Good morning, 12s. Here's a look at what's happening today – Monday, April 12 – for your Seattle Seahawks.
Carlos Dunlap II Joins 710 ESPN Seattle's "Danny and Gallant"
There's no other way to say it: Carlos Dunlap II changed the Seahawks' season in 2020. In seven games before he was acquired in a trade with the Bengals, the Seahawks' defense allowed 28.4 points and 414.4 yards per game. In the nine regular season games Seattle played after trading for Dunlap, the defense allowed just 19.1 points and 334.5 yards per game.
All of that is why re-signing Dunlap was so critical. He brings a distinct edge to the defense with his play on the field and his personality off it.
Late last week, Dunlap joined 710 ESPN Seattle's "Danny and Gallant" to discuss his first days in Seattle after 10 and a half seasons in Cincinnati, how excited he is for 2021 and what he's looking to do in Seattle as he grows more comfortable with the city.
You can listen to the full interview here starting at the 29-minute mark and read some highlights below.
On how his role changed with Seattle last season as he came over mid-season:
"It was different. Cincinnati had made adjustments to what I had done my whole career. Pete Carroll basically said, 'I played against you a few times, I know what you're capable of and I want to help you do what you do best.' The rest is history."
On what the attitude of the team is heading into 2021:
"I think the team's motivated. We all know we fell short and the main reason why was on us. We didn't perform when it was time to perform, so we got sent home. Coming in (to 2021) with that experience and having the experience to be with the team for the whole season I think is going to help me long-term. It'll make things easier. I feel like we can continue to build on where we left because things were just starting to click for us going into the playoffs. I want to pick up where we left off."
On what he's looking forward to about living in Seattle:
"I do want to get some fresh seafood from the market. There was one famous museum that I heard of too, but all these things were closed when I tried to do my little tours on my day off. And then I obviously want to get on the water. What do you call that? The Sound? Puget Sound. Yeah, it just sounds cool and I'm a boater, so I want to get on there."
NFL Network Analysts Identify Who Seahawks Should Target In Draft
The Seahawks have just three picks in the 2021 NFL Draft, but the options could be plentiful. General manager John Schneider is a master when faced with a draft day challenge. In 2019, he turned four picks into 11 picks -- including DK Metcalf, L.J. Collier, Ugo Amadi and Marquise Blair. Suffice to say anything is possible on draft day, which will take place from April 29 through May 1.
The Seahawks are currently set to select at Nos. 56, 129 and 250. With that in mind, NFL Network draft analysts Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks discussed who Seattle should target with its picks.
Jeremiah identified Syracuse cornerback Ifeatu Melifonwu and Brooks mentioned Stanford cornerback Paulson Adebo as potential options at No. 56.
"This is a big corner who kind of fits the mold there," Jeremiah said. "This is a big, long, athletic kid. He does have some missed tackles when you watch him, but I love the way he moves and he fits beautifully with what they do in Seattle."
"I'm going with Paulson Adebo because I want a big-time cornerback who can lock up and play man-to-man," Brooks explained. "The Seattle Seahawks haven't been able to play the kind of defense they want to play because they can't consistently cover on the outside. Well now you get a 6-foot corner who has outstanding ball skills and range. He is someone who would really be a nice fit because his press skills are perfect for the way Pete Carroll wants to play."
At No. 129, Jeremiah is high on Miami (Ohio) offensive tackle Tommy Doyle and Brooks is looking at Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade.
"I'm going with Tommy Doyle as a raw, developmental tackle," Jeremiah said. "I think this is a good spot for him. He is big, he's very quick out of his stance. You use him a lot in the run game to reach and seal guys. You see right here he's a little upright, he's not a great bender, but I do feel like his best football is ahead of him and he's got a little nasty streak. So, it's something to work with and develop."
"Shaun Wade didn't have a great year this year," Brooks said. "But when you've seen him play -- and we saw him in this same defense a year ago -- he was very productive. He's a guy who is probably better suited to be a nickel corner. (He has) great instincts and eyes. If you get him in the right situation and put him in the right scheme, I would expect him to thrive."
Social Post Of The Day
Pro Football Focus with a reminder of just how dominant Seahawks Legend Shaun Alexander was in his prime.
More From Around The Web
Seahawks.com reporter John Boyle with five things you need to know about new Seahawks defensive lineman Kerry Hyder Jr.
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times answered Seahawks questions in his latest mailbag.
Brandon Gustafson of 710 ESPN Seattle on how Marquise Blair could be in line for a breakout season in 2021.
Kevin Patra of NFL.com wrote about how Kerry Hyder Jr. hopes to emulate Seahawks Legend Michael Bennett.
Peter Dewey of NBC Sports takes a look at five Seahawks players who could change their number under the NFL’s new jersey number rule.
