Next up: the draft

[RiverDog]

Things I believe I know (in part from reading the press, who may not know anything), and from my couch:

1) Jalen Carter is generally considered to be the top rated player in this draft, a wrecking ball (and that doesn't mean sacks)

Top rated player? Show me a ranking that has him as the #1 overall talent. Top rated non QB maybe, but even that's a stretch.

2) As it comes to the above, JS will do his homework into the off the field issues.

Let's hope so. Rumor is that the Malik McDowell selection weighs heavily on his mind.

3) JS will surprise us at least once in this draft

Agreed.

4) We will take a QB at some point in this draft

Probably, but I'm not so sure. We already have two QB's under contract, so we're not in a desperation mode. I can envision a scenario where we don't draft a QB.

5) Unlike many prior years, we will see the Seahawks take player(s) on day 1....and that will be FUN! But as we know, ask me 3 yrs down the road how good this draft was.

Assuming that we don't trade out of the two picks, yes. But I agree, this draft is a lot more exciting for us Seahawk fans than any in the past 12 years.

6) No matter how good the draft, there will be arm-chair doubters

Thanks, Captain Obvious!

6) I have nothing better to do

Me, either, Bro.

[NorthHawk]

The arguments have been made Asea, complete with links and quotes, you've just chosen to ignore them. Sans recent "character issues" he's consensus top 5 talent in this draft by evaluators that make there living evaluating talent. And top 5 is conservative.

You mean the same experts who said 3 or 4 QBs would go in the 1st round and had Malik Willis as a top 5 pick last year?

Some of these guys had Mahomes as a 2nd round pick and Allen was too inaccurate to be drafted early.
They don’t know much more than us as to how the draft will go.

[Aseahawkfan]

The arguments have been made Asea, complete with links and quotes, you've just chosen to ignore them. Sans recent "character issues" he's consensus top 5 talent in this draft by evaluators that make there living evaluating talent. And top 5 is conservative.

I have yet to see a good argument that shows how a DT like Carter without college production has done well in the NFL. Every single top 5 DT I've read on had amazing college production, not potential or what he could be but what he did.

No one wants a DT more than me. But I'm trying to find a close analogue for Carter and it's not Donald, Sapp, Reggie, Tez, Suh, or any of the other top guys. They all had amazing college production.

The closest analogue I can find is Casey Hampton. He was a true NT and number 19 pick.

If you have some example of a DT like Carter without college production suddenly becoming a top 5 worthy beast in the NFL, I'd love to read on that group because near as I can tell they don't exist or are exceedingly rare at best. If you're a wrecking ball, then it shows up on your college stats whether TFLs or sacks or some stat.

[Aseahawkfan]

Haloti Ngata is another player that might compare well to Jalen Carter. They had similar college production. Haloti was a another NT. He was picked 12th overall, but was an amazing NT for the Ravens.

[MackStrongIsMyHero]

Haloti Ngata is another player that might compare well to Jalen Carter. They had similar college production. Haloti was a another NT. He was picked 12th overall, but was an amazing NT for the Ravens.

Carter isn't a true NT anyway. His draft comp per NFL.com is Jeffery Simmons who plays 4-3 DT.

College stats:

7 sacks, 33 TFL, 46 solo, 77 assist - Simmons (not including his freshman stats)
6 sacks, 15.5 TFL, 33 solo, 36 assist - Carter

Simmons was more productive and also played in the SEC. He was drafted 19th overall.

His NFL.com profile states:

Could use a little more mass against NFL guards.
Loses momentum when swapping power with true heavyweights.
Neutralized by the size/strength of Florida’s O’Cyrus Torrence in 2022.
Tank ran out of gas in College Football Playoff semifinal against Ohio State.

That doesn't point to a guy who will anchor a 3-4, and it concerns me to draft him as high as #5 with those drawbacks. Ngata, Poe, Hampton, and Wilfork for were known for holding the point of attack against running plays while being double teamed. Carter can apparently be handled one-on-one with NFL caliber interior linemen. Suh and Donald aren't NT either, but they showed far more production in the 4-3 DT role than Carter did.

[Aseahawkfan]

Carter isn't a true NT anyway. His draft comp per NFL.com is Jeffery Simmons who plays 4-3 DT.

College stats:

7 sacks, 33 TFL, 46 solo, 77 assist - Simmons (not including his freshman stats)
6 sacks, 15.5 TFL, 33 solo, 36 assist - Carter

Simmons was more productive and also played in the SEC. He was drafted 19th overall.

His NFL.com profile states:

Could use a little more mass against NFL guards.
Loses momentum when swapping power with true heavyweights.
Neutralized by the size/strength of Florida’s O’Cyrus Torrence in 2022.
Tank ran out of gas in College Football Playoff semifinal against Ohio State.

That doesn't point to a guy who will anchor a 3-4, and it concerns me to draft him as high as #5 with those drawbacks. Ngata, Poe, Hampton, and Wilfork for were known for holding the point of attack against running plays while being double teamed. Carter can apparently be handled one-on-one with NFL caliber interior linemen. Suh and Donald aren't NT either, but they showed far more production in the 4-3 DT role than Carter did.

Hmm. I gotta be honest I don't really want this guy. He doesn't look like the real deal to me. He doesn't look like a wrecking ball or anything of the kind. What he looks like to me is a big, incredibly physically gifted individual who lacks the work ethic to make his physical gifts sing. Or he's physically overrated. Either way, the guy is not screaming top 5 DT. I'm still not sure why he is rated as well as he is save he may be the only DT of any merit in a DT light draft.

[mykc14]

Hmm. I gotta be honest I don't really want this guy. He doesn't look like the real deal to me. He doesn't look like a wrecking ball or anything of the kind. What he looks like to me is a big, incredibly physically gifted individual who lacks the work ethic to make his physical gifts sing. Or he's physically overrated. Either way, the guy is not screaming top 5 DT. I'm still not sure why he is rated as well as he is save he may be the only DT of any merit in a DT light draft.

I agree I'm a no on Carter at 5.

[NorthHawk]

If you watch him he will have some real wow plays, but then he tends to disappear. I can only suppose he’s out of shape or doesn’t have the drive, but man if he had the desire and motor to be the best, he’d be a terror. Maybe a light will turn on for him and he achieves his potential, but 5 is a rare chance to take a leap of faith with so many doubts when others are available with much higher floors.
So watch us take him at #5…

[Aseahawkfan]

The reality is I'm going to be fairly high on anyone they draft. I like getting new guys. If they end up sucking, then I guess I'll be unhappy. At number 5 it feels like you should make sure you hit and hit big or at the very least if you miss it should be a serviceable player. Picking in the 20s you can forgive the misses when a GM swings for the fences on potential since late 20s players can have flaws if they are high upside players. But you can't miss your top 5 picks. They have to be quality players. At the worst you should be getting the 5th best player in an entire draft class. That player should be good.

[Aseahawkfan]

My buddy thinks John and Pete might take Devon Witherspoon to pair with Tariq for freakish secondary.

[RiverDog]

My buddy thinks John and Pete might take Devon Witherspoon to pair with Tariq for freakish secondary.

He's probably a long shot at #5, but it wouldn't surprise me. Witherspoon's stock has been rising, and if we don't take him with our #5 overall and he falls out of the top 10, I wouldn't mind seeing us trade up from our #20 to get him.

[tarlhawk]

Travon Walker was drafted #1 in last years draft as a DE/OLB and his production at Georgia was similar to Jalen Carter who was often double teamed playing along the Interior def line. Stats Can be an indicator of NFL potential but scheme and use as well as fellow Def Line team mates can skew stats...the draftnics who tout Jalen Carter constantly offer up "he jumps off the tape" implying those capable of studying film and adept at understanding what they are seeing/looking for...seem to be saying yes indeed a wrecking ball...a physical freak able to collapse a QB comfort zone in the pocket.

Just another thought...our team hired a "pass rush specialist" respected for his coaching technique who can impact any of our youth/rookies.

I am hoping Anthony Richardson or even better CJ Stroud are options at #5 but I will not be "upset" if Jalen Carter slips to us with Mazi Smith added later to reap the spoils of our 2023 draft. Go Hawks

[Aseahawkfan]

Travon Walker had six sacks his senior year. Walker had a great combine. I'd be more comfortable taking Travon Walker than Jalen Carter.

[tarlhawk]

Travon Walker had six sacks his senior year. Walker had a great combine. I'd be more comfortable taking Travon Walker than Jalen Carter.

My point was Travon Walker played DE not NT/INTERIOR...so 6 sacks Vs 3 hardly tips the scales in comparing production...solo stops were 37 for Walker/32 for Carter...with 7.5 TFL for Walker and 7 TFL for Carter in "final season production"

[Aseahawkfan]

My point was Travon Walker played DE not NT/INTERIOR...so 6 sacks Vs 3 hardly tips the scales in comparing production...solo stops were 37 for Walker/32 for Carter...with 7.5 TFL for Walker and 7 TFL for Carter in "final season production"

Double the number of sacks doesn't tip the scales? Along with a great combine and no off the field issues or questions of motor?

We'll find out Thursday if Jalen ends up a Seahawks. I'd sure feel better about him later in the draft than earlier. Top 5 I'd like a more sure player.

[tarlhawk]

Double the number of sacks doesn't tip the scales? Along with a great combine and no off the field issues or questions of motor?

Again comparing apples to oranges...an olb/de doubling the sack production of an interior lineman who often gets double teamed doesn't quite tell the story. A focused Jalen Carter demands double teaming (which is why our olb/de love Al Green) which allows our pass rush more "one on one" matches to over power and pressure the QB out of his comfort zone.


The inside push that collapses the pocket and "flushes" out the QB (let alone prevent him from steeping up into the pocket to deliver a dart to a crossing wr) is a team perspective. The key is to make the QB hesitate...move him off "his spot" for his release...which makes the QB throw his pass too early which benefits a ball hawking secondary. The second team benefit is if your interior defensive line can demand double teaming your off ball linebackers are "kept clean" allowing them to get good tackling angles in run pursuit...win/win! Go Hawks

[NorthHawk]

Yup he can do that, but unlike the best players his motor runs hot and cold.
In the most important time of the playoff games, he was mostly on the sidelines. That's not a player you want to point to as your team leader and standard setter.
Other players like Aaron Donald and JJ Watt have/had non stop motors. They practice incredibly hard and train all off season. Carter couldn't get into shape for two years and was put on a treadmill most practices to try to improve his fitness.
Is that the guy you want to bet the farm on? It's a huge gamble if it is and unacceptable at the #5 draft spot from my perspective.

[Hawktawk]

Blah blah blah blah blah . Jesus how is this bum still rated as the #1 overall talent by numerous pundits TODAY? Wrecking ball doesn’t mean sacks and TFL necessarily . It means DISRUPTION. Throwing off timing . Redirecting run plays . He was the anchor of a defense that won back to back natties without anything resembling a franchise qb. His recent private workouts have reportedly been much better than his pro day .

I would have zero problem if they pick the guy no matter how many think he’s satan .

[NorthHawk]

I'll cheer for him if we do, but I doubt we will be cheering for him more than 25% of the defensive plays.

Edit:
If you look just at Bob's thread of the draft you will see that there's a lot of DL talent in this draft. There may be even better pass rushers than Carter and certainly players with better motors.
The draft pundits are correct about as much as we are. If you think they know everything, you are sadly mistaken.
Here's a secret to how they do their mock drafts:
1) Identify the team
2) Identify needs (may not necessarily be correct)
3) Slot in the highest rated player on their board for that need

There is very little in depth evaluation of the teams. For media people, it's pretty poor investigation of what teams need.
For instance there was a mock draft yesterday afternoon and the primary needs for Seattle were DL, WR, LB. and CB Not once did they mention the loss of the starting Center, nor did they talk about losing a Pro Bowl QB and maybe consider a QB and they avoided talking about Safety even though Adams is still recovering and we went to a 3 Safety system last year. They just don't do their homework on teams.

[mykc14]

He was the anchor of a defense that won back to back natties without anything resembling a franchise qb. His recent private workouts have reportedly been much better than his pro day .

I would have zero problem if they pick the guy no matter how many think he’s satan .

Wow- how talk about overstatement... nobody is calling him satan. He was part of a very good defense that probably wins the national championship without him. They may not have had a franchise QB but they don't win a national championship without Stetson Bennett. There is no doubt about who was more important to that team.

[RiverDog]

His recent private workouts have reportedly been much better than his pro day.

You can't trust reports from "private workouts." Of course, they're going to say that they're much better. What do you think they're going to say about them? That he tanked those, too? That's one of the reasons why they're 'private', so they can control the narrative. Everything right now has to be considered a smoke screen until proven otherwise.

Besides, it doesn't make a lot of sense that after being gassed during the regular season, gaining 9 pounds within a few weeks, then flopping in his Pro Day that a few weeks later, he'd suddenly turn into a workout warrior.

[RiverDog]

He was the anchor of a defense that won back to back natties without anything resembling a franchise qb. His recent private workouts have reportedly been much better than his pro day .

I would have zero problem if they pick the guy no matter how many think he’s satan .

Wow- how talk about overstatement... nobody is calling him satan. He was part of a very good defense that probably wins the national championship without him. They may not have had a franchise QB but they don't win a national championship without Stetson Bennett. There is no doubt about who was more important to that team.

Yeah, even though no one even remotely suggested it, HT thinks that we all blame Carter for the deaths of two people in the drag racing incident, hence the 'satan' remark.

Stetson Bennett is an interesting prospect that has gotten little attention even though he had an outstanding career at Georgia. It's primarily due to his height (5'11"), age (he'd turn 26 midways through his rookie year), and has red flags of his own, having been arrested for public intoxication shortly after their national title game. Word is that he could go undrafted.

[Hawktawk]

Bennett went from 4th round maybe to undrafted in one wasted night . I like the guy but once again too small . Backup material . As for Walker he’s been crucified in here and everywhere and everyone gets excited when I use a little hyperbole . Many here suggested he had a role in 2 deaths . It probably still weighs heavily on him . think the whole thing might well have knocked the guy off kilter during a crucial time leading to his poor performances and weight gain . It might lend credence to his reported improvement in condition since his pro day . I caught a bit of him being interviewed. Sounded like a nice soft spoken kid . He adressed the crash , said he knew it would be a concern but that “ they will look at everything you have done your whole life . Didn’t sound like Satan . I really don’t care . I think he and Richardson are the 2 biggest wild cards in the draft , gonna make someone look really smart or really stupid . IMO if we want to win now we must improve our defense and interior OLine . If I’m the GM I’m not going qb at 5. If there’s not a defender worth 5 trade down . A qb at 5 makes little difference to this team this year unless they walk in and win the starting job day one like Russ . But he had LOB too . I want that more than some whiz kid .

[RiverDog]

Bennett went from 4th round maybe to undrafted in one wasted night . I like the guy but once again too small . Backup material . As for Walker he’s been crucified in here and everywhere and everyone gets excited when I use a little hyperbole . Many here suggested he had a role in 2 deaths . It probably still weighs heavily on him . think the whole thing might well have knocked the guy off kilter during a crucial time leading to his poor performances and weight gain . It might lend credence to his reported improvement in condition since his pro day . I caught a bit of him being interviewed. Sounded like a nice soft spoken kid . He adressed the crash , said he knew it would be a concern but that “ they will look at everything you have done your whole life . Didn’t sound like Satan . I really don’t care . I think he and Richardson are the 2 biggest wild cards in the draft , gonna make someone look really smart or really stupid . IMO if we want to win now we must improve our defense and interior OLine . If I’m the GM I’m not going qb at 5. If there’s not a defender worth 5 trade down . A qb at 5 makes little difference to this team this year unless they walk in and win the starting job day one like Russ . But he had LOB too . I want that more than some whiz kid .

Of course, Carter had a role in the accident. It's why the police arrested him. Speaking for myself, my biggest problem with his behavior wasn't the racing, it was his leaving the scene. But that's a far cry from considering him Satan. You're over dramatizing our reaction.

Honestly, where are you getting these reports that Carter's conditioning has improved? I did a search and turned up nothing.

Agreed about Bennett. His age is a big factor, likely more so than his height. But you're right, the wasted night might have torpedoed any chance he had of being drafted. Georgia sure has a bad track record with their athletes.

[MackStrongIsMyHero]

Blah blah blah blah blah . Jesus how is this bum still rated as the #1 overall talent by numerous pundits TODAY? Wrecking ball doesn’t mean sacks and TFL necessarily . It means DISRUPTION. Throwing off timing . Redirecting run plays . He was the anchor of a defense that won back to back natties without anything resembling a franchise qb. His recent private workouts have reportedly been much better than his pro day .

I would have zero problem if they pick the guy no matter how many think he’s satan .

1. Pundits aren't perfect. Aaron Curry was a can't miss prospect. Malik Willis and Desmond Ridder were mocked to the first round last year.
2. Carter didn't anchor UGA's national championship team in 2021. That honor went to the 6'-6" 341 lb Jordan Davis. If only this team had a shot a guy like that this go around.
3. Those UGA defenses are loaded.
4. Stetson Bennett isn't an NFL franchise QB, but he was a very good college QB.

[mykc14]

Bennett went from 4th round maybe to undrafted in one wasted night . I like the guy but once again too small . Backup material . As for Walker he’s been crucified in here and everywhere and everyone gets excited when I use a little hyperbole . Many here suggested he had a role in 2 deaths . It probably still weighs heavily on him . think the whole thing might well have knocked the guy off kilter during a crucial time leading to his poor performances and weight gain . It might lend credence to his reported improvement in condition since his pro day . I caught a bit of him being interviewed. Sounded like a nice soft spoken kid . He adressed the crash , said he knew it would be a concern but that “ they will look at everything you have done your whole life . Didn’t sound like Satan . I really don’t care . I think he and Richardson are the 2 biggest wild cards in the draft , gonna make someone look really smart or really stupid . IMO if we want to win now we must improve our defense and interior OLine . If I’m the GM I’m not going qb at 5. If there’s not a defender worth 5 trade down . A qb at 5 makes little difference to this team this year unless they walk in and win the starting job day one like Russ . But he had LOB too . I want that more than some whiz kid .

I wasn't arguing about Bennett's draft profile. You were using the idea that Bennett wasn't a franchise QB and implied that Carter was the reason they won the Natty. I was just saying that Bennett was more important to the team winning than Carter. This example actually shows why you SHOULD draft a QB at 5. Carter, supposedly the anchor of their defense wasn't as important as a QB who might go undrafted. Carter only played 40% of the defensive snaps for Georgia the past two years AND was out of condition for those snaps. I think he can be a force in the Pros but he has to have a MAJOR shift in character to be worthy of a top 5 pick. I don't want us using the #5 pick on a guy who NEEDS a major shift in character that high. I would rather take a guy who has great character and a high ceiling like one of the QB's than a guy like Carter. I don't want us to use the #5 pick only thinking about what is best for our team this year- that is incredibly shortsighted.

[tarlhawk]

Sadly our gift horse (Denver) didn't provide us with a #3 pick...yet they did give us a selection that normally would have required our team go "belly up" as many pundits had predicted. Our team has intangibles that make our teams progress hard to boldly identify. We have solid coaching on both sides to take full advantage of a "winning" atmosphere which helps get the players to buy-in to focus on being their best without sacrificing the accountability of wanting to play well for your team mates. Players actually feel relaxed with the mix of various personalities who believe in the coaching being provided without compromising what defines their individuality. The team aspect is highlighted by discipline and strong motivation to perform for Pete and the fans.

#5 is a weird spot for this years draft since we don't need an explosive edge or another O-Line tackle...and even a shutdown corner or "franchise" QB. Our biggest "need" was a restoration in our defense's ability to shut down the opponents running game. Solid fundamental tackling while penetrating/pushing back behind the line of scrimmage...your "smash mouth" style of intimidation that was once our trademark. Wags return is valuable until we can get Jordyn back. He provides leadership/run discipline and solid tackling...his liability is coverage exposure if a QB isn't rushed into passing...especially in plays requiring a quick deep drop underneath coverage.


Getting a beast like Jalen Carter will allow Dre'Mont Jones to get those over matched "one on ones" while keeping Bobby and Devon Bush "clean" for attacking the rushing lanes/gaps. Al Green impact 'maximized" would be a way of gauging the impact of Jalen Carter. Our improved secondary will be even better with a consistent pass rush opportunity from our even/odd man fronts. Make that QB uncomfortable...not poised and confident. Go Hawks

[Old but Slow]

The #5 pick is a gift. Without Denver's collapse, we would not be picking there. That makes it a perfect chance to take a shot at a chancy player. This draft has pretty good DL depth in the middle rounds. Not so much for QB. This could be an outstanding draft for the team, and a perfect backup to last years draft.

Carter is a no for me, although I will support him should he be taken. One element that should be considered, is his agent. Drew Rosenhaus is a very tough hombre, and I would guess that he is behind most of the talk about the Seahawks taking him and the over the top claims of Carters dominance.

By the way, the talk of Travon Walker from last year is interesting since he has been a disappointment (3 sacks?).

[MackStrongIsMyHero]

Getting a beast like Jalen Carter will allow Dre'Mont Jones to get those over matched "one on ones" while keeping Bobby and Devon Bush "clean" for attacking the rushing lanes/gaps. Al Green impact 'maximized" would be a way of gauging the impact of Jalen Carter. Our improved secondary will be even better with a consistent pass rush opportunity from our even/odd man fronts. Make that QB uncomfortable...not poised and confident. Go Hawks

1. Assuming you mean Al Woods though I can't argue with your taste in music.
2. I'm very wary of this impact on the running game Jalen Carter will purportedly have. According to NFL.com is that he needs more mass against guards, loses momentum when matched up against true heavy weight players (I take this as NFL caliber linemen), and, as an example, was neutralized by O'Cyrus Torrence, a highly-touted guard prospect in this draft. The point of a NT in a 3-4 is to hold two run blockers at the line of scrimmage; it's pointless if they take you 3-4 yards down field.

For a 3-4, Jalen Carter is better suited to DE where Seattle already has Jarran Reed and Dra'mont Jones. Carter isn't built like Al Woods. If they do take him at #5 (where I don't think a player suited for a 3-4 DE role should go), they'll still need an Al Woods type to man the middle. Opinions vary, but that's my take on Carter aside from his off the field stuff. I think they can get a bigger impact with #5 from another position or should trade down if the deal is right if offered.

[Aseahawkfan]

Again comparing apples to oranges...an olb/de doubling the sack production of an interior lineman who often gets double teamed doesn't quite tell the story. A focused Jalen Carter demands double teaming (which is why our olb/de love Al Green) which allows our pass rush more "one on one" matches to over power and pressure the QB out of his comfort zone.


The inside push that collapses the pocket and "flushes" out the QB (let alone prevent him from steeping up into the pocket to deliver a dart to a crossing wr) is a team perspective. The key is to make the QB hesitate...move him off "his spot" for his release...which makes the QB throw his pass too early which benefits a ball hawking secondary. The second team benefit is if your interior defensive line can demand double teaming your off ball linebackers are "kept clean" allowing them to get good tackling angles in run pursuit...win/win! Go Hawks

Aaron Donald, Sapp, Suh, and other big interior DTs are not apples to oranges and they had way, way, way, way, way...not enough ways to list...stats better than Carter. Their single season stats are better than Carter's entire career. Those guys deserved their top picks.

Carter looks severely over-rated. I'm still not sure why so many of you still want to buy into this "He did stuff to make others around him better" rubbish when Donald, Suh, White, and nearly every great DT did stuff to make others around them better while putting up phenomenal stats themselves.

Now you're the one that brings up Travon Walker as a comparison who has similar stats, now you're using some weak apples and oranges comparison when you're the one who compared him to Travon to start with. So is he like Walker or not?

[Aseahawkfan]

1. Assuming you mean Al Woods though I can't argue with your taste in music.
2. I'm very wary of this impact on the running game Jalen Carter will purportedly have. According to NFL.com is that he needs more mass against guards, loses momentum when matched up against true heavy weight players (I take this as NFL caliber linemen), and, as an example, was neutralized by O'Cyrus Torrence, a highly-touted guard prospect in this draft. The point of a NT in a 3-4 is to hold two run blockers at the line of scrimmage; it's pointless if they take you 3-4 yards down field.

For a 3-4, Jalen Carter is better suited to DE where Seattle already has Jarran Reed and Dra'mont Jones. Carter isn't built like Al Woods. If they do take him at #5 (where I don't think a player suited for a 3-4 DE role should go), they'll still need an Al Woods type to man the middle. Opinions vary, but that's my take on Carter aside from his off the field stuff. I think they can get a bigger impact with #5 from another position or should trade down if the deal is right if offered.

Given who they signed in the offseason, I think Seattle decided Carter is not their guy. They signed edge rush and interior help. I think they will probably QB then pick up a Kancey or some other fat but for run defense like a Mebane later in the draft unless Carter drops to 20.

Only DTs I've seen get picked as high as 5 are guys who can do it all and their stats show they can do it all as well as having combines that confirm what you're seeing on the tape. Carter isn't that guy.

My gut tells me if a decent QB is there at 5, that's who we take. If not, the pick is going to surprise this forum.

[mykc14]

Only DTs I've seen get picked as high as 5 are guys who can do it all and their stats show they can do it all as well as having combines that confirm what you're seeing on the tape. Carter isn't that guy.

My gut tells me if a decent QB is there at 5, that's who we take. If not, the pick is going to surprise this forum.

Not only that buy Carter only played in 40% of their defensive stats over the past two years and was winded in that limited role. It could be argued that his stats would be better if he played more snaps and I might be able to get behind that if he weren't winded in the snaps he played. Do we really want to draft a guy at 5 who can't even play half of the snaps?

I agree about us going QB. I think we might go Anderson if he is there, but if I were a betting man I would put all down on a QB. I would have said Richardson a week ago, but it could come down to Richardson or Stroud... I would be OK with either, but happier with Stroud.

[RiverDog]

The Athletic had an interesting mock the other day:

At #5, with Bryce Young, Will Anderson, Tyree Wilson and Anthony Richardson already gone, TEN trades up from #11 to #5, in exchange for their #11, their 3rd round pick (#72), and their 2024 1st round pick.

At #11, Seattle selects EDGE Nolan Smith of Georgia.

With the #20 pick, Seattle again trades down, this time from #20 to #25. In exchange, Seattle gets #25 from NYG, and their 3rd round pick (#89).

At #25, Seattle selects G O'Cyrus Torrence of Florida.

At #37, Seattle stays put and selects C Joe Tippman of Wisconsin.

With NYJ on the clock at #43, Seattle trades up... giving up pick #52, #123 and #151 to the Jets.

At # 43, Seattle selects DT Mazi Smith of Michigan.

At #72 (from TEN), Seattle selects LB Dorian Williams of Tulane.

At #83, Seattle selects RB Tyjae Spears of Tulane.

At #89 (from NYG), Seattle selects WR Jonathan Mingo of Ole Miss.

At #123, Seattle selects TE Zach Kuntz of Old Dominion.

At #154, Seattle selects DT Karl Brooks of Bowling Green.

At #237, Seattle selects CB D'Shawn Jamison of Texas.

I have a hard time believing that we'd trade down if both Levis and Stroud are still on the board then not take a QB at all. But, I do like the idea of trading out of the #5 pick rather than taking a gamble on Carter.

[MackStrongIsMyHero]

Given who they signed in the offseason, I think Seattle decided Carter is not their guy. They signed edge rush and interior help. I think they will probably QB then pick up a Kancey or some other fat but for run defense like a Mebane later in the draft unless Carter drops to 20.

Only DTs I've seen get picked as high as 5 are guys who can do it all and their stats show they can do it all as well as having combines that confirm what you're seeing on the tape. Carter isn't that guy.

My gut tells me if a decent QB is there at 5, that's who we take. If not, the pick is going to surprise this forum.

I'd argue they didn't help the interior much except maybe on passing downs. Reed and Jones aren't NTs either. Seattle has a glaring hole for the fat butt (not derogatory in my book) you speak of. Somebody who's like an iceberg with most of their mass underwater so to speak.

Top 5 DTs seems to be a rarity. Tez, Gerald McCoy and Suh went in the top 5. Ngata, Donald, Jordan Davis, Cox, Jeffery Simmons, Richardson, Poe, Wilfork, Hampton, Tubbs (I thought he was very good until the injuries) all went after 10 in Round 1. Not a DT, but a 3-4 end, Justin Smith went number 4 overall. How does Carter stack up to all those guys?

[MackStrongIsMyHero]

The Athletic had an interesting mock the other day:

......

I have a hard time believing that we'd trade down if both Levis and Stroud are still on the board then not take a QB at all. But, I do like the idea of trading out of the #5 pick rather than taking a gamble on Carter.

Just saving space there, River.

Can't say I'd be upset with that draft. So many needs addressed.

[RiverDog]

Just saving space there, River.

Can't say I'd be upset with that draft. So many needs addressed.

If Stroud were there, I'd be somewhat disappointed, but I like the idea of putting a 1st rounder in the bank for next season and another 3rd rounder this year simply for trading down 6 spots.

[c_hawkbob]

Watching Path to the Draft on NFLN just now as they were discussing the Seahawks draft, while they didn't quote them directly they did say "after talking to John or Pete" they said they "had to be flexible" because there were so many ways the picks ahead of them could go. They also said the interview with Jalen Carter "went great" but there were also "multiple QB's" they'd feel good taking at pick 5.

Assuming "multiple" equals 2, and that Will Anderson is also a viable option if he's not gone already I think it's very likely we either go D-line or QB at 5. Pick 1 is going to be a QB for sure leaving one of the 4 above certain to be there at 5. If we trade back I think we do it from 20.

[NorthHawk]

The plan after trading Wilson had to be draft a QB in one of the next two drafts.
The evidence is short term contracts with Lock and Smith and an easy out with Geno’s latest contract. Teams don’t do that if they are secure with their QB play.
As well, when they traded Wilson, they had to get the OK from Jody. We can probably assume the question of how they intend to replace him came up and the comments probably didn’t include Geno long term. Again, if they thought he was the answer they wouldn’t have risked waiting to sign him last year and to only a prove-it deal. Therefore their answer to her must have included selecting a QB in one of the two upcoming drafts.
A winning lottery ticket dropped into their lap with Denver imploding, so do they follow their plan? Do they abandon their long term success knowing that in the next two years they’ll have to spend multiple firsts to move up? How would they answer Jody if she asked who Wilson’s replacement is?

We’ll know the answer to what plan they’re following by about 6pm tomorrow.
Should be interesting.

[RiverDog]

We’ll know the answer to what plan they’re following by about 6pm tomorrow. Should be interesting.

Yeah, I already have my evening planned. The weather has FINALLY gotten good enough to where I can sit on my deck, and since the wife hates this kind of stuff, I'll stream it outdoors on my tablet.

[Aseahawkfan]

Yeah, I already have my evening planned. The weather has FINALLY gotten good enough to where I can sit on my deck, and since the wife hates this kind of stuff, I'll stream it outdoors on my tablet.

You have a good meal and some drink planned?