I stumbled onto a good article on Field Gulls (got lucky?). It has real juicy info about grading Nose Tackles that Pat Kirwen used in his prospect evaluation process. As with all FG articles, it isn't long, but it was very interesting.
Richman is staying at tackle, he's not moving to guard at this point. No way White doesn't make the WR room, as his ST value is too high and that's his position group. I agree that Sundell has opportunity at centre, and MM has outright said that will be a competition. Bradford doesn't seem to fit the profile they have drafted the past couple of years, so I think he could be traded/cut. RG will be an interesting battle. If they think Cabeldue has the potential to be one of the 'best five' then they might move him to RG to battle with Haynes, and play Lumea at LG behind Zabel.
Jarrell isn't going anywhere either IMO. He got some experience last year, has had an entire offseason to work on his body, and will get (hopefully) grade A coaching this offseason. He's got the perfect profile at RT. Let him develop behind Abe.
It would be awesome if the injury bug would stay away this year, especially along the o-line. Pick the best 5 and let them start learning how to play together for the next few years. They'll be growing pains though, just like on the defense last year for the first half of the season.
I think the wr room is going to be the most interesting group to watch...White 3 looks promising but it's almost dependant on special teams value against the DB group too. I could see a situation where DB and WR rooms are at war over last man on the roster and special teams value tips the scales...
Ok…I’m excited (no big shock because…me). I see all position groups as improved, though for a group or two (OL and RB) if for no other reason than experience and continuity.
At QB, I see Darnold as a younger, less expensive version of Geno. Lock is better than Howell, and who isn’t excited by the possibilities present in Milroe?
I think Cooper Kupp will produce more than DK last year. JSN is likely to still improve and I’m really excited about White III and Horton. TEs are better by a lot when you look at subbing in Arroyo for “stone hands” Brown, and Barnes with a year of experience under his belt.
OL sees the addition of Zabel (a good scheme fit and that’s important) and the departure of Tomlinson). And better coaching.
DL should be better with a year of seasoning for Murphy II and the addition of Lawrence to the edge group will hopefully benefit Mafe and Hall.
Hell I can’t even remember the names of the two dudes who started as the interior LBs. but we will still roll with Jones and Knight who played lights out by the end of last season.
We’ve added Emmanwori to a strong defensive backfield.
This was a 10-7 team last season and in my opinion we have a stronger roster. And I don’t think Schneider is necessarily done tweaking it.
I'm just super stoked with this draft and this group of UDFA's. In retrospect, this was a fabulous class of prospects. I say that because of how much talent remained in the 7th round and beyond. Almost every team seems happy with their hauls.
So this class of players was short on blue chip players, but it seemed like day two never stopped. Guys went undrafted that some had third or fourth round grades on. The strength of this draft was its depth. The deepest part of the draft seems to be DT's. Then RB's. As one guy put it, there were either traits or film, but not a lot of both. We got a legit player at DT in the what? 5th round? Coming off an injury, but also coming off elite play. Hope they all stay healthy.
Bradford is gone. If Fant doesn't take a pay cut, he gets traded. Lookout for S Reed, WR. Cracraft and DB Alexander. RB Martinez is definitely on the 53. On the WR. side the best returner will make the roster. I think they're still short on LBs. JS did a great job with UDFAs.
I wonder if the offensive guys at the bottom of the roster are actually at a bit of a disadvantage this year. They're now facing their THIRD OC in as many years (or second), and different position coaches. I'm guessing that means all sorts of minor adjustments on his things are done, in timing, in spacing -- and a whole new playbook. Again. Whereas the 11 draft choices and however many UDFAs get genuine shots...they're coming in cold to the Kubiak system, without all that other noise.
So, yes. Special teams are the same. And knowing what the NFL is helps, I'm sure.
But a guy like Bobo...who might a few weeks ago have thought he was going to have a genuine shot (and might have known it would be rough all along) is now on the bubble. Again. With different expectations and needs.
This is the hard part. Always is. I still think the rosters are too small for a 17-game season.
I also wonder, given the increased interest in UDFAs, and the price we paid for at least a couple of 'em, if the league should look at negotiating an 8th round with the NFLPA.
They sort of added to the 53 in that they now allow teams to protect (from poaching) 4 players on the practice squad. Maybe it was 3. That is significant.
Like it SJ. Been saying that about TE room. Only 2 receiving TEs so not sure Fant gone. Will note that I read over weekend that Coach Mac said do not count out Brady. Interesting comment from HC. Posted with Danno I could see Ivey over Morris. I can see Woodard but again Coach Mac seems to really like Ross. Can see Zy making it. What they did was get high character and versatile players thus your correct about those last 5 spots going to be hard fought.
I am praying you are wrong about one of the bolded players: MVS. I pray we can find someone to take his place because from what I can see, MVS is an outlier on our team because he has terrible hands. The guys we drafted to catch passes all have great hands. Bobo has great hands. JSN and Kupp have great hands. MVS doesn't have even good hands. He has terrible hands and that why he hasn't stuck on any teams since he was drafted. I see no reason why Ricky White III should not win a spot on the 53.
Other than that I would put money on Cabledue making the 53, if not a starting job. Regardless of who wins the starting RG position, we will have an all rookie contract OL this year. No second contract guys except one in the OL room. The competition for RG will be fierce. I hope they all stay healthy. We deserve another position group to blame our losses on.
MVS here because unlike JSN Bobo Kupp, he can take the top off the defense. DK hands were just as bad. I think that is why they drafted Horton (value due to injury) and White (plus he plays STs). But going to be tough to replace a guy who knows Coach K offense. But at least WR is where talent etc can play as a rookie. As for “rookie” contracts. You really want Laken back??? ;-)
“But at least WR is where talent etc can play as a rookie”
I agree
Where it is tough? O Line
If Zabel is as good as Laken was last year - I would be very happy about. I think rookie o lineman, is one of the hardest positions to get first year out of college.
I am surprised (and not) that Hawks fans seem to think the o line is solved.
This was the 31st or 2nd worst line in the league last year. And an FCS rookie left tackle converted to guard is gonna turn it to what?
What is realistic expectations for the o line? 25th best? 20th best? 15th? Top 10?
I would be pretty happy with anywhere around average 🤷
Horton and White have real speed. Horton is estimated in the high 4.3's. Not sure about White. Bobo can take the top off. I've seen him. At worst he can take his own man down the field and he is one of the best, after Kupp, as a blocker, too. A big contested catch guy like Bobo is truly a threat one on one.
Opening day of FA Mike. 6’5” 340 former 3rd round pick who is a backup, mostly big tackle, OLine backup. 5 years experience. Last year with Ravens. Fant replacement. And they’ve already did 5th year option for Cross, so not exactly rookie contract next year.
I’m aware. Thought I typed in 2026. Had it in my head just didn’t type it. But still semi implies we have close to a second contract. Sorry meant to enter 2026.
Yes it is which I find promising and also it makes absolutely no sense to just jettison a highly ranked player because they were Walter Jones their first season. I posted elsewhere that we’ve got an OLine coach that’s been coaching longer than the head coach has been alive. I’m hopeful he can teach these guys. Going to be a fun offseason to see what happens.
If I could wave a magic wand and make one day-3-draft/UDFA rookie immediately way better than expected, it would be Tory Horton. MVS is whatever, and we hope Kupp is still a dynamic receiver, but I'd love to see someone else at WR impress the coaches so much that they can't keep him off the field on game day. I could see WR being an expensive FA or big draft need next year if someone doesn't step up.
All three levels of our defense are one injury away from an undrafted player starting. Basically a practice squad player or the equivalent would be starting in some cases.
Thanks SSJ, this is a very timely article as I am still watching highlights of these draftees and select UDFAs. As a fan, I develop favorites which influence who I want to make the team. So whether you want to hear it or not, here are my favorites so far. Many of them are fringe players who may or may not make the roster.
WR: I Love Horton, but my fringe favorite is Ricky White III. I think he can replace Darlene Young as a special teamer. 3 blocked punts!!!
OL: I like Cabeldue over Bradford. I think he might even surprise at RG and has an outside shot to be a starter by the end of the year. Also, the Seahawks posted a pic of Sundell on their web site. He looks like he has really hit the weight room. I think he could beat Olu for the starting job at center.
DE: I’m intrigued by Jared Ivey mostly because I am very underwhelmed by Mike Morris.
LB: I like Jackson Woodward to beat out Ross or Thomas for a spot. I saw an interview with Ricky White where he spoke very highly about Woodward and I think if it’s close with two young players, you keep the one with the longest club control.
CB: Still wondering if Shaquille Griffin will be back if they are underwhelmed with the first take on what they have. Haven’t watch Zy Alexander yet, but I know a few “experts” are high on his possibilities.
TE: I was all for cutting Fant on day 2 of the draft, but I’m uneasy about it now. I like the idea of waiting and seeing how Fant does with Kubiak’s scheme and how Arroyo look vs Fant. There’s also the possibility some team in contention loses a Te during the season and needs a high quality replacement. Maybe that increases his return if he happens to show more this year.
I’d just like to play it safe here. TE is a big part of the offense for Kubiak. If he deal Fant now, and Arroyo does not pan out or gets injured, we’re stuck without a true receiving TE. Barner might become that, but as of now he’s more a blocking TE who can be a decent receiver. He doesn’t pose the danger on seam routes that Fant and Arroyo provide.
He’s had some background at CB, but his change of direction is not ideal. Something about being stiff. I think MM did mention him as a big NB in situation where a TE is in the slot and pose a size disadvantage against Witherspoon. But i don’t think they are considering him as a pure outside CB.
Thanks for taking time to watch the rooks since I don’t have the time. I came to post Ivey over Morris as well. I don’t see Cabeldue at RG in part he’s a left side player. I see him as that left side backup to Cross/Grey. Either moves to LT if Cross hurt or LG and Grey kicks out. Seems like he’s got a lot versatility (RT before LT). But let us know after reviews. Small (giant) issue but not disagreeing either of White vs Young. White gives up like 30-40 pounds to Young (fun exaggeration) so can replace on kick/punt defense?
I’m no expert. I’m just thinking they took about the most athletic players throughout the draft, and thinking no harm in trying Cabeldue at RG. I think I remember he’s a 99 athletic score guy. Maybe that makes it easier to switch to the right side.
Ok didn’t see that. Not surprised. I’m just going with due to versatility, back to on left side. Second, I think old coaches and FO (too many new offensive coaches so no track record) have said they like what they see in Bradford. But been saying it all year. Consistency. Need it in OLine. I hope the OLine coach who’s been coaching longer than Coach Mac’s been alive, gets his 5 early in camp and lets them work together. One solid unit.
You could be 100% correct, but coaches also say highly optimistic things about players because they need to believe they can take the next step. I personally think DK has significant limitations to his game that coaches would never admit. If you look at plays that required him to high point the ball to win a contested catch, his timing was always off significantly. When JSN through it to him last he leaped up way too early and would up catching the ball 4 feet off the ground. Bradford has a real hard time moving his feet.
I'm going to reveal my bias but I still don't see them keeping Fant, as long as Arroyo impresses in camp. And I think both of the fullback candidates can also moonlight at TE, esp Russell. And TE's make for great special teams players. So I'm thinking the TE room is Arroyo, Barner, Russell (back-up FB) and they only keep three bc they need to make room for a WR and that third QB.
So my 53 would be:
3 on ST
25 on Off
- QB (3) Darnold, Lock, Milroe
- OL (10) Cross, Zabel, Olu, Bradford and Lucas; back-ups Jones, Haynes, Sundell, Cabeldue and Laumea (a few of these guys can go inside or tackle in a pinch)
- RB (4) Walker, Charbs, Martinez, Ouzts
- TE (3) Arroyo, Barnes, Russell
- WR (5) JSN, Kupp, Scantling, Bobo, Horton
Most painful names to leave off? McIntosh, Dareke, Jerrell, Richman. Hopefully sneak through to the practice squad
25 on Def
- DE (3) Williams, Ivey, Morris
- NT (2) Murphy, Hankins
- DT (2) Reed, Mills
- Edge (5) Lawrence, Uchenna, Mafe, Hall, Sheriff
- LB (4) Jones, Knight, Ross, Thomas
- CB (5) Spoon, Riq, Jobe, Pritchett, Alexander
- S (4) Love, Emmanwori, Bryant, Reed II
Hardest to leave off? Bohanna, O'Connell, Jean-Charles, Bell
Then there's the add'l possibility we grab someone currently not on the roster, I'd think highest probability would be at WR, edge/DE and CB
Bobo's potential comes to life under fire, especially when an advance is crucial. No doubt it is hard talent to spot in practices. Clutch players like Baldwin had such focus. They are extremely rare. I hope Kubiak finds Bobo designs, if only in his Bag of Tricks plays?
Yeah if they pick up another WR between now and September I fear he’s the odd man out. But with Kubiak his downfield blocking fearlessness may earn him some brownie points
The Hawks currently have $35 million in cap space. I cannot see them not using thins in a trade or for bigger name who is cut during a salary purge I could see them adding a receiver or somewhere along the defensive front 7 later this summer.
Just looked at FA IOL, and its pretty slim. And IMO the ones that would work all played RG. What are the odds we trade for a quality LG before the season starts? IS that really my only hope? Or do we have that player on the roster already, they just need some reps?
I would wager that our starting OL is already on the roster. I'm pretty sure the plan is to have Zabel at LG and a camp battle for the RG and center spots, with Olu and Bradford as the early front runners.
I have Sundell beating out Olu. He looks like he really hit the weights this offseason. I’m high on Cabeldue surprising everyone. Maybe not a week 1 starter, but by mid season. He’s incredibly strong and athletic. Just what Kubiak is looking for.
Those two position battles will be fun to watch. Hopefully it will become abundantly clear who the starters should be by week one, but I fear we'll still be saying things like "come on! Cabeldue has got to be better than that guy!" half way through the season. Or worse yet, we could be saying "I can't believe JS cut Bradford! Look at him bulldozing people in Tennessee right now!"
I am just not sure what is really going to happen, but just looking at how they prioritized athleticism in the draft, it’s clear that Sundell is significantly more athletic than Olu, and Cabeldue is the most athletic guard after Zabel. I think the team has bought in to the Kubiak scheme and are retooling the entire offense for that scheme. They may not have intended for the draft picks to be so lopsided toward offense, but I bet they intended to prioritize offense.
Schneider is well on his way to giving us a cohesive offensive line, starting with big rookies 3 years ago. Weight and strength will come. Working from the outside in, I'm seeing tenacity and Character used on this year's selections. Who best can work and best agree should find us a solid group exceeding the sum of their individual parts. Make the pay right and we will have Seattle a place where Big Men hope to retire to. Will a new Legion of Boom migrate to this side of the Ball? Kinda has that Feel to it... Baby Boomers? Given actual opened gaps, our running backs should have a heyday. Our new rookie fullback lives for raw contact. I'm excited with what we are seeing and hearing.
I stumbled onto a good article on Field Gulls (got lucky?). It has real juicy info about grading Nose Tackles that Pat Kirwen used in his prospect evaluation process. As with all FG articles, it isn't long, but it was very interesting.
Check it out:
https://www.fieldgulls.com/f/2025/5/1/24421948/scouting-the-perfect-nose-tackle-and-a-glimmer-of-hope
Richman is staying at tackle, he's not moving to guard at this point. No way White doesn't make the WR room, as his ST value is too high and that's his position group. I agree that Sundell has opportunity at centre, and MM has outright said that will be a competition. Bradford doesn't seem to fit the profile they have drafted the past couple of years, so I think he could be traded/cut. RG will be an interesting battle. If they think Cabeldue has the potential to be one of the 'best five' then they might move him to RG to battle with Haynes, and play Lumea at LG behind Zabel.
Jarrell isn't going anywhere either IMO. He got some experience last year, has had an entire offseason to work on his body, and will get (hopefully) grade A coaching this offseason. He's got the perfect profile at RT. Let him develop behind Abe.
It would be awesome if the injury bug would stay away this year, especially along the o-line. Pick the best 5 and let them start learning how to play together for the next few years. They'll be growing pains though, just like on the defense last year for the first half of the season.
I think the wr room is going to be the most interesting group to watch...White 3 looks promising but it's almost dependant on special teams value against the DB group too. I could see a situation where DB and WR rooms are at war over last man on the roster and special teams value tips the scales...
For my two bob’s worth, I’m gonna predict that Barner will be our #1 TE this year.
Ok…I’m excited (no big shock because…me). I see all position groups as improved, though for a group or two (OL and RB) if for no other reason than experience and continuity.
At QB, I see Darnold as a younger, less expensive version of Geno. Lock is better than Howell, and who isn’t excited by the possibilities present in Milroe?
I think Cooper Kupp will produce more than DK last year. JSN is likely to still improve and I’m really excited about White III and Horton. TEs are better by a lot when you look at subbing in Arroyo for “stone hands” Brown, and Barnes with a year of experience under his belt.
OL sees the addition of Zabel (a good scheme fit and that’s important) and the departure of Tomlinson). And better coaching.
DL should be better with a year of seasoning for Murphy II and the addition of Lawrence to the edge group will hopefully benefit Mafe and Hall.
Hell I can’t even remember the names of the two dudes who started as the interior LBs. but we will still roll with Jones and Knight who played lights out by the end of last season.
We’ve added Emmanwori to a strong defensive backfield.
This was a 10-7 team last season and in my opinion we have a stronger roster. And I don’t think Schneider is necessarily done tweaking it.
I'm just super stoked with this draft and this group of UDFA's. In retrospect, this was a fabulous class of prospects. I say that because of how much talent remained in the 7th round and beyond. Almost every team seems happy with their hauls.
So this class of players was short on blue chip players, but it seemed like day two never stopped. Guys went undrafted that some had third or fourth round grades on. The strength of this draft was its depth. The deepest part of the draft seems to be DT's. Then RB's. As one guy put it, there were either traits or film, but not a lot of both. We got a legit player at DT in the what? 5th round? Coming off an injury, but also coming off elite play. Hope they all stay healthy.
Bradford is gone. If Fant doesn't take a pay cut, he gets traded. Lookout for S Reed, WR. Cracraft and DB Alexander. RB Martinez is definitely on the 53. On the WR. side the best returner will make the roster. I think they're still short on LBs. JS did a great job with UDFAs.
I wonder if the offensive guys at the bottom of the roster are actually at a bit of a disadvantage this year. They're now facing their THIRD OC in as many years (or second), and different position coaches. I'm guessing that means all sorts of minor adjustments on his things are done, in timing, in spacing -- and a whole new playbook. Again. Whereas the 11 draft choices and however many UDFAs get genuine shots...they're coming in cold to the Kubiak system, without all that other noise.
So, yes. Special teams are the same. And knowing what the NFL is helps, I'm sure.
But a guy like Bobo...who might a few weeks ago have thought he was going to have a genuine shot (and might have known it would be rough all along) is now on the bubble. Again. With different expectations and needs.
This is the hard part. Always is. I still think the rosters are too small for a 17-game season.
I also wonder, given the increased interest in UDFAs, and the price we paid for at least a couple of 'em, if the league should look at negotiating an 8th round with the NFLPA.
They sort of added to the 53 in that they now allow teams to protect (from poaching) 4 players on the practice squad. Maybe it was 3. That is significant.
Like it SJ. Been saying that about TE room. Only 2 receiving TEs so not sure Fant gone. Will note that I read over weekend that Coach Mac said do not count out Brady. Interesting comment from HC. Posted with Danno I could see Ivey over Morris. I can see Woodard but again Coach Mac seems to really like Ross. Can see Zy making it. What they did was get high character and versatile players thus your correct about those last 5 spots going to be hard fought.
I also see new guy Mills potentially starting season on IR to give team that extra time to keep a player be it at WR or ST/positional backup.
I am praying you are wrong about one of the bolded players: MVS. I pray we can find someone to take his place because from what I can see, MVS is an outlier on our team because he has terrible hands. The guys we drafted to catch passes all have great hands. Bobo has great hands. JSN and Kupp have great hands. MVS doesn't have even good hands. He has terrible hands and that why he hasn't stuck on any teams since he was drafted. I see no reason why Ricky White III should not win a spot on the 53.
Other than that I would put money on Cabledue making the 53, if not a starting job. Regardless of who wins the starting RG position, we will have an all rookie contract OL this year. No second contract guys except one in the OL room. The competition for RG will be fierce. I hope they all stay healthy. We deserve another position group to blame our losses on.
I have him in italics. MVS is bold only because the position group is so weak.
MVS here because unlike JSN Bobo Kupp, he can take the top off the defense. DK hands were just as bad. I think that is why they drafted Horton (value due to injury) and White (plus he plays STs). But going to be tough to replace a guy who knows Coach K offense. But at least WR is where talent etc can play as a rookie. As for “rookie” contracts. You really want Laken back??? ;-)
“But at least WR is where talent etc can play as a rookie”
I agree
Where it is tough? O Line
If Zabel is as good as Laken was last year - I would be very happy about. I think rookie o lineman, is one of the hardest positions to get first year out of college.
I am surprised (and not) that Hawks fans seem to think the o line is solved.
This was the 31st or 2nd worst line in the league last year. And an FCS rookie left tackle converted to guard is gonna turn it to what?
What is realistic expectations for the o line? 25th best? 20th best? 15th? Top 10?
I would be pretty happy with anywhere around average 🤷
"No second contract guys except one in the OL room."
That's unbelievable. Offensive lineman peak at age 30 and we have no one close.
Good for mid-long-term outlook - not good for short term.
Also, our Tackle depth? Yikes. I think I missed something ... Who is Josh Jones? Haha.
With you on MVS ... But we need speed. No DK ... No threat (unless a rook steps up). Defenses will be able to play compact.
Horton and White have real speed. Horton is estimated in the high 4.3's. Not sure about White. Bobo can take the top off. I've seen him. At worst he can take his own man down the field and he is one of the best, after Kupp, as a blocker, too. A big contested catch guy like Bobo is truly a threat one on one.
Opening day of FA Mike. 6’5” 340 former 3rd round pick who is a backup, mostly big tackle, OLine backup. 5 years experience. Last year with Ravens. Fant replacement. And they’ve already did 5th year option for Cross, so not exactly rookie contract next year.
the 5th year option is for next year, and it's a quibble. We have an extremely young OL. There's nowhere to go but up.
I’m aware. Thought I typed in 2026. Had it in my head just didn’t type it. But still semi implies we have close to a second contract. Sorry meant to enter 2026.
No problem, I should have said, "I think" because I knew there might be some vet I was unaware of. But my point remains, this is a very young OL.
Yes it is which I find promising and also it makes absolutely no sense to just jettison a highly ranked player because they were Walter Jones their first season. I posted elsewhere that we’ve got an OLine coach that’s been coaching longer than the head coach has been alive. I’m hopeful he can teach these guys. Going to be a fun offseason to see what happens.
I took a poll and there are exactly two Seahawks fans that are excited about MVS. One was his mother.
And she had to be.
If I could wave a magic wand and make one day-3-draft/UDFA rookie immediately way better than expected, it would be Tory Horton. MVS is whatever, and we hope Kupp is still a dynamic receiver, but I'd love to see someone else at WR impress the coaches so much that they can't keep him off the field on game day. I could see WR being an expensive FA or big draft need next year if someone doesn't step up.
The DL depth is my concern.
We are one injury away from having serious problems on defense.
Do you mean a specific group? :)
All three levels of our defense are one injury away from an undrafted player starting. Basically a practice squad player or the equivalent would be starting in some cases.
Thanks SSJ, this is a very timely article as I am still watching highlights of these draftees and select UDFAs. As a fan, I develop favorites which influence who I want to make the team. So whether you want to hear it or not, here are my favorites so far. Many of them are fringe players who may or may not make the roster.
WR: I Love Horton, but my fringe favorite is Ricky White III. I think he can replace Darlene Young as a special teamer. 3 blocked punts!!!
OL: I like Cabeldue over Bradford. I think he might even surprise at RG and has an outside shot to be a starter by the end of the year. Also, the Seahawks posted a pic of Sundell on their web site. He looks like he has really hit the weight room. I think he could beat Olu for the starting job at center.
DE: I’m intrigued by Jared Ivey mostly because I am very underwhelmed by Mike Morris.
LB: I like Jackson Woodward to beat out Ross or Thomas for a spot. I saw an interview with Ricky White where he spoke very highly about Woodward and I think if it’s close with two young players, you keep the one with the longest club control.
CB: Still wondering if Shaquille Griffin will be back if they are underwhelmed with the first take on what they have. Haven’t watch Zy Alexander yet, but I know a few “experts” are high on his possibilities.
TE: I was all for cutting Fant on day 2 of the draft, but I’m uneasy about it now. I like the idea of waiting and seeing how Fant does with Kubiak’s scheme and how Arroyo look vs Fant. There’s also the possibility some team in contention loses a Te during the season and needs a high quality replacement. Maybe that increases his return if he happens to show more this year.
I agree with on TE Fant. Keep him for trad bate during the season.
I’d just like to play it safe here. TE is a big part of the offense for Kubiak. If he deal Fant now, and Arroyo does not pan out or gets injured, we’re stuck without a true receiving TE. Barner might become that, but as of now he’s more a blocking TE who can be a decent receiver. He doesn’t pose the danger on seam routes that Fant and Arroyo provide.
I’ve heard some rumblings about Emmanwori at CB, although that may be wishful thinking.
He’s had some background at CB, but his change of direction is not ideal. Something about being stiff. I think MM did mention him as a big NB in situation where a TE is in the slot and pose a size disadvantage against Witherspoon. But i don’t think they are considering him as a pure outside CB.
Thanks for taking time to watch the rooks since I don’t have the time. I came to post Ivey over Morris as well. I don’t see Cabeldue at RG in part he’s a left side player. I see him as that left side backup to Cross/Grey. Either moves to LT if Cross hurt or LG and Grey kicks out. Seems like he’s got a lot versatility (RT before LT). But let us know after reviews. Small (giant) issue but not disagreeing either of White vs Young. White gives up like 30-40 pounds to Young (fun exaggeration) so can replace on kick/punt defense?
I’m no expert. I’m just thinking they took about the most athletic players throughout the draft, and thinking no harm in trying Cabeldue at RG. I think I remember he’s a 99 athletic score guy. Maybe that makes it easier to switch to the right side.
Ok didn’t see that. Not surprised. I’m just going with due to versatility, back to on left side. Second, I think old coaches and FO (too many new offensive coaches so no track record) have said they like what they see in Bradford. But been saying it all year. Consistency. Need it in OLine. I hope the OLine coach who’s been coaching longer than Coach Mac’s been alive, gets his 5 early in camp and lets them work together. One solid unit.
You could be 100% correct, but coaches also say highly optimistic things about players because they need to believe they can take the next step. I personally think DK has significant limitations to his game that coaches would never admit. If you look at plays that required him to high point the ball to win a contested catch, his timing was always off significantly. When JSN through it to him last he leaped up way too early and would up catching the ball 4 feet off the ground. Bradford has a real hard time moving his feet.
I'm going to reveal my bias but I still don't see them keeping Fant, as long as Arroyo impresses in camp. And I think both of the fullback candidates can also moonlight at TE, esp Russell. And TE's make for great special teams players. So I'm thinking the TE room is Arroyo, Barner, Russell (back-up FB) and they only keep three bc they need to make room for a WR and that third QB.
So my 53 would be:
3 on ST
25 on Off
- QB (3) Darnold, Lock, Milroe
- OL (10) Cross, Zabel, Olu, Bradford and Lucas; back-ups Jones, Haynes, Sundell, Cabeldue and Laumea (a few of these guys can go inside or tackle in a pinch)
- RB (4) Walker, Charbs, Martinez, Ouzts
- TE (3) Arroyo, Barnes, Russell
- WR (5) JSN, Kupp, Scantling, Bobo, Horton
Most painful names to leave off? McIntosh, Dareke, Jerrell, Richman. Hopefully sneak through to the practice squad
25 on Def
- DE (3) Williams, Ivey, Morris
- NT (2) Murphy, Hankins
- DT (2) Reed, Mills
- Edge (5) Lawrence, Uchenna, Mafe, Hall, Sheriff
- LB (4) Jones, Knight, Ross, Thomas
- CB (5) Spoon, Riq, Jobe, Pritchett, Alexander
- S (4) Love, Emmanwori, Bryant, Reed II
Hardest to leave off? Bohanna, O'Connell, Jean-Charles, Bell
Then there's the add'l possibility we grab someone currently not on the roster, I'd think highest probability would be at WR, edge/DE and CB
I agree with you...but I think Bobo is out this year. He's just not quite enough....imo.
Bobo's potential comes to life under fire, especially when an advance is crucial. No doubt it is hard talent to spot in practices. Clutch players like Baldwin had such focus. They are extremely rare. I hope Kubiak finds Bobo designs, if only in his Bag of Tricks plays?
Yeah if they pick up another WR between now and September I fear he’s the odd man out. But with Kubiak his downfield blocking fearlessness may earn him some brownie points
I think Zy Alexander has a great chance to make the 53.
The opportunity is there for him. Any LB or CB around the league that gets cut should be telling their agent to give Schneider a call.
The Hawks currently have $35 million in cap space. I cannot see them not using thins in a trade or for bigger name who is cut during a salary purge I could see them adding a receiver or somewhere along the defensive front 7 later this summer.
Just looked at FA IOL, and its pretty slim. And IMO the ones that would work all played RG. What are the odds we trade for a quality LG before the season starts? IS that really my only hope? Or do we have that player on the roster already, they just need some reps?
I dont see us adding another iOL. We added three Guards in the Draft, plus the talent already on the team, surely that has to be enough.
I would wager that our starting OL is already on the roster. I'm pretty sure the plan is to have Zabel at LG and a camp battle for the RG and center spots, with Olu and Bradford as the early front runners.
I have Sundell beating out Olu. He looks like he really hit the weights this offseason. I’m high on Cabeldue surprising everyone. Maybe not a week 1 starter, but by mid season. He’s incredibly strong and athletic. Just what Kubiak is looking for.
Those two position battles will be fun to watch. Hopefully it will become abundantly clear who the starters should be by week one, but I fear we'll still be saying things like "come on! Cabeldue has got to be better than that guy!" half way through the season. Or worse yet, we could be saying "I can't believe JS cut Bradford! Look at him bulldozing people in Tennessee right now!"
I am just not sure what is really going to happen, but just looking at how they prioritized athleticism in the draft, it’s clear that Sundell is significantly more athletic than Olu, and Cabeldue is the most athletic guard after Zabel. I think the team has bought in to the Kubiak scheme and are retooling the entire offense for that scheme. They may not have intended for the draft picks to be so lopsided toward offense, but I bet they intended to prioritize offense.
Schneider is well on his way to giving us a cohesive offensive line, starting with big rookies 3 years ago. Weight and strength will come. Working from the outside in, I'm seeing tenacity and Character used on this year's selections. Who best can work and best agree should find us a solid group exceeding the sum of their individual parts. Make the pay right and we will have Seattle a place where Big Men hope to retire to. Will a new Legion of Boom migrate to this side of the Ball? Kinda has that Feel to it... Baby Boomers? Given actual opened gaps, our running backs should have a heyday. Our new rookie fullback lives for raw contact. I'm excited with what we are seeing and hearing.