I really wrestled with this mock draft today.
There are four or five players I could’ve easily paired with Seattle before I even wrote this piece. It’d be very easy to say, “this is the mock where the Seahawks get Donte Moncrief.”
But that’s not how I want to do these. I want to go pick-by-pick and not pre-empt anything.
And I want to be open to the idea of other teams taking the players I like for the Seahawks.
If I’m going to write articles praising the underrated qualities of a Moncrief, Martavis Bryant or Joel Bitonio — why should I assume the Seahawks might be the only team who sees the same thing?
If I wanted to put Moncrief with the Jets at #18 because it looks like a legitimate option, then I’m going to do it.
If there was an obvious choice for Seattle at #32 — great.
On this occasion, that wasn’t the case. Not by a long shot.
Eight receivers were off the board and six offensive linemen.
I was tempted to go with Clemson’s Brandon Thomas — a tackle who could eventually transition to guard.
Yet I’m intrigued by a Tweet written by Davis Hsu this week. He’s relaying a comment by Pat Kirwan (close to Pete Carroll) discussing Tom Cable’s approach to drafting offensive linemen:
@30AcreFortress said he gives Pete & John a list of 6-7 guys he is happy with Day 3…doesnt need early round guys? (Wow)
— Davis Hsu (@DavisHsuSeattle) March 26, 2014
I genuinely believe this could be the plan.
When you think about it, Cable’s had more success with late round picks and UDFA’s (J.R. Sweezy, Michael Bowie, Alvin Bailey) compared to players drafted early (James Carpenter & John Moffitt).
They were also able to turn a waiver wire pick-up into a quality starting right tackle (Breno Giacomini).
It wouldn’t shock me at all if, once again, they take 3-4 guys in the later rounds/UDFA and allow Cable to work them into his scheme. Neither would it shock me if both Bowie and Bailey started next year.
Hey, it doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the right way to go. But is it implausible that they wait to address the offensive line? Absolutely not.
With that in mind I tried to think about what they might do in a situation where as many as 4-5 potential #32 picks are already off the board much earlier than the national pundits are currently projecting.
Defensively the options aren’t great. I’m a big fan of Brent Urban but persistent injury problems might keep him on the board until rounds 2/3. I don’t see Dee Ford, Timmy Jernigan or Louis Nix as players the Seahawks are likely to covet (or as first round picks at all).
I’m going back and forth a lot with Stephon Tuitt. With a fully healthy off-season he could be trending upwards. That isn’t the case, and there’s no new news on the foot injury that kept him out of the combine.
So then I come back to the offense, and specifically to LSU’s Jarvis Landry.
If I had to write a list of ten players I’d love the Seahawks to get, Landry would be on it. Without a shadow of a doubt.
So many people talk about Jordan Matthews. For me he’s a middling player who’s suddenly flavour of the month because he performed better than expected at the combine.
He is prone to the occasional ugly drop, he isn’t overly competitive, he’s quite finesse at times and a lot of his production came on quick screens that needed good-to-perfect blocking to succeed.
Now I appreciate that there are positives too that I’m not mentioning here. But the point I’m trying to make is — Jarvis Landry might be the player everybody thinks Jordan Matthews is.
He’s a brilliant hands catcher, a driven and edgy receiver who loves to hit people in the face. He’s the guy who high points the football, plays above his size and makes the impossible possible.
I sat down today and re-watched a ton of LSU tape just to have another look. It’s so incredibly difficult to mark this guy down.
The only thing stopping me going ‘all in’ on a first or high second round grade is the combine performance — where he ran a 4.77 at clearly less than 100%.
Is he a 4.77 runner on tape? Absolutely not. But neither is he a 4.43 guy like Odell Beckham Jr.
He’s probably a 4.60-4.65 type. Which isn’t exactly blazing at a shade under 6-0 and 205lbs.
Yet everything else about his game compensates for that.
I more than anyone gets caught up in the size/speed argument when considering prospective Seahawks.
They’ve drafted a ton of athletes. Carroll clearly loves physical difference makers, and they do pay attention to things like SPARQ.
I also appreciate the way this offense is set up. They love to take shots. They want to make chunk plays downfield off play action and scrambling drills.
Even Jermaine Kearse and Doug Baldwin — two former UDFA’s — ran in the 4.4’s.
But it’s not just about speed. If it was, Zach Miller wouldn’t be still on the roster, pay cut or no pay cut. Marshawn Lynch isn’t exactly what you’d call fast. Michael Bennett and Red Bryant aren’t brilliant athletes either, but they possess other skills to emphasise their value to this team.
It’s not just about size and speed, whatever Seattle’s ideals may be.
It’s also about competition.
Fierce competitors.
Players who are going to put it all on the line — not just on the field, but in the weight and film room too.
Landry is a model student, a driven and determined individual and a productive football player.
I’m a big fan of receivers who clearly have an understanding of their position and the kind of routes they’re going to run. You can tell from this combine interview below that Landry isn’t going to be overwhelmed when he gets a pro-playbook:
He might not be ‘Seahawky’ in terms of height or speed, but he’s plenty ‘Seahawky’ when it comes to high pointing the football, great hands, run blocking, special teams value and attitude.
He makes some of the most difficult catches you’ll ever see. They have to be seen to be believed. I’ve included some tape below today’s mock for people who haven’t had a chance to watch him play. Just absorb what he’s capable of. Forget the 4.77 for an hour. Watch the tape and form your opinion on what you see him doing on the field.
Is he Anquan Boldin — another player who suffered in the draft due to a poor forty time? They’re not perfect physical matches, but there are some similarities in terms of the time they ran (both 4.7’s) and how it doesn’t really represent what you see on tape.
I know what the reaction’s going to be to this pick — and this isn’t me saying Landry is definitely a first rounder or anything. I want to think outside of the box and I want this community to do the same. I don’t want us to assume Landry is just a mid-rounder because of one bad forty time with a tight hamstring.
I guarantee fans wouldn’t complain anywhere near as much if the Seahawks traded down to #40 and took Landry. Even if it meant getting as little back as say a 5th rounder. There’s a stigma attached to the first round and perceived ‘reaches’ are over analysed. As soon as you get into round two, players like this are considered valuable.
As we’ve discussed many times — trading out of #32 is going to be incredibly tough. If they can’t do it — then why not just take a player like this and not second guess it?
If we’re talking about potential impact players who can step in and just get at it, this guy can do that. And while I’d much rather grab a Bitonio at #32 and feel smug about a Landry pick in round two — there may well be a situation, as we see below, where options are limited with the final pick in round one.
I’ll say it again — this isn’t me saying Landry is definitely a first round pick. This is me tossing a pitch for people to swing at.
Give me the ultimate competitor at receiver at #32 over Louis Nix, Dee Ford, Xavier Su’a-Filo or any other ‘big name’ every day of the week.
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#1 Blake Bortles (QB, UCF) He’s elusive for a 4.93 runner. He extends plays. Bortles is a very creative quarterback. Houston’s offense is set up for a big rebound year if they find a solution at quarterback. |
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#2 Greg Robinson (T, Auburn) I suspect the Rams will trade this pick, but you can argue they’d be better off staying put and drafting Robinson. |
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#3 Johnny Manziel (QB, Texas A&M) The ultra competitive Manziel fits Gus Bradley’s approach perfectly. The Jaguars need someone who can come in and elevate this team. Manziel can be that guy. |
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#4 Jadeveon Clowney (DE, South Carolina) They’ve appointed a defensive minded Head Coach and Clowney’s not going to fall too far. He can line up in a three or four man front. |
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#5 Sammy Watkins (WR, Clemson) The best receiver prospect to enter the league since A.J. Green and Julio Jones. You can build around a talent like this. Get a quarterback later. |
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#6 Jake Matthews (T, Texas A&M) The Falcons should just sit tight and see what falls to #6 — but it sounds like they’ll be moving up again. They need to protect Matt Ryan and they need to find a pass rusher. |
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#7 Khalil Mack (OLB, Buffalo) He’s a little overrated for me, but Tampa Bay looks like a good landing spot. They need to bolster the pass rush and Mack can play DE and OLB. |
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#8 Mike Evans (WR, Texas A&M) Teams are going to see the incredible talent available at the receiver position and not think twice about getting stuck in — whether it’s a top need or not. |
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#9 Taylor Lewan (T, Michigan) Some believe he’s a bit of a phony tough guy. Others really like him. It’s worth a shot here. |
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#10 Marqise Lee (WR, USC) This would be a good position to trade down and add to the secondary. If no such deal exists — don’t fight the board. Megatron, Golden Tate and Marqise Lee is a frightening trio. |
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#11 Kelvin Benjamin (WR, Florida State) Again — don’t be shocked if these receivers start flying off the board. If you want a really good one you better get in early. |
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#12 Eric Ebron (TE, North Carolina) The Giants suddenly have a ton of needs. But that also means they don’t need to force this pick. Ebron provides value as a seam-busting safety net. |
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#13 Aaron Donald (DT, Pittsburgh) How do you block Robert Quinn and Chris Long off the edge if you’ve got this guy rushing the interior? |
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#14 Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (S, Alabama) They’ve added Lamarr Houston and Jared Allen up front, now they need to improve that secondary. |
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| #15 Odell Beckham Jr (WR, LSU) Receiver is now a big need for the Steelers. They need someone who can come in and have a quick impact. Out of all the WR’s in this class, Beckham Jr is best served to hit the ground running. |
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#16 Anthony Barr (DE, UCLA) I wouldn’t draft Barr this early, but the Cowboys are stuck without moving up or down. After bringing in Henry Melton, they need an edge rusher. They have no alternative. |
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#17 Ra’Shede Hageman (DE, Minnesota) After losing Arthur Jones in free agency, the Ravens could use an athletic replacement up front. Hageman fits the bill as a possible five technique. |
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#18 Donte Moncrief (WR, Ole Miss) It’s only after really studying Moncrief (in particular his 2012 tape) that you begin to truly appreciate just how much potential he has. Don’t be shocked if he goes this early. |
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#19 Zack Martin (G, Notre Dame) An absolutely superb tackle in college, but expected to move to guard in the NFL. Could play left guard next to Brandon Albert. |
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#20 Brandin Cooks (WR, Oregon State) Receiver isn’t a huge need for the Cards, but he’d add another dimension to the offense as an explosive playmaker. Keep Ted Ginn on returns. |
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#21 Ryan Shazier (LB Ohio State) Green Bay’s defense is too slow, too sluggish and doesn’t have enough playmakers. A linebacker like Shazier can help take this unit away from total mediocrity. |
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#22 Darqueze Dennard (CB, Michigan State) A physical corner who plays with an edge. Good blitzer. Philly wants tough football players on defense and this fills a big need. |
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#23 Calvin Pryor (S, Louisville) Andy Reid had a good look at the defensive backs at the combine. Pryor would add a hard-hitting element to Kansas City’s secondary. |
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#24 Justin Gilbert (CB, Oklahoma State) Gilbert has everything you want in a corner physically. He could go much earlier than this. But he was also almost benched in 2013 for poor play. He’s a really tough one to work out. |
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#25 Joel Bitonio (T, Nevada) Underrated, incredibly athletic tackle or guard. Versatile. Outstanding character. He’s a Logan Mankins clone. |
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#26 Teddy Bridgewater (QB, Louisville) I get the sense Cleveland is just going to play the hand it’s dealt. If there’s better value at #4 or #26, they won’t force a QB pick. In this slot Bridgewater would equal supreme value. |
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#27 C.J. Mosley (LB, Alabama) If he checks out medically, Mosley is a plug in and play defender who can have a quick impact. New Orleans is trying to get tougher across the board. |
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#28 Morgan Moses (T, Virginia) I’m not sure how Carolina has allowed a situation to occur where they’re suddenly desperate at receiver and the offensive line. |
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#29 Jace Amaro (TE, Texas Tech) Adding a pass-catching tight end makes sense, even if Rob Gronkowski returns to full health. |
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#30 Martavis Bryant (WR, Clemson) The 49ers have plenty of possession style receivers. Why not add a home run hitter? You’ve got the quarterback to make it work. |
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#31 Chris Borland (LB, Wisconsin) Denver needs a tone setter. A leader. A guy who flies around. This would be a smart move. You want this guy on your team. |
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#32 Jarvis Landry (WR, LSU) An edgy competitor with massive hands. Ideal attitude, work rate and personality. If the only thing letting him down is a bad combine, I’ll take my chances. |
Landry’s tape does not look like a 4.7 guy. A couple of his slant or post routes for TDs make him look plenty fast. I also like his swagger after out competing a DB for a ball. Would fit in with Seahawks WRs just fine with that attitude.
Wow. I mean, I like Jarvis Landry. He might be one of my favorite receivers in this draft. Tough, intense competitor; all the platitudes wouldn’t do his game justice. He is underrated in my opinion, and yes, he’s much better than Jordan Matthews.
But a 1st round pick? I don’t know. I think Pete likes character and all that as much as the next guy, but I don’t think he’s going to suddenly go Tim Ruskell on us. This is a Tim Ruskell pick, through and through.
Now, I think we might be overstating a bit how much Pete wants a ‘big WR’. Truth is, he isn’t going to draft one just for the hell of it, not in the 1st round anyways. He’ll be looking for a big that shares a lot of Landry’s attributes in a bigger package first, that much I believe.
I think Pete would snatch up Landry at 64 and not look back. At 32? He’ll be looking for an explosive difference maker – for either side of the ball.
I’m not sure I agree on the Ruskell sentiment. Ruskell’s problem was he was too restrictive. He focused too much on senior players from big schools with flawless character. It’d be harsh to call Landry a ‘Ruskell’ pick in a negative sense just because he has a great attitude and he isn’t 6-4.
I’ll also say this — whenever we consider whether Seattle would spend a R1 pick on a certain player, let’s remember they’re one pick away from round two. I made the point in the article. There will be people out there who’d love the idea of Landry at #40 (for example) but will cringe a little when they see him at #32. The difference isn’t all that much.
And it’s hard to find explosive difference makers when so many are off the board (as they are in this projection).
To be truly a Ruskell, ‘Hawks would have to trade up to 20 to take him, giving up 64 to do so (joke).
I disagree with you slightly Rob. Ruskell focused on players with good production from top tier conferences, ignoring physical combine performances. He said so in a number of interviews. This is a Ruskell pick through and through.
Landry is Golden Tate without the speed and the RB strength to break tackles. Considering they just let Tate walk and only valuing him to the tune of $4m per year, I just don’t see how Landry fits into this WR corp. PC/JS have shown an overall great results by finding raw athletes and training them up, then putting them into a created environment to bring out their competitiveness. I just don’t see Landry as bringing anything to this team, especially he is at best a slot receiver and at worse, too small and slow to play in the NFL.
I think DL is a priority in the first two picks. We lost three guys, including an established pass rusher from our rotation. Considering that PC wants a rotation with guys play no more than 55% of snaps, we have effectively lost 3 of our 8 starting DL with unproven redshirts the only bodies waiting in the wings. I will be surprised if we don’t select one DL high in the draft and another in the lower rounds. At least with OL we have three guys with numerous starts ready to step into two positions. And OL is not an area you rotate guys in consistently during the game.
Well stated argument. You’ve convinced me.
I wouldn’t exactly call it a Ruskell pick but I do think that our boys are more likely to use the pick on someone who has undeniably top tier physicals, even if they are a little raw, like they did with Irvin. I think the Seahawks would love this guy but look how good Dougie Fresh turned out as an undrafted. Doug B is clearly a player who, like Landry, makes astute on ball adjustments that make him better than his physical gifts would suggest. Would Seattle like to have another clutch player like that, you bet, but I also think that we shouldn’t ignore Seattle’s previous attempts to find the big WR prototype (Brandon Marshall fail, Mike Williams, etc). I think this is the year that the Hawks finally land their big target.
Tom Cable was mentored by Joe Gibbs. Joe Gibbs was notorious of not drafting linemen in the first round. Why? Because he thought they’d be too entitled. He also thought olinemen should never talk to media…etcetc. Toughness was paramount to that position, which both coaches espouse to. I would not be surprised if Cable emulates Gibbs the longer he coaches.
I agree with the others that say the Ruskell glove doesn’t fit. It’s also kind of the ultimate dis too to call him a Ruskell player.
Ruskell was notorious for drafting high character guys at the cost of leaving talent on the board. He was fundamentally averse to any sort of character flaw that could potentially blow up. That left who he would actually consider drafting to a much smaller pool. It’s no wonder that his drafts Sucked.
It’s also ironic that he chose to sign Houshmanzadeh.
Just when I start to fall in love with Moncrief Rob raises him up the board and out of Hawks reach…this has happened to all my rd1 man-crushes: Hageman, Donald, Benjamin and now Moncrief….
Here’s to praying to God that we get some more of our LSU boys up here in Seattle. We got Spencer Ware and Tharold Simon last year and I was doing happy dances. I knew this season that Beckham Jr. would be out of Seattle’s reach, but I’ve been praying that Landry goes unnoticed and not to a team like Carolina or SF. There’s only a handful of guys that I might take over Jarvis, Watkins, Evans, Beckham Jr., and that’s about it for me.
Ware is the dark horse to earn some playing time and carries this year. I think Michaels is the favorite and Turbin the incumbent. Hope Ware has a great camp. Simon too for that matter, hopefully he feet are fully healed up.
ware will be a great 3rd down back, goal line back. He is powerful head down runner. In the future, when lynch is gone, a a 1-2 combo of Michael & ware will be deadly!
Rob can you see the Seahawks draft multiple WR in this draft? If it really is true Cable can coach the OL up with later draft picks. Why not increase the odds on a deep draft of WR?
I can see that, because it’s a very strong draft at WR. It’s more likely I think if we don’t see 8-9 of them going in round like we have in this mock. But one of the ideas with this Landry pick would be — you can still get a tall/fast receiver later on if you want to. The class is good enough to double dip.
Hmm. Landry followed by Coleman. I approve of this thought.
Actually, I prefer Kevin Norwood to many of the WR bigs. His measurable’s compare with Coleman and Benjamin. He plays on a collegiate version of Seattle, meaning run first. Norwood, to me, has as much upside as his similarly SPARQ rated WR’s.
The Cable quote is probably legitimate, I’m sure he does give 6-7 names for day 3. But he also gives names for days 1 and 2. He’s said specifically in interviews that there were guys they liked earlier who were gone before their picks come up.
I’m sure there are guys they’d be willing to take earlier, but if you trust a coach saying he doesn’t need that kind of investment, I think generally you take him up on the offer unless it’s a can’t-leave-the-draft-without type.
Do you think it’s fair to question Cable on this approach? Smacks of pride a bit to me. ‘I’m such a good coach I don’t need top tier talent.’.
It’s true that Cable has had more success with late round and UDFA than the earlier round guys. I know you’re not arguing causation here, so I’ll leave it there. I think our offensive line is arguably the weakest unit on this team – it is indeed a unit in need of an infusion of young talent. Undoubtedly the best talent will be taken in the earlier rounds. Just sayin.
While it seems true that Cable is so good at coaching he could form an offensive line with a bunch of bartenders, we need to look at what he has done with the ones taken in early rounds. Unger and Okung are pro bowlers. Moffitt had no desire to be great and was a wasted pick. Cable got rid of him. Credit Cable for cutting our losses. Carpenter, for all his weaknesses, is not finished. Cable may feel he can make something out of him, yet. Give Cable another high pick and this line could be great instead of average.
As for our WR’s. The starters were all UDFA’s except for Harvin. I guess the same argument could be made about that group. Our WR coach can teach a bunch of UDFA’s to be reliable NFL targets. Maybe he doesn’t need a first round pick, either, to be successful. After all we are talking about a No. 5 WR this year and we just blew it last year on Chris Harper.
The difference is that a high round offensive linemen should be able to start immediately vs 1 to 2 years training for lower rounds. They have done well with low round picks, but they also brought the regular starters back for the Super Bowl. I thought Carpenter was gone after being replaced in San Fran game, then he was starting again.
I wouldn’t question it too much because I think we have seen results — and last year was mostly an injury crisis situation. Plus I think Bowie/Bailey have shown potential. I can see them going OL early, but I also don’t think they’ll force the issue.
Well Cable did win the Super Bowl with that group last year but it’s hard to make a case that the offensive line wasn’t the weakest part of the team last year. Give him some better talent and health, regardless of which round its found, and Cable could but up running numbers they way the ‘Hawks did in ’05. Having watched this team’s success at finding talent, I’m no longer locked into rounds either, but it would be highly formidable and entertaining to see what this offense looks like where the offensive line was one of the best units on the team.
Offensive line will never be the best unit on this team, so long as PC sticks around. However good you think Cable is with o-line/run game coaching, Pete is that x10 for the defensive backfield.
I don’t know what PCJS are going to do with this year’s 1st rounder, but looking at what they have done in the past four drafts shows a pattern of how they like to spend their picks in the first frame.
2010: Big Russ–Top tier physical atributes for a LT: ET–Physical freak
2011: Carp–Called the strongest player on the team by the staff
2012: Bruce–Physical freak
2013: Percy–Physical freak
If they are drafting for their roster like they say they are, then any receiver brought in to compete would have to at least match the excellent measureables of the players already on the corps. I would suspect that if the freak they are targeting at WR is already gone, then they will find a freak at another position.
This year’s freak at WR is Jeff Janis (see Rob’s latest post). I don’t think he will go at #32, but he sure looks Seahawky …..
The good thing about this draft is, that there isn’t just one freak in the WR draft pool this year: Cook, Moncrief, Bryant, OBJ.
Very thoughtful mock draft – I like that you really look at the teams and their needs.
I like Landry, but isn’t he much what we already have with Percy and Baldwin? He likely will be there at 32 – and he seems like a tough blocker and route runner, but I don’t know we need another guy like him. I’d rather have an OT, but if I knew there would be a tall WR picked later, I’d be okay with Landry.
If SF REALLY did end up with Bryant, I think I would be sick.
I wouldn’t. Kap would never get there on his reads unless he was the first one, and Seattle’s better at defending the deep ball than anyone else.
SF has 6 f***ing picks in the top 100 of this very deep and talented draft class. I try to avoid thinking what could be done with such a number but they can get any guy they want….arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Not too worried. Baalke hasn’t proven to me that he can get it done in the draft. The 1-2 combo of Aldon Smith and Kaepernick in 2011 was obviously pretty good, but since then what has he done? With the 26 picks since then, how many “impact players” have they turned out? Eric Reid looks pretty good… who else?
I agree with YDB above. I think they use that first pick on a physical freak and hope to get guys like Landry later.
That interview with Landry really shows a bright, personable guy.
Based on the mock, which players left on the board do you consider physical freaks? Kony Ealy is the one guy that jumps out at me. Outside of wide receiver, which Rob mocked as being picked over, there aren’t many freaks in this draft class – just great players.
Rob,
Did you see this post on fieldgulls about SPARQ calculations?
http://www.fieldgulls.com/2014/3/27/5536638/back-calculating-the-sparq-formula-introducing-rsparq
it’s pretty interesting reading, and the initial SPARQ results listed are for the WR class. There’s nothing really shocking in the results, but it does show that Martavis Bryant really fitting the mold of a big, althletic, play-making receiver.
Does anyone know if Jeff Janis can catch? He has that high SPARQ and if they are looking for that freakish athlete, maybe it is him – if he can catch.
I keep saying Jeff Janis, he’s the tall fast receiver we need. On another note, people should check out the Madden rating for speed and acceleration of FA Taylor Price we picked up. Faster and taller than Tate and Baldwin.
He can’t catch. His Senior Bowl week and game was really tough to watch. Alligator armed everything. Stud athlete, just not a natural football player. Looks like a Lockette 2.0.
It’s a fascinating read and something I’ll get into probably later today in a new piece. It also highlights the minimal difference between Brandon Coleman and Kelvin Benjamin which I also think is important.
I would rather have Campanaro than Landry. If the 32 pick looks so dire, the Seahawks would probably trade for someone’s first next year. Or trade for Desean Jackson.
Haha. That’s a joke about Jackson right? He’s got a $12.75MM cap hit in 2014. No way in hell that happens.
Jackson isn’t going to be a seahawk with his salary, but would be fun to watch. I can think of other players I would pick before Landry too. DE-Tuitt, Ealy, Ford, or maybe TE-Amaro, Niklas. All probably day 2 picks, but will be gone before the 64th pick.
Rob, my friend, we must summon you back from the ledge. It is an interesting, albeit sadistic, exercise to imagine none of the players you like still being on the board at #32…so who would the Seahawks select? But we must not lose sight of the forest for the trees. In R1, PC & JS always, always go bigger, faster, stronger: Okung, Thomas, Carpenter, Irvin and . They will not change the formula that just won them a Super Bowl. Landry is not bigger, faster, stronger….now, if he falls to R2, then for sure. If the board goes the way you have projected, the pick will be the X-man: Xavier S’ua-Filo, the prototype zbs guard, who leaves you unimpressed, but I dare say not Tom Cable. But fear not, Moncrief will be there if you are so inclined.
*….Irvin, and Harvin.
Seems like too many receivers going in first. Many teams have already filled need in free agency. Does Tennessee or New York really go receiver? It’s hard to predict. Even San Francisco might surprise.
The Jets added one receiver. They need more. Tennessee likewise haven’t got a #1 type. If the strength of the draft (by far) is wide receiver, it wouldn’t be a shock to see a ton of these guys go in round one.
I believe the jets will target a WR in the first two days. They lack any explosive targets, and talent. They have a good defense, so offense should be their target.
I think the jets kinda need secondary help after loosing Cromarte. And with Carolina, had to say if they go WR or OL in the first. And I doubt Minnesota goes WR in the 1st. But I’ll never know till it’s draft day! Lol
Alaska, you are right. It is too many. The most we have ever drafted in round 1 is 7. That was a year we had Larry Fitzgerald and two others in the top 10. 30 of 46 free agents have re-signed with somebody. That only leaves about 15 open roster spots for WR’s throughout the NFL. It is not about talent as much as finding a roster spot for the guys you draft. Todd McShay has 16 guys with grades in the first 3 rounds. Usually there are only 12 over 3 rounds. CBS has 42 WR’s with draftable grades. A lot of good ones will be available later. Teams know this and will wait unless they are desperate. To put 8 WR’s in the first is a bit of a stretch. Six is what I am expecting. It is a mock draft so let’s go with it. Stuff happens, you know.
The only reason I care is that we may be able to get the 5 or 6 th receiver instead of 8th. Probably doesn’t make a large difference. Top 4 receivers would be nice. Lots of good choices there.
So what do you think about Brandon Coleman at #32? SEA isn’t know for taking the “ideal” or “popular” guy in there first pick these past few years.. And didn’t you mention JS has made numerous visits to Rutgers? You know how PC still doesn’t have his BIG WR. well, this could be it!
He put out an impressive combine, and has all the upside in the world. I could see it happening.
Thoughts?
I think he’s a legit option. But I wanted to go in a different direction with this one.
Wow. Great article. Strange draft.
I love the out of the box thinking, so no negativity, (‘Cuz everybody knows sick puppies need love and extra hugs… and you certainly look to have put yourself through the wringer a bit on this one.) Much obliged & appreciated. Nice work.
To me, Jarvis Landry looks like Golden Tate 2.0.
As in, he looks to be able to do anything, and everything, Golden Tate could do, including: block, YAC, highpointing in traffic, special teams, laying out Superman for the pylon, one-handers in the back of the end zone, strutting with a bit of attitude after the catch, and generally playing bigger than 5’11” 200 in all facets… all while being 5.5+ million dollars a season cheaper, and 4 years worth of hard hits younger!!!
Overall, sounds like an awesome SDB, JS/PC idea, and I support it 110%… at #64!
If memory serves me, wasn’t Golden still available right around that same range…late 2nd,#60 overall?
IMO The NFC West will be won by big, giant, country strong, fast for their size, talented guys in the trenches; I believe I remember someone wiser and more draft knowledgeable than I said something like this once upon a time. But that was so…idk, 3 weeks ago?
Still, if the board happened to fall to us all twisted up like this, I would select Stephon Tuitt at #32, (not Yankey or Sua’Filo), and chew my fingernails ’til to the 64 for Landry… AND GET BOTH.
p.s. You are just trying to torture us all with both Greg Robinson AND Aaron Donald to the Rams?!? Right??? Sick man, sick.
I agree with the Tuitt pick. When healthy like he was in 2012, he can be a huge force on the DL.
This is the crazy draft. I don’t buy it and sure wouldn’t sell it.
Sorry man, I don’t see it. The Jets just got Decker, and they have other needs to fill, Lee would fill the exact same role on the Lions that Tate will, and the mere fact that there are so many of these great prospects at WR means that if you’ve got two similarly graded players on the board, and both are needs, you’re likely going to go with the one that has less options later in the draft. It’s simple economics. Though the setting has been changed, as well as the currency (I hate this objectification of the players, but fall victim to using it myself), the principle remains the same. It’s supply and demand. The supply has just increased dramatically, the demand much less so.
The Jets really have Decker (a #2 type) and that’s it. It shouldn’t restrict them from going WR at #18. And Detroit want a dominating passing offense. Tate, CJ and Lee would provide that.
Sorry but Detroit needs secondary help, and isn’t there new coach a run first guy???
OK…thinking outside the box –
If Evans it still on board when the Rams pick at 13 – We give them next year’s 1st and 4th to trade back to 32nd, we pick Evans and we are set with our tall fast no. 1 receiver for 4+1 years.
Is that way out of the box ?
I can’t tell you how tired I am of the Rams having multiple 1st rounders… I sincerely hope we don’t do anything to perpetuate that trend. If this were going to happen, I’d rather swap with the Giants at #12.
I understand. The reason i mentioned the Rams is that they are just the team that would jump all over such a trade. I’m not sure the Giants will give up their only high first round pick while it’s the Rams 2nd pick.
We’re not gonna pull off a trade in our own division like that….can’t see us mortgaging too much future draft capital, although getting a guy like Evans would be PERFECT for RW, red zone, and as a compliment to Percy’s skill set.
I would love Evans to be a Hawk, and I think he is clearly the only other WR that gets close to Watkins in talent. I will be surprised if Evans make it to the number 13 pick. Giving up a 1st and a 4th though, yes please. Just not to the Rams. I am also tired of the 49ers stocking up on a ton of picks every year.
If I were the Rams I wouldnt trade back with any NFC West opponents unless it was for an RGIII type of trade.
This is a bit of off topic, but do you see any chance for trading Lynch? Given his salary status and amount of hits his body has taken, next year might be the last he’s with Seahawks? He’s been on injury reports for maybe 10 weeks each last two seasons (that’s just my gut feeling) and have taken of one day of practises every week to get some rest.
That’s of course only, if the front office is really as high on Michael as Pete has indicated..
I don’t. He’s a work weary running back approaching 30. I think Seattle will be his final stop in the league and he may not do more than another year.
He did say that if we win the super bowl he’d retire….
I think this is his final season with the hawks, after this coming season is over, he will likely be trained to oakland( hometown and has always stated he wants to play for them)
I agree with you – this is likely Lynch’s last year here unless he takes a pay cut. I would expect they will push Marshawn a bit with Michael. That said, I hope Marshawn will take a pay cut and stay around. He is an interesting guy who’s charity work in OAK is pretty cool. I want him to go out on his own terms vs being cut.
As realistic your statement is, it makes me sick. Lynch, to me, is what made this tea, great. He will play forever. The end. reality is messy.
I love Landry’s game. He is a highly skilled WR and I’d venture to say he’s got the best hands in the entire draft. He owns that ball like it’s the most important thing in the world.
He is also very adept at getting CBs to commit their hips. He doesn’t separate any more than Matthews does. So if Russell needs to see him running open to throw to him — we may as well pass on him. But Landry shows repeatedly the ability to get open late and catch the ball clean.
Realistically — Landry is Kearse for our team. He doesn’t provide anything we don’t have. Kearse is bigger, faster and his hands are now outstanding.
I like Landry. Because I’m a huge fan of WR skills. I believe they are just far more important than measurables. It is one of the most highly skilled positions in football outside of QB and kickers. And Landry has some of the best skills of any prospect in this draft. Including Watkins and Evans.
I simply don’t think he’s going anywhere near the top 50. Tape or not — there is far too much alternative talent for teams to take Landry only to miss on a different prospect. Because his combine wasn’t just bad. He was in the 0 to 1th percentile in virtually all of the important measurables possible. Physically, he’s the worst testing WR since we were debating between Manning or Leaf. Literally. The absolute worst in 16 years at explosion, agility, speed and short area quickness.
CJ Fiedorowicz beat him in every metric for cripes sake. A TE pegged as a 3rd round pick because he’s considered an unathletic blocking TE.
No GM is going to tie his reputation to that. If Landry didn’t produce better than all of the 2nd round WRs — that would end a GM career. He would be the Charles Rogers on someone’s resume. While Schneider has the stones to make that pick and the backing of the organization — other GMs don’t. If Landry isn’t more than average, then he’s going to be some GM’s Charles Rogers.
Now combine numbers aside, I don’t see a 4.77 guy either. And if he’s truly the worst athlete to post results at the combine since the 20th century — then he more than makes up for it with amazing skill. He has a very Jerry Rice type ability where he gets moving and doesn’t get caught from behind. He does however clearly lack Rice’s extra gear to get clear of pursuers initially. He is a wizardly route runner for someone who tested so badly at the agility drills.
It would be John’s boldest pick in his tenure here. I don’t expect Landry would be available at 64. So I wouldn’t consider him a reach at 32. If we were to take Landry — then I would expect he’d be Baldwin’s successor. Because we’re not going to keep Kearse, Baldwin and Landry on the roster. Those three would be vying for basically one position.
From simply a skill standpoint I’d be thrilled with Landry. He’s a guy who has the skills to make Carroll rethink the necessity for having a 6’3″+ receiver at the X. Landry can play outside.
I’m not ignoring the combine numbers, but I’m giving him a pass until his pro-day on April 9th. He was clearly not 100% at the combine… didn’t do the drills, only ran one forty. Let’s see how he does at his pro-day because there’s no way on earth this guy is less of an athlete than CJ Fiedorowicz.
Considering the Baldwin situation, I think Landry is very much on Seattle’s radar. I like him better than Tate.
I also think he would be a good return man. Very good vision and anticipation. Much faster than 4.77…
They may be able to trade back some and still get him.
Rob,
Have you had a chance to dig in a bit more on Cody Latimer? I know I keep busting your chops about him, but I’m curious to hear more of a breakdown on him from you. I read that after his pro day performance a few teams have him pegged as a 2nd round talent that could go in the 3rd or 4th round. On nfldraftscout, he’s listed as the 24th best receiver and projected as a 5th rounder. I’m looking at him more as a value pick than an early pick and want your thoughts. Not necessarily just his fit in SEA, but more his NFL future.
Not got right into the tape yet but plan to soon. Biggest concern I’ve heard with him is whether he’s really dedicated to football. He’s an ex Basketball guy and came to it late. Not sure if it’s a legit concern but that’s what I’ve read elsewhere.
I’ve read that too, and that’s something we won’t know from watching the tape. He seems to have some fire from the way he blocks, but he also loafs coming off the line at times. I look forward to your thoughts after you watch him some more!
Rob, given Cable’s comments and the clear strength of this draft being WR, could you see the Hawks doing something like Landry at #32 and then if he’s still sitting there going Coleman at #64? Would they double dip with their top 2 picks?
I like Landry, love how he plays the ball and fights of DBs even though he isn’t the biggest receiver.
Fieldgulls had a great article on Allen Robinson, and why not give him a look at 32?
He is similar to Anquan Boldin, where, yes they aren’t speed demons, but they are both the more physical receivers who can beat press coverage, and are great red zone targets.
After mentioning the Hawks might target more than one receiver, what if the went Robinson at 32 and Landry at 64? Kearse and Landry can battle it out to be the Z, play Robinson at the X and the Balwin and Harvin can be the two Y’s.
Now I’m not sold on the idea that JS and PC would take to WRs with their first two picks, but with an eye towards the future, it wouldn’t shock me.
Also, Rob, one of the bigger name receivers will fall, and my gut feeling is that it might be OBJ. Yes, he had a great combine, but a lot of GMs get too caught up in potential and athletic ability, and I think that might push Bryant, Benjamin, and Moncrief up the board a bit. Throw in the depth at receiver in the draft, and I just see one of the bigger names fall due to teams either prioritizing other positions, and looking at the more athletic eye-test passing receivers.
I don’t like the idea of the first two picks WR unless we two great receivers fall back. It’ll be very difficult for 2 WRs to make the team. The first will almost be a lock. The 2nd will have to beat out Lockette the Rocket.
I love Landry and would love him to be a seahawk.
Once he gets out on the field and starts making plays, we’lol forget about him being a perceived reach.
And what do you think about BC LB Kevin Pierre-Louis?
Runs a 4.51 at 6’0 1/2 230 and has a 39 in. vertical.
About the same size as Malcolm Smith and looks even more explosive on tape. Would be interesting to look at him in round 4-7.
Since Allen was not signed and CC was cut the Hawks are thin on pass rushers, and Avril is only signed through next season. Avril will probably be priced more than the Hawks can pay once the next big three are signed. This leaves some concern about the pass rush. I have high hopes for the unknowns on the roster like Boatright, Scruggs, and Mayowa. I am beginning to feel OT will be a pick in the 4th or later, and the first two days will include WR and DE.
Apparenlty Dan Quinn was at Louisville’s pro day wathing Marcus Smith who is an intriquing prospect. Either him or Demarcus Lawrence from Boise State would be good pick ups.
Fortunately, the draft for OL is pretty deep. I also think there are some guys on day 2 and 3 who could be Seahawky Leo’s – Marcus Smith is one of them. The draft seems to be weak at LB and TE – but DL and DBs look pretty good. There will be guys on day 3 that the Seahawks will turn into really good starters.
I Have Watched A Little Tape On Smith, but will Watch more now. Thanks for commenting guys
Please see the catch in the last video (The Man) at the 2:40 mark. -signed, the management
Personally, I can see a situation where some great value on the defensive side of the ball could fall to us for our first several picks. Of course we all know the value for WRs in this draft, but if so many are going to be drafted, I can see some DL talent falling. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if we went defense with the first two picks if the value is there.
Rob- how far up in the first round do you think we could get for our first and second? I know it’s unlikely but I’m curious. Do you think up to #20? Or a 1st and 5th with New England to get ahead of San Francisco?
well the Eagles let DeSean Jackson go
That first video of Landry, from minutes 2 to 4 sold me entirely. I REALLY want this kid.
DeSean Jackson was just cut by PHI… Any chance we pursue him?
I agree with all the ruskell comments about this pick. I also found some insight from jake’s comment about why we didnt show any interest in Martin when he was available on the cheap. I thought he would have been a good option since he can play both T pos, but Im sure with Cable wanting toughness above all else, why we showed no interest.
I’m surprised by how many of you are saying “in round 2, ok, not pick #32…” Like you said Rob, if a guy is valued as a 40th pick, why the heck not at 32? We know as many as half of the first rounders this year will not play to their potential in their careers (busts or at least not close to pro bowl level) but “it’s good value”… That’s BS and have we not learned anything?! If there is a player you like you take him regardless. If the player the hawks wanted at 32 wasn’t higher than 64th on the other 31 teams boards, you take him regardless. Sure make a trade if possible but come on, in a world where Russell Wilson is a third round pick, nothing makes sense. I’m not questioning value on any PCJS pick in the future.
“I guarantee fans wouldn’t complain anywhere near as much if the Seahawks traded down to #40 and took Landry. Even if it meant getting as little back as say a 5th rounder. ”
I guarantee I wouldn’t complain at all if they just stood pat and took him at #32, not because I am convinced he’s the best WR available, but because it would mean that Pete and John were.
That would be good enough for me.
In the scenario above I go w/the big tackle, Moses. He’s still on the board in your mock. I hear what you’re saying about the offensive line/ Cable/late rounders but the Hawks have invested a lot of draft capital in their O-line with mediocre results. I don’t think past results will stop our FO from drafting another O-lineman, and if your board is graded against your own roster like the Hawks, the potential upgrade at RT vs Bowie might be the largest margin per position. Okung is injury prone so a swing tackle with exceptional size that could fill in on the left would make me feel better.
In my mock Moses is drafted at #28 by Carolina.
Oops, I retract that – Moses went to the panthers in your mock…..man, thats tough. Coleman I guess to compete with that CFL guy for Big Mike Williams role on the roster.
Maybe Marcus Smith….
I like Marcus Smith a lot. Could be on Jacksonville’s radar in the second round, especially if they take a QB in the first.
Reminds me a lot of Clemons coming out of Georgia.
Which teams have been able to keep a 20 million dollar QB and a 20 million dollar corner and remain competitive. What trade value would he draw right now with a cheap season left on his contract? Could we get a high first and a third this year? More? I wonder if they won’t be looking to groom a Sherman replacement if one of the top corners drops to #32.
Do you mean 20 mil per year or guaranteed money (re:20 mil cornerback )? I think Sherman’s value has been set at about 11 mil per year…higher avg than Vontae Davis but lower than Revis (Revis gets more due to short duration over longer term commitment)
Plus we can use the franchise tag….
Hey Rob what do you think of Timmy Jernigan? Other sites have him w/a 1st rd grade….I didn’t see him going before 32 in your mock. Could he be in play for the Hawks in a scenario where teams go WR crazy? Depth at 3-tech.
I’m not a fan. Too much wasted movement at the line and loads of false steps. Can be pushed back too often. Not a great athlete. In the BCS Champ game he’s taking himself out of the game in the 4th quarter because he’s tired (???). Had only 4.5 sacks last year on a dominating team and 2.5 of those came against Idaho in an 80-14 blow out. He doesn’t have many splash plays to compensate for a lack of production.
I really don’t understand the first round love the national pundits give him.
I had typed up my mock draft from Seattle but for some reason it just didn’t get submitted. So I throw it out there
32 Joel Bitinio T/G Nevada Robs already said enough
64 Donte Moncrief WR Ole Miss The site has posted an article, I think he’ll be there at 64.
128 Ed Stinson DE/DT Alabama Extremely tough, hardworking, and ultra competitive. Well conditioned with outstanding endurance. He’s like Red, could play a long time in the NFL and yet never stand out as a star but then the team would know what he brings.
146 Trai Turner OG LSU Would be a road grader in the running game, raw pass protection and needs a NFL conditioning program to lose some weight in the mid section.
172 Antone Exum CB Virginia Tech Was injured last year but he’s 6′ and 213lbs 4.59-40, 35″ VJ.
208 Zack Moore DE Concordia(MN) Raw athletic measurables that would make Dan Quin drool but will need some coaching which if lucky would take a year.
247 Marquis Flowers SS Arizone 6’3″ 231lbs, 4.59-40 and 24 reps at pro day. Jeron Johnson will probably be gone after this year and this guy sure is shaped like our Kam.
Would love those picks (especially the top 2 – leaving with Moncrief & Bitinio would be a coup!).dont like Turner in the 4th though…not with the 1st pick bring a OL. Don’t know much about Turner but I hear strong but too much bad weight I think of carpenter….I think a 3 way competition between the triple Bs in your scenario Bitonio, Bowie, and Bailey gives us a starting tackle/guard combo with probably Bailey, Carpenter and Jeanpierre as depth.
give me your 4th round pick if you have one but I like to say in all fairness we lost 2 OL and I don’t think carpenter will be here after next year.
Jarvis Landry has sensational hands and showed the ability time and again to make all out diving catches, some with one arm too.
The 4.77 40 time at the combine does not show up on tape at all, meaning he plays much faster.
A WR can have all the measurable s etc., but if he cant catch the ball consistently in our offense, pass.
I remember the drops by every Hawk WR for the past 3 seasons, drive killing drops.