The Seattle Seahawks have shown an interest in UCLA defensive lineman Datone Jones.
Seattle interviewed Jones at the Senior Bowl, and talked to him again at this week’s NFL Scouting Combine, which I write about in my story today.
Measuring in at 6/3 ½ and 283 pounds, Jones is a versatile performer who can backup Red Bryant at defensive end and also move inside to rush the passer on third down.
Seattle head coach Pete Carroll tried to recruit Jones to USC, who hales from nearby Compton, Calif.
Jones says he tries to emulate single-season sack leader Michael Strahan. Listen to Jones talk about Strahan in the video above.
Clare Farnsworth of Seahawks.com talks with some of the top pass-rushing prospects in this year’s draft.
Danny O’Neil of The Seattle Times writes that 6-7 Mike Glennon, the guy who replaced Russell Wilson at North Carolina State, will likely go higher than Wilson in this year’s draft, showing that height still maters in the league.
Dan Pompei of the National Football Post writes that father of the pistol offense, former Nevada head coach Chris Alt, is at the combine talking with NFL coaches about how to defend the trendy offense.
Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel offers a nice breakdown of the top 50 or so prospects expects to go in the first two rounds, including comments from NFL scouts. .
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports writes that BYU pass rusher Ziggy Ansah is raw, but the athletic freak is worth the risk.
Mike Freeman of CBS Sports wonders if there’s an impact player in this year’s crop of quarterbacks.
Jason Cole of Yahoo Sports that all things point to San Francisco trading Alex Smith, with the Chiefs and the Cardinals as possible destinations. That’s the same thing I’m hearing from reporters who cover those teams here at the combine.
Eric, thanks for East zoning it today.
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I’ll be overseas in a month, i hope to make it back to the draft in time to blog and learn about who we picked. It’s awsome to be able to pick BPA especially in the later rounds where i hope we score a couple more NFL players.
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I wouldn’t mind picking up a kicker like the Rams did who can nail 60 yarders.
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Eric, do you think that Flynn might have the same trade value as Smith? Or is it too soon to make that call?
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Where are you going overseas montanamike2?
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Israel Georgia, i wanted to go somewhere safer than Mexico. Out of the 5 times i’ve been to Mexico, 3 times i’ve had to buy my way out of trouble that i didn’t have anything to do with. Although there were parts that were nice once you get away from the border.
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Lol montanamike2.
When I moved to Georgia back in 86, ( that’s 1986 ) there were places I would never go outside Atlanta. Watching deliverance didn’t help either.
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Smith should have more value than Flynn does. Smith is more of a proven commodity. Was very efficient, at least, in 2011 and 12. I think their contracts are pretty similar, especially if Flynn gets his performance-based bonuses.
I’ve heard that Juarez is a beautiful place to vacation, montanamike2.
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I watched Deliverance as a youngster and was a little freaked out by the “banjo playing kid”. It will be my first time on the east coast and i’m looking forward to NY and some killer food, not much here in Montana.
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Ok sorry, back to football. Does anyone else fall for these football workout freaks like I do every year at the combine? Last year it was Poe, this year it’s Armstead. I should know better but I can’t help it.
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I snuck off to Juarez when i was in the army while stationed in El Paso. Out of all Mexico that place was baaad! My friend was Mormon and we had a good time, now he’s in SLC and doesn’t have any contact with anybody outside his church.
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I trust in our FO to due their due diligence, picking late with all our picks gives us ability to upgrade and take on projects.
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I’ll be back from my sweat in a while, thanks for the discussion this morning GeorgiaHawk and bbnate420.
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It would be terrific to get Jones, but I suspect he will be long gone when we pick at 25.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1631952/datone-jones
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If he’s got any Michael Strahan in him, I’m sold! If I rank the best DEs that I’ve ever seen in my life, Strahan would be third (after Reggie and Bruce). He could not only rush the passer with the best of them, but that dude was also good/great against the run. I’d give anything for a stud like that.
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tavon austin just ran a 4.25 40, i know he is little but if you want burner he looks to be it.
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marcus davis 6’3 233 4.4 40
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Bruce Irvin tweeted something during the season about how great it would be to play with him again in Seattle because of his explosiveness.
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all i see is a small shifty receiver and lots of defensive holding penalties as DB’S try to stay with him when wilson scrambles. the other thing is motion him to get him a free release and let him fly all the attention he draws will give more opportunities to others.
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Given Wilson’s height, I think the Seahawks have to move towards the taller WRs, 6’2 and higher like Payton did with Brees in New Orleans.
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when is wilson’s height going to stop being a problem, he had a lot less batted passes then the taller QB’s. 30 yards down the field height is not really an issue neither is it on out routes. also as much as wilson is out of the pocket he needs a guy that can get that quick seperation which this team lacks. i see him as a great safety valve receiver,the guy that he can count on to get open.
just me i really don’t think they pick him at 25 even if he is there just making a case why he mite be a good choice.
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Tall is good if the receiver has to reach or jump to catch a pass, but RW is more accurate than most and I think he would most benefit from sure handed receivers who can gain seperation from defenders. Still though, taller is better than shorter, other things equal.
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M-Mike: My son, an experienced travler, has been to Israel and said he felt perfectly safe and welcome, and that a side trip to Petra, Jorden was well worth the effort. Have fun.
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Israel’s a safe place for the most part. You might want to avoid the Gaza border.
I forget who has been hyping Swope, TomlPDX?, but he tied with Austin for the 2nd fastest OFFICIAL time with a 4.34.
Austin ended up with a 4.34, as I just said. His agility and quickness may be more important seeing as he will play from the slot a lot. He’s the only small receiver I could live with the Hawks taking at 25. He’s just such a rare play maker that it may trump the need for a bigger WR. He is also extremely versatile, can run the ball from the backfield. Also would be a replacement for Leon on returns in another year. I’m not trying to get rid of Leon like some, but he won’t be here forever. I would probably go with a defensive player in the first and a big WR in the 2nd or 3rd though.
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I dont think Seattle takes a WR below 6′, probably not one below 6′-2″. If we wanted a tiny fast dude, we’d stick with Butler. He doesnt cost us a high draft pick. I think they draft a SE who has size and speed, but is raw. There are several guys that should be available in the second and third rounds, and there is always the dude from WSU who quit the team…the kid can play, and I dont blame him for bailing on Leach, the guy is an asshole.
Datone Jones looks like a tweener between DE and DT, a replacement for Jason Jones, or a guy who could bulk up and back up Red Bryant. Still, 6 sacks in college aint that great.
MontanaMike2–Dude, if you want killer food, you have to go to John Bozemans Bistro in Bozeman. Its a plain-looking place on the main drag, but the food is insanely good. Not the typical Montana garbage at all…this guy could be Head Chef in NY…its that good. Try it and let me know what you think…but remember it aint cheap.
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Mark Harrison from Rutgers is a size and speed guy who will be available in the 6th round. He’s a bit of a project though.
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I have a feeling Seattle won’t be drafting a WR anywhere in the top half of the draft. Of course FA will give us a clearer picture of their offseason strategy, but I think the FO is content with Rice as the #1 and further development and better health with Tate and Baldwin. There’s still a lot of work to be done in the trenches all around.
As if anyone cared, but I haven’t posted much recently because I’ve finally decided to say screw it and move back to Washington state. Now for the job hunt to begin.
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Hi guys i’m back, STTBM i’ve eaten at the bistro a few times, you’re right it is expensive but probably the best place in town. My neighbors eat there all the time, 2nd best is Mckenzie River for a good but overpriced pizza and a good beer selection. After that Bar3 bbq? Anyone have any good suggestions for italian food? After watching Ramsey i’m a bit afraid of some of the kitchens in almost any restraunt.
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That’s for NYC.
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looking at player rankings tavon austin ranks 39th there maybe a chance he slides to hawks in the second. if so how many think that might be a true value pick? myself i like DL/OL in the first unless cordell paterson somehow slides to 25. i really like a OG in the first.
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Montanamike- Are you in the corp or just vacationing?
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RDPoulsbo – Welcome back. You’ve haven’t missed much here, as 75% of the blog has turned into childish name calling and a battle of who knows more than everyone else.
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And after my due dilligence, I can see that your an Army man. That makes my previous question irrelevant. I was 15th MEU in the corp for 6 years, until my knee exploded and now i’m part robot…not the good kind. The kind that gets an H.D.
Plenty of time on my hands now!!!
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Didn’t the Hawks pick up a tall receiver off the AZ practice squad a few months back, I think JS was high on him. Yes he was from the practice squad, but with a few years of NFL coaching, practice and injury avoidance he is probably equal to what we would get in the 4th or 5th based on JS reaction.
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Couldn’t have said it better @MattandCindy, sad but true….
RDPoulsbo – Welcome back. You’ve haven’t missed much here, as 75% of the blog has turned into childish name calling and a battle of who knows more than everyone else…
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I want to tell everyone I Know You Are but What Am I, and remind everyone that I know everything…and have never been wrong…ever…
Ok, thats not true.
And MattandCindy, we got KLM back. Thats pretty cool. It isnt all namecalling and fronting here…
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MattandCindy – Sad to hear about your knee.
Now that you have more time on your hands what do you think the Seahawks need to do in free agency and/or the draft to help put us in a position for a SuperBowl run?
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The great part about the Hawks is that with the current roster, they were a minute way from the National Conference Championship, and frankly, I think would have beaten the Ravens.
No matter what they add, it will improve an already great team.
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I think we need a punter who can pin the opposing team on their own 1 yard line every time he punts, whether it’s only a 40 yard punt or one almost 100 yards.
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and a PK that can drill 90 yard FG’s.
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