Wednesday 3 February 2010

The strength of the draft

By Rob Staton
When I published my latest mock draft, a lot of people questioned why I had the Seahawks using both first round picks on the defensive line. Sure, it's one of the team's greatest needs - but there are many others too. The lack of investment in the offense through early draft picks, at least in comparison to the defense, is well publicised. Make no mistake, this franchise needs a long term answer at quarterback. It needs an injection of speed at receiver and running back -not to mention some pure playmaking quality. One of the greatest causes for complaint with the old regime was the Seahawks lack of high pick investment at offensive tackle with Walter Jones ageing.

Having two first round picks would, on paper, represent a perfect chance to invest in the offense. Unfortunately, the draft is a more complicated science than that.

In my opinion, the absolute greatest strength of the 2010 draft class is amongst the defensive line. It's not even close. It starts at the very top with two stunning tackle prospects in Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy and transfers into great depth throughout round one. It coincides, funnilly enough, with a cluster of teams who will likely target the position. Of the top seventeen picks, you could probably place a defensive lineman as a logical choice with any team except Washington (who own other wordly Albert Haynesworth and impressive first year end Brian Orakpo).

Let's look at the options:

Defensive tackle

Ndamukong Suh (DT, Nebraska)
Capable of playing as a three technique in the 4-3 or a five technique in a 3-4 scheme, Suh enjoyed a dominant career with the Cornhuskers. Projected stock: Top three lock, potential first overall pick.

Gerald McCoy (DT, Oklahoma)
If Suh is 1a, then McCoy is 1b. Always in the backfield, whether it's rushing the passer or forcing a tackle for a loss, he's the prototype three technique. Projected stock: Top three lock, wouldn't surprise me if he even went ahead of Suh.

Dan Williams (DT, Tennessee)
Capable of playing both schemes, but the best option for 3-4 teams looking for someone to feature in the valuable nose tackle role. Projected stock: Top fifteen.

Brian Price (DT, UCLA)
Disruptive force through the middle, has a knack of breaking into the backfield. Notched seven sacks as a junior. Project stock: Top fifteen.

Lamarr Houston (DT, Texas)
Unbelievably flown under the radar despite a seven-sack season for the Longhorns. Superb in the BCS Championship. Projected stock: Top twenty-five.

Jared Odrick (DT, Penn State)
Versatile lineman capable of playing both schemes. Capable of playing the five technique in a 3-4 system. Projected stock: first round

Defensive end

Derrick Morgan (DE, Georgia Tech)
Relentless pass-rusher with a good edge rush. Prototype size for the 4-3 scheme. ACC defensive player of the year and the Yellow Jackets star this year. Projected stock: top ten

Jason Pierre-Paul (DE, USF)
Unlimited upside with extreme athleticism. Could be the most explosive pass rusher available. With the right coaching could be an elite talent, but concerns over whether he's a one-year wonder. Projected stock: top fifteen

Carlos Dunlap (DE, Florida)
Size and speed combination that draws comparisons to Mario Williams. Doesn't always put in 100% effort and character concerns after DUI before team's game of the year. Projected stock: top fifteen

Everson Griffen (DE, USC)
Hype never lived up to the production in SoCal, but he started to deliver towards the end of 2009. Stil developing, could see stock rise at combine. Projected stock: top twenty-five.

Brandon Graham (DE, Michigan)
Stand out prospect on a disappointing Wolverines outfit last year. Lacks size - that's a concern. Has a knack of getting to the quarterback and embarrassed Bryan Bulaga when they met. Projected stock: first round

There's a chance none of these prospects are likely to be around when Seattle picks at #40. There may, however, be some good options at receiver (Damian Williams), running back (Jahvid Best) and offensive tackle (Charles Brown). The chances of selecting either of the two latter positions early were potentially restricted following the appointment of Alex Gibbs to the coaching staff - someone who has consistently thrived in churning out a running game using a refined scheme as opposed to expensive draft picks.

Do the Seahawks need two defensive lineman? Brandon Mebane didn't have the expected success moving from the one technique to the three in 2009 and may be asked to switch positions this year. Colin Cole was unable to act as an effective force in is debut season in Seattle and looks like a suitable back-up or rotational player. Red Bryant has struggled to make an impact during his two years in the league (injuries playing a part) and Craig Terrell provides a unspectacular option in the rotation. Drafting a disruptive prospect like Brian Price to start alongside Mebane would draw a lot of interior attention, potentially making life easier off the edge for the defensive ends.

Having said that - there's room for improvement there too. Patrick Kernery's future is unclear. Will he be in Seattle next season? Darryl Tapp will likely stay as an restricted free agent, but has endured mixed success with the Seahawks. Lawrence Jackson likewise hasn't provided a reliable threat as a pass rusher and certainly is more effective sealing an edge against the run. The buzz word around the internet right now is 'elephant', or more specifically the ability of Tapp or even Aaron Curry to master this floating pass rusher used by Pete Carroll in his USC days. It's perhaps important to stress that for all Curry's physical qualities - he was never asked to rush the passer at Wake Forest and recorded a modest nine sacks in four years during his college career. Jim Mora and his staff last year likewise predominantly kept Curry in coverage, with mixed success. Finding an edge rush to pair with a greater interior presence could turn a definite weakness into a relative strength.

It's unlikely the Seahawks will fill every hole in one single draft, even with two early first round picks. A serious investment in the defensive line in round one fails to answer a lot of lasting questions on the offense. Clearly - that side of the ball requires some surgery and some love. However, with such a strong class of defensive lineman this year at the top of the board - you'd have to fight hard in certain circumstances not to take a double dip in this area. Methodically it might seem unlikely - but based on talent and taking the best prospect available on the board - it could make sense. At the end of the day, a better pass rush alone won't make the Seahawks contenders - but it's something that will need to happen at some stage.

35 comments:

LawHawk said...

Great post. Really spells it out. I want a QB but I would hate to miss out on all the defensive line talent. I will certainly take an elite DE over a decent QB, even though I think QB is a much greater need.

Anonymous said...

I agree with the defensive talent at the top of the draft. If a Suh or McCoy were to happen to fall to six it would be foolish to pass them up. Many of the players you mentioned would improve our defensive line which struggled mightly at times last year.

My feeling is that the ability to produce on third downs would also provide an instant boost to the defense. There is not a defense in the league that would thrive with an offence that consistanly produced three downs and a punt.

By drafting a "explosive" running back and upgrading the offensive line we could at least see what a rested defense could do.

I really appreciate the great write ups. Keep up the good work, I look forward to your blog each day.

Hawktastic said...

Fantastic blog as always! I agree with a top defensive line option with one of the picks, but not both.

Some of the big problems the defense had was time on the field. We set anyone we draft up for failure if they have to play 3/4 of the game because the offense is inept. I still think one of those top two picks needs to be OT or RB. Even if it's taking a bit of a chance on a guy and reaching for someone like Spiller.

A lack of a 3rd round pick makes this even more critical. They won't fix things this draft, that is true, but they may kill the defensive confidence if they are on the field all day and consequently give up too many points.

Just my opinion, however. :) Thanks!

Rob Staton said...

I think the offense certainly needs to improve to help the defense. In an ideal world, you could invest at least one - possibly both picks on offense. However, I also think you might have to fight your draft board to select an offensive prospect. Do you trust Bates and Gibbs to get things rolling using free agency and later picks (potentially, every draft pick after #6 & #14)? They might have to.

Anonymous said...

Rob, I agree 100%. With the talent available, it could anchor the D-Line for years to come. Well, 4-5 years with incentives.

Anonymous said...

I also agree with draft being heavily D loaded. When you throw in Berry (S) and Haden (CB), clearly there are some excellent choices to be made in the top 14 for our defense. The O guys in this draft appear to be a lot less of a sure thing. 2 QB”s that have big question marks, a smallish running back who is not an every down player, LT’s that are not a great fit for our scheme or a reach at our picks, a WR or two who may not be legitimate #1’s.
Still, I got a feeling. Paul Allen has decided to be very bold going into this draft and this season. He has OK’d or even pushed to oust the old regime and install a new fresh one. He built the best facilities in football for his players and, I don’t know if it’s his health or what, but I think he wants the NFC West back… right now! I suspect more bold moves are coming….. (By the way, who owns the team if Allen, God forbid, were to die, he has no heirs does he? Can a Corporation own the team? Would it have to be sold?)
As far as moves, for example, Miami needs an ILB, (they have the 12 pick), and Porter wants out… we have a few solid backups that could start somewhere else….maybe a trade? B Marshall appears to being run out of Denver. Maybe a deal? Can’t we front load the contracts and spend a ton with big signing bonuses or something? I don't know we want either of those guys but it suggest some bold moves that could be made, possibly. Schneider says he looks at all of those potential opportunities.
Still, if things go as they are, I believe PC will go QB or Spiller with 6, (unless McCoy drops that far), Price with 14 if McCoy doesn’t drop, LT if he does, and work a trade with 40. He will expect the Zen Master of Zone to fix the O-line issues with later picks and coaching and he has Bradley there to help him decide who we have on D that is expendable. This is going to be the best freaking draft we Seahawk fans have had to watch ever! Keep up the great work guys! I’m pumped!
!
Sorry for the length Guys!

Unknown said...

This draft seems fairly loaded at positions we need, I wouldn't be surprised if there was a trade involving the 6th, 14th or 40th pick to give us more picks in the 2nd round or get us into the 3rd round.

This team has so many needs and has so many starters who have no chance of being here in 2 years, the extra picks would help this new regime plug in guys that fit what they want to do.

The Tim Ruskell free agency band-aids haven't worked. Build through the draft, maximize your picks.

Anonymous said...

I agree with your assement of the draft, but building defense first jsut puts this team firther and firther behind. The NFL is an offensive league nowdays, pure and simple. A great defense and a good running game does not equate to playoff success anymore. Offenses take longer to gel, and every year we ignore it, is more more year we wait to get better. If we draft all defense this year, byt the time the offense gets good enought contend, the players we draft this year will be free agents and gone.

Trade back to get more picks, go oline and playmakers (not a QB just yet though). The Hawks have already invested too much in the defense at the exspense of the offense. If dline is the stregnth of the draft, great that lets the Hawks pick from the best of the offensive prospects.

Unknown said...

Love the Blog. I try to read it several times a day. Keep up the great work!

I was just wondering.. when do they award the compensary picks? I would think that we'd probably get at least another 5th or 6th because of Leonard Weaver's Pro-bowl year in Philly. What do you guys think?

Anonymous said...

I remember seeing a format used to determine the value of draft positions in the event of trading down. Do you have a link to that? I am curious what a 6 or 14 pick would be worth if trading down a few slots.

With the number of holes the Seahawks need to fill and the strength of defensive players it would make sense.

Thanks for the great work.

Unknown said...

Great analysis Rob. DLine is stacked in this draft. I hope we don't fight it and go with the BPA. Yes, our offense is a mess, but the current crop of offensive draft picks does not excite me. I would not be surprised to see a team overpay for Spiller and Bryant.

Michael said...

Elite teams have elite QB's.

Say we find enough negativity in this years QB class. It would seem then that the 2009 QB class was better. Yet we belittled that class as well.

Now let's look a reality. Seattle will most likely reach 7 wins next year with Beck. Mallet very well could be the next Snead. Locker very well the next Bradford.

Thus, you have yet another "weak" class of QB's, and a worse position to take said weak QB.

When does it end? When do you say, dammit, I'm going to try and win this thing.

The colts don't have a Brian Price. They do have a Freeney. So, take a QB and Brandon Graham.

It will never be the right QB, so just go get one. All this defensive stuff is mostly hype.

The OL looks good this year, the WR's are deep, the linebackers look decent. In the end, you could take a Clausen and Spiller, then grab Brown at #40 and still move up to get Atkins; the most disruptive DL in the Sr. Bowl.

If a draft class is deep at a position, then I would rather wait for a similar talent at a lesser cost and pay for what is in demand.

Lastly, how anyone can praise JPP or Griffen for showing next to nothing on the field this year, and then turn around and downplay Bradford or Clausen needs to get their head checked.

QB's win games. DT's and DE's, at least at Seattle, rotate.

lenny James said...

If we pick defense in the first round, we most definitely have to get a playmaker via free agency.

DSAhawker said...

Nice write up and summary. I am all for going defense with both of our 1st round picks. As much as I would love Spiller, I think we would benefit more from a double injection on the defensive side.

I'm not so sure that it'll be 2 Dline picks though (If it were 2Dline, I would love everyone but Dunlap)...

I have been feeling that we might be aiming at Mr. Joe Haden with our first pick. I just think a spark at CB might be the most beneficial to our team, and Haden looks like he could become a force in the NFL. Maybe not a true shut-down like Revis, but still damn good.

I say

1) Haden
2) Morgan/Pierre-Paul or Price
3) Offense
4-7) ????

USAFANARC said...

Here is the draft value chart:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft06/news/story?id=2410670

Anonymous said...

Six has to be QB, barring a fall of McCoy or Suh. Quarterbacks gets nitpicked every year and end up going under the microscope so much that their flaws are overblown. Michael has it right in that the blue chip QB prospect will never come. I mean, when was the last time a QB came into a draft as a once in a decade prospect? Every first round QB prospect for the last 6 years has had questions concerning size, arm strength, scheme, mechanics, potential, experience, etc. Even Peyton Manning got nitpicked. If we keep ignoring it we're going to be in a position like we are with LT right now. The time is perfect to draft a qb(with regards to Hasslebeck), we have the 6th pick, and there are two top-10 qbs in the draft. In my mind it's a no-brainer

Kip Earlywine said...

Its not being talked about much, but Seattle could use a corner too. Ken Lucas is fading and so is Trufant. After that we have two midget CBs. Seattle's coverage was horrible last year. Sacks influence pass defense but the opposite is true as well. Better coverage can help your sack totals. If the Seahawks took Haden at #6, I'd completely understand.

At the very least though, I feel its imperative, even more imperative than drafting OL, that the Seahawks add a DT with one of their first 3 picks. Pairing Mebane with Price or McCoy will suddenly make Tapp and Jackson look like stars since they both tend to be edge rushers and collapsing the pocket turns near misses into sacks. I would say DT is the #1 need on the defense, and this is a historic DT class. We simply can't blow that opportunity, IMO.

Unknown said...

With Walt's career possibly over, I think finding a replacement there is more pressing than finding one for Matt.

Unless we can pick up a good LT in FA, something I haven't looked into, my personal hope is that we can pick up at least one more pick in rounds 2 or 3, then draft a tackle.address some of our defensive needs whilst also grabbing Spiller or McKnight.

I don't deny that we will need a long term replacement at QB but with the draft shaping up the way it is, I'm not at all sure we can afford to draft one early this year.

Steve in Spain said...

Last year we were "in the zone" for a QB of the future, this year it's a need, next year it becomes a critical urgency. I'm convinced the whole *reason* Ruskell traded for the Broncos first-rounder was to situate us to make the move for our next QB this year. It would be a bit weird to squander this opportunity to set the course for the franchise's future right here and now by picking JPP (as intriguing of a prospect though he may be).

When a draft is deep in one area, the best value is getting the guy of roughly equal potential who falls the furthest. That happened last year with O-Line and we were able to snap up Unger at the end of round 2 - that was a great value pick. Obviously, if you have a chance to get a potential HOFer like McCoy or Suh, you get them high in the draft or not at all. But otherwise I'd just as soon settle for Graham or Odrick. This is especially true with positions that rotate, like D-Line - why overpay for a part-timer?

I think we have talent already on this DL, sufficient to be average. Which is OK. We have other more urgent crises.

As Kip points out, CB is a gaping hole. Offense needs investment at nearly every position: QB, OL, RB (probably two: a high- or mid-rounder and a late-rounder), WR (we need a #1 receiver of the future). If we can't get one of the top two QBs then we need to do what we did last year: find a way to acquire a 2011 first-round pick so we can make the move for Locker or BQBA.

BTW, this isn't a matter of "fighting the draft." We benefit from this draft's depth of DL because other quality players at need positions are more likely to fall to us as a result.

Cheers to others who made similar comments above: Michael and several Anonymouses.

Anonymous said...

We shouldn't pick the best player available. We should pick the best player available that fits our scheme.

Rob Staton said...

Agreed annonymous, but in the list offered in the thread there aren't many obvious candidates that don't fit the scheme. I think you could use all of them and there's a great strength at 4-3 three technique.

I actually think the situation at cornerback is only comparable to the defensive line. Mebane is the only sure fire performer. Jackson and Tapp haven't done enough. Kerney may be gone. Colin Cole has shown very little so far. It's not good enough accross the line in all honesty.

At corner, Trufant and Wilson for me are a better partnership than the tandem on the d-line.

Vince Mulcahy said...

QBs are the leaders of teams without question but to say they win games is a stretch. No one position is going to win games, I don't care how good you are - just ask Marino.

Look at that past super bowl winners. Last years Steelers dominated there way through defense at all three levels (line to secondary). The giants d line killed Brady in 08 who arguably had the best year at the position in nfl history. The Colts super bowl run was NOT lead by Manning 2-6 touchdown to interception ratio. And who were they playing? The bears who featured a vaunting defense with the worst qb in the league.

Every super bowl team has had pro bowl defensive players but not necessarily QBs. You cannot start drafting based soley on team need, that's when you start stretching and either overpay or draft a bust.

While I agree that two defensive players should be taken in the first round they shouldn't necessarily be d line. Eric Berry, Joe Haden, Earl Thomas all have to be thought of as BPA but also fill a need. With (IMO) Berry Morgan and McCoy being the top three candidates for the first round.

c-hawker said...

I Like Haden and Berry a lot. I think there is a good chance McCoy slip's to Seattle if Tampa Bay selects Morgan. The two QB' I have serious reservations at #6 especially if the Skins don't take Bradford. Their physician did his shoulder. KC like's SEC linemen. I think they'll take Mclain. SEC linebacker.
I would like to see us trade down at #14 and pick up another 2nd rounder,
DT is more of a priority than DE in the PC system. There is a lot of depth at DE to be had down the board,to develop. In my opinion DT is going to help the d-line more than anything. Especially McCoy. We have player's that can "bring it" of the edge. Tapp,Curry,Reed.
Getting fun out here!!

CLanterman said...

Kip, I agree that corner seems to be the key part on defense that no one's talking about. Josh Wilson is mostly a nickel back, and Trufant may not be 100%. However, like you said, Price would help out Tapp and Jackson, and I think if those guys are allowed to perform to their strengths, that would help out Trufant and Wilson as well.
As for DE help, I would love to get some of the DEs mentioned above (also, any thoughts on Corey Wootton?), but if we hope for a Graham or Griffen to fall to #40, are we sure that's an upgrade to our current DEs?

Rob Staton said...

The Seahawks would get the steal of the century if they were able to select McCoy. I can't realistically see him getting out of the top three - the first three teams in the draft (particularly Detroit and TB) have needs on the defensive line. If Suh or McCoy get out of the top three, chances are they fall to six. As nice a thought that is - I think it'd be a pipe dream as things stand today.

Savage said...

As of now, and I believe after the combine things will be shaken up alot, her is how I would rank the prospects I think could be availible at #6 and #14.

At #6, I'd take in this order:

Suh, McCoy, Haden, Morgan, Campbell, Claussen

This to me, makes Haden the most likely choice. CB is actually a big need as well. Trufant is on the downside of his career, Lucas is most likely gone as a FA, Jennings is a Dime corner and Wilson is undersized, but an excellent nickel. Take Hadden at 6 and it will hopefully give the pass rush more time.

At #14, I'd take in this order:

Price, Spiller, Pierre-Paul, Bryant, or a QB is Claussen or Brandford falls.

Really none of Terril, Cole, Bryant etc should be a starting DT. Price could come in and be a pressure DT and make a great tandem with Mebane. If a guy you consider at #6 is availible, then take him over any of the others.

The best way to help our offense is build a defense that will give them a chance every game. Like they always say, a good defense is your best offense.

Michael said...

I love this blog. Great place to be passionate yet see others views clearly. Bravo!

So I am passionate about one thing: QB.

SB winners; yes, including the Steelers, win with QB play (Unless you're playing Seattle in the SB).

2009 - Manning/Brees
2008 - Rothlisberger/Warner (Yes, Rothlisberger is an elite QB)
2007 - Manning/Brady
2006 - Manning/Grossman
2005 - Hasselbeck/Rothlisberger
2004 - Delhomme/Brady
2003 - McNabb/Brady
2002 - Gannon/Johnson
2001 - Brady/Warner
2000 - Dilfer/Collins

Warren Sapp did not win a Super Bowl until Gruden came and brought in Rob Johnson.

Most of these guys are hall of fame candidates.

Yes, QB wins games.

A rookie DT/DE will work in Seattle's rotation. So you are suggesting paying a guy the largest salary on the Seattle roster to play 30 downs a game.

A guy like Atkins or Houston will be there in the 2nd, maybe even third (if we are willing to move up). Both of these guys are near the talent of McCoy.

McCoy separates himself with his hands and pass rush moves. Yes, he would be great to have. But for 30 downs, and risking to further devastate Seattle's offensive growth, is bordering on arrogant.

The NFL is a league based on passing and offense. Take a look at both SB teams and ask yourself: Do you make a team with a Warren Sapp or an Eli Manning?

To me, that answer is easy. Just not sexy.

CLanterman said...

Michael, I agree with your belief that an elite QB is the best way to the Superbowl, however, are you sure that Clausen or Bradford is that guy? Or are they just the best QBs in this draft? Personally, I think both Bradford and Clausen have what it takes to be a Super Bowl caliber QB, but there are several scouts who think otherwise (or at least have some serious concerns).

Michael said...

Lanterman,

I agree there are concerns. I just wonder what QB will ever ease those concerns. And when that QB comes along, at what cost to get him; and would said team allow for a trade (assuming Seattle does not pick #1).

All draft picks are risk. It is time we took a risk that is boom or bust.

Otherwise we better hope our contined defensive investment nets a top 5 defense.

As has been mentioned on other blogs, most great defenses benefit for a great offense. GB sure did. NO and IND as well.

Unless we are willing to become the Jets or Ravens, we'd be wise to win with offense and make do with what we have on defense.

But I'm a banker. What the hell do I really now :)

Anonymous said...

Hey Rob, Kyle, and Kip, what did you guys think of Troy Smith in College?

I hear he wants to be traded from Baltimore, and I think he has the arm strength and accuracy to make it in the pros. He beat out Flacco for the starting job until he got that Tonsil Infection. He was great in Ohio States Pro-Style Offense, and he had an impressive record against top 25 oponents.

Would you trade a fourth rounder for him?

Rob Staton said...

Personally, I wouldn't trade for Troy Smith. In difficult circumstances, he did a good job in the games before Flacco was drafted. However, it's a stretch to expect him to eventually become a NFL starter. He could interest some teams looking for a temporary stop gap. I think it's more likely he'll remain in Baltimore as Flacco's backup.

Just a heads up to everyone by the way, I have a hugely important day tomorrow work-wise and am covering a big soccer game on the Saturday. Contributions from me personally might be limited until Saturday evening - but I'm hoping to have a new mock published over the weekend.

Vince Mulcahy said...

Michael you are so true in saying this is the best forum for Seattle's fans. SDB has done a great job.

But! You are talking about winning games IMO, not championships. You have to look past the names and into what actually happened in the SB.

2008: Roethlisberger threw for 1 TD 1 INT.

Defense: 2 sacks, 1 INT TD, 2 FF (1 recovery)

2007: Eli was averaging 213 yards/game in the post season

Defense: 5 Sacks, 1 FF (recovery)

2006: Peyton Manning had a 82 QB rating.

Defense: 2 INT, 1 Sack, 1 INT TD


2005: Roethlisberger had 158 yards in the SB.

Defense: 2 INT, 3 Sacks

Look at the QB numbers, they aren't elite. But the defenses, they truly win the big games. I know numbers don't paint the entire picture, but you can begin to see a pattern of good-great defenses playing and winning in SBs.

I know that a QB is very important to a team, but they cannot win games to the extent that a defense can. Just look at what the Saints did to Kurt Warner (a future HOFer, I believe). What every team did to Dan Marino, how Drew Brees was shut out of the playoffs until his defense showed up to play.

We need to draft according to BPA (defense is stacked this draft), and for long term building. We are not going to be competitive next year, no matter who we draft. The hawks have far too many holes on both sides of the ball. But we have the oppurtunity to bring in some great players to shut down our division's weak offenses. Lets take advantage of it.

Unknown said...

At the end of the day we just need these picks to be productive pros. I have a good feeling about Schneider from his background in GB, Carrol's familiarity with a lot of these players coming from college and Alex Gibbs having done this enough times that he can easily identify the guys he needs for his ZBS.
So due to that confidence and the fact that we have so many needs I'm not going to knit pick the positions they end up taking, I'll just be eyeballing their production.

Well I guess I'd be skeptical if they took Everson Griffen or Damian Williams, the only USC guy who looks like he could be a quality pro is McKnight.

Nick said...

Hey Rob. After I made my case about Spiller and Brown in my last post, your article made me rethink some things. There is no doubt that there is a lot more defensive talent in this draft, and it would be nice to get in on that, but you have to figure that some of the top offensive players will take a dive due to the amount of solid D players.

If Clausen or Spiller fall to us, we have to take them. While we are in position to take a franchise QB, whether it be Clausen or even Bradford, we can't let the opportunity pass us by. They could sit behind Matt and learn the offense like I think every QB should when they come into the league.

And it isn't very often a player like Spiller comes around. I hope that San Fran won't take him because that would just be the worst feeling.

Of course that being said, it might not be a bad thing to go BPA. We do need a little bit of everything excluding linebackers and a kicker. If someone special falls to us then we should consider taking them. We are talent depleted and this way we could grab some young guys to give us some much needed explosiveness.

Two first rounders are two first rounders though. This is a crucial moment for us to start the rebuild on the right foot. I trust that whoever we pick up will be an asset to the Hawks and will move us closer to the NFC West Title.

Sorry for any spelling mistakes in advance.

Anonymous said...

Not sure where to post this but I wanted to ask if anyone has heard of National Clicks?

Can someone help me find it?

Overheard some co-workers talking about it all week but didn't have time to ask so I thought I would post it here to see if someone could help me out.

Seems to be getting alot of buzz right now.

Thanks