I've been coming to this possibility as well. A potential game-wrecker falling into our laps at 1.16. I think it unlikely that Verse is the one though, as I think he's too good to make it there. But how do they view either of the two Robinson's (Darius from Missouri, or Chop from Penn State)?
The cap situation for 2025 that you noted is important.
- cap already spent for 2025
- a significant number of 1 (or 2) year veteran deals with minimal guarantees for 2024
- a large gap between 1.16 and 3.81
- depth issues at a number of positions (iLB, S, iOL, T, TE)
Doesn't this just SCREAM trade back? If the grades on Darius or Chop are not significantly different than Verse, I think they bail out of 1.16. I do agree that it is highly possible that edge or DT is the first selection for the Seahawks. Defensive talent is going to get pushed down the draft board. The question is where it gets taken.
If we took a talented edge prospect after a trade down (let's say Darius Robinson is still there), there will still be iOL talent in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th rounds. It's the OT depth that I think might dry up pretty quickly.
Also do we have any sense for the quality of OL in 2025 draft? I keep hearing there is a shift in positional strength and talent now that we are out of Covid years. Is it possible that we “whiff” on OL this year but get aggressive wi ty it next year because we see just as much potential there?
One thing I wonder about is our potential to trade unit he second round? We see so much fodder on our potential trade partners at 16 but if all things are the same as JS has stated, what’s the likelihood we trade into round 2? Are there current Seahawks that might fit the bill as part of a package? I haven’t heard much of that and maybe for good reason/harder to predict?
Ignoring the offensive line in the best draft for offensive linemen in a while, while having one of the bottom four offensive lines is a very Seahawks thing to do. But I am not ready to decide that the Seahawks are going either defense or QB based on their visits. The alternative narrative is that they are talking with players that could fall with the question being - yes we have first round grade and dire need on the offensive line but if player C, like Nix or Verse are available do we take them instead, or the offensive linemen we had given first round grades to are gone and Verse or Nix are there do we take them or move down. I have argued that what Seahawks need most is an all pro player (A quality QB on a rookie deal is equally or even more valuable than an all pro.) What I see is due diligence which makes sense, but if asked to bet I would bet the Washington tackle because he will be there at 16 as he does not look the part of left tackle and he will be the best player on the board. So Kenneth will be right that the Seahawks stick and pick an offensive tackle. At this point It seems like no matter what the Seahawks do Kenneth will be right. In fairness I like what you are doing in examining all of the possibilities.
I’m on board with getting a defensive player with pick 16. In my opinion you want your defense to be young. Verse would definitely fit the bill.
The Baltimore D this last season was excellent at swarming to the ball. And older defenders don’t swarm as quickly. Young, fast twitch defenders can make it seem like there are 12 defenders on the field.
I’m worried about O line depth, but for a starting line I would be happy with Cross, Bradford, Olu, Lucas and Fant. I think that’s an improvement over last year.
While it seems like Fautanu is mocked to Seattle by nearly everyone, it reminds me of when Gros-Matos was nearly unanimous in being mocked to the Hawks a few of years ago. Unanimous mocks don’t mean squat.
What stands out to me is he was a Tight End until he bulked up during covid. As we see with guys like Sherman, gaining talents at other positions (WR) can be a big plus on Defense, giving out little 'tells' to what the offense intends on doing. Plus, having that 'chip' is a must-have.
Seahawks are firmly in 32. Yikes. Brady Henderson said he believes that Cody Whitehair or Laken Tomlinson will be signed shortly. Which will probably not change things.
I don't know man. The problem isn't who to pick at 16, it's how do I get more at-bats in a draft that has such strength at OL, WR and CB. Even Verse:
29 tackles
16 assists
7 sacks
10.5 stuffs for 14 yds
That's Will Anderson's line from his rookie season -- and I don't hear anyone saying Verse is a Will Anderson or that there's any edge that could go at #3 in this year's draft class.
You're making me anxious bc you're so damn good at calling what Seattle will do. But Seattle cannot let this draft class get away without dramatically strengthening its OL -- and if Schneider's done anything, it's investing high draft picks on the OL
Unfortunately we need to trade down at 16, and prob trade down again at 20 (Steelers), 24 (Cowboys) or 25 (GB) -- to name the three I think are most likely to offer to move up.
But I know you are the master at calling what Seattle will do, so I'm not trying to argue with you. Justs expressing how disappointed I'll be if we pick ANYONE at 16, and therefore miss getting the quality OL's (2), TE, and LB or Safety we could get with 4 picks in the top 85
Verse is gone by #16. He's probably the first defensive player off the board. If the Giants were smart they'd pair him with Burns & Lawrence to establish one of the best front-foot defences in the NFL (yes, i'm aware the Giants have a ton of holes everywhere, can't fill them all at #6). Titans at #7 could make good use of him (again like the Gianats they have a ton of holes). Then there's the Falcons at #8.
Atlanta will probably draft Bowers, because what else does Atlanta do but draft insanely talent offensive players? I can't think of another player who'd be so useful to the Falcons and make so much sense at #8. They don't need offensive skill players. Their OLine is fairly solid. I like their DB room. A proper dangerous Edge gives them an edge in the NFC South.
Now if Verse escapes that trio (and knowing the Giants, Titans & Falcons it is entirely possible) the Bears at #9. They've been working on the offence via Free Agency, and whilst my actual prediction here is Mitchell/Arnold at CB, Verse would be a gift for them and a great counter in the division to the Lions and Packers. Jet's won't take him. Assmuing here the Vikings, Broncos don't trade up, they both need a player like Verse and with the best QB's and offence gone, pivoting one of the best defensive players would make ense - especially if the Vikings are trying to stay competitive, and they really lack anything at Edge.
Through all of that. If Verse makes it to #16, yes he'd be a great get! But I cannot see any world where he passes by the above five teams. And it gets even less likely if the Vikings and/or Broncos do trade up. If the Patriots or Cardinals are on the board at #11/12 and with additional picks still in hand Jared is gone in a flash! The Top defensive player (arguable, but he's right in that discussion) in the draft does not last to #16. I don't think he makes it past #8. Don't be shocked if he's gone even sooner than that.
It makes sense for the Hawks to do their homework on every player that might either "fall" to 16 or is expected to be available at 16 that we have a first round grade on. Verse is likely graded around the same or lower than say Bowers. Bowers is likely to be gone, but so is Verse.
Don't forget that if the team has a firm grade on someone like Bowers, they don't ask for a visit. They use visits when they still have questions that need answers. Whoever they take always tells us something about how they think and assess the team. With Witherspoon we learned what kind of player really makes them go, "wow". There were other CB's who were taller and longer and fit their physical profile better than Witherspoon, but he had that it factor and we learned they value those talents even more than physical profiles.
This year we will learn how much they want to keep Geno clean versus building a wall on defense. We've already got a massive investment in the DL including the OLBers. Verse will make even more investment in that line, while ignoring the need for an OL.
It is tough to do both with such little draft capital. It's either offense or defense and the only way to split this baby down the middle would possibly to trade down and get lesser players but one for each side of the ball.
So split the baby or choose either defense or offense? Personally, I'd still favor taking a tackle like Fautana if he is still available at 16. Or one of the other quality tackles. We are in a position to likely have a great choice for either side of the ball. I do love watching a great defense, but if for no other reason than to shut some people up, I'm for fixing the OL and seeing what Geno can do with better protection.
I find it safer to do my draft predictions on May 1st.......
I've been coming to this possibility as well. A potential game-wrecker falling into our laps at 1.16. I think it unlikely that Verse is the one though, as I think he's too good to make it there. But how do they view either of the two Robinson's (Darius from Missouri, or Chop from Penn State)?
The cap situation for 2025 that you noted is important.
- cap already spent for 2025
- a significant number of 1 (or 2) year veteran deals with minimal guarantees for 2024
- a large gap between 1.16 and 3.81
- depth issues at a number of positions (iLB, S, iOL, T, TE)
Doesn't this just SCREAM trade back? If the grades on Darius or Chop are not significantly different than Verse, I think they bail out of 1.16. I do agree that it is highly possible that edge or DT is the first selection for the Seahawks. Defensive talent is going to get pushed down the draft board. The question is where it gets taken.
If we took a talented edge prospect after a trade down (let's say Darius Robinson is still there), there will still be iOL talent in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th rounds. It's the OT depth that I think might dry up pretty quickly.
Also do we have any sense for the quality of OL in 2025 draft? I keep hearing there is a shift in positional strength and talent now that we are out of Covid years. Is it possible that we “whiff” on OL this year but get aggressive wi ty it next year because we see just as much potential there?
One thing I wonder about is our potential to trade unit he second round? We see so much fodder on our potential trade partners at 16 but if all things are the same as JS has stated, what’s the likelihood we trade into round 2? Are there current Seahawks that might fit the bill as part of a package? I haven’t heard much of that and maybe for good reason/harder to predict?
Ignoring the offensive line in the best draft for offensive linemen in a while, while having one of the bottom four offensive lines is a very Seahawks thing to do. But I am not ready to decide that the Seahawks are going either defense or QB based on their visits. The alternative narrative is that they are talking with players that could fall with the question being - yes we have first round grade and dire need on the offensive line but if player C, like Nix or Verse are available do we take them instead, or the offensive linemen we had given first round grades to are gone and Verse or Nix are there do we take them or move down. I have argued that what Seahawks need most is an all pro player (A quality QB on a rookie deal is equally or even more valuable than an all pro.) What I see is due diligence which makes sense, but if asked to bet I would bet the Washington tackle because he will be there at 16 as he does not look the part of left tackle and he will be the best player on the board. So Kenneth will be right that the Seahawks stick and pick an offensive tackle. At this point It seems like no matter what the Seahawks do Kenneth will be right. In fairness I like what you are doing in examining all of the possibilities.
I’m on board with getting a defensive player with pick 16. In my opinion you want your defense to be young. Verse would definitely fit the bill.
The Baltimore D this last season was excellent at swarming to the ball. And older defenders don’t swarm as quickly. Young, fast twitch defenders can make it seem like there are 12 defenders on the field.
I’m worried about O line depth, but for a starting line I would be happy with Cross, Bradford, Olu, Lucas and Fant. I think that’s an improvement over last year.
While it seems like Fautanu is mocked to Seattle by nearly everyone, it reminds me of when Gros-Matos was nearly unanimous in being mocked to the Hawks a few of years ago. Unanimous mocks don’t mean squat.
What stands out to me is he was a Tight End until he bulked up during covid. As we see with guys like Sherman, gaining talents at other positions (WR) can be a big plus on Defense, giving out little 'tells' to what the offense intends on doing. Plus, having that 'chip' is a must-have.
Joe makes a ton of sense. Things could change but right now it looks like the Hawks are locking into defense. And ... I actually don't hate it.
BUT
Meanwhile, in the trenches on the offensive side of the ball, Benny B just posted his offensive line rankings:
https://x.com/benbbaldwin/status/1777363558969278464
Seahawks are firmly in 32. Yikes. Brady Henderson said he believes that Cody Whitehair or Laken Tomlinson will be signed shortly. Which will probably not change things.
I don't know man. The problem isn't who to pick at 16, it's how do I get more at-bats in a draft that has such strength at OL, WR and CB. Even Verse:
29 tackles
16 assists
7 sacks
10.5 stuffs for 14 yds
That's Will Anderson's line from his rookie season -- and I don't hear anyone saying Verse is a Will Anderson or that there's any edge that could go at #3 in this year's draft class.
You're making me anxious bc you're so damn good at calling what Seattle will do. But Seattle cannot let this draft class get away without dramatically strengthening its OL -- and if Schneider's done anything, it's investing high draft picks on the OL
Unfortunately we need to trade down at 16, and prob trade down again at 20 (Steelers), 24 (Cowboys) or 25 (GB) -- to name the three I think are most likely to offer to move up.
But I know you are the master at calling what Seattle will do, so I'm not trying to argue with you. Justs expressing how disappointed I'll be if we pick ANYONE at 16, and therefore miss getting the quality OL's (2), TE, and LB or Safety we could get with 4 picks in the top 85
Verse is gone by #16. He's probably the first defensive player off the board. If the Giants were smart they'd pair him with Burns & Lawrence to establish one of the best front-foot defences in the NFL (yes, i'm aware the Giants have a ton of holes everywhere, can't fill them all at #6). Titans at #7 could make good use of him (again like the Gianats they have a ton of holes). Then there's the Falcons at #8.
Atlanta will probably draft Bowers, because what else does Atlanta do but draft insanely talent offensive players? I can't think of another player who'd be so useful to the Falcons and make so much sense at #8. They don't need offensive skill players. Their OLine is fairly solid. I like their DB room. A proper dangerous Edge gives them an edge in the NFC South.
Now if Verse escapes that trio (and knowing the Giants, Titans & Falcons it is entirely possible) the Bears at #9. They've been working on the offence via Free Agency, and whilst my actual prediction here is Mitchell/Arnold at CB, Verse would be a gift for them and a great counter in the division to the Lions and Packers. Jet's won't take him. Assmuing here the Vikings, Broncos don't trade up, they both need a player like Verse and with the best QB's and offence gone, pivoting one of the best defensive players would make ense - especially if the Vikings are trying to stay competitive, and they really lack anything at Edge.
Through all of that. If Verse makes it to #16, yes he'd be a great get! But I cannot see any world where he passes by the above five teams. And it gets even less likely if the Vikings and/or Broncos do trade up. If the Patriots or Cardinals are on the board at #11/12 and with additional picks still in hand Jared is gone in a flash! The Top defensive player (arguable, but he's right in that discussion) in the draft does not last to #16. I don't think he makes it past #8. Don't be shocked if he's gone even sooner than that.
It makes sense for the Hawks to do their homework on every player that might either "fall" to 16 or is expected to be available at 16 that we have a first round grade on. Verse is likely graded around the same or lower than say Bowers. Bowers is likely to be gone, but so is Verse.
Don't forget that if the team has a firm grade on someone like Bowers, they don't ask for a visit. They use visits when they still have questions that need answers. Whoever they take always tells us something about how they think and assess the team. With Witherspoon we learned what kind of player really makes them go, "wow". There were other CB's who were taller and longer and fit their physical profile better than Witherspoon, but he had that it factor and we learned they value those talents even more than physical profiles.
This year we will learn how much they want to keep Geno clean versus building a wall on defense. We've already got a massive investment in the DL including the OLBers. Verse will make even more investment in that line, while ignoring the need for an OL.
It is tough to do both with such little draft capital. It's either offense or defense and the only way to split this baby down the middle would possibly to trade down and get lesser players but one for each side of the ball.
So split the baby or choose either defense or offense? Personally, I'd still favor taking a tackle like Fautana if he is still available at 16. Or one of the other quality tackles. We are in a position to likely have a great choice for either side of the ball. I do love watching a great defense, but if for no other reason than to shut some people up, I'm for fixing the OL and seeing what Geno can do with better protection.