SB Nation User Blog: J Hens

Trading Down- Again

J Hens — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:07:11 -0000

Sorry, and an extra sorry for those who consider this fantasy GMing.

I couldn't help but notice the obvious connection or opening up of a possibility with the news of the Cutler signing. I'll make this quick since I was off work 5 minutes ago, but the hype around the news had kept me stuck to this computer.

Is Denver looking for a QB now? I'd assume so. They pick 12th and 18th now. Sanchez, Freeman?

What about Stafford at 4?

It would seem like a perfect world scenario for us to trade down and get the 12th and 18th, if Stafford is available still, allowing Denver to get their next QB.

I don't know.

Ideas?

Trade Down Option

J Hens — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 06:39:55 -0000

I was reading CamonoIslandJQ's post, among others on here, all regarding a possible trade down. I personally am a fan of getting Monroe if he's available at 4, but I am not for Stafford. He's a good talent, and it's difficult passing up a QB, but I feel this is a rare opportunity for us to gather talent for this season and the future.

Anyways, what do you guys think about a trade down with Philadelphia for their two first round picks, I believe the 21st and 28th?

I'm not exactly sure how they would view that offer, but two of their significant needs are OT and WR. The chance of them getting Jason Smith, Eugene Monroe or Crabtree is pretty high.

I somewhat cringe at the thought of giving up the #4 and the ability to draft such a high talent, but two late round firsts might be worth it.

With two late round first, and an early second. We would be in a good position of the draft to gather good talent quickly.

We could address the OL, with Levitre, Unger, maybe Beaty. We could even make a surprise pick of grabbing a Knowshon Moreno or Beanie Wells. And still be able to address WR if need be.

I like the idea of having that many picks that close. It gives us the ability to stockpile talent, rather than go for the one big signing.

What do you guys think?

Khalif Barnes

J Hens — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:33:35 -0000

I paid attention to him his at Washington, and in the draft, but after his rookie season I hadn't heard quite as much from him. From what I'd always heard, he was a pretty athletic tackle.

Is there any interest in a player like him for Seattle? I have to imagine we're interested in a tackle during this off season, and if tackle isn't where we are headed in the draft, this would at least allow some security, and allow us to address WR-QB or at least look at other options in the first round.

Any ideas or comments?

The Taylor Mays Microsoft Connection

J Hens — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 20:02:17 -0000

I've been reading up on some of the players I feel like I would like to see Seattle draft, and the last day or two I have been really high on Taylor Mays.

I knew of him going to Odea HS, and local talent is something I always am interested in ( I wanted Stewart last year more than the world ).

Anyways, just recently discovered that Taylor Mays' dad works for Microsoft. I wonder if Paul Allen has any inclination to get a little home town support and make an effort to get this guy here.

From everything I have read, and learned over the last few years of following drafts, a S at the 4 pick is generally a stretch, and I truly don't know how good Mays is in comparison to a Sean Taylor. From everything I hear about his physical ability, he is an athletic marvel and has a rare combination of size and speed for the position, I mean, truly rare. I read at 6-3, 235 he has reported the fastest 40 yard dash times at USC the last two years.

The fact he is a USC player, and made a strong impact for arguably the best team in NCAA football also makes me more interested in him.

Trading down to possibly the 8 to 10 spot to Jacksonville or SF? Maybe they would be interested in drafting a QB or Michael Crabtree. If we could get the 10th pick, take Taylor Mays, and gather another 2nd round pick in the process, I would be 100 percent all for that.

I can't help it, I want Stewart more than ever.

J Hens — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:47:31 -0000

I know, Julius Jones, TJ Duckett, Morris and Weaver.

It sure seems like the RB situation is handled. Combined with the fact that we have other potential areas that may in fact be of more importance, It seems like the RB situation may be settled, and we will be able to concentrate on other areas such as DT, OL, TE or even possibly, the Safety or WR position.

But I can't help it, especially with the release of Shaun, not that his release has any impact on the future of the Seahawks ground game, other than the loss of a significantly figurehead.

Stewart to me is one of those players who I feel like can be a back of the future, and combined with Julius Jones, may have the ability to create a Jones-Barber situation here in Seattle.

Stewart's physical skills for one, are tempting. The fact he's a local athlete is tempting, and the idea that from Highschool to the NCAA, he has lived up to the hype that the media has set for him.

The injury history seems to me like nothing more than a good reason for why he might drop to us. It's clear to me that with Jones, Duckett and Morris in the backfield, Stewart isn't going to be taking 20 carries a game. For a 230 pound runner, all reasonable logic would do nothing but support the fact that sharing a load would lessen the chance of injury.

I know Trevor Laws is a great player, and I know his presence would help improve our defensive line. But at the same time, I have a hard time giving Julius Jones the reigns to the offensive ground game. I am in agreement with signing him, and with Duckett as well, there are obvious areas that needed improvement.

But Stewart is just so tempting. I can't help but want him on the Seattle sidelines. He doesn't seem like the type of player to fade away, and not ever be anything in the NFL. He has great character, has had no off the field troubles, and more than anything to me, has been a hard working football player and has accomplished his goals on every level. Players like this are hard to doubt.

RB outlook: Washington late or Stewart, Charles early.

J Hens — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:37:26 -0000

Chauncey Washington's physical size, combined with the obvious perks of being a productive back at USC make him very intriguing.

I looked at some scouting reports and take it for what it's worth, settled with NFLDraftCountdown's analysis:

''Timed speed is below average...Intelligence is a question mark..Not real explosive or a big play threat...Vision and instincts are lackluster...Has limited experience as a pass catcher...Poor awareness and isn't a good blocker...Durability is a concern.''

The main value I see in drafting him is the fact he has potential for being a late rounder, giving us the ability to draft more important positional players earlier in the draft. If a productive player in such a highly respected offense is slipping down to the 7th round, these must be very big concerns at the next level. Some said durability was a concern for Stewart, yet he's still found ways to be a productive football player everywhere he has gone.

Jamaal Charles is a great option though, he'd give us an explosive back who has the size to carry a full time load in the future, and if we are going to be using Morris and Alexander, I'd rather put an offense with a big-play threat at that position rather than gamble on a 7th rounder.

Still though, if Stewart is there, his size, speed, balance is all elite for any level of athlete. In Highschool he was one of the most sought after players there were, and he was from a Washington school. And sure enough, he finds his way to Oregon, in a span where they were considered a threat to the top 10 on several occasions, and puts up elite numbers again. He has no history of failure, and appears to put in alot of hard work as well.

Stewart is a model of productivity, I can't imagine the offensive system he was a part of being a restraint on his future NFL success. Even with that as a question mark, I'd rather put my offense on the field with that as a concern, rather than have a back who has academic, blocking and receiving issues. Why be JUST consistent, if we have an opportunity to be consistent with an elite talent.

Jonathan Stewart Lifting Stats

J Hens — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 03:42:36 -0000

Few players in school history ever have combined the strength and speed as the returning starter, who enters his junior year less than 900 yards shy of approaching the Ducks' career top- 10 lists in both rushing (1,169 yards) and all-purpose yards (2,408 yards). Posted a power clean lift of 402 lbs. during the winter of 2007 that was bettered only by NFL lineman Haloti Ngata (407 lbs.) among all-time Oregon football players. Also bench pressed 410 lbs. in 2006 that surpassed all running backs in school history, while his 4.34 hand time clocking ranks fourth all-time among the school's running backs. The 13-game career starter enters 2007 among the nominees for the Maxwell Award, presented annually to the outstanding collegiate football player in the country. Already ranks ninth on school's career list for kickoff return yards (1,050 yds.), while his 30.0-yard average stands second in Oregon annals and the school's best in more than 55 years. Packs the power that has been detrimental to him at times as his refusal to be brought down easily has made him susceptible to unnecessary punishment from would-be tacklers. But has learned to be more prudent in his decisions, electing to complement his power game with a finesse to avoid defenders rather than always challenge them head on. With two years of experience under his belt, has gained more confidence in his own abilities as he appeared more comfortable in the open field during spring workouts, yet still possesses the drive that pushes him to get better. Has also improved his ability as a receiver as well as his ball security, recording only four fumbles in 2006 while handling the football a team-high 226 times. Combined to lift a team-high 1,342 lbs. from three lifts (power, squat and bench press) during winter workouts (5.86 times his body weight), with his 555-lb. squat ranking fifth all-time among running backs and the best mark in nine years.

Who are we going to take?

J Hens — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 07:13:46 -0000

Now that Lock has Re-signed, and with the signing of Wahle, I'd have to assume we aren't going offensive line in round 1.

What does that leave?

DE
S
TE
RB

I've seen Calais Campbell mentioned alot from people, I'd have to assume at this point It's going to be best player available and hopefully at one of those positions, and not TE.

Opinion on the 1st Round

J Hens — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 06:47:10 -0000

I like the thought of having a talented tight end, but generally I don't usually see this as such a need position if there is any other high-caliber player on the board. Personally, I'm a fan of running backs, and love to see an exciting, consistent ground game. Part of me doesn't believe our backs, even with Morris will be able to provide that.

If there is a talented Safety, or an upper tier offensive linemen, then yeah I could see an easy case made for that. But I feel that the players we have on our line this year are more built for success now than our running back depth chart is. Our offense never was consistent running the ball, and the more I look back on it I firmly believe we had no belief that it would be successful. Limited carries, no matter how lackluster the talent, will most likely never get the job done.

If Stewart or Mendenhall are on the board, I go for them. A nice sized, complete, hard running back is something we have missed. If they are gone, and the talent on the board is leaning safety or wide receiver, then I go there. Fred Davis to me, shouldn't even be one of our first thoughts If he's not able to immediately improve our offense on multiple levels.

Fred Davis over RB?

J Hens — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 22:38:34 -0000

I'm not extremely familiar with him, and to be honest, as a fan of some of the RB's in this class, I haven't really even looked at the TE position as a first round option lol. I have considered It, but not so much really looked into some of the possible selections.

I know OF him, and I've read some good scouting reports, but I'm hopin someone can tell me why we should take Fred Davis over someone like Stewart or Mendenhall?