In the aftermath of the Charlie Whitehurst trade, it's time for an updated mock draft. I get the feeling the Seahawks aren't finished making deals and there could be further movement upcoming. It's exactly five weeks to the NFL Draft, so there's still plenty that could happen - including the much vaunted trade for Brandon Marshall. It makes compiling a mock draft particularly difficult, because you don't know what could happen in the not too distant future. I do believe, however, that there's an appreciation that things need to get better quickly on offense. The Seahawks have representatives at the Hillsdale pro-day today to watch offensive lineman Jared Veldheer. It could mean nothing, but it wouldn't be a total shocker if Pete Carroll, Alex Gibbs et al didn't address the team's need at left tackle in round one.
There's a very good debate going on in the Charlie Whitehurst trade article. It's moved off the front page now the mock draft is up, but you can find it here.
Round One
#1 St. Louis: Sam Bradford (QB, Oklahoma)
With five weeks to go until the draft this pick appears to be a lock. The Rams have decided, perhaps wisely, that they need to find a franchise quarterback.
#2 Detroit: Ndamukong Suh (DT, Nebraska)
The Lions had the worst defense in the NFL last year. Jim Schwartz, a defensive coach, won't accept that. He needs a talent like Suh to make the most of Detroit's additions in free agency.
#3 Tampa Bay: Gerald McCoy (DT, Oklahoma)
The Buccs will settle for McCoy if Suh's off the board. This fills a huge need in Tampa Bay.
#4 Washington: Jimmy Clausen (QB, Notre Dame)
Will the Browns trade up for Clausen? Does Mike Shanahan want him? Would the Seahawks consider him post-Whitehurst trade? I wouldn't be surprised if Clausen went here or dropped deep into round one. A real head scratcher.
#5 Kansas City: Rolando McClain (LB, Alabama)
Nobody thought Tyson Jackson would go third overall this time last year. Kansas City will do what it takes to build a great 3-4 defense.
#6 Seattle: C.J. Spiller (RB, Clemson)
Pete Carroll wants to rebuild the offense. If the Seahawks don't trade for Brandon Marshall (or even if they do) Spiller offers points scoring, playmaking quality. The Carroll/Gibbs philosophy of using multiple backs makes this expensive - but perhaps necessary.
#7 Cleveland: Eric Berry (S, Tennessee)
The Browns could go in a number of directions (including trading up for Jimmy Clausen) but they'll consider taking Berry to add a much needed presence in the secondary.
#8 Oakland: Anthony Davis (OT, Rutgers)
Al Davis isn't really concerned with character issues, or tremendous work ethic for that matter. Namesake Anthony has tremendous upside but a questionable attitude - he should remain a top ten pick.
#9 Buffalo: Bryan Bulaga (OT, Iowa)
Bulaga will interest teams as a left tackle despite his short arms.
#10 Jacksonville: Earl Thomas (S, Texas)
I expect the Jaguars to explore trading down. They're rebuilding their secondary, so if they stay put Thomas makes sense.
#11 Denver: Sergio Kindle (OLB, Texas)
The Broncos have rebuilt their defensive line in free agency. They might look to add an outside presence in the draft with Sergio Kindle - who is stout against the run.
#12 Miami: Dan Williams (DT, Tennessee)
The Dolphins re-signed Jason Ferguson, but he could be suspended for the first half of the season. He's also getting up in years, so adding Williams to play the valuable nose tackle makes sense.
#13 San Francisco: Trent Wiliams (OT, Oklahoma)
Williams' stock is high after his combine showing. I still think he's strictly a right tackle, which is what the Niners are looking for.
#14 Seattle: Derrick Morgan (DE, Georgia Tech)
There are a lot of options for Seattle here. They could move down the board or make a trade for Brandon Marshall. If they stay put - Morgan makes a ton of sense as the most polished defensive end in this class.
#15 New York Giants: Joe Haden (CB, Florida)
Haden repaired his stock with a well run forty at the Florida pro-day in difficult weather conditions.
#16 Tennessee: Jason Pierre-Paul (DE, USF)
Pierre-Paul is raw but he has unlimited upside and teams will look at him as someone they can coach into greatness. His lack of experience might keep him out of the top ten, but he owns top ten talent.
#17 San Francisco: Taylor Mays (S, USC)
Mike Singletary loves guys like Taylor Mays. The Niners have a need in the secondary, particularly at the strong safety position.
#18 Pittsburgh: Kyle Wilson (CB, Boise State)
The Steelers could tap into the depth at cornerback by taking the second best prospect after Joe Haden leaves the board.
#19 Atlanta: Dez Bryant (WR, Oklahoma State)
Receiver isn't a need for Atlanta, but the Falcons will have to consider him as BPA if he falls this far. Another great target for Matt Ryan.
#20 Houston: Kareem Jackson (CB, Alabama)
With a run on cornerbacks under way, the Texans will be cautious of filling the hole left by Dunta Robinson's departure.
#21 Cincinnati: Brian Price (DT, UCLA)
The Bengals do have needs on the defensive line and Price would offer a disruptive interior presence.
#22 New England: Jared Odrick (DT, Penn State)
The Patriots are in the process of major changes on their defensive line. Drafting the versatile Odrick gives New England some options long term.
#23 Green Bay: Russell Okung (OT, Oklahoma State)
Kyle Rota's scouting report on Okung is an absolute must read and highlights some of the reasons why Okung might not be a top ten lock. He performed well at the combine before his injury, but if any of the tackle class is facing an unexpected fall - I think it could be Okung.
#24 Philadelphia: Mike Iupati (OG, Idaho)
The Eagles could still target a defensive end like Everson Griffen or Carlos Dunlap despite trading for Darryl Tapp. However, Iupati could be a surprise contender to land in Philly.
#25 Baltimore: Devin McCourty (CB, Rutgers)
The Ravens would find some value in the under rated McCourty, who put on a show at the combine.
#26 Arizona: Charles Brown (OT, USC)
Brown could go higher than this, he really helped his stock by hitting 300lbs at the combine. The Cardinals could consider taking a tackle in round one.
#27 Dallas: Demaryius Thomas (WR, Georgia Tech)
Jerry Jones could target a big target at receiver. He's traditionally avoided drafting offensive lineman and he likes a flashy pick.
#28 San Diego: Brandon Graham (OLB, Michigan)
Graham is a great pass rusher, but his lack of size could put off teams - as we saw with Everette Brown last year.
#29 New York Jets: Everson Griffen (DE, USC)
The Jets need to add to their pass rush and Griffen will interest some teams as a 3-4 outside rusher.
#30 Minnesota: Patrick Robinson (CB, Florida State)
Opinion differs so much on Robinson. He owns top 15 qualities, but watch the tape and you see so many mistakes. Playing behind a very good defensive line should help.
#31 Indianapolis: Maurkice Pouncey (C, Florida)
The Colts like their lineman to fit the scheme, they don't mind smaller guys. That's good news for Pouncey, who arrived at the combine smaller than advertised. He could play some guard from day one and eventually move to center.
#32 New Orleans: Sean Weatherspoon (LB, Missouri)
I was never blown away watching tape of Weatherspoon from 2009. He should warrant consideration here though and offers an instant impact as a rookie.
Round Two
#33 St. Louis: Jermaine Gresham (TE, Oklahoma)
Getting Sam Bradford a safety net - especially one he's worked with in college - makes sense. Injuries are the only reason Gresham is still available here.
#34 Detroit: Carlos Dunlap (DE, Florida)
The potential reward taking Dunlap here counters the risk that comes with his inconsistent effort.
#35 Tampa Bay: Arrelious Benn (WR, Illinois)
The Buccs need to add some weapons for Josh Freeman.
#36 Kansas City: Golden Tate (WR, Notre Dame)
Tate impressed everyone with his speed at the combine and his production was superb in 2009. However, I still think he'll do well to find a home in round one.
#37 Washington: Roger Saffold (OT, Indiana)
Saffold's stock is rising sufficiently after a good combine and Washington must find a left tackle.
#38 Cleveland: Eric Decker (WR, Minnesota)
Browns GM Tom Heckert personally watched Decker on a number of occasions last year. The Browns need to add another receiver.
#39 Oakland: Chris Cook (CB, Virginia)
Al Davis loves to draft defensive backs and he loves to draft guys who run fast forty times. A perfect match.
#40 San Diego: Dominique Franks (CB, Oklahoma)
The Chargers' deal to move up with Seattle could see a corner back targetted early in round two.
#41 Buffalo: Tim Tebow (QB, Florida)
Chan Gailey experimented with the spread using Tyler Thigpen in Kansas City. If Jacksonville don't find a way to take him, Buffalo appears to be an alternative.
#42 Tampa Bay: Damian Williams (WR, USC)
Williams is a difficult one to project. A YAC and return threat who runs good routes, but doesn't own blazing speed and body catches too much. He could go in round one, or he could fall here.
#43 Miami: Ricky Sapp (OLB, Clemson)
Bill Parcells likes to draft linebackers and Sapp would be a steal here.
#44 New England: Rob Gronkowski (TE, Arizona)
The Patriots look set to lose two tight ends, so they might invest one of these picks on a guy like Gronkowski.
#45 Denver: Brandon LaFell (WR, LSU)
LaFell has disappointed at the combine and during the 2009 season, but he has the potential to have a Dwayne Bowe type rookie season.
#46 New York Giants: Jahvid Best (RB, California)
Concussions push Best down the board, but this would be a great fit as part of a three-pronged rushing attack.
#47 New England: Jerry Hughes (OLB, TCU)
Hughes could go earlier than this - he'll be valuable as a pure pass rusher.
#48 Carolina: Aaron Hernandez (TE, Florida)
Not Carolina's greatest need, but a solid pass catching safety net for whoever starts at quarterback.
#49 San Francisco: Mike Williams (WR, Syracuse)
High risk, big reward for the team who drafts Williams. Singletary will thrive on the challenge of coaching this particular wide out.
#50 Kansas City: Cam Thomas (DT, North Carolina)
The Chiefs complete their 3-4 rebuild with a nose tackle.
#51 Houston: Ryan Mathews (RB, Fresno State)
I'm not as high on Mathews as some, but Houston appears ready to draft a new running back.
#52 Pittsburgh: Alex Carrington (DE, Arkansas State)
The Steelers add to their defensive line having drafted a cornerback in round one.
#53 New England: Ben Tate (RB, Auburn)
The Patriots always find ways to add talent and Tate could sneak into round two.
#54 Cincinnati: Bruce Campbell (OT, Maryland)
Very athletic, but the tape doesn't show a dominant force.
#55 Philadelphia: Daryl Washington (OLB, TCU)
A rising name who would fill a need for Philly.
#56 Green Bay: Brandon Ghee (CB, Green Bay)
Ghee is a little under rated and this would be good value for any team looking to add a cornerback.
#57 Baltimore: Anthony McCoy (TE, USC)
McCoy flashed first round ability during the 2009 season, but injury and academic issues restricted production.
#58 Arizona: Torell Troup (DT, UCF)
The Cardinals might invest a pick at the all important nose tackle position.
#59 Dallas: Chad Jones (S, LSU)
Great size and athleticism at the safety position - something Jerry Jones likes to see.
#60 Seattle: Lamarr Houston (DT, Texas)
The Seahawks might have considered Houston at #40. A lack of 4-3 teams in need of an interior presence could mean he's still around twenty picks later - and this is great value.
#61 New York Jets: Linval Joseph (DT, East Carolina)
One to watch - Joseph is a potential nose tackle who ran a 5.09 and benched 39 reps - whilst weighing 328lbs. Strong and fast guys who play this position go early.
#62 Minnesota: Joe McKnight (RB, USC)
The Vikings could find a partner for AP in round two - McKnight is a flashy playmaker who also offers return and pass catching qualities.
#63 Indianapolis: Geno Atkins (DT, Georgia)
The Colts like smaller, faster lineman on both sides of the ball. Atkins ran well at the combine and weighed in under 300lbs.
#64 New Orleans: Morgan Burnett (S, Georgia Tech)
It's unclear what the future holds for Darren Sharper, but if St. Louis move on they'll have a lot of options here. Reshad Jones and Major Wright could be alternatives.
39 comments:
If we pass on a LT and target a guy like Veldheer, what round do think he goes? Does he last until the 4th?
If we don't take C.J. Spiller at #6, how far would he fall? I think San Francisco would take him before we could get him at #14. If so, could we trade #6 to #7-12 and what might we get as compensation?
I'm with the first poster - Jared Veldheer is my favorite of the second-tier linemen. I doubt he drops to the fourth, though.
Matthew - Veldheer is a little over rated in terms of draft stock for me. I think he'll go 3/4 round range. Seattle could also target a guy like Jason Fox in that range.
Donald Duck - I think in that situaiton Seattle would love to move down and potentially take Spiller later. Collecting picks will be a priority for Seattle on draft day I think. It'll be hard to move down though from #6, unless a team feels they really must get ahead of Cleveland. I have them taking Berry here - and as talented as he is, I don't think anyone sells their house to get him. Seattle might be left with a tough decision. I understand every counter as to why they wouldn't take Spiller (and appreciate those views completely) but I do like to review different scenarios in my mocks. If Seattle want to seriously give the offense a shot in the arm, Spiller offers speed, playmaking quality and an ability to put points on the board.
I'd bet Selvish Capers, or Jason Fox are more likely if we don't address LT in the first 2 rounds. Both fit the Gibbs scheme and mold perfectly.
My dream scenario (including multiple trades!) would be;
Washington pass on Clausen, and Buffalo trade their 3rd round pick with us to swap 6 and 9 to move ahead of Cleveland to get him. Then Houston trade us pick 20 and their 2nd round pick to move up to 9 to get Spiller. We then trade 14 to Denver for Marshall, and pick Charles Brown with 20. And take Jahvid Best and Lamarr Houston with our 2nd rounders, and still have a 3rd rounder to spare! As aware as I am that this will never happen, a guy can dream right?!
That's a nice dream although i just don't like Best on 1st or second down, and I only like Marshall if we can unload Housh and late picks to get him. Football is won in the trenches, and untill we win there it doesn't matter if we get jerry rice, barry sanders and joe montana we won't win. How about if we dream Okung 6th, Davis 14th, Blount 60th. I know it doesn't address the freshly torn hole in the D-line, We now have 2 guys making starting money at qb parlay one of them for a passrusher. Willis and locklear become gaurds. Season one playoffs and division. You said dream right.
Love Morgan Houston at 14/60, but I'd rather trade down to the 12th overall pick with our 6th overall, even if all we got was a 4th rounder. This way we save a lot of money, and we can still probably pick whichever is still there between Berry, Haden, Bryant, Bulaga, Price, Thomas, Brown.
Frankfrog - I think it's a too often used cliche that football is won 'in the trenches'. Part of the success you have on the offensive line is having weapons at QB, WR and RB that keep a defense honest. The Seahawks will improve when they can get better on the line, but also when they find greater potency. Just adding rookies to the line and finding a big running back won't scare anyone. Teams will still throw the kitchen sink at Seattle's line until they get better weapons that force teams to get creative with their coverage.
Buffalo targeting Tebow at #41 is my biggest fear about the Whitehurst trade. It might be a little unlikely, but would not shock me if Jacksonville, who doesn't have a 2nd round pick this year, tries really hard to trade ahead of buffalo to draft him. This could lead to a bit of an overpayment that could include up to a first rounder next year. If it does happen and San Diego reaps the benefits of the trade, I won't be able to forgive our FO anytime soon.
Rob - what guards in the 3rd, 4th or 5th are worth consideration? Is Mitch Petrus from Arkansas a good fit? Converted FB if I remember right.
If they could snag a guy at 60 they were considering at 40 that would take some of the bitter taste away from the last few trades. I guess they'll tell us that anyway..
Scotia
Matt - Petrus will likely go in rounds 3-5 I think. He's played tight end and full back, so he might own the kind of agility Seattle is looking for. One to keep an eye on I think. Zane Beadles is another to watch out for - Seattle sent line coaches to work him out at the Utah pro-day. Another name for you late one - Shelley Smith from Colorado State.
Hey Rob and bloggers. I understand the logic in aquiring Whitehurst. When you think about it, we didnt give up that much. Obvisouly Pete Carroll knew that there was a good chance that both Clausen and Bradford will be gone by pick 6. Carroll also new that neither QB's are worthy of moving up to get. Seattle media are complaining that we paid to much for a QB who has not took a snap. If you took any QB at pick 6, you would be paying 40 million to a player that has not took a snap. I would rather pay 8 million/2years( not 10 as earlier reported.) If he does not pan out, all you really lost was a 3rd round pick. If you draft A QB at 6th, your stuck with a 40 million dollar contract for a player that will be holding a clipboard. At least Whitehurst has had good training under SD's staff and playing behind Rivers. By signing Whitehurst instaead of rookie QB, you bipass the baby period and go straight to the teen stage. My overall point is this, The same risk is asscociated with both scenarios however one scenario is far less expensive. I think Whitehurst is a better back up and potential starter than any QB we could have drafted in this years 3rd round. Us fans should let Carrol and Co. do their jobs. They get paid to scout talent, let them do it. Matt Scaub was in the same situation as Whitehurst. He is now a Pro Bowl QB. Ander Johnson helped his transition and that is why us signing Marshall or drafting a great reciever is essential to Whitehurst's success. Hey Rob, tell me what you think.
Lenny - I completely agree. You've hit the nail on the head as far as I'm concerned. This buys the Seahawks flexibility. They aren't tied to find an immediate alternative to Hasselbeck. They will have done their homework on Whitehurst and spoken to the people that matter. They'll have looked at his college tape. Pete Carroll and his regime clearly think Whitehurst can start in the NFL. Now - if they want to draft a rookie in 2010, 2011, 2012... they aren't relying on Hasselbeck's durability or a guy like Derek Anderson as an alternative to starting a rookie very early. Whitehurst might go on and become the starter long term. He might be a holding position. He might be a failure. But the price isn't terrible for a guy who originally cost a third round pick and is well coached in San Diego. The best case scenarion with Whitehurst (starting QB) far outweighs the worst case scenario (loss of one pick and a drop in round two).
If Clausen/Bradford aren't there at #6, it's no big deal for now. I do feel (and it's still early days) that the 2011 class will be strongest at QB compared to other positions.
I have heard a lot of people talking about the Tapp trade being a big loss. I don't think so myself and it is all coming into perspective. Tapp was drafted 63rd overall in the 2006 draft. Now I know not everyone is complaining but I hear a lot of complaining that we have traded to much for Whitehurst. We moved back to #60 in a draft that is deeper than 2006 in just about any position. This means that even if we wait to pick up a DE until #60 he will be better than Tapp. He will also fit whatever the FO is trying to do.
I am wondering what DEs could be taken at #60 and have good value being better than or equal to Tapp.
I do not think we should draft two OL in the First round as some have suggested today and in the past. We need to work on many parts and do it over a couple years.
I hope we can compete next year but 2011 is more realistic which means that everything that we do this year is planning for future greatness, not instant greatness.
Our team was great in 2005 but what has it done since.
If we can even be mid pack next year I will be happy (7-9 or 8-8. This shows movement in the right direction.
I love Spiller, but I have a really hard time seeing a Gibbs team taking any RB at #6, much less an outside running specialist who is a below average inside runner. I would consider that pick to be both shocking and disappointing, personally. In fairness, our options at #6 won't be that great unless a QB or DT falls.
Everson Griffen and Taylor Mays are likely high on the radar at #14. We need a RDE and Griffen played mostly RDE at USC. I'm not a fan of his, but I'm guessing Carroll is- hence the low value trade to move Tapp from the starting spot to open the door. Just like how the JP trade opened the door for Curry last year. Mays is on the radar at #14 because we no longer own the #40, and because Carroll has already shown he's totally unafraid to overpay to get his guy.
I understand the Gibbs philosophy and why that makes Spiller unlikely - but I also think Pete Carroll wants to find some guys who can put points on the board. It's an expensive price for Spiller, but I do think Carroll will want a guy like that on his roster. He's a good pass protector, he's an excellent return guy and he offers a lot of value in the passing game - plus we all know about his speed as a runner. I think he's the kind of guy who will find a way to score a TD in most games and right now - the Seahawks don't have anyone like that. This is a guy who converts and makes a big play a scoring play.
I have a hard time seeing Spiller too. Gibbs has always played the 4,4,4,4 game with guys that can muscle out a few yards. But I get that you look at all the angles, and obviously a talent. The more this thing has played out though I'm thinking one of those first three will be safety.
A little off topic but here's the Whitehurst press conference from today. Interestingly they said Whitehurst doesn't rule out a 1st round QB, but who knows (Tebow is still working out).
http://www.mynorthwest.com/?nid=292&sid=299931&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Has anyone seen Bucky Brooks latest mock. He has Suh falling past the Hawks. I don't see that happening but how sweet would it be to be able to pick up Suh. Mccoy would be great to but man this would be insane.
I did see Brooks' mock. No way Suh or McCoy get past SEA if they fall to 6.
The logic is sound that one of the DTs could fall to 6 if DET goes LT and both Bradford and Clausen go early. It could happen.
Beautiful if both BPA and positional need match up in that scenario.
It does seem a little high to get Spiller, but Carroll loves that type of RB on his team. Carroll loves the home run threat RB. He always had one really big physical WR, one smaller scrappy guy, one bashing RB, one homerun guy. So it's not crazy for us to get him. As far as winning games in the trenches, that seems like more of an old school philosophy. I won't deny the importance of the line, but I think coaches in the NFL have gotten a lot more creative nowadays in their games plans. Arizona, Pitts, Green Bay all are not known for having great oline play, but seem to get it done anyway. Also, I think there will be no shortage of undersized, athletic olinemen to choose from in the later rounds. not everyone values them like Gibbs.
I have a fun Gibbs post coming up in a few days, btw.
Regarding Whitehurst, its funny someone else mentioned it first- but about an hour ago it dawned on me that the Whitehurst trade could potentially justify drafting Tim Tebow at #60. The reason being- Whitehurst is going to be an old QB in 5-6 years, and Tebow could require 3-5 years of development.
With the Seahawks just signing Quinton Ganther do you think that we will still go after C.J Spiller?
Oh and I love the blog by the way
It kills me to see the possibility of Bruce Campbell falling past 40. With all this negative hype, if he really does fall, I think he would be an absolute steal in round 2. It's rare to see a prospect actually drop on draft boards after being one of the top performers at the combine, and in this case the only concern seems to be that Mayock doesn't like him.
If we could have had Bruce Campbell at 40 and he winds up being the player he has the potential to be, this trade moving down in the 2nd will be very disappointing looking back.
Given the Hawks trading for a back up QB with experience and the Schaub/Casell successes, is it fair to say that this may the new trend in the NFL. I would think your chances to succeed are better with mid-round guys after several years experience at the pro level rather than trying to swing at second tier draft picks and hoping you are employed long enough to develop them. I think that Whitehurst presents a better risk than anybody in this draft aside from Bradford. He has survived for 4 years as a back up on a Superbowl quality team, and has height and size advantages over much of the QBs in the draft. I believe both Clausen and Tebow will be gone by our pick anyway. Compare trading for Whitehurst to drafting Pike or Snead in the second round. We have a better chance at success with a smaller learning curve. Who knows, maybe in two years other teams will be trying to pry our 3rd string QB from us for a good draft pick.
Mike Kelly
Hey Rob & bloggers, if we can somehow move down from 14 and give that pick to denver for marshall and get a second rouder in the process, are off season could look like this,
Whitehurst
6. Berry
14. Trade down, maybe back to san diego for their 28 and 40.
20 - 32. Trade to Denver for Marshall
2nd OL or DL
60. DL or OL
4th BPA RB
with this scenario we address alot of needs and we would be set to draft a QB in 2011 if Whiehuurst is not viewed as the future.
positions addressed;
QB C Dub
WR Marshall
S Berry
OL
DL
RB
Anonymous - I think Ganther will be a body in camp who'll get a chance to stick. The Seahawks could carry a few RB's going into camp. I don't this affects anything Seattle does on draft day.
Anonymous 2 - Campbell has extreme physical talents, but from what (admittedly) little I've seen of him on tape, he doesn't really use them. He's not an overly aggressive blocker, he doesn't appear that agile or strong. He doesn't show a punch. It's one thing to run in a straight line and bench a ton, it's quite another to be able to diagnose a complicated blocking scheme and execute.
Mike - that's a very good point and I think Seattle is very mindful of perhaps investing too much so soon into the new regime in a rookie QB. They are not tied to Whitehurst like they would be a Clausen. If Whitehurst doesn't work out, I firmly believe it wasn't such a big prize to discover that. With a potential rookie pay scale on the horizon, the Seahawks are likely setting themselves up to potentially draft a QB early after 2010.
Lenny - that would be a dream scenario for Seattle. That way, they maintain a relatively high pick in round two but also add Brandon Marshall. There's a lot of good talent in the mid teens around that #14 range, but moving back and accumulating that extra pick before getting Marshall would be a job well done. I think that isn't unlikely to happen and Marshall could be involved in a draft day trade if he doesn't move before then.
I can only judge by the Senior Bowl, but Geno Atkins looked a hell of a lot better to me than Lamarr Houston. Often, Houston would be washed away in line play.
Atkins, on the other hand, was credibly handling double-teams partly comprised of Iupati.
He is undersized, but it looks like a frame that can pack a little on. And he is very strong, finishing 3rd among defensive linemen in the bench press at the combine.
I think he's Mebane 2.0 as he is a good at penetration, but can also play 1 Tech due to his strength.
Thanks for the thoughts annonymous - I'll hit the tape and do a bit more work on Atkins.
Cool. I'd like to hear your thoughts.
Hey Rob what do you think about Jarret Brown in round 4? While Whitehurst was introduced we heard a lot about mobility, athleticism, and a big arm. That sounds like Jarret Brown. He is obviously a project but could develop behind Whitehurst and would still be in the mix if we part with Whitehurst after a year (meaning he turns up a dud), and draft a Jake Locker type next year.
If the Seahawks draft a DE, RB and then a DL, we will be going to Whitehurst early whether we want to or not because Hasselback will be out with an injury in no time.
I am for drafting a LT with the #6, and Lupati with the #14. The Hawks were dominant when we had Jones and Hutch on the left.
The Bucs won't take two WRs rd.2, after picking up Brown. They need a corner. DE or OG is possible also.
Derek - Jarrett Brown is well worth considering if he's there in that 4/5 round range. A project yes, but one that could be worth taking on.
DCarroll - will a rookie LT and LG offer the same level of quality that Jones and Hutchinson did? I'd be very surprised. Without greater potency on offense, teams will continue to stack the box, attack that Seahawks offensive line with heavy blitz and rest assured - it'll be just as much of an injury threat for the QB.
Annonymous - I think the Buccs' numerous needs make spreading attention very possible. I also think they have to do whatever they can to help their rookie QB, so two value picks for talented wide outs would make some sense too.
Rob - Certainly for this year the answer is no, and it would take some great luck in the future to ever get a pair that is comparable to Hutch-Jones in the future. But I could definately see an upgrade to the current situation by adding Rookies at those two positions.
I also agree that we need a playmaker. I am not saying anything bad about Spiller, in fact I would love to see the Hawks end up with him, but I would also argue that Jones and Hutch are what made Shaun Alexander a great RB. If the Seahawks upgrade the RB position without upgrading the line I don't think it will make much if any difference.
I would love to see a stud rookie or two developing along that line this year along with Unger, by the middle of the year the line would again be formidable.
Maybe with the new zone blocking scheme they will be able to do something with the current line, but from everything I saw last year, I think it needs an upgrade.
why would tampa take two recievers in the 2nd round? we need a de, olb, or cb with one of those picks. i like the benn pick though. i don't think all those teams reach for dbs.
ok first off, CJ spiller will not be drafted at the number 6 spot, it will most likely be the 14th spot (thats if they even draft him). Dont get me wrong, CJ is a great player. But have forsett! why dont they just use the 4th round pick to pick up lagarrate blout. i know i know i know, he's got a bad rep; but from what i know about pete carroll, he likes working with guys like this so he can turn them around. Pete is a great mentor and can help shape blount into a great man on and off the field.
DCarroll - I think it's a double edged sword. The offensive line needs an upgrade, but it won't get better till the offense becomes more potent. I absolutely can see the Seahawks going OT in round one, or waiting till much later. I'd say the same about RB.
phcook - I gave Tampa Bay two WR's because at the time they were BPA and I do think the Buccs will make a concorted effort to get some weapons for Josh Freeman. I didn't see a DE that was a good fit there, and McCoy at DT should help the d-line. A lot of the CB's had left the board by that point but there could be better value in R3-4.
Annonymous - Pete Carroll has also always had a playmaking RB like Spiller in his arsenal. Blount, for me, is going to struggle as a one cut runner and better suits the man blocking scheme as a downhill runner. Would I take Spiller at #6? Probably not. But I won't rule it out at #6 and I don't think anyone else should - it could happen.
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