Tag Archives: L.J. Collier

Free agency, The roster

Like 2013, Hawks need three vet D-linemen

2 Comments

Logo -- Free agencyPete Carroll says this roster feels as deep as the ones in the Super Bowl years. But he and John Schneider know they have one major weakness still: Their defensive line.

The Seahawks are pretty much in the same spot with their defensive line that they were in 2013, and they need to do the same thing they did then.

In 2013, they had Chris Clemons coming off an ACL injury, so they needed pass rushers next to run stoppers Red Bryant and Brandon Mebane. John Schneider somehow managed to add both Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett. The GM also signed Tony McDaniel to start inside next to Mebane. The result: They were the No. 1 pass defense and the No. 7 unit vs. the run.

Now, with Avril, Bennett and Frank Clark all gone and another vacancy at tackle, Carroll and Schneider need another veteran trio. They have the cap space to do it (at least $22 million), and they need to use it.

Continue reading Like 2013, Hawks need three vet D-linemen →

NFL draft, The roster

Another volume draft, but what are the odds these guys stick?

4 Comments

NFL draftJohn Schneider is getting all kinds of accolades for turning four draft picks into 11 last week, in keeping with his mantra that “the more picks you have, the better your chance of improving your team.”

That’s not necessarily true. And Schneider needs only look at his own team to see it. So, what are the chances of these new guys making this club — especially given recent history?

Continue reading Another volume draft, but what are the odds these guys stick? →

Free agency, NFL draft, The roster

Phase 3: Hawks need veteran D-linemen

Leave a comment

Logo -- Free agencyThe Seahawks are usually very set with their roster by this time of the offseason, having already retained their key free agents, perhaps added a couple and then of course drafted.

But this year is different: They should be very active in the so-called Phase 3 of free agency, because they still have not improved their defensive line.

The Seahawks have ditched their top three pass rushers over the past two offseasons, and the only notable guy they have added to replace them is first-round pick L.J. Collier. And he alone will not add up to a Frank Clark, Michael Bennett or Cliff Avril.

Thankfully, Pete Carroll and John Schneider plan to do more.

“We talk about those phases of free agency,” Schneider said. “There’s basically like three or four different phases, and we’re basically now heading into Phase 3.”

“We’re very much involved with what’s coming up next,” Carroll said. “We’re not done. We’ve got work to do, and we’re excited about what’s coming up. You guys will see in time.”

Continue reading Phase 3: Hawks need veteran D-linemen →

NFL draft

Chasing picks, Hawks reached for Collier (but he could be worth it)

4 Comments

NFL draftThe Seahawks never know what to do with first-round picks, so imagine the problem they had Thursday when they had two of them back to back and their only real goal was to expand the rest of their draft.

The Seahawks had two picks, and yet it felt like they had no plan for them — other than to bail out as much as possible to add more selections. And they didn’t do that very well either, failing to add a Day 2 selection (beyond the one their first-rounder became).

There’s a reason the Hawks usually trade out of the first round: When they stay, they typically use the pick on a second-round player anyway. They’ve now picked five players in the first round since 2011, and four of them have had second-round grades by most draft analysts. The Hawks have to hope L.J. Collier is a better version of Bruce Irvin (a first-round reach who had eight sacks as a rookie).

Continue reading Chasing picks, Hawks reached for Collier (but he could be worth it) →

NFL draft, Trades

Schneider should target four Day 2 picks

Leave a comment

Schneider at 2019 combine“Not cool.” — John Schneider on having just four picks as draft month begins.

John Schneider is lamenting his lack of draft picks this year and wondering whether he will be able to trade down in a deep draft, but there is no reason to worry on either count.

Schneider needs to look at his draft stock over two years, knowing he will have 13-15 picks. As we chronicle in our comp tracker, the Hawks will have at least two bonus picks next year — a 3 and 4 — and might end up with all four (3, 4, 6, 7).

Knowing he will get at least an extra third and fourth, Schneider has the luxury of potentially using his real 3 and 4 in 2020 to trade up in this draft. Added to his likelihood of moving out of the first round, that should create enough flexibility for Seattle to net three or four Day 2 picks. And that is what Schneider should be targeting.

Continue reading Schneider should target four Day 2 picks →