With the Seahawks trading their second and third round picks in 2018 for Sheldon Richardson and Duane Brown, a lot of importance is going to be placed on their remaining first round pick.
The safe odds are probably on another trade down to regain some of the spent stock.
Even so, at the moment they’ll be relying on day three hits to make their 2018 class an impactful one. And they’ll probably focus on whatever they determine to be their biggest need with that early pick.
As things stand, there are probably three main contenders:
Defensive end
The future of Cliff Avril is unclear. Hopefully he will make a full recovery from his neck injury and return at the incredibly modest sum of $8m for next season. Whatever happens, an EDGE rusher or LEO is likely to be a point of focus.
Avril is approaching the last year of his contract, Michael Bennett turns 32 in less than a fortnight and Frank Clark, probably due an extension at some point, appears to be the only truly long term feature.
Marcus Smith and Dion Jordan were brought in as projects. It’s possible that either player, after a year with the team, could be re-signed to show what they can do in 2018. That’s a possibility but not something we can say with any certainty today — especially in the case of Jordan.
If Malik McDowell returns next year and with Sheldon Richardson, Nazair Jones and Jarran Reed working with Michael Bennett and Frank Clark — Seattle has size and freaky athleticism on their D-line. Speed and quickness off the edge could be a need to compliment what they already have and that looks like a good early bet to be Seattle’s focus with their top pick.
Bruce Irvin — 1.55 10-yard split, 4.50 forty
Cliff Avril — 1.50 10-yard split, 4.51 forty
Marcus Smith — 1.57 10-yard split, 4.68 forty
Dion Jordan — 1.61 10-yard split, 4.54 forty
This is the type of speed they’ve had and could be missing in 2018. Considering the Seahawks are likely to be out of range for the likes of Bradley Chubb and Harold Landry, it’ll be interesting to see which other prospects time well at the combine.
Offensive line
Call this the Dallas approach. The Cowboys just kept pumping draft stock into their O-line until it became a major asset. The plan has enabled Dallas to transition from Tony Romo to Dak Prescott and make Ezekiel Elliott one of the best playmakers in the league.
Seattle’s line is starting to take shape. Hopefully Duane Brown provides an answer at left tackle. Justin Britt and Germain Ifedi appear locked in at center and right tackle respectively. The hope has to be that Ethan Pocic will become a regular feature at one of the guard spots and/or they could still re-sign Luke Joeckel.
If Joeckel was to walk and if Oday Aboushi wasn’t re-signed, bringing in a top class guard to complete the set could be Seattle’s answer to Dallas’ plan. It’d have to be for a top talent, however.
Quenton Nelson at Notre Dame is one of my five favourite players to watch in college football at the moment. He’s sensational and could easily emulate Zack Martin by going in the first half of round one. If he fell a bit like David DeCastro and was around in the 20’s, he would be a major value pick.
Ohio State’s Billy Price could be an alternative option. Both Nelson and Price are highly aggressive, mobile, gritty blockers. They probably won’t be there for Seattle — but if they were, they could finally turn the offensive line into a major strength and help the Seahawks get back to running the ball the way they want to.
Running back
It could be quite a deep running back class in 2018 although it feels at the moment like the best value might be in the round 2-4 range. Clearly Saquon Barkley is going to go in the top-five. Then there’s a long list of names that could go anywhere from the mid-first to the late third.
The earliest pick Seattle has spent on a running back in the Pete Carroll era is a second rounder for Christine Michael. He was a physical freak of nature with all of the talent in the world. If the Seahawks were ever going to draft a running back in the first round, they’d probably have to be a similar athlete.
We also know they have a body type they like and a preferred physical profile. They’ve consistently brought in explosive athletes rather than speed demons and all of their backs have been in that 5-10 to 6-0 range in height and around 220lbs.
Before Seattle was forced to cough up their third rounder in the Brown deal, that looked like a sweet spot for a RB pick. With the running game in flux, they might be more inclined to attack this position early. They’ll need to do something though. Eddie Lacy isn’t likely to return, Thomas Rawls and C.J. Procise haven’t worked out so far and Chris Carson will need to recover fully from a broken leg.
It’ll be interesting to see how Nick Chubb tests following his knee injury. We’ve often referenced his performance at one of the Nike SPARQ combines. If he gets anywhere near that again and the medical checks are OK, he could go very early.
There are others to mention — Bryce Love, Derrius Guice, Damien Harris, Ronald Jones and Royce Freeman to name a few. The one I’d keep an eye on the most at the moment is San Diego State’s Rashaad Penny.
He’s having a fantastic year with 1368 and 12 rushing touchdowns (plus 136/2 as a pass catcher). He has six career kick return touchdowns and he combines toughness, elusiveness and the ability to break off big plays. He’s in Seattle’s size bracket (5-11, 220lbs). He also talks well in interviews and is elevating his team to a strong season.
I’m not sure where Penny will go in terms of round. We’ll need to see how he tests. Yet if the Seahawks did move down into rounds 2-3 to accumulate more picks, I wouldn’t bet against Penny landing on this team.
There are other positions we could mention. It’s pretty clear the Seahawks want to invest in a young quarterback to work behind Russell Wilson and provide some cheap security. That’s less likely to happen now that they don’t own picks in rounds 2-3.
Linebacker was highlighted as a need area by Pete Carroll at the end of last season and the depth they brought in arrived via free agency. They might seek to draft some young talent at linebacker.
Tight end could also be a focal point considering Jimmy Graham and Luke Willson are both out of contract.
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I would prefer the Seahawks focus on a RB because I am sure they will trade down to get more picks and any DE or OL worth anything will be gone by then. I could see using McDowell as a Red Bryant type DE and moving him inside to pair with Richardson (if we can resign him) on obvious passing downs so that Bennett can just be a pass rush specialist. That would allow us to kick the need for a new starting DE down the road a bit. We may find some unpolished gem in the late rounds and have some time to develop him.
I think the chances of getting a good RB late are very good these days and we need somebody that can produce their own yards if need be. A bruiser with some quickness like Lacy used to be
Hmmmm. It would be great if we really, really liked a (good) guard who could come in right away and play well as a rookie. That would allow us to let both Joeckel and Aboushi walk, specifically Joeckel who’d likely cost what, $7m APY minimum to re-sign? I’d rather have a rookie on a rookie deal and put that money in other places.
Tight end is interesting. I really don’t think we pay to keep Graham and I don’t believe we should. My biggest issues with him are that Russ can’t do well what he specializes in; fade passes and slants (esp in the RZ) and I don’t like how he doesn’t fight for contested passes. I get now why he’s called soft. When he’s contacted, when he’s contested, he doesn’t play to his size, and rarely comes down with the ball.
Luke has looked good so far this season and seems to be an instrumental personality in the locker-room this season. His positivity, goofiness and hard working attitude seem infectious. He seems to be cheap to keep so rolling with Luke, Nick, and Swoopes (and maybe a rookie TE if we can draft one we really like…damn us for drafting Thompson and not Kittle) in ’18 appeals to me. Use that $9-11m APY we’d have to spend to keep Jimmy on other positions.
RB definitely seems like a position we need to add a high talent RB1 to. I’d really love to find next years Hunt. Not only an elite rusher but a shockingly good receiving threat. I love Chris Carson but like with Fant, you just can’t bet on the player returning healthy and being what they were by the time the season starts.
What really sucks, and some of us called for it at the time (so it’s not complete 20/20 hindsight) is last years draft could have been so much better for us had to drafted Cam Robinson (I hear he is a good LT vs the run and pass, even as a rook) and then drafted Kittle > Thompson. We’d be set at TE with Kittle, Vannett, and Swoopes or re-sign Luke. Hell, once we found out what Kittle was (like the 9ers have). We’d have had a quality LT (on a rook deal) since week 1 with Fant backing him up and a high quality receiving and blocking rookie TE to go along with Jimmy, Luke and Vannett.
The hard part about saying you will get a rookie OL to come in and fill Joeckel and/or Aboushi’s spots are that free agency happens prior to the draft. You can not bet on finding something in the draft and let both these guys walk. I know they are not the best players, but they do provide at a minimum depth. I think they end up bringing back at least one of them. It might depend on price tag for Joeckel and if we keep Richardson.
Not really loving the idea of starting a rookie guard once again next year. They keep trying to make it work and it keeps not working.
We could just go with a line up like this:
Brown-Odiahmbo-Britt-Pocic-Ifedi
Sorry DC, didn’t see your below but I agree
I like that idea Greg
Assuming Fant comes back healthy, Brown-Pocic-Britt-Ifedi-Fant is also an option.
I think we re sign at least one of Joekel-Aoushi. Both are possible.
This is what I’m hoping for!
One DE prospect I am keeping an eye on is Dorance Armstrong from Kansas. He’s a junior so he may not come out this year. Last years tape looks better than this years, I don’t know if that’s because he’s the main focus but he seems to get washed out of plays. He definitely looks the part and if you watch his Soph tape he has the motor and hustle that you see from Frank Clark and Naz.
I’ve heard of him, but havent seen em play. Where have you seen his tape? Youtube?
Yep. There’s a few ‘16 and ‘17 vids on YouTube.
thanks.
Go with DL early unless a great OL drops. It is hard to find good pass rushers after round 2. You can find good OL and especially RB talent later in the draft.
Rob, thoughts of ND’s Adams? He is tall for a RB at 6’2” 225 lbs, although heavy enough. A one cut and turn up field guy. He seems to have some physicality and moves well in a crowd. Not sure how much of his success is due to a dominating OL (ND has played other RB’s extensively and no one is close to Adams ypc). He also has break away speed as shown by his x7 TD’s over 70 yards this year. The counter to the OL argument i suppose, is that opposing teams don’t pay much attention to the receivers and load the box. Wondering if he would be a good kid round pickup.
Is he classified as a Soph?
He is a junior, he ran for 838 and 933 yards his first two years with a respective average of 7.2 and 5.8 ypc each of those two years. He is also apparently leading college football in 5.6 yards after contact.
okay, great
Rob are there any receivers this year that could translate to a RB next year, like Montgomery in Green Bay? I really like the potential of Procise, but he just can not get it together health wise, but there has to be more in players in college that are not quite NFL receivers, but have a RB background somewhere along the way.
Any thoughts on that?
I wonder if they kick the tires in trent richardson…who seems to be playing well in the cfl?? Double question mark cause im not sure if that’s the case…just saw an article to that extent. He seems to fit their prototype at rb.
Doubtful
Really compelling cases for all three scenarios. I’ve had my doubts as I to whether they would be able to re-sign Graham, but if they were somehow able to keep him and both Richardsons, drop back a bit to get a couple day two picks and grab a guy like Penny, maybe a Leo of the future, or another guard, that would be pretty exciting. I just don’t know if they can keep all three.
It was interesting today listening to Carroll talk about Rees Odhiambo and the value he will get playing behind Brown, and that he has shown he can play left tackle in the league, and he was getting better each week. It had me thinking that they might still see starter potential in him down the road.. maybe at left guard?
Could the 2018 projected line be Brown, Odhiambo, Britt, Pocic, Ifedi?
“Could the 2018 projected line be Brown, Odhiambo, Britt, Pocic, Ifedi?”
Not far fetched at all. Fant can be the swing T, bring in another rookie or 2 to push Glow & Roos.
Roos could be one to battle Odhiambo for the LG spot.
I thought Glowinski played okay at left guard last year. But apparently the Seahawks weren’t that impressed by him. And since he didn’t make it at right guard this year…. He is probably gone after this season.
Could be. Was he even active against the Texans?
I like this lineup. Fant can be brought along slowly for recovery and development and be the heir apparent to Brown. But this is our home grown and developed line, Brown excluded. There’s been growing pains, but it worked for Britt, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel with Ifedi, and perhaps Odi now too. I think Joeckel is the starter this year, but maybe that’s Odi’s spot next. They can avoid having to splash big $$ and more draft capital to fix it. Let this group coalesce. And there’s Battle, Tobin, and Glow for depth. Maybe they can be upgraded here or there, but that’s a starting group I want to see work together. And who knows, maybe sometime in the not too distant future we’ll consider them a strength on this team.
I agree ‘they might seek to draft some young talent at linebacker’. Bobby and K.J. aren’t getting any younger. A Dlineman should be picked early to add to existing depth (assuming we keep those we have) and as a possible replacement for Avril or Bennet.
Think how long its been since they pumped Round 5 or higher draft capital into the LB positions? This may be the year I would bang the table for a special LB in Round 1 this year, or early R2 after a trade down. I really like some of the players at the positons in this draft. Malik Jefferson from Texas will be right in our Range.
Someone Enlighten me… Was it 2014 when we drafted Frank Clark?
if so, was it after a few trade downs?
I could see a similar scenario where we get a special LB who falls into Round 2 if we continue trading down.
I guess what we do in Free Agency (with the LB positons) will be a major factor on whether or not this Scenario plays out.
2014 they drafted Clark at the end of R2, and moved up in R3 to grab Tyler Lockett.
Ah ok.. Was the first round used in the trade for Percy?
I think that was the pick that was sent to the Saints for Graham.
With all of the picks we have in the 5th and 7th rounds we are going to need to scout guys that are off the radar. I think they have to be shopping for a QB2. also, One of these days we are going to need to send someone out there to fill in for Wilson. This team has too much talent to let it be derailed by an unfortunate injury. If PRich leaves another WR becomes a priority.
I liked what we saw of Jordan Roos. I expect he and Pocic will hit the weights hard in the off season and pack on an extra 10 pounds a piece. As much as I would love to draft Quenton Nelson, he may be a luxury we cannot afford this time. We already have trouble finding playing time for Pocic. Another highly drafted OL will push somebody off the roster. That may not be necessary to see further improvement next year.
With our 2nd and 3rd round picks gone, Backup Qb can easily be assessed in Free Agency. Minnesota did this with Case Keenum and it has worked out splendid for them. Im not sure we will be jumping for joy if our Backup QB is a rookie from the 5th round.
Dak was a fourth, so who knows? 😉
Dak is also a starter not a backup. Nobody would know about Dak if Cliff Avril hadn’t ended Romo’s career in that preseason game.
No worries boys, remember how we had it on very good authority last month that the Seahawks are going to trade away their top-5 QB because… Reasons? We’ll get all those draft picks back in a heartbeat.
LOL 🙂
Jared Stanger shot lol, very nice my friend!
Good lord. Sure, then we just draft Josh Rosen and watch him leave a game in the second quarter because he bruised his non throwing hand, just as a genuine fearless leader would do.
It’s been fun watching Brock try to walk back those insinuations. Chump.
Actually, I gotta kinda take Brock’s side on it. That was highly unusual for that kind of high profile player to leave a nationally televised game that early, with an injury to his non throwing hand, return in street clothes, and then for the team to give not a bit of an indication to the sideline reporter as to the nature of the injury, thus leaving the doors wide open to speculation and scrutiny. IMO, Mora Jr epically acted like a chump this week. Not a good look for the player or coach.
Brock questioned Rosen’s injury and implied that he wasn’t tough. When called out, Brock hid behind the transcript. Weak sauce.
Damage to Rosen’s rep is done: You and most viewers believed Brock’s explanation/narrative. Turns out, Rosen left the UW game with a concussion and will be out against Utah.
Rosen/UCLA made the right call. Huard was irresponsible.
My original reply was censored. Not sure why.
Here is the milquetoast revision:
Rosen was taken out of the game because he suffered a concussion. Brock was wrong to speculate; Mora’s response was unprofessional.
I got to vote for RB. At this point I really like Damien Harris. 5’11” 225. Low mileage as well since he is behind Scarborough
He’s turning into a Seahwks Draft Blog crush
I thought DE was going to be a need last year because of contract and age of MB and CA. Escalate that need now with no CA. The entire defense may hit a wall quickly. Sherman/Thomas/Chancelor/Wright/Wagner all 28+ and looking for 3rd contracts. They may drop back multiple times again and not pick until late 2nd. As you said Rob, could be a sweet spot for RB. They drafted a lot of DB’s to possibly replace Sherman, Thomas and Kam in a year or so. RB is biggest need with OG/DE/LB/TE filling out the rest.
Bobby Wagner is 27 and doesn’t turn 28 until June 27th next year.
This year seems to be limited in edge rushers who are quick, especially one’s who will be available late 1st round
Arden Key – not available, could be dominant could be a huge disappointment
Dorance Armstrong – not available if he declares
Harold Landry – not available but not a huge fan
Josh Sweat 6’5 251lbs FSU
– Major knee injury history in high school but superb athlete – 140.3 Nike SPARQ combine 2014
Marcell Frazier 6’5 265lbs Mizzou
– no ability to stop the run just gets stood up and moved at will.
Marquis Haynes 6’3 230lbs Ole Miss
– Is very light even for an OLB/DE so maybe more of a SAM and situational rusher. Can’t stop the run either
Personally I think Josh Sweat is by far the best available option, if his knee checks out. Needs to work on disengaging in the run game. He has shown ability to string together pass rush moves although could be more consistent. Hands are generally very active instead of just giving up once blocked.
Nice input, worth readin into.
Some currently ranked mid to late round prospects I’m following as potential Seahawks, I would appreciate any thoughts or comments on these guys from y’all. * = I really like the first and last names on this list – a lot.
OLB/EDGE-MARQUIS HAYNES*, Mississippi, 6-21/230, 4.63/40 +/- Currently #121-overall at draftscout.com — 2017: 8-games, 35-tkls, 21-solo, 8.5-TFL, 6.5-Sacks, 3-QBH, 3-FF,
Career to date: 46-games, 162-tkls, 96-solo, 45-TFL, 31-Sacks, 7-PBU, 26-QBH, 12-FF, 1-INT, 1-FR
DE-TYQUAN LEWIS, Ohio St., 6-32/265, 4.70/40 +/- Ranked #94 overall. Size/speed, Good stats.
MLB-JOSEY JEWELL, Iowa, 6-1, 236, 4.78, “obnoxiously competitive”, “will to win mentality” Doesn’t lose at any cost”, “over the top focus”, “intense, frenetic playing style” see game tape vs: Penn St.
FS/CB-JAMAR SUMMERS, Connecticut, 5-116/185, 4.44/40 +/- (ET 2.0 = ??), #118-overll at drafttek
QB-J. T. BARRETT*, Ohio St., 6-1-1/8/220, 4.6/40 +/- Will move up rankings pretty fast. Dual threat.
Wow I love that you thru Jewel into this. Unfortunately he wont test near as well as his competition, he is tough, gritty as nails, the tape is there. But the “Athlete” in him when he is at the combine won’t be enough for the Seahawks. They have a specific profile they want and someone else will take Jewel in the second round.
You’d want to see the 10-yard split, but 4.78 is glacial at MLB these days. I just don’t know if he’d be able to hang.
Penny is a beast. He’s got really good vision to go along with his physical gifts. Freeman is another back who has some versatility. He’s very good, but he’s not the pounder that his sizewould suggest. Having no second or third sucks. I honestly hate seeing the trade downs every year. We don’t ever have access to those really top-rates prospects. Would be nice to see them go up for a Newton or someone like that onc etims. Not this year. Not gonna happen. I’m just relieved that we have a left tackle now.
Think Penny is there in R4?
Doubtful, but you never know how these guys will test. If he runs anything close to 4.5 or under… he gone.
This isn’t much of a complaint, but I do wonder if the team will start having a look at WILL soonish. KJ is still good, extremely good, but he’s not fast. They might start having a look at Telvin Smith and what he’s been able to do for the Jags.
Would you like the idea of taking a WILL after a trade down into R2 or after a trading down, or maybe if we acquire a 3rd via trade down?
For sure. Anywhere from the second round down. Like I said, it’s a bit of a luxury complaint but I’d love to see what one of those hybrid deathbacker guys could do. Dorian O’Daniel like red said could be fun, he’s had a couple of pick-6s this year, just a kid who makes things happen.
Obviously stopping the run is Carroll’s first priority though, so I could be completely off base.
LBs round 2-5
Matthew Thomas FSU 6’4 240 kind of a KJ profile
Dorian O’Daniel Clemson 6’1 215 OLB Will SS/LB hybrid good on the blitz can pick up some sacks has 5 this year.
Tegray Scales Indiana 6’0 230 OLB Will can play inside a little as well want to see what he runs at combine.
O’Daniel is a star in the making. He’s a ton of fun to watch playing behind that Clemson DL.
If Seattle is set to re-sign Sheldon, PRich, Graham, and maybe Joekel, someone with a bigger contract might have to go. I think KJ is one of Pete’s favorite players, but how nice would Malik Jefferson, or Azeem Victor look next to Bobby?
Sheldon. Yes
PRich. Yes
Graham. No
Joeckel. No
Lacy. No
2018 cap space is about 19mil lane/avril get us anther 12mil so we are at 31mil. I could see somerhing like below.
PRich 6 mil
Luke Wilson 3 mil
Coleman RFA 2nd RD tender 3mil
Earl extention 2mil more on the 2018
Clark and Lockette extentions 7 mil
FA DL 3 mil
FA LB 3Mil
Draft IR 4 mil
Sheldon goes Joel Correy said DT Tag is something close to 15 mil
Graham market will be around 9-10 mil so he is gone
Jockel injury history I would pass. bank these comp picks.
No way Prich get’s anywhere close to 6 mil. The dude doesn’t have 1000 yards in almost 4 seasons.
He is on pace for 855 yards and 11TD only 25 years old.
Rishard Matthews 3 year 15 mil in 2016 contract year 11 games played 662 4td 25-26 years old going into free agency. Markus Wheaton 2 years 11 mil 25 years old going into free agency. 1500 yards 8 tds in 4 years. Travis Benjamin 4yr 24mil age 25.
I think the word is Seattle wants to extend Sheldon Richardson.
Really think Grahams market will be in the 7.5-8.5mil range.
Travis Kelce, Jordan Reed, Charles Clay, Zach Ertz have all perfomed better or comparable to Graham since signing in Seattle. All are at least 2 years younger and paid less.
At his current pace Graham is looking at 614 yards and 9 TDs, however if Rawls hadn’t committed his silly penalty then it would be 6TDs
He’s not been very productive this year. Hopefully he turns it on in the second half of the season.
His market is capped at Gronks 9mil 24.4%guaranteed
Yeah, but it looks like Russell Wilson is about to go off on one of his epic campaigns and he as just given a legit left tackle. My hunch is that we are going to see Graham’s number go up quite a bit. Teams now have to concern themselves with Paul Richardson as well as No E and Baldwin. That could further open things up for him.
You need 7M for draft and IR
Shaquem Griffin of UCF. Quils one handed twin fits that description. Id love him in Seattle and could be had later than his talent deserves because of his missing hand. PC will love his story.
Very likely to tee well too
Test*
If his twin is anything to go by, for sure he will
I could see PRich getting a shorter term deal, kind of like they gave Baldwin and Kearse. Still need to see more from him.
The draft this year shouldnt take very much cap space at all. Remember its only the top 51 that count. The guys who get drafted in the 5th through 7th rounds have to low of a cap hit to even make the top 51. The guys getting drafted in rounds 1-4 have 1st year cap hits high enough to make the top 51. Then the guys drafted in rounds 1-4 have to bump someone out currently in the top 51. So for example if a 1st rounder has a 1st year cap hit of 1.5 million and hes replacing a guy who has a cap hit of 500k the net cap hit is only a 1 million, and it gets much smaller after the 1st round. we also currently dont have a 2nd or 3rd rounder so our draft wont eat up much space at all.
I have a feeling the strategy to the draft will center on who we let walk because we simply can afford to keep them under the cap. With less than $30 million to work with we can probably resign 2-3 of Graham, S Richardson, P Richardson, Joeckal, Abushi, Willson, Brown, Glowinski.
Since we’ve already made investment in our two pro bowl additions it’s more likely they get signed to extensions. Schneider already made that clear about Brown. From there you can try and squeeze Abushi and Willson, but there needs to be enough to sign rookies, injuries etc. maybe they can extend Graham instead of those two. I’ll predict Graham, S Richardson, and Brown are locked up in offseason feeling confident they can continue developing their Oline to fill.
Unless somehow an injuries Orlando Brown falls into our lap mid 2nd round, we go RB with our first choice. I agree with Rob, we need a QB we can develop behind Russ. Maybe we get a 3rd round pick back to do that. DE is a huge need, but am very unimpressed with this class so far. CB is another need we should consider with Sherm getting older. With Prich likely leaving, it would be great to land a WR. Juan Jennings is one I like in the 6th round maybe late 5th.
Brown is under contract for next year.
Understand that. But he also wants a new contract. So I included as possibility he gets a new deal
The one must sign out of that bunch is Sheldon Richardson, followed by a pick ‘em between PRich and Graham.
I think Rob said it best about left tackle and 3 tech being the most difficult positions to secure. Since you traded away considerable stock to get them, you probably intend to keep them around for awhile.
Totally agree C-Dog. WR seems the easiest to replace these days, followed by RB. It all depends who is there when we pick, but OL DE RB WR will be the order of need just based on the scarcity of good OL and DE. If there isn’t a top player there at either, I’ll bet RB is top of our choices.
Middle second round, who would you guys like? Bryce love, Royce freeman?
I don’t think either of those hose guys would be available mid rounds. They both seem like second round picks. It’s going to a deep RB draft though. A team could get a decent back middle rounds, though.
Depends on want Paul wants. He can’t make Baldwin money for us. Jimmy is hot right now and if they’ve finally solidified the line, he won’t be asked to stay online to block to much. He’s a weapon and they are finally finding him the last two weeks. I wonder if he’d resign for a little less… doubtful. Absolutely. I way on Luke Joeckel. No way, no how. Not for any significant amount of money. He’s paid too much now. Injury risk, low performing… he’s just average.
You know, I love this site and everyone’s insight, I usually have pretty strong feeling about draft time, but not this year. I think Lane failing was a blessing in disguise. I don’t think we would have found another Shaq in this draft, and Lane knowing our system and with Sherman guiding him will be better than what we could have gotten. We got McDowell giving us reinforcements, I think we will bring back Graham and Richardson, Brown can anchor us for 2+ years while Fant learns from him and Jones in the off season. With Britt and Ifedi that’s 3/5ths of our Oline add in Pocic and that’s 4/5ths. And I think these past 2 years reaffirmed my trust in PC/JS. I would love a 1st round guard but I can honestly sit back in my chair hands on my head and let the brain trusts work. There are few holes in this boat and I bet PC/JS saw that in this next draft before making their deals.
Case in point we screamed at PC/JS for waiting till the 3rd round to draft a CB and they simply said, it was a deep draft at that position so we addressed other positions of need. Another way to put it is would you rather have Kevin King +2 other players or McDowell, Pocic, and Shaq? And in next year’s draft would you rather have 2 rookies who have to learn or a 1st rounder + a top 5 DL AND top 5 LT AND a CB who knows your system and has played well before and is still young?
I say we enjoy our Super Bowl, by a nice bottle of wine and watch the braintrust bring us talent for another 10 years.
Sounds like a plan!
Even if he remains on the team for the rest of the year, since his contract is guaranteed for this year, Lane is absolutely getting released after this year, just based on his ridiculous cap number for next year. There is no possible way the Seahawks are taking a $7+ mm cap hit on their 4th CB.
If we are all in this year and next, what about trading our first for a future 1st and second this year or something like that? Then go penny if we can get him later, whoever falls to us in second and get J.T. Barrett to back up Russ in later rounds. As a long time big ten fan, Barrett is a winner and reminds me of Russell every game. Think he would fit perfect with us.
I like QB- J. T. Barrett a lot as well, did y’all see that Penn State comeback win, reminds me of RW a lot. I have a feeling he’ll end up going round 3 at the latest (just like RW), maybe the Seahawks have interest = ? I’d surely hope so. Barrett may end up owning the all time career NCAA total TD record, he’s in the 120’s now with games left to do so, he’s a true dual threat at QB, but because he’s slightly under 6′-2″, many GM’s will likely downgrade him prior to the draft, thus the 3-rd round projection because he’s “too short”, sounds familiar to me.
I really enjoy watching Rashad penny.
Another back that is going to be a good pickup for someone is Vic Enwere RB Cal
V12 and I have mentioned him on and off for a couple years now.
Hes largely played at too heavy a weight IMO, except for one season where he trimmed down. It was noticable.
He’s got good hands, good vision, good ball security(except for one bonehead TD celebration gone wrong)
And hes got the attitude to run through contact.
He’s a little L. Blount mixed with Kareem hunt.
Vic is an underrated player but you’re so right about his weight. Too much bulk maybe. He could find a way to stop 15 lbs and gain some agility. He’s a tough runner playing in an air raid system for his career.
Why do people keep suggesting moving Fant to RT and Ifedi to RG? Ifedi was terrible at RG and looks so so so much better at RT. Fant while promising needs more work. Keep brown at LT until Fant can get healed and learn from him. I think we found our RT for a long time in Ifedi and I would not move him while he is making strides
Another thing with Fant is that he’s only under contract through 2018. If he’s sitting the bench next year, they really won’t know what they have in him at all and he’ll be a RFA turning 27 with very limited football experience. He’s a great story, but I’m not sure that he’s the future LT waiting in the wings after Brown.
I totally agree with this.
I really like Penney. Love his versatility and yac. And he does run well between the tackle’s. The Huskie’s have a real nice center who has played every position on the OL and is underrated, and can be had on the third day of the draft. I like this draft class for depth @ the TE position. Some good LEO types also. Maybe Hercules come’s out. There are some interesting LB prospect’s in the Pac. 12 to monitor.
GO HAWKS!!!!
If Bevell is serious about having Lacey be the lead back, he better start by passing to open up the run. Lacey just is not fast enough to take advantage of any of the holes provided against an 8 man box. This is mostly a consequence of poor blocking from the O line, I mean did you see Clowney? Did he have all 16 tackles against the run? Because it sure felt like it. I don’t think just giving Lacey 20 carries will bring him back to form. This offense is unlike previous years and we must play to those pass blocking strengths.
My current theory is Bevell likes Lacey’s ability to pass block and plans to let him be a guy where you look at the boxscore and ask, “how did he get 15 carries for 90 yards?”
I think Bevell learned a lesson last game, these running backs aren’t going to surprise you.
For that matter, does anyone else sense that part of the frustration with C.J Prosise is that he is the answer to a lot of these problems? Just kind of thinking outloud here
Your first sentence is the key. The Seahawks better start passing to open up the run. They ran 21 times last game, and that was 17 times too many. The team has changed this year. Throw more and the run will open up. But as long as they offer up a balanced attack, expect 20 runs to get stuffed for a loss.
Did you notice that the play-action was still effective until the 4th quarter? Doesn’t matter if the runs are effective (it’s certainly helpful if they are) for the play-action to be effective. You have to be willing to run to set up play action.
About time.
I’ve said it before- but this move needed to happen. The Hawks needed to pick a guy and say you’re it- go get it.
Lacy v Rawls probably doesn’t matter- but the committee approach was going nowhere fast. They need touches, they need rhythm, and they need the confidence that comes with being “the guy”.
I like the move.
a healthy Procise is the answer.
might not happen this year, but if he can come back in the last half of the season, I think he would take over as lead back. And we would all wince every time he gets the ball
we all get excited about his potential as an RB out of the backfield, but he can run as well and has the speed to get to the edge. And at 220 pounds, he is not small
He would probably bruise his palm taking a handoff and be out for the next game
A DE to keep an eye on that doesn’t seem to get much pub is Hercules Mata’afa. Sources say he will stay for his senior year but if he declares early might be a chance to get an undervalued asset. Playing and dominating at DT out of necessity (at 250 LBS) but started out as DE and that is where he projects. Interested where he goes. PFF had a good report about him here. https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-2018-prospect-preview-hercules-mataafa-can-rush-the-passer-from-nearly-anywhere
Sherman was thought to be gone last year. He will have 1 more year left and is having a great year. With Shaq looking like the heir apparent, I could see them trading Sherman for a 2nd and 3rd.
LCB Shaq
RCB Elliot/Shead/Thorpe
Slot Coleman
I just cringe when in a two-minute span I read somebody suggest we trade one of our great players who is everything right about Seahawks football while somebody else suggests re-signing Graham, who is everything wrong about Seahawks football.
RR- I have to agree. Let Sherman finish his contract. Then physically evaluate where his body is at before extending the contract.
As for Graham, has anyone seen him jump for a ball? I’m just curious, but I’m not sure that he has any spring left in his legs. I like him as a player, but I think his value could be filled by any big receiver who doesn’t drop the ball.
Seems a little too risky for me
Maybe you’ve already read this, Rob, but if not: Robert Mays has a detailed look at the falling level of offensive line play in the NFL, which you have talked about:
https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2017/11/2/16596392/offensive-line-crisis-league-midseason
Cool, I’ll check it out
Interesting article. Thanks for linking it on the blog.
Good looks, Scraps
I have a hard time seeing Pete & Schneider going anywhere but pass rush with their first pick (where ever that ends up being). Would love to see you do an analysis segment on Dorance Armstrong, as he’s the only one I see from end-of-first-round and beyond that fits the ideal profile they’ll likely be looking for.
Would also love to see some deeper analysis on Damien Harris. He’s the only non-first-round back available in the 2018 draft whose tape I’ve really started falling in love with.
I see bigger needs in other areas. Tight End or big wide receiver, big running back, and even linebacker.
With a good linebacker you also get a pass rusher, so maybe that is the golden ticket. there are only 4 linebackers signed up past this season, Bobby Wagner and KJ Wright are signed through 2018, as are Alexander and French. Unless the latter two are going to develop or someone else gets an extension, they will need fresh blood for that third linebacker spot.
Alaska Hawk, I dont think PC/JS will put an emphasis on TE or WR as much as people think. Vannett is a 3rd round pick, after this season he will have had 2 years to develop. It doesnt make a lot of sense to spend another high capital draft pick on TE when you have a 3rd rounder thats not even 25 yet. Its possible Jimmy G decides he wants to retire in Seattle and sign a team friendly deal. 3-4 year contract. Personally I wont want to resign Graham if he wants over 7 million a year. But lets say he does a 3 year $16 million deal, I dont think they will have problem punching the ticket on Graham.
As far as WR goes (specifically you mentioning a BIG WR) we already have that on the roster. McEvoy, Darboh, and David Moore are all 6’2 and above. Theres your Big receivers right there. They like the young group they have. David Moore is a way better prospect than Kenny Lawler. I think he has some potential, after all we say Kasen breakout this Preseason.
It would probably have to be 3 years for $22 mil with $16 fully guaranteed for graham to re sign
There are a couple different kinds of big. There is a wide receiver big and there is tight end Godzilla big. Me, I like Godzilla playing white receiver. Especially when he has good hands.
Part of my rational for drafting another big receiver or tight end, is that I don’t think they will resign Graham. I love the player = except for his drops. I just think that Seahawks will be paying for Sheldon Richardson, Brown, and a couple other guys. So Graham will be a cap casualty.
I think they resign Graham to a back-loaded contract. He has too much value to the team, and a good re pore with Wilson. For crying out loud he was on the receiving end of a game winning TD. And by the way he can still jump. The ball has to be placed correctly. I really dislike all the JG negativity. Although I realize it is posted by negative participant’s.
Love the way Damien Harris plays. I think V12 said it best, to paraphrase, he’s not superior at any one thing but kinda does all things really well. I think with his low center, balance, quicks, legs that keep plowing, and maturity, he could be a really good fit for Seattle.
Brown-Pocic-Britt-Aboushi-Ifedi seems like a formidable lineup for the remainder of the season. Aboushi has received a lot of praise and could come cheap in terms of re-signing him. Odhiambo/Glowinski could battle for RG (similar to this offseason) if we don’t bring a rookie in to compete.
Luke Joekel will be back after the Thursday Night game.
I think I recall Carroll saying last week that Joeckel was still about 4 weeks out. More likely, the coaching staff will play it safe, make sure he is as close to 100% as possible, to ensure we have him down the stretch (our December schedule is going to be a big challenge) and through the playoffs.
I estimate we don’t see him back until @49ers at the earliest, more likely he will return for the Eagles game.
I agree. If Pocic plays well during his absence, he could potentially stay in. Building a rapport with Brown will be big.
The biggest thing about OL is rhythm. I Joeckel comes back and steps 2” further to the right than Pocic would (during his playing time with Brown) that could be a broken ankle or knee injury for someone.
That’s a stretch. @ House
What Draft picks do the Seahawks have left? And what are comp-] picks -jimmy , s rich ??
No comp picks this year. At least any big ones. 1,4,5,5,5,7,7,7 I believe
I think ur right. I believe they get a pick back for Isaiah Battle.
JS will work his magic come draft day.
Fuck off NFL!
QB Deshaun Watson done for the year! Tore his ACL in practice.
Oops. I apologize for the cuss word. Legit sorry.
I actually just lost a lot interest in this season after hearing this. These bad headlines just keep coming and it really takes its toll.
I really, really hope it’s not the same knee as the one he tore in college. One torn ACL is recoverable, but multiple bad knee injuries have lasting damage. Honey Badger is a shell of himself after multiple knee tears.
Exactly how I feel. Why can’t we have nice things?
That’s a damn shame.
All the QBs in the AFCS are now hurt or banged up. Every single one. Luck, Mariota, and now Watson. Not a typo either. There’s literally only 3.
LOL
Bortles has thrown 78 TD in his Career.
He also has 56 Ints, and 22 Fumbles For a total of 78 t/o
Strangely consistent ratios statistically. 🙂
Houston gets a moment of joy over a World Series win, after a hard year with the flooding. And back to reality with this gut bunch the very next day. Dang.
*punch
Sports Gods are a fickle bunch
No LSU HB Derrius Guice?
He’s not gonna test extremely well, but he’s the alpha male on an Ed Oregeron aka PC disciple team, his back story is incredible, and he runs harder than any draft eligible back in the country.
I’m willing to bet Seattle falls in love with his personality and mental makeup.
Oh. And he’s another HB in a long line of Seahawk draft picks that have battled injuries.
I’m a big fan of Guice, but given so many IR-ed and game time scratch-ed Seahawk RBs, ‘battled injuries’ sends up a red flag.
I’m personally not a big fan.
He reminds me of Rawls. He runs hard, and he’s mentally intense.
But his vision and patience could use improvement. I feel like he could struggle as a pro.
I do like how decisive he is, and his burst is excellent.
He’s a bull in a China shop. I actually like his ability to set up his blocks. His lateral cuts at his size are insane.
https://mobile.twitter.com/devywarehouse/status/921909844768100353/video/1
Love, love ‘Bama’s Damien Harris. Don’t care that be doesn’t have any one outstanding trait. He’ll be a star in the NFL.
Not a doctor so I can’t say, that’ll be for NFL teams, but Chubb has always been intriguing.
Oregon’s Royce Freeman is someone I’ve always liked in the 3rd round or so.
Big fan of UW’s Lavon Coleman on day 3. Another fun, big time personality.
I think we need a slashy one-cut kinda guy. There’s a reason why Rawls blew up that one year. Got himself up to the line and then shot through even the tiniest creases.
Check out the highlights. Most of the good runs were following a fullback. That both makes the block and shows the right way to go. Maybe that is what is missing for Rawls.
‘Bama LB Rashaan Evans is a freak. That dude is so ridiculously talented. I’d put him ahead of Georgia’s Roquan Smith.
The other ‘backer from ‘Bama, Shaun Dion Hamilton, is excellent as well, just more finesse. This MLB class looks loaded.
Thoughts on Malik Jefferson, Lets say we trade out of the first and have a top 5-10 pick in the 2nd round (we could trade down in the second like we did in 2017 draft) and Malik Jefferson is sitting there… Thoughts?
He really broke out in the last two games of the 2016 season when Shaun Dion Hamilton went down. love that he has the experience as a rusher too.
Hahahahah. 😂😂😂
The Texans are signing QB Matt McGloin. You crash ur Lamborghini, curse the gods, and go purchase yourself a Toyota Camry. When life comes at ya fast.
What play against Seattle is it that Deshaun got hurt? To tear an ACL he showed absolutely no sign of pain… I cant even fathom my mouth dropped when I read the news earlier.
I think the injury happened today in a non contact drill a la Teddy Bridgewater. Massive bummer news.
They are built similarly. With them RGIII legs
I believe that he hurt it in practice.
Former Colt D’Qwell Jackson thinks Luck’s career may be over, due to his shoulder being a problem for 2 years now. Steve Young has concerns as well. Wow.
I think Luck is young enough to recover, but I wonder if he has had enough of the Colts and his “Colts career” is over?
He took an absolute pounding his first few years….. Capt Caveman might be done.
Yes, he did. NFL = Not For Long.
any thoughts on Fant trying out at LG?
Not sure what is harder, to switch from tackle to guard or to switch sides?
I might think since he is so new to football, it may be harder to switch sides.
And we know Cable likes his guys to play more than one position and having a guy as “just a back up LT” does not sound like something they would do
Tobin can play guard and tackle so you could argue Tobin provides more versatility as a backup. However Fant has a higher ceiling. Fant clearly the better athlete I still would like to see his improvement at Tackle before you try him at Guard. They gave up a 5th for Tobin. I think they like his versatility and they like his potential.
Im curious what position dId Rees Odiambo play throughout his career at Boise ST?
Also what side did Ethan Pocic primarily play on at LSU (Im aware he played Center Guard and Tackle) but was it more on the right than left? more on the left than right? balanced? or what..
Odhiambo was a left tackle at Boise State.
Pocic was mainly a center but played some guard and a little tackle, more on the right side.
I think they’ve viewed him solely as a left tackle. Who knows what they will do with him next year, given how they seem to always move people around. I think Odhiambo stands more of a chance at guard.
It actually would make a little more sense at this point in his career to move Duane Brown to LG, and have Fant back at LT. Assuming Fant retains his movement skills after he returns from his injury of course.
Pocic could back up all five line positions. Roos and Odhiambo could back up several positions. Draft a BPA for depth on the O-line and to compete with MadDog Glowinski for the last O-line roster spot.
Awful news for the Texans. That’s an absolute suckerpunch. Feel desperately sorry for the fans. And then to sign Matt McGloin? Another totally insane example of Kaep not getting a shot.
Luck could be in trouble, people were saying that before this season, but torn labrums are seriously tricky and can ages to get right. Like, best case scenario is 6 months before you can start throwing. Plenty of times when it can take longer than that. They should never have tried to get him back for this season, and they never should have had him playing through the injuries he did.
He might not have lived up to his billing coming up of college, but he was still an immensely talented QB in a league that doesn’t have many of them. The Colts have done everything they could to ruin him, borderline malfeasance from top to bottom.
Heard a rumor that Luck is forcing colts to trade him by staying off the field.
Doesn’t seem super likely tbh, but I wouldn’t blame him if it’s true. They’re a disgracefully run franchise.
Colts response: WE AREN’T THE BROWNS!
Kaep not getting a shot is not so insane when you consider that McNair ia the owner of the Texans. No way is that bitter old man going to let the ‘inmates’ have a ringleader.
No, that’s a good point. McNair’s got a history as past this as well, donated to some extremely nasty PACs over the years.
I guess I was more meaning it’s beyond time for people to stop pretending it’s about how good he is at playing. Most people worked it out almost immediately, but there are still heaps who think it’s because of what’s happening on the field.
Its so funny people only call people they don’t know talentless.
If they weren’t ignorant towards the game overall they’d be horrified.
But they don’t know the gridiron and they don’t know Collin. They don’t know a good QB past what Chris Collinsworth tells em.
And if something makes them uncomfortable, anything that discredits it must be true.
The twitterverse enables these people to fire off a hot take any time and when enough people say something the people who do the hiring take notice.
Who needs to bring in a guy that 10% od the fanbase will hate arbitrarily for no reason.
More than Bob McNairs, this is Ray Lewis’ fault.
So many guys couldnt keep Colin out they mouth. Sayin whatever they wanted.
Ray Lewis talked about trying to get Colin a job with Balti, but he was supposedly more interested in doing his protests.
How does you saying that help Colin? It doesn’t. It helps Ray. Everybody talkin bout how Ray Lewis tried to help how Ray Lewis is holdin it down for the brothers. How Colin is ungrateful to Ray. Ungrateful to the NFL. Ungrateful to America.
How much has Ray Lewis ever done for Kaepernick?
How much has America done for him?
Well they didn’t kill him yet.
I know this wasn’t in the article, but ESPN CFB section did a article about a CB at Alabama.
Levi Wallace. Seattle heavily scouts Alabama (and other SEC teams) and his backstory is EXACTLY what Seattle has been known to go for…. a self made football player. He is 6’0″ ~ 190 lbs, not the biggest guy in the world, but he is starting as a senior on a team loaded with talent. He was a walk-on and did not even get a scholarship until his JR year I believe, but wouldn’t take no for an answer.
Does he have any Slot potential in the NFL or strictly an outside guy?
For Seattle, he would have to be a slot type.. since they like long and lanky CBs on the outside. He is a bit undersized build wise. Needs about 20 more pounds of bulk…. but as a late round flier type, might be worth a look.
That’s exactly why I asked my man. I thought his size would translate to the slot I. Seattle. But he has to be able to play the slot corner position for Seattle to be interested.
I see Seattle taking a swing at a RB in the 5th round roughly… and they currently have 3 picks… not including any comp picks. Early has to be a DE/LEO type of player….. unless, they were looking for a WR or TE of a specific type to replace a guy who left during the off season. Both position groups have some questions about who will be back and what they will cost to retain them. I also think the OL is solved for 2018…. 2019, might be a different story… but they have plenty of pieces already on the team, they just need a steady starting 5 imo.
What does LEO stand for?
From Pete Carroll:
“The best pass rusher on the team is usually the defensive end to the open side of the field. That puts him on the quarterback’s blind side and makes him a C-gap player in this defense. We often align him wider than this in order to give him a better angle of attack and allow him to play in space. We align him a yard outside of the offensive tackle most of the time. He has to play C gap run support but at the same time he is rushing the passer like it is third and ten. He has to be able to close down however if the tackle blocks down on him.
He has to be one of your best football players. Size does not matter as much. We want an athletic player who can move around.”
Essentially your DE on the open side.
Wow, thats great stuff! preciate that.
Im curious what position dId Rees Odiambo play throughout his career at Boise ST?
Also what side did Ethan Pocic primarily play on at LSU (Im aware he played Center Guard and Tackle) but was it more on the right than left? more on the left than right? balanced? or what..
I think Odhiambo was always left tackle
Okay great, with Joekel coming back for the Atlanta game heres what I’m thinking.
Odiambo a left side guy. Leave him for depth at LG LT
Pocic moves to RG once Joekel is back that way by next year Pocic could be starting at RG he can remain at RG this season push for the job but maybe they stick with Aboushi for the remainder of the year.
Rees Odiambo got some play time at Left Guard last year and he remained on the left side this season.
If we resign Joekel next years line up could be very competent
Brown-Joekel-Britt-Pocic-Ifedi
I’d rather let Joeckel walk and start Odhiambo at left guard.
+1
+1
+1
I agree with letting Luke walk, but I would be a little worried about Odhiambo’s strength at LG. One of the major things he seemed to struggle with most at LT was his anchor against the bull rush. Cable wants push in the run game and I wonder how Rees would do against a powerful DT since he was getting pushed back by DEs. He was improving, however, so maybe he could make it work.
No way we should keep paying that guy competent starter money.
Tyrod Taylor is so good. Can’t believe the Bills were trying to get rid of him. If he went to, say, the Jaguars then they’re going to the divisional round at least.
He is getting beat up pretty bad against the Jets. 4 first half sacks, or is it 5?
When that whole stink was happening with him being benched for an “injury” but Buffalo was really trying to avoid a huge hit should he really get injured, there were 3-4 teams ready to scoop him up should Buffalo kick him to the curb.
I saw him live at the Monday night game last year and he’s the real deal. He has that Michael Vick “flick his wrist and the ball goes 50 yards” kind of talent to go with his great wheels.
Yep. Mina Kimes had a great piece about him the other day – http://www.espn.com.au/nfl/story/_/id/21251222/the-great-debate-buffalo-bills-quarterback-tyrod-taylor
We’re going to see the same thing with Lamar Jackson, going to be a bunch of old white dudes saying he’s only going to be a WR/KR in the NFL if he wants to make it.
Ishmael you are always talking condencently about ” White” Qbs, White this and White that? You have a Jewish name and are from Australia and in my mind I’m guessing you are coucasin. You’re always so PC on here and very opinionated, so tells us why are you always talking shit about White people in American Football because you sound prejudice and or racist. I’ve been wanting to ask you for awhile but didn’t want to start drama however you just said ” White Dudes” again.
Tell us how you really feel!
* condescendly * is the word I meant. You come off as being negative about white men or is it “White” people in general?
I too am interested in your background on social activism/moral philosophy
He isn’t discriminting against anybody
He’s saying the overwhelmingly white majority of front offices in the NFL may collectively view Jackons athleticism as a potential risk mitigator in taking him as a project. Which is retarded. You don’t throw out the cake just because yoiu think frosting would go good on a doughnut…. (Sorry havent had breakfast)
The old Al Davis under valuing of traits.
Rob doesnt let anyone say discriminatory or inflammatory remarks here. Been on this blog for almost 9 years and I’ve only seen one truly awful internet comment
Fun mock, fun because big boards at this time of year are so off.
26: R1P26
OT TYRELL CROSBY
OREGON
128: R4P26
EDGE MARQUIS HAYNES
MISSISSIPPI
145: R5P7
EDGE AUSTIN BRYANT
CLEMSON
151: R5P13
RB SONY MICHEL
GEORGIA
166: R5P28
QB QUINTON FLOWERS
SOUTH FLORIDA
228: R7P6
LB RASHAAN EVANS
ALABAMA
251: R7P29
G WYATT TELLER
VIRGINIA TECH
254: R7P32
WR CEDRICK WILSON
Evans will go earlier, cool mock tho.
Try a draft trading the first pick down once or twice like the FO always does
I fully intended on scouting Crosby more closely today against UW. I remember when they were trying to recruit him a few years back. He’s a very athletic lineman and I want to see how physical he is against that too notch defense. I’m more upset that you’ve got us drafting at 56, lol. I think Sony will go higher, but I would gladly take him There if I knew he was going to fall. I really believe that our running back will come earlier, possibly first.
Drue Tranquill – Notre Dame 6’2 231lbs. First 3 year safety but currently playing OLB.
Tore his Left ACL 2014 , Right ACL 2015. Played every game since the start of 2016.
Drue is one of my favorite players I’ve seen all year. He manhandles lineman and regularly puts them on their behind when he attacks the line LOS. He’s an aggressive tackler with very good pass defense and good (maybe great) athleticism.
He’s the type of player who falls to the 5th but plays well above his draft status.
Haven’t looked into him at all, but the injury history and ability to bounce back makes me immediately think of Thomas Davis.
He’s mainly a nickel LB currently but he definitely looks to be strong enough to play any other spot. Surpisingly he’s also leading the defense in tackles for loss at 6.5
Love the blog. But when looking at college players, as well as having positive clips, how about showing a clip with that players limitations on?
In fairness, we often do look at flaws. But generally draft media and ‘draft twitter’ too often focus on limitations or negatives. I like the phrase ‘focus on what a player CAN do, not what he can’t do’. No NFL team drafts a player thinking they’re perfect. More often than not they need a ton of work. And what they’re actually drafting is a skill set, attitude, physical profile that they are comfortable with and can work with. So when we highlight players at this time of year it’s with a mindset of — this is why this guy might fit in Seattle because of X, Y, Z. And as part of the process as we move along we will look deeper into things specifically they can work on.
If this Ezekiel Elliot debacle can extend to at least week 11 we wont have to face him in week 16. Once less great player we wouldn’t have to worry about.
It’d be great if there was an option on the forum to filter out posts from previous dates. That way we could quickly read the current comments.
Sometimes I see that there are only a handful of comments since the last time I looked. I wouldn’t mind reading them but definitely don’t feel like sifting through 200 comments to read 10 or 20.
.
Yeah we’ve talked about getting the format changed, but I think it’s the only reply interface available through the host site or something??
Hawks scouting LSU/’Bama and VA-Tech/Miami
They like their big boy teams hey? After tough kids who can bang.
Stevie. LEO stands for ‘Linebacker’ ‘End.’ The ‘O’ is meaningless or just ‘open.’ Its a hybrid position. Think of it as a 4-3 version of a 3-4 OLB.
Seattle doesn’t use the position currently because you need a immovable object at the 5 technique and 1 technique. Avril is more of a wide 9 or 9 technique, lining up outside of the TE.
Interesting. Sounds like no more RB by commitee this week. Cable said they are going to try and establish one back, and it sounds like it might be Lacy. That’s just my reading between the lines on Cable saying that some backs “just need to see it enough to kind of get wired in” . (4:20 mark below)
http://www.seahawks.com/video/2017/11/01/tom-cable-week-9-press-conference
You can read this two ways.
* One guy getting reps to get some continuity and a feel for the game.
* Giving Lacy a last full shot to produce before they make a change by cutting him and promoting Mike Davis off the PS.
There shouldn’t be any reading between the lines. They came out and said that Lacy is going to get the carries this week.
We’re going to need our run game this time around. The Skins are super solid in the secondary, but pourous vs. run.
Fingers crossed it is the latter. If we need proof ok, let’s get it and release the Michelin Man. I’m “tired” of seeing him do nothing!!
The Luck and now Watson injury just shine more light on how lucky we Seahawks fans are to have Russ as our QB. would any other QB in the league have played with his injuries last year. His leadership, durability and level of play make him truly irreplaceable.
He is basically our Tom Brady and should/ will be a Seahhawk for life. Any talk of trading him is just pure crazy talk.
+12m
or we could trade him for a lot of draft picks and become the Browns
Taking another look at this play, I’m pretty sure Sherm was trying to cheat off his man and undercut a throw to Hopkins. Gamble didn’t pay off that time.
https://twitter.com/guga31bb/status/925520748218904578/video/1
I’ve looked at that play a few times. Sherm got caught trying to shadow and lost sight of the out of bounds line.
Duane Brown is in and Ethan Pocic is gaining traction at LG. Could we see Eddie Lacy make positive of the situation being presented to him?
I hope so, it would be nice to see us throw up 150 on the Skins.
If he doesn’t throw up, I might.
I have zero faith in Lacy. I big back who had good feet now made slow through injury. He lacks the explosion to hit the hole, confidence to 1 cut and the speed/ power to consistently gain positive yards. I think he’s done.
Group question while we wait for the next post.
Who will still be on the roster for the 2019 season?
Bennett, Avril, Wright, Chancellor, Sherman. I think Sherman might be the only one.
Bennett worries me because of his brother. His brother is saying he is going to retire to pursue other avenues, and im not so sure our Bennett wont follow him in a year or so time
KJ or Kam.
I would say Chancellor and Sherman most likely, followed by Wright. I kinda think the team probably has the heir apparents of Bennett and Avril already on the roster with Clark and McDowell.
Sherm and KJ. Kam will either retire, leave or be on a cheaper contract with a smaller role by then.
With 4 of 5 OL spots seemingly in a good place for the foreseeable future, a guy I think we should watch out for in FA is Justin Pugh. If we’re really moving towards a Russell led team and a post-Pete era, this is is the type of move I could see us making. Copy Dallas and build a monster O line, and grab one of the plethora of runners in this class early. If we’re 1 guy away from having a complete, solid line, we should go do it, not many teams can handle that for 4 quarters.
Regarding draft needs, I’m not worried about an early TE even if Graham leaves. When we were at our best, our TE group was fairly average. Just don’t think it’s that necessary for us to have a great player there. Or even that helpful, given that “great” at TE usually means great at catching passes, as I think we’ve seen that our needs in that area aren’t as high as others’.
As far as RB, I still think that all the normal rules about RB valuation hold. I guess if you have a young/bad QB you can help turn things around with a Fournette or Elliott drafted high, but I also think if you just need a good back you can find one in the 2nd or 3rd.
To me that leaves DE, WR or DB. Maybe a great LB if we decide KJ is too expensive and there are alternatives available in the draft. And I’m thinking our first pick will be somewhere early to mid-2nd, of course.
I agree completely on TE. Jimmy creates some space for other players and draws matchups, but I don’t think the falloff from him to a Zach Miller type would be enough to warrant another $10M/year contract. Let him walk and grab Pugh or Devante Adams or Jarvis Landry. Or pay Sheldon Richardson or Frank. No matter what we can find better uses for the money, and I somewhat expect the FO to feel the same, the production just hasn’t been there consistently.
I left out DE somehow when I made a list of targets the other day lmao but I think that and RB are most likely. Followed by LB and DB. I think it may just be BPA between some or all of those and OL.
How good is the receiver class this year? I haven’t heard anything outside the top handful of names
Forget Graham as a TE. He is a WR in a TE body. If we need a TE in close to the OT, use Willson or Vannett, and line Jimmy in the slot or out wide. We discuss the need for a big WR, well, we have one.
In that case 800 yards and 8 TDs in his only full season so far is terribly below expectations for a $10M man.
A good part of my point is that he is used too much inside, which ignores what he does well. What would be his numbers if he was employed as a WR exclusively?
yep, watching Jimmy wiff on a block with a half hearted effort time after time is not going to convince me he is a tight end. Let’s let him do what he can do and stop trying to make him Gronk. It is not that he cannot block, it is that he does not even try a lot of times when they ask him to. If they need him to block and he does not do it, the play is usually blown up. He can do some tight end stuff, but he is mainly a pass catcher.
Bobby Wagner fined $18,231 for horsecollar tackle. It didn’t look that bad to me.
Just watched the video of Penny and I have to say WOW. Sure fun to watch him run. Awesome catch behind his head too. I would like to see him in a Seahawks uniform.
Rob brought up something earlier we need to always consider…. FA, draft, etc
“focus on what a player CAN do, not what he can’t do”…. this is the Seahawks mantra.
A player with special attributes will always find a home in Seattle……
Examples include: Jimmy Graham, RW, Percy Harvin, Marshawn Lynch, etc
I’m actually glad they will give Lacy an extended look at RB. If he produces, with the revamped line, then he is sticking with the team. If he has a 40 yard 20 carry kind of day…. I think he is a goner. I’m not entirely convinced Mike Davis will be called up from the PS, they might go grab a guy like Elijah Hood (if he is still available).
Focus on what a player can do! and stop drafting so much by measurables. We passed on Cody Whitehair in 16 because his arms were too short? He has since graded out very well for the Bears.
I’m sure his arm length wasn’t the only reason.
Keep Lacy -1
Get Hood +1
I COMPLETELY FORGOT ABOUT HOOOOD
He’s a very similar player to Carson for me
If they sign Brown to an extension, how great will it be NOT to have to think about LT for a while? Not to have to pine longingly at OL drafted ahead & out of our reach. Not to have to stress whether or not a gamble on another rookie or risky FA signing will pan out. So lucky to have QB & LT sorted !
I think people are down on Jimmy because of the salary. If he were making say $5 million per season nobody would think that he’s expendable. We have had a terrible line and a questionable coordinator who haven’t used him to best utilize his skills set and now he’s producing at a high level. A top flight TE may not be a necessity, but we as Hawks fans should be sleep aware at how a good one can kill you and your defense when it matters most. They are tough to cover and a matchup nightmare. Drafting a young back will alleviate the need for cheeseburger Eddie. Lane will almost certainly be gone. Luke is probably gone as well. That’s some money off the books. Sheldon and Brown are keepers. I think if we can keep Jimmy for a reasonable extension we need to do that. He’s still a top 3 tight end in the passing game.
I can’t see Jimmy signing for less than $7 mill a year. And I can see someone giving him $9 mil a year. Someone will have cap space and a need for a TE and figure he can go back to being N.O. Jimmy.
With guys like Charles Clay making $8M/yr, Jimmy is a PROVEN commodity. The knock will be “Seattle didn’t use him the right way” and to some degrees, that’s accurate. He’s making no less than $8M/annually
Brock Huard. Someone check on my man. Is he alright? What’s with his awful, trash takes lately? Imagine caring about what this man has to say.
Agree. Smug and trash, no bueno.
You guys remember when the gospel word of NFL scouts thought WR Robby Anderson should switch to CB at the next level? Hahahaha!
Jets are one piece away from having a legit receiving core with him, Kearse, and Enunwa. Go get Lamar Jackson and add another weapon in round 2.
Has there been a rookie CB that’s come into the league and had the kind of half a season that NO’s Marshon Lattimore has had in the last decade? My dude is no joke on his way to being a top 5 corner in this league. Give him DROY.
Lattimore, TreDavious White, and Shaq Griffin are for me the 3 best rookie corners I’ve seen so far this year. Which means Seattle selected a CB in the 3rd and are getting 1st round level of play out of him.
How the f*** does he even locate this ball let alone pick it off!? 🔥🔥🔥
https://mobile.twitter.com/RaidersAnalysis/status/926135165398556673/video/1
Hes special. Next Revis.
Tank is playing well. Ditto what I’ve seen from Jourdan Lewis.
Lattimore is on another planet as a rookie.
QB JT Barrett sucks butt.
+1
Indiana LB Tegray Scales is the new NFL prototype. He’s a name that’s gonna get hot come draft time.
My personal favorite 5 running backs this year: Barkley, Guice, Love, Harris, Jones. Unbelievable backs in the draft this year.
Chubb, Freeman, Ballage
This is an insane year for RBs
Holy shit, anybody watching Ohio st vs Iowa??
Iowa’s CB Josh Jackson has 3 INT’s !!!
Josh Jackson 6’1 190lbs
No idea arm length though.
I have seen PFF write about him on Twitter (for what thats worth)
Pretty impressive. Definitely someone to keep an eye on.
Did you guys see the Browns give Joe Thomas a pay raise for next season? He’ll now reportedly made $13.5M (topping Okung’s $12.5M). For people worried about the draft pick compensation for Brown, this is definitely something to look at
In this NFL
I cant tell if thats vastly underpaid for an OL or if he’s vastly overpaid for being the best of a bad bunch.