Georgia’s Ben Cleveland is a mauling, physical blocker
In previous mock drafts I tried to balance out my own projections and expectations with more of a national consensus.
For the last two weeks I’ve spent a lot of time revising players I’ve already watched. This mock draft is a reflection of that. I’m not going to pay much attention to the consensus from now on. I think this is going to be a divisive draft class with a wide range of differing opinions.
Here are a few thoughts…
— Apart from Trevor Lawrence, this is a quarterback class filled with risk. Teams will undoubtedly talk themselves into certain players. It always happens. But there’s a distinct lack of year-to-year production. Some players have the physical talent but lack the consistency. Others can’t drive the ball downfield when top receivers create easy separation. I’d be cautious about pitching my franchise to these QB’s. I do think Stanford’s Davis Mills will go earlier than people think, however.
— I’ve been a big fan of Shaun Wade for a while but it’s time to admit he struggled this season and hasn’t shown an ability to warrant first round potential as a starting outside corner. I think a team could take a shot on him in the late first but many will see him merely as a slot corner. Neither do I think Patrick Surtain had a great year. I wouldn’t be surprised if Jaycee Horn, Elijah Molden and Ambry Thomas end up going earlier than Wade, Surtain and Caleb Farley.
— In this strange, Covid-impacted year I think teams will play it safe. I’m not sure anyone is going to be busting a gut to trade up — unless it’s for one of the top receivers or Penei Sewell. I also think the Jets and Dolphins — if they are minded to make a quarterback change — will be more inclined to trade their high picks for a veteran than simply move off Sam Darnold and Tua Tagovailoa for Zach Wilson or Justin Fields. I’m not sure that’s a forward step.
I’ve listed the two-round mock below, then provided explanations for each pick in a separate section after. I talk more about Seattle’s pick at the end.
First round
#1 Jacksonville — Trevor Lawrence (QB, Clemson)
#2 New York Jets — Penei Sewell (T, Oregon)
#3 Miami (v/HOU) — Ja’Marr Chase (WR, LSU)
#4 Atlanta — DeVonta Smith (WR, Alabama)
#5 Cincinnati — Micah Parsons (LB, Penn State)
#6 Philadelphia — Rondale Moore (WR, Purdue)
#7 Detroit — Zach Wilson (QB, BYU)
#8 Carolina — Justin Fields (QB, Ohio State)
#9 Denver — Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (LB, Notre Dame)
#10 Dallas — Walker Little (T, Stanford)
#11 New York Giants — Kyle Pitts (TE, Florida)
#12 San Francisco — Rasheed Walker (T, Penn State)
#13 LA Chargers — Wyatt Davis (G, Ohio State)
#14 Minnesota — Daviyon Nixon (DT, Iowa)
#15 New England — Jaylen Waddle (WR, Alabama)
#16 Arizona — Azeez Ojulari (DE, Georgia)
#17 Las Vegas — Patrick Jones (DE, Pittsburgh)
#18 Miami — Najee Harris (RB, Alabama)
#19 Washington — Davis Mills (QB, Stanford)
#20 Chicago — Jaycee Horn (CB, South Carolina)
#21 Indianapolis — Alex Leatherwood (T, Alabama)
#22 Tennessee — Zaven Collins (LB, Tulsa)
#23 New York Jets (v/SEA) — Dayo Odeyingbo (DE, Vanderbilt)
#24 Pittsburgh — Javonte Williams (RB, North Carolina)
#25 Jacksonville (v/LAR) — Patrick Surtain II (CB, Alabama)
#26 Cleveland — Kwity Paye (DE, Michigan)
#27 Tampa Bay — Gregory Rousseau (DE, Miami)
#28 Baltimore — Josh Myers (C, Ohio State)
#29 New Orleans — Baron Browning (LB, Ohio State)
#30 Buffalo — Elijah Moore (WR, Ole Miss)
#31 Green Bay — Ambry Thomas (CB, Michigan)
#32 Kansas City — Ronnie Perkins (DE, Oklahoma)
Second round
#33 Jacksonville — Pat Freiermuth (TE, Penn State)
#34 New York Jets — Travis Etienne (RB, Clemson)
#35 Atlanta — Caleb Farley (CB, Virginia Tech)
#36 Miami (v/HOU) — Talanoa Hufanga (S, USC)
#37 Philadelphia — Elijah Molden (CB, Washington)
#38 Cincinnati — Rashawn Slater (G, Northwestern)
#39 Carolina — Alim McNeill (DT, NC State)
#40 Denver — Christian Darrisaw (T, Virginia Tech)
#41 Detroit — Kadarius Toney (WR, Florida)
#42 New York Giants — Jalen Mayfield (T, Michigan)
#43 San Francisco — Creed Humphrey (C, Oklahoma)
#44 Dallas — Andre Cisco (S, Syracuse)
#45 Jacksonville (v/MIN) — Shaun Wade (CB, Ohio State)
#46 New England — Trey Lance (QB, North Dakota State)
#47 LA Chargers — Carlos Basham (DE, Wake Forest)
#48 Las Vegas — Jaylen Twyman (DT, Pittsburgh)
#49 Arizona — Aaron Banks (G, Notre Dame)
#50 Miami — Christian Barmore (DT, Alabama)
#51 Washington — Jevon Holland (S, Oregon)
#52 Chicago — Mac Jones (QB, Alabama)
#53 Tennessee — Alijah Vera-Tucker (G, USC)
#54 Indianapolis — Levi Onwuzurike (DT, Washington)
#55 Pittsburgh — Rashod Bateman (WR, Minnesota)
#56 Seattle — Ben Cleveland (G, Georgia)
#57 LA Rams — Joseph Ossai (LB, Texas)
#58 Tampa Bay — Jay Tufele (DT, USC)
#59 Baltimore — Tylan Wallace (WR, Oklahoma State)
#60 Cleveland — Dylan Moses (LB, Alabama)
#61 New Orleans — Tommy Togiai (DT, Ohio State)
#62 Buffalo — Nick Bolton (LB, Missouri)
#63 Green Bay — Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR, USC)
#64 Kansas City — Tutu Atwell (WR, Louisville)
The picks explained…
#1 Jacksonville — Trevor Lawrence (QB, Clemson)
Urban Meyer felt comfortable taking this job because he knew the opportunity that comes with being the man who gets to coach Trevor Lawrence.
#2 New York Jets — Penei Sewell (T, Oregon)
I think the Jets will shop this pick but in the end they might just take the best player available.
#3 Miami (v/HOU) — Ja’Marr Chase (WR, LSU)
It’s easy to forget just how good Chase was in 2019. DeVonta Smith is terrific but Chase has the extra size teams covet in a #1 wide out.
#4 Atlanta — DeVonta Smith (WR, Alabama)
New GM Terry Fontenot says they’ll take the best player. In that situation, it’s probably DeVonta Smith.
#5 Cincinnati — Micah Parsons (LB, Penn State)
They’d prefer one of Sewell, Chase or Smith but the Bengals never move up and they’re left to take the best remaining player.
#6 Philadelphia — Rondale Moore (WR, Purdue)
Moore is explosive, fast and you can build a passing game around him. He ran a 4.33 forty, a 4.01 short shuttle and jumped a 43 inch vertical at SPARQ.
#7 Detroit — Zach Wilson (QB, BYU)
I really like Wilson. I’m just not sure anyone is going to trade up or move off a previous high QB pick for him.
#8 Carolina — Justin Fields (QB, Ohio State)
As with Wilson, Fields clearly has talent. But is he quite good enough to say ‘we must have this man to lead our franchise’?
#9 Denver — Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (LB, Notre Dame)
Highly explosive and dynamic — a true first round talent. He can jump a 39-inch vertical and a 10-3 broad jump.
#10 Dallas — Walker Little (T, Stanford)
Perfectly sized, great agility and a very capable tackle prospect who will go earlier than people think. Had the best SPARQ score among O-liners in 2017 (107.25).
#11 New York Giants — Kyle Pitts (TE, Florida)
This is a pure value pick and I’m not sure anyone in New York is particularly tied to Evan Engram. Pitts dominated in 2020.
#12 San Francisco — Rasheed Walker (T, Penn State)
Walker showed power and agility this season and if the Niners lose Trent Williams they’re going to need a replacement.
#13 LA Chargers — Wyatt Davis (G, Ohio State)
Incredibly gifted interior lineman with a top pedigree. He dominated against Clemson alongside Josh Myers.
#14 Minnesota — Daviyon Nixon (DT, Iowa)
A TFL machine in 2020 (13.5). Nixon creates havoc from the interior and has the size to play every down and distance.
#15 New England — Jaylen Waddle (WR, Alabama)
He’s recovering from an injury but there’s no doubting the speed or the talent.
#16 Arizona — Azeez Ojulari (DE, Georgia)
The Bowl game against Cincinnati was a statement performance. It was Ojulari saying ‘I belong at the top of your pass rushing boards’.
#17 Las Vegas — Patrick Jones (DE, Pittsburgh)
Dynamic edge rusher with superb quickness and leadership skills. Mayock and Gruden should love him.
#18 Miami — Najee Harris (RB, Alabama)
Gliding and cultured runner who somehow combines power and finesse. Very talented and productive. Ran a 4.16 short shuttle at SPARQ.
#19 Washington — Davis Mills (QB, Stanford)
If you want to monitor a potential big riser at quarterback — remember the name Davis Mills. NFL teams are going to love his skill set.
#20 Chicago — Jaycee Horn (CB, South Carolina)
He looks like a Greek God of a cornerback. Incredibly put together. Dominated Auburn’s Seth Williams.
#21 Indianapolis — Alex Leatherwood (T, Alabama)
BAMF in the Duane Brown mould. Tough, physical and what he lacks in elite athletic traits he makes up for with badassery.
#22 Tennessee — Zaven Collins (LB, Tulsa)
He only ran a 5.03 forty at SPARQ but when you put on the tape he jumps off the screen. He looks like a first rounder.
#23 New York Jets (v/SEA) — Dayo Odeyingbo (DE, Vanderbilt)
Robert Salah gets his answer to Arik Armstead. Odeyingbo is 6-6 and 275lbs with 36 inch arms and can play inside/out.
#24 Pittsburgh — Javonte Williams (RB, North Carolina)
He had a record 0.48 broken tackles per rush attempt in 2020, registered 7.0 YPC and 4.59 yards-after-contact per carry. He’s exceptional.
#25 Jacksonville (v/LAR) — Patrick Surtain II (CB, Alabama)
He’s had a few lapses in 2020 but the talent and size will intrigue many teams. Only ran a 4.57 at SPARQ, though.
#26 Cleveland — Kwity Paye (DE, Michigan)
Highly athletic pass rusher who if he tests well, could go much earlier than this. Looks quick and explosive on tape.
#27 Tampa Bay — Gregory Rousseau (DE, Miami)
Has the size and the length but he was really raw in Miami and sitting out 2020 hasn’t helped his stock.
#28 Baltimore — Josh Myers (C, Ohio State)
Incredibly consistent, tough and very athletic center with a long career ahead of him. He ran a 4.49 short shuttle at 310lbs.
#29 New Orleans — Baron Browning (LB, Ohio State)
Wow-athlete at linebacker with tremendous character and intensity. Ran a 4.18 short shuttle at SPARQ and jumped a 37 inch vertical.
#30 Buffalo — Elijah Moore (WR, Ole Miss)
Strong for his size and capable of going up to get the football — Moore is an ideal slot receiver who could make Buffalo’s passing game unstoppable.
#31 Green Bay — Ambry Thomas (CB, Michigan)
Very competitive corner who loves to mix it up and has shown impressive ball skills. Ran a sensational 3.90 short shuttle at SPARQ, adding a 4.43 forty and a 36 inch vertical.
#32 Kansas City — Ronnie Perkins (DE, Oklahoma)
Mean, nasty, quick edge rusher who is only scratching the surface of his potential. Could go earlier.
#33 Jacksonville — Pat Freiermuth (TE, Penn State)
It’s not overstating it to say that at times he looks like Gronk. Superb body control and size.
#34 New York Jets — Travis Etienne (RB, Clemson)
I think he had a ‘meh’ 2020 season but his profile is incredible. Jumped a 37 inch vertical at SPARQ and ran a 4.43.
#35 Atlanta — Caleb Farley (CB, Virginia Tech)
Farley is talented but lacks consistency. Testing will be key. He was only a three-star recruit.
#36 Miami (v/HOU) — Talanoa Hufanga (S, USC)
He’s exactly the kind of downhill, attack-dog safety the Belichick-tree coaches are going to love. Ran a 4.24 short shuttle at SPARQ.
#37 Philadelphia — Elijah Molden (CB, Washington)
Outstanding player who will only last this long based on his size and straight-line speed. Ran a 3.93 short shuttle at SPARQ and jumped a 37 inch vertical.
#38 Cincinnati — Rashawn Slater (G, Northwestern)
Overrated as a tackle but could easily slip inside and be a terrific player.
#39 Carolina — Alim McNeill (DT, NC State)
Massive, highly athletic prospect who will shock people when he runs and does the agility testing. Ran a 4.27 short shuttle (!!!) at SPARQ.
#40 Denver — Christian Darrisaw (T, Virginia Tech)
Rising offensive lineman but might be limited if teams view him purely as a right tackle.
#41 Detroit — Kadarius Toney (WR, Florida)
He’s a big favourite in the media but here’s something to consider — he ran a 4.69 at SPARQ at 177lbs. Was it just a bad run? That’s what he has to prove at the Senior Bowl. He did jump a 41 inch vertical.
#42 New York Giants — Jalen Mayfield (T, Michigan)
Strictly a right tackle but could move inside to guard.
#43 San Francisco — Creed Humphrey (C, Oklahoma)
Registered a SPARQ score of 94.17 in 2017 and plays with a real edge. Combo-blocking is strong and he gets to the second level well.
#44 Dallas — Andre Cisco (S, Syracuse)
A dynamic athlete and playmaker who has a shot to be really good at the next level. Ran a 4.27 short shuttle at SPARQ, adding a 36 inch vertical.
#45 Jacksonville (v/MIN) — Shaun Wade (CB, Ohio State)
He might have to settle for a permanent role in the slot but Wade has talent and someone has to try and develop him. Five-star recruit.
#46 New England — Trey Lance (QB, North Dakota State)
I’m just not sold on Lance. There are things to like but also minimal games, minimal opportunities and I couldn’t spend a first rounder on him.
#47 LA Chargers — Carlos Basham (DE, Wake Forest)
When he flashes he really flashes. There’s also some average games on tape. No combine doesn’t help him because he’s a good athlete.
#48 Las Vegas — Jaylen Twyman (DT, Pittsburgh)
Pass-rushing three-technique who lacks size but knows how to create opportunities from the interior.
#49 Arizona — Aaron Banks (G, Notre Dame)
An absolute monster at left guard. Big, physical and plows people at the LOS.
#50 Miami — Christian Barmore (DT, Alabama)
Personally, I think he’s a flash in the pan. Turned it on at the last moment at the end of the season but where’s the consistency?
#51 Washington — Jevon Holland (S, Oregon)
Holland is a decent player but how special is he?
#52 Chicago — Mac Jones (QB, Alabama)
Had an amazing supporting cast at Alabama and got the ball to them. Physical limitations could show up at the next level.
#53 Tennessee — Alijah Vera-Tucker (G, USC)
He has experience at left tackle but a move inside to guard seems likely. Mobile and works well in space. Not sure he has the kick-slide to stick at tackle.
#54 Indianapolis — Levi Onwuzurike (DT, Washington)
Jim Nagy says he has first round talent. The Senior Bowl is going to be huge for his stock.
#55 Pittsburgh — Rashod Bateman (WR, Minnesota)
Bateman was prolific in 2019 but in the few games he played in 2020 he just looked off. He did the right thing pulling himself out.
#56 Seattle — Ben Cleveland (G, Georgia)
Extremely strong, run-blocking specialist with more athleticism than people realise. Moves people off the LOS.
#57 LA Rams — Joseph Ossai (LB, Texas)
Could replace Leonard Floyd as a rush hybrid who can deliver pressure but also drop if needed.
#58 Tampa Bay — Jay Tufele (DT, USC)
Big, physical interior presence. Shows enough quickness to offer some pass-rushing help. Ran a 5.04 forty at SPARQ.
#59 Baltimore — Tylan Wallace (WR, Oklahoma State)
He’s their type of receiver — competitive, works to get open and he makes plays. I’m not sure he’ll run a great forty though.
#60 Cleveland — Dylan Moses (LB, Alabama)
He had an underwhelming season after returning from a knee injury. Cleveland likes to take chances on falling big names from the SEC.
#61 New Orleans — Tommy Togiai (DT, Ohio State)
Tough, tenacious, stout and will clog up lanes at defensive tackle and every now and again he’ll make a play as a pass rusher.
#62 Buffalo — Nick Bolton (LB, Missouri)
Technically sound and really tough but he ran a 4.80 forty at SPARQ and that limits his range.
#63 Green Bay — Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR, USC)
He has natural skills to get open and can do a bit of everything. His forty time will define how high he goes. He must improve on a 4.67 at SPARQ.
#64 Kansas City — Tutu Atwell (WR, Louisville)
Smaller receiver with electric skills. Can be used in many different ways. Will need to run well at his size.
Missed the cut
Landon Dickerson (C, Alabama)
Terrific player who was loved at Alabama. However, a long history of injuries will concern teams. Otherwise, he’s a top-40 talent.
Paris Ford (S, Pittsburgh)
Extremely talented and well recruited. A playmaker on his day. But what happened in 2020?
Jaelen Phillips (DE, Miami)
There’s no doubting his talent and he was a former big-time recruit. However, his history with concussions needs checking.
Kellen Mond (QB, Texas A&M)
Mond was a lot more consistent in 2020 and has a rocket arm. At times looks like a less mobile version of Colin Kaepernick.
Milton Williams (DE/DT, LA Tech)
Really athletic and dynamic with great character. However, losing the combine takes away a great chance to impress.
Terrance Marshall Jr (WR, LSU)
One of the few shining lights from LSU’s poor 2020 season. Again, I think he needed the combine really to get ahead of some of the other receivers.
Sam Cosmi (T, Texas)
Is he a tackle? Is he capable of improving his strength? At the moment he’s a big project.
Brevin Jordan (TE, Miami)
Dynamic tight end who can be a mismatch weapon. He ran a 4.21 short shuttle at SPARQ.
Monty Rice (LB, Georgia)
Tough and a player with starting potential but lacks the great athletic profile of some of the other linebackers in this class.
Javian Hawkins (RB, Louisville)
Smaller running back but dynamite as a ball carrier. Ran a 4.36 at SPARQ and jumped a 41 inch vertical. It shows on tape.
Trey Smith (G, Tennessee)
The health concerns aside, I think Smith has always been a bit overrated based on the recruiting hype he received.
Kyle Trask (QB, Florida)
Mediocre physical profile and on tape he doesn’t always see the field like you’d hope. Had a poor end to the season.
Nico Collins (WR, Michigan)
Makes difficult grabs and his highlights tape is fun to watch. However — does he have the speed to separate?
Jackson Carman (T, Clemson)
A player who is highly regarded by some but I need to watch more.
Kenny Yeboah (TE, Ole Miss)
Had a terrific season. Alabama couldn’t control him. Pure ‘big slot’ type who can be matched up to cause problems.
Seth Williams (WR, Auburn)
At times he looks fantastic. The way he mailed in the end of the season though left a sour taste. Lost his battle against Jaycee Horn.
Jayson Oweh (DE, Penn State)
There’s no doubting his physical upside but his tape is just bang average.
Trevon Moehrig (S, TCU)
I really liked watching him on tape and there’s something to work with here.
Marvin Wilson (DT, Florida State)
Incredible athlete at his size but conditioning is a concern. He needs a good Senior Bowl.
D’Wayne Eskridge (WR, Western Michigan)
I watched him for the first time last night and couldn’t quite believe what I was watching. He’s electric. He’s one to watch at the Senior Bowl.
Thoughts on the Seahawks pick
Based on what Pete Carroll had to say at the end of the season I would suggest the early odds are on Seattle using their top pick on a left guard or a running back.
North Carolina’s Javonte Williams is no longer available. I’ve moved him into round one and a top-40 placing is possible.
Here’s why…
— Had a record 0.48 broken tackles per rush attempt in 2020
— Registered 7.0 YPC and 4.59 yards-after-contact per carry
— Recorded the highest rushing grade of the PFF CFB era (95.9)
— Led all backs in the percentage of runs that picked up a gain of 10 or more yards (26.8%)
— 2,000 yards rushing over the last two years despite carrying the football only 322 times
His ability to run through contact, retain balance and finish make him one of the most intriguing players in this draft.
The top rated guards are gone so I’m bringing a new name to the table.
Georgia’s Ben Cleveland isn’t rated particularly highly by many. There’s something of a consensus that he might be a day three pick. However, the Seahawks don’t tend to follow conventional thinking.
He lined up at right guard for Georgia and would need to shift over to the left side in Seattle. However — he does have a lot of the characteristics they look for.
Since Mike Solari’s return, they’ve often sought massive size at left guard. Cleveland is 6-6 and 335lbs. Reportedly the Bulldogs athletic staff have to stop him at 45 bench press reps at 225lbs. The combine record is 49 and if it was taking place this year, he might have had a shot at breaking it.
The chances are his TEF score would be significant due to his benching but he also has surprising athleticism. He ran a 5.11 forty at SPARQ which is good for his size. His overall SPARQ score is a decent 97.32. He’s a former four-star recruit.
He plants the anchor well for a tall blocker. There were often times on tape in pass-pro where he locked into his blocks and didn’t cede any ground. According to PFF, he hasn’t given up a sack since 2017.
I didn’t see any obvious issues with leverage. Some players try to get low on him but he does a really good job in terms of hand placement to counter and he’s so strong he stalls most attacks. He’d often stand-up bull-rush attempts and when he locks on he can twist defenders to create lanes. You see defenders get quite frustrated playing against him because he’s just too big and strong.
In the running game he thrives when blocking straight-up, driving defenders off the ball and smothering. There’s evidence of combo-blocking. He’ll judo-toss defensive linemen to the turf when given a chance. Frequently defenders lose balance trying to engage him with power. They’re overmatched and almost try too hard, making it easy to work them out of position.
I’ve seen it said that you don’t want him on move but I think this is overstated. He was asked to pull in 2020 and he did it fairly well.
One snap against Auburn stood out to me. There were three interior rushers with the nose standing over the center. Georgia had the center reach to the second level right off the snap, meaning Cleveland had to get out to the nose from a difficult angle. He had to run across the line and connect with the defender on his left shoulder, so immediately he doesn’t have a proper connection or any leverage. Yet he made the move so seamlessly, worked his way in front of the nose and by the time the ball was handed off — he was positioned directly in front of the defender and able to gain leverage and pad-level. The running back ran right behind Cleveland’s block for a first down conversion on 2nd and 5.
There were certainly no issues with his movement there.
So sure — he’s at his best in a phone-booth as a mauler. Yet he’s not a lummox who can’t move his feet.
Teams might question his ability to pick up new schemes. He was academically ineligible for the Sugar Bowl a year ago and he admitted during an interview this season that he wishes he’d taken school more seriously (it took him five years to get a degree). How much of it is a learning issue and how much of it is an ‘only interested in football’ mentality? It took him a long time to nail down a permanent starting job at Georgia.
Cleveland is attending the Senior Bowl and it’ll be very interesting to see how he gets on in the 1v1 drills. These situations are made for pass rushers to excel — so if he can handle some of the quicker interior defenders and flash better than expected footwork, his stock could start to rise.
He clearly plays with a real edge and we’ve seen the Seahawks fall for players who impress with their attitude during the week in Mobile.
In fairness though, he looks like the type of player they need at left guard. He was a really pleasant surprise when I watched three of his games this week. And if they don’t have the finances to go after a big name veteran — you could do a lot worse than take a shot on him in the draft.
There’s a chance he might be available later on and perhaps the Seahawks could go in a different direction at #56 and select Cleveland in a different round? At this stage I’m just trying to bring different names to the table. Seattle generally identifies ‘their guys’ and goes after them. It’s not beyond the realms of possibility Cleveland ends up being one of their top targets.
With only $142,229 in effective cap space for 2021, according to Over the Cap, it’s really difficult to figure out exactly how the Seahawks plan to address several key needs this off-season. The direction they go in at #56 will likely depend on what they can’t get done in free agency.
Currently, they have barely any cap space and hardly any picks.
If you missed it please check out my interview with Vanderbilt’s Dayo Odeyingbo:
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Interesting points. I like your choice for Seattle. I thought DLewis can also play LG, maybe we move him left and place the rookie at RG?
Sewell is really awesome but I wonder if the Jets shouldn’t rather go WR with pick #2.
IMO, Penei Sewell and Mekhi Becton would make AFC pass rushers wet their pants for years to come.
Plus, this is a deep reciever class. Obviously, Smith and Chase are excellent talents but there is no reason you can’t find good WRs who can provide similar production later in the draft. Also, I expect that the Jets will be able to snag at least one of the FA WRs this year. if they snag Deshaun, you might as well pencil Will Fuller’s name into the starting lineup.
I agree with this take, you also have Allen Robinson and Kenny Golladay looking to get paid. I do think a Watson trade would have to require that #2 pick. So I don’t think there’s a world where the jets are able to land Watson and Sewell.
No one knows what went behind the doors for Brian Schneider, but the end results are good. Brian was avg or below average lately.
Yeah I don’t think it was coincidence that we saw a real jump in the ST play under Izzo this most recent season.
Rob, you dont like Kadarius Toney? I think he is the player about who you disagree most comparing to draft media analysists. Jeremiah has him as 19th pick and Bruglers at 26 on his big board.
I better go and change my opinion then if Jeremiah and Bugler think differently
Why you gotta tee me up like that?
Haskell Garrett is going back for another year, another blow to the iDL class.
In the minority here, but not a big fan of the interior D-line class this year.
Josina has been on the phone…
I’m told #Raiders running backs coach Kirby Wilson has already interviewed for the #Seahawks OC job, per source.
Swell 🙁
LOVE the pairing of Sewell with Becton. I think that’s a really underrated move. If Darnold flops…you are primed to have a young QB step into a really great bookend and RB.
Latest interview just recorded…
Jim Nagy
Publishing tomorrow
That’s awesome. Nagy was my favorite interview last offseason.
Jim’s awesome.
Generous with his time despite being incredibly busy. People on here are going to be PUMPED about one of the players he raves about…
I’m pumped just reading that I’m gonna get pumped!
Excellent work getting him on again.
BTW, did you make sure and ask, “how good is Bobby Wagner…?” 😜
You will be PUMPED
Is it LJ Collier?
One of my favorites too. There were some really good ones last year and Rob is off to a hot start this year as well.
Looking forward to hear what Nagy has to say about the upcoming offseason workouts, etc.
Fantastic. That’s a great get, Rob.
No complaints about Ben Cleveland. I do agree that the offensive line has to be a priority. A couple of questions for Rob
1) What are chances that Landon Dickson(because of his injury) will be still on the board in the 4th round?
2) In a previous mock draft you had John Schneider taking a running back in the second round. I believe it was Javonte Williams. After watching Green Bay run the football down the Rams throat. I am all in on the Hawks taking a power running back early in the draft. Clearly the Hawks need to focus on the running. John Schneider always says he wants the Seahawks to be the bully. Is there any other RBs in them mold of Williams who might be available in case Williams is off the board? BTW: How do you rank Williams pass receiving and his ability to pick up blitzing linebackers/defensive backs.
I wouldn’t rule it out because he’s had so many injuries. However, I think someone will take a chance on him day two personally.
I haven’t seen anyone quite like him. I think if he’s gone you’re probably talking about a late round flier on someone, unless they want to roll the dice on a Trey Sermon type. There are some guys that are worth a shot later but nobody I feel comfortable comparing to Williams.
It’s hard to judge college runners on blitz pickup because most don’t do much of it. As a receiver he is useful.
Thanks Rob. BTW: I will check out Trey Sermon.
I’ve just realized you have Cleveland in the photo. He looks really tough for 22 yrs old.
I like Williams as a RB pick, but IF Williams is gone in Rd 2, an alternative (#118?) 4-th round Seahawk draft possibility at RB? RB-Khalil Herbert, Virginia Tech, 5-9/212. ???? Not much as a receiver & may need pass blocking tutoring, but an inside runner with some POP and with his shorter stature may be able to hide behind linemen and play the elusive rushing game as well. Level of competition drops him a little in the RB rankings, I’d guess. Could very possibly take Homer’s or Dallas’s roster spot, and at least be an RB-3 IMO.
2020: 11-games, 154/1182/7.68-ypc,/8-TD’s, + 10/179/17.90-ypc/1-TD receiving, (+ 16/430/26.88/0-TD’s Kickoff returns). Includes 5, (almost 6) 100-yd rushing games & 1 200+-yd. rushing game.
Career: 475/2918-total yds./6.15-ypc/22-TD’s rushing + 34/297/8.8-ypc/1-TD receiving. Per PFF.com “He’s forced 23 missed tackles on 75 carries this season and averaged 5.8 yards after contact per attempt.”
Could be wrong about this, but Khalil Herbert looks exactly like a Rashaad Penny 2.0 imo. I’d stay away if it were me.
https://nflmocks.com/2020/10/09/2021-nfl-draft-virginia-tech-khalil-herbert-exciting-upside/
Here is A scouting report on Herbert, as just one example. Other reports I’ve seen indicate that he may function best in a zone blocking scheme, and all say he’s not yet adept at pass receptions or pass blocking. He is described by all as a one cut runner that can take the ball off tackle and run inside well. RE: Penny, he’s averaged just over 6-1/2 carries per game played with 80+% being runs up the gut, PC’s –lousy– use of a good shifty “outside” RB to his best strengths.
4 more RB’s –middle to late round/UDFA– that MAY be “options” in the event that RB’s Williams and Herbert are gone when the Seahawks pick. IMO a RB selection —somewhere in this draft— is VERY necessary.
RB-Jaret Patterson (Rd-4/5-ish) Buffalo, 5-9/195 = a little smaller but tough & +++ stats 2020: 6-games, 141/1072/7.6-ypc/19-TD’s + 0 receptions
2019: 13-games, 312/1799/5.77-ypc/19-TD’s + 13/209/16.08-ypc/1-TD
2018: 14-games, 183/1013/5.54-ypc/14-TD’s + 7/62/8.86-ypc/0-TD’s
RB-Jermar Jefferson (Rd-5/6) Oregon State. 5-9/215
2020: 6-games, 133/858/6.45-ypc/7-TD’s + 9/67/7.44-ypc/0-TD’s
2019: 9-games, 142/685/4.82-ypc/8-TD’s + 9/85/9.44-ypc/2-TD’s
2018: 12-games, 239/1380/5.77-ypc/12-TD’s + 25/147/5.88-ypc/0-TD’s
RB-Rhamondre Stevenson (Rd-7/UDFA) Oklahoma, 6-0/236-to-246 = Jumbo RB or maybe a FB?
2020: 6-games, 101/665/6.58-ypc/7-TD’s + 18/211/11.72-ypc/0-TD’s receiving,
2019: 13-games, 64/515/8.05-ypc/6-TD’s + 10/87/8.70-ypc/0-TD’s receiving.
RB-Caleb Huntly, Ball State, 5-10/226 — UDFA /or/ a possible 7-th rounder.
2020: A small school 1000-yard rusher. A Power runner with pretty good size/but a huge level of competition concern and hard to find stats & tape. Camp fodder?
Guessing your reasoning for taking Cleveland in Seattle is spot on Rob. Dude sounds like a total beast. Please report on his pass pro in the 1 v 1 drills at the Senior Bowl if you get the chance. One thing’s for sure when you’re capable of this: “Reportedly the Bulldogs athletic staff have to stop him at 45 bench press reps at 225lbs. The combine record is 49 and if it was taking place this year, he might have had a shot at breaking it”, you’re are freakishly strong.
“#23 New York Jets (v/SEA)”
🙁 🙁 🙁
The Jets picks would be ideal for them. I am higher on Rousseau than Odeyingbo, both are very raw and Rousseau didn’t do himself any favors sitting out the year.
So someone explain the love for Daniel Jeremiah to me when in his first mock he has Penei Sewell going TENTH to the Cowboys!
I have not heard a single person who focuses on the draft say anything about him that would warrant a slip to 10th. Every single mock has him top 3. Is Jeremiah just yet another Cowpuke fanboy or what?
I couldn’t believe that mock draft.
I mean, there’s just so much WTF to it.
I get everyone has a different opinion but DJ seems to put these together, and his first top-50, and only THEN start doing the work. Because he changes everything so much.
I think he’s a blagger. Always have done.
But did you know he was with the Ravens when they drafted Ngata?
I like the mock, Rob. it makes a lot of sense. The Dolphins getting their hands on Najee Harris stings a bit. Mind you, not as much as the Jets drafting a DE with the Seahawks original Rd1 pick. That’s really rubbing salt into the wounds.
How amazing is it that Alabama may have 2 WRs each in the past 2 drafts go not only in the first round, but the first half of the first round?
Saban doing it better than anyone on the planet.
Rob have you looked into Teven Jenkins.
Plays like a seahawks Run blocking Linemen, if he has the length maybe he could play tackle?
Yes… wasn’t excited.
He’s on to us…
https://twitter.com/LanceZierlein/status/1352725554714316802
Projects him in R2. Thinks there is not that big of a drop off from Harris
https://twitter.com/LanceZierlein/status/1352719318832861184
If only the Seahawks had a first rounder………….
Rob really glad you had a chance to checkout Eskridge I think he is going to light up the Senior Bowl with is speed and quickness. In the No Contact Football League he is ideal receiver who gets instant seperation.
D’Wayne Eskridge (WR, Western Michigan)
Just watched some highlights of this guy…wow is he absolutely electric!
Looks like NOBODY wants this job… getting desperate:
Gonna call up Jeff Fisher next?
Finally, somebody willing to say it:
Should give Schotty a chance 😀
The HC job will go to Bieniemy.
I wouldn’t be so sure about that
May be the only way they’re able to keep Watson tho.
Well that would be ridiculous. The quarterback doesn’t get to pick the Head Coach.
I agree but can he do any worse than the owners have?
Never say never, Rob. I said that half in jest but still think there is truth there too.
And btw, the Texans could do a lot worse than Jim Caldwell. He actually won in Detroit. No small feat.
If I were them I’d appoint who I wanted to and if Deshaun wants a trade after that, you wish him all the best with the Jets.
If the team wants to improve their pass protection, they’d need to find a way to get AVT in this scenario. Upgrade and youth at LG and could probably fill in at RT in a pinch.
Rob,
Great article. Hawks should hire you in their scouting team (if not the head of scouting team).
What do you think are the odds for JS to trade down toward the end of 2nd and pick up an early 5th pick (late 4th would be nice) in the process? Many boards have Cleveland going on day 3 so the trade down still gives us a chance to grab him at the end of 2nd.
Sure, they might well trade down. They have no picks.
What about TE? I think a lot of consensus has been that they definitely lack someone to go to over the middle or up the seams. Think there’s any shot at landing someone like Pitts?
He’s a top-15 lock.
Sully? Aw crap, there goes our future pass rush. 🙁
Is he not still on hawks?
He was cut and resigned to the PS.
So he didn’t have a contract w the Hawks
Dang! Loved Sully! We need to get him back on the roster.
Lol does that mean we get our pick back that we wasted for him jk. 😔
We love to trade future 6ths for guys we hardly ever see play. The fact he actually saw time at DE made me want to see his athleticism as a TE. Looking like it will be in Carolina now.
But how are we going to have five underused TE’s on the roster next year if he goes to Carolina???
Better bring back Luke Willson
Hey Rob, while you were watching Alabama film, did you have a chance to check out Deonte Brown? Have seen him described as a people-mover in a similar mold to Ben Cleveland
I watched him recently but wasn’t overly impressed. He’s a phone-booth blocker IMO, struggles whenever he has to move his feet. Think he’ll really struggle against quicker interior rushers. He’s a space eater who needs to be square up. Has a nice thick frame and he’s powerful. I didn’t see anything particularly exciting though.
If I were Eric Bieniemy, I would stay as far away from the Texans dumpster-fire as I could. No sense wasting your shot at being a HC on that mess that has been created before you set foot ijn the building. Should he get a shot at a HC gig, sure, but only if he thought the fit was right.
Watching the debacle with the Texans reminds me of the good old day of the Seahawks, when Bering tried to take the team out of town in the dead of the night. Deliberately drove the team into the ground so he could try to sneak down the LA without much fan fair. Ownership is important. Tone setter. Provides resources to get things down.
There was a mention that the owner is so cheap that they might try to hire McCown, only because he could be a player/HC….. like LEnny did with the Sonics back in the 1970s LOLOLOL
Should the defense, and the pass rush, still be the priorities for this offseason?
Getting a good quarterback and interior offensive line
It all depends on what happens in free agency. For example, if Carson and Hyde both depart on free agency it is hard to argue against RB being one of the top priorities.
Just sign back Hyde to a similar deal. Hyde, penny, Dallas is fine. It’s more important to get a good offensive line. As long as washed up Eddie lacy isn’t running they’ll be fine.
Hyde, Penny and Dallas is NOT fine
I don’t think a better running back on the Seahawks this year makes that much of a difference, but that’s just my opinion
I’d love to know why.
The running game looked absolutely dreadful with Dallas. So much so, they had to bring Bo Scarborough and Alex Collins off the couch to play instead. Carlos Hyde wasn’t able to stay healthy all season. By the time next season begins, Penny will have had a handful of snaps in nearly two years.
Whether it’s health or a lack of quality, the Seahawks can’t be in a position weeks into the season where they are scrambling around for unattached running backs to fill a hole. They’ve had to do that in each of the last two seasons and the results were awful.
Some teams might be able to plug runners in (see: Shanahan) but the Seahawks simply haven’t been able to do that. So unless you want the offense to look as bad as it did in Buffalo and LA, plus the final few games of the 2019 season, they need more at running back than you are suggesting.
It’s also worth noting who’s playing this weekend.
Green Bay — stud RB1 with a 2nd round pick in reserve
KC — 1st round pick as starter
TB — 2nd round pick being backed up by a former top-five pick
Buffalo — Two 3rd round picks, backed up by a former second round pick
I just agree more with your statement that some teams seem to be able to plug in runners. I would say the Rams do it too. Why can’t the Seahawks?
I also think with the limited resources this offseason they would be better spent trying to fix the interior offensive line instead of spending it on running back. If beat up Mike upadi and Ethan pocic are blocking again I think it’s going to be tough to improve the offense.
I would love if they signed a top LG or center and then if there is a good lineman available at 56 draft him as well.
Also looking at the playoff RB’s:
Green Bay: Aaron Jones is the only clear difference maker in the playoffs, I love him but he’s not really the hawks type.
KC had the luxury to draft a RB at 32, with not many holes on their roster. I remember you really liking CEH before last draft, but I don’t think many people expected the hawks to take him.
TB: fournette might be an option for the hawks in the offseason, he could be cheap and is a the type of power back they seem to like. Ronald Jones is solid but not a difference maker.
Buffalo: Seahawks had just as good of backs this season. I actually think chris carson could be a good fit for them.
Also the hawks have a first round running back going into year 4 who should be fully recovered from injury they should utilize him behind hopefully an upgraded offensive line.
One last thing that I think is interesting:
Mahomes and allen are great quarterbacks that have low/semi low cap hits
Rodgers and Brady are 2 of the best quarterbacks of all time.
The formula to win a Super Bowl seems pretty clear either have a quarterback on a rookie deal or have an all time great quarterback. The hawks are stuck in between a great quarterback, but not one of the best all time with a huge cap hit.
I wouldn’t say the Rams ‘plug in’ runners. Their best runner is a second round pick.
Kyle Shanahan is a genius offensive mind. He plugs in runners because his blocking scheme is tried, tested and brilliant.
But that special to him (and his dad). Even the Chiefs had to spend a first rounder on a running back in the last draft. It’s a bit rich to say — well the Niners do this, therefore we must be able to do the same. It doesn’t work like that.
But they have a difference maker. And a second round rookie. They don’t have Deejay Dallas.
I think that’s irrelevant. The fact is they didn’t settle on Deejay Dallas. They went and got big Clyde.
Ronald Jones is really good. And again — high pick. They didn’t settle like you are proposing.
They spent two thirds on two runners in recent drafts. They aren’t settling.
He’s not good enough and he’s not played for two years by the start of the 2021 season.
All you seem to be proposing is negligence for the position.
Good news! The PFF mock draft simulator is back up and online https://www.pff.com/draft/nfl-mock-draft-simulator
Yes! Been simulating a full Jets draft assuming they swaps all picks for RW ;)!
Seriously though the simulator has a different view on how the mock will play out. Some guys going earlier or later compared to Rob’s mock. I believe the simulation is driven by PFN changes to player rankings in the player pool but not sure if this is based on their evaluations or sim draft results. Clearly Robs I’ll change too based on further scale, testing etc
Some guys in PFN ranking are currently very undervalued relative to Robs mock -[ some criminally?] (Ford, Nixon, Mills, Wade, Dayo etc) whereas others are ranked higher in R1&2 (Farley, Lance, Moehrig, Campbell, Bateman, Darrishaw, Toney, Stokes, Brown Tufele, Phillips, Oweh, Mayfield, Humphrey, Etienne)
Javonte Williams for example has actually fallen in the PFN pool from #57 to #77 but I’m unsure as to specifically why? Meanwhile PFN ranks Harris and Etienne as Rd 1 picks.
Be interesting to see who rises and falls as thing progress between Robs takes and PFNs ranking.
Here is a recent Jets Mock I did after multiple trade downs just to give you an idea of PFN player rankings and how they differ. Clearly I was looking for value at each pick relative to their position. Does show Rob may be ahead of the game on some Evals, and don’t think this is realistic and certainly will change come draft:
18.Micah Parsons LB Penn State
26.Christian Barmore DT Alabama
34. Rondale Moore WR Purdue
41. Alim McNeill DT North Carolina State
50. Dylan Moses LB Alabama
51. Teven Jenkins OT Oklahoma State
52. Elijah Molden CB Washington
59. Jackson Carman OT Clemson
61. Javonte Williams RB North Carolina
72. Jaylen Twyman DT Pittsburgh
74. Brevin Jordan TE Miami (FL)
89. Quincy Roche EDGE Miami (FL)
91. Shaun Wade S Ohio State
103. Ben Cleveland OG Georgia
114. Robert Rochell CB Central Arkansas
140. Paris Ford S Pitt
216. LaBryan Ray DT Alabama
I’m sad to report, I did not win the lotto. Maybe the next time it gets to a “1 billion dollars”.
Now I go back to the regularly scheduled watching of the NFL playoffs.
Chiefs / Packers – SB55
I’m rooting hard for Chiefs v. Packers cuz it would be a repeat of Super Bowl I which I watched (January of ’67). Wouldn’t complain if Buffalo made it either. “Anybody but Tampa Bay” is my motto for the Final 4.
Spell check…”Clearly Rob’s ranking will change too based on further evaluations and testing.”
I’m a little surprised how far the QB have lasted in this mock, is it a matter of thinking this class has more hype than it deserves or that QB isn’t as big of need for the teams in the first half of round 1? Trey Lance definitely has my attention as a tools guy, and if I saw him fall that late in the draft would definitely be exploring trade options. Love to see him learning the game behind RW while being used as a Swiss Army knife until eventually taking over. Is college Josh Allen a fair comparison?
I spent time this week watching all of the QB’s again.
I think there’s only one player I could firmly say — ‘yes, I can build around this guy’. And that’s obviously Trevor.
The rest all have flaws. For example Mac Jones — very good at getting the ball out quickly, understood the offense, good distributer — but he can’t throw downfield. There are too many underthrown balls where Jaylen Waddle is wide open and he doesn’t have the arm to make it happen. He also lacks mobility and improv. Trey Lance — how do you pitch your franchise to him? In 2019 most of his TD’s are to guys with a 20-yard- wide open radius around them. Offense schemes guys open very well. Very limited demand on him — it’s basically one designed read to look off a defender and throw. Not a bad arm but not amazing. Can run, which is a plus. But I don’t watch him and think — wow there’s a guy.
Josh Allen was the prototype physically. Incredible. His Senior Bowl performance is the stuff of legends. We’ll never see another human with his profile. Now that he’s worked out the accuracy and the offense is tuned to him, he looks like he has in 2020. A superstar.
Some teams shied away from Josh Allen because in spite of having all the size, arm, etc. he was very inaccurate. How do you explain his phenomenal jump from early years (between 50 to 60 percent) to this year (near 70 percent)? This usually doesn’t happen over night, if at all. Is it a one year anomaly?
I think it’s just time, development and good coaching.
have noticed a few mock drafts that have Kyle Trask going in R1. I’m no expert but I have eyes. I saw Trask in Florida’s bowl game and thought that he looked terrible. If I were an NFL GM I wouldn’t go near him in the draft. There are a lot of better QB prospects out there. (IMO)
Also, they brought in diggs and have surrounded him with a solid oline. They also move him around and scheme well. I think the bills coaching has done a tremendous job in putting him in good position to succeed. Allen credited his success in reworking his mechanics over offseason with, i think it was jordan palmer. He had a couple games midseason after struggling, he mentioned that his mechanics were getting sloppy and he needed to not lose focus on his technique.