#1 Tennessee — Joey Bosa (DE, Ohio State)
They already have two top-11 picks on their offensive line (Taylor Lewan, Chance Warmack). They have Marcus Mariota and Dorial Green-Beckham to build around. It’s time to add a defensive focal point.
#2 Cleveland — Paxton Lynch (QB, Memphis)
Teams will believe they can win with Lynch. He’s big, mobile, accurate and led a Memphis team to a winning season against the odds. A poor man’s Cam Newton.
#3 San Diego — Laremy Tunsil (T, Ole Miss)
He missed most of the 2015 season but played well against Texas A&M’s explosive pass-rusher Myles Garrett.
#4 Dallas — Jaylon Smith (LB, Notre Dame)
Smith will undergo reconstructive left knee surgery. And? The Cowboys are good enough to stash him away and think long term. He could be the best talent in the entire draft.
#5 Jacksonville — Eli Apple (CB, Ohio State)
Length, quickness and intelligence. Apple is a fantastic corner. He doesn’t get beat deep and keeps everything in front.
#6 Baltimore — Shon Coleman (T, Auburn)
The best tackle in college football. Coleman plays with an edge and loves to punish linebackers at the second level.
#7 San Francisco — Cam Sutton (CB, Tennessee)
I’ve got a feeling they’ll give Colin Kaepernick one more chance with a new coach. Sutton is an explosive athlete. A future game-changer at corner.
#8 Miami — Tre’Davious White (CB, LSU)
White is a fabulous talent. He’s a tremendous cover-corner, a superb kick-returner and he was awarded the coveted #18 jersey by LSU.
#9 Tampa Bay — DeForest Buckner (DE, Oregon)
Not an explosive athlete but a productive pass rusher (double digit sacks this season). He can work inside or the edge.
#10 New York Giants — Darron Lee (LB, Ohio State)
A well spoken leader who looks like a 4.4 runner with great instinct. He could be a big-time riser over the next couple of months.
#11 Chicago — Myles Jack (LB, UCLA)
Recovering from a knee injury but another athletic, versatile linebacker. The Bears need to keep adding pieces to their defense.
#12 New Orleans — Mackensie Alexander (CB, Clemson)
He could go in the top-10. The Saints tried to get physical at corner with Brandon Browner. Alexander can fill that role.
#13 Philadelphia — Jared Goff (QB, California)
Whoever takes over, they’re going to need a quarterback. Is Sam Bradford really the answer? A coach like Adam Gase would be perfect for Goff.
#14 Oakland — Jaylen Ramsey (CB, Florida State)
He’s a tweener. Does he have the hips and quicks to match-up with elite suddenness? Or is he a permanent safety?
#15 St. Louis — Laquon Treadwell (WR, Ole Miss)
They could go receiver or O-line. Funny, aren’t those two of the areas they’ve already pumped a ton of stock?
#16 Detroit — Taylor Decker (T, Ohio State)
He could go much earlier. People underestimate his athleticism. He is tall though — Decker’s listed at 6-8. That causes problems with leverage.
#17 Atlanta — Corey Coleman (WR, Baylor)
Imagine pairing Coleman with Julio Jones. If the Falcons can upgrade their defense in free agency — they can afford a pick like this.
#18 Indianapolis — Jack Conklin (T, Michigan State)
Just a hard-nosed, blue-collar tough guy who fought his way into this range as a walk-on at MSU. Not an amazing athlete — but someone teams will love.
#19 Buffalo — Robert Nkemdiche (DE, Ole Miss)
Some coaches will say, ‘Let somebody else take a chance on him’. Rex Ryan will say, ‘Let’s draft him and go eat a goddamn snack’.
#20 New York Jets — Carson Wentz (QB, North Dakota State)
I suspect the Jets are aware they need to start developing the future at QB. This would be ideal for Wentz. Sit for a year or two, then step in for Ryan Fitzpatrick.
#21 Washington — Michael Thomas (WR, Ohio State)
Teams will covet Thomas’ combination of mobility, size and catching radius. He moves very well for a big guy. Thomas has a ton of upside.
#22 Houston — Ezekiel Elliott (RB, Ohio State)
By making the playoffs they make it harder to draft a quarterback. Elliott can help lead the offense while they search for a solution. He makes things happen.
#23 Pittsburgh — Kendall Fuller (CB, Virginia Tech)
Arguably the best of the Fuller brothers. His college debut? Against Amari Cooper and Alabama. He excelled. He’s also recovering from an injury.
#24 Seattle — Will Fuller (WR, Notre Dame)
He chose to turn pro in the end. He has electric speed and suddenness. He’s a legit downfield threat but also creates separation with explosive breaks.
#25 Green Bay — Leonard Floyd (LB, Georgia)
Floyd has loads of upside but his college career was pretty ‘meh’. Green Bay needs someone who can cover and rush at OLB.
#26 Kansas City — Ronnie Stanley (T, Notre Dame)
Stanley offers no second-level blocking and relies too much on his natural athleticism. Clemson’s Shaq Lawson embarrassed him. He could drop into round two.
#27 Minnesota — Cody Whitehair (T, Kansas State)
I spent some time watching him today and there’s a lot to like. A natural athlete with good size and mobility. He should kick inside to guard.
#28 Cincinnati — De’Runnya Wilson (WR, Mississippi State)
Similar to Kelvin Benjamin and could provide a nice alternative to A.J. Green. Good luck stopping Green, Eifert and Wilson in the red zone.
#29 Denver — Germain Ifedi (T, Mississippi State)
Some people think he’ll drop into the middle rounds. He’s very muscular and in good shape. There’s plenty to work with here at tackle or guard.
#30 Arizona — Adolphus Washington (DE, Ohio State)
Flits in and out of games. Goes from impactful to anonymous. Projects well to DE in the 3-4. Fits Arizona’s scheme.
#31 Carolina — Tyler Boyd (WR, Pittsburgh)
He’s just a really clever receiver. He won’t run as fast as some of the others but he knows how to get open consistently.
Further thoughts on the Seahawks
I’m not ready to move off Will Fuller yet.
I’ll stress again — since 2012 the Seahawks have drafted dynamic athletes early. Irvin, Wagner, Michael, Richardson, Clark and Lockett. They traded for Harvin and Graham. This is too much of a trend to ignore.
It feels like philosophy. Much in the way they’ve also allowed Tom Cable to identify and draft ‘his guys’ to build the O-line. One of Cable’s guys might be there at the end of round one. If he isn’t, I don’t think they’ll force anything to fill the tackle need if Russell Okung departs.
I’ve become mildly obsessed (only half joking) with the idea of speed and suddenness at receiver. Watching the Steelers’ trio of Antonio Brown, Markus Wheaton and Martavis Bryant has sold me on speed, quick twitch, separation and grit. It’s the modern NFL. It’s incredibly difficult to defend. And I freaking love it.
The idea of being able to field a combination of Tyler Lockett, Doug Baldwin, Paul Richardson and Will Fuller alongside Jimmy Graham on any given snap is salivating. And if the Seahawks O-line can continue to protect Wilson the way it has since the bye week — it could be a frightening proposition for the rest of the league.
There are some legitimate concerns about Fuller’s hands. He does body catch in mid-air too often and he doesn’t always pluck the ball at its highest point. He also makes some excellent, tricky grabs in coverage. I’d be comfortable working on this area and there’s no real pressure for an immediate impact (see: Paul Richardson in 2014).
It could be classified as a luxury. There’s every chance they keep Jermaine Kearse with a new contract. Kearse isn’t a trendy player but he’s constantly made big plays for this team and appears to have a flawless attitude and chemistry with Wilson. On the other hand, Kearse could move on and Baldwin’s contract only lasts until the end of next season. Richardson also hasn’t been able to stay healthy.
Everything about Fuller intrigues me. His personality, his ability to adjust to the ball in the air, his rare speed and the way it scares teams so much he frequently finds open space underneath.
Watch this:
Look at the way he kicks through the gears to beat the corner — and then lays out to make the catch.
With Russell Wilson continuing to develop and flirting with the possibility of becoming the NFL’s best quarterback one day — this is the type of player that can help him get there. If the Seahawks don’t take him, the Cardinals probably will.
A lot of the better offensive linemen, linebackers and cornerbacks are gone in this projection. When Mel Kiper publishes his first mock next week we’ll run through some of the options available to Seattle and look at alternatives to Fuller.
There’s enough depth on the O-line (possible options beyond round one include
Adam Bisnowaty, Joe Dahl and Jason Spriggs), at defensive tackle, linebacker and running back. They can fill several needs with value to boot. I’m not sure a player like Fuller will be available after round one.
Do you think Ifedi might be the Seahawk’s choice? He’s a strong, athletic tackle. It seems to me that the OL was the key to our offensive resurgence midway through the season.
I’m not entirely convinced he’s what Cable and the Seahawks will be looking for. And while I agree 100% that the season turned as the pass pro dramatically improved — they might retain all five members of this OL (they have the cap) and if they have to replace Okung, they technically don’t have to feel like they have to do it in round one and force the pick if the right guy isn’t there.
I have to say that I’m underwhelmed with Ifedi’s tenacity and grit. He really looks like he just kind of checks out on plays prematurely. He gets one lick in and then just lays up consistently. That makes it difficult to me to project him as a guy Cable would like to develop. He likes guys that play with nasty. Ifedi doesn’t do that.
Love SDB, love educated analysis reading everyones insight and the many mock drafts.
So I figure I’d take a stab @ it just for kicks.
RD1
– LB Jaylon Smith
– OT Shon Coleman
– WR Will Fuller
RD2
– OT Germain Ifedi
– WR Tyler Boyd
– LB Eric Striker
RD3
– OT Adam Bisnowaty
– DT Vernon Butler
– CB Artie Burns
RD3
– CB William Jackson III
– RB Paul Perkins
– OG Joshua Garnett
RD4
– WR Braxton Miller
– DT Luther Maddy
– $LB Miles Killebrew
RD6
– OT Jordan Swindle
– DE Alex McCalister
– K Roberto Aguayo
RD7
– WR Mike Thomas
– OG Joe Dahl
– DT Quinton Jefferson
RD7
– RB Tyler Ervin
– DE Greg Townsend Jr
– LB Ian Seau
UDFA
– QB Trevone Boykin
– DT Darius Latham
– RB Kenneth Farrow
– CB Anthony Brown
I mean if the guy is worthy of his 1st round grade then I won’t complain, but seeing WR go round one would be interesting. A lot of Hawk fans aren’t even able to comprehend mock drafts with us taking a RB in the first 3 rounds or a WR in the first 3….a lot of Hawk fans still think Marshawn will be a Seahawk in 2016 and that we shouldn’t even make an offer to Okung or Sweezy…
With our experience at WR (Tyler, Doug, Percy, Paul, etc) I have come to the conclusion that we can be insanely good with short WR’s, and that what should be valued most is: hands, route running, speed, ability to stay healthy. I don’t see the need to force getting a 6’2+ guy, or some superstar with a checkered history of health (P-Rich) or sub-par route running (Norwood? Matthews? btw I know Matthews wasn’t drafted).
For reference I have been in love with Jared Stangers Mock 3.0 draft on Fieldgulls. He has us taking a 1st round DT (a need with Hill not being able to stay healthy all season and not being AS impactful as you’d like, and either Mebane or Rubin not being re-signed in ’16). But DT is so insanely deep that maybe they like another position in round 1 and are in love with a DT that they think will be in round 2 or 3.
Then in the 2nd round he has us getting Joe Dahl who can apparently play OT/OG/C and he’d have him compete at Center with Lewis assuming we re-sign Okung and probably Sweez.
Then the first 3rd round pick is a WR (Fred Ross) and the 3rd round has been a sweet spot for us with WR’s so I like that. Finding a Allen Robinson / Stefon Diggs type is something I’d love to see, especially with the potential Kearse loss and who knows if Kevin Smith & Kasen Williams are gems are busts.
Then the second 3rd round pick…and my favorite; RB Kenneth Dixon. Perfection. Is everything you can want in a RB, perfect to slot in as our new Robert Turbin (but way more talented, potential RB1 talent) on 3rd downs giving Rawls a rest (with CMike our RB3 again). Great receiving back, great blocking back, great power runner, great shifty/make miss runner, great YAC, great speed, and reportedly a great man (highly coachable, highly liked).
From there it’s 4th a CB, 5th a LB, and 6th Vernon Adams for backup QB but Stanger recently said he thinks he will go undrafted so we can get him without using a pick.
Stanger once sent me a Tweet demanding I listen to everything he says because he’s a ‘guru’ when it comes to the draft.
A very peculiar individual.
Dude said 2 years ago that L’ville DE Marcus Smith was a ‘can’t leave the draft without’ type of player.
Rob’s right. Strange cat.
Just saw his twitter feed, he made a post pondering whether Schneider is pissed at him for knowing all his drafting habits and giving away his ‘secret’s’ for everyone to read.
I’m JS loses heaps of sleep over it.
To be fair I believe PC/JS did mention during the ’15 draft how they noticed a guy on twitter tweeting who they were gonna pick before they announced it and it was Jared and Pete held up (to the live stream video feed) a dry erase board that had “Jared” written on it.
So is he some in his moms basement ego-maniac narcissist who sees himself as way more important to the Seahawks FO than he is? No clue, but PC/JS have mentioned him if i recall correctly in regards to drafting.
That’s not actually what happened Nathan.
PC/JS noticed there was someone on Twitter basically live Tweeting everything they were doing in the war room (you can watch a stream online). Stuff like, ‘Schneider’s just left the room with a soda’. It was Stanger. So someone wrote ‘Jared knows’ on a white board. It had nothing to do with calling picks. They just noticed someone who was watching the live feed constantly.
See this:
Jared Stanger @JaredStanger Jan 4
I wonder how much Schneider hates that I have a file 3 years long on their scouting habits…lol.
How do you watch a live feed of the war room btw?
It’s pretty simple — think it’s on Seahawks.com or NFL.com.
As for the Tweet. I’m not sure what’s worse. The total delusions of grandeur or the little ‘lol’ at the end that suggests, ‘This is massively egotistical but if I say lol maybe nobody will notice?’
Ahhh…i stand corrected. Thanks for the correction!
No problem Nathan. Go Hawks.
Go Hawks!
(Btw props for your interaction to your article! My biggest gripe with HawkBlogger, Davis Hsu and Jared Stanger is the extremely minimal if not zero interaction with replies on their articles and replies to tweets. Danny Kelly is NOT that way (is great) and I try my best to respond to every relevant comment on my Fieldgull articles (Presser notes).
To be fair: Davis has always answered my questions.
Since the TNT Insider died… this is my new favorite Seahawks site. Well done, Rob.
This is exactly the type of thing I roll my eyes at. But not surprised. He lives in a dream world.
he did nail the Sokoli pick and that was pretty cool
He wasn’t the only one who thought Sokoli had a good shot at being picked by Seattle.
Well, Zach Whitman actually nailed that one with his SPARQ formula.
That was low hanging fruit. We know we like athletic DL conversion projects. Sokoli was the King Kong of testers.
Zach hit on that. But I’m pretty sure I posted on that the very same day. Not claiming to have scooped that. But it was pretty easy to connect the dots on it. I think the 4.0 SPARQ number didn’t come out until the pick was announced and he was listed at C. That was the first indication which position he was drafted for and the first time a baseline could be established.
Overall, I think JS’s contributions to this process are fun. In the end, it’s all opinion and speculation. I do appreciate that JS will go through the trouble to explain how he arrives at his opinions. So that I can agree/disagree on it’s merit. In that sense, it’s very similar to what we’ve had going on here at SDB. Is he a bit full of himself? Yeah. Does he get some tough ones right? Yeah. Does he whiff? Of course. You can’t step into this past time without missing a lot.
I like his columns and I don’t care how strange he may be. And yeah, a few people in the community saw Sokoli, including him.
I always learn from his columns, and I find the attacks on him in this thread distasteful, frankly.
With respect, I could say a few other things on this particular subject. Things you’d be surprised about. I’ll hold my tongue.
He blocked me a year ago for calling him out on being dogmatic about his perceptions; he left very little room for discussion and attacked people for opposing his opinions. I then mentioned how Rob keeps an open forum for opinion (the topic was the potential of Devin Smith), and boom, he called me an idiot and blocked me.
Did you steal his girl Rob?
Anyways, thanks for hosting this site Rob.
Yikes. Well, that is weird, but I still do really like his mock. Obviously nothing against WR in the 1st if he turns out to be more like Lockett or AR15 than PRich/Percy/Norwood. Ya know?
Joe Dahl does seem like a beast, and is very versatile it seems, Dixon I am high on and no one can convince me otherwise lol (not technically true) but I really like everything I have seen. DT truly seems like a need for us, especially because we aren’t very great with DT’s (compared to WR which we have successfully drafted in the 3rd round and we have a keen knack for finding UDFA WR gems).
To get a monster DT from this ’16 draft would be epic, especially with us losing Mebane or Rubin. Imagine a fantastic DT added to this D-line: Avril, Bennett, Clark, Hill, Rubin, Dobbs, Marsh.
By comparison (in regards to WR’s) we are balling out with just Tyler, Doug, Kearse and two UDFA’s who haven’t done much so far. While we have a need at WR (especially if Kearse walks) we have a proven history of finding UDFA WR talent and in around the 3rd round (but not the 4th or lower) we seem to find WR gems (Tyler, Golden, maybe PRich).
If Fuller is their best player on the board, they’ll take him. I really do believe that he’s DeSean Jackson 2.0. They could still draft Fuller and get a gem in UDFA like they always do.
It’s not a great draft anyways, and there doesn’t appear to be an abundance of field stretching, dynamic talent like Fuller.
This DT class is deep. With run stuffers. I’m not sold that anyone is ‘great.’ Thing is, why draft a guy like that early, when you can get the same production and skill set from a guy later on?
Depends on how JS and the scouts grade them I guess..the difference between a certain DT in the 1st and a certain DT in the 2nd or 3rd could be that the 1st rounder has a future being an All-Pro and the guys in the 2nd-3rd have a future being really solid starting DT’s.
Idk Fuller but I know what I said earlier and that is my new taste in WR’s. Do you have average hands, run average routes and have a history (or projected future) of injuries? PASS. I don’t care if you can run a record setting 3.99 40 yard dash, I don’t care if you are 6’8, what we have gotten from Doug and Tyler beats every DB and it is top tier hands, top tier route running and high level speed (Tyler obviously 4.3, Doug more 4.4).
If P-Rich could stay healthy i’d love him (and he’d be our DeSean Jackson) but he can’t it seems. I don’t want another fragile WR, or a dropsy WR, or a average route running WR.
A d1st round pick doesn’t guarantee amything. The same can be said for any position.
PC/JS are enamored with speed. It is what it is. Lockett, Tate, and P-Rich all have crazy, high end speed.
I never said it did, re-read my first sentence…”depends on how JS and the scouts grade the DT’s”…if they grade a DT where we have our 1st round pick to be a really really good 1st round pick worthy DT, and the guys in the 2nd round or 3rd round to be solid and good (worthy of a 2nd or 3rd) then going with the 1st round DT makes sense.
But if by the time we get a pick in the 1st the DT’s there are graded by JS to be 2nd round quality, I imagine he won’t reach and instead will pick a different position.
As for speed…yes they love speed, but look how it paid off with Percy and P-Rich. Injuries galore with those hyper-speed speedsters. They have also gotten size before (Jimmy, Sidney) and other tendencies. The fact that we have “speed” already (Tyler, Paul) makes me think we could instead go for route running+hands+size aka a Allen Robinson type. A 6’2-6’3 WR.
We had Sidney, since him we tried Matthews, will they go tall? Medium tall? Not care and go short?
I love the idea of Seattle drafting DT. I’ve labored the point many times on this board, the need for a bonafide pocket pusher, but I’ve seen enough and read enough to think this is not the year they break the mold and take one high. They won’t drafted a run stuffer early. The highest drafted DT’s for Seattle have been Jordan Hill and Jaye Howard. Pass rushers. Hill drafted at the end of R3 and Howard drafted the year before in R4.
Any DT they would be enamored to take in R1, they would have to be pretty certain he’s a pass rusher, and a starter, even if Mebane and Rubin are retained for another year.
I think Jared Stanger had Seattle taking Jonathan Bullard. I like Bullard (a lot, actually) and one could could say fits the mold of a pass rushing 3 tech, but Pete also seems pretty set with having big bodies for base down run stuffers, something Bullard would probably not be asked to do in this defense. So would Pete draft with the first pick, someone who is going to play strictly 3rd downs in this defense. Is there that much of a difference between Bullard and say, Sheldon Day who is possibly going to be a 3rd round pick?
If Seattle drafts a DT higher than usual (before round 3) it think it would probably be maybe a player like Vernon Butler who could be play right away in base downs, and has the athletic upside to develop as a pass rusher, and I don’t think they take him in R1.
That said, if they really want an upgrade of youth to push the pocket, their could be a few decent options in free agency, if KC doesn’t extend former Hawk Jaye Howard who has played well for them, if one of the young Bronco players is out there. With 30 Mill of cap space, they could lure a very good player in his mid 20s to come in like they did Avril a few years ago. Then you’re talking about adding proven NFL talent instead of drafting someone in R3 or 4 who you think might develop into something.
It will be interesting to see what they do there. I most definitely think they will add to the pie at some point. If they don’t re up Irvin, Clark probably inherits his pass rush duties more and that takes him away from being an interior rusher. Hill, as noted, is unreliable in terms of health. The simple math points to a need.
Tate wasn’t crazy speed – more in the 4.5 range if I remember….it was his ability to run like a running back that they like…that was Tate’s ‘specialness’
Tate ran a 4.42 at the combine. Tyler Lockett in comparison ran a 4.40.
Thanks for the correction, Rob!
That sounds like good logic for WRs, since we can observe from college performance the traits that will make a guy the right fit for our WR needs. And, I think, we can apply parallel logic to the Seahawk FO grading of offensive lineman, especially given Cable’s comments on the subject. They prefer to draft SPARQy wrestling-background guys in later rounds, because, from Cable’s perspective, college OL performance doesn’t equate to pro-level performance–college offensive lineman have to be retrained from the ground up. So unique physical traits (SPARQ, top-end speed, talent for sharp breaks in route running, etc.) plus a couple of years of Seahawks coaching is the recipe for success.
“If Fuller is their best player on the board, they’ll take him. I really do believe that he’s DeSean Jackson 2.0. They could still draft Fuller and get a gem in UDFA like they always do.
It’s not a great draft anyways, and there doesn’t appear to be an abundance of field stretching, dynamic talent like Fuller.
This DT class is deep. With run stuffers. I’m not sold that anyone is ‘great.’ Thing is, why draft a guy like that early, when you can get the same production and skill set from a guy later on?
This could very well be. Certainly fills what we’ve seen from PCJS.
I’ll provide a counter opinion we might consider.
This is indeed a very deep DT class. What’s interesting is that it’s SUPER deep in the late first through the 3rd round range. Not really top heavy either. This class looks a lot like the 2013 class. I’d be willing to bet that there is more than one Kawaan Short in this second round and at least one, if not more Brandon Mebane’s in the third round.
Seattle absolutely has to get younger and cheaper in the DL. The reality is, Seattle is a great defense. It could and maybe should be an all time defense. What’s most amazing, is that unlike virtually every other great defense in history — ours has done so without the benefit of a real quality interior pass rush. It’s like having an all time great offense without quality receivers.
I can see them taking a DT in the first, if they see the potential to become a good gap penetrator. This DT class is intriguing because there are a slew of players who aren’t consistent in this ability but all flash it at times. There will be good NFL DTs to come out of this draft available at our R1 and R2 picks. And Seattle — from a cap perspective — probably needs more than one DT.
Does Seattle need a Fuller? Not really.
Are there other ‘value’ players at WR that would be good 3rd receivers? Yep.
We do know that Pete likes to have variety in types of players. Kearse’s ability to fight for passes on the red line still stands today as unique. We don’t have that on this roster. And I don’t see Fuller excelling in that way. His hands are merely mediocre and while an electric talent, you can tell he doesn’t naturally trust his hands. He doesn’t extend for the ball well either and I think the two elements are tied that way. He is ill suited to replace Kearse’s ability in this way.
So if we take Fuller, it means we’re still keeping Kearse. I don’t see Seattle spending a R1 pick on your #4 receiver. Unless we’re considering letting Baldwin go which I really doubt at this point.
If we’re looking at WR, I’m thinking it’s a Kearse replacement. So someone that can provide the similar quality that Kearse does.
We know that Seattle likes to get value all up it’s board. If they are thinking a player like Mike Thomas is a better fit/approximation for what we need with this group, I could see them passing on a better WR (Fuller) to pick up a better DT (Clark/Johnson/Billings/Washington).
Seattle is one of the few teams that really believes in toughness and being physical. We’re one of a handful of teams that do more than pay lip service to that aspect of the team. And Seattle has left that aspect of the team to erode somewhat in recent drafts. We’ve lost Browner/Tate/Giacomini/Miller. How different is this team if we lose Sweezy and Mebane too? You can’t be a tough team if you continue to avoid tough talent.
I think Seattle does need to get back to it’s basics. Given the age and the tenuous roster positions of some of the tough players on this team — Seattle needs to reload in this way.
To me, it’s beyond obvious that the weapons we have on this team today is plenty enough to be a top 5 offense in this league. When Russell has time, he is IMO the best QB in the entire league. The only thing holding this offense back is the luxury of protection. When we have it, we are elite.
This defense is great. How much greater are we if we speed up the plays with internal pressure? Honestly if we solve that missing element I think we’d bear witness to the greatest defense ever assembled. I’m not even talking about a 9+ sack three tech. Just someone that can prevent QBs from climbing the pocket and avoiding the edge rushers we have.
I don’t see Fuller as being remotely as impactful for this team as a pocket collapser. Or a stalwart protector for Wilson. This draft is deep both at OT and DT. This is precisely the kind of draft you load up on both. If Seattle were to ignore WR until mid day three and double up on prospects to improve their ability to land quality — I think I’m ok with that.
We have 4 picks on days 1 and two. If you’re a team that needs to reload in your trenches — then you’ve been blessed by the draft Gods.
All good points. I just trust in their draft model.
Every 1st or 2nd round pick from PC/JS have been dynamic, sometimes raw, freak athletes. I just don’t see Sheldon Richardson or Dontari Poe like, 2 examples, athleticism from any of these guys.
Washington is way too inconsistent for me and just flat-out takes plays off.
You can get Robinson’s, Clark’s etc, later in the draft for better value. And if they keep ‘Bane and ‘Tuba’ then a DT becomes 4th on the depth chart like say Fuller would.
I’d love a 3-tech as well, but it seems to me, Seattle likes the ‘Nascar package’ for pass rushing downs and 2 big bodies for base downs. A 1st round run stuffer would be wasted.
Agreed, I don’t see those uber elite guys either. But I do see a whole lot of guys that are similar to how Short was regarded coming out. Fringe 1st/mid 2nd types who need to grow and get more consistent. Prospects that flash good quality. Good physical players. But missing the polish needed to be impact players. I see a lot of players who are more likely to be pros that emerge seemingly out of nowhere in their second and third years.
I will say this though. I am very high on Clark. More so than Rob. Particularly when I watch the instances where UCLA is playing him with one gap responsibilities which is how Seattle would play him. Clark wasn’t tasked with that very often but showed excellent ability to penetrate, and the strength and technique to work himself completely free of blocks.
Clark is probably the only DT I see in this range that is worth not moving back for picks. Precisely because he I see him as a versatile interior player who can excel in our base defense. A player easily and clearly capable of playing 2 gaps if needed. But also having the situational ability to attack a single gap.
He isn’t long. But he has terrific strength, heavy hands and plays with superior leverage. In the instances where I see him playing one gap responsibility, I see above average quickness as well.
I think merely considering him a NT/1T is limiting him. UCLA used him that way. We can’t really know if that’s because they didn’t think he could excel at the 3, or if that’s simply how they needed to play him in their scheme. When I’m watching him and seeing the occasional role expectation that Seattle is going to ask of him, I think he does a marvelous job.
For me, at best he was miscast at UCLA and he could be far more valuable in our defense where he is more limited in his 2 gap responsibility. At worst, he’s probably the best prospect in this class to mirror Mebane the day he sets foot on the field.
I think he has the promise to be more than what he was asked to do in college.
Clark may well be there when we pick in R1. But I don’t think he’s there in R2.
Really good points and logic Attyla!
1. Which pocket collapser are they taking? There’s neither one appealing enough for round one or one that works according to their penchant for unique traits early in the draft.
2. They’ve never really had a great pocket collapser and have consistently been either the #1 overall defense or the #1 scoring defense. They’ve used role players to fill that need at times.
I’m not sure why it’s seen as such a big need. If Aaron Donald or Sheldon Richardson is there — fair enough. Unfortunately, they aren’t.
“Does Seattle need a Fuller? Not really.”
Do they NEED Fuller? Not any more or less than they NEED a DT. Upgrading either position would be great, especially with FA question marks at both, so it really comes down to value – which positional prospect is the better value in R1.
“Are there other ‘value’ players at WR that would be good 3rd receivers? Yep.”
I’d argue that in this draft class, the ‘value’ prospects – guys who have talent at least equal to, or even a round earlier than, where they end up being drafted – are the LBs, DTs and RBs. Not so much with WRs this year. Also, the talent curve for WR drops off more steeply after the true R1 prospects than DT, not to mention there are fewer true R1 DT prospects in this draft than WRs, and more true R2-R4 DTs than WRs. If that makes sense.
Look, SEA don’t have anyone like Fuller. He’s faster, accelerates quicker and is more sudden in/out of his breaks than any WR currently on the roster. In Rob’s previous post, I commented that Fuller reminds me a bit of Breshad Perriman in that he’s a fantastic athlete with a high drop percentage who projects as a late R1 pick. The difference between them regarding drop percentage is that Fuller’s drops are offset by his ability to make amazing catches in tight coverage, something Perriman lacks. IMO Fuller can be coached out of that.
To put it another way, Perriman is simply a tremendous athlete who happens to play WR. Fuller is a WR who happens to be a tremendous athlete.
Fuller isn’t (yet) a true #1 WR in the way that, say, Julio Jones is. JJ makes all kinds of catches from all kinds of routes all over the field, including game breaking chunk yard splash plays. Fuller has yet to show he has that same catching versatility/consistency, but he definitely can make game breaking ones. In that sense, it’s not really accurate to label him as a #2 or 3. He’s an offensive weapon that perfectly complements Russell Wilson’s skill set.
This is a good breakdown of the situation, Eric. And the point about DT’s is true. This is quite a deep position for run-stuffing DT’s. But the value appears to be firmly in rounds 2-5. There’s not a great deal to be gained from getting the guy at the top of the list in the late first. Seattle can realistically wait until rounds 3-4 if they feel obliged to add to this position — and get a guy who can do a job for them. There won’t be a player like Fuller around in that range I suspect.
I wouldn’t deny it’s depth. Nor would I argue that we’ll take a run stuffer early.
The only way we go DT in late first/trade back to early 2nd would be if we see some pass rush quality that isn’t overly obvious. If Seattle wants an interior pass rusher who can provide this, then they’re going to have to develop it to a degree. Players that can do that and are obviously talented at that — special — are taken way earlier than what we pick.
There’s going to be probably 10 DTs taken in the 20-75 range. I would not at all be surprised if two of those end up being capable of collapsing the pocket by their second year.
I’d also add, that Seattle faced a similar situation in 2014. We needed a RT and the class was deep. We passed on RT early, and then had to scramble to get a guy we felt could be capable at the end or R2. The run on talent started to thin the class considerably. I’d have to think that of the prospects in the R2/R3 range we might only really like a fraction of them. Waiting on depth hasn’t exactly been kind to us.
But they absolutely had to have a RT that year. They had to get one. I cannot imagine for one second they’ll feel that way about DT’s. There’s just no evidence there. They’d taken two first round OT’s before and a high third round OG (traded down from R2). They’ve never gone early on a DT. And there isn’t a unique athletic DT in this class that stands out.
I would argue a DT either has it or he doesn’t in terms of pass rush. Collapsing the pocket is based on a fantastic swim/rip and fantastic first step. Shooting gaps aint easy and it’s why there are so few DT’s that are good at rushing the passer. The ones that are stand out big time. This looks like a big class of run stuffing DT’s. And they’re two a penny. It’s safe to assume Seattle won’t draft a run stuffer early. We know that.
The effectiveness of the offensive line in pass protection has extended beyond half a season (and hopefully a run of more data through the playoffs). It is a thing. If they don’t lose both Okung and Sweezy and if Glowinski is as solid as he showed in Arizona, it makes sense to fish for line support in the middle rounds and go for the game-changing athlete early. I like Kearse, but I would be happy with an athletic upgrade if he departs.
Russell currently grades out as the best rated pocket passer in the NFL. Adding another weapon for him makes sense.
Until Donald completely blew them into next week.
As he does most teams.
Doesn’t excuse our lack of game planning, arrogantly still trying to run through the middle while continually getting smashed, not bothering to utilize CM’s outside speed.
Indy did it perfectly to JJ Watt in the first game this year, constantly ran to the other side, doubled him and threw it quickly.
He had barely no impact, and what’s more, he was getting frustrated by being unable to get into the game.
Seattle’s not going to change who they are or what they do. They’ll always try and establish the run. Yes, this is going to be RW’s team going forward, but they still want a dominant ground game.
This is what we do. Try and stop us. And STL did.
Well that is boneheaded, look at the way the pats completely took the jets d line out of the game in their first meeting with the short throws.
Belichek knew better than to run into the teeth of that D line.
I’m not getting your point.
Seattle should scrap their philosophy and style, change up the O-line because of one guy?
Is Aaron Donald the barometer for how effective and improved Seattle’s O-line is? Because dude is a destroyer of worlds and will wreck the best gameplans.
I just can’t get behind the idea that 1 guy is good enough to beat us on his own.
Do more to stop him if that’s the case. The Detroit pistons decided that if they lost to the bulls, it wasn’t going to be becasue they just let Jordan trample them, and it worked until the side got built up around him.
SF managed to do it.
But, your basically saying that the gameplan should be altered for 1 guy. So he is that good then, right?
Let Jordan or LeBron go off. Thete gonna get theirs regardless. Stop/shut down the rest of tje team.
V12 – You don’t have to change who you are to attack a team differently. Nathan, correct me if I’m wrong but I think I understand what you are saying.
My major criticism with the Rams game was our plan on O. For the last 5-6 weeks we had blitzed every team with the quick outs and slants. Our running game (and play action) opened up cause we were routinely in 2nd or 3rd and short. Ds were on their heels and on the field. Then comes StL and we start with two runs into a beastly line and a pass on third and long ala the first half of the season. Our routes were long and no big surprise the Oline couldn’t block for long. We finally found success in the second half with…guess what…a slant to Baldwin and quick wheels to Jackson. Advance to AZ. First 3 plays were quick passes that didn’t let the D line factor.
Point is, against the D (StL) that should have warranted us getting the ball out quickest, we didn’t. We reverted to the play calling of old. And you can still be a team intent on running and maintaining balance even if you establish passes (quick).
Agree with this 100%.
Yeah, that’s sorta what I was trying to say.
You said it better.
We were determined not to back down from the physical challenge, and got smashed in the trenches for our troubles.
Fair point.
What I’m saying is that it doesn’t really matter what ya do or scheme, Aaron Donald is going to impact the game in some form or fashion.
Weather can be a decidng outcome. How many balls were dropped early on in that game?
I think Indy was triple teaming JJ Watt….. Rams front 7 is much more talented than the Texans…. you can’t double/triple team the same guy over and over with them.
Yeah but Quinn didn’t play the 2nd game, and Long has had a quiet year.
The Rams were 11th in sacks(with 41, only 4 more than Seattle) this year.
So they weren’t the all conquering front 7 that their reputation suggested they might be.
it’s a problem when a division foe’s strength so thoroughly overmatches one’s own roster weakness. It needs to be at least mitigated (not ‘fixed’ or neutralized) through either talent or scheme. Losing 2 games to such a poor overall team isn’t a good way to get to the SB.
I’m skeptical of Mackensie Alexander. A 5’9 CB with no INTs and a lack of ball skills?
He’s probably 5’10-5’11….and the reason why he has no INTs is because teams RARELY throw at him. I’ve watched every Clemson game he’s played and he’s definitely one of the top corners in this draft class. However, I don’t necessarily see him as a shut down corner in the pros, I see him more as an elite corner suited for the slot who can play above average on the outside.
I’ll be shocked if he measures in at 5’10-5-’11. Had no picks last year too IIRC.
Glad ya liked Cody Whitehair. He’s versatile, no nonsense, tough as nails, intelligent. A very ‘Seahawky’ kind of O-lineman. Having said that, not sure he’s the kind of athlete they’d target early on in an offensive lineman, but this gu oozes TC doesn’t he?
Just started looking into Whitehair in the last few days and he became my dark horse pick in a trade down scenario but now Rob has unmasked him as a possible 1st rounder. Very Seahawky for sure. Willing to play any position on the line. Maybe the Mitch Morse of this year’s draft.
Rob, what did you think of Glo’s performance Sunday? Small sample size, I know, but the kid is good.
Not sure what Rob’s trained eyes saw… but I thought he held his own. I didn’t notice him make many mistakes, which means he did a nice job overall. No whiffs that I can recall. The running game off his run blocking was not what I wanted to see, but he can improve.
He had several pancakes and blowing his man several yards of the LOS
Thought he was superb.
It was only one game but he looked really solid and like our RG of the future. He looked more comfortable in pass pro than Sweezy ever has.
Agreed
Carroll was pretty high on him in the Monday morning press conference complimenting him in his toughness, pass pro, ability to get to the second level. Sounds like everything you want out of a RG to me.
I thought Glo was absolutely superb. He didn’t get a penalty and pancaked a few defenders. Sss, yes, but I feel he’s the reason why Sweezy isn’t offered a contract – or possibly a hometown discount variety. I liked Sweez a lot, and always rooted for him but he seems to be on his way out… Don’t think PC is too happy with the constant personal fouls. I understand the occasional for playing too hard, but I feel like Sweezy is playing stupid.
What are everyones thoughts on Britt? I am not sold. Could Glo maybe transition?
Rob, I liked the mock mostly… I did have a qualm about Seattle picking #24.. they are picking #31 BRAH. Seriously, the reasons you mentioned about why Seattle would take a WR in the 1st round are the same in my calculations. Impact, change the field, explosive, unique….. I keep thinking this is like the 2005 Patriots roughly, redefining their team around a QB and the weapons around him … WR / TE specifically. They had been a very strong rushing team, but had to transition because Corey Dillon was about out of gas. By going pass heavy, they were able to lengthen their run and SB window.. and ended up putting together the 2007 Patriots (18-1) by dropping an EXPLOSIVE athlete onto the team at WR.. yes one the the greatest WRs in the last 30 years… Randy Moss. With this model in mind, I see exactly what Seattle is trying to accomplish in the draft. Reload and improve upon a talented roster, trying to set themselves up for 2-3 more SB trips in the next 5 years.
Thanks Rob, great read. I think I have had my fill of Fuller. Though I am intrigued with the speed, the body catching I am concerned with. Maybe he can be taught to use his hands more, I don’t know.
I am fully obsessed though with WR Tyler Boyd- Pitt. He is 6′-2 3/4″ and has the hands to catch in traffic.
When I see tape of Alex Collins, he just reminds me of Lynch 2.0. The way he runs, and gets yards after contact. He will be gone in the second rd, and with Rawls and CM doing well, Collins may not be needed but would sure be nice.
I think the 49ers will target Jared Goff. Kaepernick has worn out his goodwill with the team and with fans. With a new coach, they will seek a fresh start and a fresh face. Blaine Gabbert has been a serviceable if too-gun shy place holder. Goff gets one year of grooming before getting tossed to the Seahawks, er, lions.
Not if Chip Kelley goes there. They keep Keapernick then.
I actually think Kap would be scary in Chips system.
I’m not convinced he has the field smarts for it, and no matter what system one runs, throwing form matters
Chip Kelly to the Niners seems like a stretch at this point. I feel that they are more interested in a safe reversion back to the tradtional 49ers of old—guys from the Walsh family tree like Shanahan and Holmgren, or an established NFL winner. Kelly is brash and unlikely to want to be bottled up by the ownership.
Read that they are interested in Shanahan and are setting up a meeting, and that Chip’s team has reached out to the Niners, but nothing from them yet.
I do wonder if they take Goff. The last time they missed out on a Cal QB didn’t go too well for them.
Possibly, but they seem to be interested in candidates that have either worked with mobile QB’s in the past (Shanahan) or have had QB reclamation projects (Hue Jackson & Dalton). If they draft a new QB in round one it’s an admission of major rebuild (which is perhaps needed). I think Jed York probably thinks they can get back to a winning level with Kaepernick if they can find someone (a QB guru) to get him back to a good level. After all, they only recently offered him franchise QB money.
Bevell is rumored to be under consideration. That would be amusing.
Goff to Philly? Don’t know if I’d wish that pressure on any 20-21 year old.
Also, I’m a Coug, so I love me some Joe Dahl, but I just don’t know if he fits into the Seahawks scheme of wanting someone who can run block well.
Re: Stanger… Peculiar is one adjective to describe him. I’d use pathetic or unbalanced myself, but, we’re splitting hairs there.
I like the pick Rob. Bolster a strength. If it works it could change the identity of this team.
My takeaway from your needs post is there might not be any big needs. BPA this year? If Marshawn, Okung and Sweezy walk, there will be cap room hopefully for Irvin and then some. I’m getting comfortable with Gilliam on the blindside if Bailey’s here to back him up. If Cable says he can do it … sooner than Novak..
Don’t need any RBs IMO Rawls/Michael is a great young duo. I hope Pete gives both of them carries. Keep Brown keep Jackson on third downs one more year he’s good at it. Coleman tries hard but doesn’t bring much to the table.
I think we get someone in R1 that there’s room for in the starting lineup. If Irvin stays this means WR, CB, or OT which if it’s on the strong side doesn’t need incredible talent.
As much as I love Jackson, we need a younger, cheaper and faster option for our 3rd down back next year. I’d prefer picking up Turbo again for 1 year before bringing back Jackson
Rob and others, What about bringing in Matt Forte as the vet RB?
Sound expensive for a guy who’s third on the depth chart. Forte made $9 million last year. Sure there will be a drop off but how far? Jackson made 900k.
Turbo would be an upgrade but he’s doing well in Dallas, if he wanted to sit behind Michael and Rawls I’d be all for it.
I love the fact that we get to (usually) read a new column from you every couple days or so Rob! Thanks for all this hard work!!
You’ve convinced me on Fuller and I would love it if we were in the position to draft him in the 1st, assuming of course that we already fulfilled our OL needs in FA or resigning of Okung and/or Sweezy. A couple of people here aren’t as excited about Fuller because of a perceived redundancy between him and Richardson. I get that but Fuller seems more solidly built/a stronger receiver and sadly, Richardson has not proven that he can stay healthy and productive for an entire season. Even if he’s able to stay healthy all of next season, how is it a negative to send out 3 fast great route running receivers to pair with Graham or Willson?!
Rob, you mentioned above that if the Hawks don’t pick Fuller that you think the Cardinals would snap him up. Given that they already have Fitz, Floyd, Brown, as well as Nelson, another speedster, do you really think they would spend a 1st round pick on another WR? That seems like it’d be such a needless luxury pick for them.
And let’s not rule out the possibility of them picking before us.
My thoughts exactly Nathan. Go Hawks!
It could be a luxury, it’s a fair point. But Arians is obsessed with the deep ball and chunk plays downfield. I think they will also transition away from Fitz and Floyd over the next year or two.
I think that’s a good thought, Rob.
WIth Bennett and Avril at 30 and 29, and Irvin approaching 29 with no contract, Mebane at 30 with no contract, Rubin 30 with no contract….
I can’t help but think they’ll be pretty keen on getting some of that unique athlete inventory on the pass rush and D line side of the ball rather than WR, where they have at least a bit more youth and contract security.
But I do like Fuller and would be happy if they decided to go that way.
On the unique side of things..later in the draft and UDFA guys… I’ve been intrigued by Devon “Rockhead” Johnson. 6’1″ 245 lbs RB/FB with some pretty great YPC out of Marshall. He might intrigue PC in the same way Kiero Small did, but this kid has some real production and runs with a meanness.
I say we pick him for the ‘rockhead’ nickname.
He is on my radar for Seattle to pick. Everything about the guy says Seaahwks 3rd down goal line back
Tate, Richardson, Lockett- it seems that JS likes his receivers mid to late second round, similar to his Green Bay. 24 seems early for a WR. I also think depending on Graham is too much risk for the season. They will try to get a tall target either in FA or draft, in case JG can’t get healthy. We need more red zone targets. Seattle is good from 15-25 yards but I am not convinced the short yardage red zone issues are gone.
They don’t think 24 is too early for a WR or they wouldn’t have traded the #25 overall pick (and a 3/7) for Harvin. But that other guy is right… we’re going to be picking 31.
I’m okay going into the next season with Willson (hopefully health is on his side for once) and Coffman as the TEs with Graham on the PUP, if need be. I’m not a fan of Helfet, and I don’t know why we bring McCoy back yearly.
Call me crazy, but I think Cleveland will take a different position group than QB at pick #2.
I’m not sold on the top 2 guys.. and I think the top of the 2nd round would be the absolute sweet spot to grab another QB…. Wentz comes to mind if he falls out of the first.
I think CLE might have to go WR or CB with the pick, they need help in both areas. I doubt Josh Gordon ever plays again.. but if he did… they could be very dangerous on offense.
If they happen to trade their ProBowl LT, then Tunsil is the pick hands down (if available)
They could take Tunsil at #2 and trade Thomas to Sea for a #1 then use that pick on a QB like Wentz.
I think the Titans will trade their #1 spot and whichever team acquires that pick will take Lynch. So the Browns will have to like some other QB besides Lynch enough to make that first round pick.
A little off topic, but the “exodus of players” heading to the draft that Urban Meyer was talking about is here.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000618153/article/vonn-bell-of-ohio-state-intends-to-enter-2016-nfl-draft
9?! players declaring for the draft. Can’t remember a team have so much talent leave early.
LSU had 10 underclassmen declare in 2013. 11 if you count the Honey Badger.
Didn’t Miami have 12-13 in the early 2000s?
Could be way wrong. It might’ve just seemed like it.
Rob, if this mock is an accurate forecast, then Will Fuller and Michael Thomas will both be on the board around the same range. If given an equal shot, either would be good picks for the Seahawks. W. Fuller might be a DeSean Jackson type, and in keeping with the kind of slightly undersized quick types favored by the current regime, but Thomas looks like a prototype #1 WR with more size than W.Fuller, and he abused CB Kendall Fuller.
Thomas is my favorite WR in this class after Treadwell he just looks like an NFL WR doesn’t he.
This is a question I’ve been thinking about, too. Answer the question, Rob! If you dare….
Just kidding, but it would be great to hear your thoughts on this. This kind of thing is always where my brain hangs. It’s “This guy looks like the next Player X!” Then, “Wait…how much is Player X really worth?”
So let’s say realistic best-case scenario Fuller is DeSean Jackson (without the knucklehead plays) and for Thomas it’s Allen Robinson (I think guys like Bryant, Jones, Green are beyond him). Which is worth more? And which is worth more for the Seahawks?
I think the Seahawks would rather have a DeSean Jackson than an Allen Robinson. Just my hunch.
Interesting draft indeed Rob. 5 CBs in the top 14 picks, when did that ever happen?
I am on board with the Fuller pick. It seems that throwing the contested high ball is not something the hawks are eager to implement. If they didn’t use it with JFG, they will not use it with a rookie WR. The way this offense is playing lately with Baldwin and Lockett (and the PIT example) seems to be the way to go.
Cable has proven his system can work but at a cost so i believe they will keep at least 4 of the 5. Glow’s game may have been the end of Sweezy’s career as a Seahawk. I can see them adding 2 new OL candidates on day 3 to be groomed.
With this new prolific offense, the classic “base defense” DT roles may change. Teams that can put a lot of points on the board quickly face more passing play on D. The run stuffing base D may be a 1st down lineup only and the pocket pressing DTs could get the majority of the snaps next year. That elevates the role of the pass rushing DTs to an actual starter value rather than a 3rd down sub.
Watching Lane, Shead and McCray contributing so much lately is another lesson for us. They can keep stocking the depth at DB late in the draft (or late round trades like McCray and Burley) and use the higher pics for other positions.
Without OL and DB picks at the top it must be WR, LB and DT/DE. Should be interesting….
What strikes me is that in the secondary and at wide receiver the Seahawks are stocking a lot of smaller players that are fast. But they are more injury prone, so they need a large group to draw from.
If the Jets don’t franchise tag Muhammad Wilkerson, what do you think he will fetch on the open market?
I imagine he will comfortably surpass the 4 yr, $42M extension that GB’s Mike Daniels recently signed or Cory Liuget’s 5 yr, $51.25M extension with San Diego.
It’s a long, long, long shot but the Seahawks leave no stone unturned. They have pursued top free agents before (and we are lucky that it didn’t work out! Mario Williams, Peyton Manning come to mind).
Hmm…maybe this year’s Kristan Sokoli? SPARQ wise.
“Everybody loves a sleeper come draft time and the name of Justin Zimmer from Ferris State has been quietly spoken about in scouting circles.
Unmentioned by scouts prior to the season, Zimmer posted 81 tackles, 13 sacks and broke up 5 passes this season. The thee time Academic All American who measures 6-feet/3-inches and a shade over 290-pounds, has reportedly timed under 4.8-seconds in the forty and completed 46 reps on the bench press last summer.”- Tony Pauline
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Anqt7_4HdhQ
Wow! He really did throw up 46 reps, didn’t he?
He’d be a great project pick.
Thanks for the clip my man.
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1331218/highlights/314371380/v2
Sure it’s against lower level competition. But watch him rip through interior defenders. Nice swim move, converts speed to power well. Call me crazy but he reminds me of Steve Emtman.
Ha! Steve Emtman. Haven’t heard that name in a minute.
Kinda looks like him too doesn’t he?
I like this kid.
Dude, I watched :56 of that clip and was blown away. Tape off. The kid can play. I’m half way joking.
Keeps his head up locating the ball, meaning he’s got great awareness, keeps himself clean coming off the edge by getting full extension, knows how to use his hands, he’s explosive, his burst is eye popping, has great moves, like you said, speed to power, sets the edge, and that pursuitof his…
Your right. It’s against lower level comp, but his skill set is NFL level.
my first reaction was, get this kid and give him to Cable. Future RG or RT right there.
I think he’s just fine as a DL. I get where your coming from though.
Sokoli was a bull rusher. This kid is far more nuanced, and has speed rush elements to his game.
Exactly. While there was precious little film of Sokoli to review, what I did see was a fantastic athlete who rarely made the play. As if he didn’t have situational awareness and couldn’t track the ball carrier.
This Zimmer kid is entirely different. I read an interview he did, DraftDiamonds I think it was, where he talks about starting out as a LB in HS, then switching to DE before moving inside to play mostly 3T. He’s scheme versatile, and knows how to pursue the ball from multiple positions.
He’s also a former wrestler and track & field standout too.
Give me this kid in like round 6, and use him like they do DeMarcus Dobbs.
This is a fantastic looking tape. He’s like a heat seeking missile to the ball. Ripping, swimming, powering. Play, after play, after play. Yeah, what this kid does, that’s what Seattle needs on the DL.
Very interesting. Look forward to seeing what he looks like.
CHAWK- BTW, don’t know if ya saw it or not, but Stanford’s Aziz Shittu is going pro. Tried to get a medical hardship and the NCAA denied him.
I didn’t see that. I knew he was looking to return though I couldn’t understand why. He’s ready for Sundays. He had 14 TFL this year (3.5 in the Rose BowL), 2nd in PAC12 behind Buckner.
I like him more than Calhoun or Nassib. It will be interesting to see how he performs at the Combine.
Texas A&M’s EDGE Daeshon Hall, rumored to be declaring, is the kind of high upside, freak athlete that could appeal to Seattle early on. He won’t last long come draft day. 6’5-6’6, 260 lbs., arms ate extremely long, his bend off the edge is one of the best I’ve seen this year. He needs to get stronger, nothing an NFL w&c program and some coaching can’t fix.
He’s probably the closest thing to Bruce Irvin. Not as fast, who is, but he’s a Seattle kid, former basketball player, his motor is fun to watch, lmitless potential, and an exciting skill set.
Ole Miss WR Cody Core is rumored to have an unbeleivable combine. Haven’t watched much of him, but at 6’2, 205 lbs., I’m intrigued.
So I’ve come up with a comparison of receivers who are “five foot nine” who were drafted specifically for return purposes then prospered in the receiving realm there rookie year.
Steve Smith- 15 games
10 catches
154 yards
Antonio Brown- 9 games
16 catches
167 yards
Tyler “Ninja” Lockett- 16 games
51 catches
664 yards
Ninja I think might have his updated 6/47 and whatever from the Cardinal game I think it hasn’t been updated yet?
Anyway, the point is that Tyler Lockett compared to other rookie stats is overwhelming, awesomely wonderful!
I tried to correct it to “Their” not “there” sometimes this page glitches out on me.
To be clear 6/47 implies 6 catches for you guessed it!!! I’m just not sure.
Just not sure how many yards he had last game? Something like 46 or 47. I can’t remember I am sorry.
He’s special man. No doubt about it. We have to factor in his return yards too.
If he’s not a finalist for OROY, it’ll be a travesty.
A few things I expect to happen in the upcoming draft for Seattle:
– They trade their 1st round pick for a 2nd and a 4th, as they did in 2014.
– They draft a CB earlier than usual and one CB in the usual range.
– They draft an OLB/EDGE guy early.
– They draft a center in the mid rounds.
– They draft an OT in an earlier round.
– They draft one WR early and one WR very late (perhaps a UFA).
– They draft only one RB, and in a later round. (And sign C-Mike to a 1-year contract.)
– They draft a TE in a later round.
Good projection. I want to see them get quality depth. Or more towards that than what they did last offseason.
Speaking of TE’s, Bryce Williams of Louisville looks interesting. Big, 6’6, 250+ with decent speed and hands. And seems a willing blocker. And if he doesn’t make it in the league, he can be the next Fabio on women’s romance novels.
One position apart from the 5 listed by Rob we could go for is DE and I think at #31 based on the mock, Bullard FLA would’ve a great shout. Much like Clark he can also play inside.
On Bullard — I’d personally be surprised if they did that a year after taking Clark. I like Bullard, but not as much as some others. Clark is a jacked up athlete, Bullard isn’t quite on that level.
The thing about Seattle’s DL is they value stopping the run an awful lot and finding complimentary pass rushers. Sheil at ESPN summed it up here: http://espn.go.com/blog/seattle-seahawks/post/_/id/17217/do-the-seahawks-still-have-a-super-bowl-caliber-defense
I’m not convinced the Seahawks feel like they need to find another interior guy if they can keep the band together. I think they’re comfortable being fantastic vs the run and having a good group of pass rushers (Bennett, Avril, Clark). If they do add one for depth I suspect it will be later in the draft. If they have to replace Mebane or Rubin — they’ve consistently looked at the veteran FA market here and not the early rounds of the draft. Good run stoppers are not great upside athletes. And that’s what they’ve looked for in the early rounds.
Cold not agree more. One name I like later in the draft is Indiana’s Darius Latham. 6’5-305-310 lbs., 11 TFL is quite impressive for a gu of his size. Was suspended twice, but he’s very Tony McDaniel like. Big boy moves well too.
Like you, I’m a fan of Bullard, but not high on him. He is not the athlete Frank Clark is.
CHAWK- my insider for all things LA…
You know anything about this Kylie Fitts kid from Utah? I’m hearing he’s someone to monitor as a potential riser for an EDGE position.
NFL network is playing SB XL today. Watching it, one of the many things I’m struck by is the lack of athleticism on the Seahawks roster. There’s only maybe 3 or 4 players who jump out or flash.
My, how things have changed.
Here’s a roundabout, sort of Seahawks question:
How does Jaylen Ramsey compare to Earl Thomas as a safety? Gus Bradley talked about how much his/Carrol’s D relies on a rangy free safety so I wonder if Ramsey is at a level where the Jags would take him way up at #5
Very different IMO. Thomas played exclusively safety I believe at Texas. Ramsey has looked like a bit of a Tweener mixing between CB and S. Watching Thomas in college you saw an incredible, consistent, playmaking force. He had eight picks in his final season. He was smaller, more athletic, dynamic. Ramsey is taller and longer (6-1) with less quick twitch and smoothness and had zero interceptions in 2015. Not a single one.
My early take on the Seahawks approach to the draft, in bullet form:
– sure, they know how to put together make-shift o-lines, but I doubt they want a repeat of 2015. Starting so slow led to playing a game in 0 degree weather, conditions that may impact them negatively. I would think that keeping their 5 starters would be a priority, starting with Okung. Maybe Sneezy walks, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they keep him as well.
– even if they keep their 5 starting o-line, I would expect they draft a tackle (where depending on value) and an interior lineman. Maybe even target the best center in the draft in round 2.
– as for WR, I expect Baldwin, Lockett and Richardson to be the starters. Richardson is special, and if healthy could provide Seattle one of the most potent WR trio in the league. That would make Kearse #4 (right where he belongs and where he provides the most value), with Kevin Smith and Kasen Williams as 5 and 6, just to start. This is before any additions. This means that drafting a round 1 WR potentially adds relatively little value/upside.
– at RB, Rawls and Michaels provide cheap talent, ones that might be difficult to improve early in the draft (cost versus relative increase in talent). Third round for an RB sounds about right.
– QB, TE, set. I doubt these positions are drafted at all.
– if this approach is roughly correct, the first round, perhaps the first two rounds, will target high-impact defensive players.
– safety rarely warrants first round consideration, and I don’t know if they would use such draft capital for back-ups to Earl or Kam, but that might be a typical unpredictable selection, but I wouldn’t predict it.
– As discussed above, it’s unlikely a first round DT will provide the necessary value, given the depth at the position and the relative closeness of talent.
– That leaves CB, DE and LB as potential targets.
– If they resign Irvin, that might take LB off the board, and given the recent narrative, I wouldn’t be surprised if they did.
– as argued above, DE is relatively deep for the Seahawks, so it may be difficult to find a player worthy of a first round pick.
– that leaves CB. Like the O-line early in the year, Cary Williams (and the Kam hold-out) probably contributed to the slow start. Sure, Lane, Shead and Burley have done well enough (and what happened to Simon? Is he on IR? I lost track). And they also have half a dozen guys in the background, any one of whom may emerge, but if there was one place on the roster that could use some elite talent, it’s CB.
So that’s my conclusion. What CB might be available in the late first? Is there a chance the value might be there for Seattle? Or do they target later rounds to find their future starter at the position?
A point on the receivers — Kearse is a FA and Richardson hasn’t been able to stay healthy. If all four of those guys are there for 16 games, you make a fine point. But if Kearse walks and with Richardson a major question mark — you’re left relying on Baldwin and Lockett. Which is not ideal at all.
Plus, Baldwin is a free agent after 2016. So preparing for the future isn’t a bad idea.
Agree about Richardson and his health. The Seahawks will have a better read on that situation. If they project Richardson as a constant health issue, I agree that drafting a dynamic WR early is advisable, because it takes multiple threats to make this offense go. As it stands, they can’t simply shut down an AJ Green, say, or J. Jones. RW can go to the open option, regardless.
As for Kearse, I see Smith and Williams as viable and valuable potential replacements. It sends a good message if these players can work hard and earn a spot on the team after going undrafted. Plus, both players have flashed potential, and who knows? They may be closer to Baldwin than Kearse, in terms of talent, when everything gets said and done.
And that’s the optimist in me speaking. I can see a seasoned Lockett and a healthy Richardson on the outside, with Baldwin in the slot. So much speed and route-running effectiveness, I don’t see how you defend it. And that is before you factor in the running game and TEs.
And let’s plan on re-signing Baldwin. He has earned it, and is worth far more on this team than elsewhere.
Agreed Completely!
Baldwin must be extended and PAID!!!
For example, here is a highly-rated CB that you project as available in your mock: Vernon Hargreaves:
STRENGTHS: It is hard not to gush about Hargreaves as he combines quickness, balance and route-recognition to excel in coverage with rare physicality and open-field tackling ability to be just as effective in run support and when blitzing off the corner. He possesses good size for the position with a compact, athletic frame.
When lining up in press man coverage, Hargreaves gets a stiff initial punch in on the receiver at the snap and shows good balance and light feet dropping into coverage, fluidly changing direction and the acceleration to remain in the hip pocket of receivers. He’s equally effective in off coverage, reading the quarterback’s eyes and breaking quickly downhill to disrupt passes. Hargreaves’ lack of height is mitigated by impressive body control, timing and competitiveness in jump-ball situations. He possesses excellent hand-eye coordination to slap the ball away as it arrives as well as good hands for the interception (six in two seasons).
Scouts will also appreciate that unlike some of the other highly regarded defensive backs throughout the country, Hargreaves is far from just a cover corner. He’s very aggressive in run support, fighting his way through blocks and showing zero hesitation in taking on bigger ballcarriers. On most occasions, Hargreaves makes the effective stop, often significantly cutting short the yards gained in impressive fashion.
WEAKNESSES: An inch or two shorter than scouts would prefer. Hargreaves can get himself in trouble by attacking ballcarriers too high, clawing at the football while ‘rassling opponents to the ground rather than wrapping up and driving them to the turf. He also takes such aggressive angles in pursuit that he can be forced to lunge at ballcarriers, occasionally missing as he swipes at their legs.
IN OUR VIEW: With another strong season in 2015, Hargreaves will likely consider making the early leap to the NFL, where he could prove to be the highest drafted defensive back from Florida since the Cleveland Browns made Joe Haden the No. 7 overall pick in 2010.
–Rob Rang (8/18/15)
PLAYER OVERVIEW
It isn’t often that a true freshman comes into the SEC and is an immediate standout, but that’s precisely what Hargreaves accomplished in 2013, earning first team All-SEC honors from the media and league coaches after tying Janoris Jenkins’ freshman record at Florida with 11 pass breakups and intercepting three passes.
He was even better as a sophomore, leading the conference with 13 pass breakups and intercepting another three passes, including one in the end zone with just 1:20 remaining to seal Florida’s Birmingham Bowl win over East Carolina. Hargreaves was a consensus All-SEC pick and earned first team All-American honors from several outlets, including CBSSports.com.
You might have missed my take on Hargreaves earlier in the year, but I don’t rate him. I think he’s overrated. I don’t see him as a first round talent. Not for me. Some teams feel that way too. And I’m almost certain the Seahawks won’t take him. Questionable technique and a horrible, horrible tackler. Too many whiffs.
Good to know. I know nothing more than I just read, was simply providing an example.
Is there anyone you would consider, depending on availability? Or who would likely be available?
At corner? Zack Sanchez, Oklahoma.
Cool, thanks.
Looks like we need to remove Carl Lawson from our draft boards. He’s returning to Auburn next year.