Tag Archives: John Schneider

NFL draft, Trades

‘Quarterbacks are going to drive this draft’

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NFL draftThe problem with drafting in the bottom 10 picks of the first round is you are basically adding a second-round player for first-round money.

That’s largely why John Schneider has traded his first pick in each of the past five drafts — and is very likely to do it again, if the chance arises.

Twice in the last three years, Schneider has leveraged other teams’ desires for quarterbacks to net Seattle extra picks.

In 2014, with the Hawks picking last on the heels of their Super Bowl win, he let Minnesota come up from No. 40 to draft Teddy Bridgewater. He moved down another five spots in the second round and ended up with Paul Richardson, Cassius Marsh, Kevin Norwood and Kiero Small.

In 2016, Schneider got an even better deal, dangling Paxton Lynch to Denver, which paid a third-round pick to move from 31 to 26. The Seahawks used the 31st pick on Germain Ifedi and the third on Nick Vannett.

It looks like that same strategy could be in play again this year.

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State of the team, The roster, Trades

The search for ‘spark’

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Draft -- Schneider and Carroll“I think he’d admit that he had a rough year. So he’s looking for maybe a new spark and he’s either going to find that here in Seattle or he would find it somewhere else, but odds are he’s going to find it here.” 
— John Schneider on Richard Sherman.

That’s the key quote from Schneider’s interview with 710 ESPN on Thursday night.

Schneider also talked about mutual respect, constant communication and “a great relationship” between the Seahawks’ chiefs and the All-Pro cornerback. But the bottom line is in those words: “He had a rough year” and is “looking for maybe a new spark.”

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NFL draft

Draft rumors: More QB bait, first-round TE?

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NFL draftAmid rumors that John Schneider is talking with teams about a possible move up in this draft, he also appears to be prepping for his usual strategy — using a quarterback as bait to move down. But, in need of a backup QB, might he actually draft one?

A couple of years ago, the Seahawks had the chance to use one of their fourth-round picks on UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley, who seemed like he could be a perfect guy to groom as Russell Wilson’s backup.

Instead, the Seahawks drafted offensive lineman Terry Poole, who failed to make the team as a rookie or in 2016. And the Hawks moved on from Tarvaris Jackson in 2016, going with undrafted Trevone Boykin as Wilson’s backup.

After Boykin was arrested a few weeks ago, Schneider might be regretting his decision to pass on Hundley, who went to Green Bay in the fifth round of that 2015 draft. The Packers reportedly are poised to move him for a profit next year.

Schneider has been profiting off quarterbacks in the draft for the last few years, which probably explains why the Seahawks hosted Cal QB Davis Webb the other day.

Continue reading Draft rumors: More QB bait, first-round TE? →

NFL draft, Trades

Schneider poised to make a few trades?

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NFL draft“Who says we’re picking at 26?” — John Schneider in 2016 (and 2017?).

With the draft two weeks away, it looks like John Schneider could be getting ready to make some big moves.

On top of the Marshawn Lynch trade that seems destined to happen at any time and the potential Richard Sherman deal, Schneider is rumored to be talking to teams about moving up in the first round — which would be a first for him as Seattle’s general manager.

Reports early Thursday indicated the Seahawks and Raiders would end up working out a trade, assuming Lynch and the Raiders worked out a contract. On Thursday night, Lynch sent out a tweet that seemed to indicate he and the Raiders had come to terms, and it was reported as done Friday until Lynch seemed to set everyone straight.

Once it gets “real” with the Raiders, a deal between Seattle and Oakland would seem to be coming shortly after.

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Franchise history, State of the team, X's & O's

Are Hawks capable of building a talented, consistent O-line?

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Pete Carroll has said he wants to create continuity on Seattle’s offensive line.

He said he thinks Seattle’s young guys are going to improve and he hopes Luke Joeckel becomes part of the core. As he said after Joeckel signed, “Now that we have a good young bunch of guys, we’re going to try to keep this thing together.”

It’s debatable whether they have enough good guys yet, but the bigger question as pertains to Carroll’s stated goal: Will they ever be able to keep a quintet together in Tom Cable’s zone blocking system using their scattershot approach?

Whether it’s bad drafting, a bad scheme or just bad luck, Carroll’s Seahawks have had terrible fortune on the offensive line — typically fielding one of the weaker units in the NFL and annually needing to overcome its deficiencies just to get to the playoffs.

Why has it been so terrible? John Schneider and the coaches have consistently pointed to the disconnect between college and NFL offenses and the CBA-mandated lack of practice time.

But every team faces those issues. For Seattle, it has been more than that. It has been a complete inability to field a healthy, consistent line — and a total failure to set up a line of succession.

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The roster, Trades

Sherman asked out? Don’t believe it

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Hawks vs Packers Sherman all aloneAdam Schefter’s “report” that Richard Sherman asked for a trade blew up today — confusing some and making others nod in understanding over why Pete Carroll and John Schneider have been so open about the possibility of moving the All-Pro corner.

But Sherman did not ask for a trade. Schneider and Sherman’s brother made that pretty clear earlier this week.

Schefter’s clip on ESPN got a lot of attention, but notice what he actually said: “My understanding was that Richard Sherman initiated this. He was looking to get out of Seattle. He was open to that idea initially. They’re accommodating him by listening to trade offers.”

“My understanding” is another way of saying “a source told me.” That source obviously had a motive — either trying to make it look like Sherman has more control than he really does (he doesn’t control where he goes) or trying to soften any backlash if the Hawks do end up trading one of the Legion of Boom originals.

Either way, Schefter’s information goes against what Schneider and Branton Sherman said this week.

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CHAWK LINES, Trades
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CHAWK LINES -- Sherman

John Schneider reiterated Pete Carroll’s comments about the Seahawks being open to trading Sherman. Schneider called the possibility “real” but also echoed Carroll’s thought that a deal seems unlikely.

Sherman responded via MMQB, saying, “There is no bad blood.”

The Seahawks reportedly want a high pick and a “very good” veteran player — which makes perfect sense.

The Seahawks reportedly are being proactive about dealing Sherman as well.

The Patriots reportedly are interested — but seem like a long shot. Another report said the Patriots are not interested.

The Tennessee Titans, who have two first-round picks, seem to be the best match, considering their combination of draft capital, cap space and need.

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The roster, Trades

Despite skepticism, Sherman trade looks very possible

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Hawks vs Packers Sherman all aloneDespite the skepticism by Pete Carroll and John Schneider that a Richard Sherman trade will materialize this offseason, it sounds like there is a better chance than anyone might have thought a month ago.

As Schneider today reconfirmed that the Seahawks are fielding offers, a report out of Boston indicated that the Patriots are still ones to watch in this drama.

Other teams have pursued Sherman more aggressively, a source told the Boston Herald, but the Patriots could become top suitors if they lose Super Bowl XLIX hero Malcolm Butler (the Saints have been the team most linked to acquiring the restricted free agent).

Talking with 710 ESPN today, Schneider called the trade talk “real.”

Continue reading Despite skepticism, Sherman trade looks very possible →

NFL draft, The roster

Hawks’ Day 2 bonanzas are well-timed

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NFL draftDRAFT COUNTDOWN: 4 weeks. Every Friday until the April 27-29 draft, we look at draft topics related to the Seahawks.

Thanks to two very good years of compensatory picks, the Seahawks are in the middle of some of the best draft positioning they have ever had.

It comes at the right time as John Schneider faces a key reload period over the next couple of years. With about a dozen core players due to become free agents in 2018-19, Schneider needs to fortify his roster.

As much as Schneider has been lauded for his Day 3 draft finds, Day 2 is where teams really are built. Schneider’s Seahawks are no different.

Most of their best players were found on Day 2. Of the team’s top 17 returning players, just two were first-rounders while eight were Day 2 picks (six by Seattle). That doesn’t include the three third-rounders from last year. And the Hawks are currently slated to add four more on Day 2 in this draft.

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Trades

Sherman trade seems very unlikely, but it is an odd year, after all

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John Schneider draftingJohn Schneider likes to make unexpected blockbuster deals in odd years.

In 2011, he gave big contracts to Sidney Rice and Zach Miller. In 2013, he acquired Percy Harvin and then signed Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril. In 2015, he made another huge trade to get Jimmy Graham. So what’s he going to do in 2017?

One former NFL exec thinks he might trade Richard Sherman.

It’s an idea plenty of fans have bandied around ever since the egomaniacal Sherman started going off the emotional rails last season. Now Michael Lombardi, who has bounced around the league for 30 years, says his sources indicate the Seahawks are open to trading Sherman.

Continue reading Sherman trade seems very unlikely, but it is an odd year, after all →