The next Cliff Avril or Frank Clark in Seattle? I think so.

Let me be the first to say that grading a draft class is a stupid waste of time. Example, the 2012 Seattle Seahawk draft class that included Bruce Irvin, Bobby Wagner, and Russell Wilson, Jeremy Lane, and JR Sweezy (all eventual starters) was universally panned and given an F by many of the so-called highly paid draft experts.

The biggest fundamental reason why I feel like it is such a massive waste of time is that the NFL scouting community uses draft experts to spread a certain amount of disinformation on players hoping that players they really covet will fall to them. They will say things like “well, he’s fast, but he didn’t do this, and never showed that he could do that..”

You probably get my drift by now, and I would also say that grading a draft before these players have a chance to suit up and play on Sundays is also pointless. It’s also probably unfair to grade them until they have had at least a couple seasons under their belt.

So that said, I am going to continue this silly exercise to divvy out my grades for this class followed by a few descriptors explaining the grade given. Be forewarned, I like this class.

Jordyn Brooks, Linebacker, Texas Tech. Grade A+

I’m giving this high grade because Seattle took the very best player on their draft board after not exercising a trade back. There was no reach here, and Brooks also filled a position of some need. On top of pass rush, Seattle also needed to get faster on defense. They took a lightening fast linebacker who was regarded as the best run stopper at his position in the class. There is some thought that he is not good in coverage, but I think the more accurate description is that his coverage skills are not at the level of where he is as a run defender and a tackler in space.  Word has it that had Seattle not taken him at 27, Baltimore would have at 28. Seattle’s defense got faster with this pick.

Darrell Taylor, Defensive End, Tennessee. Grade B+

Kudos for Seattle able to get the edge rusher they wanted (I believe John Schneider when he said that they would have taken Taylor with the first pick if Brooks was not there). Taylor has the physical profile that they covet for the Leo end position, and Pro Football Focus gave him a 84.9 pass rushing grade in the SEC last year. I wrote after day two of the draft that when watching him, he reminds me of Cliff Avril. Looking at more tape, I think he might be closer to Frank Clark. He looks really strong and explosive on top fast, but his pass rush is raw, and it is probably important for Seattle to add one more quality pass rushing vet for him to learn behind. I believe his upside is likely higher than anyone else in this class, though, and I can see why they wanted him.

Damien Lewis, Guard, LSU. Grade B

I love Damien Lewis, and if I were to pick a guard to play in front of Russell Wilson out of this draft class, he would be towards the very top of my list. At 6-2 and 327 lbs, he is monstrously strong, as he is able to squat over 600 lbs (good lord). You see that on tape in the way he can abuse defensive tackles. He also had a great Senior Bowl week, handling his own in pass rush drills against star defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw who was drafted by San Francisco. You can see the logic in this pick at 69, but there was a couple quality DTs on the board that would have further added to an area of greater need (defensive line). I really wanted Seattle to land one of those guys, but Lewis instantly made DJ Fluker expendable, as they cut the vet right after the draft. That says something.

Colby Parkinson, Tight End, Stanford. Grade A-

I’m giving this pick a high grade because I think, like Brooks, Seattle went with the best player on their board regardless of position, and at this point of the draft, the best defensive tackles, offensive tackles, and wide receivers were gone. He was a five star athlete coming into Stanford, and he did not drop a single pass in 2019. His blocking needs work, but a 6-7 and 250 lb with that kind of receiving ability is pretty interesting. I was a big fan of this selection. Seattle likely found great value here.

DeeJay Dallas, Running Back, Miami. Grade C+

Seattle needed to come out of this draft with a runner, and I think Dallas fits the profile of what Seattle looks for there. He kind of reminds me of Mike Davis from a couple years ago. He looks like a player that could become a dependable third down back that can spell the starter for a series or two per game. However, there was Virginia corner Bryce Hall still available, and I was hoping that Seattle would go in that direction. This was a fill a need pick.

Alton Robinson, Defensive End, Syracuse. Grade A

If I had to pick the greatest value pick out of this draft class for Seattle, it would be this guy. If he was taken where they took Damien Lewis, it would make sense for Seattle to double down aggressively on pass rush like that (as their pass rush was so scant in 2019). Pete Carroll said that he was the player he was most surprised was still available, and I had seen a lot of mock drafts that had him going in the second or third rounds. When looking at his tape, the NFL player that he most reminds me of is Everson Griffen (a current free agent that Seattle has been linked to and Carroll coached at USC). Physically, he looks very similar and he kinda has that same bend around the corner.

Freddie Swain, Wide Receiver, Florida. Grade C

I’m not going to pretend to know much about Swain. On tape he looks like a very good punt returner, and he has shown nice hands and agility going after errant throws, and looks like a decent run after the catch guy who can work the slot. John Schneider said that he’s a tough competitor that their scouts were drawn to. My feeling is that he was drafted to compete with David Moore as the fourth or fifth receiver and if he handles returns well enough in camp, he might beat him out.

Stephen Sullivan, TE/WR, LSU. Grade A+

This was the guy that Pete Carroll really wanted to come out of this draft with, and Seattle traded back into the draft late to get him. Bravo. He comes into Seattle with an incredible back story about overcoming adversity while growing up with numerous hard realities. He played receiver and tight end at LSU with a greater background at receiver. He had a strong Senior Bowl week and was an explosive tester at the combine. While he is raw, he has huge upside, and I think the coaches are going to work to carve out a niche role for him. He will be very determined to learn and do whatever they ask out of him, and I wouldn’t bet against this guy making the final roster.

Final Thoughts About This Class and a Few Thoughts About What Seattle Might Do Moving Forward Towards Training Camp

Overall, I would grade this class a solid B+. I like it a lot better than a lot of experts. I think they found great value in Brooks, Parkinson, Robinson, and Sullivan. I think that they are successful in attacking their biggest need by land two pass rushers with starting potential. I really like that they found a solid guard prospect.

I will be honest and say that I was pretty disappointed that they did not come out of this draft with a quality defensive tackle, or an offensive tackle that can be groomed behind Duane Brown. This draft looked strong at both positions in the top portion of it. Darrell Taylor well be the next great pass rusher drafted by Seattle, he certainly has all the traits, but I thought Alabama’s defensive tackle Raekwon Davis was perhaps more plug and play ready. I was salivating over the idea of lining him up inside with Jarran Reed.

I was also a bit disappointed that they didn’t draft one of the higher quality receivers earlier. I think had Seattle been able to execute an initial trade back, they would have been in position for that in the third round.

But this is how the NFL draft goes sometimes. It’s hard to fill all your needs. This is why I feel like Seattle will be active soon enough filling out remaining needs with either veteran free agents or veterans acquired in trades.

If I were a betting man, I would bet that Seattle brings in a quality run stopping defensive tackle. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised (or disappointed) if that player is Damon “Snacks” Harrison. I think Harrison is exactly what Pete Carroll loves at defensive tackle. At 6-3 and 350 lbs, he is a massive run stopper who, if paired inside with Jarran Reed, would eat up space, and keep blockers off Bobby Wagner. His presence would be an immediate upgrade to the defensive line.

I think Seattle will also land one more veteran edge rusher. I think it is far too important for  the development of Darrell Taylor and Alton Robinson to not do this. If it isn’t Jadeveon Clowney being brought back, I would expect it to probably be Everson Griffen, and maybe even Michael Bennett.

We shall see soon enough, though. Oh, yes we shall.

Go Hawks.

Seattle lands a rocked up Stanford tight end with star potential.

On the first two days of the 2020, the Seattle Seahawks focused on getting faster with the front seven of their defense, and then that took the best offensive lineman on their board. On day three of the draft, they looked for a combination of depth players, and players that offer some unique high end potential. Let’s break these players down a bit.

Stanford TE Colby Parkinson gives Russell Wilson an interesting red zone target

I will be honest. I didn’t have tight end much on my radar before this draft. Seattle seemed loaded up on the position by adding veteran pro bowler Greg Olsen to compete along with promising youngsters Will Dissly, and Jacob Hollister. They also brought back fan favorite Luke Willson. I simply did not see this as a position of need for the team.

What Colby Parkinson might be, though, is simply the best player on Seattle’s board at pick 133, regardless of position, and Seattle chose to make that type of selection. Essentially, they chose best player over biggest remaining need.

Parkinson is a unique red zone target at 6-7 252 lbs, with basketball player traits, and sure hands. Pro Football Focus noted that he remarkably did not drop a single pass last year in college football. His 4.7 forty time is fast enough for the tight end position and his 3 Cone Time of 7.15 indicates an ability to get out of his breaks quickly.  He is also a former five star athlete, and a high football IQ player that understands route trees. It should be also noted that Stanford has produced numerous high end quality tight ends over the last decade. Parkinson seems to be continuing that trend.

I believe, at this range of the draft, this pick satisfies the “let Russell cook” crowd of Seahawk fans. Parkinson is more of a Jimmy Graham move tight end type than the inline player Dissly is, and could be used as a big slot receiver type in two tight end sets.

Heading into the college football season, there was some hype that he could be a first round pick. So, I think Seattle gets really solid value here. I like this pick.

DeeJay Dallas is a Seattle Seahawk style running back

At 5-10 217 lbs, Miami’s DeeJay Dallas fits the physical mold of a Seattle Seahawk style running back. He’s a physical inside runner that tries to punish tacklers, and was an explosive tester at the Combine with a 33.5 vertical jump and a 119 broad jump, and his 4.58 forty time is close to what Chris Caron’s was coming out of college.

What makes Dallas interesting is that he started out as a receiver at Miami and ended up as their featured running back in 2019. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr ranks him as the best pass blocking back in this draft class.

Put all this together, and I believe Seattle drafted a player likely compete as a third down back, and to provide quality depth. I think his closest comparison to a Seattle runner is Mike Davis. Seattle drafts a position of need here.

Alton Robinson provides interesting depth at Leo end

Seattle double dipped in this draft at edge rusher. Robinson was a productive player coming out of Syracuse. At 6-3 and 264 lbs, running a 4.64 forty, and boasting an impressive 35.5 vertical jump, he is also an explosive combine tester. Some mock drafts have had him as a second round pick. On tape, you can see pretty go bend off the edge, as well.

I didn’t have him much on my radar for Seattle because his arm length is shorter than the 33 inch threshold they use for their defensive linemen. I think in an effort to boost the pass rush, they are willing to use a mid round pick on an outlier player, though, who has other pass rush traits they like.

It’s also interesting that he has been spending recent time training in Bellevue Washington with none other than former star pass rushing Seattle Seahawk Cliff Avril. Thus, it’s easy to assume Seattle has had some good intel on this player.

He’s an interesting pick.

Freddie Swain adds slot receiver and punt returner potential

Seattle waited out a deep receiver draft class to the bottom of round six before that took a player. Swain is a fast slot receiver type with soft hands and a natural run after the catch ability. He also has decent size at 6-0 and 197 lbs.

What makes him a plus for Seattle is his abilities as a returner. I suspect Seattle would love to further remove the chains of the return game off of star receiver Tyler Lockett, and if Swain can come in and compete with David Moore as the fourth of fifth receiver option for Russell Wilson, that job might be his. This is a depth pick.

Finally, if Seattle didn’t have enough at tight end, they traded back into round seven to take LSU’s Steven Sullivan

What can I say, Seattle loves tight ends big time these days. Sullivan is another unique athlete at 6-5 and 248 lbs with long 35 inch arms and runs a fast 4.6 forty. Like Parkinson, he is a big flex tight end and not the inline blocker type that Will Dissly is. In fact, he is a former wide receiver that converted last to the position just last season.

I’m not going to pretend that I know much more than that about him. He wasn’t on my radar, and I didn’t think tight end was that big of a need. Clearly, I thought wrong.

I’m going to be interested to hear what Pete Carroll thinks of this guy. Is he another tight end, or do they see a big receiver in him? He’s a project player.

Further thoughts about day three of the NFL Draft

I love that Seattle took best player available at pick 133 and got Russell Wilson a unique big receiver/tight end in Colby Parkinson. I think Russell always had a fondness for Jimmy Graham during his time in Seattle and probably covets getting another big red zone target that he can rely on. I think this guy has intriguing upside to his game, and could factor in as a rookie.

I also liked that Seattle double dipped at edge rusher as it was clearly the greatest position of need. With no certainty of Jadeveon Clowney coming back, and Bruce Irvin and Benson Mayowa both signed to one year deals, Seattle had to come out of this draft class with a long term option, and it looks like they got two. I’m good with that.

What I am not good with is that Seattle missed out on drafted a defensive tackle with upside potential. Arizona Cardinal generation manager Steve Keim must have been studying my silly little blog because last night after the day two selections, I noted defensive tackles Leki Fotu (Utah) and Rashard Lawrence (LSU) as great day three options for Seattle. That big fat bald headed SOB took both of them in round four before Seattle had a chance to pick. I literally yelled at the television when he took Lawrence two picks ahead of Seattle. What a jerk face.

All and all, I really like this draft for the Seattle Seahawks, though. I will have final notes posted tomorrow about this draft class along with some musings over what further actions this team could take in free agency or trades to bolster the roster heading into training camp (hopefully there will be a training camp). For now though, I will just say this; after three days of this draft I feel more at ease about the direction of this club, I feel that their roster has improved in places it needed to, and I am good with that, but I think there is a little bit of work left to be done. So, roll up your arms, John Schneider.

Go Hawks

The next Cliff Avril in Seattle? Maybe.

Russell Wilson, Bobby Wagner, Golden Tate, Frank Clark, Paul Richardson, Tyler Lockett, Jarran Reed, DK Metcalf, Shaquill Griffin, Justin Britt.

That’s a nice list of Seahawk players that have been drafted Day Two of the NFL Draft during the Pete Carroll and John Schneider era. The majority of these guys have been pro bowl level players for this club, and a couple of them are generational talents.

On Day One of the 2020 NFL Draft, Seattle took Jordyn Brooks, a speedy run stopping linebacker that most were not considering as a first round pick even though the talent was clearly there on tape for all to see. While most thought that Seattle would go pass rusher, they took the player that they thought was the best player on their board. Seattle has needed more speed on the defensive side of the ball, and they needed better tacklers for the last couple seasons. Enter Brooks.

On Day Two, Seattle focused on improving their pass rush, and improving their offensive line. Let’s break these two players down.

Darrell Taylor is exactly what Seattle looks for at Leo end

There were a few bigger edge rusher names were on the board when Seattle trade up to be 48 to take Tennessee defensive end Darrell Taylor. Iowa’s AJ Epenesa, and Notre Dame’s Julian Okwara are two players that had garnished first round hype for several months leading to the draft.

I never thought Epenesa would be a player of interest for Seattle, even though national draft pundits had been consistently mocking him to Seattle at pick 27. While he has had good production at Iowa, he’s not a bendy rusher, he’s not quick, or explosive, and he doesn’t have the size to likely play much at defensive tackle for this club either. At best, he could probably a serviceable 5 technique end for a club that is loaded at 5 technique with last year’s first round pick LJ Collier, Rasheem Green, and Brandon Jackson. Further more, nothing on Epenesa’s tape made me think that he would likely be any better than Green, or Collier.

What Seattle has been in desperate need of since they traded away Frank Clark is a Leo end. They essentially played without one last year for the first time in Pete Carroll’s tenure. It was an odd decision for the club, as Carroll coaches a very specific style of defense that almost entirely depends on having a serviceable Leo. Jadeveon Clowney, as talented as he is, is not a Leo, and neither is Ziggy Ansah. These are base 4-3 ends.

For those who do not understand this defensive line terminology, allow me to quickly explain. Seattle runs a hybrid 4-3 defense that is called a 4-3 Under, and at times, it looks a bit like a 3-4 defense. Simply, the defensive line is slightly tilted. On one side you have a bigger defensive end (5 technique) that almost looks like a defensive tackle playing up against a tackle, then you have a big defensive tackle (1 technique) that plays between the offensive guard and center that is strong enough to take on both blockers, followed by a more athletic tackle (3 technique) that plays in the other gab between the other guard and the other offensive tackle, and then you have this much lighter, quicker, more athletic player that plays much farther out on the edge of the other offensive tackle.

That player is the best athlete on the defensive line and his job is to make that tackle have to deal with him solely, and that creates opportunities for the athletic defensive tackle and others. That player is the Leo end.

In 2018, when Seattle had Frank Clark, he was their Leo, and Jarran Reed was the 3 technique DT. Clark had 13 sacks that year and Reed had 10.5 sacks. That was how a functioning 4-3 under defensive line is supposed to ideally work.

Under Carroll, up until last year, Seattle has always show cased a Leo. From Chris Clemons to Cliff Avril, to Frank Clark, that player is always about 6-3 and 260 lbs with long arms that can bend the corner and has the explosion to convert speed to power against blockers. They win with explosion, twitch, speed, leverage, bend and strength.

This draft class had very little prospects that fit this profile.  The few that I could honestly see as potential Leos were Notre Dame’s Julian Okwara, our boy Darrell Taylor, Charlotte’s Alex Highsmith, Alabama’s Terrell Lewis, and maybe Tulsa’s Trevis Gibson. Highsmith and Gibson are major project players that you probably don’t take with a high pick, and while Lewis is a talented athlete, he could never stay healthy enough through college and would be a major risk to take high, as well.

When Seattle traded up for pick 48, I figured it was either for Okwara or Taylor, and Seattle chose Taylor. Okwara interestingly enough continued to fall into the third round.

Seattle chose the athlete that I believe has the highest upside. In fact, the last few weeks leading to the draft, I felt that there was an outside chance he could be the first player they would take if they didn’t trade back too much. He has a very Cliff Avril/ Frank Clark vibe to his game with his ability to bend the corner, and convert speed to power. His hits on quarterbacks and running backs in the backfield are no joke. He can win with a bend on the edge, and he can win with a bull rush. That’s what Cliff Avril did, and all Taylor needs to do to get to that level is add more pass rush moves to his tool box.

My last few mocks, I had Seattle taking a defensive tackle with their first pick because I did not think Okwara or Taylor would be there after a trade back. When they are picking at 27, I thought one of these guys was probably going to be that pick. To my shock, they took Jordyn Brooks.

I am elated that they were able to land Taylor with their next pick. I thought he would be possibly going to New England, Detroit, or Miami long before Seattle would pick again. He feels like a Belichick coaching tree type of player. Seattle got lucky with this pick.

Damien Lewis is a grown man at offensive guard

When Seattle traded back from 64 to pick 69 in the third round, I really wanted them to add one more piece to the defense. I honestly wanted them to take Ohio State defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton because I think he has the tools to be a really good player for years to come. When they selected Lewis, I was initially deflated, kind of like I was deflated when Seattle took Jordyn Brooks at pick 27 over a defensive lineman.

As this pick settled in with me, though, the more I quickly liked it. Damien Lewis has round two talent, and round two is typically a superb round to get a quality guard. Lewis was the strongest player on the national championship LSU roster. He is able to squat 600 lbs, an insane amount of weight. He is also a player with a high football IQ, and was a clear leader on the team. Best of all, he’s not just a run blocking road grader, he’s actually a pretty good pass blocker.

When the San Francisco 49ers added South Carolina defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw at pick 14, my heart sank with that pick. San Fran had successfully traded it’s star defensive tackle to Indianapolis and then used that pick to take a player who quite possibly has even greater upside. I turned to my wife after that section, and simply said, “well, then. Seattle is going to have to draft a guard now, and he better be a good one.”

Seattle just landed a really good guard with this pick. I know they are presently loaded up on the line, but I wouldn’t read too much into it. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if Lewis beats out DJ Fluker outright for the starting job this Summer and makes him a cap casualty. Out of these three early round picks, Lewis might be the player that wins a starting job the soonest.

I love this pick.

Thoughts about Day Three of the NFL Draft.

Seattle will have four picks to play with on Saturday, two in the fourth round, a high one in the fifth, and a late sixth round pick. They can still find good value, and maybe a future starter or two. Some really interesting names to watch for at some positions of need include the following:

Leku Fotu, DT, Utah. He’s a big athletic talent, and Seattle loves Utah defenders.

Rashard Lawrence, DT, LSU. Underrated player that has a Jarran Reed vibe.

Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn. Massive steel if Seattle lands him day three.

Saahdig Charles, OT, LSU. Would not be shocked if he is a Seattle target.

John Hightower, WR, Boise State. Underrated and feels like a Seattle WR

Quez Watkins, WR, Southern Miss. A true burner that fits their vertical game

Hunter Bryant, TE, Washington. Seattle is loaded at TE, but Bryant could tempt.

Amik Robertson, CB, Louisiana Tech. One of the best nickel corners in the draft

Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia. Big outside corner that fits Seattle’s mold.

Troy Dye, LB, Oregon. Seattle is now stacked at LB, but what if they move on from KJ?

These are just a few names to keep in mind when Seattle looks to add. There are other names I could mention, but these players really stand out. There is still some really interesting offensive linemen, a couple defensive tackles, and a few back end defenders that Seattle might like to scoop up. There are also going to be some interesting pass catchers.

For me, with their four remaining picks, I would love to see a quality defensive tackle, a playmaker added to the offense, a playmaker added to the defensive back end, and one more quality offensive linemen, and I don’t care in which order.

Go Hawks!

Seattle just got faster at linebacker (Rick Scuteri /AP)

I said this in my final mock draft piece a couple days ago; the Seattle Seahawks are the Honey Badger team of the NFL. They don’t care what you think or feel, they are going to do what they want whenever they want to do it. That is their way.

I said this because I had them trading out of the first round into the 40s and taking defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton who’s been a player generating draft buzz and plays at a position of need, but isn’t a big named player. Well, the Seattle Seahawks Honey Badgered me again by staying put at pick 27 and selecting a linebacker that many thought was a Day Two prospect.

I did not see this coming. I thought that linebacker might be a need for them, but I didn’t anticipate it being as big of a need as defensive line, or even running back.

Settling into this pick now, let me say that I like Jordyn Brooks the football player. I like him a lot.

There are elements of his game that are very Bobby Wagner-esque. He plays fast, is a sure tackler, and brings a nice aggression to the ball carrier. With the offenses that they play against in the NFC West that love to run off of misdirection, Seattle needed to get faster athletes playing in space that are sure tacklers. This is how Brooks plays.

I think how he fits Seattle’s defense is likely the heir apparent to KJ Wright at the WILL linebacker position, and maybe other positions down the road. He has experience playing both outside and inside linebacker, and was a highly productive four year starter at Texas Tech. Seattle loves players that are versatile and can play multiple spots.

Listening to general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll during their joint press conference, it also appears like they were drawn to his leadership qualities, his maturity, and his love for the game. I said another piece that I wrote recently that I was anticipating Seattle to look for players in this draft class that would have the ability to come in right away and compete. Listening to John and Pete speak, it is clear that they feel Jordyn Brooks is this type of player.

I’m fully willing to give Jordyn Brooks a chance. Other fans, writers, and bloggers that cover the team are free to freak out and pronounce the end of this team’s reign, but not here, and not me. I’m too much of a Pete Carroll, John Schneider, and Russell Wilson believer. I’m entrenched in optimism. Why shouldn’t I be? When has Seattle ever been worse the 9-7 with Russell Wilson at quarterback and Pete Carroll coaching?

His college coach said that he reminded him of Bobby Wagner (he coached Wagner at Utah State). If Seattle ends up with two Bobby Wagners on the field together over the next few years, everyone will love this pick, and pat John Schneider on the back for landing another steel pick that pundits didn’t see coming.

Seattle needed speed on their defense badly, and with Brooks, they just added speed. I’m down for that.

Other thoughts on the draft.

The San Francisco 49ers got a total steel in the draft by taking massive defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw at pick 14. This stung for me greatly. They just made the strength of their team stronger. They also traded up a bit in the twenties and took Arizona State playmaking receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The 49ers got stronger in this draft. Seattle is going to have a chore trying to unseat them in 2020.

The Arizona Cardinals also got a steel in Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons. He might be the freakiest defender in this draft class with is 4.3 speed at 6-3 and 239 lbs, and his unique ability to move around the defense playing linebacker, safety and even cornerback. San Francisco and Arizona both took players that will not make Russell Wilson’s job easier moving forward. I hope that Seattle answers on Day Two by getting Russ another offensive weapon of some sort.

The Green Bay Packers did the weirdest thing ever by trading up in front of Seattle to pick 26, and instead of giving Aaron Rodgers a much needed receiver, they drafted his heir apparent with Utah State QB Jordan Love. Did not see that one coming, but I would love to have been a fly on the wall studying Rodgers’ instant reaction to that. Joy.

Thoughts about what Seattle might do on Day Two

There are some pretty interesting names left on the board going into the second round tomorrow with Seattle owning two picks towards the end of the round. I think it is probable that we see Seattle at least one of those picks on a player for the defensive line. Here is a short list of defensive lineman that might be targets for Seattle.

Raekwon Davis, DT, Alabama

Marlon Davidson, DE/DT, Auburn

DaVon Hamilton, DT, Ohio State

Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M

Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State

Julian Owara, DE, Notre Dame

AJ Epenesa, DE, Iowa

All of these players bring a degree of upside with them, and Seattle needs to come out of this draft with a pass rusher either at end or defensive tackle. Preferably both will be addressed in this draft. For me, Raekwon Davis and DaVon Hamilton are two to watch out for.

If Seattle continues to honey badger me, and avoids the defensive line in round two, here are some non pass rushers that could be an interesting boost to the team.

Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor

Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame

KJ Hamler, WR, Penn State

Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State

Robert Hunt, OT, Louisiana-Lafayette

Josh Jones, OT, Houston

Kyle Dugger, Safety, Lenoir-Rhyme

Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah

Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

John Simpson, Guard, Georgia

Lloyd Cushenberry, Center, LSU

These are all names that are fringe first round talents. There are a number of other interesting names I could have mentioned. Seattle is going to grab a couple good players on day two of this draft, and if they play things right, they might even get three with the third round pick. Hopefully at least one of them adds to the defensive line, if not two.

Can’t wait to see.

Go Hawks!

Seattle gets back to Bigger, Stronger, and Faster on the interior defensive line.

Well, Twelves, the NFL Draft is upon us. With this Covid 19 crisis, this might be the only major sporting event that we get for a good long while, so let’s all enjoy it, how ’bout.

Alas, our beloved Seattle Seahawks have proved me wrong (again) and have not made any major move to acquire a big time veteran pass rusher before the draft at the time of this writing. Perhaps that is coming afterwards in the form of Everson Griffen via free agency. Maybe they even entice Jadeveon Clowney back (kinda doubt it, though).

The team has depth at tight end, interior offensive line, linebacker, and in the secondary. They are in giant need of more defensive linemen, they need to add a running back, they could use an offensive tackle for the future, and it wouldn’t hurt their roster to add another quality wide receiver. Also, they are currently without a backup quarterback.

That all said, let’s get mocking.

With the 27th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks trade with the Indianapolis Colts.

In this scenario, I have the Colts aiming to trade into the first round after trading the 13th pick in the draft to San Francisco for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. I think they are in a win now mode with Phillip Rivers, and want to get ahead of the Baltimore Ravens to grab an edge rusher.  They send picks 34, 75, and 193 to Seattle for pick 27 and a 2021 5th round pick.

With the 34th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

I have Jacksonville taking one of the top end left tackles in round one and then trading up here to draft a young quarterback to compete with Gardner Minshew (Jacob Eason?). The Jags send picks 42, 140, and 223 to move up ahead of the Panthers who are also QB needy. Seattle now has picks in every round moving forward, and will have four picks in the meat of this draft class.

With the 42nd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select DaVon Hamilton, Defensive Tackle, Ohio State

With this pick, Seattle takes an under the radar player who is starting to generate  momentum heading into the final week of the draft. Former Seahawk scout and Senior Bowl executive Jim Nagy rates him highly among defensive tackles, and thinks he’s could go midway into the second round. It’s fair to note that Nagy knows what Seattle looks for well, and he was the scout that pounded the table a few years ago for Jarran Reed.

Hamilton looks like a Seattle Seahawk defensive tackle. He’s a big athletic fella at 6-4 and 320 lbs, with length and ability to both absorb multiple blockers, plus he can single gap penetrate. This is huge for Seattle’s defense because they require their tackles to be able to anchor against the run firstly, but have the ability to penetrate and disrupt when needed. Essentially, Hamilton projects to be Al Woods with pass rush.

With the 59th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Matt Peart, Offensive Tackle, UConn

This is the second time that I have mocked Peart to Seattle with this pick. If they go defensive line with their first pick, I think they have to go offensive line with the second one, and vice versa. Peart has unique length, and wingspan, and athleticism. He could be a right or a left tackle in the league. If Seattle takes him, I think it’s more for his potential to inherit the left tackle spot from Duane Brown once he retires. Because Peart likely needs a year to get stronger for the pros and is a bit raw, I think he might be available here. This would be a value pick on a player with upside that can redshirt.

With the 64th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Devin Duvernay, Wide Receiver, Texas

Under Pete Carroll, the Seattle Seahawks never shy away from taking athletic play-makers for the offense early, especially at receiver. As much as they love to run the ball, they love to create explosive plays in the passing attack. At 5-10 and 200 lbs, Duvernay has some interesting abilities as a slot receiver with soft hands, quick breaks, and a natural ability to settle into the zones. He’s also a solid deep threat receiver with top end speed, a good catch and run guy, and he returns punts. This feels like a Seahawk style receiver that will fit with Russell Wilson, and adds quality depth behind Tyler Lockett.

With the 75th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Alex Highsmith, Defense End, Charlotte

Seattle stays patient and takes the edge rusher that fits what they want at the Leo position. Highsmith is 6-3 and 248 lbs with long arms, and speed off the edge. He has shown improved play in college and has some decent hand use. He’s a small college player who will likely need to get stronger to be a three down player in the pros, but he has shown a solid work ethic and at this point in the draft, in my opinion, isn’t a bad player to wager on.

With the 101st pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Zach Moss, Running Back, Utah

Moss is another player that I have mocked twice to Seattle. I think he is their ideal running back in many ways, and he reminds me a lot of Chris Carson. He’s big, physical, a patient runner who can explode through tight holes, and he’s a decent pass catcher. Because of injuries to Carson and Rashaad Penny, Seattle is in big need at running back and they could take one a lot sooner than here, but Moss is a player to watch.

With the 133rd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Michael Ojemudia, Cornerback, Iowa

Ojemudia is another guy I have mocked to Seattle, as he one of the few corners in this class that fits Seattle’s profile for an outside cover guy. He’s big at 6-1 and 200 pounds with long arms, and shows good route recognition in zone coverage. He’s not thought to be a good man coverage guy and that might make him available here, but doesn’t really effect Seattle, as they are primarily a zone coverage team. With Shaquill Griffin and Quinton Dunbar both heading into a contract year, expect Seattle to target a corner at some point in this draft, and I suspect that early day three will be the likely spot.

With the 140th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select John Hightower, Wide Receiver, Boise State

Hightower is another player that I have mocked to Seattle, and with the historic depth at receiver in this class, I suspect Seattle will draft at least two. Like Duvernay, he fits Seattle’s vertical attack and is a decent route runner with sure hands. He’s a taller player at 6-1 and 189 pounds which is nice. He also possesses good run after the catch ability. With this pick, Seattle will not only be loaded at receiver, they will have one of the fastest units in the league. Thus, the Let Russell Cook crowd should be satisfied.

With the 144th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Johan Jackson, Guard, Ohio State

There is a theme here. Jackson is yet another player that I have mocked to Seattle as he looks like a fit for what they are now looking for at guard. He is a big, physical, intelligent blocker with strong hands who fits their man blocking scheme. With DJ Fluker being in a contract year, Seattle could be searching for someone who could become a future starter.

With the 197th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Raequan Williams, Defensive Tackle, Michigan State

The theme continues. Williams is another player that I have mocked to Seattle before. At 6-4 and 308 lbs with long arms, he is a Seattle type of big defensive liner that can play multiple spots. I compare him to Naz Jones in his ability to play 3 tech and 5 tech, and Pete Carroll values flexibility with his depth players. Even with the selection of Hamilton early, Seattle needs more depth at DT, and Williams could be good value here.

With the 214th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Tanner Muse, Safety/Linebacker, Clemson

Muse, at 6-2 227 lbs and able to run a 4.4 forty, could be Seattle’s attempt to find another Kam Chancellor type. In my opinion, though, there is only one Kam. He had an uncanny ability to read offensives and played with super human strength, speed, and anticipation. He was a generational talent. Muse, on the other hand, has shown decent instincts of his own, with some nice ball skills and played college football with a similar all out mentality. He might be a player they look to convert to linebacker and add depth there. At the very least, he would add decent special teams value.

With the 223rd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Steven Montez, Quarterback, Colorado

I have Seattle taking a flyer on a tall athletic college quarterback with a big arm here. Montez physically fits Seattle’s play action scheme, but is raw at reading coverage and needs to be drafted and developed. Seattle has some need to develop a young player behind Russell Wilson, but could just as easily bring back Geno Smith and use this pick on another position. However, with two trades backs, I think that they have acquired enough picks to fill other needs and depth concerns that they afford a late round flyer on a young passer like Montez. This is decent value here.

Further thoughts about Seattle’s first pick DaVon Hamilton

In putting this mock together, I ran a full round one into round two mock draft up to where I ultimately had Seattle pick first. I had multiple team trades with Atlanta and New England moving up aggressively early to fill big needs, and Detroit and Arizona dropping back to acquire more picks and high future picks. I had Seattle and San Francisco as the two teams trading out of the bottom of round one.

By the time I had Seattle select at pick 42, I had a run of offensive tackles, defensive linemen, a few running backs, receivers, and a few DBs that would likely appeal to Seattle. Last week, I had Seattle settling on Alabama defensive tackle Raekwon Davis, but with this exercise, I had him going to the 49ers at 35 after Seattle traded out of 34, and I could feel that sting. San Francisco and Seattle run a very similar defense and he would be a solid club fit for both teams.

When Seattle got to 42, there were some pretty compelling names still on the board. There was Michigan center Cesar Ruiz, who some consider one of the very best offensive linemen in the draft. There was Penn State receiver KJ Hamler who might be the most electric pass catcher in the draft.  There was also LSU linebacker Patrick Queen who might be the fastest linebacker in the draft, and in terms of defensive line, still on the board along were Auburn’s Marlon Davidson and Texas A&M DT Justin Madukuibe. If Seattle were to take any one of these names it probably would have made a lot of sense to the NFL Draft experts on ESPN and the NFL Network.

Enter DeVon Hamilton.

If Seattle takes DeVon Hamilton with their first pick, I can imagine the scrambling reaction from some draft pundits. While Hamilton is not a big name, this would be a very Seattle Seahawky pick. Seattle rarely selects players most pundits have them taking high (or even players that they expect to be taken that high). They are the Honey Badger team in the league when it comes to the draft. They don’t care what you think, they are going to do what they want.

To reiterate, I do think Hamilton is their type of defensive tackle. He has the size and strength to play nose, and the athleticism to play big at three technique (Seattle seems to prefer size inside, even at three technique). What I think might make Hamilton extra appealing to Seattle is the upside of his pass rush. That’s where I ultimately landed on with this pick. Hamilton fits the Bigger, Stronger, Faster vibe that I think this team would like to get back towards, and I would love to see more of that on Sundays again.

Thoughts on the rest of this class and the draft.

For those interested in who I had Atlanta and New England aggressively move up for, I had the Falcons moving from 16 all the way up to 3 to take Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown, and I had New England moving up to 8 from 23 to take Utah State QB Jordan Love. Detroit and Arizona are building programs that are probably still a few years away from truly contending, but if they are able to drop back in round one with a top heavy draft and acquire future first round picks, that would set both clubs up nicely in 2021 and 2022.

My thinking is that Atlanta is likely in a “win now” mode with QB Matt Ryan and they want to grab the most dynamic player in the draft available after Washington selects Ohio State edge rusher Chase Young. Brown is coming into the league as a player that has true game wrecker upside. Pairing with a veteran DT like Grady Jarrett might be the thing to finally send Drew Brees into retirement.

With New England, I have them targeting a quarterback they believe offers a unique upside. This is Brian Belichick’s bold attempt to land a Patrick Mahomes type of athlete at the position. They likely would not start Jordan Love this year. BB would be perfectly willing to let Brian Hoyer or Jarrett Stidham take the reigns this season with Covid 19 affecting mini-camps and training camp rather than trust a rookie to pick up the system, but make no mistake, this is a very calculated move by the sage coach. If he takes Love, he will have a solid plan.

As for the other Seattle picks, I have the team targeting players with either special traits, or players that fit their preferred profiles.

Matt Peart is on the raw side. If he is available at pick 59, that will be why. What he has is a unique physical profile that could make him a quality left tackle in the league in a few years, and he will have the benefit of learning behind one of the best in Duane Brown.

Devin Duvernay has the freak speed at WR that they are drawn to spend an early pick on, and has interesting upside, as well. He’s more or less projected in the third round rage in a historically deep WR class, so picking him at 64 is probably pretty justifiable. Seattle needs to tap into this rich WR class, and I have them doing it twice.

It might feel rich to take Alex Highsmith at 75, but if they believe they can mold him into a future starting Leo end, they might not want to wait to see if he is available at pick 101.

Zach Moss feels like a Seattle Seahawk running back. He’s a tough guy and a savvy runner. He’s a name to watch. They might take him or another runner like him a lot higher than pick 101. Seattle needs to come out of this draft with a quality back.

All and all, I like this mock. I like that they add three players to the defensive line, and they use the strength of the draft taking multiple pass catchers and offensive linemen, and they find a running back that fits their program.

This also feels like a very Seahawk-y draft. All of these players that I have selected feel like type of players they could take at these ranges. Focus on both lines early so to not leave yourself wanting later. Grab offensive playmakers where the depth of the draft is still good. Fill out the depth of the roster with later picks.

But who really knows what they do, right?

For all we know, the first player they will take will be a running back, and I’m not kidding, either.

Go Hawks!

Seahawks decide to get big and nasty in the middle.

We are exactly one week away from the 2020 NFL Draft, and I thought it would be a good to to explore another mock draft for the Seahawks focusing on their biggest perceived needs.

For many reasons stated in a previous piece that I’ve written, I’m convinced that the Seattle Seahawks are likely in the process of trading for a proven veteran pass rusher (if you haven’t check it out yet, you can by clicking here). It would actually be more of a shocker to me if they went into the 2020 draft in a couple weeks without making a major addition on the defensive line than if they did.

That said, this mock draft represents a scenario where my read on the team is wrong (wouldn’t be the first), and they don’t acquire a major veteran pass rushing talent. My first mock followed the same scenario, and had them selecting the best edge rusher left on their board first. This time around, they go in a different direction.

With the 27th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks trade with the Los Angeles Chargers.

I had the Seahawks trading with the Chargers in my last mock, and I am willing to stick with them again for the simply reason that I believe they will take a quarterback high in the first round and then look to trade back into the bottom of the first to either grab a left tackle type or one of the top end receivers to pair with the passer. Seattle trades pick 27 for picks 37, 71, and 186.

With the 37th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Raekwon Davis, Defensive Tackle, Alabama

The best defensive lineman left on Seattle’s board is a tackle, and they take Davis here because 6-6 and 311 pounds with loads of athleticism is hard to teach. Davis has physical talent that could make him a first round pick, but he also some concerns over his maturity and a lack of a developed pass rush that could have him sliding into day two.

In some ways, this sounds a lot like Seattle’s unfortunate first pick from a few years ago in Malik McDowell, but honestly, I think those concerns are probably a bit far reaching. Davis could have entered the draft last year, and been a high round pick, but he chose to return to Alabama to help contend for a National Title. That says something, at least, and while his sack numbers weren’t great, he anchored against the run very well, and still likely has a lot of untapped potential as a rusher. To be a defensive tackle in Seattle’s scheme you have to be a top player against the run first, and a pass rusher secondly. He screams Seahawk defensive tackle in these regards.

With the 59th Pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Jeremy Chinn, defensive back, Southern Illinois

This is a pick that Pete Carroll may not be able to resist. Carroll craves acquiring special freakish athletes on both sides of the ball, and that is what Chinn is at 6-3 and 221 pounds and able to run a 4.4 forty yard dash. Like Davis, he has a physical profile that you can’t teach.

While coming into the league as a college safety, this is also a guy that Carroll might consider being his next convert to outside corner, as the strengths of his skill set is more directed towards man coverage than zone, and with Shaquill Griffin and Quinton Dunbar both set to become free agents in 2021, Seattle might feel the need to address the position at some point in this class. Physically, Chinn would tick a lot of boxes of what Carroll wants at corner.

With the 64th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Willie Gay Jr, linebacker, Mississippi State

There is a theme starting to emerge with Seattle by the time this pick happens; Seattle is looking for unique talent on the defensive side of the ball regardless of position. Davis and Chinn offered unique length and athleticism. Gay Jr offers speed, size, and violence. He’s a fierce run defender who move well sideline to sideline. This pick is all about stopping the misdirection plays that both San Francisco and the LA Rams love to run, and getting younger and faster up front.

With the 71st pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Hakeem Adeniji, offensive tackle, Kansas

If Seattle does not take an offensive tackle with their first three picks, I think this is the area where they don’t wait it out any longer. With Adeniji, they take the best athlete left on their board that’s an offensive lineman. Adeniji is an explosive blocker who I think is a bit underrated in this draft class and might go higher than some are expecting. Some scouts see him as a guard type at 3-4 and 302 pounds, but with long arms and quick feet, I think he is a player they could take to either compete at right tackle or be groomed behind Duane Brown to play left tackle. He showed up well at the Senior Bowl.

With the 101st pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Cam Akers, running back, Florida State

Seattle gets a sturdy compact runner who displays quick cut ability, explodes through holes, runs with aggression, and catches well. These are all traits that they look for at running back, and with Chris Carson heading into a contract year and Rashaad Penny coming off of a serious knee injury that won’t have him available for much of the season, Seattle will most definitely be looking to draft a running back. They get their guy here.

With the 133rd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select John Hightower, wide receiver, Boise State

Seattle is patient with this deep receiver class and grabs a player here who showed well at the Senior Bowl and the Scouting Combine running crisp routes and catching well. At 6-1 and 189 pounds, he has decent size and speed to go along with their vertical attack, but it’s his kicker returner and run after the catch abilities that are likely to appeal, and add immediate value to the team.

With the 144th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select, Trevis Gibson, defensive end, Tulsa

Gibson is one of the few edge rushers out this this class that I think would have some appeal to Seattle, and they might even take him earlier than here. At 6-3 and 260 pounds with long arms, he has the physical profile they covet at the rush Leo end spot. He’s a small school prospect who is unrefined as a pass rusher, but has a lot of raw physical abilities and explosion to make up for that. Once he gets an array of pass rush moves, he could have a quality starter ceiling in this league.

With the 186th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Alex Taylor, offensive tackle, SC State

Seattle again dips into the depth of the offensive tackle portion of this draft by taking a project player with high upside, literally. Taylor is 6-8 and 308 lbs with 36 inch arms. With that long frame his also possesses some pretty decent natural athleticism, but is raw in his technique and could stand to add strength. Taking him here though, would be a decent place to draft and stash a potential starter down the road at right tackle, specially if Adenji can play the left side.

With the 214th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Quez Watkins, wide receiver, Southern Miss

Like they did with offensive tackle, Seattle uses the quality depth of receiver in this class to their advantage, and they take this speed burner late in round six. Watkins possesses elite speed, good hands, and and decent enough size at 6-0 and 185 lbs. He’s a burner drafted to add further speed depth to go along with Russell Wilson’s deep passing. Right now he is pretty much a one trick pony, but the tools are there to make him more well rounded, if he puts in the work.

Thoughts about this mock draft

I like Seattle going aggressive early to beef up the defense, and in many ways, I think Raekwon Davis is their ideal defensive tackle. Going through the Pete Carroll era, they have often sought out long powerful bodies that can anchor against the run and push the pocket. Alan Branch, Tony McDaniel, and Kevin Williams are players that come to mind. Davis is definitely in that realm, but with more athleticism. He could be their answer to acquiring a Chris Jones type of player.

I’m a little on the fence with selecting Jeremy Chinn and Willie Gay Jr with those other two second round picks. On one hand, they both seem to look like Seattle style defenders, but Chinn in particular seems like a project, and Gay Jr has some character concerns about his disciple on and off the field. Both are elite athletes, though, with high end potential, and that is why I think Seattle could be drawn to them. Last year they took DK Metcalf late in round two, he was thought to be a project, and it was a grand slam pick for them. Pete Carroll loves special athletes.

I really like the Adenji pick in round three, and think he has interesting potential at tackle, but I think beyond that, Seattle is likely selecting players with some special traits that they hope will materialize into decent contributors with starter potential down the road. Trevis Gibson could be the one to really develop into a decent starter.

This mock reflects what I think Seattle could likely do based on needs and what is available. Simply put, they need a lot on defense, and that’s what they went after early. Next mock draft will be a different one where Seattle doesn’t chase after needs as much.

Go Hawks

A natural leader that left this party way too soon. He will be missed.

It wasn’t fun starting my day seeing on my sport’s ticker that 36 year old former Seahawk quarterback Tarvaris Jackson passed away in a traffic accident. I woke prepared to work on another mock draft piece in preparation of the NFL draft next week. However, it felt wrong to write about potential future Seahawks when a player from their past had just tragically passed away. So, I decided to write this piece instead. I hope you enjoy.

I always liked T-Jack. I don’t believe a ton of Seahawk fans, especially casual fans, had a great appreciation for him, but I think his teammates, and his coaches did, big time.

T-Jack was faced with the difficult task of taking over the offensive when they had just moved on from long time signal caller Matt Hasselbeck. Hasselbeck was an incredibly likeable player for the team for a near decade. T-Jack had enormous shoes to fill when Pete Carroll chose him to replace Hass. It was most likely a hard position for him to be in, especially, I think, with fans, and some local sports radio hosts.

Fans were left doubting the logic of Carroll then, and whether Paul Allen knew what he was doing when he hired the former Trojan. I sat with family and friends watching some of those games in 2011, and endured the mocking of T-Jack when a ball went errant after the offensive line gave up early pressure. Then when T-Jack would comfortably roll out and hit a deep pass, I’d just sit back and say something like, “hm, looks like he has a pretty good arm. Don’t think Hass could have done that.” It was usually met with either further mocking or at least under the breath muddering.

I’m not going to say that I thought T-Jack was the answer, but I could see where Carroll wanted to go with the position. He wanted an athletic passer with a big arm to take advantage of play action. I loved Hasselbeck, but that was not his game. He was a rhythm passer who relied on precision timing with his receivers. Deep shots were not his game, nor were play action bootlegs. T-Jack could do that, and I thought he did it fairly well considering that the team was still building around him.

What I thought he did significantly better was being a leader, and being a genuine tough guy. Tarvaris Jackson was an incredibly gritty player who battled through 2011 playing with a torn pectoral muscle as a passer. If that isn’t toughness, I don’t know what is, frankly, and it had an undeniable positive impact on this young team that was trying to find itself.

He endeared himself to his teammates. He was a leader for them when they were a young squad and needed leadership. I think that was part of the reason why a number of players had a hard timing buying into Russell Wilson the following year.

Russell was clearly the better player, and Pete Carroll rightly chose Russ over T-Jack, but T-Jack had won over that clubhouse previously, and Seattle pretty much had to deal him away to Buffalo for pennies to keep from any QB controversies. That probably didn’t help some vets to warm quicker towards Russ, and I’m just guessing on that one. T-Jack had fans on the defense, and he clearly had fans on the offense (notably Doug Baldwin).

Then when T-Jack returned to Seattle the following year, he returned as a good soldier, and teammate. Russell was the starter, and he knew that, but I think he still led in his own way, and was likely a calming presence on a roster full of hot personalities.

I think, in many ways, Tarvaris Jackson set the tone for how a Pete Carroll Seattle Seahawk should be, and that was to, first and foremost, “protect the team.”

T-Jack did that exceptionally, and it’s sad that we lost him. I think the benefits of Seattle having him on their roster were largely unseen by the fans, but were greatly felt by his teammates, and I think a lot of those guys are likely grieving over this news right now. I feel for them, and I feel for his surviving family members.

Go Hawks.

Could Chris Jones to Seattle be a thing in the works? It would be cool if it was. (Getty Images)

This is the only thing that makes sense to me right now, and all the tea leaves are screaming it out to me as deafeningly loud as Bruce Dickinson’s howl at intro of Iron Maiden’s epic Number Of The Beast opus. I am now certain of it. Let’s explore these tea leaves.

Seattle’s stalemate with Jadeveon Clowney has given us? .. more perplexing inactivity

Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network made news earlier in the week on local airways by mentioning that the chances of Seattle signing Clowney have become slim to none. He added that they have been competitive in negotiations but are now looking at other options.

My reading of this is that something likely happened with the team and the player that have made negotiations impractical. This seems clear to me and both sides are likely moving on.

What has been quite confusing to me is why Seattle hasn’t moved on to bring in Everson Griffen, who is the only other premiere pass rusher on the market, and is a player that has openly stated his desire to play for Pete Carroll. Why the inactivity?

Money should not be the issue with Griffen. At age 33, he should be able to be signed well under what it cost Seattle to retain Jarran Reed. Seattle sign him today if they wanted to and make no mistake about it, Griffen would be a huge boost to their pass rush.

Beyond Griffen, the free agent market gets more bare, but there are a few other vets Seattle could probably sign at any point now and have chosen not to. Michael Bennett is another familiar name that has stated a desire to return to Seattle. Jabaal Sheard and Mike Daniels are another couple name veterans with pass rush abilities. Seattle could sign any one of these guys together at a cheap cost and they would certainly improve the roster.

Why this inactivity then?

The Rams trade Brandin Cooks to the Texans and this could signal a flurry of trades

The Los Angeles Rams are in a pinch. They have a terrible salary cap situation. They are also hoping to sign cornerback Jalen Ramsey long term, who they acquired mid season last year in exchange for high draft capital. They also can’t fill out their roster with the draft capital that they have, so trading expensive wide receiver Brandin Cooks to Houston for a second round pick made a lot of since, especially considering that this draft class is considered historically deep at receiver.

For the Texans, this move can be criticized as they have other expensive receivers already on the roster, but if they are in a “win now” mode, it does make some immediate sense. They weirdly traded their all world receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Cardinals for a mere second round pick. Reportedly, one reason why was that Hopkins wanted to renegotiate his existing contract and the Texans weren’t going to have that, so they shipped him off.

Note these two things. One is a team that is in a bad salary cap situation that has an abundance of talent at receiver, and the other is a team that supposedly had a weird contract stalemate with a star player and was willing to move on regardless of that player’s perceived talent.

As we inch more towards the draft, I think we could see more trades that reflect these type of dynamics and from what I’m seeing, Seattle is probably in discussions with a team that is either in salary cap hell or is dealing with some sort of disgruntled veteran. The teams with the worst cap space that aren’t a division rival include the Patriots, Falcons, Chiefs, Saints, Steelers, Bengals, and Raiders. The team that gives Jadeveon Clowney what he is asking for could easily join that short list.

One team that clearly appears to be dealing with a disgruntled veteran who wants out is Jacksonville with franchised pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue. This is the obvious one to watch moving forward.

Seattle has signed an abundance of veteran offensive linemen.. why?

These moves are a bit curious for me. The Brandon Shell signing made sense in that he was a clear replacement for Germaine Ifedi at right tackle. BJ Finney made sense because he could either compete for the left guard spot, or replace Justin Britt at center if the team cuts Britt to save about $8 million off the cap. Finney has played and started at both positions in the league, pretty respectfully according to Pro Football Focus.

But Seattle also added tackle Cedric Ogbuehi and guard Chance Warmack who are both young former first round picks, and are now seemingly overloaded on the offensive line. This is doubly perplexing when you consider that this draft class is also loaded at offensive tackle and guard. You would think Seattle would want to tap into that talent pool, so why sign so many journeymen veterans?

When we look at this situation now, with an unresolved stalemate with Clowney, with no Griffen signing, and with Justin Britt carrying a lot of salary on what is now a shrunken cap space situation after all these signings, I think Finney could have likely been signed to replace Britt.

I also think Warmack was brought in to add to guard competition as a hedge to the draft. The same for Ogbuehi at tackle. If Seattle gives up significant draft capital for a pass rushing difference maker, it might not be in a great position to land an impact rookie offensive lineman. Seattle wants to cover their bases before the draft.

In short, Seattle might be looking to get cheaper on the offensive line to strengthen its defensive line. Britt could easily be gone, and there’s a slim outside chance that they could cut DJ Fluker, as well. Is it ideal? Nope, but it does explain these moves.

Instead for looking for premium edge rushing talent, Seattle could look to boost pass rush at defensive tackle.

There has been a lot of talk about Seattle trying to pull out a trade for Yannick Ngakoue, or alternatively, another franchised edge rusher in Baltimore’s Matt Judon. The latter suggestion, I think has maybe more realistic merit.

Personally, if I had to bet who would be more likely a Seattle Seahawk this season, I would be more willing to lay money on Judon being the guy, and the biggest reason for it is that is, because of his age, the draft capital Seattle would have to surrender would likely be a lot cheaper, and I’m not convinced that Ngakoue is a better player and more deserving of a big contract from Seattle than Clowney.  If you are going to trade a first round pick and pay Ngakoue, why not save the pick and just pay Clowney? A third rounder for Judon on a short term deal? I could see that move.

One thing I notice, though, when looking at a number of teams that are in tough salary spots (Kansas City, Pittsburgh, New England, Cincinnati, Atlanta), these teams each carry an expensive veteran defensive tackle type on the roster in varying degrees. The most notable here is KC with franchised star Chris Jones, and a commitment they have made to retaining other players, and a superstar quarterback who they will have to pony up for soon enough.

Another situation where watching out for is the New York Giants with their franchised defensive tackle/end Leonard Williams. Similar to what Seattle did last season trading for Clowney, the Giants shipped their third round pick to the Jets to acquire Williams and their general manager Dave Gettleman put himself in a corner stating that they wanted to sign him long term. So far negotiations have gone nowhere, and the Giants have a fairly deep rotation at the position anyways.

Could Gettleman be enticed to trading Williams for a third round pick to save face on looking like he gave up too much for a half of a season rental player?

If so, Seattle has already shown the willingness in the past to send a third round pick away for a one year rental on a proven pass rusher, an while Williams is not a big sack number guy, like Clowney, he does create a lot of pressure, and beats a lot of double teams. With him paired with Jarran Reed inside, theoretically, that could be a pretty formidable pairing. At the very least, they could open up things for more marginal edge rushers to have success, if Seattle puts that kind of emphasis on their interior pass rush. It’s an interesting notion to consider.

This all leads back to Kansas City’s situation with Chris Jones.

A Chris Jones trade to Seattle might be more likely than you think.

Now I am not goign to suggest that this is the move that will happen here in a little bit, and I will be the first to admit that a Chris Jones to Seattle scenario has a kind of Hollywood story-line ridiculousness to it. Would the team that traded for Seattle’s star pass rusher in Frank Clark last year be willing to turn around and deal their own home grown star pass rusher to Seattle the following year?

Then factor that acquiring Jones would surely cost a first round pick, and change just to get him onto your club. Seattle might likely have to give up a first and a second round pick, and if that is enough to get the deal done, Seattle will have essentially trade Frank Clark for Chris Jones when all the other compensation is tallied between both clubs. It’s a bit of a goofy premise, but it also does make sense.

When I look at it that why and ask myself if I would be willing to trade Clark for Jones, the answer that I come up with is always “heck yeah,” and I was always a big Frank Clark guy. For me, I would love the opportunity to have Seattle bring this guy in and sign him long term. He’s a rare breed of player that has the size to play and dominate inside and has the athleticism to play outside at end, as well.

This deal wouldn’t be cheap, either. Jones fully wants to be paid top dollar. Expect $21 million to be his asking price. So, could Seattle afford this? The short answer is, yes, if they wanted to.

They have about $12 million in available cap space, but by cutting Justin Britt they would save over $8 million (this makes the BJ Finney deal make more sense). Seattle could make a couple other moves by releasing linebacker KJ Wright and Bradley McDougald, and that would free up another $10 million plus. It’s worth noting that Seattle has some depth behind both of those defenders with players that the drafted last year, and I would trade both players for Jones in a heartbeat.

Seattle can also move money around in the form of signing bonus to more easily fit Jones under the cap in 2020 and pay him more down the road with the contracts of Britt, Wright and McDougald are fulfilled and off the books, if they want to hang onto any number of those players. There are definitely ways to make this work.

The more I think about it, the more I think Seattle could be willing to make this kind of bold move. Jones was a player that they had interest in during the 2016 draft as they had brought him into the team facilities for a workout meeting. His versatility to play both end and tackle would clearly appeal to Pete Carroll. They could line him up at 5 tech on run downs in certain situations with Jarran Reed and Poona Ford also on the field, or they can just have him play the 3 technique tackle spot with Reed returning to the nose tackle position he played during his first two years in the league. With Reed and Jones inside, who do guards and centers double team? This could be a massive problem for even the best interior offensive linemen.

As an old school football traditionalist, this appeals to me greatly. Call me an old fuddy pants, but I just think that in a 4-3 defense, it all starts inside at defensive tackle more than any other position. If you are dominant there, it makes everyone else’s job a lot easier, and with Jones, I can actually see be more willing to pay him the type of money Clowney wants than pay Clowney that cheddar.

For as disruptive of a player as Clowney can be, he has never been able to develop his pass rush, and he has constantly battled through injury. A smart general manager would look at those two aspects, and be hesitant to pay him top dollar. At the same time, a smart general manager might look at Jones and see the steady production, the youth, and lack of injuries, and just be comfortable paying premium for a top performer like that.

The bigger question might be would Kansas City be willing to trade Jones. That is not something that I can definitively answer, but I will say that they already have a star player on their defensive line that they paid a heavy price for in Frank Clark. They also have to pay their star quarterback a record deal soon enough. They also have additional pass rushing options on the roster behind Jones, and the 27th pick of the first round might net them a decent young player to develop at a cheap cost.

They might see it a lot like Seattle did last year with Clark. They love the player and would like to keep him but they need to get more young talent on the roster for the long term and they can’t pay everyone. From these perspectives, I think that they could be compelled to move Jones for the right cost.

It’s also possible that Seattle doesn’t want to make a big splash like this

It’s of course very possible that Seattle sees a defensive tackle that they could pick early to develop along with Reed, but I have my doubts this is the path that they want to take presently. If they had more talent already on the defensive, I would be more convinced of it.

Defensive linemen, more often than not, take time to develop, especially the ones that don’t go top ten. Clark took time to develop, and so did Reed. LJ Collier struggled mightily last year as a rookie. Bruce Irvin flashed as a rookie, but then got moved to linebacker, and was replaced by veteran free agent Cliff Avril as the top edge rusher.

The draft is never a sure thing, and the window for Seattle to collect championships with Russell Wilson at quarterback might start to shrink sooner than we are anticipating. This is probably why Russ made a plea a few months ago for Seattle to bring in more stars to the team, and so far, general manager John Schneider has yet to really do that.

You might call 35 year old tight end Greg Olsen a star, but for how much longer, and can we call Bruce Irvin a star? Cornerback Quinton Dunbar might be a star in the making, but that is not certain. Defensive end Benson Mayowa might become a free agent steel and a serviceable edger rusher, but do we think he can be a star?

Retaining defensive tackle Jarran Reed was a nice start to free agency. He’s a really good player that I think is undervalued by a lot of fans, but is he a star? Maybe he can be.

Would drafting Alabama defensive tackle Raekwon Davis with their first pick guarantee that he becomes a star in this league within the next few years? I dunno.

Chris Jones is a star, and a young one at that, but if Seattle doesn’t want to shell out that kind of draft capital and pay the big bucks long term for him, they could certainly split the difference and trade for a Matt Judon, or possibly Leonard Williams with less draft capital, but they would paying a lot of salary for a player that perhaps isn’t really a star, either.

In the short term, maybe they would be willing to do that if that meant keeping the first three picks they have in this draft. They could trade for Williams for the short term, and look to draft Davis or another defensive tackle to develop behind him. If Williams blows up, and is worth the top dollar, they can make that decision after the season, and maybe move on from Reed because they have a young drafted player in the wings.

It’s really hard to get into the mind of John Schneider on this one, but it is interesting that they have not brought in any big name at this point to replace Clowney, and even with the additions of Irvin and Mayowa, they remain razor thin with their depth on the defensive line.

Something has to give and give soon. Don’t you think?

It’s going to be interesting to see what comes out of this one within a few weeks.

Go Hawks

I have the need, the need for some speed rushin’. Go Hawks!

Well, poo poo.

At the time of this writing, the 2020 Seattle Seahawks still have yet to sign Jadeveon Clowney, and reports are now surfacing that chances are becoming increasingly more slim that they will. As this stalemate between the team and the player has officially entered soul sucking status, I’ve all but lost interest. Sign Clowney or don’t sign Clowney. Let’s just move on.

That all said, I still believe that the Seahawks will make at least one more move to add to their defensive before the draft. They have to. They cannot go into the draft with their defensive line cupboard this bare.

This mock draft reflects the scenario that Jadeveon Clowney does not return and Seattle does not make a significant move to replace him with a star quality vet. Based on who they have already on the roster at other positions, it seems like Seattle also has needs at offensive tackle, offensive guard, and running back.

So, let’s begin.

With the 27th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks trade with the San Diego Chargers!

I am willing to project two relatively safe bets here. One is that the Chargers will use their first pick at the top of the draft to take a quarterback. The other is that Seattle general manager John Schneider will look to trade down for more picks.

If the Chargers take Oregon’s Justin Herbert, they are probably going to want to either pair him with a left tackle prospect, or give him a dynamic play-making weapon, and there could be a run on both in the later portion of round one.

In this scenario, LA sends picks 37, 71, 186, and 220 to Seattle for pick 27 in round one. Seattle drops down ten spots from their first pick and probably has their fingers crossed that one of a small handful of edge rushers they like will still be available.

With the 37th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Julian Okwara, Defensive End, Notre Dame

Seattle gets a 6-4, 255 pound speed rusher with freaky athleticism, and length. While he lacks counter moves as a rusher, he has picked up a lot of tackles for losses by using his top end speed and closing burst. Physically, he ticks many boxes that this team covets at the Leo end position.

This was kind of Frank Clark a few years ago, and since Clark had the benefit of learning from Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett, if Seattle brings in someone like Okwara, it wouldn’t be a terrible idea to bring Bennett back to have him learn from the cagey vet.

There’s a decent chance that he won’t be there at 37, and if Seattle is still looking for pass rush talent with their first pick, they may either have to settle for a lessor athlete at edge, or take a defensive tackle, if they think that player could add to the interior pass rush. Given the unrefined areas of his game and some inconsistencies shown on tape, though, there is also a chance that he will be available, as teams might be inclined to grab greater immediate value at other positions on their draft boards.

With the 59th pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Matt Peart, Offensive Tackle, Connecticut

If Seattle doesn’t take an offensive tackle with their first pick, this is probably where they need to take one. With Peart, at 6-7 and 318 pounds with 36 inch arms, Seattle gets an incredibly lengthy player with good athleticism that can likely play the right or left side, but like Okwara, he has a rawness to his game, and may need to get stronger to handle top edge rushers in the pros. That would probably be okay because they signed Brandon Shell to a two year deal to take over from Germaine Ifedi.

If they take Peart here, and Shell plays solidly at right tackle, they might feel compelled to groom Peart specifically to take over at left tackle once Duane Brown decides to call it a career. This is a good value pick that may require a red shirt year.

With the 64th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Rashard Lawrence, Defensive Tackle, LSU

I’m quite positive that Pete Carroll has a deep fondness for a lot of players coming off the national championship roster at LSU. He is close friends with LSU head coach Ed Orgeron, and Rashard Lawrence has a quality that Carroll likely loves at defensive tackle. He’s a player to watch out for, and one that I could see Seattle make a surprise selection on, possibly taking much higher than here.

In short, what Lawrence brings is a lot of Jarran Reed like qualities as a two gap run defender with interior pass rush upside. At 6-2 and 308 pounds, he’s built a lot like Reed, too, and he plays with a similar junk yard dog mentality.  He’s a good player. I like him a lot, and I suspect teams might like him a lot more than some scouting reports do. The only knock on his game seems to be his injury history, and if he’s available beyond the third round, that’s likely the reason why.

With the 71st pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Van Jefferson, Wide Receiver, Florida

As mentioned, this draft class projects to be uniquely deep at wide receiver. Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network projects nearly thirty players with third round or better grades in this class. In a nutshell, this means that there is a strong likelihood that a very good receiver will be available around this pick for Seattle, and they might feel compelled to grab one here even though it’s not their biggest need (although, I contend it is a need because depth at receiver is a concern).

What Seattle gets with Van Jefferson is a player with good size at 6-1 and 200 pounds who is a solid route runner with great quickness who catches the ball with ease. While he is not the speed burner that Lockett and Metcalf and Phillip Dorsett are, he’s not slow either, and is a good run after the catch guy. In many ways, I think he can be a bit of a Doug Baldwin type and we all know what that can mean. This is a good value pick.

With the 101st pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Zach Moss, Running Back, Utah

Any who has watched Zach Moss play at Utah and draw definitive comparisons to Chris Carson. They are built similarly, and they run with a very similar physical style. He sees the holes, sets up blockers and then explodes with authority. He’s also a very solid receiver out of the back field. It’s no surprise that Seattle showed interest in him at the Scouting Combine last February. This guy is very much a Seattle running back, and yes, they will be drafting a back at some point in this draft. If Moss is available here, I think this is the likely pick.

With the 133rd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select, Johan Jackson, Guard, Ohio State

Once we get into round four, I suspect we will see a run of guards start to come off the board. There’s a bunch of good ones in this class. I think once we see a run of offensive tackles in rounds one and two, and receivers and back in rounds two and three, guards and centers are going to start coming off the boards, especially when you see that teams with defensive needs are going to take defenders early. If Seattle doesn’t take a guard earlier, I don’t think that they wait much longer than here.

With Jackson they get a player with good size, decent football smarts, and good technique. He’s not a bad athlete but is not a dynamic one either and probably fits Seattle’s power scheme more than a zone blocking one. He likely comes in to add quality depth with an outside chance at battling for a starting spot.

With the 144th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select, Michael Ojemudia, Cornerback, Iowa

This is where Seattle takes it’s annual mid round cornerback project. Ojemudia fits the physical traits Pete Carroll covets at outside corner. He’s 6-1, and has 32 inch arms, he shows good route awareness in zone coverage, and since Seattle almost exclusively runs a cover three zone, his fit feels natural. At the back end of round four is where you want to take a player like this, and teams that run a lot of man coverage are going to shy away from him.

With the 186th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Raequan Williams, Defensive Tackle, Michigan State

Seattle misses out on an entire round five before they select here, and by the time they get here, I think they are likely to pick best players off the board, and that’s what Williams probably is. They addressed depth at defensive tackle with Rashard Lawrence, but here they just get good value at a position group that could still use better depth. Williams is a strong two gap defender with enough athleticism to push the pocket, if needed. Plus he has the great length that Pete Carroll loves at DT.

With the 214th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Calvin Throckmorton, Offensive Lineman, Oregon

Pete Carroll loves versatility with his offensive and defensive linemen, especially his depth players, and at this point, you are drafting for depth. Throckmorton played tackle, guard, and center for the Ducks. While I don’t think he’s what you want at tackle in the pros, something about him makes me think he might have a decent future in the league at center or guard, and is a player worth taking a flyer on right here.

With the 220th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select John Metellus, Safety, Michigan

The last player that Seattle selects is a strong safety from Michigan who played for a head coach that Pete Carroll admires greatly. Metellus was a productive college player who played with a nastiness and intelligence that will appeal to Carroll. His average speed and size might keep him from being a high selection but he will bring a demeanor that will fit into Carroll’s rebuilding secondary.

Thoughts about this mock draft

I really like that Seattle addressed the defensive line three times and with two high picks. I also like that they found upside at offensive tackle, and I love that they found value at receiver and running back, thus giving Russell Wilson more young weapons for the offense.

If Seattle is able to land Okwara with their first pick, I think that’s a good pick, even if he’s a bit of project. Yes, there is a rawness to his game, but you can’t teach speed and burst and length, and those are the traits that Seattle needs for a young edge rusher. It’s vital to have him learn from a quality vet, though. That’s a move that must happen.

Of the players mocked, I think Rashard Lawrence and Zach Moss most closely represent Seattle type players. They just feel like Seahawks. Those are two names to keep in mind day two of the draft.

This is just the first mock that I will do as we head closer to the draft. There’s going to be other options worth exploring that I think will be pretty exciting.

Go Hawks and stay safe!

A diamond in the rough returning home? I dig it.

Hurray!

Long lost prodigal son Benson Mayowa has finally returned back home to the PNW having signed a one year deal with $3 million dollar in guaranteed money, and Seattle’s 2020 pass rush is starting to take some form… finally. I’m stoked.

He joins other former Seahawk prodigal son Bruce Irvin on his return home, and I suspect Seattle is one more former Pete Carroll player reunion away on the defensive line to having a set rotation of pass rushers. We will touch more on that later.

Now, go ahead. Laugh all you want to about my abundant enthusiasm over this “journeyman” defensive end coming back to Seattle, but looking at Mayowa’s stats in Oakland last year, he actually put up some impressive numbers. As a rotational player for the Raiders, in 316 snaps, Mayowa had 7 sacks and 12 quarterback hits. Now compare that to franchise tagged Yannick Ngakoue from Jacksonville who Seattle has been rumored to be interested in trading for. In 803 snaps, Ngakoue produced 8 sacks and 17 QB hits in 2019; that’s a significant amount more in snaps that Mayowa and only slightly better numbers to show for it, and that is on a line that had Calais Campbell for goodness sake.

Yet, Ngakoue is franchised, and set to make at least $17 million in 2020. Seattle got Mayowa to come back to the team that signed him as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2013 for a mere $3 million that could escalate to $4 in incentives. That, my friends, is the definition of value shopping.

I like this move a lot in many ways, and allow me to break them down.

Mayowa brings familiarity, experience, and production to Seattle

I mentioned in separate piece on this blog not long ago that I felt there was a strong likelihood that Seattle would seek out familiar faces in free agency to shore up the pass rush and the defensive line (you can click here to revisit it if you like). In short, because Covid 19, there is likely to be no OTAs and mini camps to acclimate new talent to teams. This is going to be especially hard for rookies, but I think it’s going to be a challenge for some veterans, as well. A smart team might look more intently on bringing back it’s own player,s and players that have played in either their system before, or similar systems, as they head into Summer training camp.

Like Bruce Irvin, Mayowa was brought up in the Seattle defensive system. He will know how to play the Leo end spot in Seattle, which is the position that the defense most desperately needs help with.

Also, like Irvin, he is coming off of a productive year as a pass rusher, but unlike Irvin, Mayowa is still relatively young at 28 years of age. Because of that, I am actually a bit more intrigued by Mayowa because there still could be a bit of upside to his game.

Depending on who they further add (I suspect that they will add at least one more veteran piece to the defensive line plus a drafted player or two), I can legitimately see a scenario where Pete Carroll will open up competition between Irvin and Mayowa for the starting Leo end spot in training camp, and honestly, I can see Mayowa potentially beating Irvin out.

It doesn’t really matter who starts between the two, however, as they will both see plenty of time on the field, and probably together at times rushing in the NASCAR package on third downs. Carroll has always favored a deep rotation of pass rushers and this is Seattle’s value shopping way of getting back to that.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see in another day or two they either bring back Jadeveon Clowney, or the reach a deal with star defensive Everson Griffen (who played for Carroll at USC and would probably come in considerably cheaper than Clowney because he is older). At this rate, I’d actually be more willing to bet on it being Griffen over Clowney, but we will soon see.

Another dark horse to keep in mind is bringing back Michael Bennett. For me, it doesn’t really matter who. I think what Seattle needs and likely wants more than anything else is production and familiarity. Any one of these three veteran players will provide that.

Teams don’t generally get better spending big in free agency on outside players

I gotta be honest, as much as I have been desperate for Seattle to hang onto Jadeveon Clowney, I don’t want to see Seattle break the bank on him, and if he goes on to Tennessee making more than $18 million annually, I won’t be too heart broken. For as dominant as he can be, he has a troubling injury history. At $15 million, I’d be more comfortable with it, but even then, I’d have my concerns. It’s a totally overused cliche in sports, but it really is true; your best ability is availability, and I have a hard time seeing smart teams spending big on players with significant injury histories.

I also think, as a general rule of thumb, it’s unwise to over spend on outside players that aren’t familiar with your scheme and your culture. Looking at the Atlanta Falcons in 2019, they went big in free agency to address their offensive line and it didn’t work and they suffered a losing season with a bad offensive line.

A smart team identifies who they need to keep and how to build off of them. The first order of free agent business for Seattle was to bring back starting defensive tackle Jarran Reed, and they were perfectly willing to pay the fair market value for his services.

Now, say what you want about his disappointing 2019 season that was impacted by suspension and ankle injury, but Reed is still a stout run defender who can rush the passer. Those guys don’t grow on trees in the NFL. I consider his extension similar to when Seattle chose to extend Brandon Mebane in 2011, and that move worked out pretty darn well the following few seasons.

Smart teams also stay patient in free agency, find value, and they know how to plug them in. This is what Seattle did in 2013 when they brought in Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett when their markets were cool. Avril was a known pass rusher, but Bennett was thought to be more of a run defender who he didn’t really blossom into a pass rusher until after Seattle brought him in. Seattle found a niche for Bennett to rush inside at defensive tackle. That was smart.

Bill Belichick is fabulous at plucking players from other rosters that appear margin talents at best and turning them into productive players in his system. This is what winning teams do.

So, while it’s fun to suggest that Seattle should pay $18 million plus annually to Clowney and then trade for Yannick Ngakoue and pay $18 million plus annually for him, I think the smarter move might be to search harder for value and volume. For the $18 million it might cost just to sign Clowney, Seattle could have Mayowa, Irvin and Griffen on the roster and therefore, a much deeper and stronger rotation once you mix in the younger players.

Smart teams continue to build through the draft

Even if Seattle finds a way to bring back Clowney, or bring in Griffen, the best way for Seattle to maintain success being a contender is to build off of the players they have drafted and will draft.

If Seattle throws big contracts to Clowney and a player like Ngakoue, what does that say about LJ Collier who was their first round pick in 2019? Is he to be just a role player from here on out? Or does he put on some extra mass and kick inside to play defensive tackle with Jarran Reed? Reed is your starting 3 technique and Collier surely wouldn’t be big enough to play nose tackle. In a way, such moves would be an instant admission that Collier was a busted pick without even giving him much of a chance.

Also, what about Rasheem Green who was actually your most productive pass rusher in 2019? Is he now just forever a role player in your system? That’s kinda seems like wasted potential to me, especially for a player who when he came out of college in 2018, most reports said that he had major upside for a team willing to be patient with him.

By signing players such a Mayowa, Irvin, possibly Bennett or Griffen, you’re probably not giving up on the younger players already on the roster. Even if Griffen comes in with a couple years on a deal, that still gives way for Green and Collier to battle for potential starting spots. I think this is a big deal in the minds of Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider.

Also, by filling your biggest needs with value priced veterans, it lessens the possibility of reaching for needs during the draft. Reaching for talent is never a good way to build a team or maintain success.

For example, this draft class is not thought to be great for defensive line, but it is for other positions like receiver and offensive line. Now, Seattle probably wants to draft a pass rusher type, but if that player isn’t really there when they first pick, they won’t be pressed to take one just to take one. Instead, they can go with a pass catcher, or offensive tackle, or different position all together if there is clearly a special talent there.

I know the San Francisco 49ers are a sexy team right now with that pass rush, but Seattle is likely not going to catch up to them in that department in one off-season, or even two. It took the 49ers years of sucking before they loaded up that line like that, and it was all mostly done with high draft capital. So, Seattle is likely going to have to compete in other ways with that club. Getting Russell Wilson better weapons and blockers and making him more difficult to defend is a great counter to that pass rush.

Continually building through the draft is always a good thing, and with four picks in the first two days of this draft, Seattle is in a decent position to find valuable starting talent on cheap rookie contracts, but they had to nail it. They also have to give players recently drafted opportunities to evolve and flourish.

Seattle has a prototype for the Leo end spot and Mayowa fits it

This is just a thought that I would like to leave you with.

Even since Pete Carroll has taken over the Seattle Seahawks, they have had a very specific type of player they seek out to play Leo end. Generally, that player is about 6-3, 250 to 265 pounds, with at least 33 inch arms, and has had decent times in the forty and agility drills during their scouting workouts. This all started in 2010 when Seattle traded established starting Defensive end Darryl Tapp (who didn’t fit that profile) to Philly for a little known “journeyman” in Chris Clemons ,and they subsequently made Clemons a bit of a star for a few years afterward. It continued through to when they drafted Bruce Irvin, signed Cliff Avril, and drafted Frank Clark.

Stuck in the middle of all of that is Benson Mayowa when he made the team as a little known undrafted rookie free agent out of Idaho in 2013. Mayowa is totally within Seattle’s profile as a Leo, but here’s the more interesting thing to note.

Chris Clemons was 29 years old when Seattle traded for him, and Mayowa is now 28. Now, I am not going to say that Mayowa is the next Chris Clemons. However, I’m also not going to say that he isn’t the next Chris Clemons either. When Philly gave up Clemons for Tapp, the feeling around the Philly media is that they gave up peanuts to Seattle for a really good player. Nobody took Clemons to Seattle seriously.

Should Mayowa beat out Irvin for the Leo spot, and should that lead to 8 to 10 sacks for him in 2020, Seattle might well consider working on an extension him because they will have gotten him for a steel. If Clemons to Seattle at age 29 had him blossom late, who is really to say that the same can’t happen for Mayowa?

I’m not.

Just some food for thought.

Go Hawks.