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Seattle Trades Fifth, Seventh and 2010 Third Round Pick for Deon Butler, WR, Penn State

Seattle has traded its fifth round pick, seventh round pick and 2010 third round pick to trade into the third and draft Deon Butler, wide receiver, Penn State.

Wow, here's someone in my blind spot. Butler was a four year starter at Penn State. He was reasonably productive, starting his Lions career with three straight 600+ yard seasons before breaking out a bit with a 47 reception, 810 yard, 7 touchdown performance as a senior. He was the fourth fastest receiver at the NFL Combine and the fourth fastest player at any position. He also showed good agility skills (7.01 3-cone) and decent leaping ability (34.5" vert).

He's slight, carrying 182 on his 5'10" frame. That makes scouts think he's strictly a slot receiver. Here's something to whet your appetite.

I'll update this when I have more information.

Update: Here's a video scouting report:

And an interesting test for my yard per attempt stat. Butler rates poorly.

Butler faced eight top 30 opponents over the last three years. All but USC shut him down. But, and it's a huge but, all but USC completely shut down Penn State's entire passing offense. In four games, the Lions passed for fewer than 150 yards and only against USC did they throw for more than 200 yards. So this could be an example of total system failure. Nevertheless, that's at least partly on Butler.

Targets: 36

Percentage of team targets: 15.9%

Percentage of team yards: 19.9%

Catch percentage: 63.8%

Yards per target: 6.86

He also recorded two offensive pass interference penalties and one personal foul. Here's how I interpret this. Butler struggles against man cover. He will struggle to get open in the pros against man cover. He will need to match against zones to be productive. We shall see. I have some tape ready of him and will watch it.

Update II: Doug says the scouts he's talked to love this pick and points out something from TTFY Draft that I love, love, love. Have I mentioned how much I love good route runners?

Route running: This is what Butler does best -- run crisp routes while showing the lateral agility and balance to elude after the catch. He is sharp in his cuts and does a nice job of sinking his weight to get under most balls thrown to him in the short-to-intermediate areas. He shows tight hips in his patterns, but has the body control to separate. He maintains eye contact with the backfield to work back for the ball and is very effective locating and settling into the zone's soft areas. He is showing a good ability to sell his fakes and even though he is used mostly as a zone route runner, he works hard in his patterns and is quick to find the open area. He has the ability to stick and define his cuts and shows decent acceleration in the open.

0 recs  |  Comment 55 comments |

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This guy would be great for us if we had a QB who could make deep throws.

We all thought that this FO was in win now mode, but the last day and change is making it look more like we are sort of coasting right now.

by michaelfox99 on Apr 26, 2009 9:11 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

This really puts Branch on his last year if he doesn't get his act together

He seems like he could fill Engram’s spot, with some of Branch’s abilities.

by cashless on Apr 26, 2009 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

So if he's only a slot receiver

Is that really a bad thing? It might’ve been a bit of a reach at that point in the draft…

Question is: how well does he fit the hole in the Hawks WR corps. John?

by Vasilii on Apr 26, 2009 9:13 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

hmm

A player devalued because of his size from a big school who played four years with consistent production, why hadn’t anybody thought about this guy as a Ruskell pick before the draft

by laubster on Apr 26, 2009 9:17 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Too much speed?

4.31 doesn’t seem like it would matter to Ruskell.

by LantermanC on Apr 26, 2009 9:18 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

This is why:

Jordan Kent Logan Payne Billy McMullen Koren Robinson Courtney Taylor

and in the future Deion Branch , Nate Burleson

by Misfit74 on Apr 26, 2009 9:20 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Very true

And I was the one saying they needed to draft a WR in the first three round, so I can’t complain. Just a curious pick.

by B.B.Finnegan on Apr 26, 2009 9:26 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Because Branch

becomes expensive next year.

It is what it is...

by kidder95 on Apr 26, 2009 9:20 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Because

Maybe he’s Wes Welker’s illegitimate child.

by PRIDEin253 on Apr 26, 2009 9:21 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If he really is 5' 10.5", 180...

That’s not appreciably smaller than Engram. And sub-4.4 IS appreciably faster. Scouting sites say crafty route runner with good hands. I’m good.

by Hawkdawg on Apr 26, 2009 9:21 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Purely on numbers

He looks more like a Deon Branch then a Bobby Engram

by B.B.Finnegan on Apr 26, 2009 9:22 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

We already have a slew of 6'1" 200 pound WR's

I would guess the addition of a WR with a different skill set than what we already have is a welcome addition.

ALSO…

I am not so convinced that this guy isn’t a split end anyway. Great speed coupled with great route running makes for a player that can get behind defenses.

Bring Your Game, Leave Your Name.

by iverson2169 on Apr 26, 2009 9:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agree. I also see him as more than a slot guy.

But I’m a little confused by the Split End talk. I was always under the impression that it was better to have slightly bigger guy at SE, since they’re up against the LOS and often have to beat press coverage or a jam right off the snap. But a guy with a smaller build who runs great routes is better suited at Flanker, where there’s more space where you line up, and you can overcome the size mis-match with the ability to beat the DB with a good first step or selling a route.

Just off what I’ve read, Butler sounds like a faster version of Branch, and a good fit for that Flanker spot. Of course, I’m used to Holmgren’s system – not familiar with what Knapp is looking for.

by jteckmann on Apr 27, 2009 9:23 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

seems alright

not to worried about what we gave up as we did nab that extra first rounder next year. The next Tats/Carlson trade up evil genius move?

by Hancock.Brett on Apr 26, 2009 9:19 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

You have to throw in Unger

So Unger and Butler get thrown on the list.

by cashless on Apr 26, 2009 9:21 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

To be honest

I thought we would pick Derrick Williams, WR from Penn State before we traded out of the 3rd, 4th and 5th rounds. Hopefully his teammate will do just as well.

by PRIDEin253 on Apr 26, 2009 9:19 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

He's better

Derrick Williams is the second leading receiver for PSU. Butler is top dog.

This is a huge win.

It is what it is...

by kidder95 on Apr 26, 2009 9:21 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

thank. nice link.

I’m still thinking Eddie Royal. Nice cutting/breaks. speed to burn

by Misfit74 on Apr 26, 2009 9:26 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Think of Butler running post

with TJ running a curl underneath him.

It is what it is...

by kidder95 on Apr 26, 2009 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Great link

Deshaun Jackson? Eddie Royal…? I don’t know how much stock to give to it, given I don’t know the guys evaluating him, but that’s got me a little excited.

by JamesMurphy on Apr 26, 2009 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I like the guys who made the video.

Cecil Lammey is the NFL Insider for FM 104.3 The Fan in Denver.

http://draftguys.com/index.php/articles/about

by Culter on Apr 26, 2009 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good video

I like his speed in and out of his cuts, and he sells it extremely well

"Hey, guess what? Nobody cares who would win in a crazy fantasy fist-fight between Anne Frank and Lizzie Borden." The Monarch

by crushedoptimist on Apr 26, 2009 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yac?

he falls down whenever he catches the ball. no yac and not cause he’s getting tackled

by bewrong on Apr 26, 2009 9:32 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Who was throwing him the ball though?

Looked to me like he had to adjust or dive to get to some of those where he ended up on the ground.

by JamesMurphy on Apr 26, 2009 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

if he was taller

he wouldn’t have to dive as often, but i do know height isn’t everything and does have some trade offs. i just felt people might be overselling themselves on the guy after being initially disappointed

by bewrong on Apr 26, 2009 9:44 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Whaaaa?

Taller people don’t have to dive as often? I would say taller receivers wouldn’t have to LEAP as often, but dive? I don’t really think that makes any sense whatsoever.

"Hey, guess what? Nobody cares who would win in a crazy fantasy fist-fight between Anne Frank and Lizzie Borden." The Monarch

by crushedoptimist on Apr 26, 2009 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Anthony Morelli

I’m a Penn State fan, and you have to consider the fact that for 2 of the last 3 years, Butler was working with a awful QB in Morelli. His senior year we had a better QB, but we also spread the ball around a lot so his numbers aren’t mind boggling. Another thing to consider is that Joe Paterno is known for getting conservative on offense in big games. Especially those two years Morelli was QB.

Butler’s a nice pickup. He’s fast, runs great routes, great kid. He’s been Penn State’s best WR for the last four years and is a better pure receiver than Derrick Williams, who went before him. I’m excited for PSU and the Hawks.

by speedomike on Apr 26, 2009 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

as a state fan...

any chance Lydell Sargeant gets picked up by anyone? I coached him in high school in baseball and basketball. GREAT kid.

Alas, it is always darkest before the dawn, and there is now a new dawning for Washington sports. Believe it!!!

by whiskey chainsaw on Apr 26, 2009 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Doubtful

Maybe get invited to a camp, but doubt he gets drafted.

by speedomike on Apr 26, 2009 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah, didn't think he'd get drafted...

hoping he gets an invite.

Alas, it is always darkest before the dawn, and there is now a new dawning for Washington sports. Believe it!!!

by whiskey chainsaw on Apr 26, 2009 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The highlight video at the top of the page was uploaded in 2007 and could be even older

His senior year is when he really broke out. I’m sure his balance is better than video makes it seem.

by Culter on Apr 26, 2009 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hard to get YACs

when you have to dive to catch a ball…. I’m not complaining.

by LantermanC on Apr 26, 2009 9:37 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Perhaps

Taylor would be your YAC guy then?

You need to provide mismatches in sport. TJ will play underneath Butler.

It is what it is...

by kidder95 on Apr 26, 2009 9:35 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I wanted Turner, or Barden

If there is one thing I have seen enough of in the last 10 years: small WRs.

by blackhalobender on Apr 26, 2009 10:06 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I like Butler

but with so many players dropping I’m not sure it makes sense to give up so many picks to get him.

by Nate Dogg on Apr 26, 2009 10:13 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

E. Williams has a brief interview with him on the TNT blog

"I couldn’t be happier. I’m really excited. I’m going to a great situation. They showed a lot of interest in me in trading up to get to me. I just want to prove to them that it’s going to be worth it by just being a consistent player. I’m just ready to get out there and start helping this team win any way possible.

Butler said Seattle had people at his Pro Day but he hadn’t had much contact with them at all. Butler said he really wasn’t sure until today that he was on the Seahawks radar, so he was a bit surprised by the pick.

Butler said he met Bobby Engram after the Rose Bowl when he broke Engram’s all-time receiving record at Penn State, and that since then Engram has served as a mentor for him.

"I’ve definitely been picking his brain a little bit," Butler said. "Not exactly about the Seahawks but just about the NFL in general, so I have a good relationship with him."

Butler said because he’s a smaller receiver he talked to Engram, who has a similar build, about the nuisances of the NFL and how to be effective.

http://blogs.thenewstribune.com/seahawks/2009/04/26/p40670#more40670

by Culter on Apr 26, 2009 10:21 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Butler will be serviceable

like the rest of our receivers…still no #1’s at WR for the Hawks. 2’s and 3’s every year. Tough to get excited for this guy when we passed up on Crabtree. Mel Kiper echoed my sentiment about Michael Johnson (who fell to the 3rd Rd like I said) will be remembered as the steal of this draft along with Rey Maualga. This draft probably spells the end for Branch and Hill.

by Mr. Blache III on Apr 26, 2009 10:56 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

no way they get rid of Branch this year

They would save very little in cutting him. Agree on Hill though. Should’ve grabbed that fat contract when he got the chance. While I don’t grabbing Curry at 4 was a great idea, I do think he will be better then both Peterson and Hill.

by B.B.Finnegan on Apr 26, 2009 11:00 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

they won't cut Branch

I agree, just think they won’t re-sign him next year…I think Hill will come to the table and except a more Sehawk friendly deal. I don’t think our team can lose Peterson and Hill this year though. I just think Hill may not be re-signed next year to.

by Mr. Blache III on Apr 26, 2009 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow, based on that little scouting video, Butler looks smoooooooooooth......

Very quick in and out of his cuts, especially on that out-and-up.

by djafrot on Apr 26, 2009 11:45 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

One of my favorite DButler videos

Before the Penn State-Ohio State game

Nothing to do with his football ability but still love it.

by speedomike on Apr 26, 2009 12:20 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

...

“They don’t have the tradition to hold our nuts!”

by Misfit74 on Apr 26, 2009 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Juaquin Iglesias was still available

Kinda bummed we didn’t snag him instead.

by kearly on Apr 26, 2009 12:46 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

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