Next up: the draft

[NorthHawk]

Carter underperformed both of his testing days. One was the combine where he flew back for a misdemeanor charge and the other he was gassed. Add that he only played around 40% of the defensive plays and was gassed during the year and you end up with a player sliding down the board. Someone will select him, but it’s doubtful it will be in the top 5 and maybe even outside the top 10. The talent is there but many worry about the desire to win and sacrifice for the team.

[Oly]

Be selective. If not Stroud, then none at all, and I don't see Stroud making it to 5. This is with the caveat that the FO has a much better eye for talent than I. Levis looks the part; he's a tough guy who played in a pro style offense, but I'm still cautious. My observation that when he went peer-to-peer team talent wise, he was okay. He and the Wildcats dominated inferior opponents. If the FO sees what they need from him, I won't blast the pick. I'm more on board with getting Levis given that he won't have any pressure to start his rookie year.

After Stroud, Anderson Jr., and *Levis, I'm in favor of trading down. Mock draft simulations are just that, but trading down presents some very nice options as well. That's what I like about where the Seahawks stand. They have options.

This is exactly where I'm at. The Hawks' biggest need is on D, and Anderson is a perfect scheme fit.

Stroud seems like the only of the top 4 QBs that has low bust potential. Richardson's accuracy scares me and I from what I've seen and read that's the hardest skill to develop at the pro level. Young's frame makes me a bit concerned, certainly at #5. I really want to like Levis, and there are times that I could be convinced he has the highest upside, but then you'll see these bizarre misses on what look like easy throws. Maybe that's the kind of thing that a year on the bench and a pro staff can correct, and that's why I'd be okay with him at #5.

I don't see a world in which Stroud lasts past #3, because if, by some miracle, he doesn't go in the top 2 the Cards will get a ransom in a trade.

I think most of the commenters in this thread and online have it right: Stroud then Young at the first two picks. Whether the Cards take Anderson or trade with someone wanting Levis/Anderson is 50/50. The remaining QB goes at #4. If Anderson is available, we are all happy and we see PC and JS rip their shirts off for an epic flying chest-bump in the draft room. If it's Richardson, I hope they trade back and get a 1st next year. If it's Levis...I kinda hope they'll trade back but if they take him then I'll convince myself it was for the best during the training camp slew of glowing reviews.

Just no on Carter. During nearly all of last season he's the only guy I really wanted, but seeing him disappear in the 2nd half of games and then his pro-day gave me all sorts of JaMarcus Russell/Albert Haynesworth vibes. He's a guy who's been fluffed up by coaches/media for so long that he's been relying on natural talent and neglecting the hard work that turns talent into success in the pros. Simply put: I don't see him turning into a professional soon. Maybe that develops in the pros, but I wouldn't bet a first-rounder on it.

[RiverDog]

Be selective. If not Stroud, then none at all, and I don't see Stroud making it to 5. This is with the caveat that the FO has a much better eye for talent than I. Levis looks the part; he's a tough guy who played in a pro style offense, but I'm still cautious. My observation that when he went peer-to-peer team talent wise, he was okay. He and the Wildcats dominated inferior opponents. If the FO sees what they need from him, I won't blast the pick. I'm more on board with getting Levis given that he won't have any pressure to start his rookie year.

After Stroud, Anderson Jr., and *Levis, I'm in favor of trading down. Mock draft simulations are just that, but trading down presents some very nice options as well. That's what I like about where the Seahawks stand. They have options.

This is exactly where I'm at. The Hawks' biggest need is on D, and Anderson is a perfect scheme fit.

Stroud seems like the only of the top 4 QBs that has low bust potential. Richardson's accuracy scares me and I from what I've seen and read that's the hardest skill to develop at the pro level. Young's frame makes me a bit concerned, certainly at #5. I really want to like Levis, and there are times that I could be convinced he has the highest upside, but then you'll see these bizarre misses on what look like easy throws. Maybe that's the kind of thing that a year on the bench and a pro staff can correct, and that's why I'd be okay with him at #5.

I don't see a world in which Stroud lasts past #3, because if, by some miracle, he doesn't go in the top 2 the Cards will get a ransom in a trade.

I think most of the commenters in this thread and online have it right: Stroud then Young at the first two picks. Whether the Cards take Anderson or trade with someone wanting Levis/Anderson is 50/50. The remaining QB goes at #4. If Anderson is available, we are all happy and we see PC and JS rip their shirts off for an epic flying chest-bump in the draft room. If it's Richardson, I hope they trade back and get a 1st next year. If it's Levis...I kinda hope they'll trade back but if they take him then I'll convince myself it was for the best during the training camp slew of glowing reviews.

Just no on Carter. During nearly all of last season he's the only guy I really wanted, but seeing him disappear in the 2nd half of games and then his pro-day gave me all sorts of JaMarcus Russell/Albert Haynesworth vibes. He's a guy who's been fluffed up by coaches/media for so long that he's been relying on natural talent and neglecting the hard work that turns talent into success in the pros. Simply put: I don't see him turning into a professional soon. Maybe that develops in the pros, but I wouldn't bet a first-rounder on it.

Make that three of us. Richardson is tantalizing with the way he blew everyone's socks off at the combine, but I'm worried about his accuracy. Bryce Young reminds me too much of Kyler Murray. I'm done with sub-6' QB's for awhile. And I think I've made my feelings known about Jalen Carter. I fully expect the Cards to jump on Will Anderson like a chicken on a June bug, so yeah, trading down if it's for the right price works for me.

[NorthHawk]

It's clear that the intent was to find the next Franchise QB in the drafts following the departure of Wilson. It doesn't make sense not to when the most important position is QB and you have the chance to do so.
I think that all 4 have a very good chance to be that Franchise QB every team needs. Young might be the most pro ready of them all but his sleight build might turn some teams off. However, he delivers when it counts and although he doesn't have the strongest arm in this draft, it's more than adequate to succeed in the NFL and take a team to the championship. Stroud has all of the physical tools and seems like he's one of the best QBs to come out of Ohio St. in a long time. He's just an natural ball thrower and he can throw on the run. But he's never had to play QB in a pro system with the line calls and audibles along with complicated route trees. Levis has played in a Pro Offense making those calls and changes as well as faced a lot of adversity this past year with losing his OC, Center, RT, and suffering through a generally poor and inexperienced OL. He's also played in a system that is very similar to Waldron's as his 2021 OC was the OC under McVay, and if you look at the two Offenses, the formations, routes, motions, and some of the run plays are quite familiar to what we did last year.

All of these QBs have things to work on. There are no Andrew Lucks or Peyton Mannings in this draft, but we have the extreme luxury of being able to draft one of them and have him develop for at least a year with Geno on a Cap friendly contract along with Lock as backup. Richardson might have the highest ceiling of the four, but needs the most development as his experience is the least of the bunch. Having said that he's worth the fifth pick in my opinion and maybe better considering our draft and current QB situation.

But in the end, it really depends on what's between each player's ears that will determine success or failure for any of them, and that's something we will never really know.

[RiverDog]

Bottom line for me is that there are 3 players that I'd be happy with us drafting with our #5 overall: Stroud, Levis, and Anderson, with my preference being Stroud. Otherwise, I want to move down, and stash some draft capital for next season, and roll with Geno for one more year.

[mykc14]

Bottom line for me is that there are 3 players that I'd be happy with us drafting with our #5 overall: Stroud, Levis, and Anderson, with my preference being Stroud. Otherwise, I want to move down, and stash some draft capital for next season, and roll with Geno for one more year.

I agree with those three, although Young interests me. I love Richardson's athletic profile but his accuracy issues are real and it doesn't seem like something that you can really improve on at the pro level. If only we picked in the top 3. It seems like we were a lock for the #3 pick and then the football Gods had to step up and help the Broncos beat the Bolts, now we are left hoping somebody falls to us. The questions is if Stroud falls to number two do we make a push and trade up?

[NorthHawk]

No trade up for Stroud. The difference between him and the others isn’t substantial enough to pay the cost.

[MackStrongIsMyHero]

I'm keep leaning into to trading down. Get more picks this year or maybe fewer more picks this year and something next year. Draft well to fill out the team better, and then look to trade up next year for the QBOTF, if they have to. Trading away picks won't be as hard to take if they draft well this year.

[RiverDog]

Bottom line for me is that there are 3 players that I'd be happy with us drafting with our #5 overall: Stroud, Levis, and Anderson, with my preference being Stroud. Otherwise, I want to move down, and stash some draft capital for next season, and roll with Geno for one more year.

I agree with those three, although Young interests me. I love Richardson's athletic profile but his accuracy issues are real and it doesn't seem like something that you can really improve on at the pro level. If only we picked in the top 3. It seems like we were a lock for the #3 pick and then the football Gods had to step up and help the Broncos beat the Bolts, now we are left hoping somebody falls to us. The questions is if Stroud falls to number two do we make a push and trade up?

Richardson reminds me a lot of Jake Locker, one of the best athletes on the field but never could get his completion percentage to 60%, college or pro. It's difficult to coach up accuracy.

[mykc14]

I'm keep leaning into to trading down. Get more picks this year or maybe fewer more picks this year and something next year. Draft well to fill out the team better, and then look to trade up next year for the QBOTF, if they have to. Trading away picks won't be as hard to take if they draft well this year.

I don't mind acquiring picks but the cost to trade up next year will be astronomical (hopefully). I think if PC/JS really think any of these three or four is the QBOTF they need to do whatever they can to get them. IF they aren't convinced any of these guys are HIM then I like trading back too.

[MackStrongIsMyHero]

I don't mind acquiring picks but the cost to trade up next year will be astronomical (hopefully). I think if PC/JS really think any of these three or four is the QBOTF they need to do whatever they can to get them. IF they aren't convinced any of these guys are HIM then I like trading back too.

That's a fair take. All the things we are concerned with and wanting, I'm sure they've been going over it ad nauseam. They'll be ready; I'm excited to see what they do and hoping to not be disappointed.

[RiverDog]

I don't mind acquiring picks but the cost to trade up next year will be astronomical (hopefully). I think if PC/JS really think any of these three or four is the QBOTF they need to do whatever they can to get them. IF they aren't convinced any of these guys are HIM then I like trading back too.

That's a fair take. All the things we are concerned with and wanting, I'm sure they've been going over it ad nauseam. They'll be ready; I'm excited to see what they do and hoping to not be disappointed.

I agree, too. But if they do decide to go after one of the top QB's, that they'd better be GD sure he's the one. Schneider seems to have had a pretty good eye for QB's as he's the one that made the call on Wilson and was sniffing around Mahomes and Allen when others didn't even know their names, so I have a little more confidence in him than I would some random GM. But I said something similar after the Adams trade, that I had faith in Pete, that he knew what he was doing when it came to evaluating defensive players.

[Aseahawkfan]

John and Pete's last ride with a top 5 pick. I say go for it on a QB. What have they got to lose when their time here is almost done, at least Pete's for sure. Go for it, Pete, go for it.

[mykc14]

John and Pete's last ride with a top 5 pick. I say go for it on a QB. What have they got to lose when their time here is almost done, at least Pete's for sure. Go for it, Pete, go for it.

That's sort of how I feel. If Stroud doesn't go number 1 I wouldn't mind trading down to get him, but I don't see the Cards trading with us at 3, which means we would have to want one of those QB's left at 4 more than the Colts, which seems like a long shot. I just don't see any situation, unless we trade down to number 2, of us getting Stroud or Levis.

[NorthHawk]

Pete, John, Waldron, and others were at all 3 Pro days for the top QBs and will be at Richardsons next. According to Pete then they are done with Pro days. What does that tell us? Are they interested in only 1 QB? Is it a smokescreen during lying season?
Do they like all 4 but want to see them in person to decide if they would be a fit within the team?
If they draft one of them, they will surely say that they got the player they targeted regardless of their true feelings, so we will never really know.

[mykc14]

Pete, John, Waldron, and others were at all 3 Pro days for the top QBs and will be at Richardsons next. According to Pete then they are done with Pro days. What does that tell us? Are they interested in only 1 QB? Is it a smokescreen during lying season?
Do they like all 4 but want to see them in person to decide if they would be a fit within the team?
If they draft one of them, they will surely say that they got the player they targeted regardless of their true feelings, so we will never really know.

It doesn't really tell us much. PC/JS are all in on most things and I do believe that they view this as a unique opportunity that they, at least PC, won't be in again in his career and they don't want to waste it. With that being said it could be a smokescreen to get somebody to trade up with the Cards, hopefully giving us a chance to draft Anderson. If if is a smokescreen and it works then that would be amazing- getting Anderson at #5 would be a minor miracle. Honestly if we somehow get Stroud, Levis, Anderson, or maybe Young (man I wish he was 2 inches taller). I would be pretty happy.

[NorthHawk]

Pete also talked recently about how this is a rare opportunity to draft a top QB.
There’s a lot of evidence to suggest that they are serious.

[Aseahawkfan]

I think they are serious about QB if the right guy is there for the right price.

[Hawktawk]

I heard today a big ESPN guy maybe Mike mayock mock Hendon Hooker to the Hawks at 5 . All
I know is with this nutty qb frenzy and what I read and hear about the guy he’s not going in the second . Whether we would “reach “ like that is a good question . But i like Hooker .

[HawkSis]

I’m starting to favor the idea of grabbing n stashing a high upside QBOTF w/ our first pick, D-line, IOL, linebackers, rbs and a third wr sprinkled elsewhere. But heck…. Once we draft em, they are hawks and I will love them until they prima donna themselves out of my heart.

[NorthHawk]

I hope this link works. Pete’s interview with Steve Wyche of NFL Network.

https://twitter.com/wyche89/status/1640 ... _Tm8UtAAAA

[RiverDog]

I'm not believing what any NFL head coach and/or GM say on most occasions, let alone this time of year. Like Mike Holmgren once said, everybody lies. Even things like interviews with potential players could be designed for nothing more as a smoke screen to dupe other teams into thinking that we're going this or that way in the draft.

[NorthHawk]

It's hard to believe they would take 6 or 7 coaches to 4 cities across the country just for a ruse. One or two, maybe but a whole entourage? Seems a bit too much.

[obiken]

I'm not believing what any NFL head coach and/or GM say on most occasions, let alone this time of year. Like Mike Holmgren once said, everybody lies. Even things like interviews with potential players could be designed for nothing more as a smoke screen to dupe other teams into thinking that we're going this or that way in the draft.

Thats it Rivo, the biggest casualty from now till draft day is the TRUTH!

[HawkSis]

It's hard to believe they would take 6 or 7 coaches to 4 cities across the country just for a ruse. One or two, maybe but a whole entourage? Seems a bit too much.

I really think they are performing a heavy dose of due diligence on the QBs. We just don’t draft this early and if they fall in love with one, I’m all for it. I don’t think they’d go on a weeks long smoke screen tour with the entire brain-trust to dupe everyone, but if another team runs up to grab a QB at 3 and we get Anderson, I’m all for that too. I’m out on Mr. Carter.

[obiken]

I really think they are performing a heavy dose of due diligence on the QBs. We just don’t draft this early and if they fall in love with one, I’m all for it. I don’t think they’d go on a weeks long smoke screen tour with the entire brain-trust to dupe everyone, but if another team runs up to grab a QB at 3 and we get Anderson, I’m all for that too. I’m out on Mr. Carter.

I agree with you HS, but Cbob is right, this guy is the best DT to come out in 5 years. Joel Klatt was saying yesterday that you cannot dismiss him, but you cannot dismiss the Red Flags either. Never the less, I dont see him being there at 5 anyway. My question for everyone is what about the guy from Tenn, Hendon Hooker? IF you can get past the injury he was all world last year till he went down.

[c_hawkbob]

To be clear y'all, even though it appears that I'm championing the guy, Carter is my #5 preference, behind 3 QB's and an Edge rusher. I just think everyone is being prematurely dismissive of him on too little evidence. I'm sure there are 32 teams that have done a lot deeper dive on his pros & cons than any of us have. I still say he doesn't fall out of the top 10.

Oh, and Hooker is a safer pick than Richardson, even if not quite the physical specimen.

[Hawktawk]

I saw a mock with Hooker to Seattle at 5 . Weirder stuff has happened . I don’t think he will be around at 20

[c_hawkbob]

I saw a mock with Hooker to Seattle at 5 . Weirder stuff has happened . I don’t think he will be around at 20

That'd be just like Pete, selfies with the "top 4" QB prospects and then he drafts the one not on the list.

[obiken]

That'd be just like Pete, selfies with the "top 4" QB prospects and then he drafts the one not on the list

Oh no kidding!!

[Stream Hawk]

I saw a mock with Hooker to Seattle at 5 . Weirder stuff has happened . I don’t think he will be around at 20

I would be shocked if Hooker wasn’t there at 20. Take him if so, but he could even more likely slip to the 2nd round. I’ve been pretty steadfast to focus on defense with the first pick, interior Oline with the 20th.

I was pretty out on Jalen after the incident, lackluster playoff & workout performances, However I have read some stuff recently that might have changed my mind. As River said, trade back a few spots if he still there at five. Maybe. This next month is going to be crazy; a whole lot of lies, a little bit of truth, and a s*** ton of amateur GM speculation.

[mykc14]

I saw a mock with Hooker to Seattle at 5 . Weirder stuff has happened . I don’t think he will be around at 20

Hooker is growing on me. I'd rather pick somebody else than Richardson at 5 and then take Hooker later personally.

[TriCitySam]

From the Athletic:

"Seattle’s interest in these quarterbacks is no smokescreen. For one, Carroll and Schneider have to be prepared for any scenario on draft night. It would be organizational malpractice to pass on evaluating Stroud or Young based on an assumption they won’t be available when Seattle is on the clock with the No. 5 pick. Due diligence is part of the job in that regard."

And that's correct. They go the the pro days, and will look at all the prospects there that might fit, including the QB's. It would also be "malpractice" to make clear to everyone what their intentions/priorities are. We hope things are spot on, but all you have to do is look at the list of QB's or others drafted in the top 10 to know what we all should know: despite all the scouting, film and interviews, you still might pick someone that doesn't work out. Everybody liked Ryan Leaf, everybody liked Brian Bosworth.....

[NorthHawk]

All teams do a lot more research into players, their work habits, how they interact with teammates, who they hang with, where they’re from and other things. It’s not like the days of Ryan Leaf or Jamarcus Russell.
I was reading an article about the Lions and what they are doing and they are fleshing out more unreported character concerns about Carter. The link was paywalled, so I couldn’t read the article but it’s the second time I’ve heard that there are more concerns not yet public. I think he’s a real boom or bust player, even more so than any of the top QBs in this draft he might last beyond the top 10 if there’s any substance to the concerns.

[NorthHawk]

And that's correct. They go the the pro days, and will look at all the prospects there that might fit, including the QB's

So why did they go to Kentucky?

[Hawktawk]

I’d assume to look at Levis at least ? He’s got a selfie . I read Levis has the potential to drop some . Who knows .

[NorthHawk]

The point I was trying to make is they are actively looking at QBs. Schneider wanted Mahomes and Allen to the point he was said to try to trade Wilson for Allen. It's apparent he likes his QBs so going to these different workouts was largely for looking and further talking with the QBs of this draft to try to understand who they are.

[obiken]

Hooker is growing on me. I'd rather pick somebody else than Richardson at 5 and then take Hooker later personally.

The way he was playing guys, IF he hadn't of gotten hurt he would have been taken one or 2. All these guys are a crap shoot, WTH, I would have no problem rolling the dice on him if Young and Stroud are off board. He could heal, have a mentor in GS, the more I think of it, the more I like it. He is not noisy, arrogant, or any major Red flags.

[Hawktawk]

Hooker is growing on me. I'd rather pick somebody else than Richardson at 5 and then take Hooker later personally.

“The way he was playing guys, IF he hadn't of gotten hurt he would have been taken one or 2. All these guys are a crap shoot, WTH, I would have no problem rolling the dice on him if Young and Stroud are off board. He could heal, have a mentor in GS, the more I think of it, the more I like it. He is not noisy, arrogant, or any major Red flags.[/quote]

You must assume any of these top 4 guys might be a year one starter . That said if Seattle wanted one of those 4 guys why sign both Geno and Lock . Does Pete carry 3 ? With moves we have already made Hooker makes the most sense wherever he is taken . Mike Mayock says Seattle at 5. But what does he know . I just have a sense momentum is building for him in an insane league where jerod stidham and his 0-2 career record got 5.5 from Denver , mayfield 8.5 from Tampa , Darnold on the 9ers……..someone is going to make a run at Hooker .

[NorthHawk]

Sure they'd carry 3 QBs. It's a draft for the future when selecting a QB and it's the perfect situation for any young QB regardless of who he is to sit for a year or maybe more before getting some real playing time.

Regarding Hooker, he probably wouldn't be a top 5 selection because there is a bias against older QB's. He'll be 25 this year and although he could easily play for a decade, teams tend to shy away from older QBs. It seems some think that they can't learn and their habits are ingrained. In any event, there haven't been very many successful QBs taken at 25 or older that have done very well. Now with his injury recovery, he'll be 26 or thereabouts when he does start. So for those reasons, he will probably fall farther than he probably should.