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This is a mock that should make everyone happy. Not that I was trying to, but it works out sometime. Please read this boilerplate explanation of my mock drafts before you continue.
These mock drafts are not intended as a prediction of what will happen, they are merely a vehicle to look at different players that the front office may be looking at. With that, I will probably change who I draft just about every time, just to take a little bit closer look at more players at different levels of the draft at different positions. I will also trade out of the 1st every time I publish one of these. There are plenty of other places where you can learn about the first round and even the top of the second, here we want to look at all the other guys. In the end, we may find some draft crushes and know more names throughout the draft.
Disclaimers:
Big Board Order
I use different big board just about every time. None of them are perfect and I realize that none of them match. Some guys will go higher and some guys will go lower. The point is that we take a look at lots of guys, so don’t get too hung up on where someone is drafted.
Trades
I use fansided to simulate the drafts. I paid for the premium edition, so it lets me do trades. I realize that many trades aren’t realistic, but based on my wish to look at more possible players, I don’t care either.
Needs
We all know some of the basic needs that they have, but some basic rules are also in play with this front office. Since PC/JS have been here they have used 14 1st and 2nd round picks. Only 5 have been used on non-lineman: 2 WR, 1 RB, 1 FS and 1 ILB. Only 1 pick has been used in the 1st round on a non-lineman and that was Earl Thomas. Every time you see them saying they will grab a short-armed CB or some RB, remember, that would completely break with the mold. More likely is they do two things: they trade back as much as possible to maximize 2nd and 3rd round opportunities and they also lean towards four-year starters early on.
If you aren’t reading Rob over at Seahawks draft blog, you are doing it wrong.
Scouting
I am not a scout, nor do I pretend to be. I will give my thought process on drafting a guy, but will link and copy to other scouts and give you what they think of him, which is probably much higher quality than what you would get from me.
Here is my draft for today. As usual, I am super happy with it:
Trades:
Seattle sends pick R1 P18 to Clevland for picks R2 P1 and R2 P32
Seattle sends picks R2 P1 to Den for picks R2 P8 and R3 P35
Picks:
40: R2P8 LB LORENZO CARTER, GEORGIA
(WAIT! STOP! DO NOT READ THESE PICKS UNLESS YOU HAVE READ ABOVE! STOP READING AND READ THE EXPLANATION, IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST TIME IN MY MOCKS!)
64: R2P32 RB NICK CHUBB, GEORGIA
99: R3P35 G WYATT TELLER, VIRGINIA TECH
120: R4P20 S KAMERON KELLY, SAN DIEGO STATE
141: R5P4 DL POONA FORD, TEXAS
146: R5P9 CB HOLTON HILL, TEXAS
156: R5P19 TE TYLER CONKLIN, CENTRAL MICHIGAN
168: R5P31 WR BYRON PRINGLE, KANSAS STATE
226: R7P8 RB RYAN NALL, OREGON STATE
248: R7P30 QB CHASE LITTON, MARSHALL
Pick-by-pick Breakdown
Seahawks at 340 (round 2, from DENVER) select: G LORENZO CARTER, GEORGIA
Measurements: 6-6 250, 34” arms, EDGE/LEO/SAM
Testing: 4.5 40, 36” vert, 130” broad
An edge guy with the long arms and explosion to be a LEO/SAM
Strengths
Long, rangy frame with excellent wingspan and “spider-like levers.” Sets the edge very well and holds containment without sacrificing flexibility or option to disengage from his blocker. Gets excellent leverage for such a tall player and beats offensive linemen to the punch to earn good hand placement allowing him to control his adversary rather than the other way around. Will get his hands into the air to affect passes and bat balls away. Still has room to add bulk to his frame without sacrificing speed or agility. Was mentioned by coaches as athletic enough to play cornerback if necessary. Is a willing tackler who wraps up well and brings anger to each hit. When rushing the passer, stays wide and keeps his eyes up, never losing sight of the ball and keeping himself in position to make a play away from his immediate location. Times the snap well and gets a great jump on the ball because of it. Presses blockers with his early movement and puts them on their heels with his athleticism. Drinks all the coffee in Glengarry Glen Ross — is a closer! Does not miss tackles when he gets close to passers or backs. Will flat out lay people out whether rushing from a standing or down position. Has a knack for forcing fumbles and his length makes him an asset on kick-block units, as well. — Hunter Ansley 2/2/2018
Carter was a five-star prospect and one of the most heralded players in the nation when he was recruited by Georgia but he never made the impact expected of him as a Bulldog. However, Carter played with increased toughness and confidence this year and his NFL potential began to reassert itself once again. Carter is an outside linebacker in a 3-4 or 4-3 with sideline-to-sideline range and the tools to become a productive edge rusher in sub-packages. He needs to add more bulk, but he is a future NFL starter.
Seahawks pick at 64 (round 2, from CLE) RB NICK CHUB, GEORGIA
Measurements: 5-11, 225
Testing: 4.52 40, 29 reps, 38.5” vert, 128” broad, 4.25 short shuttle, 7.09 3-cone
Now that he is finally fully healthy, he could be a steal here.
Featured runner most of his career, but benefited from deep backfields, allowing him to have fresh legs – only one game with 20+ touches as a senior. Medicals will be important after his ugly knee injury (Oct. 2015), tearing the PCL, MCL and LCL (but not the ACL) in his left knee, missing the second half of his sophomore season – also missed some time due to a left ankle injury as a junior (Sept. 2016). – Dane Brugler 11/28/17
Has the size and mindset of a primary ball carrier, but lacks any one element of his game that jumps off the tape when evaluating. Chubb isn’t overly elusive, but he does a good job of running through arm tackles and initial contact with lower body strength and contact balance. Chubb could become an average NFL starter, but his lack of third down value may end up hurting his draft stock.
Seahawks pick at 99 (round 3, from DENVER) OG WYATT TELLER, VIRGINIA TECH
Measurements: 6-4 314, 34” ARMS
Testing: 5.24 40, 30 reps, 29” vert, 114” broad, 7.45 3 cone, 4.84 short shuttle
Big powerful OG, converted from DT (yes I get the irony).
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
via NFL.com:
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 120 (round 4): S KAMERON KELLY, SAN DIEGO STATE
Measurements: 6-2 204, 31.75” arms
Testing: 4.66 40, 9 reps, 33” vert, 120” broad, 6.9” 3 cone, 4.28 shuttle
Converted from Safety to CB in college, but I see him as a big nickel safety. Super explosive twitchy guy.
Looks the part of the new-age cornerback with rare height, broad shoulders, long arms and a tapered, athletic frame. Kelly has quick feet and loose hips to run with receivers, using his size to pin receivers on the perimeter to the sideline, allowing very little room for quarterbacks to throw the ball. He accelerates smoothly, getting to top speed quickly and showing good speed overall. Kelly shows impressive route anticipation (especially for his relative lack of experience) with a quick burst to close. Kelly is poised with the football in the air, showing a “my ball” mentality, good body control and excellent timing on his leaps to compete for jump balls (Wyoming-2016, Northern Illinois-2017). He catches the ball with his hands, showing the ability to pluck outside of his frame and natural return ability including good vision, elusiveness and speed. Kelly is an aggressive, physical tackler who generally wraps with both arms with a history of production as a defender on special teams. He has some experience as a blitzer, showing good timing for the snap and agility to avoid would-be blockers. Shows an intriguing knack for making big plays when the lights are shining brightest... -- Rob Rang 12/28/2017
Sources say there are teams out there who are enamored with the idea of playing Kelly at cornerback to take advantage of his length and ball skills. If he gets drafted to play corner, he will require patience as he lacks experience and movement skills to hold up against NFL route-runners. As a safety, teams like his range and ball skills to take it away and flip the field. Kelly’s success could be tied to positional and scheme fit more than most.
Seahawks select at 141 (round 5): DL POONA FORD, TEXAS
Measurements: 6-0 306, 32.75” arms
Testing: 4.86 40
Run stuffing DT with ability to collapse the pocket
Thick, compact frame and plays low…quick off the snap to generate initial momentum…flexible body type to contort his way through gaps…uses natural leverage to burrow underneath the pads of blockers…shorter stature, but adequate arm length…uses his upper body power to deliver a jolt, flashing violence in his hands…maintains his balance to clog lanes…excellent recognition skills and awareness…effort doesn’t quit, chasing down plays downfield…blocked three kicks on special teams in his career…steady rise in play each of his four seasons in college…meek by nature and extremely well-liked by his teammates and coaches – voted a senior captain in 2017. – Dane Brugler 1/29/2018
Ford played in a slant-heavy, scheme in 2017 that asked him to try and disrupt in the gaps. While Ford flashed the ability to stack blocks and play with some strength at the point of attack, his lack of overall mass could make it tough for teams to see him in anything other than a penetrating, 4-3 scheme. Ford has a shot at making a team, but his lack of physical traits will be a challenge.
Seahawks select at 146 (Round 5): CB HOLTON HILL, TEXAS
Measurements: 6-3 200, 32” arms
Testing: 4.49 40, 14 reps, 31” vert, 120” broad, 6.83 3 cone, 4.15 short shuttle
Prototype PC CB.
Hill has the size, strength and athletic ability that teams covet at cornerback, but his maturity issues will force teams to have early conversations about whether or not he will be on their board. Hill made tremendous strides as a cover man this year and has the potential to take yet another big step forward once he trusts his footwork and becomes less grabby. His instincts and physicality in run support could allow teams to consider moving him to safety at some point. If Hill runs well at the Combine, that could override potential maturity issues.
Seahawks select at 156 (Round 5): TE TYLER CONKLIN, CENTRAL MICHIGAN
Measurements: 6-4 240
Testing: 4.8 40, 18 reps, 38” vert, 120 broad
Former basketball player who is still learning the position, but can catch and block.
Former basketball player who wins on the gridiron due to many of the skills he learned on the court, including the slippery moves to get open, body control and core strength to box-out defenders and soft hands to pluck outside of his frame. Conklin is a savvy route-runner, varying his release and gait to generate separation. His best asset may be his hands and concentration with several impressive grabs on tape, including some one-handers. Conklin is a flexible, coordinated athlete who can pick up passes off the turf and shows good timing on his leaps to catch the ball at its highest point. While perhaps lacking elite size and strength, Conklin is a consistent, competitive blocker who can turn and seal off defenders from the ball, showing good hand placement, balance and grit to sustain. Didn’t look out of place at the Senior Bowl, turning in several nice grabs. -- Rob Rang 2/24/2018
Conklin requires tape study from both 2016 and 2017 as his preseason foot injury appeared to create some limitations for him athletically. He’s a capable receiver, but he isn’t going to make a living as a pass-catching tight end. Conklin shows the aptitude and attitude to handle blocking duties inline or as a move tight end, but his draft stock could depend on his medicals and how he tests at the Combine.
Seahawks select at 168 (Round 5): BYRON PRINGLE, KANSAS STATE
Measurements: 6-3 243, 33.5” ARMS
Testing: 4.4 40, 19 reps, 33.5” vert, 120” broad, 6.87 3 cone, 4.4 short shuttle
Giant fast WR who looks like an under the radar Dez who can return.
Loose body control. Drives off the line with strong strides. Collects his feet at the stem to plant-and-burst without losing speed. Uses body lean and quickness in/out of his breaks to escape coverage. Makes easy mid-air adjustments on the football. Always looking to work back and give his quarterback a clear target. Flashes big play ability, averaging 24.1 yards per catch in 2017 and 19.6 over his Kansas State career. First in his family to graduate with a college degree (criminology). Averaged 27.6 yards per kick return with two touchdowns (39/1,076/2) – also has punt return experience. – Dane Brugler 1/21/2018
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): RB/FB/HBACK RYAN NALL, OREGON STATE
Measurements: 6-2 232
Testing: 4.58 40, 15 reps, 33” vert, 122 broad, 6.95 3 cone, 4.16 short shuttle
He can definitely be an asset on ST, short yardage and third downs.
Nall possesses a well-built frame with broad shoulders and good overall weight distribution. He is an alert, instinctive runner with good vision and surprising quickness to and through the hole for a back of his size. Nall is also surprisingly agile, showing the ability to shake defenders in tight spaces and accelerating smoothly. He is a patient runner, taking full advantage of his blockers and looking for cutback lanes to take advantage of over-pursuing defenders, including downfield. For a tall back, Nall runs with good forward lean, bending his knees upon contact and keeping his legs churning. While lacking elite speed, Nall has a gliding style that seems to lull opponents asleep, showing deceptive acceleration to beat pursuit angles. He is a physical, cognizant pass blocker who isn’t afraid to anchor against the blitz. As a receiver, Nall shows soft hands and good concentration to pluck the ball outside of his frame even with defenders draped over him, suggesting that he might be able to handle a switch to fullback or H-back. -- Rob Rang 1/11/2018
Nall is a “get what’s blocked” runner who struggles to access the agility or burst needed to work outside the tackles. Nall does offer a fairly decisive downhill option with good vision who sees the hole and will hit it without dancing. Once he gets up a head of steam, Nall is able to finish with some power, but gaining the head of steam is challenging for him at times. Nall may offer some short yardage potential, but it wouldn’t be shocking to see a team try and convert him to a fullback or H-back in the pros.
Seahawks select at 248 (Round 7): QB CHASE LITTON, MARSHALL
Measurements: 6-5 230
Testing: 4.9 40, 29½ vert, 100” broad, 7.45 3 cone, 4.53 short shuttle
Eventually we will take a backup QB and this is the developmental kind of guy they might grab.
Looks the part of an NFL quarterback with above average height and a well-distributed frame. Possesses plenty of arm strength to make every NFL pass, frequently being asked to make pro-level throws to the sidelines from the opposite hash. Can put the ball on a line even when unable to step into his throws, exhibiting the raw velocity that cannot be coached... Complements his arm strength with feathery touch on intermediate and deep routes, showing the trajectory and accuracy to hit receivers in stride on go routes, as well as when fitting the ball over the corner and under the safety on tricky post-corner routes. Isn’t afraid of making challenging throws, taking his shots deep against press coverage and zipping underneath passes through tight windows. Not a true scrambling threat but possesses enough athleticism to handle bootlegs, showing accuracy on short and intermediate throws while rolling to his left and right. Three year starter who left with a career 60.8% completion percentage. -- Rob Rang 2/24/2018
Litton is an early entrant who has the size and enough arm talent to potentially pique the interest of an NFL team looking to develop a big pocket passer, but Litton’s issues with decision-making and locking onto targets may be tough to break. Litton is a rhythm passer who will need a task-master at quarterback coach who can improve his pre- and post-snap plan so that he can become a more efficient, trustworthy quarterback. He could find his way onto a practice squad this season.