NFL Draft 2011 - James Carpenter and the Seattle Seahawks
by Danny Kelly on Apr 29, 2011 7:46 AM PDT
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PrintI know a lot of Seahawks fans out there are a little puzzled and bewildered by the Hawks selection of James Carpenter. I found myself INSTANTLY going to Jimmy Smith when Roger Goodell started saying "James" and apparently space and time slowed down out of my pure excitement to not be hearing the name Andy that I had enough time to ask myself in a quizzical manner why he was using Jimmy Smith's full Christian name to announce this pick. However, when he finished up my first reaction was basically one of subdued satisfaction. Sort of like... "hmmm, okkkk?! That works!" Once my glee faded from the fact we didn't reach for a middling quarterback prospect, I landed on the emotion of seeing this pick as an underwhelming and safe selection considering who was still on the board, including my personal favorite, Ryan Mallett, but ultimately a good choice.
And it makes sense: the Hawks have been preaching the building up of the lines for months and there's a reason they brought in Tom 'Frenchy from the Departed' Cable to fix their run game. However, they need the horses to do so and James Carpenter is a very, very good start, make no mistake. Though he flew under the radar mostly, he'd been making his way into the first round discussion recently and was rated highly by several top draft experts, including Rob Rang, who picked him going 31 to the Steelers in his last mock draft. Michael Lombardi had Carpenter rated his #2 offensive tackle behind Tyron Smith. Russ Lande, an extremely respected former scout and draft expert, had Carpenter rated in the 2nd round but notes that he has the potential to be a future Pro-Bowler.
So although the right tackle position choice for #25 can be a little puzzling, here's the thing - James Carpenter is not much of a reach. Rumor has it that the Bears were targeting him with their 1st round pick and that the Packers had him in crosshairs as well but settled for Derek Sherrod once the Hawks took their man. The Hawks must have known something to this extent to take Carpenter where they did. If they figured he'd be around at #57, they presumably would have waited.
The argument can be made that taking a right tackle in the first round represents poor value and that may be true but here's the thing: We took a right tackle in the first round. What does this mean for the Hawks? Well, their line just got a lot better and Carpenter will likely start on day one. Whether his spot is at the right tackle position or whether they bump him over to a guard remains to be seen, but the more I read about the guy the more excited I am that he's a Seahawk. Was this the best pick the Hawks could have made? Hell, I don't know. Neither do you. No one will know for a few years most likely. Right now, I feel good about it.
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I find it kind of interesting that Schneider's former team has now taken an offensive tackle in the first round two years in a row, too
They also just won the Super Bowl, but I’m not saying there’s necessarily any relationship between those two facts.
Their line has been abysmal for years
With Rodgers running for his life. It’s really about time they did.
Now if only we had a Rodgers.
by B.B.Finnegan on Apr 29, 2011 8:03 AM PDT up reply actions
49ers Fan Here
How are you guys feeling about the Carpenter pick?
The 49ers had a mild head-scratcher in Aldon Smith (though I can see why they got him) but I was really surprised by the SEA pick.
Is the QB situation not as bad as it’s being made out to be? I really thought they would have gone QB
At first I was like Fuck
but now I’m cool with it. Seattle has Charlie and still could sign Matt. Our running should get a lot better.
Opinions are like assholes , I once saw my Uncle's. - Megan Amram
Which qb would we have taken?
The biggest need for this team for 5 years now has been the OL and its finally being adressed.
by Bruto56 on Apr 29, 2011 8:04 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I think they're really counting on one of two things:
1. That they can get the rumored Carson Palmer trade to happen, and/or 2. That Colin Kaepernick will be available with our second round pick.
GET OFF ME!!!
You guys and the Cardinals have worse QB situations and didn't take a QB. Why would we? Especially considering we'd be reaching for one.
Let’s be frank, The NFC West sucks. St. Louis has a good young QB in Bradford but not much at all in terms of weapons for him to utilize on offense. The Seahawks, Cardinals, and Niners must all think they can be competitive next year by targeting a veteran QB and/or drafting late-round QB’s this weekend.
It was definitely a head scratching "HUH!? Who!?" moment.
But as the dust has settled, and as I read and learn about him, I’m happy about it.
Every Seahawks fan bitches about our line. Non-stop. We just drafted a VERY solid lineman that’s more likely than not going to be an above average player. On the o-line.
It’s a crazy un-sexy pick, yes. But I’m happy we did it.
"Pass rushers enter the world of Okung but never leave." - JM
Author of The Seahawks Asylum: http://seahawksblog.wordpress.com
"More likely than not" going to be above average.
Convoluted words, but I think you got Nick’s point backwards.
I am going to come into your house at night and rec up the place.
No I understood but probably wasn't clear myself.
Why is it more likely than not that Carpenter will be above average?
Perhaps because he was LT in an above average running attack...
And he has the physical attributes and execution to prompt some knowlegeable evaluators to place him towards the end of the first round – when, according to the majority of comments here, average linemen are found in multitudinous quantites in much lower rounds.
Whatever the case, I reckon we’ll just have to see…
by BrooklynPreacher on Apr 29, 2011 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions
You were really surprised that a team with a horrendous
offensive line and 5 years straight of abysmal rushing performances took an offensive lineman?
Offseason 2011: Kelly Jennings, Craig Terrill, and Matt Hasselbeck...good riddance.
by Wayward Llama on Apr 29, 2011 8:10 AM PDT up reply actions
Sure, you can put it that way.
But teams typically only draft one of the five lineman in the first round – the left tackle. Seattle has that.
Elite players at coveted positions were available, and the Seahawks drafted a position that’s easily had in the later rounds.
That’s why it’s surprising.
"Pass rushers enter the world of Okung but never leave." - JM
Author of The Seahawks Asylum: http://seahawksblog.wordpress.com
Maybe.
But we’ve taken linemen in later rounds recently and they never pan out.
Offseason 2011: Kelly Jennings, Craig Terrill, and Matt Hasselbeck...good riddance.
by Wayward Llama on Apr 29, 2011 8:18 AM PDT up reply actions
For what it's worth, he is a left tackle...
So maybe he will be a super stud at right tackle going against 2nd tier pass rushers?
Hmm . . .
2010 first round: 2 LT, 1 RT, 1 G, 1 C
2009 first round: 3 LT, 1 RT, 2 C
2008 first round: 6 LT, 2 RT
2007 first round: 2 LT, 1 RT, 1 G
2006 first round: 1 LT, 1 G, 1 C
So, there’s something of a tilt to LT, but all five positions get taken in the first round (and some of those guys taken at LT, especially in ’08, were of the “can always slide to RT as a backup” type — and some have, or have even moved inside).
by The Ancient Mariner on Apr 29, 2011 8:28 AM PDT up reply actions
Aldon Smith is an awesome pick at 7. Carpenter is the head scratcher but there are merits to it.
Head of catering.
by jacobstevens on Apr 29, 2011 9:37 AM PDT up reply actions
Considering SF picked up Aldon Smith
and St Louis got DE Robert Quinn…? Just think of this pick as, partially, a counter.
Recently engaged! Best. Off-season. Ever.
And I don't mean
I’m a Hawks fan so the 9ers picking Aldon is awesome because I think he blows. I mean, when Peterson didn’t fall to you I really think Aldon was the best choice for you.
This division looks a lot better to me starting immediately. We’re finishing last but that’s not to say we’re not moving forward.
Head of catering.
by jacobstevens on Apr 29, 2011 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions
You need to read more. Just because Mayock or any of the mock draft guys thought Carpenter should have been picked later, doesn't make it right.
A lot of us have been reading up on the guy and have become more and more satisfied with the selection. He’s versatile, a good all-around blocker and was the starting LT for the best running game in college football with Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram. We need help on the lines and this guy was apparently creeping up teams’ draft boards into the late first round and very likely would have been gone on day one to Pittsburgh, Chicago, or GB had we not taken him first.
Yeah, it’s not the sexy pick i.e. CB Jimmy Smith but it’s a safe pick and it falls under a position of great need.
by StealthHawk on Apr 29, 2011 9:58 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
This is the Alualu pick of this year's draft
Good thing Alualu turned out to be worth the selection.
by SeahawksFanInNY on Apr 29, 2011 7:59 AM PDT reply actions
No. You're way off.
The Christian Ponder pick was the “Alualu pick” of the year. Talk about REEEAAACH.
"Pass rushers enter the world of Okung but never leave." - JM
Author of The Seahawks Asylum: http://seahawksblog.wordpress.com
Yeah, seriously.
Offseason 2011: Kelly Jennings, Craig Terrill, and Matt Hasselbeck...good riddance.
by Wayward Llama on Apr 29, 2011 8:11 AM PDT up reply actions
Except Alualu will be a successful defensive tackle for years to come, and Christian Ponder is going to get snapped in half by midseason.
"Let me tell you a story. I was a political prisoner for two years. The instant I was released I ran to McDonald's. I had a Big Mac and a Coke.
It was fantastic."
-Toyama Koichi, US Presidential candidate from Japan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGZqOkeYbB0
Right on, Danny.
We did good last year. I’m cool with the pick.
by BrooklynPreacher on Apr 29, 2011 8:01 AM PDT reply actions
Seahawk Sucks
Yea I’m done with Coach Carrol..you know the way season when..I rather lost to St Louis. and got the 7 pick in the draft …he’s a idiot!..This will be his last year I bet..
THEN WE COULD'VE PICKED LOCKER!!
And heaven would’ve came down and patted every single one of our asses
by B.B.Finnegan on Apr 29, 2011 8:05 AM PDT up reply actions
Really????
You would rather lose? We then miss out on Beastquake. Not to mention the expirence (sp) the team gets from the playoffs. Always compete doesn’t mean tank it for a better draft. Detroit tried that for years.
Don't bother, dude.
We’re all with ya =)
"Pass rushers enter the world of Okung but never leave." - JM
Author of The Seahawks Asylum: http://seahawksblog.wordpress.com
Go buy yourself an Alex Smith jersey
Only losers prefer to lose.
by Billy Showbiz on Apr 29, 2011 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions
How dare he focus on winning
If there’s one thing I hate, it’s a coach who tries to WIN!
I am going to come into your house at night and rec up the place.
Been watching videos of Mark Ingram all morning
All I’ll say is that it looks like we have a heck of a run blocker on our hands
by hawksfan1401 on Apr 29, 2011 8:08 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
They do.
First Round Wishlist (in order): 1. Mark Ingram; 2. Mike Pouncey; 3. Jimmy Smith; 4. Jake Locker
Other rounds: Rodney Hudson, Justin Houston, Owen Marecic, Ras-I Dowling, Joseph Barksdale, Tyler Sash, Shareece Wright, and Taiwan Jones.
by Carl Shinyama on Apr 29, 2011 8:55 AM PDT up reply actions
Well said, Danny.
And coincidentally, it’s how I’m feeling this morning after reading up on the guy and listening to some folks on the radio.
It’s not a sexy pick. Quarterback is still a HUGE need. Our defense lacks play-makers like WHOA, and passing on Jimmy Smith made me cringe a little.
But our offensive line sucks. It sucks a lot. And it needs help. And it just got it.
I’m excited.
"Pass rushers enter the world of Okung but never leave." - JM
Author of The Seahawks Asylum: http://seahawksblog.wordpress.com
by Nick Andron on Apr 29, 2011 8:12 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
I appreciate people wanting a "Sexy" pick....
but our team got a lot better last night.
by SeahawkSammy on Apr 29, 2011 8:20 AM PDT up reply actions
They sure did. And I'm excited! I bet Lynch, Force and Washington are, too =)
"Pass rushers enter the world of Okung but never leave." - JM
Author of The Seahawks Asylum: http://seahawksblog.wordpress.com
My feeling last night
(sorry for big)
Offseason 2011: Kelly Jennings, Craig Terrill, and Matt Hasselbeck...good riddance.
by Wayward Llama on Apr 29, 2011 8:15 AM PDT reply actions 21 recs
Thats awesome.
Had to pick my self up off the floor from crying from the laughter
Wow. Beautifully done.
"Pass rushers enter the world of Okung but never leave." - JM
Author of The Seahawks Asylum: http://seahawksblog.wordpress.com
Win.
We shall win the war in the trenches, boys!!!
by Tyler Jorgensen on Apr 29, 2011 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions
I've decided I like this move.
I was screaming all last year just to run the damn ball but the line was terrible.
Now I have some hope.
I'm cool with it.
With so many picks slipping further than we thought, I got caught up in thinking we could steal Jimmy Smith or Da’Quan Bowers. Then I remembered that O-line is still a huge area of need and after (reportedly) trying their damndest to trade out of #25, it sounds like JC/PC got their guy.
If this is the case, I think I’m happy they didn’t vacate their plan just because there were a couple of other guys available that they didn’t expect. Plus, Carpeneter was apparently the best blocker on a team that steam-rolled the SEC for much of the last 3 years.
`
by MidnightWilliams on Apr 29, 2011 8:25 AM PDT reply actions
Carpenter vs Locklear
Seriously, this football team just got a lot lot better. Moreso than the impact that Smith or Bowers would have, not that I wouldn’t like to have Smith or Bowers. Bag Gallery and Palmer and the rest of the draft and year two rebuild doesn’t look so bad.
We still have a better tackle at LT.
Why do people keep saying this?
by purplepansy on Apr 29, 2011 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I agree fully
And also do not understand. We picked a big, strong guy for RT, and have a franchise LT in place. How could that possibly indicate lefty QB?
by Thomas Beekers on Apr 29, 2011 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions
But decrease the value of our higher LT pick
Sense, makes none
by Thomas Beekers on Apr 29, 2011 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions
Well, I just think it add to the versatility factor.
We aren’t locked into a RH QB if a lefty comes around. And in the meanwhile, both those guys are road graders who can create lanes for runners.
We shall win the war in the trenches, boys!!!
by Tyler Jorgensen on Apr 29, 2011 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions
Sure, I'm just saying
This pick in no way indicates our FO has a lefty QB in its sights.
by Thomas Beekers on Apr 29, 2011 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions
Exactly.
So, it gives us the option, but doesn’t mean we’re looking at lefties.
by purplepansy on Apr 29, 2011 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions
And that is pretty much what I was trying to get at.
If we are high on a left handed guy, we obviously need a RT. This doesn’t necesserily mean we are going to take him.
And if we don’t, he is versatile enough that we can move him to LG.
Because people still have this mistaken impression that Carroll is overly high on his former SC players
They for some reason assume he wants Leinart.
They ignore completely that he cut LenDale, traded LoJack for almost nothing, and drafted Earl over Mays. About the only USC guy he really went to bat for was BMFMW, but Mike still had to prove himself on the field. I have no doubt he too would have been cut early had he shown up in the form he showed with the Lions or Titans.
Listen people, if PC wanted Leinart, Leinart would have been wearing a Seahawks uniform last year.
by SmartAssCoug on Apr 29, 2011 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions
He brought in White, Pinkard, Ellison, Byers, BMW, Harris and Malone last year.
He hasn’t spent much to look at those guys and he hasn’t been afraid to cut them, but Carroll definitely has at least an interest in taking a look at his old USC players.
I suppose, but it could also just be mathematical
We made something like 300 roster moves. What percentage of NFL players were from USC and is it significantly lower than the percentage of USC players that accounted for our roster churn?
I mean, rough estimates of 7/300 = 2.3%
around 50 USC players in the NFL out of 1700 roster spots = ~3%
by SmartAssCoug on Apr 29, 2011 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Because we are going to trade Okung.
For a third rounder and a bottle of Sprite. Because we REALLY want a third rounder…
Well...
Leinhart is available.
We shall win the war in the trenches, boys!!!
by Tyler Jorgensen on Apr 29, 2011 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions
Smith and Bowers
Both have big red flags, so I’m cool with JS not taking them. Risk assessment is subjective and I appreciate them going safe with a first round pick. The only other guy I would’ve been okay with is Wilkerson. Sherrod was there, but if Cable like Carpenter better, then I’m all for it. I don’t like Carimi at all, and RB isn’t a need, so no thanks to Ingram.
I’m excited about the pick and can’t wait to see what they do tonight. I hope Kaepernick falls to us.
It still gave me that anticlimactic "Ruskell draft" feeling
Every draft during the Ruskell era (other than 2009), I’d be giddy with anticipation of the Hawks’ first pick, with a couple of desirable players in mind — and then the pick would be announced and my reaction would be: “…. um, okay, I guess… didn’t see that coming… huh.”
I realize Carpenter is a less polished/more upsidey player than Ruskell would have drafted, but I’m just describing my visceral reaction.
by Suburban Shocker on Apr 29, 2011 8:48 AM PDT reply actions
Totally agree.
It felt just like the Lawrence Jackson, or Kelly Jennings, or Josh Wilson pick…“WHO!?”
Oh well. In JS & PC I trust! Then again, I used to say the same about Ruskell….???
by Hawkaholic12 on Apr 29, 2011 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions
Didn't people used to complain about Ruskell never drafting OL early (except Spencer)
And now that we have drafted OL early 2 years in a row, it’s still considered a “safe” Ruskell-type pick.
by SmartAssCoug on Apr 29, 2011 11:23 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I was thrilled with the Josh Wilson, Chris Spencer and Lofa Tatupu picks.
I knew who they were and they were guys I specifically wanted.
Jackson I had only seen his name in a list. About the same with Jennings.
About the same with Carpenter. I never took a look at him, and didn’t think he was in play n the late 1st. But I can see that he was in play not just for us.
Head of catering.
by jacobstevens on Apr 29, 2011 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions
I just read that Rob Staton himself had Carpenter going 22nd overall in his final mock draft.
Man, he pretty much nailed that one.
First Round Wishlist (in order): 1. Mark Ingram; 2. Mike Pouncey; 3. Jimmy Smith; 4. Jake Locker
Other rounds: Rodney Hudson, Justin Houston, Owen Marecic, Ras-I Dowling, Joseph Barksdale, Tyler Sash, Shareece Wright, and Taiwan Jones.
Yeah, I thought the Watkins pick was a little early myself
It looks like there was a big run on OL talent in the 1st.
by Greetings from the Lord Humongous! on Apr 29, 2011 9:13 AM PDT up reply actions
Lotta Beef in the First
I was surprised at the run on Lineman, especially at the end of the first. Lotta DT’s gone too.
Asked Greg Cosell for his opinion
He didn’t say much, but he seems to have more faith in Carpenter as a mauling RT than a finesse player, much like our OL coach stated
Carpenter at 25 was a specific need pick. He’s a powerful mauling run blocking college LT who I believe transitions best at RT or OG.
I see Powerful, Mauling, Run Blocking, LT Talent at RT, and Tom Cable and I get really happy with this pick
Go Freaking Seahawks.
But that's a waste, man.
Who needs powerful mauling run blocking when you can fit some random dude who is just “okay” in there by drafting later.
I LOVE this pick. I’m jacked every minute more and more.
We shall win the war in the trenches, boys!!!
by Tyler Jorgensen on Apr 29, 2011 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
This one you?
http://twitter.com/#!/dolgorukii
Head of catering.
by jacobstevens on Apr 29, 2011 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions
Vasilii Dolgorukii
Consider it a historian’s joke.
So: yes. I barely use it except to follow people and tweet @people though.
by Thomas Beekers on Apr 29, 2011 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions
Brian Billick thought it was a reach
so i like it even more. Like a lot of people have said already, we have complained about our line since Hutch left and are taking the steps to fix that. the line improves greatly with anouther piece or two and there is no huge need at RB.
i think improving the DL will do the same for the secondary in if WT3 can replace our dear friend Jennings.
don’t get me wrong, i wanted the “sexy pick” in Jimmy Smith, but we filled a gaping hole or turnstile(locklear).
Billick ran horrendous offenses in the NFL
His opinion means less than nothing.
Offseason 2011: Kelly Jennings, Craig Terrill, and Matt Hasselbeck...good riddance.
by Wayward Llama on Apr 29, 2011 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions
Yeah.
Must remember to read full post, then respond. =)
Offseason 2011: Kelly Jennings, Craig Terrill, and Matt Hasselbeck...good riddance.
by Wayward Llama on Apr 29, 2011 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Fairly certain he oversaw one of the best O's ever
He was the OC for Minnesota for the record setting ’98 season. The guy was known as an offensive guru before he lead the greatest defense of all time to a Super Bowl title.
by CMoney87 on Apr 29, 2011 12:30 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
If he was an offensive guru
Then they should have won multiple super bowls with that D
Add Gallery, Then We Might Start Somethin
Well, if we add a veteran guard that isn’t completely washed out and we might be having ourselves a decent line this year.
Some of These QB’s are going to be available later. Palmer’s an option. Plenty of draft left.
If we pick a QB, my guess is that they do in the fourth round, with the second pick.
I love it
As hard as the BEAST is to bring down out the gate think how he will do with an O-line that can let him get up some momentum. Carlson can start running routes instead of pass-blocking. There’s no end to the positives of a quality line. Hell that’s what took us to the Superbowl . I want a left guard next . Let ’em all grow as a unit. GO SEAHAWKS!!!
Danny do you know what Razzanno thought/thinks of this guy??
Recently engaged! Best. Off-season. Ever.
He hasn't commented on Carpenter yet
but he did say that Aldon Smith was a huge reach. Take some solace in that
I do like the fact that he projects to start right away.
Because I really, really want to see this team’s TE corps set free. If we’re going to start Charlie, or a rookie, we’re going to need all the receiving targets we can.
by djafrot on Apr 29, 2011 10:28 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Great Point
Maybe Carlson will catch 60+ passes this year. Maybe Konz makes it off the practice squad and Morrah can show off his receiving ability a little more. Just maybe Lynch breaks a couple more long runs this year.
Have some faith people.
by Billy Showbiz on Apr 29, 2011 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
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