Take a look at the 2018 Rookie Class! It's Amazing!

[Fade]

So after the Vikings game, I noted that some of the young guys on the team were impressing me, so I decided to take a look at that the 2018 rookie class, and holy crap! The Seahawks knocked it out of the park.

1st Rashaad Penny - If he doesn't relapse and go back to Mickey D's he is a real game changer at RB.

3rd Rasheem Green - Came out early, or would've been a 1st rd pick. Is really starting to come on strong.

4th Will Dissly - A beast of a TE, Has produced like Gronk believe it or not, when he has been in there.

5th Shaquem Griffin - Special teamer, and cool pass rush specialist, might start at Sam next year.

5th Tre Flowers - Is grading similarly as Shaquille Griffin, in only his 2nd year playing corner.

5th Michael Dickson - 1st team All-Pro punter as a rookie.

5th Jamarco Jones - Has played farely well when he has gotten reps. Will start next year.

6th Jacob Martin - Played well as a rookie, and is going great things with the Texans. Traded for Clowney.

7th Alex McGough - Still in the league as a backup for the Texans.

UDFA - Poona Ford - Doing his best Brandon Mebane impression.

UDFA - Malik Turner - Low key he is a very good receiver.

This is some 2010-2012 BS.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

Nice breakdown. Would be fun to read the comments after that draft from so many "experts" :lol:

 

[niveky]

So after the Vikings game, I noted that some of the young guys on the team were impressing me, so I decided to take a look at that the 2018 rookie class, and holy crap! The Seahawks knocked it out of the park.

1st Rashaad Penny - If he doesn't relapse and go back to Mickey D's he is a real game changer at RB.

3rd Rasheem Green - Came out early, or would've been a 1st rd pick. Is really starting to come on strong.

4th Will Dissly - A beast of a TE, Has produced like Gronk believe it or not, when he has been in there.

5th Shaquem Griffin - Special teamer, and cool pass rush specialist, might start at Sam next year.

5th Tre Flowers - Is grading similarly as Shaquille Griffin, in only his 2nd year playing corner.

5th Michael Dickson - 1st team All-Pro punter as a rookie.

5th Jamarco Jones - Has played farely well when he has gotten reps. Will start next year.

6th Jacob Martin - Played well as a rookie, and is going great things with the Texans. Traded for Clowney.

7th Alex McGough - Still in the league as a backup for the Texans.

UDFA - Poona Ford - Doing his best Brandon Mebane impression.

UDFA - Malik Turner - Low key he is a very good receiver.

This is some 2010-2012 BS.

I really like the Brandon Mebane shout out for Ford. he was my favorite player on defense when he was here and before Pete came in and I just really wanted him to be able to stick through Carroll's tenure in Seattle.

 

[Attyla the Hawk]

Ok, I'll bite:

1st. I wanted Lamar Jackson badly

Pushed strongly for him here and saw him as the best player in the entire draft. At the time, Russell wasn't extended and it didn't appear that it was entirely imminent. But also wanted to stop with the stopgap backup QB turnstile we've always had. Also figured if Lamar was as good as I thought he would be, Wilson could easily net 3 first rounders in return. At worst, he was going to be the best rushing QB in the history of the league. But he'd flashed enough for me to think he could be serviceable as a passer. His floor to me was Kaepernick and having that as a backup or the ability to trade Wilson for a mint (as well as the 34 Million we could have used to purchase free agents) was to me a no brainer.

2nd. Nick Chubb. He was my 1a. I stated here that I thought he was the 2nd best back behind Barkley and I felt it was a lot closer. He had a rough injury in 2017, and as expected, his 2018 was modest compared to pre injury.

Also pushed for Will Hernandez and Courtland Sutton. I thought Sutton would make the late first. Failing Sutton, I liked Christian Kirk a lot

3rd. Royce Freeman if we didn't get Chubb. Justin Reid S out of Stanford. They went before Green.

4th. Liked Jordan Whitehead S out of Pitt. Also liked Durham Smythe and Dissly. I though Dissly would make the 5th round. Smythe had the star wars testing numbers, but Dissly was clearly the better blocker and I was ok with him for that role. Dissly is the undisputed star of our 2018 draft. Way better than I ever thought he could be. And it was apparent in the beginning of TC in 2018.

Also really liked Kenny Young out of UCLA.

5th. Flowers. I think he was probably the easiest pick to project. Pretty sure every Hawks twitterati had him in their day 3 haul. I totally forgot about Michael Dickson as an option but was my favorite pick we made at the time we made it. Goes to show that punters are people too.

Also was really high on Tyrell Crosby. Felt he was a really good fit at a premium position for us. Still feel that he was a better pick than Shaquem who really didn't feel like he was going before the late 6th. And if he didn't, getting an OT to groom was a better use of that pick than what was assuredly a ST player at best. Good story though.

Late Rounds: I liked Jacob Martin. Also liked Parry Nickerson, Simeon Thomas. Azeem Victor was also a guy I liked.


Was never really a fan of the Penny pick. I felt like there were multiple players at his position that were better. Also felt (still do) that the first round should be reserved for either QB/DE/OT or otherwise exceptional prospects that somehow fall. I'm glad he's turning out to be productive, but even if he continues to perform at this level for the next 3 seasons, I'd stand by my draft day impressions comfortably. And if anything, the 2018 draft has only cemented my thinking about the types of players I'd consider 1st round worthy, and where RBs fit in terms of draft value. You can get a Penny at his peak productivity in day two of every single draft quite easily.

 

[DomeHawk]

They're definitely getting better but I am not sure I would use the word "amazing" yet.

This is the thing with young players, as they get better the team gets better. We are not the same team that started out the season.

 

[hawksfansinceday1]

Thanks Fade, good stuff. Starting to look like PCJS got a large chunk of their draft mojo back.

 

[Milehighhawk]

Ok, I'll bite:

1st. I wanted Lamar Jackson badly

Pushed strongly for him here and saw him as the best player in the entire draft. At the time, Russell wasn't extended and it didn't appear that it was entirely imminent. But also wanted to stop with the stopgap backup QB turnstile we've always had. Also figured if Lamar was as good as I thought he would be, Wilson could easily net 3 first rounders in return. At worst, he was going to be the best rushing QB in the history of the league. But he'd flashed enough for me to think he could be serviceable as a passer. His floor to me was Kaepernick and having that as a backup or the ability to trade Wilson for a mint (as well as the 34 Million we could have used to purchase free agents) was to me a no brainer.

2nd. Nick Chubb. He was my 1a. I stated here that I thought he was the 2nd best back behind Barkley and I felt it was a lot closer. He had a rough injury in 2017, and as expected, his 2018 was modest compared to pre injury.

Also pushed for Will Hernandez and Courtland Sutton. I thought Sutton would make the late first. Failing Sutton, I liked Christian Kirk a lot

3rd. Royce Freeman if we didn't get Chubb. Justin Reid S out of Stanford. They went before Green.

4th. Liked Jordan Whitehead S out of Pitt. Also liked Durham Smythe and Dissly. I though Dissly would make the 5th round. Smythe had the star wars testing numbers, but Dissly was clearly the better blocker and I was ok with him for that role. Dissly is the undisputed star of our 2018 draft. Way better than I ever thought he could be. And it was apparent in the beginning of TC in 2018.

Also really liked Kenny Young out of UCLA.

5th. Flowers. I think he was probably the easiest pick to project. Pretty sure every Hawks twitterati had him in their day 3 haul. I totally forgot about Michael Dickson as an option but was my favorite pick we made at the time we made it. Goes to show that punters are people too.

Also was really high on Tyrell Crosby. Felt he was a really good fit at a premium position for us. Still feel that he was a better pick than Shaquem who really didn't feel like he was going before the late 6th. And if he didn't, getting an OT to groom was a better use of that pick than what was assuredly a ST player at best. Good story though.

Late Rounds: I liked Jacob Martin. Also liked Parry Nickerson, Simeon Thomas. Azeem Victor was also a guy I liked.


Was never really a fan of the Penny pick. I felt like there were multiple players at his position that were better. Also felt (still do) that the first round should be reserved for either QB/DE/OT or otherwise exceptional prospects that somehow fall. I'm glad he's turning out to be productive, but even if he continues to perform at this level for the next 3 seasons, I'd stand by my draft day impressions comfortably. And if anything, the 2018 draft has only cemented my thinking about the types of players I'd consider 1st round worthy, and where RBs fit in terms of draft value. You can get a Penny at his peak productivity in day two of every single draft quite easily.

Yes and they should have drafted Brady in the 5th round before NE took him in the 6th. You are completely missing the point that this was an outstanding haul.

 

[raisethe3]

Nice analysis. Pete and John really hit in the park. Well done.

 

[andyh64000]

So after the Vikings game, I noted that some of the young guys on the team were impressing me, so I decided to take a look at that the 2018 rookie class, and holy crap! The Seahawks knocked it out of the park.

1st Rashaad Penny - If he doesn't relapse and go back to Mickey D's he is a real game changer at RB.

3rd Rasheem Green - Came out early, or would've been a 1st rd pick. Is really starting to come on strong.

4th Will Dissly - A beast of a TE, Has produced like Gronk believe it or not, when he has been in there.

5th Shaquem Griffin - Special teamer, and cool pass rush specialist, might start at Sam next year.

5th Tre Flowers - Is grading similarly as Shaquille Griffin, in only his 2nd year playing corner.

5th Michael Dickson - 1st team All-Pro punter as a rookie.

5th Jamarco Jones - Has played farely well when he has gotten reps. Will start next year.

6th Jacob Martin - Played well as a rookie, and is going great things with the Texans. Traded for Clowney.

7th Alex McGough - Still in the league as a backup for the Texans.

UDFA - Poona Ford - Doing his best Brandon Mebane impression.

UDFA - Malik Turner - Low key he is a very good receiver.

This is some 2010-2012 BS.

Honestly, I think the only really good pick there is Flowers (and Poona Ford was obviously a steal but that wasn't a pick). Every other pick had better options.

 

[seabowl]

So after the Vikings game, I noted that some of the young guys on the team were impressing me, so I decided to take a look at that the 2018 rookie class, and holy crap! The Seahawks knocked it out of the park.

1st Rashaad Penny - If he doesn't relapse and go back to Mickey D's he is a real game changer at RB.

3rd Rasheem Green - Came out early, or would've been a 1st rd pick. Is really starting to come on strong.

4th Will Dissly - A beast of a TE, Has produced like Gronk believe it or not, when he has been in there.

5th Shaquem Griffin - Special teamer, and cool pass rush specialist, might start at Sam next year.

5th Tre Flowers - Is grading similarly as Shaquille Griffin, in only his 2nd year playing corner.

5th Michael Dickson - 1st team All-Pro punter as a rookie.

5th Jamarco Jones - Has played farely well when he has gotten reps. Will start next year.

6th Jacob Martin - Played well as a rookie, and is going great things with the Texans. Traded for Clowney.

7th Alex McGough - Still in the league as a backup for the Texans.

UDFA - Poona Ford - Doing his best Brandon Mebane impression.

UDFA - Malik Turner - Low key he is a very good receiver.

This is some 2010-2012 BS.

Honestly, I think the only really good pick there is Flowers (and Poona Ford was obviously a steal but that wasn't a pick). Every other pick had better options.

Dickson is still a great pick.

 

[MontanaHawk05]

It was Green and Penny holding that class back, for the most part. Now they're turning corners and frankly they could be forces to reckon with, if they maintain their work.

 

[Scorpion05]

This class has always shown immense potential. Penny did well for a backup rookie RB with an injured hand and no training camp. Tre Flowers is coming into his own. Green, like many Defensive ends in the league (aside from the bonafide stars) needed time to develop as well. Pretty sure they also dealt with injuries

Shaquem has been patient, and the coaching staff found the right place for him. That’s what good organizations do, they see the potential and work around the talent.

If we win another Super Bowl, Schneider should be in the running for the greatest GM of all time. Even Ifedi, who wasn’t a part of this class is developing nicely and using his power.

I can only imagine when John Ursua gets his chance. And DK Metcalf in his second year? Watch out

Collier, Barton, I just get the feeling they’re all going to become solid contributors. Similar to David Moore or Malik Turner. No one saw them coming. Slow and steady wins the race, these guys just have to be patient and buy in. They’re not there yet, still have some ways to go but I’m hopeful for all of our young guys

 

[Mad Dog]

2018 is the "glue" class. Not a lot of all pro potential but enough solid players to fill the team with talented role players. You need drafts like this to succeed, since you realistically can only have 4-5 stars on a team and pay them. The rest of your 22 starters and the chief backups have to be solid and cheap and that's where drafts like the last two come into play.

They are the glue to hold the team together while the Wilson's, Lockett's, Clowneys, Wagners do the star stuff.

 

[olyfan63]

2018 is the "glue" class. Not a lot of all pro potential but enough solid players to fill the team with talented role players. You need drafts like this to succeed, since you realistically can only have 4-5 stars on a team and pay them. The rest of your 22 starters and the chief backups have to be solid and cheap and that's where drafts like the last two come into play.

They are the glue to hold the team together while the Wilson's, Lockett's, Clowneys, Wagners do the star stuff.

Wilson and Lockett, 3rd rounders.
Clowney, Round 1, Pick 1.
Wagner, 2nd round.

Just pointing out that the only 1st rounder in that list was Clowney, and our biggest chunk of payroll goes to a 3rd rounder. Might add Duane Brown to the list for the star stuff, and I'm sure we're paying him decently as our LT. $36.5M over 3 years, this year and 2 more. That trade and signing had turned out well. Brown has been superb lately. Houston traded him while he still had some tread left on the tires and market value, but he's been worth it for us.

 

[Attyla the Hawk]

Yes and they should have drafted Brady in the 5th round before NE took him in the 6th. You are completely missing the point that this was an outstanding haul.

This point is true. Other than Indy and the Giants, I don't see another team having the kind of 2nd year returns on their class. While it doesn't have the top end impact/star quality, it is incredibly deep with meaningful contributors.

Depth wise, it's top three in the league. And Indy/NY had the benefit of picking within the top 5 overall of each round.

Star quality wise, it's probably in the bottom third. But not unexpected given trade backs and absent 2nd round selection.

Very good haul. 2018 and 2019 are shaping up to be really vital classes. And could be even greater depending on whether we retain some of the traded players acquired this year.

What's been amazing is that despite 2018 and 2019 being clear and obvious rebuilding years -- we've maintained excellence on the field. That doesn't happen in this league. Given the circumstances, this season should have been the worst year of our rebuild considering talent lost and reliance on new rookie players. To be contending for a playoff bye at this stage is extremely remarkable.