Updated draft day mock

April 26th, 2018 | Written by Rob Staton

This isn’t the one sent to the Huddle Report. However, with the news out there that Baker Mayfield is set to be the #1 pick, I decided to do a first round update…

#1 Cleveland — Baker Mayfield (QB, Oklahoma)
#2 NY Giants — Saquon Barkley (RB, Penn State)
#3 NY Jets (via Ind) — Josh Rosen (QB, UCLA)
#4 Cleveland (via Hou) — Sam Darnold (QB, USC)
#5 Denver — Josh Allen (QB, Wyoming)
#6 Indianapolis (via NYJ) — Bradley Chubb (EDGE, NC State)
#7 Tampa Bay — Vita Vea (DT, Washington)
#8 Chicago — Quenton Nelson (G, Notre Dame)
#9 San Francisco — Tremaine Edmunds (LB, Virginia Tech)
#10 Oakland — Roquan Smith (LB, Georgia)
#11 Miami — Rashaan Evans (LB, Alabama)
#12 Cleveland (via Buf, Cin) — Denzel Ward (CB, Ohio State)
#13 Washington — Derwin James (S, Florida State)
#14 Green Bay — Minkah Fitzpatrick (S, Alabama)
#15 Arizona — Lamar Jackson (QB, Louisville)
#16 Baltimore — Da’Ron Payne (DT, Alabama)
#17 LA Chargers — Mike McGlinchey (T, Notre Dame)
#18 Cleveland (via Sea) — Kolton Miller (T, UCLA)
#19 Dallas — Leighton Vander Esch (LB, Boise State)
#20 Detroit — Marcus Davenport (DE, UTSA)
#21 Cincinnati (via Buf) — Frank Ragnow (C, Arkansas)
#22 Buffalo — Billy Price (C, Ohio State)
#23 New England — Mike Hughes (CB, UCF)
#24 Carolina — Joshua Jackson (CB, Iowa)
#25 Tennessee — Harold Landry (DE, Boston College)
#26 Atlanta — Taven Bryan (DT, Florida)
#27 New Orleans — Hayden Hurst (TE, South Carolina)
#28 Denver (via Pittsburgh) — Will Hernandez (G, UTEP)
#29 Jacksonville — Isaiah Wynn (G, Georgia)
#30 Minnesota — Austin Corbett (G, Nevada)
#31 New England — Calvin Ridley (WR, Alabama)
#32 Philadelphia — James Daniels (C, Iowa)

My Seahawks seven rounder wouldn’t change:

(33) — Isaiah Oliver (CB, Colorado)
R2 (50) — Christian Kirk (WR, Texas A&M)
R2 (64) — Andrew Brown (DE, Virginia)
R3 (90) — Kalen Ballage (RB, Arizona State)
R4 (114) — Shaquem Griffin (LB, UCF)
R4 (120) — Dorance Armstrong (DE, Kansas)
R5 (141) — Leon Jacobs (LB, Wisconsin)
R5 (146) — Kameron Kelly (S, San Diego State)
R5 (156) — Tony Brown (CB, Alabama)
R5 (168) — Will Dissly (TE, Washington)
R7 (226) — Kyle Allen (QB, Houston)
R7 (248) — Keith Kirkwood (WR, Temple)

225 Responses to “Updated draft day mock”

  1. Kenny Sloth says:

    Mayfield has the talent and he’ll change the culture there.

    Much better underdog environment than New York city

    • vrtkolman says:

      I agree for sure. They need a guy with some swag and confidence, and Mayfield has it. Much better pick for them than Darnold. Darnold is boring, which isn’t a bad thing necessarily. I think he’ll be a solid but not special pro. He won’t change the culture like Mayfield would.

    • Trevor says:

      Tony Pauline summed it up perfectly

      Analysis: Scot McCloughan has convinced John Dorsey that Mayfield is the next Brett Farve.

      People love him or hate him. I am indifferent but think passing on Daronld is typical Browns the same as they passed on Wentz, Watson and the list goes on and on.

      That being said I don’t see Mayfeild as a bust.

      • Ishmael says:

        The analytics say Mayfield is the best QB in the draft. As long as they don’t take Allen I think the Browns will be okay.

      • vrtkolman says:

        I don’t see Darnold being close to Wentz or Watson. Wentz and Watson were champions and Watson elevated his game and torched the best defense in the nation on the biggest stage. Darnold was ineffective against frankly the only good defense they played last year (Ohio State).

        • Trevor says:

          Disagree 100% and he is only 20.

        • Trevor says:

          The comp to Wentz and Watson was based on leadership, mobility, style and being able to make all the throws. USC had a worse OL than the Hawks last year.

  2. H says:

    Im super excited about this Oliver hype. Everyone was gutted about King last year, and Oliver’s an even better pick.
    Makes even more sense to take a Corner early if you trade Earl too, since he made it so much easier on the corners.

    On that note what’s your thinking per Earl trade? post Petes recent comments and the fact that its still not happened I really dont see it as being that likely atm.

    I also think the Browns taking Baker would be as big a mistake as taking Allen. I view Darnold, Rosen and Lamar as the clear best QBs in this class, just depends what youre looking for, Baker and Allen both have too many issues to be considered for the #1 pick when youve got those three to choose from as well.

    • RealRhino2 says:

      Hugh Millen had some interesting comments regarding Earl’s role in “helping” our cornerbacks. Short version: he doesn’t help as much as you think, and not in the way we usually think of FS help. In my mind’s eye I think of safety help largely being what you see maybe in a 2-safety look, with the safety going full-speed to help break up a fade route. Hugh says that’s largely not what Earl does. Our CBs *generally* take inside leverage to prevent in-breaking routes, meaning they are alone responsible for out-breaking routes (’cause Earl isn’t going to beat them to the spot from inside) and they essentially prevent the in-breaking routes. Says that most of Earl’s “help” actually comes in the deep middle third, helping LBs and the SS on seam routes, post routes, etc., and in run support, where he comes in like a missile to turn breakaway runs into just 9-yard gains.

      When I look at it through that prism, I’m not sure trading Earl will have a great effect on the new corner’s success. I’ve started instead looking at FS who can play the middle of the field and — most importantly — come up and stick people.

  3. Sea Mode says:

    First two draft clues are up!

    The first one is a monkey stealing a hub cap from a car and then running away from another monkey. (did I just write that…?)

    https://twitter.com/PeteCarroll/status/989555694931066880

    • H says:

      Did the Monkey intercept that hat and then run away from the other monkey for a touchdown???

    • Kenny Sloth says:

      I think they’re looking for a steal. Gonna wait and see who falls.

    • RealRhino2 says:

      In the UK, isn’t to steal something to “nick” it? And you can’t spell hubcap without chub, so….

    • j says:

      Looking for a big WR capable of making contested catches.

    • Just a Guy says:

      Stealer’s Wheel -> Stuck in the Middle…they are drafting a center!!

    • Adam Boyd says:

      I think the chimp stealing the hub cap is Chubb.

      Ch(imp)(h)ubb

    • DCD2 says:

      This one was a little tricky, but I got it.

      The key is that the car is a Mercedes. The monkeys stealing the hubcap are just a clever misdirection as any good showman would do.

      Now as we all know Mercedes was the fiance and love interest of Edmund Dantes in The Count of Monte Cristo. A timeless tale of a man getting framed by a rival only to spend 20 or so years becoming a master of many skills, escaping prison, becoming a pirate, finding a lost treasure and exacting revenge on those who imprisoned him while winning back the love of his life… Pete and John love a good redemption story (BTW: Spoilers)

      I digress. The Count of Monte Cristo was played by none other than Jim Caviezel from our very own Mt Vernon. You could easily draw the conclusion that since Jim attended the Oscars for his nomination as best actor wearing a suit by Georgio Armani that Armani Watts is the answer. You would, I’m afraid be dead wrong.

      You see, while those are true, Jim was robbed of his award that year and it was instead given to Denzel for Training Day (Robbery! Yet it closes the loop on the monkey stealing the hubcap misdirection). Now the key is that we have found Jim Caveivel, whose role in the Ballad of Lefty Brown was also done in a character named Jimmy. Jim – Jimmy… too easy Pete. Now that we have found the correct Movie, what could be special about a movie titled: Lefty?

      Of course, the answer is the only player in the draft whose missing left hand has been THE story of the Off-season. The first answer my friends is Shaquem Griffin. Really quite simple when you break it down.

      Done and done.

      Whose got next?

    • hawkster says:

      Nic’ = to steal (in Rob’s land)
      cHUBb

      Nick Chubb

    • LLLOGOSSS says:

      This is hilarious. How does Pete find the time to troll us on a day like today 😂

    • DriveByPoster says:

      In the UK, the slang word for stealing is ‘nick’. Nick (C)hub(b)?

  4. Spencer Cahalan says:

    The first Pete Carroll draft clue is up! thinking Sam Hubbard with first pick… wherever that may be. Thoughts?

  5. Alaska Norm says:

    Just a thought, if Vita Vea is around when Washington or Baltimore picks could we see a trade including Seattle’s 18th and ET and a 3rd. It would be for the shot at Vita? I’d love it just not sure if it’s a realistic value. Last minute thoughts on my internal GM.

  6. Kenny Sloth says:

    This just in: Texans drafting Josh Allen to be the warden of their new prison offense

  7. Nick says:

    My mock—not worrying about pick numbers, but rather the players I think they go for. We’ll see if this works out or not.

    1. Nick Chubb RB
    2. Rasheem Green DE
    3. Wyatt Teller OG
    4. Isaac Yiadom CB
    5. Shaqueem Griffin OLB
    6. Tre’Quan Smith WR
    7. Natrell Jamerson CB/S
    8. Poona Ford DT
    9. Kyle Allen QB

  8. James says:

    To keep us all humble, All-Pro Antonio Brown posted the consensus scouting reports on himself prior to the draft: “lacks size, lacks elite acceleration after the catch, route running needs refinement, will struggle against the press, needs to add strength.”

  9. Sea Mode says:

    The two clues are supposed to be together? A guy who’s got wheels and shake? Ronald Jones?

  10. Sea Mode says:

    Kenny, replied to your question about biggest needs in last thread:

    https://seahawksdraftblog.com/the-final-2018-mock-draft#comment-379448

    • Kenny Sloth says:

      Yeah I saw. I agree with yoy about WR, I just really like Jaron Brown and didn’t want to relegate any of my day 2 picks.

      Which i did in my mock with 12 DL on my final roster.

  11. Darnell says:

    My unfounded thought is that the Oliver interest 1) to distract from the guy they really want being Carlton Davis and 2) a legitimate option if they don’t get Carlton.

    Carlton is just so Seahawky in physicality and personality. In the past when they’ve targeted a completely “clean “ prospect- no medical or character concerns- there hasn’t been visits or reported interest; Lockett and Pocic come to mind. IMO the silence around Davis is very very revealing.

  12. Ground_Hawk says:

    Great work this year Rob! You’ve really taken the SDB community to another level!

    Using your trades, this is my Seahawks dream draft:

    R2 (33) — Nick Chubb (RB, GEO)
    R2 (50) — Rasheem Green (DE/DT, USC)
    R2 (64) — Mike Gesicki (TE, PENN)
    R3 (90) — Shaquem Griffin (LB, UCF)
    R4 (114) — Joe Noteboom (OT, TCU)
    R4 (120) — Tyquan Lewis (DE, OSU)
    R5 (141) — Michael Dickson (P, TEX)
    R5 (146) — Marquis Haynes (DE, MISS)
    R5 (156) — Tony Brown (CB, ALA)
    R5 (168) — Jester Weah (WR, PITT)
    R7 (226) — Will Dissly (TE, UW)
    R7 (248) — Khalid Hill (FB, MICH)

    • Kenny Sloth says:

      Jester Weah, I believe is the nephew of former Balon D’or winner George Weah

      Cousin of American soccer player Tim Weah of PSG

  13. icb12 says:

    Can somebody copy Robs updated 1st round and post it here?

    I don’t tweet, and can’t see that stuff anyway at work.

  14. Kenny Sloth says:

    The second clue was a gif of an actor dancing

    The scene was from Adhisaya Piravi

    The actor was nicknamed king kong, and the gif is nicknamed little superstar.
    Initial release: June 15, 1990

    God I hope that doesnt mean Derrius guice

    • Volume12 says:

      What made you think of Guice?

      Here we are again trying to decipher these clues. I’ve on!y nailed one. The Frank Clark one.

      • Kenny Sloth says:

        Running style and it’s called little superstar. Perfectly represents Guice’s ego

        Will Hernandez has been described as this class’ King Kong

        • Volume12 says:

          What if it is? That dude is a Bollywood actor in India who was in a movie about a poor kid who grew up with a widowed mother? Guide’s dad was murdered when he was 3.

    • icb12 says:

      Adhisaya Piravi…

      Are there any breakdancing midgets in this draft??

  15. Nick says:

    From Pauline: The talk leading up to the start of the draft is about trades, many which won’t occur. One that could very well happen is the Seattle Seahawks getting their wish and trading out of the first round. As we suggested in our mock draft, the Cleveland Browns will move up to the 18th pick and select offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey or Kolton Miller, whichever player is available. Seattle would then receive both of the Browns’ draft picks at the top of Round 2, satisfying their desire to move out of the first.

    So we’d get 33 and 35?! Wow.

  16. DCD2 says:

    Well, you and Tony are certainly on the same page. I’d say you guys have 80% agreement on the first round.

  17. Volume12 says:

    NFL media doesn’t like Guice, but it took a blogger from how long ago to discover racist tweets from QB Josh Allen?

    • Ishmael says:

      I’ve been banging this drum all day, but the NFL simply doesn’t care. You know that 95% of GMs and owners will be looking at the tweets and shrugging their shoulders.

      • Volume12 says:

        Yup. Or ‘it’ll be excused as ploy be a team hoping to get him by affecting his draft stock. Some trash excuse.

        • Ishmael says:

          It’s been both already. ‘He was just a kid’ combined with ‘clearly leaked by another team trying to get him to drop ‘

          They’re not the worst tweets around, but they’re dumb, racist, and embarrassing. By the way, have you heard that Lamar Jackson should convert to WR?

          • Volume12 says:

            Because he his QB completion % isn’t good enough right? But when someone brought that up about Josh Allen, Kiper claimed that star doesn’t matter anymore.

            • Ishmael says:

              Don’t know if you ever listen to Bill Simmons, but he had a ridiculously dumb take the other day. Spent five minutes on his podcast frothing over Allen, talking about how he’s take him first because he’d met him once and at an event and he just had ‘it’. Two minutes later he’s talking about how the first thing he looks for in a QB is accuracy. There’s something about Allen that completely melts minds

              • Volume12 says:

                Nope. Can’t stand him and his garbage takes. Same with Colin Cowherd and Skip Bayless. I do enjoy watching Shannon Sharpe dunk on Skip every chance he gets though. Shannon is the GOAT man.

      • Volume12 says:

        I think he’s garbage skill set wise and this just reaffirms it for me.

        • Ishmael says:

          No no no. I’ve been told by the draft experts that even though he’s never been a good quarterback, never made his teams better, never den anything to show he can make it at the next level, that he’s going to be awesome once he gets to the NFL. Who cares if he can’t hit the target nets, you just wait for that 80 yard deep ball

          • Volume12 says:

            Good I loved that Mike Mayock clip from the combine. He said ‘Josh Allen has an awesome arm.’ He then proceeded to overthrow his WR by about 10 yds.

        • peter says:

          literally heard chris simms justify allens crappy completion oercent because its “windy” in wyoming.

          • Volume12 says:

            Hahah! No he didn’t?!?

            Is there not gonna be wild playing a mile above sea level or on the shores of a lake? No wind in upper state NY or the city itself?

    • Volume12 says:

      Maybe that explains his inaccurate passes to his black teammates? 😉

  18. Barry V says:

    This is what I threw together last night, it includes what I wish would happen if we are going to lose Earl then the Cowboys #1 and trading back with the Browns.

    R1 (19) – Isaiah Oliver (CB, Colorado)

    R2 (33) – Christian Kirk/WR/Texas A&M

    R2 (64) Kalen Ballage (RB, Arizona State)

    R3 (#95) – Derrick Nnadi (DT Florida State)

    R4 (114) Shaquem Griffin (LB, UCF)

    R4 (120) Poona Ford (DT, Texas)

    R5 (141) Holton Hill (CB, Texas)

    R5 (156) Leon Jacobs (LB Wisconsin)

    R7 (226) Jacob Pugh (LB Florida State)

    R7 (248) Will Dissly (TE Washington)

  19. hawkster says:

    Oh why not …

    2nd
    Nick Chubb RB
    Carlton Davis CB
    Christian Kirk WR

    3rd
    Andrew Brown DT
    (he lasts till 90 from Dallas)

    day 3
    Griffen LB
    Tony Brown CB
    Jamerson and Jacobs from Wisconsin (S, LB)
    Dissley TE
    Kyle Allen QB

    no OL

    • Volume12 says:

      I had trouble with my mock draft deciding between Jamerson and Tony Brown.

      • hawkster says:

        the more I think about it the more I’m inclined to remove Brown. I really like Jamerson. Fast, a solid tackler, keeps getting better, I think we don’t know his ceiling.

    • Simo says:

      Well done! The best set of players and positions we could end up with that I have seen yet!! Some great defensive help and new offensive toys as well!!

  20. DC says:

    Rather than predict every exact trade we make in the next 3 days I’ll just go with the ’12 pick’ scenario that Rob has used and give the round & names in the order we draft them.

    R1 Isaiah Wynn, OL, Georgia (Can’t help it, I’ve got tunnel vision on this dude)
    R2 Rasheem Green, DL, USC
    R3 Shaquem Griffin, LB, UCF
    R4 John Kelly, RB, Tenn
    R4 Dalton Schultz, TE, Stanford
    R5 Isaac Yiadom, CB, BC
    R5 Brandon Facyson, CB, VTech
    R5 Simmie Cobbs Jr., WR, Indiana
    R5 Siran Neal, S, Jacksonville St.
    R6 Chase Edmonds, RB, Fordham
    R7 Will Dissly, TE, UW
    R7 Khalid Hill, FB, UM

  21. Volume12 says:

    That 1st clue from Pete. In all seriousness I think it’s 2 things.

    A) We’ve (him & JS) have ridden this team/core until the wheels feel off.
    B) It’s a steal of some sort. Whether an actual prospect or through a trade

    • Volume12 says:

      Or, MonKEY stealing a hubcap. Arden KEY?

      • Sea Mode says:

        Hmmm… interesting idea on Key.

        I’m thinking Nick C hubb (cap). Back to an “Old School” running style.

        • Volume12 says:

          Ooohh. That’s a good one. HUBcap= Nick CHUBb right? And as the old saying goes, ride a RB until the wheels fall off?

        • Volume12 says:

          Wheel sounds like Will. Alright, alright, alright is Matthew McConaughey’s thing who’s from Texas. Will Hernandez from UTEP aka TEXAS El-Paso?

  22. Mexican Hawk says:

    Hi Rob, long time no post. Been busy, thanks again for all you do.

    Question: Why Rosen to Jets. I do love fit, but don’t you think they have to reconsider if Darnold there?

    QB I compare Darnold to most is Romo and Rivers. Neither won a ring, but both can make a comeback down 30-10. They have all you need in a top tier QB. With the fumble/interception caveat. Hand size I guess is an issue.

    I jus wonder if Jets spent all this time with Rosen compared to Darnold if they figured he was never going to be there at 3.

    Tonight is going to be mighty interesting, on all fronts.

    • RealRhino2 says:

      I feel like they’ve probably spent plenty of time with all the top QBs, just in case. I tell you what, if I was trying to save my job this year (that’s you, Todd Bowles, even though it’s not your fault), I would prefer Rosen. Agree with you about Darnold, but I think Rosen is more ready to produce at an acceptable level right away.

  23. Pedestrian says:

    Rob,

    You Oliver is better than any of the options at CB from last year? I just don’t see them breaking their MO and picking a CB so early. It would be comparable to when they selected Earl Thomas, the only DB taken in the first for this regime.

    This said, I’ll take the opportunity to post my mock draft (why not?) :

    1(28 via PIT) Isiah Wynn OG – Alternate Billy Price OG
    After going through almost a decade of bad offensive line prospects coming through the draft, finally there is a group worth getting excited about. Even though we’ve invested heavily in o-line, you have to take advantage while you can or risk going several more drafts before finding a talent like Wynn in a range we typically pick in. Day one starter, and beats out competition for open guard spot.

    2(50 via DAL ET trade) Courtland Sutton WR – Alternate DJ Moore WR
    Personally I’d prefer Christian Kirk, but don’t think he lasts. I agree with Rob, there likely is a cliff for WR although there are some intriguing prospects in later rounds. Sutton fits the mold of a big bodied receiver with a level of grit.

    3 (81 via DAL ET trade) Jessie Bates FS – Alternate Mark Andrews TE
    Bates shows the range and tenacity to take over the void left by ET. Seahawks want there to be competition for the spot, pick is justified because depth is also needed.

    4 (120) Shaquem Griffin OLD
    Cut from the same cloth, Griffin offers a lot of upside in terms of pass rushing. His grit, talent, and character are unquestionable – and that makes it an easy pick.

    5 (146) Hercules Mata’afa DE
    Seahawks brass showed attended several games at WSU, obviously there was something that caught their eye. With a desire to get faster, they look at Mata’afa as a pass rushing specialist.

    5 (156) Adonis Alexander CB
    Has the range and length the seahawks look for in a corner. Underrated.

    5 (168) John Kelly RB
    Kelly isn’t the flashiest player, but knows how to grind out for the tough yards after contact.

    7 (226) Ryan Izzo TE
    Underrated player. Asked primarily to block at Florida State and is exactly what the Seahawks need to get the run game back on its feet.

    7 (248) Ito Smith RB
    Seahawks double down on RB here to provide as much competition at camp as possible. With all the injuries that have occured to this group a second selection is warranted. Ito would provide the opposite of John Kelly, more shifty and nimble in tight spaces.

    • Pedestrian says:

      you think Oliver *

    • Pedestrian says:

      Forgot to mention alternate to Ito Smith would be Jarvion Franklin

    • Simo says:

      Didn’t you get some additional picks from Pit for dropping down 10 spots? Don’t see anything in your mock?

      • Pedestrian says:

        LOL yea woops! Typed this out as fast as I could on my lunch. Let me edit that

        3 (92 via PIT) Tim Settle ( if he lasts ) Alternate Harrison Phillips

    • hawktalker#1 says:

      No “fix the running game” love?

      Our current RB’s are the solution?

      • Pedestrian says:

        Yea I was really wanting to pick Nick Chub instead of Sutton, but thought WR might be best at that spot and given tyler lockett contract is up after next season.

        After hearing Tony Pauline’s possible trade with Cleveland, that changes everything!

  24. Nickhawk says:

    My predictions: They trade Earl for less than what people are expecting (3rd this year, 2nd next depending on performance, could trickle as low as a 4th). Griffin drops to round 6th. Hawks gives a team helleva a good deal to trade back. Hawks first pick will be a TE. Hawks trade back twice to accumulate more picks. One year from now Wilson on trade block. Wild stuff..

    • Volume12 says:

      Griffin to round 6? I’m probably in the minority on this, but he’s a late 2nd round type of talent.

      • Kenny Sloth says:

        Thats what I’m f******* afraid of

        • Drew says:

          I think he’s late 3rd since he’s not an every down player yet.

          • Thy Hawk is Howling says:

            I Hope that the other Teams are going to let the Hawks draft Shaquem. I believe there are some unwritten rules in the NFL as there are in life.

            Shaquill only went to UCF because they accepted Shaquem, those were his terms. The Twins are from Florida and Quill had offers to the bigger Schools (Awsi you’re a Florida guy anything you could add) Seminoles, Gators, Hurricanes of course you personally know the school’s.

            It’s such an amazing commitment to Brotherly Love and a Beautiful tale!
            My Brother is a Career Army Man, and Damnit I wish he Loved me as I Love him, Hopefully one day!

            I think it would be fitting to acquire pick #90 and Draft Shaquem with the Same pick as his Twin.

            Yes, that would be so Awesome!

    • Simo says:

      Predictor of doom???

    • hawktalker#1 says:

      Buddy that take is so hot you incinerated yourself before you finished the post. If that is really the future, incineration might be for the best. Any I always wanted to be a Browns fan anyway? LOL

  25. RWIII says:

    Rob’s Seahawk 7 round mock draft would be fantastic. We will see what happens.

    • hawktalker#1 says:

      That’s what is being predicted that they will do. Let’s pray that doesn’t happen. Don’t think even Rob actually wants that.

    • Volume12 says:

      Shaq is in the gif? That’s a giveaway.

    • SoCal12 says:

      Gimme that Shaq. He’s a cool cat.

    • Sea Mode says:

      Finally, the Shaquem clue!

    • DCD2 says:

      Hoo boy. This one was one of Pete’s best. Another masterful use of misdirection by flaunting the obvious answer of Shaq (Griffin) to the masses. Of course just like in a game of 3 card Monte, the moment you are sure, is the moment you lose.

      This ingenious clue is a 2 parter. The first step down the rabbit hole is the easiest. We have a “big” and a “cat”. The SB Nation site of the Jaguars is “BigCatCountry” as we well know. The next step leads us to the owner of the Jags which is Shahid KHAN! I’m sure many of you see where this is going now, so I’ll speed along. Khan is in reference to the Great Khan, Genghis, whose given name was Temüjin. Any good Mongolian will tell you that name is derived from the word temür which of course means: of Iron. We therefor wrap up part one of this clue by deducing that the player in question played in the Iron Bowl, and is naturally “from Iron”. (That or he is a Greyjoy)

      Now Part two of this clue circles back to the original image. Could it be Da’Ron Payne as Shaq is the spokesman for Icy hot which dulls the “pain”. Maybe, but then why is the cat there? Seems close, but not quite right. Well, if you haven’t figured it out by now, allow me to help with a little known bit of NBA lore to get you over the hump. Take a look at this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Or0Y8JnQmWk

      Yep, there’s Shaq doing a baby birdman impression. Birdman (rap artist) is engaged to Toni Braxton, so we logically can conclude that Toni or “Tony” is the first name. The last part is a simple decipher of the cat portion. The cat is doing the classic “oops” dance, which we all know is spelled “UPS” in Greenland (One of the largest untapped sources of Iron in the World… Pete you sly dog!). UPS is also the package delivery company whose slogan is “what can Brown do for you”.

      Ergo, I give you Tony Brown – Alabama

  26. McZ says:

    My draft, trades with Brown’s, Rams and Chiefs/Texans (some teams need to trade up), Earl stays, value down to Draftboardguruboards and NFL.com:

    R2 Christian Kirk, WR
    R3 Kerryon Johnson, RB
    R3 Braden Smith, OHG
    R3 Dane Cruikshank, S
    R4 Shaqueem Griffin, LB
    R4 Jeff Holland, Edge
    R5 Breeland Speaks, DL
    R5 Mark Andrews, TE
    R5 Levi Wallace, CB
    R6 Demon Allen, LT
    R7 Kyle Allen, QB
    UDFA Austin Gilson, C
    UDFA Siren Neal, S
    UDFA Joe Zema, P
    UDFA Trey Quinn, WR
    UDFA Chase Edmonds, RB

    • McZ says:

      Not convinced, they pick CB as top pick. They will sign Maxwell and develop Tyson.
      It’s Austin Golson, Dejon Allen and Siran Neal btw.

      If Kirk fails, they will take a top DL prospect and draft Marcel Ateman in round 5.

      Really like Tony Brown, but the Alabama factor will push him up too much.

    • Sea Mode says:

      Solid draft, maybe not as much upside as some others.

      • McZ says:

        But we retain ET.

        • hawktalker#1 says:

          Based on where the future with ET is heading, not sure that is the best thing. Probably better to bite the bullet now and at least get some compensation for trading him.

      • McZ says:

        And if they trade ET, just add a R2 and a R3 pick, and you get a lot of value in return.

    • McZ says:

      Some analysts have RoJo late R2, and Guice early R2. Guice will not pass Detroit. And RoJo will find a home in Minnesota.

    • McZ says:

      Okay, ET trade variant, to Dallas for 50 and 90.
      Just add

      R2 Justin Reid, S
      R3 Derrick Nnadi, DL

  27. hawktalker#1 says:

    Reposting on new thread . . .

    With renewed focus on the “re-tooling effort”, actually addressing some of their stated objectives “fix the run game”, continuing with their previous “trade-down” and no CB early behavior and getting a little more creative with other trades to get more picks in this “re-tooling” draft, here is my proposal (yeah, this is more of a “what they should do” than what they should do draft, one can only hope they become the same).

    From Rob’s prior trades:
    Cleveland trades #33, #64 and #114 to Seattle for #18 to select Kolton Miller
    Atlanta trades #26 and #90 to Dallas for the #19 pick to select Taven Bryan
    Dallas trades #50 and #90 to Seattle for Earl Thomas
    Additional trades (getting more re-tooling bodies):
    DEN trades #40, #106, #182 [598 pts] to SEA for #33, #156 [609]
    BUF trades their #56, #121 [392 pts] to SEA for #64, #90 [410pts]
    >> This trade’s to get MO

    SHOW TIME:
    R2 (40) Ronald Jones II (RB, USC) else Nick Chubb (RB, Georgia)
    >> Fixing the Run game with game changers
    R2 (50) Christian Kirk (WR, Texas A&M) else Rasheem Green (DE, USC)
    >> Kirk adding power through the air
    R2 (56) Maurice Hurst (DT, Michigan) or B.J. Hill (DT, NC State)
    >> Trade to get MO or BJ for inside D help given some DL losses
    to stop the run and allowing our pass rushers a better chance to get through
    R4 (106) Shaquem Griffin (LB, UCF)
    >> Production, speed and culture transition
    R4 (114) Dalton Schultz (TE, Stanford)
    >> Took a TE a little higher with the add’l picks
    R4 (120) Holton Hill (CB, Texas)
    R4 (121) Dorance Armstrong (DE, Kansas)
    R5 (141) Leon Jacobs (LB, Wisconsin)
    >> Badger power; and he’s a beast
    R5 (146) Phillips, Skyler (OG, Idaho State)
    >> More help/competition for the OL and add’l “fix the run game contribution”
    R5 (168) Tony Brown (CB, Alabama)
    R6 (182) Natrell Jamerson (S, Wisconsin)
    >> Can you have enough Wisconsin D guys on your team?
    R7 (226) Poona Ford (DT, Texas) or Cole Madison (OG, WSU)
    R7 (248) Keith Kirkwood (WR, Temple)
    >> Another option for success through the air as current players may not be talented enough

    >> Skipped the QB, determined to be too much of a luxury pick this year given RWs lack of injury problems, and even if he gets hurt, is any JAG backup really going to help?

  28. Sea Mode says:

    Hey, guys. That clue with the Mercedes and the hub cap.

    We already said maybe “hub” = Nick C”hub”b

    but further, Mercedes Benz US Headquarters is in Atlanta = Georgia!

    • hawktalker#1 says:

      No no no. I’m sure I saw that monkey reach for his hammy as he was sprinting away.

      Got to be “ROJO”. You were close though, it was a RB.

    • Volume12 says:

      So far I think the clues are either and not in any order… Nick Chubb, Guice, RoJo, Shaquem Griffin, someone from LSU , someone from Texas, someone born in Philly or a school in Philly (‘Nova, Temple, etc.)

    • Pugs1 says:

      They have a huge plant in Tuscaloosa, AL

  29. Joseph says:

    I honestly don’t see is trading earl. I hope not but then again we can’t pay him either.

  30. Jason says:

    If I was the Jags I don’t see why they would not consider trading for Earl. They are ready to go for the super bowl. No one available at 29 would help them as much. Not sure why Dallas seems to be the only one pursuing him.

  31. RWIII says:

    Just want to say something about the Josh Allen tweets. Someone is going to pick Josh Allen. This is first thing that will crosses my mind. Lets say Denver takes Josh Allen. You have to wonder. Did the Broncos leak the tweets. Whoever takes Josh Allen the first thing I will think about is. Did this team leak the Josh Allen Tweets.

  32. hawktalker#1 says:

    Any team needing him to drop to put him within their draft reach could be motivated to drive his stock down.

  33. RWIII says:

    Hey guys: Former Seahawk passed away today. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/04/23/free-agent-lineman-kona-schwenke-dead-at-25/

    Kona Schwenke: He was only 25 years old. In college he played for Norte Dame. He was a defensive tackle. Tom Cable tried to turn him into a guard.

  34. Milwaukee hawk says:

    What channel everyone going to watch the draft on? I’ve always done espn but open to trying nfl network if others feel it is better coverage.

  35. Volume12 says:

    New clue.

    https://mobile.twitter.com/PeteCarroll/status/989623288102965248/photo/1

    Is that a young Holyfield, who’s son is gonna play at Georgia?

  36. white-salmon-hawk says:

    Can we avoid spoiling the picks this year?

    I like to watch the draft and read/talk in this comments section about the picks and how the board is falling. I’d rather wait for the broadcast announcement than read about your hot reddit/twitter feed. Thanks in advance!

    • GerryG says:

      NFL should step up it up on their end too, taking forever to announce what is essentially old news

  37. DCD2 says:

    Better get mine in before the bell: Numbers are from (I think) Rob’s second to last mock with the ET trade.
    I also traded down with pick 120 to pick up 138 & 174 from GB.

    38 – Mo Hurst DT – Michigan
    50 – Nick Chubb RB – Georgia
    64 – Anthony Miller WR – Memphis
    95 – Armani Watts S -TAMU
    114 – Shaquem Griffin LB – UCF
    138 – Wyatt Teller OL – Va Tech
    146 – Tony Brown CB – Alabama
    156 – Simeon Thomas CB – La Lafayette
    168 – PJ Hall DT – SHSU
    174 – Chris Herndon TE – Miami
    226 – Dejon Allen Hawaii OL
    248 – Marques Valdez-Scantling WR – USF

  38. Volume12 says:

    What if the clues are more of a theme and describing what they want/look for in prospects? I mean this wouldn’t be much different than what they usually like but I’m just throwing things at the wall at this point. For example:

    1st one- create opportunities for themselves
    2nd + 3rd clues- Like to have fun, enjoy themselves,
    3rd clue- undersized/overlooked yet high energy
    4th clue- quickness, speed, and length of size (in terms of Shaq)
    5th clue- fighters

  39. Coleslaw says:

    The Kevin Hart ” Alright alright alriiiight” clue maybe is meant to be read as ” all right” as in the right side of the field.

    Braden Smith played RG and RT. Alriiiight let’s go!!!

  40. Coleslaw says:

    The cat and Shaq clue seemingly couldn’t be more obvious. Wiggle around the draft board for ‘Shaq’ Griffin.

    • Volume12 says:

      Would there a cooler moment in the history of the draft than Seattle sticking at #18 and just drafting Shaquem?

      • hawktalker#1 says:

        I get what you’re saying, but cool and stupid are like oil and water, they don’t mix well. Hard to keep the cool vibe when everyone is whispering, “yeah but why they so stupid?”

  41. RWIII says:

    I am sure most of you guys listen to Brock Huard. Brock thought there was about a 25% chance that the Hawks would keep their 1st round pick. Personally I give it about a 10% chance the Hawks would keep their 1st round pick.

    But did you know back in 2011 the Hawks tried to trade out of their 1st pick round pick. But they couldn’t find a partner. So guess who they took? The Hawks took James Carpenter. Instead of celebrating their 1st round pick. It look more like a morgue. The expression on Pete Carroll’s face was anything but joy. I have never seen Pete Carroll look so down then when the Hawks took James Carpenter. Even Nick Saban shook his head left to right.

    Here is the good part. K.J. Wright was a 4th round pick. Richard Sherman was a 5th round pick. Byron Maxwell was a 6th round pick. Malcolm Smith was a 7th round pick. So the Hawks really did clean up in the later rounds.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Seattle_Seahawks_season

    That actually turned out to be one of the Seahawks better drafts. The Hawks struck gold in that draft. In addition to Carpenter. Hawks also snagged K.J. Wright, Richard Sherman, Byron Maxwell and Super Bowl hero Malcolm Smith.

    • hawktalker#1 says:

      I’m with Rob in this particular one. Only a 1% they keep it and that is being generous. Might go up to 2% if they trade ET.

    • AlaskaHawk says:

      Pete would have been better off going for a difference maker that year, a wide receiver or running back. Mark Ingram went off the board shortly after Carpenter.

  42. 503Hawk says:

    Have to get back to work, but here are my “hot takes…”
    1.) Seattle will not stay at 18. (duh!)
    2.) Cleveland will NOT trade up to get Seattle’s 18th pick!
    3.) Dallas will NOT trade their 2nd and 3rd this year for Earl.
    4.) Seattle will acquire Griffen in part to reestablish the attitude in Seattle.

    Enjoy your evening.

  43. Volume12 says:

    Who’s the chick in the black dress on the red carpet event on NFL network? She could get it.

  44. Volume12 says:

    Jon Ledyard is saying Seattle is one of 3 teams that are most interested in LSU HB Derrius Guice in round 1. Please God let this be true. 🙏

    • Rob Staton says:

      Unless I’m mistaken, Jon Ledyard has been pedalling Derrius Guice stuff all draft season, including the nonsense about him running a 4.3 leading up to the combine (also ‘reported’ by Matt Miller). So me thinks maybe someone has a source and is willing to promote anything coming from it.

    • hawktalker#1 says:

      That’s not funny.

  45. hawktalker#1 says:

    My broken sound bite all season would be, “the Guice (intentionally mis-pronounced for effect) wasn’t worth the Squeeze”

  46. Morgan says:

    I really don’t think Griffen lasts to round four, and definitely not to 120. We want him, we need to go earlier.

  47. vrtkolman says:

    GARBAGE. We only got a extra third and picked Penny? Deflating. We almost have to trade Earl now.

  48. Ishmael says:

    Stoked for Jackson! Hope he tears the league to shreds