Updated mock draft: 14th March

Yeah... probably won't need to do this in Buffalo

Free agency is in full flow, so before we get into this week’s projection I wanted to consider how it’s impacting the draft landscape:  

– The Bills are going all-in to sign Mario Williams and it seems like a deal is close. Williams will spend a third day with the team on Thursday as the two parties hammer out a contract which could threaten Calvin Johnson’s record-breaking extension. This is fantastic news for the Seahawks, as it increases the chances Buffalo won’t draft a pass rusher at #10. With so much money invested in one star defensive end, expect the Bills to target offensive lineman in round one.  

– Jacksonville likewise re-signed Jeremy Mincey, their best pass rusher. They still need more at the position, but having only been able to attract Laurent Robinson to Florida – could they possibly consider looking at a wide receiver at #7? They need to support Blaine Gabbert if they want him to succeed.  

– The Dallas Cowboys have been busy, acquiring Brandon Carr today and also hosting Dan Connor. This says to me that they’re trying to address key needs at cornerback and linebacker to draft an interior lineman in round one. Cordy Glenn and David DeCastro could be in play at #14.  

– The Seahawks re-signed Red Bryant and Marshawn Lynch, ensuring they weren’t left with any extra holes going into the draft. Linebacker is still an area of need with David Hawthorne (receiving interest from New Orleans) and Leroy Hill on the market, but Pete Carroll highlighted the position as an area for improvement at the end of the 2011 season. The Seahawks will kick the tire’s on the free agent quarterback market – which could be boosted in the next few days if players like Kevin Kolb are released. Matt Flynn and Chad Henne will only be offered competitive ‘Tarvaris Jackson’ type contracts, if they’re even offered a deal. This team appears to be setting itself up to attack the position next year to get the player the fans crave in Seattle.  

– Unless the team shows any serious interest in a player like Kamerion Wimbley when he’s eventually cut by Oakland, it appears the Seahawks will be set up to draft a pass rusher at #12. I’m not expecting the team to draft a quarterback until round three at the earliest, but Brock Osweiler and Kirk Cousins are probably the two players to keep an eye on in that range.  

– The Seahawks should be applauded for their work in free agency so far. The priority was always to re-sign Marshawn Lynch and Red Bryant. Job done. Anything else is a bonus.  

– It’s also worth touching on why it’s not the end of the world that Seattle will not be introducing Peyton Manning and Mario Williams to the media this week. This remains a very fluid rebuild for the Seahawks, it’ll take time and maybe every one of the five-years on Pete Carroll’s contract before you see his vision completely installed. Spending over $100m on Mario Williams would’ve excited a few people, but it would also mean potentially difficult decisions down the line. When you have a player on the kind of salary Williams will command, the cap ramifications could mean you’re not be able – for example – to franchise Earl Thomas when he’s up for renewal. Perhaps it’d be a case of keeping Thomas, but losing Kam Chancellor or Russell Okung? The Seahawks want to sign great players, but they also want to reward their own first and foremost. That’s how you build. While the options at #12 won’t be as emphatic as Mario Williams, they will still find a prospect capable of complimenting the teams pass rush.  

– One final quick thought – it seems like it’s becoming a six-player race at the top of the board. Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III, Matt Kalil, Justin Blackmon, Morris Claiborne and Trent Richardson are looking pretty safe to be the first six players off the board – with the only real debate at picks 4-6. Cleveland could draft any one of Blackmon, Claiborne or Richardson – with Tampa Bay and St. Louis picking through the scraps.  

It’s a two-round projection this week by popular demand. I’ve listed some of ‘the next best available’ for round three at the bottom and also offered some thoughts on what I don’t like about the projection (they’re never perfect). So before you throw your computer across the room (Doug) after seeing Seattle’s pick, please read my explanation.  

Updated first round mock draft

#1 Andrew Luck (QB, Stanford)
The inevitable.
#2 Robert Griffin III (QB, Baylor)
The inevitable part II.
#3 Matt Kalil (OT, USC)
Minnesota won’t waste any time calling Kalil’s name. He has elite potential. The inevitable part III.
#4 Justin Blackmon (WR, Oklahoma State)
This is where it gets interesting. The Browns must have a plan. Will it be to reunite Weeden and Blackmon in Ohio?
#5 Morris Claiborne (CB, LSU)
The biggest spenders in free agency, Tampa Bay could still use a stud cornerback.
#6 Trent Richardson (RB, Alabama)
The Rams know this is now a three-draft plan. This guy will be a star, so take him and don’t look back.
#7 Melvin Ingram (DE, South Carolina)
The Jaguars need to improve their pass rush and will have their pick of the group at this spot.
#8 Ryan Tannehill (QB, Texas A&M)
Plan B if they can’t pursuade Peyton Manning to take his talents to South Beach?
#9 Fletcher Cox (DT, Mississippi State)
Carolina will probably have a good look at Dontari Poe, but the upside of Cox could win the day.
#10 Riley Reiff (OT, Iowa)
Buffalo are desperately trying to get a deal done for Mario Williams. If they land the star prize, they’ll go offensive tackle here.
#11 Dontari Poe (DT, Memphis)
Nose tackles who weigh 345lbs and move as well as this guy don’t last long in round one.
#12 Courtney Upshaw (DE, Alabama)
The Seahawks’ draft priority is to improve their pass rush. Upshaw will have a big impact on Seattle’s defense.
#13 Jonathan Martin (OT, Stanford)
Whoever is playing quarterback for Arizona next year, the Cardinals simply must draft an offensive tackle.
#14 Cordy Glenn (OT, Georgia)
The moves made in free agency will allow the Cowboys to target Cordy Glenn or David DeCastro at this spot.
#15 Michael Floyd (WR, Notre Dame)
Why not get a big possession receiver to compliment newly re-signed DeSean Jackson?
#16 Quinton Coples (DE, North Carolina)
The talent is there, but teams have concerns about his 2011 tape and his run defense.
#17 David DeCastro (OG, Stanford)
Cincinnati will want to make sure one of their first round picks is a corner, but DeCastro is hard to pass here.
#18 Andre Branch (DE, Clemson)
With the top offensive lineman leaving the board before the #18 pick, San Diego may fill another big need here.
#19 Michael Brockers (DT, LSU)
Trading for Brandon Marshall will allow Chicago to concentrate on the best lineman available at this spot.
#20 Peter Konz (OC, Wisconsin)
There’s always a shock in round one. Konz is good enough to justify a pick this early and will play in the league for a decade.
#21 Doug Martin (RB, Boise State)
An extreme playmaker who will have an impact from day one. He could be the second coming of Ray Rice.
#22 Whitney Mercilus (DE, Illinois)
Cleveland could use another edge rusher and this guys production last year could intrigue the Browns.
#23 Stephon Gilmore (CB, South Carolina)
A smart performance at the combine will promote Gilmore’s stock into the bottom half of round one.
#24 Mike Adams (OT, Ohio State)
There are some legitimate concerns about Adams’ play, but Pittsburgh may take a chance.
#25 Luke Kuechly (LB, Boston College)
Yes he performed well at the combine – but he’s still a middle linebacker, a position with a restricted value.
#26 Stephen Hill (WR, Georgia Tech)
He’s a tremendous athlete who makes spectacular plays. It’s more than combine hype that puts Hill in round one contention.
#27 Kevin Zeitler (OG, Wisconsin)
He’s rising up the boards and could be seen as a solid pick for a team looking for a long term piece to their offensive line.
  #28 Vinny Curry (DE, Marshall)
The Packers are running out of options to improve their pass rush and could consider Curry in this situation.
#29 Dre Kirkpatrick (CB, Alabama)
Having attacked the receiver market in free agency, San Fran could draft Kirkpatrick to play corner or safety.
#30 Dont’a Hightower (LB, Alabama)
The very definition of a defensive prospect who fits in Baltimore. A tough football player, simple as that.
#31 Devon Still (DT, Penn State)
His ability to line up in multiple spots could attract the Patriots, who are looking for more pass rush.
#32 Zach Brown (LB, North Carolina)
Brown is full of potential and could go earlier than this. New York would be a nice landing spot.

Round two  

#33 St. Louis – Kendall Wright (WR, Baylor)
#34 Indianapolis – Lamar Miller (RB, Miami)
#35 Minnesota – Mohamed Sanu (WR, Rutgers)
#36 Tampa Bay – Bobby Wagner (LB, Utah State)
#37 Cleveland – Brandon Weeden (QB, Oklahoma State)
#38 Jacksonville – Reuben Randle (WR, LSU)
#39 St. Louis – Kelechi Osemele (OG, Iowa State)
#40 Carolina – Jayron Hosley (CB, Virginia Tech)
#41 Buffalo – Ronnell Lewis (LB, Oklahoma)
#42 Miami – Mark Barron (S, Alabama)
#43 Seattle – Mychal Kendricks (LB, California)
#44 Kansas City – Bobby Massie (OT, Ole Miss)
#45 Dallas – Jared Crick (DE, Nebraska)
#46 Philadelphia – Nick Perry (DE, USC)
#47 New York Jets – Alshon Jeffery (WR, South Carolina)
#48 New England – Shea McClellin (DE, Boise State)
#49 San Diego – Brandon Brooks (OG, Miami OH)
#50 Chicago – Dwayne Allen (TE, Clemson)
#51 Philadelphia – Brock Osweiler (QB, Arizona State)
#52 Tennessee – Chandler Jones (DE, Syracuse)
#53 Cincinnati – Casey Heyward (CB, Vanderbilt)
#54 Detroit – Brandon Boykin (CB, Georgia)
#55 Atlanta – Josh Robinson (CB, UCF)
#56 Pittsburgh – Dwight Jones (WR, North Carolina)
#57 Denver – Brandon Thompson (DT, Clemson)
#58 Houston – Josh Chapman (DT, Alabama)
#59 New Orleans – Lavonte David (LB, Nebraska)
#60 Green Bay – Kirk Cousins (QB, Michigan State)
#61 Baltimore – Harrison Smith (S, Notre Dame)
#62 San Francisco – Orson Charles (TE, Georgia)
#63 New York Giants – Kendall Reyes (DT, Connecticut)
#64 New England – Janoris Jenkins (CB, North Alabama)  

Best available in round three: Sean Spence (LB, Miami), Alameda Ta’amu (DT, Washington), Chris Polk (RB, Washington), Jerel Worthy (DT, Michigan State), Dwight Bentley (CB, Louisiana-Lafayette), David Wilson (RB, Virginia Tech), Cam Johnson (DE, Virginia), Logan Harrell (DT, Fresno State), Bruce Irvin (DE, West Virginia), Robert Turbin (RB, Utah State), Mike Martin (DT, Michigan), Brandon Washington (OG, Miami)  

Things I’m not happy with (because a mock cannot be perfect…)  

– Brock Osweiler dropping to pick #51. In my opinion, he’s clearly the third best quarterback in this class and worthy of a tentative first round grade. However, opinion is mixed and it’s difficult to find a home for him earlier than this. The Seahawks might avoid the quarterback position in the first two rounds, but they must sprint to the podium if Osweiler is there in round three.  

– Kansas City really needs to repair their offensive line and it could hold them back considering the talent they have at the skill positions. At the same time, can they afford to pass on a future nose tackle who could anchor their defense for years to come?  

– I don’t do trades and the exception for Robert Griffin III has since been justified. However, I suspect we’re going to see an awful lot of movement this year – maybe more than ever. For that reason, I don’t expect the majority of mocks you’ll see over the next few weeks to hit the mark – including mine.  

– I’m concerned about the sanity of some readers (I’m looking at you, Doug) after mocking Upshaw to Seattle again this week. I know, I know. Look – I’m not doing this to provoke people, I’m not doing this because I’m unable to move away from my own high grade of Courtney Upshaw. This is not a man-crush. I actually intended to move away from this pick today. However, with events working the way they have in free agency and with Buffalo in pole position to re-sign Mario Williams, I worked through each pick carefully and couldn’t see a realistic way of avoiding it. I’m preparing my crow pie just in case the Seahawks pass on the guy on April 26th, but I will not go out of my way to deliberately make a projection I don’t trust. It was the same last year with Jake Locker going in the top-10 – I always believed it would happen… 100%. So why stray? We look at alternatives during the week and will continue to do so (expect a big article on this subject later in the week). For now – I apologise, but it is what it is.

116 Comments

  1. Darnell

    Rob,

    So, is Upshaw for the Hawks a 1st/2nd down SAM lined up on Red’s hip and passing down edge rusher? I like the dude,and he makes sense for the Hawks, but only if he is on the LOS.

    Do you actually like David and Kendricks better than Spence? Or is it just the projection

    I was thinking OMG OMG they’re gonna get Hightower too.

  2. Pat

    You have mentioned that the Seahawks want to fix the pass rush this year, and then address QB next year, but what happens if they don’t (fix the pass rush that is)? Either the players the want to draft aren’t available or they don’t work out, does that change their plans at QB next year?

  3. Dan V.

    I would do backflips if we got Upshaw and Kendricks, and I can’t do backflips.

    If we then got Osweiler in the 3rd, I would do a double back gainer with a full twist.

    And I…… (see above)

  4. dave crockett

    Good work as always Rob,

    You know, I really can’t even nitpick with this draft.

    I hang my head in shame 🙁

  5. Ed

    Assuming Mario signs with Bills.

    Peyton to Titans
    Hass to Cards
    Jones to Hawks
    Flynn to Hawks
    Kolb to Browns

    #4 Browns – Richardson (then get floyd/wright at #22)
    #6 Rams – Blackmon
    Coples goes somewhere between 7-10
    #14 Cowboys – Decastro
    #15 Eagles – Kuehly (they have enough wr)

  6. dave crockett

    The Jags just signed Chad Henne.

    Tania Ganguli ‏ @taniaganguli
    Don’t know if this is out there, but the #Jaguars signed Chad henne to a two year deal.

  7. James

    If Coples is there at #12, Pete will be sorely tempted by his “bigger, faster, stronger” mantra. Upshaw is the proven player, however. Nick Saban said he was the meanest player he has EVER coached, and it shows on the tape (I watch every Alabama game). He knocked several QB’s out over the past three years, all with legal hits, and made game-changing plays over and over again to lead his team to two national championships. He would have a huge impact on the Seahawks defense, and the first time he goes against Peyton Manning, I can assure you that he will take him out, if that is what you want. If that is not playing fair in your mind, then pick someone else. As far as round two, Osweiler is my guy. John can find LB’s in rounds 3-7.

  8. Ed

    If we get jones, trade back and get an extra 2nd

    1st kuehly/coples/upshaw (18 range)
    2nd perry/curry/jones (de)
    2nd hendricks
    3rd osweiler/cousins

  9. FWBrodie

    Kirkpatrick sure is low.

  10. bugjuice

    I really don’t know how I feel about our options in the first round…nobody really floats my boat and I am sorta hoping for a trade down the board if Pete and John have the opportunity. I must admit, though, I do love the idea of Kendricks in the second round…the kid can flat out play. This draft does not excite me in any way but I must admit I’m looking forward to learn what the FO has up their sleeves. All hail Pete and John!

  11. Rob

    Darnell – He will be rushing the passer. He’ll play off Red, but a lot of teams like his ability to read in space. The Seahawks would use him in a variety of ways. I really like Spence but the size issue is unavoidable, especially given he didn’t explode at the combine despite being smaller. Could be an option in R3.

    Pat – Not at all. The players will be there, no doubt in my mind. It’s now a question of which players. And who knows what could happen – maybe they’ll see an opportunity to boost their coffers for 2013? It really depends on what they’re able to do right now in FA.

    Ed – Who is Jones?

    James – Could well be and something about Coples intrigues me a lot. However, there’s also legitimate concerns about his run defense among a lot of teams. I also have a bunch of time for Osweiler.

  12. Rob

    FWBrodie – I’ve never been a fan. People now talking about him moving to safety – which isn’t a surprise. He’s best hitting people in run support rather than coverage.

  13. creid

    Has something happened to drop Nick Perry’s stock?

    I just can’t see him going that low.

  14. williambryan

    Rob, just hypothetical at this point, but lets say the team signs Jones and Mike Tobert. How might that impact things? If this were the case I could still see Upshaw (or Ingram, Coples) at 12 but I wonder if RB would still be a likely option in the 2nd? (I know you have Kendricks in 2nd but if Martin were available I think at this time that seams like a likely pick) I guess my question is if Jones and Tolbert are signed by the hawks, might that give them justification to go Cousins/Osweiler in the 2nd? Also, Kip has talked some about Russel Wilson, but I was wondering your thoughts? He doesn’t have the size this regime obviously likes but when you watch him play, I imagine thats how Tarvaris Jackson should look in this offense but, obviously doesn’t.

  15. Rob

    creid – I’ve never been that high on Perry, I think his stock is inflated. I wanted to represent that today.

    williambryan – I’m not sure there’s any scenario that will see Seattle drafting a QB in round two, which is a shame. I really like Osweiler. As for Wilson, I’m not as keen as Kip and I think the size will be an issue. Yet they will take a QB late on it seems, so Wilson has as good a chance as anyone.

  16. shams

    You PROMISED!

  17. Tanner

    I like the picks Rob. I think Kendricks is a real possibility in Round 2. I think if we sign Jason Jones in free agency and add the two rookies you have slotted for us, our defense will be top-6 in the league at the very least.

  18. John_s

    Who the heck is Jones?

  19. david

    Rob- Ed is referring to the DT/DE Jason Jones from the Titans that is a FA, the Hawks are showing interesting, and i think he is on his way here for a visit or he already has.

  20. Ed

    Jason Jones. DE

    Maybe Hutch and Shiancoe?

    We are a qb away. We should drop back, get some impact lb’s, qb’s and extra picks next year for barkley

  21. Rugby Lock

    Upshaw again?!?!
    Yeah… it’s a man crush… a Bromance… 🙂

  22. Vin

    Thanks again for the weekly mocks, Rob. If we got Upshaw & Kendricks…..complete awesomeness. Kendricks is a stud.

  23. Matthew Baldwin

    I can’t see us passing on Coples if he’s on the board at 12. A few minor question marks IMO but the talent is unquestionably elite.

    I’m not concerned about his run D. Clemons and Brock aren’t blue chip run defenders. Aldon Smith coming out last year wasn’t known for his run D. Jason Pierre Paul wasn’t great v the run when he came out. Yeah if we were picking a DE 1st or 2nd overall, I’d expect him to be a stud run defender as well as a prolific sack artist but not at 12th overall.

    I’m also not overly concerned about his motor with our D. There’s so much intensity on our D right now, it’s contagious. PC knows how to motivate.

    I lean towards Kip’s piece a couple weeks back arguing we need to swing for the fences.

  24. Rob

    It’s a fair point Matthew and there are pro’s to drafting Coples. However, as far as I’m aware their is a heirarchy of preference at play.

  25. Don

    As always, excellent work Rob. I have absolutely no problem with Upshaw in the first, and save for one of the top 4 or 5 inexplicably dropping, he’s the guy I’d most like them to take.

    One thing that I find perplexing though is the QB situation. You suggest that Osweiler has late first potential, you yourself “have a bunch of time for Osweiler” and Seattle needs a QBOTF, yet you don’t see him being considered by Seattle before the third. Is that a hunch or is it your belief based on what you expect to happen next year?

    Carry on with the phenomenal work.

  26. Rob

    Hey Don,

    It is based on several things – and people know how much I rate the guy so I’ll let you draw your own conclusions on why I’m not projecting him to Seattle in R2 here and saying ‘no QB in R1/2’. I believe every Seahawks fan will be very satisfied with their team’s standing at QB by the time 2013 starts. Let’s just say that.

  27. Mark

    Hi Rob,

    First of all, let me echo what others have said in putting together a fantastic blog. For those of us who grew up scouring Street & Smith’s and Althon’s for every piece of six month old scouting we could find, your scouting reports have been a privilege to read. I’ve actually learned a lot about the game by reading your site every day. Thanks.

    Two questions…

    1. Regarding QBs in the 2013 draft, how do you rate E.J. Manuel of Florida St.?

    2. Where do you think Jabaal Sheard would have ranked next to Upshaw, Ingram and Coples if he were in this year’s draft?

  28. Don

    While I’ve been reading your site for several years, this is the first I’ve posted here. I truly mean what I say when I believe you do excellent work and offer superb, objective analysis.

    You also seem to attract readers who are able to see the bigger picture and not clamour for instant gratification. Rome wasn’t built in a day, but to hear many in other branches of social media espouse their views, Seattle – and really, every other team for that matter – ought to sign every half decent free agent on the market. I don’t see that here.

    Thanks for your response.

  29. Rob

    Hey Mark,

    I found E.J. Manuel to be very frustrating to be fair. Lot’s of potential and physical talent on show, but he’s so inconsistent and lacking in a lot of the technical aspects you want to see from a high pick. Having said that, it was his first year as a starter. Can he develop? Sure. But for know, I need to see more in 2012.

    As for Sheard, well he was one of the guys I loved last year. Just a perfect blend of strength, speed, balance and attitude. He’s a very different player to the three you mention. Personally, I would rate him higher than Ingram in terms of overall talent/potential. I think he has much less upside than Coples (who could end up being special if he wants to be) but I think Sheard will probably always be a more effective player depsite having half the potential. Upshaw? Now we’re talking. Sheard’s faster than Upshaw for sure, more athletic and lighter on his feet. Upshaw will always be better versus the run, he’s stronger, he reads the game superbly. I like both a lot.

  30. Rob

    Don – thank you for the kind words and please feel free to contribute more often, it’s great to have you on board. We have a good little community here and I thoroughly enjoy talking draft every day with everyone. Whenever we get feedback – even when it’s criticism (although preferably constructive) – it’s always appreciated. And I truly believe in Pete Carroll and John Schneider we have the right people running the team.

  31. OZ

    Coples is going to be a headache, mark my word’s~!!! I love me some me… sound familiar????

  32. Craig

    Gallery to be released, McQuistan has resigned. Hutchinson also to be signed?

  33. kevin mullen

    I dig it Rob, nice mock!

    If we could land Polk or I’d even settle for LB Spence (if Polk is gone) by round 3, I’d think this was a successful draft, possibly better than last year’s. If they’re attacking the front 7 like they did with the secondary last year, the ‘Hawks will set it’s self up for some surprise wins next year.

  34. Darnell

    A Hutch return may be one of the more surreal/unpredictable events in Hawks history.

    Rob, I’ll echo the sentiments of others in the fantastic work you do here, it is appreciated. It is a daily stop for me, sometimes even during work when the kids are writing tests (teacher). Here’s hoping this passion of yours comes with some income one day.

  35. Ely

    If nothing else bring Hutch back just to break the dreaded Hutch curse!! Does this put DeCastro into play? Rob I know in the past you thought he was overrated or at least lacking power. Do you Still feel that way?

  36. JJ

    Hey rob got a feeling you shld flip 5 and 6, TB after getting their big wideout added the highest paid OL for a reason, to take richardson(if the browns dnt).

  37. JoeV

    Rob, To play off Darnells question off the top, where will Upshaw specifically play on 1st and 10? The SAM? So he would be drafted as an LB with ability to play DE on 3rd and long?

  38. Rob

    Ely – Seattle won’t draft another OL in round one, I’m certain of that. I still feel like he’s over hyped. Good player, just built up to be the next Hutchinson which isn’t fair on the guy. He’s a solid R1 pick though.

    JJ – I could honestly see Richardson going at #4, #5 or #6. Sensational prospect.

    JoeV – it depends on the play call. Seattle are going to do a lot of different things on defense to mix it up and confuse the offense. Upshaw will play OLB in looks utilising a big three front, but he’ll still largely expected to attack the QB/ball carrier. He’ll play some 4-3 DE. He may even be spelled a bit like San Fran and Aldon Smith. The Seahawks want their own version of that.

  39. Ryan

    Apostrophes!

  40. matt

    I’ve written before that i really like hightower and suggested that that they trade down for him but if theres a chance for upshaw or coples?) you gotta take it.tho with dont’a’s
    closing speed i see all kinds of schemes available.
    rob to your like of osweiler,when i watched his tapes i dont see an accurate passer,yes he’s tall mobile and tough,but in the nfl accuracy is what seperates,yes?
    compare him to kellen moore or cousins and theres quite a gap in accuracy.your thoughts?

  41. Jon

    I still hope we can land Upshaw and Hightower. I know it is unlikely, but him falling even this close to us I would be holding my breath every pick until it is done. I like the picks and am one who is actually glad that you are sticking to what you believe. As you have said there is no point in projecting something the way you don’t see it. In my mind we can still talk about possibilities even if you don’t present them. It is actually useful for our own thinking.

  42. Belgaron

    Interesting, I like a lot of those picks. I think Kuechly will go higher and Brown drops into the 2nd. I don’t think Rams can justify an RB at 6, they need more foundation pieces and can take shots at running backs later in the draft.

  43. Jon

    I know that we are more likely to move back at some point in the draft, but is it possible that the hawks would make a small move up the board to take a hightower, or a Polk if they are getting close but there are teams that pose a threat. It is against popular though of trading back but I think it would be worth it especially in the case of maybe a 2nd and 4th to move up to grab hightower, or our 3rd and 5th (Do we have a 5th or a 6th I know one was used for Lynch) for Polk to secure that guy.

  44. Michael Kelly

    Fantastic Mock again!! If the Seahawks have the ability to choose between Upshaw and Coples, I will be very happy. I notice that the mock drafts always get the top 5 or 6 players exactly right then all hell breaks loose after that. Tons of fun building up to that though.

  45. Mark

    I agree that Hightower is a good player, but does he really work with the type of defense that PC is trying to implement? The standard seems to be fast, rangy players who can play coverage as well as fly to the ball. Kendricks and Spence seem to fit that mold. Hightower seems more like a classic run stuffing ILB. Happy to be wrong, though.

  46. meatwad

    great mock. My fav so far! I would take to the streets flipping cars if it went down like this and osweiler in the third..

  47. Austin

    Hi Rob, I’ve followed your blog for a little while and your statement on “I believe every Seahawks fan will be very satisfied with their team’s standing at QB by the time 2013 starts. Let’s just say that.” is interesting based on the other opinions I’ve seen you state. I know you stated the Manning/Flynn options were not likely (although Flynn on a Tjax like contract would be fine by me for now). In addition, only drafting a developmental QB 3rd+ round sounds like you have another idea in mind for he hawks QB of the future? I don’t think you are banking on a top draft pick for Barkley next year so I’m curious who you are thinking of?

  48. Doug

    Rob, Rob, Rob…

    Picking Upshaw with Coples going at 16 is pure mancrush talking. We need edge rusher most. That is Coples, not Upshaw. You have the perfect scenario to mock Coples but you just couldn’t get past your totally obvious myopic tryst with the guy…

    but, whatevahhh….

    I do like Kendryks at round 2 though, but I still think Martin will be there for us to grab. Maybe your just going for the strong D picks, and that;s cool too, cuz our D is pretty bad ass.

    I’m still waiting on the QB, and I did see your comment that we will be happy with QB next yeat, so I think your’e on to something. Maybe Flynn will be signed tomorrow…

  49. Turp

    The real question is, will Doug eat crow when the Hawks draft Upshaw? >:)

    Love the Kendricks pick. There seems to be a solid level of talent available in round 3, from your BPA list. Rob, do you think they would go for Polk or Turbin at that spot?

  50. Jake

    Turp, I don’t see Upshaw as a PC guy, I know, I know – there’s a source… ok, I’ll believe it when I see it and I for one will gladly eat crow when he gets drafted too. He is not athletic or fast. He does not play a position of need with Red staying put. He is a perfect LDE on a standard 4-3 defense and that is all. He is not versitile at all. He is an ok 3-4 OLB (think Jarrett Johnson or Anthony Spencer). I know we play a few different defensive sets, but not only does he not start in our base defense, he doesn’t even project well in our different sets… Where does he play in the Bandit? Where does he play in the Big Nickel (3 safety set)? He could play on this team IF Red Bryant hadn’t been re-signed, but not now I don’t think he has a place. Coples and Ingram have rushed the passer from the DT spot, so they make more sense. Ingram makes the most sense if we stay at #12 and he’s available IMO. He can play DE, DT, OLB in the Seahawks defense given the different personnel groupings that Bradley typically employs. If Wright is our new MLB, Ingram starts at SLB and rushes on 3rd down from DE or DT.

    Rob, if you truly believe that Hightower and Perry are valued at around the 30th pick or later, why wouldn’t JS trade down? Those two both possess more potential than Upshaw (and net an extra pick or two). Watch all these guys play… Hightower and Perry come off the ball faster, turn the corner faster and close on the QB just as well as Upshaw. Hightower would need some more coaching, but damn he doesn’t even have any moves and he gets to the QB before Upshaw on tape… Hightower is extremely versatile, powerful and full of potential. Perry can edge rush with anyone coming out and he shows a bit of power as well, his ceiling is significantly higher than Upshaw and Ingram.

  51. Donald

    I for one hope the Hawks don’t sign Flynn. He is over rated. I can only think of Brees and Hass being the only backups to lead anther team to the SB. All others were over hyped fools gold.

    So will the surprise franchise Qb for 2013 be Tjack, signing him for 8 yrs/ $100 mil ?
    I would jump for joy if it were Barkley, but that would take an Indianapolis tank job to get him. I don’t see that happening.

    Or, could the Hawks get Barkley in a Sneeky way through the supplimental draft? I say go for Osweiler or Cousins in the 2nd if you can.

  52. AlaskaHawk

    I can’t be happy with the Upshaw pick until he works out at a pro day. I would also prefer that our team doctor took a good look at his medical records. We have had two strikes in the first round due to injuries – we can’t afford a third.

    Rob – good job on the draft. Rather boring for Seattle. I can’t wait for the day we pick a game changer in the first instead of another linemen.

  53. Tezlin

    I honestly like the discussions and the answers both Rob and Kip provide far more than the mock itself. Sure we see Upshaw again, but how many scenario’s do we get answered in the comments? Tons, and that makes it worth reading every time!

  54. Rob

    Matt – Osweiler’s accuracy overall I would argue is sound. Not elite, but good enough. I think we also have to take into account Kellen Moore environment (he’s basically untouched in three years) and Cousins I would argue is actually worse for accuracy than Osweiler. We’ll have another look at Brock soon.

    Jon – I like the idea, but I’m not sure we’ll see a move up the board. Not this year, anyway.

    Austin – There’s a guy out there for Seattle for sure, one who they will view as ‘the guy’. But there will also be alternatives next year, and the team’s FO has admitted they will move up for the right guy. We’ll see what happens. Part of the reason they won’t go early on a QB this year will be because next year, they’ll go all-in.

    Doug – I assure you it’s not myopic. There is some logic to this, you’ll have to trust me on that.

    Jake – I promise Upshaw is very much a Pete kind of player. Even if the Seahawks don’t draft the guy, that’ll be true. The defense is being built to hit you in the face, play tough. To compete. They also want to think outside of the box. Upshaw fits the mantra perfectly. As for Perry/Hightower – well that’s your opinion they have more upside. Not everyone will agree with that.

    Donald – Seattle will only sign Flynn if it’s a contract they can get out of very easily with almost no commitment. Similar to Tarvaris Jackson. This will be a slow burner.

  55. Steeeve

    Rob, how early do you think we’ll pick an offensive lineman, if at all? We have lots of needs on both sides of the ball, but I am of the mind that you can never have too much depth along the lines. Lots of question marks for us with the injuries to Okung, Moffitt, and Carpenter, and now the release of Gallery. Assuming the issue is not addressed in free agency, do you have your eye on any mid-late round versatile linemen?

  56. Mike K

    Rob,

    I only discovered this site this offseason and am really enjoying reading the takes here. Thanks for the work you do.

    You keep mentioning a Tarvaris-type contract is the only way Seattle signs Flynn. How about a Kolb-type contract (more money on its face, but a built in out after a year if it’s not working out)?

  57. woofu

    Flynn gets a TJ offer he lands elsewhere I would think, maybe even back to GBay.

    So where is Cleavlands CB?

    I know you don’t do trades but RFA Mike Williams is just sitting there and Pitt is vulnerable. Someone will bite who has a shot and a need. Houston?

    I am ok with the Seattle picks but in round one I don’t see the speed they speak of.

  58. peter

    ROb,

    one hting I’m curious about, do your mocks reflect more what you think the team WILL do? OR what you think they should do?

    I like the Upshaw pick per example, and I think “they” do need LB help, but as an example I think they should focus on edge rush an dwith Chandler Jones on the Board as an example I think they should take him. Just as we are thin with the potential loss of Hawthorne, if Clemons goes down who fills in? Dexter Davis? Or do you think there could be a late round impact player at maybe the 4th pick?

  59. peter

    Also, is anyone esle torn/confused with the idea of taking any QB higher then the 4th, or 5th?

    If they go all in so to speak next year, I say skip it this year then….we are not the 2005, and beyond Green Bay regardless of what model we are using to build the team where we can roll the dice with guys we are not sure will cut it. Only to switch gears next year and pick up “the” QB. Plus we don’t have the trade bait track record to take a pick and turn it into another pick one-two-or-three years later ala The patriots.

    Even with the great write-ups for osweiler, cousins….either one even at three only to pick Wilson/Barkeley/or Qb to be named next year at the one will be sort of frustrating.

  60. Craig

    I find it much more likely that hawks look to trade down if the board is that way, and take a stud linebackers ie. Upshaw, Ingram, Kuechly, Hightower if they are available…and address either DE or QB in second.. ie. Curry, Cousins, Perry, Osweiler, Johnson, Irvin…and back to LB or CB in the 3rd ie. Spence, Bentley, Johnson, Robinson, Boykin, Kendricks, Burflict, Kaddu, Norman and address either RB or WR in 4th, depending on value… ie. Ganaway, Polk, Turbin, Hillman, Poole, Fuller, Streeter, McNutt. I only put WR on here because I think they value tall physical WR’s and after Sydney went down, and BMW failing to step up…We were overloaded with short guys

  61. peter

    Craig/Rob,

    I wonder what the trade situtation is going to look like on Draft day. It seems every where you look or listen to every team out side of The Colts, and Washington, th efan base seems to think a trade down is the way to go.

    I understand the financial coast of moving up is less prohibitive but everyone can’t trade-down for extra picks (though it would be nice if the Hawks could do that!)

    I even saw somewhere where Rams fans thought it would be *amazing* if they traded the 6th pick with expectation of Tannehill being some sort of battle of interest. Good Grief.

  62. Scotia Seahawk

    How likely is: Manning to Tennessee, Locker to Seattle?
    Apart from that I can’t see how any of the other QB moves via the draft or FA are going to make fans that happy. None of the other team’s QBs that Manning is talking to have much appeal.
    Unless the Seahawks are going to wait and make waves in next year’s draft.

  63. peter

    Rob,

    You watch a lot more game tape, and games in general, when watching Alabama did you ever notice anyting about Jerrell Harris? Old tony pauline said some good things about him at the Alabama pro-day, and his size, speed, and athleticism made me wonder if he might be a good pick say at the 4th round? Unless I’m missing it I haven’t heard a single word about this guy this draft season.

  64. Doug

    Wow, Gallerys release took me by surprise. Hutch coming back? At maybe 80%, if that, of his former total bad ness. hmmm. Too bad he let the poison pill happen though…I used to totally dig him, now lukewarm…

    I for one am totally stoked if we can get Flynn. He is uber accurate and a perfect fit for our offense, IMHO Esp. if we get him on the cheap.

    About Upshaw. I have no problem with the guy, I think he would be swell. Tuff guy, mauler, a great fit into what this defense is saying…. which is basically “strap your helmet on tight biotch, cuz it is ON” ! And that is cool.
    There is no crow to be eaten by either Rob or me, cuz it isn’t about whether or not we actually draft him or not. It’s more about exploring different scenarios that could happen, and who we might take depending on that mocks particular set of deciding factors…
    This is where I take issue with Rob, as he twists each weeks set of circumstances into the position of Upshaw being the only possible pick. I GET IT, that you feel that that is as close to reality as YOU, along with your secret sources feel will actually happen. BUT, since it is a MOCK draft. I would think that SOMEDAY you might conceptualize that something else might happen. Maybe do something like pick Coples, instead of Upshaw. The entire world has Upshaw tumbling down the ladder, and nobody has Couples lower than 8-10. It wouldn’t be that much of a stretch to NOT pick Upshaw, if only for arguements sake.
    whats the point of eating a big mac every day?

  65. woofu

    When I watch people angst over FA and Draft styles and look at the style P/J are bringing it’s hard not to call it a “small market system”. While Seattle is not really “small” it does have the markings of a low draw scene and the “south Alaska” label only supports that perception which, and I quote Hall of Famer and attorney Steve Young, “Perception is 9/10ths of the law, not possesion”.

    Strategic FA moves and building through the Draft seem to be being adopted by more and more teams which of course is regarded by big time medias as not significant (one begats the other). You only need to watch NFLN a few minutes to find out which way the wind blew this morning when PM passed gas while boarding whatever jet to wherever to understand the fan take that we are not doing enough.

    That said, I liked what was said elswhere that there are three phases of FA.

    1/ Big Bucks for big bucks.
    2/ Value Village
    3/ Scrap pile

    Number three is what comes during cut downs in August. Thats where the final cap numbers are reached (90% of 120 million= $108 Mandatory). So if you say the team has $30 mill in cap space really it is $18 mill going into the draft.

    The draft has a minimum nature, set if you will and is divisible by the number of choices for each team so trading down for more choices has some appeal considering the fixed duration of rookie contracts that are in force. Considering the history of P/J it is reasonable to assume they might do so given the fewer choices they have in the bank this year. That is limited in the first round by divisional foes being right on your heals (see Ariz ).

    The sequence seems right, DL/DE then LB, the “fall” though in both FA and Draft Day, disrupts the outcome and determines the escape hatch come August September.

  66. Misfit74

    I’m still trying to figure out the fallout from losing Gallery. Is McQuistan going to start? Will we sign someone in FA (Nicks, Grubb already off the market).

    More relevant to this thread: Will Seattle consider Reiff or Martin and officially kick Carpenter to LG? I have to say I’m in favor of a potentially dominant O-line, but do wonder if we can’t just fill LG in the mid rounds of the draft (again like Moffit). If the supposed ‘strength of our offense’ is the running game, I think it’s possible, if not very likely.

  67. AlaskaHawk

    Only the last mock before draft really counts. The rest are just for discussion.

    Looks like are offensive line is still a work in progress. They need to draft more. Going into this process I totally liked the idea of improving the team first and then finding a QB. Now I realize that by improving the team are record will always keep us from the #1 or 2 qb drafted.

  68. Smeghead

    I heard in an interview a few months back JS hinting at Carpenter being moved over to LG. Think about it, Breno played well enough to probably be our starting RT. Moffitt comes back at LG and if Carpenter is ready plug him in at LG. If he isn’t then you go with McQuistan or Hutchinson. Maybe they know Carpenter won’t be ready week 1 and will ease him back into the rotation (pup perhaps?). I think that would be a very plausible scenario.

  69. David

    I would love Martin or Reiff and would not be disappointed if despite what everyone keeps saying we went O-Line again.

  70. Phil

    Michael Lombardi discussed State Income Taxes on the NFL Network last night. Someone like Mario Williams — if he signs with Buffalo — will have to pay 8.82% to the State of NY. If he were to sign with a team in a tax-free state (e.g.g. FL, TX, WA), he pays zip. I had never thought of this, but it seems like the NFL ought to adjust its cap structure to reflect state income tax if they are truly seeking parity.

    * * * *

    I like the idea of Upshaw in the first and Kendricks in the second. I only wish we had more picks so we could possibly get Martin & Cousins.

  71. Jarhead

    Rob already touched on the nonsesne that Cousins is more accurate than Os, so thanks Rob. And Cousins and Moore are certainly very accurate, but ask them to throw a pass longer than 10 yards… Yeah, there you go. I personally see the draft shaping up very much like this. Rounds one AND two. Mychal Kendricks/Brock Osweiler are my most liked players in this draft with Bob Turbin being number, all of whom are available. While I believe that the draft will shake out this way (Richardson IS going #6 this year, mark my words) and Hasselbeck is not going to the Cards, he’ll go to the Browns. Gimme a break, it’s Holmgren. That will leave Upshaw for us (who doesn’t wow me by any stretch of the imagination, but should be a solid contributor), and I believe Kendricks will make the immediate Patrick Willis type of impact that will leave us all saying WHOA!. I certainly wish that Seattle wasn’t so damn stubborn and add Os in the second, and hey let him compete. As opposed to offering Flynn ANY form of a deal. think about it. Were ANY of us pleased when we signed MIN’s back up, even for the shrimpy contract he got? Why would that change for GB’s? Back up trash is still back up trash. But if we get Upshaw/Kendricks and then any combo of Bentley/Turbin/Robinson/Orson Charles would make me feel confident about our draft talent acquisition. Now, Hutch is a solid veteran presence and knows Seattle. He is certainly more capable than Gallery and our O Line needs a veteran presence to lead and guide them. With all the Sick Bay Commandoes and Glass Leg Hobblers we have on the O Line missing games every season, Hutch probably has more starts in the NFL than the rest of our O Line combined. That is not an exaggeration. That is a sad truth. I say bring him in and give the line a veteran leader. All in all, good draft Rob. Very accurate. You’re right on the bean. I wih some things would go differently, but I sincerely see things shaking out this way

  72. peter

    Jarhead,

    It’s understood that you don’t like Cousins but since the Senior bowl on, Cousins has shown he has the armstrength to make deep throws. It’s just not part of Michigan States gameplan. Whereas we’ll see how it shakes out with Osweiler tomorrow at his pro-day, but it’s odd that his strength, is well, his supposed strength and I can’t remember seeing any game film where he isn’t checking down or hitting the old college swing pass for the most part. I agree with you that he has potential but I must respectfully disagree with you wherein you believe he is somehow lightyears beyond Cousins.

    How would being a backup to one of the best passers in the league, make you “trash?”

    Not buying it sir. Just because you couldn’t beat out Rodgers doesn’t make you inherently terrible.

    Old Hasselbeck couldn’t beat out Farve, that worked out well enough for 6 years (and drug on for three more)

  73. andy

    Not sure about the health issues of Hutch but if he is ok there and you can rely on him at LG that is one hell of a left side. Okung, old man Hutch and Unger…… Not too shabby!

  74. peter

    Plus the odd thing about the two of them (Osweieler, Cousins) is that Osweiler has more yards this last season, but their Completion Percentage is nearly the same, as with their TD vs. Int Ratio.

    I for one, for different reasons think both could be viable candidates.

    Though I hope the Seahawks have a representative at both Arizona State and West Virginia on Saturday to see how Osweiler performs, and to talk to Irvin

  75. peter

    OR maybe old man Hutch, until Carpenter gets off the PUP list ( I know he may start to he season not on it but I doubt it) Swing him to the left Guard spot, and get him off the right side which I think is a weakness for him, being left handed and having better success at LT.

  76. SoCalSeahawker

    Rob,
    In this scenerio, what are the chances of Polk and/or Wilson being available with their third round pick and would they take one of them there and pass on a QB for another round?

  77. Misfit74

    SoCalSeahawker, fwiw I think Wilson will be gone by the mid 2nd-round. Polk could well be available in round 3.

  78. James

    With Super Mario signing with the Bills, it seems likely that either Coples or Ingram will still be there at #12 for the Seahawks, and Upshaw almost certainly will be there. The Seahawks should land a top pash rusher, so that just leaves the QB. It appears that there is a window right now where Flynn is not being offered a Kolb-type deal, which the Seahawks would not match. John can offer a basic no-risk “prove-it” contract, with plenty of incentives if Flynn proves to be a winning QB. I still would like to see the Hawks select a QB in round two. Of the top five QB’s in the NFL, only the two Mannings were top picks. The other 3, Rogers, Brees and Roethlisburger went in late round one, early round two. If you add Favre also early round two, that is the best strategy, to select a QB there until you hit on the prize. Forget about going 2-14 to land Barkley, or 3-13 to land Landry Jones.

  79. Rob

    Steeeve – I’m not expecting an OL pick personally. I think they will look at the defensive front in a big way, with DE, LB, RB the priority. Expect a quarterback in the 4-6 region. They have good depth on the OL and it looks like Hutch is coming back to Seattle.

    Mike K – I think that’s unlikely. The Kolb deal was really a big commitment, with a quick out if he flopped big time in year one (which he did). I doubt Seattle will offer any contract that gives the impression Matt Flynn ‘could’ be the future. They’ll want to manage expectations. Expect this situation to be a slow burner.

    Woofu – they’re really looking for more pure speed at linebacker. They want a pass rusher, high motor type at DE in R1.

    Peter – it’s always about what I think the team will do. The mocks would look very different all the way across if I was doing them. I will look at Harris – not a guy I’ve focused on but I have a lot of ‘Bama tape.

    Scotia Seahawk – Chances of Locker to Seattle is about 1% (if that).

    Doug – I think we cover the other possibilities quite a lock. That discussion is not limited to the weekly mock draft, which is really just a status check. We all know the options here, it’s just when I sit down to project – this is the situation that presents itself every week. And I don’t see the point in projecting something I don’t think will happen. People use mocks to beat you down more than anything else. But we spend a ton of time talking about alternatives. The mock doesn’t define anything for me.

    Misfit74 – Offensive line won’t be an option in R1. Hutch should be signing shortly it seems.

  80. Rob

    SoCalSeahawker – RB in round three a big possibility. Round two also.

  81. David

    Locker to seattle? so you’re saying theres a chance…haha jk

    i am liking the idea of the Bills signing Williams. One part of me is hoping for Coples, but then another part of me is feeling like he wont give it his all. I am also thinking what is he going to do when its his contract year and he doesnt produce alot because he didnt want to get injured and ruin his chances of getting a better contract, idk its sketchy.

    Id love for us to get Lofton, Jones, and Hutch in FA, it would make for a less stressfull draft i believe. Oh and we need to resign Clinton McDonald too.

  82. Colin

    This may be a bit off topic, but I don’t see Barkley being a guaranteed top 5 pick. I don’t think he’ll generate the hype of an RG3, and no one is going to talk him up like Luck. Plus, I don’t belive there are going to be as many QB needy teams as in years past. Seattle could be in prime position to trade up for his services. He’s got the goods to be the #1 pick, but I think the teams that would draft him (AZ, Buffalo, Miami) won’t finish bad enough to draft him outright. Jacksonville is my pick right now for that #1 overall in 2013.

    Here’s hoping that Landry Jones tears it up and gets the hype machine rolling again.

  83. Darnell

    Rob, you talk about speed at Lber. Curious though, say Dont’a Hightower gets close to their 2nd rounder, dude’s not a speedster but a potentially dominant 2 down thumper that fits the mentality, would he be a consideration?

    Interesting to see if the Hawks think they can trade down from 12 and get their guy. I think there is a chance they could drop form 12 to 18-25 (if someone really wants Floyd, Decastro,J Martin, Kirkpatrick,Kuechly) and still get Upshaw. A drop like that could land them an additional 2. Take Upshaw around 18-25, trade two 2’s to come back up for Hightower, Polk/Pead/Miller/Wilson/James in the early 3rd – someone will be there.

  84. adam

    i look at the draft and free agency…it looks like the hawks will sign jones…and i would bet my house(if i had one)…ok my rei half dome…that js\pc trade down in this draft…perhaps as far back as 20-23 and pick up a sleeper de\lb like Keuchly, Mercilus, Hightower, Curry(even with the god awful name), or even further back(2nd round) and pick up N.Perry. Most of the additional picks they acquire will be in next years draft so they can get their golden boy…Matt Barkley.

  85. Darnell

    Are we sure Clinton McDonald is a FA? I really like that kid and I’d imagine the front office does too.

    I also could see Barkley faling out of the top 5, no fault of his own though. He’s just underwhelming, but in a good way if you know what I mean.

  86. Misfit74

    I think the Bills may still go DE in round 1. Incumbent starter opposite Mario Chris Kelsay is 32. Moats is slated to start at SLB. I think the Mario signing may not have changed their draft-board.

  87. seattlesetters

    I’d be OK with Upshaw, ecstatic with Kendricks and would love having a shot at Logan Harrell in Rd. 3. If we could get those three, our defense would scare the hell out of people.

  88. Rob

    Darnell – I think that Hightower would be a case of too much value, but at the same time Seattle are very focused on what they want. It really depends on what they’re looking for. Zach Brown would probably be preferred.

    Misfit74 – They haven’t shown much interest in re-signing Demetrius Bell at left tackle and they know have a potentially elite defensive line with their interior guys. I expect a LT in round one now and maybe another pass rusher in R2-4. But I suspect the Mario deal has changed a lot.

  89. Jarhead

    No after watching the tape, I stand firmly behind my assessment of Cousins. This kid was given the world at MSU and produced relatively nothing. He was in a run centric offense and I saw him check down more than his fair share of times. Os played in his system, his 3rd in 3 years so there were lots of screens and swings game planned. But he also played ABOVE the system. I never saw Cousins display that kind of ability once. Throwing check downs are fine if that’s what the defense is giving you. But I saw him comlete plenty of high risk-high reward passes in to tight windows. I don’t believe in Cousins at all. And back ups are fine when they backing up a legit starter, but if that back up is designated your team’s actual starter, that’s trash. And as I said before, I never liked Hasselbeck, Holmgren, or Alexander- not one of them. They were all soft and never won the big game. Hasselbeck thrived in a weak division, and I never thought he represented TRUE Seahawk football (punch you in the face Rufus Porter st

  90. Jarhead

    No after watching the tape, I stand firmly behind my assessment of Cousins. This kid was given the world at MSU and produced relatively nothing. He was in a run centric offense and I saw him check down more than his fair share of times. Os played in his system, his 3rd in 3 years so there were lots of screens and swings game planned. But he also played ABOVE the system. I never saw Cousins display that kind of ability once. Throwing check downs are fine if that’s what the defense is giving you. But I saw him comlete plenty of high risk-high reward passes in to tight windows. I don’t believe in Cousins at all. And back ups are fine when they backing up a legit starter, but if that back up is designated your team’s actual starter, that’s trash. And as I said before, I never liked Hasselbeck, Holmgren, or Alexander- not one of them. They were all soft and never won the big game. Hasselbeck thrived in a weak division, and I never thought he represented TRUE Seahawk football (punch you in the face Rufus Porter style). I want us t grow our own star, not take someone else’s throw away. It’s like saying ‘he’s not good enough to start for gb or ne or whoever but he’s good enough for US! Our standards aren’t that high!’ That’s nonsense, I don’t think that way nor do I believe these Hawks do. No more backups, let’s take a risk on our own player and make our own star. No more settling. We’re a tough team now with a classic identity, I say let’s keep growing our own nucleus of players and not settle for other team’s throw away scraps for integral leadership positions like qb

  91. LadyHawk

    Rob,

    I think Scotia Seahawk is on to something.If Peyton Manning does sign with the Titans, why couldn’t we get Locker? Do they think Locker is going to sit on the bench for three, four year when they spent a first round pick on him? By the time Locker’s contract is up, will he even still have a chance to start for them? Maybe, at best, that is IF Peyton is done, which may or may not happen at that time. For pure value, wouldn’t it be better for the Titans to trade Locker, get more draft capital and spend it to get Peyton more weapons on offense? Whats your take Rob?

  92. Craig

    Well it’s awkward that there’s another Craig posting (I wasn’t the one who wrote the last “Craig” post).. From now on I’ll use my initials (CFR) so that it’s less confusing haha

    Really hope the Hawks get Jones. I feel like we’re in a position this year to get all the missing pieces to our team (minus QB) in the draft. A young RB, some pass rushers/LBs and maybe some corner depth. After that, we’ve got to go all in next year.

  93. SHawn

    DAmnit Rob, you ave all my favorites for rd 3 going at the bottom of rd 2. I would be okay with a few of the guys that are left, but geez.

    Shea McClellin, Dwayne Allen, Josh Robinson, Lavonte David, Orson Charles, Kendall Reyes, Jerel Worthy. These would be my targets going into rd 3 depending on our first two picks and the remainder of FA, and you have them ALL except Worthy going in rd 2. Love the Upshaw- Kendricks picks, but what do we do in rd 3 now? Looking at the guys you have left for rd 3 I would think it could be Polk or Turbin.

    If we sign Lofton (how likely?), do you think we still draft Kendricks and move him outside? With KJ Wright, that could be a pretty good and very young LB unit.

  94. david

    Darnell-Yeah im pretty sure Clinton McDonald is a restricted free agent

  95. peter

    Jarhead,

    Flynn, isn’t good enough to start in GB and Mallet isn’t good enough to start in NE because they have…..Rodgers and Brady.

    So I’m clear on this you can be a back up and that’s fine. But if given the chance to be a starter after you have been a back-up you are trash?

    yeah old hass and Holmgren were pretty terrible, I mean they got closer to the Lomabrdi then any other Seahawks team before them, but since they were “soft(?)” they sucked….I know everyone loves I suppose the new Seahawks Identity, which is I guess modeled after , perhaps baltimore…but I’ll take winning records, division championships, being the number one scoring offense in the league (2005 seahawks and the soft, but somehow unf-ing stoppable Alexander and the charmin tissue baby soft Lofa Tatupu, Leroy Hill, Walter “snuggles” Jones, and Steve “warm glass of milk” Hutchinson,) and a trip to the superbowl with soft players any day, over “hard” players and consecutive 7-9 finishes.

    I remember the Rufus Porter days, and man I got to say I do not share your fondness for that era of being a real deal Joke of a team. Yeah there were some good years, and a whole bunch of b-llsh-t ones during that time.

    If Osweiler is the man, the real deal, franchise altering, QBOTF then a picking him at 12 shouldn’t be a problem like Flacco to the Ravens, some may say out of nowhere or Big Ben who tore it up in the MAC which should have been a deal breaker for most QB picks, but the Steelers knew….

  96. peter

    And to be clear, I think nearly one of them Osweiler or Cousins should be drafted. If you a team believes in them enough to pull the trigger I’ll be stoked tryin got find the positives in either one, but if the team hopes against hope that one or both fall to the 4th that tells me they have about as much confidence in them as some one’s backups.

    I’d rather the Seahawks skip the whole dog and pony of a QB this year and load up on Defense, with on a foray into a RB and maybe some sleeper TE or something and just do the thing next year and give up “X” for Barkeley..

  97. CFR

    Hutchinson to Tennesse. Apparently he was “torn” between the Hawks and the Titans.. Load of bull. Please feel free to hate on him again

  98. Misfit74

    Rob – good point about the Bills’ LT situation. I wonder if they’re planning on sliding someone else already roster over there if he doesn’t re-sign, but I don’t know. Do you think anyone other than Kahlil is worthy of their 1st-rounder at OL?

  99. Stuart

    Rob-nice job, again!

  100. TJ

    Hutch signs 3-year deal with Titans. It would have been good to get him back, but he is not the dominant all-pro that he was in ’06.

    The fact that he even considered coming back to Seattle tells me that his decision to leave in ’06 probably had everything to do with Ruskell’s toxic environment, rather than with Seattle – the city and its fans.

  101. peter

    I’ve got to agree with SHawn their are alot of quality choices in the last half of Round two…

    Rob with all the quality and variety in different directions it seems like in a perfect world, Someone in the middle of the draft wants Decastro, the seahawks trade down 5 spots, Upshaw has a slide until draft day, we still take him in the first, keep our spot in the second for Kendricks, and use one of two threes do go all manner of directions….to me that would be ideal…

  102. woofu

    I’ve tried to tell everyone what that Hutch thing was all about. If you can, go back and watch the post game of the NFC Championship. Watch Hutch watch Alexander celebrate. Knew he was gone right then.

  103. peter

    Woofu,

    Did Shaun look ridiculous? I can’t find any footage except crazed fans screaming in the endzone with a shaky camcorder….

    Honestly I always figured it was as simple as Hutch wanting get an amazing amount of money for a guard…

  104. Rob

    LadyHawk – The Seahawks graded Locker quite poorly overall. He was the #6 quarterback on their board last year. I think if Tennessee sign Manning, it’ll be the beginning of the end for Locker, but unless he’s available for a mid/late rounder, they’re not going to make a deal. Even then, they may not be interested. The Titans are basically ripping up the blue print here on a film script for Peyton the movie.

    Shawn – I’m not sure the Seahawks will be all that interested in Lofton. We’ll see. Kendricks is a definite outside option given his athleticism. I think we could see two early picks on linebackers.

    Misfit74 – I’ll be honest and say I haven’t focused on the OT’s as much as this year given Seattle weren’t going to make it a hat trick of R1 OT picks. I can see why they would like Riley Reiff, he’s their kind of player and fits the scheme. Martin could get some looks.

  105. Ely

    Rob, which QB do you think the Hawks will go for in the 4-6 round (assuming Cousins does not fall that far)? I would love to see Harnish come to the Hawks. Is his biggest knock size? Lack of competition?

  106. Rob

    Ely – the one name I’ve heard is Russell Wilson. Keep a eye on him. I would welcome Austin Davis or Chandler Harnish.

  107. Nick

    Rob. Love the site. This is my second year following
    I can understand going for the speed edge rusher on d in round one. I think the need for a speedy playmaker at running back or receiver is too great to ignore
    Just concerned about the lack of explosive talent on the offensive side of the ball. I am tired of our anemic offense

  108. Nick

    After the last couple of years of a pathetic offense I think we absolutely need a playmaker in round 2. Someone with speed and ability to separate. Is there anyone u could see falling to us in round 2 that could bring me off my couch this fall?

  109. Jim

    PC wants a running game? CHANDLER HARNISH: 237/384, (13.57YPA), 3216, 28TD, 6INT, 1379 RUSH YDS, 11 RUSH TD’s, ——- 4595-Total Yds, 39-Total TD’s

  110. peter

    Rob,

    I’m a littel intrigued by Harnish, have you posted any game film of him? I like any QB that seems to improve year to year, but was wondering if he has faced enough quality competition in the MAC?

    I can see the knock on Cousins that he never really improved all that much year to year, just sort of being what he was and continuing that….

    On another note it’s interesting at draft time that you can get to competing reports one from SPorting news, the other from CBS sports that say COusins, had a bad pro day, or a great pro-day……I guess anything to keep get readers!

  111. jason

    Hey Rob reading from you the hawks will be all in for Barkley next year. While I love the idea how can we be so sure it can happen. he will most likely be the top pick so we would be hoping that team did not need a QB big chance. Also with what St Louis got what will it take 4 first rounders? DAMN……I like the idea of trading our 2nd to a team we think could be bad next year for there 1st or trading our first down this year then using that first to do the same thing.. seems it would help the odds…anyways love your insight and the blog thanks……

  112. Rob

    Peter – here you go:

    https://seahawksdraftblog.com/chandler-harnish-could-be-a-sleeper-in-seattle

    Jason – As discussed a few times (and I’ll put this into an article soon), there’s every chance Barkley won’t be the #1 pick next year. We’ll get into it soon.

  113. peter

    Thanks…

  114. peter

    I re-watched that tape, and the first thought I had, was “Quick.” I love the speed at which he makes his decisons, be it run, pass, or go through the reads….

    Plus the MAC thing is weird sicne old Big Ben, tore it up in the MAC and has continued to be good to great.

  115. Bubba gill

    Hey Rob I have been on the Upshaw band wagon for months and now I really want 6’3 242 pound MLB Luke Kuechley, please tell me why we wouldnt want him as the face of this defense, much like Urlacher, just much better speed and on the field instincts.

  116. Rob

    Hi Bubba,

    I think the issue I’d have with Kuechly is that he’s nearly 20lbs lighter than Urlacher. I see Kuechly as more of a Sean Lee type player, which is fine because Lee is a very good football player, but he’s not a defense defining player and I’m not sure Kuechly will be either. I think the team has to look for an impact, and that means drafting someone who can rush the passer and help in that sense. The Seahawks can find a MLB in the mid/later rounds, but finding a dynamic pass rusher will be harder.

© 2024 Seahawks Draft Blog

Theme by Anders NorenUp ↑