Dan Kadar at Mocking the Draft reviews the key pro-days at Florida and Pittsburgh: “One draft riser who will get to show off today is Pittsburgh’s Jabaal Sheard. Projected by many as a 3-4 outside linebacker, Sheard looked good running a 4.68 40-yard dash at the Combine. Still, he didn’t the three-cone drill in Indianapolis, a key drill for linebackers.”
Rob Rang has an updated mock draft and suggests the Seahawks will consider Ryan Mallett at #25: “The Seahawks appear to be very intrigued with the Razorback’s strong arm. GM John Schneider was on hand for Mallett’s pro day.”
Chad Reuter also has an updated projection and this time the Seahawks take Mike Pouncey: “Pouncey could play guard if Max Unger steps in at center, or vice versa.” Am I the only one who thinks the play of Chris Spencer warrants an extension?
Reuter has Christian Ballard (DE, Iowa) going at #57 in round two. You can see Ballard’s combine work out here.
Walter Cherepinsky has an updated six-round mock draft. The Seahawks take Jimmy Smith and Orlando Franklin with their first two picks.
It’s easy to forget Phil Taylor (DT, Baylor) is 334lbs.
Muhammad Wilkerson could also be on Seattle’s radar as a capable five technique.
Steve Wyche and Michael Lombardi discuss the impact of the lockout on the NFL Draft.
Wyche’s mock has the Seahawks taking Ryan Mallett at #25.
Mike Mayock looks at boom or bust prospects on the defensive line. Mayock also has some interesting thoughts on Jimmy Smith.
R.C. Fisher reports that Ricky Stanzi scored a 30 on his wonderlic test (24 is considered the average).
I see Fairley and Quinn very much as boom or bust, but I really do think Bowers is a very safe pick. He may not end up being a 10+ sack guy, but I would pencil him in with 6+ every year topped by great run defense as well. Obviously you’d like to get prettier numbers regarding sacks, but he is so well rounded. Then again, the same thing was being said about Derrick Morgan. I could easily see a guy like Bowers slipping quite a bit.
This is shaping up to be a very intriguing draft at the top. I’m expecting some surprise falls and guys going higher than projected. I see Dareus, Patrick Peterson, and AJ Green as locks in the top of the draft and expect Fairley, Miller, and Bowers to go lower than expected.
The guy I think goes much higher than slated now is Tyron Smith. Might be the least talked about freakish talent at a premium position. I mean the guy used to block kicks at SC as well and is only 20 years old. I can see no way he gets past the Cowboys and I could see teams trading up to get him. Rare, rare talent that isn’t getting enough publicity.
Rob you have a take on Orlando Franklin?
He’s an option if they want to go guard early. He’s a big guy, but then I suspect they will look to get bigger. He’s not immobile which will help in a zone scheme. I remember the Miami vs UNC game where I started to form a negative opinion on Marvin Austin, but in fairness Franklin was very good that day. I prefer Hudson as a techician, but Franklin is a solid run blocker who can play either guard spot.
Yea Franklin seems like more of Cable’s type of OLman than Hudson. I like Hudson too though.
Oh, and you’re definitely not the only one who thinks Spencer has earned an extension.
Doug Farrar tweeted today that the Seahawks have scheduled a workout with Locker.
Hey rob, I was wondering what your thoughts were on West Virginia Safety Robert Sands? at 6-4, 215 hes an intriguing prospect for strong safety, i like Kam Chancellor, but in the spirit of pete carroll a little competition couldn’t hurt
Not a player I focused on last season but had a decent combine. I think I have a WV game saved so I’ll take a closer look.
I think Spencer was the only rock from last year’s OLine. I believe he played almost every snap, definitely warrants an extension. But does Tom Cable see Spencer playing for the ‘Hawks in 2011? Does Spencer “fit” into Cable’s OLine?
Also, if the rumors are true, if Gallery will come up here and play for his old coach, solves the LG dilemma. Here’s what our projected OLine could look like: LT Okung, LG Gallery, C Spencer/Unger, RG Unger/(Spencer?), RT Polumbus/or Draft Pick.
Pouncy would be a nice addition, but if Gallery comes here, I don’t see the use of a high draft pick for OLine when we have other glaring holes elsewhere.
I have this sneaking suspicion that Schneider holds Wilkerson in high regard.
Wilkerson looks like who we thought/hoped Balmer might be. Our DL big men need a playmaker amongst them. Last year we got surprising value from Junior Siavii and it shows what his type can accomplish in our scheme. Imagine if we had a real playmaker like Wilkerson. He could offer much needed depth behind Bryant and Mebane too.
I thinking is one to keep an eye on. Big time talent. Very underrated.
rob, i know your not too high on golden tate, i still have faith, but what about using him as a situational rb as well as reciever? could confuse defenses, borrowed this idea from seeshock blog, but do you think he could be a successful runningback?
I was surprised the Seahawks didn’t try to be more creative with Tate. I’ve always felt that his value comes when the ball is in his hands, so get him running some bubble screens, WR screens, HB screens if needs be – let him play in the slot and get him in space. End arounds. He’s not got the size and power to play running back, but you need to be creative with him. If we’re expecting that one day he’ll be this really crisp productive route runner, then it’s a wasted pick. We needed to treat Tate like KC treated McCluster.
Rob, It looks like you guy Jabaal Sheard is on the rise; what is his best position? Do you think he is a better fit as a DE in a 4-3 defense or a OLB in a 3-4 defense? Also, the Patriots could use a big rush OLB and Sheard might be a good option for them at #17.