#1 Cleveland — Deshaun Watson (QB, Clemson)
Watson has playmaking talent and the personality to be a franchise leader. The Browns need someone to build around at quarterback. Watson can be that man.
#2 San Francisco — Myles Garrett (EDGE, Texas A&M)
The 49ers reportedly want Josh McDaniels as coach. Would they deal for Jimmy Garoppolo? It would enable them to take Garrett here if so.
#3 Chicago — Solomon Thomas (DE, Stanford)
A prediction — Thomas will destroy the combine and leap into the top-five as a consequence.
#4 Jacksonville — Garett Bolles (T, Utah)
Jacksonville has a major need at offensive tackle. Bolles is the best in the class and could rise gradually (like Eric Fisher in 2013).
#5 Tennessee — Reuben Foster (LB, Alabama)
Foster is a class act capable of providing Tennessee with a Luke Kuechly or Bobby Wagner type presence at middle linebacker.
#6 New York Jets — Leonard Fournette (RB, LSU)
Arguably the best player in the draft. The Jets need a youth movement to build around and could see value with Fournette.
#7 San Diego — Jabrill Peppers (S, Michigan)
A lot of people are rushing to criticise a player who recorded 6YPC on offense and recorded 15 TFL’s (the same as Myles Garrett) in 2016.
#8 Carolina — Dalvin Cook (RB, Florida State)
Teams will salivate over Cook’s skill set. The Panthers have bigger needs — but could see this as a rare opportunity to land a fantastic player.
#9 Cincinnati — Jonathan Allen (DE, Alabama)
There’s no doubting Allen’s talent and production in college but this is a loaded draft at the top end and he isn’t a great athlete.
#10 Buffalo — Malik Hooker (S, Ohio State)
The Bills have needs at both safety spots. Hooker looks like the nearest thing to Earl Thomas since 2010.
#11 New Orleans — Marlon Humphrey (CB, Alabama)
Humphrey has everything — recovery speed, a nose for the ball, size and length and the ability to tackle. Perfect modern day cornerback.
#12 Cleveland — Jamal Adams (S, LSU)
Having gone quarterback at #1, the Browns can still land one of the best defensive players in the draft at this spot.
#13 Arizona — Mitch Trubisky (QB, North Carolina)
Bruce Arians has acknowledged they need to start planning for the future at quarterback. Trubisky is worth the investment.
#14 Indianapolis — Takkarist McKinley (EDGE, UCLA)
Indy’s defense is letting the side down. McKinley should perform well at the combine. He’s raw but plays with great effort.
#15 Philadelphia (via Minnesota) — Mike Williams (WR, Clemson)
Clemson receivers are always technically very gifted. Williams also has great size.
#16 Baltimore — Marshon Lattimore (CB, Ohio State)
Some people see Lattimore as the best corner in the draft. The combine will likely determine the pecking order.
#17 Washington — Zach Cunningham (LB, Vanderbilt)
Constantly around the ball, Cunningham has unique length to go with great instincts and tenacity. He’s also a superb athlete.
#18 Tennessee — Quincy Wilson (CB, Florida)
More polished but less flashy than Jalen/Teez Tabor — and could easily land in the top-20.
#19 Tampa Bay — O.J. Howard (TE, Alabama)
Highly underrated due to a lack of production, teams will covet Howard. He has incredible, untapped potential. Could go a lot earlier.
#20 Denver — Ryan Ramcyzk (T, Wisconsin)
Ramcyzk is having surgery and could miss all of the pre-draft schedule. That could mean he lasts this far into round one.
#21 Detroit — Charles Harris (EDGE, Missouri)
All teams are looking for a Charles Harris. Dynamic off the edge, shocking athleticism and quickness.
#22 Miami — Taco Charlton (EDGE, Michigan)
Charlton could be a big riser at the combine. He has ideal size but works well in space. He was terrific against Florida State in the Orange Bowl.
#23 New York Giants — Cam Robinson (T, Alabama)
He could easily drop into round two. He looks the part but are there character issues?
#24 Oakland — Demarcus Walker (DE, Florida State)
Bruce Irvin says they need more interior rush. Walker can be an inside/out type for the Raiders.
#25 Houston — Budda Baker (S, Washington)
In a different draft class, Baker could easily crack the top-20. Fluid athlete, great in space. Closes really well. Tackles fiercely for his size.
#26 Green Bay — Gareon Conley (CB, Ohio State)
Another cornerback in a loaded class. Could go earlier if he works out well at the combine.
#27 Seattle — David Njoku (TE, Miami)
Not the biggest priority but we need to see how other prospects work out at the combine. They usually take a major upside type.
#28 Pittsburgh — John Ross (WR, Washington)
The Steelers love dynamic, downfield pass-catchers. Imagine Ross with Big Ben at QB, playing with Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell.
#29 Atlanta — Sidney Jones (CB, Washington)
Has so much talent — a natural corner. Size might put some teams off though. Could go a lot earlier than this.
#30 Kansas City — Deshone Kizer (QB, Notre Dame)
Alex Smith is 33 this year. Time to start planning ahead at quarterback.
#31 Dallas — Derek Barnett (DE, Tennessee)
Another prospect who could go a lot earlier. It’s a loaded class. Barnett dominated at Tennessee.
#32 New England — Adoree’ Jackson (CB, USC)
Tremendous athlete and return man. The only problem is — what’s his position at the next level?
Round two
33. Cleveland — Chidobe Awuzie (CB, Colorado)
34. San Francisco — Corey Davis (WR, Western Michigan)
35. Jacksonville — Jalen Tabor (CB, Florida)
36. Chicago — Tre’Davious White (CB, LSU)
37. Los Angeles — Antonio Garcia (T, Troy)
38. San Diego — Malik McDowell (DT, Michigan State)
39. New York Jets — Tim Williams (EDGE, Alabama)
40. Carolina — Obi Melifonwu (S, Connecticut)
41. Cincinnati — Christian McCaffrey (RB, Stanford)
42. New Orleans — Carl Lawson (EDGE, Auburn)
43. Philadelphia — Kevin King (CB, Washington)
44. Buffalo — Justin Evans (S, Texas A&M)
45. Arizona — Forrest Lamp (G, Western Kentucky)
46. Indianapolis — Cordrea Tankersley (CB, Clemson)
47. Baltimore — Dan Feeney (G, Indiana)
48. Minnesota — D’Onta Foreman (RB, Texas)
49. Washington — Jarrad Davis (LB, Florida)
50. Tampa Bay — JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR, USC)
51. Denver — Evan Engram (TE, Ole Miss)
52. Cleveland — Ryan Anderson (LB, Alabama)
53. Detroit — Cameron Sutton (CB, Tennessee)
54. Miami — Raekwon McMillan (LB, Ohio State)
55. New York Giants — Alex Anzalone (LB, Florida)
56. Oakland — Elijah Qualls (DT, Washington)
57. Houston — Brad Kaaya (QB, Miami)
58. Green Bay — Curtis Samuel (WR, Ohio State)
59. Seattle — Haason Reddick (LB, Temple)
60. Pittsburgh — Patrick Mahomes (QB, Texas Tech)
61. Atlanta — Chris Wormley (DT, Michigan)
62. Kansas City — Caleb Brantley (DT, Florida)
63. Dallas — Jourdan Lewis (CB, Michigan)
64. New England — Marcus Maye (S, Florida)
I know it’s not a need necessarily, but gosh darn, I would love to have Jarrad Davis join Bobby and KJ. Do you think he could fit into SAM or his more of an inside linebacker?
His toughness and nose for the football seem like an excellent fit for Seattle—especially a team that wants to be the bully.
Every time I watch Florida tape he flashes.
He’s a great player. Could easily go in R1.
I think he’s best at inside LB. And in the last game Seattle’s SAM played 5% of the snaps so I think any player for that role needs to offer some pass rush.
Excellent point. I wonder if they stick with Mike Mo there again and draft a late round athlete to compete with him there.
As a late round option, I like Colorado’s Jimmie Gilbert. Obum Gwachum type with a little Aldon Smith like potential. Athletic traits with the production to match.
I just came here to rave about him haha what a stud
If Jonathan Allen lasts until 9, I would start calling teams to see what it takes to move up. Is he really not that great of an athlete?
He’s a really good player (thus projection in the top-10) but we’re talking about incredible athletes/players in this class — Thomas, Fournette, Cook, Foster etc. Not out of the question he lasts a little longer than most projecting.
Leonard Williams lasted until the 6th pick. He was the best player in that class but other players were picked ahead of him based on upside and need. I could foresee Allen lasting until 10 easy.
Maybe Rob could post a “Bold Predictions/Hot Takes” thread so we can go post our bold predictions and then go back and laugh at how wrong we were after the draft.
For example, I think Jamal Adams goes before Jabrill Peppers. Or I think there’s no way Watson goes #1. Stuff like that. Get it all out of the way now.
Don’t sleep on Watson. He gained mass amounts of traction in that championship game as far the top of the board lines up.IMO.
I love doing Mock Drafts in January. After the Senior Bowl and Combine I can look back on how dumb I was.
Instead of a Hot Takes article I would love an NFL Comparisons Ceiling/Floor type of article. For example, Malik McDowell’s ceiling is Calais Campbell and floor is Adolphus Washington type of article. It would make for an entertaining mindless read IMO.
If Allen has the get-off of a player like Gerald McCoy or Aaron Donald he will be top 5. Dominant 3-techs are very special and rare and they say he’s just as good playing DE. Would a young Michael Bennett go that early, I wonder?
Love Haason Reddick. One of my favorite prospects this year. Will have to add some weight, but has the frame to do it.
IMO he could absolutely fill the Bruce Irvin role. He even looks like him at times, skill set wise. Great burst off the edge, first step quickness is top notch, comfortable in space, and a playmaker. Lives in the opposition’s backfield.
They do look a lot alike. Similar physical profile and production too.
Agreed. I’m a big fan of this guy.
Hmmm. As I have said I can get excited for TE in R1 (let Luke walk, re-sign Graham, sign a FA OL like Zeitler or a RT, sign FA Calais Campbell).
But Linebacker in R2?
“He reminds me of a poor man’s Bruce Irvin whose best attribute is his ability to create pressure, but someone with the raw talent to be a more versatile contributor.” – http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/2017-nfl-draft-temple-haason-reddick-scouting-report-121616
I mean…we technically have a need there with MikeMo being average, not a rusher and a UFA in ’17. But damn…TE and then LB with our first two picks would be kinda tough. Though need shouldn’t always play a part I feel like we have such bigger needs (OL, DL, RB, CB).
I guess with it being so far out, we don’t have combine info and free agency isn’t over (whether or not we sign a legit OLinemen and/or a DLinemen will majorly shift mock drafts after that point) I can’t blame you but still. The age of Bennett & Avril is a bit scary. The potential for our OL to still have major issues in ’17 along with the lack of depth (we’ve basically only got Rees to compete for a starting spot) and at CB it is just tough cause we have no clue if Elliot, Seisay, SJB or Thorpe could be competent starters. Then at RB…well things could go great; Prosise could build his body to be more durable, Rawls could play 13+ games, Collins could turn out to be a solid 4+ YPC durable back and Pope could turn out to be a solid contributor. But it’s also possible Rawls & Prosise will miss 6+ games each, Collins will be a 3 YPC back & Pope won’t amount to anything ever. :/
TBH after a discussion with Davis Hsu about humans making mistakes and second chances and such I wouldn’t mind hearing the Seahawks have a keen interest in Mixon in R2 or lower. But given their “no DV policy” it seems unlikely. There’s video of him doing it, there wasn’t of Frank so they wormed their way through that backlash.
Thorpe looked pretty good in his lone start this season. I do think they’ll add a corner this year, but is it really a need?
Lane has been awful and for a team that is all about depth of talent in the secondary…who knows what we got in those guys. I’d like to see us extend Shead (make him our legit CB2 for the next 3+ years) but with Lane sucking and Sherm aging (28 with ’17 & ’18 left on his deal, he’ll be 30 y/o then)…
BTW if they went for a guy like Budda Baker in round 1 (if he’s there) and he can play CB like Honeybadger can? That’s great. I’m not sure if Shalom Luani who I’d like to see us take in R2 or R3 can play CB as well. But yeah, a backup safety would be great to add. We’ll likely let McCray walk (he’ll want to start somewhere and get paid).
(BTW CB play fluctuates, Lane could turn out to have a good or great year in ’17. But he is also injury prone so having quality depth is important.)
I don’t think Lane has been as bad as people believe.
Slot corner is a thankless task. You’re usually covering some kind of mismatch. You’re also covering a large part of the field, you’re susceptible to rub-routes and it’s so difficult to create sticky coverage.
He has had some rough days but it’s a tough gig.
This is a very good corner class — but we know how the Seahawks have approached this position for the last seven years.
Plus its almost impossible to jam or press a receiver in the slot.
I saw some stats (targets, completion %, AYPC, etc) that showed Lane was just a couple of % points and a couple of AYPC higher than Shead. Interestingly, Sherman had far fewer targets, a much lower completion % but, a noticeably higher AYPC.
If (if) Sherman has a weakness it’s changing direction to keep up with shiftier WRs. If the playcall can get him running at full stride then break the receiver off (comeback/curl/out/dig routes) the WR can/may get separation. But it’s risky because he’s one of the best corners, not just now but ever. So it doesn’t happen often and it’s not successful often, but when it does connect it’s predominately a mid range throw.
Another way to look at it is that if he’s thrown at it’s not likely to be shorter slant and flat routes cause he’ll jump those. And before ET was injured few OC would spit in the football gods’ eyes and call deep corner/post/fly routes on Sherman’s side.
Most of the bigger, longer corners struggle with COD.
Lane may be good at what he is doing (or not depending on the play). But he will always be targeted a lot because Sherman is guarding the other side. That is why I can make a legitimate argument for picking a cornerback, even a first round cornerback. What team has ever complained about having two elite cornerback? None, and the Seahawks wouldn’t be complaining either if that is how they drafted.
But a rookie will also get targeted because of Richard — and they aren’t any more likely to succeed quickly. We’re assuming here a first round rookie CB will be elite.
I think a first round cornerback could have a higher interception rate, and help the Seahawks with turnovers.
Why?
Lane is hella good.
I think he’s better than Shead, although less consistent and versatile.
Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady targeted him about 5 times combined.
Totally disagree. Lane has been beaten badly at times. Shead is always in position and never gets toasted.
I’m just saying. The numbers show the elite minds of the game prefer to target mismatches against Ahead.
Shead*
Lane isn’t bad, but he seems to be out of position or sometimes either watching or taking plays off. He’s been inconsistent. He certainly can be very solid, but I don’t think he’s been at his best this year.
I’d really like to pick up Kevin King from UW – he could be special learning the Seahawks way. Shead is fine, but not great.
In my opinion slot corner is the most difficult of all the cornerback positions In fact I don’t even think it’s close.
You are right on Nathan.
I’d take BB in the 1st round in a heart beat. He is another honey badger and is talented enough to be on the field in several capacities.
If the Hawks draft a defensive player in the 1st round I’d hope for Budda or the best pure edge rusher available (Derek Barnett please).
Mixon, I suspect, will go undrafted. Or be a later round pick ala Tyreek Hill. He only has himself to blame. He would’ve been a R1 pick.
I don’t want him… but man whoever gets him will have an instant upgrade. Could you imagine what he could do for a borderline great team? Someone like the Raiders or Colts will take a chance on him.
Or the Bengals, maybe even the Cowboys to backup EE.
If he goes to teh Raiders he will have a Zeke Elliot type impact next year with that OL.
KC?
I wouldn’t be against a 6th or 7th on Mixon, but his talent is clearly that of an early round pick. Maybe someone takes a chance, but that video is horrific.
I don’t think the Hawks would have targeted him anyway with Procise and Rawls in the fold.
If the Seahawks have any doubts about Earl Thomas’ health going forward, and if Budda Baker is still on the board at #25, I would love to see them move up to get him, even if he has to play in situational roles for a year or two.
The logic used to support drafting an offensive weapon or a LB at the top of the draft was based on having the OL/running game issues behind us due to FA moves or within the current roster. Same for DT. That in itself would make me very happy with this mock draft.
And yet, leaving the first 2 rounds of this draft class without a top EDGE prospect would feel like a big miss.
I am not sure that what this defense misses is the 6 sacks by DTs. I think it misses Bennett & Avril playing less than 70% of the snaps and being their fresh disruptive selves all season long.
Also, considering the fact that Kam & Earl missed 10 games combined this year is due to their hard hitting type of football. It will not change (hopefully), they are not getting any younger and may keep missing some games. We see a clear drop in the secondary when one of them is not playing. If we have all the big issues under control, I’d be very happy with a 3rd safety that can play in nickle packages against bigger WRs and TEs and help reduce the drop when one of our safeties is injured. I’d value that guy more than a 3rd LB.
Personally I feel like I need a combine now to sufficiently judge the EDGE/DL prospects in terms of Seattle.
When that’s happened, certainly the ones that appear to fit will get a lot of focus.
I agree. So much of our picks come from Pro Days and Interviews at the combine in addition to the numbers we get to confirm tape.
Tim Williams in Round 1!
I agree Rob. Without those exact numbers it’s hard to pinpoint the top of the crop.
After all, it’s just a possible tenth of a second that would separate David Njoku’s freak potential from a 4.56 Willson.
Rob, looking back at every one of Seattle’s draft class they double dip at one position every single time. As we know and always talk about, you can’t fill every need in a draft anyways. So what position do you think or if you had guess they’d double dip at this year? D-line?
Listening to TC the other day he was talking about improving in the red zone and how its all about creating mismatches. With that said, it does seem highly likely this team will add a weapon for RW somewhere between the 1st-3rd rounds. Or if they (highly likely) trade back and get a 4th, maybe there.
Then again, you wonder if a more effective short-yardage running game would create those mismatches more than another “weapon.” Maybe a mauler at RT is the new “weapon” we need 😉 I’ve come around on the idea of adding another athletic TE, for example, but we’ve had this discussion before about Jimmy Graham: if we can’t block, we need to keep the TE in to chip, so our “weapon” just went away. Guess we’ll see how the draft falls….
‘Then again, you wonder if a more effective short-yardage running game would create those mismatches more than another “weapon.” ‘
Very possible. I’m sure they’ll add a RB somewhere in the 3rd-4th. At least I’d like to think so.
Depending on how he tests and how the board falls, I’d be tempted to pull the trigger on WR Corey Davis.
I’m really interested in Davis also. Hawks drafted Lockett with Richardson on the roster. If Davis can upgrade Kearse over the course of next year you would have a ready replacement if Kearse is cut after next season. I also wonder if McEvoy could develop into that tall high ball red zone option.
I definitely feel like red zone offense might be a priority, one way or another.
Reddick would be a nice get late in R2, but, we might be letting another 3tech prospect slide to KC (first Jones, then Brantley).
If Sidney Jones was still there that late IMO would be a steal and exactly the kind of corner this defense needs, a guy who can make plays on the ball. In the modern era you need 3 good corners and this year so far we only have, turnovers are a foundation of Pete’s system and we aren’t getting them. And not hitting that well in the late CBs anymore. With a history of getting local players too but mute than that his talent and fit, I think Jones would be hard to pass on.
Phone post
“This year we only have 2”
“But more than that”
One reason I think O.J. Howard will rise up to a potential top 10 pick is not just his untapped potential, but his outstanding blocking ability. If you focus on some of Scarborough’s runs in the championship you can see this. He consistently gets after it time and time again. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Buffalo of New Orleans grab him right there. Best TE prospect there has been in years and years.
Agreed. Hard to see due to the low volume/production, but Howard looks better than any TE in quite some time. If Ebron, who couldn’t block at all went top 10, no reason Howard cannot.
Word is he has 130+ sparq
Sorry 120+
My personal favorite Tight End in this class is Jordan Leggett and he should come quite affordable. We have alot of ways we could go Rd 1&2 and i wouldn’t gripe, and Leggett’s talent will undoubtedly outweigh his draft position. I watch Njoku and see alot of plays from Kaaya that are lofted throws, or non nfl plays, that make it easy for Njoku to catch.. but even those catches dont look natural. His routes are rare routes to be had in the NFL, they’re more plays he was given vs plays he created. I guess I expect more, different players but at an athletic 6’4″ I expect Evan Engram Creativeness plays/catches vs taking advantage of poor competition and softball throws.. just an opinion.
I know it seems cliche to want that Hybrid LB/S, but the intrigue of Peppers could create a mild trade up, with how PCJS could just salivate at his athletic tools, assuming he falls. Likewise a trade down situation for Melifonwu, both players are just Athletic and Instinctive.
Last 2 notes, if Tim Williams drops due to Failed Drug Tests, PCJS have always stated “You can never have enough pass rushers”.
Also I’m in the minority of feeling 100% comfortable ignoring the OL in the first 2 Rounds, if we can allow each of these men to grow in Their Positions without moving them from one spot to another, for experimenting purposes(Gilliam, Britt, Carp). I believe they can make Huge improvements and grow well together, where they’re slotted now.
As a long-term proposition, I’d rather have Joe Mixon than a guy with substance abuse issues.
Leggett is damn good.
Yes Leggett made some good catches in the championship game. Against some hard hits from the defense.
Someone is going to have to explain the appeal of Haasan Reddick to me. I don’t see it. 6’1′ 230? Undersized. Watched his tape against Cincinnati and he was almost completely a non-factor. Bruce Irvin was 240 coming out of WVU iirc and he was considered undersized at the time.
If we can’t get one of the top Tackles I would like to see us draft the best pure edge rusher available.
6-1 and 230lbs isn’t undersized for a SAM who can play EDGE passing downs.
I’d recommend watching multiple games. Guy was a beast with production. Eerily similar physical profile to Bruce and production.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I76cLlT_kE0
Rob I think Obi Melifonwu could be a really special / unique player based on the limited tape I have seen with his size if he tests as expected he could go from unheard of to a top 50 pick.
If somehow he fell to the Hawks do you think there is any chance they could take him not to backup Kam or Earl but to be used a hybrid. Could you go with 2LB (Bobby and KJ) and 3 Safeties (Kam, Obi and Earl). With the way the league is going it would really help in pass coverage and both Obi and Kam would be huge Safeties to play in the box in the run game.
Curious what people think.
I’m kind of falling in with this idea. They need to start to find a SS/LB type who can fill in for Kam if he is injured or retires in 1-2 years. The upside and potential might be well worth the swing on this guy. However, if he does blow up the combine, he might be gone before when Seattle picks in the draft.
You might be right. Even if he does blow up the combine I can’t see him going earlier than the 2nd round tough. Too many really good DBs.
Possibly. I like Melifonwu. Might be hard to get him on the field though in Seattle.
I’d say there’s a chance, but wondering how much others think PC is interested in all this sutff vs. how much we are interested. IOW, broad strokes, Pete seems to prefer the keep it simple and play fast defense. Not the Rex Ryan, ultra sub packages for every different down and distance complexity defense. So for the past two years I read us talk about about how we need a deathbacker/moneybacer/hybrid/honeybadger gadget guy, and Pete seems happy rolling out Marsh, MikeMo and maybe Pinkins instead. One SS, one FS, roll.
So chance we could take him, but doubt we’d go as high as second round for a guy that ultimately looks like a possible Kam replacement more than anything. And I think I think that running back and safety (free/high safety in particular) are two positions where it’s most important not to get swayed by the combine. There are a lot of these size/speed freaks that can’t play, IMO, because those positions rely greatly on instinct and vision.
Considering Seattle used the SAM for 5% of snaps vs Detroit, spent the off-season testing Browner to be a TE-coverage specialist and worked out guys like Pinkins as a sort of hybrid — I think they are clearly open to that. Irvin was a hybrid after all — SAM/LEO. Marsh is kind of that too. A deathbacker isn’t a ‘need’ per se as an option for all teams in this modern era.
If the top OT are off the board I love the idea of Njoku and the options it would give this offense. He has the chance to be really special.
I like the logic behind the Browns taking a QB at #1, but I just don’t see it. They have a tremendous number of other needs. It would be better to trade back a few spots and grab the BPA (and grab a few more choice picks) than grab Watson at #1. Hell, if they go back to #3 for example, they might still get him, if they truly love him.
They have needs… but none bigger than a QB.
The Browns definitely have tons of needs but none greater than a leader and face of the franchise to help change to whole mood surrounding the team in the community and culture in the organization.
No QB coming out since Andrew Luck comes with a better reputation as a leader with no baggage (Cam and Jamies). You cannot win consistently without a quality QB who can lead his team. That is why teams give up the farm to try and get one.
This should be a no-brainer for the Browns IMO.
If you were the GM of a team and had the choice of Russell Wilson or Von Miller who would you take? That is what it comes down to when looking as Garrett vs Watson.
you still have to have enough of a supporting cast around him to give that investment a chance, or you run the real risk of another David Carr situatiion. How many Cleveland QBs were sidelined this year? I get the reason Cleve might keep building a core and role another year with RG3 or kessler
roll*
If they go another year with RG3 and fail miserably again this management group might be on the hot seat. The Browns fans really do seem to be at all time high with regards to restlessness.
https://twitter.com/PeteCarroll/status/819625112395616256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Way early days, but if Pete’s song of the day was War’s Why Can’t We Be Friends https://play.google.com/music/preview/Tneqvsrbak23ynowfj6jqaun4mi?lyrics=1&utm_source=google&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=lyrics&pcampaignid=kp-lyrics
is he already hinting at the draft?
La La = Los Angeles, perhaps someone from USC or UCLA?
I seen ya around for a long long time = someone he’s watched play at UW?
Think it’s probably more about a connection… and then going to war together 🙂
If it is true I’m calling Adoree and Pettis. The seen ya around one could even be Calais.
I just assumed he was thinking about Quinn and Atlanta.
Based on what we know now, and if Wormley is available in R2, then I think they should draft Wormley to help fill their need at DT. Another guy who seems to be pegged as a later round pick is Ejuan Price, but until combine time it’s complete guess work where he’ll actually go in the draft.
*Until then, I like him going to Seattle in the 6th.
Isn’t it great to see guys like Bolles, Charlton, and Cunningham fly up draft all of the experts draft boards recently? These are guys we have discussed throughout the year and boom, Pauline, Miller etc. have these guys slotted where we have expected to see them for some time. It goes to show you how dedicated our fanbase is to building a team.
Matt Miller has pretty much always praised Taco as first round talent.
He also had Josh Allen in the top five last week…
I’d personally take Allen ahead of trubitsky or kizer.
Allen would be my second qb off the board.
Never been a fan of Tim Williams and felt he was a product of the system. Now hearing he has failed multiple drug test he would not even be on my board.
This would be a downer for me. We have to get more physical and this again takes us in the opposite direction. How long do we allow the quarterback to get harassed every other drop back? How much longer can we live with this running game? A move tight end? No, trade up if you have to and get that tackle. Heck, even trade back and get Dan Feeney and move Ifedi outside. We can’t live with the tackle tandem as is. And I do disagree about many people on Shead. He has zero ball skills for a corner. Replace and upgrade there. Kevin king is out there.
The pick is dependant on other needs being addressed pre-draft.
Plus it’s hard to identify targets on OL and DL pre-combine.
Love this blog! LOB is getting older, and talent needs to be restocked now. A top CB or S is the smart move. Always want to draft a year ahead of needs (not behind).I understand the thinking on Njoku but it seems like a total “luxury pick” (like Indy taking Phillip Dorsett in the 1st round) that will not help the Seahawks sustain excellence.
I have to note — a pick like this is a holding pick. There are so many fine details that go into a SEA draft choice at specific positions. At DE, OL, CB, RB — they have shown trends. The combine is required now to develop the next stage of our projections.
That said, I do think this team has a Championship window that is getting smaller not bigger. And yet they’re very much in a win now mode. Any R1 pick is likely to be an impact player, not so much a nod to the future. They’ve also, with the exception of Earl Thomas, not taken any DB earlier than the fourth round. This is looking like an extremely good S and CB class — but these are things to consider.
I don’t get this way of thinking, window is open as long as #3 is still under center, and ownership and the GM have shown to be very good and willing to do anything to win. Carroll isn’t getting younger, but qb and management still have quite a ways to go, the window will be open.
Possibly — but this team is not a dynamic, high powered offense like we see with Rodgers/GB or Brady/NE. Or even like ATL/Ryan currently. Wilson is great, but his quality has often gone hand in hand with a terrific run game and a stifling defense. The make-up of this team has been a lot of connected parts functioning as one. Right now that isn’t happening — and they didn’t look all that great as a consequence.
Weapons wise they are as dynamic as NE and Green Bay. What they don’t have is an offensive line like those three teams. I believe if you give him time to operate in the pocket he can dominate as well as anyone. When healthy he is a top 5 qb. After Rawls went down last year he was still good. I don’t buy he needs a dominant running game to exceed. It would help, but what he really needs is time to go through his progressions. Also every team can use a dominant defense, that is up to Schneider to continue to build.
Understandable. There is definitely a trend happening and it’s not going in the right direction. I think Schneider deserves a ton of criticism for the current finesse modem of the Hawks. They thought they could outsmart the league and spend an astonishingly low amount on the line and Russell would make it all better. Well, he got beaten up. We need better tackle play and a running back who can take advantage of opportunities. Better the run game and the outside weapons are more effective. We can’t survive throwing the ball 35 times a game very often. Russell is an excellent football player, but he’s not Tom Brady.
I think you might be surprised to look at the First five seasons of those players. Your statement based on where they are at in their careers should be flipflopped: Brady’s great…but he’s not Wilson.
Better Comp%
Better TD to Int Ratio.
Brady at this same point only was better at YDS thrown.
I bring this up because I think a weapon is what Seattle needs. Yeah an awesome Dline, or better yet a tackle to challenge Gilliam/Fant/Odhiambo would be great. But for me unless a special player with some bumps on his resume drops down or like Reed isn’t being valued except by the ‘hawks, then it seems it would be a better draft to not force a pick that still wouldn’t improve that tackle spots.
If the hawk’s 1st pick is @ 27, that would mean that they’ve struggled to run the ball & protect Wilson. Thus, they’d fail to get past Atlanta. You’d think they’d continue to develop the OL rather add more offensive weapons.
With the emergence of Richardson & the return of Prosise, Lockett, along with Graham, Baldwin, Kearse & McEvoy, what would be the need for more weapons? Getting more time to find those targets would seem a greater priority.
Trading down with Chicago for Garcia would fit the need and enhance their ability to gain an additional 3rd Rd pick. Even if Chicago does trade for Romo, they still need to look to the future. Kizer could be “the Guy”.
Obviously, Garcia will not be the soul solution. Perhaps with the addition of Zeitler and more time together, the OL group may come together next year to a greater degree.
I think Rob is holding off on mocking OL along with DL until after the combine results with the idea that Seattle would select a unique athlete over a non explosive lineman.
Plus you have to change the mock from time to time. Can’t have an Oliner in there everytime.
A thing to keep in mind WALLUP. Seattle has never drafted a guy outside of the P5 conference with their 1st overall selection. Let’s see if that trend continues.
It’s getting to be that Rob could almost make a post in a month about the Seahawks “rules,” of drafting. Every year people don’t want to hear it about their favorite players. But arm length, Arm length, arm length. Power five conference for some positions. Later round picks for DB’s not named Earl Thomas.
Take the 40 and push it aside. You’re better off looking at three cone. Vert. Short shuttle. The seahawks staff isn’t that tricky, who they bring in to talk to has meaning come draft day and certainly for Free agents.
From what we’ve seen again, OL should be a priority. Hopefully, they will get help from FAs as well.
Finally a mock with Watson at 1.1. I just don’t see how CLE can risk not getting one of the top 3 QBs in this class and they will miss out if they wait.
I think both Tim Williams and Corey Davis (Davis, especially) will go in round 1, easily, but I also see how it could shake out this way.
#GoHawks
I don’t know. I think they need a more “surefire” hit at #1 overall, and should go with Myles Garrett and not look back.
Then start working with the #12 pick and their others to see if they can get into position for a QB they like.
I think they can get a top pass rusher at 12, but likely not a top QB. Tough to pass on Garrett, though.
Tough to pass on him for sure. But how does he change their organization? Just now I was going to reference the Mario Williams year 2006, but man those first ten picks…..yuck. Leinart? Cutler?
Point is Garrett does look and seem like a player who may be “can’t miss.” But Watson for them doesn’t seem like a forced pick unlike every year where QB’s are moving up ( I’m looking at you Trubisky) Watson clearly showed growth year to year and did beat Alabama. Granted it’s one game but unlike the Cam’s and RG3’s Watson was a complete QB year to year.
I completely agree RE Williams & Davis. If Williams slips to 26 Hawks should take him IMO if he clears the character check
Want nothing to do with Williams. This years Randy Gregory way over-rated. I hope the Cards take him.
26: R1P26
TE DAVID NJOKU
MIAMI (FL)
58: R2P26
LB HAASON REDDICK
TEMPLE
90: R3P26
DL JALEEL JOHNSON
IOWA
105: R3P41
WR COOPER KUPP
E WASHINGTON
184: R5P39
G JORDAN MORGAN
KUTZTOWN
211: R6P26
RB MATTHEW DAYES
NC STATE
229: R7P8
CB AHKELLO WITHERSPOON
COLORADO
Seattle shows a willingness to let the current OL grow together. Extra FA $s go to helping out the interior DL, maybe adding some veteran competition to the young OL, or RB. With the first two picks, Seattle selects two unique athletes that can have impact right away.
In R3, they take the best remaining DT out of the draft in Jaleel Johnson, and double down on pass catchers with the mega productive Cooper Kupp. They find mid round value in OL Jordan Morgan, who like Odhiambo, can play multiple positions on the OL. The find late round value at RB in Dayes, and CB in Witherspoon.
In terms of inside rush, I thought Rob brought up an interesting reminder in the latest podcast with Kenneth Arthur that the role of DTs in Seattle is to be gap sound, stouts, and not just tear ass to make a splash. Hence the Jarran Reed drafting of, and maybe that is what they primarily drafted him to be, and if he can develop more of a pass rush, bonus. It then seems to me that they seem to target two types of interior rushers; those the can win with power, leverage and wheels (Clinton McDonald, Jordan Hill,.. Mebane to an extent) and those that are longer leaner bodies who can get skinny through the gap (Bennett, Jason Jones, Greg Scruggs). Prior to his injury, Carroll described Quinton Jefferson as someone they see as having Bennett’s skill set, and he was the reason that they felt they could depart with Jordan Hill. Garrison Smith, who is also in the IR, seems to be more of the ladder. So there is a couple young players on the roster who might be factoring into bigger plans next year than perhaps many realize. To my eye, Jefferson looked pretty promising in the preseason (dare I say splashier the Reed), and Garrison Smith looked good in those early games before he got injured. I still think they add there, but these guys come on and stay healthy, it could be a ridiculous area of strength next year. Which is why I’d be more concerned with the quality and depth on the OL again.
Jordan Morgan is a sleeper. I really want the Hawks to select him….
It’s going to be interesting to see what he does Senior Bowl week.
That would be a great draft!
What are the thoughts on Tarik Cohen out of NC A&T? He may be small but he has some moves.
Will have to check him out.
If round one is somewhat of a luxury pick like we’ve talked about, how about a linebacker/ safety that could matchup on TEs and be our blanket? Anybody intrigued by a prospect for that role?
Zach Cunningham (LB, Vanderbilt) could be your man.
I’d be absolutely stunned if Cunningham is there at 26. He could go top-15. My #2 ILB in this draft.
Well, not stunned but he’s a hell of a player. Only reason he lasts till 26 is he’s an ILB.
Agreed that he is that good. But there are a lot of good prospects on the defensive side of the ball this year and that could easily end up pushing a very good one down to us.
Sort of like what happened with Tackles last year that gave us a prospect like Ifedi who usually would have gone earlier with his elite physical profile.
I was kicking the tires on the Walterfootball site.. checking out some prospects and names for funs. A few guys caught my eye….. **I think most of these guys are going to turn pro in 2017**
T.J. Watt, ILB/OLB, Wisconsin, Height: 6-5. Weight: 243.
1/14/17: Watt had a strong debut to open the 2016 season with an impressive game against LSU. That set the tone for an excellent junior year, and Watt decided to skip his senior campaign to enter the 2017 NFL Draft. He is a good edge rusher who also is very tough at setting the edge in the ground game. Watt would be a perfect fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL.
(Yes he is related to THAT Watt, setting the edge were the key words for me)
Kai Nacua, S, BYU, Height: 6-2. Weight: 215.
1/7/17: Nacua had a fabulous start to his senior season with some big games in terms of creating turnovers. In 2016, he totaled six interceptions, 48 tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss and two passes broken up. (ball hawk was the words that got me excited)
Bucky Hodges, TE, Virginia Tech Height: 6-7. Weight: 245.
12/31/16: On the season, Hodges totaled 48 catches for 691 yards with seven touchdowns. He is a dangerous receiver who can hurt defenses in the red zone. Hodges needs to improve his blocking for the NFL, but he could be an impactful receiving tight end. (mid round value pick imo)
Isaac Asiata, G/C, Utah
Height: 6-3. Weight: 323.
Projected 40 Time: 5.30.
Projected Round (2017): 3-5.
1/7/17: Asiata is a quality run blocker who has to improve his pass protection. Injuries ravaged the Utes this season, and as a result, Asiata took some snaps at center after J.J. Dielman went out for the season. Guard might be a better fit for Asiata in the NFL, but that could be further determined at the Senior Bowl.
Isaac Asiata, G/C, Utah Height: 6-3. Weight: 323.
8/6/16: Asiata is a tough run blocker who has strength at the point of attack. He was effective at opening holes for Devontae Booker in 2015. Asiata has been a starter at guard the past two seasons with the majority of that time spent at left guard. As a redshirt freshman, Asiata had four starts at right tackle, but guard is his natural position. He is very strong, but needs to improve in pass protection. (This looks like a TC type of player from this write up, worth keeping tabs on in round 4 or so)
TJ Watt really pops on tape. With his production and name, it’ll take a day 2 pick to land him. I haven’t seen him drop into coverage in limited time watching his film, so I don’t know if he’s a realistic SAM candidate. Athletic testing & measured size will be key to see if he’s a viable Hawks target.
I like Bucky Hodges
So, Curtis Samuel declared for the draft the other day!
And someone posted updated highlights on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhkk1MNuGA4
He is the offensive weapon I want for the Hawks. Production: only college player with 700+ yds both rushing and receiving in 2016, not to mention 15 TDs. Elite athlete: like Percy but with toughness (referencing quote from Urban Meyer as the first special trait he noticed in Samuel) and without the locker room headaches.
I could see us trade out of Rd.1 as usual and take a defensive player at the top of Rd.2, probably adding a pass rusher of some sort. Then use the extra pick acquired to move up from the end of Rd. 2 to mid Rd.2 and grab Samuel.
I see him as a smaller version of Ty Montgomery at the next level. Could see the possible interest in him.
I could see him being limited to a bit role player, but I would gamble on his playmaking in the second
NC’s TJ Logan is another guy that is similar to Samuel. Better RB, probably just as good of an athlete or close, and could be had 2-3 rounds later.
Smaller and faster back. Sure could be a Playmaker, but my assumption is Seattle will be looking for a thicker harder hitting running back since we have several in a similar mold already. Samaje Perine is one of those that appears to have a little more power to his style than those in our current stable.
You know it’s a dank safety class when Marcus Maye lasts till the third round
He’s a little too hesitant.
Best Safety / CB class I have seen since following the draft. There will be a ton of guys available on day #2 who would be 1st rounder’s most years. White (LSU) Coleman (Tenn), Tabor (FLa) just to name a few.
Two DBs I love and really hope the Hawks look at if they are there in Rd #3 or with the comp picks are Kevin King (Wash) and Tedric Thompson (Col)
Great points Rob, yes, the Seahawks go for SPECIAL athletes in the 1st round. Bring on the combine! GO HAWKS today!
If the right player isn’t there in Round 1, I see them trading down probably 10 spots in total to get at least two of those picks back. And, with the Seahawks having so few picks compared to what we are accustomed to seeing, how many times do you think they trade down to pick up those extra 4-5 picks to get them to double digits like PC/JS normal drafts?
Don’t hate it, but see a few guys with a lot of talent after 27 that I would rather see them go after. Wouldn’t mind a trade back to get two:
Jones (when can’t you have enough DB)
Barnett (when can’t you have enough pass rushers)
Davis (can replace Kearse and be the big WR on outside to compliment Baldwin)
Forman (need a power back)
I agree with all of these, and I’d probably put them in this order:
Davis (too productive and too special to pass on)
Foreman
Barnett
Jones
I might swap Barnett and Davis. Foreman and Barnett are bigger need areas, but man Davis or Jones would be big time additions.
Barnett/Clark/Bennett/Avril/Marsh would be a good rush rotation to keep people fresh
Really like all those guys Ed. I think Jones, Barnett and Davis will all be gone before we pick however. If not you would think they would have to be a consideration.
Davis is my favourite WR for the Hawks and Jones is my favourite CB for the Hawks.
IF Davis had played at a major FBS school, he’d be a top 5 pick IMO, considering his ALL-TIME FBS receiving yards record, and his 51 TD’s (near record), he very well could be one of the best receivers to come out in many years. The Seahawks could certainly use a guy like him if they want to provide more talented & reliable weapons for RW, (replacing the role of Kearse). A luxury pick, yes, but a real TD-maker that consistently puts up big #’s, yes please.
Can you imagine Sherm on one side and Sid Jones on the other at CB. That would be special.
My Bold predictions for todays game.
Hawks run for 200yds
Russ passes for 3+ TDS and runs for 1 TD
Jimmy Graham and Doug B both get 100yds receiving and 1 TD
Hawks win 31-28 with Steve H kicking the winner as time expires.
I truly believe if we win today and GB beats Dallas today that this team wins the SB.
I definitely think there’s going to be a lot of back and forth scoring in this one. I think if Seattle wins time of possession, they probably win the game. The pundits seem to be expecting Atlanta to walk away with this game, but I really like Seattle’s chances today.
Who do you guys think SF goes with as HC? Cable, Shannahan, or McDaniels?
First one available.
So shannahan. 🙂
Nice. I like it.
Love it!
Rob, you a fan of WCPW or World of Sport?
Prosise inactive for today’s game. Bummer. Sure was hoping he’d be available.
He’s a difference maker for sure. Gonna be exciting to see him and Rawls together eventually.
This is interesting.
https://mobile.twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/820262136387608576
Cal WR Chad Hansen is someone I could see Seattle absolutely loving. Production, size, red zone threat, gonna kill the vert drill, tons of swag. What a trash talker. He’s been banged up, but when has that scared Seattle?
Loved the way he owned CB Sidney Jones. Great at winning at the LOS.
Loved that anthem!