Secondary is one of the most lacking positions heading in 2017.
These are the players under contract.
CB: Sherman, Lane, Elliott
S: Thomas, Chancellor
You have Thomas's injury and questions about desire.
Questions about Kam's contract.
Lane had a very poor season and was exposed pretty badly.
Sherman seems to be teetering on a ledge within himself. I think some of his passion is being drained by the demands and hypocrisy of the NFL as well as its officiating. He's still a great corner but you wonder how much he as left especially if you question if his heart is not in it.
And we've built this team defense on backs of a unique secondary and I feel the team would do well to infuse fresh, NFL ready talent that they can still mold.
So if I was John Schnieder, I would go:
1st Round, CB Sidney Jones, 6'0-6'1, 180, (190-195)
2nd Round, FS Budda Baker (trade up), 5-10, 192 (200-205)
3rd Round, CB, Kevin King, 6-2, 190 (195-200)
* Weight: Best listed weight i could find (ideal weight in nfl)
This is totally homerish and I haven't really invested in researching prospects yet, I just know these guys that I listed are projected in those rounds.
But even so, if Seahawks could pull this off, there would be plenty of things to like.
1. These guys likely are very familiar with the Seahawks system and the style they will be asked to play.
2. These guys probably have molded themselves somewhat after current Seahawks players and likely have had the opportunity to meet and pick some of the brains in the Seahawks secondary.
3. All three are familiar with each other, not only can they support each other in the NFL, they already have the rapport, chemistry, relationships, and ample experience with each other to excel when they are on the field together. Also, that brotherhood and familarity being established could mean they'll also hold each other accountable and push each other much harder. More so than three rookies who never met each other would.
4. They are f:amiliar with city of Seattle and that is always a plus as there won't be any huge psychological impact to enviroment changes or culture shock that I would argue can affect some players earlier in their careers as they grow and mature. They also might be more adept down the road to re-sign if they end up calling Seattle home.
5. And this one could be greatly important. If these guys falter or find it tough to find their game or whatever negative obstacle they can face. They are a drive away from thier collegiate roots where they can confide in Peterson, Lake, ex-teammates, friends to help them mentally or whatever. I know with social media and technology communication is not a big deal. However, being close to UW and being able to physically go back for whatever reasons could help keep them grounded and feeling overwhelmed by the transition and expectations of the NFL.
I just think if by chance Seahawks have the opportunity to draft all three of these players in these rounds, I think the potential is there to grow elite players off the bat to without some adversity factors both football and non-football factors that can hinder such growth because of the familarity as well as the options of support they'll have.
Seahawks imo would instantly shore up thier secondary depth and have a great foundation to build off for the future. King/Jones compete at RCB/NCB with Lane. With Baker backing up Thomas and also getting looks at NCB and in Dime packages.
Injuries would seem less detrimental and it would inject actual competitive factors back into the secondary that had been sorely lacking since probably 2014.
All of a sudden Lane is on a hot seat, not only could he lose playing time, the team could simply move on from his contract after 2017 especially if he has another sub-par year.
You have a contingency plan in place to take over Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas after 2018. I feel Sherman is or has entered the 2nd half of his prime, so you could expect maybe 2-3 years of sub-elite to elite play with some gradual decline towards average from now until then. Sherman in a low possibility could also be the hot seat, especially if he continues to alienate the team, falls of faster than expected. He could find himself cut or traded after 2017. So there is plenty of reasons for him to come back down somewhat into focus, dig in, and just stay on top of his craft without the distractions.
Thomas gives me a vibe that he could retire at the end of his contract if not before if he goes through another big injury set back. So having Baker is a great insurance policy to your most important player on Defense. If Thomas stays healthy, Baker as stated is versatile and talentef enough to earn playing time at NCB and the Seahawks possibly create a hybrid DB role for him.
For Comparison sakes (to Seahawksy players in this regime):
Sidney Jones. You kind of look at the Ht/Wt and maybe think of Jeremy Lane. But Seahawks once had a potentially elite corner prospect that fell off due injuries and suspensions who was listed at 5'11, 189. Both corners possess similar aggressive styles, skills, and play-making ability. The mystery corner would be Walter Thurmond.
Baker is more Mathieu 2.0 than Thomas 2.0 although the two NFL players both are very similar. Mathieu is more unique for his versatility, so he is more the player I envision Baker early on especially when you comp there size and speed (Thomas is heavier and faster than both). Baker, however, is definately more Thomas-esque than Steven Terrell instinctually and as a play-maker and tackler.
Kevin King, I think his ceiling is Sherman 2.0 and his floor Byron Maxwell 2.0. Although he'll need to continue to develop himself physically adding muscle to his superb length.
On a side note, I would love to see a flyer taken on the 6'2, 255 Joe Mathis. He has a Chris Clemons sort of feel to him. Develop him as a SAM/LEO hybrid.
I also wouldn't mind a flyer on the 6'1, 320 Ellijah Qualls too as a potential Rubin replacement. Ultra physical, high-energy space eater to pair with Reed for the future. Yes, please.
Give me all the Dawgs :stirthepot:
