I’m very hopeful that this OL group will prove to be more than adequate and maybe even good. My main worry, as always, is injury. I went in to last season with high hopes for improved OL play largely based on a year of experience for Cross and Lucas. That improvement lasted for one half against the Rams and then both were injured. The team never totally recovered, missed the playoffs, and Pete was “moved to an advisory role”. So much in the NFL depends on health so I’m hoping for a healthy season for all Hawks!
As an aside- the Hawks may not spend much on the OL, but their receivers are another story.
I would switch Forsythe for Greenfield. I also don't think Tomlinson makes it and Mike Jerrell is a tackle first with potential to slide into guard if needed. I think one of Curtis or O'Neal will make the team.
Way to early to say right now but Seattle may have found a real sleeper at tackle from Div II. Michael Jerrell. He had a good rookie mini camp and I read an interesting tidbid from the NFL draft profile from Zierlein. He mentions he is not NFL ready and probably was ranked as an priority free agent. It will be interesting following his progress through camp against season pros. Wouldn't it be interesting to see if he can compete with Forsythe. Some believe he could play guard too which speaks to his versatility.
His strengths
Possesses proportional, athletic frame with adequate length.
Former basketball player with good hip/knee bend and athletic movements.
Capable of setting to outside rush with good range in protection.
Traits could lead to rapid growth with pro coaching and development.
He is looked at as a project but I had heard, I think it was from Corbin Smith that he was a bit of surprise at the rookie camp.
I’m going with 10 meaning that Stone is likely gone, maybe PS. The reason I say 10 is because of the depth likely to be at DLine. Especially with the versatility that Fant and Harris etc have, Stone may be expendable. Could be wrong but think 53rd player is DLine and 52nd being a DB.
Everyone is excited for the defense, but I'm far more optimistic about the offense this year. The line has a chance to be good, and building towards great. Geno is solid when given time. The receivers are a deep group with both experienced vets and promising young players. K9 and Charbonnet could be the best RB tandem in the league. The tight end group is down from last year on paper, but I am hopeful that Fant can show more than ever as a pass catcher without having to share so many snaps. So much will depend on the performance of this O line. If Abe's knee is healthy, that will go a long way. And hopefully Ryan Grubb will be the OC that I had hoped Waldron was going to be.
So whomever the Hawks settle on an O-line, I hope they can play together for the full season and that most of them make it together for several seasons. I think continuity is extremely important for a really effective O-line. It’s one thing that’s been missing from the Hawks for years.
That's how you build continuity. Let them grow through the challenges and failures. This would be built on a number of assumptions of course. Abe has to be healthy. Huff proves he is actually a good NFL o-line coach. Lumea and Haynes have to take to the coaching and prove they are capable enough for a week 1 start. If Tomlinson has to slide into the LG spot for a while, that's ok, assuming Huff can get a better year out of him than he showed last year with the Jets.
If we're going to be 'explosive' on offense, the o-line has to hold up. They are going to asking Cross for more. More nasty, more finishing, more fight. I don't think Mike Mac or Huff want a 'technique' guy at LT, or for any lineman for that matter.
Fautanu will not probably be moved to guard, NFL sees him as a tackle. Perhaps Schneider didn't want a tackle because he was confident that Lucas is healthy and Cross can have a breakout season. Or he was scared about issues that were emerged on Fautanu's knee
Holmgren stated on draft day that the 05 Hawks made it to the Super Bowl because of their O-line! I also agree Sataoa will become a very good Guard- What I am truly hoping for is that Olu or Harris can become that center leader on this teams O-line. That is more important than most give it credit for! The O-line is the most important unit on offense after the QB- Just also hoping they can jell with each other rather quickly and grow together, for that is what makes an O-line actually very good.
Great post!!! I appreciate and respect the current work of the Hawks - building OLine from UDFA, later draft choices, and a spirit of competition… Building an OL TEAM!!!
I appreciate this post about the OL room. I place huge value on and respect for what offensive linemen must do. You don't always get what you pay for in the NFL (to say the least), so overpaying for the OL room is certainly possible. I would argue that the Hawk's iffy track record, in or out of the playoffs over the last nine years, can very much be attributed to a deficient OL (at any price.) It's quite likely the lack of funding is partly at fault. Maybe maybe 2024-25 will be better because the team has done an OK job of creating competition for the starting and backup roles with a reasonably promising and large group of candidates. Maybe competition, and hopefully accountability too, will finally combine to make up for the lack of funding: put together a room of bad ass maulers for a great RB room, and robust guardians for QBs who each have great potential and a truckload of question marks. I worry that a great OL is more than the sum of its parts, and needs time to truly work together as a unit. So we may be in for more frustration in the first half of the season while they learn to do that. I hope they do that in relative good health.
Sataoa will be a starter either this year or next. I have him down as the draft steal. He has a great chance to start at left guard this fall and I would not bet against him.
Big men with foot and knee issues have proved a problem for us, so I can understand JS shying away from Fautanu. Putting twisting, turning 600+ lb moves on an injury for 60 minutes only goes in one direction- worsening. That Murphy was around made it a no-brainer at 16. But for that, JS would have traded down for more access to 2nd round picks in the trenches. I understand why Coaching will focus on the "Skills Players", but hope Mike spends quality time with these guys having a beer or dinner. Bring the wives, friends. Even a little attention will go a long way to making them feel at home. The Game starts/stops with them and a little sincere recognition has set championship efforts on course for years.
I expect MM will award our offense 2-3 more outings per game by bringing a top 5 defense to us. Our first 2 games could not be better, going up against weaker teams before an ultimate test in Detroit, followed by a weak Game 4 then we face Frisco. This defense will be learning whole new ways to confound an offense. Better we confuse them than our own guys. Their coordination knowing the schemes can get some crucial real-world practice working out the kinks and still winning. Our Offense will score. Just give them more shots at doing so. Soon enough, our Defense will be putting up points themselves.
I also really doubt that the Seahawks would draft Fautano as a guard at 16.
However, it is interesting that Brady Henderson has reported multiple times that the Hawks would have taken JC Latham.
The only way I saw them taking a guard with their first pick is after trade down(s).
The first guard/center went at 26th (Barton) and Haynes was interior lineman number 4 drafted at 3.17
No real reason to overdraft the position. Nice work from scneider. FWIW, I do think he would consider a guard/center late in the first round early second.
The Hawks had never drafted a corner high until they did at 5. Situation, player, potential impact all factor in and if there is a special talent I would not doubt they will have no problem taking best player available.
FWIW, Brady Henderson (I think) said on one of his many post-draft interviews that Fautanu was not on the Seahawks’ board for injury reasons. On Cigar Thoughts, guest Sean Clement (an analytics guy, but reasonable) said that replacement-level guards are generally available in free agency, which is why teams shouldn’t use a high first-round draft pick on a guard. BTW, Henderson also says that if it had come to it, Schneider was prepared to draft a CB at #1–they liked Arnold, Dejean, and Mitchell and were committed to going best player available.
Personally, I was with Ken and saw almost no chance that Schneider would buck history and draft Fautanu at #16, even without the injury issue. He would have to project as a perennial All-Pro, and no one anywhere claims that he’s the second coming of Steve Hutchinson.
I agree that they would not have drafted a guard at 16. I only thought they could if they traded down first to the end of the first or early second.
But it is interesting that they would have taken a tackle at 16. I don’t think the projections were insane if you believe that Fautano is a tackle. They are bad if he is a guard. A guard would have to be a very special prospect to take at 16.
Hi Kenneth. Everything I have read points to Steve Hutchinson being the guiding light behind the drafting of the offensive line for the Seahawks. In your article I didn’t see any reference to him. May the 12s be with you and Go Seahawks. 🏈🏈🏈🏈
The other thing of note the fact that both Hutch and Walter have said that their o-line didn't truly come together and become what it was (great) until they acquired their leader Robbie Tobeck at center!
I’m very hopeful that this OL group will prove to be more than adequate and maybe even good. My main worry, as always, is injury. I went in to last season with high hopes for improved OL play largely based on a year of experience for Cross and Lucas. That improvement lasted for one half against the Rams and then both were injured. The team never totally recovered, missed the playoffs, and Pete was “moved to an advisory role”. So much in the NFL depends on health so I’m hoping for a healthy season for all Hawks!
As an aside- the Hawks may not spend much on the OL, but their receivers are another story.
I would switch Forsythe for Greenfield. I also don't think Tomlinson makes it and Mike Jerrell is a tackle first with potential to slide into guard if needed. I think one of Curtis or O'Neal will make the team.
Way to early to say right now but Seattle may have found a real sleeper at tackle from Div II. Michael Jerrell. He had a good rookie mini camp and I read an interesting tidbid from the NFL draft profile from Zierlein. He mentions he is not NFL ready and probably was ranked as an priority free agent. It will be interesting following his progress through camp against season pros. Wouldn't it be interesting to see if he can compete with Forsythe. Some believe he could play guard too which speaks to his versatility.
His strengths
Possesses proportional, athletic frame with adequate length.
Former basketball player with good hip/knee bend and athletic movements.
Capable of setting to outside rush with good range in protection.
Traits could lead to rapid growth with pro coaching and development.
He is looked at as a project but I had heard, I think it was from Corbin Smith that he was a bit of surprise at the rookie camp.
Apparently they had a 5th round grade on him, based on the Seahawks.com look inside the draft article.
Lance Z had him as a UDFA, prority. Someone was doing due dilligence in their scouting.
I’m going with 10 meaning that Stone is likely gone, maybe PS. The reason I say 10 is because of the depth likely to be at DLine. Especially with the versatility that Fant and Harris etc have, Stone may be expendable. Could be wrong but think 53rd player is DLine and 52nd being a DB.
Everyone is excited for the defense, but I'm far more optimistic about the offense this year. The line has a chance to be good, and building towards great. Geno is solid when given time. The receivers are a deep group with both experienced vets and promising young players. K9 and Charbonnet could be the best RB tandem in the league. The tight end group is down from last year on paper, but I am hopeful that Fant can show more than ever as a pass catcher without having to share so many snaps. So much will depend on the performance of this O line. If Abe's knee is healthy, that will go a long way. And hopefully Ryan Grubb will be the OC that I had hoped Waldron was going to be.
Kenneth, Do you think mobile quarterbacks have eroded the value offensive lines? May the 12s be with you and Go Seahawks?
So whomever the Hawks settle on an O-line, I hope they can play together for the full season and that most of them make it together for several seasons. I think continuity is extremely important for a really effective O-line. It’s one thing that’s been missing from the Hawks for years.
Cross-Lumea-Oluwatimi-Haynes-Lucas
In terms of years in the league it would be;
3-1-2-1-3
That's how you build continuity. Let them grow through the challenges and failures. This would be built on a number of assumptions of course. Abe has to be healthy. Huff proves he is actually a good NFL o-line coach. Lumea and Haynes have to take to the coaching and prove they are capable enough for a week 1 start. If Tomlinson has to slide into the LG spot for a while, that's ok, assuming Huff can get a better year out of him than he showed last year with the Jets.
If we're going to be 'explosive' on offense, the o-line has to hold up. They are going to asking Cross for more. More nasty, more finishing, more fight. I don't think Mike Mac or Huff want a 'technique' guy at LT, or for any lineman for that matter.
I think this is probably the likely starting line by the end of the year.
Don’t see Lumea this year with Lakens experience but do agree.
Fautanu will not probably be moved to guard, NFL sees him as a tackle. Perhaps Schneider didn't want a tackle because he was confident that Lucas is healthy and Cross can have a breakout season. Or he was scared about issues that were emerged on Fautanu's knee
Wouldn't make much sense to draft a tackle with a knee issue to replace your tackle with a knee issue.
I lean towards the latter. After Abe's knee issues, especially. Sky is the limit for him, but only if he can get that knee right.
Holmgren stated on draft day that the 05 Hawks made it to the Super Bowl because of their O-line! I also agree Sataoa will become a very good Guard- What I am truly hoping for is that Olu or Harris can become that center leader on this teams O-line. That is more important than most give it credit for! The O-line is the most important unit on offense after the QB- Just also hoping they can jell with each other rather quickly and grow together, for that is what makes an O-line actually very good.
Great post!!! I appreciate and respect the current work of the Hawks - building OLine from UDFA, later draft choices, and a spirit of competition… Building an OL TEAM!!!
I appreciate this post about the OL room. I place huge value on and respect for what offensive linemen must do. You don't always get what you pay for in the NFL (to say the least), so overpaying for the OL room is certainly possible. I would argue that the Hawk's iffy track record, in or out of the playoffs over the last nine years, can very much be attributed to a deficient OL (at any price.) It's quite likely the lack of funding is partly at fault. Maybe maybe 2024-25 will be better because the team has done an OK job of creating competition for the starting and backup roles with a reasonably promising and large group of candidates. Maybe competition, and hopefully accountability too, will finally combine to make up for the lack of funding: put together a room of bad ass maulers for a great RB room, and robust guardians for QBs who each have great potential and a truckload of question marks. I worry that a great OL is more than the sum of its parts, and needs time to truly work together as a unit. So we may be in for more frustration in the first half of the season while they learn to do that. I hope they do that in relative good health.
Sataoa will be a starter either this year or next. I have him down as the draft steal. He has a great chance to start at left guard this fall and I would not bet against him.
Big men with foot and knee issues have proved a problem for us, so I can understand JS shying away from Fautanu. Putting twisting, turning 600+ lb moves on an injury for 60 minutes only goes in one direction- worsening. That Murphy was around made it a no-brainer at 16. But for that, JS would have traded down for more access to 2nd round picks in the trenches. I understand why Coaching will focus on the "Skills Players", but hope Mike spends quality time with these guys having a beer or dinner. Bring the wives, friends. Even a little attention will go a long way to making them feel at home. The Game starts/stops with them and a little sincere recognition has set championship efforts on course for years.
I expect MM will award our offense 2-3 more outings per game by bringing a top 5 defense to us. Our first 2 games could not be better, going up against weaker teams before an ultimate test in Detroit, followed by a weak Game 4 then we face Frisco. This defense will be learning whole new ways to confound an offense. Better we confuse them than our own guys. Their coordination knowing the schemes can get some crucial real-world practice working out the kinks and still winning. Our Offense will score. Just give them more shots at doing so. Soon enough, our Defense will be putting up points themselves.
I also really doubt that the Seahawks would draft Fautano as a guard at 16.
However, it is interesting that Brady Henderson has reported multiple times that the Hawks would have taken JC Latham.
The only way I saw them taking a guard with their first pick is after trade down(s).
The first guard/center went at 26th (Barton) and Haynes was interior lineman number 4 drafted at 3.17
No real reason to overdraft the position. Nice work from scneider. FWIW, I do think he would consider a guard/center late in the first round early second.
The Hawks had never drafted a corner high until they did at 5. Situation, player, potential impact all factor in and if there is a special talent I would not doubt they will have no problem taking best player available.
FWIW, Brady Henderson (I think) said on one of his many post-draft interviews that Fautanu was not on the Seahawks’ board for injury reasons. On Cigar Thoughts, guest Sean Clement (an analytics guy, but reasonable) said that replacement-level guards are generally available in free agency, which is why teams shouldn’t use a high first-round draft pick on a guard. BTW, Henderson also says that if it had come to it, Schneider was prepared to draft a CB at #1–they liked Arnold, Dejean, and Mitchell and were committed to going best player available.
Personally, I was with Ken and saw almost no chance that Schneider would buck history and draft Fautanu at #16, even without the injury issue. He would have to project as a perennial All-Pro, and no one anywhere claims that he’s the second coming of Steve Hutchinson.
I agree that they would not have drafted a guard at 16. I only thought they could if they traded down first to the end of the first or early second.
But it is interesting that they would have taken a tackle at 16. I don’t think the projections were insane if you believe that Fautano is a tackle. They are bad if he is a guard. A guard would have to be a very special prospect to take at 16.
Hi Kenneth. Everything I have read points to Steve Hutchinson being the guiding light behind the drafting of the offensive line for the Seahawks. In your article I didn’t see any reference to him. May the 12s be with you and Go Seahawks. 🏈🏈🏈🏈
The other thing of note the fact that both Hutch and Walter have said that their o-line didn't truly come together and become what it was (great) until they acquired their leader Robbie Tobeck at center!