I’ve updated the horizontal board today (click the image to enlarge).
This will likely be the final update. I’ll post it again ahead of the draft if you want to use it to follow along.
It’s a few years since John Schneider stated the aim was to become the bully again.
It hasn’t really happened.
Seattle has some very physical players — such as Duane Brown and Chris Carson. There are also a handful of individuals on defense who fit the bill.
They haven’t, however, been able to impose their will on opponents as often as they’d like.
The clearest example of that is their home record in recent years. They’re 14-10 since 2017. The problem reached a crescendo when they lost half of their games at Century Link field in 2019.
What happened to the intimidating, daunting prospect of facing the Seahawks in Seattle?
They had one-point victories against lowly Cincinnati and the LA Rams, needed overtime to beat the Buccaneers and nearly blew a handsome lead against the Vikings. Those were the four wins.
The four losses including three games where they were whipped in the trenches — O-line and D-line. Yes there were turning points against Baltimore (Russell Wilson’s bizarre pick-six), New Orleans (special teams mistakes) and Arizona (injuries). It was also difficult to watch all three opponents push the Seahawks around once the game started to ebb away.
Their final home game — against the 49ers — isn’t really fair to judge. By this point the Seahawks were decimated by injuries and facing the NFC’s top team. Yet the way that game ended masked what really happened. Seattle were clearly second best for three quarters and comfortably so. Russell Wilson finding a groove at the end almost pulled off a famous and improbable QB-inspired upset. The Niners are better up front, though. The Seahawks will need to close the gap to win the NFC West.
That’s not to say anyone should expect clean and unbeatable at home. They’ve never been that in the Carroll era. They had frustrating, close and strangely difficult home games even in 2013 and 2014.
However — they also had an ability to be the intimidating force. Marshawn Lynch on one side of the ball, Kam Chancellor on the other. Lines with physical players who could help ‘complete the circle’ as Carroll likes to call it.
They’re still trying to complete the circle in this reset.
They fixed the running game in 2018 and it felt like they’d reconnected with their identity. Yet in 2019, the collapse of the defense put them almost back at square one.
So how do they address this? Because they’re not able to recreate Beast Mode or Bam Bam.
The best way to connect the offense, defense and special teams is to become even bigger, tougher and better on both lines.
That’s why I think Tony Pauline has been reporting it’ll be Seattle’s focus in this draft. I suspect those games against New Orleans and Baltimore have stuck in the mind.
It’s not the only focus, of course. Drafting a receiver early isn’t going to make Seattle’s defense and pass rush any better and it’s not going to make the Seahawks any tougher to beat. They could still draft one in the first two rounds and tap into this great wide out class. They don’t need to spend #27, #59 and #64 all on the lines to achieve their goal.
They do need to concentrate primarily on the trenches though. If you want to play the way the Seahawks want to play, you’ve got to commit to both lines.
They’ve done that a bit with their O-line free agency moves. Only a bit, mind, because they’be added journeymen. They’ve also done nothing to address the glaring D-line need aside from replace Quinton Jefferson and Ziggy Ansah with two more journeymen. Presumably they will sign a veteran edge rusher in the coming days or shortly after the draft.
Tougher, bigger, stronger, faster might seem like mere buzz words but that has to be the target in the draft.
That’s why players like Robert Hunt could be ‘must haves’. It wouldn’t even be that surprising if the Seahawks were willing to trade back from #27 into the early 40’s with Hunt in mind. It’s why Isaiah Wilson’s size could be appealing in the late first round. It’s why they’re probably going to take a defensive tackle early. The bigger and stronger the better — and that’s why we’ve looked at guys like Raekwon Davis, DaVon Hamilton and Leki Fotu. Tough, big, brutish defenders. They’ve got to compliment that with speed off the edge. Raw, sudden speed. They’ll need to find that somewhere — whether it’s an early investment in someone like Josh Uche or a later punt on a Darrell Taylor type.
From rounds three-to-seven they might seek out second level defenders who pack a punch — such as a Kenny Robinson. They might be willing to keep adding to the linebacker spot — and nobody can question the toughness of Willie Gay Jr, Logan Wilson or Malik Harrison.
They can no longer rely on the Rasheem Green’s and Cody Barton’s to get them where they need to go. The Seahawks roster in 2012-14 was about as physical as a team can be. They can’t regenerate Marshawn and Kam. They can certainly go and add some size and some edge and some nasty.
Whenever week one takes place, they need to be the intimidating team on the field. Especially on defense. That’ll continue to be the case while ever they’re playing Pete Carroll’s brand of football. That’s the only way Carroll completes his circle and avoids Groundhog Day with another wildcard or divisional playoff defeat.
And as noted earlier, it doesn’t mean you fight the board to avoid the skill positions. They have to add a running back at some point. Preferably that’s also a physical player — such as Clyde Edwards-Helaire or Zack Moss (Jonathan Taylor, J.K. Dobbins and Cam Akers are also physical runners). Receiver is a different situation. You want explosive — and they can find that with players like Jalen Reagor and Chase Claypool. You also want dynamism and speed and that could mean a different and more diminutive target such as K.J. Hamler.
We know the Seahawks like to tap into the strength of a draft class. This year, that’s the receivers. So at some point they’re going to address it along with running back.
Ensuring that both lines are sufficiently bolstered could and perhaps should be the priority though. They’ve got to come out of this draft as a more robust, more physical and faster team.
If you missed yesterday’s interview with Raekwon Davis, don’t forget to check it out…
You can now support Seahawks Draft Blog via Patreon by clicking the tab below.
Zach Moss, AJ Dillon both fit the mold of a “bully” that Carson occupies currently. Carson, I love him, but because of durability bringing in another tough runner sounds like a good idea.
I don’t think Dillon’s a bully. I think he’s big and therefore a load to bring down. A ‘bully’ though? Not for me. Moss more so. Nobody kicks your arse like Clyde though.
Thank you Rob for another great year of content. Your time and attention is appreciated from the fans trying to stay knowledgeable.
Thanks Blair. I really appreciate you saying that.
love these boards… thanks again, rob!
My pleasure.
Reposting all my stuff on Claypool’s blocking from the end of last thread. Seems pertinent to the theme of this post! (excuse so many links)
I opened Claypool’s twitter, and what’s the first pinned tweet?
His coach had this to say about him as well:
An eye-catching piece of data:
Listen to DJ’s comment at the beginning of this video, though, about Claypool admitting to drinking water for the weigh ins… 😏
https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1233406506122522628
Win getting off the bus…
https://twitter.com/ChaseClaypool/status/1121907306445332480
Serving up a stack of delicious pancakes:
https://twitter.com/ChaseClaypool/status/1064283285159899137
https://twitter.com/ChaseClaypool/status/1041868214815391744
https://twitter.com/ChaseClaypool/status/1231966619494223872
https://twitter.com/mattfreemanISD/status/1173969745881833472
You had better bet the Seahawks are gonna be interested in him!
I would be so excited if he ended up a Hawk. Of all the Canadian prospects over the years he is the one with the most upside. I really think he could be a star.
The idea of Claypool, Metcalf and Dissly in the red zone would be a nightmare for defenders as all are great run blockers as well.
“Chase Claypool’s older sister took her own life when he was just 14. She was one of the first people to believe in him, and she still motivates him every day: “I just want to make her proud.”
A teammate of his in Canada said “Chase has a ruthless approach to everything he does. He never loses or wants to lose. If he does lose, he’s challenging the person that beat him until he wins. If he dropped a catch in practice, he’d run the play again until it was perfect. Everything that he’s dealt with in his life, losing his sister, is something that motivates him to be the best.”
Good article at the Bleacher Report on Claypool – https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2886807-i-just-want-to-make-her-proud
Would be ecstatic if we are able to draft Hamilton at DT, Hunt at OT/OG, Uche or Weaver at Edge, and Claypool at WR on day 2. May need to trade down with the Dolphins to get both their 2nd rounders at 39 and 56, even if it takes throwing in a 3rd rounder in 2021. All five of these guys can literally thrown guys to the side and pancake them and are all BAMFs.
Rob, absolutely great work you’ve been doing all year, and not only very informative, it’s a great distraction in these times. Between the interviews and other podcasts, the almost daily new articles and letting us know about the mock draft simulator at PFN, you just keep getting better. To use a sports analogy, you’re definitely in your prime and 1st team all pro. This is the only site of any kind that I check several times a day for updates from you and great posts like above from Sea Mode and others about the Seahawks and players to draft. I might check other sites once or twice a week to see how many other OL the Seahawks signed.
From the same Bleacher Report article:
As a kid growing up in Abbotsford, British Columbia, the four-year Notre Dame wide receiver didn’t just like playing the game—he absorbed as much as he could as a fan too. He watched the Seahawks religiously during the NFL season and the BC Lions when the CFL was in session.
Thanks you, that really means a lot to read those words. Thank you 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Funny you mention Dobbins. I was just going to ask whether we would be talking about him a lot more if he had been able to blow up the Combine like we know he would have.
https://twitter.com/TheOpening/status/751488254562537472/photo/2
Could their strategy be to just wait and see which of Dobbins, Akers are available at the end of R2-early R3? Would anyone really put it past them to draft Taylor if he lasts to 27…? I wouldn’t think they would make that kind of an investment with Carson and Penny on the roster, but who knows…
Possibly so.
Everyone’s sleeping on Dobbins. He was lights out for Ohio State, especially in the big games. Look how he played hurt against Clemson. He propped them up, made their QB’s life a lot easier. And he would’ve destroyed the combine.
Yep, Dobbins is a stud. Kind of flying under the radar to me it seems. He seems to fit the Seahawky style in a more traditional way than CEH. I could see that (waiting with Dobbins/Akers in mind) at RB as well as some other positions.
Another guy I wonder if we’ve glossed over a bit is John Simpson, the guard from Clemson. He, Hunt & Adeniji could make a similar grouping, where the Hawks could be happy with whichever guy they could wait the longest on.
Simpson has the long arms (34 1/8), superior TEF (3.20), frame (6’4, 321) and road-grader style that seems to be a Solari preference. From LZ:
‘Broad, well-built snowplow of a guard with the traits and power to turn a crease into a full-fledged running lane. Teams looking to add physicality up front will covet Simpson, but keep in mind he was plenty effective with scoop blocks, pulls, second-level climbs and even screen blocking, which shows the big man can move.’
Dobbins looks great. But I feel like it would be a surprise if we wound up with him or CEH, because of where we’d have to pick them.
Dobbins is RB1 for me. Think he fits the Hawks offense perfectly. JK is great in pass pro too, which is often overlooked.
Akers is actually the standout in pass pro, per PFF:
“He allowed just 15 total pressures across his 324 pass-blocking snaps at Florida State.”
Akers is also just 20 years old!
Quit making me excited they will draft a RB early 😛
Dobbins was my RB1 during the season, I think I’m unfairly knocking him in my own rankings because he wasnt able to workout at the combine.
Wouldn’t mind him at all late second.
rob, do any of these guards have center potential? or centers with guard potential?
…and which CB/S on your board do you like as nickel converts?
Sure — but not sure why they’d be looking for that other than the usual flexibility they prefer.
Rob, you are absolutely killing it with all this great content!
Thanks TJ
You do really worry about the home record. At worse they should be 6-2 every year with the chance of going 7-1 or 8-0. Last year they could have easily been 1-7 (Minnesota).
Cool stuff.
What percentage chance would you say there is of the Hawks drafting either Aiyuk or Shenault?
I’m really hoping for piece they can move around the offense. A player that can also be dynamic in the return game.
How late would it have to be for them to take one of these kind of playmakers?
It’s impossible to give anyone a percentage.
I think it’s very slim on Shenault. Just not as good as he’s been made out to be and always hurt.
Aiyuk much more likely but I think he’ll go too early. I think Aiyuk goes in the 20’s. Shenault round three.
Hamler’s one to keep an eye on.
Shenault injury concern would take him off my board.
As Rob mentioned, Hamler is definitely a shifty one to watch if available starting early 2nd round. I keep thinking he might go to the Chiefs at 32….. hum… intriquing
Rob I’m curious why you mention Hamler as one to keep an eye on? Is it because the Hawks are high on him or because you think he is more likely to drop in to the range that they wold select him.
Jalen Reagor has me the most excited. On top of the speed and desire, his hands look amazing. Are you thinking that Reagor and Hamler are close in teams rankings or is one clearly higher?
Yes because Hamler might last into round two and be an option.
And you don’t think Reagor will?
My appreciation for Reagor is well known
https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1251628257025368064
If the price is right I’d consider it. And by right I mean our late R3 or a R4.
We stole Marshawn back in the day. Let’s have another go.
I’ve been stumping for Fournette to Seattle for a while. Talk about being the bully again.
Maybe if they insist on going after YN they can package Fournette in the deal.
I could see this being worth a shot. But what about solving 2 holes?
How about #27 + our 2021 2nd for Fornette + Ngaukwe + 2020 3rd?
Seems a bit busy — don’t often see this many moving parts in a trade.
Pete would salivate at the prospect of two big physical backs. Could also be a hedge against a Carson injury or him leaving for another team after 2020. Then again, hasn’t Fournette had his share of lower body injuries? Ankle problems, hamstring, etc… How’s his durability compared to Carson?
Heck yeah. He’s awesome, plus it would free us up to draft a WR early instead of RB.
Yes every day of the week, and twice on Sundays. He is a viable weapon in the passing game too.
Yeah, I mean, I want 5 picks in rounds 2-3 with at least 3, preferably 4 on OL/DL. There’s just no way to do that AND get one of the upper end RBs and WRs.
Rob has talked as lot about being more physical. If you could get Thomas/Hunt on OL, Zuniga/Hamilton on DL, plus Claypool and add Fournette? That would bring some punch to both sides of the Ball.
Speaking of which, during the fan draft on Moving the Chains yesterday, the guy picking for Seattle acknowledged we would likely trade back, but he selected Josh Jones and said something I thought was rather inciteful. He said, “The ‘Hawks have 15 offensive linemen, which means they don’t have 5 they like.”
Good value in 2020 at $4.2 million, then approx. $10 million plus in 2021 (if we can pick up his 5th-year option). Would probably signal the end of Carson in Seattle after upcoming season.
Love Fournette, but would probably keep the picks and draft Carson’s cheap, long term replacement.
Ya, trading for a RB right before you need to pay him seems like a bad plan. If we could get him for a 4th and then recoup it via a comp pick, I like that plan a bit more.
Fournette is expensive, always hurt, and hasn’t been all that good for a while. Hard pass here unless it’s a 7th and the Jags pay part of his salary.
Actually, last year was his best ever, at least in yards from scrimmage. 6th in the NFL.,
That would be awesome! Imagine that three headed monster for a season.
I usually don’t say this, being a west coast guy… but let’s go to the SEC/south to get our draft class. Wilson is a legitimate option for sure. Raekwon and Zuniga as well. I think late day 3 or early day 4, Kindle Vildor is exactly the type of explosive, physical corner who is suited, no designed in a lab to excel as a zone corner who can also cover downfield. Physical kid too. I would cherish a return to physical football again. They can’t do it with trash heap veteran stop-gaps. I also think the offense needs a Jalen Reagor big time. Another weapon with which to stretch the field. I don’t know if he makes it to round two, however. They need a third rounder, not just that comp pick. Hamilton isn’t an SEC guy, but I’ve been high on him for a while now and he would be a welcome addition.
Thanks for posting an updated horizontal board. I’ve kept the older one open in a separate tab on browser to refer back to, now this one has taken its place. Really appreciate you creating this, helps me keep it all in perspective.
My pleasure Tom, thank you.
I second exactly what Tom said. Thanks Rob!
Thanks!
Ditto for me too Rob. Will have your horizontal board open during the draft to follow along.
Alright, let’s finally do one of these for sh**s & gigs. Try something a little different. Kept the same picks, but traded back slighty in the 4th for a 5th. Will probably do another one on Tuesday or Wednesday.
They will assuredly all be very ‘wronger’
1st: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU: IMO Seattle taking a WR first would be incredibly PC/JS. Chunk plays, speed, returner, loved his combine IV. Didn’t RW want more weapons? Maybe ala KC?
2nd: Raekwon Davis, DT, ‘Bama: Not my favorite, but someone they like and I could see them pulling the trigger on. They forever reference Calais Campbell. Not the same, but similar builds. Can line up at 3t and even 5t if they want to go with a Red Bryant there, size wise. Still like Auburn’s Marlon Davidson here too
* this next one is tough. My love for Josh Uche is well known
I’m also incredibly high on ‘Bama’s Terrell Lewis & Tennessee’s Darrell Taylor (who I almost went with) but I went with this guy.
* 2nd: Jonathan Greenard, DE, Florida: God damn alpha male right here folks. Leader, competes, led the SEC in TFL and sacks. Can play both DE spots IMO if needed, though more of a wide end/rusher. Plays the run well too. Seattle loves them some versatility. While Frankie’s 10 yd split is elite as well as his 20 & vert for his size, this guy is the most comparable in this class.
3rd: Lucas Niang, OT, TCU: Wanted to go with someone raw. Someone who can compete with Brandon Shell, but can also develop behind him as well. Has the size they like, tough as nails, moves people off the ball, and stoned Chase Young & Nick Bosa in ’18.
4th: AJ Dillon, HB, BC: I like this dude a lot. No one faced more loaded boxes than him last year. Very ‘Seahawk-y’ from a profile standpoint. Also am high on Zack Moss, but I think he goes higher and I mentioned before that he while his style is similar to Carson’s, I’m worried he’s more LenDale White.
4th: Trevis Gipson, DE, Tulsa: Potential, upside, a project whatever ya want to call him he gives Pete someone to develop. Reaaally raw, but when he does flash it’s top shelf stuff.
5th: Julian Blackmon, S, Utah: former CB, physical, good range. Versatile. Another very good run defender and another ‘see’s it, hits it’ type. Best spot is FS. If Amadi is a nickel, they need some depth behind Diggs. Safety might be a higher pick then we think (kinda hope not) 🤷♂️
6th: Thekarius ‘BoPete’ Keyes, CB, Tulane: Long, good ball skilss, looks like an ideal zone DB, and an incredible backstory. Gives Pete one of his pet projects at the corner position. Wanted to go with Georgia So’s Kindle Vildor, but I’m not convinced he has the size they like at CB.
UDFA’s:
QB Cole McDonald, Hawaii- QB should be a priority here. Dude is fun and probably should be drafted.
LB- Nate Evans, UCF: Wasn’t on my radar until we learned he met with Seattle. Plays with a ton of energy, high effort, motor never stops.
TE- Nigel Kilby, S. Illinois: Move TE. No next to nothing about him except for the fact his athletic profile at 6’7, 255 is pretty damn eye popping.
* even though they’ve collected a bunch, my wildcard pick would be Udub TE Hunter Bryant. Maybe that’s just my bias for him speaking though.
Looks like a very “Seahawky” draft to me.
I need to watch some more Greenard. Was Zuniga still “on the board” for you at that pick?
Watched some Kindle Vildor today and kind of came to the same conclusion you did. Really hard to pinpoint the nickel guys since so many didn’t do the short area agility testing.
Nope. When I play around w/ em, sometimes he is and sometimes he isn’t.
I can’t see Greenard in R2. He’s not quick enough.
Greenard is more quick than he is fast. His speed is the only knock on him. He is just flat-out good football player. Very aware, good hand use, takes good angles, blocks passes and strip’s the ball with the best of them. Not bad in coverage either. I also don’t think he makes to 59 either. He played with a significant wrist injury this past season also…
By they way Rob thanks for all the tireless content.
I don’t think he’s quick or fast. He never threatens the edge unless he’s given a free run. He’s a dog who will give you everything he’s got but he’s limited. It’s just the way it is. And that wrist injury is a major concern. He doesn’t use that hand and teams have got to work out if that’s a mental thing or a long term issue because the injury was long before the 2019 season began.
For me there’s no way he goes as high as R2. He’s a third rounder at best.
Rob,
Fotu had a medical issue at the senior bowl and/or combine, so didn’t participate if I recall correctly…. so I think he will be bit farther down than 3rd round…. but talent, could be the right spot. Did the medical play a small or big factor where you ended up putting some of these guys on the board?
So you have 1 QB listed round 1, yet we know 3 or perhaps 4 might go first round….
so if I read the tea leaves correctly, you are saying is there will be multiple over drafts at that position? Future busts?
Well I wouldn’t draft Tua due to injuries, Herbert and Love don’t excite me as ‘key to the franchise’ types. There are always ‘reaches’ and there are always players I’m wrong about.
This is a funny twitter post, below the “trade” post by Schefty
Jayson Tatum says he might’ve still gone to Duke instead of taking $500K in the G League.
Bradley Beal: “So Duke gave you $600K?”
Tatum: “Hey, Duke might be the only stand-up school in the country.”
Beal: “Listen man, I was born, but I wasn’t born yesterday.”
Buhahahaha
With the changes in the game, I think it is tough to get the bully from Strong safety. Kam was special but the game has changed. He already got a lot of penalties. If he was still playing it would be different.
Getting the bully from the lines is obvious, along with the running back. Either a brute that is hard to tackle and makes the defenders pay like Carson, or one that runs around and past the defenders like CEH. Just keeping the defense on the field is
We seem to have one bully at wide receiver in Metcalf. Adding Claypool looks good to me.
…just keeping the defense on the field can be bullying.
Have you watched Jamal Adams?
Rob another great post/content during these trying times. You are my savior these days! Looking at your board you have 18 first round grades and 35 second round grades. Seems like trading out of the first round would be wise and targeting our picks in the 40 – 90 range looks optimal. Question would it be better to have the 5th- 6th rated Offensive lineman or WR versus the highest rated 1st-2nd RB? 5 days to go until draft day really need to sign Clowney/Griffen to really use our draft capital to its fullest.
Thanks for the kind words. I think you can make a strong argument for the #5-6 WR or OT and the #1 runner. That’s where the strength is early.
Wide receiver is so deep. While I’d love to see them take Reagor, Ayiuk or Claypool early, if they are looking to get the most out of 2020 I think the best approach is to trade out of the first round and attack the lines in rounds 2-3. Go grab a WR in the 4th round.
Really wish they would have spent that interior OL money on DL guys instead. Would have made for such a different draft and there some very nice round 3 badass guards in this draft.
Please not the 4th round, that round is jinxed! 🙂
But if it’s Antonio Gibson in the 4th, he’s listed as a RB…that should break the curse! Haha!
Maybe its just a byproduct of having been a Seahawks fan but I look at the round 1 players on the draft board with little interest as compared to round 2. I don’t even read the names anymore.
Its like passing by the organic food aisle at the grocery store, I know I’m not paying double for those avocados, I don’t care where they’re from.
Sure but Organic is still better.
Yeah but you gotta know how to pick those better organic ones. Not sure the Hawks do.
Not sure if this has been posted before, but the “Flying Coach” podcast with Steve Kerr and Pete Carroll is a great listen and some amazing insight into what it is like in the pre-draft and draft process for the Seahawks and NFL.
Got a link?
Ep. 1: https://soundcloud.com/warriors/steve-kerr-flying-coach-podcast-on-the-ringer-w-pete-carroll-41320
Ep. 2: https://soundcloud.com/warriors/steve-kerr-flying-coach-podcast-episode2-on-the-ringer-w-pete-carroll-41720
https://www.theringer.com/2020/4/13/21218869/flying-coach-with-steve-kerr-pete-carroll-two-champions-mentors-philosophies-why-they-coach-premiere
At the bottom of the page, it will direct you to different podcast platforms to listen on.
On accident, that is the first episode, the second episode (link below) is a deep dive on the NFL and NBA draft.
https://www.theringer.com/2020/4/17/21224803/virtual-draft-strategies-past-draft-stories-game-changing-coaches
Thanks for the suggestion. Listened to the first half hour of Ep. 2. Really enjoyable.
What struck me most was PC saying that, at the end of the day, after all the testing, meetings, analytics, scouting, etc., you just want to pick the guy you would want to play with at the park. The guy you know is gonna stick it out as long as it takes to win.
I feel the topic of this article really echoes exactly that.
So who are those guys in this draft? Let’s find ’em.
Max, had a chance to listen to both episodes last night and it was definitely worth the time. Thanks again for mentioning this podcast.
Made several trade downs, namely: 27 to the Giants to get Ruiz for 36, 99, 150, 238. And 36 to the Bills to get Kristian Fulton for 54 and 86. All the trades were below market based on the drafttek values. The goal was to get a clump of picks at the end of round 2 and later round 3, early round 4 and see what sort of names were around. Let’s just say it went well! Rob thanks for making the awesome draft board, it was a great resource!
SEA 63. Prince Tega Wanogho, OT Auburn
SEA 64. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB LSU
SEA 65. Robert Hunt, OT Louisiana
Helps solidify the O-line and run game long term. Seeing how many RB’s were left later in the draft made Clyde a bit of luxury pick, but brings explosion to the offense. May not fill the biggest holes on the team but the value was by far the best.
SEA 86. Davon Hamilton DT Ohio State
SEA 93. Jonathan Greenard, OLB Florida
SEA 96. Bryan Edwards, WR South Carolina
SEA 101. Willie Gay Jr. OLB Mississippi State
Finally started hitting the defense at the middle of round 3, explosiveness and upside across the board.
Edwards is my favorite big WR in the draft, the ability to high point with unique body control, late hands, and physicality made it hard to pass up. Claypool was available, but to me Edwards has better chance of sticking due to his hands, even if he’s not quite the physical freak like Claypool. Maybe it’s just from seeing DK forced the ball on fades, but Edwards ability to box out and pick the ball out of the air is valuable. As the 3rd receiver he should be okay separating from DB’s.
SEA 144. Alton Robinson DE Syracuse
SEA 147. Hunter Bryant TE Washington
More upside in Alton Robinson, Hunter Bryant gets to team up with Uncle Dissly for a dynamic TE room in 2021, maybe sooner.
SEA 214. Teair Tart DT Florida International
SEA 238. Freddie Swain WR, Florida
Late round D-line and special teams help.
Edwards is my favorite big receiver too. If that dude played in the BIG 12? 1st rounder all day long.
Alright, folks. Here’s my annual post about prospect ages. I’m just making a subjective selection of notable guys at each position and pointing out who the oldest and the youngest of the spectrum are. Anyone not listed is just in the average range. Worth taking into account if you are drafting a guy to develop.
Keep in mind the ages are as of right now, so you’ve got to calculate about 5 more months before they actually suit up for their teams.
QB
Jordan Love- 21.5
Jalen Hurts- 21.7
Jake Fromm- 21.7
Steven Montez- 23.3
Joe Burrow- 23.4
Anthony Gordon- 23.7
RB
Cam Akers- 20.8
CEH- 21.0
A.J. Dillon- 22.0
Joshua Kelly- 22.4
Zack Moss- 22.4
WR
KJ Hamler- 20.8
Justin Jefferson- 20.9
Brandon Aiyuk- 22.1
Denzel Mims- 22.5
K.J. Hill- 22.6
Devin Duvernay- 22.6
James Proche- 23.6
Van Jefferson- 23.7
John Hightower- 23.9
TE
Cole Kmet- 21.1
Hunter Bryant- 21.7
Brycen Hopkins- 23.1
Nigel Kilby- 23.2
Adam Trautman- 23.2
Stephen Sullivan- 23.4
Jacob Breeland- 23.6
OT
Austin Jackson- 20.7
Saahdiq Charles- 20.7
Jedrick Wills- 20.9
Alex Taylor- 23.0
Robert Hunt- 23.7
OG
Netane Muti- 21.1
Damien Lewis- 23.1
Logan Stenberg- 23.1
Kevin Dotson- 23.6
OC
Cesar Ruiz- 20.9
Nick Harris- 21.4
Lloyd Cushenberry- 22.4
Matt Hennessy- 22.4
DT
Rashard Lawrence- 21.6
Leki Fotu- 21.7
Ross Blacklock- 21.8
Derrick Brown- 22.0
Raekwon Davis- 22.9
DaVon Hamilton- 23.2
Neville Gallimore- 23.3
Jason Strowbridge- 23.6
EDGE
K’Lavon Chaisson- 20.7
Chase Young- 21.0
Bradlee Anae- 21.5
Josh Uche- 21.6
A.J. Epenesa- 21.6
Terrell Lewis- 21.7
Curtis Weaver- 21.7
Trevis Gipson- 22.9
Jonathan Greenard- 22.9
Nasir Player- 23.1
Darrell Taylor- 23.1
Zack Baun- 23.3
LB
Patrick Queen- 20.7
Kenneth Murray- 21.4
Isaiah Simmons- 21.7
Evan Weaver- 21.7
Troy Dye- 23.6
Logan Wilson- 23.8
CB
Noah Igbinoghene- 20.4
Jaylon Johnson- 21.0
Jeff Okudah- 21.2
Reggie Robinson- 23.0
Jeff Gladney- 23.4
Dane Jackson- 23.4
Damon Arnette- 23.6
John Reid- 23.9
S
Geno Stone- 21.0
Kamren Curl- 21.1
Terrell Burgess- 21.4
Antoine Brooks- 21.5
Grant Delpit- 21.6
L’Jarius Sneed- 23.3
Ashtyn Davis- 23.5
Tanner Muse- 23.6
Kyle Dugger- 24.1
J.R. Reed- 24.1
YOUNGEST (under 21)
1. CB Noah Igbinoghene- 20.4
2. LB Patrick Queen- 20.7
3. OT Austin Jackson- 20.7
4. OT Saahdiq Charles- 20.7
5. EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson- 20.7
6. WR KJ Hamler- 20.8
7. RB Cam Akers- 20.8
8. OT Jedrick Wills- 20.9
9. OC Cesar Ruiz- 20.9
10. WR Justin Jefferson- 20.9
OLDEST (over 23.6)
1. S J.R. Reed- 24.1
2. S Kyle Dugger- 24.1
3. CB John Reid- 23.9
4. WR John Hightower- 23.9
5. LB Logan Wilson- 23.8
6. WR Van Jefferson- 23.7
7. OT Robert Hunt- 23.7
8. QB Anthony Gordon- 23.7
Nice work here. I’m always worried about overages trench players. I think I now prefer Lotu over Hamilton.
Thanks, good job
Do any of you guys see a bigger guy like Raekwon Davis or Rashard Lawrence being able to play the 5tech and taking on double teams on the edge like how Red Bryant use to do for us? Or do you see those guys playing more interior and adding depth behind Jarran Reed, Poona Ford, and the rest of the D-Line?
Raekwon can definitely play 5T.
I just want to say this is my favorite website! Thanks for all the great content Rob!
Thank you!
Favorite player in this draft?
Antoine Winfield, jr. One of the few Safeties who actually squares up his targets. I see so much of his pops in his game. Has Ed Reed type instincts. And his BMI means he won’t get shoved around.
If KC walks away with him after adding Frank Clark last year, plus Chris Jones a couple more ago?
Doubt he lasts to KC.
V12, I’m looking at Greenard, and he is definitely an alpha. I want to like him. But what worries me is what PFF points out: he was completely shut down against the good competition (Auburn and Georgia). 0 TFL, 0 SK in both games.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jonathan-greenard-1/gamelog/2019/
That lack of explosiveness (1.71 10yd, 30.5″ vert, 9’05” broad) shows on tape and I’m not sure all the heart in the world is gonna get it done vs. NFL Tackles.
End of R3 or R4, maybe worth a shot. R2? A little rich for me as of now.
He’s an alpha for sure.
He’s just not quick enough in the slightest to be a threat as a consistent pass rusher.
When I look at his highlights, I see pass tips and some forced fumbles which I like. But a big chunk of his TFL or sacks are when he’s completely unblocked. That will be an extremely rare occurrence in the NFL.
He reminds me of a Cassuis Marsh type. Likable, will always have a job in the NFL, but not a piece you build around. He takes advantage of other guys getting blockers’ attention.
That’s cool. We ain’t all gonna agree on everyone that would just make it an echo chamber.
IMO Zuniga is even more limited than him and I like Zuniga as a backup type. Greenard’s power and ability to play the run offers him a better chance to contribute day 1. I love his accelerator and the fact he’s always around the ball. Smart. He’s got good burst, he doesn’t come off the ball hardly at all.
You might be right, but I think he’s a borderline 2nd-3rd round guy. Top 75 for me. There’s gonna be plenty of reaches in this draft. Always is.
I’m watching the Auburn game (Marco Wilson vs Auburn) and he’s routinely tje 1st one jumping off the ball. Sniffs out an RPO and blows it up when it’s designed to make him 2nd
Plenty quick. He’s not very flexibility. No argument there
God dammit. Hit send accidentally.
* 2nd guess.
It’s actually pretty good tape. Beats Prince Tega-Wanogho quite a few times. But again, that flexibility becomes an issue.
Looking at your Board, here are my favorite players with later grades:
Rd 3: RB Cam Akers – physical RB that could easily be 1B to Carson’s 1A
Rd 4: WR Lynn Bowden Jr. – #3 WR, core ST and emergency QB all in one pick!
Rd 4: RB Zack Moss – elusive and physical just like we like them
Unlisted: TE Stephen Sullivan – move TE with high ceiling and great backstory shine at Senior Bowl practices
Unlisted: OT Matt Womack – big mauler started at Alabama before foot injury shined at Shrine Game practices
Rob- I know this isn’t the greatest class for LBs, at least in terms of agility testing, but what are your feelings of looking for that KJ replacement?
Three names I target in my PFN Mocks are Azur Kamara, Kamal Martin and Cameron Brown in RD5. None are elite testers, but each have 34”+ arms and have decent production history and seeming upside.
Kamara’s a light EDGE who is a major project, not a WILL. Not watched the other two. If you want KJ from this class you need to take a chance on Gay/Wilson/Harrison.
Stranger saying Rob is stealing his player ideas. 😃
Been accused of that by someone on this site actually.
I think he thinks he is the only one who watches players. No one can come up with their own opinion.
Yup. He’s got an inflated sense of ego.
Seattle won’t take as many of his guys as he wants and he’ll s**t all over it. But then when actually wrong, like w/ DK this year, he’ll refuse to just simply go, ‘Man. I was off on that one.’
I would bet money rob hasn’t looked at anything Stanger has written in years
What a fool. I often disagree with Rob on minor stuff, but he would never do that. What a tool! The hours Rob puts in have to be the most of anyone not paid handsomely by a network or team…he does his own work.
Sometimes I actually like what the guy provides on Twitter, like short clips of prospects. But man, I swear it feels like he’s always a step behind Rob. He talked about Raekwon and his meeting with the Seahawks literally a bit after Rob posts the interview with him. Seems like Stanger is the one whose stealing ideas, not Rob.
I like to picture Rob combing all of stangers old tweets looking for players.
Stanger, quietly, may be the worst of Seahawks twitter…
Bad case of projection…
It took me forever to realize it was stanger and not stranger.
I can’t even see his tweets. He blocked me years ago because I wouldn’t accept he was a guru.
Stanger is wronger.
Hello Rob, newbie poster here but long- time lurker. I’ve enjoyed your blog immensely over the last 3-4 years since I discovered it. Your insight and perspective are of great value to me and many others as I can see, well deserved!!!
I come from a background of baseball scouting (some professionally for a MLB team that will remain anonymous). I’m here to commend you and others here that your horizontal board is exactly the way to go in these draft evaluations. I wholeheartedly agree with Michael Lombardi in that the horizontal board is your first priority.
As I say I come from a baseball background, so my football expertise is limited to Sunday viewing at best. But I like your non-biased (as much as humanely possibly) approach to scouting, it is what I hoped to achieve in baseball scouting. I agree with Lombardi on the negative aspects of bias. Sometimes people’s opinions are very strong and sometimes very right! But not always, so you always have to keep some perspective on bias, motive, background, experience, and hope (especially for diehard Seahawks fans like me!!).
So for me, I’m taking your horizontal board, comparing it to the PFF draft list, the great Tony Pauline draft board, and others and will make my own composite board. It won’t be perfect and will certainly fail as picks are announced. But as I learned from baseball drafting, the rewards aren’t apparent on the day after the draft but 2-4 years afterwards. Therefore, I will keep an open mind to this year’s draft and past drafts (think Collier, Green, Barton, etc.).
So, I will be judging your horizontal board this year vs. others this year, but also keeping track of its record 2-4 years downstream. I usually agree with you on players based on what little I’ve seen of players you were high on, so I would bet on your take given little else to go on. But given my experience in baseball scouting, I won’t judge either way until 2-4 years downstream. I’ve been surprised too many times, both pleasantly and disappointedly, to judge otherwise. But so far, your record is pretty good!
I have faith in you,
Well done Rob!!!!
Hey Rob, I noticed you moved LB Davion Taylor up to round 3, have you heard something? He seems like intriguing raw athletic prospect as a SamLB or box safety.
27, 59, 133 for Yannick Ngakoue, Leonard Fournette and 42?
not required, lot of options on draft
Yes please. If we believe we can pay them.
If this is too off topic, my apologies: 2 other needs that at least would move the needle a bit would be at nickel and slot. It would be nice to have a dependable nickel (the SH’s missed J. Coleman more than a little). To continue with a 3 LB set on obvious passing downs is far from ideal. I hope they get that straightened out via a trade, development, F.A., or draft. After D. Baldwin retired the slot never found a degree of stability either. Hopefully Dorsett or Ursua might bring it. I doubt the the SH’s will use the draft for this with the WR’s they may be interested to fit their Air Coryell dynamic.
Interesting going through the edge defenders measurements from the Senior Bowl to the Combine. Every player is heavier at the Combine anywhere from to 4 -12 pounds. Zuniga for example was 253 at the Seniour Bowl and 264 at the Combine. Something is off there.
They chug water because they want the higher listed weight.
Rob, I finally got to sit and look at your board closely and it’s over 150 players man 🙃 you’ve really outdone yourself
I haven’t had the chance to look at a ton of players closely (until recently) and this is going to improve a strange draft experience for a lot of us
I want Fournette. 2 years of cheap club control for a top 12-15 RB. Dudes a hammer. Him and Carson would be brutal. That would wear defenses out real quick. Fournette is the 2nd biggest BAMF current NFL RB we could add behind Derrick Henry. Him and Carson for the next 1-2 years, then Penny and likely another draft pick after that. RB position is solved for a couple years.
Not sure how cheap he would be. I think two years would be around $12m. Not McCaffrey money but not mid round draft pick money either.
I think his 5th year option is around $10 million, so that’s over $14 million for two seasons if you activists that year.
And the 5th year is now fully guaranteed, not just for injury.
Sure that applies to existing contracts?
As I understand the new CBA, if/when Fournette’s 5th-year option is exercised, it becomes fully guaranteed.
What I don’t know (and can’t find): If a player on his rookie contract is traded, can the acquiring team exercise option? Deadline for exercising option is just after the draft.
I believe the trading team can exercise the option, yes.
I love your site, Rob.
I was surprised that James Lynch was omitted from your board. Forget combine numbers and ceilings, etc. He’s a football player. His tape shows instincts, varying pass rush moves, good hands and is smart around the pocket. I like the guy for mid-rounds and would love him as a Hawk. Sure, he’s a 40 yd slug and played end in a 3-4 but he’s that versatile guy that could play 3 tech or 5 tech on passing downs. Lynch is smart.
If you weren’t around for the 80’s Hawks, James Lynch has some Joe Nash to his game. Nash was an undrafted free agent that never wowed with physical attributes, but the guy was just a tough football player for 10+ seasons on the DL. I see James Lynch versatility and believe he’d be a nice sleeper DL addition and was surprised I didn’t see him on your board.
Thanks for all your efforts.
Would I take Lynch at #144?
He’d be in the top 3 considerations depending on board and why not? Look at our past 4th rd picks and he could be one of our best 4th rd selections. I want tough football players that love the game and have production and instincts. Not combine guys with sparq that were injured or didn’t play enough. Tired of those picks.
At 214? without hesitation, yes!
I just can’t see a position for him apart from 3-4 DE
Bleacher Report’s fan mock draft has Seattle R1 on the clock tomorrow morning. Both Isaiah Wilson and Jonathan Taylor are still on the board. Without trading down being an option, which one do you take?
Wilson
Taylor, they already signed OLine players
Not enough! We only have 11 guards on the roster now. Seriously, I can see us cutting Britt to sign Clowney and/or Griffen, so we might draft another center and right tackle to compete to start or backup. I can see us keeping the top 11-12 OL going into the season and trying to get 2-4 more on the practice squad now that it can be 12 players with the new CBA.
Man… drafting Jonathan Taylor would be exciting.
Locked on Seahawks mentioned Lucas Niang of TCU being an option for us at OT. Probably a developmental player like Christmas that you need to get into an NFL strength & conditioning program and put on the practice squad. Think he’s worth a 7th round grade? He’s a little puffy, I guess like Curtis Weaver, but…
He’s 6’6 at 315 pounds with 34 1/2 inch arms and 10 1/2 inch hands. Even I can put on 30 lbs. of muscle. I’ve done it.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/lucas-niang?id=32194e49-4141-5291-d7fb-bf2caffb3446
I think Niang goes way earlier than round 7, even with the injury concerns. He is most likely a late day 2 pick. With that being said I do like him as an option for the Hawks.
The board Rob posted with this very article has Niang as a 3rd…
The more mocks I do, the less convinced I am that they will take a pass rusher. The draft looks so much better when you let the board fall to you. Clowney needs to be re-signed no matter what, even if it’s just for a year. I still really like the idea of drafting a 5T (Davis/Madubuike) and a 1T (Fotu), and moving the DL around like Pete did in 2012 with lots of chess pieces.
Base defense: Clowney – Reed – Davis – Irvin
Run defense: Davis – Fotu – Ford – Clowney
Passing downs: Mayowa – Clowney – Reed/Davis – Irvin (you can also put Irvin at LB to get more pass rush on the field).
Hey Rob, or anyone else for that matter, if Seattle was to address TE this year, it could be a hedge on Dissly and his health. So who are the top 3-5 blocking TE’s this year?
I remember Rob saying a couple months ago on a podcast that Harrison Bryant of FAU was the top rated blocking TE last year. Bryant, Adam Trautman of Dayton and Stephen Sullivan of LSU all were great TE blockers all Senior Bowl week, heard that several times on Tony Pauline and other podcasts throughout the week. Trautman was the only one of the above 3 that hit all the agility tests at the combine that the Seahawks look for.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKikHTQkJbE
I dove deep into the TE class early in the draft season, before we signed Olsen and brought back Willson. There really aren’t that many appealing options at all this year, especially if you are looking for a blocking TE.
I see Devin Asiasi as the best fit. Has the length. Decent blocker. Excellent body control in the passing game: able to adjust and snag balls outside his frame without slowing down. I think he goes in the R3-R4 range.
Adam Trautman has the athleticism and ball skills (basketball background), but there is no blocking to look at on tape and he only has 32.5″ arms. He will also be 23.5 years old by the start of the season.
Dalton Keene also has 32 1/4 inch arms and poor blocking grades, but he does have above average agility that the Seahawks look for and really good hands. Might be worth a look on day 3 if he lasts.
One UDFA guy I like is Oregon’s Jacob Breeland. Was having a good season before it got cut short by injury. He’s not perfect: 32 5/8 arms and will be 24 by the time the season starts, but he could be worth a look in camp.
Another UDFA name could be Oregon St.’s Noah Togiai. Really great athleticism, but lots of injuries and not very developed.
Those are my 5 options, unless you want to consider more of a move TE, then you can look at Hunter Bryant or Brycen Hopkins.
Harrison Bryant has 30 5/8 arms.
Cole Kmet and Stephen Sullivan have great size, but terrible agility scores.
How about Claypool as a WR player that fills a move TE sort of role?
Sure, move him around a bit if you want I guess. But I like his physicality on the outside at WR.
Anybody rated Anfernee Jennings, EDGE from Alabama?
Rob I feel like Darrell Taylor is destined to be a Seahawk. In his junior year, he was second in the SEC in sacks behind Josh Allen, who went in the top 10 last year and went to the Pro Bowl. He had like 8 sacks his junior year and Daniel Jeremiah said he was on track to be an easy first rounder. But then he had a stress fracture in his leg, but still finished with 8.5 sacks.
He has 33 inch arms and he seems to explode off the line. He even beat Isaiah Wilson a few times and had a game against Georgia with 3 sacks. Plus he’s a humble kid. His mom passed away from breast cancer when he was in high school and he had to overcome that. He had been ejected and suspended befpre, but his teammates love him and he was a captain. The injury seems to be the question, but he would be an awesome LEO (and Jim Nagy had said he’d be a good fit) and a great value in round 2. Must be a pretty good athlete if he was able to do a cartwheel and a flip at that size.
Lionel. According to Rob’$ horizontal charts he has Tayor on the rise. Rob’s first chart he gave Taylor a 5th round grade. Now Rob is given Taylor a third round grade. From what I read in Taylor he has a high ceiling. But he has has a low floor. Taylor is very strong. He needs variety in his pass rush moves. However the talent is there.
I moved Taylor up because while he has injury flags (and that’s why he’s in red) I think his talent and potential warrants a bump and if he fell, it’ll be because of the injuries.
Only 4 more days to sign someone or make some big trade.
A very strange post:
3 days ago, Jake Heaps of ESPN predicted that the Seahawks will not trade back this year and will pick at 27.
Why?
“If you look at where the Seahawks would be trading back to – I did a little research on this, had somebody help me out – the teams that are towards the top of the second round, which is normally what you would want the Seahawks to be trading back for… none of those teams have legit draft capital that makes sense for them to make that kind of move,”
He did a little research and had someone help him….
here are teams in the top half of round two with some extra draft capital:
14 picks
Miami Dolphins (5)
12 picks
Jacksonville Jaguars (9)
10 picks
Denver Broncos (15)
New York Giants (4)
9 picks
Detroit Lions (3)
8 picks
Carolina Panthers (7)
New York Jets (11)
strange post….
I also found it strange. Plus the Seahawks have traded down incrementally in previous years… such as going from #32 into the 40’s for Paul Richardson or last year going from #21 into the 40’s for Marquise Blair. Trading down from #27 isn’t about getting one high pick following one definitive move. It could be about 2-3 moves down.
And the whole point of trading down is, according to Tony Pauline, the Seahawks see little difference in quality between the mid-first and the mid third. That means trading into a range they feel comfortable taking players. That’s the purpose of moving down — not doing it just to acquire a pick.
It’s as you’ve said before – there are only 20 or so true first round talents each year. Particularly in this year, the Day 2 prospects seem really strong. Seems as certain as ever that they’ll trade back into the 40s in order to acquire more picks in that range.
I don’t know why 710 has Brocks little brother talking about the draft now? He fumbles through the piece and says stuff like this. I don’t think he really knows what he’s talking about.
Do you prefer Davis or Hamilton? Can Davis play 1T together with Reed at 3T?
They are completely different players. Davis can play 1, 3 or 5 technique. But you can move him around, have him play inside/out. Could play end on early downs then kick inside. Calais type. Hamilton is a big, powerful one technique with some pass rushing ability.
Could Hamilton last to round 3? If not, Fotu would be a good alternative on day 3, wouldn’t he?
Early round three is the floor for Hamilton.
Player comp for Justin Herbert? He’s very Goffy isn’t he?
Some Goff. Some Wentz.
That was my initial thought as well. He’s got a decent arm and you dont want to call him soft, but he doesnt really play with any heart or urgency
He reminds me of Tannehill coming out. Good athlete, good arm, but seems to be lacking in leadership and instincts.
He’s Blake Bortles, with a sprinkle of Mitch Trubisky.
Harsh! I’ll be surprised if he’s anything special, but he’s got much better mechanics than Trubisky did coming out. Better footwork and more fluid movements.
I don’t claim to be an expert in any of that stuff, but when I think about those players, those aren’t why I don’t rate them. It’s the fact that their inaccurate and incredibly streaky.
To me, Herbert screams of that kind of player, he looks the part, but even his highlights are just a bunch of plays where the receiver has to adjust to a poorly thrown deep ball. The ‘wow’ plays people will point to were bad plays where he got lucky. QB projections like Love flash the ability to throw with touch and make the impossible look effortless, he makes bad decisions and tries to be the hero but Ill take that over Herbert any day. Tbh I’d probably rather have Hurts just for intangibles.
So you’re pretty low on the QB class overall, huh?
I think Oregon’s scheme didnt do him any favors, but he might be one of the smartest players in the class fwiw.
His deep ball and gun-shy tendency will be the biggest question marks imo
Eh, I see it about the same as last year. One guy I’m very high on and a few guys who I think could succeed in the right environment (Tua, Love and maybe Hurts).
I think Oregon’s scheme was a symptom of Herbert’s faults rather than the cause of it, I didn’t watch every game of theirs so maybe you know better than me in that regard (you’re a Ducks fan right?), but I saw the constant screens as a way of keeping the ball moving without running the risk of Herbert panicking and screwing up.
He does seem like a decent dude, I don’t want to bag on him too hard, he just screams bust to me.
Mitch Trubisky on steroids (not literally). For a 4 year starter – he is shockingly rudimentary in everything. Biggest thing is that the Oregon coaches didn’t trust him. That should tell you everything.
Sounds like a great kid. Very smart academically. As Dan Marino showed, being book smart means nothing on the football field.
That’s their offense. It wasn’t a case of trust. Oregon’s offense is boring.
Have you watched Brett Kollman’s breakdown of Herbert? Was very educational.
The more I watch Darrell Taylor, more I am intrigued by him. He’s got an explosive get off, nice bend, has some speed to power.
He lacks any semblance of pash rush moves. He’s raw in that aspect but he has some tools to be a LEO
6’4”, 267 lbs, 33” arms.
Now this is a first. Look, Ashtyn Davis has some athleticism and potential, but #3 overall prospect? Wow, that’s… uh… “bold”. 😬 (working on being kind)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10cT1wigWF_vPwftXFIEWtVvpxNZpZz6H/view
Mark Jarvis
@WhatsOnDraftNFL
Is he having a laugh???
Apparently not:
🤷♂️
I think he has Burrow as 93rd on his draft board.
But as of Davis…he is probably player on who Rob is much much lower than all other on internet…
I mean this in the nicest possible way…
But anyone who has Ashtyn Davis #3 overall on their board and Joe Burrow at #93… is talking out of their backside.
I can’t get beyond that first sentence.
Social media has done us no favours.
Jordyn Brooks getting R1 consideration? (per Ben Standig of The Athletic) I could see it If you need a pure, aggressive, ILB tackling machine, he could be your guy. But doesn’t offer much in coverage, and I’m pretty sure that will knock him into R2-R3 in today’s NFL.
I got bored watching his tape
Sounds like BWagz all over again lol. I’ll check him out after work
BWagz is much faster and really good in coverage too.
When I watch full games of Taylor I see a lot of boring plays and occasional splash plays. When he’s setting the edge against the run, he doesn’t really pop the pads. It’s a lot of patty cake and shoving. He could think about maintaining leverage and shedding a block once in a while. I don’t think he should be a high pick, but some team may feel differently. For me, third round at most and that’s if they have a good handle on his medicals. Btw, plenty more tape of him being absolutely handled by the Georgia tackles.
Yep. As I’ve said many times — great highlights, mediocre tape.
There’s something to work with though — within a field of mostly bad edge rushers.
Has he ever ran a 40, or do we have any testing numbers for him at all?
I realize he didn’t test at the combine.
😂 Find the kid that looks out of place…
Matthew Wilkerson [NFL FOOTBALL Highlights]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tpw7vmbWrY
He’s a 6060, 270 TE/DE from Edward Water College in Jacksonville apparently getting some buzz in scouting circles.
V12 can also educate us about Nigel Kilby. 6’7″, 250 from Northern Illinois. Apparently he can really move.
Wow how did you find that guy! A little more strength and you might have something there…
I lived in Jacksonville for years and not sure I’ve heard of that school.
Great article, Rob. Love the board. Thanks!
How far does CEH make it in this draft? I feel like his skillset addresses all the things Seattle needs for RW to take this offense to the next level. He is my must have this year but I just don’t see him making it to our picks at the end of the 2nd round.
CEH will be either the first or second RB drafted and go late 1st or early 2nd.
Here is an interesting idea to consider. New Orleans has been linked to CEH as a potential replacement for Kamara. Is this the next stage of the “devaluation of the RB” where RBs are traded And replaced by players on rookie contracts rather than signed to second contracts? Is Fournette the start of a trend?
Clyde is probably second round. Not sure he’s going earlier than that. I was one of the first people at this site talking about him and I don’t think he’s going round 1. I think KC is the really shot, but he’s RB and there are two guys rated higher than him.
There might be two guys before him in your opinion. Not mine. Not others.
Absolutely Steve. David Johnson, Todd Gurley, Leveon Bell, Zeke Elliot. These are all contracts that were regretted almost immediately.
It’s already started in some ways. Melvin Gordon couldn’t get anywhere near what he was asking.
I think the Jags are going to be shocked at Fournette’s trade value on the market, now that his cheap years are behind him. Unless they find a sucker.
McCaffrey’s deal doesn’t seem much better. OTC points out the Panthers are paying an ADDITIONAL $13.2m over just franchise tagging McCaffrey twice. They’re betting they get 3 seasons of top-quality production from McCaffrey.
https://overthecap.com/thoughts-on-the-christian-mccaffrey-64-million-extension/
I don’t know if Corbin Smith has a strong grasp of trade values, but he suggested yesterday that a 6th or a future 5th might snag Fournette.
By the way Rob, I enjoyed the U.K. NFL podcast you linked in your last post. The only thing better than listening to one Seahawk fan with a British accent talk football is listening to two! 🙂 Even when you drop in the occasional “crap” and “ass” it somehow seems more peaceful and refined than when me and my friends are complaining about play calls or referees. 😂
Am I the only one?
Thank you again for another year of amazing content Rob!! There is so much information in that big board, most of it exactly what you’d expect if you followed the blog throughout the year. There are a couple surprises to me, but given the amount of information contained in the big board not all that shocking to have a few surprises.
Admittedly I haven’t spent the time watching tape that I’d like to feel comfortable about the DT position. I’ve been so zoned in on Leo, OT, Rb, Lb/nickel, Wr and even TE that I’m playing catch-up on DT. It’s a WAR thing to me and my homer bias really likes Poona, Reed, and Green and don’t see automatic upgrades readily available at those positions as far as what I’ve scouted tape on.
I see Dugger as a LB hybrid, but overall the only things I didn’t understand on the board goes as follows.
Murray > Queen>Duggar at LB as Kendricks replacement.
Easton>Hurts
Chaisson >Weaver
CeeDee Lamb and Reagor not being 1st round talents, and of course I think Becton and Zubiga are criminally overrated not just here, but as a consensus throughout draft boards. I really like Herbert over Tua, and would even understand putting Love over Tua as well and not just because the injury.
I’m not arguing with any of it, just curious as the why Murray, Chialson, and Easton are seen as better prospects than I would have anticipated.
It’s “arse”… 😉 🤭
Rob, outstanding stuff this year. I rarely post, but you are my go to for everything Hawks, especially the offseason. It makes my day when I see you have a new post, which was crazy frequent this year. I send this website to all of my friends, especially when they send me something from one of the local sports radio guys who still seem to not know anything about the Hawks and our tendencies.
Thoughts on if JS will make a trade or a signing before the draft? Last year we traded Clark on the Tuesday before I believe.
Wondering if this “mock draft” on Monday will be used to gauge interest and stir up some trades.
Like you have said, they talked up how the pass rush was a glaring need. I still have hope that JS is going to make magic happen and this will turn into the Russ deal last off-season.
YN seems like our kind of guy IMO, he has a strong penchant
Oops hit send. Meant to say penchant for causing turnovers which is exactly what Pete looks for. Wonder if we could end up reading what would be roughly equivalent to a 2nd and then pay him around $19 mil/season. Then we could focus on RB and DT with our first two picks. Thanks again! Can’t wait for the draft, we all NEED this right now.
Thanks man, and I appreciate you spread the word. Any and all help in that regard is much appreciated.
I think they will sign a DE before the draft or shortly after.
Love the horizontal prospect chart. It will cone in handy as I watch the draft unfold. Really looking forward to it with not much else going on in the world of sports.
You were ahead of the herd on a number of prospects again this year, prospects like Ruiz and Isaiah Wilson, to name just a few of the more name worthy. It’s a testament to your reliance on your own eyes, knowledge base, and methodology. It’s a gutsier approach, but one that potentially yields more interesting and informative results, as it has in your case.
Really great analyses, interviews, and overall survey of the draft this year. It’s great to have such a knowledgeable and committed source who’s also a die-hard Hawks fan. A real bonus in that way.
Anyway…stay healthy and wish the best for you and your loved ones.
Thanks Paul, I really appreciate you saying that.
Isn’t it hilarious how every single year Rob is talking about guys in the fall that you don’t see mentioned anywhere else, that “come out of nowhere” by the combine to be on the top of every talking head’s tongue?
Well said, and I concur.
https://thedraftnetwork.com/build-your-own-big-board
Found this site this morning that lets you create your own big board. You can make it 25-300 prospects.
Should be fun to cross-check it after the draft. It’s free to sign up and they didn’t even verify the email, FYI.
Beware, you’ll have to hunt for some guys that should be much higher (Ezra Cleveland was in the 100’s)
I’ve been on that site reading profiles and simulating mock drafts WAY to often this offseason. Their predictive board might be a little off and you have to pay for the ability to make trades, but it’s a fun exercise in the leadup to Thursday. My draft last night, haha:
27
Javon Kinlaw, IDL
59
Willie Gay Jr., LB
64
Raekwon Davis, IDL
101
Jabari Zuniga, EDGE
133
Devin Duvernay, WR
144
Hakeem Adeniji, OT
214
Yasir Durant, IOL
Like this draft a lot actually.. if Kinlaw falls due to character concerns. I love Duvernay.. talented AND productive. Adeniji is good late value.
Brings up an interesting question (Rob love your input too if you are inclined)… If you are at 27 and ready to trade down, what players do you simply have to take and give up trading down (outside of the absurd like Chase Young)?
Me: Winfield Jr., Denzel Mims, and Kinlaw might be only guys.
Who are your guys?
Felt like my most realistic mock yet, FWIW.
Trade with Indy: 27, 133 —> 34, 75
34. Raekwon Davis
59. Robert Hunt
64. Cam Akers
75. Logan Wilson
101. Darrell Taylor
Joe Burrows ceiling is Aaron Rodgers? lmaoooo 😂😂
That’s not even physically possible
Joe Burrow’s floor is RG3
Eason and Love going in 1st round is now the predictions on a few sites….
…which means some quality talent at other positions
are going to drop into the 27 spot (potentially)…
Seahawks might be able to make a draft day heist after all 😉
Chad Reuter has Love as the 4th QB of the board…at number 10 😳
We’ve seen crazier happen i guess.
There are some rumors about Christian Kirk to Dallas.
If they’d willing to blitz more regularly, my dream scenario right now would be:
Draft Hunt, Baun and Hamilton with top3 picks.
Hunt could play OG or RT. If they think more of an OG Lewis would be good too. Strong, physical guys.
Hamilton is one of my new crushes. He’s a people mover. He could command double teams. He’s vicious. Instant help for run D, but he has the upside of a passrusher too. He’s similar to Reed in that but their skillsets and style different.
Baun’s floor could be an upgrade at SAM. Much more natural LB than Uche to me. But he’s a twitchy rusher too.
Later we could add a WR (Duvernay pls, but I doubt Hawks will draft him), and I like Moss for RB.
Love your website and comments Rob.
Thanks James