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| "What do you think about that Wilson guy?" |
Can I just start off by saying how awesome it is that we own the 32nd pick in the draft, the transformation that this team has made in the last 4 years is nothing short of amazing. We went from Kelly Jennings to Richard Sherman, David Hawthorne to Bobby Wagner, Charlie Whitehurst to Russell Wilson, what do all these Hawks have in common? They were found by John Schneider and Pete Carroll in the Draft. Make no mistake even though the Hawks have signed a few splashy free-agents the Draft is where they've laid the foundation that led us to Superbowl XLVIII. In last year’s column I highlighted the weaknesses that caused our defeat in Atlanta, and even though this past year we brought home that magnificent Lombardi Trophy it would be naive to say we have no areas to improve. Over the past few weeks I’ve come up with a comprehensive list of players that fit the Seahawks criteria, one thing to take into account is that John Schneider and Pete Carroll don't always draft for need, if there’s a prospect that falls to them at 32 or 64 that fits THEIR criteria they will take him.
*Two changes to my board this year 1) Rather than grade players on my own scale I’ve graded them on how I perceive PCJS would grade them. 2) Rather than watch highlight reels I’ve studied full game tapes, anyone can put together a great highlight film (exhibit a) what I’m looking for are prospects that compete from start to finish. For each game tape I've highlighted and linked a few plays that stood out. All game tapes should have the option to view at 720HD I would absolutely recommend viewing in this mode.
Wide Receivers
I’m starting at Wide Receiver not cause it's a need but because I believe this is the greatest field of WR prospects in a decade. Sammy Watkins(CLEM) is a generational talent; Mike Evans(A&M), Odell Beckham Jr.(LSU) and Marqise Lee(USC) can be number 1 WR’s on whichever team selects them. Those three along with Kelvin Benjamin(FSU) and Brandin Cooks(OSU) will be gone by our pick, even after all of that there is much to like about the remaining wideouts.
Round One Options
Cody Latimer (Indiana): Out of every positional player that may be remaining at #32 none possesses more Seahawky attributes than Cody Latimer. His size (6’3 215) and speed (4.4 40 yard dash) show up on tape, he constantly uses his body to over-power cb’s. In all my research I only counted 3 catchable dropped balls, this guy has strong hands. There are two things that make him the ultimate Seahawk prospect: 1. His is willingness to block. 2. His ability to win in one-on-one situations. It’s no secret that we are a run-first team and our current group of WR’s are constantly clearing lanes for Beast to go galloping through, awesome crackback example here by our best blocking WR Jermaine Kearse. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjzPQJHHAv0&t=8m35s
Latimer Game Tape: This first catch is against the #1 rated cb in this class Darqueze Dennard (will be a 1st round pick), Latimer uses his frame perfectly to shield Dennard, NFL quality stuff right there. Then check out this block 2 plays later literally drives that guy into the endzone, looking like a lineman playing through the whistle! In all likelihood Latimer will be gone by 32 (I’ve got him going to the Eagles at 22) but if somehow he’s there it would be the easiest pick we’ve ever had to make.
Martavis Bryant (Clemson): With the given physical attributes (6’4 215 pounds 4.3! 40 yard dash) Bryant has just as much upside as any WR in this class. So why would he be available at 32? For one he had lapses in concentration in certain games and then there’s this but if there’s one thing that Pete Carroll has shown under his regime its a willingness to give a player with baggage a chance to maximize their potential. Sometimes that’s all the player is looking for, someone to legitimately believe in them and give them the tools to succeed. The question would be is Martavis up to the task? One thing to keep in mind with any new Seahawk wideout is that day in & day out they will have go up against the Legion, and they Don’t Back Down. They bring it in practice just like they do on game day. You’ve got to be mentally strong if you want to climb our WR ladder, personally I think that may have been what led to Chris Harper’s downfall last year, just plain being dominated by our CB’s. If we do select Bryant I sure hope he’s up to the test.
Bryant Game Tape: If you’ve got the time just watch all 3 minutes of this game tape, it pretty much highlights everything that Bryant could be when he puts it all together, blazing speed, strong hands and just a ridiculous catch radius. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96ZLZOMm5m8
But there’s one play that stuck out to me more than any from Bryant and it was in the biggest game of the year: Orange Bowl Clemson vs Ohio State. There’s not much to say here, he just goes up and GETS IT. One thing I’ve noticed that has been lacking for us is a large red-zone target, and it absolutely has been something Pete Carroll has been looking for. It didn’t work out with Big Mike Williams and while Sydney Rice has been reliable his health is a concern, Bryant could be the freak of nature that PC has been looking for.
Round 2 Pick 64 Options
Donte Moncrief (Ole Miss): For me Moncrief was the hardest wideout to scout. On one hand you’ve got a guy that ran a 4.4 at 6’2 220 pounds with a 40” vertical, all the attributes of a #1 receiver. When you throw on the tape the speed matches the numbers, the kid is a burner. One downside is he had more than his fair share of drops on catchable balls but that is coachable, my true worry lies within the Ole Miss offense. The Rebels pretty much ask their receivers to run 3 different routes: 1) Bubble Screen 2) Short or Intermediate Slant 3) Go Route. Stephen Hill of the NY Jets is a great example of a prospect who blew up at the combine but due to the complexity of the NFL has failed to make a mark. It’s not to say the Moncrief will fall under the same category but the flags are there.
Moncrief Game Tape: Poor blocking display here there’s a bubble screen thrown at his teammate, Moncrief is completely thrown off his block by a CB that looks half his size. Much better blocking that helps clear a lane for a huge gain. Here's a good example of his ability to burn the CB and while he does bobble it for a moment he brings in the catch. Drop #1 and Drop #2. Very mediocre tape so far, Moncrief seems to be a bit banged up after the last drop but he comes back in the game and shows why he may be in the conversation as a 1st/2nd round pick. First play back makes a great adjustment to a back-shoulder throw. The very next play, Moncrief displays excellent patience to set up his blockers and makes a move to get in for the TD.
Brandon Coleman (Rutgers): The current trend with my list of prospects is that they are all tall and fast, and Brandon Coleman is no exception. He’s got great attributes running a 4.5 40 at 6’6 and 225 pounds. I actually scouted some of Coleman last year because many believed he would declare for the draft but he elected to stay at Rutgers which in hindsight may have been a mistake. The issue isn’t really with Coleman, in all the scouting that I’ve done I have never seen a QB disparage a WR like Rutgers Gary Nova has Coleman. Time and time again I see Coleman open and the ball sails past him. There are momentary glimpses of greatness from Coleman and then there’s a drop or two, he doesn’t high-point the ball as well as Latimer or Bryant but does possesses strong hands and the ability to create separation. He should definitely be in the conversation at 64.
Coleman Game Tape (No Sound): examples of Gary Nova’s ineptitude at here, here and here. Clean route ran which leads to a 1st down grab. Nice job of coming back to the ball rather than waiting at his break, Beautifully clean route to beat the press coverage and leads to the easy TD. Here the Situation is 4th Q game tied with 30 seconds left Coleman finds a hole in the zone and catches for a 1st down. Then he's Wide open for a chance at a catch the would move them into field goal range and he drops it. Redemption comes with a touchdown in OT, simple route but crucial that he keeps that ball tucked as the cb was all over him.
Other WR’s to consider with the 64th pick:
Jordan Matthews (Vanderbilt) - 6’3 212 pounds incredibly well built reminds me a lot of Anquan Boldin wouldn’t be surprised if the 49ers took him as an eventual replacement.
Allen Robinson (Penn St) - YAC Monster, would be a great replacement for Golden Tate as they have very similar attributes.
Jarvis Landry (LSU) - May have some of the best hands in the entire class, the 4.7 40 plummeted his stock but his ability to win in 1v1 situations is intriguing.
Josh Huff (Oregon) - Pure slot receiver, solid hands not sure if it fits the need as long as we have Percy.
Davante Adams (Fresno St) - Put up insane numbers last year, 131 receptions 1700 yards and 24 TD’s! 6’1 212 pounds and ran a 4.56 with 40” vertical. High-points the ball well and was brought in as a pre-draft visit so he is on our radar.
Offensive Line
I am higher than most on our current Offensive Line, I’m still holding out hope that James Carpenter can be a competent Left Guard and although the sample size is small I thought Michael Bowie did well at Right Tackle. That being said we would be one Russell Okung injury away from a OL in shambles. Last years loss against the Colts is a prime example of what could happen if the injury bug bites our OL again, as Robert Mathis was able to come away with 2 sacks and RW being hit or hurried was the narrative of the loss.
Round 1 Options
OT Ja’wuan James (Tennessee): 6’6 311
OT Morgan Moses (Virginia): 6’6 314
OG/OTJoel Bitonio (Nevada) 6’4 302
OT Cyrus Kouandjio (Alabama) 6’7 322
*Bonus Late Round Option: Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (played in Canada)
Defensive Line
Our current starting Defensive Line looks like this - Left Defensive End: Michael Bennett, Left Defensive Tackle: Tony McDaniel, RDT: Mebane RDE:Avril on paper that is a top-5 defensive line, but the problem lies within depth. As proven in the Superbowl this team is at its best when they’re able to rotate fresh d-linemen into the game on situational downs. The depth chart behind the starters are Greg Scruggs, Jordan Hill, Kenneth Boatright (my breakout candidate) and Benson Mayowa. All have great potential but between the five of them they had a Combined 6 games played last year. If one of the following prospects are on the board I can unquestionably see us going in that direction. Of note is that Cliff Avril will be a free agent next offseason,the very same offseason where RW3 will get an extension to the tune of 20 mill/yr (this will happen) so that creates an extra incentive for the front office to find a Defensive End.
Round 1 Options
DT Ra’Shede Hageman (Minnesota) The only player I want to see in blue & green more than Latimer is Ra’Shede Hageman. At 6’6 311 pounds he is an absolute wrecking ball with the ability to swallow blocks on running downs and has a nice repertoire of moves to collapse the pocket. I can envision him as a successor to Red Bryant on 1st downs as well as Clinton Mcdonald on 2nd/3rd downs. One underrated aspect to his game is his awareness to get into the passing lanes and his ability to bat the passes down.
Hageman Game Tape: Solid start to the game as he gets by his blocker to help bring down the RB for a loss. Previously mentioned batted pass skill on full display here. Destroys the lineman on route to a TFL, great display of his violent hands that should translate well in the League. Effortlessly sheds blocker and gets the tackle on a crucial 3rd and 1 play.
DE Demarcus Lawrence (Boise St.) 6’2 251pds 4.7 40. Would be an ideal LEO candidate able to fill Chris Clemons vacancy, has above-average burst of the edge and also strong at the point of attack. Had multiple suspensions while at Boise State so there are character concerns but as mentioned before this team does not shy away from a challenge.
Lawrence Game Tape: Pure speed rush here, not only gets to the QB but also looks to strip the ball PC would love to see that on Turnover Thursdays. Beautiful rip-move here and great closing burst to bring the QB down. Too many times you see a lineman with that great first move but not enough speed to close in on a mobile qb, not the case with Lawrence.
DE Marcus Smith (Louisville) 6’3 251pds 4.6! 40. Of our current roster I see a lot of Bruce Irvin in Marcus Smith, a bit raw but unbelievable speed for his height/weight. Besides being an adept rusher one variable Smith brings to the table is his ability to cover routes, specifically against RB’s and TE’s this could come in handy when DC Dan Quinn wants to dial up a complex blitz.
Smith Game Tape: Flashes the ability to cover the WR on a wheel route, does a good job flipping his hips and running with his assignment. Blows right by the OL and brings down the QB within 2 seconds, as far as sacks go this was an easy one but the key is by the time the OL realized who he was supposed to block Smith already was two steps away from the sack. Devastating spin move I actually laughed when watching the OL's futile attempt to slow Smith down, the poor guy had no chance; Smith doesn’t quite get the sack but forces the QB to make a careless decision and near interception. That same play against the Seahawks D is a pick by ETIII
DT Dominique Easley (Florida) 6’2 280. Easley has been the heart and soul of the Gators defense for the past few years, he’s got incredible speed for his size and a great motor. Combine that with his character and you’ve got the makings of a top-15 pick, but multiple ACL injuries have him projected in the late 1st-2nd round. Hawks scouts were reportedly at his pro day probably to see how his knees tested out, if they give the nod of approval I would love this pick. One thing to keep in mind is there are close ties between former Gator DC/current Seahawk DC Dan Quinn and Easley.
Round 2 Options
DT Brent Urban (Virginia)
DT Will Sutton (Arizona St)
Draft Predictions
Round 1 Pick 32 DE Demarcus Lawrence
Round 2 Pick 64 Traded Pick to the NY Jets for the Jet's 3rd and 4th round picks
With only a few hours left until the 2014 NFL Draft I feel like a kid on Christmas. PCJS couldn’t care less what the rest of the NFL and the experts say about our picks, they say he doesn’t have enough experience we say look at that length! They say he’s to slow to play safety we say look at that boom! They say he’s to short to play quarterback…. do I even Need to finish this one? Along with becoming NFL Champions this unconventional draft model has led us to become one of the youngest teams in the League and I for one cannot wait to see what gifts we unravel within the next few days.
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