
Great article covering his progress/impact for the Raiders
https://www.google.com/amp/s/justblogbaby.com/2019/10/15/karl-joseph-has-had-a-solid-start-to-the-2019-season/amp/
Rob love that you mention Fuller in your article. He was I guy I remember Scott Mcloughin just loved and thought KC got a steal.
I wonder what happened to him in KC? Was it a scheme or position change?
He might be an ideal guy to come in and compete for that nickel spot. Might end up being a Quandry Diggs type situation if the Hawks can get him back on track.
Great write-up Rob. Just curious if you could elaborate on Beasley Jr. as a reclamation project. He’s slighter than Avril was, but he put up 35 reps on the bench press (more than Shelton) at the 2015 combine and had a 10’10” broad jump and 41 inch vertical… As you noted, his career has stalled since his 2016 campaign, but it seems like he had a bit of a resurgence after the Falcons’ bye week, putting up 6,5 sacks. Do you see him as having upside? Thanks!
Beasley had a nice end to the season but that was only after the Falcons tried to trade him for anything and couldn’t. He started his career brimming with talent and potential and for whatever reason he’s just become a busted flush. He needs a fresh start, probably on a one-year deal somewhere.
Beasley would be an interesting one. Could he be a situational pass rusher? Could he play the Bruce Irvin role if the move on from KJ and Barton slides to the WILL. He will be 28 in July and could be a one year flyer type pick up.
I don’t think they will move on from KJ. For me Beasley is an EDGE not a convert type.
I think this might be the best editing job I’ve ever seen on highlights! If I had to nitpick, I’d like to see a few more of the plays from broadcast angle instead of just replaying from the same angle, but getting down to field level is just perfect for showing off this guy’s speed and physicality.
Laviska Shenault Jr. Highlights: 2020 NFL Draft
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wH3hcVUGOv4
Obviously a different position, but does anyone see a bit of Alvin Kamara potential in him, even all the way down to the injury history situation?
Yes, injuries and positional fit would be concerns, but I’m sure PC would absolutely love the physicality he brings at the WR position, and he seems like a good guy too…
BTW, Rob, would you still be interested in the Hawks bringing in Montez for a look? He seems to have fallen off this year, but I remember how impressed you were by some of his games the season before. Can he still be developed?
He’s an interesting WR prospect when grouped with the other R1 guys. Totally different profile- I don’t see him as an outside receiver. I would love him in a Hawks Jersey. I can imagine using him for WR screens and see him well suited for the broken play ball finding an open spot for Russ.
Montez has amazing talent but he’s just so inconsistent. I’d take a day three flier on him though, or UDFA.
Love Shenault…but think he is a terrible fit on this team from a scheme perspective. Also the injuries are a major concern. Again, he is a guy that I would be giddy to have in a different offense and a different QB.
Couldn’t disagree more. His toughness is Seahawky as can be. How is this guys a bad fit in any system. Total stud if he can stay healthy.
O.J. Howard finished with 460 yards and 1 TD in 12 games..
I still dont get why the heck people are so eager to give up (at least) a 2nd round pick for him AND THEN pay him… its asinine.
I’m a bucs fan btw. They’re my 2nd team. O.J. is regularly outshined by Brate and most games has a very minimal impact. Even with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin out he still couldn’t manage 4 catches or 50 yards. Without Evans the week prior he caught 4 balls and still less than 50 yards.
The dude is NOT WORTH A 2ND ROUND PICK.
Thanks for the insight from someone who actually watches Bucs games. Can’t say I have, though I have looked at some of OJ’s plays from the past few years.
I’m interested in OJ for several reasons:
1. There is nobody even remotely close to his athletic profile in this draft. And we need a TE. Of the FA options, Austin Hooper might be tagged and Hunter Henry is more of a pass catcher and is always hurt.
2. Yes, he hasn’t produced much in their offense this year. But Arians is notorious for not using TEs. He had 5 TDs in 2018 and 6 TD in 2017, which is fine for a TE.
3. We would absolutely not have to pay him. I’m not sure where you saw anyone propose we extend him right away. 2020 is his last year of rookie contract at just $3.5m cap hit, and if he were to show promise in our system, we could pick up his 5th year option in 2021 for just $5.4m.
Find me another young TE with that kind of profile who we can sign right now for just 2yrs/$9m. Heck, we were paying 32yo Ed Dickson $3.5m per year.
4. I was willing to offer one of our R2 picks at the trade deadline because of our desperate need for a TE this season when Hollister was literally everything we had. Now that another half-season of his rookie deal has passed, I think a late R3 or R4 pick is fair.
5 catches in a game only 1 time this year. Biggest game yardage wise was 73 yards.
Only TD came against Arizona and their #32 ranked defense vs TEs. (They gave up a TD to TEs in 10 games I believe.)
Oh and his big play ability? Season long of 33 yards.
Because the Bruce Arians scheme doesn’t use the tight ends as pass catcher’s, he has extreme physical potential, has shown a lot of promise in the other scheme he played in and is a good blocker to go with his receiving skills. That’s why.
2017: 26/432/6
2018: 34/565/5
2019: 34/459/1
The only thing that changed this year is his red zone targets due to Godwin getting them. When you think about how involved Evans and Godwin were compared to what they had in 17 and 18, OJ was actually more involved this year than any. Just not in the redzone.
None of that disputes anything I said and a number of my points can’t even be addressed by running through his production.
“The Bruce Arians scheme doesnt use TEs as pass catchers”
Then why is 2018 and 2019 almost identical in targets? 48 in 10 games in 2018 and 53 in 12 games in 2019.
How does that not dispute your Bruce Arians cop out?
Because Bruce Arians doesn’t really use TE’s as pass catchers.
The target numbers compared to the previous offense are irrelevant. The Buccs sucked in 2018. They were 5-11. Being able to actually stay on the field impacts targets too you know.
We’ve seen enough of Bruce Arians over the years to know how he operates. You know this as well as I do.
Baltimore’s Nick Boyle, a blocking TE with 161 yards in 2019, had 43 targets. Again, the target numbers in 2018 are irrelevant. There are all sorts of reasons why they can be low and yet a TE can still be used differently philosophically.
And Howard had SIX games (out of 14 he played) with between 0-3 targets in 2019. He had two games with zero targets and one game with a single target. What a focal point.
Darren Waller had 117 targets last season. More than twice as many as Howard.
Howard also played 10 games in 2018, instead of 14 in 2019.
So fewer games, worse team.
He also got hurt in ’18 and only played 10 games. At that pace, he’s 58/791/7 for a second year TE, if he plays only 14 games.
That’s pretty solid for a position that usually is slow to develop in the NFL.
I don’t know what it would cost, but he’s young, athletic, at a position of need and in a system that doesn’t use him. All of these are reasons he’s being considered. Trevor has been crushing on him all year (no offense Trevor) so it’s no surprise that he wants to advocate for a whatever-it-takes approach.
What Rob is saying is no cop out. Arians offense is widely regarded as not using the TE. The fact that he got the numbers he did this year are a testament to that. He was regularly getting 2 or fewer targets per game until the entire WR corps went down for the count. Had Evans and Godwin stayed healthy, his numbers in 14 games would have looked even worse than they did last year in 10.
You never know when a guys numbers can explode when he gets put in a system that is built for him.A second round pick may be to high but you see guys with his skill set flourish when they get in the right system.
I Would take Howard for a 2nd rounder in a heartbeat, even more so when we have two 2nd rounders. I think we are at the point where we need potential difference makers unstead of turning our 9 draft picks into 15 players, raving about their ST ability and and what not.
^+1
He also only played 10 games in 2018, 56 yards a game in ’18 would be 900 yards, and on pace for about 8 TD that year too. I think Russ could get him the ball, but I wouldn’t be rushing to give up a 2nd rounder for him either.
You have to also consider the production from someone with his profile could get with RW in our offense. Look at hollister, he has no where near the profile of OJ and look how he produced. The love for OJ is in his profile and potential. He is an all around TE, athletic and powerful. I’m not saying give up a second + for him. But if we were to give up a late third or even late second, count me all in. No one compares to his profile in the draft, and we are likely to take one in the first 3 rounds.
Honestly…it wouldn’t shock me if he could be had for a 3rd rounder at this point. I was one of the folks banging the drum for him in the middle of the year, but I’m at the point where I wouldn’t give up anything more than a 3rd. Whether it’s the team or system, he just hasn’t been the guy everyone thought he’d be.
Take away from the discussion is he good player in passing and more importantly in blocking. He is not on fire for number of reasons and has 2 potential years left on rookie deal make even more attractive. I would not mind late second or 3rd round is no brainier to get TE which is need for the team.
Love the thought of trading for OJ. I think he will be at least a 2nd though. I remember hearing reports that the Patriots wanted him ad well. The bucs just wouldnt budge.
I went from “give up a first for him” to “wouldn’t feel great about losing a late R2” for him.
I think he is absolutely underutilized in TB. Not a good scheme for him. But again, I just don’t think that he’s worth significant investment – that mainly has to do with is he really a guy you would think about resigning at this point?
I think any draft pick that involves a 1st or a 2nd absolutely has to come with the intent to sign long term. I love Howard’s talent but am cautious that he hasn’t exploded like his talent suggests he should have (by now).
Maybe a R2 and we get a R4 or R5 in return? That might be more palatable IMO.
what about our 1st rounder and we get OJ and their 2nd ?? is that enough?
Tampa Bay wouldn’t go for that.
Relevant: https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-the-50-best-available-nfl-free-agents-in-2020
Let it be! (per Pauline)
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/latest-news-and-rumors-around-nfl-from-shrine-game/
I see Ohio St WR Devin Smith like faults in his game. I worry that’s his floor
Speed kills in the NFL. If he runs like he is purportedly capable of… a team will draft him early. I personally don’t see him slipping past the middle of the 2nd at the latest.
Speed means separation and separation is king. Look the Chiefs.. their WR have had 3+ yards of separation on 46% of their targets. Nearly half the time they are 10 freaking feet from the nearest defender… Ridiculous.
DK ran 4.3s at 230 lbs and lasted to the end of the second. Mclaurin ran 4.3s and went even later. I guess that’s still pretty early but just because a guy can fly does not mean they will be drafted R1. Both those guys have proven to be more than just speed guys and they still lasted.
It’s a possibility that Reagor lasts to a similar range or later considering how many good WR’s there are in this class. Pauline could be right that he lasts, he could also be getting bad info from people trying to blow smoke. He’s been right lots a times before though.
And this way I can do mock drafts with us landing Reagor with one of our second round picks. Thanks for letting me dream Tony.
R1 Isaiah Wilson
R2 Reagor
R2 Chaisson
I would suspect the NFL egg heads would think of Reagor as a more complete WR, with a greater route tree… etc. The only knock on DK was his route tree…. ie, he only could run a 7 or 9 route. Obviously, he could run more complicated stuff, but he is still a work in progress.
I suspect some teams might be a little more eager to take a chance on qa guy like Reagor… after watching how badly they missed on DK (so far). Mid 2nd or earlier is my floor on him.
DK also had 2 season ending injuries in 3 seasons and had more question marks than Reagor IMO
The Mclaurin comp might be fair, he should have gone a LOT earlier.
It certainly could happen to Reagor. It happens. That being said, I think Reagor is a better athlete than Mclaurin was/is, but currently not as polished a receiver. It’s a ceiling vs floor issue for me when I compare the two.
I mean a team could look at his muffed punts and fumbles and take a pass.. I just don’t personally see it. He’s an incredible athlete, and a good receiver. Teams will take a chance on that I think.
On KJR, Walter Jones was asked about areas Ifedi could improve. His #1 answer was “stance” saying that he could tell based on Ifedi’s stance whether it was a run or a pass play. He was sure that if he could notice it that opposing teams could as well.
That’s brutal. Who needs spygate when you have an RT-tell.
I wish the Hawks would have Walt for some sort of OL assistant.
Rob, another C to look at. (if you haven’t already)
I saw this, I forget who it was but someone jumped him to his number one center list.
It was Dane Brugler.
Any thoughts on Markus Golden? he had 10 sacks last year for a bad NY Giants team. He will be 29 this summer and could be some decent value.
I liked him a lot in college but not sure he’s a fit for Seattle.
With Patrick Queen declaring – I’d love to see a trade down in R1 and use our first pick on him. Dude flies to the football. Great leader. Serious speed element. I know that may be rich for a non-pass rushing LB, but his play in the National Championship, from skill to speed to effort was really everything you could ever want out of an LB.
Love his attitude as well. Watched an interview of one of his coaches talking about how he never complained about being buried on the depth chart at LSU – chose to work and improve rather than complain or transfer.
He really checks a lot of boxes that I think the Hawks desperately need on defense. After watching more of him…wouldn’t shock me if he runs in the 4.48-4.54 range. Could be a real weapon and future leader on that side of the ball.
Love his range and I’m willing to bet he goes pretty high. Having said that. I wThere’s some games where he looks like he doesn’t want to stick his nose in there and get dirty. Almost shied away from physicality. Can’t see him as much of a run defender at the next level.
Saw this on Matt Judon, not sure if the Ravens will resign him? They could be just blowing smoke. I see he was 275 at the combine but I now see him listed at 261. Not really sure what his weight is.
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/01/17/john-harbaugh-very-hard-to-re-sign-matt-judon-but-well-try/
The thought process was they would tag him.
That sucks for Amik Robertson. What was thought to be a serious hip injury is actually a partial tendon tear and he’ll miss the combine. Rumored to be ready for his pro day.
Greg: Judon might be the Ravens top sack artis for 2019. But the guy only had 9.5 sacks. Can’t blame him for chasing the dollars. But, don’t think Schneider is going to over pay for his services.
Looking back at the 2019 seasons. There was three major disappointments. Number 1 was the all the injuries the Seahawks had this year. Number 2, Ziggy Ansah was a HUGE disappointment. Number 3 the Seahawks had three players(Al Woods, Josh Gordon, Jarran Reed) that got suspended). To me the Seahawks had a Super Bowl caliber team. But with all the injuries, suspensions and the HUGE disappointment of Ansah it was too much to overcome.
I don’t think talent wise we were anywhere near Super Bowl Caliber. But Russell’s ability and Pete’s Coaching and Philosophy seems to always make our team competitive. Just have to get the talent on defense up to snuff and this will be a hard team to contend with.
Wow, both Austin Jackson and Tristan Wirfs declare.
Defo interested.
Turning into a strong, deep OL class
Yes. Lots of years talking about how colleges don’t develop OL anymore (or there’s much more talent on the DL) and now in this draft there looks like quite a few OL prospects.
Was not impressed with Austin Jackson. He physically looks and moves really well – but I was thoroughly underwhelmed by what I saw.
I’m by no means an expert, but at this point, despite my thinking at other positions – I’d prefer solid OL prospects that maybe lack the upside but are relatively safe. I would not say that at any other position. I think all the Seahawks need is a serviceable OL. If they can just be average, I think that’s great and does the trick.
As with anything, you can get by with this or that depending on the quality of other areas of the team. I am starting to think more and more that if Pete wants to run, like we know he does, he really should have at least one horse on the OL who is a legit stud. Duane Brown is really good but another anchor. A force up there. If you like watching the Titans run the ball, like Pete does, we don’t see those holes for our RBs to the level you see a Henry gaining steam behind a guy like Conklin (and others). Personally, I’d love to see a young stud LG and it needs to come in the 1st round – so be it. No sense losing every game in the first half because you dig yourself a hole because you can’t run the ball like you want. I think Hayes showed some positive things at LG. Iupati will probably retire. Fluker isn’t a long-term solution at RG. I like Simmons at RG when he played the previous year, but he’s been an injury machine throughout most of his college and pro career. Pocic has no strength. And who knows with Jones, he could end up starting at RT next year. I look at our guard situation as only Haynes right now. I hope Fant is retained to play RT and ideally it’d be nice to keep both Fant and Ifedi but I don’t know if that’s realistic. If both of those are retrained, they we could maybe plug in Jones to competing for a spot at guard and then maybe it’d be an average to potentially above average unit next year (depending on what happens at center with Britt). There are plenty holes on the roster and needs in a lot of places, but a big ugly to put next to Brown at LG would be so nice in terms of 3rd and 1 situations. Running the ball over the left side in those situations would be so demoralizing for a defense. They know what’s coming and yet can’t stop it because you’ve got Brown at LT and a stud at LG (remember ’05?) and then that really sets up opportunities with play action when defenses overcommit to the left side of the Seahawks OL.
BobbyK. Great points, it’s what I’ve been thinking about and I couldn’t agree more
I also feel on one hand that OL is the offensive equivalent of CB for us where we get a competitive advantage of cheaper spend because of our OL scheme and QB. We can get by pretty well with mostly second tier, run focused guys.
But Chuck Knox, “you gotta play the hand your dealt” so I’m thing whilst we can get by with a good DVOA offense, should we look to invest in OL to improve it and does this draft makeup allow this
Weirdly I’ve been watching a few Hutchinson highlights given his HoF candidacy and boy do I miss that left side. Putting the defense on skates and getting dominant again is very attractive to me.
I was thinking whether we could improve that RT as a start for the long term and remain cost effective by using draft capital. For me, replacing Ifedi and investing in a potentially dominant RT ala Wilson, Whirfs or Jackson makes a ton of sense. get younger, stronger, add continuity, improve protection really jives
Yes we could resign Ifedi or Fant but my fear is they will absorb cap we could spend on DL
For guard I agree we should look at it but I think it’s less urgent for 2 reasons. First we have lots of cover and potential in Fluker, Jones, Simmons and Haynes but none I believe are cut out for RT. This is a good group which allows us to at least get by or actually improve. Secondly guards could be had in later round and I think if we want to add to that group, then let’s do that as well.
If we have a window with Wilson of 4-5 more years I’d like to get that continuity sorted and invest now.
But on the other hand, what if a younger OL struggles (as it has in the past) and the OL becomes an issue while the growing pains are endured?
After all, Ifedi was a late R1. And people have been having a go at him for four years.
Hi Rob. Thanks for commenting.
I’m know there are risks and downsides to turnover and getting younger. Been thru that with you and your bloggers a few times Over the years and it ain’t fun.
Furthermore I do think there could be a nicely balanced approach by keeping the current vets for continuity and seasoning the younger guys to bring them along when the time comes. I’ve not been one of those screaming for major changes. I think the line play was good/ productive esp considering the injuries. I think for every bad play, Ifedi can create a good one and I wasn’t one screaming for his head as others.
However I’m not ruling out a different approach depending on how the draft falls and evaluation goes. Ifedi proved good vale when he was one his rookie deal, but I’m not so sure about him on a bigger deal. I’m no pro scout, but if PSJS sees one of these tackles as a potential cornerstone and upgrade and they are available, such as Wilson who youve touted, then maybe it is worth the risk. For every Ifedi, there are also Ramcyzks at the end of R1. My concern is paying Ifedi or Fant (too much) at the expense of landing a mediocre rather than a premium DLer which means higher risk to other areas.
I can’t wait to dig into these guys as I don’t know if they are a good fit nor have the potential as of yet
I agree about paying them too much. I think we need to wait and see though. At the moment I think we assume everyone we talk about will get big money (relatively speaking). I could see both Fant and Ifedi returning on fairly modest deals. Could also see them both moving on. It’s a puzzle to work out and dominos have to fall in various spots. But it is a good-ish draft for OL.
A lot of promising declarations for the OL. Have you started to get a read on the talent bubbles in the draft?
Think I’ll wait to the combine. Might do a new top 50 soon though.
Definitely. I hope they are able to retain Britt somehow (and it’s not for $9 million). Fluker is coming back at RG but he’s missed 15 games the past 3 years so you need solid depth for him (Simmons and/or Haynes; but Simmons has his own lengthy injury history) and then there’s RT. Would love Ifedi/Fant (preferably both) back and Pete has said he wants that continuity and I agree. That leaves LG for a horse and I like Solomon Kindley. I think he’s much more polished at a specific position (LG) than Ifedi ever was (and he was a raw RG and RT and then they couldn’t figure out where they were going to play him so it kept him a bit behind – until now, where he’s become a decent player). And Kindley could start between two established veterans on a line that will have been together. I know Kindley hasn’t been in a lot of first round mocks yet, but I really like him and would think that has to change at some point. He’s just so good. He’ll be both a good run blocker and pass protector, imo. Granted, they could sign a free agent guard like Brandon Scherff and then there would be no need for a first round pick at guard. Of course, Scherff and Fluker are RGs and that could mess things up, so many scenarios to consider. In the grand scheme of things, I think Kindley may be the best football player available at 27 and hope they definitely get a good player first and foremost.
All things considered, Rob, what would you like to see on the OL next year with taking estimated contracts of what we think FAs will earn and/or the draft.
I’d be okay with:
LT Brown
LG Haynes
C Britt
RG Scherff
RT Ifedi
LT Brown
LG Kindley
C (Britt)
RG Fluker (Haynes in the inevitable games Fluker misses)
RT Fant
I’d even be okay if Pocic started at Center, knowing other parts on OL would need to pick up slack (more FA money invested, like a Scherff and Conklin right side). Like with anything, it’s gotta be good but factored into the DL needs major help (and the entire team).
Ultimately, I’d love to see:
LT Brown
LG Kindley
C Britt
RG Scherff
RT Conklin
…but that probably invests too much into one unit (two major free agent signings and their first pick on a unit that isn’t terrible at the potential expense of a DL that is not nearly good enough on a unit if it only spent a lot of money on Clowney and Reed).
So interesting to see how this will play out…
If they’re taking a left guard I much prefer Logan Stenberg. We want to be a punishing, physical running team. So let’s get the most punishing, physical run blocker in the draft.
I want them to focus on the DL/pass rush in free agency and then play the OL by ear because of the draft options. So if they can’t afford Ifedi and/or Fant, then a right tackle will be needed. I’m comfortable with that but I think Fant at least will return on a reasonable deal for the team.
I think Britt will be cut but could potentially re-sign on a cheaper deal. If not, I like the center’s in this draft. Alex Mack is an option too.
I don’t expect any big free agent tilts on the OL (Scherff, Conklin). The resource has to go on defense and the draft is weighted towards WR/OL.
I want speed and physicality on defense and size/power on the OL.
Given the fact that Seattle’s top three running backs finished the season on IR and one will not be coming back next year, do you think the Seahawks will try to draft a running back? If so, are there some good options this year?
Probably — but not with a high pick presumably. Anthony McFarland to me just looks like a star in the making given the right opportunity.
McFarland looks like Devontae Freeman to me. I’d love to have him, but I’m just not sure the ‘Hawks take a guy his size, especially since Homer is small and will presumably be on the roster next year
You’re probably right.
But I wouldn’t be banging the table for McFarland. I’d be on the table, jumping around, taking my shoes off and throwing them at people who disagreed.
With a Pint of Beer in the other hand.. or perhaps a flagon on MEADE!
Can’t beat an autumnal Meade
Well, I just had to look after that comment…
I definitely see what you mean. That guy is electric! Reminds me a bit of Dalvin Cook. He’d be a great ‘lightning’ to Carson’s ‘thunder’. Any guess, as to where he might go?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xngBsmZFGvQ
Where do you see his draft range being and we’re is the value? I really like him, and he was a 5star out of high school I believe (don’t quote me in that tho). I would love us to grab him in 5th.
Not sure of his range. But for me he has star potential and I’d be finding a way to make sure I got him.
Wow, that’s very interesting. I don’t know I really ever seen you speak so highly! What about Cam Akers? He seems to meet the requirements for PC better and was also highly recruited (noticed him when looking up McF, Akers was higher rates). Also, with few teams “needing” a RB in the draft, how does McF stack up compared to a Dobbins or Benjamin?
Wonder what round MacFarland is projected to go in??
Been some LSU players declaring today. Including KLavon and also Moss. What are your thoughts of Moss?
I’m eager to give Moss a look.
I like Moss as a #2 TE. Love his hands, but don’t love his movement skills – he doesn’t look like he has much juice. As long as he tests well in agility – I think he’s an intriguing R4 guy that can probably provide a lot of value without ever becoming a great all around TE.
Need to see him test.
Whoa, Etienne returning to Clemson.
https://twitter.com/swaggy_t1/status/1218261866050457601
Wow! He already has his degree too. Hopefully he stays healthy and goes 1st round next year.
All running backs should leave early as they have such a small shelf life. He must really love playing at Clemson which is OK.
+1000
I agree completely Greg if and RB gets a Day #1 or 2 grade he should get out as quick as possible.
It’s been an usual year. Usually don’t see this many underclassmen return.
Next year’s RB class looks like it’ll be a strong group
‘Bama’s Najee Harris
Clemson’s Travis Etienne
Georgia’s Zamir White
OK St’s Chuba Hubbard
Florida’s Lorenzo Lingard
Miss St’s Kylin Hill
Oregon’s CJ Verdell
Auburn’s Jatarvious Whitlow
Don’t leave out Max Borghi.
Dudes a weapon for the modern NFL.
Lemme just say, it’s not that I don’t want OJ. I just wouldnt even consider a late 2nd. Maybe after we trade down we could send a pick like 75-90 for him. I can see why they would trade a 2nd, but it would be much better used on a WR or OL in this class.
But if we can trade back and get an extra late 3rd or early 4th, we could probably get the best of both worlds, and I would be happy with that.
Sorry I meant to add that I’d rather spend the 2nd on a WR/OL then get a guy like Harrison Bryant.
Just in: Thaddeus Moss declared
Moss clearly has the agility the hawks like at TE. I bet he’ll have one of the top 3 cones for TEs
I think they’ll like him too.
I also like Harrison Bryant (from the production and what I have seen) and Moss as mid rounders, but neither have even close to the profile of OJ. We have a number 1 and 2 WR in DK and TLock, whereas we do not have a TE (I love dissly, but not hanging my hat on him). And very very few here are arguing that we give up a first for him, or early/mid second. I would say a third, or maybe late second. Even with the late second, we would still have 2 picks in the first 2 rounds to go WR/OT as you would like. If it’s a third, then we would have 3 in the first two rounds. I would argue we could then still grab a Moss or Bryant in the 4th/5th. Adding 2 TEs and 2 WR wouldn’t be a bad idea, to go with what Rob has said on needing to add talent around Russ.
With the sheer talent at the WR position this year, the O-line getting better with declarants, and some DEs getting overdrafted (YGM, Chaisson, weaver), some very talented prospects are going to be pushed down the boards for us to grab late second and third. I would hope for a trade back (unless someone can’t pass on becomes available) and pick up an extra 3rd. Do we have a list of who the Hawks scouted heavy this year?
Just going to gloss over then that you accused me of copping out on the Arians offense and move on then eh, without addressing the points I raised?
1. He played 12 games, not 14.
2. The 5-11 bucks were so much worse than these 7-9 buccs..
I’ve already made my points, theres no use repeating them.
Javon Kinlaw reminds me of Chris Jones so much.
Kinlaw’s backstory is something else man.
Nice comp. I think Kinlaw is actually a more finished product coming out and you remember what a draft crush we both had on JOnes. Not sure Kinlaw is as long as Jones but has the potential to be every bit as good I think. Him and Derrick Brown are the two DL standouts in this draft along with Chase Young on the edge. After that things get pretty slim with regards to guys who will have a big impact early.
first of all, thanks for all the articles Rob, for me, you’re doing an exceptional job. i’ve been following SDB for 2 years now ( i’m from Brasil) and you have the best content about the Seahawks and we ca see all the hard work you put in the blog.
now, i have some options/wishes on what will happen with the Hawks, on offense, i think they will continue with britt, he’s young, well liked by the team and a leader in the OL alongside Brown. they might be inclined to restructure his contract if they need more cap space for better FA’s. ifedi will test the Market, but i think they will resign Fant, as you pointed out. LG i would prefer to see what haynes and Jones can do but i don’t mind to bring back iupati. TE for me the best option would be O.J Howard in a trade or njoku to go with hollister and dissly.
on the defensive side, i would love the ideia of jamal adams, but i don’t think it would happen. o NCB, i wish we bring someone at a low cost (like Coleman after the trade with the patriots) to compete with amadi, he has potential. At the Dl i have a question, bring back clowney is a must, so i’m not worry too much about that, but what would you prefer: Fowler and clowney and a Project like beasley putting a lot of Money on those two, or maybe clowney and 2/3 good lineman like you mention ogbah (young and promise), griffen (proven Vet) and Phillips (a complete DT) and some other projects with low cost such as beasley or fackrell.
i think i would prefer the second option, because we would have more guys with fresh legs who can rotate, than the first one of only two options who can rush the pass. in any case, continue the good work you’re doing, love to come here to read you view.
Go Hawks!
Thank you
https://twitter.com/bangulo/status/1218280892671488001?s=20
Does anyone think maybe Jadeveon Clowney is gonna wanna shop? i.e. Kawhi Leonard.
Maybe! It’s probably his best shot at a mega-deal.
We can’t tag him can we?
Yes.
Sure, he’ll want to shop. Doesn’t mean Seattle can’t get him relatively comfortably.
He is absolutely, 100% going to shop. This is his opportunity to make sure his grandchildren’s college is paid for if need be, so he isn’t going to blindly re-up with Seattle. Beauty part is, he can shop and still resign without ever leaving Seattle before the beginning of FA March…
After the Combine his agent will know almost exactly what he can get from the 3-5 teams he desires to play for. If Seattle is his best offer, he’ll re-up. If it isn’t… well, that’s when the game of chicken begins and we should get nervous.
Looking at Kenny Willekes for the LEO spot and Im screaming this guy is a seahawk!
There is no way he’s cracking 1.60 in the 10 yard split lol.
Ravens can have him.
Willekes lacks length and is a marginal athlete, which are the key factors in a LEO.
We will see how he tests at combine but I suspect Rob is dead on with his assessment that he lacks the length and get-off to be a candidate as a hawks LEO.
However, after some mentions here and shrine game reports I’ve taken a look at Charlotte edge rusher Alex Highsmith. Now this guy looks like he could be a LEO to me. Good length and some serious burst off the line of scrimmage. He’s mostly whooping up on guys that don’t have a future in the NFL so who knows if those traits will translate to the next level.
I might’ve been a bit harsh on Mekhi Becton. Think there’s still a lot he needs to work on but I’ve watched three more Louisville games and my original assessment was wrong. It’ll be interesting to see how he tests because he’s so big and it looks, to me, like he might end up testing poorly because he’s so enormous. And that could impact his stock as it has other players who were highly regarded and then plummeted. But he’s an interesting prospect.
That’s funny I just posted on him. Agree completely about him. The combine and workouts will be huge foe him. No debating he is one beast of a human being. He would make Fluker look small.
Orlando Brown has been a steal for Baltimore, from day one.
Watched whatever I could find on Mekhi Becton last nigh and I can’t remember a guy harder to get a true read on. My first thought was wow that is an absolute beast and the prototype Hawks RT. He is enormous and really mobile for his size. I like the Brian Mckinnie comp Vol 12 made.
Then you see some real technique issues and he relies on his power so much you have wonder if he will have the same advantage vs NFL linemen.
He is one of the biggest risk / reward guys in this draft IMO. You could be drafting a pro bowler for the next 10 years or bust like Greg Robinson. Going to be fun to watch him at the combine for sure because on the surface he looks like a guy Solari would love.
Just posted a comment on Becton. I think this is a fair assessment. He has a lot of plays where he tries, somewhat successfully, to manhandle and almost judo throw guys off the LOS. Which is great in college but isn’t likely to happen to Nick Bosa and Chandler Jones. He’s also enormous and you wonder if that will create its own issues. That said, he’s light on his feet. He has technical flaws that will need to be fixed but he has the power and athleticism. If the Seahawks do need to fill holes on the OL I hope they go big and powerful.
I think Seattle will hold firm at Safety. Blair will be the heir apparent to McDougald probably in 2021. If we had to pay a couple million more for Conklin over Ifedi I wouldn’t mind that swap either. I think Kendricks will be let go and Barton will be a full time starter this upcoming year.
I think they have to find another Edge first and foremost. Fowler to me is candidate #1. After that maybe use one of the second round picks we have to trade up and get Javon Kinlaw or maybe Raekwon Davis for the interior. I think for now that is what I would like to see. But if most of the basic needs get met I see us trading down into the second round again in the draft and getting more picks.
Great article Rob. I look forward to seeing more of your offseason coverage.
Carroll has expressed an interest publicly in bringing back Kendricks. Considering his injury, I suspect they will be able to do that pretty cheaply.
I have no issue with that if it is extremely cheap again. Coming off an ACL is better than it used to be for players. But I do wonder how long it will take him to get back to his old self. Pete is really high on Barton though. Do you think he sees him more as our Mike for the future or at one of the OLB spots?
Not sure. But I can’t say I was encouraged by year one of Barton.
I thought Barton played much better later on in the year and would prefer to save money at LB if possible to free up as much space as possible for the pass rush.
I doubt Kendricks will take up much room.
I cringed watching Barton getting blocked by Aaron Rodgers. Just dump him on his arse, it’s a free hit on the QB. My worry is that he just doesn’t have either the high rate athleticism to fly around or the physical demeanour to get after it. He cut out some of the WTF mistakes late in the year (thank god) but overall it was eye opening watching him. I hope it’s just rookie indecision and a lack of comfort. I want to see more attitude from him. He gets blocked way too easily at the perimeter and second level.
Loved the list rob, some really good options out there. One guy who I think is a perfect fit is Hunter Henry. He’s had his share of injuries but has come roaring back from each one. Good run blocker and a great pass catcher. Compare Henry to Hooper from the PFF link posted above. I know who I’d want.
“Since entering the league in 2016, there have been two constants in Henry’s career: injuries and production. When healthy, he’s one of the best receiving tight ends in the game, and his 90.5 receiving grade against single coverage is eighth-best in the league since 2016. Henry is also a solid run blocker, posting above-average seasons in two out of his three full years. Any team looking for his services is going to get a mismatch weapon who can win in-line, in the slot or on the outside. That versatility is extremely valuable in today’s NFL.”
“Hooper has developed into a solid receiving option, but he’s more of a dependable, complementary piece rather than a mismatch creator. Since 2016, Hooper has gained 75.5% of his receiving production on targets defined as holes in zones or underneath the defense (think drag routes, flat routes) — by far the highest percentage in the league. Add to it that Hooper has just a 58.9 receiving grade against single coverage since 2016, and it’s clear that his production has largely been a product of the situation in Atlanta. All that said, Hooper is a mid-tier run blocker who can take advantage of being surrounded by good playmakers on the outside, and he has value as a complementary piece in the passing game.”
He’s had a fractured leg, ACL tear and a lacerated kidney during his time in the NFL but was generally healthy through college. Those injuries scare me a lot less than constant hamstring, calf, groin and concussion issues that seem to constantly recur with players. He looked great when he came back from his most recent injury (leg fracture)
Other players that stuck out on the PFF list? Jack Conklin (probably too expensive but a top 5 run blocking OL) and DJ Reader (War Daddy to replace or pair with J Reed, liked him since Clemson and he’s gotten so much better). Interesting that Fowler didn’t even make the list.
The injuries are the big thing with Henry IMO. Clearly very talented but has had some persistent, long term issues.
Very longtime lurker here. Really optimistic about next year with the talent on onboard already and all the cap space to make some moves!
I think Clowney is a must even if it’s a slight overpay. Dudes in his prime and its gonna take 20-22m a year to lock him down on a 4-5yr deal which considering the premium attached to pass rushers is probably worth it. Front load the contract to prepare for when a budding star like Metcalf comes up for his payday.
Dante Fowler is the other intriguing option. Itll be a big cap hit to sign him AND resign Clowney but imagine the disruption it would cause when you have to plan on 2 bookend DEs in their prime! But how much would this cost? I’m guessing 30-35 mil of the 62 in cap space. Definitively possible but will the FO really want to tie up that much at DE alone and also what becomes of Lj Collier? Did we really spend a 1st round pick on a 3rd string backup? I’m hoping LJ pans out and Fowler isnt needed but it would be great not to allow teams to scheme mainly for Clowney and constantly double team him.
I think in the event they sign both than Reed becomes a luxury for sure and signs somewhere else. That leaves a big hole in the interior which will probably get filled with a cheaper stop gap like Danny Shelton. Would be worrisome there’s little pressure coming from the middle though but with a great edge pass rush and a decent interior run stuff it would be a big improvement. I’d also expect a mid round pick on an interior Dline prospect with pass rush skills. Who would fit I have no clue.
Cornerback #2 is a huge liability. Flowers was woeful, especially in the later games. Hes young and still developing of course so it’s not like it’s time to cut him and move on but if there’s a prospect there that makes sense in the 1st or 2 and the hawks project as a immediate starter/contributor I see it being worth it (Trevon Diggs?).
And then there’s TE. Personally I want them to stick with what they got and hopefully Dissly can turn it around and stay healthy cause he has the talent otherwise and I was very impressed with Hollisters play and how he stepped up. Shore them up with a mid round TE prospect.
R1- Trevon Diggs CB Bama
R2- OL (BAP tackle or guard)
R2- BAP at any position of need or a gotta have talent at WR.
R3- DT or TE (Colby Parkinson TE Stanford is a huge red zone threat but might not be athletic enough for CPC)
R4- DT or TE (whatever wasnt picked in R3)
R4- Good spot for Anything really. BAP at any position or as trade bait to move up with other picks.
R5 and beyond. Richard Sherman/Kam 2.0’s obviously but x4.
Hey, good to hear from the lurkers every once in a while! I remember back when I was just lurking as well. Quite the user name though… 🙂
Agree that they will do what it takes to keep Clowney. There appears to be eagerness from both sides to make it happen, so I can only assume it will happen barring some unforeseen, crazy development.
On Collier, I don’t think it matters any more what we spent on him. And while by no means will we give up on him, there’s no way they stay away from adding rushers because they are banking on his development.
I kind of disagree on Flowers being a huge liability. Sure, he wasn’t lighting the world on fire, but he was actually in a good position to make a play a lot of times and then he panicked, didn’t get his head around, etc. A couple of the PI calls on him were a little harsh as well. I think that an improved pass rush will make him look like a perfectly serviceable CB2 in our system, where he can press with more confidence since he knows he won’t have to try and cover his man for 5 seconds on every play… Pass rush has a huge chain effect on the entire secondary.
Everyone was up all fired up to ditch Quill Griffin last year and he made quite a leap in year 3. Unfortunately he’s probably never going to be a ballhawk, but he was pretty good this year. Hopefully Flowers can make a similar leap, and hopefully they draft some competition too.
History tells us that Pete and John have not drafted a CB higher than round 3
R2 Never lock yourself into a position trying to pick the best available, means you get less value!
Can’t argue with that point.
I think the potential reward outweighs the risk. He wouldn’t be available if not for the injury history. I think he’s the 3rd best TE in the league behind Kittle and Kelce. Don’t think his injury history is much more concerning than clowney.
Clowney’s issues are overrated. Henry missed all of 2018.
Do we have the updated list of draft picks Seattle current owns and will also likely get via comp?
Best guess, based on two minutes of searching. Don’t hold me to these. We traded our 3rd for Clowney and our 5th for Diggs.
1st round – 27
2nd round – 59
2nd round (lower of two picks between KC Chiefs and SF 49ers)
3rd round (compensatory for losing Earl Thomas)
4th round – 134
4th round (compensatory for losing Justin Coleman)
5th round (from Steelers – Vannett)
6th round (compensatory for losing Shamar Stephen)
7th round (compensatory for losing Mike Davis)
After resigning clowney, I could see the Hawks taking a long look at Beasley…and signing Jordan Jenkins and/ or Phillips to inject juice in that d-line. Beasley…I always thought was Dan Quinn’s attempt to secure his very own Avril. Not sure how their numbers match up…but they seem to have a similar physical attributes.
Are you suggesting adding Phillips along with Reed or to replace Reed? In my opinion if it is to replace Reed we might as well just resign Reed.
Yes… Phillips and Jenkins…2 good players for the price of one…jarran Reed.
Last year the 49ers traded a 2nd round pick for Dee Ford. That turned out to be a steal. Maybe John Schneider can find a trading partner for a pass rusher.
If he’s available, do we expect Josh Gordon to be welcomed back for 2020?
.
It’s always fun to think “What if?” Like what if the Seahawks had signed Suh to the contract they gave Ziggy Ansah? Both players made basically the exact same salary on a 1-year contract this past year, except one was relatively worthless and the other quite productive.
https://twitter.com/polynesiabowl/status/1218448908663148545?s=20
Anyone else hyped for Polynesia Bowl
Do you think the cap allows them to sign one of Fowler/Judon/v.Miller AND Armstead if they also bring Clowney back? And possibly another TE?
When you have as much room as Seattle you can be flexible. It’s unlikely they bring all that bunch in on high price deals. But you can structure deals in certain ways and be creative.
I remember in 2013 having no expectations in FA yet they signed Bennett and Avril because the market was flat. In 2011 they signed Rice and Gallery and we all thought that was it. Then out of nowhere they landed Zach Miller.
So let’s just see what happens.
It is a misconception that we’re solid at the CAP space.
As per OTC we have around 63m (if we count with 203m total CAP)
That seems fine, but I think OTC doesn’t decrease the space with IR and draft $$$s, so we have more like 53m or so. That is also sweet. But I had some rosterbation fun with potential outcomes, and realized that with that space we really thin at multiple positions.
For DT we only have Naz Jones, Poona Ford and Demarcus Christmas under contract for 2020.
So we need to add at least 2-3 DTs and some talent would be good (Armstead, Phillips, Reed). I think they’ll add a bigger name who can rush the passer to some extent and a guy who’s a solid run defender but not a feared passrusher…or if they can get a good deal from Reed maybe him and Armstead. That’d be sweet but around 20m for the 2 contract? (if passrusher and runstopper that’s be still around 15m)
We only have Brown as a solid OT under contract. Do you trust Fant at RT who can also start LT if needed or stick with Ifedi? Or sign both? I guess both would cost around 15m, and any of them would cost 7-8m
We’re OK at guards (Fluker, Jones, Haynes, Pocic), but the proven solid depth is a bit thin maybe.
At C do we roll with Hunt (who needs to be signed first), or stick with Britt with a massive contract? Or try to cut-resign him?
We only have Dissly under contract at TE (and Dickson, but he’ll be cut). Probably not a huge cost, but Hollister and maybe a cheaper vet would still cost 4+2m
Do we re-sign Kendricks? Is he worth it? Are we fine with KJ’s 8,5m salary? Do we keep him? Or try to extend him maybe for 2 years 4+6m (low gtd 2nd year)?
As for CB we only have Griffin and Flowers under contract (and Amadi) if I saw it right. There’s no depth. Not a fan of Flowers, but that’s just my opinion. Depth needed and maybe an upgrade? Draft can help for sure if we don’t wanna spend money there.
And the elephant in the room… We have only Collier, Green, Griffin for DE/EDGE. Clowney is a must (I guess between 20-22m), but we need more talent and maybe a bit more rotational depth. Let’s say we go for 2 of the “not totally break the banks” option: Griffen, Jamie Collins (?), Ogbah, Shaq Lawson (?), Beasy (maybe Collins or Lawson would demand more or bad fit, not sure). I’d still expect that to cost around 20m. If we only go for one bigger name, I’m not sure I’d love the depth (we could re-sign QJeff for 5m, but then it’s most likely still around or over 20m)
I think WR and maybe TE (depth) and OL and RB depth, CB (depth/talent) will be fixed with the draft so wouldn’t count those.
If I’m being generous, I think that’d be ~65m…and I went the cheaper way. Go bigger on the DL and better depth at the OL and it’d be around ~80m
Am I missing or not seeing something? As of now I’m thinking PCJS will need to spend money really-really smart (instead of going for the biggest names for DL go for the cheaper, value options), make some though decisions (keep Britt? Re-structure some contracts? Keep Reed? QJeff?) and draft really well to create solid depth and hit on some good talent. If they manage to do, we have a shot at the SB run, but with a mediocre draft or missteps at FA it’ll be hard.
Am I missing something, or miscalculating something or the CAP is going to be this tight really?
The cap is fine. They have the seventh most in the league. They can and will add or keep players. People need to stop panicking because they don’t have $120m to spend.
I’d go further and say it’s better than fine.
They have franchise-level players at QB, LT, and MLB locked
Cap room to add a franchise-level pass rusher
Several major contributors bordering on star players on their rookie contracts
Very little dead weight – and what they have can be cut for cap savings
A good stable of draft picks in the 2020 draft
A Front Office that can find talent 9 different ways
None of the teams in the top 10 in cap room have all those things going for them. And Tennesee is the only other team in the top 10 to make the playoffs.
That’s some mighty fine work.
A’ight, gimme y’alls picks for tomorrow and why.
Maybe I’m going for the low-hanging fruit, but I got SF in an easy win behind their pass rush and KC because Mahomes will score more points than Henry.
Same, but that’s no fun. I’ll go Packers – Chiefs.
Garoppolo is due to crap the bed.
GB and TEN get the upsets.
Mahomes only gets like 5 possessions and Garropolo throws 4 picks lmao
Chiefs/49ers
49ers just seem to have the Packers number. Chiefs find a way to not lose back to back AFC home championship games but not stopping but containing Henry.
Pack is beat up. Rodgers doesn’t throw at Sherm. Looks like a comfortable win for the Santa Clara 49ers on paper.
There is no limit on my expectations for Mahomes. After what he did to Houston….. He’s just playing a different game than the rest of the league.
9ers-Chiefs looks like a classic waiting to happen
KC/Pack
This ain’t the same Packer squad the 9ers beat up a couple months ago.
At least 1 of my teams is still left. My parents, god rest their souls, were both diehard Chiefs fans. 🤷♂️
A nice potential pick #27 trade down scenario if Green Bay ends up with pick 30. Trade down pick #27(680) for: #30(620) & #126(46) & 190(15.4) with Green Bay (680 vs: 681.4 points). Seattle ends up with #30, #126 & #190 from a drop of 3 spots in the late 1-st round. —-> Might be a very good option IF, Green Bay should happen to fall in love with a particular player, most likely one of the numerous receiver prospects.
Anyone have a link to an offseason timeline? Senior bowl, free agency, combine, draft, mini camps etc
^
But of course:
https://operations.nfl.com/football-ops/league-governance/2019-20-important-nfl-dates/
Or, if you prefer, Condotta just published this yesterday:
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/could-seahawks-go-international-again-looking-ahead-to-key-offseason-dates-2020-schedule/
Thanks!!
Ahh Gio Reyna the youngest American to debut in the Bundesliga.
Indiana Vassilev on for Aston Villa in the PL.
Not a bad way to start the year.
Claudio’s kid, yeah?
Related to Claudio?
YESSIR!! Captain America’s son.
Dortmund with Sancho-Haaland-Reyna 19-19-17 respectively.
MLS season getting closer. Exciting the Republic got a team as I live near by. Wont have to go to San Jose to watch the Sounders now. Well see if one of the teams can do some damage in the Champions League.
I mostly go to Reign or Defiance games, but the first team has started having their open cup games in Tacoma and that was a blast last year despite a loss to Timbers
Did anyone see what Baldwin just did to EvanonHB? Buahahahaha….
I have so many questions. Spill the tea. 🍵
Evan from HB talkin out his neck, attributed an anonymous quote from Seahawk receiver about Russ killing O’s rhythm to Baldwin and got shut down by ADB himself.
Stop giving them attention
Yeah, time for a break from twitter until MLS starts back up I think.
Ah.
I’m more interested in the quote. What did the anonymous receiver say about Russ killing their rhythm?
I don’t quite remember. Something like when he scrambles you can’t get into rhythm. It was pretty innocuous imo
Oh boy. I hope people don’t take this the wrong way, but he has a point and is on to something.
Russ is amazing. Elite talent. However, his backyard style of play makes it so damn hard to stay ahead of the sticks consistently. Your almost excessively relying on off the script plays. That’s why the run game is a must in Seattle with him. W/o it they find themselves in unfavorable or ‘negative’ downs. Which leads to Seattle having to manage Russ’s snaps.
And that’s perfectly ok. We see it in Houston and B’more with their 2 QBs as well.
And Russ has a tendency to leave a ton of guys open as a passer. And if your not getting desired results from the scripted plays, guess what they turn to? Off rhythm and unplanned elements.
Literally every QB misses open guys. All of them. I would caution taking the infamous Davis Hsu screenshot showing an open man on a pass play – we have no idea what the progression is supposed to be, if there was a throwing lane, etc.
I agree RW leaves plays on the field; I would rebut that this is not unique to him and kind of a lame attempt to take a shot at him (by whomever gave that quote).
I won’t even get into the pass pro he has continued to play behind. It’s rather remarkable he has been able to progress as a pocket passer behind that unit.
Do we not know what the progression is or is it almost impossible to figure out what RW’s process is as a passer? He almost doesn’t seem to have one. He’ll take a sack over the check down. Next play he does something extraordinary that’s only reserved for the great ones.
There’s probably a strong correlation to missing guys/leaving plays
on the field to low INT numbers. Definitely a balance to be had.
Some of these plays that turn to scramble drills are max protect that have 2-3 guys running routes, those are gonna be dead in the water if the other team drops 4-5 into coverage
Also, Evan being blocked on Twitter is a must. Same with Ben Baldwin
In fairness, Doug is an absolute jerk to RW and does so publicly. I’m annoyed by both DB and Evan.
Evan is a jackass. I agree, dont even talk about the dude. I cant believe people actually listen to that dude. He has some good cap knowledge but thats about it.
Guys what do you think about Curtis Weaver? Is he more LEO or DE?
More of a LEO if the athleticism is there.
I’m sure Rob has mentioned it somewhere. His role is probably best suited in a 3-4.
I have watched some of his highlights and all snaps vs Florida. He doesn’t look fast but he is explosive. He has good finish when he gets to QB. He was often in coverage. Sometimes he just missed and goes on the wrong side of OL against run. To me he looks bigger than 265.
I didn’t answer why I don’t like duvernay. To me it looks like he can’t separate and everything well he is doing is when he catch the ball behind LOS. He looks somehow stiff to me (I guess I could say like that 😂).
That’s fair.
I do think he’ll need to learn a route tree. My guess as to why they liked getting him the ball behind the LOS is because he becomes a RB with the ball in his hands. He’s such a fun weapon though.
Reminds me of a better more explosive version of Ty Montgomery.
Any thoughts on Van Jefferson from Florida? Can’t wait until he shows his route running in the Senior Bowl.
I’ve watched a fair bit of Weaver. IMO he’s a 4-3 DE trapped in a 3-4 OLB body. Not sure how he would hold up as a run stopper in the NFL, but his backfield production (sacks, TFLs, pressures/hits) is top notch.
I think he’s the second best pass rusher in this draft behind Chase Young.
When I watched him play he reminds me a lot of Avril. Similar size, similar style, similar production. I doubt very much Weaver will test anywhere near as athletic as Avril, but unless he has an awful Combine, at some point you just gotta look at his play and production and say this kid can play.
To me he’s an early Day 2 prospect, but because pass rushing is such a premium skill he’ll probably go earlier in the back end of R1.
I struggle with Weaver.
He looks like a guy who used to be 300lbs and lost weight. That’s exactly what he did. But he’s a chunky looking player and it’s hard to imagine him being particularly twitchy looking how he does. So I need to see him test. Because he does things off the edge that look good but for this team right now they need speed and quickness. He has to prove he has it in abundance.
100% agree with Weaver. Dude looks like hes a couple Big Macs from being an offensive lineman. Cant see him testing that well.
Yes I agree SEA need speed, twitchy speed. Don’t think Weaver will test twitchy. So he’s probably not the best fit for SEA. But he’s still one of the best pass rushers in this draft not named Chase Young. Guess that’s as much an indictment of this draft class as it is praise for Weaver.
UCONN OT Matt Peart (6’7, 305 lbs.) might be the biggest sleeper on the offensive side of the ball.
Length for days, highly athletic, hips are silky smooth, his feet are so incredibly fast. Seems like he has high foitball IQ.
Needs to get stronger. Perhaps adding some weight. Technique needs work, but most OTs do. And that length of his allows him to get to everyone and everywhere. Just has to utilize it more consistently.
Another prospect with an interesting backstory.
I like him a LOT better than Houston OT Josh Jones FWIW.
Well, at least he’s not lacking in confidence…
https://twitter.com/JamesPalmerTV/status/1218657238778359808
Miss that dude.
I would bet almost anything that if Derrick Henry goes off people will point to this quote from Frankie, as if Tennessee won’t already have extra motivation as is. They’re 1 game from the SB.
Rooting for the titans the rest of the way.
I will never be able to root for either GB or SF so won’t even watch that one. I think the titans have a shot against KC if they can get Henry going and their secondary and dline continues to ball out.
The Titans just cant fall behind. If they do they are done like dinner. If they keep it close they can continue to pound Henry. If they are forced to open up the offense they will get destroyed.
Do any of you get the feeling like the 49ers offense is a duplicate of the Pats? I sure hope not. I’ve been waiting for the pooper-passing Pats to leave for years.
My biggest fear is if SF get a bellcow RB
Tony Pauline reports that Jalen Reagor is getting some criticism from NFL scouts as a “straight-line pass catcher” who lacks route running skills despite being highly athletic. Says he may slip in the draft.
Sounds familiar. Where have I heard this before?
What a steal if SEA can draft him with one of their R2 picks.
I would think, after 1 big swing and a miss but multiple teams DESPERATE for WR help, that Reagor may slip, but not THAT far. Mid 2nd round would be my floor.
Chiefs / Titans
-7.0 KC
O/U 52.5
I would take the over, but I’m not 100% in the Chiefs winning camp.
Perhaps this game will be the 33-27 variety, with late fireworks to make the score look worse than it was…. Leaning Chiefs win / Titans cover the spread.
49ers / Packers
-7.5 49ers
O/U 46.5
If the 49ers get the ground game going early, as we saw in the 2nd half of the Seahawks game, the Packers defense flat out got tired. I just can’t see how the Packers can match-up and win the game. The only way they get the win would be multiple turnovers served up by the 49ers QB. 41-33 49ers win and cover.
BET EARLY AND OFTEN!
I think this team, with the expected 2nd and 3rd year progression and another productive draft could look a lot better.
Qb: russell wilson, geno smith (1m)
Rb: carson, penny, homer, draft, fa fb (1m)
Wr: lockett, dk metcalf, fa (1m), draft, moore, ursua
Te: dissly, hollister, draft
Tackle: brown, fant (8m), jones, draft
Gaurd: fluker, haynes, draft, pocic
Center: britt (5m restructure), hunt (2m)
De: clowney(20m), fowler (fa- 16m) green, jefferson, collier
Dt: ford, jordan phillips (fa – 12m), danny shelton (fa – 3m), draft
Lb: wagner, wright, barton, quem, bkk, draft
Cb: flowers, quil, amadi, draft, thorpe
S: diggs, mcdougald, blair, lano/tt/draft
8m – fant
2m – hunt
1m – wr
1m – fb
20m – clowney
16m – fowler
12m – phillips
3m – shelton
I think Fant will be cheaper than that.
It’s a nice breakdown though and shows they’re not miles away. It’s mainly the DL. Got to get it sorted.
I also think Reed will be cheaper than what many are estimating.
Agreed.
I predicted something similar but you forgot to add QJeff to the calculations, he’s also an FA.
So is Moore.
I think they might need to go for someone cheaper than Fowler or re-sign Reed (7-8m) instead of Phillips.
Offseason Plan:
Resign RFA: WR Moore, C Hunt, TE Hollister, DE Jackson (each 2.5m with original round tender)
Resign UFA: RT Fant (7m), DE Clowney (20m), DT Reed (8m), DE Jefferson (3m), CB Thorpe (2.5m)
Sign in FA: TE Hunter Henry (8m), RB Gus Edwards (3m), CB Kendall Fuller (4m), DE Everson Griffen (12m), DE Vic Beasley (6m), DT Jordan Phillips (7m)
backload contracts to make the cap work
CUT C Britt (8m), TE Dickson (3.5m)
DRAFT
1st round (#27) C Cesar Ruiz, Michigan
2nd round (#59) LB Willie Gay Jr., Mississippi St.
2nd round (#64) WR Bryan Edwards, South Carolina St.
3rd round (#99) OG Solomon Kindley, Georgia
4th round (#…) RB Anthony McFarland, Maryland
4th round (#…) OT Calvin Throckmorton, Oregon
5th round (#…) CB developemental prospect
6th round (#…) DE developemental prospect
Doesn’t RFA works that you can only sign one player with each tender? Maybe I know wrong.
I think that QJeff (5m), Beasley (9-10m), and Phillips (10-12m) would be a bit more expensive. Or did you mean those as next year’s salary and not an avg?
No you can sign as many RFA’s as you want to whatever tender’s.
You can only issue one franchise and one transition tag.
It was meant to be only the cap hit for 2020.
Thanks guys to clear it up for me!