Trades are again included. Thoughts are underneath.
Before starting, I was invited on the ‘Waxing Lyrical’ podcast this week (a UK based NFL show). Have a listen by clicking here. Chris Wesseling was also a guest.
#1 Cleveland — Sam Darnold (QB, USC)
#2 NY Giants — Saquon Barkley (RB, Penn State)
#3 NY Jets (via Ind) — Josh Allen (QB, Wyoming)
#4 Buffalo (via Cle, Hou) — Josh Rosen (QB, UCLA)
#5 Denver — Quenton Nelson (G, Notre Dame)
#6 Indianapolis (via NYJ) — Bradley Chubb (EDGE, NC State)
#7 Tampa Bay — Vita Vea (DT, Washington)
#8 Chicago — Denzel Ward (CB, Ohio State)
#9 Miami (via SF) — Baker Mayfield (QB, Oklahoma)
#10 Oakland — Tremaine Edmunds (LB, Virginia Tech)
#11 San Fran (via Mia) — Minkah Fitzpatrick (S, Alabama)
#12 Cleveland (via Buf, Cin) — Mike McGlinchey (T, Notre Dame)
#13 Washington — Leighton Vander Esch (LB, Boise State)
#14 Green Bay — Marcus Davenport (DE, UTSA)
#15 Arizona — Lamar Jackson (QB, Louisville)
#16 Baltimore — Derwin James (S, Florida State)
#17 LA Chargers — Roquan Smith (LB, Georgia)
#18 New England (via Sea) — Kolton Miller (T, UCLA)
#19 Dallas — Rashaan Evans (LB, Alabama)
#20 Detroit — Da’Ron Payne (DT, Alabama)
#21 Cincinnati (via Buf) — James Daniels (C, Iowa)
#22 Cleveland (via Buf, KC) — Maurice Hurst (DT, Michigan)
#23 LA Rams — Harold Landry (DE, Boston College)
#24 Carolina — Rasheem Green (DE, USC)
#25 Tennessee — Taven Bryan (DE, Florida)
#26 Atlanta — Calvin Ridley (WR, Alabama)
#27 New Orleans — Justin Reid (S, Stanford)
#28 Pittsburgh — Jessie Bates III (S, Wake Forest)
#29 Jacksonville — Tim Settle (DT, Virginia Tech)
#30 Minnesota — Isaiah Wynn (G, Georgia)
#31 Seattle (via NE) — Ronald Jones II (RB, USC)
#32 Indianapolis (via Phi) — Austin Corbett (G, Nevada)
#33 Cleveland — Jaire Alexander (CB, Louisville)
#34 NY Giants — Will Hernandez (G, UTEP)
#35 Cleveland — Sony Michel (RB, Georgia)
#36 Philadelphia (via Ind) — Malik Jefferson (LB, Texas)
#37 Indianapolis — Kerryon Johnson (RB, Auburn)
#38 Tampa Bay — Derrius Guice (RB, LSU)
#39 Chicago — Connor Williams (T, Texas)
#40 Denver — Nick Chubb (RB, Georgia)
#41 Oakland — Ronnie Harrison (S, Alabama)
#42 Miami — Billy Price (C, Ohio State)
#43 New England (via SF) — Mike Hughes (CB, UCF)
#44 Washington — Royce Freeman (RB, Oregon)
#45 Green Bay — Courtland Sutton (WR, SMU)
#46 Cincinnati — Hayden Hurst (TE, South Carolina)
#47 Arizona — Tyrell Crosby (T, Oregon)
#48 LA Chargers — Brian O’Neill (T, Pittsburgh)
#49 Indianapolis — D.J. Moore (WR, Maryland)
#50 Dallas — Carlton Davis (CB, Auburn)
#51 Detroit — Frank Ragnow (C, Arkansas)
#52 Baltimore — B.J. Hill (DT, NC State)
#53 Cleveland (via Buf) — Sam Hubbard (DE, Ohio State)
#54 Kansas City — Joshua Jackson (CB, Iowa)
#55 Carolina — Mike Gesicki (TE, Penn State)
#56 Buffalo (via LAR) — Harrison Phillips (DT, Stanford)
#57 Tennessee — Lorenzo Carter (EDGE, Georgia)
#58 Atlanta — Andrew Brown (DT, Virginia)
#59 San Francisco (via NOR) — Braden Smith (G, Auburn)
#60 Pittsburgh — James Washington (WR, Oklahoma State)
#61 Jacksonville — D.J. Chark (WR, LSU)
#62 Minnesota — Geron Christian (T, Louisville)
#63 Seattle (via NE) — Josh Sweat (DE, Florida State)
#64 Cleveland (via Phi) — Donte Jackson (CB, LSU)
The trades
Buffalo trades #12, #22 and #53 picks to Cleveland for #4
The Bills are in a situation now where their trade partners are quite limited. If they want to move up for a quarterback — and they clearly do — they’ll have to pay a steep price.
Miami trades #11 and #73 to San Francisco for #9
Seeing an opportunity to jump up two spots and secure a long term solution at quarterback, the Dolphins pull the trigger with Arizona, Baltimore and Los Angeles lurking.
New England trades #31 and #63 to Seattle for #18
The Patriots use their extra second round pick to jump into the top-20 to secure a replacement for Nate Solder. The Seahawks get an extra pick in the top-60.
Indianapolis trades #36 and #140 to Philadelphia for #32
The Colts make a small jump back into round one to secure the underrated Austin Corbett.
Mock notes
— There are numerous possibilities in the top-four. New York trading Jason Pierre-Paul could bring Bradley Chubb into play at #2. The Giants could easily take a quarterback there. Either way, Barkley probably doesn’t drop any further than the #4 pick. My prediction is the quarterbacks could come off the board in this order — Darnold, Allen, Rosen, Mayfield.
— In this projection I’ve got two running backs going in round one and seven in the top-50. San Diego State’s Rashaad Penny is the one name I couldn’t find a spot for. He could easily go in the second round too.
— If there are two positions that might get pushed up the board due to lack of numbers it’s offensive tackle and defensive end. I’ve not really represented that here, although Mike McGlinchey at #12 and Kolton Miller at #18 does to some extent. The EDGE rushers might go quickly too. If you need one — you’ll need to take them early.
Notes on the Seahawks
— It’s much harder to project the Seahawks this year because of their lack of picks. It’s pretty certain they’ll trade down from #18 but predicting a deal isn’t easy. It’s even harder to work out how they might fill their most pressing needs.
— I went with Ronald Jones II first because he’s the type of dynamic, high-upside athlete they’ve targeted early (or via trade) in the past. Lance Zierlein’s tweet yesterday was interesting but this is the team that traded for Percy Harvin and Marshawn Lynch and drafted Malik McDowell. So I’m not sure how impacted they’ll be by this. And let’s be clear — the frustration about Jones II is nowhere near the kind of drama Seattle handled/tolerated with Harvin, Lynch and McDowell. Not even close. I’m just pointing out they’re not easily put off natural talent.
— We talked yesterday how they could go RB/DE or DE/RB. At #31 the defensive end options had pretty much gone in that range. Harold Landry and Rasheem Green were off the board in the 20’s. So running back in this situation felt like a fair choice.
— I considered writing in another trade down for Seattle. In that scenario they would’ve probably missed out on Ronald Jones II. Nick Chubb would’ve been option B.
— In the late second round there might be some appealing defensive line options. I paired Sweat with Seattle based on his profile. It was equally tempting to give them someone like B.J. Hill, Andrew Brown, Kemoko Turay or Jalyn Holmes.
— These two picks would allow the Seahawks to target linebacker (Leon Jacobs?), defensive line (Tyquan Lewis, Justin Jones?), defensive back (Natrell Jamerson?) and tight end (Schultz, Smythe or Dissly?) on day three. The lack of a third round pick could cost them an opportunity to draft some intriguing players, especially on the defensive line and at tight end.
I’ll do a Live Google Hangout at 5pm PST today. If you have a question for the Q&A leave it in the comments section.
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Question for Google hangout. Let’s assume the Seahawks hold onto Earl Thomas. What does the re-signing of Bradley McDougald mean for Delano Hill? Do you see a scenario where all 3 are on the field together?
Personally I think they are just hedging their bets. They know what they have in McDougald, but whether Hill develops remains to be seen. So I think they are just preparing themselves for both possible outcomes. If Hill turns out to be a bust, they know they still have a reliable starter in BM. If Hill steps up and outplays McDougald, I think they would be thrilled about it and wouldn’t hesitate to put him in the starting lineup.
If there is one thing that PC/JS have shown us is that when they say they are all about competition, they mean it. I think they will start whoever proves to be the better player, regardless of money spent (see: RW vs. Matt Flynn).
Interesting question. I heard it said on the local radio post draft (KJR with Tony Softli?) that some scouts felt Delano Hill comped to former college safety Thomas Davis and could possibly convert to WILL LB much like Davis did in Carolina. Seattle has tried converted college safeties to LB before.
Still feels like McDougald was possibly singed to replace Earl, to me, though. We shall shall see.
I wonder if they traded ET would that push McDougald to FS and maybe open the door for them to sign Eric Reid for competition with Delano Hill. Also Kam is a long shot but he is still on the team as well.
I think they plan on looking at Eric Reid. Is that right?
IIRC McD didn’t play single high when Earl was out, Kam did. He could be a hedge for either position, but I think they like him at SS.
Definitely. I believe he’s a much better SS than FS.
I’d be down for that! I don’t think he has the size to play that role full time, but certainly as a situational LB. worth a shot
I don’t think Sweat will be there at 63 unfortunately. Lack of pass rushers in this draft will drive him up.
Wonder if Lorenzo Carter’s medicals check out enough for him to be an option?
The whole Roquan Smith/Lorenzo Carter “medical flags” are fishy to me. Unless I am mistaken, neither player missed time in their college careers. To me that seems more like team(s) trying to scare off the competition. I could be wrong, but it just seems suspicious.
Sweat could easily last till 63 since ’93 there have been on average 4.13 DE drafted in the 1st round.
3.71 in the second round. I have the following DE or DE/OLB currently listed as ahead of Sweat:
B Chubb
A Key
M Davenport
S Hubbard
D Ejiofor
Rasheem Green
Harold Landry
Dorance Armstrong
Da’Shawn Hand
Jeff Holland
Even if you want to move certain players up or down he likely will last not only until 63 pick, but into the third frame as well.
If a team is looking specifically for pass rush, I’d have him above most of that list. i.e. those guys are different types of players.
#1 Every Teams draft board is going to be different, and they will all have them in different order, some team may very well think he is the best DE in the draft….but
My point was you can’t say for certain whether someone will or won’t last till a certain point. Unless your a swami, who can predict the future, YOU don’t know. In fact no one in the entire world KNOWS. Whether he will or won’t I am merely pointing out that in fact he could very easily still be on the board at 63.
Case in point Jesse Williams- When he came out I wanted him for the Hawks so bad but everybody was like no way will he last that long he’s a top 20 pick blah blah blah….So I listened and thought ah man no Jesse Williams, then the first round and 2nd and 3rd and 4th went by and we finally DID draft him in the 5th. Course I don’t think he ever played a snap, but the point is, where somebody is going to go is just guess work. You might think Jimmy Clausen is the best QB coming out of the draft certainly alot of pundits thought he was but guess what he was a 2nd round pick and still a bust really at that price.
That would be a dope a** top of the draft.
Had to mention this here since the prior thread is dryer up.
I know we’ve talked about him before, Rob might’ve even done a piece on him if memory serves, but how awesome is Stanford DL Harrison Phillips? Love his swag too.
Phillips frequently stood out last season. Was the first player that stood out in 2017, in that Australia game vs Rice.
He’s gonna be a great pro.
Not sure he’s what Seattle is looking for, maybe maybe not, but I’m a huge fan of his regardless. If I’m betting $ though, I’m putting it down on Seattle drafting someone from Stanford this year. Reid if they could get him and Schultz seems like a target as well.
Just ask Rashaad Penny…
Notre Dame f******* killed him though
God Nelson ate his lunch
Checking out both the San Diego State and Notre Dame game logs for 2014-2017 seasons, the two teams never met, so exactly how did this guy “God Nelson” kill Penny? I’m honestly very confused by this statement.
Great stuff! Love the work you do Rob.
I have to wonder if the depth of the RB class will lead to some of the top guys falling a bit. I know this is a strong class, but personally I would still be surprised to see that many backs off the board in the first two rounds. Partly because it is a deep class, but also because it tends to be on the lower end of the scale as far as replacement level drop off.
Now that I think about it, I’m actually kind of releived Seattle didn’t sign WR Terrelle Pryor. Let’s see what Darboh and a rookie can do. Ya wanna go younger? Gotta let the youngin’s show out.
+1
I think the idea was originally exciting because of what a freak athlete he is, but I think it is a wise move to let another team cough up the money to bet on a 29 year old converted QB repeating his lone productive season.
I think it is much too early to be writing off Darboh, I hope they do give him some legit PT to see what the kid’s got.
I was actually pretty excited about the Jaron Brown signing, myself. But I agree, I’m really interested in seeing what Darboh does in year two.
Oh I like the Brown signing. Clemson WRs have a pretty good track record as or late.
Agreed. Verdict is already out on Darboh and he’s only had a season. Seems like WR is the hardest position to adjust to, even though he did play pro-style offense at Michigan. Look how long it took Paul Richardson to actually show something. Darboh does not have the durability questions. Targets were obviously slim for him last year behind Baldwin, Lockett, Richardson, Graham, Wilson and throw the RBs in there as well. Hoping he steps up this year, got to believe in him. Was probably my favourite pick of last year, a surprise but one which I liked.
100% agree. The problem with signing Pryor would have been that it bumps everyone down a notch in the pecking order. So Darboh becomes a No 4, Moore (?) maybe a No 5 – and you’re left with a lot of “18 catches for 200 yard” type seasons to extrapolate potential from. Even Lockett would have lost snaps, and you want to see what he can do with a hopefully healthy year before his contract is due. This way the snap count will give the FO a better chance of evaluating those mid-tier players, and hopefully we can uncover a couple of stars.
Personally I’m excited to see what Darboh, Moore, a rookie, Brown, Johnson, Grayson and the usual handful of tryout types have got.
Sony Michel deserves to go that high. Second most complete back in this draft behind Barkley. Third most complete is Royce Freeman.
I love me some Sony, but his lack of vertical and broad jumps I think takes him off of Seattle’s radar. Every single back they’ve drafted high has had terrific explosive qualities. Rob has persuaded me on this. Now, if Sony comes out and does VJ and BJ and puts out good numbers, this all changes.
Apparently he didn’t do the jumps at his pro-day either. Can’t find any marks for him anyway.
Certainly makes you wonder why…
Love RoJo to Seattle at 31, and would be fine seeing them take a late R2 flyer on the freaky athletic Sweat. His injury history makes me nervous. Gotta be honest about that, but at that range, I can see the risk. Really, really, really want one of those NC State DTs.
Go Hawks
This has nothing to do with what you mentioned other than the the fact NC St was brought up, but when you get some time or begin to take a look at next years prospects this summer u gotta check out NC St WR Kelvin Harmon.
Interesting player. Ridiculous with the one handed grabs. Would love to see Seattle continue to add more size to that room. Feels like the new scheme is going to call for that.
Having an RB that can hit the hole quickly and explode is imperative, IMO. Until we see notable improvement from the Oline, even a physical beast like Lynch will be routinely dropped for minimal gain.
Mentioned this in a previous thread, but wanted to reiterate me reasoning.
Several years ago I was watching USC when Jones received some of his very first touches as a freshman. Dude exploded through the line and simply ran away from every defender. Wasn’t even close.
As I’m reading through this RB debate, I can’t help but think back to when Marshawn went down and Rawls stepped in. Instant improvement in the run game. Not because Marshawn was the lesser back, but because Rawls simply hit the whole more quickly. With the O-Line struggling to sustain blocks or create lanes, Rawls was able to slip through, whereas those lanes were already closing by the time Lynch hit the LOS.
Advance forward to 2018. We still have line issues. We don’t yet know how much improvement will see, or when we’ll see it. Fingers crossed Solari and a power man scheme can unleash the potential. That being said, it might serve us best to have that RB that can get to the holes and explode, or run for big gains when the few opportunities present itself.
That’s Ronald Jones
Imo thats exactly where you want to be to land RoJo
Philly would take him i think
Mason Rudolph: I have been watching the N.F.L. Network. I am very impressed with Mason Rudolph. There was a picture of Mike Tomlin with a huge smile watching Rudolph. I could see a senario where the Giants take Bradley Chubbs with their 1st round pick. Then trade up for Mason Rudolph. I could also see Pittsburg trading up to take Rudolph. Or he could fall into the second round. However, Rob according to your mock draft you have 5 Qbs going into the top 15 picks. If that would actually happened. There are plenty of teams that would be interested in Rudolph. The Giants, Jags, Steelers, Saints they might all be interested in Rudolph. Rudolph did an interview with Steve Marriucci. Believe me Rudolph was impressive.
I think if you believe enough in a QB to draft him at the top of the second, you should probably spend the capital to move into the end of the first. That fifth year option is so valuable when you are talking about QB money.
I’m having a hard time trying to find something to be excited about with Josh Sweat. Good athlete sure, but as Rob likes to say, is there enough Dog in his game? Is there a good highlight or interview out there that shows off what kind of a stud he can be? Everything I’m finding so far online has me kind of rolling my eyes at the hype.
He’s very frustrating to watch. I paired him with Seattle purely on profile.
It’s tricky because I can see them maybe liking his physical profile and try and build him as a round 2 project. But I’d almost rather they pick a projected round 3 guy with better attitude in their game like B.J. Hill, Kemoko Turay, or Duke Ejiofor. Maybe I’ll be proven wrong, but I just don’t see any ‘It’ factor in Sweat that warrants an early round gamble.
The kid was in the hospital with his leg bent at a 45° angle and almost had it amputated. He’s never played at a 100% yet. That speaks volumes about him IMO.
He’s raw power.
It’s a valid point to consider, but that almost just makes me more worried about his health and durability in the league.
Good story and I’m sure he’s a great guy, just have my concerns about his pro potential.
Same thing was said about Danielle Hunter.
All things said I wouldn’t be mad if we did pick up Sweat. I’m sure PCJS will have their reasons if they did. I just wish I had better material that would get me excited to see him suit up in blue and action green.
Question: We all expect to trade down, but is there any player that you could see slipping enough that PCJS would simply not pass up on at #18? Vea, Davenport, Vander Esch, etc.?
I know you don’t think that some of those guys will, but IF they did, who might we take if given the chance?
Barkley
Question for google hangout…
Rob, KJ is in his contract year, and at this moment we don’t have starting WLB for 2019. Do you think JS could go LB in 1st or 2nd round instead of DE. LB options are much better than DE, and 2019 DE class is extremely strong.
LVE, Rashaan Evans and Lorenzo Carter would all be great first picks to me. Then come get Chubb or Penny.
Rob, was there anyone else at 63 that made you hesitate and consider instead of Sweat? Looking at the picks for RD 2, it’s hard to see anyone else to be considered at 63.
Second question – what about trading down again from 63 to get at some of the 3rd depth?
the trade seems like a bad value trade but if that’s the only trade out there it’s a trade you have to take imo
Equanimeous St. Brown can go pretty high. Just a monster athletically. Matchup nightmare
I like his upside too Kenny. What range do you think he goes?
I have no clue. I didn’t even mean to watch him. I’m looking at the top 8 RB still.
If I had to guess?? Top of the third? But that still feels low based on H/W/S and now the flashing on film.
Yeah I was going to guess late 2nd early 3rd. Definitely a freak athlete.
Doubt if he makes it out of the 2nd round…
I’d guess he goes in round 4, he’s athletically gifted and has good tape but, I’m willing to bet teams are going to wait on a guy that didn’t break 600 yards.
That’s totally on the QB play, or lack thereof…
Chark had similiar QB play (although admittedly better) and still managed nearly 900 yards. I think that’s a perfectly valid reason for his numbers as well but, i still think teams will be willing to pass on him for a guy with a bit more production. But you could be right, it is a weak wide receiver class.
Chark is definitely my favored target, but St. Brown managed 111 yards against Stanford.
Context to these numbers can be very important
I can’t tell if Sam Darnold has miscommunication with his receivers or if it’s just because they are young and sub a lot
Nope it’s him I think…
Holy S***
Is Sam Darnold the California Matt Stafford?!?
Historically, thats worth the first pick and its not necessarily Matt Staffords fault he’s never won a superbowl
Interesting mock Rob with lots of great ideas.
If we came out of the first two rounds with Rojo and Sweat that would be an A+ IMO. Two high upside dynamic athletes with game changing potential. That is exactly what you want in a early pick. They don’t all work out but they at least have the potential to be great.
Questions for the Hangout
If the Hawks don’t re-sign Maxwell there seems to be a hole opposite Griffin unless someone like Elliott can step up. Are there any guys from Rd #4 onward who you think could come in and compete for a starting spot like Griffin did last year? Still think they will sign Maxi but curious.
Question # 2 with the current DT rotation of Jones, Reed, Johnson and Jefferson what type of DT do you think hey look for in the draft? A big run stuffer like Settle for example or a 3 Tech penetrating guy like Andrew Brown? You have mentioned BJ Hill, do you view him as the best fit.
Thanks
Josh Allen is the nice guy
Josh Rosen is the genius
Sam Darnold is the natural
Lamar Jackson is black
Sad but true.
I see Jackson as Mike Vick 2.0. I hope he goes to an AFC team and has an incredible career.
*please not cardinals please not cardinals*
I wouldn’t mind him going to the Cardinals. Fun to watch. I ain’t skeered.
I haven’t studied these QBs intensively, but I’ve watched them all a bit. I think Jackson is the third best prospect, after the LA boys. His footwork can be ugly, but that release is awesome, he has decent pocket presence, and his speed makes him dangerous. I hope he ends up in the AFC also.
+123
Steelers or jags would be great landing spots for Jackson.
I like in this order Darnold, Mayfield then Jackson then Rosen. If you have to start someone as a rookie I think Rosen will be best year 1. Not very impressed by Allen but he showed something in the senior bowl and obviously he has the prototype body/arm but I think he busts.
I think, Allen would be perfect for the Chargers. Lots of time to develop behind Philip Rivers. But then, the Championchip window they have is open for just another season or two, and they absolutely need OL help.
I expect them to draft Luke Falk.
In 3 years I wonder how many teams are going to regret not taking Jackson.
Think RG3’s failure is having a huge effect on Jackson’s stock right now.
Well, I think it’s a lack of trust in their own organizations
The QB needy teams would RGIII him
Watch out if the Pats take him
Honestly? None. Just my personal opinion, though, and he could certainly work out.
Another hangout question. Is there a big WR like Tate or Jaleel Scott you could see the Hawks bringing in to take Grahams place as a red zone target? I personally think that is why they were interested in Pryor.
St. Brown all day long. The most underrated WR in this draft.
Hang Out Questions!
What has been the most draft-informing free agent addition to the team thus far? Bark Mingo and DJ Fluker come to mind.
How do you see them addressing day 3 if they end up with an RB and DE on 1/2?
Another hangout question inspired by Lamar Jackson to Arizona
Who do you least wish to see join the NFC West rivals from this draft class
Seems like a good time to warn you RoJo has met with the 9ers formally
Rojo after a trade down would be great. However, if the second rounder we pick up becomes Sweat immof the opinion that IRS throwing away that pick. He’s just not that good. I would be open to a lot of other guys, but just not him. Just my opinion.
Happy Tomorrow to Rob
Comment fail.
It’s midnight in Sheffield
Earl Thomas just did a taped interview in Ireland with Rob Ryan for an NFL sponsored tour. Some interesting tidbits. He didn’t shoot down trade rumors, or where he will be playing, but he also sounded like a player that, at least partially, intends to stay with his current team. He talked more future tense than past tense regarding the LOB. The full interview is worth your watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHWdLUFpToc
Thanks for posting.
“Oh it’s definitely the same spirt, especially if I’m back there”
Just pay this dude already. 5 years 55 million sounds great depending on guaranteed money.
Well eri c berry for 40 million guaranteed so earl thomas for 45 million guarnateed?
Not for me.
I’m kinda guessing that’s the position the team will take. JLC continues to seem fairly certain that the team is looking to deal. They keep looking at safeties. I know a lot of folks feel like he isn’t going anywhere, but I just get the feeling that they are going to move him, and it’s just a matter of time. They don’t want to get into that third contract.
+1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Anyone else curious why JS has gone to see Darnold and Allen live?
I assumed he was at USC for Rojo, Green and the Lb / edge rusher. By why go to Wyoming?
Ghost of Brian Hill
It’s a little bit curious. That and some of the local radio topics today, plus JLC’s article on Russell.
But maybe just checking the competition.
Scouting out the future competition. The front office is likely to keep and update personnel profiles on opposing players and potential free agent additions. Could also really be looking at some different players.
I mean it’s his literal job to do due diligence on every possible draft pick available. It can’t hurt to see what the teams who do draft the QBs are going to be working with in the future. Plus if you find some other gem in the rough while looking at the school, all the better.
Maybe even trying to get a feel on what other teams are doing, maybe some trade talk?¿ All speculation of course
John Schneider did offer during the combine that, at this time of the year, they are willing to discuss options about all their players. If some team at the top of the draft is going to offer an absolute ridiculous number of picks for RW that Seattle perhaps can’t refuse, it would be best to look at the guys. Or if one of these guys has an Aaron Rodgers slide, maybe they want to do their due diligence.
Or, as hinted to in the JLC article, there is maybe a feeling out of the team and player thing going on with a massive contract extension around the corner, and Seattle is weighing it’s options, and maybe sending a bit of a signal to RW and his representation that if they are planning to ask for the sun, the moon, the stars, and all the guarantees in-between, Seattle is not looking to be held hostage in a fierce negotiation battle.
It should also be noted that representatives from all 32 teams were at Wyoming’s pro day.
Agree.
Or, they’re considering trading RW to Cleveland.
😉
Sure. Could be.
RW on a one year rental to Cleveland for their 2018 #4 pick & 2019 2nd rounder. We get him back next year.
Let the crazy speculations begin
But… but… what about the comp pick???!!! (Sarcasm)
Ah, yes. The all important comp pick.
Heresy! I move to burn this thread to the ground!
I’m not suggesting this will happen.
But think about what kind of package it would take to trade RW. There really isn’t a precedent. Hypothetically,would you do that for Cleveland’s entire draft? Or all of Buffalo’s? How many day 1-2 picks would it take?
Interesting thought experiment.
Or, it might be that like everyone else John Schneider is trying to figure out where these QB’s land in the draft. That will determine who is available for the Hawks.
Rob,
I have been thinking about your argument concerning drafting an OG with one of the top two picks, perhaps even using their first one (yesterday’s post but still relevant to this one).
With the dirth of quality OGs in today’s NFL, and the high cost of obtaining them in FA, and with Fluker on a one year deal, and with the quality options in this year’s draft, it may make sense, both this year and going forward, to take advantage of a Price, or Wynn or whoever.
If ET doesn’t get traded, Seattle may feel compelled to take an RB with their first pick, as the top options are off the board with their second pick in your trade scenario above. The top four guards/centers are gone by then as well, so to get one of each will likely require getting at least one high second, if not a first, for ET.
If they do trade ET for decent draft capital, would that put OG back on the list of options, based on the reasoning above? I understand that the team needs to live with past drafts (Pocic, Ifedi), and may already have a decent starting line for 2018, but the longer, deeper view might suggest getting one of the premium guards this draft. While they might miss out on Jones (or maybe not) they might think getting a Wynn/Chubb superior to a Jones/OG available with their second pick.
Thoughts?
Possibly but I think they might’ve decided to look elsewhere. They only spent a R2 on Pocic last year, they’ve invested so much in the O-line already. Eventually you have to spread the resources.
I really like Isaiah Wynn and Austin Corbett. I would love to see either in Seattle. But it might be unlikely.
Dashawn Hand 6’4 297 4.83 forty 34 inch arms doesn’t play up to potential at times. Seems very seahawky to me. Before Payne had a couple good games down the stretch a lot people were talking Hand late first.
He didn’t really ever play up to his potential. Was no more than a bit-part player at Alabama really. Seems to be getting pumped up now based on his former #1 recruit status (ahead of Myles Garrett). For me he’s a bit overrated and a bit of a mirage. Someone I’d consider on day three only and behind some others.
Seems kind of like Malik Mcdowell same arm length Mcdowell 6’6 Hand 6’4, but besides that the athletic profile and testing are very similar.
But then, in competent hands, he could turn out to be the steal of the draft.
Nick Saban doesn’t equate to competent hands?!?
The Seahawks don’t appear to be treating the compensatory pick formula very wisely. They’re losing higher value free agents worth 4th or 5th round picks, and signing cheap ones worth 6th or 7th rounders, so they’re at 5 out, 5 in right now. Is Tom Johnson worth a 4th round pick? Or Maurice Alexander? Aboushi, Wilhoite, Jeremy Lane, or Joeckel hopefully sign soon – with other teams. There’s a date that passes where unsigned players no longer figure into the compensatory formula.
They need players in 2018; younger better hungrier players that can formulate a running game. Not worth a 4/5 next year to not have a roster this year.
Looks like they dont really care much about the comp picks which is fine. Even the fourth rounders are really ;like 5th round picks. I agree with Gerry, they need players in 2018.
Honestly, nobody should care about comp picks. Basically 4th round value with 3rd round comps. Most of the time these picks are roster filler. Not always, but still.
Not Care? Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor both in the 5th round.
You realize how rare that is right? For any team?
Zak Thomas-5th, Antonio Brown and Tom Brady-6th, Chris Carson-7th….
The point is you never know. You also see good players traded all the time for later round picks, that’s how valuable they are to NFL teams.
We’re talking about late fourth round picks. And they need to fill out the roster.
Could also be that they changed course when they saw the contracts that Jimmy and Sheldon signed. Realizing that they weren’t the big $ deals that would lead to 3rd round comps. I’m a lot less disappointed in losing a late 4th than a late 3rd.
Maybe a couple of the guys you mentioned do get picked up and we get them back as well.
Rob whats your take on Leighton VE receiving a return to school grade from the commitee?
So what does it mean? The committee thinks he should return to school rather than enter the draft? When he’s universally predicted to be a first rounder? I watched many Boise State games last year and he’s the real deal. Flies to the ball, a tackling machine, and plays well in pass protection. Would love it if he could fall to the Hawks, kid is a ball player!!
Bit surprised but he is a fantastic talent and must’ve heard something different to declare. He will go top 20.
Rob do you think the hawks could take a wr in rounds 1-3. I think with the cost of wr in free agency rising and losing Jimmy Graham and Paul Richardson. I big target like Courtland Sutton, Dj Chark, or Auden Tate from FSU could be appealing. The hawks have used high draft capital on Percy, Jimmy, P. Richardson and Tyler Lockett.
Not Rob.
Not a chance. They have WRs on roster. They don’t have 2/3 rd picks and they need DL/LBs
Player thoughts:
Dorrance Armstrong is a 4-3 defensive end who has the potential to cause a mismatch and be available to the Hawks. Armstrong is a top 90 player but could fall to the fourth round.
JC Jackson and MJ Stewart are big, physical corners that might be available late 3rd or early 4th rounds.
Genard Avery is a possible developmental LB in the 5/6 round range. Just not sure if he’s fast enough at 4.61.
Shaquem Griffin must be a Seahawk.
My opinion is that we will be a target for udfa kickers when they become aware of our need.
Some thoughts on official meetings;
Seahawks seem to meet with a lot of their picks. Has become a big part of my scouting-must’s over the years
Cardinals have met with Baker Mayfield more than once
Panthers meetings with lots of DEs TEs and RBs Chubb, Michel, Penny, Gesicki, Sweat among them.
Seahawks meetings I know of
Tony Brown, CB, Alabama
Will Dissly, TE, Washington
Shaquem Griffin, OLB, Central Florida
Khalid Hill, FB, Michigan
Natrell Jamerson, S, Wisconsin
Keith Kirkwood, WR, Temple
Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA
Nick Nelson, CB, Wisconsin
Dante Pettis, WR, Washington
Justin Reid, S, Stanford
Josh Sweat, DE/3-4OLB, Florida State
Akrum Wadley, RB, Iowa
I told you guys we’re drafting that Dante Patyis?petis? However you spell it?
Go Pettis!
Good stuff! Thanks for posting this list.
Seattle trades #18 to NE for #31 & #63
Seattle trades Earl Thomas to Jacksonville for pick #29
Seattle trades #31 to Baltimore for #52 & #83 (why Balt? Because it makes this fun)
#29 Seattle — Tim Settle (DT, Virginia Tech)
#52 Seattle — Braden Smith (G, Auburn)
#63 Seattle — Nick Chubb or Kerryon Johnson or ROJO or Royce Freeman or Rashaad Penny (RB, Various)
#83 Seattle — Kemoko Turay (OLB, Rutgers)
Settle brings that rare interior pressure that this FO has craved for years. Penetrator.
Smith has the top TEF of the 2018 OL class at 3.52. Possible G to T convert as a pro if needed. Versatile?
Who’s left of the top RBs? Wouldn’t be surprised if 2 of that list are still available at #63.
Turay brings the pressure off the edge. A disruptive force.
If this happens, at which point do they look to draft another safety?
R4 or 5, with Siran Neal, Jacksonville State, somewhere middle R5 being my preferred option.
Plus, with Eric Reid and Kenny Vaccaro, there are still two intriguing options on the FA market.
I think you would have to switch Chubb and Smith to have a shot at Chubb. I would rather have him than a workout warrior tackle.
Off topic but I’m really interested in where Tampa is gonna go with their pick. I know I’d trade down unless I could get Barkley for 2 2nd rounders. I could see them trading down and targeting Calvin Ridley, then adding a running back at 38. Their front 7 is legit though, they could make it a real good group with Darwin James or a top Corner.
Sorry I like the Bucs too
Imagine a line of Vinny Curry, Gerald McCoy, Vita Vea, Jason Pierre Paul… with Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander behind it… Bucs are gonna be contenders next year no matter which direction they go
Calvin Ridley is the puzzle in the draft for me. Productive, routes, hands, smart, I get that, for me he is Doug Baldwin. When I think about round 1 WR’s I am thinking Julio Jones, Odell B, and the like, someone with some outstanding characteristics. Size, great speed, big hops? He seems like a good #2 WR for someone, but ahead of some of the other players he is being ranked with, I would say, wait ’til later.
I was tempted to say he was “the riddle”, but chickened out.
Chicken! 🐤
Rob, thanks for answering the question.
And here is great text about Ifedi:
https://www.fieldgulls.com/2018/3/23/17155224/behind-development-curve-offensive-tackles-germain-ifedi-seattle-seahawks-penalties-pbe-pff
You break my heart mocking Green to CAR at 24. I’m hoping he lasts into the 2nd half of R2, like Frank Clark, but for different reasons. But honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised in the least if he goes that early. This may sound crazy but I’d probably take him over Davenport. I think he has a higher ceiling.
I’ve two favorites in this class – RoJo and Green (coincidentally both Trojans). If there’s any way SEA could get both of them, that would be amazing.
Andrew Brown and Green are neck and neck to me….
Andrew brown might be the scariest player in the draft. All that talent and potential… why didn’t he realize it fully? He could drive a coach nuts and frustrate a fan base waiting for him to become a great player. But yeah, he’s got gifts that others don’t. B.J. Hill might be the safer if the two and he should go fairly high.
If they didn’t have major needs elsewhere I think Andrew Brown & BJ Hill as the first two picks would be a major positive for the DL.
I completely agree with that. The young rotation on the DL would be really cost-friendly and talented. I didn’t know anything about Hill before around the mid-way point if the season while watching Chubb. That DL was causing issues and they all fed off of each other. They aren’t Clemson, but they are good.
Updated: So far the Seahawks have used $12.2 million of cap space for 2018 on these players:
McDougald $3.33
Mingo $2.4
Dickson $1.87
Brown $1.78
T. Johnson $2.1
Alexander $720k
DJ Fluker???
M Davis???
M Smith$$$
Ill update when Fluker, Davis, and Smiths numbers come in.
Rumor was Mike Davis was around 750K base + 250k signing bonus.
I’m pretty sure Smith was around 2M base and 750K signing bonus.
Last I heard, not confirmed just speculation, was that Fluker came in around 3.75M base and some signing bonus….
Jets agressively going after Suh. This is good news as we dont want him going to the Rams.
+1000
https://twitter.com/Earl_Thomas
Good tweet from Earl Thomas. Plus a fun video of him throwing a football in Ireland. Maybe he can be our back up QB?
That is a pretty cool tweet from Earl and one of the most thoughtful things I have seen from him.
I believe all these guys who grew up together (Sherm, Earl, Kam etc) who seem to be moving on did truly love Seattle and the fans. I think the will appreciate the organization and Pete even more when they move on to other teams or are out of football but that is life I guess.
Earl is a funny guy because as long as he is playing you know he is going to play max effort as he does not know any other way. He was intense in Pro Bowl practice for example. The team is in a situation where they seem to be going a different direction and could definitely use the draft capital but if the kept Earl to be the leader on the back end it would be hard to argue with that.
I love Earl and every moment he’s on the field it’s awesome to watch him. It’s great to hear his love for the city, the fans, and the team. Hawks might be heading in a different direction though. Earl said he wouldn’t take the field without a long term deal. No new deal and he holds out, team says they’ll franchise tag him and he holds out. The time may have come to move on and rebuild the defense around Bobby.
I doubt he actually holds out.
He knows the Hawks won’t respond to it, and he tends to say what is on his mind at the moment.
But in the negotiating game, everything has to be taken with a grain of salt.
I do think the Hawks will either trade him or extend him, can see the logic either way.
He is younger than the other guys they extended, and he is more of a unicorn as well, so I don’t think the 3rd contracts to Bennett and Kam have the same lessons to be applied.
really depends on what the JSPC vision is for the next 3-4 years, and I don’t think they are going to tell us. All we can do is watch what they do and guess.
IDK, I actually wouldn’t bet against him holding out. Earl strikes me as a person who means what he says. I think he would like to retire a Hawk.. with a long term deal that makes him the highest paid safety full or guarantees. He’s said that he wouldn’t feel comfortable showing up to camp without that deal. He also said last Summer that the guaranteed money Berry got inspired him to continue playing football.
I think, without a deal, there is a very real chance he holds out and probably doesn’t come back until he financially has to much like Kam did, and Joey Galloway years ago. If he doesn’t get the deal in Seattle, I think he feels quite confident he will get it somewhere else. I just said yesterday, “no matter where I play, I will be rich and happy.”
I think it all hinges on whether Seattle wants to give him that deal. It doesn’t feel like they necessarily do.
Rashaad Penny is one of the worst blockers in this class.
Gave up a couple sacks to Boise St. and is visibly frustrated with 9 man boxes and impotent QB play.
What is he at the next level? Seems to save his best performances for the weakest teams.
Not sure he is very scheme versatile either
How many of his big runs come from behind pulling lineman and lead blockers
He runs too upright as well, not exactly like he constantly fights through contact.
He had a great games against Stanford and ASU, but I’m not convinced he’s an NFL back when i watch him.
That’s not to say his tape is unimpressive though, i understand why people are fascinated by him as a prospect.
But he does run through some monstrous holes and appears to run mostly with what is provided for him rather than what he makes On his own. Not to say doesn’t have some nice tape
He definitely has some moves. The raw talent is clear, but the technical ability is nowhere near the power5 conference backs.
It’s night and day difference in technicality between Penny and someone like Freeman who looks like he’s been bred and raised specifically for the position.
Penny looks surprised when the edge opens up. He’s got a lot of shimmy but very little set up.
He’s so raw I’m tempted to drop him a tier, once you consider the competition level.
I don’t think he had a very good game against Stanford…
They pounded it and pounded it until the holes opened.
He also had that horrible fumble.
His only explosive run came at the top of the 4th for 36
Bryce Love got more yards and touchdowns on like half the carries.
I want Wells and Bawden before Penny
Love had Stanford linemen blocking for him against SDSU defenders…
SR Bowl would be a good indicator of what he will be @ the next level… 🙂 🙂
Is the senior bowl a good indicator of anything?
I mean passing game always has trouble and tackling is always poor
I’m more interested in how they respond to the coaching at those events
Sure it does. Penny caught a wheel route and took it 73 yards to the house, showing decent hands and great speed. I agree with some of the criticisms above, his lack of an explosive jump cut is my biggest concern. Penny is a HR hitter with legit breakaway speed at 220 pounds that skill set doesn’t grow on trees.
Point well taken. I wouldn’t call him a home run hitter per se. But he certainly can accelerate and hit a hole.
He just might have to follow someone to find it.
Nothing about Penny’s profile is prohibitive, but he’s gonna need a lot of development and isn’t even a good fit for our scheme.
A guy like Royce or Chubb is better suited to our scheme because of their experience in picking holes and using them to manipulate defenders.
Basically it’s a major lack of creativity, technicality, and evidence of ability to break tackles behind the line.
I still have him at the bottom of the second, just not to a zbs team
You need to watch more tape on Penney. IMO
I can’t stop watching his blockers 👀 👀
You should never presume to know how much tape someone has seen of someone.
“Penny is super talented,” said an NFC director of college scouting. “He is a smooth runner, athletic, has some [speed], is good in the pass game and a returner. His makeup and work ethic isn’t great. He has learning issues, so he might need to start with a 7-8 touches per game role until he learns to enough to gradually expand it.”
I think this jibes pretty well with my take
Watch an interview of his, very kiddish, unfortunately.
At least he knows his pass pro is garbo
this is a lost cause. Kenny and I agree on nothing. And yet I agree with him on this whole thread.
The very first thing I noticed within seconds of watching penny’s tape was his fullbacks.
Every year some mountain West running back has a great year and there are some interesting ones from the past. But there is a difference truly between the power five and everyone else.
also to if Seattle wants to adjust its scheme and run with a real full back….I’d love to see freeman. I’m so over the narrative of him being soft. Yeah you want him to lay the wood, but then again I want bo Scarborough to be a heisman finalist with that oline. Freeman was an immensely productive runner and a very good pass catcher for Oregon and maybe a pick like that helps Seattle to target other needs and still keep running back in focus.
I can understand the concerns about level of competition regarding Rashaad Penny, however one must realize that Penny was the #1 focal point of his offense, just a little bit more so than Freeman. In no way am I knocking Freeman, In fact, I think he is a fine RB that might end up being a Seahawk. I just prefer Penny as a Seahawk pick over Freeman. For comparison purposes below are the 2017 and career total stats for the two players.
I’m not understanding how opinions can be made about a RB based on a just a
few games, I also like to look at tape of a players lesser games to see what’s
up with that, however, lots of things can contribute to RB performance or lack
thereof. See Chubb in the National Championship game where Alabama loaded
up the box and held Chubb to chump change as just one of many examples. It
happens. + Abandoning the rush to pass and catch up when behind is common.
—> No other player in the draft had better production, especially in his last 5/6 games leading up to the draft. Only concerns I have with Penny is pass blocking and learning ability, both of which are concerns that I think he can be coached up on and overcome, & yes he’s a young kid and will likely mature. ****NOTE**** Lynch also was a RB that relied a lot on a full back blocking for him, maybe they go back to that style in the running game = ????
My RB rankings for Seahawks pick(s): (1) R. Jones ll, (2) Johnson, (3) Penny, (4) Chubb (his injury history scares me just a little bit), (5) Freeman, (6) Kelly,
(7) Wadley. (8) Williams, (9) Edmonds. IF they don’t get their guy in Rds. 1/2, (IMO Jones/Johnson), then Penny/Chubb/Freeman/Kelly could all be in play & my choice would be Penny in that instance, IF they can only get a day 2 pick.
NOTE: There could be some significant insider knowledge of Chubb’s medical from our OC, this could be either good or bad and may reflect on his appeal one way or the other.
–RB-ROYCE FREEMAN;
2017 Season:
12-games, 244/1475/6.05/16-TD’s, long/59, 1-st downs/72, 10+/50, 20+/16.
Receiving: 14/164/11.71/0-TD’s.
All purpose yds.: 258/1639/6.35-yds/play, 136.6-yds/game.
Career Special teams contribution = NONE, other than blocking on teams?
Career rush: 947/5621/5.94-ypc, rush TD’s: 60, total TD’s: 64-TD’s.
Career receiving: 79/814/10.30%/4-TD’s.
—-Game log (2017 season)—-
09/02/17 Southern Utah Turf W 77-21 23 150 6.52 4
09/09/17 Nebraska Turf W 42-35 29 153 5.28 2
09/16/17 @ Wyoming Turf W 49-13 30 157 5.23 3
*09/23/17 @ Arizona St. Grass L 35-37 15 81 5.40 1
09/30/17 California Turf W 45-24 6 51 8.50 0
10/07/17 Washington St. Turf L 10-33 12 62 5.17 0
*10/14/17 @ 20 Stanford Grass L 7-49 18 143 7.94 0
10/21/17 @ UCLA Grass L 14-31 29 160 5.52 0
10/28/17 Utah Turf W 41-20 20 139 6.95 0
11/04/17 @ 16 Washington Turf L 3-38 24 122 5.08 0
11/18/17 Arizona Turf W 48-28 19 135 7.11 4
11/25/17 Oregon St. Turf W 69-10 19 122 6.42 2
*12/16/17: Boise St. Turf L 28-38 — Freeman did not play.
–RB RASHAAD PENNY:
2017 Season:
13-games, 289/2248/7.78/23-TD’s, long/95, 1-st. downs/81, 10+/58, 20+/29.
Receiving: 19/132/6.95/2-TD’s;
All purpose yards: 327/2971/9.1-yds per play, 228.5-yds/game
Special teams: K.O. returns 17/521/2-TD’s, punt returns 2/70/1-TD.
Career Rush: 488 for 3656, YPC -7.49, Rush TD’s-38, Career total TD’s -46.,
Career Receiving: 42/476/11.33%/6-TD’s.
Career Special Teams: KO returns =81/2449/30.34-ypc/7-TD’s.,
–and–Punt returns: 70/35.0-ypc/1-TD.
—-Game log (2017 season)—-
09/02/17 UC Davis Grass W 38-17 21 197 9.38 2
*09/09/17 @ Arizona St. Grass W 30-20 18 216 12.00 1
*09/16/17 20 Stanford Grass W 20-17 32 175 5.47 1
09/23/17 @ Air Force Turf W 28-24 20 128 6.40 3
09/30/17 Northern Ill. Grass W 34-28 25 107 4.28 0
10/07/17 @ UNLV Turf W 41-10 27 170 6.30 2
*10/14/17 22 Boise St. Grass L 14-31 21 53 2.52 1
10/21/17 Fresno St. Grass L 3-27 15 69 4.60 0
10/28/17 @ Hawaii Turf W 28-7 30 253 8.43 2
11/04/17 @ San Jose St. Turf W 52-7 20 234 11.70 3
11/18/17 Nevada Grass W 42-23 24 222 9.25 2
11/24/17 New Mexico Grass W 35-10 22 203 9.23 2
12/23/17 Army Grass L 35-42 14 221 15.79
Penny/Freeman —> Common opponents in 2017: (slight advantage Penny.)
Penny 71/444/6.25-ypc & 3-TD’s, –vs– Freeman 33/224/6.78-ypc & 1-TD
—-Common opponent Game log (2017 season)—-
*9/09/17: Arizona State, in a 30-20 win, –
-Penny=18 carries for 216-yds, 12.0-ypc, 1-TD
*9/23/17: Arizona State, in a 35-37 loss,
-Freeman = 15 carries for 81-yds, 5.40-ypc, 1-TD
*9/16/17: Stanford, in a 20-17 win,
-Penny = 32 carries for 175-yds, 5.47-ypc, 1-TD.
*10/14/17: Stanford, in a 7-49 loss,
Freeman =18 carries for 143-yds, 7.94-ypc, 0-TD’s.
*10/21/17: Boise St. in a 31-14 loss,
-Penny = 21 carries for 53-yds, 2.52-ypc, 1-TD
*12/16/17: Boise St. Turf L 28-38 -Freeman didn’t play a snap.
—Freeman has almost 2x the number of career rushes 947 vs: 488 = big loss of tread on his tires. —Penny has a career 2,519-yds on K. O./Punt returns & 8-TD’s –vs– ZERO for Freeman. —Penny has career 7.49-ypc -vs- 5.94-ypc for Freeman, (1.55-ypc difference, advantage = Penny).
Physical testing #’s @ 2018 Combine:
–Royce Freeman:
5-114/229, 32″-arms, 76-3/4-wingspan, 34″-vert, 9′-10″-broad, 6.90-3cone,
4.16-20-yd. shuttle; ET-4.54/40, ET-1.60/10-yd, ET-2.66/20-yd.
–Rashaad Penny:
5-110/220, 31-1/4″-arms, 76″-wing, 32-1/2″-vert, 10′-0″-broad, other tests N/A. ET-4.46/40, ET-1.58/10-yd, ET-2.63/30-yd. (speed advantage = Penny.)
****NOTE: All of above stats are per: cfbstats.com
****Rankings at nfldraftscout.com as of 3/24/18:
Freeman: #119-overall, projected Rd-4.
Penny: #76-overall, projected Rd-2/3.
Huge fan of Penny! Prefer him to everybody but Saquon.
Anybody else love Khalid Hill’s banana route against Nick Nelson?
I miss Mike Rob and the seahawks have met with the Michigan player 👌
I think he Is definitely on the radar for them on Day #3
Round 4 or Round 5 pick….. I would normally say round 6, but they do not have a pick that round :O
FB, powerful runners, all of this is designed to become run game bullies again. However… we won’t do that with the current makeup of OL bodies. Maybe Ifedi, Fluker and Brown can create a hike. The other guys are question marks. We focus on the recourses already allocated to the OL, which have been significant. However, the Jets have spent a second round pick on bust in Hackenburg, second on Gino Smith, signed Teddy, McCown, etc. do you think that will stop them from drafting a guy they love? Drafting players that don’t work out hurts your franchise. Not admitting the mistake and taking someone better to improve the situation only compounds the problem. Remember the lions taking Charles Rogers and Mike Williams? Both were busts and both were top ten. Imagine what would have happened if they’d said no to Calvin Johnson simply because of the allocated resources already spent on WR. If you have a player in front of you who can be an instant upgrade and eliminate a gaping hole, you have to take him and roll with it. Don’t refuse to make yourself better because you don’t want to admit a sunk cost. Let’s get our runner and a guard who can hurt people.
I actually really want them to take a guard. Hernandez, wynn, smith, corbett, ragnow basically in that order.
Because the laser regime was all over the place picking players doesn’t mean you don’t get it right of you get a chance.
Oh and Seattle has spent a ton of resources draft wise but maybe some of this is on pc? I mean Seattle extended Britt and that’s it? I mean think of the stability of you will in to do g out a players growing pains like csrpenter, sweezy (I know he hurt his back). Heck breno even…..is the line e at least that much more functional?
I hope pocic works out I really do. I honestly hated the pick but I truly want him to kick butt next year. That said rumors of doing yet another switcheroo on the line with he and Britt have me feeling sea sick.
Create a hole*
Looking at all the short term deals JS is doing is he trying to go into the 2020 offseason with as little $ on the books as possible? I think the next collective bargaining agreement will start negotiation next off season and if things look ugly perhaps more teams will follow suit.
doubt it.
either they get a similar deal as now, which means salary cap is similar
OR
the players have a victory and the salary cap is bigger, or more guaranteed contracts, etc.
what is the situation possible where the salary cap goes dramatically lower?
It would go down is revenue streams dry up or the new TV / multimedia deals come in less than anticipated. The % of the pie each side gets could change and this might change change the numbers significantly….. It really doesn’t make economic sense to extend players past 2020, if you do not even have an idea how big of pie or % of pie you have to spend. The only players who will have contracts past this point will the QBs more or less.. imo.
they usually know 3 to 5 years in advance what their revenue streams will be based on their TV contracts. And for all the nashing of teeth over their ratings drops, they are still the best ratings the TV stations get.
players will get the same terms they always got, which is lots of 1 or 2 year deals for JAGs and 4 to 6 year deals for QB’s and also similar for pro bowlers who are not over 30. Even most 6 year deals are only 3 year deals anyways
I love the Fluker signing and think it will help the run game but it is just a 1 year deal so I still see a huge need at Guard.
If you believe Isiah Wynn is the next Zach Martin then I am not sure how you pass on him with our first pick. Nothing will improve an offense with a franchise QB than a quality OL. It helps in both phases ( pass and run) a Guard like Wynn impacts every offensive snap (60-70 per game) the most carries an RB will have is say 25.
I love Jones but if I have to pick between Wynn and an RB it is an easy decision.
People will argue but we have Pocic to play LG and I would argue that he did nothing last year to indicate he has potential to be more that a very average G. We also have Carson at RB and I think he showed a lot more potential at his position than Pocic did at his.
I just really want to see the Hawks with a dominant OL once and for all to see what Russ can do when not running for his life.
An OL with the following guys would have the potential to be dominant IMO.
LT Brown
LG Wynn
C Britt
RG Fluker
RT Ifedi or Fant
With Fant, Rees, Pocic and Roos in reserve it would be a deep group as well.
Trevor you make some great points. Adding Wynn would really round out the OL core. The counter point is that the offense was at its best with Marshawn in the backfield, much of the time with a patchwork OL. The run game has been pathetic since he left. The late rounders and FA pickups haven’t worked out and/or can’t stay healthy. Carson is talented, but cannot be counted on to be the workhorse. The draft is stacked with RB’s we need to hit on 1. Having a productive running game dictates the action to the D, and makes the OL job easier with legit play action fakes keeping defenders on their toes. I really think Solari makes a big difference with our OL as well.
Agree about Beastmode but there is no Mashawn Lynch available at the end of round 1 in this draft that is my point Rojo is a nice back and I think he will be dynamic in the NFL but he is not a tone setter like Marshawn.
Most teams with great run games the OL sets the tone not the RB. Lynch was a different animal.
Plus great OL can play 8-10 years while you get maybe 5-6 good years from a RB
OL may last longer but if you factor in the 1-2 years it takes for them to adjust and 2nd contract considerations…..a tops tier ready to produce running back is valuable as well.
but that probably means one of your top picks from this year or last year are not playing, or a guard you signed to play is not. And if you don’t have an RB that can make a difference, the extra guard makes less of a difference than a special RB. And the RB can be on the field for 50 plays a game and make a bigger difference THIS year. Just because the rb does not carry the ball does not mean he does not influence the play. Play action?
Lack of picks tells me they won’t pick a RB and guard with their first 2 picks, and I strongly suspect it will be RB and D line.
I like Wynn a lot and made the Martin comparison but every team has to face up to balancing the options. Seattle spent a R2 on Pocic a year ago. If they take a guard and bench Pocic, it’ll be another poor use of resources. They need to back their investment there and address another need, because they have several.
I’d love to see Wynn in Seattle, or Corbett. But they can’t just keeping spending their high picks in one unit.
Signing DJ Fluker and Brown pretty much solidifies the O Line for this year. We have to see what we have got with these new guys and Solari coaching. They may take another OL late in the draft but I don’t see how they use earlier draft picks on one this time. We are still developing Ifedi and Pocic. Odhiambo and Roos deserve a chance, too.
You are steadily dropping Tim Settle in the mocks, and in that defensive line thread a few days ago it stood out to me that Settle wasn’t mentioned at all. There would have been no chance of that a month or two ago.
I don’t see anybody trusting him in the first round. Settle does not come across as dedicated or trustworthy. He was blubbery at the bowl game and again at the combine. One of the most laughable moments at the combine was when Settle fell down while doing an agility drill that other linemen were conquering with ease.
Baby faced immature kid who is an interesting gamble. I’ve wanted to like him all along but every time a new assignment shows up he flunks it.
Wow, just imagine how good the tape will be when he’s in NFL shape
It would’ve been no different a month ago.
Settle isn’t the type of player Seattle takes in R1.
Agreed but two things slightly related:
If Seattle garners more picks (how?) I see settle as a really interesting pick from an age development stand point. Perhaps late second early third. It seems they prefer stout d line men in looks, but they did spend a third on hill and it’s hard to discount, not that you are at all Rob, Settles skills that only seem to be rising to get into the backfield.
I really enjoyed the pick of sweat in the second. If he has no regressive damage like spurs, arthritis, etc you wonder where he might be in two seasons. Like clark? Could be a nasty pass rush.
I’m bummed that bj hill is rising he seemed like such a good almost sneaky get in the fourth.
Not a huge fan of him either, but that’s a bit harsh.
I don’t think it’s inaccurate. He’s a flabby kid. It’s true. He plays with a joy and he’s a guy who could really tear it up in a few years or be battling chronic soft tissue injuries.
But I think even a Seattle style system he would kill it as a rotational piece. I rarely see him take plays off, players feed off his energy and enthusiasm. I think there may be more reliable d line men but I’m way higher on settle than I am on a whole bunch of other dudes.
‘Immature kid’
That’s like saying ‘wise old man’
‘Doesn’t come across as dedicated or trustworthy’ Why? Because he fell down in a drill?
sorry dude. I meant more about sort of flabby sort of not put togetherness of his frame and perhaps (none of us know btw) of him being slightly unprepared for all of the combine.
But immature….I dont know….at draft time people say some jacked up stuff.
Last year people were calling bolles an idiot for his wonderlic score……its too nitpicky at times.
So affording to Chris Cluff we have about $4M more to spend this year. Get Maxi on a 2 year deal worth like 6.5. 2.5 this year 4 next. 3.5 guaranteed.
The trade with NE makes sense for both teams, especially from the Patriots perspective. They need a viable OT and the player selected in the mock has a big time upside.
The number two pick is a very tough call right now, but I think the trade of JPP…. pretty much spells out that the Giants are going to draft DE Chubb, unless they get a sweet draft pick deal from a top 6 pick holder.
The DL Hurst, wouldn’t the medical concerns discount him further down in the draft? He is currently cleared, but I’m not sure a team would take a swing on him before maybe pick #33…. the talent is worth a high pick, but the medical would be a huge risk imo.
And yes, I think the RB Chubb is the ultimate pick for Seattle in the late 1st or early 2nd round. I love Michel, but I think they need a slightly different back than what he presents. Lucky, there are plenty of options at RB, so Seattle can pick the right guy when they finally make a pick at the position.
I could for sure see that trade with New England as they still have the early second they got from SF.
We lose Graham and PRich. That is about 31% of the passing targets last season. I know a lot of you think Darboh is the man that will make this up, but I don’t. Golden Tate, PRich, NoE and Baldwin all played significant time their first year in the league. Darboh got 8 catches and 13 targets. More concerning is that he averaged only 8.9 yards per reception. That does not connote NFL wideout. i see a huge hole at WR. The team does too as they went out and acquired Marcus Johnson and Jaron Brown. It is bad enough to have RW3 running for his life. Now he is going to have few open receivers to throw to. Our receiving corps is certainly below average. The consensus seems to be that Calvin Ridley seems to be the only plug and play WR in the draft. We better find one. I think Dante Pettis is going to be a sleeper pick. he is recovering from a high ankle sprain, He ran a 4.39 forty at the UW last year. He is faster than Jermaine Kearse was.
I agree with this entirely. Darboh had an abnormally low amount of targets. Also I think the wr corps has some serious concerns going forward.
For all the talk of running backs and bolstering the trenches it seems like a lot of the blog is cool with baldwin lockett and a bunch of hope and promise. Like the running back situation baldwin has been very reliable but what’s the plan of he ever missed time?
I do hope Seattle is able to target even if it’s udfas some additional wr competition. I’m kind of intrigued by moore since the team is stoked on him but who knows really. The team was stoked on sokolis development at one time.
Looks like WR-Cedrick Wilson might be available in the Rd-5 area. Good bloodlines, + production & good size with decent speed & he’s a pretty good route runner, should make him at least of some interest to the Seahawks. He had a heck of a bowl game this year too.
How many plays did Russ try to force the ball to Jimmy when someone else was more open? Could be bias on my part, but seems like that happened pretty regularly.
Upgrading the receiving corps would be nice, but it’s not like we’ve depended on having “star” wideouts. Just about every receiver we’ve had on this team, except Doug, would be just a guy on any other team in the league.
We need guys that can block, get separation, and catch the ball reliably. That’s it.
That last sentence.
that’s it. Every team needs that.
Except Seattle doesn’t have that. they have two guys that can kind of do that except baldwin/lockett are better used catching the ball then running their own picks and weaves.
. Other than that they have no one that has proved they can do any of the three keys let alone all three.
they don’t have a great blocking presence since kearse left.
Lockett, healthy, would be tearing it up in a Steelers /saints style offense. Prich may be just a guy but one other team thought he was more than that and he got paid.
I honestly think as it stands mckissick is the teams third best wr going into training camp.
Fair enough, but you can get guys that can do those things, or be trained to do those things, late or as udfas. Heck, just look at Doug.
What I’m trying to say is they don’t have to have blazing speed or be physical freaks. They can find hungry role players with chips on their shoulder almost anywhere. No need to spend major draft capital.
Richardson just got $8 million a year from Washington and Kearse is the No 1 WR for the Jets. Even Jimmy Graham got $10 million from Green Bay. The league doesn’t appear to think they are JAG’s I think they will be missed on the Hawks this season while we rebuild.
I wonder about passing play designs and being too predictable. I was hoping the new coaches would bring in someone with better knowledge of designing plays. I guess this is just an issue when bring in people for run first type of offense.
Overtime. Wait until after the N.F.L. draft. Before making a negative opinion.
BTW: I do like the idea of Pettis as a sleeper.
Darboh was the #4 true receiver, and if you count Willson/Graham, probably the 6th. Considering how dysfunctional the offensive line was, I’m not concerned at all about his stats from last year.
I really like this mock. I’ve come to a 100% conclusion we need a dynamic fresh legged back to pair with Russ. I really hope that is the target with the first pick. The offense will be fun to watch if it’s Wilson Jones/Chubb/Michel and Carson.
Seattle is continuing to add DT help, signing another former Viking in Shamar Stephen. Kinda of a Tony McDaniel type. Looking more and more like they are willing to roll with Jarran Reed and Naz Jones as the likely starters. Not a bad way to go, IMO. I think Jones has some sneaky upside.
I’m guessing he’s a 1 and we know ‘Tommy John’ will be a 3 and I could see him having a Jaeon Jones like role for this team.
Feels that way. I was thinking pass rushing nose for Johnson, like Hill and McDonald were for a bit. Jones 3T, Reed 1T, and Stephen backing up both. Feels like another player could easily be added in the draft. Your know how I feel about the NC State boys.
Maybe this shows that they want to load up on DT to go edge rusher early.
Probably.
They could even go for another 3-tech. Not sure how I’d feel about that (what are you gonna do though) after adding Malik McDowell last year but if he can’t play they may want that type of guy again.
I think if there is a good looking 3T available, they should definitely consider adding. If Vita Vea miraculously slid to 18, I don’t think they should trade out of that to target RB day two, you grab that blue chipper and figure a way to maybe move up into day if someone is sitting there in range.
Also, It was interesting that they displayed interest in Hand at the Senior Bowl. I think that shows that they are continuing to look at that highly athletic DE/DT type McDowell was drafted to be. Makes Andrew Brown an interesting consideration.
I gotta be honest, though, as excited as I was when they initially drafted him, the whole McDowell thing as me massively gun shy on swinging for the fences for raw athleticism high if there is any questions about how much the guy loves football.
Naz Jones feels like a player who loves the game and feels like a guy who wants to maximize it. BJ Hill looks like a guy who’s that way, as well. Da’Shawn Hand? That’s an interesting athlete, but is he dog? Is Josh Sweat and Lorenzo Carter?
Not opposed to those freaky guys, but there are things that make me pump breaks a bit this year, and I think tied to McDowell.
IDK, I think I’m rambling a bit. Just not feeling it for the edge talent this year beyond a tiny handful of guys. I think maybe either go 3T or find a Bennett type you like, unless Davenport is sitting there.
Hawks definelty seem to be stocking up to target DE and LB on D, possibly CB late. Like all these moves so far. Bunch of cheap dudes.
They still need a CB.
Yeah, I’m hoping Maxwell gets sewed up soon.
He is really all we need.
Before the draft that is.
I hope we can do better than Maxwell.
No Arden Key in the first two rounds?
Character issues aside, do you think he’s better overall than Josh Sweat?
Too many issues.
Seahawks like me them Viking DTs huh?
Not bad players to like.
How many Vikings does it take to win a Super Bowl?
Not Sheldon Richardson.
This wins Joke of the Day, and it doesn’t even require a punch line. Brilliant.
My god! He did that man dirty. One of the greatest things I’ve ever seen from a DE from one of, if not the best to ever do it.
https://mobile.twitter.com/DustyEvely/status/977287301247258624/photo/1
That looked like me playing RT. Powered by shame
Isn’t that a RB coming out to pass protect, the rest of the OL was engaged on the other side of the field.
The guy that got tossed looked to be in the 225# range…..
It was Jimmy Graham!
The thing I appreciate about this draft is that for a team like Seattle who’s trying to fill out a roster it’s almost ideal. Most often it’s the case but even more so this year, is that there’s very little separating the guys projected from the end of round 1 into late day 2.
Ranking the Hawks biggest needs (if Thomas if not traded).
1) Defensive end
2) Running back
3) Tight end
Would LOVE to find a Zach Miller clone.
4) Place kicker
5) OL
6) DB
6a) Lb(especially a linebacker) who can get after the QB
_____________
The Hawks three biggest needs are.
A) Pass rusher
B) Pass rusher
C) Pass rusher
Reasons A, B, and C are why I think some of the DE’s will be higher on Seattle’s board than others.
With all the moves they have done in free agency the RB and DE position for sure look like targets.
I Agree but don’t forget we added pass rush from SAM which we have not had.
RB is still the biggest need from what I see. DE is next.
They need a pass rusher. It’s not biggest need a, b and c.
They won 11 games with Clemons and Irvin as the only two rushers on the roster. You know why? They could run the football.
+1
Seahawks quietly having a slam-dunk offseason.
I’ll add a few thoughts:
I love Da’Ron Payne but after signing the two Viking DT’s I doubt he’s in play.
Malik McDowell is going to return this year, but I think he’ll be more of an inside outside player than a pure DT.
At this point I think Earl Thomas stays put.
We need to add something at CB. Definitely they’ll add a corner in round five, but we should also sign a free agent. Ideally, they bring back Maxwell.
Cap tip: with the current draft picks the Seahawks currently have those picks will only take up about $1.8 million of cap space after they replace other players in the top 51. This will most likely change a bit once they either trade ET or trade down.
I would also not be shocked if they redid RWs contact sooner, rather than later.
If Kirk Cousins can make 28M a year…. imagine what Rogers will get… possibly 31 or 32 M / year
At least RW and Rogers have won a SB….. : /
Yeah, thats starting to get out of hand. When the Raiders, Lions, and 49ers gave those deals out it really screwed it up for the rest of the league. Every QB cant just trump the next one. Its silly.
My hunch is that RW isn’t going to want to get into contract talks until the 11th hour, which is why JS might be looking at QBs this year a bit.
The Cousins deal blows me away. After two straight franchise tags, he’s now coming into what’s basically year three of a five year fully guaranteed contract. The Vikings just got a career season out of Keenum (98.3 passer rating) for $2M, now they’re paying $26M more per season for a guy who has a career 93.7 passer rating. The Vikings didn’t get better, they just have a better shot of not being worse at QB. That’s what $84M guaranteed over three years is buying them.
Speaking of Keenum, 2 years $36M, $25M guaranteed: ridiculous. Unless Denver is expecting development from Paxton Lynch, does anyone really think they don’t still need a QB?
Then there’s the Cardinals. Their management must love QBs with extensive injury histories. 2 years $40M, $15M guaranteed, for another guy (Bradford) who’s one more knee injury from playing the rest of his career from a wheelchair. I bet they’re looking forward to this season with Mike Glennon as their starting QB.
Next, there’s the deal SF gave to Garrroppppollllo; 5 years $137.5M, $48.7M guaranteed for about half a season of starting QB experience. Unbelievable, that a contract like Andrew Luck’s can look like a bargain in comparison.
Yeah, the huge money for largely either unproven to maybe pretty good QBs is getting crazy.
1. Anyone who’s talked about trading Russell Wilson other than tongue in cheek, I just….I can’t…
2. Unless Wilson pulls a Brady on his next contract, man, he’s going to cost a mint – and he’s worth it.
There aren’t really a ton of edge guys in this draft period. There certainly aren’t very many good ones behind the top 20. I wouldn’t touch sweat with anything higher Jan a 4tj. That’s how mediocre a football player he is in real life and not a combine type setting. For all the criticisms of his teammate Derwin James, magnify those times 10 and that’s Sweat. Throw away the workout numbers and Harold Landry is A monster in comparison, and even he won’t go top 20. Chubb, Davenport, these guys will be top 20 most likely. After that you might as well get a project later. Get stud football players early and as often as possible.
SLEEPER ALERT SLEEPER ALERT
Rob, want to run the football? Check this guy out: Colorado State HB Dalyn Dawkins:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GgAA6gRB2UA
I really liked his tape, but at 5‘9“ and 185, is he really a viable RB option for the hawks even in a later around? Without crazy speed, I don’t see how they’d pick a guy that small.
I know the board loves RoJo, but we have major needs much more vital than RB. This year’s RB class is deep and I’d rather wait on RB and take Hernandez, whom would provide greater impact overall. Sweat has elite measurables but we need to stop drafting guys with major injury red flags. The most important ability is availability. Anybody with multiple knee injuries shouldn’t be considered.
Read prior article.
I can feel this becoming a common theme for the next month, but here goes:
1. The RB class is deep in the top-50. It is not as deep as people think beyond that. We could see 6-8 running backs go in the first two rounds. Seattle, currently, has one pick at #18 and that’s it. The idea of one of these top runners being available in the late third (if they can acquire a late third) or even the fourth round is fanciful. If you want a good running back in this draft, you have to take one early. Jay Gruden was only making this point last week. And I guarantee teams will fill their boots with this RB class this year. Washington and Denver are going to pounce at the top of round two, if Cleveland and the Giants don’t kick off the run themselves.
2. They only spent a second round pick on Ethan Pocic a year ago. I really like Isaiah Wynn. I think he’s one of the top-10 players in the class (or will prove to be in time, health permitting of course). I don’t think Austin Corbett and Will Hernandez are far behind. It’s a really good interior O-line draft in the first two rounds. But eventually you have to say — we’ve spent so much on one unit. If you go with Hernandez early, you’re putting Pocic on the bench. You’re not making best use of your resources. And anyone thinking one more high pick is the solution to the problems up front is in for a shock. Solari would still need to get more from Brown, Britt, Ifedi, Fant and even Fluker (who has something to prove too). Let’s put it this way. It’s either Pocic + a great new RB or DE. Or it’s Hernandez, Pocic on the bench and no RB or DE. Making the best use of your resources is key and one of the reasons Seattle has struggled in recent seasons.
Agree unless Pete really believes Carson is his guy. Remember Pete is on the record as saying Carson was his pick in the draft. Then Carson won the starting spot in camp over Lacy who they just signed to a free agent deal and Rawls etc. Even this off season Pete has seemed excited about having Carson back. I know he got hurt but that was a legit fluke injury which I was surprised was not even worse. It is not like he is chronically hurt like Prosise who could also have a bounce back year. You keep saying he was a 7th rounder but when had that mattered to Pete if a guy can play he can play in his eyes guys like Sherm, Kam, KJ etc were all late picks who became impact starters early.
I agree 100% with you that fixing the run game is 100% priority # 1 I am just not sure that means they are taking an RB with thier 1st pick and based on the guys they have met with etc so far have not indicated that is the direction they will go.
You are usually right when it comes to identifying the position groups they will address and what range and tie is a top heavy RB class so there is every chance you are 100% right I just think the horrific OL run blocking last year cannot be ignored as the primary reason the run game was bad and before he got hurt Carson looked pretty darn good even behind that OL.
I am not saying they will take OL wirh the first pick I just think Wynn is a 10 yr starter with multi pro bowl potential and I agree with the Zach Martin comp you and others have made. If they take him they are not wasting the Pocic pick. He competes at RG with Fluker who only signed a 1 yr deal. He also backs up Britt and continues to get stronger to become the starting RG if Fluker is only a 1 yr rental.
I guess bottom line is we have heard them linked to a lot of players ( Sweat, Hernandez, the Wisc DBs etc) but I cannot think of a top rated RB yet. Perhaps we are underestimating how the Hawks feel about Carson and Prosise who could be like PRich and finally be healthy and contribute in year #3. I am certainly they will likely draft 2 RB and sign 1-2 udfa RB. I just have real doubts that RB will be the first pick the Hawks make even after a trade back, perhaps even multiple times.
I they do go RB with the first pick the only one who justifies that would be Rojo ( Barkley excluded) as he is a potential game breaker IMO. I just don’t see guys like Chubb, Johnson being special enough to I eat the limited early draft capital they have.
Listen, they clearly like Carson. But let’s not kid ourselves here.
He played four games last year before getting injured. He missed time in 2016 and 2015 with injuries. He had an extremely thin college career after going the JUCO route and actually only featured in a handful of games.
However much they like Chris Carson, they will not be viewing or trusting him as ‘the guy’.
A complimentary piece, a competitor to become ‘the guy’. But not ‘the guy’.
And the horrific run blocking isn’t being ignored. Not by me and in fairness not by the Seahawks. You wanted them to sign DJ Fluker Trevor. He’s here. That’s their move now. Right now they have one pick in the first four rounds. I’ll say it again — you’ve got to make the best use of your resources. And that isn’t benching Pocic after one year and not having any new players at DE or RB. It’s putting Pocic at LG and getting a DE or a RB early.
I think we also have to give Solari a chance to fix/change what we have on roster already. We can all pretty much agree that after a few successes early on, Cable was either a) absolutely horrendous at evaluating OL talent in the draft or b) even worse at developing said talent…maybe even a combo of both somehow. Getting Cable out of the OL could be the big break Britt, Pocic, Ifedi and others needed to turn the corner. We have no way of knowing that yet.The draft resources invested in the OL is too much to completely blow it up and give up on guys that we just don’t know much about yet.
One good to great RB can make all 5 guys on the OL look much better than they actually are (Carp and Sweezy come to mind). They can make something out of nothing. One good to great OL is only 1/5 of the line and can only affect his immediate assignment. I think getting the top RB on their board early is much more important, imo.