Field Gulls - NFL Draft 2014: Live coverage, prospect tracking resources, scouting reports, & moreThe stupidest name in smart football analysis.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50215/fieldgulls-fav.png2014-05-13T09:23:41-07:00http://www.fieldgulls.com/rss/stream/54592312014-05-13T09:23:41-07:002014-05-13T09:23:41-07:00The Seahawks going deep with Paul Richardson
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3PhSsed0hhxq7RXuT2fAv8of9ns=/472x118:3999x2469/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32981701/179329349.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Doug Pensinger</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>"Never tell a speeding bullet to slow down." - Pete Carroll to Pat Ruel, 2005</p> <p>Many fans were surprised that Pete Carroll & John Schneider selected Paul Richardson with their first pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. My surprise was dulled a little bit because, interestingly enough, both Doug Baldwin and Aaron Wilson (Ravens Insider- a must twitter follow) mentioned Paul Richardson by name -- to the Seahawks - an hour or two before the selection was made. Still, it was still surprising based on some of the things Pete Carroll and his coaches have said over the past year regarding big receivers. As Carroll said, post draft, "you can't make a little guy a big guy, and sometimes you can't make a big guy fast enough to play."</p>
<p>After digging in a little to research Richardson, the dots really start to connect. While Richardson did not visit the VMAC, it was reported that he had meetings with the Seahawks' team psychologist, whom <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fieldgulls.com/football-breakdowns/2014/2/3/5374724/super-bowl-48-seahawks-pete-carrolls-richard-sherman-marshawn-lynch">I believe to be Michael Gervais</a>. Our own Scott Enyeart knows Gervais quite well and interestingly, in 2010, Scott 2005sent Danny and I a big packet of information that hashed out some of the things Gervais does in the Pete Carroll program.</p>
<p>The packet also included a trove of information on Carroll's philosophies at USC. Looking through that while reading up on Gervais, I remembered a PDF transcript from a coaching seminar given by Pat Ruel, Pete's Offensive Line Coach at USC and the current Assistant Offensive Line Coach with the Seahawks supporting Tom Cable. Toward the end of this presentation he gave in 2006, there are a few illuminating quotes that point to the Paul Richardson select. Ruel says:</p>
<p>"Part of our theory here at Southern Cal is if we run a boot(leg), we're going deep. There's somebody going deep. We run drop-back, there's somebody going deep. We run quick game, there's somebody going deep. We run short game, there's somebody going deep. We're going deep all the time.</p>
<p>"Why? Because that's where the big plays are created, and the defense has to know that they have to defend the field. The more they think they're threatened, the better chance your passing game will have. So whether it's your short game, quick game, drop-back or boot, we are going deep."</p>
<p>"Now, it helps to have a fast guy going deep who can catch the ball."</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">***</p>
<p>It helps to have Paul Richardson. It helps to have Percy Harvin. The Seahawks essentially burned their 1st round picks in 2013 and 2014 on two fast wide receivers. Whether it is Richardson or Harvin, or both at the same time, they want somebody going deep. All the time. No matter what play they're running, they want someone going deep.</p>
<p>It ties in with the Seahawks' desire to run the ball -- and get a loaded box and single high safety -- and to have a mobile quarterback with a strong arm.</p>
<p>When I read this entire presentation, the offense becomes so crystal clear. In it, Ruel talks about moving the quarterback, running the ball, and throwing deep. The importance of moving the quarterback cannot be understated in Carroll's system. Why? Because a defense, when they know where the quarterback's platform is going to be, will eventually design pressure to find that launch point. This was evidenced in the Super Bowl.</p>
<p>The Seahawks knew exactly where Peyton Manning was going to be, and even though they were only credited with one sack, they used this knowledge to create disruptions, which led to wobbly throws, deflected throws, interceptions and fumbles. This leads me to my next thought: Having good offensive tackles is essential when you want to run outside zone and move the quarterback to create explosive plays.</p>
<p>The Seahawks drafted two tackles (Justin Britt and Garrett Scott) and two wide receivers (Paul Richardson and Kevin Norwood). Many fans are griping about the lack of a guard - and I do not dispute that guard is an important position as well - but I believe that Cable is happier with J.R. Sweezy and James Carpenter than most fans happen to be.</p>
<p>The Seahawks' offensive plan is to run the ball, move their quarterback, and try to create explosive plays in the passing game. Carroll, in recent interviews, also mentioned that a deep threat should also help the short the intermediate passing game -- as it creates space underneath for possession WR and TE. Drafting two tackles and two wide receivers not only fills holes created in free agency (Golden Tate and Breno Giacomini) but it gets them further to the vision of the offense that they prefer to implement - run the ball, move the quarterback, and create explosive plays.</p>
<p>Some 12s are surprised that Pete Carroll gave Richardson the number #10 out of respect for Jim Zorn. I think I know why Pete gave Richardson #10:</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4447101/USATSI_7530597.jpg"><img width="99%" src="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/4447101/USATSI_7530597.jpg" class="photo" alt="Usatsi_7530597_medium"></a></p>
<p><i>Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports</i></p>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/football-breakdowns/2014/5/13/5712526/seahawks-paul-richardson-pete-carroll-scheme-fit-scouting-reportDavis Hsu2014-05-12T16:00:09-07:002014-05-12T16:00:09-07:00The Carroll Code
<figure>
<img alt="Look into my eyes...you're getting very sleepy..." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0zQGKrKqWJ-HlyKf0TJQzedgOKU=/158x1168:2838x2955/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32950299/20140326_jla_af6_020.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Look into my eyes...you're getting very sleepy... | Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Deciphering Pete Carroll's pre-draft twitter clues as to the Seahawks' draft plans.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I remember two drafts ago Pete Carroll did his draft clues on twitter. Included in that batch of clues was a clip from the first "Hangover" movie in which Alan was talking about the Wolf Pack. I didn’t get it at the time but, in hindsight, Carroll was tipping off the selection of former NC State Wolfpack QB Russell Wilson. Yep. At the time it was a brilliant clue because Russell was more commonly thought of at that time as a Wisconsin Badger. Shortly after the draft though, lightbulb moment.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A similar thing happened to me this morning. Only this time ALL of the lightbulbs came on. All of the dots connected. It turns out those clues that Pete Carroll tweeted out last Thursday before the start of the draft…they ALL meant something. In fact, Caroll essentially pre-tweeted the Seahawks ENTIRE draft.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the order he tweeted them:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>1st of the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SeahawksDraftClues&src=hash">#SeahawksDraftClues</a>! "Van down by the river" from Chris Farley! <a href="http://t.co/uxiFGegjRR">http://t.co/uxiFGegjRR</a></p>
— Pete Carroll (@PeteCarroll) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteCarroll/statuses/464440536070230016">May 8, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My initial thought was that the clues were: 1) Matt Foley, 2) Van, 3) down by the river and that these all represented Jordan MATThews from VANderbilt, a school that is located approximately 2 miles from Tennessee’s Cumberland River. And this still may be correct.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In John Schneider’s post-draft press conferences and radio appearances he seems to have expressed that the Hawks were also interested in Matthews (drafted #42 to Philadelphia) and Cody Latimer (drafted #56 to Denver).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But this morning I found a longer version of the Matt Foley clip, and it contains an additional bit of dialogue that could lead us in a different direction:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641882&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hulu.com%2Fwatch%2F4183&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fieldgulls.com%2F2014%2F5%2F12%2F5711506%2Fthe-carroll-code" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://www.hulu.com/watch/4183</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Did you catch it? "We’re not here to ‘come down’ on you…" Even without that bit of dialogue, the youtube version still has the word "down" in it. Either way, this clue is likely representing the trade-down the Seahawks made out of the 1<sup>st</sup> round.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Second of the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SeahawksDraftClues&src=hash">#SeahawksDraftClues</a>! Will Ferrell & John C Reilly ESPY host audition: <a href="https://t.co/uAY54seCQT">https://t.co/uAY54seCQT</a></p>
— Pete Carroll (@PeteCarroll) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteCarroll/statuses/464458099852869633">May 8, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So much to dissect there. But, for me, in hindsight the part of this we need to key in on is John C Reilly’s mention of Muhammad Ali. Ali was formerly known as Cassius Clay…our 4<sup>th</sup> round pick at #108 overall is Cassius Marsh.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>3rd of the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SeahawksDraftClues&src=hash">#SeahawksDraftClues</a>! Robin Williams on "golf" <a href="http://t.co/0VY4tsOssL">http://t.co/0VY4tsOssL</a> Send in your guesses!</p>
— Pete Carroll (@PeteCarroll) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteCarroll/statuses/464478763838083072">May 8, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I had to watch that a 3<sup>rd</sup> time today to pick out a few things. 1) There IS a mention of an alligator = possibly confirms the rumors of Seahawk interest in Florida Gator Dom Easley. 2) But then at 3:44, Robin Williams boldly declares, "TIGER", and later talks about the BRITish open. This is my guess for the moment Carroll references Missouri Tiger Justin Britt. 3) The fact there are two interesting/valid possibilities here makes me wonder if this isn’t true for ALL of these clues. And THAT would be some serious Jedi-mind-trick shit.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Some of you are getting warmer! 4th of the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SeahawksDraftClues&src=hash">#SeahawksDraftClues</a>! "My mom told me to tell you" by Kevin Hart: <a href="http://t.co/HYelzriWgl">http://t.co/HYelzriWgl</a></p>
— Pete Carroll (@PeteCarroll) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteCarroll/statuses/464482618747420672">May 8, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One of the two SUPER obvious clues, in retrospect. We drafted two players of first name Kevin, so a Kevin Hart clue represents either Kevin Norwood or Kevin Pierre-Louis. We’ll narrow this down in a moment.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>It's the Catalina Wine Mixer for the 5th of the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SeahawksDraftClues&src=hash">#SeahawksDraftClues</a>!! <a href="http://t.co/TEIGAq4GiN">http://t.co/TEIGAq4GiN</a></p>
— Pete Carroll (@PeteCarroll) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteCarroll/statuses/464491812258721794">May 8, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This one is the most abstract, and the one I struggled with, until Chris Sullivan mentioned this to me:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" lang="en">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/JaredStanger">@JaredStanger</a> quick, find someone referenced whose father was named Richard</p>
— Chris (@30AcreFortress) <a href="https://twitter.com/30AcreFortress/statuses/465935928679088129">May 12, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I quickly put one and one together…Will Ferrell’s father in "Step Brothers" was played by Oscar nominated actor RICHARD Jenkins…Ferrell was Richard’s stepson…Richardson…Paul Richardson.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Buuuut…in full disclosure…Ferrell’s character in that was Brennan Huff, which could easily have represented Oregon WR and VMAC visitor Josh Huff. Again, another instance of the clues possibly, intentionally containing two answers. So as not to tip the Seahawks’ hand entirely.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>This could possibly be our best clue ever... "Tranquilizer to the jugular" from Old School! <a href="http://t.co/muTSc168nG">http://t.co/muTSc168nG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SeahawksDraftClues&src=hash">#SeahawksDraftClues</a></p>
— Pete Carroll (@PeteCarroll) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteCarroll/statuses/464517684516753409">May 8, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ferrell’s costar in this clip is, of course, Sean William Scott. Scott represents 6<sup>th</sup> round pick Garrett Scott.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>The 7th of our <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SeahawksDraftClues&src=hash">#SeahawksDraftClues</a>! Louis CK’s "Of course... but maybe" <a href="http://t.co/nYD6M5bTN0">http://t.co/nYD6M5bTN0</a> Who can put the clues together??</p>
— Pete Carroll (@PeteCarroll) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteCarroll/statuses/464547065197240320">May 8, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another clue that becomes so obvious in hindsight…Louis CK = Kevin Pierre-Louis. This means the Kevin Hart clue was for Kevin Norwood. Done and done.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Heading in to the draft, the Seahawks held 6 draftpicks. Pete Carroll gave 7 clues. Assuming the 1<sup>st</sup> clue was in fact to tip off the trade down, the other six clues would represent the 6 draftpicks the Seahawks held at that time. And those six clues end up representing picks: 2a, 2b, 4a, 4b, 4c, and 6a. The only players not represented by clues were pick 5b (Jimmy Staten), 6b (Eric Pinkins), and 7 (Kiero Small). But, like I suggested, those weren’t necessarily players they knew they could get on Thursday.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Love to hear any comments, contrary theories, or alternate suggestions you may have!</p>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/2014/5/12/5711506/the-carroll-codeJared Stanger2014-05-12T11:19:20-07:002014-05-12T11:19:20-07:00Reviewing all of the Seahawks' picks & UDFAs
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nOGB8mwGrsGWlg8ouZcMA8hvJp4=/215x128:3800x2518/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32935777/180002007.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Doug Pensinger</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>My quick opinion on each pick. </p> <p>The Seahawks drafted nine times this year, then went h.a.m. in the undrafted ranks (I guess <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fieldgulls.com/nfl-draft/2014/5/7/5691318/the-seahawks-undrafted-free-agent-sales-pitch">that brochure </a>helped?) while adding nine additional players. I haven't had the chance to dig in to all these players with an in-depth look at tape yet -- that will happen in the next couple weeks -- but wanted to give my gut reaction on each of the Hawks' picks and maybe a few of their UDFA grabs.</p>
<h4>DRAFTED:</h4>
<p><b><i>2.45 WR Paul Richardson 6'1, 183 Colorado</i></b></p>
<p>I actually loved this pick from the start -- it confused me initially because I had believed that the Hawks wanted a bigger-bodied physical presence at receiver (they got that later, of course) -- but Richardson had been on my radar over the past few months as a potential target.</p>
<p>The first thought I have about Richardson is that when he's used in conjunction with Percy Harvin, teams will have a pretty<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2014/5/9/5701984/nfl-draft-2014-paul-richardson-seahawks-scouting-report"> interesting choice to make in terms of where to focus over-the-top coverage</a>. In addition, with Percy's horizontally-stressing jet-sweep, he's a guy that can stress a defense vertically, and the combination of the two together could be deadly. It's a topic that <a href="https://twitter.com/fieldgulls/status/436518758702542849" target="_blank">Ananth T.K. and I broached on Twitter back in February,</a> and the thought of Harvin running a fly-sweep combined with Richardson running a post makes for some very intriguing play-action options. The Seahawks know this.</p>
<p>Speed is the main thing that Richardson brings -- rare speed, 4.28 electronically timed speed -- and Richardson not only has long-speed, he's shifty in short areas, has excellent body control, and has very little issue getting off the line of scrimmage. He actually looks a little like Doug Baldwin getting off the line, using quicks and zero wasted steps to get out and up to speed (it's no wonder Doug liked him before the Draft). Further aiding his release, a good many defensive backs must give him a big cushion when he's at the line for fear of his deep speed.</p>
<p>While it was, at first, quite puzzling that the Hawks picked a player of his ilk, when you think about their desire to throw deep on play action and pick up huge chunks of yards rather than dinking and dumping underneath, it really makes too much sense.</p>
<p><b><i>2.64 OT Justin Britt 6'6, 325 Missouri</i></b></p>
<p>I think I had the same thought that everyone else had about this pick originally: "Wasn't he supposed to be a mid-round guy?"</p>
<p>Of course, there's no way anyone on the outside looking in can know whether Britt really was "going to go a few picks later," as Tom Cable put it, so for sanity's sake and a glass-half-full attitude, I'll just go ahead and believe it. John Schneider and Cable mentioned a 'cliff' after Britt in terms of the talent drop off at the offensive tackle position, and with the Seahawks lacking a third rounder, the end of the 2nd was where they had to go. Schneider more or less conceded this morning that they felt forced to reach for Britt because tackle was a big position of need. After he came off the board, Morgan Moses and Billy Turner quickly followed, and Michael Schofield went off later in the 3rd.</p>
<p>Past the idea of value, while he wasn't necessarily on my list nor on my radar too much, I do think the Britt pick makes tons of sense in retrospect.</p>
<p>He was a 45-0 State Champion wrestler in high school and as Cable put it, that mean's "he's suffered." He's persevered. He's strained. Cable (and some of Seattle's defensive coaches as well) tend to really value the wrestling background not only because it implies toughness, but wrestlers tend to understand, better than most, the principles of leverage and balance. John Schneider described him as a "good angles player, a technician," noting that he's got "really good balance" and "really good hips."</p>
<p>You can't really look at Britt as a power-piece, road-grader type in the mold of a Morgan Moses (who was on the board at the time) or a Tiny Richardson (who went undrafted), but rather I think of him more in the Zack Martin mold (a poor man's Martin) just in that he's consistent, fundamental, and tough. He'll get pushed back into the pocket some (though it will be interesting to see him back on the right side), but I expect that Seattle will look to start with his athleticism, get him into Chris Carlisle's weight room, and improve his core strength and power over the next year. He is coming off of an ACL tear still -- and we know that for big men like Britt, it often takes up to two years to fully regain confidence. Lance Zierlein, a guy I trust highly in offensive line evals, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/47097/321/evaluations">said that Britt</a> "lacks power you would expect for a man his size, but he moves well and is a fighter," adding, "he will be an NFL starter."</p>
<p>So, the pick isn't sexy and I still am not necessarily ecstatic about it, but the intangibles he apparently brings with this fundamental technique - toughness, nastiness, perseverance - I think those are the things the Seahawks value, particularly in the NFC West, where defensive lines dominate.</p>
<p><b><i>4.108 DT/DE Cassius Marsh 6'4, 252 UCLA</i></b></p>
<p>I didn't really watch much of Marsh pre-draft because I didn't think his speed was good enough for the LEO spot. That said, I believe the Seahawks see him more as a Michael Bennett type defensive end/defensive tackle and not as much of a Chris Clemons/Cliff Avril speed rusher (though he can rush the passer from the weakside). Based on what you see on tape, that role should suit him, because he played all over for the Bruins -- inside, outside, and even in a two-point stance.</p>
<p>You see a guy that plays physical and fiery, can stack, keeps his eyes in the backfield, and times the snap well. His temperament alone makes me optimistic of this pick. One of my main priorities for the Draft was to get tougher in the trenches, and I think that's the element that Marsh brings. For now, that's all I can really say on the guy. Toughness, tenacity, ... he's a jerk on the field. I like that. The Seahawks need a little more of that, after losing emotional battlefield leader Red Bryant.</p>
<p><b><i>4.123 WR Kevin Norwood 6'2, 200 Alabama</i></b></p>
<p>Norwood is one of the guys that I really liked based on the thought that Seattle still wanted a physical box-out type of guy at receiver. He's a player that the Seahawks' front office guys and Pete Carroll seemed most excited about nabbing, and they view him as Russell Wilson's future best friend.</p>
<p>"He is such a football stud, everything he's had to overcome," said Schneider. "He was such a reliable guy for them. Third down. Big, big games. You could watch him two or three years ago playing against the Honey Badger, and the guy just had his hands full. I think that really stood out to me, and I think that represented on our board. He was by himself up there. We had taken Paul already and didn't necessarily anticipate another receiver being there because there was a big clump of them, and we felt like they were going to just come ripping off, and they did, and he stayed there, and maybe because he's such a solid guy, there's nothing overly flashy about him, except that he's incredibly tough and reliable and smart and savvy. I think that's probably why he lasted as long as he did."</p>
<p>As Schneider points out, there are concerns about him -- a lack of production on an elite team and he's going to be 25 at the start of the season, older than Jermaine Kearse -- but his skillset does match pretty well with what the Seahawks want to do on offense.</p>
<p>He's sneaky fast up the sideline, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/4/23/5600282/nfl-draft-2014-kevin-norwood-jumps-off-the-tape">has superb body control and timing to go up and high-point the football in traffic</a>, and he's very hard working at coming back to the football when the play in the pocket breaks down. This aspect is probably one of the biggest reasons the Seahawks liked him, actually, given the nature of their offense.</p>
<p><b><i>4.132 OLB Kevin Pierre-Louis 6'0, 232 Boston College</i></b></p>
<p>This is an exciting pick, and I think it says a lot about how much the Hawks like KPL in that they chose him before Florida State's Telvin Smith (Schneider listed him as one of his 'must-haves' for this year's draft, along with Eric Pinkins).</p>
<p>Pierre-Lewis is rocked up and very sturdily built, and his athleticism is apparent in how sudden he moves. He can change direction and explode forward or laterally, and he flies around on the field; he's what I'd call field fast. He's really a perfect fit as a weakside linebacker in Seattle's system and provides leverage and insurance in upcoming Malcolm Smith negotiations. Assuming Smith leaves after this season (Seattle still needs to worry about keeping K.J. Wright and Bobby Wagner), KPL is the logical successor. He'll probably be a beast on special teams to start though.</p>
<p><b><i>5.172 DT Jimmy Staten 6'5, 304 Middle Tenn St.</i></b></p>
<p>Staten blew up his pro day, apparently, and this was reason enough for Seattle to believe he was going to get snatched up in the sixth round or so. Either way, I hadn't heard about him prior to the Draft so obviously I hadn't watched any tape. What we've heard is that he's extremely strong in his upper body and I think the Seahawks really liked his length.</p>
<p>Past Tony McDaniel, Seattle's interior defensive line is on the shorter side: Brandon Mebane at 6'1, Jordan Hill at 6'1, Jesse Williams is listed at 6'3 but he's a bowling ball, and Greg Scruggs is 6'3, but may play more at end. D'Anthony Smith is 6'2, and DeWayne Cherrington is 6'3. Losing Red Bryant and his length may have contributed to this pick, because there weren't a ton of 6'5 defensive tackles at over 300 pounds this year - DaQuan Jones and DeAndre Coleman are two I can think of, and neither were especially dynamic movers -- and I think that uncommon length and size is an element that Pete Carroll and Dan Quinn like to have available to them.</p>
<p>Said Carroll: "We'd like to play him inside, at the 3-technique stuff, and give us some good big-man play there. We think he can play some at the 5-technique as a swing position for him, but we'd like for him to really solidify a spot inside. We're looking for a big body guy, so that's why we're happy to get him." John Schneider added that he has a "good first step, good hands," and "still has a good upside on him."</p>
<p>We'll see what Staten can do during camp. It will be interesting.</p>
<p><b><i>6.199 OT Garrett Scott 6'5, 295 Marshall</i></b></p>
<p>Scott is one of the most athletic tackles in this year's draft -- <i>the most</i> athletic if you're using our SPARQ metric -- and I kind of see him in the same vein as the J.R. Sweezy pick and the Fat Rabbit Jared Smith pick: Raw clay.</p>
<p>Unlike Sweezy/Smith, Scott has obviously already played on the offensive side of the football, but what he has are the physical tools that Tom Cable will look to mold for his zone-blocking system. Like Sweezy, watching Scott get out of his stance and work downfield is seriously impressive -- he covers a lot of ground very quickly for a big man -- and he's very light on his feet without sacrificing a lot of strength.</p>
<p>I believe the Seahawks will work him in at both guard and tackle, but he's got the athleticism and length at 6'5 with 35" arms to one day potentially develop as a backup at the left tackle position. That's exactly what Pete Carroll indicated after the Draft, saying, "we like the shot of him playing left tackle, because he's done it and it's a difficult spot to find. He looked very comfortable there. Really has the kind of quickness and light on his feet ability that gives us the thought that he could do that. But, we always need our guys to be flexible, and he does help us there."</p>
<p>For now, he's a swing candidate like Alvin Bailey was last year -- work him in where there are depth issues, get him accustomed to several spots, and hopefully develop him in the system as a left tackle in case Russell Okung gets hurt or eventually leaves.</p>
<p><b><i>6.208 S/CB Eric Pinkins 6'3,220 San Diego St.</i></b></p>
<p>Pinkins was on my radar prior to the Draft because he absolutely blew up his pro day -- 4.44 40 at 6'3, 220 pounds, a 39.5" vert, a 7.05 3-cone -- and is a LOB-prototype as a guy that can move while still packing some punch as a hitter.</p>
<p>Interestingly enough, the Hawks plan to use him at corner, with Pete Carroll noting, "The fact that he has such great arm length and he's almost 6'3" gives us a chance to see if we can find him a spot at corner, first. He's been a real physical guy. John reminded me that he's been a really good tackler. We thought that was one of the things that jumped out on the film. So, we know he can play football. Now, we'd like to see whether we can package this thing to see if he can play outside. He played a lot on the slots, but covered a lot of man-to-man stuff on slot receivers."</p>
<p>So, Pinkins becomes the next DeShawn Shead for Seattle, a hybrid corner/safety -- he <i>can</i> play safety -- and as Pete Carroll said, "He's a hard hitter and a tackler, he would fall right into Kam's kind of a role, and probably that kind of style if he's playing safety. He gives us great flexibility, we think he's a really cool pick because of that."</p>
<p>Whether it's in Kam's role or in a Brandon Browner type of enforcer cornerback role, it will be interesting to see how he develops with a few years of seasoning (or less).</p>
<p>Pinkins, like Sherman, has a receiver background, which is something the Seahawks really like, and it should help in his ability to think like a receiver, recognize patterns/routes, and look for the ball at the right time. He's a project, but it's intriguing for sure. Just another insanely freakish athlete for Pete Carroll's defense. With his size/speed, it'd be really nice if he can carve out a role on the roster as the ninth or tenth defensive back.</p>
<p><b><i>7.227 FB Kiero Small 5'8, 250 Arkansas</i></b></p>
<p>Just when you thought the fullback position was dying, the Seahawks used a draft pick the second year in a row to pick one up. Small becomes Seattle's third fullback behind Derek Coleman and Spencer Ware (officially, anyway).</p>
<p>Last year, the Hawks grabbed Ware in the sixth round and initially said they would "groom" him to play fullback, but I kind of get the impression that that attempt didn't really take (or it hadn't early on, anyway -- things may be further along now, obviously). I personally believe Ware will develop into an excellent backup <i>running back</i> for Marshawn Lynch and/or Christine Michael and will compete with Robert Turbin for a job this year, and Seattle may now be looking for a more prototypical and experienced fullback to replace Michael Robinson.</p>
<p>Small is a wrecking ball at 5'8, 250 pounds, and boasts that he broke 26 facemasks in his lead-blocking duties at Arkansas. He brings the hammer when clearing a lane, and once again, this shows Seattle is committed to their identity as a beat-the-hell-out-of-you running team. He can also run the ball in an emergency situation, and could obviously be a short-yardage type as well.</p>
<p>In Small, Derek Coleman gets his main competition, and unlike the past few players Seattle has tried there, Small's not a positional switch. He's a natural. As John Schneider put it, "He has great eyes. They ran the ball a lot. He just digs people out." Experience, vision. "He's seriously tough."</p>
<h4>UDFA:</h4>
<p><b><i>PFA SS Dion Bailey 6'0, 201 USC</i></b></p>
<p>Bailey played both safety and linebacker for the Trojans over the years, and brings an element of playmaker to the defense -- always around the football, making tackles in the backfield, breaking up passes, and picking off quarterbacks. He was the Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2011 as a SAM linebacker after Pete Carroll recruited him there, and he started 13 games at that spot in 2012. In 2013, he lost weight so he could move to the safety position, and he ended up registering 61 tackles, 6 passes defensed, and 5 picks with 6.5 tackles for loss, grabbing a half-sack and a forced fumble at that spot.</p>
<p>What stands out? After picking off four passes in 2012 at the SAM spot then five at safety in 2013, he definitely shows that he can be a ball-hawking type.</p>
<p>He played over the slot a lot this season - often in man, which isn't easy - so he brings some experience in that area, which could help him land a spot on the roster. His speed scores were pretty bad prior to the draft though and this is probably a big reason he went unselected, and he probably needs some refinement or focus in a specific role if he's going to develop into a roster player.</p>
<p>That said, his versatility and experience at multiple spots is certainly a plus for him, and he could even have the potential to bulk up to 220 or so and play a hybrid safety/linebacker role, kind of what the Seahawks had wanted Winston Guy to be, but with better coverage and ball skills. Bailey is a good blitzer as well.</p>
<p><b><i>PFA LB Brock Coyle 6'1, 235 Montana</i></b></p>
<p>Highly productive, highly instinctual, high-energy linebacker in the mold of Heath Farwell. Has a real shot at the roster if he can beat Farwell out for that special teams leader type of role (Seattle also brought in Mike Taylor for this reason this offseason), and Coyle's fast enough to act as a backup MIKE in Seattle's system.</p>
<p>He was definitely a draftable prospect, became one of the premiere UDFAs still out there when it was over, and got called by ten teams (per Gil Brandt), choosing Seattle because of his potential for that Farwell spot I would guess. He racked up 125 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 pass breakups and 2 forced fumbles last year: playmaker.</p>
<p><b><i>PFA TE Chase Dixon 6'4, 238 Central Arkansas</i></b></p>
<p>Dixon is a height-weight-speed prospect that played both receiver and tight end for Central Arkansas. He was a VMAC visitor prior to the Draft and as Jared Stanger pointed out at the time, is a 'touchdown maker'. This always gets the Seahawks' attention:</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>This Chase Dixon appears to be a redzone monster. 2012-2013 combined: 30 catches...10 were TD's. 33%!!! Puts ASJ's 22% TD rate to shame.</p>
— Jared Stanger (@JaredStanger) <a href="https://twitter.com/JaredStanger/statuses/459372200563208194">April 24, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Dixon will compete with Cooper Helfet and Travis Beckum as a 'move' tight end, and while he faces long odds for the roster, he's a guy that Seattle could look to put on the practice squad as a developmental type. John Schneider noted this morning that the Seahawks had a sixth round grade on Dixon, brought him in for a private workout, and they were "really excited" about him.</p>
<p><b><i>PFA OT Garry Gilliam 6'6, 306 Penn State</i></b></p>
<p>John Schneider said that he had sixth round grades on both Garrett Scott and Garry Gilliam, and taken together, they represent two of the top three in <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fieldgulls.com/seahawks-analysis/2013/5/23/4361420/sparq-rating-nike-seahawks-pete-carroll-john-schneider-nfl">our pSPARQ score</a> at offensive tackle this year (with Taylor Lewan, who was drafted top-10). Coincidence? Doubtful.</p>
<p>What Seattle gets with Gilliam is exactly what they get in Scott -- length, and athleticism. Gilliam converted from tight end to tackle prior to 2013 so he's still very raw at the position. He's a probable practice squad candidate, but has the potential to surprise like Alvin Bailey and Michael Bowie did last season.</p>
<p><b><i>PFA OG Bronson Irwin 6'4, 316 Oklahoma</i></b></p>
<p>Irwin played right tackle and right guard for Oklahoma, so he's another position versatile prospect. Based on scouting reports (I haven't watched him yet), he projects as a guard because of his 'heavy feet,' but here's what <a target="_blank" href="http://www.draftinsider.net/reports/2014/G/Bronson-Irwin">Tony Pauline said about him</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Powerful, mauls opponents, and gets movement run blocking. Stays square, works his hands throughout the play, and anchors in pass protection. Fires into blocks and explosive at the point of attack.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Makes sense.</p>
<p><b><i>PFA DE Jackson Jeffcoat 6'3, 247 Texas</i></b></p>
<p>Jeffcoat is another <a target="_blank" href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AttOyhCt-A87dEkzNHduMXRwcUdfZTV3bC16R0MzOXc&usp#gid=33">SPARQ SuperStar </a>and was projected to go in the mid-rounds somewhere. He had very good production at Texas in 2013 with 13 sacks and 22 TFL -- he was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year -- and has an NFL pedigree, but I think his 'tweener status (he played a sort of weird, standup middle rush linebacker in Texas' scheme at times), along with some limitations in his pass rush repertoire, led him to falling out of the Draft.</p>
<p>He's very interesting though as a LEO candidate because of his length (very long arms) and speed/power combo (4.63 40, 36" vert). He'll be one guy to watch in camp, particularly because it's not the deepest position for Seattle.</p>
<p><b><i>PFA CB Jimmy Legree 5'11, 192 S.Carolina</i></b></p>
<p>Legree played both safety and cornerback for South Carolina, and competed closely with current Seahawk Akeem Auguste in 2012. I don't know a lot about him but here's what Pauline says about him:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Nice-sized cornerback with an aggressive style. Fast up the field defending running plays or screen passes, displays good open field tackling skills, and fights hard. Times his pass defenses well, shows a feel in coverage, and has a closing burst to the action. Effective facing the action and works well with safeties."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Sounds right.</p>
<p><b><i>PFA QB Keith Price 6'1, 204 Washington</i></b></p>
<p>You all know about Keith Price. It's worth noting that Russell Wilson <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000342365/article/russell-wilson-helping-mentor-draft-hopeful-keith-price">has worked closely with Price</a> the past two offseasons.</p>
<p><b><i>PFA DT Andru Pulu 6'1, 322 Eastern Washington</i></b></p>
<p>This is an interesting one. Pulu started at UW but was kicked off the team and incarcerated after assaulting a Husky soccer player at a party. He transferred to FCS powerhouse Eastern Washington and apparently captured the Seahawks' attention as a powerful nose-tackle type.</p>
<p>He kind of reminds me of Sealver Siliga (the guy the Seahawks traded John Moffitt for last year - he didn't stick with the team) physically, and I'm guessing the Hawks see him in a similar role as a developmental run-plugger up the middle. Schneider said they had a sixth round grade on Pulu.</p>
<h4>Tryouts?</h4>
<p>These players all reportedly (per the Twitters) 'signed' with the Seahawks or were officially invited to Seattle's Rookie Mini-Camp. I believe when players tweet out that they've 'signed' with a team and it's not subsequently reported by the team, it means they've received offers from the team to tryout during the three-day mini-camp.</p>
<p>FA RB Dillon Baxter 5'11, 200 Baker - USC transfer to Baker.</p>
<p>FA DT Demonte McAllister 6'2, 295 FSU - Apparently was heavily recruited by Pete Carroll back in the day.</p>
<p>FA FS Camren Hudson 5'10, 200 Troy - SPARQ freak, identified by Zach as an Earl Thomas doppleganger.</p>
<p>FA QB Zach Zulli 6'1, 202 Shippensburg - Camp arm. Productive, exiting player though.</p>
<p>FA OG John Martinez 6'2, 315 USC - Benched 225 42 times at his pro day. That's a lot. Can (and did) play every position on the OL.</p>
<p>FA DE Adham Talaat 6'6, 270 Gallaudet - Hearing-challenged, highly productive defensive end.</p>
<p>FA OT AJ Harmon 6'5, 345 Georgia - Huge person.</p>
<p>FA DE Tavita Woodard 6'3, 250 Hawaii - Another SPARQ freak. Compares physically to Marcus Smith.</p>
<p>FA RB Ryan Montague 5'9, 210 Louisiana College - Not much out there on Montague. Feuded heavily with the Capulets (sorry).</p>
<p>FA RB/FB Demetrius Bronson 5'10, 212 Eastern Washington - UW transfer to EWU, Bronson blew up the Regional Combine in Detroit when he ran a 4.52 40 with a 6.82 3-cone.</p>
<p><b><i>More:</i></b></p>
<p>FA K Andrew Furney, K WSU</p>
<p>TE TE Rashaun Allen, Southern 6'5, 250</p>
<p>OL Eric Shultz Utah State 6'3, 315<br><br>CB Trey Wolfe, Ft Valley St 6'0, 190</p>
<p>SS Michael Dobson E. Carolina 6'0, 191</p>
<p>LB Jake Edmiston CO Mesa 6'1, 226</p>
<p>DT Shakeil Lucas LA Tech 6'2, 284</p>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/nfl-draft/2014/5/12/5707106/nfl-draft-results-seahawks-grades-picks-review-paul-richardson-justin-brittDanny Kelly2014-05-12T10:00:32-07:002014-05-12T10:00:32-07:00Sizing up rookie training camp battles
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/y40sLWaCiCm_ocQwXGtap-KfP9o=/360x427:3720x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32932597/452644029.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kevin C. Cox</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Always comPete, comPete all ways, Come on, Pete, ways all?</p> <p>Over the most recent draft, the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seattle Seahawks</a> added <strike>seven</strike> nine more players through the draft (and nine undrafted free agents, it seems) to compete for playing time on an already-stacked roster. That being said, there's no shortage of competition once again.</p>
<p>In addition to fighting for a roster spot against players that were already featured in 2013, there's a whole bunch of players that have been looking to do that already for the last one or two years. Last season, the Seahawks added eleven players through the draft and seven are still around, not including UDFA <span>Alvin Bailey</span>. And even if you go back to the 2012 draft, there are a number of players that hope that this is going to be their year.</p>
<p>Names like Korey Toomer, Jeremy Lane, and Greg Scruggs. Just try and remember how you felt about players like Malcolm Smith and Jermaine Kearse and Byron Maxwell. With a number of key players departing via free agency and probable-retirement, you can expect some fresh faces to make a name for themselves in Seattle next season.</p>
<p>The opportunity is definitely there, but the competition is going to be as stiff as it's ever been under Pete Carroll.</p>
<p>Here is another look at the 2014 Seattle Seahawks draft class, and how their presence will effect the competition at their current positions (of which we usually know little) and how they may or may not push some fan favorites onto the waiver wire.</p>
<h4><b>Paul Richardson v Kevin Norwood v Jermaine Kearse</b></h4>
<p>The Seahawks emphasize in their UDFA brochure that they won't hesitate to recognize and move on from a bad pick. That being said, Richardson is not going to get cut. Not even <span>Pat White</span> (44th overall in 2009) was cut until his second season. Assuming health, that would make the <b>absolute</b> locks at wide receiver as:</p>
<p>- <span>Percy Harvin</span></p>
<p>- <span>Doug Baldwin</span></p>
<p>- Paul Richardson</p>
<p>Now unbunch your underwear in regards to Jermaine Kearse, because I'm not saying that he won't make the team or that he's not a 95% lock to make the team, but he's not in the same category as the three names above in terms of why they have job security. At this time, Kearse is 24 and last season he had 22 catches for 346 yards but he also had touchdown catches in the NFC title game and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl" class="sbn-auto-link">Super Bowl</a>.</p>
<p>Whether or not the team views his ceiling as being higher than that of a fourth receiver remains to be seen but they did just draft two receivers in the first four rounds of the draft and re-sign Sidney Rice. And Norwood seems like a much better bet to make the team than <span>Chris Harper</span> did a year ago.</p>
<p>Norwood has been described by the staff as "clutch" and <a href="http://blogs.seattletimes.com/seahawks/2014/05/10/scout-comments-on-cassius-marsh-kevin-norwood-kevin-pierre-louis/" target="_blank">Seahawks scout Jim Nagy said "his contested catch stuff is unbelievable."</a> That honestly sounds to me a lot like how you'd describe Kearse's current role on the team. And though Norwood is actually older than Kearse, he's also one or two inches taller, while posting the fourth-fastest 3-Cone time at the combine in his group.</p>
<p>Last year when Seattle drafted Harper, someone on Twitter said he was a lock to make the team and we got in a mini-argument about it because I disagreed. Norwood is different. He seems like a guy that the Seahawks may have struggled to pass on with their second pick of the second round. And just the fact that they draft a receiver at all in the fourth round, after taking Richardson, tells me that it was only because he was so much higher on their draft board than any other player available.</p>
<p>I'd be more shocked to see Norwood get cut or traded than I would Kearse. Still, these are the guys that I still expect to make the team:</p>
<p>- Kevin Norwood</p>
<p>- Jermaine Kearse</p>
<p>Now you can see that we've already hit the magic number of five and the following receivers are fighting for the last one or zero spots:</p>
<p>- Sidney Rice</p>
<p>- Chris Matthews</p>
<p>- <span>Phil Bates</span></p>
<p>- <span>Arceto Clark</span></p>
<p>- Taylor Price</p>
<p>- Bryan Walters</p>
<p>- Ricardo Lockette</p>
<p>They could still keep six with Rice and not lose anyone major, but it's still somewhat of a tough sacrifice for a team that was 31st in pass attempts a year ago to keep six receivers on their roster and none of them are there just for their special teams coverage skills like Lockette would be. That's where the team would have to make a difficult cut or trade, assuming health, and where some fans may be upset to see one of those six guys go.</p>
<p>But then again, we have to come to terms with the fact that if Rice and Harvin are healthy, Doug Baldwin is a trade candidate now that he's still not signed to a long-term contract. And Baldwin himself may not want to sign a deal that he feels undercuts his value, much like how Tate felt he could produce more and get paid more elsewhere. Even though Baldwin didn't seem to draw any interest from other teams in free agency at the cost of a second round pick (or so) that doesn't mean he won't be able to garner one in a September trade after preseason injuries conclude themselves. He's arguably worth a first.</p>
<p>Seattle may very well keep six wide receivers and as we all know, those guys tend to get hurt a lot. It may be a moot point.</p>
<h4><b><span>Justin Britt</span> v Garrett Scott v <span>Michael Bowie</span> v Alvin Bailey (and JR Sweezy)</b></h4>
<p>The Seahawks drafted seven offensive lineman (including two defensive lineman that made the switch) over Pete and John's first four seasons and all but <span>John Moffitt</span> and <span>Ryan Seymour</span> are still on the team. Tom Cable is great at finding players and molding them into offensive lineman, we just don't know yet if he's able to turn them into <i>good</i> ones.</p>
<p>Still, Bowie and Bailey (and <span>James Carpenter</span>) have proven that it doesn't really matter how high you are drafted, it's a matter of who "gets it" more. I thought that Bowie did as good a job as anyone else on the line last year, and really Seattle didn't even try to replace <span>Breno Giacomini</span> with anyone when he left in free agency. But then again, the Seahawks drafted Britt in the second round and also picked up Scott in the sixth.</p>
<p>I think that Seattle is as good as any team in the league in moving on from prospects that don't pan out, but again, I don't think they'll release a second round pick in his first year.</p>
<p>I'm terrible at guessing which offensive lineman will make the team and how many, but it would appear that the only positions that have definite starters are left tackle and center. I think Carpenter has to win the job at left guard in order to make the team. I don't think they'll pay him a full salary to be a backup. But it wouldn't seem like the competition is good enough to necessitate that.</p>
<p>A more intense competition might be Sweezy versus Britt, Bailey, <span>Caylin Hauptmann</span>, Stephen Schilling, and Greg Van Roten for right guard. And if you think Van Roten won't make it because he's "just some schlub off the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Packers</a> practice squad," remember that Giacomini was once that exact same thing.</p>
<p>Bringing in Britt and Scott (and UDFAs Garry Gilliam and Bronson Irwin) only intensifies the competition at right tackle, which could then heat things up at right guard. I know that people have mixed feelings about Cable's ability, but Russell Okung had a great season under him (and then the next year was half-wiped out by injury) and Max Unger has played his best football under Cable as well. Saying that Carpenter and Moffitt were disappointments is fine, but as a late-first, mid-third round pick, it's not that incredible. Every other offensive lineman drafted or signed by this front office has been low-risk.</p>
<p>The fact that not everyone recognizes how awesome it is that Bailey and Bowie are already serviceable, and that Sweezy started 15 professional games in only his second year <i>as an offensive lineman</i>, shows how spoiled we've become.</p>
<h4><b>Cassius Marsh v Bruce Irvin (v Kevin Pierre-Louis?) at Leo</b></h4>
<p>Much like how they didn't go out and get a starting right tackle when Giacomini left, the Seahawks also didn't go out and get someone to replace <span>Chris Clemons</span> at Leo. Instead, they will have an internal competition between players like Marsh, Irvin, and possibly O'Brien Schofield or Kenny Boatright.</p>
<p>The Leo has gained significant higher sack totals in Carroll's long career, so it's kind of a big deal for whoever gets it. For a player like Irvin, it's a real opportunity to develop into the 15-sack monster we expected after the way Pete and John talked about him after picking him in 2012. Though Irvin was underrated as an outside linebacker last season, there's still plenty of room for improvement. That's why Marsh was drafted and why he has a real chance to become the starting Leo.</p>
<p>Clemons 570 snaps on defense last season was second-most on the defensive line after <span>Michael Bennett</span>, while Irvin had 499 snaps at linebacker. It would seem that Malcolm Smith has earned more playing time at linebacker, which would facilitate Irvin's move to Leo, and also allow Marsh to bulk up for more regular time on the defensive line as a substitute for <span>Michael Bennett</span>.</p>
<p>However, I've heard of fail-safes but <i>safe fails???</i></p>
<p><span>E.J. Wilson</span>, <span>Kris Durham</span>, <span>Jaye Howard</span>, and Chris Harper represent one of the more disappointing sides of Pete and John's draft: The fourth round. That being said, <span>Walter Thurmond</span>, KJ Wright, Robert Turbin turned out alright. (Mostly just Wright.)</p>
<p>Pete and John tripled down in the fourth round this year with Marsh, Norwood, and linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis, who <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.seattletimes.com/seahawks/2014/05/10/scout-comments-on-cassius-marsh-kevin-norwood-kevin-pierre-louis/">scout Todd Brunner called "my favorite kid in the whole draft just to watch."</a> As a player from a part of the country that's often overlooked for sports talent (born in Connecticut but played football at Boston College), KPL could very well be one of the "overlooked" players of the draft. The same thing happened to linebacker Bill Romanowski once (born in Vernon, CT, played at BC, drafted 80th overall) as well as former Seahawks great Eugene Robinson, who was undrafted out of Colgate in 1985.</p>
<p>All of that being said, it certainly doesn't seem like the plan to have Marsh or KPL starting in 2014. It figures that Bobby Wagner, Wright, and Smith are the starting linebackers, with Irvin as the Leo, "always compete" notwithstanding. Still looming are Korey Toomer, <span>Heath Farwell</span>, and even deeper on the depth chart, a player named <span>Mike Taylor</span> out of Wisconsin that signed in December.</p>
<p>KPL's goal is probably to beat out Farwell as a featured player on special teams, which would also save the Seahawks pequeno dolares. But both Marsh and KPL have plenty of room to push Irvin for PTPT (primetime playing time) between now and September, I'm just not going to bank on that happening this year. They, especially Marsh, could also be pushing against players like Greg Scruggs and Schofield for the final roster spot on the d-line. Additionally, UDFA Jackson Jeffcoat (DE, Texas) was one of the more notable post-draft signings, and will be one of the "longshot favorites" from here on out.</p>
<p>When it comes to committing a player to just one position, especially this early in their careers, we already know that Pete and John won't take a... <i>stance.</i></p>
<p>*confetti and balloons fall from the sky*</p>
<h4>Jimmy Staten v Jordan Hill v Jesse Williams for "backup" DT</h4>
<p>Last April, Seattle drafted Hill in the third round and Williams in the fifth, without much expectations that Williams would be playing as a rookie. Aaaaand he didn't. However, Williams, a Super Bowl-winner with the Seahawks back in January of 2014, also had the upside of returning healthy and providing the value of a first or second round pick based on how many people felt about him before a knee injury he suffered at Alabama.</p>
<p>Aaaand it appears that he will return.</p>
<p>Not much is known about Staten, which tells me that the Seahawks really must like him and he'll probably become an All-Pro. But first he needs to beat out what's suddenly become a bit of a glut at defensive tackle. While Brandon Mebane and Tony McDaniel are the starters, McDaniel and <span>Clinton McDonald</span> had virtually the same number of snaps last season.</p>
<p>Much like with Tate, Clemons, <span>Red Bryant</span>, and Giacomini, Seattle did not feel the need to replace McDonald with an outsider. Instead they feel they can replace him on the cheap, which is something they've done a pretty good job with before. (See: Tate, Clemons, Red Bryant, Giacomini, McDaniel, etc.)</p>
<p>So here is the full list of defensive tackles competing for time after the top two:</p>
<p>- Hill</p>
<p>- Williams</p>
<p>- Staten</p>
<p>- <span>Michael Brooks</span></p>
<p>- D'Anthony Smith</p>
<p>- <span>Dewayne Cherrington</span></p>
<p>- UDFA Andre Pulu</p>
<p>- Scruggs (possibly)</p>
<p>The Seahawks had a steady rotation of seven players on the defensive line last season: Clemons, Bryant, Mebane, McDaniel, McDonald, Bennett, and Cliff Avril. The players that remain are Mebane, McDaniel, Bennett, and Avril. If Irvin assumes the role of Leo, then only Bryant and McDonald need to be replaced, assuming Pete and Dan Quinn don't open the rotation up even more.</p>
<p>Someone(s) on this roster at defensive line is going to become a lot more notable next season from how we may feel about them right now. As Men at Work once said, "Who could it be now?"</p>
<p>(Men at Work are Australian, it must be one of Pete's song of the day hints that I just made up for him right now.)</p>
<h4>Kiero Small v <span>Derrick Coleman</span> v Spencer Ware (v Robert Turbin?)</h4>
<p>When I said that the "featured running back" was slowly but surely dying, a lot of people mistook that for me saying that teams aren't going to run anymore or that I must be completely overlooking the Super Bowl Champion<strong style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">™</strong> Seattle Seahawks and Marshawn Lynch, but that's hardly the case. The fact of the matter is that Lynch is one of the most-featured backs in the NFL and he carried the ball 301 times last season.</p>
<p>Russell Wilson carried it 96 times and Turbin had 77. In addition to those two players, the Seahawks drafted Christine Michael in the second round and Ware in the sixth. Yes, Seattle is committed to running the football. No, I don't believe they're committed to doing it with just one guy. Not anything like how teams used to do it anyway.</p>
<p>(And then the first running back to be drafted this year was the latest "first running back drafted" in NFL history.)</p>
<p>The selection of Small in the seventh round was probably the most surprising pick of Seattle's draft (which tells you how we've come to think of seventh round picks after four years of Pete and John) because there already seemed to be a thick option of fullbacks next season for the team and you only need one of those right?</p>
<p>But there was still a time last season that the Seahawks had to add Michael Robinson due to injuries. At the cost of a seventh round pick, Seattle appears to be solidifying that insurance right now, and Small instantly became one of my favorite players in this draft class. He seems like a character in the locker room, a workout machine in his off-time, and hits like a monster truck on the field.</p>
<p>Everything about Small screams "Pete guy."</p>
<p>It will be an interesting dynamic in terms of training camp competitions between Michael and Turbin as the main backup to Lynch and whether or not Michael will push Turbin off of that bid and instead into a competition at fullback. If so, what to do about Ware, Coleman, and Small? Not only did Coleman get some PT on offense, he was also in on 38% of special teams snaps.</p>
<p>It would seem like Ware is going to be the odd-man out for fans because he's not a rookie anymore and because he doesn't give you<i> "the feels" </i>like Coleman, plus he was arrested for suspicion of DUI in January, but last year he overcame the odds to make the roster. It's going to be a really tough competition at all spots after Lynch, much like how you can see that even on a defending championship roster, there could be some serious internal movement and improvement.</p>
<p>Let J-Timb bring sexy back, the Seahawks are bringing <i>fully</i> back. (Well, that should pretty much wrap up my writing career.)</p>
<p><i><b>Edit: Eric Pinkins, S/CB</b></i></p>
<p><i>I was looking at a page of Seattle's picks for quick reference while writing this and for whatever reason, Pinkins wasn't listed and I forgot to list him. That doesn't mean he won't factor heavily into competition, as the Seahawks look to replace Thurmond's roster spot, as well as moving up Maxwell to starter opposite of Richard Sherman.</i></p>
<p><i>Like Sherman, Pinkins was only a two-year starter in college and is unconventionally big to play corner, but that's apparently where Pete and Dan are going to try him out this summer. It paid off with high dividends once before, and twice if you count Browner.</i></p>
<p><i>In four years, Pete has drafted nine defensive backs. Two have become All-Pros, and a third, Kam Chancellor, had made two Pro Bowls. Another, Maxwell, had a breakout season in 2013 and could become a highly-paid player in 2015. Only Mark LeGree really flamed out quickly, and it should be noted that Thomas is the only one of the nine players to be drafted above the fourth round.</i></p>
<p><i>Pinkins seems to almost be a hybrid of Chancellor and Sherman right now, but only if he successfully transitions to corner. If he can do that, then it will be Pinkins, Jeremy Lane, Tharold Simon as the front-runners to win a regular spot in the rotation. The mass of depth behind them right now includes:</i></p>
<p><i>Phillip Adams, Akeem Auguste, Chandler Fenner and A.J. Jefferson. A year ago, Maxwell's name would've held the same cache as someone like Lane, Simon, or even Jefferson do now. Any one of these players could be Pete's next "big" thing at corner.</i></p>
<p><i>If Pinkins can't successfully transition however, he may still be in competition against DeShawn Shead and Jeron Johnson for time at backup safety. There's still a chance he could become a very good one of those, or perhaps, a huge steal at corner. Where have we heard that before?</i></p>
<p><i>(In Seattle. Pay attention much? Geez.)</i></p>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/nfl-offseason-2014/2014/5/12/5706790/seahawks-2014-draft-class-not-even-a-jokeKenneth Arthur2014-05-11T05:00:10-07:002014-05-11T05:00:10-07:00More on OT Justin Britt
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_beLpGVGAKQj5rMxCMOpmy4AjnM=/146x248:3999x2817/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32877893/20140111_kkt_sh5_964.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>His game versus Clowney garnered some attention, but Justin Britt kinda had the same game every week. </p> <p>As I tweeted out last night (@dcrockett17), I'm a die-hard Mizzou guy and even I didn't see late second round for Britt -- I was thinking anywhere from late 3rd to undrafted. WR and OT are probably the two positions where beauty is most in the eye of the beholder once you get past the consensus top-tier talent, and Britt is most definitely a "coach's pick" more than a personnel director's pick. As others have noted, it's pretty clear that Tom Cable gets his way on the offensive line.</p>
<p>So, what does he see in Britt?</p>
<p>If we are inclined to take the newly svelte Cable at his word he likes the Giaco-like play-through-the-whistle style, the position flexibility, and I would guess that he also likes Britt's game-to-game consistency. I will try to make these points with tape mostly from 2012, where Britt played mostly RT but played LT too.</p>
<p>First, here is a bit of relevant background. 2012 was Missouri's inaugural season in the SEC. Long-time offensive coordinator David Yost, and Mike Leach-style spread proponent, left to join Leach's staff in Pullman prior to the start of the season. Josh Henson, a former Les Miles assistant going all the way back to Miles' time at Oklahoma State, took over as OC. The most substantial changes Henson implemented occurred along the o-line, where he tightened the splits considerably and brought the TE in-line. What remained the same, however, was the tendency to leave the OTs on an island in pass protection, opting instead to put more receivers in play.</p>
<p>Unfortunately for my beloved Tigers, the offensive line began to fall completely apart in fall camp with injury. Lots of people were shuffled around. Britt was a bright spot until he was slowed himself by injury.</p>
<h3>Britt (#68) vs. <span>Jarvis Jones</span> (2012)</h3>
<p>Mizzou began their disappointing 2012 campaign against <span>Jarvis Jones</span> and Georgia in early September. It did not go well. Jones was almost undoubtedly Britt's worst game at Mizzou. A couple things to notice.</p>
<p><b>1. Britt starts at RT but moves to LT just before halftime and finishes at LT</b>. <span>Mitch Morse</span> had an insanely awful game snapping the ball and eventually had to move back out to his natural RT. The LT moved to C, with Britt moving to LT. Jones beats Britt on speed in that game, but nothing else. Missouri really doesn't shift protection or give much help, aside from the occasional chip from a RB. When they engage, Britt mostly locks Jones up. In a phone booth he easily pushes the smallish Jones around. Still, this was a clear win for the All-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/american">American</a> Jones.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/BocaJIeccGc" height="360" width="640"></iframe></p>
<p>I want to stress, by way of comparison, how much help Alabama provides its vaunted OTs in their matchup versus Jones. <span>Justin Britt</span> is not in their category talent-wise <i>(though his athleticism, as has been noted, is pretty damned good)</i>. The point is that Seattle plays a lot more like Alabama than like Missouri. (It's also that <span>Jarvis Jones</span> was SUCH a bad-ass in college... but you already knew that.)</p>
<p><iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nqczNIJJ2O4" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p><b>2. This was Britt's worst game at Mizzou by a country mile, and it's far from embarrassing</b>. Jones murdered Missouri with big plays in that game, but it's not like Britt had zero success against him either. Even in his worst tape you still see the things Cable probably likes about Britt, namely his play-through-the-whistle style and positional flexibility. Britt hustles down Jones (who had dropped into coverage) and keeps him out of the end zone after a red zone INT. He also moved from RT to LT in-game.</p>
<h3><b>Britt vs. Florida</b></h3>
<p>This is draftbreakdown's <span>Sharrif Floyd</span> tape vs. Mizzou. Britt and Floyd rarely match up in this game. Britt plays RT for the first couple series but then left the game. I want to point out how completely ineffective the LDE is against Britt, but then is able to bullrush the backup OT.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/D_ENMVVEacQ" height="360" width="640"></iframe></p>
<h3><b>Britt vs Arizona State (2012)</b></h3>
<p>This is draftbreakdown's <span>Will Sutton</span> tape vs. Mizzou. Again, Britt and Sutton rarely match up. Britt plays LT exclusively. RS Frosh, Corbin Berkstressor made a surprise start when James Franklin was hurt. (No one knew Franklin would not play until just before kickoff.) Again, note Britt's general consistency. He can struggle with speed but he is also routinely left on an island protecting QBs who hold onto the ball too long. His run blocking is pretty doggone good (see his get off from a 3 point stance in-line at about 4:15 on the goal line).</p>
<p><iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/8CgTpdpCymw" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<h3><b>Britt vs Kentucky (2013)</b></h3>
<p>This is draftbreakdown's <span>Justin Britt</span> tape vs. Kentucky this past season. You see the same things. Speed bothers him on the left side, but it's not a fatal flaw. I think his base is a little narrow and he's typically left on an island. Cable is, not surprisingly, looking at him primarily for the right side. If you value run blocking in your RT, which we know Cable does, what you'll notice on all of his tape is that he doesn't get stymied and pushed back. It's worth noting here also that Missouri ran the ball well against pretty much every defense this past season, save South Carolina. They finished second in the SEC in per carry average at 5.7 (to Auburn's 6.3).</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1s5mM1UbXlc" height="360" width="640"></iframe></p>
<p>Overall, Britt has enough flaws to raise legitimate questions about why Cable did not value other talents (e.g., <span>Morgan Moses</span>) more highly. At the same time, I can see what Cable likes about Britt. I think the kid can and will play. Now, I'd be a little surprised if he beats out a healthy Bowie. But, I also see this as Seattle hedging their bets on Russell Okung's health. If Okung cannot go I think Seattle wants the option of a kid who they feel comfortable playing on day one.</p>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/nfl-draft/2014/5/11/5703396/nfl-draft-2014-justin-britt-scouting-reportdcrockett172014-05-10T11:57:44-07:002014-05-10T11:57:44-07:00NFL Draft 2014 Day 3: Open thread II
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TmufSK2mmTnwmdH4bU_szomQMs4=/0x155:3130x2242/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32846405/20131231_ajl_al6_471.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Spor</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Talk about the Draft with your friends.</p>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/nfl-draft/2014/5/10/5704232/nfl-draft-2014-day-3-open-thread-iiDanny Kelly2014-05-10T11:02:37-07:002014-05-10T11:02:37-07:00Seahawks grab OLB Kevin Pierre-Louis in the fourth
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PE3R1UxIZDYvv9a9XYSgnw1KOes=/0x447:4000x3114/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32842113/20140222_mje_bl4_2037.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Speed merchant. </p> <p>The Seahawks used their third fourth round pick to select Boston College OLB Kevin Pierre-Louis. Louis is a <a href="http://www.fieldgulls.com/seahawks-analysis/2013/5/23/4361420/sparq-rating-nike-seahawks-pete-carroll-john-schneider-nfl" target="_blank">SPARQ freak of nature</a>, so he should fit the Seattle linebacker corps like a glove. Seattle now has probably the fastest linebacker group in the NFL (if they didn't already). At 6'1, 232 pounds, it's also possible that the Seahawks see Pierre-Louis as a box-safety type of hybrid.</p>
<p>Our own Zach Whitman had to this say about KPL in the pre-Draft process: "Pierre-Louis is basically an ideal Seattle linebacker. He's the same size as Malcolm Smith and is elite in every athletic category. He's thought to be a day 3 pick, which is the Seattle sweet spot for SPARQ-freaks. There are just so many athletic linebackers that it's difficult to isolate any single linebacker as being particularly likely. The Seahawks were present at KPL's pro day."</p>
<p>Jared Stanger <a href="http://www.fieldgulls.com/nfl-draft/2014/3/5/5472890/2014-nfl-draft-seahawks-doppelgangers-scouting-reports" target="_blank">also listed KPL </a>as one of his "Seahawk Dopplegangers" because of his similar measureables to Malcolm Smith, noting that he's "liked KPL before the combine based on his film. I hate him now that he put up the numbers that he did. Especially considering how much his times stand out in a pretty crappy LB'er field. I have to think someone will notice how similar KPL's numbers are to those of the Super Bowl MVP from his draft season."</p>
<p>---------</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/kevin-pierre-louis?id=2543563" target="_blank">Nolan Nawrocki of NFL.com</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>STRENGTHS Tight-skinned, muscular build. Athletic knee-bender. Flows well laterally. Protects his legs and slips blocks. Motivated and hardworking. Productive four-year starter. Combine all-star put on a show in Indianapolis -- ran in the low 4.5s, pumped 28 bench-press reps, posted a 39-inch vertical, recorded a 10-foot, 8-inch broad jump, finished the short shuttle in 4.02 seconds and ran a 6.92-second 3-cone drill.</p>
<p>WEAKNESSES Needs to improve functional strength. Average eyes and diagnostic skills. Loses sight of the ball, gets sucked in by playaction and takes false steps. Gets knocked out of the hole at the point of attack. Stays wired to blocks. Has man-cover limitations. Has tweener traits -- lacks ideal bulk for linebacker and speed for safety.</p>
<p>DRAFT PROJECTION Rounds 5-6</p>
<p>BOTTOM LINE Small-framed, experienced, productive, finesse weakside linebacker who has bulked up 15-20 pounds in the last year. Helped himself with an outstanding combine performance, and is best-suited in a fast-flow scheme in which he can utilize his athleticism to run and hit. Has traits to be used on special teams and develop as a nickel linebacker.</p>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1737275/kevin-pierre-louis" target="_blank">Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>STRENGTHS: Athletic movement skills and stays light on his feet. Fluid in his drops with smooth body control. Smart and instinctive with excellent read/react quickness with an explosive first step.<br>Very active and always around the ball with terrific anticipation. Nose for the ball. Good eye use to avoid blocks in space while tacking the ballcarrier.</p>
<p>Reliable tackler and stays controlled through the process to finish. Strikes through his target. Aggressively takes on blocks and plays the game as if he were bigger and stronger than he is. Sound ball skills.</p>
<p>Versatile experience, even making impact plays on special teams. Very high football and off-field character with a productive resume as a four-year starter.</p>
<p>WEAKNESSES: Looks more like a safety with his marginal size and slight body type. Limited strength and growth potential to add much more bulk.</p>
<p>Too easily eliminated by blockers, lacking the power to quickly shed. Flows with the action and loses back-side contain or gets lost in the traffic, struggling to keep himself clean in a crowd. Plays too high and needs to show better bend and pad level to improve his base and technique as a tackler.Would like to see more of a sense of urgency on every snap. Strong durability concerns with his lack of size and needs to stay healthy for a full season. Missed a handful of games the past few seasons due to injury.</p>
</blockquote>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/nfl-draft/2014/5/10/5703948/nfl-draft-2014-results-seahawks-kevin-pierre-louis-scouting-reportDanny Kelly2014-05-10T10:05:51-07:002014-05-10T10:05:51-07:00Seahawks trade back in fourth round
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/y4htyI894dDFKnW6AwQAq44cyPk=/0x151:4000x2818/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32839639/20121117_jrc_aj4_044.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>All the picks!</p> <p>The Seahawks traded the 11th pick of the fourth round, No. 111 overall, for the Bengals' fourth round pick, No. 123 overall, and their sixth round pick, No. 199 overall. The Bengals used the pick to select North Carolina C Russell Bodine.</p>
<p>This is Seattle's third trade back in the 2014 NFL Draft, and after starting with six picks, they're now up to nine overall.</p>
<p>Seattle now has the following picks:Seattle's picks:</p>
<p>Round 2, Pick 13 (45) (From Lions) Paul Richardson WR 6'0" 175 Colorado <br>Round 2, Pick 32 (64) Justin Britt OT 6'6" 325 Missouri</p>
<p>Round 4, Pick 8 (108) (From Vikings) -- Cassius Marsh DE 6'5, 252 UCLA<br>Round 4, Pick 23 (123) (From Lions) -- <br>Round 4, Pick 32 (132) (From Bengals) -- <br>Round 5, Pick 32 (172) -- <br>Round 6, Pick 23 (199) (from Bengals) --<br>Round 6, Pick 32 (208) -- <br>Round 7, Pick 12 (227) (From Lions) --</p>
https://www.fieldgulls.com/nfl-draft/2014/5/10/5703776/seahawks-trade-back-in-fourth-round-pick-up-an-addition-sixth-roundDanny Kelly