Senior Bowl day one notes & Lance Zierlein scouting reports

Before I get into the Senior Bowl notes, a little cheat-code for you all. If you click on Daniel Jeremiah’s top-50 board and then select any of the names of the players, it’ll take you to Lance Zierlein’s extensive scouting report for that individual. I’m going to run through some of the highlights after my Senior Bowl notes below.

Day one in Mobile

I found the 1v1 OL vs DL sessions on YouTube (plus other position drills) from the first day of the Senior Bowl. I’ve written my thoughts below.

I will voice a quick complaint though. The NFL advertised full coverage from Mobile on NFL+. So they had a broadcasting crew providing comprehensive coverage all day. However, this wasn’t available on NFL Gamepass (Europe’s version of NFL+) and the NFL Network, which I have access to via Gamepass, was showing re-runs of the AFC & NFC Championship games instead of the Senior Bowl.

Why is it so hard to watch the Senior Bowl?

I graded Ohio State tackle Dawand Jones among the best 20-players in the class on my horizontal board last week and I think he showed why on day one. It’s not unusual to see massive, hulking blockers at the Senior Bowl. However, they’re often a mix of smaller-school and unrefined or simply out of shape. Jones is neither — he carries himself with a rare level of athleticism and his size is truly unique. I’m not sure I’ve seen a player like this before.

It’s not just his insane nearly 37-inch arms. It’s the fact that he’s 375lbs and has minimal bad weight. He is, somehow, proportionate for his size. He even might have room to add a bit more bulk to his lower body.

There’s no doubt for me he is the best Ohio State tackle in this class, ahead of the fairly run-of-the-mill Paris Johnson Jr. For a man his size to get his hands inside, lock-on and control in 1v1’s is incredible. These drills are set up for pass rushers to win. He was a bully out there. He was brutal.

It was surprising to see how low he can get to drive into blocks at 6-8. He will give up some leverage which is expected but he isn’t a massive target begging you to get into his chest and jolt him off balance like a lot of tall tackles. Even when he does surrender leverage initially — he’s just too big and powerful that he simply recovers and fights back. It’s like trying to wrestle a bear when you’re giving up 120lbs in weight.

On one rep he manhandled the defender and just tossed him to the ground like an adult competing against a child.

His kick-slide isn’t orthodox but he gets out of his stance, stays square to the target and can run with the quicker, smaller edge players. You know he can play inside/out with that length too — a huge plus.

Jones had a rep against Isaiah Foskey where he just mirrored him easily, kept his position and when Foskey tried to get inside and win with power, he dragged him to the ground.

He abused Andre Carter, just getting right into his frame and bossing him easily. He had complete control over Carter who had no answer. The rep ended with Jones tossing him aside with disdain.

This is all stuff you see on tape, too. I don’t know why he isn’t talked about more. O-line is a premium area and a need for many teams. You can win a lot of football games with players like Dawand Jones.

Adetomiwa Adebawore showed he’s ideally built to leverage vs the run with his height and length (6-1, 284lbs, 34 inch arms). In a 1v1 rep he had a great long-arm move to control the block. This enabled him to keep his eyes downfield then disengage when the time was right to play the run. He’s only scratching the surface of what he can do and he’s expected to test very well at the combine. He could be a plus rotational lineman who offers real versatility.

Keion White looks very quick as expected. The impressive thing he showed on day one was the ability to get a tackle on skates. Typically this is the calling card of a 250lbs edge. He explodes out of his stance and races to the arc. I would like to see him convert speed-to-power more as the week goes on because tackles are going to be terrified by that initial outside threat. Jaelyn Duncan was able to just ride him out on the first rep — White needs to get involved and dig into that chest. On the second rep the same thing happened. He attacks the edge and takes an elongated arc to the quarterback. Duncan does his job though by tracking him. This is something for White to work on in day two.

Jerrod Clark is the nose tackle some people want Siaki Ika to be. He’s athletic and threatens as a pass rusher with the same level of splash plays we see form Ika. However, Clark’s a better anchor player who can absorb blocks, drive interior linemen backwards and win with power. He’s a former tight end who has gained weight and become a 340lbs force of nature. He has to become more consistent and find a weight he can stick to in order to max out his athleticism. He had a good start at the Senior Bowl, winning numerous reps collapsing the interior. He easily beat Olusegun Oluwatimi the Michigan center with power on his first rep.

Keeanu Benton had a violent swim/rip win in 1v1’s. He hasan ideal defensive tackle frame and looks the part of a NFL lineman. Sometimes you just look at a player and nod approval. Benton is what you look for. On his first 1v1 he absolutely destroyed Asim Richards with speed. In another rep vs Oluwatimi, he drove the center backwards by placing his right hand inside to gain pad-level, then disengaging to fight to the quarterback. Benton also looked really good during agility/change of direction drills running in and out of the bags. I had him in round two on my first horizontal board, then early round three on my second. I immediately bumped him back into round two on this showing. He looks like an every-down player.

Darnell Wright, despite being 340lbs, gets into his kick-slide with ease and shuts down the edge. There were some 1v1 reps where his hand placement was a bit high and it prevented him from locking in and controlling the block on contact but he generally got the job done and played with an aggressive streak. You can’t beat him with speed-to-power because when you get into his frame he’s like a brick wall.

I’d assumed Derick Hall at Auburn had sub-33 inch arms. Having measured with better length I need to re-watch him. In 1v1’s he had a great rep off the edge, shaping to the outside with a little hesitation on contact, then he converted speed-to-power with a long-arm to the chest combined with a swim to release and win inside. He always plays with fire and intensity and testing will be key. Knowing he has a prototype frame to play the edge is a plus point.

Cameron Young from Mississippi State had some good moments. He’s another player who likes the long-arm then release. He easily handled Alabama’s Emil Ekiyor on a center vs nose snap. Young also had a win against Nick Salvideri — he was just too powerful and quick. I need to check out his tape.

K.J. Henry had an easy win vs Blake Freeland. He just hesitated to the outside then dipped inside. It was way too easy.

Karl Brooks has short arms but boy does he throw a pretty swim move. On his first 1v1 rep he easily beat Jake Andrews.

Cornerback Julius Brents was hit and miss on tape but nobody can deny his athletic qualities. He will be a combine star. On day one he excelled on the deep routes and struggled on the shorter coverage match-ups. On the deep routes he mirrored brilliantly and gained position, allowing him to look back for the football. He’s so athletic, quick and his change of direction is on-point — he’s really hard to shake off in a foot-race.

Over the middle he was less successful. Jonathan Mingo got the better of Brents on one rep using his size to muscle-out and create short-area separation. Others were able to win with late separation working in space and although he had a pick later on, he was flagged for too much contact.

Darius Rush had a fantastic win against Mingo — running the route for him and claiming an interception. Rush showed great control and smooth feet, then had the anticipation to put himself in position to make a play. Textbook. Sadly for Rush, he also completely misjudged one rep, bit for some reason on a short-route and was hopelessly beat deep with the receiver jogging downfield uncovered. Then he also took a loss against Nathaniel Dell who easily beat him on a curl-in.

Tyrique Stevenson had a loss against Andrei Iosivas despite being in his hip-pocket on the route. Even so, Iosivas is just such a gliding, silky athlete and he’s slippery. Stevenson had a big battle against Mingo too and despite tight coverage was flagged for a penalty on the rep. Xavier Hutchinson was able to easily shake-off Stevenson on a comeback route late in the session.

Lance Zierlein called John Michael Schmitz one of his day-one winners. I was surprised to see him weigh about 20lbs lighter than his college listing and it made me re-think how I viewed him. I reached out to Lance who shared his scouting report with me.

The fact that Lance sees him as a zone-blocking center is interesting, to go with a positive blurb and a likely top-45 marker. He’s someone we might need to keep a closer eye on. In team drills he had a terrific rep on a screen pass, breaking deep into the second level and driving a defender way off the ball. His ability to lock-on in space was impressive and something you don’t often see on tape. He also had a nice 1v1 win, arching his back to stall an interior rusher with good hand-use to re-set after initially shooting high and wide. Schmitz was also pushed back by D.J. Dale on one rep and he was clinging on to try and contain the Alabama DT.

I really like Nick Saldiveri as a right guard prospect for Seattle. In 1v1’s he showed a great ability to get good initial hand-placement and then keep re-setting and working those hands inside when challenged by a counter. He’s big, strong, physical, athletic and looks the part. You might be able to put a ring around him, depending on how he tests. He ticks a lot of scheme/attitude boxes for the Seahawks. He did have that loss against Cam Young as mentioned earlier, too.

Not many people will overpower Steve Avila but Zacch Pickens had a 1v1 win by barging his way into the backfield. He showed great hand placement and a good push. It was a nice win for Pickens who is also very athletic and well sized — so it’s good that he has a bit of bully in him too because Avila is a beast.

O’Cyrus Torrence looks like he’s cut weight (or just looks great in Reese’s colours). He had some nice reps, notably against Byron Young 1v1 — sending him to the turf. Young had a win too — driving into the chest of Torrence then countering with a chop to release. Torrence was also pushed backwards on a couple of occasions. On one bad rep he was driven off the line by Jalen Redmond. He lost another rep to Redmond lined up at left guard. He couldn’t get across to the block, his angles were all wrong and the defender was just too quick. A mixed bag on day one but if Torrence has slimmed down that’s a good sign. He carried too much bad weight at Florida and looked sloppy.

Back to Alabama’s Young — he used brute force to bull rush Nick Broeker in a 1v1 rep. He kept his legs moving and he’s adept at freeing one arm to gain position and then ripping through to penetrate. He was very active and aggressive on day one.

I hadn’t studied Stanford receiver Michael Wilson pre-Senior Bowl but he looked really sharp here with precise routes, suddenness and an ability to drive off his back-foot to get open. I’m intrigued and want to see more. Another receiver, Tank Dell, also looked really sharp — firing downfield with great speed to threaten deep then stopping on a dime to present to the quarterback. He lacks size but he’s dynamic and able to challenge defenders with his change-of-direction ability and stop-start qualities.

Overall my main takeaway was — this is a really good group of trench players in Mobile and the Seahawks are going to be able to add some talent to their offensive and defensive fronts. They had a bit of a ‘meat and potatoes’ draft a year ago and it worked for them. They should aim to do the same again — just with the possibility of a quarterback pick thrown into the mix too.

Lance Zierlein grades and notes

I look forward every year to reading Lance’s reports. He’s one of the people who truly puts in the work and whether I agree or not on an individual player — I respect the heck out of what he does. In a world of cheap and cheerful draft coverage, designed to offer minimal detail and appeal to casual observers who want to dip in and out — Lance is an analyst for the draft geeks out there.

At the moment we only have reports for players listed on Daniel Jeremiah’s board — so there might be some missing gems. However, here’s a ranking list of grades and some of the notes contained within Lance’s reports:

Jalen Carter — 7.11
Will Anderson — 7.02
Bryce Young — 6.82
Bijan Robinson — 6.80
Tyree Wilson — 6.77
Drew Sanders — 6.74
Peter Skoronski — 6.73
Brian Branch — 6.72
Luke Musgrave — 6.70
Christian Gonzalez — 6.70
Jalin Hyatt — 6.50
Myles Murphy — 6.50
Michael Mayer — 6.48
C.J. Stroud — 6.46
Dalton Kincaid — 6.45
Quentin Johnston — 6.44
Broderick Jones — 6.44
Keion White — 6.43
Joey Porter Jr — 6.43
Will McDonald — 6.41
Devon Witherspoon — 6.40
John Michael Schmitz — 6.39
Kelee Ringo — 6.39
Paris Johnson Jr — 6.39
Tuli Tuipulotu — 6.38
Darnell Washington — 6.38
Lukas Van Ness — 6.38
Jahmyr Gibbs — 6.37
Jordan Addison — 6.36
Emmanuel Forbes — 6.36
Zay Flowers — 6.35
B.J. Ojulari — 6.35
Bryan Bresee — 6.35
Darnell Wright — 6.34
Mazi Smith — 6.34
Derick Hall — 6.34
Felix Anudike-Uzomah — 6.34
Anthony Richardson — 6.33
O’Cyrus Torrence — 6.32
Joe Tippmann — 6.30
Deonte Banks — 6.30
Will Levis — 6.29
Steve Avila — 6.29
Cody Mauch — 6.28
Jaxon Smith-Njigba — 6.25
Nolan Smith — 6.24
Trenton Simpson — 6.24
Tyrique Stevenson — 6.24
Zach Charbonnet — 6.23
Davis Allen — 6.21
Sam LaPorta — 6.12

For comparison, here’s Lance’s top-20 from a year ago:

Kyle Hamilton — 6.81
Aidan Hutchinson — 6.80
Evan Neal — 6.76
Ikem Ekwonu — 6.73
Sauce Gardner — 6.72
Kayvon Thibodeaux — 6.72
Tyler Linderbaum — 6.70
Trent McDuffie — 6.70
Jordan Davis — 6.50
Derek Stingley Jr — 6.50
Treylon Burks — 6.50
Garrett Wilson — 6.50
Jermaine Johnson — 6.49
Travon Walker — 6.48
Jameson Williams — 6.48
Kenyon Green — 6.45
Charles Cross — 6.44
Chris Olave — 6.43
Malik Willis — 6.41
Matt Corral — 6.40

Here were Seattle’s picks last year:

Charles Cross — 6.44
Boye Mafe — 6.35
Ken Walker — 6.35
Abraham Lucas — 6.15
Coby Bryant — 6.20
Tariq Woolen — 6.00
Tyreek Smith — 6.00
Bo Melton — 5.92
Dareke Young — 5.68

Here’s Lance on Jalen Carter:

“When assessing a player’s draft grade, we take into consideration areas like traits, toughness, explosiveness, skill level, potential for growth and positional projections. Across the board, Carter checks out in a big way. However, his maturity will need to be vetted by each team as they make their evaluations.”

Also…

“Scouts say maturity has been an issue for him at times.”

This is the second time, after Todd McShay voiced some concerns, that maturity and character have been raised with Carter. Along with the work we’ve done to track concerns over his conditioning (stated as a priority for improvement last April and not acted upon) — there’s some important context being provided here that the mainstream is otherwise ignoring.

Nevertheless — a 7.11 grade speaks to Carter’s talent and why he will be a challenging assessment for teams. He’s clearly an excellent player but will he deliver on his obvious potential?

On Tyree Wilson:

“His length and lateral quickness are ingredients for chaos as a back-side run game disruptor. He’s capable of ranging and tackling from distance if the run flows wide. On the flip side, he’s not very instinctive as a run defender and his play demeanor could stand to be a little thornier when attacking blocks. Wilson has the physical tools to create pocket push as a power rusher early on but the hand usage and rush plan will need tutoring for him to become a well-rounded, two-way rusher. He might not set the world on fire in Year 1, but the talent and vaulted ceiling will be easy to see soon enough.”

A personnel executive for an AFC team offered this quote on Keion White:

“You have to see him in person to get a feel for how he moves around for how big he is. Really athletic with a high floor. He’ll be a riser.”

Lance on C.J. Stroud:

“NFL teams will have to balance what they saw on tape from Stroud during the 2022 regular season against his great College Football Playoff semifinal performance, when he shined versus Georgia’s impressive collection pro prospects. If he did it once he can do it again, and grading the flashes for Stroud might make the most sense.”

An executive for a NFC team provided this quote on Will Levis:

“People are being too hard on him from what I’m seeing in the media. He was hurt for most of the year and gutted it out. He’s a good teammate, he’s big and he has arm talent. I like the pro potential a lot. He just needs to get healthy and keep working at it.”

I will keep saying — I think the mainstream media, including Lance, are really underrating these quarterbacks. They have flaws, yes, but the potential is extreme.

Lance on Anthony Richardson:

“Richardson’s potential to strike with the deep ball, attack the secondary from sideline to sideline and gash teams with his legs creates greater leeway in his projection as a developmental prospect. Ultimately, he will succeed or fail based on his ability to play with better post-snap recognition and deliver the football with consistency.”

Lance on Will McDonald:

“McDonald’s hard-nosed demeanor and pass-rush talent are winning play traits that will help him become a successful 3-4 outside linebacker and sack artist.”

And here’s a personnel executive for a NFC team also discussing McDonald:

“He’s going to put up big workout numbers and be one of the buzziest prospects headed into April once the media catches up on him.”

Lance is extremely high on Drew Sanders:

“He’s a tough out for interior protection as a blitzing linebacker and has natural rush talent to hunt quarterbacks off the edge. Sanders’ athletic gifts, versatility and toughness could help him become a highly impactful playmaker with Pro Bowl upside.”

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238 Comments

  1. Belfasthawk

    I noticed he didn’t have the DT from Pitt in his top 50 unless I missed it

    • Rob Staton

      Probably hasn’t watched him

      • Sea Mode

        🔥💀

        • Justin

          Calijah Kancey is my favorite DT in this draft… I love that he seems to be falling through the cracks. Scoop him up in the second please. I heard someone say he is too small just watch the guy play he is exciting

  2. Eric

    Probably not as detailed as you would like Rob but there is a one hour Recap of day 1 of the Senior Bowl on NFL Gamepass now.

    If you haven’t seen it you should find it in the NFL Programs -> 2023 NFL Combine section.

  3. Sea Mode

    Breer on Geno in his “Mailbag” saying the Seahawks would be wise to follow the Chiefs’ blueprint with Alex Smith. Now where have I heard that before…?

    From Jon Binary (@MachetePanzone): How much is Geno signing for dollars/term?

    From 𝓔𝓻𝓲𝓬 𝓙𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓹𝓱 𝓑𝓪𝓲𝓻𝓭 (@EricJBaird): Seahawks! I think the QB situation is way more interesting then people are giving credit. What’s the feeling people are getting? Is it truly ride or die with Geno or is it posturing again like it was with RW3?

    Jon, I think Geno Smith’s market is very hard to gauge right now, because we don’t know what will happen with Aaron Rodgers, Lamar Jackson and Tom Brady, and guys like Derek Carr, Daniel Jones and Baker Mayfield will be available two. If those first three stick with their teams? That’d help Geno. If not, well, a lot of this will come down to how many open seats there are for starting quarterbacks—and if there are more quarterbacks than seats, it’ll be hard for any of the available QBs to break the bank.
    Also, for what it’s worth, the franchise number for quarterback is set at $32.416 million, and I’d think Smith’s camp will make the Seahawks make a decision on whether or not to tag him before going too deep into negotiations.

    As for the state of the position in Seattle, Eric, I’ll use the comparison I have with Kirk Cousins and (before he fell out of favor in Vegas) Derek Carr—the template for Geno with the Seahawks, as I see it, could very well be Alex Smith in Kansas City. You pay Smith well. He’ll give you a great chance to compete and contend and build the roster up around him. And in the meantime, you’ll be on the lookout for any special opportunity that comes along.

    For the Chiefs, having Smith bought them the flexibility to go through the first four draft cycles of Andy Reid’s time there without taking a quarterback in the first rounds. And then what they saw as a special opportunity—to get aggressive and go get Patrick Mahomes—and the position was still open and the rest is history.

    https://www.si.com/nfl/2023/02/01/demeco-ryans-texans-nfl-hiring-trend

    • cha

      Also, for what it’s worth, the franchise number for quarterback is set at $32.416 million, and I’d think Smith’s camp will make the Seahawks make a decision on whether or not to tag him before going too deep into negotiations.

      As Rob pointed out, with the combine being the “illegal tampering period” there should be a base for both parties to understand before the tag/no tag decision comes into play.

      I actually think the opposite on the tag. If the Seahawks tag Geno he gains all the leverage. He can just put his feet up and wait for the Seahawks to come to him to make a deal. He can push all the way through free agency, the draft, and the secondary market. They can negotiate all the way into the summer before the tag locks and the negotiation period ends.

      Why would the Seahawks risk all of their cap room on a tag? And entirely cripple their efforts to build the roster, unless they have massive cuts or trades brewing?

      • Jabroni-DC

        The Seahawks hopefully play it cool & let the market set Geno’s salary range. If he gets a sweet deal somewhere else, depending on location I will wish him well. If not I’d welcome him back on a modest deal. Imho we need to have a clean credit card for the 2024 off season. All bad debt wiped from the books with the chance to add key talent via free agency to pair with our 3rd draft of the new era.

        In the immortal words of someone,

        Do NOT F this up!

        • cha

          Imho we need to have a clean credit card for the 2024 off season.

          You won’t believe the salary cap piece I read a couple days ago. It proposed we restructure Adams, Diggs and Lockett to gain cap room this year. Those three would be almost $75m on the cap in 2024, and that guarantees another $18m of those 3’s salaries.

          It escapes me.

          • Peter

            At least restructure implies they are attempting to think about it.

            Better than the pod I heard where we keep Diggs and adams in full fare and tag geno…badda ba ba bah….I’m not loving it. Where’s the money in that scenario?

      • Sam

        Exactly. Who is going to pay him $32m+ in free agency? I don’t see a single team with either that much cap space or GM/coach job security to pull it off.

        • Rob Staton

          I bet nobody is willing to pay him that

          He is a one-year wonder who was a journeyman before

          Even if he’s turned a corner and will have a late career flourish — teams are not going to place a $32m bet on that

    • Justaguy

      At this point it is simply frustrating to read this type of conversation and I cannot entertain it. All the talk about the offense being a system where you can plug and play any quarterback is simply smoke and mirrors. Geno is far away from being a quarterback that any franchise would have faith in. With ownership giving a pass to every fucking thing by the current top brass there is almost no possible way I can have faith in this being a four year rebuild. The only way to quickly regain traction in the NFC is to let Geno take his last shot elsewhere and draft a quarterback.

  4. Roy Batty

    Michael Wilson’s injury history is something to consider. This team has been looking for that reliable WR3 and just can’t seem to find a consistently available player.

    It’s great to hear that there were a few more DTs to add to the list of potential prospects. Add in the non-seniors and the Hawks should have a decent amount of players to select with their multiple day 2 (and maybe at #20) picks.

    Hopefully Platypus will have a good rundown from his attendance at the practices.

  5. cha

    This guy has clips

    https://twitter.com/Owain_Jones_

  6. Matt

    Tom Brady retired. I think Tampa Bay could be aggressive going after Geno. And candidly – that might be the best idea for Geno to go to a more mature tram who can make the most of the few years he has left.

    He’s also from Florida. Tampa Bay has to hit the veteran market.

    • Rob Staton

      Tampa Bay are $55m over the cap so it might be tricky. Probably in major rebuild mode now

    • Big Mike

      He retired last year at this time too. Yawn.
      How long til he announces he’s coming back “for one more year” with the Raiders/9ers/Dolphins/whoevers?
      We’re bored with you Tawmmy.

      What’s gonna suck if he does stay retired is FOX is gonna make him the #1 color guy and push Greg Olsen to #2 and Moose Johnston to #3 and so forth. I like both those guys tho they’re no Charles Davis,. Neither is Romo, Aikman, or Collinsworth.

      • Peter

        What’s gonna suck is when Brady is a charmless bore in the booth.

        • Big Mike

          That’s what I’m expecting too.

        • Palatypus

          Oh, no, no, no, no…

          He’s a single man now.

          He’s going to be on The Bachelor.

    • Mr Drucker in hooterville

      Looks like Tom is concerned that Greg Olson may rise up and become the featured Color guy?

  7. KHF

    Try to find Keion White’s end of day interview with NFL Network. Made me say “THAT’S the guy I want the Seahawks to draft.”

    • Sea Mode

      I found this one from yesterday, but the audio was hard to hear in the clips I found, so here’s the transcript:

      https://georgiatech.rivals.com/news/former-gt-de-keion-white-s-stock-on-the-rise-at-the-sr-bowl

      • Peter

        Looking forward to Carter and his windsprints when White goes to the Steelers and he and tj watt can just get after it…

        • PJ in Seattle

          At this rate, White will be gone before our native pick at #20. Question, post the games, combine, and interviews, does he enter the discussion at #5 alongside Tyree Wilson if the team is sour on Carter (assuming the QBs they love are already gone).

  8. KHF

    How in the world does he have Levis graded lower than he had Malik Willis?

    • Peter

      Sidebar. Just tried to find the interview and got a Google page full of articles about all the teams that have interest in him now, met with him, or are going to meet with him……

      • Peter

        Meant as a reply to your keion white comment.

        • KHF

          Yeah, I’m afraid there’s no way the Hawks get him at 20.

          • Rob Staton

            I wouldn’t jump to that conclusion

            I like White a lot but I also think we need to slow down a bit here

  9. Palatypus

    Heading to the Senior Bowl now. Sorry about not getting the 1v1’s yesterday. I forgot to take my long-acting insulin in the morning and the weather was killer. It was weird driving over the bayou bridge yesterday. There was a weird Scooby Doo like fog.

  10. Trevor

    Rob just curious about the idea of having Dewand Jones play Guard. Is he too tall to move inside?

    Probably a moot point as I doubt he gets past the Steelers at 17. They need and OT and Tomlin was watching up close today.

    • Justaguy

      Maybe fullback to replace our starter Nick Bellore. No way you move Jones. He is a freak left tackle

  11. Matt

    It will never cease to amaze me how accommodating these guys can be with Jalen Carter and “growth / projection” whilst giving no such grace to the QBs.

    Apparently with Carter; it’s just an automatic certainty that he lives up to his potential.

    • Matt

      Interesting note…Quinnen Williams was given a 6.7 grade while Aaron Donald was given a 5.9. Solomon Thomas was given a 7.0 grade.

      This is no shot at Zierlien, but perhaps the draft is far more of a crapshoot than anyone likes to let on.

      • Big Mike

        Of course it is my friend. If it wasn’t, Brady doesn’t go in the 6th, RW in the 3rd, Aaron Donald is the #1 overall instead of being drafted 13th overall, etc., etc., etc

        It’s a very long list. I didn’t even scratch the surface there.

        • Matt

          Yes sir! I just wish they were consistent with the “growth/projection” angle. Again, they mention character concerns yet it’s a no brainer he lives up to his potential.

          Meanwhile Will Levis? Sure amazing tools and great character…not gonna make it.

          • Big Mike

            Well said

      • IDhawk

        If I remember right, the Aaron Donald grade was Nolan Nawrocki. Of all of the draft talking heads who just spew out nonsense, he was the absolute and undisputed king. But yeah, it’s definitely more of an art than science too.

  12. Blitzy the Clown

    There is so much meat in this article! I don’t even know where to begin…

    grading the flashes for Stroud might make the most sense

    I’ve been wondering since that game if maybe Ryan Day hasn’t been holding Stroud back. I saw CJ do stuff vs the top CFB defense that makes me think he’s QB1 in this class.

    • Peter

      I’ve got a dream that Stroud lasts to five (unlikely) and Seattle gets right by drafting a player who says the ‘hawks are his favorite team.

      • Blitzy the Clown

        I didn’t know he said that. I’d be more excited, but I think Jonathan Taylor also wanted to be a Seahawk pretty badly and that didn’t happen.

        At any rate, I can dig your dream.

        I’ll say this, if Zierlein’s rantings are emblematic of NFL scouts and Carter is the top ranked prospect, then even if he does have “maturity concerns” he’ll go top 3 no matter what. He’s not a degenerate loser or anything. And he’ll test the hell out of the Combine.

        There will be good options at 5.

        • Peter

          Fingers crossed he goes top three. Carter that is.

          When it’s all done it will be interesting how the top five shake out.

          I could see a lot of teams thinking levis and Young. That leaves Carter and Anderson who I think some team, maybe ours, will be head over heels to get last year’s near unanimous first overall pick anywhere from 2-5.

    • Roy Batty

      College football can be infuriating.

      The QB gets behind center, does a fake count, pulls back, looks at the sideline for the play change, then executes that play with little, if any nuance. One read and throw.

      It’s actually shocking to see guys like Levis and Anderson get behind center, scan the defense, stand up and call an audible or call out reads, WITHOUT staring at the sideline.

  13. Palatypus

    I wss taking a piss next to Drew Rosenhaus just a moment ago. He was on the phone talking about someone name “Drake” and how he is going to mature and work hard to grow into the role of a starter.

    • UkAlex6674

      So so glad Palatypuscam wasn’t in operation then.

      • Palatypus

        It wasn’t and he wasn’t RIGHT next to me. But he IS SO LOUD WHEN HE IS TALKING ON THE PHONE !!! It’s like he loves to hear the sound of his own voice. I was absolutely certain it was him, but if I had any doubt, he was wearing a windbreaker that said, “Rosenhaus Enterprises” on the back.

        If he had been in the stall right next to me, I swear to God, I would have pissed on his leg.

    • PJ in Seattle

      Could be either Drake Thomas, LB NC State or Drake Jackson C Kentucky. I see notes that both flashed day one.

      And both at positions of need for us, coincidentally.

      • PJ in Seattle

        Make that Drake Thomas. I see now the Drake Jackson notes were from 2021 lol

    • Elmer

      If you are doing that and a guy tells you “where I come from they teach us to wash our hands after we pee”, your line is “where I come from they teach us not to pee on our hands”.

  14. Palatypus

    Just saw BYU fullback Kalen Hall in the stands in street clothes.

  15. Palatypus

    Lots of scouts from Winnepeg here. Looking at quarterbacks?

    • Palatypus

      All the Winnepeg guys are over scouting the offense with binders full of notes.

    • Palatypus

      I am starting to wonder if these “Winnepeg” people are not scouts for another team in disguise. Why would they have those big binders? Canadian teams are always getting the scraps.

      I never see Patriots scouts here. Or Bills.

  16. Rob Staton

    I’ve now seen all the OL vs DL 1v1 reps — so I’ve updated the article

    • Elmer

      Thank you! For the trenches I am hopeful not only for DL upgrades, but also for meaningful IOL help. From the horizontal board I wasn’t sure about G and C.

  17. Blitzy the Clown

    Ryan Roberts
    @RiseNDraft

    Outstanding base from Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz working against Oklahoma’s Jalen Redmond. Establishes early leverage and that’s all she wrote.

    https://twitter.com/RiseNDraft/status/1620792281312927745?s=20&t=aSbZWXgr18RYBM3uXu2qCQ

    • Blitzy the Clown

      Mike Renner
      @PFF_Mike

      .@GopherFootball’s John Michael Schmitz putting his stamp on being OC1 at the @seniorbowl

      https://twitter.com/PFF_Mike/status/1620817269231333377?s=20&t=aSbZWXgr18RYBM3uXu2qCQ

      • Big Mike

        So should I get my hopes up yet again that the Hawks draft a Center or should I just expect it ain’t gonna happen so I’m not bummed out when he’s a 2nd team All-Pro when the guy drafted after our pick lives on IR?

        Serious question. Does anyone here believe they’ll draft for the position, cuz I don’t.

        • Big Mike

          * with our pick

          • Steve Nelsen

            I hope they draft a center too. Schmitz being called out as a zone-blocking center by Zierlein is encouraging and Rob said he will be following him closely. Aside from TEF, we know Seattle highly values communication skills (being able to make the right line calls) very highly at the center spot so if we start hearing comments like, “Schmitz is a very smart guy” then I think we can start getting our hopes up.

        • Peter

          Center. I’m going to keep that flame lit. I know they like blythe but come on. It’s an easy upgrade for me. Cross, Lewis, better center, rg?, lucas…getting there.

          • MountainHawker

            You know as well as I that we’re signing Kyle Fuller to a 3yr extension

            • Peter

              Haha! Probably true.

            • Big Mike

              😥😥😥

        • Blitzy the Clown

          My hopes are up

          I mean it should be obvious to even the most dim witted individual who holds an advanced degree in hyperbolic topology that Austin Blythe and his type ain’t getting the job done

          • Big Mike

            Agree that it should be obvious but their history suggests they won’t do it yet again. Man would I love to be wrong.

          • Rob Staton

            As long as the price isn’t too high, Garrett Bradbury feels like he’s worth a shot in FA

            Lance gave him a 6.70 grade coming into the league, former #18 overall pick

            • God of Thunder

              Wonder why the Vikings declined his option? Cap issues?

  18. Blitzy the Clown

    I’m kinda over the small WRs but this kid is fun to watch.

    Marcus Mosher
    @Marcus_Mosher

    Here is every 1 on 1 rep by #Houston WR Tank Dell on Day 1 of the @seniorbowl

    https://twitter.com/Marcus_Mosher/status/1620785485860806662?s=20&t=aSbZWXgr18RYBM3uXu2qCQ

  19. Steve Nelsen

    Jalen Carter has the size to play DE in a 3-4 but I don’t think Tyree Wilson does. It is encouraging to see that there are a number of meat and potatoes prospects for DL, especially NTs. Who are the potential 5-techniques? Maybe Keion White?

    I have been reading about teams that transition from the 4-3 to the 3-4 and the challenges that creates. I think there are some narratives that might have been underreported about last season’s defensive problems. And potentially some new draft perspectives.

    Cha, would you be willing to email me at snelsen663@aol.com to discuss?

  20. All I see is 12s

    So so, here’s the situation. Apparently Russell and Ciara’s perfume or cologne receive some kind of an award as mentioned by Bob Condotta and essentially all of Seattle Seahawk Twitter has been blocked by this account (ciararussellfan). Most people did not even realize this account existed. All this to say, if you want to know if you were truly a member of Seahawks Twitter check and see if you have a blocked account. It is exceptionally validating.

    • Rob Staton

      I was blocked

    • Palatypus

      Not blocked.

      • All I see is 12s

        I would recommend placing one or two, thoughtful, respectful tweets as to why the trade needed to happen and that should get you blocked pretty fast. Or, you can just start liking Rob’s posts. That should do the trick as well. Come join us…

        • Glor

          hahaha

  21. Palatypus

    Trying to upload video but there is no wiki at the stadium.

  22. Palatypus

    Overhearing someone talk up Taje Smythe on the phone as a third rounder potentially to Arizona.

    • Palatypus

      Mazi Smith?

      • Palatypus

        Keidron Smith? Pretty sure he was talking about a running back.

        • Palatypus

          Had to be Tayjae Spears out of Tulane. PFF review is saying he was the best back there today.

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM0tFOVjhoU

          By the way, it seems like they’ve got a pretty big crew here. Probably six people.

    • PJ in Seattle

      Was this also in the bathroom? This is gold, Platypus. Post up in a stall for the next three days. We can all see the practice clips online, but you can tap into the beating heart of where truth is truly spoken – the shitter!

      • Palatypus

        No, this was at one of the tables outside the television media area and he was on a conference call on his laptop. Probably a scout. He didn’t talk like a journalist or an agent.

        • Palatypus

          And they dress a certain way. You will not see more under armor anywhere on the planet.

        • Palatypus

          He also said that he thought Jaren Hall put up some pretty good passes today right before that.

          LOTS of BYU people here again this year.

        • Palatypus

          Clarification. Conference call on their phone with their laptop. Since there is no Wifi in the stadium (!!!), I think they were using their phone as a mobile hotspot.

          I don’t post this shit unless it seems unusual at the time or funny or cool..

  23. Mr Drucker in hooterville

    Seems to be a deep pool of DT’s. I’m hoping the mainstream talking heads talk up Carter and he goes in top 4. We can then have a QB or trade down a few spots for a DT or R2.

  24. Zxvo3

    I’m assuming after today and yesterday we can all agree QB at 5 and Keion White at 20? And that’s if he’ll make it to 20 at this point. Mel had him at 19 in his first mock, the only place Keion White can go from there is up

    • Palatypus

      I’m hearing repeatedly today coaches yelling, “Nice job Keion!”

    • Peter

      Steelers at 17.

      Reports of Tomlinson enjoying him and White already spoke about “mike t.”

      Steelers rarely make it a secret who they like.

      • Palatypus

        There are a lot of people from Pittsburgh here right now. Overheard one guy talking about maybe taking a job in Houston. No doubt Demeco Ryans is assembling his staff.

    • Zxvo3

      Like is it really a hot take to say I’d rather have White over Myles Murphy, who’s been mostly mocked in the top 15 in a lot of drafts?

    • Ben

      White over Kancey? That’s a tough one for me. The ideal size vs the ideal motor and get off.

  25. Palatypus

    Got some more video of the team drill. Yeah, not good at this.

    • UkAlex6674

      Well I love your little nuggets of overheard conversations! Keep ’em coming.

      • glor

        agreed

  26. Matt

    Rob – God bless your interactions with Seattle media.

    Apparently they are all bought into the solution that you build around Geno while paying him $35M. These people are just destroying a bunch of straw men in the process. It’s really just a giant bubble these people live in.

    “You can’t expect to draft a bunch of good players!”

    So…you have to sign them in free agency? Meaning…you can’t pay Geno.

    Dunning-Kruger in full effect.

    • GrittyHawk

      LOL. This has been my experience exactly. Fans simultaneously think that we can win a Super Bowl with Geno making $35M so we should draft defense, but also think this team has too many holes for us to bother drafting a QB so we need to draft defense instead. Schrodinger’s roster construction.

  27. Palatypus

    Jason Pishke. Director of Steeler Videography.

    https://twitter.com/AlbertB55481266/status/1620884600129220609?t=1sO61StGr1lGqr0eXE2bhA&s=19

    • Palatypus

      I must say, I am impressed nobody has claimed to crank call him with his phone number right there on his camera case.

  28. Palatypus

    “Hi, I’m Jim Nagy, nice to meet you.”
    Looked up from my phone and there he was introducing himself to the head coach of Gulf Shores HS, who’s team is here in force.

    Then I ran into a very confused looking Ian Rappaport.

  29. clbradley17

    Posted this with the next article by mistake earlier.

    https://twitter.com/hashtag/SeniorBowl?src=hashtag_click

    The Senior Bowl twitter site has tons of videos from yesterday and now, since day 2 practices just started.
    https://twitter.com/JustinPenik/status/1620790320211570689

    https://twitter.com/bgrisakDTR/status/1620626957062012928

    https://twitter.com/DiabeticTyler/status/1620619699934621696

    https://twitter.com/MrBucsNation/status/1620853390644506624

    In addition to the ones you mentioned earlier, some other WRs excelled in day 1 and now into day 2. A couple vids each of BYUs Nacua, Mich.St. Jayden Reed and 1 today of Stanford WR Wilson beating the DBs. Everybody wants to find the next Kupp, Deebo or McLaurin who can beat someone off the line not just with speed but great route running, and save themselves 20 mil/yr with a rookie for at least 4 years.
    https://twitter.com/CamMellor/status/1620490865277046784
    https://twitter.com/DailyUnivSports/status/1620847493557940225

    https://twitter.com/BarstoolMSU/status/1620493075155136512
    https://twitter.com/RussNFLDraft/status/1620853598417747969

    https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1620855464841052163

    Fantastic writing about the Senior Bowl Rob. They always seem to draft 1-3 players who played at the Senior Bowl, so we’re looking at some of our future Seahawks this week.

  30. Palatypus

    We in the last half hour of practice and the offense is winning big. Pancake blocks and a long TD run.

  31. clbradley17

    Saw a tweet a little while ago saying that he may be back later in the week, but OT Dawand Jones isn’t playing today, and is being evaluated to see if he can come back later in the week. Not sure if he tweaked an ankle or pulled something, doesn’t sound major, but he was dominant yesterday and is disappointing.

    • Roy Batty

      I would say that’s a possible problem with someone so massive.

  32. Derek

    Rob, this post is like draft-crack… inject it straight into my veins. So much good stuff, thank you!!

  33. glor

    with all these picks, it is actually an exciting off season.. just sucks that the draft is so far away!

    • hoggs41

      I say that every year. Feels like forever until late April gets here.

  34. Palatypus

    My Samsung Health App says I did 22,224 steps at Senior Bowl practice and I still have to walk the dog.

  35. Palatypus

    Okay, one thing I need to mention…

    There is probably no better tool for rumor collection at the Senior Bowl than an extension cord with a dual female outlet. The reason? The tables are far away from the power outlets and there are not very many of them. Being at one of these tables and offering to share your power cord with somebody’s phone or laptop will get you in proximity to overhear things.

    Without you looking nosey.

  36. Rob Staton

    One of the big takeaways from the Senior Bowl this year

    A lot of people on Twitter don’t know what a ‘winning rep’ is in the 1v1’s

    So many OL’s being driven into the backfield and because the DT or DE doesn’t release and get a clean run to the QB, it’s determined as a successful block

    If you’re a guard and you’re pushed into six-yards back into the pocket, that aint a win buddy

    • Matt

      Meanwhile reps of Mauch and Avila barely giving a step in the same drill.

      Draft Twitter is fun…it’s a little in-crowd who all rallies to harass the person who isn’t in line with their group.

      • Palatypus

        One guy I talked to yesterday was really talking up Mauch. People noticed.

        • Matt

          Love Mauch – he’s a high level IOL.

          • Rob Staton

            I think he’s been shoved around too much so far, lacks core strength

            • Matt

              Watched more clips…you’re right. He’s had some awesome reps and a lot of bad ones. Still intrigued by him as C in the mid rounds.

      • Rob Staton

        Massively so

      • GrittyHawk

        It’s not just Twitter, it’s like that on Facebook, Reddit, the comments section of any draft-related content anywhere…. Try going on r/NFL_Draft and saying something as innocuous as “Anthony Richardson could be a top-5 pick” or “Jalen Carter probably won’t be a pro bowler his rookie year”. Give people anonymity and a thumbs-down button and they instantly revert back to junior high.

    • Big Mike

      So in other words Rob, the O-lineman gets “Austin Blythed”.

      • Rob Staton

        😂

        Judging by twitter, Blythe must’ve had a great year

      • bmseattle

        @Big Mike

        Your comment, while certainly amusing, would have been much funnier if we also hadn’t witnessed our Center position be “Joey Hunted” and “Kyle Fullered” over the past 2 seasons.

        • Big Mike

          You are of course correct my friend.
          In my defense, it’s early and I’m only on my first cup of coffee. ☕

        • cha

          Remember when Drew Nowak was the center, and they tried to make Jimmy Graham an inline tight end?

          Good times.

          • Big Mike

            Pete Carroll

    • Steve Nelsen

      Henley has a reputation for being a sure tackler. Given Seattle’s problems with missed tackles and the glaring need for an inside linebacker, Henley is a guy to watch for Seattle. Rob has identified the agility drills Seattle prefers for their linebackers and if he hits those at the combine and shows up this week, he will check all the boxes.

  37. Palatypus

    Palatavision entrance to the stadium and walk through media alley virtual rumor-mongering presented for your pleasure.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Bx869XotG8

    Notice the very light security. I could have bought a roll of 3,000 firecrackers at Shelton Fireworks on the Flora-Bama border and nobody could have stopped me from setting them off. And they’re open all year. It’s a warehouse so big it can be seen from space.

    • DriveByPoster

      Nice work. That looks like an incredibly chill way to spend the day!

    • Roy Batty

      Speaking as someone who grew up on a small reservation near a fireworks depot that exploded, what you said is terrifying.

  38. Denver Hawker

    Maxx Crosby seems like the kind of guy our defense could have benefited from last couple years, not just for his on-field production: https://twitter.com/jasrifootball/status/1620851768656809984?s=46&t=IN-LywtGX_rjDgntA5mBJg

  39. Robert Las Vegas

    With Tom Brady officially retiring how desperate might the raiders be too move up for a QB.can you sit there and wait and hope that maybe Anthony Richardson will fall to you.i have no idea why the raiders aren’t allowing Derek Carr to find a trade partner. Jimmy G is in pretty good spot isn’t he.

    • Rob Staton

      I think they will be aggressive 100%

      I also wonder if they could be a Rodgers destination. Adams is there. It’s an AFC team. Offensive minded HC. Owner who likes a splash.

    • Roy Batty

      I think the Carr situation is all about control. The Raiders can sit and wait while things like the Brady retirement happen, upping his stock, just like Geno. It also keeps Carr from talking to other teams, allowing his side to let them know he would sign with them after being cut. Without the Raiders permission, he and his agent can’t talk to another team. That way the Raiders can still acquire draft capital, above the comp pick they would have received if cut and signed.

      It could get ugly, since Carr also has a no-trade clause.

      The most hilarious thing about the Carr situation is him going to the Pro Bowl…in Vegas.

      • cha

        above the comp pick they would have received if cut and signed.

        Just FYI you don’t get comps for players you cut. They have to be out of contract UFA’s.

        • Roy Batty

          Thanks for the correction, which makes the Raiders holding onto him until the last possible second, without allowing him to seek a trade, that much more likely.

      • Cambs

        They can’t sit and wait much longer. Carr’s 2023 salary becomes fully guaranteed on February 15.

  40. Mick

    Brady Henderson throws a contract idea for Geno Smith: “Three years, $90 million ($50 million guaranteed). The deal would include a $42 million signing bonus, along with base salaries of $2 million guaranteed in 2023, $13 million in 2024 ($6 million of that is guaranteed against injury at signing and becomes fully guaranteed six days after the 2024 Super Bowl) and $26 million in 2025. And there is a $5 million roster bonus due on the fifth day of the 2025 league year and $2 million in per-game roster bonuses that season.” I don’t like it, it’s too expensive.

    • Rob Staton

      Middling team, here we come!

    • cha

      Cap hits

      2023: $16m
      2024: $27m
      2025: $47m

      • Rob Staton

        Imagine saying…

        “Geno Smith, $47m cap hit” last summer

        • cha

          There are actually people still floating the idea that they tag Geno and some team will offer him such a big contract the Seahawks won’t match and take two first round picks instead.

          “you never know, teams get desperate!”

          • Rob Staton

            Insane

      • Big Mike

        But, but he had a great first half and we’re really scared of the unknown so better to feel safe/be risk averse and root for a mediocre team than take a shot at a great QB that could also fail.

        Helluva way to live life.

        • bmseattle

          That contract plus Carte at #5 = Super Bowl!

        • Peter

          So wild. A team built to be great a decade ago by taking big swings now has a fanbase desperate to stay mediocre.

          “Better to FEEL safe…..” exactly right. How’s everyone going to feel if the last half of the season is the whole season?

          Or a thought.

          Instead of arguing that geno should get paid like the cousins, carr, tannehill triangle frame it the other way. Say there was no Geno and people were pushing us to sign any of those three for franchise tag money would you even be slightly excited by tannehill and his one good year and a bunch of so-so? Maybe Carr with his very clearly good but not great ever career? How would signing Cousins and his very respectable stat line and his propensity to “cousins it up,” in big games?

          So why are people so enamored with signing geno for big money?

          He had an extremely good year for him and a great story. And that’s it. Not great very good.

          • Matt

            Peter…this is perfect. Sums up Carroll as well. “Why swing for the fences when you can just bunt the ball every at bat??”

            • Peter

              What happened to the team that butchered the opponents to end 2012?

              That’s the team no one would want to face.

              • Big Mike

                Carroll got fat because he had no one to answer to once Paul died. Just my opinion

          • Steve Nelsen

            Peter, flip your argument around. If Geno had played for Minnesota or Tennessee or Las Vegas, there would be no argument that those teams would be looking to get him back.

            • Peter

              You’re not wrong.

              But I’m interested in pursuing greatness not staving off the inevitable.

              This experiment cuts both ways. Of course teams want a qb that is good enough to give you hope. But if we wouldn’t want one of them why should we be so desperate for our own version of the same?

              I do think time might be running out on Cousins. I lived in Minneapolis and a good deal of my friends feel the same way many hawks fans felt about Wilson at the end. Minus having any big wins to defend him.

      • Steve Nelsen

        So, what Brady Henderson is really saying is that we offer Geno a 2-year $65 million deal with $14 million in dead money in 2025. You expect Geno to get cut before year 3.

        I disagree with his numbers on the guarantee but I think he is on the right track for the structure of a possible Geno contract: 1) Geno gets a fair amount of up-front guaranteed money, 2) Geno gets “$30 million/year” and 3) Seattle has an affordable out after 2 years.

        • Ben

          $14 mill is an affordable out? That’s a top-tier defender you’re missing out on in 2025.

          • Hawkdawg

            I think the point of the article, or one of them, is that by 2025 $14 million won’t be truly handicapping.

    • GrittyHawk

      This really just makes no sense to me. Why would we backload a contract like that unless we were going all-in on winning a super bowl this year? There is zero chance we would field a competitive roster with a $47M cap hit in 2025 (on a 35 year old QB no less). Frankly there’s also zero chance he’d even be on the roster at that price, in which case I have to question why we’d resign ourselves to that amount of dead money to have a moderately decent QB for two years, maybe one of which we have a legitimate shot at contention.

      The more I think about this, the more I feel like we just absolutely have to walk away from Geno unless we’re talking 2 years at <$15M AAV. We can't allow this surprise season to completely upend a rebuild and set the franchise back another 3-5 years. I hope JS is more realistic about the quality of this team than the fans and media are.

      • Cheese22

        100%
        Why pay Geno too much to have a mediocre season, worsen next years draft picks by 15ish spots and take away any cap space potential?
        Get the rookie QB you like and throw him in the deep end, get decent draft spots, sign a difference maker or 2 and build toward the future.
        Seems like a no-brainer.

    • jed

      What I found just as interesting as the contract is that Brady mentioned on Twitter that none of the other journalist GMs offered Geno a contract.

      I know it’s been mentioned here, but other team fans (and ESPN beat reporters) aren’t as interested in Geno as some Seahawks fans think. I’m guessing he ends up closer to the Jameson Winston contract (2/$30) than a Wentz/Cousins/etc. deal.

      • Steve Nelsen

        This will be the key. Does Geno have a market above $20 million anywhere else but Seattle? We will know before the combine. But, the fact is maybe he does. You take a look at the 4 starting QBs in the NFC South and tell me none of those teams might be interested.

        • Big Mike

          I don’t know, his age and career backup/journeyman status may make them think twice. We’re going to find out soon.

        • GrittyHawk

          The Saints and Bucs are in cap hell right now. Dalton was actually shockingly serviceable this year and would probably cost less than Geno anyway. I’m not sure I could see the Falcons jumping back in on a veteran QB either with their many roster holes and newfound youth movement on offense, especially when they just got out from under the weight of that Matt Ryan contract. I could maybe see the Panthers being a fit, but it’s hard not to buy into all the buzz of them wanting to trade up to take their QB with a new coach in town.

          • cha

            I could see Atlanta going in on Lamar Jackson.

            • jed

              That’s a good point. Atlanta went hard after Watson last year and almost got it done until the Browns guaranteed the entire contract.

              I wonder if the Ravens would be looking to get Richardson with Atlanta’s pick or if they’re tired of that style QB like how many Seahawk fans are tired of a short QB.

              • cha

                I think they’d be happy to take Bijan or a DL project like Tyree.

            • Big Mike

              Don’t count out Lamar to Miami either. I’ve heard he’s from there and Tua ain’t the answer. If I were Carr I’d be salivating to go there as well considering the weapons they have.

              • Ben

                Isn’t Tua an example of what we want instead of a FA, highly paid QB?

                I get Lamar > Geno, but Lamar at $50 or $60 mill vs Tua for another year on the cheap and the year after that at a reasonable price seems like exactly what we’d want in the draft this year.

                It’s not like Lamar Jackson has come close to repeating his MVP season his Sophomore year… while I’d love him on a rookie contract, I wouldn’t be happy about replacing a solid rookie QB for him at that price.

        • Sea Mode

          I don’t think they will, especially considering his age and what just happened to RW after he left this system.

          But if he does, I hope we take the 2024 R3 comp pick and run.

      • Sea Mode

        Thank you! I was just about to write this very thing. When it came to Geno, it went like this:

        Nobody:

        Literally nobody at all:

        Not a soul:

        Brady H: Seahawks offer $30m/apy.

    • Ben

      Nobody mentioned Gardner Minshew or other possible guys either. They just ended it without other considerations.

  41. Mr drucker in hooterville

    I M liking the idea of Drew Lock and #5 pick QB combo.

    • Roy Batty

      Just because I love watching Rome burn, I would love to hear Goodell say, “With the 5th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select…Anthony Richardson, Quarterback, University of Florida.”

      The servers at Twitter would melt.

      • Big Mike

        I actually think that’s how it’s going to happen. I think Stroud an Levis will be gone and Young might be as well (watch the Texans). I want it because of the possibility of greatness from him. The twatter meltdown would just be a nice bonus.

      • BK26

        It reminds me of The Dark Knight when Alfred is talking about the Joker: “some men just want to watch the world burn.”

        If that happens, we can sit back and enjoy the chaos that will come, all while Rob can say “told you so.”

        And then we watch him become an uber quarterback

  42. cha

    Some interesting match making here.

    I can dig the Seahawks’ pick

    https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2023-nfl-free-agency-one-player-each-team-should-prioritize-signing-in-offseason/

    Seattle Seahawks: DT Javon Hargrave

    “Gravedigger” was a big reason for Philly’s success in 2022, as he racked up 11 sacks and 60 combined tackles. Hargrave is also one of the interior defensive linemen who can rush the passer, and I guarantee you no one cares he’s about to turn 30 years old. He’s going to be in high demand this offseason, and would be a great addition to a team that had the third-worst run defense in the league last year.

    • cha

      Bingo. This guy gets it.

      https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2023-nfl-offseason-most-important-free-agent-for-every-team-including-lamar-jackson-josh-jacobs-geno-smith/

      Geno Smith, QB, Seahawks

      One of the trickiest evaluations of this year’s available veteran QBs, Smith looked like a genuinely different man for much of 2022, showcasing poise and decisiveness that was never apparent early in his career. Down the stretch, he was far more prone to forced throws, and Seattle’s draft capital suggests a new face of the franchise could — and should — be on the way. Still, as a potential placeholder, you can do quite a bit worse. His familiarity with the system is a bonus.

    • Sea Mode

      At least it matches a need with a quality player, yes. But now that we’re seeing this DT class shape up to be quite good, I’m wondering if you don’t lean that way in the draft and go for a FA iOL instead.

    • Ben

      Downside is PFF grades him at 47 in run defense. His 91 on pass rush is pretty awesome though.

      Payne similarly rates terribly against the run, but with a pass rush of 72.

      Is PFF wrong on these or are they truly question marks against the run?

  43. Dustin

    I’m starting to think that there is a decent chance both Chi and Ari trade down and the 1st 4 picks will all be QB. The good news for Seattle is that if we want to trade up with Ari we will have the highest pick to offer them this year, and thus have the upper hand. Ari can trade down with Seattle and still snag Will Anderson. If Ari is willing to part with #3 for our #5 and #20 picks, I’d be ok with that, especially if other teams are trying to trade up with Arizona. I think we should try our hardest to get a top 4 QB this draft as next year we will probably be too good to be able to get a top QB in the next draft. Maybe there will be no market for Geno and we can get him for 22-23 million a year, though that seems unlikely, and even then we still need a QB of the future, though I’m holding out hope that Lock might eventually become a solid starter. Let’s let Geno go, trade up with Ari if needed to snag a QB, and let the rookie and Lock compete. As Rob has pointed out if we don’t sign Geno we can afford FA DL And LB to round out our roster.

    • Sea Mode

      While I agree whole-heartedly on going QB early, I think in your scenario that’s too steep a price. R2P37 or maybe even R2P51 + a day 3 swap should be enough to move up with Arizona.

      I guess if it’s a QB JS just has to have and there is a huge bidding war to trade up for that pick, I could live with parting with R1P20 for him. I would ask for Arizona’s R3P96 comp pick at least in return though if it came to that.

    • GrittyHawk

      I think a lot of that depends on how they actually feel about Lock — not the hyped up story they tell the media. If they truly believe their system can enable any QB to have success, it’s hard to see them trading valuable draft picks to move up. I think they would just wait it out and run to the podium to grab Anderson or Carter, and take a swing at QB on day 3. I badly want to go QB at 5 but if they walk out of day 1 with Anderson and Keion White, Carter and Drew Sanders, or some other similar combination of front 7 guys, I would be too giddy to fall asleep that night.

  44. KennyBadger

    https://nfldraft.theringer.com/mock-draft

    I like Danny Kelly and I certainly like how the hawks fare in his mock, but cmon man.

    • Cysco

      That really is the dream draft isn’t it?

      • cha

        Might as well throw somebody a pick to move up into the late first and draft Bijan.

        Can you imagine walking out of the first round with the 3 most physically talented players in the draft?

        • KennyBadger

          Yes I can imagine Cha, the PFF simulator allows me to rosterbate on a daily basis. 😂

          • Big Mike

            Fantasies make for excellent roseterbation I’m told.

      • KH

        A dream draft yes, but I’d have to talk a walk or something between pick 5 and 20. Not sure I could handle the stress of waiting on Anthony Richardson.

        • Roy Batty

          PFF doesn’t allow AR past #9, ever.

          PFN let’s him skate into the top of the 2nd, at times.

          • Mr drucker in hooterville

            Pfn also has Keion White as #240

  45. Rob Staton

    My day two Senior Bowl notes will be up in about four hours guys, got something on this evening UK time

  46. Matt

    Why does Seaside Joe keep bashing your opinions Rob? I’ve only subscribed to his emails 2 weeks ago but you seem to be his only target. It feels like his only stance is that your always wrong. Very off putting for someone new there. Thanks for all your content, you’ve made the draft a pleasure these last many years.

    • Matt

      Ken is prisoner to his followers. And this is what they want. I think this is pretty clear.

    • Roy Batty

      I’d say that speaks more to the growing clout Rob has amongst Seattle fans. People must be bringing up his articles and Kenneth must be feeling a bit put-off.

      For what reason, I have no idea.

      You would think the opposite would happen and he would want to reach out more to Rob and have a friendly debate/conversation. It would bring in more listeners/readers and make for a more robust discussion.

      • BK26

        100% this. Rob’s takes have been very accurate, more so that anyone else with the Seahawks. Kenneth is also trying to write something literally every day and that dilutes your work sooner or later.

        And I really think that he was banging for McCall and no one but his readers ever even considered him for any future for an NFL team.

        Why divide this kind of small community with that kind of stuff? Frame it better.

    • Rob Staton

      I’ve no idea why

      But Kenneth is letting himself down here. Very disappointing from someone I’ve worked with in the past and only a year ago gave up about 2 hours of my time for his podcast or YouTube channel to have a great draft conversation.

      Quite aside from the fact he’s talking rubbish. I’ve done three mocks and I’ve given them Anderson and Carter x2. A clear bias to Stroud and Levis…

      And I’ve voiced concerns about his conditioning, not his tape.

      • Ryan Purcell

        I don’t feel like he’s taking shots. He is certainly mentioning you semi-frequently tho. (And hopefully driving some traffic to this blog!)

        • Rob Staton

          I think saying someone is ‘biased’ towards the QB’s, when I’ve written three mocks and put a D-liner with Seattle on each occasion is BS.

          Plus he made reference to a Jeffrey Simmons comp. That was the comp I made on 2nd January: https://seahawksdraftblog.com/draft-notebook-the-truth-about-jalen-carter-will-anderson

          He said I wasn’t enamoured with his tape. Really? Read that article and tell me it lacks balance. Or perhaps I’ve just gone further than anyone else to dive into the issues with his conditioning. I’m one of the few people, too, who has highlighted that Lance Zierlein’s scouting report questions his maturity/character. So it’s not just McShay. It’s Zierlein too. And the conditioning.

          This is just called a thorough breakdown. It isn’t bias. It’s frustrating to be accused of that when I’ve also criticised C.J. Stroud plenty (one of the players I’m seemingly biased about) and I haven’t much need to criticise Levis. Plenty do that elsewhere. To me it’s more necessary to remind people what he ‘can’ do because there aren’t enough talking about that.

      • Hawkdawg

        His tape shows his lack of conditioning. It’s a big reason why he disappears at times when playing, and why he plays fewer than half of the defensive snaps.

    • Steve Nelsen

      I don’t know about Seaside Joe but here are a few things I know about Rob as a long-time reader of this blog:
      1. NOBODY has a better understanding of the traits that Seattle looks for in draft prospects than Rob. So so many of the quotes we hear about Seattle draft prospects trace back to work Rob has done. “Seattle doesn’t draft cornerbacks with short arms.” Rob. “Seattle doesn’t draft cornerbacks early.” Rob “Seattle doesn’t draft offensive linemen with short arms.” Rob
      2. Rob puts incredible effort into his evaluations. He personally watches tape. And he does a great job of evaluating the tape he watches. When a professional like Jim Nagy respects Rob as a peer the way he does well that says everything.
      3. Rob’s development of TEF to forecast which offensive lineman are likely to be on Seattle’s draft board has proven remarkably accurate and is the finest example of developing an analytical tool to project draft picks that I have ever seen.

      Nobody is right all the time. The salary cap/roster development piece of being a GM is more art than science but Rob doesn’t let fear of criticism keep him from stating his opinion. And some of Rob’s more controversial opinions (like Russ and Adams) have proven to be accurate.

      • KennyBadger

        Well said Steve. I don’t know about seaside joe either and don’t really ever care too.

  47. Scot04

    Can’t believe people advocating Franchising Geno & trying to trade him.
    Seahawks have 31M in cap without a QB signed.
    We had around the same in 2020; & just over 40M heading into the 2021 offseason.
    Those years were with Russell’s contract.
    I find it funny people blamed his contract for not being able to improve the team.
    Well here we are with him off the books.
    Less to spend and no QBs signed; plus like Pete & John said we’re far behind the 49rs.
    So is it smart to spend 32M+ per year on a QB heading into his 33yr old season.
    It’s seeming more obvious their plan didn’t accout for Geno having a year anywhere near what he did.
    Thus they don’t have the cap flexibility they thought they would.
    Definitely feels like they were banking on a Rookie QB. All this brought up by Rob long ago.
    “As of today the Non Exclusive Franchise Tag is more than the Cap Space we have available.”
    So it’s difficult to see the logic in that move; it would definitely hamstring the team.
    Too many people trying to justify 30M+ 3yr deals or worse a Tag & trade.
    Now KJR loving the Henderson contract. Bumpus saying he’d prefer a 2yr of Tag. SMH…..

    • cha

      An actual headline over at mysportsnw:

      “Lefko: New salary cap makes Seahawks’ decisions for QB and draft easy”

      Actual insight and clear-headed analysis is still in short supply these days.

      There’s no better time to be good at it.

      • Scot04

        Yes, sadly I saw that. Unfortunately the 9-8 season gave too many false hope. Tired of hearing media Bump & Stacy saying how close we are if we keep Geno. No neeed to spend on Free-agent DT’s, we can fix it in the draft, Really?
        So thankful for this site.

      • Mr drucker in hooterville

        Thank you for bringing this up. I saw that article and just rolled my eyes. I would love to hear Robs opinion of that article.

    • Roy Batty

      But they have two safeties and a TE. What more do you want?

      As for Bumpus, he doesn’t ever provide answers to the most daunting questions. For him it’s an AMEX gold card that never has to be paid back. It’s always “They can find a way.”

      Sure, anyone can find a way, but that way usually leads to what the Saints and other teams are staring at.

      The bill ALWAYS comes due.

    • geoff u

      I can’t believe people think someone would be willing to trade for Geno, let alone something that’d get us anything good in return.

  48. Olyhawksfan

    They could take Carter at 5 and maybe trade up to get Richardson. Not saying I’m into it, but maybe a possibility?

    • Ashish

      That would be nerve wrecking wait. So many teams will be looking for QB. But one can argue Jackson lasted 32 Hurts in 2nd round.

  49. Palatypus

    Got here a little late, but back at the Senior Bowl. Talked to a Bears guy doing a deep dive on the trenches. Loves Benton. Hates the Notre Dame guy. Said he needs strength.

    • Palatypus

      Got some video of individual drills with the linemen. Cold today. Sparse crowd. Leaving for a bit. Getting some pizza.

  50. JimQ

    I think the Seahawks can & should offer Smith an **incentive laden** 2-year maximum length deal with a 3-rd year option maybe, (if necessary, in negotiations). The guaranteed money should be kept to a minimum & most of Smith’s pay should come from those benchmarked incentives – *ONLY IF* achieved. The maximum contract payout shouldn’t exceed $15/to/18 million a year. Personally, I’d make it a “take it or leave it” deal & if Smith doesn’t like it, they can go with Locke on a similar and even much cheaper deal. The only real question then becomes –when– do the Seahawks make the take it or leave it offer to Smith? Perhaps the best time for such an offer is after Smith has tested the market for a while & has found interest lacking?

    • Mr drucker in hooterville

      Yes. There is no way Seattle should offer a contract until Gino plays the field. If someone wants to give him stupid money let them.

  51. Blitzy the Clown

    Tony Pauline
    @TonyPauline

    If I had to use two words to describe the play of Adetomiwa Adebawore/DL/@NUFBFamily today @seniorbowl practice it would be the following- HOLY CRAP!!! He’s been a one man wrecking crew and opponents have been reduced to holding him and getting flagged.

    10:43 AM · Feb 2, 2023

    Love for Ade Ade

    • Palatypus

      There were some scuffles earlier.

    • JimQ

      DL-Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northwestern (+ workout #’s but could he produce as an IOL? Maybe too short for edge?)
      6-2/284, 10-7/8″-hands, 34″-arms, 82-1/8″-wingspan, 4.5’s/40, ranked as a mid-to-late day-3 prospect, A SLEEPER=?
      ****Made Bruce Feldman’s Freak’s List – ranked #30. He wrote, “”The 6-2, 280-pounder this offseason did 30 reps on the bench at 225. He maxed 410 on the bench and 685 in the squat and 375 power clean. His times also are elite: a 4.05 pro shuttle; a 6.9 3-cone to go with a 10-5 broad jump and a 37.5 vertical jump.”” Could be a very interesting evaluation with him, I need to watch some tape.

      • Steve Nelsen

        He may not fit at edge but he could fit at a 5-tech defensive end in our new 3-4 scheme. Maybe move inside on 1-gap formations

  52. Palatypus

    Tony Pauline is standing right in front of me. He just finished an interview.

  53. Palatypus

    Chris Rock is here. Should I slap the shit out of him?

    • 12th chuck

      would they give you a 10 year ban on the senior bowl if you did? LOL

  54. Palatypus

    Overheard some people talking up the speed of Riley Moss out of Iowa.

  55. Matt

    Rob – what are your thoughts on Jer’zhan Newton. Not even 21 yet. Nice production and athleticism.

    The more I look at this class – the more I think you attack DT twice on Day 2. Would be ecstatic with Newton and Benton at a “discount.” Think they’d compliment each other nicely. Would free you up to go after a Drew Sanders or Keion White at 20 and a QB at 5.

    • Matt

      He returned to school…damn

  56. Trevor

    Not sure we need another 240lb edge rusher but man Will McDonald looks good in these 1 on 1 drills. Playing at a different speed than the rest of the guys.

  57. Palatypus

    Tyjae Spears continues to kill it. Wouldn’t be surprised if he was the game MVP.

  58. Palatypus

    Kenny McIntosh continues to impress. Steve Avila is having a rough day. Got knocked on his ass.

  59. Blitzy the Clown

    Joe Marino
    @TheJoeMarino

    Minnesota IOL John Michael Schmitz has been clamping dudes all week!Unbelievable practice energy. Love how he’s taken ownership in the OL. He helped himself a ton in Mobile. #RatedRookie #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE

    https://twitter.com/TheJoeMarino/status/1621263737901432832?s=20&t=E_KUKjcY6Y3iyFHPPkqlug

    • Palatypus

      Yeah, he looked real good today. Avila…no.

  60. hoggs41

    Im going to try my luck at a potential offseason strategy. According to OTC we currently have $31m in cap space with 48 rostered players. Here we go.

    Cuts:

    Shelby Harris $9m savings (we now have $40m and 47 players)
    Gabe Jackson $6.5m ($46.5/46)
    Bryan Mone $2.7m (probably would be a $1.2m injury settlement so we will go with saving $1.5m savings) (48/45)
    Jamal Adams $8.5m (he has $2.5m guaranteed for injury se the $11m would go down to $8.5m) ($56.5m/44)

    Restructure:

    Diggs $3m (his original deal was $18.1m this year and $15.1 next year. If we convert $6m of his base salary to a signing bonus the cap hits would flip flop) ($59.5m/44)

    We now have about $60m in space with 44 contracted players so lets add now.

    Free Agent signings:

    Dremont Jones $-7.5m (sign him to a three year $30m deal with a first year cap hit of $7.5m) ($52m/45)
    Ben Powers -$6m (sign the left guard to a 3 year $24m deal and maybe switch Lewis back to RG) ($46m/46)
    Geno Smith -$16.67 (sign him to a three year $80m deal with $30m guaranteed. $20m signing bonus plus a $10m base salary gives him a year 1 cap hit of $16.67m) ($29.33m/47)
    Rashaad Penny -$2.5m (give him a 1 year deal to be the backup and maybe some incentives if he becomes the lead back) ($26.83m/48)
    Ryan Neal -$4.3m (second round tender) ($22.43m/49)
    Mike Jackson -$895k (erfa) ($21.54m/50)
    Myles Adams -$895k (erfa) ($20.6m/51)

    Now we have about $20m left and 51 players under contract. Have some for the draft, practice squad, IR and a little left over for some smaller moves. Now the draft.

    Draft:

    I trade back with Carolina from 5 to 9 and gain pick 60 and pick 113. (this is what the most recent trade chart suggests so Im just going with it)

    Pick #9- Anthony Richardson
    Pick #20- Drew Sanders
    Pick #37- Siaki Ika
    Pick #53- Byron Young (Alabama)
    Pick #61- Luke Wypler
    Pick #83- Kenny McIntosh (not sure he makes it this far but could be Chris Rodriguez)

    Offense:

    QB:
    Geno Smith
    Drew Lock (if we drafted AR I would still want Lock and have Richardson be QB3. Might cost us $1.5m as thats about what Geno was as a backup)
    Anthony Richardson

    RB:
    Kenneth Walker
    Rashaad Penny
    Kenny McIntosh/Chris Rodriguez

    WR:
    DK Metcalf
    Tyler Lockett

    TE:
    Noah Fant
    Will Dissly
    Colby Parkinson

    OL:
    Charles Cross
    Ben Powers
    Luke Wypler
    Damien Lewis
    Abe Lucas

    Defense:

    Front Three:
    Al Woods
    Q. Jefferson
    Dremont Jones
    Byron Young
    Siaki Ika
    Myles Adams

    Edge:

    Uchenna Nwosu
    Darrell Taylor
    Boye Mafe
    Tyreke Smith
    Alton Robinson

    LB:

    Drew Sanders
    Jordyn Brooks (will start season on IR)

    CB:

    Tre Brown
    Tariq Woolen
    Coby Bryant
    Mike Jackson

    Safety:

    Quandre Diggs
    Ryan Neal

    Love it hate it? No chance at these guys? Prices are way off? Thoughts?

    • Ben

      I love how much thought and effort you put into it.

      I wonder how much better, if at all, our run defense would be after these moves.

      • Mr drucker in hooterville

        I’d seek a TE upgrade. Cut Dissly? Draft Kraft

        • cha

          Unfortunately there is no practical value to cutting Dissly this year.

    • cha

      Good work!

      I can get with all that.

      I’d tack on extend Nwosu and Parkinson, feel out trade options for Fant at the draft and be active in the summer market for a 3rd WR.

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