****The Official Seattle Seahawks Offseason Thread 2014****

[phillybear 366]

 

I would much, much rather get a few late round draft picks or UDFAs, stash them on the practice squad and let Cable coach them up. Why take a risk on a guy with a checkered history like this?

 

I'm not averse to spending a high pick on a tackle - like, say, Bitonio - but the potential has to be worth it.

 

Eh, I'm focking around,

[Groundhog 24]

Plus they will draft another corner this year as well. Maybe someone like Keith McGill | 6'3 3/8, 211 pounds | Cornerback | Utah?

 

well his tape looks pretty good but then he's going to probably require the #64 overall pick to get him, if he's still there. I would rather use the first two picks on WR and OL in some order.

 

Later round picks, if a guy is still there:

 

4th rounder: Pierre Desir, Lindenwood. This guy has the length and the size we like. Went to an unheralded college because of academic issues I think, but if we're looking for someone who can play physical out there on an island, then, DAMN. Say hello to the French Assassin. Honestly I don't think this guy is still on the board by the time we pick in the 2nd, but maybe his pedigree works against him and he's still there in the 4th. I also need to keep in mind that the quality of opposition is not super high, but still. If we trade out of #64 to help grab a 3rd rounder, I would take him in the 3rd rd too.

 

 

6th-7th rds: Sammy Seamster, Middle Tennessee State. Over 6' tall and 4.4 speed. Again, unheralded college, but then that's why these guys often last this long. His measurables are pretty decent for being considered a potential UDFA and the Jags have been sniffing around him.

http://blogs.nfl.com/2014/03/20/two-potential-draft-picks-on-display-at-mtsus-pro-day/

[Groundhog 24]

 

Eh, I'm focking around,

next you're going to tell us that we should bring in Vince Young for a visit.

[Kopy 571]

next you're going to tell us that we should bring in Vince Young for a visit.

Or Donald Sterling to run Human Resources.

[phillybear 366]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/04/29/report-seahawks-visit-with-kevin-williams-on-monday/

 

Report: Seahawks visited with Kevin Williams on Monday

A six-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman who has never changed teams in a career spanning more than a decade has reportedly visited with the defending Super Bowl champions.

 

Howard Balzer of The Sports Xchange reports the Seahawks visited with Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams on Monday.

The 33-year-old Williams has played 11 seasons for the Vikings, recording 463 tackles and 60 sacks. He has missed just five regular season games in his NFL career. Williams (6-5, 311) notched 29 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2013.

 

Williams played 746 snaps for Minnesota a season ago, according to Pro Football Focus data. Were the Seahawks to add Williams, he would likely join Tony McDaniel, Brandon Mebane, and Jordan Hill among the primary options inside. Williams would probably also see a reduction in reps. No Seahawks defensive tackle logged more than 546 snaps in the 2013 regular season, per PFF.

 

The Seahawks have taken a liking to some of the Vikings’ core players of recent seasons, most notably trading for wideout Percy Harvin last spring. Seattle also signed ex-Minnesota cornerback Antoine Winfield last offseason, but he did not make the club.

 

UPDATE 4:46 p.m. ET: Balzer initially reported that Williams had worked out with Seattle on Monday, but he later amended his report to say it was a visit.

[phillybear 366]

Plus they will draft another corner this year as well. Maybe someone like Keith McGill | 6'3 3/8, 211 pounds | Cornerback | Utah?

 

He seems like a good fit on the defense, good size, press coverage, etc. He's a end of the 2nd round projected draft pick or top of the 3rd, so he could go at #64.

[phillybear 366]

I agree. No need for Incognito in that locker room.

 

I'm still amused by the visual of Incognito mouthing "I'm going to kill you" over and over again on the sidelines.

[phillybear 366]

 

well his tape looks pretty good but then he's going to probably require the #64 overall pick to get him, if he's still there. I would rather use the first two picks on WR and OL in some order.

 

Later round picks, if a guy is still there:

 

4th rounder: Pierre Desir, Lindenwood. This guy has the length and the size we like. Went to an unheralded college because of academic issues I think, but if we're looking for someone who can play physical out there on an island, then, DAMN. Say hello to the French Assassin. Honestly I don't think this guy is still on the board by the time we pick in the 2nd, but maybe his pedigree works against him and he's still there in the 4th. I also need to keep in mind that the quality of opposition is not super high, but still. If we trade out of #64 to help grab a 3rd rounder, I would take him in the 3rd rd too.

 

 

6th-7th rds: Sammy Seamster, Middle Tennessee State. Over 6' tall and 4.4 speed. Again, unheralded college, but then that's why these guys often last this long. His measurables are pretty decent for being considered a potential UDFA and the Jags have been sniffing around him.

http://blogs.nfl.com/2014/03/20/two-potential-draft-picks-on-display-at-mtsus-pro-day/

 

Pierre Desir has slid down some draft boards lately to a late 3rd round pick.

 

I don't have Sammy Seamster on my draft list, so I guess UDFA is a possibility. Maybe he goes very late.

 

The Jags are always going to be our worst enemy and best competition when it comes to drafting and free agents.

[Kopy 571]

Got a question for you guys on Cody Lattimore. Doesn't Indiana run a spread offense?

Why aren't his stats better than what they are?

This is more for Fantasy than the Seahawks. But I know you guys really seem to like him, so I figured I'd ask here.

From the mock drafts (pre draft of course) he's the 1 guy thats come from a late round pick back in feb, to a potential first rounder now. I've seen him in the 10-12 range lately, as he's flying up the boards.

I agree his size is good, and has hands of glue. So how come his stats aren't better? At least in the reception department.

 

Also, how would you compare him to Allen Robinson out of Penn. St.

[phillybear 366]

Got a question for you guys on Cody Lattimore. Doesn't Indiana run a spread offense?

Why aren't his stats better than what they are?

This is more for Fantasy than the Seahawks. But I know you guys really seem to like him, so I figured I'd ask here.

From the mock drafts (pre draft of course) he's the 1 guy thats come from a late round pick back in feb, to a potential first rounder now. I've seen him in the 10-12 range lately, as he's flying up the boards.

I agree his size is good, and has hands of glue. So how come his stats aren't better? At least in the reception department.

 

Also, how would you compare him to Allen Robinson out of Penn. St.

 

Both are the same height and weight.

 

I am not much of a fan of Lattimore. He is rocketing up draft boards and it's perplexing. I would not take him in the first 2 rounds. Sure, he has some measurables that are coveted, like he can leap. But his draft stock is now speculative, not really on merit nor production. Yeah, he's recovered from an apparent left foot injury and showed speed leading up to the draft, but he's overvalued, in my opinion. It boggles my mind that people are talking about him like he might go in the first round. I think some GM will think he is outsmarting everybody else and take him way too early.

 

Allen Robinson is a solid 2nd round pick. The only points of contention is he doesn't have outstanding speed and needs to polish his route running a bit. I like him more of solid prospect. I've watched him play here in Penn St country.

[Kopy 571]

 

Both are the same height and weight.

 

I am not much of a fan of Lattimore. He is rocketing up draft boards and it's perplexing. I would not take him in the first 2 rounds. Sure, he has some measurables that are coveted, like he can leap. But his draft stock is now speculative, not really on merit nor production. Yeah, he's recovered from an apparent left foot injury and showed speed leading up to the draft, but he's overvalued, in my opinion. It boggles my mind that people are talking about him like he might go in the first round. I think some GM will think he is outsmarting everybody else and take him way too early.

 

Allen Robinson is a solid 2nd round pick. The only points of contention is he doesn't have outstanding speed and needs to polish his route running a bit. I like him more of solid prospect. I've watched him play here in Penn St country.

Thanks. I havn't had the time to get real indepth on my rankings like I normally do. And those were the 2 guys I've had trouble with. I didn't really see the hype myself, but I wasn't sure if I was missing something.

[phillybear 366]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/02/obrien-schofield-finally-has-a-deal-stays-with-seahawks/

 

O’Brien Schofield finally has a deal, stays with Seahawks

 

 

Two months after it first appeared he had a job for next season, Seahawks outside linebacker O'Brien Schofield apparently has one now.

 

Schofield tweeted the news of his return this afternoon, saying "I'm coming back home one more year." with the obligatory #12thman hashtag.

The pass-rusher wasclose to a two year deal with the Giants at the outset of free agency, but a knee problem scuttled that deal. He later worked out for the Titans, and passed a physical.

 

The Seahawks claimed him off waivers after three years with the Cardinals, and though he played a limited role for them last year, were willing to bring him back.

 

*************************

 

Good move for depth. Leaves more flexibility leading into the draft. The report lists him as a LB. I consider him more of DE. What's the verdict?

[phillybear 366]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/02/seahawks-sign-cornerback-a-j-jefferson/

 

 

Seahawks sign cornerback A.J. Jefferson

With the big money the Seahawks are giving and will give to their secondary, they need some cheaper parts to fill in the blanks. They’ve apparently found one in A.J. Jefferson. According to a tweet from his agent Ken Sarnoff, Jefferson has signed with the Seahawks.

 

The Vikings released Jefferson in November after his arrest on domestic assault charges, and he finished the year with the Browns, landing on injured reserve with an ankle problem.

He worked out for the Seahawks last week, so they must have been convinced he can contribute to one of the league’s best secondaries.

[Kopy 571]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/02/obrien-schofield-finally-has-a-deal-stays-with-seahawks/

 

O’Brien Schofield finally has a deal, stays with Seahawks

 

 

Two months after it first appeared he had a job for next season, Seahawks outside linebacker O'Brien Schofield apparently has one now.

 

Schofield tweeted the news of his return this afternoon, saying "I'm coming back home one more year." with the obligatory #12thman hashtag.

The pass-rusher wasclose to a two year deal with the Giants at the outset of free agency, but a knee problem scuttled that deal. He later worked out for the Titans, and passed a physical.

 

The Seahawks claimed him off waivers after three years with the Cardinals, and though he played a limited role for them last year, were willing to bring him back.

 

*************************

 

Good move for depth. Leaves more flexibility leading into the draft. The report lists him as a LB. I consider him more of DE. What's the verdict?

I consider him a DE too. But we move some many people around, and seem to like tweeners who can do everything, he could always be a on the move guy.

As far as Schofield himself. I love the move. He's a guy I've always liked, and am very glad to have him back.

[FlaHawker 24]

Seahawks decline James Carpenter's 5th year option:

 

http://mynorthwest.com/292/2512454/Hawks-decline-Carpenters-5thyear-option

[phillybear 366]

 

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/04/29/report-seahawks-visit-with-kevin-williams-on-monday/

 

Report: Seahawks visited with Kevin Williams on Monday

A six-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman who has never changed teams in a career spanning more than a decade has reportedly visited with the defending Super Bowl champions.

 

Howard Balzer of The Sports Xchange reports the Seahawks visited with Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams on Monday.

The 33-year-old Williams has played 11 seasons for the Vikings, recording 463 tackles and 60 sacks. He has missed just five regular season games in his NFL career. Williams (6-5, 311) notched 29 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2013.

 

Williams played 746 snaps for Minnesota a season ago, according to Pro Football Focus data. Were the Seahawks to add Williams, he would likely join Tony McDaniel, Brandon Mebane, and Jordan Hill among the primary options inside. Williams would probably also see a reduction in reps. No Seahawks defensive tackle logged more than 546 snaps in the 2013 regular season, per PFF.

 

The Seahawks have taken a liking to some of the Vikings’ core players of recent seasons, most notably trading for wideout Percy Harvin last spring. Seattle also signed ex-Minnesota cornerback Antoine Winfield last offseason, but he did not make the club.

 

UPDATE 4:46 p.m. ET: Balzer initially reported that Williams had worked out with Seattle on Monday, but he later amended his report to say it was a visit.

 

 

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/03/kevin-williams-weighs-retirement-against-low-money-deal/

 

 

Kevin Williams weighs retirement against low-money deal

 

For veteran defensive tackle Kevin Williams, the options are becoming more and more clear: Play a 12th season for not much money, or call it quits.

Williams recently told Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press that the former Viking doesn’t plan to play for peanuts.

 

“If it’s not worth the risk of going back out there, "I can't say I'll do it,” Williams said. “I don’t see [taking a low-value deal] at this point, but you never know. . . . I’m not one of those guys that’s afraid to go home. I’m comfortable going home.” Plenty of factors go into the decision, surely. How much has he banked after 11 seasons with the Vikings? What other opportunities does he have that don’t entail further wear and tear on the joints, bones, and brain? Ultimately, the question is whether a guy wants to keep going. It’s an intensely personal decision-making process that Williams may not be able to completely resolve until late July or August (or September) roll around.

 

Since it became clear the Vikings wouldn’t bring him back after signing what seemed like 17 defensive linemen in free agency, Williams has visited the Giants and Seahawks. His best bet to get more than the minimum or close to it could be to wait for someone to get injured.

 

**************************************************

Well, here we go again for this offseason, with a veteran D-lineman from the Vikings pondering a Seattle contract.

 

Are the Minnesota Vikings the official Triple A franchise of the Seahawks, where we seem to pluck players from every year? Well, ever since Hutchinson, anyway.

[phillybear 366]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/02/doug-baldwin-doesnt-sign-an-offer-sheet-will-stay-in-seattle/

 

Doug Baldwin doesn’t sign an offer sheet, will stay in Seattle

 

Doug Baldwin will remain with the Seahawks. As expected, today’s deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets came and went without Baldwin signing. That means that although he is a free agent, the Seahawks are now the only team he can sign with.

 

Restricted free agency is usually fairly quiet in the NFL. This year one restricted free agent switched teams when the Browns signed former Bengals wide receiver Andrew Hawkins. Another restricted free agent, Saints safety Rafael Bush, signed an offer sheet with the Falcons but didn’t change teams because the Saints matched the offer.

 

Baldwin was tendered at the second-round level, which means any team signing him to an offer sheet would have had to give up a second-round pick in next week’s draft if the Seahawks didn’t match. Baldwin is coming off a solid season (50 catches for 778 yards and five touchdowns), but a second-round pick is a lot to give up, and it would have been a surprise if any team had made him an offer.

 

Although Baldwin may take his time about signing his restricted free agent tender because he’d prefer a long-term contract, it’s likely that he’ll end up playing the 2014 season on the $2.187 million salary that comes with the second-round tender. And then he’ll either do a new deal with the Seahawks or hit free agency next year.

[phillybear 366]

Seahawks decline James Carpenter's 5th year option:

 

http://mynorthwest.com/292/2512454/Hawks-decline-Carpenters-5thyear-option

 

Easiest decision in the history of the NFL. He has an uphill climb to make the final roster this year.

[Kopy 571]

O.K. Less than a week away boys.

Gimmie your first round predictions.

 

I say we don't pick in round 1. We trade it away to another team, that team then drafts a QB.

[ffgiant 10]

O.K. Less than a week away boys.

Gimmie your first round predictions.

 

I say we don't pick in round 1. We trade it away to another team, that team then drafts a QB.

I actually like this idea a lot. Of course, it depends on which QB is sliding or rising. But for those QB needy team, this is a no brainer trade.

[phillybear 366]

O.K. Less than a week away boys.

Gimmie your first round predictions.

 

I say we don't pick in round 1. We trade it away to another team, that team then drafts a QB.

 

I'm going to put something together in the next day or two, after finishing up tweeking my draft board.

 

I think it's more likely we move down with our 2nd round pick and stand pat at #32, just based on recent NFL draft history and the lack of trades made by teams with a late first round pick vs our tendencies to try to constantly acquire more low round picks. But we shall see.

[phillybear 366]

Let’s look at the first pick at #32.

 

Based on the 4 years of draft history under Pete Carroll and John Schneider, we can see a few emerging trends, typically divided among the first 3 rounds and the final 4 rounds. Players by position that have been taken in the first 3 rounds: OT (2), FS, WR, OG, DE, MLB, QB, RB, DT.

 

They have never taken a cornerback or strong safety early. They have never taken an outside linebacker early. They have drafted 3 WRs overall, but only one of them early. They’ve drafted a bunch of linebackers, but only one early, the MLB. So, based on past precedent and pending extraordinary circumstances, I would think it is very, very unlikely we draft a defensive player other than DE or DT in the first two days. Probably because they feel they can draft and develop with low round picks and save on the cap. Until they have to sign guys like Sherman and Thomas and Chancellor and then have to restock cheaply everybody else in the back 7. They will pay for the bigs upfront. As far as offense, we can rule out a QB as the roster is set, RBs are seriously devalued now, there isn’t a TE worth getting until maybe day 3. So, if offense, we are probably looking at OT, OG, or WR. Well, the more I look at our roster, the only are we are lacking is OT since he don’t even have enough bodies to go into camp with. The problem is the point in the draft at #32 where the first round pick is presents no value for an OT selection. 4 OTs will go off the board early in the first round. Then, it’s a free fall. I don’t think they value the OG position as they plugged in Sweezey and basically rotated a bunch of guys on the other side. Wilson’s scrambling covers up for the fact that the OG’s on this team have been dogsh!t in pass blocking. Last year this team was missing 3 starting offensive linemen for a huge chunk of the season and they played hurt the rest of the time, and this team won the freaking Superbowl. Any possible selection of an offensive lineman in the first round will be a reach. To take a lineman, they have to trade to the middle of the 2^nd round to get value. Nobody they can get is an instant plug him in and they will start for the next 10 years. And after getting burned by Moffitt, they are looking for UDFA types or somebody they already signed this offseason to fill at OG if Bailey/Bowie doesn’t work out.

 

Don’t forget about DT; Mebane has a bad contract and may not be on the team next year. Hey, they don’t keep many players when they get around 30. This team won a Superbowl and got younger. Meanwhile, there is a trend leaguewide or not resigning big ticket LT's anymore and replacing them with cheaper options. Do they let Okung walk next season? They have to look for a replacement if they do. It’s not like Okung has been very healthy, although he has been great when he’s played unhurt. Also, aside from Harvin, who else at WR is going to be here next year? Baldwin still has a one year tender. Rice has a one year deal. Kearse is up next year too, I think. They need bodies here. As far as DE, they tried to sign Jared Allen, so the front office feels there is a need here. They kicked the tires on Kevin Williams so they feel there is a need at DT.

 

So, at #32, we are going to either reach for an OT, draft the best WR available, or best defensive lineman available. Or trade down for peanuts on the dollar and get bad value back.

 

Visited players connected to Seattle who might get drafted around #32:

Timmie Jernigan, DT, Florida St (dropping down boards due to urine sample at combine)

Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon St

Demarcus Lawrence OLB/DE, Boise St

Cody Latimer, WR, Indiana

 

Quinn went down to talk to Jernigan, so it’s possible. It would be great value to get him bottom of the first, and it’s not like we haven’t taken chances on questionable character guys. We drafted Tharold Simon last year. We traded for Marshawn Lynch. Latimer is a huge reach in the first. Lawrence is too much like Bruce Irvin. Cooks will be gone.

 

Prediction:

Stephen Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame

5 tech, can play DT or DE, great size and length, the only concern is a hairline fracture in foot which will make him fall a bit in the draft. Some similarities to Red Bryant. He’s now going early in the 2^nd in most consensuses. (Edit: which, of course, makes it the ideal situation to trade down)

 

Be back with thoughts on #64.

[phillybear 366]

Let take a look at #64, the 2^nd round.

 

In every single year of the Carroll and Schneider regime, the Seahawks have traded their 2^nd round pick. The first year, they swapped and moved down in the 2^nd with San Diego in the Charlie Whitehurst deal. In the next 3 years, they’ve traded down with their 2^nd round pick every single draft. They simply can’t trade down this year at #64, so they can only stay put or trade down to the 3^rd. Since I can’t predict where they will end up, I can only with what we currently have.

 

Visited players connected to Seattle who might get drafted around #64:

Ju’wuan James, OT, Tennessee

Deone Buchanan, FS, Washington

Scott Crichton, DE, Oregon St

Marcus Smith, OLB/DE, Louisville

Davante Adams, WR, Fresno St

Bishop Sankey, RB, Washington

 

A bunch of these guys are non-discusssion points are they are local visits and they are not going to draft Buchanan or Sankey.

 

OK, we got the defensive player earlier. That is, if we didn’t trade down. Now, if we did, that puts us in a range to consider taking an OT, from a suspect 2^nd tier group of:

Morgan Moses

Cyrus Kouandjio

Ju’wuan James

Joel Bitonio (OG/OT)

And I’m not sure I want to do that. There are prospects nearly as good in the mid rounds. There are some question marks here, some injury concerns, etc. I don’t know if I go OT here.

 

But what I’m seeing is a pretty impressive bubble tier of WRs. I didn’t go for the WR in the first since so many of them I had grouped together. Unless the front office sees clear separation, I’d sit back and wait and let some of these guys drop to the end of the 2^nd round and take best one remaining. Some of these guys will still be around:

 

Cody Latimer, WR, Indiana

Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida St

Allen Robinson, WR, Penn St

Donte Moncrief, WR, Mississippi

Davante Adams, WR, Fresno St

Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt

Martavius Bryant, WR, Clemson

Jarvis Landry, WR, LSU

 

Prediction:

Donte Moncrief, WR, Mississippi.

6’2” 4.4 speed. Has all the tools except game changing explosive speed. Smart, leaping ability, good route running.

 

Why not Davante Adams? He visited, right? Well, they have drafted players from the WAC (Utah St), but Adams didn’t look all that good in the bowl game vs USC this past year against a top team, and you know Carroll was paying attention to a USC bowl game. Plus, Moncrief had an inconsistent QB throwing to him tons of deep passes that were off target this past year. Something Russell Wilson won’t do.

[Groundhog 24]

Here's my take on the draft, assuming zero trades. I know that that is unrealistic but since any trade could produce virtually any set of new picks, any new choices I select are pretty random (e.g., I have the Hawks give up #64 overall in exchange for #80 and #115 overall from the Jets.). So this is more like 'I think the Hawks should have an interest in taking this guy, at this spot, if he's still on the board.

 

1.32 Dominique Easley, DT, Florida

Highly disruptive interior DL guy. We will likely lose Mebane after this season and we are putting a fair degree of optimism in some of the young pups like Jesse Williams and Greg Scruggs. Without the injury there's no way he lasts this long, but we have shown a willingness to take a chance on a guy when the talent is there. We got Thurmond in the 4th rd this way.

 

2.64 Davante Adams, WR, Fresno State

Polished 6'1" receiver who can win 1v1 battles in the air. We may lose Baldwin next year, and Rice and Harvin are always injury risks anyway.

 

4.32 Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, OT, McGill

I know what you're thinking, just another Canadian kid who plans to become a doctor after a career in the trenches. But I'm telling you, this guy's different! Smart, long arms, fits our OL profile.

 

5.6 Jordan Zumwalt, LB, UCLA

KJ Wright and Malcolm Smith will both be free agents after next season. The Bruce Irvin Experiment continues, now at LB. We may have some holes at this position a year from now, so let's address it.

 

5.32 Crockett Gilmore, TE, Colorado State.

Nasty attitude as a blocker, decent potential as a pass catcher. In three years we could have this guy and Luke Willson as a tandem.

 

6.32 Mohammed Seisay, CB, Nebraska

Tall, rangy corner. We specialize in tall, rangy corners.

[FlaHawker 24]

 

Prediction:

Stephen Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame

5 tech, can play DT or DE, great size and length, the only concern is a hairline fracture in foot which will make him fall a bit in the draft. Some similarities to Red Bryant. He’s now going early in the 2^nd in most consensuses. (Edit: which, of course, makes it the ideal situation to trade down)

 

Be back with thoughts on #64.

One scout has compared Tuitt to Tyson Jackson. Not exactly a ringing endorsement.

[phillybear 366]

One scout has compared Tuitt to Tyson Jackson. Not exactly a ringing endorsement.

 

I'm going to have to call that scout an idiot. No offense. He's being mostly compared to Richard Seymour.

 

Tyson Jackson was a 4-3 DE his collegiate career, drafted #3 overall, and asked to convert to a 3-4 DE. That messes with your head. It's not a shock that he didn't succeed. Sure, he signed a big followup deal with Atlanta, but that's a head scratcher in itself. Tuitt is versatile, but isn't going to be asked to do anything radically foreign or different. If anything, he would be doing a versatile shifting around thing that Michael Bennett is doing as well. Keeping the defense guessing, which this defense loves to do at the line of scrimmage. Tuitt is coming out a year too early. He came into his junior year out of shape, but played his way into shape by the end. During the Notre Dame run to the "national championship" game two years ago, he was a force. He still was this year too. He's got unlimited potential with great skills and room to learn and grow and is sneaking under the radar a bit. Hey, we might not get him. But for an end of first round pick, and maybe near top 2nd round (come on Cleveland, you know you want to make a deal), it's about as good of a risk as you're going to get.

 

Or maybe I'm the idiot.

[phillybear 366]

So, given that we will be moving around, let's take a look at where our current picks are, the visited players that could get drafted and where, and some mid round offensive linemen we might be looking at.

4.32
5.6
5.32
6.32

Visited players, 4^th to 5^th roundish
Terrence West, RB, Towson St
Paul Richardson, WR, Colorado
Tiny Richardson, OT, Tennessee
Deandre Coleman, DT/5T, California
Jordan Tripp, LB, Montana
Seantrel Henderson, OT, Miami Fla
Josh Huff, WR, Oregon
Jordan Zumwalt, LB, UCLA
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, OT, McGill (Canada)
Zach Kerr, DT, Delaware

Visited players, 6^th to 7^th roundish
Vinnie Sunseri, SS, Alabama
Khari Fortt, LB, California
Cassius Marsh, DE, UCLA
Brock Coyle, LB, Montana
Kevin Graf, OT, USC
Carlos Fields, OLB, Winston Salem
Morgan Breslin, LB, USC

Mid round offensive linemen the Seahawks may consider:
Trai Turner, OG, LSU (3^rd round)
Billy Turner, OT, North Dakota St (3^rd round)
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, OT, McGill (Canada) (5^th round)
Wesley Johnson, OG/OT, Vanderbilt (5^th round)
Matt Patchan, OG/OT, Boston College, (6^th round)

These guys are all good prospects for zone blocking schemes, are very solid run blockers, move well, can get downfield. As a bonus, most of them are versatile enough to play more than one position on the line, which seemed to be a pattern of guys we were looking for last year. Unfortunately, you probably won’t get either Turner without a trade down of some type as they are climbing the draft boards. But, at the turn of end of 4^th and top of the 5^th, you could very well land of the others. The problem with the Canadian kid is that he could simply stay put and play for the CFL. Patchan finished up a 6 year career in college due to injuries, but he was finally healthy his year and helped key Andre Williams season with Boston College.

[phillybear 366]

Here's my take on the draft, assuming zero trades. I know that that is unrealistic but since any trade could produce virtually any set of new picks, any new choices I select are pretty random (e.g., I have the Hawks give up #64 overall in exchange for #80 and #115 overall from the Jets.). So this is more like 'I think the Hawks should have an interest in taking this guy, at this spot, if he's still on the board.

 

1.32 Dominique Easley, DT, Florida

Highly disruptive interior DL guy. We will likely lose Mebane after this season and we are putting a fair degree of optimism in some of the young pups like Jesse Williams and Greg Scruggs. Without the injury there's no way he lasts this long, but we have shown a willingness to take a chance on a guy when the talent is there. We got Thurmond in the 4th rd this way.

 

2.64 Davante Adams, WR, Fresno State

Polished 6'1" receiver who can win 1v1 battles in the air. We may lose Baldwin next year, and Rice and Harvin are always injury risks anyway.

 

4.32 Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, OT, McGill

I know what you're thinking, just another Canadian kid who plans to become a doctor after a career in the trenches. But I'm telling you, this guy's different! Smart, long arms, fits our OL profile.

 

5.6 Jordan Zumwalt, LB, UCLA

KJ Wright and Malcolm Smith will both be free agents after next season. The Bruce Irvin Experiment continues, now at LB. We may have some holes at this position a year from now, so let's address it.

 

5.32 Crockett Gilmore, TE, Colorado State.

Nasty attitude as a blocker, decent potential as a pass catcher. In three years we could have this guy and Luke Willson as a tandem.

 

6.32 Mohammed Seisay, CB, Nebraska

Tall, rangy corner. We specialize in tall, rangy corners.

 

If the draft fell like this, I think I would be OK with it.

 

Where I opted for length with Truitt, you went with quickness with Easley, who has really been steaming up draft boards lately. Both figure to go in the range of where Seattle would pick if they traded down into the beginning of the 2nd round. I'd feel better about taking a TE if we acquired more picks, the only complaint there, since they would have a hard time making the roster. I didn't have Seisay on my board. He was a reserve at Nebraska I believe, but played special teams. I'd feel better about him being an UDFA signing. But that's quibbling.

 

Overall, the value per pick is pretty much on point. Not too shabby.

[phillybear 366]

Richard Sherman 4 year extension done. Details upcoming.

[FlaHawker 24]

Richard Sherman 4 year extension done. Details upcoming.

Nice!! How concerned should we be with Kam's hip surgery?

[FlaHawker 24]

Richard Sherman 4 year extension done. Details upcoming.

4 years 57.4 mill 40 million guaranteed.

[phillybear 366]

How concerned should we be with Kam's hip surgery?

 

Hard to say. I don't think they are basically rebuilding anything like a joint like they had to with Harvin to correct a lifetime issue, but they haven't said much about it. The hip thing was brought up months ago, and I guess that report had legs.

 

They tendered a 2nd round pick on Jeron Johnson, coming off a season that he didn't play due to injury, which was a steep price. They really didn't want him to get away. So, they have signed him to a deal. Which is good.

 

Also, DeShawn Shead is kind of a CB/SS type. They always paid him extra money that the other practice squad guys to make sure he didn't go anywhere last year. He finally got on the active roster towards the end of the season and played for Chancellor in the post season for a bit.

 

If it was nothing, they wouldn't have worked so hard to keep Johnson and Shead around. While both are pretty good players, neither are Chancellor, the best SS in football. But, I haven't heard anything about Seattle being connected to any SS player visits in the upcoming draft. A few FS types, which makes sense since there is no backup to Earl Thomas right now for the most part. Unless the front office is playing things close to the vest, I wouldn't be too, too worried about it.

 

Then again, they did have a visit with Ryan Clark from Pittsburgh during free agency this off season. But I think he was a free safety.

[Hawkfin 32]

- Great offseason! Hawks did everything I wanted them to do and more.

 

Sherman and Thomas were KEY, but we also kept Bennett and Miller, etc too.

 

Very happy.

This needed to be done as next year we have a lot more problems to figure out and players to hopefully sign.

But, keeping the Legion of Boom together is huge!

 

GO HAWKS

[phillybear 366]

Draft Day random thoughts. More words, words, words. I need to shut up already.

It’s good to be the King. Winning the Superbowl, having a loaded roster, trying to find weaknesses on the team where none exist. I can see myself being completely relaxed during the duration of the NFL draft.

For about 3 minutes. Then it’s mouth frothing anarchy and looking for a cat to punt.

Richard Sherman appeared to allude to or gesture in some way during his press conference indicating that Doug Baldwin had agreed to a multi year extension as well, but John Schneider cut him off before he spilled the beans. An announcement is likely soon after the draft. No reason ot overlap the Sherman announcement. This is significant because now Harvin and Baldwin will be under contract beyond this year, slightly lessening the panic over acquiring WRs this weekend. Still, let’s not forget that the Seahawks only carried 5 WRs on the active roster last season, some times just 4. Percy Harvin, Doug Baldwin are locks this year. Jermaine Kearse is a near certainty. If Rice is able to run at all, and he did pass a physical, he’s in. That leaves one spot open realistically, at the very, very most two. That is for the draft pick to fulfill, with the rest of the WR guys including the CFL guy Matthews and the UFA Price and rapist Lockette and the rest trying make the team based on special teams and a prayer, unless the draft pick flops like last year. Don’t expect more than one WR to be drafted this weekend, as we haven’t in the past, Tate, Durham, Harper were one and dones, and there isn’t a lot of roster room for two picks. Essentially, all we are doing is backfilling Tate’s roster spot. However, absolutely do expect the first or second pick to be a WR. The depth at the position is ridiculous this year. Plus, so many teams will rank the WRs so differently, everybody will feel like they will be getting a steal. It will amuse me to see suspect guys like Latimore going in the 20’s, while top notch prospects drop tantalizingly closer to the Seahawks at #32, like Marquis Lee. This is going to be fun to watch. I’d still rather wait to take one in the 2^nd.

The draft will have an immediate impact on the fortunes of the Seahawks with the very first pick. When Houston passes on a QB, and they will, and select Clowney or Mack, they set the dominoes in motion. They will then need to take a QB at #33. Therefore, a team wanting to grab a QB before the Texans do in the 2^nd have to trade up, and the last chance to do that, while giving up the least, is with Seattle. Seattle could actually pick up a 3^rd round pick if they trade down by giving up their 1^st rounder with Cleveland (get Cleveland’s 2^nd and Cleveland’s acquired mid 3^rd) or if they trade down farther with Jax (get Jax 2^nd and 3^rd). Maybe I’m getting greedy. I’d take a 2^nd, 4^th and a 5^th. The talent drop off is minimal for WR, OT, DE, DT with the drop to the 2^nd, and in the 3^rd, or top of the 4^th, the picking are still good for what we are looking at.

Today, we may trade down or simply take the best player available. The best player available will be a DE, DT, or WR. I predict a lot of reaches, in my opinion, for offensive linemen from 20-31 in the first round. When guys like Ju’wuan James, Morgan Moses, Marcus Martin, Cyrus Kuandjio are bandied about as locks to get taken by teams desperate for line help, I shake my head at drafting for need only on guys that just aren’t sure things which is what first round picks should be. And some of these guys just aren't zone blocking linemen at all so who cares. Joel Bitonio I could justify I suppose. Even better prospects will be left. Don’t believe the hype.

I'm not speculating on what we will draft in rounds (3rd?) 4th to 7th until Friday/Saturday and I see what players are left and what trades we made.

[Kopy 571]

Draft Day random thoughts. More words, words, words. I need to shut up already.

 

It’s good to be the King. Winning the Superbowl, having a loaded roster, trying to find weaknesses on the team where none exist. I can see myself being completely relaxed during the duration of the NFL draft.

 

For about 3 minutes. Then it’s mouth frothing anarchy and looking for a cat to punt.

 

Richard Sherman appeared to allude to or gesture in some way during his press conference indicating that Doug Baldwin had agreed to a multi year extension as well, but John Schneider cut him off before he spilled the beans. An announcement is likely soon after the draft. No reason ot overlap the Sherman announcement. This is significant because now Harvin and Baldwin will be under contract beyond this year, slightly lessening the panic over acquiring WRs this weekend. Still, let’s not forget that the Seahawks only carried 5 WRs on the active roster last season, some times just 4. Percy Harvin, Doug Baldwin are locks this year. Jermaine Kearse is a near certainty. If Rice is able to run at all, and he did pass a physical, he’s in. That leaves one spot open realistically, at the very, very most two. That is for the draft pick to fulfill, with the rest of the WR guys including the CFL guy Matthews and the UFA Price and rapist Lockette and the rest trying make the team based on special teams and a prayer, unless the draft pick flops like last year. Don’t expect more than one WR to be drafted this weekend, as we haven’t in the past, Tate, Durham, Harper were one and dones, and there isn’t a lot of roster room for two picks. Essentially, all we are doing is backfilling Tate’s roster spot. However, absolutely do expect the first or second pick to be a WR. The depth at the position is ridiculous this year. Plus, so many teams will rank the WRs so differently, everybody will feel like they will be getting a steal. It will amuse me to see suspect guys like Latimore going in the 20’s, while top notch prospects drop tantalizingly closer to the Seahawks at #32, like Marquis Lee. This is going to be fun to watch. I’d still rather wait to take one in the 2^nd.

 

The draft will have an immediate impact on the fortunes of the Seahawks with the very first pick. When Houston passes on a QB, and they will, and select Clowney or Mack, they set the dominoes in motion. They will then need to take a QB at #33. Therefore, a team wanting to grab a QB before the Texans do in the 2^nd have to trade up, and the last chance to do that, while giving up the least, is with Seattle. Seattle could actually pick up a 3^rd round pick if they trade down by giving up their 1^st rounder with Cleveland (get Cleveland’s 2^nd and Cleveland’s acquired mid 3^rd) or if they trade down farther with Jax (get Jax 2^nd and 3^rd). Maybe I’m getting greedy. I’d take a 2^nd, 4^th and a 5^th. The talent drop off is minimal for WR, OT, DE, DT with the drop to the 2^nd, and in the 3^rd, or top of the 4^th, the picking are still good for what we are looking at.

 

Today, we may trade down or simply take the best player available. The best player available will be a DE, DT, or WR. I predict a lot of reaches, in my opinion, for offensive linemen from 20-31 in the first round. When guys like Ju’wuan James, Morgan Moses, Marcus Martin, Cyrus Kuandjio are bandied about as locks to get taken by teams desperate for line help, I shake my head at drafting for need only on guys that just aren’t sure things which is what first round picks should be. And some of these guys just aren't zone blocking linemen at all so who cares. Joel Bitonio I could justify I suppose. Even better prospects will be left. Don’t believe the hype.

 

I'm not speculating on what we will draft in rounds (3rd?) 4th to 7th until Friday/Saturday and I see what players are left and what trades we made.

 

The first bold is exactly why I believe we won't be making a pick, and we trade it away.

 

The second bold is exactly what I would want for the exchange (at minimum of course).

[Kopy 571]

I didn't hear Sherman's press conference. But if Baldwin is indeed ready to sign his tender, and we can extend him. That would've been the last thing on my to do list this off season. And what an offseason it has become. Taking care of our own has been far greater than any FA signing that could've come to town. It also really frees up the priorities for next year. Like this year, some guys will go, and some will have to go. But to me at least, the picture becomes quite clear.

1. Wilson

2. Wagner

3. Okung

[phillybear 366]

 

The first bold is exactly why I believe we won't be making a pick, and we trade it away.

 

The second bold is exactly what I would want for the exchange (at minimum of course).

 

I suppose we are right out of the box rooting for teams to pass on taking QBs for as long as possible. The longer the game of chicken goes, the more the panic sets in for those teams near the beginning of Round Two to trade into the first and hop over the teams that still need a QB. Schneider isn't as demanding in needing top picks back in a trade. He wants quantity, not quality. So, he is a preferred choice to receive a phone call.

 

So, the 2nd round teams, picking 2.1 to 2.10, to swap with potentially for a QB or any reason to move up:

 

Houston has extra picks in the 4th, 6th and 7th

Washington doesn't have a 1st this year

Cleveland has an extra 3rd and 4th.

Oakland doesn't have a 5th or 6th this year.

Atlanta has extra picks in the 4th and 7th

Tampa Bay doesn't have a 4th this year

Jacksonville has extra picks in the 4th, 5th, and 6th

Minnesota has an extra pick in the 3rd

Buffalo doesn't have a 6th this year

Tennessee doesn't have a 3rd this year

[Groundhog 24]

how long do we have Marshawn under contract for?

 

I suppose the belief is that Christine Michael is the heir apparent. But we have not seen it other than flashes during preseason games. Spencer Ware I guess becomes the starting FB by default. Turbin has shown flashes of brilliance (e.g., the run he had called back in the Niners playoff game) but generally more consistently good than great.

 

Meanwhile Marshawn has seven seasons under his belt at a position where the average tenure is less than half of that.

 

Also consider that smashmouth football is the identity of this team. We have Wilson for the explosive play in order to keep defenses honest, but as JS once said, he wanted a team that can beat you up in an alley brawl. We pass less frequently than any other team in the league, because we ram it down their throats. We out-physical teams on BOTH sides of the ball. This is possible because of Marshawn.

 

What happens when BeastMode's wheels fall off? Are we ready to go to war with Michael-Turbin-Ware? Curious whether you guys are worried about this, or, in the grand scheme of things, less worried here than with other positions and therefore with only six picks heading into the draft, we ought to be focusing elsewhere.

[phillybear 366]

how long do we have Marshawn under contract for?

 

I suppose the belief is that Christine Michael is the heir apparent. But we have not seen it other than flashes during preseason games. Spencer Ware I guess becomes the starting FB by default. Turbin has shown flashes of brilliance (e.g., the run he had called back in the Niners playoff game) but generally more consistently good than great.

 

Meanwhile Marshawn has seven seasons under his belt at a position where the average tenure is less than half of that.

 

Also consider that smashmouth football is the identity of this team. We have Wilson for the explosive play in order to keep defenses honest, but as JS once said, he wanted a team that can beat you up in an alley brawl. We pass less frequently than any other team in the league, because we ram it down their throats. We out-physical teams on BOTH sides of the ball. This is possible because of Marshawn.

 

What happens when BeastMode's wheels fall off? Are we ready to go to war with Michael-Turbin-Ware? Curious whether you guys are worried about this, or, in the grand scheme of things, less worried here than with other positions and therefore with only six picks heading into the draft, we ought to be focusing elsewhere.

 

Lynch is under contract for this year and the next. Interestingly enough, in 2015 his 7.5 million is not guaranteed at all. This puts his head on the chopping block, which is about what we all figured. The town will be in riot mode, unless he hits the wall at some point this year or misses games due to injury.

 

Girl's Name will make the team. Coleman will be the fullback as Lynch needs one to run behind and Coleman did better leading blocking later on after a terrible start to the season. Robert Turbin is OK, but his roster spot is potentially vulnerable. Spencer Ware is competing for a roster spot but is an unknown.

 

Which brings me to a tidbit I had ran across and it was good of you to jog my memory. During that Washington University visit, man, the Seattle coaches talked Bishop Sankey, RB, up a lot. His style of running is somewhat like Marshawn Lynch's, IMO. He has great vision, not great speed, he'll break a bunch of tackles, low center of gravity, and tough as fock. Last year, Girl's Name was a guy who visited with Seattle, and he got drafted in the 2nd round. It's not out of the realm of possibility that the Seahawks go WR in the 1st and then grab Bishop Sankey....end of 2nd? I mean, I don't know if you can realistically grab him later. And how many guys are you going to get to fit that profile? Then they can load up on LBs and O-linemen the rest of the way. Hey, it's not crazy, taking skill position offense early, and then restocking the other positions in the mid rounds. Especially, as you correctly pointed out, this team's offense revolves around the run.

 

Just spitballin'.

[uwmalcolm 74]

 

Lynch is under contract for this year and the next. Interestingly enough, in 2015 his 7.5 million is not guaranteed at all. This puts his head on the chopping block, which is about what we all figured. The town will be in riot mode, unless he hits the wall at some point this year or misses games due to injury.

 

Girl's Name will make the team. Coleman will be the fullback as Lynch needs one to run behind and Coleman did better leading blocking later on after a terrible start to the season. Robert Turbin is OK, but his roster spot is potentially vulnerable. Spencer Ware is competing for a roster spot but is an unknown.

 

Which brings me to a tidbit I had ran across and it was good of you to jog my memory. During that Washington University visit, man, the Seattle coaches talked Bishop Sankey, RB, up a lot. His style of running is somewhat like Marshawn Lynch's, IMO. He has great vision, not great speed, he'll break a bunch of tackles, low center of gravity, and tough as fock. Last year, Girl's Name was a guy who visited with Seattle, and he got drafted in the 2nd round. It's not out of the realm of possibility that the Seahawks go WR in the 1st and then grab Bishop Sankey....end of 2nd? I mean, I don't know if you can realistically grab him later. And how many guys are you going to get to fit that profile? Then they can load up on LBs and O-linemen the rest of the way. Hey, it's not crazy, taking skill position offense early, and then restocking the other positions in the mid rounds. Especially, as you correctly pointed out, this team's offense revolves around the run.

 

Just spitballin'.

Washington University? Obviously a joke! Anyway, I've watched every UW game (hence the UW in my username) Sankey has ever played in for the Huskies and I wouldn't compare him to Lynch. His style is vision and cuts, more like a McCoy (with less wiggle) than Beast Mode. He's not ferociously running through people, that's for sure. Check out Doug's player profile on him, it was pretty accurate. I would be happy if we got him, but he won't be around for our 3rd pick (4th round) and it might be too high to take him at the end of the second. 2 second round RBs in a row might be a little much while Lynch is still going strong. Would make sense to do such a thing next year though.