Saturday, April 30, 2016

Seahawks 2016 Draft Class

Time to dig in.

The majority of the off-season wheeling-and-dealing has come to a head, and the 2016 NFL Draft has officially passed: this was definitely one of the most exciting drafts I've ever seen.

The Seahawks cast their net and got a great haul of players: let's see what the experts are saying about them.


1. Germain Ifedi, OL (Round 1, Pick #31) - Texas A&M


NFL.com: "Ifedi has the tools and traits to become a good NFL offensive lineman if he can avoid the leaning and lunging that plagues him. A move inside combined with NFL coaching could unlock Ifedi's high ceiling." - Lance Zierlein


CBS Sports: "Ifedi has first-round quality feet with excellent range in pass protection for his size, but plays too messy from the waist up and needs aggressive coaching in the NFL. Although his chaotic technique leads to balance issues, he can be as good as he wants if his discipline improves and his lower body traits for a block his size will get him drafted in the top 100 picks." - Dane Brugler


Hawkblogger: "Ifedi was a pick that does not excite me, but it is also one that I understand. He does not excite me because he is a work-in-progress in pass protection who is a better run blocker and is projected by many to wind up as a guard in the NFL. The comparisons to James Carpenter are fair at some level, even if Ifedi is a far more athletic player." - Brian Nemhauser

Rotoworld: "Ifedi played both guard and right tackle, starting each of his three seasons before turning pro. He was a second-team All-SEC pick by the conference's coaches last year. Ifedi has 36" arms and big hands, and can erase defensive linemen with power and length. His 2015 tape was rough, however, struggling with power and edge speed. Most NFL scouts believe Ifedi should play guard. Ifedi is something of a boom-bust prospect."

2. Jarran Reed, DT (Round 2, Pick #49) - Alabama


NFL.com: "Reed is an elite run defender with the lower body strength to command his gap, but the instincts and timing to be productive as a tackler rather than just a space eater. Reed's lack of pass-rushing ability creates a potential glass ceiling on his draft stock; however, teams looking for a battle-tested run-stuffer will find an instant upgrade who should be able to come in and start immediately if needed." - Lance Zierlein


CBS Sports: "Country strong with tree trunks for thighs and long arms, Reed is a classic two-gap run-stuffer stout enough to play inside at defensive tackle or outside at end. At 6-3, 311 pounds, Reed has the girth and strength to line up virtually anywhere along the defensive line, making him a fit for 3-4 and 4-3 teams, alike." - Dane Brugler & Rob Rang


Hawkblogger: "Reed, a first-round pick according to many analysts, tumbled down the draft to within striking distance of the Seahawks. Everything about him screams long-time starter. Daniel Jeremiah loves comparing him to the Rams' Michael Brockers. Spending a second-round pick, and one that they had to trade up for, on Reed says they really believe they now have a long-term solution in the middle of their line and that they were pretty darn uncomfortable with where things stood before the draft." - Brian Nemhauser

Rotoworld: "Seattle gave up the #56 and #124 picks to come up for him. Reed spent two years with the Crimson Tide after transferring from community college, logging 11 tackles for loss and two sacks across 28 starts. He was a second-team All-SEC pick as a senior. On game tape, Reed was largely devoid of pass-rusher ability and therefore may max out as a two-down NFL player. Players of Reed's skill set are often found later in the draft."

3. C.J. Prosise, RB (Round 3, Pick #90) - Notre Dame


NFL.com: "Ascending running back prospect with the physical build to handle a workload, the athleticism to create for himself and the hands to keep stacking total yardage up. While Prosise has the acceleration and play strength to fit into an NFL offense, he needs to become a shade more decisive and has to improve in protections if he is to become a three-down option. Prosise looks like an immediate "committee" runner with future starter potential." - Lance Zierlein


CBS Sports: "A safety and wide receiver his first two seasons, Prosise proved to be a quick study at his new position in 2015, running with natural vision, feel and athleticism. Although he's still developing his run tempo, pad level and instincts, especially between the tackles, Prosise has sharp cutting ability and ball-skills to impact the offense in several ways. Prosise isn't a running back by trade and that shows at times, but he's a very encouraging prospect who should continue to get better with added reps at the position." - Dane Brugler


Hawkblogger: "Prosise is a fluid runner, and former receiver, who projects as a third down back now and a potential featured back later. It is a bit crazy to talk about a running back who was a receiver and weighs 220 pounds. Prosise has the potential to be an immediate contributor in third down situations and certain sub-packages that rely more on the runner being available as a receiver. He has some breakaway potential, and shows more shiftiness than many of the other backs taken." - Brian Nemhauser

Rotoworld: "Prosise played slot receiver and special teams before taking over as Notre Dame's feature back as a 2015 junior, exploding for 156 touches for 1032 yards and 11 touchdowns rushing and 26 catches. Dynamic in space, Prosise combines 4.48 speed with explosive acceleration and lateral moves, and showed improvement as an inside runner over the course of last season. Prosise needs to clean up his pass protection and ball security (five fumbles in 2015), but there is some David Johnson to his game. Behind Zeke Elliot and Derrick Henry, Prosise may have the third-highest ceiling in this year's running back class."

4. Nick Vannett, TE (Round 3, Pick #94) - Ohio State


NFL.com: "Vannett's combination of size and athleticism will be very attractive to teams in search of a combination tight end who can stay on the field and operate from a variety of personnel groupings and formations. Vannett will need to embrace his size and become more aggressive as a blocker, but his athleticism and pass catching ability could turn him into a safety blanket for a quarterback in need of a big, safe target." - Lance Zierlein


CBS Sports: "Vannett showed he can be an every-down viable tight end where you can virtually line him up anywhere to help out an offense. He certainly is more than solid in the run game and helping to open up some holes. When given opportunities, Vannett caught the ball well. While this isn't a deep tight end draft class, Vannett could separate himself as the top senior prospect at the position and worthy mid-round pick."
 - Dane Brugler & Jamie Newberg


Hawkblogger: "Nick Vannett comes in with the expectation that he will assist the team in that regard as a rookie. Miller was 6’4.5″ and 256 pounds. Vannett is 6’6″ and 257 pounds. Miller ran the 40 in 4.87 seconds. Vannett ran it in 4.85. Miller ran the 3-cone drill in 7.01 seconds. Vannett ran it in 7.05. They are not the same player, but they are similar enough athletically to hope Seattle finally placed enough value on the role to add a good fit for it. He has what appear to be great hands, and will make the tough catch in traffic. Throwing out a 6’7″ Graham and a 6’6″ Vannett could become an interesting combination down the line." Brian Nemhauser


Rotoworld: "Vannett (6'6/257) made 15 starts for the Buckeyes, succeeding Jeff Heuerman in the starting lineup as a senior and posting a 19-162-0 receiving line. His pre-draft workouts weren't any more impressive, running 4.89 with a 30 1/2-inch vertical and 9-foot-5 broad jump. Vannett has long arms (34 1/4") and was a solid college blocker, but he'll struggle to make a passing-game impact as more than a short-area dump-off target. He gives the Seahawks some insurance at tight end with Jimmy Graham still recovering from a torn patellar tendon."


5. Rees Odhiambo, OG (Round 3, Pick #97) - Boise State

NFL.com: "Well-built college tackle who NFL evaluators are projecting inside to guard. Has the footwork and technique to allow a team to give him a shot at right tackle first. Odhiambo is a coachable, team-oriented player who has the temperament, frame and strength needed to play inside, but NFL teams have serious concerns about his medicals right now. Odhiambo's pro day produced disappointing athletic testing, which means he's not where he needs to be and that will likely cost him in this draft." - Lance Zierlein


CBS Sports: "
The team willing to roll the dice on Odhiambo could find a middle- or even late-round winner. He possesses the athletic build of a tackle and may be able to remain outside for a zone blocking scheme because of his agility. He lacks ideal length, however, which could make him more of a swing player capable of moving inside or out based on the needs of his team. He projects best inside to guard but hasn't yet shown the grit and durability to handle the move inside, making Odhiambo a bit of a project."
 - Dane Brugler


Hawkblogger: "Odhiambo is most likely a redshirt player. He struggled with injury. The team will get their medical and training staff to work with him, and give him a chance to develop the way Glowinski did last season. Keep in mind, Odhiambo was picked earlier than Glowinski, and in a draft where the team really liked the quality of the players available to them. The think they added a great lineman who was undervalued due to injuries they believe they can address with their program."
 Brian Nemhauser


Rotoworld: "Odhiambo (6'4/314) made 25 starts at Boise State, manning the blind side and earning first-team All-Mountain West as a senior. That was despite fracturing his ankle eight games into the 2015 season. Injury riddled, Odhiambo never played a full season. When healthy, Odhiambo is a heavy-handed power player whose game may fit best inside in the NFL. Odhiambo's poor Pro Day numbers suggest he's still in the recovery process."


6. Quinton Jefferson, DT (Round 5, Pick #147) - Maryland


NFL.com: "High cut 3-­technique with good upper body strength but below average lower body power to take a stand. Jefferson flashes penetration ability and some pass rushing talent, but he needs to be fitted to a 1­-gap, upfield defense and will have to make a team as a rotational lineman."
 - Lance Zierlein

CBS Sports: "
A two-year starter, Jefferson started as a defensive end as a sophomore before moving inside as a junior in 2015, finishing among the team leaders in tackles for loss and sacks - takes a business-like approach to the field because it is more than a game due to his family dynamic. He has a basketball background and moves well for a 290+ pounder, showing the early quickness to launch off the line of scrimmage and infiltrate the backfield. But Jefferson gets himself in trouble when he allows his pads to rise and base to narrow, allowing offenses to successfully run at him. Although his effectiveness drops if he doesn't win with quickness off the snap, Jefferson has the athletic traits and workable frame to be a quality three-technique in a defensive line rotation."
 - Dane Brugler

Hawkblogger: "
Quinton Jefferson was someone the team felt strongly enough about to trade up in the fifth round to grab him. He plays a variety of positions along the line, leading to some unfair comparisons to Michael Bennett. A team can never have enough pass rush, and the only thing more expensive than adding pass rushers is adding a quarterback. It is usually a good idea to draft at least two pass rush prospects every year. Seattle took just one this year, and not until the fifth round, and no edge rushers. Guys like Ryan Robinson, Josh Shirley and Chris Clemons should feel emboldened by that."
 Brian Nemhauser

Rotoworld: "
This trade got complicated. The Patriots gave Nos. 196, 204 and 250 to the Dolphins to get the pick before trading it plus No. 243 to the Seahawks for No. 225 and a fourth-round pick next year. Jefferson (6'4/291) started two seasons for the Terps, breaking out last year with 12.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks en route to All-Big Ten honorable mention. Jefferson has experience at end and tackle and showed plus athleticism at the Combine, running 4.95 with 24 reps on the bench. Although he was not a dominant collegiate, Jefferson has the body type and skill set to function at both five and three technique. He has a chance to carve out a versatility-driven niche role."


7. Alex Collins, RB (Round 5, Pick #171) - Arkansas


NFL.com: "
Collins is the epitome of consistency rushing for over 1,000 yards and at least 5.4 yards per carry in each of his three seasons. Vision and footwork are the catalysts for his elusiveness and he has flashed long speed. Collins is a repetitive runner lacking dynamic talent, but he's run in gap, power and zone schemes and should be a scheme fit for most teams looking at running back. Collins should be able to step right in and challenge for carries and red zone work immediately." - Lance Zierlein

CBS Sports: "
Collins was an ideal fit for Bielema's blueprint on offense with his light feet to make sharp cuts, but also his physical nature to welcome contact, finish forward and do most of his damage between the tackles. Collins is a physical runner, but needs to improve his pad level and ball security to be more reliable at the next level. Although he won't consistently create on his own, Collins has an excellent blend of quickness, patience and power to get what is blocked for him and contribute as an NFL rookie." - Dane Brugler

Hawkblogger: "
I would say this draft should put Christine Michael on notice. There is nothing close to a guarantee that he will make this roster. Alex Collins is a direct threat to him. Collins is a big back with some great lateral agility. His fumbling issues are something Michael can empathize with. Michael showed great awareness of his problem when he came back late last season and earned the right to be the early favorite for the backup spot. Collins is here to make sure he does not regress, and enjoys the advantage of being 21 years old with four years of club control in front of him." Brian Nemhauser

Rotoworld: "
Collins (5'10/217) rotated with Jonathan Williams until Williams suffered a year-ending injury ahead of the 2015 season, turning in a 271-1,577-20 (5.82 YPC) rushing line as the Razorbacks' feature runner last year. Although Collins was productive in college, his tape shows limited short-area burst, an inability to beat defenders to the edge, and the skill set of a workmanlike, replacement-level runner. Collins' athletic deficiencies were confirmed in Indy, running 4.59 with sluggish broad (9'5") and vertical (28 1/2") jumps. He'll be a dime-a-dozen back in the NFL."

8. Joey Hunt, C (Round 6, Pick #215) - TCU


NFL.com: "
Technically sound, three-year starter who plays with confidence and consistency. Hunt lacks the size and length that teams look for from draftable centers, but his football IQ, consistency and functional strength give him a shot." - Lance Zierlein

CBS Sports: "
Brings versatility with experience at center and guard. Intelligent player who made all the line calls and received a TCU Scholar-Athlete Award along with Academic All-Big 12 honors during his career. He's not the most physically gifted interior lineman, but knows the game and brings versatility across the interior of the o-line."

Hawkblogger: "
Hunt is undersized, but a tenacious fighter, with the best pass blocking efficiency in the nation, per ProFootballFocus.com. Nobody should bet against him, but it would not be fair to have high expectations either. Seattle will enter camp, as it currently stands, with Patrick Lewis, Kristjan Sokoli, Drew Nowak, and Hunt battling at the center position.  I believe the team wanted to upgrade that position, and I am not sure they did." Brian Nemhauser

Rotoworld: "
The Horned Frog prospect is undersized at 6-foot-0, 295 pounds. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein has called Hunt an "instinctive, efficient center" who is willing to "climb up to second level rather than linger on secure blocks that are already in the bag." Hunt's most likely rookie home is the practice squad as he gets used to being a smaller pivot in the big leagues."

9. Kenny Lawler, WR (Round 7, Pick #243) - California


NFL.com: "
Tall, but thin possession receiver who produced impressive touchdown totals in Cal's "Bear Raid" offense. While Lawler's footwork gets him in and out of his breaks quickly, he will find that NFL cornerbacks will try and suffocate him underneath without fear of deep ball retribution. Lawler's short-area quickness and ability to snare the difficult catch could be an intriguing pairing from the slot where he could find the size matchups more to his liking." - Lance Zierlein

CBS Sports: "
If he can handle the jump in physicality, Lawler has the ball-skills to be a star. There are few receivers in the 2016 draft who can match his highlights. The list of thin receivers with limited top-end speed starring in the NFL, however, is a short one, giving scouts reason to be cautious." - Rob Rang

Hawkblogger: "
Watch out for Kenny Lawler. Schneider said he had the best hands in the draft. He comes with size (6’2″) and long arms, and is a decent route runner. It would not surprise me at all to see him become the next practice squad-turned-starter prospect for the Seahawks. Guys like Kasen Williams, Kevin Smith, and Paul Richardson have a big head start, but something about Lawler piques my interest." Brian Nemhauser

Rotoworld: "
Lawler (6'3/203) turned pro following a redshirt junior season in which he earned first-team All-Pac 12, finishing his three-year career with a 143-1,706-27 (11.9 YPR) receiving line. Elevated by Jared Goff at Cal, Lawler was exposed as a sub-NFL-caliber athlete at the Combine with a 4.64 forty, 31-inch vertical, and 9-foot-3 broad jump. Lawler wins with quickness in the middle of the field and is a natural hands catcher, but he is a lanky possession receiver who adds very little after the reception. He's essentially David Nelson."

10. Zac Brooks, RB (Round 7, Pick #247) - Clemson


NFL.com: "
Has the measurables and physical upside worthy of being drafted, but lacks the production and ability of an NFL running back. Might have to make his mark with a conversion to receiver or pass-catching running back." - Lance Zierlein

CBS Sports: "
He has the plant-and-go quickness to cut away from trouble, showing a secondary burst to escape the first wave of the defense, but he tends to be late reading blocks and too easily slowed by arm tackles. With only 115 carries on his resume, Brooks still has tread left on his tires and shows dynamic athleticism in space, but he will struggle to separate himself in the NFL with his mediocre run instincts and vision - also has strong interests outside of football (interior design)." - Dane Brugler

Hawkblogger: "
C.J. Prosise and Zac Brooks are more targeted as third down backs, even if Prosise has the potential to evolve into more than that. Both Brooks and Prosise were former receivers. The difference between the two is that Prosise can run inside, where Brooks is strictly an outside runner, who can run the occasional draw. The coaches clearly wanted to add some pass-catching talent to the backfield. Brooks brings 4.32 speed with him to the party. There are not many home run hitters in a Seahawks backfield that tends toward heft. It will be fun to see if Brooks can seduce the coaches with his speed." Brian Nemhauser

Rotoworld: "
Brooks announced his intention to quit football in order to focus on interior design after the 2015 season, but he notified the league of his eligibility for the draft in January. He missed the 2014 season with a broken foot before gaining 347 total yards and scoring five total touchdowns as Wayne Gallman's backup last season. An above-average athlete, Brooks is a project for the Seahawks."