Aaron Donald

[HawkStar22]

Could you guys see the Hawks trading anyone on our current roster for additional picks or on draft day?

And..

Considering how deep and talented our roster already is and assuming we bring back a few of our free agents and with the guys coming back from IR and our practice squad guys, how many legitimate open spots do you think the seahawks have on the roster this year for rookies? The reason why I ask, is because this is supposed to be a really deep draft. Are the Hawks in a position where they can move up and get their guy, thus losing a few drafts picks? Or are they better off staying put or even moving down to accumulate as much picks as possible, getting more players and guys they want at value rather then that "one" special game changer.

 

[Pie Romania]

Could you guys see the Hawks trading anyone on our current roster for additional picks or on draft day?

And..

Considering how deep and talented our roster already is and assuming we bring back a few of our free agents and with the guys coming back from IR and our practice squad guys, how many legitimate open spots do you think the seahawks have on the roster this year for rookies? The reason why I ask, is because this is supposed to be a really deep draft. Are the Hawks in a position where they can move up and get their guy, thus losing a few drafts picks? Or are they better off staying put or even moving down to accumulate as much picks as possible, getting more players and guys they want at value rather then that "one" special game changer.

K.J. Wright

In response to the 2nd part, there are a few positions where we have no depth behind our starters. If T-Jack is gone, we need a solid backup QB. We could use a couple receivers if Tate isn't back and if Anthony McCoy isn't re-signed, someone other than Kellen Davis at TE would be nice, but a 3rd TE isn't that big of a deal. I wonder what a guy like Scott Chandler would cost in free agency? He could be the blocking type TE and it would allow us to approach Miller to free up money and snag a TE early if one fell into our lap. Bowie and Bailey inside at guard would be my preference which makes OT a need (one being a starter at RT that can preferably handle the left side when Okung goes down for his annual injury). Guard depth to compete with Sweezy & Carpenter so we could potentially cut ties from Carp and save a little money in the process. On the defensive side, if Earl goes down, there will be a big drop off. I like DeShawn Shead's speed and size, but an ET backup that has a ton of range would be sweet. Hoping someone like Lamarcus Joyner falls a ways. Would be insurance that could save our butt in the years to come. Red Bryant is making too much, so a guy like Ra'Shede Hageman, Brent Urban, Stephon Tuitt could make sense (depending on what I see from the combine & such). Clemons is probably gone and with Bennett being a free agent (I think he will be back though), we could use another edge rusher OR sam linebacker and just move Irvin back to the LEO role. McDaniel is a free agent and McDonald is a RFA I think and with Jesse Williams having chicken legs, I don't know that I trust him yet. A guy like Aaron Donald, Timmy Jernigan, etc. would help out a ton. If Thurmond isn't back, we're needing a nickel corner. Would prefer someone that's scrappy and can blanket the smaller/shiftier receivers of the league.

What I'm getting at is this; No matter how good of a team you have, there are always areas you can address. They may not be as glaring as others, but championship teams/front offices have to weigh these areas of concern with what's presented to them in free agency and the draft. I'd rather have most of our picks and just package KJ Wright and our 1st to move up for someone like an Aaron Donald, but I doubt it would be enough. *sighs* Lots of guys in this draft that I like though and I think at least 2 are there even if we hang tight with the 32nd pick and with all those areas I mentioned, it opens the door for a young guy to come in and fight for that starting position without throwing additional resources out the window.

 

[Lynch Mob]

heard his arms are like 31 inches that might be a deal breaker.

His arm length is fine. Donald has unusually long arms for his height. His arms are an inch longer than DT Will Sutton who is the same height as Donald. Donald arms are probably longer than a DT who is now being talked about as a mid-1st round prospect, Florida St DT Timmy Jernigan.

according to espn.com Donald's arms are 31 5/8 inches long. Their are like five top tackles in this draft alone with 35' inch arms. It could potentially be a problem for Donald at the next level. Kelcy Quarles and Brent Urban won't have that problem they are my two picks for Seattle at 32. Quarles and Urban should shine at the combine. Either could be the 3 down DT Seattle could use for the long term.

Donald's arms are over 32' so I stand corrected

 

[Seanhawk]

heard his arms are like 31 inches that might be a deal breaker.

His arm length is fine. Donald has unusually long arms for his height. His arms are an inch longer than DT Will Sutton who is the same height as Donald. Donald arms are probably longer than a DT who is now being talked about as a mid-1st round prospect, Florida St DT Timmy Jernigan.

Is he wearing socks on his arms?

 

[Rooster854]

I sure hope that K J Wright isn't going anywhere ....except in whom ever we plays backfield

 

[HawkWow]

From Tony Pauline...Not saying I believe it, but makes me curious....

"It seems Aaron Donald has carried the momentum of his Senior Bowl performance to the Combine, though he's yet to work out. I'm told the Seattle Seahawks brass love Donald. In fact, a source mentioned the Seahawks made Donald a lot of money based on the way they played their defensive tackles in 2013. Yesterday, I mentioned Donald is expected to run in the low 4.7s during his workout on Monday. Today I was told he's been running in the high 4.5s/low 4.6s in training recently."

The Hawks enthusiasm sends a subtle message to Mr. Bennett (if nothing else). Love this guy, but I don't see JS giving up what it would cost to get him. Cable must be drooling, though. ; )

 

[kearly]

Donald apparently measured at 6'0.5", which would make him one of the shortest DTs in the league. I'm starting read reports that Donald really struggles against the run (not surprising given his size, 285). Not sure if I have ever seen a pure passing down 4-3 3-tech DT go 1st round before. Going to be interesting to see where his draft stock ends up if teams think he's only going to see the field 20 or so snaps a game.

 

[cover-2]

Donald apparently measured at 6'0.5", which would make him one of the shortest DTs in the league. I'm starting read reports that Donald really struggles against the run (not surprising given his size, 285). Not sure if I have ever seen a pure passing down 4-3 3-tech DT go 1st round before. Going to be interesting to see where his draft stock ends up if teams think he's only going to see the field 20 or so snaps a game.

Donald vs. the run is the main concern I have with him. With the #32 pick I think taking a DT that is a pass rush specialist is fine with me. DT's that can collapse the QB pocket and create consistent havoc in the backfield are hard to find. Play Donald to his strengths, include him into the d-line rotation and call it good. I would also like to see how he looks at DE, not that I think he is a better fit at DE, but I want to see if he could play a role there as well.

 

[Pie Romania]

35 Reps of 225lbs. Anxious for tomorrow. Probably my favorite day of the combine every year.

 

[HunnyBadger]

Donald apparently measured at 6'0.5", which would make him one of the shortest DTs in the league. I'm starting read reports that Donald really struggles against the run (not surprising given his size, 285). Not sure if I have ever seen a pure passing down 4-3 3-tech DT go 1st round before. Going to be interesting to see where his draft stock ends up if teams think he's only going to see the field 20 or so snaps a game.

Donald vs. the run is the main concern I have with him. With the #32 pick I think taking a DT that is a pass rush specialist is fine with me. DT's that can collapse the QB pocket and create consistent havoc in the backfield are hard to find. Play Donald to his strengths, include him into the d-line rotation and call it good. I would also like to see how he looks at DE, not that I think he is a better fit at DE, but I want to see if he could play a role there as well.

I'm really hoping his small size will turn alot of GMs away. Also hoping he doesn't run faster than 4.8 or 4.9, just so he might have a shot at falling down to us at 32.

With ASJ out with an injured foot and so much chatter about his inconsistencies, I'm really hoping to get Donald. Longshot but this is truly my dream draft pick at round 1.

Dream scenario is
1. Donald.
2. Coleman (or Matthews).

 

[HunnyBadger]

A longshot becomes longer for us...

AD runs 4.65 unofficial

 

[willyum]

yea highly doubt this guy falls to us, lit up the combine

 

[Natethegreat]

Could you guys see the Hawks trading anyone on our current roster for additional picks or on draft day?

And..

Considering how deep and talented our roster already is and assuming we bring back a few of our free agents and with the guys coming back from IR and our practice squad guys, how many legitimate open spots do you think the seahawks have on the roster this year for rookies? The reason why I ask, is because this is supposed to be a really deep draft. Are the Hawks in a position where they can move up and get their guy, thus losing a few drafts picks? Or are they better off staying put or even moving down to accumulate as much picks as possible, getting more players and guys they want at value rather then that "one" special game changer.

Only guy I could see being truly valuable and tradeable is possibly Sherman. He is an elite playmaker that I would hate to see leave(I really like the guy a lot) but he will be spendy and like Bennet I don't see him coming cheap.
If we could get a first and third for him I might consider it if its a team like Detroit who needs some help in their secondary. We could probably pick up a talent like Evans at that spot and if not him their would most likely be an elite tackle there as well not to mention Donald. Plus there will still be good value in that third round pick.
Sherman is not a guy you can just replace but Pete is very good at spotting and more importantly developing cornerbacks. We would suffer but I'm not sure its a devastating loss to the defense. With the talent we pick up and the cap room we would free up it might be worth it.

 

[lukerguy]

He would be amazing in clinton mcdonald's 3 tech rushing position. I'm not convinced Donald won't fall like Floyd did last year. I'm not sure he can jump in and do what Bennett did to be honest, but I'd sure like to see him try.

 

[QuahHawk]

I'm all in on adding a DE or DT with our 1st pick but I think if Haggeman or Donald are gone we need to trade back to get a 3rd or another 4th.

I know there are some great arguments for us to draft OL but I expect us to keep Breno and I an confident that if we can turn a 7th rd DT into a decent OG than we can turn a 5th rd OT or OG into a starting caliber player. Not to mention Bailey and Bowie are promising.

As of today my priorities are (assuming we resign Bennet, Breno, and Tate)

1. DT (McDaniel, McDonald could both be gone, Mebane is getting older, and DL wins championships)
2. WR (must be 6'2+ with long arms and leaping ability)
3. CB ( Sherm, Maxwell, and WT3 could all be gone soon, how much are they worth and can Pete find stars again)
4. DE (Clemos is 30+ and could be cut, Avril has 1 year left, Irvin might stay at LB, and we are about to cut Red)
4. TE (Miller must restruture bur with his injures is one concussion or foot injury from retirement)
5. OL ( LG has been a mess and Okung get injured every year)
6. LB ( KJ is a FA next year, Farwell is an expensive ST player and Irvin might move back to DE)

 

[Jazzhawk]

Wow....just watched Allen's second 40 run at 4.66. Crap he vaulted out of the blocks...I would love to see that explosiveness on our D-line next to Bennett. Jeez.

 

[Hawks46]

Donald apparently measured at 6'0.5", which would make him one of the shortest DTs in the league. I'm starting read reports that Donald really struggles against the run (not surprising given his size, 285). Not sure if I have ever seen a pure passing down 4-3 3-tech DT go 1st round before. Going to be interesting to see where his draft stock ends up if teams think he's only going to see the field 20 or so snaps a game.

As an every down guy he might get worn down against bigger more athletic guys in the NFL, but what about in Bennett's role ?

Could he switch and go outside, or is that where his short arms would hurt him ?

 

[willyum]

he'd be a real force at 3-4 end, and I'd personally love to see him in Clint Mcd's position here

 

[Natethegreat]

If the reports are true that Bennet will sign in Chicago it makes Donald dropping a much higher likelyhood. Chicago was the right scheme fit and the need was there. Now there is not nearly as much need and I think they probably look to their secondary instead. Very likely that Dallas could love him as well though, but you never know.

 

[two dog]

It's not nice to wish for things you can't have.

First, yes I would. If Donald's projected draft position would permit,
I would try to engineer a trade to move up. Holy smoke, did you see him
at Senior bowl practices ? NOBODY could block him.

Second, I don't care if he has flippers, this guy would make our defense lethal.
Problem is he's probably going to go top 15 and the defense of the Seahawks
is at least partly to blame for that.