For the 12th Man, the NFL season can never come soon enough. Thankfully, the NFL Draft always gives fans a little burst of excitement during the April doldrums. After some wheeling and dealing, Seahawks GM John Schneider selected ten players in last week’s draft. Here’s a quick glance at the newest Seahawks, and a quick talking point about each in order to assist you in any 12 talks.
Germain IfediOffensive tackle, Texas A&M1st round (Pick #31)
This guy’s arms are unreal. The six-foot, six-inch tackle boasts a seven foot wingspan. For comparison, that’s only a quarter inch smaller than LeBron James’s wingspan despite the NBA star being two inches taller. He’ll need those pythons to keep pass rushers at a distance and give a much need boost the the Seahawks’ suspect O-line.
Jarran ReedDefensive tackle, Alabama2nd round (Pick #49)
Falling far further than most draft experts expected, the run-stuffing Reed should be able to replace the departed Brandon Mebane on the interior of the Hawks D-line. How can you not root for a guy who treated his slide out of the first round with deep dish pizza therapy[1]? Considering the Draft was held in Chicago, that’s just great situational awareness.
C.J. ProsiseRunning back, Notre Dame3rd round (Pick #90)
Before last season, Prosise was a slot wide receiver. In his one year as a back at Notre Dame, he rushed for over 1,000 yards. Needless to say, he possesses great pass catching abilities for someone that lines up behind the quarterback, making him an ideal 3rd down running back. Because of his newness to the position, Prosise also has fare less running back ware millage than most prospects coming into the league at his position.
Nick VannettTight end, Ohio State3rd round (Pick #94)
This can almost be considered another O-line pick for now. While Vannett has the tools to be a good pass catcher down the road, he should be able to step in day one and make an impact as a blocking tight end (as area where Jimmy Graham—who may need more time to recover from his knee injury—struggles).
Rees OdiamboOffensive guard, Boise State3rd round (Pick #97)
Did we mention that the Seahawks need O-line help? Odhiambo has the athletic tools to be a starting guard, but has been plagued by injuries. Continuing the trend of linemen and their food, the guard was actually cooking a pot roast in Seattle when he got the call that he’d been drafted[2].
Quinton JeffersonDefensive tackle, Maryland5th round (Pick #147)
The Hawks kept plugging the middle of their D by adding Jefferson to go along with Reed. In contrast to Reed, quickness defines Jefferson’s game, making him more of a pass rushing defensive tackle. He may use some of his contract money to pick up a few items from Best Buy[3].
Alex CollinsRunning back, Arkansas5th round (Pick #171)
The Seahawks scored a value pick when they nabbed one of the draft’s top 10 running backs in the 5th round. Last season Collins joined Hershel Walker and Darren McFadden as the only SEC running backs to gain 1,000 yards rushing in their first three seasons. After making national news for a familial collegiate singing day debacle[4], he thankfully won’t need his mom’s approval to sign his NFL contract.
Joey HuntCenter, TCU6th round (Pick #215)
Talking point: Fan of analytics should love the Hunt pick. According to Pro Football Focus, the senior center led the country with a 99.5 pass blocking efficiency last season while allowing zero sacks and three hurries. It doesn’t take a math wiz to appreciate those numbers.
Kenny LawlerWide receiver, California7th round (Pick #243)
Talking point: After leaving school early, the All-Pac 12 wide out (and the main target of #1 overall pick Jared Goff) bombed at the NFL Draft Combine, testing incredibly poorly in the athletic drills. But the game tape tells a different story. In his time at Cal, Lawler showed an knack for catching anything tossed his way thanks to elite hands. The Hawks are gambling that in-game production outweighs his apparent physical limitations.
Zac BrooksRunning back, Clemson7th round (Pick #247)
Talking point: Is drafting three running backs excessive when its the position where undrafted free agents consistently prove to be capable starters? Yeah. A little used career backup at Clemson, Brooks must’ve done something special in the draft process to impress Schneider. One could say the team has bought in bulk to replace Marshawn Lynch. The backfield is going to be crowded this training camp.
BONUS!
Vernon AdamsQuarterback, OregonUndrafted free agent
Talking point: Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: an athletic, ultra talented quarterback with a knack for winning gets severely undervalued by NFL GMs because he’s not tall enough. The parallels between Russell Wilson are stupidly obvious. Adams tore it up at the FCS level across the state at Eastern Washington University (a two-time runner up for the Walter Payton Award—the FCS Heisman equivalent) before transferring (much like Wilson) to Oregon last year and playing well despite being set back by a few bummer injuries. He has the skill set to stick in the league if he aces his tryout at next week’s rookie minicamp. Can I bet the farm on Adams landing the role as Wilson’s long term backup? Please?
References
- ^ treated his slide out of the first round with deep dish pizza therapy (www.al.com)
- ^ cooking a pot roast in Seattle when he got the call that he’d been drafted (espn.go.com)
- ^ pick up a few items from Best Buy (www.baltimoresun.com)
- ^ making national news for a familial collegiate singing day debacle (www.sbnation.com)
