Thursday’s combine notes: What we learn from the bench press

Penn State’s Austin Johnson — good at Kung Fu but can he rush the passer in the NFL?

Trying to find that elusive pass rusher

I want to pin it down but I can’t. Maybe the combine will shed some light.

Who is the defensive lineman this team would consider taking at #26?

It has to be a pass rusher. Surely. And yet beyond Sheldon Rankins it’s hard to imagine who they’d take in round one to fill that role.

It’s interesting to see how the media is viewing Rankins. Daniel Jeremiah ranks him as the 27th best player in the draft. Lance Zierlein also has him as the 27th best player in the draft. Jeremiah mocks him at #12 to New Orleans however, while Zierlein has him going to the Seahawks at #26.

I don’t think anyone should expect him to be there at #26. Pundits appear unwilling to label him a legit top-15 talent — but that’s the range he seems destined to go in.

What does that tell us?

It possibly confirms that while it’s a good draft for defensive tackles — it’s limited in terms of pure interior pass rushers. Rankins might only be a late first rounder based on overall talent — but because he flashed legit quickness and pass rushing skill at the Senior Bowl, he’ll go much earlier.

There are good DT’s available in this class but who are the six-sack types? Let alone the ones likely to push up towards double digits like Aaron Donald or Kawann Short?

It’s why the depth of the class might play into Seattle’s favour. Ronald Blair III had eight sacks in 2015 and flashes the ability to get into the backfield. Do they wait and take him in the middle rounds? Do they consider a Darius Latham? A player with plenty of upside and athleticism but as a second or third rounder maybe doesn’t carry the pressure of needing to have an instant impact?

Where does Adolphus Washington fit into this class? Late first? Second round? Third round? Austin Johnson and Willie Henry had seven sacks apiece in 2015. What range do they fall into? Is Jonathan Bullard a better athlete than he appears on tape? Is Chris Jones capable of taking the next step as a pass rusher or is he better suited in run defense?

None of this speculating gets us any closer to working out who might be an option at #26. And while it would be appealing to tap into this DT class early — they simply might find a more impactful player at a different position. The depth of the defensive tackle class doesn’t force them into a corner.

It’s perhaps why Pete Carroll remarked (and I’m paraphrasing), ‘we’ll see what happens in the draft’ when asked if he wanted to add a pass rusher. It might be their intention — it just might not be that easy to execute.

It might be time to avoid focusing on positions

This is a decent draft class. It’ll give you an opportunity to find role players right into day three. Many teams will find impact players in rounds 1-3.

Some of the key positions of need for Seattle are also some of the stronger position groups this year. D-line, O-line, running back. There are some options there.

There’s a tendency to focus on #26 and feel that the pick has to be saved for the #1 need. The top need might be better addressed in round three if that’s where your guy is.

A good example of this is at linebacker. The options aren’t great after the top handful leave the board. If the Seahawks view replacing Bruce Irvin as a priority, they might need to use their first round pick on someone like Deion Jones — knowing there will be options on the DL, OL and at RB in rounds 2-3.

This kind of approach will be even more likely if they address their top priority — the O-line — in free agency.

Seattle’s biggest need in 2010, 2011 and 2012 was a long term option at quarterback. It’s that way for every team until you find the answer. By 2012, after two years of filling, they waited until round three to draft Russell Wilson even though they viewed him as a first round talent.

Why did they do that? Because that was the range where they could get their guy — and it allowed them to add Irvin and Bobby Wagner too.

Shon Coleman won’t work out

This is part of the process unfortunately. Medical checks, injuries. Coleman was hurt at the end of 2015. It might not damage his stock — he just won’t be able to improve it in Indianapolis.

Judging the bench press

The results for the offensive linemen are in. Arizona State’s Christian Westerman — a top tip to star in this drill — managed 34 reps before cramp set in. That number led the group. West Georgia’s Dominique Robertson had 30 reps with 36-inch arms. Le’Raven Clark, who also has 36-inch arms, managed 18 reps in comparison.

Here are some of the other results:

Connor McGovern — 33 reps
Jason Spriggs — 31 reps
Joshua Garnett — 30 reps
Joe Dahl — 28 reps
Nick Martin — 28 reps
Alex Lewis — 27 reps
Ryan Kelly — 26 reps
Jack Conklin — 25 reps
Germain Ifedi — 24 reps
Jack Allen — 23 reps
Graham Glasgow — 23 reps
Sebastien Tretola — 22 reps
Shon Coleman — 22 reps
Taylor Decker — 20 reps
Fahn Cooper — 19 reps
Cody Whitehair — 16 reps
Laremy Tunsil — DNP
Ronnie Stanley — DNP

**Note** According to Tony Pauline, Jason Spriggs was credited with 31 reps but had two discounted.

So how useful is the bench press for determining strength?

It’s a slightly flawed exercise due to pure physics. A guy who weighs 315lbs has a significant advantage over a guy who weighs 285lbs due to a stronger overall base — even if most of it is fat.

Lifting 225lbs at 315lbs is also not quite the challenge you might think for some of these guys. Most will be able to do at least one rep of their own body weight. Lifting 80-100lbs less than your bodyweight should be relatively straight forward for these prospects — especially since they’ve been benching for years anyway. It makes the whole thing more of an endurance test than a show of real power.

Arm length is also a big factor. If you’re benching with 31.5 inch arms it’s a major advantage over a guy with 36 inch arms for obvious reasons (the weight has to travel further).

It’s never a level playing field and as a consequence is more a test of stamina + power rather than pure power.

Are there better ways to do it that are more specific for the game of football?

For offensive linemen it might actually be a superior test to do reps in sets of three at a heavier weight — then rest — and go again until you can’t lift anymore. That would be a more accurate portrayal of the game where you deal in short bursts of power rather than long, sustained jolts.

Lifting your heaviest weight for 1-5 reps would also be a better indicator of power. It would take away some of the drama though — and the combine is increasingly catered to a TV audience. Watching a guy do 40 reps on the bench is impressive — and for that reason it’s probably here to stay.

Of the results the most alarming might be Sebastien Tretola’s. He has all the advantages set up to succeed here — size (314lbs) plus short arms (31.5 inch arms). He only managed 22 reps. This indicates he either has an issue with power or stamina or both. Conditioning could be an issue.

Cody Whitehair’s 16 reps is also surprising and disappointing at 301lbs and 32.5 inch arms.

Here are some of the running back reps:

Keith Marshall — 25 reps
Devontae Booker — 24 reps
Derrick Henry — 22 reps
Peyton Barber — 20 reps
Paul Perkins — 19 reps
Alex Collins — 18 reps
Kenneth Dixon — 18 reps
Jordan Howard — 16 reps
Jonathan Williams — 16 reps
C.J. Procise — DNP
Ezekiel Elliott — DNP

Don’t sleep on Paxton Lynch

Jared Goff (QB, California) only has nine inch hands. The reaction on Twitter has to been to play this down (because Goff is the ‘draft twitter’ favourite *shudder*).

The fact is it does matter to some teams. It mattered to the Seahawks when they drafted Russell Wilson and his unusually large hands. Here’s Cleveland Head Coach Hue Jackson speaking yesterday:

“I think guys that have big hands can grip the ball better in those environmental situations and so we’ll look for a guy that fits what we’re looking for in a quarterback and, is hand size important? Yes it is.”

This isn’t going to break Goff as a prospect. He’ll almost certainly go in the top ten — probably with Carson Wentz and Paxton Lynch. Such is the demand for quarterbacks.

However — it’s important not to forget that teams have certain ideals. And that can be anything — hand size, general size, mobility.

I still think Memphis’ Paxton Lynch is going to be the first quarterback off the board to Cleveland. There just aren’t many human beings on the planet with 6-7, 244lbs size and the mobility and escapability that Lynch possesses. He’s terrific on third downs and he elevated a Memphis team that otherwise would have no shot against teams like Ole Miss.

He also has 10 1/4 inch hands, by the way.

A large portion of the league would’ve drafted Blaine Gabbert before Cam Newton in 2011. Not many would’ve taken Newton with the #1 pick. Carolina did because they identified a skill set they could work with and harness and they saw the way Newton elevated his team in college.

Even if three quarters of the league prefer Goff or Wentz — it only really matters what the team at #2 thinks (unless someone moves up). Don’t count out Lynch being the top quarterback taken this year.

A receiver to monitor

Cal’s Kenny Lawler measured at 6-2, 203lbs and has 10.5 inch hands. His highlight reel is something special — numerous athletic, one-handed grabs. He makes the difficult catches look easy. More importantly — he’s a touchdown maker.

He had 13 scores in 2015 and a touchdown per every 5.3 touches of the ball. It’ll be interesting to see how he runs and performs. He appears to have great suddenness and short-area quickness which is big for Seattle. Does he also have the long speed? And how does he test in the vertical? The Seahawks might be looking at receivers in the middle rounds and Lawler could be an option.

86 Comments

  1. Greg haugsven

    I agree that the Seahawks don’t really care if they draft there most pressing need with there first round pick. If happens to be there than great, if not take who you like and don’t look back.

  2. Trevor

    Really disappointed Coleman is not going to work out. Explains why he was not Senior Bowl as well.

    Rob have you seen any tape on Dominique Robertson? Why has he bounced around so much. He has incredible length and 30 reps with 36 inch arms is amazing. Obviously the perfect physical specimen for a LT. Can he play and what are the issues / red flags. He seems to have come from nowhere.

    I know Vol mentioned him a time or two. Anything to share on a guy who has to be intriguing as a developmental prospect.

    • Rob Staton

      Not watched Robertson and there’s nothing on Draft Breakdown at the moment unfortunately. Not much West Georgia tape evidently…

      • Trevor

        I guess not. I not even heard of West Georgia until today. He must not have been completely unknown to get an invite. Anxious to see him in the drills.

        • Volume12

          They did bring in Tory Slater and Tyrell Adams from W. Georgia.

    • Ukhawk

      Really bummed for Coleman. Hope they still pick him

    • sdcoug

      IF the Hawks have interest, this (coleman not working out) is only of benefit to them

    • Darth 12er

      I’m disappointed too, so far I like him best. I’m with you sdcoug, this just may be in some teams favor

      • David

        isn’t this actually a good thing for the Hawks? I assume this hurts his draft stock so perhaps they can pick up a first round talent later in the draft?

  3. Trevor

    The more I see and hear the more I think Josh Garnett will be our LG in 2016. Hopefully another Stanford Grad who turns into a pro bowler for the Hawks.

    Doesn’t he just sound like a Seahawk when he is interviewed.

    • Volume12

      Hope so.

      He does check off a lot of boxes, and fits what JS has been describing when he mentions the O-line.

      Just a hunch, but I’m gonna say Seattle takes an interior O-lineman early, and an OT in the mid or late rounds. Ecspecially if they re-sign Okung.

      • matt

        Same here. If Okung leaves it’s a different story though.

    • C-Dog

      I’m thinking the same exact thing.

  4. Volume12

    Really like WR Kenny Lawler. Whether it means anything or not, Seattle did scout Cal quite heaviy this year.

    Big timr production, size, accounted for a large % of Cal’s offense, and has a ton of confidence and swag. Like the rest of Seattle’s receiving core.

    • Trevor

      Certainly a guy to watch. Vol I know you love your Cal receivers. What range is he expected to go?

      • Volume12

        I really do. Bryce Treggs and Trevor Davis are good looking UDFAs, and TE Stephen Anderson is in the mold of a Jordan Reed.

        Lawler I think goes in the L3-L4.

        • C-Dog

          I like Lawler as a potential luxury pick in R3 to R4 range. Kind of a Sidney presence this team hasn’t had in a while, maybe the guy they were hoping Kevin Norwood was supposed to be.

          • Volume12

            I like Tulsa’s Keyarris Garrett too.

  5. Nathan

    Is the bench press the most overrated excercise of all time?

    What does the ability to lay on your back and generate force upwards, say about your ability on the football field?

    Surely a power clean(ie generating force from your lower body, while going from a low squat position, to a standing position) is more indicative of on field ability.

    • Volume12

      It is a bit overrated, bit at the same time, it’s the only way to really measure or gauge a prospect’s upper body strength.

      • Nathan

        Standing shoulder press.

        Called the military press, because it was used to test upper body strength of military recruits.

        The bench came about because of bodybuilding.

        • Volume12

          And those are better ways to go about it, but until they do something like that, the bench press is all ya got.

        • Rob Staton

          I do weight training — and the bench is child’s play compared to the standing shoulder or squat.

          • Naks8

            However, it is pretty weak when a lineman can do less than 20 reps. Of course bench is not everything but you need some upper body strength.

            I will say though, the best football player I played naia/d3 football with could barely do 5 reps as a lb/dlineman and he could throw 250 lb lineman on the ground with a mean shiver. He mainly used leverage as a former all state wrestler but also had massive forearms because of pounding concrete in the off season. But that also wasn’t the nfl.

        • Jujus

          It’s called overhead press when used with a barbell.

    • Rob Staton

      Yep.

      A bench press is a totally flawed exercise to judge power.

      • Trevor

        Surprising with the technology today they have not come up with a max push or punch exercise for OL or something like that which would be more applicable.

        • Nathan

          Even if they used the rubber bands on the bar, so it was a fast twitch excercise, as opposed to a slow twitch one, would be more helpful.

          Have a look at this:

          http://www.allblacks.com/Video/Viewer/22086/all-blacks-gym-session-banded-bench-presses

        • Rob Staton

          Totally agree Trevor.

          • D

            I ran track in college and every year we did a series of exercises to test our fitness. One was the seated medicne ball throw. You would sit on the floor with your back against a wall to prevent leaning back and building up momentum. Its a much better way to judge upper body explosion…one quick movement where you exert as much force as you can. I believe a similar exercise was used in Nike’s original SPARq rating.

            • Rob Staton

              Fantastic point. This would be a far superior test.

            • Darnell

              Agreed. Ran track and played juco hoops myself.

              The 225 test is so antiquated and pointless.

              But, I get it. Doing a 3-5 rep max test with a room full of alpha males competing for jobs is just asking for torn pecs and labrums given the one-upsmanship that would inevitably occur. At least with the 225 test you are stopped by fatigue and not weight of load.

    • Cameron

      The power clean or snatch would be a good test for the NFL combine to consider. Pretty well every NFL player does them already and they are the perfect lifts for assessing strength and power throughout the movement chain involved. The vertical jump and broad jump tests are actually probably just as good of indicators of strength and power through the movement chain as a power clean or snatch would be.

      Having said that. The Bench Press can still be useful as a means for isolating pure upper body strength, which is an important feature to have for almost all football players. The problem is they treat it as a stamina test, which I believe is misplaced. It would be like instead of running a 40 yard dash, the receiver group ran a mile to see who was ‘the fastest’. Obviously a mile run would be a poor test for determining speed as it relates to football.

      A 3 RM test for bench press would obviously be better for determining ‘peak power’. All NFL players are already routinely doing 1 to 3 RM lifts periodically as part of their training regimens. This would be a difficult test to administer compared to the current configuration. Testers would need to build up to their 3 RM and eventually get to a weight were they fail. Injury concerns would also be heightened with this sort of test.

    • Sam Jaffe

      One more point: many if these linemen are trying to lose weight. Fastest way to do that is to let muscles get smaller (muscle weighs more than fat). They can’t let their lower body decondition or they will look bad in drills. So I would guess that they lay off their upper body workouts during combine training. The only negative is that they end up with lower bench press scores…but they know that the NFL evaluators don’t care about that. Notice how these guys often get higher bench press counts at their pro days than at the combine.

  6. Volume12

    Speaking of pass rushers. Currently, it does not look like a very good class for LEO’s, hybrid’s, SAM’s/OTTO’s, etc.

    However, there are quite a few more traditional, bigger, and power DE’s.

    That might be the way to go.

    • Rob Staton

      Maybe — but those bigger DE’s better run a 1.5 split.

    • bobbyk

      I have always subscribed to the theory that if you get the one good player in the draft who is good at their position – then why care if it’s a good draft for that position (and complain about it) or not.

      If Fackrell tests well and then we take him… I’m personally not going to give a rip that the rest of the draft had limited edge rushers. Personally, I’d be happy nobody else got someone who could rush from the edge (Bosa and Spence will be long gone).

      People talk about the great QB draft of ’83. It didn’t do the Cowboys or Raiders any good (or most of the rest of the teams that year, including the Chiefs, who took one that sucked).

      I’m starting to think Deion Jones is going to be our safest pick for an instant starter who will also make an impact though, even though I’d rather have a pass rusher or OL (if they were as good as I think Jones is going to become).

      • Rob Staton

        If Kyler Fackrell runs a 1.5 10-yard split… get ready for a week of Kyler Fackrell talk on this blog. He has ‘it’ — now he just needs to show he has the athleticism.

        • bobbyk

          Agreed! I’m with you, Rob. If he times well in that regard, he’ll probably pass Jones for me as far as who I want. If he doesn’t, I might still hope they can get him… later in the draft. Pete will take that athleticism and have some fun with it, that’s for sure.

        • Jarhead's Sokoli Bandwagon

          While I still hope we grab the best OL or a DL you can create pressure- if Fackrell can show similar athleticism to Irvin/Avril then I would be cool with the pick . The popular choice now seems to be Jones, with whom I would be disappointed for more than a 3rd. So if Fackrell means an athletic outside rusher- then good to go. That is a position of impact and 1st round value. As opposed to an undersized speedy WILL. No one was talking about Irvin prior to the combine either (at least with any real expectation) but we don’t know who will flash and turn our heads. That is kind of exciting.

          • Volume12

            Intrigued to see what Fackrell posts.

            And Boise St’s Kamalei Correa. Really wanna see his arm length and speed/10 yd split. Teach this kid how to use his hands, and depending on how he tests and measures, he could be an exciting pass rush specialist. Dude’s got a lot of nasty and physicality to his game.

        • CharlieTheUnicorn

          I think Fackrell has gotten plenty fo spot light on the blog already. Maybe he will be the 1st round pick after all…… 🙂

        • GeoffU

          If he runs a 1.5, I would be ecstatic with us taking him 26th. I worry then though that he won’t be available. We picked Irvin at #15 with rumors (which may or may not be true) that other teams in that range were also interested. His production in college, though not as high as Irvin, was also pretty good.

          • Volume12

            His age could give teams some pause.

            It wouldn’t for Seattle though.

          • Steele

            Leonard Floyd. Alex McCalister. Victor Ochi. Tyrone Holmes.

            Those are my edge pass rusher crushes for this draft.

            • GeoffU

              Thanks for the list, I will be sure to look into them

  7. James P

    I’ve only watched a couple of tapes of Lawler, but strangely enough my first impression was how similar he was to Jermaine Kearse. Big enough, fast enough, long arms, makes tough contested catches, works back to the QB when the play breaks down. Lots to like.

  8. Trevor

    I am not a fan of the Bench Press Drill but how did a guy with short arms Cody Whitehair only have 16 reps. That is kind of embarrassing for an OL prospect that weighs 300lbs and has played at an elite program. Has to be a bit of a concern particularly if he is switching to Guard.

    • Nathan

      It’s s silly excercise.

      A 3 rep max would be far more useful measure of strength, and with a different excercise.

      Everyone’s made different, composition of fast twitch and slow twitch, he might be one of those guys whose muscles fill up with acid after 5 reps.

      • CHawk Talker Eric

        But that is useful information to know. BP is flawed as an evaluator of functional upper body strength for an NFL OLer. But it’s still the same exercise for all prospects and you can get useful information about one prospect’s performance relative to another.

        Having said that, Whitehair is an interesting case. Despite a seeming lack of upper body stamina, he was nonetheless an effective blocker. Obviously he won in college with technique over power/strength. Imagine how effective he could become with the help of NFL trainers.

        • Rob Staton

          “It’s still the same exercise for all prospects and you can get useful information about one prospect’s performance relative to another.”

          But that’s the issue — it isn’t the same because a guy with 32 inch arms has an advantage over a guy with 36 inch arms, and a guy who weighs 315lbs has an advantage over a guy who weighs 290lbs, and a better ‘athlete’ has the stamina to go further but not actually be more powerful — in fact it might not even be close.

          Lot’s of things at play here that make it a flawed comparison.

          • CHawk Talker Eric

            The arm length discrepancy could be tweaked with a simple formula that calculates total work done – 225lbs x # of reps x distance moved (function of arm length).

        • CharlieTheUnicorn

          it shows the “seriousness” each player is taking the scouting/combine workout. If you test low at the bench press, then perhaps you are not as diligent at your craft as you need to be. If you can’t train for the combine, with very basic tests, everyone knows is coming….. might be a red flag.

    • Volume12

      Trev, I was wondering the same thing.

      And then I remembered that they’ve said they never use a combine drill to take a prospect off their board.

  9. CHawk Talker Eric

    Stephane Nembot had 32 reps at 6’6″ 322lbs with 34 5/8″ arms.

    • Volume12

      He’s very similar to Le’Raven Clark in terms of technique.

      But he plays with a little more of an edge.

      Colorado WR Nelson Spruce is very interesting too,

  10. Trevor

    Prior to his injury Jaylon Smith was my favourite defensive prospect in the draft. Is there any chance the injury drops him to 26? if so would we take him?

    I can’t see him being a top 10 pick because of the injury and I don’t see a lot of teams in front of us who are likely landing spots because they have other big needs or more urgency.

    • Rob Staton

      There’s a chance — but here’s the issue. If he falls as far as #26, why? He’s going beyond other teams in a similar situation to Seattle that can ‘stash’ him (eg Cincy). Love the guy as a player — but tend to think he goes 15-24 or not in R1.

      • Darnell

        Gotta be careful with the “why are others passing on him?” approach to and strike that balance between cautious and opportunistic.

        Rob Gronkowski and Demarco Murray come to mind.

        • Rob Staton

          I agree, but I think it was a bit different with those two guys. Gronk wasn’t obviously Gronk in college — and he had major back issues. There were some concerns he’d never be right. DeMarco Murray was very productive in college I think the concerns with him were a little more on his upside. He landed in a good spot in Dallas.

    • Volume12

      I’m wondering about Laquon Treadwell, and if he drops.

      He’s an intense/physical receiver. He’d really compliment this WR core.

      And while I’m not sold on them taking a WR in the 1st, 36% percent of their 1st and 2nd round picks have been spent on pass catchers.

      • Rob Staton

        Speed/suddenness of Treadwell doesn’t feel very Seahawky though.

    • reggieregg

      With all the talk about Deion Jones I think if Smith falls to #26 we run to the podium! He’s 2x better!

  11. GeoffU

    Rob, I watched the Rankins’ youtube against Auburn and he looked bad. Other then a few plays, he was consistently the slowest one off the ball and was always getting pushed back. What am I missing? Does he just look so much better against other teams? Are we putting too much stock in the senior bowl? He just did not look good at all in that game.

    • Rob Staton

      He wasn’t used properly by Louisville. They kept moving him to DE and it’s not his forte. At the Senior Bowl he consistently dominated 1v1 with speed, quickness, hand-technique and get-off. He’s better as an orthodox three-technique.

      • GeoffU

        He looks better against Texas A&M, but I see what you mean. 90% of the time he’s playing DE. Still seems slow off the snap though and doesn’t seem to do much, which seems to contradict what he did at the Senior Bowl.

  12. Ground_Hawks

    The D. Jones pick, for LB, is starting to seem like it could be a good pick at 26, and then addressing both sides of the trenches afterwards; unless Rankins is there in which case pick him if the FO believes that the greatest early value is with defense. With Irvin’s seemingly inevitable departure it seems that at the least another player should be added early in the draft who can come in immediately and create an impact.

    • bobbyk

      True. We’d still need a RB though. If we go OLB at #26, I think it’s safe to bet that the most likely trio of players to get drafted (in any order) in the next two rounds would be OL, DL, RB.

      • Darnell

        4th round could still potentially land you Drake or Marshall

      • Ground_Hawks

        I agree with you about those positions of need, and also in regards to the FO picking them in no particular order. Just so long as they don’t have to make a huge reach, I think that they would be in great shape.

  13. 75franks

    any thoughts on WR duke Williams? how far will he fall?

    • Rob Staton

      I think a candidate to go undrafted based on character. Has the skills though.

    • CharlieTheUnicorn

      possible round 1 pick, until he was a knucklehead….. round 7 or FA is most likely. He would be a guy I could see Seattle drafting in the 7th…. absolute steal for his physical gifts he possesses. The outside the lines stuff however….. very dicey.

  14. C-Dog

    Arg. The more I look at Austin Johnson, I just drool. And drool. And drool. My keyboard is metaphorically getting disgusting. War Daddy. Explosive against the run. Relentless. Nasty tackler. Moves quicker than he should. Not a quick twitchy, but relentless fighter. Doesn’t seem to wear down much at all in the 4th. If there is one DT I want them to take at 26, I want him. I think he’s going to be a great player. But I think will be drooling watching him play on another team.

    That said, I kind of don’t think it’s very clandestine that Seattle will take OL early. Late first round seems like the ideal conventional spot to get the guard they really like. Tough, gritty and smart. They could go LB, as well, but maybe they also see value later. RB will definitely be something they could take relatively high. Unless they significantly address interior rush in FA, I think their is probably a guy they like in a deep DT draft they feel they can be patient and groom, work in a rotation with an eye to possibly develop as a starter down the line.

    While I go to bed at night counting Austin Johnson’s in my sleep, here’s how I’m sorta seeing it now.

    26: R1P26
    G JOSHUA GARNETT
    STANFORD

    56: R2P25
    RB DERRICK HENRY
    ALABAMA

    90: R3P27
    OLB JOSHUA PERRY
    OHIO STATE

    98: R3P35
    DT WILLIE HENRY
    MICHIGAN

    125: R4P26
    OT ALEX LEWIS
    NEBRASKA

    172: R5P33
    CB DARYL WORLEY
    WEST VIRGINIA

    215: R6P37
    DE CHRISTIAN FRENCH
    OREGON

    223: R7P4
    S TEVIN CARTER
    UTAH

    245: R7P26
    WR DEMARCUS ROBINSON
    FLORIDA

    Garnett seems like the perfect Seattle guard. Hometown kid. Smart, gritty. Certainly better than Britt. Likely better than Carp. Like this pick even better if the hang onto Okung.

    Henry may not last this long, but if he does, don’t see Seattle passing him up.

    If Perry is there, I think they snag him. He’s KJ 2.0, probably not the most athletic, but hard nosed, and savy. I like him as a SAM on base downs.

    Willie Henry is their answer to inside pass rush. Probably could have been a potential first rounder in another year. Could potentially be groomed as their eventually starting 3 tech, but a rotational player as a rookie.

    Cable will be enamored by the toughness of Lewis. Worley has the size they like at CB. French is a project end they tend to throw late round picks at. They always draft safety. If Robinson last to the bottom of R7, they probably like that.

    Want Austin Johnson. Happy with Garnett. Less drooly over Henry, but would be quite happy with that. I think Henry has upside.

    • Darnell

      I like it, and there’s still a lot of time left, but I think swapping where you get Henry/Garnett would be the more likely scenerio.

      • C-Dog

        Yeah, we will see. I think Henry will probably be a riser. I think they are probably looking at Garnett higher than R3. Wait, which Henry are we talking about?! I mocked 2. That just hit me right now. That’s how focused I am.

  15. smitty1547

    Duke Williams was discussed as a first round pick if he came out last year, what happened this year for him to tumble so much?

    • Rob Staton

      Kicked off the Auburn team after multiple issues.

  16. smitty1547

    And was he invited to combine?

    • Rob Staton

      Yes.

      • smitty1547

        Thanks Rob, also Thanks for the sight my most clicked on sight through out the season and draft time.

        • Rob Staton

          Thanks man!

  17. Rob Staton

    Keanu Neal is fricking awesome.

    Just saying.

    • Volume12

      Yeah- he’s very good. He’s really got it all.

      • Rob Staton

        Just written a blog post about him. Had to write. Like right now. Couldn’t wait until tomorrow.

  18. EranUngar

    Re Bench press, power and stamina:

    I agree that there are better ways that could be implemented to test the functional upper body strength for football players.

    However, there is value in a measurement of force beyond 10 seconds.

    The muscles contract using an ATP molecule stored within each muscle cell that can not be transferred from one cell to the other. “Charging” that molecule with energy happens in 3 ways simultaneously.

    When you test someone to perform a high power muscle action that lasts less than 10 seconds, the energy to those molecules comes mainly from “breaking” a CP molecule that already resides within the muscle. Measuring that will tell you how much power a player can apply during one down.

    When you test someone performing high power muscle action that lasts beyond 10 seconds (upto 90 seconds), the energy for molecules comes mainly from breaking glucose within the muscle into pyruvic acid. Measuring it will tell you how much power a player can apply constantly during a drive.

    Beyond that there is the aerobic energy that is less applicable for football players.

    Hence, if you want to know what effective power a football player can use constantly snap after snap after snap – you need to test him beyond the power he can produce on a single burst because he won’t have that power for long during a drive or a full game.

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