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So I wanted to look at who I would pick in the draft. Obviously this is through the lens of what Pete and John value, since that is who I have been looking at over the last couple of months. With that being said, I first drafted who I thought they would draft, then put together this draft with the other guys that I really like, but don’t necessarily have the same visits as indicators that they are definitely on the radar. Visits isn’t a perfect indicator by any means, so of course they may still grab some of these guys. I used the same trade as in Monday’s mock to keep them uniform. Again, I really think they will load up on defense and get young and hungry again.
Picks:
35: R2P3 DE/LEO JOSH SWEAT, FSU
64: R2P32 WR DANTE PETTIS, WASHINGTON
114: R4P14 DT TIM SETTLE, VIRGINIA TECH
120: R4P20 CB QUENTON MEEKS, STANFORD
141: R5P4 OG WYATT TELLER, VIRGINIA TECH
146: R5P9 OLB LEON JACOBS, WISCONSIN
156: R5P19 RB DARREL WILLIAMS, LSU
168: R5P31 WR BYRON PRINGLE, K STATE
226: R7P8 H-BACK/FB/RB/TE CHRIS WARREN, TEXAS
248: R7P30 WILL/BIG NICKEL MATTHEW THOMAS
Trades:
Seattle gives 1.18 to Cleveland for 2.3, 2.32 and 4.14
Pick-by-pick Breakdown
Seahawks at 35 (round 2, from CLE) select: DE/LEO JOSH SWEAT, FSU
Measurements: 6-4 251, 34.5” arms
Testing: 4.53 40, 16 reps, 39.5” vert, 124” broad, 6.94 3-cone, 4.28 short shuttle
Freak show elite athlete, perfect size and fit to step into the DE/LEO job.
Possesses a prototypical build for a modern day edge rusher with broad shoulders, vines for arms and a tapered athletic frame with good overall weight distribution. Flashes good initial burst to cross the face of tackles off either side, incorporating strong, accurate hands to slap away at the reach of would-be blockers and showing good flexibility to dip his shoulder while accelerating around the arc. Raw athleticism shows in his ability to chase down ball-carriers, generating impressive closing speed and an explosive stopping power. Much stronger at the point of attack than his frame suggests, bending at the knees to anchor effectively and using his length and upper body strength to bench press would-be blockers, disengaging quickly when he sees the ball nearby. Uses his long arms to lasso ball-carriers, showing the strength to rip them to the ground or trip them up from behind. Improved awareness of passing lanes with half of his six career passes broken up coming in 2017... -- Rob Rang 1/6/2018
Sweat has the length, frame and athletic qualities to fit right in as a 3-4 SAM or rush linebacker, but he needs to go to school with a position coach or a talented veteran to help unlock his pass rush potential. Sweat’s initial quickness and issues with contact balance could hinder his ability to play with his hand down. He has the ability to become a decent NFL starter but there is a wide disparity between his ceiling and floor thanks to concerns surrounding the current and future health of his knee.
Seahawks pick at 64 (round 2, from CLE) WR DANTE PETTIS, WASHINGTON
Measurements: 6-0, 186
Testing: NO WORKOUT
I realize that I just said stock up on defense, but there is something special about Pettis. He has a natural ability to see his blockers and where he needs to go and uses smooth changes in direction and speed to make guys miss. He is a solid receiver, but a potential pro bowl returner as a rookie.
Possesses a wiry, athletic frame with good overall weight distribution and room for additional muscle mass without a significant loss of quickness. That quickness may be Pettis’ best trait. He possesses extraordinary stop-start quickness, accelerating from zero to 60 in the blink of eye - a fact which helps Pettis break the initial wave of defenders on punt returns and eat up the cushion against cornerbacks. Pettis shows sharp change of direction skills, planting his foot in the ground and exploding laterally to create separation and elude in tight quarters after securing the ball. He is a polished route-runner, showing a feel for setting up cornerbacks on double moves (see Alabama, 2016 Peach Bowl). Pettis shows good body control to contort in space to make difficult grabs, creating a large catch radius because of his flexibility and long arms. He has reliable hands, plucking the ball from outside of his frame and showing the ability to track it over his shoulder. Pettis shows courage to field punts with defenders around him and no hesitation to run through traffic. Despite his slim frame, Pettis has proven durable over his career, missing no games due to injury (52 games). Athletic bloodlines. Father, Gary Pettis, played 11 seasons at centerfield in the Major Leagues, earning five Gold Gloves. His cousin, Austin, was a record-breaking receiver at Boise State who played four years (2011-2014) with the Rams. - Rob Rang 12/21/2017
Solid secondary receiving option who has spent time on his craft and has the ability to attack and uncover on all three levels. Pettis lacks physicality and could struggle to handle in-your-face press corners, so he may see snaps from the slot. While his punt return talent and sharp route-running certainly help his chances, league sources believe he’s going to have to play with much more toughness to reach starting status in the league.
Seahawks pick at 95 (round 4, from CLE) DT TIM SETTLE, VIRGINIA TECH
Measurements: 6-3 335
Testing: 5.37 40, 25.5” vert, 99” broad
85% Vita Vea for a 4th round slot. Tons of value in the mold of Reed and Jones.
Great short area quickness, and a very explosive first step, especially for his size. Has a refined and dangerous swim move that he alternates nicely with a downright angry bull rush. Does a consistent job of penetrating and getting upfield to collapse the pocket and affect the run, where he has a knack for locating ball-carriers. Strong, violent initial punch that stuns blockers and allows him to take control early. When rushing the pass, fires out low and upward, getting good leverage against offensive linemen. Moves incredibly well for a 335-pound guy, very athletic and sudden. Nimble enough to avoid falling and keep his feet against cut blocks. Very naturally strong with a lot of weight on a frame that doesn’t appear to be maxed out. Young and has a lot of room to grow and mature after only one season as a full-time starter. — Hunter Ansley 1/23/2018
Settle has rare gifts for a big man with good mass, play strength, quickness, and agility. His substantial jump in production in 2017 was due to weight loss and additional conditioning that allowed him to play more snaps and play faster. He’s a disruptive, versatile defensive lineman who offers enough pass rush potential to warrant reps on passing downs. Settle is a natural 4-3 fit but can play in a 3-4 as well. He has the potential to become a very good starter with a Pro Bowl ceiling if he controls his weight and maintains his conditioning.
Seahawks select at 120 (round 4): CB QUENTON MEEKS, STANFORD
Measurements: 6-3 205, 32” arms
Testing: 4.54 40, 11 reps, 39” vert, 128” broad, 6.72” 3 cone, 4.23 shuttle
A slightly more explosive and quicker version of Sherman.
Prototypical size that teams covet at the position. Uses length to jam or trap receivers against the sideline. Processes the action seamlessly with quick reactions to movement. Highly intelligent on and off the field – recipient of several Pac-12 All-Academic honors. Eager run defender and takes pride in securing the edge. Aggressively attacks wide receiver blocks, using his reach to engage and shed. Effort not an issue, routinely making tackles on tape after starting from the opposite side of the field. Soft hands to pick off throws in his direction – of his seven career interceptions, two were returned 50+ yards for touchdowns. NFL bloodlines – father (Ron) coached for 22 seasons in the NFL, including seven seasons as the defensive coordinator of the Indianapolis Colts. Three-year starter with experience outside and inside. – Dane Brugler 1/17/2018
Meeks is a technically sound outside cornerback with good size and strength who will have to be protected by scheme and safety help. He understands how to play the position, but his lack of acceleration and makeup speed is a big concern. While Meeks has the size to disrupt from press, he’s unable to stay hip-to-hip on go routes and lacks desired closing burst for on-ball opportunities from off-man. Meeks has the instincts and tackling to make the move to safety if need be.
Seahawks select at 141 (round 5): OG WYATT TELLER, VIRGINIA TECH
Measurements: 6-4 314
Testing: 5.24 40, 29 reps, 29” vert, 114” broad, 7.54 3 cone, 4.84 short shuttle
A big nasty OG who is a former DT that was converted over.
Possesses a unique frame for an interior offensive lineman with a well-built musculature with little to no flab. Long arms with very good upper body strength, showing a vice-like grip to latch on and control opponents as well as the core power to create torque and generate movement at the point of attack. Teller shows good initial quickness at the point of attack, coordinating a powerful initial punch with light, staggered feet to remain balanced while sliding easily to his left and right. Hasn’t forgotten some of the techniques taught to him on the defensive side of the ball and is a physical, aggressive player who initiates contact. Adds to the deception of screen plays with an explosive over-arm swim move to quickly release from defensive linemen after initially selling the block. Remains in a good football stance when not actively engaged keeping his knees bent, hands cocked and ready, stalking opponents and exploding into them to create some impressive collisions and intimidating blocks. -- Rob Rang 1/15/2018
Teams will have to figure out why Teller’s consistency and effort level dropped so drastically from 2016 to 2017 if they want to draft him. He has the play strength, body control and hand usage you want from an interior player, but his tape simply wasn’t trustworthy this season. Teller has limitations, but he also has enough in the toolbox to work with. He’ll be a fit as a backup with eventual starter potential in a power-based scheme if he can revert to his 2016 form.
Seahawks select at 146 (Round 5): OLB LEON JACOBS, WISCONSIN
Measurements: 6-3 230
Testing: 4.48 40, 26 reps, 34.5” vert, 122” broad, 7.14 3-cone, 4.44 short shuttle
Super fast LB, can play all the positions but primarily start off as SAM.
Traits-based edge prospect who possesses strength, speed and power, but is more of a project at this point than a game-ready talent. Jacobs looks the part and should test well, but he needs to improve his technique as both a pass rusher and as an edge-setter. Jacobs got lost for awhile behind the depth at his position at Wisconsin, but he has the explosiveness and the potential to become a much more impactful pro player than he was in college.
Seahawks select at 156 (Round 5): RB DARREL WILLIAMS, LSU
Measurements: 6-1 229
Testing: 4.72 40, 22 reps 32” vert, 109” broad, 4.2” short shuttle
Bruising back who is durable enough to always be available. Handles short yardage well, can block and catch and most importantly, never fumbles.
Built for the NFL with a brawny physique. Keeps his shoulders square with the line of scrimmage. Trusts his eyes and presses the hole with widescreen vision, locating second-level defenders. Lowers his pads at contact to push forward with run power. Coordinated feet and enough shake to make sharp cuts in the open field. Reliable hands and elastic body control as a pass-catcher. Faces up with rushers and holds his ground in pass protection. Accounted for six offensive plays of 35+ yards in 2017 (Guice had only two with 87 more offensive touches). Reliable toting the rock with only one career fumble, which happened in 2014 and he recovered it. Turned heads as a senior, accounting for 1,151 yards of total offense, which was more than his career total yards (962) entering the 2017 season. – Dane Brugler 2/2/201
Physical, well-built running back who opened the eyes of NFL scouts with a strong season as a replacement for, and complimentary piece to Derrius Guice. Williams has NFL size and toughness and his ability to handle short-yardage carries as well as passes out of the backfield do nothing but increase his chances of making a roster.
Seahawks select at 168 (Round 5): WR BYRON PRINGLE, K STATE
Measurements: 6-2 205
Testing: 4.46 40, 33.5” vert, 120” broad, 6.87” 3-cone, 4.22” short shuttle
Big play, big target WR. A guy that can actually play on the outside or in the back corner of the end zone, plus he can return kicks and have Pettis just doing punts. He is a 2nd round talent, who is 25 and has a criminal past, but it’s the past. This guy is so Pete.
Pringle will be a 25-year-old rookie come November thanks to a college pathway that was clogged by criminal indiscretions. By all accounts, he is a new man, but NFL evaluators will make their own determinations. Pringle improved from last season to this one and showed an ability to create separation down the field, but he’ll have to prove he can have that he can defeat press coverage on the pro level. Pringle is a physical receiver with downfield potential, but is primarily a developmental prospect at this stage.
Pringle will be a 25-year-old rookie come November thanks to a college pathway that was clogged by criminal indiscretions. By all accounts, he is a new man, but NFL evaluators will make their own determinations. Pringle improved from last season to this one and showed an ability to create separation down the field, but he’ll have to prove he can have that he can defeat press coverage on the pro level. Pringle is a physical receiver with downfield potential, but is primarily a developmental prospect at this stage.
Seahawks select at 226 (Round 7): H-BACK/FB/RB/TE CHRIS WARREN, TEXAS
Measurements: 6-4 250
Testing: 4.69 40, 25 reps 33” vert, 121” broad, 6.98 3-cone, 4.18” short shuttle
As a running back he is unimpressive, compared to the TEs he is a top 3 athlete and as a FB, he would be the best this year. I want him to be our swiss army knife, he can run, block, pass block and catch. This is the work horse kind of guy that will make those tough plays you need a few times a game.
Looks like an NFL athlete with an imposing frame complete with broad shoulders, a shredded upper body, a trim middle and solid base, including thick thighs. For a big back, Warren shows good initial quickness to and through the hole, generating enough burst and power with strong, decisive cuts. While taller than most backs, Warren runs with good forward lean, dropping his pads and scrunching down to get small through the hole. He runs behind his pads, delivering rather than absorbing hits and keeping his legs grinding through contact to finish runs. Though he lacks elite speed for the position, Warren accelerates smoothly, showing deceptive speed overall to gain yardage in chunks while also showing vision to locate and play off of downfield blocks by teammates. Showed good hands as a receiver out of the backfield and after his move to H-back, catching a career-high 18 passes for 229 yards and two scores in 2017. Good bloodlines. Father played 11 seasons in the NFL and was a three-time Pro Bowler at running back... - Rob Rang 1/20/2018
Warren is a running back with a linebacker’s body who failed to build on what was a promising start to his collegiate career. Warren is a better downhill runner than off-set back and may still get an opportunity as a running back if he can slim down and speed up. He flashed some ability as a blocker and a hybrid role as a fullback/tailback isn’t out of the question. Warren’s love for ball is a concern for scouts, but his size and ability is intriguing. Warren could surprise if a team finds the right fit for him.
Seahawks select at 248 (Round 7): WILL/BIG NICKEL MATTHEW THOMAS
Measurements: 6-3 232
Testing: 4.44 40, 41.5” vert, 131” broad, 7.04 3-cone, 4.39” short shuttle
Elite burst and speed. Immediate special teams impact with potential to become a OLB/Big Nickel.
Packaged with an NFL starter-kit featuring broad shoulders, long arms and a tapered, athletic frame with room for additional muscle mass without a significant loss of quickness. Plays with a ferocious see-the-ball, get-the-ball mentality, trusting his eyes and attacking the ball, especially the line of scrimmage in run support. Physical tackler, who lowers his shoulder into opponents and accelerates through contact generating big collisions. Good length and strength to lasso runners seemingly outside of his range, latching on and ripping at the ball as he drags them down... Played some defensive end in high school but moves more like a big safety, showing balance and agility when dropping back as well as a smooth turning motion and very good acceleration to handle coverage duties as well as the speed to beat backs to the edge. Effective blitzer despite his relatively light frame, showing body control and a powerful punch to disengage from blockers... Excellent athlete who is expected to test well and may just be scratching the surface of his potential, playing his best ball in 2016-17... -- Rob Rang 2/3/2018
Thomas is lacking in many of the areas teams covet in linebacker play. His instincts are poor, he doesn’t always play with a competitive demeanor, he’s not a downhill player and he lacks play strength and productivity for the position. However, Thomas does possess a long frame with outstanding play speed and the potential to make plays. It’s his athletic traits and “potential” that will give him a shot as a WILL linebacker who will need to excel on special teams to stick with a team long-term.