I haven't done one of these in a while: A review and recap of the Seahawks draft. The reason I'm doing it is because I'm pretty stoked about this draft class. I'll go through each of the picks and give them a letter grade. The letter grade will be based on when the Seahawks selected the player, and how well I think he fits our team. Let's go!
Round 1: LJ Collier, DE, TCU
Grade: C
The reason the grade is a C is because he was yet another first round reach for the Hawks. He could've been taken in the 2nd or maybe even 3rd round. Nevertheless, he's been described as a Michael Bennett-type D-lineman, able to move along the D-line wherever, depending on the down and distance. Bruce Irvin was also a first round reach and he didn't turn out half bad. If LJ is anywhere near Michael Bennett's capability, I'll call this a win. But for now, I stand pat with a C grade.
Round 2: Marquise Blair, S, Utah
Grade: C+
This was also called a reach. But Marquise has some upside, many see him as a Kam Chancellor-lite. He'll probably end up backing up McDougald for the time being and playing special teams. Hopefully he'll blossom and become a starter for years to come.
Round 2: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
Grade: B+
The first draft pick the Hawks made that I was legitimately excited for. He's a big-bodied and strong receiver like a Terrell Owens or Josh Gordon, but has speed that beats both of them. He has the potential to be an elite #1 receiver. However, he has injury concerns (who doesn't?) and he ran slower cone drills at the combine than Tom Brady. I kid you not. So he's not an agile receiver. But if the Hawks can use him effectively and he stays healthy, he's going to be an elite receiver.
Round 3: Cody Barton, LB, Utah
Grade: B
The Hawks drafted two defensive players from Utah in their first four picks, so Blair and Barton should be able to help each other out and pull for each other in training camp. Barton will be an excellent special teamer, but could he possibly start if need be? Time will tell.
Round 4: Gary Jennings Jr., WR, West Virginia
Grade: A-
I just found out Gary Jennings Jr. has known Russell Wilson since childhood as Russ coached him at the YMCA he went to. That's awesome. Russ will instantly have a rapport with this guy. Not only that, but Gary has very few if any glaring weaknesses and has less bust potential than Metcalf. If I had to pick who has the longer and more consistent career right now (between Metcalf and Jennings), I'd say Jennings.
Round 4: Phil Haynes, G, Wake Forest
Grade: B+
Solid pick who will most likely be groomed to play guard. With Iupati and Fluker as the current starters, it works out perfectly to have Haynes sit behind them and learn and take over in case of an injury. Keep in mind we still have Roos, Simmons, and Pocic. This is the first time in a while I can say I am happy with our O-Line depth.
Round 4: Ugo Amadi, S, Oregon
Grade: C+
He's a bit undersized, but will be used on special teams and in some nickel packages. Also... he's a Duck... Nevertheless, he's a decent mid-round selection, but my gut says I don't think we'll see him on the team in 3 years.
Round 5: Ben Burr-Kirven, LB, Washington
Grade: B-
Don't think we really needed to draft two middle linebackers, but it certainly doesn't hurt. And it's a local kid from UW! I'm excited to see who will do better between Barton and Burr-Kirven, both were Pac-12 middle linebackers. Good to have depth in case something happens to Bobby *knock on wood*.
Round 6: Travis Homer, RB, Miami
Grade: B+
This kid has the fight and tenacity that Schneider and Carroll love. He's an-all around back, too, can block, catch passes, can even play special teams. I would like to see him in the preseason get a bunch of carries to see how he does there. Could be a dark horse pick that gets some carries in the regular season (Think Phillip Lindsay of Denver last year).
Round 6: DeMarcus Christmas, DT, Florida State
Grade: C+
It's Christmas in Seattle! Literally. I'm going to be honest, it could be fairly tough for him to make the roster, but with Shamar Stephen gone there's a chance. He's like Poona Ford a bit, not quite as short though. I could see him backing up Ford and Reed when they need a breather on rushing downs.
Round 7: John Ursua, WR, Hawaii
Grade: C+
Good-looking kid, but he'll find it tough making the roster, even if Doug isn't able to play. Ahead of him are Lockett, Brown, Moore, and the two other Wide Receivers we drafted in Metcalf and Jennings. If he's able to excel on special teams, he could make the roster, but as a fairly-undersized wide receiver that'll be tough to do.
Overall GPA: 2.77 (+.5) = 3.27 or B+
I gave John and Pete an extra .5 because they started with only four picks (before trading Frank Clark) and ended up with 11. Wow. Just the way they were able to trade down and not lose much value was impressive. So I give their draft a B+ as a whole. They did well for the most part, but time will tell how well they did based on the careers of these young men. Hopefully this'll be a draft class like 2011 or 2012 where we can look back on it and say they hit it out of the park.
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