Saturday, April 30, 2011

SEAHAWKS: Rounds 4-7 busy for the Seahawks as they select seven players

This is a replay of the day 3 thread. I will have a complete draft summary tomorrow.

Here’s how it all went down.

• K.J. Wright, LB, Mississippi State
6-3 | 246 pounds
No. 99 choice overall (Pick #2 in 4th round)

Wright was initially scouted as a 3-4 outside linebacker, which means you could see Seattle place him as an edge pass-rusher at the defensive end spot Seattle calls the “Leo”.

To Continue...

Wright had 10 sacks in his career at Mississippi State. He ran the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, but sometimes lacks quickness off the ball. He has a great build, but needs to work on his fundamentals.

• Kris Durham, WR, Georgia
6-5 | 216
No. 107 overall (Pick #10 in 4th round)

The first thing you look at is his height! 6 feet, 5 inches. Pair him with Mike Williams in goal line situations, and cornerbacks could have a tough time keeping us out of the end zone.

NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said he timed Durham at 4.52 seconds and 4.54 seconds in the 40-yard dash at Georgia's pro day, so he’s got above average top speed for a tall guy. His main negatives are lack of burst off the line, and he’s no threat after the catch.

11:48 AM: • Richard Sherman, CB, Stanford
6-2 | 195
No. 154 overall (Pick #23 in 5th round)

John Schneider has never been fond of short corners, and this pick reflects that. 6-2 is tall for a corner.

He has decent speed, running a 4.53 40-yard dash. He has exceptional leaping abilities, and will sacrifice his body for getting a hand on the ball.

The problem with Sherman is he only played 2 years of cornerback at Stanford, playing WR in his first two years. So basically, his lack of experience in a concern, along with struggling against bigger receivers… he needs to add some bulk.

11: 56 AM: • Mark LeGree, FS, Appalachian State
6-0 | 200
No. 156 overall (Pick #25 in 5th round)

With Lawyer Milloy losing steam, the Seahawks needed to at least draft ONE safety to play alongside Earl Thomas. I’m not sure Mark Legree is starter worthy, but gives the team depth at the position.

Legree isn’t very physical in any areas of the game, and only has an average frame. He’s great at getting in the right position to make the tackle, but is terrible at actually making the tackle, often tackling with his pads too high.

Many analysts projected Legree to be a 7th rounder, so it’s possible the Seahawks reached for him.

12:45 PM: • Byron Maxwell, CB, Clemson
6-0 | 207
No. 173 overall (Pick #8 in 6th round)

Pete Carroll is really emphasizing defensive backs late in the draft, Maxwell being the third in the last three picks.

Maxwell has a good mix of size and speed with a strong upper body, putting up 24 reps at the combine. He is GREAT in zone coverage, having the ability to read the QB’s eyes and react quickly. To go along with all this, Byron possesses great ball skills, and forced 6 fumbles in his Clemson career.

So why was he a 6th rounder? He’s not very good in man coverage, often being too aggressive when attempting a tackle. His fundamentals (footwork, hands) are also lacking.

2:09 PM: • Lazarius Levingston, DE, LSU
6-3 | 292
No. 205 overall (Pick #2 in 7th round)

Sheesh, the Seahawks really are taking defense seriously in this year’s draft.

With Levingston being 292 pounds, he can play anywhere on the defensive line. He’s pretty quick for his weight, and uses his hands very well.

His main problem is when he’s engaged with an offensive lineman. Struggles to disengage if facing a guy bigger than him. He also lacks ideal instinct and awareness.

Levingston has the reputation of a hard worker, which is essential if 7th rounders wish to succeed in the NFL. Look for Lazarius to back up Red Bryant.

3:55 PM: • Malcolm Smith, OLB, USC
6-1 | 225
No. 242 overall (Pick #39 in 7th round)

Smith didn’t go to the NFL combine, and there doesn’t appear to be many scouting reports on him.

Pete Carroll recruited Smith while he was at USC, so that probably was a major factor.

He’s also the younger brother of the Giants’ Steve Smith.

The draft is over... FINALLY. I'll have a wrap up done by Sunday afternoon.

Reach Nathan Parsons at nathanparsons98@yahoo.com