Next up: the draft

[Aseahawkfan]

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?

Stat wise comparable to some of them.

It depends on what you believe. Some say Carter is too small to play NT as the above guy were in the 330 plus range.

Justin Smith was another college stat animal:

Smith played for the Missouri Tigers football team while majoring in general studies at the University of Missouri. In 1998, he became the first true freshman to start every game for Missouri since 1986 and was named Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year. As a sophomore, Smith set a new school sack record with eight and was named to first-team All-Big 12. In his junior season, Smith logged 11 sacks, 24 tackles-for-loss, and 97 total tackles. He broke his own sacks record that he set the previous year and set a new school record for tackles-for-loss. He earned first-team All-American honors from the Football Writers Association of America and garnered first-team All-Big 12 honors for the second year in a row. He entered the 2001 NFL Draft following his junior year.

I have not found another top 5 DT that didn't animal it up in college. So not sure. If Carter can get up to 330 plus to play Nose, then maybe. People say he can hold the point, but some say he may not be able to handle double teams by NFL guards due to size.

Looking at everything I've seen and Carter's stats, he looks like he's immensely over-hyped. Kancey has better production but is smaller. I'm not sure why people are so hyped on Carter.

I wish there was a slam dunk guy that dropped to five. But those monster DTs with college production usually go top 3 if not number one overall. A top DT is rarer than a top QB. Not sure how much of a factor they are in winning championships, but they are nice to watch.

[RiverDog]

Carter had problems holding his own against double teams vs. NFL quality OL's. If we do draft him, it shouldn't be with the thought that we can turn him into a NT. That's one of the reasons why I don't think he's on our board as he's not an edge rusher in a 3-4 alignment and he's not a nose tackle. We'd be trying to make a round peg fit a square hole. However, if we were to go back to a 4-3 alignment...

[Old but Slow]

Finding a big body to anchor the middle of the defense can happen late in the draft. Brian Mone was an undrafted free agent, and will be missed. Mazi Smith will likely go in the first couple of rounds and weighs 323 pounds; Garvon Dexter (round 3-4) is 310 and stout; Siaki Ika is 335 (4-5); Jerrod Clark is 334 (4-5); and Keondre Coburn 332 (5-7) without even going into the udfa group. He doesn't need to run a fast 40, leap 35 inches vertical, and so on, he just needs to be a blockade.

Much of the Carter debate is confounded by the question of how close the team is to being a Super Bowl (Supurb Owl?) contender. Those that say they are close say take Carter, while those that see us as a couple of years away lean to the quarterbacks. The fallacy of that is that defensive tackles usually take 2-3 years to become effective.

Big day tomorrow. I will have cataract surgery in the morning and then the draft. Anxiety all over the place.

[TriCitySam]

Kiper has him #1. Both Jeremiah, PFF, and others have had Carter rated as their top talent, and he is still rated 2 and 3 respectively. Only down 1 slot because of off the field stuff. And I just saw it told on Path to the Draft a couple days ago, but I’m not going to waste my time trying to prove anything.

[c_hawkbob]

Finding a big body to anchor the middle of the defense can happen late in the draft. Brian Mone was an undrafted free agent, and will be missed. Mazi Smith will likely go in the first couple of rounds and weighs 323 pounds; Garvon Dexter (round 3-4) is 310 and stout; Siaki Ika is 335 (4-5); Jerrod Clark is 334 (4-5); and Keondre Coburn 332 (5-7) without even going into the udfa group. He doesn't need to run a fast 40, leap 35 inches vertical, and so on, he just needs to be a blockade.

Much of the Carter debate is confounded by the question of how close the team is to being a Super Bowl (Supurb Owl?) contender. Those that say they are close say take Carter, while those that see us as a couple of years away lean to the quarterbacks. The fallacy of that is that defensive tackles usually take 2-3 years to become effective.

Big day tomorrow. I will have cataract surgery in the morning and then the draft. Anxiety all over the place.

Good luck with the surgery Old dude, my little brother just had it done and couldn't be happier!

[jshawaii22]

Tonight, what seems like hours of lounging through the dozens of "last mock drafts" and only one really stands out. I do choose to at least look at Bucky Brooks -- he was a 'real' talent scout for the Seahawks many moons ago. What I read and watch on NFL Live, his commentary seems pretty level.
Anyway, interesting that he has us taking Oregon CB - Christian Gonzalez at @5 then picking up Edge Nolan Smith @20. First time I've seen a CB@5. Not sure about that, but we are talking about Pete Carroll, defensive back guru. You never know... If he's a shut down corner, that gives us one awesome pair of CB's.

Bucky's about the only one that doesn't have us taking the consensus pick of Jalen Carter. I'm not a fan after watching more of his game film.

[NorthHawk]

The media mockers often forget our draft history.
In all previous drafts with this regime we never took a CB or S in the 1st or 2nd round.
It’s something that our FO seems to think they can have success mid rounds or later.
It goes along with what I talked about the mockers not doing their homework.

[Aseahawkfan]

The media mockers often forget our draft history.
In all previous drafts with this regime we never took a CB or S in the 1st or 2nd round.
It’s something that our FO seems to think they can have success mid rounds or later.
It goes along with what I talked about the mockers not doing their homework.

What do you mean? Earl was a first round pick. He was the anchor of the Legion of Boom. He made it all work.

And Pete spent two first round picks to trade for Jamal Adams, which is worse than drafting a safety in the first round.

Pete heavily values the safety position. If there was a stud safety like Earl in the first round, I have no doubt Pete and John might take him.

[NorthHawk]

Safety isn't a CB.

My mistake, though I should have clarified. They selected 1 DB early in their first draft. And the next drafts none until Griffin in the 3rd round. They have bypassed very highly ranked CBs in every draft since then.
The point remains - it's not something they do, but every year we hear the media mockers assigning us a CB in an early draft spot.

Trading picks isn't the same as drafting a player. Sure, we spent 2 firsts and a 3rd for Adams, but that was for an established player, not a draft pick. It's something that Pete seems to be able to identify later and develop into a good DB, however, our trading for a DB hasn't worked as well as the later draft picks have developed.

[Hawktawk]

Saw McShay said he’s got 6 or 7 sources including members of Georgia coaching staff who say yeah great talent but a handful to motivate and not amenable to hard coaching . But he also admits he might be the best talent in the draft still .
I have a hunch he’s gonna be good . Shut up some mouths . Kinda like Geno . If he had Genos work ethic he would be in shape for sure .

As I’ve said I don’t care . Get the right player . I’m changing up our viewing schedule to the potholes bar and grill at legacy where my wife and I own a luxury RV site . It’s their inaugural Seahawks draft party . GO HAWKS!

[tarlhawk]

Last minute thoughts...my own belief is unless Bryce Young or CJ Stroud are available...then I think JS is comfortable having Drew Lock with a full off season and pre-season added to what he has learned since joining us ...already on board (at a cheaper contract currently than the 32 mil awarded a #5 QB pick).


Will Anderson Jr may get the nod over Jalen Carter if he also slips somehow...but our Pass Rush specialist coach already has a cupboard to work with that features Darryl Taylor, Uchenna Nwosu and Boye Mafe as OLB/DE and a newly signed Dre'Mont Jones as an Interior Disruptor.


I feel that #5 then becomes Jalen Carter or we trade down...not sure cap wise if more picks is cost effective rather then using a rare top 5 pick. It feels like 5 selections at top end vice bottom of draft will be sprinkled amongst the "trenches" on both sides (3 Def/2 Off) with remaining 5 filling RB/LB/WR/TE and ...S or CB with dependency on which of those positions in the draft "begin to empty out". Go Hawks

[Hawktawk]

Last minute thoughts...my own belief is unless Bryce Young or CJ Stroud are available...then I think JS is comfortable having Drew Lock with a full off season and pre-season added to what he has learned since joining us ...already on board (at a cheaper contract currently than the 32 mil awarded a #5 QB pick).


Will Anderson Jr may get the nod over Jalen Carter if he also slips somehow...but our Pass Rush specialist coach already has a cupboard to work with that features Darryl Taylor, Uchenna Nwosu and Boye Mafe as OLB/DE and a newly signed Dre'Mont Jones as an Interior Disruptor.


I feel that #5 then becomes Jalen Carter or we trade down...not sure cap wise if more picks is cost effective rather then using a rare top 5 pick. It feels like 5 selections at top end vice bottom of draft will be sprinkled amongst the "trenches" on both sides (3 Def/2 Off) with remaining 5 filling RB/LB/WR/TE and ...S or CB with dependency on which of those positions in the draft "begin to empty out". Go Hawks

I agree on Lock . His signing was significant . He’s Stetson Bennetts age with over 20 pro starts , big athletic guy . Huge arm . Needs some developing . That could describe all the top guys other than Young and he’s a midget . I liked what I saw from Stroud in the bowl but now he’s an idiot that got an 18 on this test , reads one side of the field . Richardson is an amazing specimen physically . Really needs work . So does Levis. Pete said he’s very high on 2 quarterbacks in this draft . Getcha popcorn

[Aseahawkfan]

Safety isn't a CB.

My mistake, though I should have clarified. They selected 1 DB early in their first draft. And the next drafts none until Griffin in the 3rd round. They have bypassed very highly ranked CBs in every draft since then.
The point remains - it's not something they do, but every year we hear the media mockers assigning us a CB in an early draft spot.

Trading picks isn't the same as drafting a player. Sure, we spent 2 firsts and a 3rd for Adams, but that was for an established player, not a draft pick. It's something that Pete seems to be able to identify later and develop into a good DB, however, our trading for a DB hasn't worked as well as the later draft picks have developed.

Pete still places a high value on safety. He's more than shown he's willing spend to find a good safety. All of us that have watched Pete's defense know it shines best with a very strong safety group on the backend. One speed cover guy and one thumper to back up the middle. He hasn't been able to find that tandem in recent years, but he wants that type of tandem back as that tandem can cover up a lot of issues if they are good.

[Aseahawkfan]

A few hours until we see what Pete and John truly think. I'm feeling hyped. We haven't had a pick this high in 12 years. Let's hope for a homerun player.

[NorthHawk]

For me I’m feeling a sense of both trepidation and celebration.
It’ll be one or the other when the pick is in.
I sur hope they follow last year’s format and not those prior.

[c_hawkbob]

So far so good...

[c_hawkbob]

I can't remember a team picking 2 & 3 in a draft.

[c_hawkbob]

Well damn, knew that was coming

[c_hawkbob]

Come on Pete, Levis is still there!

[jshawaii22]

Tyree Wilson, Witherspoon or Carter... No, IMHO it won't be Levis (no, I wouldn't take the 4th QB off the board with the 5th pick), but we could trade to a team that does. Maybe Tennessee

[c_hawkbob]

Well we didn't trade

[c_hawkbob]

Nice call

[Aseahawkfan]

My buddy called that one. Damn.

Our secondary is going to be sick again. If only Jamal could get healthy and stay healthy.

[jshawaii22]

Glad it wasn't Carter. I know more about the Oregon CB, but this kid is supposed to be shutdown, hard hitting so I sure understand it's Pete's way. Love it.

[obiken]

Witherspoon really? Not that I am a Duck, but Gonzales was better. The big factor is this is not a gross need area like DL or even Oline. We need an edge rusher or a DT. Pete, gotta love him, not really.

[Aseahawkfan]

Witherspoon really? Not that I am a Duck, but Gonzales was better. The big factor is this is not a gross need area like DL or even Oline. We need an edge rusher or a DT. Pete, gotta love him, not really.

I figured we weren't going to super high D-line after they signed the D-line they did in the offseason. Fat body in the middle for run defense can be found later in the draft.

Tariq and Witherspoon as the corners going to be pretty sick. Not many receiver groups will handle that well.

[NorthHawk]

If we keep playing the 3-4, it’s important that the CBs be able to survive on an island.
And if we go back to the 4-3, he’s still valuable makes the edges real solid.
It seems that they are currently following the draft plan from last year with good players who can contribute early and taking a CB at 5 is a real departure from previous drafts.

[obiken]

Tariq and Witherspoon as the corners going to be pretty sick. Not many receiver groups will handle that well.

Its not that I hate the pick per say, I just think we had areas of bigger needs. Our Run defense was awful. It could have been worse, we could have taken RB Robinson, thats Pete's motif too! Then we could have had 2 great running backs! CJ Stroud was a shocker with all the deflated hype around him.

[Aseahawkfan]

Its not that I hate the pick per say, I just think we had areas of bigger needs. Our Run defense was awful. It could have been worse, we could have taken RB Robinson, thats Pete's motif too! Then we could have had 2 great running backs! CJ Stroud was a shocker with all the deflated hype around him.

I'm hoping we pick up Mazi for the nose myself if he still there in the second round or maybe trade back at 20 and pick him later in 1st. Some good DTs still on the board. Mazi a true NT. Big fat boy in the middle.

[c_hawkbob]

Yeah this wasn't a need pick, but it sure as hell was a fit pick!

[NorthHawk]

I think it’s part of upgrading the overall talent. Something we didn’t do much of until last year.

[obiken]

I think it’s part of upgrading the overall talent. Something we didn’t do much of until last year.

I just think even a Skoronski would have been a better way to go.

[jshawaii22]

Witherspoon really? Not that I am a Duck, but Gonzales was better. The big factor is this is not a gross need area like DL or even Oline. We need an edge rusher or a DT. Pete, gotta love him, not really.

You do note that it's been a lot of picks since #5, I think we're now at #15, and Gonzales is still on the board. Not that it means 'spoon is that much better...

[jshawaii22]

#20 is only 6 picks away. I think it looks like we could get a #1 to 1.5 WR (3 predicted top ones, with none off the board) and many DEnds, no DT's yet and how about O'Cyrus a giant muauling Florida guard, all there right now.

[c_hawkbob]

Well, Levis is still there?

[c_hawkbob]

Smith-Njigba it is!

[jshawaii22]

Gino going to be one happy camper this fall. Fast, plays the slot. Another good pick.

[Aseahawkfan]

Well, damn. Stop the pass and make our passing game unstoppable. Northhawk should be happy.

Now we need a fat boy tomorrow.

[c_hawkbob]

Not the positions I thought we'd go for but oh the quality! Devon Witherspoon is the best Corner in the draft and Jaxon Smith-Njigba the best WR. Not the best "available" mind you, the very best at their positions in the entire draft!

Quite the first day! Lets draft some fat tomorrow.

[jshawaii22]

No Nose Tackles or Interior OLine yet. I wonder if JS is trying to trade back into the first round? And, still have good edge out there, too. Nolan Smith and Miles Murphy and both high rated.