The case for the Seahawks drafting a quarterback

Kellen Mond is really, really good

I can hear the cries of derision now.

The collective anguish that’ll be expressed by fans and media in Seattle could take on a physical form, rising through the floorboards like something from a Hellraiser sequel, if the Seahawks draft a quarterback early.

A lot of people found the Russell Wilson off-season saga challenging. Many got very defensive about it all — constantly trying to downplay everything, suggesting it was just some absurd media creation.

Yet it was real. It was very real.

This would be an explosive new chapter in the saga.

Yet the only difference between now and the moment Adam Schefter tweeted Wilson’s four preferred trade suitors, is those four options have come off the table.

There’s been no public dismissal of the supposed distance growing between quarterback and team. Michael Silver recently compared the whole thing to an episode of Seinfield, when George Costanza resigned from his job then turned up at the office on Monday acting like nothing had happened.

It seems like, more than anything, a trade simply wasn’t viable this year and both parties have accepted that and are just going to press on.

After all, what choice do they have?

But I think we all know that there’s a reasonable chance this will resurface in nine months time. No amount of ‘Go Hawks’ or ‘everything’s fine’ (what we’ll predictably hear from all concerned in the coming months) will change that.

If that’s the case, the Seahawks have to consider drafting a quarterback early in this draft — if the right player is available.

I know what the reaction to that suggestion will be. Many Seahawks fans will roll their eyes. They’ll hate the thought. They’ll think it’ll drive a divide between Wilson and the team. They’ll see it as provocative and undermining.

If you’re one of those people, take a step back and consider the following:

1. If there’s a chance you part ways with Wilson next year, as many have reported is a possibility, why wouldn’t you put yourself in a greater position of strength by having a fallback option on the roster, rather than facing the situation you had this year with no clear alternative solution at quarterback?

2. Given Wilson sent a list of trade suitors to Adam Schefter, why should he then react with surprise or displeasure if the team looks after its own interests by drafting an alternative in preparation for a potential future trade?

3. When the Packers used their top pick on a quarterback a year ago, it motivated Aaron Rodgers to have a MVP winning season and they reached the NFC Championship game.

I think Wilson has some extremely valid concerns about this team. If what has been reported by people close to his camp is accurate — the issues regarding the extent of Pete Carroll’s control, the style of the offense, the performance of the defense, the personnel decision making and the ownership flux all deserve serious attention.

I applaud Wilson for raising these issues. I think he’s one of the few people capable of initiating change. And some things need to change in Seattle in order to improve on a record of one playoff win in four seasons.

Yet we know there’s a reasonable chance this change won’t happen. Carroll isn’t going anywhere. Neither is his philosophy. Ownership isn’t close to changing either.

This might mean a divorce in 12 months — short of a major coming together and/or a successful 2021 season.

Therefore, the Seahawks are almost duty bound to think about the future. If they aren’t willing to do what Wilson wants to the extent there could be a parting, then they have to plan accordingly.

Drafting a quarterback this year won’t guarantee a long term replacement but at least you have ‘one in the chamber’ as John Schneider might put it. You have someone you can evaluate internally and integrate into your system and culture.

The 2022 quarterback class looks horrible at the moment. It’s probably the main reason we might see five quarterbacks drafted in the top-10 later this month.

Plus you won’t necessarily have a Matt Stafford, Carson Wentz or Sam Darnold to take a punt on next year.

Drafting someone now gives you an option. And sure — it creates drama. I’m inclined to say if the Seahawks can stoically navigate through what’s happened over the last couple of months, they’ll be able manage this too.

We’ve reached a point where we can’t say with any real certainty that Wilson will finish his career in Seattle. Therefore whether it happens next year, 2023 or 2024 — it’s time to start drafting quarterbacks. It’s time to start thinking about the future.

The worst case scenario is you get a cheap backup you can develop.

So how do you justify it this year with only three picks?

Personally I don’t think the Seahawks have assembled a roster that is primed for a deep playoff run. Yet I don’t think a rookie drafted in the #56-75 range and some day three selections are going to be the difference there either.

What they have done is fill holes. And while some areas remain somewhat unaddressed — options are available in the veteran market.

I think there’s a reasonable chance they’ll use their draft picks to plan ahead anyway, just at other positions. Offensive tackle and cornerback for example. Picks for the future.

A rookie center or receiver might be able to contribute quickly but that’s no given. I’m not sure why anyone would look at a draft where you start with three picks and think this is going to be a class potentially laden with impact for the Seahawks.

And look — if you made me put money on which position they select first, I wouldn’t lump on a quarterback. I just want to present the case for why it could happen and explain why I think it makes some sense.

I think one of the main reasons why it won’t happen is because the top quarterbacks will be gone. I think it’s highly possible Kellen Mond and Davis Mills will be off the board at #56 — the two players many project to be available in that range.

Mond is a four-year starter in the SEC. He shone at the Senior Bowl. He led Texas A&M to a terrific 2020 season with their only defeat coming against Alabama. He showed consistent progress throughout his college career. He has a great arm and throws well under pressure.

Yes he’s a bit robotic and he doesn’t make the most of his athleticism by loosening up and showing improv and creativity.

(I get the sense playing within structure might be a bit more important in the Shane Waldron offense)

For me he’s a terrific talent with much of what you look for in a draftable quarterback. He has the arm, the accuracy, the character, the progression over a number of years playing at the highest level of college football, he can throw with anticipation and under duress. There are ‘wow’ throws on tape.

I’m stunned at how little hype Mond has compared to some of the other quarterbacks in this draft.

Mills is a different story. He had 11 college starts and it showed. His decision making was poor at times and I just don’t think he ever found a consistent rhythm at Stanford. He was streaky. Yet he also has all of the tools you want, he has shown he can throw with anticipation and timing and with more experience there’s no reason why he couldn’t have been a very high pick.

If either player is at #56 I think they should be considered.

Let’s be right here — the Seahawks are not forced to cater for Wilson’s wants and needs and if he decides he wants a trade, only then start preparing for what’s next.

By opening the door to a possible future outside of Seattle, Wilson has forced their hand. They have to consider alternatives starting with this draft class.

I have one final thought on this. I accept the following is purely speculative and just me thinking out loud.

I found the reporting on Chicago’s trade interest insightful. The report was that John Schneider and Ryan Pace had talked. Then they met in North Dakota around Trey Lance’s pro-day. An offer was made, which Schneider presented to Pete Carroll. Then Carroll rejected it.

You can interpret this in different ways. My interpretation is Schneider wouldn’t present an offer to Carroll he had no interest in. And if he presented it while advising Carroll to reject it, I think the story would’ve been reported differently.

I wonder if Schneider is sick of dealing with Mark Rodgers and all the drama and perhaps was willing to just move on. I think Carroll, as is his nature, is more inclined to try and work through the situation.

It’s only a thought — but what if Carroll and Schneider have settled on persevering for another year under the proviso the GM gets to make some contingency plans? Especially if there’s a quarterback he really likes in this class?

And if he was willing to take the #20 pick from Chicago — does that indicate that he does have his eye on someone who isn’t among the field of QB’s expected to go in the top-10?

Pure speculation but an interesting talking point, don’t you think?

When I complete my final mock draft for Huddle Report scoring, I probably won’t have a quarterback paired with Seattle at #56. I think they’ll trade down and take an offensive lineman or a receiver with their top pick. I also think Kellen Mond and Davis Mills will both be long gone when they finally make a selection.

If they did draft a quarterback though, I think some perspective would be wise rather than the howling, shouting explosion we’ll likely witness.

If you missed the interview with leading draft insider Tony Pauline, check it out below (and subscribe to the YouTube channel):

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212 Comments

  1. Benjamin Davis

    Great write up Rob! Thanks for all that you do!

  2. Submanjoe

    I’m with on you on this one. I am fine with them taking a qb if the right one they like is available. I see nothing wrong with a young qb in the wings to be developed or used as needed or as a replacement in waiting behind Wilson.
    I wish they’d have kept Alex Mcgough. I think they know Wilson needs a Rivers or Smith type as a backup for Wilson, a guy who’s started and can help Wilson on the sidelines, talk him through what just happened kind of thing.
    I also think the lack of draft capital hinders things this year…

    • Submanjoe

      Austin Davis not Rivers

    • TomLPDX

      Alex McGough is on our roster. We signed him after the season ended. Correct me if I’ wrong. I remember that pass over the shoulder for a TD in the 4th pre-season game when we first signed him and thought…”this guy has promise!”

      • Submanjoe

        I just meant I wish they’d have kept him. He bounced around for a couple years. He has good energy. Looked like a guy who really enjoyed the game.

  3. Denver Hawker

    I don’t see drafting Mills as a threat to Russ at all. He’ll need a lot of time to develop. Hawks currently do not have a backup signed. Russ has been durable, but he’s getting older. Team needs a viable backup. Many here in Denver think it’s possible Manning didn’t get that SB without Osweiler stepping in while he was injured.

  4. R. L. Howser

    The only way the Hawks trade Wilson next year is if it comes with at least one high first-round draft pick, as well as a couple more later in the round or in later years. Next year’s QB class may not be that great, although it’s hard to say a year out that some QBs won’t rise over the course of the year, but a top pick in a bad year is likely to be better than a developmental project this year. That second-round pick will likely bring us either more draft picks through trade downs, as you ably demonstrated the other day, or could shore up a position of need elsewhere.

    • Rob Staton

      You’ve missed the point I made on why you do it now

      • Dan Riggs

        Rob, after all of the talk about Russell Wilson leaving, why didn’t you ask Tony Pauline about his tweets that you’ve been citing? Odd that it didn’t come up in your interview.

        • Rob Staton

          I literally quoted what he reported back to him and we talked about it 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

          • Dan Riggs

            Whoops, really? My bad. I was interrupted a couple of times so clearly I missed it.

  5. GerryG

    If I’m Russ, and they draft a QB, I’m super excited, because it increases his odds of moving on after this season.

    You can’t look at this 2022 roster and be excited.

  6. Ryan

    Count me as someone who won’t be disappointed at all if we take Mond or Mills at 56. Plan for the future at the most important position.

  7. Spectator

    If Mond or mills did make it 56, wouldn’t there be question as to why they lasted that long? Presumably meaning the bears and saints choose to go with there current QBs over drafting either of them

    • Rob Staton

      Why did Russell or Dak or Cousins last long?

      • Spectator

        RW was because of height.
        If I remember correctly for Prescott it was because he was said to have poor mechanics (feet and throwing motion) and lacked ability to go through progressions. I do remember liking him a lot though in that draft. Looking back at the draft and the qbs taken ahead of him is, well, crazy lol
        Connor Cook to me was good college QB, but never really had the intangibles to be an NFL qb. Similar to Coonor cook, Hackenberg, etc in the bigten (I only mention those because they were both picked above Prescott crazily in hindisght)

        They all had their flaws, and many QBs with perceived less flaws were taken higher. Those three just happened to pan out.

        I like Mond, he is my third favorite QB in the draft between TLaw and Field, and agree I dont think he makes it to SEA pick in the second. Just saying if he does, it would seem like red a flag in itself. What dont we see that teams do, and what would indicate that the Sea wouldnt agree with the rest of the league. I would not be mad at all if they took him though, would be a sign to me that they are learning and want to grow instead of staying status quo.

        • Rob Staton

          A player lasting in a draft is never a red flag. You’re reading too much into that.

          Players last longer than they ultimately should every year.

        • Benjamin Davis

          I was screaming at the TV when we were in the 4th round to Draft Dak Prescott. His Miss St. Bulldogs tore up my LSU Tigers that year. I thought this kid is gonna be special in the NFL. The Dallas took him. People down here in Texas were freaking when Tony Romo got injured. I said, “yall are going to the Super Bowl with Prescott!” I was almost right. Dak tore up the league that year. I was also right about my boy Joe Burrow when the whole nation had him going in the 2nd rd, even this blog. I said he’s a Top 5 lock.

          I like Mond more than Mills, but neither excite me. They’re efficient and could potentially build a team around them. If I had to pick, I’d go Mond and “keep one in the chamber” as Schneider says.

          However I prefer we trade down and acquire more picks.

      • Spectator

        I also definitely agree with the premise that if we plan on moving on from RW, we need to get soemone this year, the 7th best QB in this draft could be top 3 relative to next years.

  8. Mick

    I believe there’s a chance Saints go for a transition year with what they have at QB and try to get Russell next year. I do think we need a replacement and anyways we need a solid backup. I just don’t think we should go QB when we have so few draft picks, unless we find a real hidden gem – Mond might be one, so I would understand this move. It’s way more important to get an option at WR or a rookie CB, not to mention a LT or a C. We won’t get someone half-way decent at 56, likely Mills and Mond are gone. If I were John Schneider I’d try to get Minshew from the Jaguars before the season starts, and I might try to do that even with Mills still available at 56. I wonder what we can offer them though.

    • Big Mike

      “I just don’t think we should go QB when we have so few draft picks”

      Trade Adams and you’ll have enough draft picks for a QB and a C, OT, etc.

      • Mick

        I’m all in favor of that.

    • Tomas

      As always, Rob makes good sense. I agree with Mick that the Saints are likely to make a major play for Wilson next year; I see zero possibility that even the great Sean Payton can succeed with either Winston or Hill at QB. Winston’s fool’s gold – an irredeemable turnover machine that the QB “whisperer,” Bruce Arians, couldn’t fix … at all. Hill simply doesn’t throw well enough – why not sign Tim Tebow? So the Saints will be looking, and Wilson will be eager to play for a coach like Payton with strategic intelligence – a coach who goes for the throat. Regarding 2021, Waldron better be an f’g genius, and Pete better keep his hands off the offense. It could happen, but my hopes are slim. I agree with your assessment of Mond, Rob.

  9. cha

    Drafting someone now gives you an option. And sure — it creates drama. I’m inclined to say if the Seahawks can stoically navigate through what’s happened over the last couple of months, they’ll be able manage this too.

    Interesting point. I do think this will put PC’s press acumen to it’s biggest test yet.

    It should be noted, the Seahawks as an organization haven’t had a single press conference since this blew up. It’s not difficult to call them ‘stoic’ when they haven’t been forced by circumstance to open their mouths and speak on the situation.

    And what’s more, they’ve been heavily supported tacitly by the local press up until now, insisting that it’s ‘situation normal, everything is fine here now, we’re all fine here now, how are you?’

    Drafting a QB shoves a jalapeno pepper into the tailpipe of the situation. And the press will be forced to cover it.

    I have no doubt the bulk of the local press will immediately side with Pete Carroll and paint him the wise tactician and laud how he is able to smooth over any conflict (whether he really is or not). That is predictable.

    But given their first real opportunity to talk to Carroll and Schneider about the entire situation will be immediately after them drafting a QB pretty high, I’d imagine there would be some fireworks. At least from the national media anyway.

    And then there is the Rodgers/RW camp response. Cowherd and Florio would have material for months.

    I’ll be curious to see how PC handles it, given how he does is prone to these little passive-aggressive snipes at reporters who dare try to hold him account for what he said or did.

    It will be far harder to deflect with humorous stories about coaching with Bud Grant and playing pickup basketball.

    • Big Mike

      “And what’s more, they’ve been heavily supported tacitly by the local press up until now, insisting that it’s ‘situation normal, everything is fine here now, we’re all fine here now, how are you?’ ”

      With some members of the local press it’s been several steps beyond that cha to the point of anyone not adhering to that line of thought being aggressively mocked as being, to coin a phrase, full of shit.
      You’re right about the locals likely siding with Carroll if a QB were to be drafted. They’ll just state it was done for backup purposes/hedge against an unlikely RW in jury and not much different than the McGough pick.

    • Big Mike

      But yeah, the national media would have a field day with it.

    • Blitzy the Clown

      Luke, we’re gonna have company!

  10. Ryan Purcell

    Maybe take a flier on Feleipe Franks in the 4th or 5th round??

    • Rob Staton

      He’s not good enough

      • Ryan P

        I read this post that has colored my thinking. This is obviously a pretty rosy viewpoint!! We do need some kind of a backup. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.acmepackingcompany.com/platform/amp/nfl-draft-2021/2021/4/15/22386126/feleipe-franks-is-the-most-criminally-underrated-qb-in-the-2021-nfl-draft

        • SamprasSultanOfSwat

          Ryan. Loved the article on Feleipe Frank’s. Good show.

          Rob. Totally agree on Kellen Mond. I am shocked that Mond has not gotten more attention. But I think I can explain why. All these prognosticators tend to copy each other. We have seen in years past where the experts on the NFL network, ESPN miss the boat. On the NFL Network the analysts tend to follow Daniel Jeremiah. As you know Jeremiah is not always right.

          As far as Mond is concerned would love to see him on the Seahawk roster. Pretty much agree with your article. Except for one point.I do think the Seahawks have a legitimate chance to go to the Super Bowl. Everything has to fall into place. The key is can they stay healthy? On that 2013 team the Hawks were Super healthy for their Super Bowl run. For Seattle to make a Super Bowl run everything has to fall into place.

          • GerryG

            They also had depth, amazing depth.

            My memory is getting a little fuzzy, but pretty sure Okung missed half the season, Harvin missed almost everything, Irvin was suspended 4 games, and Browner got nicked up and ineffective to be replaced by Maxwell eventually. I’m sure I’m forgetting some too. They didn’t have any catastrophic injuries (although losing a top wr you traded a lot isn’t good) but the team was so deep.

  11. DC

    If the front office believes that a split with Russ is inevitable after this season then they will be/have been looking for a successor. Should opportunity knock…

    The roster looks like it’s about a season from semi-implosion anyway. Lots of older vets at key positions with little up & coming ‘core’ talent. So if you’re going to trade Russ in 2021, which to me means you are tanking regardless how you spin it, then you might as well reap the reward of an assumed, high-ish 1st round draft pick in 2023 rather than gifting the NYJ with said pick in 2022.

    Drafting a QB this year wouldn’t be any more shocking than when I heard “Penny” or “Brooks” announced in years past.

  12. Brik

    I’m all for it. I think you made the point that this draft is all about adding depth, not really finding anyone to start today. Would be nice, but our pick doesn’t guarantee that option. What this got me thinking about is if it comes down to it; Would you trade our 4th round pick to move up to get Mond or Mills if that’s what’s needed to get them?

  13. Blitzy the Clown

    I’m totally fine using the first pick on Mond (or perhaps Mills, although I’d be less enthusiastic about him). But that kind of selection, especially in a draft with so few picks, comes down to how you see your roster. Is it one or two players away from being a Super Bowl contender?

    If that’s how you see it, then there’s no way you put your first pick into a player/position that won’t do anything for the team this year.

    And sadly, I think that’s how Carroll sees his roster. I think he thinks he’s one or two players away from being genuine Super Bowl contender. And so that’s how I think he’s going to draft.

    • Denver Hawker

      I’m not sure any team looks to the draft to plug SB holes. It’s always about the long game, depth, and ST.

      Outside the top-15, it’s very rare to find an above average starter Day 1, much less an impact player.

      One thing the Hawks have historically done well in the draft, albeit not well recently, is draft guys that need a full year or 2 to get their feet, and turn in to quality starters, because they have specific traits that result in success.

  14. Blitzy the Clown

    Filed under FWIW…

    I watched most of the Alabama spring game yesterday during which were aired interviews with Mac Jones and Justin Fields. And for me, there’s no question who came across with the better intangibles. Jones looked, acted and sounded way more NFL ready and more of a natural leader.

    • Henry Taylor

      Fields had his ribs absolutely crunched against Clemson and he put on a heroic performance through the pain to lead his team to the win.

      He has his flaws as a prospect, but from everything I can gather about the guy, leadership isn’t one of them.

      • Rob Staton

        There’s plenty of noise out there though questioning his leadership

        • Henry Taylor

          There is, nothing I’ve found particularly convincing – at least from what I’ve seen anyway.

          • Rob Staton

            I would then ask, what would you find convincing?

            Personally I tend to go by the whole ‘no smoke without fire’ approach to stuff like this. And throughout his college career there was always talk about him being a bit quiet, not a natural leader. So much so that there were reports that he’d tried to be more vocal in 2020.

            There’s been several reports this off-season that he’s not a natural leader, or things along that line. Some obviously worse than that.

            • Henry Taylor

              Idk I guess I’d need to have something more substantial about his teammates not getting along with him.

              I’d be willing to accept that he isnt as vocal as some other QBs, but I dont think that’s all there is to leadership. I think toughing out a brutal injury and putting your team on your back in a massive game speaks more to his leadership than rumours that he’s a bit quiet.

              • Rob Staton

                It’s not just that though, is it Henry?

                • bmseattle

                  Is the smoke around Fields similar to the smoke that was around Kyler Murray when he came out?
                  I’m seriously asking, not making a comment one way or the other.

                  • Rob Staton

                    No — I don’t recall any smoke like this about Murray

            • Ryan

              Weren’t there similar rumblings about Justin Herbert last year, how he’s not a vocal leader, and people questioned whether his lack of outward confidence would hurt him? Sometimes it could be a thing, sometimes it could be overblown.

        • Spectator

          Then wasnt it immediately dispelled with the whole Ohio State coaching staff and players calling such talk crazy , though? I will be honest that i have really come to like Fields during this process. Even the guy who made the claims that started the smoke, Dan Orlavksy, come out and apologize saying that he should have gotten his facts straight before saying something? It seems like the whole saga about Fields has been crazy weird, especially when you have Mort making a statement about Fields playing baseball every year at Ohio State including last year and that has made him have a funny throwing motion, and then it came out that Fields hasnt played baseball since junior year of high school. Just odd attacks to me. This while Jones has a criminal record that doesnt get brought up, or Tlaw stating that he doesnt really care about winning the super bowl and could walk away from football and be fine with it.

          Dude has his flaws, and very well may be a worse prospect than Jones and others, but the fact he is getting unreasonably attacked in the media for bogus things, and then watching interviews with him, i really like the kid.

          • Rob Staton

            Then wasnt it immediately dispelled with the whole Ohio State coaching staff and players calling such talk crazy , though?

            And they have no horse in this race at all…

            Even the guy who made the claims that started the smoke, Dan Orlavksy, come out and apologize saying that he should have gotten his facts straight before saying something?

            And I wonder why

            Dude has his flaws, and very well may be a worse prospect than Jones and others, but the fact he is getting unreasonably attacked in the media for bogus things, and then watching interviews with him, i really like the kid.

            He is not being ‘unreasonably attacked’. People are questioning, fairly, his suitably as the leader of a franchise. It happens all the time.

            • Spectator

              They could be argued to have a horse in the race agreed, if even I could argue also that they dont, but isnt that what it would take to dispel a rumor? Hearing from those that were with him day in day out. His team. Like Saban said before, no one should ever draft a player without first talking to the coaches, because the coaches know best. Dont you want to hear it from the coaches and players that played with him? That is the only way for it not be speculative, even if it may be biased.

              I wonder why as well, but it seems to be because his comments were unreasonable and not a credible. Questioning someone’s character and fire is a big deal to do. Even if he was just relaying what someone told him and playing telephone.

              The unreasonableness of it is the fact fake things are brought up about a player (unsubstantiated comments, claiming he is a baseball player when he hasnt for 5 years, etc), while real issues on other players (multiple DUIs, self proclaimed lack of drive and passion) are present and unaccounted for in the media. That was the whole point. People should be questioning players absolutely, but the unreasonableness of it is in the fairness of the evaluation. Really doesnt matter at the end of the day, as teams don’t listen to the media, and have their own assessments. Plus Fields wont be a Hawk and I have already spent to much time defending someone that wont be a seahawk and I think will end up being a rival hahaha But for the sake of discussion as the OP mentioned, FWIW I think it has been odd.

              • Rob Staton

                They could be argued to have a horse in the race agreed

                It’s not an argument, it’s a cast-iron fact.

                Asking his off-season QB coach and his college team for info is like asking your mum for a job reference.

                I wonder why as well, but it seems to be because his comments were unreasonable and not a credible.

                No, that’s not it.

                The unreasonableness of it is the fact fake things are brought up about a player (unsubstantiated comments, claiming he is a baseball player when he hasnt for 5 years, etc), while real issues on other players (multiple DUIs, self proclaimed lack of drive and passion) are present and unaccounted for in the media.

                So you can’t ever say anything about Justin Fields, or share information, without immediately pivoting to someone else?

                Come on.

                And you’re contradicting yourself with the references to Trevor Lawrence’s recent comments. Because that really is a load of old bollocks, yet you’re bringing it up here.

                People should be questioning players absolutely, but the unreasonableness of it is in the fairness of the evaluation.

                It’s not unreasonable to share info that is non-complimentary on a player.

                Really doesnt matter at the end of the day, as teams don’t listen to the media, and have their own assessments.

                And where do you think the media get their info from?

                Teams.

        • SamprasSultanOfSwat

          When it comes to Justin Fields he does have issues including leadership. Fields like Mac Jones benefited from an all-star roster. So it is really hard to gage their performances pwith all that talent behind them. Fields has a higher ceiling. Mac Jones has a higher floor. For some reason I get the feeling that Shanahan would feel more comfortable working with Jones. But in my opinion Jones is already on the roster. His name is Jimmy Garoppolo. Jones will do exactly whatever Shanahan wants him to do. Fields with all that talent might be prone to testing the water. Which could infuriate Shanahan. I am sure that both Jones/Fields are all in. But I think,(guessing) that Jones will spend more time refining his craft. Not to mention spending more time in the film room.p Don’t know which way the 49ers will go. I am hoping they take Jones. Don’t like idea of facing the 49ers with Fields and his talent running the show in San Francisco. Fields upside could be scary. Especially with that 49er talent.

        • SeaJ

          I typically agree with the whole ‘no smoke without fire’ perspective, but in the case of draft prospects, especially highly ranked QB prospects, media often go way out of their way to find ‘red flags’ and nitpick like crazy, so I don’t always put much stock in the narratives they create, unless they are substantiated…case in point, media saying Fields isn’t a leader because he’s quiet…that’s hardly enough evidence to say that he’s not a leader…for the record, though, I know nothing of Fields, so for all I know, there is legitimate reason to suggest he’s a poor leader…it’s just that narratives generated by the media can often be a red herring, and I think it’s annoying.

          • Rob Staton

            There’s also too often a tendency to dismiss legitimate reports as ‘media narratives’.

            There was talk about Fields needing to be more vocal and take control long before draft season began.

  15. Alex

    I was always skeptical that Wilson would be moved this offseason, price was unlikely to be right with so many years left. Next offseason I agree, he’s gone if the relationship isn’t mended effectively. I buy the idea that if there’s a QB value to be had, this is the year to draft one, especially with the 2022 class looking the way it does.

    I do hope some of the recent news hits indicating Wilson is buying back in are true, but if we see a QB drafted, that will say a lot.

  16. Ryan T

    Really interesting piece Rob. I think the main problem with drafting a rookie QB this year is that you lose a large chunk of the benefit of the cost control and cap space that comes with it. One year sitting behind Wilson, plus second a year with Russell’s dead cap hit at £26m limiting maximizing the roster that year as well leaves you with only two remaining years of cost control assuming the drafted QB is indeed starting quality.

    There’s also the potential that drafting a second round QB dissuades the team from using any of the trade capital on another QB, and you end up in a Broncos situation with Drew Lock where you don’t get an opportunity to draft a top QB but still don’t have the guy.

    • Rob Staton

      Well if you trade Wilson next year, you’re not really losing anything are you?

      You’ve got three years of great club control instead of four.

      And spending a second won’t dissuade them from drafting anyone else. It didn’t stop them when they spent a third + a significant trade down for Whitehurst or paying big money to Flynn only to draft Wilson. They know when you’re looking for a QB you keep looking until you find one.

      • Ryan T

        But it’s really two years of cap maximisation lost, because you have the big cap hit next season as well. I suppose I’m just not convinced the Seahawks have enough young talent on the roster after losing Wilson to win without a top 5 QB. I’d much rather see them continue to invest draft picks in improving the quality of the entire roster, and then have 4 full years of cost control with a rookie QB so you have the ability to stack other positions through both free agency and the draft.

        If you don’t have a top 5 QB, and the chances of drafting one are of course extremely slim, history seems to indicate you really need them on that cheap deal in order to compete, or at least have a large amount of other talent on rookie deals.

        I actually think the idea of getting a QB on a rookie deal and moving back towards his style of defense and running the ball would appeal to Pete, but if you’re going to do that you’ve got to have the talent in place first.

        • Rob Staton

          This is nothing to do with the topic though.

          You seem to be arguing the merits of trading Wilson not the things I’ve raised in this piece.

          • Ryan T

            Respectfully disagree – if that’s the impression you’ve got I’ve obviously not conveyed my points very well.

            This piece is titled ‘The case for drafting a QB’, and my argument is based on the assumption you do trade Russ, not anything to do with the merits of that trade.

            I’m simply arguing that Seahawks would be better off waiting to draft QB in later years and using the pick instead to improve the rest of the roster, in order to 1) Get as many years as possible with that cheap QB as the starter not a backup, allowing you to invest in the rest of the roster. If you draft QB this year and trade Russ next year, you have year 1 as a backup, and year two with a £26m cap spent from the trade 2) Improve the roster as much as possible with cheap talent before taking your next QB

            If you look at what happened when Seahawks won the SB, they had a lot of the talent on the roster before drafting Russ, and therefore had more years with a compete with a cheap QB before the inevitable roster decline and players leaving to fit the new QB contract under the cap.

            • Rob Staton

              I don’t think this makes any sense though Ryan.

              You’re essentially saying you need to have the perfect situation to draft a rookie to max out his contract, a great roster to prop him up. Meanwhile if you trade Wilson next year you’re not presenting any viable alternative there while all of this rejigging goes on.

              • Ryan T

                There’s two viable alternatives, either use a pick you get in return for Russ next year, or if you don’t like anyone in that class, take a 1 yr deal on whatever veteran FA you like best that year, in the Fitzpatrick, Dalton Minshew Ilk. Sure you’re not going to win a lot of games that way, but you’re putting yourself in position to compete going forward.

                What I don’t understand from your proposal to draft a QB this year is you argue that the roster isn’t good enough to compete WITH Wilson, even if you spend that 2nd on a player. What opportunity are you giving Mond or whoever you draft if the roster is as incomplete as you argue above? Even if plays a great 2nd/3rd year as a rookie with a mediocre roster, you then have to pay the guy.

                I’m all for drafting QB’s regularly, it’s the most important position on the field and teams should be taking opportunities to find ‘The Guy’, but the Hawks need to get better, and I’d rather see them improve the roster over using the first two years of a guys rookie deal not being able to maximise the roster around him and give the team a chance to win whilst he’s cheap.

                • Rob Staton

                  Are you honestly arguing that a more attractive scenario is to trade Wilson then hope for the best in the draft, or sign someone like Ryan Fitzpatrick and then presumably just ‘wait’ for a viable, cheap quarterback to be available?

                  Come on. How is that preferable to simply taking one this year, giving him a season to integrate and then potentially giving yourself far more security from next year onwards?

                  And I don’t understand why you’re so caught up on needing this ideal, complete roster for a new QB. It’s possible to build with a young QB. Especially if you’re suddenly armed with money and picks.

                  I think we’ve exhausted this now and both had our say.

                • Ryan T

                  I suppose some of the difference is probably how you view a prospect in the second like Mond – if you see him as someone who has a legit shot to be a top 5 QB in the league, I agree you draft him in a heartbeat regardless of the contract implications. I’m looking at it more from what a 2nd round QB upside is historically (and I know there are those players who break the mould), but if the upside is more like league average starter, then I want as many years as possible on a rookie deal to give the team a chance to win.

                  • Ryan T

                    Love the blog though Rob, keep up the great work. 👍

    • cha

      Said it before, I’ll say it again.

      The Seahawks should get a massive haul for eating the dead cap hit. The team getting RW basically gets him at $.60 on the cap dollar. The Seahawks will have every incentive to maximize his trade value.

      Now imagine getting that big of a haul AND not having to spend any of it on a QB if a Mond or Mills works out.

      They’d be set up royally.

      • dj 1/2 way (SEA/PDX)

        Yes. This is what I want, and I still think it might happen. There is talk of trading Russ during the draft so the team getting him can give up (4) 1st round draft picks. If Mond falls to #20 and could be drafted for the Seahawks that might be the make or break the FO is looking for.

        Also, I do not want any players back. Give us second round picks. Every year I want 2-3 second round picks but especially this year.

  17. DAWGfan

    I would take Mills over Mond in a heartbeat. Mond only throws fastballs and has zero anticipation. Mills downside is playing time but has twice the upside. He can make every throw, great anticipation and touch, and is more athletic than he given credit for. Unfortunately, he’s going to be gone within the first 25 picks. Mond will be a early 2nd round pick, but I don’t see much more than a very good back up in the league.

    • Rob Staton

      Mond only throws fastballs and has zero anticipation.

      Incorrect

  18. MyChestIsBeastMode

    (Apologies as this post got wordy and a little tangential)

    I hate it, and I agree with you Rob. Drafting a QB feels like a necessary annoyance forced by RW. Even with a full draft stock, taking an early pick at QB would sting because it takes from other positions that could be made better by that pick. It’s only made worse by having very poor draft stock this year. I imagine these feelings are quite similar to Aaron Rodgers being pissed that the Packers didn’t use their 1st to make their team more competitive for a Superbowl run, instead drafting Love.

    However, having some leverage over Russ or at least a viable, if not ideal, fallback option should the Russel relationship completely deteriorate over the next weeks/months/year feels absolutely necessary sans a proper contract extension.

    I hate it because I’m more glass half full on the Hawk’s prospects of being a contender this season. While I also agree with Rob that we are probably done with any major DL signings, I continue to hold some hope that we snag one of the decent-to-solid DTs available in FA. Our defensive line is not elite, but it’s got (more than) enough pieces to constantly rotate and keep guys fresh and hungry all game long, and may just be the viable pass rush we’ve been pining for since Frank Clark’s departure. Any one of a Richardson/Hurst>Atkins/Short addition would be the icing on the cake for me to believe this DLine could be real disruptors.

    In the scenario where IF Mond/Mills were there at 56 and IF Meinerz or other quality OL is there, it would be a hell of gut punch to see the QB taken instead of bolstering the trenches. And still, a necessary annoyance that IMO could only be prevented with a RW extension; which seems unlikely given all the shots fired from both parties this off-season even if RW is now pulling a Costanza maneuver.

  19. Henry Taylor

    Random non-Seahawks QB thought, if the Niners want Mac Jones so they can have someone who plays within the system and doesn’t rely on going off script (which I agree is likely what will end up happening), there’s a team in front of them that runs the same scheme from the same coaching tree who appear certain to take Zach Wilson.

    But isn’t the off-script stuff exactly what makes Wilson special? I think he’s a special talent who should absolutely be the 2nd QB off the board, but I wonder how the Jets plan to use him and whether he’ll be wasted in such an offence.

    • Rob Staton

      But isn’t the off-script stuff exactly what makes Wilson special?

      Not at all

      What makes Wilson special is his complete game

  20. DancingBuddha

    I think you have the diagnosis more right than the treatment in this case imo. While drating one in the next 2 years seems imminent, if they do decide to draft one, wouldnt they be better served trying to go get one of the better options next year rather than hoping for the 5th or 6th best choice in this draft falling to them, if they get lucky? They’ll have more ammo to move around with and more flexibility perhaps even with regard to trading WIlson.

    • Rob Staton

      Why would one of the better options next year (in what is shaping up to be a honking QB class) be better than a player who I’ve watched each of his games for the last three years and I’m saying with confidence that he is a good prospect?

  21. Trevor

    If Mond or Mills is the pick at #56 I would be completely fine with it and in fact it would likely be a prudent pick.

    If they do make that move however I think we can safely say the chances of Russ being traded next offseason would go from probable to almost guaranteed.

    • Rob Staton

      I wouldn’t go that far.

      I’d say it’s just useful, calculated insurance and leverage.

      A smart move.

  22. Matty

    I wouldn’t go for a qb at #56 especially if there’s no trade down available
    I would go for biggest need and biggest talent available.

    • Rob Staton

      I would go for biggest need and biggest talent available.

      So quarterback then?

      Because if there’s a chance of a trade next year it’s by far the biggest need

  23. SamprasSultanOfSwat

    Hypothetical questions. Let’s say Seattle offered their second round pick (56) and Rasheem Green how far up the ladder could they go?

    • Spectator

      57 lol

      • Lewis

        Hilarious

    • cha

      I doubt they’d get up to 55 with that offer.

  24. Dennis Simonson

    Honestly, I love Wilson, but if he doesn’t want to be here and he seems to say that stronger each year, then it is stupid if we aren’t looking at alternatives. I also don’t think he accepted much of the blame for how the offense completely fell off a cliff, and from what I saw, that wasn’t all offensive playcalling. He had a terrible statistical stretch in there. I just feel like he might to focused on his legacy, because, while his points are valid, what should the coaching staff have done? They gave him a massive amount of playmaking opportunity up until it blew up. Then they tightened the playcalling again…. I don’t think this is all coaching issues or “old school mentality”, Russ straight up got owned by some teams and didn’t adjust. This is coaching too, but in a year where it looked like Pete & Co changed alot of their playing (passing more on 1st down etc) and blitzing from the secondary to make up for crappy pass rush, that saying that the “coach wasn’t listening to my ideas” falls flat for me.

  25. Sean-O

    It makes a lot of sense. Too much probably. I do wonder since it feels like SEA is all in this season by some of the signings they’ve made (and the way they’ve constructed the contracts) if they don’t try to fill a more immediate need (C, WR3, OT?). Again, it makes sense but I’m sure everyone involved will love answering continual questions regarding SEA drafting the heir apparent for ’22.

    Here’s a question, are they’re any QB’s on other rosters that SEA was known to be high one coming out of college or in general? Someone they could target in ’22 via trade next off season when they have more draft resources or free agency? Because in ’22 SEA will still have a ton of vets & I’m not sure PC will have the patience to groom a young QB.

    Brissett? Trubisky? Jacob Eason? Mariota? Bridgewater? Minshew?

    • Rob Staton

      Darnold was one but he’s gone for now

  26. Nathan W.

    Keep an eye out for Trent McDuffie and Kyler Gordon at Washington next year… Could make a case as the best starting CB tandem in CFB next year.

  27. JLemere

    Well Pauline did say that Seattle has been going left field when it comes to draft selections. It could be QB (Mond/Mills), could be TE (Jordan), it could be DT (Nixon, Togiai, Tufele), or the biggest shocker would be drafting a CB in the 2nd round for the first time in the PC era.

    • Rob Staton

      It’s not going to be Brevin Jordan.

      You can take that to the bank.

  28. ScandicHawk

    If Mills is available in the 50’s, for sure we should take him. In the right system/situation he’s got the ceiling to be an All Pro qb for years, a younger and more athletic Andrew Luck. But hopefully without getting the crap kicked out of him, like Luck.

    Picking at 56, I mean Schneider is trading back for sure given his track record, unless he’s in love with a qb like Mills. (like Russ)

    Our draft is going to suck this year, but not just because of the sucky numbers but because Schneider and Pete will keep dropping in the draft, trading position for more picks, and higher risks. We’ve seen how that’s worked out of late over the last few years. In a way, the Hawks have been better at FA signings than drafting the easy choice
    right there in front of them in their draft slot. (as Rob has listed on so many occasions) The games the FO plays pretending they are smarter than everybody else are long over.

    • Sea Mode

      Just to clarify: you can like Mills all you want, but he is neither as big nor even close to as athletic as Luck, much less a “more athletic” Andrew Luck (and honestly, that’s a pretty generous comp, even for his ceiling…)

      • ScandicHawk

        Davis is definitely more athletic than Luck – the comparison was to Luck in the NFL, where injuries took their toll, as stated…. a younger/new talent in Mills versus beat up veteran, both Stanford alum – so both with big brains, big arms, nice touch, nice pocket feel.

        Davis is taller by about an inch, Luck was heavier – I’d call it a wash, especially as Davis will likely add weight in the NFL.

        As for the comparison, we’ll see. You seem pretty smug about it. Luck was a gnarly qb for the rest of the Pac, definitely. Mills flashed big time but for far too few games in the shortened season. It’s all about ceiling. (Mills was 5 star out of Georgia as well, not bad, watch his highlights there and full games in the pac if you can access or find them.) I’m telling you, Mills’ athleticism is deeply underrated.

        Fan of Luck’s as well, just an unlucky system for him as a young qb with a crappy oline.

  29. Rob Staton

    This is a fantastic piece on what it’s like behind the scenes of a draft, written by Michael Lombardi:

    https://theathletic.com/2522899/2021/04/16/lombardi-what-really-goes-on-in-an-nfl-draft-room-a-lot-of-unnecessary-noise/

    This quote at the end resonated from a Seahawks perspective…

    “The teams with the best drafts will have fewer people involved in the decision-making process — and even fewer in the actual room on draft day.”

    • Sea Mode

      Not questioning his behind the scenes tidbits, but are his conclusions really proven or is that just a hypothesis? Seems like more of a theory to me.

      • Rob Staton

        Sure, it’s a theory.

        But it’s a theory from someone who’s been a GM and in many different front office roles

  30. CaptainJack

    Quarterback would be a solid pick. It would be controversial though. My main issue with the idea is I think it would require a trade up. It’s possible neither Mond or Mills last past round one. Lots of qb needy teams right now.

    If DT is the pick I’d be positive about that. Especially if it’s a bit of a sleeper guy, think Tershawn Wharton of the chiefs. Oline would be great as well but center options are possibly dried up by then. Might be the sweet spot for a developmental left tackle.

  31. TomLPDX

    Rob, Choir preaching to the preacher…this article is SO spot on! Thank you for pointing out the truth of where we need to be and thinking as a FB team. Well done!

  32. Rusty

    I agree with this to the extent that drafting a guy like Mond, if they indeed like him, shouldn’t be dismissed. Though if they are indeed going to trade Wilson next offseason, I think the path they might go is to also trade Metcalf and do a total rebuild, basically committing to sucking in 2022. You could still do that with Mond and hope you emerge in 2023 with a young talented roster in his third season I suppose

    • Rob Staton

      There is 0% chance of them doing that

    • Mick

      Metcalf is precisely a young talented player that you must keep if you want to have a shot at winning anything. He could develop into one of the very best active receivers. I see no possible reason why you’d trade him away.

      • Roy Batty

        I have read multiple people on multiple sites comment on grabbing draft capital by trading DK. I dont get it. As you and Rob have stated, he is the embodiment of the exact thing you hope to achieve by trading him. He is currently under contract on a cheap deal for 2 more years, and even if he asks for top dollar, the man is worth top dollar. By the time his deal truly kicks in with the big money, it will be 2024 and the cap will be a hell of a lot higher.

        What is with people and draft picks? Every pick is a gamble. DK is already a sure thing. Charlie didn’t trade the golden ticket just so he could buy more Wonka bars to find another golden ticket, did he?

        • cha

          No, but Grandpa Joe (PC) nearly killed Charlie by urging him to try the Fizzy Lifting Drink (Jamal Adams) even though he knew it could have potentially lethal side effects.

        • Rusty

          DK would have 1 cheap year left when traded in this scenario. Everything you like about DK just makes him more valuable and worth better picks. It’s like arguing against selling your house because it has a pool…

          Practically speaking, DK might not be interested in signing an extension with a team that just traded away Russell Wilson. He might even be a bit unhappy about playing out the 4th year of his rookie deal on that team

          • Rob Staton

            When the Seahawks offer him a deal to be the highest paid WR in the league, he’ll be alright

  33. Paul Cook

    The Seahawks have done absolutely NOTHING (or as close to it as you can get) about addressing the QB situation behind RW in the draft since they drafted him. There’s no question that this idea is on the radar screen now. It may not happen this year for all sorts of different reasons, but it is on the agenda now. That’s a no-brainer to me.

  34. BobbyK

    I’d be fine with a QB at #56. If Russ isn’t going to be around in a year, this would give them a year to figure out if they have a legit QB to take over at that time. Then all the picks received received for Russ could be used on other pieces.

    Taking a QB at #56 would require long-term thinking though. Pete Carroll sucks at long term thinking at this point in his career. He doesn’t care about it if we judge the way he wastes money on bad players (like last off-season when he blew $50 million for not much) and it’s obvious there is no long-term vision when you only have pick #56 in the top 130 to go with no #1 pick next year either. He doesn’t care about tomorrow, only today, if we judge his actions.

    If I thought the Seahawks were only 1-player away from being frontrunners – I’d get that position at 56 and see what they could do. But they need a lot more than one player to be considered a conference frontrunner. Heck, at this time, I’d put the 49ers and Rams ahead of them as favorites for the division and the Cardinals being decent means there’s a legit chance the Seahawks could finish last in the division.

    I can see a small outside chance that the Seahawks get lucky and win the Super Bowl next year. Health, a grand slam at 56 of DK or Russell himself proportions, favorable schedule, lucky bounces, and… sure, they could do it. But at this time there’s probably 15 other teams I could list who don’t have to get as lucky as the Seahawks would to win the SB next year either. This means I hope for more long term thinking over more continued band-aids.

    • McZ

      The reality is, short of a complete rebuild, the NFL is always win-now, and not long-term thinking. Long term is three, four seasons.

      so, I’m not sure, that works against PC.

      What works vs PC is the big question: what has been changed to finally win another playoff game vs a competent DL?

      If we are led to believe by the hype, Gabe Jackson is that something. He comes from his two worst seasons, and was not much different to Iupati. On the other side of the football, Carlos Dunlap just had his worst. Some goes for Alton Smith. Kerry Hyder never had a PFF rating north of 70. This team is built to PCs “next up”-style of thinking.

      Re QB… I think, tony Pauline is right. Jamie Newman (R4-5) and Ian Book (R5-7) are the names to watch. The only think I think he is wrong is the idea, that Seattles’ head-coach supervised offense needs another set of eyes on the sideline. Not gonna work, bro.

      • Rob Staton

        The problem with Jamie Newman and Ian Book, however, is they are really, really, really bad.

  35. Ground_Hawk

    Good article, Rob. Drafting Mond would be much easier to envision happening with more early picks, but it seems that Seattle has made their bed in this regard. Only a trade involving: RW3, BWagz, or JAda could provide decent value for Seattle that could provide them with those earlier picks; as you have written about for the last several months.

    Personally, I would like to see JAda moved, unless he’s willing to take about 14mil/yr, which might be wishful thinking, but paying him 18-20mil/yr would be an embarrassment.

  36. line_hawk

    Well, based on their moves this off season, it looks like they are going for it (whether you think they are close or not). Next year, if Russ moves on, they could get some veteran (like Matt Ryan) or suck for a year and draft one in 2022. I don’t believe Pete plans a year ahead & gets a future QB when all his moves are short term focussed. Of course, anything can happen but I think it’s very unlike Pete.

    • Rob Staton

      1. It will be virtually impossible to trade for Matt Ryan next year

      2. You say Pete won’t play a year in advance but also propose he might be prepared to ‘suck for a year’ — come on

      3. They have consistently planned ahead in the draft — see Jordyn Brooks, Christine Michael, Frank Clark, Ethan Pocic etc

  37. Jordan E

    Interesting read, but yeah, no. I also do not see the Hawks drafting a QB and am firmly against the idea of drafting a 2nd round QB just for the sake of having a “QB in the chamber.” The risks and loss of rewards (playing well this season) heavily outweigh the chance that your 2nd round QB will emerge as franchise QB. I’d suspect a high chance of losing the locker room if the hawks would make a move like this as well. Most of the Hawks seem to really buy in and view Russ as the leader of the team.

    • Scot04

      The key is PC & JS. If they like a QB at 56 that’s available I’m comfortable with that. I don’t believe they’ll just take one to take one.
      But if you get that opportunity to grab a yiung QB you like, you take it.

      • Rob Staton

        Exactly Scot

    • Rob Staton

      I also do not see the Hawks drafting a QB and am firmly against the idea of drafting a 2nd round QB just for the sake of having a “QB in the chamber.”

      So you’re against the Seahawks having a viable in-house solution given the reasonable possibility of them trading Wilson in the next 12 months?

      Why would you be against that?

      The risks and loss of rewards (playing well this season) heavily outweigh the chance that your 2nd round QB will emerge as franchise QB.

      I’m sorry but it sounds to me like your expectations for whoever they draft at about #70 are completely out of kilter. That player might not even start this year. You’re speaking like the difference between 2021 success and failure is a (likely) third round pick being spent on a different position.

      I’d suspect a high chance of losing the locker room

      How is this more likely to lose the locker room than the QB calling out the O-line (which, by the way, is currently 4/5th’s the same as it was in 2020) and making passive aggressive trade requests through the media?

      Most of the Hawks seem to really buy in and view Russ as the leader of the team.

      Oh really?

      • Jordan E

        1. Yes, because if we do trade Russ, I would want a first round top-10 type of QB. Not a 2nd round QB we make the face of the franchise and then go back to QB Carousel days.

        2. Yes, I think we can still get a good player at #56 that can contribute to the team. Maybe a WR. If we do go developmental, I think that a developmental OL will be much better.

        3. Yes. I do not see in anyway how the team would support going QB at #56. Bobby, Jamal, Lockett, DK & Russ all want to win now. They do not want to be part of a rebuild, and have defended Russ in interviews by saying much of what the media is saying is untrue and that Russ just wants to win.

        4. Yes. Based on the recent interviews I’ve heard from Dunlap, C. Carson & even KJ, they all have said that Russ is staying in Seattle and was an important reason for why they signed. So yes, picking a QB in round 2 would be a total slight to Russ and would be a waste of a pick if we do indeed retain Russ.

        • Rob Staton

          1. Yes, because if we do trade Russ, I would want a first round top-10 type of QB. Not a 2nd round QB we make the face of the franchise and then go back to QB Carousel days.

          You can have both. BTW — I seem to remember Seattle having success with a third round quarterback recently.

          2. Yes, I think we can still get a good player at #56 that can contribute to the team. Maybe a WR. If we do go developmental, I think that a developmental OL will be much better.

          How is a developmental anything better than a QB you might need to replace your existing starter??

          3. Yes. I do not see in anyway how the team would support going QB at #56. Bobby, Jamal, Lockett, DK & Russ all want to win now. They do not want to be part of a rebuild, and have defended Russ in interviews by saying much of what the media is saying is untrue and that Russ just wants to win.

          How the hell is a late second round pick any indication of ‘winning now’???

          It’s so silly that people are viewing this pick as having some kind of major impact on 2021.

          4. Yes. Based on the recent interviews I’ve heard from Dunlap, C. Carson & even KJ, they all have said that Russ is staying in Seattle and was an important reason for why they signed. So yes, picking a QB in round 2 would be a total slight to Russ and would be a waste of a pick if we do indeed retain Russ.

          So you’ve forgotten about the passive aggressive trade request?

          Do they have to ask his permission on how to run their team?

  38. Scot04

    Well written Rob. Myself I’m fine with them taking a QB this year. I think what some are missing is; it’s not an either or situation. I would hope even with a happy Russ if you get an opportunity at a QB you like in the draft, you draft him.
    The fact we have uncertainty with Russ just makes it an even smarter decision. Plus we have no idea who Seattle might like.
    They could decide they prefer a late flyer on a guy with a NFL arm , but needs work.
    I’ve always liked the idea of a young QB coming in and learning the system. Heck Russ could get hurt, either way go ahead & give me a QB this year. Obviously a Miils or Mond would be nice, but you never know who they might have a crush on.at that position.

  39. SamprasSultanOfSwat

    Chris Carson recently said that he and Rashard Penny could be one of the top rushing duos in the N.F.L. If they can stay healthy. Love the attitude. But with said I would love to find another physically tough running back in the mold of Chris Carson.

  40. BoiseSeahawk

    Two players I don’t think they can pass up at 56 are Kellen Mond and Elijah Moore. I’d be equally happy with either and then go with Divine Deablo at 129 and Chris Evans at 250.

    • Rob Staton

      Elijah Moore will be loooooooong gone

      Mond might be too, to be fair

      • BoiseSeahawk

        probably true. just sayin if they are there, they’d have to consider both.

  41. no frickin clue

    I’m ok with Mond at #56, but if that does come to pass, it really does scupper any plans to trade down and still obtain semi-valuable picks.

    I think one of the implied arguments from folks who don’t want to use our lone high pick on a QB is that it’s going to further antagonize Russ since he’s asking for more weapons and more protection on offense. That argument presumes that there are steps that PC/JS can take from here on out that are going to make Russ happy. I think that ship has sailed.

    Russ did about as much as he could this offseason to talk his way out of town without going the scorched-earth routine that Jamal Adams used to get out of New York. I suspect we’re just marking time until the 2nd version of this happens in February 2022.

    If we choose Mond at #56, then if we decide to trade down out of #129, what are we collecting for our efforts? If you use the DraftTek trade value chart, the value of #129 (43 points) is only about 13% of that of #56 (276 points).

    For example: let’s try suggesting a trade with Kansas City, offering #129 in exchange for #136 and #207. Seattle’s pick is worth 43 points, and the two Chiefs’ picks are worth 45 points. Moving down 7 spots from #129 enables us to get a late 4th round and mid 6th round pick.

    Now compare that to trading out of #56 overall and going back 7 spots, also owned by the Chiefs. The Hawks’ 2nd round pick is worth 340 points, and the Chiefs’ 2nd rounder is worth 276 pts, a difference of 64 points. So we could acquire the Chiefs’ 2nd rounder (#63, 276 points), their first 4th rd pick (#136, worth 38 points), their 5th rd pick (#175, worth 20 pts), and their mid-6th rounder (#207, 7 points).

    In other words, comparing those two trade options: trading with the Chiefs at #56 means we get an extra 2nd rounder and an extra 5th rounder, versus trading with them at #129 overall. And that 2nd rounder, #63 overall, has 276 points of value in it, which could enable even more trade downs.

    So, getting a QB alternative with real skills (at #56) leaves us with two draft picks, neither of which are really valuable trade fodder. It just means that we are probably filling out the roster for 2021 mostly with UDFA’s, and we have to hope that some of them are adequate replacements for the many players who roll off contract at the end of this season.

    • Rob Staton

      But players drafted in day three, or even round three, are not guaranteed to push existing players anyway

  42. cha

    Off Topic but Rob can you give me 2 or 3 sentences on this Super League nonsense? I’m trying to wrap my brain around it but at first glance it just seems like a massive money grab.

    • Rob Staton

      I’ll give you one word

      Greed

      But it’s OK because I’m rallying a bunch of British billionaires to buy NFL and NBA teams to come and destroy your leagues in revenge 🙂

      • James Cr.

        Absolutely nobody wants the Super League except the owners of the teams involved. It is 100% greed only.

      • Big Mike

        Don’t give ’em any ideas Rob

    • Henry Taylor

      Just to echo those sentiments.. it’s a bloody disgrace. The supporters association, players association, all the governing bodies and the leaders of both major political parties have condemned the move.

      Any pretense that this is for the good of the game or to create a better product for the fans is first class crap.

    • Alex H

      Feels like a even greater concentration of power among the brand teams. Will be a true Major League/Minor League system (even more than the existing relegation system).

    • cha

      Thanks everybody.

      Is anything going to stop it?

      I read that FIFA is strongly against it and may ban players from playing in the World Cup. Is that enough of a disincentive?

      • Rob Staton

        I’m past caring to be honest.

        Nobody cares about fans any more.

        Sport is dead across the world.

        Eventually even those clapping along like seals will get that.

        • Submanjoe

          Yes!!!!! Yes!!!! Yes!!!! I keep asking myself… why do i care??

      • Alex H

        If the tv money is big enough, it’ll override that. If the TV money for the new League is so much greater than what is provided by the existing system, players will still go along with it. If anything, a ban will dilute the WC if the best players aren’t playing in it. Money still talks. For players, it represents respect/status in the sport.

    • Group Captain Mandrake

      You nailed it. Greed is all it is. When the Champions League/Europa League doesn’t provide you with a big enough chunk of the pie, make a new pie. As a supporter of one of those teams, it makes me a bit sick.

  43. Paul Cook

    This might be the biggest systemic move in major team sports I’ve seen in my lifetime. Maybe the dawn of true FAcy for athletes…the drafting of underclassmen…it’s hard to come up with anything as disruptive of a current model.

  44. Silly Billy

    I don’t hate this idea of drafting a QB, but the hawk’s priority needs to be accumulating more picks with #56.

    Best case scenario, if either or both QB’s are still available at #56, we should be safe trading back 10 spots.
    The next 10 teams after 56 (barring trades) are: LA, BAL, CLE, NO, BUF, GB, KC, TB, JAK, NYJ. I don’t see any of those teams looking @ QB.

    • Rob Staton

      But if there’s a chance you trade your quarterback in 12 months, why should they prioritise a few day three picks over getting a potential replacement QB?

      • Paul Cook

        I don’t even know why you have to explain yourself on this one. The only question is do the Hawks think that any QB in that 6-8 range is worth the draft capital?

        Anyway…

      • Silly Billy

        If you don’t trade Russ, then we’d walk out of the 2021 draft with x2 day-3 picks and a backup QB.

        I buy your argument we need to look @ QB. But put it on the list of (as this blog has stated) needs OT, CB, RB, WR3. Using #56 on a potential backup QB means nothing else gets addressed this year.

        • Rob Staton

          OK I’ll repeat myself again.

          If you are potentially trading Wilson in 12 months, none of those other needs matter as much as a QB.

          And people need to be realistic here. What exactly are you accomplishing with your five day three picks versus potentially having a ready-made solution should Wilson decide to finally force a trade next year?

          People seem to be equating this draft, where you have #56, #129 and a throwaway seventh, as being the difference between success and failure in 2021.

          It isn’t.

    • Scot04

      I could see LA, NO, & TB all taking a QB late 2nd as young QB’s behind their current starters. If Mond or Mills are there and the Seahawks like either they should take them. Not get cute, try to pick up a couple picks and end up missing out.

    • no frickin clue

      This presumes that none of those 10 teams might themselves trade down, giving up their spot to a QB-needy team who see an opportunity and are willing to pay for it.

  45. Sean

    I don’t think Mond is accurate enough to warrant being selected at 56. I would rather see Seattle try to trade back into the 3rd round and select Kyle Trask if he is available. Seems like he is being severely underrated because of who he played with that in that Florida offense.

    • Paul Cook

      I could be wrong, but I do not see Trask on path to being a starting QB in the NFL, at least not even an average one. I think they’d want a QB with at least some special gifts as a baseline.

      Just MO.

    • Rob Staton

      The reason I don’t talk about Trask is because he isn’t good

      • Paul Cook

        I can’t get the hideous note he ended up on out of my mind.

  46. Lewis

    People around here like to talk about Pete having a rosy view of everything all the time. I’m trying to look at this from hod’s POV. IF Pete truly believes Russ will be the qb here for the next ten years, I think there’s no chance they take a qb first. Conversely, if they did, it would be a clear signal he believes Russ will be gone soon, regardless of how they try to spin it. That’s really the most interesting part about this to me. That would make the pick at 56 quite trekking if one of these two is on the board still.

    • Lewis

      His POV… quite telling. Oy

  47. Scot04

    Aldon smith wanted in New Orleans. Ugh..

    • Russ

      Not good.

      https://twitter.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/1384194202741854208

    • Mick

      I hoped this means he wanted to play for the Saints…well I guess our DLine is not quite yet finished then.

    • GerryG

      Breaking News: complete and total POS human being is still a complete and total POS human being. (allegedly)

      Sigh.

      I was definitely wondering why Dallas didnt keep him, maybe they were worried about something like this.

  48. Scot04

    That didn’t take long for him to get in trouble.

    • Rob Staton

      It’s not exactly a good look for the Seahawks, happening days after they signed him.

      They’d be better off cutting their losses now and moving on.

    • cha

      This reminds me of last year when Dunbar had his first interview with the Seattle media and by the end of the day was under investigation on some very serious charges.

      Seahawks investigative & legal team almost as competent as the medical staff on pre-checks.

      • Blitzy the Clown

        Except Seattle signed Smith on the 15th and this alleged incident didn’t occur until two days later.

      • Russ

        We managed to take the worst parts of the Bengals and the Eagles and combine them both into one.

        Impressive that.

      • Roy Batty

        The Hawks line on domestic abuse and other physical altercations is, sadly, a joke. Always has been. They talk the talk, then conveniently look the other way when it suits their needs.

        • Big Mike

          They’re not alone. Not making an excuse, just stating a fact. It doesn’t make it OK either.

    • 12th chuck

      1 step forward, 2 steps back. Seahawks f/a signings last few years.

  49. Big Mike

    Literally one day after your article Rob, I see this:

    https://seahawkswire.usatoday.com/2021/04/19/could-seahawks-select-quarterback-nfl-draft-2021/

    It would be nice if she included you in the byline.

  50. Keith

    Release Aldon, sign Sheldon.

    • Hawk Mock

      This

  51. cha

    Just discovered this…Seahawks wanted to sign Smith when FA began but ‘personal issues’ put a hold on the deal.

    Good grief.

    RISCO – The Wednesday news about Aldon Smith regarding his visit to Seattle is actually a continuation of a flirtation that in mid-March actually produced a Seahawks contract proposal to the talented defensive lineman, sources tell CowboysSI.com.

    And now Smith has another offer … and this time, a source tells CowboysSI.com, a deal.

    That first arrangement fell through at the time due to what a source termed Smith’s “personal issues” – the same issues that caused his 2020 employer, the Dallas Cowboys, to all but close the door on his return.

    https://www.si.com/nfl/cowboys/news/dallas-breaking-cowboys-ex-aldon-smith-signs-with-seahawks

    • Big Mike

      What does it say when the Cowboys appear to be smarter than you?

    • Hawkdawg

      Yes, but this particular alleged battery was not one of those “personal issues,” by definition, because of the timing involved. Although it does make you wonder, if you didn’t already, exactly what these other personal issues were.

    • Rob Staton

      Clearly a water-tight process here

      • Submanjoe

        They zero in on a guy and they gotta have him

  52. Happy Hawk

    Create topic as always Rob. If Mond slipped a bit and Landon Dickerson dropped because of injury concerns and both were available at #56 who would you select?

    • Rob Staton

      Mond

  53. Poli

    Maybe they’ll use Smith’s money towards AB 😊

    • BobbyK

      Both have a clear history of being morons. If you’re willing to sign one, I have no clue why you wouldn’t sign the other. #comPete

  54. John

    I find it funny that Russ wanted Aldon Smith, and AB on the team. It really makes me wonder if Russ really cares about having good characters in the lockeroom?

    • BobbyK

      Of course he doesn’t care. Neither does Pete Carroll. Nobody does. You’re not winning a Super Bowl without talent. Each team makes calculated risks on these guys and guys like them because of the upside.

      • TomLPDX

        This.

    • Rob Staton

      I don’t know why you wonder that after AB

    • Jordan

      Don’t look to sports teams for morality, they’re in the business of winning.

      No one team has any sort of moral high ground over the next, and I find it silly when fans of opposing teams bicker at each other over which team has more questionable characters. With big enough employee pools the spectrum of caliber of person will run from Tyler Lockett to Frank Clark, from Mahomes to Hill.

      I don’t know if there is an infallible organization. Maybe the Montreal Canadiens (?)

      • Jordan E

        ^ This

        RW3, Tom Brady, MJ, Kobe, Ronaldo, Messi aren’t paid to be great guys. They are paid to produce and win- and be the best. Look at Carson Wentz. By all reports he is a great and very ethical guy. Once he stopped performing (in only one season) he got axed.

    • Jordan E

      Russ wants to win and go down as one of the best of all time. Just like MJ and Tom Brady. Dennis Rodman was not a locker room guy but MJ wanted him to win.

  55. Sea Mode

    Only 10 more days!

    Ian Rapoport
    @RapSheet
    ·15m

    The #Dolphins have already made two moves in the NFL Draft and they may not be done yet: Sources say they’ve received calls from teams looking to trade up to No. 6 and it is something they’re considering. Lot of things in play, but Miami could be at it again.

    • Rob Staton

      Why give up a first to trade up from 12 then???

      • TomLPDX

        Well, they currently have two 1st, 2 2nd and 2 3rds. They could add to that booty if they want to and be happy campers, especially if the guys they want aren’t there anymore.

        • Rob Staton

          But that doesn’t make any sense.

          They spent a first round pick to move up from 12 to 6. So if you move down again, you need to gain more than that you’d presume.

      • Spectator

        I think it might have been a genius idea. They position themselves to be following teams (Cinci and Atlanta) that are unlikely to take a QB and/or either of those teams could make a surprise pick that pushes a player down.

        If Miami TRULY isnt planning on drafting a player that opted out this season, then Chase and Sewell are off their board.

        If they really want Pitts, Bengals or ATL could not pick him and allow Miami to grab the best non-qb player in the draft. That might be scenario #1 for them.

        If either picks Pitts, then Chase or Sewell falls (or both depending on what the team that doesnt pick pitts does) and two Qbs are still left on the board. A team wants to jump above Denver. Carolina could also trade back, so to ensure they secure the QB that they are eyeing, Miami is in a key spot. Scenerio #2

        Scenario #3 is the Falcons decide to grab a QB, making 4 QBs in the top 4, or they grab Surtain. Cinci grabs Pitts, and now you have Chase, Sewell, and possibly the QBs dwindled down even further (see scenario #2).

        Miami has positioned themselves a spot above Carolina who is desperate for Oline help (if sewell is available) above Detroit who is desperate for WRs (if Chase is available or Smith if thats who the league values more) and Broncos who are desperate for a QB.

        Just a thought though.

        Funny thing is that Philly seems desperate for all those positions as well adn could have been in a sweet spot for an elite talent at position of need.

        • Spectator

          That’s a good point above though, they would have to receive more than a first in return. Not sure many teams would give up a haul for their position. So not sure what teams are logical.

        • Rob Staton

          The reason Miami moved up to #6 is because they wanted to select from a specific pool of players they knew would be available from #6.

          They were not pulling off a ‘genius’ move to trade down again.

          This trade down talk just feels like absolute bah-bah

          • TomLPDX

            I think it is more hedging their bets. Sit pat if the player they want is there, if not, trade back, gain another pick or two and move down a few spots. The whole thing is a chess match if you ask me and it is fun to wonder what they are really thinking. Miami, in the end will be adding some quality players to their roster this year. They Need to protect Tua and give him some weapons to see what they really have in him.

            For what it’s worth, I don’t think Atlanta picks a QB at 4, they still have Matt for probably 3 more years if not longer. They have their own chess match going. Going to be fun to watch.

    • ElPasoHawk

      Trying to bait a team to trade ahead of them for QB to ensure they get the choice of non-QB players.

  56. cha

    Can’t get even get a throwaway pick for Jarran Reed but there you go…

    Ian Rapoport
    @RapSheet
    Random quote from a top decision maker on the 2021 NFL Draft: “This is the worst defensive tackle draft I’ve ever seen.” There could still be one or even two in the first round. But the overall depth clearly isn’t there.
    12:42 PM · Apr 19, 2021

  57. Clayton

    If Russ wanted out, why would he be celebrating new additions to the team on Twitter, be in the ear of Chris Carson for recruitment, and telling Carlos Dunlap that he’s “here to stay”?

    • TomLPDX

      Covert vs. overt operations. What would you expect in a team sport?

    • Rob Staton

      Open your eyes

      • Clayton

        I’m trying, but I still don’t get an answer to my question.

        • Rob Staton

          We’ve been over this so many times Clayton

        • Big Mike

          “Clayton”……..hmmmmm, is that you John?

        • Jordan E

          Many people’s mind on this subject is made up…

          Personally, I thought he wanted out as well but after all of the interviews with other players and reports from them on fake headlines- I think Russ is satisfied with what the Hawks have done this offseason- and will be here for a couple of more years at the least (unless this season goes down in fire).

    • Blitzy the Clown

      If Russ didn’t want out, why would his agent give the Seahawks a list of teams he’s willing to go to?

      And the answer to your question is, because he still has to work with these guys. At least for the time being.

      • Rob Staton

        Bingo

        • Rob Staton

          “Why would he recruit players to make the team he’s playing with in 2021 better?”

          Meanwhile… let’s ignore what was happening before his list of four teams became a total non starter

  58. BobbyK

    Does the Seahawks 2022 draft look like this at the moment?

    2
    3
    4 from NYJ
    4
    5
    6
    7

    ???

    • GerryG

      You kiss the the 5/6 goodbye, sure thing they trade those away on day 3 this year to grab some last second 7th rd UDFA talent.

  59. Rob4q

    Anyone watched tape on this kid? Looks like a Seahwaks type RB…5’10”, 229 lbs

    Caleb Huntley, RB Ball State
    https://ballstatesportslink.com/2021/04/08/caleb-huntley-ball-state-pro-day-profile/

    • BobbyK

      In the post-Marshawn era, the only thing that looks like a Seahawks RB to me is a guy who is either:

      1. Not very good.

      2. Good but injury prone.

    • Lewis

      Frequently continues past initial contact
      Good balance
      Nearly always falls forward when tackled

      Yeah, I can see the comparison

    • Sea Mode

      Thanks for the name. I like the running style, but down to 210 at his pro day and pretty slow…? Jumps are decent, but I would have expected him to hit the 4.5s having dropped 15-20 lbs.

      https://twitter.com/AmericanFBStory/status/1380932138883813381/photo/1

      I think I still like Gerrid Doaks better for now.

  60. Sea Mode

    Lots of people starting to come around on Mac Jones:

    Mike Tannenbaum
    @RealTannenbaum
    ·6h

    Out of all draft eligible QBs this year against the blitz, Mac Jones had the:

    Most TDs (18 TDs to only 1 INT)
    2nd most yards/attempt (10.58)
    2nd best QB rating (142.6)
    Most passing yards (1,365)
    PFFs best passing grade

    **On the 4th most drop backs**

    (per @PFF)

    https://mobile.twitter.com/AlbertBreer/status/1384332177886916608

    Sage Rosenfels
    @SageRosenfels18
    ·14h

    Just got done watching Mac Jones film and I feel compelled to revisit this tweet.

    I was blown away by his decision making, timing, and accuracy. These three things are attributes that Kyle S. loves in a QB.

    He really could go to the @49ers. Sorry for the premature hot take.

  61. Robert Las Vegas

    I could be wrong but a few years wasn’t there some defense players who said if this team is about Russell Wilson not having any real challenges for his position for a team that is suppose to be all competition.

  62. Sea Mode

    Ah, yes, because front offices just leave sheets of paper with trade offer details conveniently sticking out of binders for nosy janitors to snap pictures of and send to their nephews for leaking… 😂

    https://twitter.com/gillettenation/status/1384261952814293005

    Draft season is upon us!

  63. Sea Mode

    Oh, but there was conversation around him someplace I know a good while ago… 😉

    Benjamin Allbright
    @AllbrightNFL
    · 7h

    Feels like there isn’t enough conversation around Joe Tryon…

    Gonna go earlier than you think.

    Dane Brugler
    @dpbrugler
    ·6h

    Tryon is No. 32 overall on my board, but some around the league believe he might not make that far.

    His measurements, athletic testing and raw potential very similar to Marcus Davenport, who was a top-15 pick in 2018.

    • Rob Staton

      I promise you will never, ever, ever hear me refer to someone being “#32 on my board”

      And Allbright lives in a fantasy world

  64. Sea Mode

    He was good in his day.

    Ian Rapoport
    @RapSheet
    ·22m

    Former Pro Bowl TE Jordan Reed is retiring, sources say. A 2013 3rd-round pick by the Washington Football Team, Reed emerged as one of the game’s best receiving TEs before battling injuries. His improbable comeback with #49ers last season allowed him to walk away with no regrets.

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