Potential Draft Picks

[RiverDog]

The college bowl season is about to begin, and being that we're in the unusual position of having 2 first and 2 second round picks, it could make the bowl games more interesting than usual.

Below is an article with a few vids that gives us some players to keep an eye on over the course of the next few weeks. There's also a link in there to PFF's big board:

https://sports.mynorthwest.com/1709961/ ... q6jUgr_--E

[Aseahawkfan]

Find us a great D-line beast.

[NorthHawk]

The writer makes a good point that PC/JS might never get another shot at a top QB prospect, so that might be something
they are thinking. I’m sure they are considering it even if they eventually go in another direction.
Levi’s from Kentucky has a lightning release like Dan Marino had and the size and attitude of Josh Allen. He’s been under a lotof pressure this year which you can’t say for the other top rated QBs.
From what I’ve seen from the DL, they all seem to be inconsistent and disappear at times, unlike players in previous years.
But at times they are dominant and take over a series.

[Hawktawk]

The writer makes a good point that PC/JS might never get another shot at a top QB prospect, so that might be something
they are thinking. I’m sure they are considering it even if they eventually go in another direction.
Levi’s from Kentucky has a lightning release like Dan Marino had and the size and attitude of Josh Allen. He’s been under a lotof pressure this year which you can’t say for the other top rated QBs.
From what I’ve seen from the DL, they all seem to be inconsistent and disappear at times, unlike players in previous years.
But at times they are dominant and take over a series.

There's 5 games left which may help determine what Pete and John do in the end. If Geno nose plants time to move on but even then to who> to what?. They proved by sending reps to Mahomes and Allens workouts they are willing to look at blue chip guys.
But I dont think Pete and John give a damn about this being their last chance to draft a top QB prospect if they dont need to.
Russell Wilson 3rd round . Championship caliber. Geno? So far hes statistically better than Russ in some areas, certainly playing at a borderline MVP level.

Then there's Drew sitting there. I been saying for a year if they can help Geno why can't they help Drew? Hes 26, a stud athlete with a bigger arm than Geno which is saying something . Brock Huard spent a few minutes breaking down what a great Job Shane Waldron is doing calling the offense, how much its meshing with Genos skills. HE asked "how different would it look with Drew?" He and Salk both love Genos game by the way. It was just a thought. Sign Geno for 3. Try to keep Lock around as your QBOTF.

I dont think we need a top QB. WE need Cortez Kennedy, Aaron Donald. And ET and Kam Bam. I know, they aren't in this draft most likely. Are there disgruntled defenders out there that might be worth trading for? Seattle has become a win now team all of a sudden. Ill trust John and Petes judgement. Its been pretty good over 13 years.

[NorthHawk]

With QB's it's about what goes on between their ears. Arm strength is a luxury, but timing and being able to process what the Defense is doing to try to stop them quickly is the key.
I don't know if Lock has that. He hasn't shown that in the short period of time he's had the chance and he was a turnover machine. Stop the idea that Pete is a QB guru. He just isn't.
We got lucky with Wilson, just as the Pats got lucky with Brady and in our case JS had to convince Pete to take Wilson in the 3rd. So that chance to draft a player who has a higher probability of becoming a Franchise QB
must be on the table.

I want a dominating DL, too but it doesn't look like there are any Kennedy, Donald, Derrick Brown types in this draft. There are a few that flash sometimes and play well for short periods, but they have a lower floor
than those mentioned above. It's not like going to an Apple tree and picking the best one knowing it's going to be great. Some drafts are just weaker than others at certain positions.
Safeties, LBs, Centers/Guards, WRs, and others can all be found with our 2nd pick in the 1st as well as our 2nd round selections.

[mykc14]

Find us a great D-line beast.

That's where I'm leaning too. If there is a dominant DL available then take him. Rob Staton a Seahawks Draft Blog doesn't think there is that type of player available this year and if that is the case then that's really unfortunate for us. If there really isn't a dominant DL player available then I don't mind taking a top tier QB because you don't get those opportunities very often.

[Old but Slow]

Actually, Staten has Jalen Carter DT as the #1 pick, and not likely to fall to 3d pick. True, not as dominant as some, but very disruptive.

If we pick 3d, we would be able to get Carter, Levis, or Richardson. Any of those would make me happy. My first choice is for a QB. It is the most important position on the team, picking in the top 5 is rare, and we have a situation in which a new guy would not need to play too soon.

[RiverDog]

Actually, Staten has Jalen Carter DT as the #1 pick, and not likely to fall to 3d pick. True, not as dominant as some, but very disruptive.

If we pick 3d, we would be able to get Carter, Levis, or Richardson. Any of those would make me happy. My first choice is for a QB. It is the most important position on the team, picking in the top 5 is rare, and we have a situation in which a new guy would not need to play too soon.

Will Levis has declared as eligible and is skipping Kentucky's bowl game, so we won't get a chance to watch him. He's been pretty inconsistent, and his team is just 7-5 with him as a starter this season. That's not necessarily a deal breaker as there's been other QB's that have succeeded despite their lack of a good college W/L record, just that he's not a slam dunk first overall. He's back from C-Bob's neck of the woods, so maybe we can prod him into giving us his take.

I'm not adverse to trading down if the price is right. I don't think we could expect the type of deal Miami got out of the Niners, but if we could get a get two first rounders for the price of one, I'd take it.

[Aseahawkfan]

If not a D-line, just get a guy that fits with what we do and is the best player at that pick. I don't like reaches or overthinking high picks. Get the guy that is the most beastly guy at a position of need or that could be upgraded.

[obiken]

We need an Edge guy with the high pick and a project QB with upside for our second. Bennett out of GA or the kid outta Fl would be 2 that come to mind.

[NorthHawk]

Will Levis has declared as eligible and is skipping Kentucky's bowl game, so we won't get a chance to watch him. He's been pretty inconsistent, and his team is just 7-5 with him as a starter this season

When looking at QB stats there are other factors to consider.
The QBs from Ohio St have had a long run of good OL and dominating WRs so the relative stats could easily be skewed.
Alabama QBs have seemingly always had a big advantage of overwhelming talent around them as well. That’s not to
say they can’t be good QBs but that comparisons can be dangerous. Mahomes threw a bunch of picks his last year and
many of us remember Allen as an inaccurate QB coming out of College. They have become two of the better QBs in the NFL.

Levis has been under siege many times this year and the other top rated QBs largely have not. I don’t know how well he
does between his ears, but his physical tools compare favorably to all of the other QBs in this draft.

[c_hawkbob]

Actually, Staten has Jalen Carter DT as the #1 pick, and not likely to fall to 3d pick. True, not as dominant as some, but very disruptive.

If we pick 3d, we would be able to get Carter, Levis, or Richardson. Any of those would make me happy. My first choice is for a QB. It is the most important position on the team, picking in the top 5 is rare, and we have a situation in which a new guy would not need to play too soon.

Will Levis has declared as eligible and is skipping Kentucky's bowl game, so we won't get a chance to watch him. He's been pretty inconsistent, and his team is just 7-5 with him as a starter this season. That's not necessarily a deal breaker as there's been other QB's that have succeeded despite their lack of a good college W/L record, just that he's not a slam dunk first overall. He's back from C-Bob's neck of the woods, so maybe we can prod him into giving us his take.

I'm not adverse to trading down if the price is right. I don't think we could expect the type of deal Miami got out of the Niners, but if we could get a get two first rounders for the price of one, I'd take it.

Levis has been injured but toughing it out almost all year, from turf toe to an injured shoulder to dislocated fingers and a killer looking blow to the head he's had his physical challenges. I thing his OC actually helped talk him into declaring early:

“He’s 10 out of 10 in toughness,” UK offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello said after UK’s Governor’s Cup rivalry win over Louisville. “I don’t think people realize how injured he was this year. He played for five or six weeks where literally he would sprint out in practice and fall down. Like, his toe would give out on him. Bad habits can come from that with not transitioning your weight and your shoulder.”

https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college ... rylink=cpy

... even if he didn't intend to. Most of the local sports folks hereabouts don't think he's hurt his draft position and is still a first round lock, so the advice is "get healthy for the combine and pro-day".

There's even one mock on the Huddle Report that moved Levis UP to the first pick watching him play this year:

Quarterback has been the downfall of Matt Rhule’s tenure as they tried reclamation projects on Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield. The team isn’t bad but you have to have a quarterback to win in this league. CJ Stroud, Bryce Young and Will Levis will all be in consideration. My first mock had Stroud going first, but the more I watch Levis the more I think he’s the first quarterback taken. Not only does he have the size and arm talent, but he’s played in the Shanahan/McVay offense the last two years. You cannot look past that.

Personally I still have him the 3rd best QB and would be happy if Jalen Carter and Will Anderson are off the board we do wind up taking him. If we can get Anderson or Carter though I'd be fine with a second round QB. Too bad it won't be Penix.

[RiverDog]

Thanks for the insider stuff on Levis, Cbob!

If UK was in a major bowl game or playoff that Levis was skipping, then I'd be highly critical of him as I feel that those guys owe something to their schools. But the Music City bowl? That's CFB's equivalent of CBK's NIT.

[Old but Slow]

Taking Will Anderson that early is a gamble. He has been seen as the #1 pick for a year or so, but did not have a particularly good year. And, at 245 pounds he is light for a DE. I see him as a better version of Taylor or Mafe and is only slightly better against the run. I'd pass.

Carter seems to be the best defensive lineman, but there are some promising defensive tackles, such as Mazi Smith from Michigan, Calijah Kancey from Pitt, and Siaki Ika a 350 pounder from Baylor. Kancey is small for a DT, but has super quickness and can rush from the inside. A smaller Donald.

This draft has a lot of edge rushers, tight ends, and running backs. Some good center/guards in the 2d to 4th rounds. There are also several safeties that are interesting from the late first round and into the 3d. J L Skinner from Boise State is being comped to Kam. Big hitter, big body, and can cover.

A good chance for another strong class for the home team. Here's to success.

As to Will Levis, he played behind a terrible offensive line and basically carried the team. I like him a lot, and he will be ready before Richardson.

[Hawktawk]

Thanks for the insider stuff on Levis, Cbob!

If UK was in a major bowl game or playoff that Levis was skipping, then I'd be highly critical of him as I feel that those guys owe something to their schools. But the Music City bowl? That's CFB's equivalent of CBK's NIT.

I’m not too impressed with 19-10 TDs to picks . Something like low 60s completing ?

Skipping his bowl and abandoning his teammates is my cherry on top . No thanks . Subject to Pete and John of course . I trust their decision . I just think these money grubbing walking franchises are ruining the college game .

[Aseahawkfan]

Screw that if Levis is already beat up in college. If you can't handle the college beating, it only gets worse in the NFL. It doesn't get easier.

I'd rather take someone with a good health profile so they can at least come in with some chance of taking the NFL beating.

[RiverDog]

Thanks for the insider stuff on Levis, Cbob!

If UK was in a major bowl game or playoff that Levis was skipping, then I'd be highly critical of him as I feel that those guys owe something to their schools. But the Music City bowl? That's CFB's equivalent of CBK's NIT.

I’m not too impressed with 19-10 TDs to picks . Something like low 60s completing ?

Skipping his bowl and abandoning his teammates is my cherry on top . No thanks . Subject to Pete and John of course . I trust their decision . I just think these money grubbing walking franchises are ruining the college game .

The bowl game is a no nevermind. It doesn't count for squat, it is in their own neck of the woods (Nashville, TN), and a lot of other players won't participate for one reason or another. It's no different than NFL players skipping the Pro Bowl to preserve their health.

College football is a joke. I don't even bother watching anything except the playoffs and the NYD bowl games.

[Hawktawk]

Screw that if Levis is already beat up in college. If you can't handle the college beating, it only gets worse in the NFL. It doesn't get easier.

I'd rather take someone with a good health profile so they can at least come in with some chance of taking the NFL beating.

Yes this as well ^ look how many injury issues we’ve had with guys who were clean in college . Guy sounds injury prone .

[RiverDog]

I'm not sure how relevant his injury history is. We have to note that he's been playing through the injuries, so that has to count for something.

They've been using analytics for a lot of different things, and I'm wondering if they have some kind of algorithm that they can use to predict a player's injury risk based on their experience in college.

[NorthHawk]

I don't think Levis is injury prone, rather he played behind an OL that was suspect in pass protection. He also plays the game a little like Josh Allen and he runs the ball.
He should scale that back in the NFL if he wants a long career but he's a physical player with great physical tools. The Seahawks OL isn't as bad as his OL in college from
a relative point of view, so he wouldn't get hit as much in the NFL. As well the Refs don't protect the QBs as much in college as they do in the NFL.

[Hawktawk]

I'm not sure how relevant his injury history is. We have to note that he's been playing through the injuries, so that has to count for something.

They've been using analytics for a lot of different things, and I'm wondering if they have some kind of algorithm that they can use to predict a player's injury risk based on their experience in college.

Penny wasn’t ever seriously hurt till his 2nd year in the pros . Science is no help . It’s luck .

[Hawktawk]

I don't think Levis is injury prone, rather he played behind an OL that was suspect in pass protection. He also plays the game a little like Josh Allen and he runs the ball.
He should scale that back in the NFL if he wants a long career but he's a physical player with great physical tools. The Seahawks OL isn't as bad as his OL in college from
a relative point of view, so he wouldn't get hit as much in the NFL. As well the Refs don't protect the QBs as much in college as they do in the NFL.

Rather quietly our O line has been slipping in pass pro . I’ve seen plenty of stat lines for Geno with 3-4 sacks and 7-10 hits . And Geno is a master at using the pocket , climbing it and getting the ball out or taking off . 2 points . Geno hasn’t been on the injury report that I’m aware of despite quite a few hits and sacks . Last year he was sacked 13 times in 13 quarters . Seems Levis is indeed injury prone and has 3 hard years of getting pounded before even getting to the show .

Second point is Levis or any of the boy wonders isn’t coming in the league and producing like Geno right away so you’re taking a step backwards to put your chips in the “ franchise qb “ sweepstakes “. Rivers article admits as much .
If we can win now and we know it why go backwards on the crapshoot of maybe hitting a first round qb and maybe not

[RiverDog]

I'm not sure how relevant his injury history is. We have to note that he's been playing through the injuries, so that has to count for something.

They've been using analytics for a lot of different things, and I'm wondering if they have some kind of algorithm that they can use to predict a player's injury risk based on their experience in college.

Penny wasn’t ever seriously hurt till his 2nd year in the pros . Science is no help . It’s luck .

Obviously, it wouldn't help on every player as there's a lot of them that don't have an injury history, but for those that do have one, it might be able to predict if their college injuries can be projected to the next level.

[NorthHawk]

Second point is Levis or any of the boy wonders isn’t coming in the league and producing like Geno right away so you’re taking a step backwards to put your chips in the “ franchise qb “ sweepstakes “. Rivers article admits as much .
If we can win now and we know it why go backwards on the crapshoot of maybe hitting a first round qb and maybe not

Of course they won't start right away. Drafting a QB is for next year or the year after when Geno is 35 or 36. If he happens to be great part way through year 1, then he pushes Geno aside, but it's not expected of him and it
gives the team some Cap leeway in future years.

The OL is playing fairly well, but they are hitting the long part of the season where they've not played before. Most people were hoping they would be this good but not really expecting it and now teams are getting some tape
on them and starting to figure out how to exploit the weaknesses in their game. It's up to our players to adjust to what the DL are trying to do.

[Aseahawkfan]

When it all comes down to it, we'll be going with whatever Pete and John decide. I'd sure like a big hit in the 2023 draft with a high pick like an Earl Thomas with one of those picks. We seem pretty set at the tackle positions for years to come. You can usually get good guard or center talent later in the draft. We could use a DT or OLB pass rusher to really make this defense shine. If Pete and John can get the D-line rebuilt and the CBs continue to perform, I think we're talking a top 10 to 5 defense again. Back to domination on the defensive side of the ball.

[trents]

We need an Edge guy with the high pick and a project QB with upside for our second. Bennett out of GA or the kid outta Fl would be 2 that come to mind.

Benett's small stature is not a deal breaker but certainly a negative. There's the question of how he would hold up in the NFL. We don't have much data on that from his college play because the GA OLine has kept him pretty clean, along with their ability to move the ball on the ground. He seems to make good decisions and to have it between the ears, however.

[trents]

As far as project QBs go, it's hard to know who will even be available at this point, i.e., which underclassmen will declare eligibility.

[Old but Slow]

Attempting to evaluate QBs at the college level is chancy. Levis, playing behind a poor line and with no good receivers, is injury prone because he gets beat up a lot? And, we are to compare them even though they have an uneven playing field. For example, much is made. of C J Stroud at Ohio State and Bryce Young of Bama, but both come from big strong programs with plenty of talent all over the place. Stroud is playing behind 3 offensive linemen who are listed in PFFs top 100 for this draft, and Young, playing with an always loaded Alabama has been injured anyway.

It is about tools. Physical tools, such as arm strength, accuracy, maneuverability, and so on, as well as mental acuity to run a pro offense. Some college systems take away the decision making from the QB, while others use a more pro system where the QB can make audible calls and read the defense. It is the mental game that determines when a player is ready to start, so a player that comes from a pro oriented system is likely to start earlier. In a way that reflects the difference between Levis and Richardson, both with great physical tools, but Levis has played more in a pro style, while Richardson has less experience and a more traditional college system.

There are several good arms in this draft but I only see 2 that warrant a top 5 pick, Levis and Richardson. Just my take.

[Hawktawk]

Attempting to evaluate QBs at the college level is chancy. Levis, playing behind a poor line and with no good receivers, is injury prone because he gets beat up a lot? And, we are to compare them even though they have an uneven playing field. For example, much is made. of C J Stroud at Ohio State and Bryce Young of Bama, but both come from big strong programs with plenty of talent all over the place. Stroud is playing behind 3 offensive linemen who are listed in PFFs top 100 for this draft, and Young, playing with an always loaded Alabama has been injured anyway.

It is about tools. Physical tools, such as arm strength, accuracy, maneuverability, and so on, as well as mental acuity to run a pro offense. Some college systems take away the decision making from the QB, while others use a more pro system where the QB can make audible calls and read the defense. It is the mental game that determines when a player is ready to start, so a player that comes from a pro oriented system is likely to start earlier. In a way that reflects the difference between Levis and Richardson, both with great physical tools, but Levis has played more in a pro style, while Richardson has less experience and a more traditional college system.

There are several good arms in this draft but I only see 2 that warrant a top 5 pick, Levis and Richardson. Just my take.

Thanks for the info . I’m not a draft guru at all and really don’t watch a lot of college ball mid season so it’s good to read stuff from guys who pay attention . Bobs high on the guy I know . But the injury report speaks for itself . Hes had multiple injuries already . A guy falling down on the field and developing bad habits due to injuries per this article doesn’t sound good for the top 3 pick .

He’s not getting hit like he will next year , not a chance .

Sounds like Luck to me . Super talented injury prone flame out after being named the generational qb by every pundit . Didn’t win a damn thing that mattered either .
I like Stetson Bennett . He’s a gamer , a stud . Although it’s nice having a qb over 6’3” that can see the whole field .
Looking back at the last 2 drafts who is playing ? Mac Jones . Not very well . Zach Wilson is watching bargain basement FA Mike White look like Broadway Joe . Lance hurt . Justin Fields was leading the team in rushing , set some single game record for a qb but hurt his left shoulder . They have 3 wins . Mills in Houston was second round and looked damn sharp last year and horrible this year . I think Kenny Pickett is playing ok in Pittsburgh . He beat out trashbiski who was the first qb taken in his class .


It’s a crap shoot . There’s a lot more flameouts then winners with that coveted pick . I’ve seen mocks that have us going defense with the first 2 picks . I’ll say it one more time .
Take NO Qb. You have a 26 year old stud athlete with a hose arm in the bullpen with 45 NFL starts . He’s Geno at 26 except we don’t know the intelligence or work ethic . Pete can’t quit pumping him up . If I’m GM I’m using him as a bit of leverage with Geno or at least an insurance policy . Id trust that Pete would continue his pattern of identifying qb talent and coaching them up. If Geno insists on Carr money 40 mil then you might let him walk , Drew comes in as starter and you draft a guy in that case .
Saw Joe Montana in an interview he thinks the 9ers may well win the super bowl with Mr irrelevant Bryce Purdy out of Iowa state . I’ve listened to this kid talk a little bit . He’s a stud , I get a sense he’s got “it”
We will know soon enough . But I’m guessing as many if not more later round QBs have won it all as 1st rounders .

[mykc14]

There are several good arms in this draft but I only see 2 that warrant a top 5 pick, Levis and Richardson. Just my take.

I agree with this take.

[Aseahawkfan]

The number of top draft pick QBs that have flamed out including the coveted number ones is a long list. I fear to take a QB with a high pick because you are pot committed at that point. I don't want to get caught up in taking a guy who gets hyped up but he's not that great or isn't well-suited to what we do.

[Hawktawk]

The number of top draft pick QBs that have flamed out including the coveted number ones is a long list. I fear to take a QB with a high pick because you are pot committed at that point. I don't want to get caught up in taking a guy who gets hyped up but he's not that great or isn't well-suited to what we do.

Exactly . It’s a somewhat similar situation to Denver . You use a top pick , maybe multiple to move up you have to give the guy every chance to succeed because of the capital surrendered and the job security of the coach and gm if it doesn’t work .

I’ll give Robert Saleh credit for pulling the ripcord on the little preppie punk Wilson . Perfect example of a huge pick flamed out year 2!!!!!and being outplayed by a free agent bargain . They have a good team in spite of Wilson . I wonder what stud defender or incredible skill player they passed up ?
Buyer beware

[govandals]

I'm all in on Levis or Richardson. With PCJS in charge, we may never have a top five(ish) pick again, so you've got to take the shot. I think Richardson will have a Kyler Murray type late rise in the pre-draft process. His combine and pro-day will be important. His upside is so high I wound not be surprised if he goes #1. To me, his floor is top ten barring any injury or character red flags.

I'm bracing for our first pick to be in the 5-8 range. I think RW squeezes out a few more wins. I really hope I'm wrong. Denver cannot be this bad, can they?

I want to like CJ Stroud but I just can't. His system, scheme and quality players all around him make it easy for him to thrive. Same for Penix if he was coming out. I would not hate it if we drafted Stroud, I just think he sits for a year.

I'm out on Bryce Young unless he shows up at the combine at 200lbs. His frame is just too small. My gut says PCJS aren't doing short QB's anymore, especially, given how Geno sees the field nowadays. It's refreshing.

[Hawktawk]

Are you saying if we drafted Levis he would start ? In that case why pay Geno ? I keep hearing it’s Pete and Johns last chance to play Russian roulette I mean take a high first QB. It’s probably their last chance to take a beast game changer defender too. And we have a quarterback playing at a franchise level , better then almost anyone . 32 with low mileage . We are 7-5 with one of the worst defenses in the league . We lost scoring 32 and 34 points . Almost lost scoring 48. And we have a 26 year old stud sitting watching and hopefully learning .
We need D and interior line . We could win it all in the next couple of years .
I respect Pete and whatever he decides to do . This looks easy to my untrained eye though .

[RiverDog]

I'm all in on Levis or Richardson. With PCJS in charge, we may never have a top five(ish) pick again, so you've got to take the shot. I think Richardson will have a Kyler Murray type late rise in the pre-draft process. His combine and pro-day will be important. His upside is so high I wound not be surprised if he goes #1. To me, his floor is top ten barring any injury or character red flags.

I'm bracing for our first pick to be in the 5-8 range. I think RW squeezes out a few more wins. I really hope I'm wrong. Denver cannot be this bad, can they?

I want to like CJ Stroud but I just can't. His system, scheme and quality players all around him make it easy for him to thrive. Same for Penix if he was coming out. I would not hate it if we drafted Stroud, I just think he sits for a year.

I'm out on Bryce Young unless he shows up at the combine at 200lbs. His frame is just too small. My gut says PCJS aren't doing short QB's anymore, especially, given how Geno sees the field nowadays. It's refreshing.

Yeah, I hear ya about the possibility of Pete and John screwing up that draft capital. They did a good job of managing it this season, but hopefully it isn't the case of a blind squirrel finding a nut every now and then. Maybe they finally learned their lesson.

I, too, think that the Denver pick will end up in the 5-8 range. Even if they win just once, there's a lot of teams in the 4-win category that might lose out. I don't think there's much of a chance of getting higher than #3 as the Bears have a killer schedule left with games against the Eagles, Vikings, and Bills, along with the Lions, who have won 4 of their past 5. The Texans would have to win twice on a schedule that includes the Chiefs, Cowboys, Titans, Colts, and Jags in order for Denver to drop below them. Possible, but not likely.

[NorthHawk]

I'm all in on Levis or Richardson. With PCJS in charge, we may never have a top five(ish) pick again, so you've got to take the shot. I think Richardson will have a Kyler Murray type late rise in the pre-draft process. His combine and pro-day will be important. His upside is so high I wound not be surprised if he goes #1. To me, his floor is top ten barring any injury or character red flags.

I'm bracing for our first pick to be in the 5-8 range. I think RW squeezes out a few more wins. I really hope I'm wrong. Denver cannot be this bad, can they?

I want to like CJ Stroud but I just can't. His system, scheme and quality players all around him make it easy for him to thrive. Same for Penix if he was coming out. I would not hate it if we drafted Stroud, I just think he sits for a year.

I'm out on Bryce Young unless he shows up at the combine at 200lbs. His frame is just too small. My gut says PCJS aren't doing short QB's anymore, especially, given how Geno sees the field nowadays. It's refreshing.

Young is way too small for my taste. It's not his height, but he's said to be only about 180lbs.

Regarding this years QB crop there are no Payton Mannings or Andrew Lucks in this draft that have very high floors, but there are some QBs that have some seriously high ceilings and that's probably how they are going to be evaluated.
We have the luxury of waiting a year or 2 if they re-sign Geno but as of now, my personal choice is Levis. Some people say hes going to get more injured in the NFL, but I don't think that's the case because in College the Refs don't seem
to have as quick a trigger finger on flags against hitting QBs. It's often the case when DL will hit a QB hard well after the throw or land on them with their full body weight. Both would be quick flags in the NFL, but rarely have I seen it
in College.

QB's
Levis. Great arm - think Justin Herbert and quick release - think Dan Marino plus add his athleticism is better than Herbert. That's a pretty good upside if his head is as good as his arm talent.

Stroud. Very good arm. Didn't have much pressure because of his OL and he has always had great WRs - think Olave and Garrett Wilson plus others along with a good run game.

Young. Very small. Good arm but like Stroud has rarely played against more talented teams and has had very good talent surrounding him.

Richardson. Ridiculous athlete - maybe one of the better athletes coming out of college. Great arm. Good touch. Might have as much upside as Levis but needs more time to develop. He would also be a good prospect to sit behind a veteran
for a year or 2 and learn the pro game. In College he has had some real rough games but some stellar games against good college defenses, too. The inconsistencies will hold him back in the NFL unless he gets time to develop.

Tyler van Dyke. Surprised people last year with his good play but with a new system this year his production fell off. He might be a system guy - or maybe the new Offense doesn't fit his skill set.

Someone mentions Stetson Bennett. To me he seems like a Colt McCoy type. Smaller, good leader in College and productive, but I'm not convinced his game can translate to the NFL. Like Stroud and Young, he's had a lot of talent around
him that might be making him look better than he really is.

[govandals]

Are you saying if we drafted Levis he would start ? In that case why pay Geno ?

Well, they aren't drafting Levis to sit him on the bench. If they draft Levis, that means they end up with a top 3 pick. (He won't last beyond #3)
Honestly, I think Geno leaves after this year. Remember the last 2 years Geno has waited until later in FA to re-sign, presumably waiting for a better offer. This is his one and only chance to make big dollars. I don't see him offering a hometown discount. Somebody will offer him 3yrs/75 million.

And while I do agree the biggest need for this team right now is a stud d-lineman, you just can't pass on a possible franchise QB to lead your team for 12 plus years. Besides, other than Jalen Cater and maybe Will Anderson, there are no true stud d-linemen is this draft.

[NorthHawk]

The QB decision might boil down to what Geno does. Having said that, this is a QB driven league so it's possible that they take a top QB and wait for a couple of years to play him before
moving to the new QB if Geno stays. Having a young QB learn for a year or so is not a bad thing even if it doesn't happen much anymore.

The DL, after maybe the first 5 picks looks like it's going to be a challenge to get a game changing player this draft. Is there one? Probably and just maybe there will be another John Randle who wasn't drafted and ended up in the HoF.
But more realistically there looks like there are some solid players late first and into middle 2nd rounds who could contribute immediately.

[TriCitySam]

I haven't been greatly impressed with the top 3 QB's, but what we know is that JS is fairly adept at judging QB talent (he found RW and was all over Mahomes and Josh Allen) so if he believes the "guy" is there, then you gotta take him. If not, then you likely go DL or DE. But if not sold 100% then we know he will look to move down and gain picks. At some point we need to address center. Blythe too small and has been getting pushed around lately, so whether that's later in the draft or FA, I think its a real need to improve our run game.

[Aseahawkfan]

I hope we don't end up taking a QB high and being on that long list of highly drafted QB that have been huge busts due to hype.