WHOO-HOO COMMENTS ARE BACK!!!
Overall, I think Seattle did its ordinarily boring/great draft. They won't get high marks from the ESPN or FOX peeps, but I think they did exactly what they wanted to do - and liked every guy they picked.
I give this draft a B+
FRREEEEDOMMM! We can speak again!
I pretty much like how the draft panned out. Owen Schmitt. Holy crap. I thought there was no way we would go FB, so I gave up on him before I could get my hopes up too high, but man am I pumped about that pick.
I was surprised that we didn't grab Goff with that pick, actually. He ended up with the Giants along with Brian Kehl (Sp.?) from BYU.
After all of that, I still have one question: Where did Woodyard go? Why didn't we sign him?
they were talking about the draft format and one idea being kicked around after the 3 1/2 hr 1st day was putting the 3rd into day one... I like that idea... both days would then be about 5 hrs... I felt that time just flew by though... I give it a C+ ESPN rating, but for us Hawk fans we know that it will pan out to a B+ due to the fact that all but Forsett will see the field next year... That's amazing!!
Wasn't too excited by the Hawks picks, but the draft is all about how it pans out down the line. I like the first rounder, but thought we gave up too much for Carlson, it didn't seem like there was any kind of run on TE, and think we could have snagged him with our original 2nd rounder. We never seem to have enough DTs, so i'm fine with the Bryant pick. I think the LS and the FB were both taken too early, and don't really think the LS would have been drafted at all. I did like the 7th rounders, though I wish we had taken a shot w/ Chauncey Washington in the 6th if we were going to go RB. I don't like the fact we did not pick up a LB or two.
Excuse the spelling, I meant Woodard in the question above.
Also, where did the safeties Silva and Hefney go? (Not that I am complaining with Adams....)
Mike, is there a place that I can find a list of all the teams UDFA?
I also gave the draft a B+.
I don't know what I'm happier about...the draft or the fact that comments are back!
Great job, Michael. Just great. Good draft, Great offseason all around, and a great blog to keep up with too!
was it just me, or did the hawks seem to be drafting for need more than they were going after BPA?
glad we can comment again. I won't lie, this was a fairly brutal draft for me. Mendenhall was so close, and then we didn't take Balmer even though DT was a much bigger need than DE. I'm still completely lacking confidence in the WR corps and and I'm pissed we didn't get Scheuling.
But narrowly missing out on Mendenhall to the bastard steelers of all teams really just made me irate.
Mike | 04.27.08 - 8:44 pm
If you look in the previous post by Michael, you will find that in fact, the LS WAS going to be drafted by the NO Saints, looks like with that timing, it was going to be their 7th rounder. So the Seahawks found out other teams were interested and drafted him while he was on the phone with the Saints. They may have been able to get them with their 7th rounders though, since the next NO pick was after both of their 7ths, but then again, the Saints could have easily moved up some spots. Seems both teams were aware of the other teams interest.
My guess is that if you ask the Hawks, they would say they went BPA all day, with the exception of the LS. We don't get a look at their draftboard, but remember, in the end it has about 100 names on it. They eliminate a lot of guys we think are better players.
A lot of people on NFLN seemed to think Red Bryant could be the steal of the day
Wes, haven't you learned enough about Ruskell to know they don't put high value on "one year wonders"? He likes guys who have 3 or 4 years of proven performance in college. So that rules out Mendenhall and Kentwan Balmer. Both only had one good year, both had questionable motors/motivation at times.
In addition, Mendenhall is a lousy blocker in the backfield, so on passing downs he is a liability, and also doesn't tend to catch with his hands, instead having it come into his body before getting firm control, which leads to more drops.
He's a great talent, but there's a reason he slipped below both Mc Fadden and Stewart, after often being ahead of 1 or both of them in earlier predictions. He's not quite as complete a back as either of them.
I kind of thought they drafted guys that they had targetted more than they drafted based on need. I guess you could consider them one in the same, but they didn't really reach for anyone...each pick was probably on the top of their board, which kind of means they still picked BPA. They targetted Jackson and Carlson and they didn't take any chances getting both. Trading down to get Jackson was safe and they probably wanted him all along. Then, they obviously liked Carlson more than all the other TEs, they definitely went after him. I think it's very likely that he would have gone before our #55 pick. The media wasn't really very accurate when predicting the actual value of each player. Teams had more info and different values in many cases. I think there is a good chance that the Hawks had enough info to expect the run on Tight Ends to actually start with Carlson, in which case he would have been gone for sure, and they had take him before anyone else decided to take him with their second pick. If he was considered a high value in the second, anyone could have felt comfortable picking him at any time in the second round.
Man, I've been thinking about this all day, can you tell? Anyway, I think that grabbing Bryant was also a cross between a "BPA" and "targetted guy" move. They wanted him and he was there, probably at the top of their board, too. I think they wanted Owen Schmitt a lot as well, and didn't reach for him either.
All in all, the thing I like most about this draft was that the Hawks seemed to have drafted the guys they wanted, and got everyone at a decent value. The LS was a need...might as well take him and not take a chance. Anyone else they took in the 6th probably wouldn't have been able to push anyone off the 53 man roster, but our new LS is very likely to make the team, IMO. If the Hawks didn't think so, they probably wouldn't have used a pick on him.
It seems to me that Ruskell really liked everyone we picked, so to me that says A LOT about these guys.
Wes -- I don't think Balmer was the kind of guy TR goes for... one year wonder with some attitude problems. I was definitely biting my lip waiting for Mendenhall too, but I don't think he was really in our plans anyway, and I'm glad he was gone before I could be frustrated that we passed on him!
The biggest value Mendenhall offered us on draft day, I thought, was that if he slipped to 25 we had a solid opportunity to trade down.
It will be very interesting to see how Balmer pans out at SF, though...
Another thing that I found interesting was that Ruskell told Frank Hughes that he always viewed DE as a more pressing need than DT. Does that mean he doesn't have full faith in Tapp?
Did anyone notice Tapp slowing down towards the end of games? I know for the most part he was solid, I'm a big fan. Its obviously not a problem with Kerney. Of course, if they're double teaming Kerney hardcore, we throw in LoJack and add an OLB blitz... ain't no one stopping us from breaking some QB skull...
I do not think TR is down on Tapp, but the need to have a third DE to rotate thruout the season to keep the DE position from wearing down over the season
Chris,
Ruskell (or maybe it was Holmgren) said that the D coaches told them DE was a bigger need than DT, and that Kerney was getting tired by the end of the season. It could also be that they don't have a lot of faith in Tapp, but regardless it does seem that we needed a DE to both push Tapp and take some snaps away from Kerney without a major drop-off at the position. Seems like a smart move to me, and Big Red fell to us, too! He could end up making just as big of an impact, IMO. Win, win situation.
Balmer was a one year standout with character issues, he's got good upside but is very inconsistent. I honestly think he's a 1st round bust, we won't remember his name is 4 years.
There was a 0% chance of him becoming a Seahawk. I wouldn't be shocked if he wasn't even on their board.
Anyways...I liked the Hawks drat a lot. Jackson, Carlson, Bryant and O. Schmitt were great picks. I'll bet anything that Owen Schmitt becomes a fan favorite at Qwest, dude plays tough. Can't wait to see him pancake Patrick Willis and Karlos Dansby 
I would of liked to seen an OT taken, but you can't win them all.
Big thanks to Michael and Chris, you guys did awesome work! Very quick on the updates...I thought you guys were in the war room for a while!
Very nice coverage of the action on the site, Michael. No complaints!
A good solid draft for us. Nothing sexy, but it does seem like we picked up some guys who have a little nasty in their makeup. That makes me feel good and think that maybe the sports experts will stop with the "finesse" label when discussing us. Already really am intrigued by Red Bryant and O. Schmitt.
Forsett was obviously unhappy that he dropped so much, so maybe he will play like he's got something to prove.
Let's see if Tyler Schmitt can keep us off the LS merry-go-round. Coutu sounds like he has skills and has the hammy troubles behind him.
Was I the only one surprised that the Shockey or Jason Taylor trade didn't materialize? Or any player trades for that matter?
I had to check on the draft via my cell phone, and after every one of our picks i would check the bio that espn mobile had on them. EVERY PICK seemed to be "Best Fullback, or Kicker in draft" or was projected 3rd rounder for our 6th round pick.. I was pumped..seems like we were getting steals or best in class all day!
First of all, it's awesome that the comments are back.
As for the draft, I thought the Hawks did pretty well overall. I was a bit surprised by the Jackson pick but it makes sense as it provides needed depth at one of the most important positions on defense. I think that Carlson is the most NFL ready TE and the one that fits into the Hawks scheme the best. I was a little disappointed that they had to give up the 3rd rounder to get him but I understand the move. Bryant provides a much needed run stopper in the middle and seems like excellent value for a 4th rounder. I wasn't expecting a FB to be taken but the more I learn about Schmitt the more excited I get. He could be the Mack Strong replacement that this running game needs. LS was a serious need and I'm glad the Hawks got the one they wanted even if it might have been a bit of a reach. The 7th rounders should provide some good competition in camp and really what more can you ask of a 7th round pick?
Overall a good weekend for the Hawks and I look forward to seeing some of these guys on Sundays. I must say that if Owen Schmitt lives up to the hype, I may just be in the market for my first jersey ever.
I dunno, i hear you guys, but a draft haul of Balmer, Carlson and Scheuling sure sounds great to me. I think its pretty reasonable to say this would fill needs more effectively than what we did, but it doesn't matter now. Let hope LoJack can get to the QB
Watching Mendenhall fall in the first was fascinating although ultimately frustrating watching the 'Stealers' get him. Would be interesting to know if we would have pulled the trigger at 25. I doubt it. I'm delighted we got Carlson and Bryant. And the two Schmitt picks certainly made for a lively post draft debate. Personally I like the look of both. Glad we took a kicker too although the old hammy injury is worrying. His stats dropped off pretty badly in the last two seasons. Not unlike Mare.
Great to see the comments back too :o)
Lo-Jack... was a good, safe choice
Carlson... I about creamed my pants when I heard we got him. Well worth the reach
Red... Effective pick
Owen S... Effective pick
Tyler S... A reach, yet WELL worth the peace of mind. Plus, a LS does more than just squat and hurl. Hopefully a good overall special teamer.
Forsett... Good investment
Coutu... Effective pick
Considering the need and desire, for us to be Superbowl contenders this upcoming season, I grade this draft: A-.
Am I alone here in thinking the Hawks draft should get a solid "A"?!!
From the top, got the guy in the first round they were targeting, also able to trade down and pick up a 5th and a 7th round pick. Huge!
Second, wanted Carlson, not big on any other TE's, traded 3rd round pick to move up 17 spots. Very costly, but the Hawks think he was worth it, and Holmy is like a kid in the candy store.
No third, bummer...
Fourth round...HOLY CRAP!!! Red Bryant, that HUGE run-stuffer with an on-field attitude that Tubbs was supposed to be! And he was projected as a 2nd/3rd rounder! What a Steal!! Filling a huge need!
Fifth round...OWEN GODDAMN SCHMITT!! Are you kidding me?! This guy is an animal, and will have Weaver's job by 2009. Maybe then Hawks will use Weaver as a runner/reciever like they should...and let Owen block! A REAL fullback! Hallelujah!
And then a great long-snapper and kicker, and a touchdown machine rb who carried the ball 305 times last season and never was hurt, despite being tiny...not bad, not bad at all.
Only Coutu the kicker and Forsett the mighty mouse rb are in any danger of not making the team.
How many Playoff-winning teams draft 7 guys and have them ALL make the team?! The Hawks just might!
What a freakin' HAUL!!
The only thing that keeps it from being an "A+" is losing the 3rd round pick, and not gettting Sheuining.
Couple of thoughts.
There is some commentary in the blog of another city that Carlson was gone three or four picks after Seattle took him. So if you buy the line that the TE who can both catch and block is essential to the prosperity of the West Coast offense, what you did is what you did.
My only reservation is that I think Zac Alcorn may still be the best tight end on the roster.
Other thought--when does the team on the clock learn what the preceding team took? Observe that you might chew up three of your ten minutes talking about the guy the preceding team took only to find that he was gone. That doesn't seem fair to me.
seattlelaw, I'm certain a team's clock doesn't begin until they are informed of the last pick.
I'd like to add that we got the number 1 rated TE, FB, LS, PK, and the best pure run stuffing interior defensive lineman in the draft. The only two players who weren't at the head of their position were the RB and DE but when you draft 7 guys with what we had to work with in terms of draft position and come up with 5 out of the 7 being the top rated guy at his position (I'm installing Bryant as the top rated DT of a sub category of DT's called "run stuffers" which was our precise need), that's a spectacular draft in any man's army!
Except for the RB, every one of those picks fills a position of need for us and they are all expected to contribute this year. The RB is the only pick that is questionable for contributing this year and he was drafted two or three rounds later than projected. I'm sure he was the BPA at the time we took him by far.
A little side note. From various sources, it came out that had we retained a 3rd round selection and drafted in the 3rd and 4th (rather than the 4th and 5th as we did), we would have ended up with........... Bryant in the 3rd and Schmitt
in the 4th. Yep, the Seahawks had Bryant targeted in the 3rd and Schmitt was at the top of their list of 4th round players. Both players were targeted on our board and both fell a whole round to us. We most likely got the exact players we would have if we'd given up the 5th rounder to trade up for Carlson and used our 3rd ourselves. That's good karma.
That should completely wipe out any
remaining problems anyone had with trading the way we did to go up in the second and grab Carlson. Our picks waited for us to move into position to take them for once and we weren't hurt at all by the trade involving our third rounder.
Hitting on so many number 1 ranked players and drafting players who will
immediately play either as a starter or in rotation this season (if Coutu
wins the PK job, 6 out of 7 draftee's will most likely play significantly)
puts this draft firmly as the best Ruskell has engineered since coming to Seattle.
Some little things I've picked up on the new players:
Jackson is said to have the same kind of field vision that Tatupu does. Seeing the whole field and knowing where everyone is and having a knack for finding the ball in traffic. Another cerebral player who just makes plays. Ruskell's kind of player.
Carlson is also noted as a smart player who will be able to quickly grasp Holmgrens complicated offense and be able to produce right away. It's been pointed out that he's a lot more athletic and a lot better blocker than he was able to show this year because of Notre Dame's poor season and being ill with a parasite just before the combine. The Seahawks have been watching him for a couple of years now and think he's much better than advertised. Ruskell's usually right in these judgements.
Bryant is said to possess quick feet for such a big man and with a patient coach can be taught to become a pretty good pass rusher over time. When he was in the game for Texas A&M, they average 75 yards of rushing put up against them. While he was out with an injury, they averaged a whopping 225 yards gained against them. Folks, that is a HUGE difference for one player to make on an 11 man football team. He's not as one dimensional as some scouts think he is and should blossom as as pass rusher as he is developed. This is another Ruskell steal and the main reason we weren't looking at DT at the top of the draft.
Owen Schmitt is a throwback smashmouth football player who is also a good receiver and was considered a steal where we picked him up. Some thought he could go as high as the bottom of the third. This guy is the one that's potentially going to make people forget about Mack Strong if he has as long a career as Mack managed to have. On a interview I saw after a game he had a puffed up upper lip, a split lower lip that was still bleeding, and one eye was puffy. He looked like he'd been in a serious prize fight. It was after his last game for Virginia and he was crying because he had played his last game there. This is an emotional guy who is going to absolutely love Seattle and Quest field.
Tyler Schmitt said he has never snapped a bad ball..... ever! When we got wind he was about to be taken by another team, we made our move and with all the troubles we've had since JP Darche left, it was worth it. That should explain to some who have questioned why we didn't wait and sign him as a free agent. Even if he lasted, he might not have signed with us. He's got an awesomne snap that is one of the quickest arriving to the holder or punter of any snapper ever seen at the combine. He's going to stabilize that important position for the next decade and beyond. Josh Brown was so stupid to leave. We just made that component of our kicking game one of the best in the league.
Forsett was two or three rounds lower than projected when we took him and clearly the BPA at that time by a wide margin. He's got a good chance of knocking Mo Mo out of his spot as well as being a kick and punt returner. He's also a prime headhumter for special teams on kickoffs and punts. Ruskell will use him on special teams and as I said, he's got a real chance at becoming a third down change of pace back for us. He's got a real chip on his shoulder to work off too at being drafted so low. I see a ultra motivated player that was a very good college player wanting to prove everyone was wrong about him. Sometimes those kind of guys can surprise you big time.
Finally we pickup the best kicker in the entire draft in Coutu. Apparently the reports about his hamstring problems were misguided and stemmed from him trying an unusual method of kicking an onside kick. Our medical team pronounced him fit and healthy. Is said to have a powerful leg and is very accurate. Does that remind you of someone? We might very well be going Josh who come fall. It will be a serious competition between Coutu and Mare for the job I think.
Hats off to Tim Ruskell. He just put us in a position to have a very special season as Holmgren's last. Although we may have some issues at linebacker next season, we're set for this year and I don't see any real weak spots left on the team baring any serious injury early in the season. We could use another offensive lineman and another linebacker but if they become serious concerns, I'm sure Ruskell will shore up the team after the June 1st cuts.
This is just what this team needed all the way around. The draft has been some Schmitt. Look for the Seahawks to kick the Schmitt out of opponents this year.
BillT
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