Field Gulls - 2023 NFL Draft: Seahawks picks, analysis, rumors, reports, live coverage, updates, and moreThe stupidest name in smart football analysis.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50215/fieldgulls-fav.png2023-07-10T11:03:10-07:00http://www.fieldgulls.com/rss/stream/234632762023-07-10T11:03:10-07:002023-07-10T11:03:10-07:00Ted’s Talk: Predicting Kenny McIntosh’s rookie season
<figure>
<img alt="Ohio State University vs University of Georgia, 2022 CFP National Semifinal" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/inVF1Zy2UzIQxfxR65VbQf4nR1E=/0x0:1616x1077/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72440432/1245981902.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Set Number: X164268 TK1</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>An overview of Seattle’s seventh-round pick along with my predictions for his rookie season.</p> <p id="J6TfRF">The Seattle Seahawks used their final pick – No. 237 in the seventh round – to double dip at one of their favorite positions by selecting running back Kenny McIntosh from the University of Georgia. Had he not performed poorly at the combine, it’s likely McIntosh would’ve been long gone by this point contributing over 1,300 total yards and 12 TDs to the Bulldogs’ 2022 National Championship season. </p>
<h3 id="qk8Nkw"><strong>Athletic Profile/Comps</strong></h3>
<h4 id="PgJA7l"><strong>Relative Athletic Score (RAS)</strong></h4>
<div id="ndomE9">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kenny McIntosh was drafted with pick 237 of round 7 in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 4.09 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RAS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RAS</a> out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1033 out of 1745 RB from 1987 to 2023. <a href="https://t.co/Y8f0vbHvcI">https://t.co/Y8f0vbHvcI</a> <a href="https://t.co/l6CpEl6kLi">pic.twitter.com/l6CpEl6kLi</a></p>— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) <a href="https://twitter.com/MathBomb/status/1652435709884608512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3zGwleP9MrGlQWAhPBpmrr1K7ic=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24779014/image001.png">
</figure>
<h4 id="1fmQLS"><strong>Mockdraftable</strong></h4>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UHUqyIYEQkWFHsWixni8bOZ6LTA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24779017/image002.png">
</figure>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6xixGZbIh21InOdOYzVGojZNKyY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24779019/image003.png">
</figure>
<p id="uXLFN7">Unsurprisingly, McIntosh’s RAS score is filled with a lot of red. The 4.62 second 40-yard dash is not ideal, but the very poor scores in the shuttle and three-cone drill might be even more disappointing. Those agility scores are somewhat shocking considering how productive McIntosh was both on the ground and through the air at the University of Georgia. The 10 and 20-yard splits do show encouraging explosiveness. We need to find a bright spot somewhere, right?</p>
<p id="GvXfDI">Neither the RAS nor Mockdraftable comparisons do McIntosh any favors unless you’re a fan of Bilal Powell and former <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> legend Spencer Ware. </p>
<p id="GQ9Bhh">Heading into the draft, Seattle had a shortage of running backs after both Rashaad Penny and Travis Homer left in free agency. Zach Charbonnet was added to the current stable of backs featuring Ken Walker III and DeeJay Dallas, but there’s a spot earmarked for McIntosh as a depth RB and special teams mainstay like the recently departed Travis Homer and 2024 free-agent-to-be DeeJay Dallas occupied in 2022. </p>
<p id="PcEAGD">And would you look at that?</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0nphAigyCK9lo4Pg9BBxzkzlYuA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24779020/image004.png">
</figure>
<p id="MKsWiy">Dallas is a better overall athlete, but McIntosh is still in the same vicinity. It’s not a perfect comparison, but it could be instructive about the role that Seattle sees McIntosh playing.</p>
<h3 id="pjrhha"><strong>Gut reaction to the pick</strong></h3>
<p id="jh9VFt">Seattle drafted another running back? Sign me up! There was a vacancy on the roster and rather than try to entice an undrafted free agent running back to try their luck in Seattle, Schneider and co. drafted one in the final round. The cherry on the top is the fact that McIntosh was a productive player with back-to-back national championships on his resume who was considered by many as a mid-round prospect.</p>
<p id="kufelD">Looking ahead, McIntosh could be the DeeJay Dallas replacement since Dallas might take the same route as Travis Homer and leave for greener pastures in 2024 free agency. Both players have similar skillsets as well considering Dallas was originally a wide receiver at Miami before moving to running back. He’s proven to be a reliable receiver out of the backfield with 55 catches on 62 targets in his Seahawks career. </p>
<p id="aARZaw">And McIntosh may be an even better receiving back. </p>
<div id="TaXl2e">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Of the 165 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FBS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FBS</a> RBs with at least 75 targets since PFF began college grading ('14), only ONE did not have a drop in their career:<br><br>Kenny McIntosh, Georgia<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLDraft?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLDraft</a></p>— Brent Rollins (@BrentRollinsPhD) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrentRollinsPhD/status/1615692138271891457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="aiBdBJ">This could be your future third-down back. Neither Walker nor Charbonnet are known for their pass protection which is critical on third down – something Homer was very good at. So, that begs the question…can McIntosh block?</p>
<div id="Bb4oiY">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ask NFL RB coaches and they’ll tell you most important drill at <a href="https://twitter.com/seniorbowl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@seniorbowl</a> is 1-on-1 pass pro.<br>Hard to find cleaner technical rep than this one by Georgia’s RB Kenny McIntosh. <br><br>✅ Feet<br>✅ Hands<br>✅ Reactiveness<br><br>Credit to Dawgs RB Coach <a href="https://twitter.com/DellMcGee?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DellMcGee</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheDraftStartsInMOBILE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE</a>™️ <a href="https://t.co/USiy2tVrzW">pic.twitter.com/USiy2tVrzW</a></p>— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimNagy_SB/status/1630376316426960897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="RItQxJ">Sure seems like it. </p>
<p id="4fn7wR">McIntosh is also a character, and I mean that in the best possible way. He was very emotional on both the draft call from the Seahawks and his following call to the media. I’m not going to link that here. Instead, I found this gem. </p>
<div id="8BY0vg">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">“Snipers.” — <br><br>Kenny McIntosh with the perfect explanation for what happened on his near touchdown run. <a href="https://t.co/qPe6VLYWTa">pic.twitter.com/qPe6VLYWTa</a></p>— DawgNation (@DawgNation) <a href="https://twitter.com/DawgNation/status/1609954343725277185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="w8KIiE">That’s the kind of guy I like having on the team. Look at the way he was running away from dudes on those clips too – his field speed looks much better than his testing would indicate and definitely worthy of the Seahawks final pick of the 2023 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>. </p>
<h3 id="xnX1vP"><strong>Rookie season prediction</strong></h3>
<p id="xR2Rwi">Unless there’s a UDFA who surprises or an outside FA/waiver wire pickup, I really don’t see how McIntosh fails to make the roster – even as a seventh-round pick. He fills the vacant roster spot from Travis Homer and slots in behind Walker, Charbonnet, and Dallas in Seattle’s backfield and he might just be Seattle’s third-down back of the future. </p>
<p id="xc6tHl">However, McIntosh’s contributions this season will likely come on special teams. I can’t rule out the possibility of him being forced into action due to the Seahawks rotten luck when it comes to RB health, but I think a reasonable prediction is for McIntosh to be active for eight games for special teams duty where he’ll make the most impact and see less than 15 total touches on offense. </p>
<p id="kTOzyT"></p>
<p id="NRCs1b"></p>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/2023/7/10/23789131/teds-talk-predicting-kenny-mcintosh-rookie-season-seattle-seahawks-2023-nfl-draftTed Zahn2023-07-05T07:00:00-07:002023-07-05T07:00:00-07:00Ted’s Talk: Predicting Jerrick Reed’s rookie season
<figure>
<img alt="Houston Baptist v New Mexico" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rY5EsPKQyrCsHL8GZ7RvRqBhM5A=/0x348:2000x1681/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72426831/1338076301.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>An overview of Seattle’s sixth-round pick along with my predictions for his rookie season.</p> <p id="eH5S3t">The <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> used pick No. 198 to select safety Jerrick Reed II from New Mexico. Reed was a favorite of the scouting/coaching staff and has experience playing safety, nickel cornerback, and special teams – which he’ll need to take advantage of in order to carve out a spot on the 53-man roster. </p>
<h3 id="SynN2B"><strong>Athletic Profile/Comps</strong></h3>
<h4 id="khguMo"><strong>Relative Athletic Score (RAS)</strong></h4>
<div id="SgUfgW">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jerrick Reed was drafted with pick 198 of round 6 in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 7.32 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RAS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RAS</a> out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 263 out of 976 FS from 1987 to 2023. <a href="https://t.co/RABUUrgSGY">https://t.co/RABUUrgSGY</a> <a href="https://t.co/MrSSTPXiBQ">pic.twitter.com/MrSSTPXiBQ</a></p>— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) <a href="https://twitter.com/MathBomb/status/1652415227605000192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HCxwXIj6yrlTuw7PMkTFcW7kA-0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24769184/image001.png">
</figure>
<p id="zd2jan"></p>
<h4 id="PeNVx9"><strong>Mockdraftable</strong></h4>
<p id="mvqSfQ">N/A</p>
<p id="PLj1Af">Reed is a good, but not elite athlete according to RAS and was hampered by his size and agility grades. He’s plenty fast enough to play deep middle, and the 18 reps on the bench are impressive for his size. That 38” vertical could be important playing against bigger receivers since it gives him a fighting chance to make a play on the ball. </p>
<p id="Pvd3GP">Since Reed doesn’t have a Mockdraftable page, the only comps we have are from RAS and they’re…less than inspiring. The only player who made it to the NFL from that list was Jordan Pugh who was drafted by the <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a> in the sixth round in 2010. He managed to parlay his late-round selection into a four-year career as mostly a backup and special teamer.</p>
<p id="2R1Eme">Looking at Reed’s size – and the positional versatility having played both safety and nickel cornerback in college – instantly brings Seahawks free safety Quandre Diggs to mind. Diggs was a cornerback in college for the <a href="https://www.burntorangenation.com">Texas Longhorns</a> and played nickel cornerback exclusively his first two years in Detroit before moving to safety near the end of the 2017 season. Reed – like Diggs – has similar experience playing multiple positions in the secondary. With that in mind, how do those two stack up according to RAS at Diggs’ current position of free safety?</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NMfR4bPZ6RWq8p6k34ZzF7wznlE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24769186/image002.png">
</figure>
<p id="k5E8iX">Size-wise, they’re nearly dead ringers with Reed being just a smidge taller with longer arms. Besides the superior shuttle time for Diggs, Reed performed better in each test. This comp shows just how much each rep, extra tenth of a second, extra inch, etc. can affect the total RAS. Diggs’ athleticism has proven to be more than enough to make plays in the NFL, so the fact that Reed performed better in testing gives him a good starting point.</p>
<p id="eQWgvu">And if he gets the ball in his hands, he’s a threat to take it to the house as seen in the clip below.</p>
<div id="a6ERcC">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jerrick Reed with the interception and touchdown! Lobos up 7-0 with 14:21 left in the first quarter!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoLobos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoLobos</a> <a href="https://t.co/G4Y98WeBWW">pic.twitter.com/G4Y98WeBWW</a></p>— New Mexico Football (@UNMLoboFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/UNMLoboFB/status/1175510649268400128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="sFBGYy">The way Reed points with the ball for a split second as he crosses the goal line reminds me a bit of Diggs doing a similar thing to Bobby Wagner on the sideline in Week 18 against the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> last season. He’s got some juice.</p>
<h3 id="R5wgXc"><strong>Gut reaction to the pick</strong></h3>
<p id="jG3u9d">Small school project guys are always intriguing to me, so I was already inclined to like the pick. This late in the draft, you’re really looking for depth and special teams value with the potential to develop into more down the line. </p>
<p id="sknurl">Then, the post-draft interviews come out and you hear that Reed was one of the favorites of the Seahawks front office/coaches. They’ve been watching him for a few seasons and were hoping he’d fly under the radar. Then, Reed started to get a little buzz after his pro day performance, so Schneider used a sixth-round pick to make sure they secured the “angry little elf” as he so eloquently described him. </p>
<p id="y5MW0t">Maybe there’s something to that since Reed isn’t afraid to play physical and take down ballcarriers as evidenced by his 266 tackles at New Mexico with 182 of those coming in the last two seasons. He also forced 9 turnovers in his Lobos career including 2 FF in 2022 – one of which is in the following clip.</p>
<div id="N9APAx">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Defense making a play to get the ball back! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoLobos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoLobos</a> <a href="https://t.co/0VOrnsJ2ot">pic.twitter.com/0VOrnsJ2ot</a></p>— New Mexico Football (@UNMLoboFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/UNMLoboFB/status/1591559245685587969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="WWxHjn">Seattle identified a player they really liked and made sure they came away with him instead of hoping he made it to undrafted free agency – nothing wrong with selecting him here. </p>
<h3 id="nrKlLh"><strong>Rookie season prediction</strong></h3>
<p id="RaPNKX">The Seahawks can always use depth at both safety and nickel cornerback, and Reed has the chance to fill those along with getting extensive work on special teams. It’s that third phase that will really determine whether Reed is on the roster after final cutdowns. Seattle lost special teams mainstays Travis Homer and Tanner Muse this offseason, so there are opportunities for Reed. I think he has the toughness and mentality to make it and the coaching staff really seems to love him. Reed will see time on all special teams units and will be one of their important pieces in that third phase similar to what Joey Blount did last year. </p>
<aside id="xBjfrl"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Ted’s Talk: Predicting Olusegun Oluwatimi’s rookie season","url":"https://www.fieldgulls.com/2023/6/26/23773502/teds-talk-predicting-olusegun-oluwatimi-rookie-season-seattle-seahawks-center"},{"title":"Ted’s Talk: Predicting Mike Morris’ rookie season","url":"https://www.fieldgulls.com/2023/6/20/23760182/teds-talk-predicting-mike-morris-rookie-season-seattle-seahawks-preview"},{"title":"Ted’s Talk: Predicting Cameron Young’s rookie season","url":"https://www.fieldgulls.com/2023/6/13/23758827/teds-talk-predicting-cameron-young-rookie-season-seattle-seahawks-mississippi-state"},{"title":"Ted’s Talk: Predicting Anthony Bradford’s rookie season","url":"https://www.fieldgulls.com/2023/6/6/23748958/teds-talk-predicting-anthony-bradford-rookie-season-seattle-seahawks"},{"title":"Ted’s Talk: Predicting Zach Charbonnet’s rookie season","url":"https://www.fieldgulls.com/2023/5/31/23743236/teds-talk-predicting-zach-charbonnet-rookie-season-2023-seattle-seahawks-draft"},{"title":"Ted’s Talk: Predicting Derick Hall’s rookie season","url":"https://www.fieldgulls.com/2023/5/23/23733745/teds-talk-predicting-derick-hall-rookie-season-seattle-seahawks-2023-nfl-draft"},{"title":"Ted’s Talk: Predicting Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s rookie season","url":"https://www.fieldgulls.com/2023/5/16/23724861/teds-talk-predicting-jaxon-smith-njigba-rookie-season-seattle-seahawks"},{"title":"Ted’s Talk: Predicting Devon Witherspoon’s rookie season","url":"https://www.fieldgulls.com/2023/5/8/23714851/teds-talk-predicting-devon-witherspoon-rookie-season-seattle-seahawks-nfl-analysis"}]}'></div></aside><p id="MkLBjQ"></p>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/2023/7/5/23783293/teds-talk-predicting-jerrick-reed-rookie-season-seattle-seahawks-2023-nfl-draftTed Zahn2023-06-20T08:00:00-07:002023-06-20T08:00:00-07:00Ted’s Talk: Predicting Mike Morris’ rookie season
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 31 Semifinal Game&nbsp;Fiesta Bowl" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/buBe62QdcEhPgCNkLW9b9LV9gLA=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72385349/1245915218.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Zac BonDurant/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>An overview of Seattle’s (first) fifth-round pick along with my predictions for his rookie season.</p> <p id="d7VBaL">The <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> went back-to-back defensive line selections, taking Mike Morris at No. 151 out of the University of Michigan. The 2022 Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year had an underwhelming combine and will be asked to play more inside with Seattle than he did at Michigan.</p>
<h3 id="eve7kt"><strong>Athletic Profile/Comps</strong></h3>
<h4 id="jH8KU5"><strong>Mockdraftable</strong></h4>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MDLcRFqrt2x0bX9yidg5z0CqXHE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24737603/image002.png">
</figure>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cqaBwYYoJSN0eVk1UwFYFP25-m0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24737604/image003.png">
</figure>
<h4 id="4id6NK"><strong>Relative Athletic Score (RAS) at Defensive End</strong></h4>
<div id="LQm4RL">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mike Morris is a DE prospect in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 4.78 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RAS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RAS</a> out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 851 out of 1629 DE from 1987 to 2023. <a href="https://t.co/gqFuhGDeF3">https://t.co/gqFuhGDeF3</a> <a href="https://t.co/VyDhB58PS5">pic.twitter.com/VyDhB58PS5</a></p>— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) <a href="https://twitter.com/MathBomb/status/1649853073563734017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="M8NgEi">As an EDGE/DE, Mike Morris is a subpar athlete. He cut weight from somewhere in the 280s-290s where he played at Michigan to 275 lbs for the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-combine">NFL Combine</a> in an attempt to improve his athletic testing. That didn’t pan out, as he performed poorly in nearly all the tests except for his 1.64 second 10-yard split. In fairness, Morris suffered a high ankle sprain late in the 2022 season, so he was likely still recovering from that which would have impacted his ability to train for the combine.</p>
<p id="0ZW8DI">That’s the bad news. The good news? When Seattle met with Morris during the pre-draft process, they told him to gain weight because they saw him more as a 3-4 DE and would want him to play 3-tech or 5-tech in their defense. In fact, they contacted Morris and/or his agent the morning he was drafted and confirmed that he was up to 295 lbs before they called the pick in. </p>
<p id="N7Gsif">Morris looks MUCH better if you run his RAS at DT.</p>
<h4 id="v2BzKT"><strong>RAS at Defensive Tackle</strong></h4>
<div id="dhI1y0">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mike Morris is a DT prospect in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 8.41 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 237 out of 1487 DT from 1987 to 2023. <br><br>So far, Morris' pro day looks to have helped his RAS, assuming the times stand.<a href="https://t.co/YFQ40QUaXV">https://t.co/YFQ40QUaXV</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RAS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RAS</a> <a href="https://t.co/KZBhCG3HpD">pic.twitter.com/KZBhCG3HpD</a></p>— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) <a href="https://twitter.com/MathBomb/status/1637213043317694466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="K7ZUSQ">The obvious caveat is that these testing numbers were recorded before Morris gained 20 lbs, but it’s still worth looking at considering his weight at the time is accounted for in the RAS and he got dinged pretty bad for only being 275 lbs. As a 3-4 DE prospect, Morris is exciting. He has a big frame that could easily handle the extra weight. </p>
<p id="dvxits">The Mockdraftable comparisons have a few standouts. Aaron Smith was longtime fixture as a 3-4 DE with the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>, starting 152 games over 13 years with 44.0 sacks and one <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> selection. He had a run from 2000-2008 where he played in 139 of a possible 144 games with two seasons of 8.0 sacks – not an easy number to achieve for a 3-4 DE.</p>
<p id="THG6Gg">And then, of course, there’s Michael Bennett. Even though Bennett played in a 4-3 defense, he had the rare ability to line up both inside and outside. His athletic testing was pretty poor, but damn was he an awesome player – even if he jumped offsides approximately seven times a game. </p>
<p id="OGpbQr">Bennett even sent Morris a welcome message, from one Mike to another.</p>
<div id="rQkIEM">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">No caption necessary. <br><br>This one's for you, <a href="https://twitter.com/Mikemoris87?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mikemoris87</a> <a href="https://t.co/91lbaT1Gl2">pic.twitter.com/91lbaT1Gl2</a></p>— Seahawks Legends (@SeahawksLegends) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeahawksLegends/status/1652417737493450753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="6utsrX">There are a few more athletic comparisons to former Seahawks that I found. One of them will worry/piss people off, but we’ll save that for a bit. First, let’s look at Morris vs. our old friend Jason Jones.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wtbvBAlmPq6higu3Emes01RWi5Q=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24737606/image004.png">
</figure>
<p id="awynHU">They’re pretty damn close in their size and testing. Jones played both inside and out throughout his career and had between 3.0 and 5.0 sacks every season except for 2013 where he only played 3 games. The Seahawks have consistently looked for this type of player throughout the PCJS era.</p>
<p id="0Ex3EC">Speaking of that type of player, here’s the other comparison I mentioned…</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/c5LlLZfrdUqPWt_7JNFQ6SXy-Ws=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24737608/image005.png">
</figure>
<p id="Za8Zj6">Sorry, not sorry. </p>
<p id="RBurlD">There’s a LOT of athletic similarity here. Heck, they even have the same initials! McDowell was taller and longer, which is hard to imagine if you’ve seen pictures of Morris from OTAs or minicamp. The McDowell pick was a disaster in hindsight, but you can see the reasoning behind it at least from a physical standpoint. Morris is a similar type of athlete – let’s hope he’s not a similar type of idiot.</p>
<h3 id="8cXfeD"><strong>Gut reaction to the pick</strong></h3>
<p id="vErnWV">The Seahawks addressed the defensive line again, so that’s a huge positive right out of the gate. I also have a soft spot for these late-round picks with intriguing athletic traits. Morris has a long road ahead of him transitioning from more of an EDGE player to a 3-4 DE who will need to be stout at the point of attack. </p>
<p id="t01x0k">Maybe the fact that he’s relatively inexperienced will help him soak up all the coaching? Morris only played one game his first two years in Ann Arbor. In 2021, he was playing behind Aidan Hutchinson (No. 2 overall in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2022 NFL Draft</a>) and David Ojabo (No. 45 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft but would have been much higher had he not torn his Achilles at his pro day). Morris’ sole year as a starter ended with Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year honors despite suffering that high ankle sprain towards the end of the season. He’s like a ball of clay, and there’s plenty to work with. </p>
<p id="HHudfP">Just watch him blow up the first two plays below.</p>
<div id="JXg873">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">4 straight plays of pure domination by our d-line<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoBlue?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoBlue</a> <a href="https://t.co/pgWEIijzU5">pic.twitter.com/pgWEIijzU5</a></p>— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/UMichFootball/status/1578145170138497025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="YoDE6Q">When you get towards the end of the draft, I’m more than happy when the Seahawks take a swing with a player that has the tools but needs refinement. John Schneider has a pretty decent track record in the fifth round doing just that.</p>
<h3 id="kU8Uxj"><strong>Rookie season prediction</strong></h3>
<p id="VDCR5N">As excited as I am about Morris, I wouldn’t be surprised if 2023 is more of a “redshirt” year for him as he makes the transition to a 3-4 DE, gaining the necessary size and strength that he needs to be effective on the inside in the NFL. He’ll get snaps, sure, but will be behind Dre’Mont Jones, Jarran Reed, Mario Edwards and possibly Myles Adams. Don’t rule out the Seahawks adding more rotational players throughout the summer or at the 53-man roster cutdown to eat up snaps. </p>
<p id="O3FiXG">Morris’ future could be very bright, and I think there will be a few glimpses of this in 2023. He’s a player I’ll be watching very closely in the preseason. As for the regular season, he may not be active every week. I’m hoping he plays in at least 12 games and gets 20 tackles with a random sack.</p>
<p id="6ZKKXJ"></p>
<p id="3FHNF6"></p>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/2023/6/20/23760182/teds-talk-predicting-mike-morris-rookie-season-seattle-seahawks-previewTed Zahn2023-05-31T07:00:00-07:002023-05-31T07:00:00-07:00Ted’s Talk: Predicting Zach Charbonnet’s rookie season
<figure>
<img alt="Stanford v UCLA" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MZXYyE9RoVUBceke5qaYqL1aeiE=/0x0:4188x2792/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72327636/1437610520.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Harry How/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>An overview of Seattle’s (second) second-round pick along with my predictions for his rookie season.</p> <p id="eZqy8L">For the second consecutive draft, the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> bolstered their backfield with a second-round running back by selecting <a href="https://www.bruinsnation.com">UCLA</a>’s Zach Charbonnet at No. 52 overall. While he’s not as explosive at Kenneth Walker, Charbonnet is a big, productive RB both running the ball and catching passes out of the backfield.</p>
<h3 id="RCTh7e"><strong>Athletic Profile/Comps</strong></h3>
<h4 id="hmC6Pg"><strong>Relative Athletic Score (RAS)</strong></h4>
<div id="RQFcjC">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Zach Charbonnet was drafted with pick 52 of round 2 in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 8.71 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RAS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RAS</a> out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 226 out of 1745 RB from 1987 to 2023. <a href="https://t.co/akFpeMVOPS">https://t.co/akFpeMVOPS</a> <a href="https://t.co/21iwbOL8Gn">pic.twitter.com/21iwbOL8Gn</a></p>— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) <a href="https://twitter.com/MathBomb/status/1652109209524207617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<h4 id="cYP7Uh"></h4>
<h4 id="zvLtBq"><strong>Mockdraftable</strong></h4>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AytBbV01zXw9h4W8zJ8wiwY-FOo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24692527/Screenshot_2023_05_30_7.31.38_PM.png">
</figure>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/g1WSwKcPhpnHTLjYBC_Z-8E-8Bc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24692528/Screenshot_2023_05_30_7.32.56_PM.png">
</figure>
<p id="cneVtr">Charbonnet ran a decent 4.53 second 40-yard dash, but long speed isn’t his best trait. His 10-yard split is very good, which means he’ll get up to top speed quickly to help get through the holes. That’s one trait that stands out about Charbonnet – he may not have many 30+ yard runs, but he will rarely lose yards. </p>
<div id="8b0T0G">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Zach Charbonnet's 1st/2nd down stats and rank among 134 FBS running backs with 100+ carries on 1st/2nd down (via <a href="https://twitter.com/football_sis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@football_sis</a>):<br><br>Positive (aka successful) rush rate: 55.6% (3rd)<br>1st down rush rate: 35.1% (1st)<br>Stuff rate: 9.4% (6th)</p>— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nate_Tice/status/1646558074092818432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="F6BFf4">He’s also an accomplished receiving back with 75 catches in his college career for 589 yards so the opposing defense won’t be able to sell out against the run when Charbonnet is on the field. Oh, and good luck trying to keep him out of the end zone, as he averaged nearly a touchdown per game with 39 TDs in 40 games played. </p>
<div id="GjLAh7">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Me: <br><br>Don't use premium picks on running backs.<br><br>Also me: <br><br>Michael Carter and Zach Charbonnet in the same backfield? Yes, please.<br><br>Power. Speed. Acceleration. Vision. <br><br>From potential TFL to touchdown. <a href="https://t.co/gVSY9vExgC">pic.twitter.com/gVSY9vExgC</a></p>— Glenn Naughton (@JNRadio_Glenn) <a href="https://twitter.com/JNRadio_Glenn/status/1472277019383767042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2021</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="YkuxAt">The comparisons of Bijan Robinson and Todd Gurley are exciting, but let’s compare the RAS scores for Charbonnet and the last power back Seattle had – Chris Carson.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IFZ8Uj9dfynj927M1PXLHBibTwA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24692537/Screenshot_2023_05_30_7.36.33_PM.png">
</figure>
<p id="KrN3in">They’re relatively (pun intended) close in quite a few categories. Neither Charbonnet nor Carson are burners, but they are consistent and always seem to make something out of nothing to get the tough yards. Charbonnet has excellent vision and showcases the ability to read blocks, set up defenders, and break tackles. Seriously, he’s tough to bring down and has a knack for staying on his feet through contact. Think of Charbonnet as the thunder to Walker’s lightning, which should make for a fantastic pairing. Just one more highlight because I can’t resist.</p>
<div id="Ukm9Wm">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Zach Charbonnet with touchdown #2 <a href="https://t.co/Ukrpq7yjDc">pic.twitter.com/Ukrpq7yjDc</a></p>— Bruce Matson (@MetricScout) <a href="https://twitter.com/MetricScout/status/1431715205961113600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2021</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="uaiRT5">He does have a bit of Chris Carson to him, doesn’t he?</p>
<h3 id="jOPJZW"><strong>Gut reaction to the pick</strong></h3>
<p id="CJA607">Some people apparently hate running backs drafted before the seventh round. I hate to disappoint those of you who subscribe to that line of thinking, but that’s not me at all. I love running backs and could give a rat’s a— where they were drafted or how they were acquired if they can help the Seahawks win games. </p>
<p id="ZwPdAc">Seattle loves to run the ball and only had Walker and DeeJay Dallas on the roster going into the draft. They needed another RB to pair with Walker, so I wasn’t surprised at all when Charbonnet was picked. He’s an excellent complement to Walker since he has a different skill set and will see plenty of snaps this season. </p>
<p id="9Y0RXv">Charbonnet was widely considered the third-best running back in the draft and was once again selected in the range he was expected to go. Don’t forget how snakebitten the Seahawks have been with injuries at the RB position. Remember when Tony Jones Jr had to play significant snaps against the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a>? I’d like to avoid a situation like that this season. While there were later round options that I also liked such as Roschon Johnson, I was more than satisfied with the Charbonnet pick. </p>
<h3 id="t5rvAO"><strong>Rookie season prediction</strong></h3>
<p id="nBLupX">Charbonnet will immediately step into a platoon role with Walker and see a healthy dose of carries. I still expect Walker to get the most reps in the RB room this season because of his explosive potential and ability to take it to the house on any given play. Walker will still need a blow every once in a while, and the game situation may also dictate which RB gets to tote the rock. I’d rather have Charbonnet on the field to grind out a win, for example, since I trust that he’s going to break tackles and get the tough yards. His pass protection is still a question mark – like it was with Walker – so Dallas or another RB we’ll get to down the line may still be utilized for two-minute and third down opportunities.</p>
<p id="Oakcqh">Barring injuries, Walker will be RB1 and should have another 1,000 yard season. I’m not crazy, so I won’t predict two 1,000 yard rushers on the same team even though I’d love to see it. Think of this pairing like what the Seahawks envisioned when they drafted Rashaad Penny to complement Chris Carson except flipped in that the explosive Walker is RB1 and the hammer Charbonnet is RB2. I can also see Charbonnet being a bit of a TD vulture in the red zone. I’m going to guess somewhere in the range of 100 carries for 500 yards, 15 catches for another 100 yards, and 5 total TDs. </p>
<p id="d6NmvT"></p>
<p id="2Spbqy"></p>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/2023/5/31/23743236/teds-talk-predicting-zach-charbonnet-rookie-season-2023-seattle-seahawks-draftTed Zahn2023-05-20T08:00:00-07:002023-05-20T08:00:00-07:00ESPN’s Cole Cubelic on what separates Derick Hall from Darrell Taylor
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 28 TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl - Houston v Auburn" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iNNkJYI906gPACE-jwGHMdh2OIQ=/0x0:3942x2628/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72298462/1237528880.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Hall and Taylor were both SEC standouts, and now they’re both part of the Seahawks’ pass rush rotation.</p> <p id="D8jfSJ">The <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> added some pass rushing talent in the second round of the 2023 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>, taking Auburn’s Derick Hall at No. 37 overall. </p>
<p id="Q0JQ7k">Former Auburn offensive lineman and current ESPN analyst Cole Cubelic closely followed hall at his alma mater, and relayed this thoughts on the Seahawks rookie in a segment with <a href="https://sports.mynorthwest.com/1756986/sec-analyst-explains-what-seattle-seahawks-are-getting-with-derick-hall/">Brock and Salk on Seattle Sports 710</a>.</p>
<blockquote><p id="hCzqkW">“First of all, I’ll just say this – you’re getting an amazing human being in your facility,” Cubelic said. “Derick Hall is a guy that came back to play one more football season with his teammates because he enjoyed being at Auburn, he enjoyed being an Auburn football player, he enjoyed his teammates. I think he wanted to prove that he could be a guy that led a football team, or at least that side of the football and go out and try to better themselves from what they were the year before.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="qqqfq1">It’s hard not to root for Hall when you know his remarkable story. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0tED5O_1D4">He was born prematurely</a> at under three pounds and without a heartbeat. Hall was on life support for a week, while his mother was told by hospital staff that he would likely be <a href="https://247sports.com/college/auburn/Article/PMARSHONAU-Derick-Halls-incredible-journey-to-Auburn-137832425/">in a permanent vegetative state</a>. Not only did Hall defy the odds, by age 9 he was playing tackle football. </p>
<p id="avwXzj">At 6’3 and 255-pounds, Hall comes in a little bit lighter than fellow SEC edge rusher Darrell Taylor, who’s racked up 16 sacks over the past two seasons. Mike Salk wondered if Hall would have a similar playing style to Taylor, but Cubelic views Hall’s strength, speed, and explosiveness as superior.</p>
<blockquote><p id="1DByVD">“I really liked Darrell Taylor coming out and I liked him at Tennessee,” he said. “Taylor feels much more like a four-down defensive end than a 3-4 edge defender, which is how I would classify Derick Hall. I think Derick Hall’s going to have a little bit more explosiveness, a little bit more twitch, a little bit more speed. I think he’s just a stronger football player in general. Darrell Taylor just gives you more length, which would be the biggest advantage I think he would offer, maybe a little more flexibility as well. He’ll get a little lower to the ground in that dip and rip than Derick Hall could, but out in space I would trust Derick a bit more, even though it’s not his strength.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="PIr8yj">You can listen to the full interview below and get a little more insight on Seattle’s newest pass rusher, as the Seahawks continue to rebuild what’s been a struggling front in recent seasons. As I said earlier, it’s hard not to root for Hall and I hope he can continue his college success in the pros. The fact that he’s even alive is a miracle in itself, let alone just a few months away from playing in the NFL.</p>
<div id="er5OqD"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 180px; position: relative;"><iframe src="https://omny.fm/shows/brock-and-salk/espn-and-sec-analyst-cole-cubelic-on-new-seahawk-d/embed?style=cover" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/2023/5/20/23730099/espn-cole-cubelic-separates-derick-hall-darrell-taylor-nfl-seattle-seahawksMookie Alexander2023-05-15T09:05:13-07:002023-05-15T09:05:13-07:00Seahawks rookie minicamp: Could Cameron Young be the new starter at nose tackle?
<figure>
<img alt="Mississippi State v Ole Miss" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/51-pqHftPC3688s6RtBa-GLgagQ=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72281564/1444331755.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Seahawks have had success identifying difference makers in the later rounds of the draft, Cameron Young could be next.</p> <p id="wdQ8nW">The <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> have some big shoes to fill with Al Woods and Poona Ford no longer in town. Heading into the offseason, the interior defensive line was always viewed as a need for the team, but especially so after the decision to sign Dre’Mont Jones and Jarran Reed, who — while talented — are not prototypical nose tackles; they are more likely to slot in as big ends in Clint Hurtt’s scheme. Enter Cameron Young, the 4th round rookie out of <a href="https://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com">Mississippi State</a>. While he may not have the raw size of either Woods or Bryan Mone, he has potential to be a starter as a rookie at a position of need.</p>
<p id="jBefKH">In his <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641882&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F4518797%2F2023%2F05%2F15%2Fseahawks-rookie-camp-impactful-2023-draft%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fieldgulls.com%2F2023%2F5%2F15%2F23723786%2Fseattle-seahawks-2023-minicamp-draft-cameron-young-new-nose-tackle-al-woods-poona-ford" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">recent article in The Athletic</a>, Michael-Shawn Dugar reported that Young put on roughly 20-lbs prior to minicamp in anticipation of holding down the middle of Seattle’s defensive front.</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="2vAgPy">In defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt’s scheme, Young’s role will be more about gap control, either two-gapping as a head-up nose tackle or controlling a gap and a half in other alignments. Knowing that’s how Seattle planned to use him, Young went from being 304 pounds at the combine to 320-plus pounds at rookie camp.</p>
<p id="y4Z3GV">“It gives me the ability to stay in my gap longer and hold those double teams for guys like <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641882&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2Fnfl%2Fplayer%2Fbobby-wagner-qbwMRTpHHSdybNWR%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fieldgulls.com%2F2023%2F5%2F15%2F23723786%2Fseattle-seahawks-2023-minicamp-draft-cameron-young-new-nose-tackle-al-woods-poona-ford" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Bobby Wagner</a> to make plays,” Young said. “It really gives me that opportunity to play the gap-and-a-half scheme.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="i1t0KC">With this extra mass, it isn’t difficult to see what Pete Carroll will like about Young; he has solid size, length, and power as a defender, and reportedly was a leader on the Mississippi State defense, <a href="https://cdn.theathletic.com/app/uploads/2023/04/24174338/TheBeast_NFL_Draft_Guide-7.pdf">according to Dane Brugler</a>. In addition to his raw traits, he plays tough and looks disruptive on the field. He is more than a space filler — he can make his presence felt through the whistle.</p>
<div id="72x2G6">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="pt" dir="ltr">Cameron Young, NT, #93<br><br>Ele era muito usado em stunts contra a corrida. Seattle tem uma formação que chama isso de PIRATE. <a href="https://t.co/3LyMFQ15fM">pic.twitter.com/3LyMFQ15fM</a></p>— Rapinas do Mar (Cortes) (@cortesrapinas) <a href="https://twitter.com/cortesrapinas/status/1654586717309919233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="DDnMNp">While he isn’t expected to contribute as much to the pass rush as he is to the run defense, he is able to use his size and power to disrupt when given the opportunity. Here he is forcing top overall pick Bryce Young out of the pocket after taking on three fifths of the Crimson Tide offensive line.</p>
<div id="72NWXi">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="it" dir="ltr">Cameron Young, NT, #93<br><br>No pas rusher é basicamente long-arm e força bruta. <a href="https://t.co/5q8nSzloxt">pic.twitter.com/5q8nSzloxt</a></p>— Rapinas do Mar (Cortes) (@cortesrapinas) <a href="https://twitter.com/cortesrapinas/status/1654583568562110464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="j2RjYJ">Nose tackle isn’t the <em>sexiest</em> position on the defense, but it is important nonetheless. The Seahawks got repeatedly gashed by the run last season, and though the issue clearly extends beyond the defensive line, adding another capable run defender was a necessity for this squad. The team may not be done adding depth to their front seven, but Cameron Young might still have the clearest path to be a Week One starter of any of the team’s Day Three picks. While it is sad to see the days of Al Woods and Poona Ford coming to a close in Seattle, I have high expectations for Cameron Young. Hopefully, <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/2023/5/7/23713064/2023-seahawks-draft-new-nose-tackle-watch-cameron-young-highlights">he will be the next great Seahawks defender drafted in the 4th round out of Mississippi State</a>.</p>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/2023/5/15/23723786/seattle-seahawks-2023-minicamp-draft-cameron-young-new-nose-tackle-al-woods-poona-fordDianeTaylor2023-05-13T07:00:00-07:002023-05-13T07:00:00-07:00How the Seahawks offense can best use seventh-round pick Kenny McIntosh
<figure>
<img alt="Georgia CFP National Championship Parade" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JKNQqYZgnEdCdFvYgjEvOPWepVg=/0x0:5010x3340/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72277384/1246235531.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The former Georgia running back was the last running back taken in the 2023 NFL Draft. Can he be a valuable part of the Seahawks offense?</p> <p id="aSkpAa">Despite drafting running backs in the second round of both the 2022 and 2023 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>, the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> decided to draft another one in the 7th round in Georgia’s Kenny McIntosh. McIntosh was an integral part of both national championship offenses. His 2022 season was the biggest of his career as he had over 1,300 combined rushing and receiving yards in addition to 12 total touchdowns. He had a down combine where he ran just a 4.62 40-yard dash, but his tape and overall performance is a better indicator of his abilities, which we will review below.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="QfnKau">
<p id="8krHaI"><strong>In between the tackles </strong></p>
<div id="xKdyON">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I’m sorry but the NFL got it wrong. They took Kenny McIntosh about 5 rounds too late. <br><br>Kenny Mac is going to shine and they better pay him accordingly .<br><br>Keep being great Kenny <br><br>Dawgs on top! <a href="https://t.co/mlEWd5RZz2">pic.twitter.com/mlEWd5RZz2</a></p>— LEE Ring (@HBTFD1) <a href="https://twitter.com/HBTFD1/status/1652692657913712641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="THE2A2">McIntosh is a great option to have as a team’s third back, which is what he will be for Seattle. The former Bulldog has deceptive strength as a runner in between the tackles and can take multiple defenders to bring him down. He has good shiftiness, acceleration and vision as a runner which allows him to be used both inside and outside of the tackles in a zone blocking scheme. McIntosh will be a solid change of pace back for the Seahawks when Walker lll or Charbonnet need a break or are hurt, but that’s about all he will be as a pure runner. </p>
<p id="0JRQSC"><strong>Passing game</strong></p>
<div id="VepBE5">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Imagine you're facing the Seahawks' offense in 2023, and there's a three-receiver set with D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. <br><br>Now, imagine the ball goes to seventh-round RB Kenny McIntosh, who led all FBS backs with 12.1 YPC and 12.3 YAC. From the slot! <a href="https://t.co/HSBZ0cqFtn">pic.twitter.com/HSBZ0cqFtn</a></p>— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL_DougFarrar/status/1655956608021835776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="DhrdR5">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ladies and Gentlemen… Kenny McIntosh<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Seahawks?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Seahawks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoDawgs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoDawgs</a> <br>Seattle just committed a heist <a href="https://t.co/JXLFj4Apvy">pic.twitter.com/JXLFj4Apvy</a></p>— ᴅᴏxx ⚡️ (@new_era72) <a href="https://twitter.com/new_era72/status/1654948083711524866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="4jAZxX">This is where the majority of McIntosh’s impact is felt as a player. He is a more than solid as a route runner (especially for a running back) and is able to create some natural separation. As a route runner he is able to beat defenders to the spot, which is especially prevalent on flats and seam routes. He isn’t a true mismatch against linebackers like some of the more advanced backs are in the league, but he is more than able to hold his own against more athletic backers. </p>
<p id="ZjWiR9">Getting him the ball in space as shown in the first video is the key, though. McIntosh is a true threat on any type of correctly schemed screen. With how far the defense is playing off on this play it allows McIntosh to catch the ball and get a full head of steam before being threatened by a defender. As we know, the Seahawks screen game has been bad for years. McIntosh is finally the key to getting that right. </p>
<p id="YTAV3x">If needed to as well, McIntosh can be used from the slot in an empty set to help further stretch out a defense. </p>
<p id="e1V3Cw"><strong>Pass pro</strong></p>
<div id="kjnJ6b">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alright Kenny McIntosh, more than just a pass catcher, doing work in the pass protection drills well in Mobile <a href="https://t.co/nXWPpiO1Vt">pic.twitter.com/nXWPpiO1Vt</a></p>— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) <a href="https://twitter.com/CamMellor/status/1620887300434726913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="A05LVX">McIntosh is a solid pass blocker who should take Kenneth Walker lll out of those situations as well as potentially limiting Zach Charbonnet’s usage in pass pro as well. He is more than willing to stand in there and take a linebacker head on, as well as having an understanding of blocking assignments and how to approach a block. McIntosh gives the Seahawks another option in that area and honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me if he becomes the Seahawks full time 3rd down running back because of his abilities as a blocker. </p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="X63elR">
<p id="I1iJm3"><strong>Additional thoughts -</strong> There is no such thing as a bad seventh-round pick, but McIntosh is a really good one. He is going to make an impact for this Seahawks offense this year which is more than most rookie seventh-rounders can say they will be able to do. Is he going to be a starter or anything like that for this team? No, most certainly not, but that is not what the Seahawks need him to be. If he can be similar to a DeeJay Dallas type (or better) for this team this year, which is more than conceivable, the Seahawks and their fans will be thrilled with this selection.</p>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/2023/5/13/23721571/how-the-seattle-seahawks-offense-can-best-use-7th-round-pick-kenny-mcintosh-georgiaDevin Csigi2023-05-12T12:51:02-07:002023-05-12T12:51:02-07:00Seahawks make six 2023 draft picks signings official
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 03 Big 10 Championship - Michigan vs Purdue" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zNhvC8rJEMv6DimCTNlSFkUIEEw=/0x229:3432x2517/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72275599/1245404203.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>More than half of Seattle’s draft class is now under contract.</p> <p id="EwFXj6">With rookie mini-camp underway on Friday, the Seattle Seahawks announced the signing of <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/2023/5/12/23710311/seattle-seahawks-announce-2023-undrafted-free-agent-class">25 undrafted free agents</a>, as well as confirmed that <a href="https://www.seahawks.com/news/seahawks-sign-25-undrafted-free-agents-six-2023-draft-picks">six of their 10 draft picks are now under contract</a>.</p>
<p id="Eu8FuD">Former Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, ex-Michigan teammates Mike Morris and Olu Oluwatimi, Mississippi State nose tackle Cameron Young, New Mexico safety Jarrick Reed II, and two-time national champion Georgia running back Kenny McIntosh have all put pen to paper and are officially Seahawks members. Smith-Njigba, Morris, and McIntosh were all previously reported signings.</p>
<p id="04NZwV">Seattle didn’t have the cap space to sign their 2023 class, hence the restructuring of Tyler Lockett’s <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/2023/5/11/23719814/seattle-seahawks-cap-space-restructuring-tyler-lockett-contract-nfl-news">deal earlier in the week</a>. They will probably make more moves in the coming days so that everyone else gets signed, but these are essentially formalities.</p>
<h3 id="xsTSHd">Unsigned Draft Picks</h3>
<ul>
<li id="NeodMn">CB Devon Witherspoon (Round 1, No. 5)</li>
<li id="WndU2b">OLB Derick Hall (Round 2, No. 37)</li>
<li id="0mE9fT">RB Zach Charbonnet (Round 2, No. 52)</li>
<li id="uoiJoC">G Anthony Bradford (Round 4, No. 107 overall)</li>
</ul>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/2023/5/12/23721698/seattle-seahawks-make-six-2023-draft-picks-signings-official-nfl-newsMookie Alexander