Michael MacKelve creates some excellent, nationwide draft content. This one includes a spotlight on the Seahawks and Grey Zabel, pegging the selection as a draft for need that ignores financial value, possibly because of a penny-pinching owner. https://youtu.be/WuNkJb1kWbY?si=xUEpZhP2eU5j-YVf
I see it a bit differently. Because the Seahawks managed their cap well recently, they didn’t need to save money with their draft pick. MacKelvie claims that you can pick up good guards off the street, but that didn’t seem to be the case. Finally, we know that an offensive line needs to play as a group, rather than five individuals, so having a young, great guard can lead to stability, while an aging free agent is here and gone. If our other recent iOL picks step up, the OL could be good for years, and since guards and centers are relatively cheap, we have the chance to keep the band together.
Anyway, check out the video. It’s quite interesting and it actually feels weird to see the Seahawks featured with the pick of a (lowly) guard in a video with a national audience.
I don't know what people appreciate or don't appreciate, but I know I appreciate those 2 iLB's in Earnest Jones and Tyrice Knight. Once EJ had a couple of games under him, and Knight came on later in the year, those two really made a difference. If your d-line can hold people up, LB's have to come downhill and make plays, and they both did. And I think they'll both be better with a year in the scheme behind them. Guys in the spine of the defense are hugely important.
I'm not expecting a lot out of Emmanwori in 2025. A Tyrice Knight kind of first year would be optimistic, but possible. But he's got a lot to learn and a lot to clean up, so I expect Mike will be in his ear all through OTA's and training camp. I'm not comparing him to anyone, but even Kam didn't get on the field much in year 1. It's a big adjustment. Ouzts might get more snaps in 2025 than Emmanwori. And if he does, that would be a very good sign for the offense.
We should be patient with Emmanwori, but draft position means something. Kam was a fifth round pick and Emmanwori went at 35 overall. Sometimes 5th round picks become all stars, but it's not what you expect when you draft him. I've got higher expectations that when you spend the 35th pick on a safety, that guy should see the field and have some impact as a rookie. He doesn't need to be a starter, but if he doesn't earn significant snaps (like, >30%) as a rookie, it'll be a disappointment (but he can always make it up to me by becoming an all pro in his sophomore season).
I'd love to see that happen! But, I also disagree that just by virtue of being selected #35 he should have any playing time baseline expectation as a rookie. Just because a guy is a 2nd rd pick, doesn't mean anything other than JS and staff think he'll have a good enough shot to become a more productive player than other guys that were available at that time. In JS' opinion, he was the 35th best value (probably better) in this draft.
NOW, he is just another guy on the team who has to compete against other guys for playing time who may all be better than him right now. Of course, he could blow them all away, too. I just push back a bit against any implied production just because of when someone is selected within a small group of incoming players that have to blend into and compete with a larger group of established and more experienced professionals for time and production opportunities. If the class totally sucks top-to-bottom, then he could ride the pine and be displaced next year, or even not make the team, yet still be worth that 35th pick. Do I think that's the case? No. I think JS had him as a 1st rd talent in relationship to all NFL players, not just top 32 in this class.
That said, I am excited about watching him progress as a player and hopefully seeing him contribute to a championship team.
All true. Once you're in the NFL it shouldn't matter if you were picked in the first round or the last. Your job is the same. If I were a coach, I would preach that message to my players.
But I'm an unfair fan. I'll be disappointed if draft capitol goes to waste, even though I know it's bound to happen a lot. I can be patient and disappointed at the same time. I'm looking at you, Christian Haynes.
I think that Sherman was a fifth round pick, too. The thinking at the time was that tall DBs couldn’t play in the NFL because their hips were too stiff and were easy to run past. Pete Carroll and the LOB showed so effectively that range, length, speed, and strength could
combine with technique that big DBs are often the first to be drafted.
Our head coach is a defensive innovator. Hey, we've got these talented athletes already on the roster, with demonstrated abilities and on doable contracts. And we have a new draft choice who is also a potential hybrid defensive talent, adding to these Linebacker/Safety types who can play aggressive football. I'm hoping MM can figure this out.
Does anyone know what Leonard Williams double team rate was last year? I found it as of week 5 on PFF and it was ~45%. I think that's a pretty major stat for lineman that didn't get enough attention. Yes sacks are great but if you free someone else up to get to the QB because they have to focus on you there's a ton of value in that
I’ve been watching games from last year. I’m on the 2nd pre-season game and I watched Mafe out there closing on a QB for the Titan’s on a roll out. He is incredibly game fast out there. I know he hasn’t stepped up to the next level just yet, but maybe he can get 12-14 sacks this year. The ravens never had a very elite edge as I recall, but they got a lot out of guys who were plenty good and effective - like Clowney. If Hall and he were to hit 12+ sacks a piece, we might be able to have them both at $30-35 million total for both vs the now $40 million for one elite edge?
I read the departure of Tyler and DK ended the 28% chunk out of the budget dedicated to our wide receiver corps. The Hawks led the league in this. I hope they can now show some money to our O-Line guys. If so, it should boost their overall efforts right at this crucial moment. Get some real unit integrity going? Good work by JS.
Nothing would make me happier next year than to see both Cross and Lucas extended. Cross, at 24 years old right now, I think has a good shot at stepping up to pro bowl this year. Use that cash saved on Lockett and DK and others to pay him before he becomes a pro bowl LT. It we hear Lucas gets extended at some point this year, that will mean his injury is no longer a big concern. Use the money not paying Will Fries to pay Abe Lucas. OTs are for harder to find than IOL.
I've been re-watching last season too...several times. And of all the people jumping out at me now you know who I'm seeing in a different light more than ever...and I can't believe I'm saying this because I've been kinda harsh on him...but Josh Jobe makes a lot of good plays. He showed progress and looked really solid at times. What I noticed was he gets stuck in his back pedal sometimes and then they pick on him...but other than that he has pretty good technique and (although smaller) seems to be a willing tackler. I may have been too critical...now let's talk about Woolen, turn your head and see the play my man - it's a heck of a view....anyways.
I would still like a veteran CB for back up and to potentially compete with Jobe. It’d be great if They sign Shaquille Griffin and Jobe beats him for the starting job. That way he earns his way out there. It’s money time for Woolen. Here’s hoping he stays locked in and is able to play a little more physical against the run this year.
Great read. Though Leonard Williams is fully appreciated by this audience, IMO. I'm not sure why, but I envision Demarcus Lawrance vying with LW for the most awesome member of our defense. I'm not sure he is given the credit for being the game wrecker he can be. Since we have acquired him, I have learned about his work ethic, intelligence, professionalism, and leadership qualities. Reed and DL and LW and Murphy might be one hell of a core run stopping core we set some records in that regard. Mafe and Hill seem almost like the little brothers who cannot help but succeed given who they are working with.
I recall Knight stuffing a run soon after he became a starter. The replay watched from behind our Defense and we could see Knight had adopted Ernest Jones' habit of swaying from one foot to another in perfect synchronicity with Jones. It was like they were dancing to the same music, waiting, watching. Hunting. I could see our Rookie emulating his older veteran mentor, as it should be. Good on many levels. No doubt unnerving to any opponent.
Good article. Love the Bryant call out. He's getting in his grove and getting comfortable in his role.
I keep thinking we're moving into a 4-2-3, or 3-3-3 depending on how you look at it...but either way the 3 safety alignment is looking like it's going to be more of the base defense or at least featured a lot more. Having that hybrid safety allows that flexibility...hence Nick E. We'll see if he sees the field this year...I have my doubts.
Total side note, I think I'm going to really like fullback Robbie Ouzts. I'm really pulling for him...he looks pretty solid. Takes good angles, he's got some shock to his hands when he first pops people, he sustains blocks, he's Def a team-first type of player...just watch his body language and where his effort goes. Ooooooooooouzts....
I'm down with Ouzts as well. Tone setter. If you want to win games in the 2nd half, what better way than to hammer people in the first half. Defenses will be a lot less eager to take on a 274lb FB after having a few goes at him early in the game. Talking about how poorly teams player the week after playing the Lions, that's exactly how the Seahawks were from 2012-2015. Teams would lose to us, and then go on to lose again the following week.
If the Seahawks are going to take on the persona Mike MacDonald is talking about, getting their linemen, TE's and FB's rolling over people will be important.
I'm advocating for Coby Bryant, but still think that Julian Love is great. I'd prefer we keep both and after reading about the contract situation it seems likely that we can, especially while Emmanwori is on a rookie deal. It's going to be interesting to see how Emmanwori is incorporated into the defense and what percentage of snaps he plays as a rookie. I hope there is room on this roster for all three safeties to be great players.
Kam sat behind Lawyer Milloy during his rookie season. If our new safety doesn’t see much action in 2025, it will simply be because Love and Bryant are getting the job done and the scheme doesn’t call for a 3rd safety often.
I hope fans don’t get impatient. Let him learn and compete for the position.
I believe part of the reason people that don’t follow the team closely gloss over Love /Bryant is a holdover form the ET3/ Kam period. Kam was primarily a box safety for the run game and the TEs.
Both were unique. Who will forget Kam literally taking out the TE in the SB ? ET3 was often playing in single high and was critical to the PC defense.
Love /Bryant play a different role and will both play back or up etc. Towards the end of the season I had to look at the number to see see who made the play. They were all over the field.
I for one fully acknowledge Williams as the premier defensive player on the 'Hawks, and like you am mystified at the paltry recognition he's earned from the media/league. Just chalk it up as yet another example of Seattle being ignored as it is in general. As to 2025, I'm expecting him to have another spectacular year, in part bc he broke through last year (a la Cam Heyward) and in part bc Murphy's now in his 2nd yr and will draw more attention; Hall and Mafe are turning a corner; and DeMarcus Lawrence (bizarrely the most ignored BIG signing from Seattle's offseason) is going to also need to be reckoned with. Think Williams is going to KILL it in 2025
On the safety quandary (whose safety role do they give to Emmanwari?), I think you're right, it's more of a 2026 question. And anyway, my understanding is we may see alot of 3-safety looks as long as one of them can hit like a LB (remembering Kam Chancellor). Is Emmanwori why Seattle is strangely light in linebackers? Because the two big changes I saw in Seattle's defense were the arrivals of Ernest Jones and Tyrice Knight, and the insertion of Coby Bryant. They kinda happened at the same time so it's difficult to isolate, but unquestionably Seattle's defensive performance changed with these folks arriving.
Which is why I'd add Ernest Jones as the 4th unsung hero on our defense -- yes he was extended which is great, but not at all as a top linebacker, in fact at an APR of $9.5m he ranks #34. Seriously? Gotta list him as unappreciated too.
Gotta tell ya, I think our defense is going to be a real shocker to people, especially considering MacDonald as head coach, now in his 2nd season. Very very excited to see this!!
Playing with 3rd safety is the reason why I am not so sure Emmanwori is slated to take over for Love after 2026 or 2027. The 3 of them could VERY easily coexist, and even be a problem for offenses.
If he can play the big nickel, I would agree. In terms of his physical size, he’s not for from being an ILB. Having him in the nickel would add to the run defense without compromising run defense on 3rd and longish.
!!! SEAHAWKS CONTENT ALERT !!!
Michael MacKelve creates some excellent, nationwide draft content. This one includes a spotlight on the Seahawks and Grey Zabel, pegging the selection as a draft for need that ignores financial value, possibly because of a penny-pinching owner. https://youtu.be/WuNkJb1kWbY?si=xUEpZhP2eU5j-YVf
I see it a bit differently. Because the Seahawks managed their cap well recently, they didn’t need to save money with their draft pick. MacKelvie claims that you can pick up good guards off the street, but that didn’t seem to be the case. Finally, we know that an offensive line needs to play as a group, rather than five individuals, so having a young, great guard can lead to stability, while an aging free agent is here and gone. If our other recent iOL picks step up, the OL could be good for years, and since guards and centers are relatively cheap, we have the chance to keep the band together.
Anyway, check out the video. It’s quite interesting and it actually feels weird to see the Seahawks featured with the pick of a (lowly) guard in a video with a national audience.
I don't know what people appreciate or don't appreciate, but I know I appreciate those 2 iLB's in Earnest Jones and Tyrice Knight. Once EJ had a couple of games under him, and Knight came on later in the year, those two really made a difference. If your d-line can hold people up, LB's have to come downhill and make plays, and they both did. And I think they'll both be better with a year in the scheme behind them. Guys in the spine of the defense are hugely important.
I'm not expecting a lot out of Emmanwori in 2025. A Tyrice Knight kind of first year would be optimistic, but possible. But he's got a lot to learn and a lot to clean up, so I expect Mike will be in his ear all through OTA's and training camp. I'm not comparing him to anyone, but even Kam didn't get on the field much in year 1. It's a big adjustment. Ouzts might get more snaps in 2025 than Emmanwori. And if he does, that would be a very good sign for the offense.
Kam had no starts and 17 tackles as a rookie. Lawyer Malloy started at SS!
We should be patient with Emmanwori, but draft position means something. Kam was a fifth round pick and Emmanwori went at 35 overall. Sometimes 5th round picks become all stars, but it's not what you expect when you draft him. I've got higher expectations that when you spend the 35th pick on a safety, that guy should see the field and have some impact as a rookie. He doesn't need to be a starter, but if he doesn't earn significant snaps (like, >30%) as a rookie, it'll be a disappointment (but he can always make it up to me by becoming an all pro in his sophomore season).
I'd love to see that happen! But, I also disagree that just by virtue of being selected #35 he should have any playing time baseline expectation as a rookie. Just because a guy is a 2nd rd pick, doesn't mean anything other than JS and staff think he'll have a good enough shot to become a more productive player than other guys that were available at that time. In JS' opinion, he was the 35th best value (probably better) in this draft.
NOW, he is just another guy on the team who has to compete against other guys for playing time who may all be better than him right now. Of course, he could blow them all away, too. I just push back a bit against any implied production just because of when someone is selected within a small group of incoming players that have to blend into and compete with a larger group of established and more experienced professionals for time and production opportunities. If the class totally sucks top-to-bottom, then he could ride the pine and be displaced next year, or even not make the team, yet still be worth that 35th pick. Do I think that's the case? No. I think JS had him as a 1st rd talent in relationship to all NFL players, not just top 32 in this class.
That said, I am excited about watching him progress as a player and hopefully seeing him contribute to a championship team.
All true. Once you're in the NFL it shouldn't matter if you were picked in the first round or the last. Your job is the same. If I were a coach, I would preach that message to my players.
But I'm an unfair fan. I'll be disappointed if draft capitol goes to waste, even though I know it's bound to happen a lot. I can be patient and disappointed at the same time. I'm looking at you, Christian Haynes.
I think that Sherman was a fifth round pick, too. The thinking at the time was that tall DBs couldn’t play in the NFL because their hips were too stiff and were easy to run past. Pete Carroll and the LOB showed so effectively that range, length, speed, and strength could
combine with technique that big DBs are often the first to be drafted.
Our head coach is a defensive innovator. Hey, we've got these talented athletes already on the roster, with demonstrated abilities and on doable contracts. And we have a new draft choice who is also a potential hybrid defensive talent, adding to these Linebacker/Safety types who can play aggressive football. I'm hoping MM can figure this out.
Does anyone know what Leonard Williams double team rate was last year? I found it as of week 5 on PFF and it was ~45%. I think that's a pretty major stat for lineman that didn't get enough attention. Yes sacks are great but if you free someone else up to get to the QB because they have to focus on you there's a ton of value in that
Even if casual fans don't appreciate him enough, football teams certainly do. They know who can muck up a play, and scheme accordingly.
I’ve been watching games from last year. I’m on the 2nd pre-season game and I watched Mafe out there closing on a QB for the Titan’s on a roll out. He is incredibly game fast out there. I know he hasn’t stepped up to the next level just yet, but maybe he can get 12-14 sacks this year. The ravens never had a very elite edge as I recall, but they got a lot out of guys who were plenty good and effective - like Clowney. If Hall and he were to hit 12+ sacks a piece, we might be able to have them both at $30-35 million total for both vs the now $40 million for one elite edge?
I read the departure of Tyler and DK ended the 28% chunk out of the budget dedicated to our wide receiver corps. The Hawks led the league in this. I hope they can now show some money to our O-Line guys. If so, it should boost their overall efforts right at this crucial moment. Get some real unit integrity going? Good work by JS.
SSJ article about financially responsible off season predictions/what SSJ would do....to your point about WR dollars....
But here are the KEY ROLES left open after the moves I (SSJ) made:
X WR (DK traded) check
Z WR (Lockett released)check
LG (Tomlinson OUT)check
DT (Reed is FA)resigned
OLB (Nwosu released)reworked deal
LB (Jones is FA) bye
CB (Woolen is traded)this is where I'm curious....
Nothing would make me happier next year than to see both Cross and Lucas extended. Cross, at 24 years old right now, I think has a good shot at stepping up to pro bowl this year. Use that cash saved on Lockett and DK and others to pay him before he becomes a pro bowl LT. It we hear Lucas gets extended at some point this year, that will mean his injury is no longer a big concern. Use the money not paying Will Fries to pay Abe Lucas. OTs are for harder to find than IOL.
I'm thinking that's exactly what JS was thinking when talking to DK. If he stayed, who had to go?
I've been re-watching last season too...several times. And of all the people jumping out at me now you know who I'm seeing in a different light more than ever...and I can't believe I'm saying this because I've been kinda harsh on him...but Josh Jobe makes a lot of good plays. He showed progress and looked really solid at times. What I noticed was he gets stuck in his back pedal sometimes and then they pick on him...but other than that he has pretty good technique and (although smaller) seems to be a willing tackler. I may have been too critical...now let's talk about Woolen, turn your head and see the play my man - it's a heck of a view....anyways.
I would still like a veteran CB for back up and to potentially compete with Jobe. It’d be great if They sign Shaquille Griffin and Jobe beats him for the starting job. That way he earns his way out there. It’s money time for Woolen. Here’s hoping he stays locked in and is able to play a little more physical against the run this year.
Great read. Though Leonard Williams is fully appreciated by this audience, IMO. I'm not sure why, but I envision Demarcus Lawrance vying with LW for the most awesome member of our defense. I'm not sure he is given the credit for being the game wrecker he can be. Since we have acquired him, I have learned about his work ethic, intelligence, professionalism, and leadership qualities. Reed and DL and LW and Murphy might be one hell of a core run stopping core we set some records in that regard. Mafe and Hill seem almost like the little brothers who cannot help but succeed given who they are working with.
I recall Knight stuffing a run soon after he became a starter. The replay watched from behind our Defense and we could see Knight had adopted Ernest Jones' habit of swaying from one foot to another in perfect synchronicity with Jones. It was like they were dancing to the same music, waiting, watching. Hunting. I could see our Rookie emulating his older veteran mentor, as it should be. Good on many levels. No doubt unnerving to any opponent.
Knight was really good by years end. He should be even better this year, and if he is, what a difference that will make to this defense.
Good article. Love the Bryant call out. He's getting in his grove and getting comfortable in his role.
I keep thinking we're moving into a 4-2-3, or 3-3-3 depending on how you look at it...but either way the 3 safety alignment is looking like it's going to be more of the base defense or at least featured a lot more. Having that hybrid safety allows that flexibility...hence Nick E. We'll see if he sees the field this year...I have my doubts.
Total side note, I think I'm going to really like fullback Robbie Ouzts. I'm really pulling for him...he looks pretty solid. Takes good angles, he's got some shock to his hands when he first pops people, he sustains blocks, he's Def a team-first type of player...just watch his body language and where his effort goes. Ooooooooooouzts....
I'm down with Ouzts as well. Tone setter. If you want to win games in the 2nd half, what better way than to hammer people in the first half. Defenses will be a lot less eager to take on a 274lb FB after having a few goes at him early in the game. Talking about how poorly teams player the week after playing the Lions, that's exactly how the Seahawks were from 2012-2015. Teams would lose to us, and then go on to lose again the following week.
If the Seahawks are going to take on the persona Mike MacDonald is talking about, getting their linemen, TE's and FB's rolling over people will be important.
A'right! I'm with you! Ooozers Unite.
Count me in! Milroe in the shotgun with Ouzts and Martinez in the backfield breathing fire
I'm advocating for Coby Bryant, but still think that Julian Love is great. I'd prefer we keep both and after reading about the contract situation it seems likely that we can, especially while Emmanwori is on a rookie deal. It's going to be interesting to see how Emmanwori is incorporated into the defense and what percentage of snaps he plays as a rookie. I hope there is room on this roster for all three safeties to be great players.
Kam sat behind Lawyer Milloy during his rookie season. If our new safety doesn’t see much action in 2025, it will simply be because Love and Bryant are getting the job done and the scheme doesn’t call for a 3rd safety often.
I hope fans don’t get impatient. Let him learn and compete for the position.
I believe part of the reason people that don’t follow the team closely gloss over Love /Bryant is a holdover form the ET3/ Kam period. Kam was primarily a box safety for the run game and the TEs.
Both were unique. Who will forget Kam literally taking out the TE in the SB ? ET3 was often playing in single high and was critical to the PC defense.
Love /Bryant play a different role and will both play back or up etc. Towards the end of the season I had to look at the number to see see who made the play. They were all over the field.
Seemed to me Earl and Cam went primal after Sherm started growling and roaring.
Earl Thomas was a cheat code. The fans shoulda been the 13th man, cause ET was already the 12th.
I can still see Earl coming across and knocking back a TD extension at the goal line.
He is HOF , I hope he makes it.
This is a great post.
I for one fully acknowledge Williams as the premier defensive player on the 'Hawks, and like you am mystified at the paltry recognition he's earned from the media/league. Just chalk it up as yet another example of Seattle being ignored as it is in general. As to 2025, I'm expecting him to have another spectacular year, in part bc he broke through last year (a la Cam Heyward) and in part bc Murphy's now in his 2nd yr and will draw more attention; Hall and Mafe are turning a corner; and DeMarcus Lawrence (bizarrely the most ignored BIG signing from Seattle's offseason) is going to also need to be reckoned with. Think Williams is going to KILL it in 2025
On the safety quandary (whose safety role do they give to Emmanwari?), I think you're right, it's more of a 2026 question. And anyway, my understanding is we may see alot of 3-safety looks as long as one of them can hit like a LB (remembering Kam Chancellor). Is Emmanwori why Seattle is strangely light in linebackers? Because the two big changes I saw in Seattle's defense were the arrivals of Ernest Jones and Tyrice Knight, and the insertion of Coby Bryant. They kinda happened at the same time so it's difficult to isolate, but unquestionably Seattle's defensive performance changed with these folks arriving.
Which is why I'd add Ernest Jones as the 4th unsung hero on our defense -- yes he was extended which is great, but not at all as a top linebacker, in fact at an APR of $9.5m he ranks #34. Seriously? Gotta list him as unappreciated too.
Gotta tell ya, I think our defense is going to be a real shocker to people, especially considering MacDonald as head coach, now in his 2nd season. Very very excited to see this!!
Playing with 3rd safety is the reason why I am not so sure Emmanwori is slated to take over for Love after 2026 or 2027. The 3 of them could VERY easily coexist, and even be a problem for offenses.
If he can play the big nickel, I would agree. In terms of his physical size, he’s not for from being an ILB. Having him in the nickel would add to the run defense without compromising run defense on 3rd and longish.
Thanks. Love it when it’s all about defense.
Shouldn’t it have been “2023”?
May the 12s be with you and Go Seahawks!