By Jared Stanger

Today’s embarrassing 9th-inning collapse by the M’s has reopened a lot of old wounds, and it’s given me pause to think about how people fan in the social media world.

I get the part of the fan-base that is calloused and jaded from how many years now without making the playoffs, and go about their springtime pessimistically. I get it if that’s your starting point. I get it if you quickly regress there after starting 1-6. I, personally, moved back to that neighborhood this week.

I get the side of the fan-base that is optimistic, patient, and don’t want to react too soon. I don’t relate to that side of the fan-base, only visit it on holiday, but I recognize it and assume they’re lovely people. They’re a sort of miracle to me…to be admired like nurses and teachers. Probably people I’d like to be friends with. They’d, in theory, be understanding of my frequent lack of social etiquette and argumentative nature. “He’ll be better tomorrow.”

But there-in lies the catch. It seems a lot lately that the latter of those two sides of the fan-base AREN’T particularly patient, optimistic, or understanding of the FORMER part of the fan-base.

When it comes to the franchise that is DOING the failing; the optimists are optimistic. But when it comes to the fans that are judging the failing; the optimists are pessimistic. The optimists judge the judgers rather than judging the root of the problem: the franchise’s failures. A mind fuck, right?

If you’re really secure in your stance; why feel so threatened by the other side? It’s almost as though the optimism is projection; a fragile facade of denial hiding the same sadness in a rudderless franchise that the pessimists have.

Admittedly, I know these rolls reverse when the team goes on a really solid winning streak, and the pessimists just won’t let the optimists bask in the thrill of hope rewarded. Which is fucking absurd.

The greater sin is being wrong. Being up when the team is down is ridiculous. Being down when the team is up is ridiculous.

The truth is: most of the fan-base is in the middle. We’re up when the team is up; we’re down when the team is down. But right now, the team is down…and we should allow the wallowers to wallow. And we should let the pessimists back on the bandwagon when the ship rights itself.

And if you’re actually HAPPY that the team is doing poorly, then you’re not a fan. Please set your twitter filters/mutes accordingly, and GTFOH.

Thank you, and Go M’s.

Davis Hsu and Jared Stanger talk about the really exciting 2017 TE class.

Davis Hsu and Jared Stanger break down the 2017 Draft class at Offensive Tackle…which should be pronounced “offensive” as in “offended”.

By Jared Stanger

Time for a little post-combine, pre-free agency mock draft. I sketched most of this out Sunday night, before the DB’s actually tested on Monday. I made one alteration Tuesday night…see if you can guess which pick.

In addition to my mock, I’m also going to point out who I think Seattle actually drafts. So it’s “who I would draft” and then “who they WILL draft”. Plus I’ll sprinkle in some trips down memory lane.

I’m beginning (again) by trading back. I noticed recently that pick #32 plus #96 matches pretty exactly to the value of the #26 pick, and 32/96 are both owned by the Patriots. This trade maximizes the value on the 3rd rounder, while keeping you within the 1st round (for 5th year option rights).

#32 – Kevin King, Cornerback, UW

Having him right in my backyard I’ve long been tracking Kevin, and after his combine performance and placing first in corner SPARQ, I think he’s truly shown my faith in him was deserved. He’s got the length for boundary and the world class agility to play nickel. As far as I’m concerned he’s been destined to be a Seahawk forever. It would just make so much sense.

Now, having said that, I kinda don’t think Seattle goes there. My guess is they try to go for one of the corners that have been holding 1st round buzz all year. Somewhere between Marlon Humphrey, Cordrea Tankersley, maybe Gareon Conley. Who am I kidding…it’s probably Obi Melifonwu and I throw up all over myself on draft day.

#58 – Zay Jones, Receiver, ECU

Another case of a guy I’ve really enjoyed all year who made money at the combine. A record setting college career, the #2 SPARQ performance of all WR at the combine, and the kind of intangibles that will blend perfectly with Russell Wilson, Tyler Lockett, etc.

Although primarily used in the slot at ECU, I think Zay has shown through the Sr. Bowl and combine that he has the size, speed, and ability to line up anywhere on the field.

My actual guess for Seattle’s pick at the 58 would be a TE. They’d love to get near Njoku, but won’t. My hunch is it’s Jordan Leggett, but I’d feel better about that if he had tested a little bit better and ran the 40.

#90 – trade back

In an attempt to balance out their draft from five picks in the first 106 overall followed by zero picks in the next 104; I’ve got another trade back. I’m swapping #90 with Denver for their #101 and #127.

#96 – John Johnson, Safety, BC

Primarily a safety for Boston College, Johnson has several games worth of experience at CB in 2015, and measured in at 6’0″/208lbs with 32″ arms…acceptable Seattle CB size.

John didn’t run a great 40 at the combine (4.61s), but players like Johnson’s former BC teammate Justin Simmons and some guy named Richard Sherman both ran combine 4.6’s which they both later improved to identical 4.53’s at their respective pro day’s. Even without a good 40, John still posted the 3rd-best safety SPARQ of the day, with a 55th percentile NFL athleticism.

What the actual pick is here is not as clear. I think “defense”, but could be Edge, could be a different safety, or maybe a SAM. Josh Jones could be in play, maybe Derek Rivers, maybe Tyus Bowser. I’ll say Josh Jones with the caveat that the 6’1″/220 lb safety that ran a 4.41 forty might be a linebacker project for Seattle.

#101 – Dawuane Smoot, Defensive End, Illinois

I vacillated between Smoot here and Jojo Mathis. I think both have 2016 redflags for differing reasons (production vs injury), but both have put on tape better pass rush technique than quite a few guys that will be picked before them.

I think Smoot has a floor of Cassius Marsh, but he has enough upside that he could recapture the form that saw him finish 2015 with 8.0 sacks and 15.0 TFL.

Would you believe the ACTUAL pick here goes to Smoot’s teammate, and higher SPARQ finisher, Carroll Phillips? 4.64 forty and kind of a consolation if Derek Rivers is already gone.

#102c – Aaron Jones, Running Back, UTEP

Thanks to the trade back, Seattle ends up with consecutive picks in the compensation pick cluster at the end of the 3rd round.

I’ve been coveting Aaron Jones forever, and when he tested as the 2nd highest SPARQ amongst RB, it was decided for me.

He’s a little smaller than we’ve seen from most Seattle RB, but still runs really tough. He catches really well out of the backfield and even deep routes. And he’ll play special teams for you.

I’m guessing the pick is a bigger RB that I don’t like as much like a Jeremy McNichols or Brian Hill.

#106c – trade back

I don’t know if Seattle shoots for 10 picks this year. Having five on day 2 might be more appealing. But I like how my board looks moving this back in a trade with Minnesota for their #121 and #160.

#121 – Ahkello Witherspoon, Cornerback, Colorado

I’m actually seeing Kello projected WAY earlier than this since he tested on Monday and came out as the #4 CB athletically. Maybe that means sticking at #106? Maybe that means Ahkello at #102 and Aaron Jones at #121? For now, I’m leaving it as I drew it up on Sunday.

Witherspoon finished 2016 as the 2nd-most passes defended in college football with 22. He’s 6’3″/198 lbs with 33″ arms and ran a 4.45 with a 40.5″ vert. I mean…and there’s this:

Ahkello

He struggles a fair amount with his tackling, but I’ll put his cover technique on par with pretty much any of the 1st round guys.

I’m actually gonna keep Ahkello as the Seahawks pick. If he’s there, I think they can work with him.

#127 – Cole Hikutini, Tight End, Louisville

I have no research to suggest Hikutini is high on Seattle’s TE priority list, and he hasn’t yet tested, but I just like his tape-to-value ratio the best out of all of this year’s TE. If his athleticism is close to what I think I see on tape, he’ll be close to a Gerald Everett level (approx. 1-sigma). Decent production, decent number of TD’s, decent blocking, very good hands.

Historically these 4th-6th round picks have come from very athletic flyer-types. But with SPARQ kind of being public knowledge now, I’m wondering if Seattle is having to adapt and look for other things on day 3. Let’s call the real pick another Seattle 4th round WR: Josh Reynolds. 6’3″ with 63rd percentile athleticism and 12 TD’s this year. Could also see SPARQ leader Robert Davis. Either would be a future Kearse hedge.

#160 – Harrison Butker, Kicker, GTech

I think the target is ASU’s Zane Gonzalez, the presumptive #1 kicker this year. But I think earlier than you’re willing to pay for a kicker.

I think that Butker will be a late riser. A guy that hasn’t even begun to tap into his potential. He’s 6’4″ (just like Hauschka). He hit 8×8 from 40+ this year, while going 15×17 overall, and finishing 6th in the country in touchback percentage.

The real pick: OL Aviante Collins. Collins probably needs to be higher since he just ran a 4.81 forty at 295 lbs, but Draftscout has him at #228 overall, so this is my compromise. Aviante played RT for TCU…has just barely enough arm length to stick there…but could also become a guard. Either way…this is, historically, what Seattle likes.

#210 – Victor Salako, Offensive Tackle, OkSt

I’m going the opposite of Seattle’s trends and taking my OL flyer on a guy that wasn’t invited to the combine. I have no idea of Salako’s actual athleticism…I noticed him early on in the 2016 season, then forgot about him until he weighed in at the Shrine game at pretty ideal OT specs: 6’5″/315 lbs, 34 1/4″ arms.

Above was when I first noticed him watching Oklahoma State in real time. Upon revisiting him recently:

The real pick: maybe a flyer on a 3tech. I’ve got Chunky Clements as a possibility. He has upside if a coach can focus him. Did not test at the combine though invited.

#226 – Jimmie Gilbert, Linebacker, Colorado

This is my purely self-indulgent, “I like this guy better than everyone else seems to”, “it can’t be worse than drafting Kiero Small” draft pick.

Gilbert is tragically underweight (6’4″/223 lbs) and wasn’t invited to the combine. But if he can put together a decent pro day, he could resemble 2011 Seahawk UDFA Mike Morgan (6’3″/226 lbs).

I love Gilbert’s tape and the way he is absolutely maximizing every ounce of his body, if not exceeding. With 34 1/8″ arms, Gilbert has great length and technique for rushing the passer. He’s also shown ability to drop in coverage.

If Jimmie can run anywhere under 4.6 he will put himself ahead of all the Combine LB’s except for Duke Riley. But I don’t think he can get close to Morgan’s 4.46.

The real pick: it actually might be Harrison Butker. Also could see one of a few fullbacks: Algernon Brown or local product Darrin Laufasa.

By Jared Stanger

And now, the headlining performer of the 2017 NFL Draft…defensive backs.

Arriving in Indianapolis last on Friday, with field testing on Monday March 6th, this year’s combined class of cornerbacks and safeties is soo loaded that, whether it was coincidence or not, it deserves the title of headliner. This is pure candy.

Cornerbacks

I don’t have concrete facts to back it up, but on eye test, this looks like the biggest class of CB’s I can remember. Not by volume…by height. I think I counted 22 unique CB in the combine that are preemptively listed over 6’0″, including six over 6’2″.

Although, currently, I only count a few that have been recorded with 32″ arms from the all-star game weigh-ins (Rasul Douglas, Marquez White, Treston Decoud, Brian Allen). A lot of the big names weren’t at the all-star games, though (Lattimore, Tabor, Humphrey, Jones, Tankersley, King, Conley, Wilson, Witherspoon, etc). Additionally, some that were at the all-star games may get Combine arm length bumps.

In terms of testing; there are so many guys that could really pop. It’s tough to predict a top 5 SPARQ group. Marlon Humphrey is a track guy that has fantastic make-up speed on tape. Adoree Jackson should run fast, but his lack of weight might bring down his SPARQ. I’m reading reports of lesser-known Shaquill Griffin running really good times, but I’ve only seen one game of him (from 2015). Fabian Moreau is a pretty athletic guy.

But I’ve got my money on my hometown dude: Kevin King. Jumps for days, exceptional agility, and I think people are comatose to what his true 40 speed is. I think Kev makes the most money at the combine for his position.

I don’t get the sense that the Florida CB’s or guys like Douglas and Tankersley are blazers. But a fast 40 isn’t always prerequisite for a Seattle CB. Richard Sherman ran a 4.60 at the combine, and later lowered it to a 4.53 at his pro day. Tye Smith was a 4.60 and then a 4.56. Byron Maxwell was a 4.52. Tharold Simon was a 4.51 and then a 4.47. If you’re looking for benchmarks; try to note the guys under 4.55 with a 10’04” broad jump…cross-reference with 32″ arms…and triple-check back to the game tape.

Keep those numbers in mind especially when all of the Pac12 corners test. Decoud, Allen, Witherspoon, Moreau, and King. Also because, though I think Seattle might go CB earlier than ever this year, they might also stick to historical pattern of 4th round back. King may not last that long, but the other four might. Those names could also qualify for the back end of a double-dip (two scoops of CB in one draft).

Safety

I don’t have a great sense for the athleticism tiers in this safety class. I know Jamal Adams and Budda Baker are both up there. I think Marcus Williams might run the fastest 40 of the group. Malik Hooker has to be up there, too. And I like John Johnson’s overall athleticism as a sleeper.

But there’s a whole gaggle more that I have no real sense for. Justin Evans, Josh Jones, Shalom Luani, Montae Nicholson, Tedric Thompson, Xavier Woods. I don’t think I’ve seen any one flash more than another…I don’t think any have ever embarassed themselves looking slow/unathletic. This is probably the best example of a position group where guys will legitimately be “breaking ties” with their athleticism. This will definitely be the combine testing that sends me back to the tape on the most individual players.

By Jared Stanger

Group 7, 8, and 9 of the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine arrive in Indianapolis on Thursday and will have their primary field testing on Sunday. This consists of two groups of DL, and one of LB’s.

This will be the much-hyped 2017 Edge group. A group that draft media really has zero consensus on after Myles Garrett. We’ve got athletes with no production, we’ve got producers without outstanding traits, we’ve got big-bodied DE/DT tweeners, we’ve got undersized DE/LB tweeners, and we’ve got guys that are just straight up B- across the board. It’s either a mess or a pass-rushing smorgasbord.

Let’s start with the big boys. Jonathan Allen is somewhere top 3 picks, depending on if someone wants a QB. Solomon Thomas should be somewhere top 10. After starting the year very near the top of many big boards; Malik McDowell has been in a bit of a free fall…no production, missed three games, talk of character redflags. And Tanoh Kpassagnon is the biggest of the bunch, with good production at a small school and rumored excellent athleticism, but lacking great edge traits. Arguably all four of these could/should play predominantly interior DL at the next level.

The smallest of the small-bodied guys is Pittsburgh’s Ejuan Price. We’re talking sub 6’0″. And that size deficiency was evident pretty much anytime an opponent double-teamed Price with as much as a RB/TE chip. But he was 5th in the country in sacks. Haason Reddick is almost assuredly a stand-up LB in the NFL, but he’ll go to Indy in the DE group. Same story for Pita Taumoepenu. This group should test very well, however.

Demarcus Walker and Jordan Willis were guys with a ton of production that many don’t expect to test well. Dawuane Smoot had a dip in production under Lovie Smith’s coaching, but should test above average.

The best athletes from the 7th and 8th DL groups should be: Myles Garrett, Solomon Thomas, Haason Reddick, Takk McKinley, and Charles Harris. I’ve got Jordan Willis as the sleeper to sneak into the top 5 Edge in SPARQ.

Then, there are also guys that will test as LB’s on Sunday, but could play some hand in the dirt DE as pro’s. This is the Ryan Anderson, Tyus Bowser, Jojo Mathis collection. Of those three, Mathis feels the most mis-placed off the ball, as his 260 lbs and pass-rushing traits deserve to be in the DL group. Bowser is correctly placed, but should get 3rd down passrush reps wherever he gets picked.

The rest of the traditional LB’s would feature great testing from Jarrad Davis and Reuben Foster if they were healthy enough to compete. Bowser is a very nice athlete and should perform well across the board. And Zach Cunningham should have a great day.

Overall, it’s not a great group of standup LB’s this year, and certainly not very deep.

Speaking of the groups more challenged of talent…this is a bad year at DT. It makes some sense that it is bad after the quality we saw in 2016, but still. It’s especially rough for interior passrushers.

I think the DT passrush group (outside of the aforementioned DE with DT versatility) begins and ends with five names: Davon Godchaux, Jaleel Johnson, Vincent Taylor, Treyvon Hester, and Chunky Clements. And one of those is kind of a flyer-only based on flashes of upside.

But there are another handful of names that have shown potential to be solid rotational DT. I like Dalvin Tomlinson as a run-stuffer. Both Notre Dame DT (Isaac Rochell and Jarron Jones) hold some intrigue if allowed time to learn on the bench. Similar line of thinking on Nazair Jones. Carlos Watkins had a very productive year, but watching his tape I always ended up wondering if he was often just in the right spot to clean up the work done by Clemson teammates: Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins.

In terms of elite DT athletes…I don’t have a great sense that any are like Dontari Poe level athletes. I think Jaleel has shown the most raw athleticism of the group. But the sleeper has got to be Elijah Qualls. The former fullback with tumbling skills could do crazy things in agility and jumping tests.

By Jared Stanger

Groups 4, 5, and 6 of this year’s NFL Scouting Combine arrive in Indianapolis on March 1st, and will be comprised of the QB’s, WR’s, and TE’s. For purposes of a Seattle Seahawk draft blog, I won’t be talking about the QB’s.

Wide Receiver

After hosting 42 WR in 2016 and 45 in 2015; with 58 invited in 2017, what this class lacks in top end WR1’s, it might be trying to compensate for in volume. I hope the combine organizers have lined up additional throwing QB’s.

With 58 receivers participating, they are a plethora of pretty much every type of wideout imaginable. Tall ones, short ones, fast ones, slow ones, slot ones, outside ones.

Tall ones: Ricky Seals-Jones, Kenny Golladay, Bug Howard, Mike Williams, Corey Davis.

Short ones: Greg Ward, Jesus Wilson, Artavis Scott, Speedy Noil, Gabe Marks.

Fast ones: John Ross, Shelton Gibson, Curtis Samuel, Victor Bolden, Mack Hollins.

Slow ones: well, let’s not throw them under the bus. Even some of the slow ones are intriguing this year.

Slot ones: Cooper Kupp, Zay Jones, Trent Taylor, Ryan Switzer, Fred Ross.

Outside ones: Chad Hansen, Chris Godwin, Juju Smith-Schuster, Taywan Taylor, Josh Reynolds.

Five per category with no repeats, and that’s not even half of this class. I mean, where do you even start to talk about this many WR?

In terms of pure SPARQ; I think Mack Hollins (if healthy) has a chance to put up testing somewhere around a Martavis Bryant or Tyrell Williams. I can’t wait to see UW’s John Ross test…would love to see him win the 40. I could see Cooper Kupp having an overall top-5 WR SPARQ score.

Historically, wide receiver SPARQ hasn’t been a strong predictor of Seattle’s interest in a player. Kenny Lawler ran a 4.63 forty, Chris Harper ran a 4.55, Kevin Norwood ran a 4.48 but didn’t show much in the vert, shuttle, or bench. But they also drafted SPARQ freak Kris Durham for pretty much ONLY that reason.

In a general sense, I’ve long been eyeing the 3rd round as the sweet spot this year, but my current sense is that the group of Kupp, Jones, Carlos Henderson, Taylor are looking strongly 2nd round guys.

I think Kupp will surprise people. I think Taywan is a fairly well-documented SPARQ’d up guy. I don’t have a great sense for where Zay is at purely physically…I wouldn’t be surprised if he had a combine like Jordan Matthews did a couple years ago when people thought Jordan was slow…I also wouldn’t be surprised if Zay is an average runner (I lean toward Zay being faster than expected).

In a Seattle sense, if there are questions about Tyler Lockett’s health, Jermaine Kearse’s rebound from a rough 2016, getting out a year ahead of Paul Richardson’s impending free agency year, or a combination of any-of-the-above; your first time to really consider WR is in the 2nd round with that group. So those are a handful of guys to watch for in the testing.

If Seattle is looking more towards filling a specific role, a couple things to watch for are: 1) special teamers, 2) big targets.

1. Lockett’s timetable is a mystery, but even if he’s back fully for preseason I have to wonder if they look to lighten his load on special teams in order to allow him to focus more attention on being WR2. Carlos Henderson is the top WR kickoff returner in the combine (UNC running back TJ Logan is ahead of Carlos if including all positions). Isaiah McKenzie, Trent Taylor could be some names to watch as punt returners.
2. During, and since, the 2016 season; Seattle has acquired some big-bodied WR slash TE types: 6’2″/225lb Jamel Johnson, 6’6″/230lb Tanner McEvoy, 6’5″/225lb Rodney Smith, 6’4″/218lb Marcus Lucas, 6’5″/220lb Chris Briggs. So, during the weigh-in, I will be interested to see names that pop at 6’2″-plus/220lbs-plus. Pre-emptively: Jerome Lane, Noah Brown, Juju, Seals-Jones, Golladay, Howard, Hollins. Slightly below those specs, but perhaps having the intended skillset: Darreus Rogers. Watch his gauntlet closely.

And, then, that big WR list will be blended with some of the small TE. Which leads us to…

Tight End

WHAT A FUN GROUP THIS WILL BE TO WATCH!!

Right off the top; David Njoku and OJ Howard should test insanely well. The big guy from Ashland, Adam Shaheen, has shown some crazy athleticism for 277 lbs on the limited tape I’ve seen of him. Jordan Leggett can move, Cole Hikutini is a great runner, Evan Engram, Gerald Everett, Eric Saubert…they just keep coming. Oh…I’ve seen Darrell Daniels run a 4.4 forty, so put him somewhere top 5 pure TE athlete in Indy.

Then, in terms of known quality blocking TE’s, would love to see some of these guys also test well athletically: George Kittle, Hayden Plinke, Mike Roberts.

If I put together a vertical short-stack at TE; I’d target one of these four in the round indicated:

3rd- Leggett
4th- Hikutini
5th- Roberts
6th- Plinke

With depth like this, it’s tough for me to see enough value to go TE in the first two rounds. Start in the 3rd (after addressing something more needy in the 1st-2nd).

Roberts is easily the best redzone threat in this class. The rest of my list are tied-2nd, or tied-7th in touchdowns by a TE in the country this year.

Redzone, redzone, redzone. All signs point toward improving redzone with another big body target (plus Luke Willson is probably walking).

Wide receivers and tight ends will take their field-testing on Saturday, March 4th.

By Jared Stanger

One week from today the NFL Combine begins in Indianapolis with the arrivals of the first 3 groups of participants covering the specialists, offensive line, and running backs. In this story I will be taking a look at some of the OL and RB storylines to watch for from this year.

Offensive Line

The first thing to look for chronologically are the arm lengths at the weigh-in. Especially from the OL that were at the Senior Bowl. Recent data suggests that (for whatever reason) the Senior Bowl is the stingiest giving out longer AL’s of the three major events (Shrine, Sr, Combine). Guys like Ethan Pocic, Antonio Garcia, and Forrest Lamp could really use at least 3/8″ bump ups at the Combine. And recent history says that is totally plausible, if not up to a full inch improvement. Don’t ask me why this happens, but it does.

My next interest will be seeing how these MANY small-school OL test out. Erik Austell from Charleston Southern is an underweight LT that probably projects to OG and shows good movement on tape. Same story for Kutztown’s Jordan Morgan:

Clearly, I think, the league knows this isn’t a strong year for OL so they’ve invited a lot of guys that project as day-3 flyers: Jerry Ugokwe from William and Mary, Nate Theaker from Wayne State, Javarius Leamon from South Carolina State, Cameron Lee from Illinois State, Jessamen Dunker from Tennessee State, Julie’n Davenport from Bucknell, Ethan Cooper from IPU, and Corey Levin from Chattanooga. Ten from outside of FBS, plus another eight from non-Power 5. If I counted right, that means 29 OL from within the Power 5, 18 from outside of it.

Can anyone step away from the pack as a potential Right Tackle?

I think the Left Tackle’s are pretty well known/set with Bolles, Ramczyk, Robinson fighting it out for first round order. The Seahawks would be lucky to see even one of those three hang around till #26.

But at RT there are a LOT of questions. I think Sam Tevi tests pretty well, but his tape is damning. I think Taylor Moton’s tape is good, but he’ll test horribly and probably get drafted as a guard. Jermaine Eluemunor is similar to Moton, but likely a degree or two better athlete. Damn…I’m basically out of interesting names. I don’t know that anyone else has enough talent, athleticism, and love of football (or even two of three of those qualities) after Tevi/Moton/Eluemunor.

Like, honestly, if Pocic gets enough of an AL bump up; put him at RT. I’m also lowkey intrigued by the idea of Damien Mama at RT. Otherwise it’s punting on OL until day 3 when you take one of the aforementioned small-school flyers (or someone not at the combine).

In a pure SPARQ intrigue list; I think Bolles will win the combine. I think Dorian will be very good. I think Lamp can surprise. I think Morgan can surprise. Robinson should be top5. I wouldn’t be shocked if Mama finished as top 5 OL in SPARQ, too.

Mama’s athleticism and what I’d guess are 34″ arms check off a couple of RT boxes…it would just be more a question of improving his technique (especially in pass-pro). But if a team is looking for more of a mauler-RT, with a better pass-protector at LT…maybe there’s some added value to be found in Mama.

Then again, Mama at RT might end up essentially being Eluemunor, who is not projecting to go as high.

Running Back

I don’t think there is as much intrigue at RB as there is at OL. Less mystery. If you watch enough RB tape, you can get a sense for their 40 yard dash from a big run. You can get a pretty good sense of their agility drills from their work behind the line of scrimmage.

Plus, RB is a position where you can overlook the pure SPARQ number in lieu of simply identifying guys that hit your benchmarks. And, more specifically, making sure your shortlist of guys you’ve identified/approved from tape hit those benchmarks.

As much as I would guess that James Conner, Wayne Gallman, Elijah McGuire, Brian Hill would hold some interest to Seattle; I’ve sort of painted myself into a corner of preferring one of Kareem Hunt and Aaron Jones. Both can catch very well, so 3rd downs are an option. Both have been bell-cows for 3+ years at their respective schools, and I think could do it at the next level, if needed. Hunt has more heat on him now and would take a stiffer investment, but I think Jones posts a better combine. We’re looking for Aaron to hit a 4.48 forty at 210 lbs. If Hunt can run 4.55 or better he is very interesting in the 3rd.

For the straight SPARQ championship; I could see Joe Williams taking that, but watch out for Hood (he’s Robocop). Dalvin should be up there in the top 5, and Jones may sneak in 5th-7th.

Davis Hsu and myself breaking down the 2017 class at Offensive Guard.

By Jared Stanger

Welcome to the brand new draft podcast; Draft Peers.

In this inaugural launch episode, Seattle’s own Davis Hsu (@davishsuseattle on Twitter) and I sit down to talk a little bit about amateur scouting methods, and then we discuss the first in what will be a series of 2017 Draft position group breakdowns: Center.

Please check it out, and love to hear your comments on my Twitter as well (@jaredstanger).