Anyway, I expect it to be a sloooooow weekend. Everybody will probably take a moment and pat themselves on the back, and go back to work on Monday. I am going to spend my time reading draft reports and trying to get a grasp on who the Hawks might take. I gotta get some use out of my NFL Draft Scout and Nfl Draft Blitz subscriptions, right.
So, to keep the discussion rolling, I compiled a Mock Draft Comparison. To see it.....Just
Dustin Keller is the most popular pick. I don't think he fits the Seahawks system. The Hawks tight end has to be able to get off the line. Rarely do they get a free release. Somehow, I see Keller and his 240 lb frame having trouble with that.
The Wr's miff me too. But I guess i can't blame the national guys for not knowing about the three kids, Obamanu, Taylor, and Payne. We barely know about them, and none were high draft picks.
Rob Rang, someone most of us respect a lot, has an interesting pick. He is also a local guy. It kind of follows the logic of my pick in the Blogger Mock Draft. I have read Calais Cambell was slipping, but if the Hawks really like him, I could see it happening.
Keep it real Folks....What a great weekend to be Seahawk Fans! Yup!
Sam Baker could be a steal and fix the hole at RG.
ReplyDeleteA TE will be around in the 2nd. Amazing how fast Fred Davis has fallen.
WR is a joke. Ruskell I can't imagine going in that direction.
DE would be a waste of a first round pick as well with better athletes and bigger needs.
DT maybe if they were the best player available but you can't draft for need in the first...
I like Rob Rang's pick.. I was looking into what positions the Hawks need rather than those that seem popular. Since things are slow I thought I'd put out a list for discussion purposes of what I think are there needs by position...would like to see what others think.Seahawks order of need if we resign all our existing free agents, everyone comes back healthy and no one retires, as of 3-21-08
ReplyDelete1 TE (no starter)
2 K (no starter)
3 LS (no starter)
4 DE (no experienced backups)
5 LB (not enough backups)
6 FB (only true backup has no experience)
7 S (age)
8 T (no real future replacements)
9 DT/G/ WR
10 RB/CB
11 QB/P
None of your "experts" have the Seahawks first round pick.
ReplyDeleteBetchya a cold ale or whatever.
None of them.
If the Hawks have a first round pick it will be Stewart, Otah or Chris Williams, possibly Cason.
But, because of value and the probability all these guys will be gone, the Hawks first pick in the second could be Keller, a corner (particularly if Tru doesn't sign a long term contract), DT Trevor Laws or RB Ray Rice.
And anonymous's post preceding the need order pretty close: A kicker in the sixth so we don't just try to get a UFA.
And the importance of a long snapper is way up there. Mike McGlynn, an all position offensive lineman, could be our answer but with no fifth we'll have to grab him with our fourth.
Nonetheless, most everybody on this thread could do better than the "experts" for a first round pick.
Remember Ruskell's credo: The defensive front seven is the primary concern.
And, remember, he is also drooling for Jonathan Stewart.
Rang's already flip-flopped twice on the Hawks first choice. Expect more dead fish to follow.
I don't think that we will see an offensive pick in the 1st unless TR reaches for a TE or J Stew falls to us.
ReplyDeleteBoth Balmer and Campbell I could see him taking if CB isn't a need by draft time.
The more I think about the draft the more I come to terms with the fact that TR will probably come out of left field and take someone that no one sees us taking. It's just the TR way.
Of the topic a bit. Why do you think TR has neglected to give attention to finding a vet kicker and LB/ST guy? Noticed that Elam is off the market and Miller probably isn't far behind. Any specific reasons they haven't given any interest into Bironas? Is he even entertaining the idea of leaving Tennessee? Mare could come cheap if TR really wants a vet.
Most of what we get from the national guys is recycled buzz. They are all just painting by the numbers. Ruskell is an artist.
ReplyDeleteI don't really see us grabbing a TE in the first at all. I am thinking that we will be looking at Gray's backup or Jones backup.
ReplyDeleteWe would have to give up a 2nd round pick along with the cash Bironas would want. Hardly seems worth it.
ReplyDeleteElam's deal exceeded two mil per. I just don't think the Hawks are interested in paying a kicker. They are going to go cheap.
Mare's injuries plus vague inconsistancies along with a rookie may be the cheapest way to get the best bang for our buck.
ReplyDeleteThe more we discuss it on here the more confused I get as to which direction TR will go in the draft. It would be nice to get some DL depth. That's where my vote is
On the discussion of TE, and a few other positions where system matters.
ReplyDeleteNote: I'm a fan - this is my first off season of really researching players and participating in sites like this. If I were to assemble a team, They probably wouldn't be as good as the 07 Dolphins. (My other team). I really don't know what I'm talking about - but I am learning and find this side of football fascinating.
Michael, my question/point... We seem to weigh the importance of the draft guys fitting into the system - I ond't know that any of us are particularly informed on what the system will look like this year and beyond. We all likely believe Holmgren won't change the playbook much this year; however it is a transition year and Mora will have more senior duties. Our current backfield moves and O-line changes (coaches/players) are evident of change forth coming.
When we say, "he doesn't fit our system" - what are we basing this on, past knowledge, or have we really looked at a Mora system and have confidence he isn't going to change the current WCO packages?
~GnarlyHawk
Also wanted to note, Solari was an offensive coordinator in Kansas.
ReplyDeleteI keep having images of Tony Gonzolaz getting crazily airborn in the middle surrounded by opponents. A TE that doesn't block much, but has great hands, size and athleticism. It would be conceivable to think the position might be changed to modernize the TE scope. If there is, the TE in the draft may need to fit this.
Time will tell
~GnarlyHawk
~GnarlyHawk
Great job in the blog. You have really stepped into the breach left when Sando went to ESPN. Thanks for all the hard work!
ReplyDeleteMy question is how about a analysis of Mora, looking at the history of Mora regarding the draft, as he is probably as involved, or more, with this draft as Holmgren.
Then a second question how about an analysis of the finer points of the scheme shifts that are being discussed this year with the Seahawks and any anticipated scheme shifts for next year based again upon Mora and the new position coaches, sort of a back door look at who they might select based upon where they want to go next year.
Anyway thanks again, I love the blog.
I really hope Brandon Albert falls to the 25th pick...If not it would be great to trade out of the 1st round with a early 2nd round pick and grab our TE there
ReplyDeleteMike, you've talked about Keller not fitting the current O. I didn't watch many Falcons games when Mora was the coach, do you know if he utilized an H-Back in his O? I know he had Alge and if he uses the TE in a traditional way I don't think Keller comes to Seattle.
ReplyDeleteYung Hawk
Jim Mora tried to run a traditional WCO. Knapp came from Marriuchi's coaching tree. The offense will be very similar to what we have. The big problem in Atlanta was a horribly inconsistent Passing attack. I put that mostly on the QB, McKay/Ruskell did not draft and were FORCED to live with. Blank gave him that huge deal.
ReplyDeleteI suspect that if there is a BIG change, it will be to a zone principal blocking scheme, however, they may be changing towards that already. Holmgren said after the season that they would look at Coaching, Players, and Scheme to make the running game better. Two down....One to go?
Having a 3rd DL edge-rusher could be an awesome luxury if a C.Campbell were to fall. NYG set the tone with 3 pass-rushers last year.
ReplyDeleteI think:
TE, DT/DE, OG/OT, or Stewart in 1st.
Maybe J.Charles will fall to 3rd.
Mike, I have to disagree with you about keller not fitting in the system. With all due respect.
ReplyDeleteKeller runs a 4.5!(which is hella good for TE). And he is a great receiver, average blocker, Outstanding athlete.
If we dont get this guy at the 25the pick expect him to be gone by our second round pick.
2006 - 771 yards 4 tds
2007 - 881 yards 7 tds
Ruskell is known for taking players a little early. Take a look at Lofa and Hill, they were drafted earlier than projected and turned out to be gems.
Didnt Homly say he would stay in contact with Keller too?
- Nick~Hawk
Don't sleep on Kenny Phillips in the 1st if Stewart, Mendenhall, Albert are gone.
ReplyDeletePhillips fits the Ruskell mold to a T:
Defense, ruskell loves that Miami program, big school, big conference, top intangibles/character/work ethic/smarts.
And he talks about strength down the middle for a defense. Well, there wouldn't be a better young nucleus than Mebane-Tatupu-Phillips.
1. Stewart
2. Mendenhall
3. Albert
4. Phillips
5. Trade back (Laws+ Davis/Keller/Carlson)
my mock looks like this right now
1. Phillips
2. Laws
3. Carlson
4. Slaton
6. Woodyard
7. K
I know that it is not flashy selection but if we can pick Brandon Albert, we will get a guy with mean streak. Skill players come a dime a dozen but guards with his mobility and strengths do not come around often. We picked one back in the day, I forget his name becuase he left us.
ReplyDeleteLS and K are late rounds picks.
TE in the 2nd-3rd seem like the better value.
RB in the 2nd-4th (I am not worried about this position)
DT, I am not sure we need this as much as everybody is saying. We have currently 5 DTs. Rocky Bernard, MeBEAST, Tubbs, Terrill and Howard Green. Green and Terril do well in their roles. That means if, big fatty if, Tubbs returns, we have a strong starting rotation of 3 big uglies.
DE has me worried, behind Tapp and Kerney, we Babin who did not see the field and Baraka Atkins showing potential. That leaves vulnerable at the end of games. We need more depth and maybe we get a DE/OLB who can help on special teams.
LB we need bodies and someone bigger than Will Herring as our back up LB.
S I don't think we need to worry this year. They are not that old.
The truth is that we are looking at backups and depth and not any starters with possible exception of TE. We might need a put Josh Wilson as a KR and PR so that Nasty Nate can become a WR on 1st down. They gave him a breath after PR and KR.
Keller is an H-back and not a tight end who can seal a LB or get off the line (he will never get a clean release). Im tired of hearing this pick. If we go TE first round it should be and probably would be davis.
ReplyDeleteRM8
RM8 -
ReplyDeleteHonestly Davis over Keller....wow. Just stop.
Nick~Hawk
It's a reach to pick any six foot two inch (a little too short) tight end who is ex wide reciever who can't block yet in the firtst round (Keller and Davis). Keller and Davis are solid and probably will be taken in the second round before we get to them. But Bennett from Texas A&M, Carlson ND are solid and might be there. I like how Ruskell is filling holes so we don't have a major need so he can pick the best player available.
ReplyDeleteCarlson will not be drafted. I think he is still trying to finish his 40 from Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteAnd trading back is absolutely foolish. First round players are impact players. You take the best athlete on the board and draft for need in later rounds.
Piling up Josh Wilson's is not a good way to go.
If there is a great OL grab him up in the first because unless a miracle happens the backs will be gone.
Don't reach for a TE and the kid from Purdue would be a stretch as he is not a good TE but rather a Hback.
D tackle wouldn't be bad but I don't think we would get a great impact guy in comparison to other players available.
Nick Hawk-
ReplyDeleteJust stop giving the reasons Davis fits this system better than Keller? Davis is not the athlete keller is but Have you ever seen A WCO team w/ a regular TE who was 6-2 240 lbs? Davis can seal a LB and get a much easier release off the line of scrimmage. He also is elusive for a big man and has been compared in build and style to Alge Crumpler. His size helps make him a better blocker than keller(although bennet and carlson are taller and better blockers)
Keller would get owned by bigger LBs who would constantly bump him coming off the line. A player of his size and skill set gets moved around like the colts & redskins do with their "H-BACK" which he is. If he could be moved to the slot and come out of the back field he would flurrish. And since he is very average at best at blocking he would be a liabilty in the WCO. And like i have said b4, Ruskell and Holmgren do not get man crushes instantly on combine heroes. (Although Keller is an amazing athlete w/ a bright future).
I'd like to here your logic if you think Keller is the automatic choice, and if you had heard about him b4 the combine or just jumped on the Mike Mayock band wagon.
RM8