Russell Wilson wants Seahawks to add ‘superstars’

Everyone knows this is a big off-season for the Seahawks. Pete Carroll said only half-jokingly that he was going to be ‘recruiting’ during the Pro-Bowl (where he’s coaching the NFC players).

Even so, it’s interesting to see Russell Wilson talking publicly about the need to attack free agency.

Wilson told ESPN the following from the Pro-Bowl:

“I think we need a couple more (players)… I think we need a couple more. Jadeveon (Clowney) is a big-time guy that we would love to get back on our football team. He was so good in the locker room. He brought so many, just havoc plays to the field. Hopefully, we can get a few other players there on the defense. Then also on offense, we have a great offense, but I think we can always add more pieces. I think that’s going to be the part that’s going to be great with John Schneider and Pete, as well, in terms of this offseason’s free agency. Free agency is very, very key to getting those superstars on your team and try to get great players that can fill the space.”

The situation is summed up succinctly by Wilson. They need key additions. They’re not a million miles away from being a top contender. Yet they’re missing a blast of quality in key areas. They don’t have a good enough defensive line or pass rush. They might lose their one star on the D-line in Clowney. They could use a playmaker in the secondary. The offense could also do with a bit more help too.

How they go about adding that quality will be the interesting part.

They’ve endured a re-set but it’s time to jump through the Championship window. They have the ability to be bold with a strong cap situation and plenty of draft picks.

It’s a strong looking group of free agents on the defensive line. Among the top-ranked players for pass-rush win percentage in 2019, five are pending free agents (although that includes Jadeveon Clowney) and three (Shaquil Barrett plus Za’Darius and Preston Smith) were reasonable open market signings 12 months ago:

Robert Quinn 33%
TJ Watt 28%
DeMarcus Lawrence 27%
Myles Garrett 26%
Aaron Donald 25%
Joey Bosa 25%
Jadeveon Clowney 25%
Shaquil Barrett 25%
Dante Fowler 25%
Za’Darius Smith 23%
Preston Smith 23%
Grady Jarrett 22%
Chris Jones 19%

Of course, not all of the free agents will be available. Chris Jones is almost certain to be tagged by Kansas City. Reports this week suggested Jerry Jones is determined to keep Robert Quinn and apparently the feeling is mutual.

Fit is also important. Shaquil Barrett doesn’t have the length or profile Seattle usually goes for and while his production was excellent in 2019, he was playing in a much more aggressive, blitzing defense under Todd Bowles. In fact Barrett blitzed more times than any other player in the NFL this season — 176 times. That was 26 times more than second placed Matt Judon and 61 times more than Kyle Van Noy.

There’s a significant difference between Bowles’ scheme and Seattle’s preference to be effective rushing with four.

This is why Seattle needs genuine top talents on their defensive line. For years they had Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril. If they retain Jadeveon Clowney, that will solve one position. He’ll need a partner though. They hoped Ziggy Ansah could be the man in 2019. Now, they need to land someone who will deliver.

Having further studied this draft class during the Senior Bowl, I’m more convinced than ever that pick #27 could be used in a trade. The options at the end of round one do not look particularly strong at this point. As always, the combine can and will change things.

It would be nice to have the option to tap into the strong receiver and O-line classes if possible with the first pick. However, first and foremost they have to solve the pass rush dilemma. If they want to rush with four, they need Clowney and one other. They need their 2020 answer to Bennett and Avril.

The positive with a trade is you might be able to get value for money. We discussed Von Miller as a possibility two weeks ago. Trading #27 for him is expensive yet his salary — $14m in 2020 — would be considerably less than you might have to spend for a lesser player in free agency. Clowney + Miller would be adding the superstars Wilson speaks about and the Seahawks could legitimately rush with four next season.

Such a move could leave enough cap space to re-sign George Fant and add Austin Hooper. You’d have two second round picks, a third rounder and two fourth rounders to address other remaining needs on the defense and at receiver/O-line.

Of course, this would depend on Denver (or anyone else) being willing to trade a star pass rusher. That simply might not be possible.

In that instance you have to look at free agency.

Over the cap has projected salary costs for some of the top free agents. Here’s a collection of names we’ve discussed. The number is the projected APY or, in the case of Jarran Reed, how much he can expect to earn on a one-year prove-it deal.

Jadeveon Clowney — $21m
Yannick Ngakoue — $19.5m
Arik Armstead — $17.5m
Austin Hooper — $10.13m
Karl Joseph — $4m
Robert Quinn — $10m
Jarran Reed — $10m

Interestingly they didn’t provide a figure for Dante Fowler, who we’ve presumed would earn big money. He could be a strong option as a quick pass rusher with the arm length they like. He had a productive 2019 season. We’ve also discussed Arik Armstead as an interior alternative.

Anthony Treash at PFF listed both players in a group of ‘free agents who carry the most risk’:

EDGE DANTE FOWLER JR.
As said previously, never trust the sack numbers. Fowler had the best season of his four-year career in 2019, producing a 73.4 pass-rush grade that ranks 31st among qualifying edge defenders. Fowler has gathered up the sixth most sacks (15) while ranking 38th in win rate and 20th in pressure rate. Not to mention, he had the second most pressures that were cleanups or pursuits. His pressure rate this year was over three percentage points higher than we have seen from him in a single season. Fowler is likely going to get overpaid based on the 2019 sack numbers, but that’s not to say he isn’t a good player — he’ll be a good addition to a pass-rush unit if a team can get him for the right price.

EDGE ARIK ARMSTEAD
For the third time now, never trust the sack numbers. Armstead has had a career year in 2019, producing an elite 90.0 PFF grade that ranks third among edge defenders. His run defense has been admittingly great, as his grade in that facet is the fourth best. His pass-rushing has been good, but not quite as good as some may think. His 76.1 pass-rushing grade is a career-high and ranks 25th in the NFL. Similar to Dupree, his 13 sacks has him on his way to earning a projected five-year, $85 million contract with $45 million guaranteed per OverTheCap. Despite producing the ninth most sacks, Armstead ties for 33rd in pressure rate. He has won on 17.2% of his total pass-rush reps, which ranks 17th, but this shouldn’t justify making him the fifth highest-paid edge defender in the NFL. All this being said, Armstead is not on the same level of risk as (Bud) Dupree — he has been one of the top 20 most valuable edge defenders in each of the past two seasons, but again, is not worth what he will be paid. If the cost is high for Armstead — like it’ll almost certainly be — stay away.

In both instances it seems the write-up is weighted negatively to fit a piece that is seeking to identify ‘risky’ free agents. In fact Treash admits it’s not that Fowler and Armstead are bad players — it’s simply a case that they might be overpaid. It’s also perfectly plausible that both players are rounding into a peak. After all, they’re only 25 and 26-years-old respectively.

Are either ‘superstars’ though? When Calais Campbell reached free agency in 2017, to me he was a legit ‘superstar’. The Jaguars signed him, he’s been immensely productive for three years and they came within a whisker of reaching a Super Bowl two seasons ago. How things could’ve been different had Seattle possessed the resources to acquire a player they clearly have a massive amount of admiration for.

If you look at PFF’s free agent rankings, the top defensive line ‘superstar’ is probably Clowney. Chris Jones won’t reach the market. Yannick Ngakoue probably will be tagged, although he might be available via trade afterwards. There’s a lot of depth on the D-line set to reach the market but not many true stars. In fact the ‘star’ talent is probably reserved for Clowney, Amari Cooper, A.J. Green (who will probably be tagged) and maybe Anthony Harris plus the quarterbacks.

For that reason, again, the trade market possibly comes into play.

It also could be that Seattle’s big splash comes out of left field. Who thought they would trade for Percy Harvin and have enough room to add Bennett and Avril in 2013? Who thought they’d be able to land Clowney and Quandre Diggs this time last year for a third and a fifth round pick? It’s worth looking at the teams with cap issues to see potential cuts or possible trade targets.

Minnesota is nearly $10m over the cap for 2020. They will have to make savings, particularly if they want to keep Anthony Harris. It’s almost certain Everson Griffen will be cut. He’s a strong option for Seattle, albeit as a short term measure. It’s not improbable that they’d retain Clowney, sign Griffen and then draft someone like Julian Okwara to try and solve the pass rush issue (whether this would be adequate is another question). Minnesota is a definite team to monitor though. They need to make multiple savings and don’t have much wiggle room even if they cut Griffen. Keep an eye on Stefon Diggs and maybe even Harrison Smith.

Jacksonville is only $34,754 under the cap for 2020. It’d be nice to say that could make Calais Campbell available (they’d save $15m by moving him) but Marcell Dareus ($20m saving), A.J. Bouye ($11m saving), Marquise Lee ($5m saving), Brandon Linder ($8m saving), D.J. Hayden ($6m saving), Jake Ryan ($5.5m saving), Abry Jones ($4m saving), Geoff Swaim ($3.75m saving) and Chris Conley ($2m saving) are all more likely to be cut or traded.

The Saints need cap space and have traded with Seattle before (Jimmy Graham) but there are no obvious targets on their roster that make financial sense for either team. The same goes for the Bears, Steelers and Falcons.

If the Redskins draft Chase Young as expected, they might be willing to consider trading Ryan Kerrigan ($11.6m cap hit in 2020). We’ll also see if the Jets consider dealing Jamal Adams, what the future is for Odell Beckham Jr in Cleveland and whether O.J. Howard and David Njoku become available. Joey Bosa appears to be setting the table to leave the Chargers but it’s extremely unlikely they’d entertain trading their best player just as they move into the new stadium. It’s possible some of the tagged players are targeted but that would be expensive (picks + a huge salary).

Off-season’s have never been boring during the Carroll era. Even over the last two years when they’ve had minimal cap space and hardly any draft picks — they still parted with key players, extended contracts for Wilson and Wagner and traded Frank Clark. They’ve traded for Jimmy Graham and Percy Harvin. At other times they’ve been aggressive to add Duane Brown and Sheldon Richardson and struck gold by trading for Marshawn Lynch. Most recently they traded for Clowney and Diggs.

They will get things done. They will likely heed Wilson’s words this week and add their superstars. We just need to see how the puzzle fits together.

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190 Comments

  1. Callum Worthington

    Speaking strictly about trading for a pash rusher, if they couldn’t get Miller, what are your thoughts on Carlos Dunlap, the Bengals already have Carl Lawson to replace him and he’s got the length that the Seahawks love and he’s been productive his whole career, keep up the great work btw 🙂

  2. Donovan

    Would you trade the 1st or 2nd rd pick for Calais Campbell? And would Jags entertain such a deal?

    • Greg Haugsven

      He will be 34 next year but still tearing it up. No for a first rounder for I would probably say yes on a second rounder.

    • Rob Staton

      Calais Campbell is one my all time favourite non-Seahawks. I suspect practically every ‘Hawks fan would say the same. But he’s 34 before the 2020 season starts. You can’t trade a first round pick for a 34-year-old. You probably can’t trade a second round pick for a player of that age either.

      • Greg Haugsven

        After thinking more you are probably right on the second rounder as that is a little rich. I would for sure do my third round comp pick.

        • Ralphy

          Jared Allen was up there in age when the Hawks went after him. I would love to see them make a move for Campbell. If you can do it for a third rounder then they need to do it!

  3. Greg Haugsven

    It does feel like the DE help will come via trade more than via Free Agency. Miller, Kerrigan, Campbell. I still think about the Joey Bosa option for two first rounders is way out there but one can dream. Read up on the Mack trade and the Bears gave up two first rounders, a third rounder, and a sixth rounder but also got a 2nd rounder back.

    Bears get:
    Mack
    2nd rounder

    Raiders get:
    Two first rounders
    Third rounder
    Sixth rounder

    If by a miracle this was an option is it a no brainer or do we have reservations?

    • JJ

      Is bosa considered on the same level as Mack?

      • Greg Haugsven

        Great question. I would say no but pretty darn close. He can wreck games.

    • Rob Staton

      If it was an option — and I don’t think it will be — I think you consider it. Essentially you give up #27 this year plus a third rounder and in 2021 you trade a first for a second rounder. You’d have to pay Bosa though — and that would mean giving him a Mack salary too, which he might expect immediately. He held out for his rookie deal, after all.

      However, this is why I think it’s unlikely. The Mack deal only happened because he held out of training camp. Around free agency time, nobody was expecting Mack to be dealt. The Raiders were faced with either paying him, trading him or facing a messy holdout as the season closed in. They decided to trade him.

      They made a deal with the Bears who, the previous season, had finished 5-11. So the Raiders probably felt somewhat confident that the pick they were getting in 2019 would be a high one. Instead it ended up being #24 which was unexpected. The Chargers couldn’t realistically expect to get a high pick if they deal Bosa to Seattle. So immediately they’d be asking for more than the Mack trade.

      The Chargers handled a holdout with Melvin Gordon by not backing down. They stuck to their price doggedly and now could lose him for no compensation as a consequence. They seem willing to put principle ahead of value.

      Most importantly though, this is the year the Chargers move into the new LA stadium. Imagine, just as you do that, to decide this is the year you move on from Philip Rivers and then trade your best player. How can they possibly compete against the Rams, Lakers, Dodgers, Clippers etc with a gutted roster that is starting again? Bosa needs to be their focal point in LA not the trade bait.

      • Greg Haugsven

        You are most likely right. Im just trying to think outside the box where that crazy trade could come from? If it did happen your right as it would probably be in late August and not in the spring.

        • Greg Haugsven

          Maybe Myles Garrett? Not sure if a fresh start could be good for him. You would think Cleveland would say no way.

          • Ralphy

            The Garrett idea is an interesting one although they don’t even have a GM.

            Rob would you do the Bosa trade with no second rounder in return? The Chargers would know that both first rounders are going to be above the 25th pick so not near as valuable as what the Raiders were expecting from the Bears.

            • Rob Staton

              I don’t think so but I don’t think LA would bite anyway. You’d be blowing the next two drafts and you’d be paying Clowney and Bosa $50m.

          • DC

            That is a very interesting idea Greg. A fresh start under Pete playing for a winner would be just what the Doctor ordered. I haven’t ever been a fan of Seattle trading away 1st round picks but I’d do that for Garrett in a heart beat assuming he gets reinstated at some point next season.

            As for Cleveland? Ha, they’d probably throw in a 2021 2nd round pick with MG for our 2020 1st rounder, lol.

          • Rob Staton

            Cleveland won’t let Garrett walk. They see him as the key to their future.

  4. Greg Haugsven

    There is also guys like Shaq Lawson and Vic Beasley who could be guys you could take a flyer on but wouldnt want to bet on them.

    • Trevor

      Have to think they take at least one flyer on a guy like that and hope to strike gold.

    • Rob Staton

      Sure, but this is an attempt to identify potential stars. Those two players would be guys needing to come in on cheaper prove-it type deals. Neither is a solution though, they’d have to be part of a rotation.

      • Greg Haugsven

        Yeah, sometimes we get way off base from the original post…lol

  5. Trevor

    Would love to see the Hawks fix the DL

    -Sign Clowney dominant 5 tech

    -Sign Fowler to finally replace Cliff Avril

    -Sign David Oneymata to replace Reed. BAMF and more athletic than Reed at a much cheaper price.

    -Sign Bruce Irvin on a one year vet deal as strictly a situational pass rusher on 3rd down to let Clowney move inside. Bruce was productive last year and would like to see retire as a Hawk.

    Add in Ford, Mone, Green, Collier and Jefferson or a rookie and you have solid young rotation.

    • Greg Haugsven

      For whatever reason I just dont see them going after Fowler. Just isnt the Seahawks MO. I could be way off base but just a gut feeling.

      • Trevor

        They might not but I really think they have badly missed a speed rusher since they lost Avril and it has a huge impact on the defense. That constant speed off the edge just forces QBs to speed things up. It would open up so many more options for Clowney to have an impact as he would be double teamed much less.

        Unless they trade for Miller as Rob suggests the only other true speed rusher in free agency is Quinn unless Beasley can bounce back which is far from a sure thing.

    • Coleslaw

      That Bruce Irvin idea is intriguing. Him and the “actual speedy DE addition” on the edge with Clowney inside would be pretty respectable.

      For fun let’s say we end up with

      Miller/Kerrigan
      Clowney
      Reed
      Irvin

      • Ashish

        I know we sailed that boat, but I miss Jacob Martin 🙁

  6. DC

    One nice thing on the recruiting front is that Russell Wilson is now the top QB in the NFC and his two closest rivals are aging with Rodgers looking past his peak. The young, up & coming QBs are in the AFC. Seattle as a destination presents the clearest route to a Super Bowl in the admittedly narrow judgement of QB talent alone. That’s something though for those veterans chasing a title. Brady & Rodgers are declining & though Brees is still playing well, how long can it go on? The ‘usual suspects’ in the competition for free agents are looking less attractive than RW in his prime.

  7. Trevor

    If they could somehow sign Clowney, Fowler, Hooper and Fant it would allow them to do whatever they wanted in the draft as they would have no glaring holes. Not sure it is realistic but it would be ideal leading into the draft.

    • Coleslaw

      I think it would even open up the flexibility to move up a few spots if need be. It would be particularly useful if we want a top Center, DT, or even OT prospect IMO.

      • CHawk Talker Eric

        Between Cushenberry and Ruiz (and Biadasz who I’m not as interested in but he’s a top prospect in the class), at least one of them should be available in the first half of R2. They could trade down from 27 as is their wont, pick up an early R4/late R3, and still take one of the top Cs. After watching clips of 1-vs-1 in Mobile, I think I’d rather have Cushenberry. He was seriously impressive. But a lot depends on how they test at the Combine. Either way, Ruiz or Cush, you’re getting a top C prospect.

        Having said all that, I’d rather keep Britt and use the pick on Logan Stenberg. I think he’s going to be a perennial pro-bowler. Or tap into the WR class with someone like Denzel Mims or Van Jefferson. Or maybe you get lucky and someone like Reagor or Hamler falls. Either way, and as much as I like Cush or Ruiz, I’d rather spend the pick elsewhere because Britt is a good C already.

    • Von

      That’s a good point. I hope they do sign Hooper, and even if they do, I’d still like to see a draft pick used on a TE. I’d love to see them use some 3 TE sets that don’t involve Fant. Put him at RT, let Ifedi walk.

      Just as you said, you could use the first 3 picks on whatever they really want.

      • Greg Haugsven

        Is all I know I wish we could speed up time as this stuff is way to far from happening.

      • CHawk Talker Eric

        Stephen Sullivan looks pretty interesting in later rounds. Had a nice week in Mobile. He’s tall and long and athletic. Catches well, willing blocker. Good value later on Day 3

  8. Eburgz

    One scenario I’ve considered is trading for Detroit CB Darius Slay. It would add some star power to the defense and reunite him with Q. Diggs. Rashad Penny could be a bargaining chip as to preserve our draft stock. Maybe penny and a swap of late rounders for Darius Slay (lions would save cap space as an added benefit to them). Supposedly Detroit has been shopping Slay and they have shown interest in Rashad Penny is why I make the connection.

    Slay is a top talent at the position and he has the size Seattle likes at 6 foot tall and 32+ inch arms. He’s under contract for the next two years at a reasonable rate.

    I’d prefer if Flowers developed into a pro bowl level talent , making this trade unnecessary. but at this point Slay is a huge upgrade and it’s worth considering. I’d only do this trade after sorting out the DL and the hole at right tackle.

    • Rob Staton

      Whether they were shopping him or not, the talk before the deadline was it’d take a massive offer to make a deal (first rounder plus).

      https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/10/29/darius-slay-trade-rumors-lions-asking-price-remains-incredibly-high/

      “There was some mention yesterday that the Philadelphia Eagles are potentially in play for Slay,” Garafolo stated. “But the asking price for Slay, I’m told, remains incredibly high.”

      He then referenced the Ramsey trade.

      There’s no way Detroit would accept a running back coming off an ACL injury for a top-level cornerback. If the Seahawks want slay they’d have to pay up and this isn’t a team that has invested much of anything in outside cornerbacks. I’d be well up for acquiring him but there’s no realistic offer to suit both parties. If Detroit wants to select Jeffrey Okudah, maybe they change their mind. But not sure why they’d give him away.

      2020 will likely be his last season in Detroit. But he’s in that weird place in that keeping him is better than losing him for a crap trade.

  9. Coleslaw

    I love K.J. Hill. So nice to finally see him getting recognition. The dudes been ballin for years. Was overshadowed by Scary Terry and Parris Campbell, but he’s always been good. I’d love him in the 3rd round. Perfect 3rd WR for us.

    • Rob Staton

      Not enough deep speed. Short-area quickness is very good. Hands — inconsistent and not a great downfield threat.

  10. Zeke

    If they’ve got the extra $10M APY cash after to spend on a guy like Hooper after making the DL/OL signings, would you rather go after one of those very good FA NCB like Chris Harris or Brian Poole ect instead of the TE to be sure that position won’t be a problem if Amadi doesn’t pan out?

    I know PC/JS never really spend the money there but it sure would fill the hole there since Coleman left.

    Also looks like Quinn will be back with the Cowboys

    Tony Pauline:

    Jerry Jones wants Robert Quinn to stay in Dallas

    Robert Quinn is a free agent come March, but if the Dallas Cowboys have their way, he may not hit the market. I’m told Jerry Jones has been aggressive in letting Quinn know that he wants the pass rusher to be playing in a Cowboys uniform next year. I’m also told Quinn’s preference is to remain in Dallas. If Dallas makes Quinn a competitive offer, don’t expect him to leave town next season.

    • Rob Staton

      I’d prefer a quality TE.

  11. Sea Mode

    Rob4q, comp for RB La’Mical Perine, Florida? Looks kinda like Shady McCoy body type and the way he moves his shoulders and arms, with Aaron Jones running style.

    • Rob4q

      Thanks, makes sense…although I was thinking a little old school – Emmitt Smith!

      What’s the know on Perine and why isn’t he rated higher?

      • Rob4q

        Sorry, what’s the knock on him…

        • Sea Mode

          Looks like just average athleticism to my eye, neither particularly fast nor explosive burst. Doesn’t show any sharp cutting ability, though he is pretty smooth north-south. But for a power runner, he’s light in the legs at 211 lbs. Does show some nice physicality though like here:

          Lamical Perine Career Highlights
          https://youtu.be/t1taXqG5kqM?t=115

          But watch a couple min. of those highlights and then turn on someone like Lamar Miller or even Kenyan Drake college highlights, both guys in a similar weight range, and they just have another gear as far as speed and acceleration.

          • JC3

            AJ Dillon is the second coming of Christian Okoye.

  12. Sea Mode

    Love this article. Great stuff to keep us thinking, Rob. Make it happen, PC/JS!

    Here’s an idea:

    Re-sign Clowney, Reed, Fant, and Britt.
    Sign Hooper.
    Trade our two R2 picks for Von Miller.
    Draft Jalen Reagor or Brandon Aiyuk with our R1 pick.

    • Zeke

      Would Von Miller’s cap hit still be 25.6M for the Hawks if he gets traded here, or would it just be his base salary of 17.5 for each of the next two seasons?

      • Rob Staton

        There’s $11,750,000 in dead money for Denver so I think it’s $25.6 minus $11.75m.

        • Greg Haugsven

          He has a $500k workout bonus as well so it would $18 million in 2020. They would most likely extend him the following year so his 2021 cap hit would probably be lower.

    • Denver Hawker

      I’d love to have him, but Denver isn’t trading Von. They believe they have a good chance at making the wildcard next year and Von is still a key piece for them.

      • Greg Haugsven

        Possibly, he could also be a mid season target if they arent winning games. He has a $25 million cap hit though and they have already restructured his contract once. I agree though that its probably not likely they trade him this off season.

        • Denver Hawker

          Denver doesn’t have a cap problem though. They have $62MM available.

  13. One Bad Mata'afa

    Additional thought about Armstead, it was also his only season of playing next to young Bosa. SF had a good line previously, but took a big step forward this season. Who do you key on? Pick your poison.

    It could be a similarly-built situation in Seattle. Put Armstead next to clowney, Reed, etc and he likely would remain dangerous. And if not him, then Clowney or one of the others busts loose. In my humble opinion, the place I’d start is up the middle. How many times have we seen Brady, Brees, Rodgers and Rivers eat this team up by calmly stepping up in the pocket as the DEs round the corner? Not saying we ignore the edge…we address that too or continue with Griffin. Add in Armstead’s stout run D, which we know Seattle prioritizes, and it makes a lot of sense.

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      Calais Campbell is my top DL acquisition. But like the discussion above, I wouldn’t advocate for trading a R1 or R2 for a 34 yo DL. And I don’t think there’s any other way of getting him, so…Armstead is similar to Campbell, an inside-out guy who can be equally effective at pressuring the QB from multiple positions.

      I’d rather spend $17M on Armstead than $15M on Fowler.

      • GoHawksDani

        Agreed, but I think Fowler will demand much more. I think he’ll sign for 19m which will be a huge overpay and mostly get this because A, bad draft for speed rushers B, big season last year.
        I’d be fine with getting him for 14-15m, but I doubt he’ll be that cheap.
        I like Armstead more. Probably nicer stats than reality because of that line but for some reason I feel like Armstead is the safer choice (although he might have lower ceiling than Fowler)

        • Rob Staton

          It’s kind of futile projecting price though. We can’t rule anyone out or in because we have no idea what the market will be like.

  14. drewdawg11

    Pairing them together would create a better run defense immediately and that’s a huge issue for this team. Armstead teaming with Clowney would probably have a similar effect as what he has now. To whom are you going to pay extra attention?

  15. Stevo

    Marcell Dareus would be an awesome addition to the D line if Jacksonville lets him walk.

    • Rob Staton

      I think his peak is long gone.

      • Greg Haugsven

        Agreed, if he was your late DT signing that they normally do for $2 – $3 million then sure but not more than that.

  16. kelly smith

    This is my personal belief. But I don’t feel it has been touched upon. When the Pro Bowl first started there was an interview with Russell talking about being around the other players. It was on ESPN’s NFL Draft Live show. He specifically mentioned Amari Cooper. What if the Hawks go for Cooper in FA, freeing up draft space to go Defense/OL.

    • Rob Staton

      Cooper would be expensive. I still think there’s a very good chance he ends up back in Dallas. I’m also pretty sure RW would love one more dynamic weapon.

      • Greg Haugsven

        I would much rather make the splash at TE. Cooper would cost you $20 where Hooper would max out at $10. Just better value. Plus the draft is loaded with WR’s.

  17. millhouse-serbia

    Regarding Clowney…I think I read somewhere that we allready have right to sign him (it started after last game)…is that true or we need to wait for new season to start?

  18. Victor

    Rob,

    In your opinion, where should Seahawks spend most money to strengthen the D-line.

    The interior or the edge?

    Presume Hawks resign Reed to a relativly modest contract, like 9-10m APY,

    Should they then go after a strong DT to partner up with Reed or focus all on another edge.

    More simple put, do you prefer 2 strong DT and 1 strong Edge or vice versa :)?

    Others input are interesting aswell.

    • Rob Staton

      EDGE. 100%.

    • Sea Mode

      Speed off the edge opens pass rush lanes up for the inside rushers as well, as we saw with Reed when Clark was still around. So edge for sure.

    • GoHawksDani

      I’d go edge as top prio, but I wouldn’t mind adding another value DT.
      To be honest, I’m a little afraid they’ll go big for a single player (like Fowler), the move will be a bust, and we’ll be the same as this year.
      If we could get Clowney, Reed for 28m and would be willing to spend let’s say another 18m, I’d rather go with Beasley (7m) or Griffen (7m), Ogbah (6m), Shelton (5m) than Fowler (18m).

      Not totally happy about the interior’s depth (Mone, Ford, Reed?) and experience, so after they figure out the outside, I’d love them to add 1-2 DT too.

      Or maybe get Armstead for 16-17m and add either Shelton or some DE for like 6m.
      Base package could be: Clowney – Reed – Ford/Shelton – Armstead
      3rd down: Clowney – Reed – Armstead – QJeff/Green/Collier/added DE

  19. schuemansky

    Rob, what do you think about possible trade targets on teams that could try to tank for Trevor Lawrence?
    I would think of the Bears, the Panthers and maybe even the Chargers (even if it means to suck in the first year in their new house).

    The Bears already are in cap hell, so for them it would make a lot of sense to liberate cap space and maybe get some ammunition for this and next years draft. So there are:
    – Akiem Hicks, a dominant 3T, that would help Clowney a lot
    – Leonard Floyd, a really fast and still young pass rusher with all the measurables but not a lot of production
    – Trey Burton, one of the best blocking TEs in the league

    The Panthers lost Kuechly and do not have the QB situation settled. They have cap space, but maybe with the new coach the could try to fix their O-Line this year and get their franchise QB the next. So every pick in 2021 could count.
    Problem here: IMO they do not have anybody signed that looks a valid target.

    The Chargers: Hunter Henry, Joey Bosa, anybody else?

    • Rob Staton

      I can’t see a tanning candidate but then they are so rare. Miami a year ago were pretty unique.

  20. DC

    Do the Colts trade up in the draft this year to grab the QB of their choice not named Burrow? If Young & Thomas are gone by #4 maybe the Giants would be willing to deal out of that spot. They could leapfrog Miami, SD & Carolina.

  21. SebA

    Thanks once again for this, Rob. My Seahawks fandom is negotiated primarily through the prism of SDB, so I really appreciate your time and effort producing all this material!

    • Rob Staton

      My pleasure, thank you for reading

  22. Rob Staton

    New podcast available at the top of the page

  23. millhouse-serbia

    I thought that I am the only one who thinks that if we re sign Clowney, we won’t sign one more expensive pass rusher…but than I asked about it Mike Dugar Shaw and here is his answer:

    “What are the chances they sign Clowney and one more $15mil+ pass rusher? — Vukasin K.

    Dugar: Low, I think, but that’s because I’m expecting the price to re-sign Clowney to be very expensive. So the idea of keeping him at somewhere around $20 million per year, while also spending another $15 million on an additional pass-rusher, doesn’t seem like something John Schneider would do.

    In a perfect world, Seattle would have an offseason like Green Bay had in the spring when it signed Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith to reasonable deals, but I don’t think the Seahawks will be able to do that while retaining Clowney. That’s why I’m in favor of them taking a good, hard look at the defensive line in the draft, because that’s where the value is. The priority should be to keep Clowney, then try to land a stud early in the draft, along with a rotational piece in the later rounds. (For what it’s worth, I’m thinking Rasheem Green will be a very useful piece next season.)”

    It is possible we are both wrong but at least I am not alone.😂

    • Sea Mode

      With all due respect, 🤦

      That’s why I’m in favor of them taking a good, hard look at the defensive line in the draft, because that’s where the value is.

      • Rob Staton

        That was my exact reaction too. Pass rush is the value in the draft? Is it really.

        I’m not being funny — but what other website studies the off-season in the way we do here? In fact, what other website covers the Seahawks ‘period’ the way we do here? I wish I could word that without sounding like an arse. But we’re on it, every day. Why would anyone else’s opinion influence the thinking of our community?

        ‘Daniel Jeremiah says…’
        ‘Michael Dugar says…’

        ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

      • Sea Mode

        The priority should be to keep Clowney, then try to land a stud early in the draft…

        I’m just trying to say: who are these “stud” pass rushers he thinks will somehow be available to us? This might be the worst DL draft I remember in a while. Outside of Chase Young, Derrick Brown, and Kinlaw, nobody has emerged yet, especially speed rushers.

        I feel that’s why Rob is correct in talking about FA and even trade possibilities to add pass rush, because THERE ARE NO GOOD OPTIONS IN THIS DRAFT. At best, you add the late-round developmental prospect and hope IMO.

        I think JS will do what it takes to put together a formidable pass rush, and if that means he has to pay Clowney plus another guy, then he’ll figure out how to save at another position (WR, for example) and make it work.

        • Rob Staton

          I just wish people would stop worrying about the cap.

          They have enough to do whatever they want.

          They can create more room EASILY.

          If they cut Britt and Dickson that’s an extra $12m. Of course they could transfer that to a pass rush compliment for Clowney.

          For some reason people seem more determined to convince us what the Seahawks can’t do. They have the sixth most cap room in the league with an easy passage to create more. Chill out. And this is from me — someone who (rightly) said the last two years they couldn’t afford to make a splash when others suggested they could.

          • GerryG

            Agreed. Also people are looking at the last few years and deciding this is what JS likes to do with the cap. I don’t think JS has set rules about approaching the cap, FA, and spending. Each season is unique in terms of the roster, cap space, expiring contracts, Dead money.

            This team paid Kam, Sherm, Wagz, RW, Beast, ET, Bennet, Avril all at the same time in 2015-16

            Also, at what point has anyone read Michael Dugar stuff and thought “this guy really understands football”

          • charlietheunicorn

            If they really need cap space, they can always rework RWs deal…. ala the Patriots and Brady almost every 2-3 years… rolling money into signing bonuses etc

    • schuemansky

      Then good luck finding a stud pass rusher at 27. In last years super rich draft for D-Line they were all gone.
      And PCJS when having the ressources can be quite aggressive.

      • Rob Staton

        Question in 2013:

        ‘Can the Seahawks trade for and pay Percy Harvin then sign Bennett and Avril’

        Random journalist answer: ‘Probably not’

        Question in 2019:

        ‘Can they trade for Jadeveon Clowney’

        Random journalist answer: ‘Probably not’

        etc etc etc

        • BobbyK

          We know they’re going to do something major in terms of the pass rush. And whatever it is, it’ll seem like it’s coming out of left field. We don’t know who they’re going to get – but they’re going to get someone, somehow, someway. And it’ll be a major deal. As we’ve said here for years – when they go into an offseason with a main priority – it gets fixed.

          Bosa? Atkins? Clowney? A Watt? Free agents? Some of those names seem unrealistic, but Jimmy Graham seemed like a pipe dream, too. Can’t wait to see what they do!

          • Rob Staton

            Completely agree Bobby. Big issues get solved in big ways by this FO. They will be bold, aggressive and creative.

        • Nathan

          If a trade did happen for a player, are you already preparing yourself for it to be someone you never ever saw coming, or mentioned at all?

          • Rob Staton

            Maybe. But we cover a lot of options.

      • McZ

        Without even watching in the lists…. what about…

        TJ Watt?
        Chase Winovich?
        Kemoko Turay?
        Sam Hubbard?
        Maurice Hurst?
        Maxx Crosby?

        What about possible 2020 breakouts like Oshane Ximines, Jalen Jelks or Anthony Nelson?

        Just to name a few from the last three drafts.
        All players we sniffed at. We drafted Malik McDowell and LJ Collier. Meh.

        • Rob Staton

          So basically TJ Watt.

          Right.

          • McZ

            Does Frank Clark count?
            Chris Jones?
            Trey Flowers?
            Yannick Ngakoue?
            Matt Judon?

            How many pass rush top 25 picks from 2015-19 have actually turned out?
            Garrett, the Bosas, perhaps the 2019 version of Armstead, that’s it.

            • Rob Staton

              How have you gone from players we supposedly ‘sniffed’ at to now arguing about top-25 picks turning out?

  24. millhouse-serbia

    I read a lot about seahawks and for me this is the place that I love the most and think it is the best. And of course there is no need that somebody else opinion influence on what are people thinking here. I agree with most of yours opinion and it was strange to me that I am completely opposite from all of you here on this edge situation. And Rob is not the only one from this blog who’s opinion I really appreciate. Sea node, volume, Trevor, Greg ets…and all of you are on one side and I am on the other… And I just wanted to ask someone who is not from here to see am I really the only one.

    And about “value”..I think he didn’t say that value of this draft are edges, but that value is in young players on cheap contracts…at least that how I saw that…

    • Rob Staton

      Perhaps you’re right about his draft value remark — but having a cheap but bad defensive lineman isn’t really value.

      Let me ask you this millhouse…

      They have $68m before the usual trimmings for IR and a draft class etc.

      They can create $12m alone by cutting Britt and Dickson.

      Why are you of the mind that they can’t pay TWO pass rushers? It’s not even a question. $21m + $16m = $37m. They’d probably have about $20-25m left to play with even if they didn’t cut Britt!

      • millhouse-serbia

        There are two things whybi think there is only slight chances JS will go that direction…

        1. Just year ago they refused to give big money (20+mil) to edge that had production, that they know really well, that they love, and about who PC raved all off-season…they didn’t trade him to get picks, they traded him because they couldn’t agree on his contract (and picks are of course huge benefits)…

        2. Cap situation for 2021…and we allready know what you think about my cap situation understanding 😁

        • Rob Staton

          You didn’t answer my question Millhouse. There is nothing to say they can’t sign two pass rushers because they have the cap room. Let’s just establish and accept that before we move on.

          1. The Clark situation is irrelevant. Firstly, just because they didn’t think Frank Clark deserved Khalil Mack money has absolutely no bearing on whether they think Jadeveon Clowney deserves such a contract, or whether they would be willing to sign a second pass rusher with their copious amounts of cap space. Furthermore, they had to pay Wilson & Wagner a year ago and were offered a first round pick for Clark when they had barely any draft stock. The decision to trade Clark was perfectly plausible and multi-layered. You can’t say, ‘well they didn’t just give Clark $20m a year so now they won’t pay for two pass rushers’.

          2. I mean this in the nicest possible way but yes — I know that you’re thinking is incorrect on the 2021 cap situation. They have $68m available currently before cutting Dickson (certain) and Britt (maybe). Next year they have $170m. For some reason you keep labouring the point that they can’t do certain things in free agency. I’m really struggling to understand why.

          • millhouse-serbia

            And I thought I gave you answer because I don’t think 2020 cap is as big problem as 2021…there is enough cap space this season especially if we use all rollover cap and word is that because of new CBA there won’t be rollover from 2020 to 2021.. so we could defenetly use all of this season rollover…

            • Rob Staton

              What are you even talking about man?

              Nobody knows what the new CBA will do. If they get rid of rollover, so what? The talk is the cap will rise significantly anyway due to gambling revenue. The league is invested BIG TIME into upping the cap, not LIMITING teams.

              And none of it is relevant anyway. They have more than enough money to do whatever they want this year and next. I’ve given you the numbers a few times now. Stop fretting. I don’t know why you keep bringing us back onto this. I hate to be so blunt but I feel like I have to be. It’s nothing personal but you’re calling it wrong. I’m just going over the same things repeatedly and I have to steer the conversation in the comments section appropriately. It’s time to move on.

              • Spencer

                The Seahawks are in a great position. Just wish the offseason would get underway already so we can see what Schneider can cook up.

                • Rob Staton

                  Agreed.

                  • Ralphy

                    So they didn’t feel Clark was worth the money. Why does that mean they wont think that Clowney is. Who would you guys rather have, Clowney or Clark? I would take Clowney and it isn’t very close.

                    • Rob Staton

                      Because they might think Clowney is better. Obviously.

      • McZ

        If you believe, that another pass rusher is the only missing piece, then yes, you could come from that point.

        The thing is, this team lacks developed talent across the board, and things are made worse by adopting the most injury prone system imaginable. We are not a piece away from being a contender; we were unbelievably lucky, most of the season.

        Before we talk about handing 70% of available cap to a pair of players, more or less forcing us to harass the OL at some point, I would want to really question what they can and will do.

        Clowney was not a 21m leader last season. In fact, he never was. Houston was well aware, that his value was not north of franchise tag numbers. To this day, he lives from his draft buzz. Paying Fowler out of the franchise he always was a fan of will not solve anything. I cannot see either or both of them solving our greatest problem: playing two halves of competent, decent NFL football. If it were that easy, the Rams would have made the playoffs.

        If we want to get this right, we need a real, uncontested leader on the turf.
        Von Miller?
        Chris Jones?
        Calais Campbell?
        Now we are talking!

        About the draft picks…. I guess, the real problem is, we have accustomed to making Seahawks-style picks that rarely turn out.

        • Rob Staton

          So $20-25m isn’t enough to address other needs?

          If you don’t think pass rush is the biggest need, and adding to what they had not just retaining Clowney, I don’t know what to say.

  25. Chavac

    Personally I think if you’re going to splurge it has to be Fowler, as to me he is the best fit to attack from across Clowney and still provide production if/when Clowney misses time. I agree that Barret is intriguing but ultimately isn’t a great fit. If you’re going to give Clowney bank without the sack numbers, you should be be savvy enough to see Griffen’s are fairly empty. They’ve never given a multiyear deal to a D-lineman 30+ years old so my opinion is don’t expect them to pay first round picks to do so for Miller (regardless of how good he is). We talk about windows and attacking while the iron is hot, but time and again this team has been very selective about who it drops big money on and it’s one of the reasons why they are where they are where they are right now (financially). I don’t think they’ll go into panic mode and sacrifice big future $ or picks unless it’s a young dynamic talent who really jumps off the page (see Harvin, Graham, Richardson, Clowney). If that guy isn’t there then resign the guys you need to bring back, resign Clowney, find some value situational pass rush (Shaquem is not it) and someone who resembles a LEO, and use the rest of the draft to fill the holes you don’t have yet.

  26. millhouse-serbia

    There are two things whybi think there is only slight chances JS will go that direction…

    1. Just year ago they refused to give big money (20+mil) to edge that had production, that they know really well, that they love, and about who PC raved all off-season…they didn’t trade him to get picks, they traded him because they couldn’t agree on his contract (and picks are of course huge benefits)…

    2. Cap situation for 2021…and we allready know what you think about my cap situation understanding 😁

  27. Sea Mode

    Rob, have you seen this footage? Yes, you have to take his commentary for what it’s worth (I actually find most of what he says is ok), but getting the real on-field camera angle is invaluable.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMqahrmnI3E

    • Rob Staton

      Yep, watched it earlier today actually. Glad someone was able to provide something.

  28. ZHawk

    I’ve been researching sack numbers on Pro Football Reference, and am finding that many of the elite pass rushers of the past two decades were still quite effective into their mid-30s. Julius Peppers, Terrell Suggs, and Jason Taylor all put up multiple double digit sack seasons well into their 30s. Michael Strahan led the league with 22.5 sacks at age 30, and put up 18.5 at age 32. Robert Mathis had 19.5 sacks at age 32. These are just a few examples.

    Seeing this has me really warming up to the idea of signing Robert Quinn at a cheaper price than many of these younger, hotter names. If he can be had on a $12m/year front-loaded 2 or 3 year deal, maybe even 4 years, that might be the smartest approach for PC/JS to take in terms of addressing the pass rush. He’ll be turning 30 later this year, but still looked as explosive as ever this season, leading the season in pressure %, as noted in Rob’s article. The savings would allow us to go after other high quality starters like Hooper with room to resign Reed, Fant, etc. Quinn may not provide the long-term value that Armstead or Fowler do, but this would very much be a “win now” move on PC/JS’s part. I’m all for it.

    • Rob Staton

      Just be wary of pining for Quinn too much. He has back issues. Very quiet market for a few years. They showed no interest in him previously despite needing a DE.

      • LLLOGOSSS

        Not saying the luck won’t run out, but the general evaluation of Quinn keeps being wrong year after year. He has gotten such little respect in free agency, yet he’s one of the most productive pass rushers every year, and he’s still not even that old. Total anomaly, you’d normally see guys with half his talent getting $17 mil +.

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      The only way they sign Quinn is if they outbid DAL. And I don’t think they’re gonna out bid Jerrah who has been pretty clear he wants Quinn back next year.

      By this same logic, Everson Griffen is just as good an addition as Quinn and you wouldn’t have to get into a bidding war with JJ for him.

      • ZHawk

        I wouldn’t be so sure of that. Both teams have similar cap numbers with the difference being that the Cowboys will likely need to dish out around $50m to keep Amari and Dak. Nonetheless it will be interesting to see what sort of contracts these FA edge rushers end up signing.

  29. Bigten

    Out of curiosity, when Pete said he is going to do some recruiting at the Pro Bowl, besides Hooper, who do we suppose they (him and Russ) are recruiting?

    • GerryG

      Recruiting is a very broad term imo.

      It’s not just about a singular player that happens to be there on an expiring contract. It’s about further promoting Pete’s infectious personality and philosophy. It’s a small league, and these guys all talk. So maybe a guy goes back home afterwards and talks up Pete. Maybe a guy has a contract that expires next year, or perhaps there is a guy (like Clowney) that has some leverage over where he gets traded.

    • Nathan

      I looked through rosters and thought the same thing.

      It might not be so much the players at the pro bowl, but if they’re talking to team mates, and saying how much they like Pete(and Russ for that matter), it may have a flow on effect.

    • Rob Staton

      Pete can’t tap up recruits. What he can do is create a really positive impression with his staff to the guys playing for the NFC and then let the word spread.

  30. Steve Nelsen

    Although the strength of this draft is WR and OL and I expect JS to get both in their top 4 picks, there are some DL too. I think our first pick at 27 (or after a tradeback or two) could be a DL. JS has done this twice recently and there are some DTs that would work in that spot this year. We don’t have 10-yard splits yet but there may even be an Edge that gets a 2nd round grade for us.

    • GoHawksDani

      I hope I’m wrong, but I fear JS might reach for a DE/EDGE/SAM with rush possibility. He do this a lot…sometimes proves everyone wrong and everybody talks about “what a steal/sleeper rookie”…but other times it is what it is and there was a reason why most of the sites (even SDB) didn’t rank a player that high (Ifedi, Collier, McDowell -> developmental guy who is more a 2nd/3rd rounder, modest impact dude also more like a 2nd-3rd rounder, crazy physical potential but questionable attitude and motor). I hope they figure it out in FA otherwise I feel like they’ll draft a late 2nd-3rd round projected guy in late 1st/early 2nd

  31. LLLOGOSSS

    Can it be the off-season yet? Non-Seahawks Super Bowls are so boring…

  32. Greg Haugsven

    Going off topic here, the NFL has what is called the proven performance escalator (PPE) which is for players drafted in rounds 3-7. If you average 35% playing time through the three years or played in 35% of the snaps in two of the three years you qualify. We had three players this year who will qualify for the PPE. Two I knew about was Griffin and Carson who are part of the teams future. The other is Tedric Thompson is isnt part of the future. When you qualify your 4th year salary goes up to what ever the original round tender would be and this year it will be around $2.1 million. That would take TT’s cap hit from about $900k to about $2.3 million for 2020. That basically translates to him not making the roster. He may not even make it into camp as his cap hit would stay on the team as long as he is still here.

  33. Steve Nelsen

    Rob, your discussion of the possibility of trades is really on point. JS has been an active trader in the past and I suspect that Seattle could fill needs via FA, trades and the draft.

    One area of need that could be filled via trade is RT. My personal belief is that if a player has not become a league average player by the time they finish their rookie contract, then it is more likely for Seattle to move on than to give the player a big contract. I think that there is a very real possibility that either Ifedi or Fant is kept. Ifedi has been very durable and Fant has been versatile but the metrics for both are below average.

    I expect then to draft a RT but not as a starter. That would be step back for the line.

    I know Pete has been outspoken about the need for continuity on the OL but Duane Brown demonstrated how a veteran can step in and immediately upgrade the line. This has me thinking that our next RT is probably on another team’s roster. Any thoughts on who could be available?

    I expect Jones and Haynes to get the opportunity to replace Iupati and I expect them to keep Fluker and Britt. I think that meets Pete’s continuity goal and still allows for improvement.

    • Steve Nelsen

      I meant to type that I feel that there is a very real possibility that neither Ifedi or Fant is kept.

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      I don’t see it. SEA need to pay big for a FA TE and at least one FA DL/DE/EDGE, but they’re gonna pay big for a FA RT when they already have two on the roster they could get for the same or less and who wouldn’t ruin OL continuity? Again, I don’t see it. Too many other holes on the roster to go creating another one.

      • Seahawkwalt

        I really think Fant is kept. He held his own at LT. I think Ifedi is gone but I’m ok if he stays for a reasonable amount

      • Steve Nelsen

        Both Ifedi and Fant are FAs so it isn’t a given that either comes back. I’m curious about Rob’s point of viewing trades as alternative to FA.

        Seattle has inexpensive guys on the roster who are potentially league average or better guards in Jones and Haynes but there isn’t an average RT on our roster. And the metrics show that neither Ifedi nor Fant is league average at this point in their career.

        We traded for Duane Brown to solve our long-standing LT problem. Is there a possible trade to solve our long-standing RT problem?

        • Greg Haugsven

          Of course its not a given but you have to think that at least one of them stay and you would think the leader in the clubhouse would be Fant.

        • CHawk Talker Eric

          I’m not sure I agree we have a long-standing RT problem. Ifedi has been serviceable if not great. He’s hardly a liability. I don’t put much stock in PFF grades if that’s the metric you’re using to say he isn’t league average.

          OTOH after Okung left and Fant went down with an ACL tear, we had NO LT. We had to trade for someone and kudos to Carroll and Schneider for getting one of the better ones.

          Also, I think Fant has shown himself to be good in his relief of Brown. Again, I think you’re misinterpreting his performance if you’re metric is PFF grades. Just look at the film and the results. I think he’s better than Ifedi and if they’re going to keep one or the other, they should keep Fant.

          • Greg Haugsven

            Agreed, plus he can take over at LT when Brown hangs them up.

          • Steve Nelsen

            I prefer Fant to Ifedi but the fact is that Fant hasn’t been able to beat out Ifedi in 4 years. And if we keep Fant as a starter it doesn’t make the line better. In fact, you have to project a bit to even say it is a wash.

            If Dissly were healthy, I think we would all agree that RT is the weakest position on offense and the overall line play is weak against the pass. Forget about PFF, there isn’t a list anywhere that ranks or grades either Ifedi or Fant as league average. And both the tape and the metrics agree that Russell gets pressured far above the league average and has every year since he was drafted.

            • CHawk Talker Eric

              Do we know Fant was competing with Ifedi for RT? I wasn’t aware of that. He’s been a LT and a TE/6th OL but I didn’t know he was in consideration to for RT prior to this offseason.

    • Rob Staton

      I don’t think they’ll trade for a RT. I suspect what they’ll do is re-sign Fant and then let the Ifedi situation play out. They might draft a right tackle. But Fant provides a hedge.

    • Justin Lu

      The 40 is interesting because in the end we are literally talking about fractions of a second of difference. So it’s obviously not the end all be all measurement of speed, but I do think it still has value in determining general speed ‘categories’. Like there’s probably not much real difference between 4.5 and 4.6 runners. But like someone capable of running 4.3 consistently is obviously in a faster category than someone who averages 4.6-4.7. It’s good for identifying freaks and outliers as well, like when Metcalf pulled a 4.3 at 220 lbs. In those contexts the 40 data point can be a useful reference.

    • Kenny Sloth

      Thats a funny way of spelling “I didn’t prepare the first time and come out ready to compete”

  34. Steve Nelsen

    Just listened to the podcast Rob. I would love to have you at Mobile next year.

    With all the WR talent in this draft I am convinced Seattle uses a pick in Round 2 to add another.

    Add McFarland in Round 3 and I will be banging the table with you.

    OL, DL and maybe TE with the other early picks.

    • Rob Staton

      I’m going to do my absolute best to be in Mobile next year. The only issue is my wife’s birthday is the 23rd Jan and my daughter is 30th Jan.

  35. Trevor

    I really hope that PC /JS just keep it simple and sign Clowney and Fowler. I know it expensive but look at the impact Avril and Bennett had on the defense. Fowler and Clowney are younger and are likely just entering the prime of their career.

    If you lock up those two for 4-5 years you can build a dominant defence around them. JS has always been great add adding inexpensive complimentary pieces.

    • BobbyK

      The Jags traded Fowler. Normally, teams don’t let studs go – especially when they can rush the passer. He had to take a 1-year “prove it” deal last year. There’s something there that worries me about giving him long-term money.

      • Rob Staton

        In fairness the same happened to Bennett and Avril.

  36. Volume12

    Josh Uche has been nothing short of outstanding in this game today.

    • Volume12

      TE Adam Trautman has been excellent as an inline blocker.

      • Sea Mode

        Would have made a really nice one-handed grab if it hadn’t been broken up by a good play from Dugger.

      • CHawk Talker Eric

        Honestly, I’d be totally ok if they used a R2 on Trautman. We need a TE, Trautman is a nice looking prospect, and the $10M+ they would have to spend on a Hooper could be put to improving the pass rush.

    • Volume12

      Really wish Utah EDGE Bradlee Anae had the length Seattle likes. Such a good technician. Plays with a ton of effort.

      • Rob Staton

        No twitch

    • Trevor

      Uche has earned himself a ton of $ this week. He is not an edge rusher but would make a great SAM LB who could rush the passer on 3rd down.

      • Sea Mode

        Anyone lined up against Throckmorton has made money this week, tbh…

      • Rob Staton

        Has he made a ton of money?

        I mean he’s not going in R1 and people were projecting him in the mid rounds anyway.

        He’ll make money if he runs well.

        • Trevor

          He was a mid round guy and now if he runs well at the combine he will be a 2nd rounder.

          • Greg Haugsven

            Completely agree about Trautman Eric. He is becoming one of my favorite prospects. He is a better route runner than Dissly but not as good of blocker but can do both well. You go two TE sets with them two and you dont know who is running the route.

          • Rob Staton

            We’ll see. I still think he’s round three.

            Chase Winovitch was a better rusher and went R3.

  37. Sea Mode

    Darrion Daniels is a big boy.

  38. Henry Taylor

    Does anyone else feel like the senior bowl is pretty weak this year?

    • Rob Staton

      Yep

    • Trevor

      Outside of WR and OL this seems like a really weak draft class in general.

      • Zxvo3

        +10000000

      • Kenny Sloth

        Might be some QBs too.

      • GoHawksDani

        RB is OK too. Not 1st round good, but there might be ton of value mid-rounds.

  39. CHawk Talker Eric

    Duggar and Vilder have both looked really good today.

    Darius Anderson has had a nice game too, though he’s not as big as SEA like their RBs.

    I think Herbert has played his way into the #6 pick with SD. Speaking of QBs, Anthony Gordon looks like he might be worth a Day 3 flier.

  40. Sea Mode

    Need to look into that Iowa CB Michael Ojemudia. He’s got the length.

    • Volume12

      Him and Reggie Robinson.

  41. Sea Mode

    Eric, your guy Joshua Kelley has looked really good today.

    • CHawk Talker Eric

      I thought so too. He looks pretty quick I wonder how he’ll test. He didn’t have a very good OL at UCLA and he still had a 1200 yard season so he’s got promise. I think there’s good value for him on early Day 3. Somewhere in the same range as where Mike Davis went in 2015.

      He’s got PC prototypical RB size at 5’11” 215lbs.

  42. charlietheunicorn

    “Cleveland won’t let Garrett walk. They see him as the key to their future.” ~ Rob

    I agree, most well run organizations and teams would never let the guy out of the building….. but this is the Browns… and frankly, they are a dumpster fire. Oddly enough, this is the type of “out of left field” move I could see Seattle trying to pull off. This would add a young premium pick along the DL… and if you can somehow swing resigning Clowney and acquiring Garrett … that would be a ridiculous 1-2 punch at DE.

    • TomLPDX

      I think it would do Garrett a world of good too, getting into a stable organization and helping him get balanced.

    • Rob Staton

      Sure, but I think there are two untouchables in Cleveland. The QB and Garrett.

  43. charlietheunicorn

    Is it possible to retain Jadeveon Clowney, acquire Myles Garrett and sign FA Everson Griffin?
    Might be an a bit of over reacting to 2019, but that would be one hell of a lineup you could roll out on the field.

    • Rob Staton

      No — because the Browns won’t trade Garrett.

  44. Volume12

    Jarran Reed get some good news?

    • DC

      What you got?

      • Volume12

        Just a tweet of his. Could be anything. I try not to read into these things. Only reason it peaked my curiosity is due to the contract stuff he’s talked about lately.

        jarran reed
        @1j_reed
        Thank you to the most high im beyond blessed 🙏🙏

    • cha

      Seems a little early in the timeline for an extension.

  45. Cyrusl Torgeson

    Assuming we are gonna trade our first round pick for a player this off season would you rather

    A: trade for obj (would create match up nightmares for opposing defenses with Lockett, and DK)

    B: trade for von miller (speed on the edge is a must)

    C: trade 2nd or 3rd for cameron heyward (he is in the last year of his contract in 2020 and has been a dominant interior pass rusher for the steelers but now being 30 and steelers needing cap room might be available)

    • dcd2

      Von Miller.

      I want no part of OBJ.

    • TomLPDX

      I honestly can’t see the Saints letting Heyward go.

      • TomLPDX

        Sorry, meant Steelers…

    • cha

      Miller and it’s not even close.

      I’d love to get Heyward but I don’t think PIttsburgh would want to relinquish their strength (pass rush) with their offense in tough shape.

    • Rob Staton

      100% Von

    • GoHawksDani

      Big no-no on OBJ.
      1, He’d cost a ton for a not priority need position
      2, He’s an awful drama queen…doesn’t fit the culture
      3, Do you sit Lockett or DK in 12 formation (which they do a lot with Fant as a +1 OT, Dissly/Hollister at TE and Carson/Penny as RB)? I don’t even wanna OBJ stealing snaps/catches from DK

      If/when we get a WR, I’d like a true WR3. Not a guy who’ll push DK or Lockett to WR3.
      Give me a guy with an amazing, BUT special skillset (for example amazing short area quickess and put him in slot, or long, quick, bigger and pair him on the outside with DK and Lockett line up as the slot. And in 2 WR sets Lockett and DK are the 1-2 men) and maybe with KR/PR upside

  46. Steve Nelsen

    And some TEs and some RBs

  47. dcd2

    Anyone have the jersey numbers for the senior bowl? #65 on the South team looked downright awful on the highlight vid.

    To those that watched: Did anyone stand out good or bad?

    • dcd2

      Ugh. Throckmorton looked pretty bad too.

  48. TomLPDX

    So what would it take to get Garrett? I would love for the hawks to get my Aggie bro!

    • Rob Staton

      Cleveland won’t trade Garrett.

      Even less likely than Bosa.

  49. dcd2

    Also, great work on the Podcast Rob. Really good listen.

    • Rob Staton

      Thank you

  50. CHawk Talker Eric

    Zuniga or Greenard?

  51. CHawk Talker Eric

    I would not be disappointed if SEA took Kyle Dugger with the 59th pick

  52. CHawk Talker Eric

    I thought Logan Stenberg had a pretty “meh” game. Just didn’t look all that into it. Gave up on a few blocks too soon that allowed his man to impact the play.

    I hope that’s not indicative of his play — great in practice but only so-so in games.

    Still one of my favorite prospects from Senior Bowl (and overall) but I was a little disappointed with what I saw from him today.

    • Rob Staton

      Stenberg played well but seemed to play within himself. I wonder if the coaches told him to tone it down.

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