This is the last iteration of version 1 of Field Gull's mock draft. As promised, this is my alternative draft. A look at a completely different direction for the Seahawks. One assumption of this draft is that Charlie Frye is able to become Seattle's quarterback of the future. I'm clearly skeptical that he is, but before I witness his failure with my own eyes, we'll give him the benefit of the doubt. At least for this mock. Barring something unforeseen, I'll debut the Field Gull's Mock 2.0 on Monday. Like any proper revision should, it'll offer something new. Stay tuned.
- 1. DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal: Tim Ruskell has proven he's willing to spend a first round pick on a wide receiver. That wide receiver, Deion Branch, along with Ruskell signee Nate Burleson provide a blueprint for what type of receiver he thinks works best in the West Coast. Not big nor especially fast, but spell-bindingly agile and elusive in the open field. DeSean Jackson is the best pure yard after catch threat to enter the NFL since Steve Smith. Should Jackson reach his potential, perhaps ever. Like Smith, who dropped to the third round because of concerns about his size (5900, 184), Jackson's stock has suffered from what can only be called prejudice. For all the concerns about Jackson's durability, he's missed fewer games in 3 years (4) than Limas Sweed (7) or Early Doucet (5) missed in 2007. Folks who worry about Jackson's weight (169) might want to read up on this dude named Newton--I've yet to read a compelling argument that a player's weight correlates in any way with their durability. I shouldn't have to, but to belabor this point even further, let's take this to its logical conclusion.
Who is more likely to bounce back from this?
The 239 pound Calvin Johnson, or a 340 pound offensive linemen? Obviously Johnson. Why? Because Johnson's lighter body produces and absorbs considerably less impact in free fall.
- 2. Tyrell Johnson, SS, Arkansas State: You can start here with another intelligent and thorough analysis by Doug Farrar. What sticks for me is that Johnson is listed as a strong safety, an acquisition that would allow Seattle to move Deon Grant back to free safety, is a very sound tackler, a breath of fresh air on a back 7 with more than its share of Reggie Jacksons (a lot of boom, a lot of whiffs), and worked in a secondary where the free and strong safety were largely interchangeable, not unlike Seattle's.
- 3. Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M: Bryant isn't a three. Not yet, anyhow. He is, however, the athlete Kentwan Balmer is purported to be. A top recruit and team leader, Bryant stagnated under coach Dennis Franchione. It's clear Bryant has outstanding potential as a hybrid 1/3, but was squandered on a D that produced sacks (18) like Faulkner produced apostrophes. The big picture move here is Bryant taking over for Howard Green, and Marcus Tubbs shifting to the 3 as Bernard's primary backup. It's a move mindful of Tubbs pass rushing prowess, and concerns about his durability. Tubbs would share snaps with Bernard and Craig Terrill in a three headed rotation that'd be a relentless matchup nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators.
- 4. Marcus Howard, OLB, Georgia: Howard is exactly what Seattle needs to replace...Julian Peterson. Yep. Leroy Hill may be the impending free agent, but Peterson is the one about to get REAL expensive. In 2009, Peterson's base salary jumps from 3.5 million to 6.5 million. Like Peterson, Howard's adept at providing edge rush from the defensive end position. But like Hill, his coverage skills are a true work in progress. Still, with Hill maturing into a fine strongside linebacker, Howard could patrol the weakside and be Seattle's primary pass-rushing linebacker. Howard is fast, agile, strong and played for a marquee defense. The knock on Howard is his height, 6'0 ½", weight, 237, and `tweener status. Somehow, I doubt Ruskell will mind.
- 6. Craig Stevens, TE, Cal: Stevens is the blocking compliment to Jeb Putzier's no block, all receive attack. Putz will get you to the red zone, Stevens will help you convert the score. Easily the best blocker in this year's tight end class, Stevens is also an underrated athlete. His so-so numbers at pass happy Cal provide a reasonable indictment of his receiving potential, but knowing that, his downside is non-existent. A guarantee to make the roster, he's a better Will Heller. Humble and hard working, if Seattle doesn't grab a tight end early, Stevens is definitely a Ruskell kind of guy.
- 7. Matt Spanos, C, USC: A big, reasonably athletic utility offensive linemen from USC, Spanos has interesting potential. Could mature on the practice squad or replace Porkchop Womack as the do-all offensive linemen for Seattle right away.