If you’re a fan of the Seahawks drafting elite college football players who could translate exceptionally well to the next level, then Thursday was the night for you. Before we get ahead of ourselves on the career futures of cornerback Devon Witherspoon and receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, what I can safely acknowledge is how exciting each of these picks are even for someone like me who loathes college football but loves great NFL draft prospects.
I was totally wrong, three QBs went in the Top 5 after all! I expect there's a good chance the Seahawks go DT, OL, and RB soon but I certainly didn't expect a CB at 5 and there's holes to fill all over the team still. Keep going BPA, please, it just makes so much sense.
Weatherspoon just gave Seattle a really good secondary, with depth. JSN another great pick that was avaialble at 20 because of hamstring issues last year. I like the add with Metcalf, Locket, and Young. I read the draft profile on him and found this interesting; he was compared to Jarvis Landry, just like another receiver a few years back. Cooper Kupp. Seattle got their guy that always gets open and will be an important possession receiver for first down production. I also like Ade on day two with either Tipman or Avia. Seattle will grab a guard or center in round 2. I would expect RB in round 3. I also like Johnson the forgotton Longhorn. Seattle is in a great position to add line depth and RB on day two. There will still be other options at LB, G, C, DT and Edge past round 3. I like Roy or Young as a 4th round DT. Seattle will pull the trigger on a LB along with a RB in the 5th. Ford or Woods will be back after the draft. Woods was a cap casualty and was the best interior lineman last year. Ford needs to be a nose instead of DE. One thing we don't want to overlook, Seattle really likes Adams as a passing down interior guy.
Great first round with JS/PC singing Frank Sinatra's "My Way". Seattle received good reviews on their picks and were not torched for not picking Carter or Wilson.
He would seem to be a good fit. Great fit. With Lockett and Metcalf occupying cornerbacks, he should have opportunities to get open over the middle. I'd not be surprised if we saw great numbers from all three this season. Makes Geno's job a lot easier, having that extra threat. Pair it with Walker and, man, this offense could be good.
Great first round for the Hawks, solid picks at high impact positions. They’re still thin at iOL, DT, and RB, so I won’t be surprised to see at least 2 out of 3 picks there today and maybe all 3. If BPA leads another way then I’ll just root for whoever they pick to have a long, productive Seahawks career.
This has been very exciting! Thanks for all the player info. I am letting my inner SSJ come out and go with Tippman, Zach Charbonnet and Daiyan Henley. Wooo Hooo!
Here are interviews with Seattle's Devon Witherspoon and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. One can see why they were chosen. Super high character guys who will be great teammates. I'm impressed and, watching them, it seems clear why they didn't go with Carter. Even if one trusts him to show up at camp in shape and ready to go, a big "if", he's not the same kind of leader. Perhaps he could lead by example and by the way he brings it on the field, assuming he does, but his personality is far more passive. I hope he found a good spot with the Eagles because I root for all of these guys to succeed. He's already a millionaire but I want more for him. I want him to succeed in a way that leaves him feeling good about himself as a man in a way that's truly durable.
As for Witherspoon and JSN, they are a pleasure to watch. Strong character is obvious.
Great post: well said. Thanks for posting the links too! That is great stuff.
I shared in some short-lived disappointment to not draft my draft crush in Nolan Smith ... But I've already moved on. Really fired up about the draft so far.
I too was a Nolan Smith guy. But I'm fine with JSN. We won't know for a while which bets pay off, though I think Seattle took very intelligent chances with Withspoon and Smith-Njigba.
This area of the draft (early to mid-late day 2) has been the sweet spot for PCJS (except, of course, for round 5 defensive backs):
Bobby Wagner, Russell Wilson, Tyler Lockett, Frank Clark, DK Metcalf, Kenneth Walker, Abe Lucas, are all stars, and you can add solid Golden Tate, Jarran Reed, Pocic, Lewis, Taylor, and Mafe.
And as you look these names (and the ones I didn’t mention like Paul Richardson, Dee Eskridge, John Moffitt, and Justin Britt) you’ll notice there’s a theme (apart from players with names ending in double T):
* Wide Receivers
* Pass rushers
* Interior offensive linemen
* Bwagz and Russ as great value for the pick
They already got JSN. So the names I’m mostly expecting to hear today are Dawand Jones (but it can be Joe Tippman, JMS, or Steve Avila), Ade Ade (or Keion White, Ojulari), and a wild card (that could be Drew Sanders, a QB, or another receiver)
LOVE day 1. I trust Pete's judgement in passing on Carter at 5 after meeting with him. The Seahawks took so long on the clock with the 20 pick I think they were shopping it heavily, but JSN is a great choice for the Seahawks. Despite Year 1 being a difficult one for WRs generally I think he will fit in well, and will make it more difficult on opposing secondaries to double DK.
The Lions are my "other" team and I think they had a great day 1 also. Goff has to be happy with the Gibbs pick, and reach or not the Lions got the best LB available, and they needed it.
Now, on to day 2! For the Seahawks, C, DT/Edge, and RB with the three picks, please!
I agree that Woods and Poona are likely on their way back also.
I am not sure they were shopping at 20, so much as listening to offers. As I think the fall of all the receivers to 2O meant that a lot of teams were interested in moving up, resulting in a lot of calls to the Seahawks to see it they would trade. I glad they did not. This is BPA approach to the draft. It will take some getting use to.
I'd also add, why would a team that needs a WR3 now (and WR2 as early as 2024) look at every single WR in the draft still on the board and go "Yes! We'll trade down".
I think there was a real set of offers from the teams who then all went WR trying to jump up for JSN, and then a real debate internally for the 'Hawks on if any of those offers outweighed the chance to have JSN themselves (which would be why this pick took almost the full 10).
Would any of those offers have contained the '24 1st/2nd that we really wanted? Doubtful. Probably 3rd or 4ths this years we don't need. So instead, we walk off with JSN and everyone (well, everyone except those who demand a new QB and DLine) is happy.
It was a good Day 1 for the 'Hawks, and a good Day 1 for the NFL overall. Plenty of intrigue, enough trades to be exciting without being over the top, a few slides, a few reaches, all very well balanced to keep viewers engaged for the long haul.
Day 2 is wide open. We're deep in the part of the draft where lots of players could easily have gone from #15 onwards, right down to #100. To have not traded once on Day 1, i think PC/JS like their board, like their capital, and will continue to hold position for now (Day 3, who knows.). I'm fully in on their draft plan, whatever players that returns. Three picks tonight, and five on Saturday. Loads of time there to fill out the roster with options.
I think Ade Ade or Keion White are in the running for the pick at 37. I think Tippman and Mauch at 52. Avila could be an option there too. There are 3rd and 4th round center options too. Ricky Stromberg and Jon Gaines stand out. If not OL at 52, I could see TE there. I'm inclined to think they would want a traditional TE like Darnell Washington or Tucker Kraft. It will be interesting to see when they take a LB in the draft. There weren't any 1st round LB (Jack Campbell rates as a major reach for me, a full round too early), in my opinion.
The interior OLs are among the highest ranked remaining players. They might well take the money and run if one or more of Avila, Mauch, Tippman, and Torrence are available at 36 (which is likely). I just want Schneider to avoid being too clever by half.
The depth at IOL continues past the 4th, but not at center. I think the center depth will be down to Stromberg, Gaines, and 7th round fliers after the 3rd. Quality 3-4 ends are likely to be gone earlier and are higher positional value picks, and higher need, which is why I say 3-4 DE at 37 and center at 52. They very well may go 3-4 DE on both if they like folks more than center options. My pick would be Ade Ade at 37 at this point.
What I most value about Seaside is the posing of various scenarios and the logic that falls out of them. Mock drafters everywhere are writing that nobody saw Witherspoon coming...well, that’s not surprising when they are trying to predict the future instead of studying the matter from the perspective of a GM trying to anticipate the ways the draft might unfold.
What actually happened yesterday was simple and plausible:
1. Three QBs in the first four picks
2. Will Anderson off the board
3. No trading partner
4. Carter off their board, at least this high
What do you do if this transpires? It’s not an unreasonable proposition--#1 above was the most unlikely--and Schneider would have prepared for it. The internal debate eliminated Levis and Wilson, leaving the decision as about which CB to choose.
Seaside explained why Witherspoon would be of particular interest to SEA. I wonder how many of his readers were caught off guard by the selection? Not many, I’m thinking.
I can’t speak to the sequence, but I’m thinking that Day 2 is about the lines unless a TE drops in their lap. PCJS will have options when #36 rolls around--one of Avila, Benton, Tippman, and Torrence ought to be available.
There’s one TE who is also an OL pick -- when he’s out there, you’ve got a 6-OL formation. I’d love Mayer as well but Darnell Washington just screams “Pete Carroll!” to me, especially since Seattle already got the second coming of Cooper Kupp (JSN) to help out Geno. This guy for a coach who wants to be nasty again, is by far the best TE in the draft. Kincaid a luxury once you have DK + Lockett + JSN. I’m still shaking my head that he was still there at #20. OMG. Means Washington can be a Seahawk.
Honestly, I don’t know enough about the individual players to say that one is better than another. From what I’ve read, Mayer is a Zach Miller type; I’m one who believes that Zach has never been replaced. That being said, Washington sounds terrific.
One of my fave 2013 playoff moments (11:50-12:05)—
I had moved to Virginia a couple of years earlier. The guy who took my season tix invited me out for that game. I was pretty happy that I took him up on it!
Zach will always have a special place in my fan’s heart just for that play! Re Russell, that pass came just after he was called for intentional and just before the 4th-down TD pass to Kearse. I’m breathless thinking about it.
I don't see Seattle taking a QB tomorrow. Maybe on day 3 but even then I'm skeptical because it would mean having to either carry three QBs on the roster all season or cut one and hope he clears waivers. We seem set at tight end. Who knows on day 3 but I don't se it happening tomorrow. I doubt we take an OT tomorrow either. I see Tippman's a real possibility if he's still on the board. I don't follow the college game well enough to know about the depth of DT talent but I keep hearing this class is pretty thin. I'd be surprised if we don't take an edge tomorrow. Taking Branch wouldn't shock me if he's available when our turn comes. Definitely need a running back but it's hard to say if that happens in rounds two or three given our other needs. Depends on the perceived depth of the class. I don't see us taking another WR or CB on day 2.
Maybe “a TE whom they really really really like.” That being said, only Dissly is under contract next year, and there’s a fair chance that he’s a salary cap vic this year. If (1) Schneider is confident that he could move Fant and (2) Zach Miller--excuse me, Michael Mayer--is available, the Hawks could take the plunge.
Agree--PCJS won’t take a QB, at least on Day 2. The whole argument that they should look for a QBOTF is predicated on Drew Lock not actually existing. Not that Lock is necessarily the heir apparent, but he’s on the roster *now* with a new contract. It seems plain that he earned another look this year.
Sigh. Another scenario that you can’t pose on SHDB without exposing yourself to ridicule.
"someone like me who loathes college football" = unsub ;)
I was totally wrong, three QBs went in the Top 5 after all! I expect there's a good chance the Seahawks go DT, OL, and RB soon but I certainly didn't expect a CB at 5 and there's holes to fill all over the team still. Keep going BPA, please, it just makes so much sense.
What holes other than DL?
Weatherspoon just gave Seattle a really good secondary, with depth. JSN another great pick that was avaialble at 20 because of hamstring issues last year. I like the add with Metcalf, Locket, and Young. I read the draft profile on him and found this interesting; he was compared to Jarvis Landry, just like another receiver a few years back. Cooper Kupp. Seattle got their guy that always gets open and will be an important possession receiver for first down production. I also like Ade on day two with either Tipman or Avia. Seattle will grab a guard or center in round 2. I would expect RB in round 3. I also like Johnson the forgotton Longhorn. Seattle is in a great position to add line depth and RB on day two. There will still be other options at LB, G, C, DT and Edge past round 3. I like Roy or Young as a 4th round DT. Seattle will pull the trigger on a LB along with a RB in the 5th. Ford or Woods will be back after the draft. Woods was a cap casualty and was the best interior lineman last year. Ford needs to be a nose instead of DE. One thing we don't want to overlook, Seattle really likes Adams as a passing down interior guy.
Great first round with JS/PC singing Frank Sinatra's "My Way". Seattle received good reviews on their picks and were not torched for not picking Carter or Wilson.
Day two...let the adventure begin.
He would seem to be a good fit. Great fit. With Lockett and Metcalf occupying cornerbacks, he should have opportunities to get open over the middle. I'd not be surprised if we saw great numbers from all three this season. Makes Geno's job a lot easier, having that extra threat. Pair it with Walker and, man, this offense could be good.
Ade Ade, Keeanu Benton and Roschon Johnson in that order, please and thank you
I'm not sure about the order, but those are three nice players who could all contribute right away.
Great first round for the Hawks, solid picks at high impact positions. They’re still thin at iOL, DT, and RB, so I won’t be surprised to see at least 2 out of 3 picks there today and maybe all 3. If BPA leads another way then I’ll just root for whoever they pick to have a long, productive Seahawks career.
This has been very exciting! Thanks for all the player info. I am letting my inner SSJ come out and go with Tippman, Zach Charbonnet and Daiyan Henley. Wooo Hooo!
Well, I would have done it differently but so what. I’M IN! My favorite part was that we had 2 picks. Love that and we get 2 more today.
If I get confused with the first choice I can anxiously hope for something very large with the second of the day.
Here are interviews with Seattle's Devon Witherspoon and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. One can see why they were chosen. Super high character guys who will be great teammates. I'm impressed and, watching them, it seems clear why they didn't go with Carter. Even if one trusts him to show up at camp in shape and ready to go, a big "if", he's not the same kind of leader. Perhaps he could lead by example and by the way he brings it on the field, assuming he does, but his personality is far more passive. I hope he found a good spot with the Eagles because I root for all of these guys to succeed. He's already a millionaire but I want more for him. I want him to succeed in a way that leaves him feeling good about himself as a man in a way that's truly durable.
As for Witherspoon and JSN, they are a pleasure to watch. Strong character is obvious.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UZjHWWFaQ4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_6EXZT54Oo
Great post: well said. Thanks for posting the links too! That is great stuff.
I shared in some short-lived disappointment to not draft my draft crush in Nolan Smith ... But I've already moved on. Really fired up about the draft so far.
I too was a Nolan Smith guy. But I'm fine with JSN. We won't know for a while which bets pay off, though I think Seattle took very intelligent chances with Withspoon and Smith-Njigba.
Thanks for the links. I always give a like to posts that contribute to my reading list. Or watching a video.
This area of the draft (early to mid-late day 2) has been the sweet spot for PCJS (except, of course, for round 5 defensive backs):
Bobby Wagner, Russell Wilson, Tyler Lockett, Frank Clark, DK Metcalf, Kenneth Walker, Abe Lucas, are all stars, and you can add solid Golden Tate, Jarran Reed, Pocic, Lewis, Taylor, and Mafe.
And as you look these names (and the ones I didn’t mention like Paul Richardson, Dee Eskridge, John Moffitt, and Justin Britt) you’ll notice there’s a theme (apart from players with names ending in double T):
* Wide Receivers
* Pass rushers
* Interior offensive linemen
* Bwagz and Russ as great value for the pick
They already got JSN. So the names I’m mostly expecting to hear today are Dawand Jones (but it can be Joe Tippman, JMS, or Steve Avila), Ade Ade (or Keion White, Ojulari), and a wild card (that could be Drew Sanders, a QB, or another receiver)
Lockett ends in double t. Can I have a cookie? Too pedantic for you? Yea, I'm ashamed of myself, but cannot stop.
LOVE day 1. I trust Pete's judgement in passing on Carter at 5 after meeting with him. The Seahawks took so long on the clock with the 20 pick I think they were shopping it heavily, but JSN is a great choice for the Seahawks. Despite Year 1 being a difficult one for WRs generally I think he will fit in well, and will make it more difficult on opposing secondaries to double DK.
The Lions are my "other" team and I think they had a great day 1 also. Goff has to be happy with the Gibbs pick, and reach or not the Lions got the best LB available, and they needed it.
Now, on to day 2! For the Seahawks, C, DT/Edge, and RB with the three picks, please!
I agree that Woods and Poona are likely on their way back also.
I am not sure they were shopping at 20, so much as listening to offers. As I think the fall of all the receivers to 2O meant that a lot of teams were interested in moving up, resulting in a lot of calls to the Seahawks to see it they would trade. I glad they did not. This is BPA approach to the draft. It will take some getting use to.
I'd also add, why would a team that needs a WR3 now (and WR2 as early as 2024) look at every single WR in the draft still on the board and go "Yes! We'll trade down".
I think there was a real set of offers from the teams who then all went WR trying to jump up for JSN, and then a real debate internally for the 'Hawks on if any of those offers outweighed the chance to have JSN themselves (which would be why this pick took almost the full 10).
Would any of those offers have contained the '24 1st/2nd that we really wanted? Doubtful. Probably 3rd or 4ths this years we don't need. So instead, we walk off with JSN and everyone (well, everyone except those who demand a new QB and DLine) is happy.
It was a good Day 1 for the 'Hawks, and a good Day 1 for the NFL overall. Plenty of intrigue, enough trades to be exciting without being over the top, a few slides, a few reaches, all very well balanced to keep viewers engaged for the long haul.
Day 2 is wide open. We're deep in the part of the draft where lots of players could easily have gone from #15 onwards, right down to #100. To have not traded once on Day 1, i think PC/JS like their board, like their capital, and will continue to hold position for now (Day 3, who knows.). I'm fully in on their draft plan, whatever players that returns. Three picks tonight, and five on Saturday. Loads of time there to fill out the roster with options.
I think Ade Ade or Keion White are in the running for the pick at 37. I think Tippman and Mauch at 52. Avila could be an option there too. There are 3rd and 4th round center options too. Ricky Stromberg and Jon Gaines stand out. If not OL at 52, I could see TE there. I'm inclined to think they would want a traditional TE like Darnell Washington or Tucker Kraft. It will be interesting to see when they take a LB in the draft. There weren't any 1st round LB (Jack Campbell rates as a major reach for me, a full round too early), in my opinion.
The interior OLs are among the highest ranked remaining players. They might well take the money and run if one or more of Avila, Mauch, Tippman, and Torrence are available at 36 (which is likely). I just want Schneider to avoid being too clever by half.
The depth at IOL continues past the 4th, but not at center. I think the center depth will be down to Stromberg, Gaines, and 7th round fliers after the 3rd. Quality 3-4 ends are likely to be gone earlier and are higher positional value picks, and higher need, which is why I say 3-4 DE at 37 and center at 52. They very well may go 3-4 DE on both if they like folks more than center options. My pick would be Ade Ade at 37 at this point.
What I most value about Seaside is the posing of various scenarios and the logic that falls out of them. Mock drafters everywhere are writing that nobody saw Witherspoon coming...well, that’s not surprising when they are trying to predict the future instead of studying the matter from the perspective of a GM trying to anticipate the ways the draft might unfold.
What actually happened yesterday was simple and plausible:
1. Three QBs in the first four picks
2. Will Anderson off the board
3. No trading partner
4. Carter off their board, at least this high
What do you do if this transpires? It’s not an unreasonable proposition--#1 above was the most unlikely--and Schneider would have prepared for it. The internal debate eliminated Levis and Wilson, leaving the decision as about which CB to choose.
Seaside explained why Witherspoon would be of particular interest to SEA. I wonder how many of his readers were caught off guard by the selection? Not many, I’m thinking.
I can’t speak to the sequence, but I’m thinking that Day 2 is about the lines unless a TE drops in their lap. PCJS will have options when #36 rolls around--one of Avila, Benton, Tippman, and Torrence ought to be available.
There’s one TE who is also an OL pick -- when he’s out there, you’ve got a 6-OL formation. I’d love Mayer as well but Darnell Washington just screams “Pete Carroll!” to me, especially since Seattle already got the second coming of Cooper Kupp (JSN) to help out Geno. This guy for a coach who wants to be nasty again, is by far the best TE in the draft. Kincaid a luxury once you have DK + Lockett + JSN. I’m still shaking my head that he was still there at #20. OMG. Means Washington can be a Seahawk.
I've been beating the drum for Washington. He's unique.
Honestly, I don’t know enough about the individual players to say that one is better than another. From what I’ve read, Mayer is a Zach Miller type; I’m one who believes that Zach has never been replaced. That being said, Washington sounds terrific.
One of my fave 2013 playoff moments (11:50-12:05)—
https://youtu.be/sXhHim68J-E
Thanks!! What an incredible game from an incredible year for the Hawks….Man, still got goosebumps🥳
I had moved to Virginia a couple of years earlier. The guy who took my season tix invited me out for that game. I was pretty happy that I took him up on it!
For sure😱
Unforgettable!
And a strange reminder of the strengths and weaknesses of Russell Wilson — man was he a thrill ride, exhilaration and panic every play.
Zach will always have a special place in my fan’s heart just for that play! Re Russell, that pass came just after he was called for intentional and just before the 4th-down TD pass to Kearse. I’m breathless thinking about it.
I think that NoVarro Bowman getting popped. Talk about a man among men.
I don't see Seattle taking a QB tomorrow. Maybe on day 3 but even then I'm skeptical because it would mean having to either carry three QBs on the roster all season or cut one and hope he clears waivers. We seem set at tight end. Who knows on day 3 but I don't se it happening tomorrow. I doubt we take an OT tomorrow either. I see Tippman's a real possibility if he's still on the board. I don't follow the college game well enough to know about the depth of DT talent but I keep hearing this class is pretty thin. I'd be surprised if we don't take an edge tomorrow. Taking Branch wouldn't shock me if he's available when our turn comes. Definitely need a running back but it's hard to say if that happens in rounds two or three given our other needs. Depends on the perceived depth of the class. I don't see us taking another WR or CB on day 2.
Maybe “a TE whom they really really really like.” That being said, only Dissly is under contract next year, and there’s a fair chance that he’s a salary cap vic this year. If (1) Schneider is confident that he could move Fant and (2) Zach Miller--excuse me, Michael Mayer--is available, the Hawks could take the plunge.
Agree--PCJS won’t take a QB, at least on Day 2. The whole argument that they should look for a QBOTF is predicated on Drew Lock not actually existing. Not that Lock is necessarily the heir apparent, but he’s on the roster *now* with a new contract. It seems plain that he earned another look this year.
Sigh. Another scenario that you can’t pose on SHDB without exposing yourself to ridicule.
Or a ban scalpel. He doesn't do ban hammers, he just cuts you out.