:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/12096677/20121201_rvr_sz2_031.0.jpg)
A lot of Seahawks fans have been inquiring about potential Seahawks selections at 56 overall, so I wanted to put a quick list together with some analysis.
Here are five players at five different positions who are strong potential scheme fits for Seattle, with tape analysis as well as some commentary on how/where they'd fit on the roster:
1. Kyle Long - OT - 6'6, 313lbs - Oregon
Long is one of the most versatile OLs in the draft, with the length and athleticism that Tom Cable and the Seahawks crave. He's fluid enough to play either tackle spot, powerful enough to move guys off the line from the inside, and athletic enough to get out ahead of the run and square up at the second level. He could potentially add bulk to his frame as well, so the idea of him being a long-term solution at right tackle or at one of the guard spots, isn't far-fetched. He's raw and still relatively inexperienced as an O-lineman, but being that Seattle is as stacked as they've ever been on both sides of the football, and considering that they retain 10 selections in this year's draft, grabbing a bit of a project like Long with his immense upside, is a luxury they can afford. The more I watch Long, the less I'm convinced he'll still be on the board at 56, but if he is, he's worth the selection without a doubt.
Other OLs to consider here, if available: Brian Winters - Kent State, Dallas Thomas - Tennessee, David Quessenberry - San Jose St., David Bakhtiari - Colorado
2. Sanders Commings - CB - 6'0, 217lbs - Georgia
Scouts have varying opinions on Commings, but considering Seattle's press-heavy scheme, there may not be a better fit for the ‘Hawks defensive backfield in this draft, outside of the first round. The former Georgia Bulldog is as disruptive as any corner in the class when asked to come up and jam receivers at the line, and exhibits fluid hips when flipping from a backpedal to go vertical.
He also displays strong recognition and anticipation to keep stride-for-stride on underneath routes, and puts his long arms to good use in extending to break up the pass, or when shedding downfield blockers against the run. He's not a "stop-on-a-dime" athlete with a whole lot of suddenness to his game, so he has struggled from time to time in situations where he's been asked to play off, or come back to the ball once he has committed vertically. Ultimately, Commings is a very good press corner who plays with the level of physicality that Seattle loves, can defend the run, and may be able to contribute on the inside as well considering how quickly he can get his hips around and move across the field without losing a step. As for where Commings best fits, he'd be an immediate competitor for the 3rd outside CB role (behind Sherman/Browner), and has the skill-set to compete for an eventual take-over of Brandon Browner's current starting spot.
Other CBs to consider here, if available: Johnthan Banks - Miss. State, Dwayne Gratz - UConn, Robert Alford - SE Louisiana
3. Montori Hughes - DT - 6'4, 327lbs - Tennessee-Martin
Had Montori Hughes not completely screwed up his opportunity at Tennessee, we may be talking about him as a high first-round pick this year. Unfortunately, his dismissal and subsequent transfer to Tennessee-Martin have hurt his stock. What the dismissal did not do, was hurt his tape. Granted, the level of competition is different, but the on-field ability has been apparent at both schools. Hughes is long, quick and explosive, and exhibits "plus" power and ability to control his opponent with good use of arm length and strong hands.
He can overpower you on contact, or he can beat you by blowing past you with quick get-off and surprising agility for his size. He has a knack for knifing the gap and displays really good balance through contact to finish in the backfield. He can break down and redirect in space to disallow pocket escape, and he plays with a mean streak. He's known to be a hard worker both in the gym and on the field, and although he's had maturity issues in the past, none have been run-ins with the law. Hughes has an "elite" ceiling as a 3-technique or 5-technique end, and would bring the versatility to upgrade depth immediately at both spots, with future starter potential.
Other DTs to consider here, if available: Jesse Williams - Alabama, Jonathan Hankins - Ohio State, Bennie Logan - LSU, Brandon Williams - Missouri Southern,
4. Da'Rick Rogers - WR - 6'2, 217lbs - Tennessee Tech
Speaking of guys with big-time potential who have been dismissed from the UT football program...Rogers possesses the size and athleticism that Pete Carroll and John Schneider covet at the WR position, and offers impressive "big-play" ability and explosiveness for his size. Though Sidney Rice is still relatively young and gives Seattle a huge, reliable possession target, the Harvin and Chancellor contracts to go with the inevitable pay raises for All-Pros Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman, create a situation whereby Seattle may very well need to look for someone to develop for a near-future takeover of the "Z" spot that Rice currently occupies.
Rodgers is probably the strongest WR in the class in terms of his ability to beat press coverage consistently and create opportunities with his physicality. He's also explosive in and out of breaks as a route runner, and can stretch the field with an impressive second gear. What I love most about Rogers is his ability to extend plays with power and toughness after the catch, and plays with a competitive fire. The one hanging question with Rogers remains in the character department. He was dismissed from Tennessee after failing several drug tests, and although he passed 10 drug tests at Tennessee Tech, many scouts still have questions about his long-term projection of being able to keep his head on straight. That being said, if he's sitting there at 56, Seattle will have a legitimate top-20 talent to consider.
Other WRs to consider if available: Justin Hunter - Tennessee,, Ryan Swope - Texas A&M, Chris Harper - K.State
5. Sio Moore - OLB - 6'1, 243lbs - UConn
There has been a lot of talk about Seattle's need for OLB depth, particularly on the weak side. Moore would bring the athleticism and versatility to be more than just depth, and would compete for a starting role out of the gate. He's long, fast, fluid in space, can cover and can rush the passer. Though he's not elite in any one area, much like Bobby Wagner last year and K.J. Wright the year before him he really has no glaring weakness to speak of and plays with discipline and instincts to suggest he'll learn from and correct mistakes quickly. Others to consider here are Khaseem Greene, Zaviar Gooden or Jamie Collins, and although Greene is my favorite of the three, I see Moore as a more likely Seattle fit due to the versatility, and size difference.
Other OLBs to consider, if available: Jon Bostic - Florida, Khaseem Greene - Rutgers, Zaviar Gooden - Mizzou, Jamie Collins - Southern Miss.
Guys we assume to be gone by 56, who would've made the list: Arthur Brown (OLB - K.State), Larry Warford (OG - Kentucky), D.J. Fluker (OT - Alabama), D.J. Hayden (CB - Houston), Justin Pugh (OT - Syracuse), Travis Kelce (TE), Matt Elam (S - Florida)
You can find more of Derek's analysis at his Seahawks-centric draft, free agency, & pro player personnel site called "ScoutTheSeahawks." Head over and bookmark it.