In Tony Pauline’s latest ‘risers and sliders’ piece today, he highlighted Virginia Tech defensive tackle Tim Settle:
A redshirt sophomore graded by a number of scouts prior to the season, Settle is playing beyond expectations and has turned in some dominant performances this year. One of those performances occurred this weekend when he was a one-man show against North Carolina, posting five tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack. The big defensive tackle has recorded 9.5 tackles for loss in seven games this season. Tipping the scales around 325 pounds, Settle is more than a big man that takes up space in the middle of the line; he’s a playmaker who displays a great degree of athleticism and explosion in his game.
After reading the words ‘325 pounds’, ‘playmaker’ and ‘great degree of athleticism’ I wanted to check him out today. I managed to find the North Carolina game on Youtube (see above) and also watched his performance vs Clemson last season.
Tony wasn’t kidding — this guy can move. The 325lbs feels like a conservative estimate. Settle is enormous — and yet he moves with the quickness of a much lighter defensive tackle.
His swim move in particular is a thing of beauty. Take a look:
That’s Settle taking down Deshaun Watson. Look how quickly he’s on the right guard. He just brushes him aside with a perfect swim and he’s in the backfield. Watson tries to take off, sensing the pressure, but no dice. Settle brings him down by the ankles.
You don’t often see this level of athleticism combined with that size.
He’s a former four or five star recruit and he’s always been big (listed at 325lbs by Rivals during recruiting and in some places at 339lbs). He’s a local guy and committed to Virginia Tech but he was coveted by Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida State, Ohio State and others. He took a visit to USC, Oklahoma State and, somewhat surprisingly, Washington State.
He’s only a redshirt sophomore so might not declare for the 2018 draft. Considering the way he’s playing this year, he’ll likely have a big decision to make.
In the North Carolina game he was terrific. Granted he was playing a weak opponent (UNC’s first two offensive snaps went for -20 yards and the game ended 59-7). Yet he kept jumping off the screen. You just don’t see big men move as fluidly as this:
On one play he lined up at DE and patiently just contained the edge. He then exploded through the B gap and chased the quarterback as he scrambled out of the pocket forcing an incompletion.
The first hit in the video above knocked the QB out of the game. The second hit had him carried off the field.
On the following drive, North Carolina started at their own one yard line. Virginia Tech spelled Settle here and took him off the field. UNC moved the ball well, converting a couple of third downs and getting up to the 25. Settle came back onto the field at this point and immediately bull rushed the right guard two yards into the backfield and dropped the running back for a loss.
Next play? Settle initially shapes as if he’s running a stunt before engaging the center. He shrugs him off with a superb pull/push move and shares a sack with a blitzing defensive back for a loss of 11 yards.
He was off the field and UNC moved the ball 24 yards. He comes back on to the field and immediately generates two huge TFL’s to kill the drive.
Just look at this against Boston College:
Be excited about this guy. He is special.
It’s always exciting to find a player like this. Tim Settle is a player to keep an eye on from now on. On this evidence he could be a very high pick one day.
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Crikey. That is a big, big, boy to be moving like that. Wonder what his tank’s like, can’t imagine he plays too many snaps. Wouldn’t mind rolling him out on the first couple of downs though.
Unrelated, I’ve been thinking a bit about Reed. Coincidence that his best play has come with the arrival of Sheldon Richardson? I’m sure he’s taking a bit of a leap himself, but last year all teams had to worry about inside was Rubin. Now they’re having to sell out to stop Richardson, Reed’s getting one-on-ones and he’s always going to be too strong in that situation.
If they can get Malik McDowell back next year and keep Sheldon Richardson — that D-line will be scary.
Good golly.
Ms Molly
Any thoughts on Why Mike B has given us nothing this year? They cant double team SRich and Mike B.
The last two games he’s played with a badly injured foot. The D-line has played fantastically well against the run for the most part which is ultimately the #1 goal. It’d be nice to see some more sacks but I’m not overly concerned at this point.
Snap count is up too
The day I was out at training camp early August, I was almost solely focused on the OL and then the DL during pass rush drills. It was pretty apparent Jarran Reed looked like a way different player than last year. I thought he looked like the quickest DT coming off the ball. It was encouraging to see Naz Jones show up in pass rush, but Reed looked like the guy who was ready to take the next big step.
I think playing next to Sheldon certainly also helps. What I’m really excited about seeing how the two continue to gel with each other. Carroll was continually praising the two together today in the morning and then again in the afternoon. If Jarran continues doing what he is doing, that’s going to draw more attention, and that probably creates opportunity for Sheldon to make more plays. By the end of the season, Seattle could have one of the top DT duos in the league.
How long has Seahawk fans been waiting for that to happen?
Also, I think the new DL coach Clint Hurtt has also made a big impact. The team has shifted to a more attacking style this season, and his addition is probably a big part of that.
Settle plays majority of the game for VT this year. Conditioning is superb for both VT DTs (obviously NFL would be a whole different animal).
You’d be surprised, Settle plays about 75% of the defensive snaps I would guess. Virginia Tech rotates their line a decent amount to keep him fresh but almost all truly meaningful snaps see the 2 starting DT’s in the game as their si no proven depth behind them (a starting DE moves inside when they need to take a breather.)
On top of that Settle plays on at least 2 special teams units (Field Goal Block, and he is one of the main deep protectors for the punter)
Would you say he has the profile of a guy like Dontari Poe?
Similar size/athleticism combo but different body shape/playing style and Poe’s college tape was terrible. Settle’s is fantastic.
Looks like Warren Sapp to me.
A heavier Aaron Donald?
A heavier Sheldon Richardson
Not as agile, but damn he can move
Unrelated to post, but had to type it…
Within the past 24 or so, injuries to the LT position have probably priced us out of Albert and/or Brown. We are not capable of going into a bidding war for either. Seeing Joe Thomas and Jason Peters go down will cause some interesting ripples
I was thinking the same thing. Cleveland has the cap space to get anyone they want at LT.
Are the Eagles the team to beat in the NFC? Ready…Set…Debate!!!
I think so, and I also think the Hawks will dismantle them at the Clink. Go Hawks!!!
Losing Jason Peters is a massive blow. He was arguably the best LT in football this year.
Can we ship Tobin back or battle for 4th?
The linebacker they lost was no slouch either. Last week I heard John Clayton say on radio that Philadelphia is talented, but their roster isn’t particularly deep. Based on the freakout of Eagles fans on Twitter last night I think I believe him.
To be entirely honest, Minnesota concerns me a lot more than Philly.
Both good teams. Philly is putting together a real good run with Wentz and a running back I wish the Seahawks had picked up for 1.5 million named Blount.
Vikings are tough, and there is a good chance that Seahawks will be playing them post season in freezing weather. Never my favorite scenario as even a win becomes a loss with injuries.
I think there are good reasons we didnt pick up Blount. And I’m a Ducks fan.
Im curious. What reasons do you think?
He’s kind of a jagoff. Lots of maturity red flags. Pete might have even coached against him in college.
Unless you’re talking about the freezing weather in SEA, don’t forget that the Vikings once again play indoors. The weather wouldn’t affect a road game there. Philly would be a different story.
He’s lightning quick for his size. Wow.
Unfortunately for Seattle, he looks like he’ll probably end up going top five.
Here we go with this again.
Lol not everyone goes top 10
There’s gonna be like ~20 first round grades this year.
And the Hawks are gonna trade down.
So long as we don’t end up with ANOTHER beast of a DT in the NFC West, I’ll be breathing a sigh of relief.
Probably will go in the top one!
Thoughts on the potential Freeney signing?
Doesn’t require a trade or restructuring any deals, so I’ll take it if he pans out. Veteran guy who can spell Bennett a/o Clark. Freeny is a HoF talent with some gas left in the tank. I’d take him for the vet minimum or $1 mil tops. The young guys on that d line would benefit from a guy of Freeny’s pedigree. Hope they get it done and a trade before the deadline too.
I’d love it. If you only need 15 snaps a game out of him that’d be perfect. And if he could teach Frank Clark his spin move…
I’d prefer he teach him that angle around the corner 🌋
I’d be down with it.
I love guys like this. Can still be really effective with limited snaps.
I’d offer him the vet minimum + $100,000 bonus for every sack. $125,000 each sack in the playoffs.
Can you imagine how frustrated Browns fans must be.
The have been looking for a franchaise QB forever in a league where you can’t win consistently without one. Then in back to back years they pass on Wentz and Deshon Watson.
Hugh Jackson is the supposed QB guru and worked out extensively both guys then passed. He and their front office should be canned for that alone much less their dismal performance on the field.
If I were the Browns owner I would be calling John Dorsey every day saying if you build the chiefs roster come to Cleveland and build ours.
Though Wentz has elevated his play this year, he now has weapon’s as Watson does. The Brown’s have none. IMO….
Their Receiving corp is no slouch. Inexperienced but talented.
Corey Coleman, Bryce Treggs, Kasen Williams, Sammie Coates, Ricardo Louis, Kenny Britt. Throw in Njoku at TE.
They have talented players all over. Just have trouble getting anything out of them.
It really is amazing after so many years with an unbelievable quantity of high picks that the Browns have so little talent on that roster.
It has to be a player development thing. Their culture of losing is really detrimental, and I’m sure takes its toll on newer players quickly. They have all these draft picks but it won’t matter if they can’t develop them.
I tend to agree with vrtkolman..
I look at the browns roster and see talent all over it. There are a TON of guys on there that have been discussed on this very blog..
They just can’t seem to get anything out of it..
I agree with what Ray Lewis said about the Cleveland Browns last night. That entire city needs to change its culture before it can become a winner. It’s not just the team.
Fill that roster spot by bringing up Davis….
Go hokies! Did any other of their defensive players stand out to you Rob?
Termaine Edmunds was one of the higher OLB prospects going into the season and some of their DBs (ie A. Alexander, B Facyson) seem to fit into the long, rangey mold that the seahawks like. Bud Foster knows how to coach em up!
I’ve liked Facyson in the past, not focused on him so far this season. Hopefully he can still deliver on all that hope he once had.
Not that Seattle has any big need at this spot with the newbies playing so well, but the fins just released Byron Maxwell.
Rob, I was under the impression that malik was going to get to play this season? Also are Deshawn Shead, Dion Jordan practicing this week?
Stevie, did u end up finding a live feed to catch the 2nd half of the Hawks game?
It’s still very unlikely McDowell returns this year. He’s only just started doing cardio work again. Would be very surprised if they rushed him back from a serious concussion.
Not sure on Shead and Jordan but doesn’t seem imminent.
They have 3 more weeks to decide on starting to practice these guy I think. Dion Jordan got a few accolades from PC a week or so ago, thinking he will be ready to go “soon”. They have talked about Shead coming back within the next week or two as well….. at least local radio scuttlebutt from info “around” the team.
I don’t think we want McDowell back. If he doesn’t play this year his contract officially starts next year. Basically he would be red shirted.
If I were the GM I would redshirt him. He won’t be able to contribute meaningfully until playoffs, and he might reinjure himself if he tries.
Wow, that is zippety quick for a man that size, almost unsettlingly quick… (I’ll see myself out now 😉 )
I give him an ‘a’ (Tim SeAttle)
Ok guys, it’s time to “Settle” down.
You can’t spell “Seattle” without “Settle.”
That does it; he’s a future Seahawk.
Dwight Freeney visiting Seattle! He would be a great mentor for this imposing D-Line!
Take some pressure of Bennett’s foot…haha
Vic Beasley really liked his mentorship…
Quality signing if they do…
Jeremy Lane tweeted he’s been “benched”. Hopefully we can turn that into traded
Trading him would put a lot of pressure on Thorpe to be Coleman’s backup. Shead could play nickel too, but that’s not the best fit, especially for a guy his size coming off an acl tear. I won’t be upset if he’s traded, but you gotta think about what our depth is behind Coleman if Lane does leave.
They have Shead come back from injury, so they are looking a bit full now at CB…… not really enough spots for all the guys….. 1 open spot on the 53 man roster currently.
Shead, McDougal and Thompson can line up behind Thorpe.
Lane has been frustrating to support. He is a talented guy when his head is on right and he’s healthy. He hasn’t been much of either this season.
His tweets this afternoon have me worried about where he is mentally. I’d be okay with him leaving, even if I’m concerned about the depth behind Coleman.
maybe they have a plan to get Byron Maxwell. heard on john clayton show that he was released
No way in hell do they bring Maxwell back. Griffin is leaps and bounds better than Maxwell. I see zero upside bring Maxwell back
maybe they trade Lane and bring in Byron.I think Griffin is a solid guy with lots more potential ahead , but if they are considering a trade? Coleman is playing pretty damn good as well
I loved Coach Carroll’s response when someone asked him about Lane’s comments on Social Media. He said that “there’s a lot of guys out here competing, and just because you’ve been in a starting role for awhile doesn’t guarantee you that you’ll be there forever.” Perfectly said.
Interesting the Texans released CB Marcus Burley. JG+JL=DB deal in the works?
I don’t think Graham is going anywhere
I agree. I don’t see how they could feel good about the TE depth without him. Willson is a nice player, but he’s not a true #1 TE. Vannett has shown very little to be confident in IMO. Swoopes could be brought up from the PS and is actually the most intriguing TE prospect we have, but he’s less than a half season into development after moving from QB.
Maybe there’s a stopgap TE available on the street, but I don’t think they’d move Jimmy unless the other team demands him. He’ll still give us a likely 3rd/4th round comp pick in 2019 even though he’s had a disappointing season thus far. He’s too talented and some team will pony up the cash for him.
Would certainly be interesting. Lane is maybe the 4th best CB on this roster and even that is questionable. Duane Brown just ended his holdout this week.
He should be. Dude has been outplayed by Shaq and J-Cole.
Dwight Freeney is a Seahawk!!!
Spin moves for days!!! Great veteran presence, great rotational DE, and great mentor to complement Bennett and Avril for Frank Clark.
+1
This could be a sneaky good signing. Love this move.
Avril must be expected to be lost for the season
They may not know that for sure yet. Vet contracts aren’t guaranteed after week 1, so they could always release Freeney if Avril can make it back later this season. In the meantime, they needed depth at DE for situational pass rushing and Freeney fits the bill.
+12 LUV IT!!!
This move could also have huge dividends for the young guys who need to learn how to be professionals, take care of their bodies and minds, learn the nuances of DL, spin moves, hand use etc.
What a perfect mentor for guys like Clark, Reed, Jones, McDowell!!!
I now have this picture in my mind of the four defensive linemen all spinning at the same time (a la syncronised swimming). Would be fun to see.
100% better injury replacement than Patrick Chukwurah.
I’m loving this free agent move. I have to say – this is the most active I have seen the Seahawks in mid-season moves. Thanks guys!
He needs to teach his spin move to Frank Clark.
Listen… you go back and watch that Super Bowl and you could make a great argument that Dwight Freeney was the most dominant pass rusher in that game for Falcons. Freeney ended up with only 1 sack but his ability to push the pocket and create pressure off the edge at his age was remarkable in that game.
If Freeney has ANYTHING left in the tank where he can produce like he did in the Super Bowl and the NFC championship game then Seattle is in a fantastic position with this signing.
Here are the highlights… he’s number #93.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=016LXFHpFCk&t=662s
My two concerns with the team going forward:
1. Wilson is still taking too many hits. It’s not all on the line either, he holds the ball too long at times and takes a lot of unnecessary sacks. Can he survive the season without any nagging injuries? He can certainly carry the offense without a running game, but not like last year when he had those MCL and pec injuries.
2. Bennett played 84% of the snaps against the Giants, which is too much for him even if he didn’t have a foot injury. Last year Avril and Bennett were wiped out by the time the playoffs came around. The Freeney signing will help, and maybe Branden Jackson continues his impressive campaign, but I think they need to devise a way to give Bennett more rest without killing the pass rush.
The outlook is great for this season. A lot of the young guys are improved at a torrid rate, which is more than offsetting the regression from Avril. If Reed and Shaq keep improving, this defense will be nearly impossible to move the ball on. I think Kris Richard has really stepped up his game and this might be his last year at DC.
“but I think they need to devise a way to give Bennett more rest without killing the pass rush.”
They drafted Malik McDowell. That was Plan A.
On to Plan B. Going to have to fix it on the fly but it feels like MB will have another snap-heavy season unless one of the Jackson/Jordan/McDowell group can really step up.
Probably the best hope is to rest him late in games they have a lead (not super-realistic as they usually play close ones) and utilize the playoff bye week to maximize health.
and Sheldon Richardson was added. That helps the defensive ends.
Bennett’s snap count has gone up from last year.
55/game in 2017
51/game in 2016
He really wanted Seattle to sign Freeney.
So much talent on that VT defense. The fact that he jumps out despite is great. His quickness is impressive. I wonder what Seattle will be looking for along the D line though? EDGE guy seems more of a concern. But if they cant keep Sheldon Richardson and with McDowell a question mark i could see an inside DT being a focus as well. Some nice options with Settle and Derrick Nnandi inside.
PC says Dion Jordan practicing now.
If I recall, that starts the 3 week countdown clock for the Hawks to activate, cut or IR him.
Strength and depth on the Dline and with Dbacks. Will linebacker be the next area built up this coming draft? KJ and all-world Bobby Wagner are humans playing a very rough sport.
Fellas, what do you say we come together as a community and have a lot of guys get involved this year with identifying guys who we think can be options for the seahawks in next years draft. I mean we can do it anyway just start naming players: their positions, ht wt, school. grade classification and all that.
I really wanna dive into the tape this year.
It might be cool to have us firing off players to watch for each game. But I think it should be a lot of cool people involved. We know Rob fights off a busy schedule, not to mention a huge time zone difference, and a family he is raising. Let me know what yall think.
That’s about all we do on this blog after the season ends!
Here’s an article with some names to check out of some lesser-known difference makers. Just hit the tape and if any jump out at you, do some more research and see if any have particularly “seahawky” personalities (Shaq Griffin) and/or backstories (Darboh, Naz Jones) and let us know.
http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/21129256/unsung-hero-alabama-crimson-tide-penn-state-nittany-lions-top-25
Personally, I keep a running file of players I want to to look into by position. Usually they are names mentioned by those who watch a lot of college ball (I don’t) and post in the comments. But I also try to find a few on my own, which is easier once we have combine / pro day numbers.
I set up some stuff to share on Google drive last season, but it didn’t really catch on. If you are interested in that sort of collaboration, let me know and I will get it going again.
Either way, thanks for your enthusiasm!
You got it Sea Mode, thanks my man
According to Bucky Brooks at NFL.com, the Seahawks’ average time to sack is 4.9 seconds, 5th slowest in the league. Perhaps this is why we’re tied for 4th worst in the NFL in total sacks?
L.O.B.
We’re never gonna lead the league in sacks honestly.
We prioritize gap discipline over rushing upfield.
It will bite hard when playing against elite QBs!!
It’s been the best defence, by almost any measure you care to look at, in the league for the last, what, five seasons?
They’re doing something right.
Like against Aaron Rodgers?
Bingo, even “one of the best defenses ever” in 2013 only averaged 2.7 sacks a game. Stop the run, don’t give up big plays, and eventually the defense will force a turnover. The real reason the defense is “back” this year is because they are forcing turnovers again, or they are in position to. Eli had two INT’s dropped by my eye.
This would be the lowest amount of sacks in a season under PC with the pace they’re on. Which would be 32.
Obviously not having Avril hurts, why they signed Freeney, but they’re missing another pass rusher and Seattle knows it.
And I don’t think McDowell is gonna be a big sack #’s guy either. Doesn’t mean he won’t get any or have a season or two where he does get a lot, but he’s more disruptive and will demand double teams and attention.
He’ll cause a ton of clutter at the LOS in a good way.
Yup, hence the Damontre Moore workout. Not saying he’s the answer either, but at this point in the season he may be the best they can get along with Freeney.
I like their ‘future 4.’ McDowell, Reed, Naz, and Clark. But we know Pete likes having multiple rushers.
IMO they’re missing either A) an undersized Avril built type or B) that Bruce Irvin dude who can rush out of different stances.
I suspect they’re hoping Marcus Smith and Dion Jordan can grow/develop and provide value and X-factor. Worth a punt anyway, considering it’s a shot to nothing.
Virginia QB Kurt Benkert / 6’2′ 220 / Redshirt Senior
“He has good size, athletic ability and arm strength. He gets the ball out. He’s accurate on three levels,” said one executive. Another noted that Benkert (6’4/230) “makes all the throws.” Per Draft Analyst’s Tony Pauline, the redshirt senior gunslinger is starting to draw “early- to mid-round grades.” Benkert has thrown for 1,806 yards (62.3% completions) with a 15/4 TD/INT ratio in seven games as he’s helped the Cavaliers work out to a 5-2 record for the campaign. ~ nfl.com
I’ve heard his name briefly mentioned a few weeks ago some where, but then NFL.com brought him up again in a recent article. “Underrated CFB QBs”. My question is simply, would Seattle draft this guy in the 3rd round? The scuttlebutt is this guy might climb the draft ladder quickly, due to his intangibles. When I read that, made me think of RW when he was coming out of college.
I personally like Baker Mayfield, but he get some press already, this kid mentioned above doesn’t.
Back-up QB is not the highest priority, but it might be a prudent pick.
**a note about his height, he was listed between 6’1 and 6’4″ on 4 different internet sites.
Knowing John Scneider, I think he’s gonna trade down and get that #2 again this year. A lot of us would say, yeah no Shit, lol, but I’m really hoping this is the year we grab a legitimate QB prospect in the draft. And I think we’d need to acquire more picks to do so.
I also agree in that we will grab a QB. Hell, to be honest if we end up with 3 or 4 picks in the 3rd thats where I would want us to grab a QB. For me the most fascinating thing this Off season won’t be what we do in the draft but what we do in FA. We have a TON of players who’s contracts are ending. Its almost mind boggling how different this Roster could be in the 2018 Season,
Was interested to see Shaquil’s little bro (by 16 seconds) also on Tony’s list of risers. Did a quick bit of research and he appears to comp with Hasson Riddick from an athleticism and play style stand point. Only draw back is is missing hand, will be one of the best stories of the upcoming draft and an even more heart warming one if he ends up in Seattle with Quil after all theyve been through together. We certainly could use another athletic linebacker on this roster with Kj’s contract up in 2019.
Something to think about…
If there was anyone that would take a shot on him it would be PCJS.
Is it just me or does he look a little thin to be playing LB . It almost looks like his build projects to safety. But given the hand its very unlikely he gets moved to safety in the NFL.. Its a touchy situation because no one wants to discriminate but at the same time I wouldn’t find it that utterly shocking if he goes undrafted. He has great tape even though he isn’t playing against Power 5 competition. Maybe his ceiling is Round 5? Idk.
So you’re saying there’s a chance…
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000867310/article/49ers-coach-it-would-take-a-lot-to-trade-lt-joe-staley
OL Ethan Pocic played really well on Sunday. Impressive debut. Smart dude.
Perfect in pass protection.
That, he’s a smooth mover, gets after it in the run game, and I liked his ability to handle all the line adjustments and what not.
I’ll say it again.
S. Dakota St TE Dallas Goedert is Travis Kelce 2.0
6’5, 270 lbs. According to his school some of his JR day #’s are as follows….
4.65 40, 36″ vert, 4.21 20, 10 1/8″ hands.