Good afternoon, 12s.
Here's a look at what's "out there" for today - Tuesday, Feb. 23 - about your Seattle Seahawks.
Local Ties To The NFL Combine
Several players with football ties to the state of Washington will take part in the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine this week.
The list includes former Washington State Cougars offensive lineman and Spokane native Joe Dahl, former Washington Husky linebackers Cory Littleton and Travis Feeney, former Bellevue High School standout and UCLA Bruins linebacker Myles Jack, former Mariner High School and Notre Dame cornerback KeiVarae Russell, former Puyallup High School and Stanford offensive lineman Joshua Garnett, and former Eastern Washington/Oregon quarterback Vernon Adams.
Here's a look at the pre-combine grades and analysis NFL.com staff has to offer about each Pacific Northwest prospect:
UCLA LB Myles Jack
Grade: 7.5 (Future All-Pro)
Analysis: Upper echelon explosiveness with the desire, speed and aggression to find his way into play after play. While UCLA asked Jack to do a little bit of everything, an NFL team is more likely to simplify his tasks and set him into attack mode to maximize his outstanding physical traits. If he bounces back from the knee injury, Jack could become a high-end talent early on in his career.
WSU OL Joe Dahl
Grade: 5.4 (Backup or eventual starter)
Analysis: Average athlete, but a good football player. Dahl fights through his limitations using determination and toughness. He will have to make a move inside and needs to continue to hit the training table and weight room to add even more mass to his frame. Dahl has potential as a drive blocking guard but needs to play with better hand placement to maximize results. Dahl projects as an eventual starting guard.
UW LB Cory Littleton
Grade: 4.83 (Should be in an NFL training camp)
Analysis: Long-limbed, stand-up pass rusher who is built more like a wide receiver than a running back. Littleton showed some pass rush ability this season and his special teams ability may be his best attribute on the next level. However, his thin frame and poor play strength could make him a long shot to stick on the 53.
UW LB Travis Feeney
Grade: 5.11 (Back end of the roster)
Analysis: Has worked hard to transform his body from safety to linebacker, but is still lacking the frame and strength to consistently hold his ground at the point of attack. Feeney's competitiveness and ability to play in space could help him transition into a more natural role of 4-3 WILL linebacker and his coverage talent on special teams gives him a shot to break camp on the 53.
EWU/Oregon QB Vernon Adams
Grade: 4.95 (Should be in an NFL training camp)
Analysis: Extremely undersized for the position, Adams had success at Oregon despite just one season within its scheme. He doesn't have optimal anticipation or field vision and missed big play opportunities as they were opening. Adams can hit deep balls on scramble throws and won't take unnecessary chances, but teams might pass on him due to "system and size" concerns. I wouldn't close the door on his chances to make a team due to athleticism and play-making potential in packaged plays.
Notre Dame CB KeiVarae Russell
Grade:5.59 (Backup or eventual starter)
Analysis: Smart, experienced cornerback has strapped it on against some of the best receivers in the nation during his time with the Irish. Russell has the athleticism and cover talent to play press coverage and make a living there, but he may never produce as many pass breakups or interceptions as a team would like. Played outside and from the slot and offers that versatility to an NFL team as a future starter or third corner.
Stanford OL Joshua Garnett
Grade: 5.89 (Could become early NFL starter)
Analysis: Thick, powerful guard who can gain an early advantage in the rep and finish with authority. Garnett looks to establish a new line of scrimmage on every running play and is a great fit for a team looking to impose their will between the tackles. While he's a plus run blocker, his pass protection issues should not be taken lightly and will have to be vetted with offensive line coaches to make sure they are correctable issues. Garnett should be an early round pick who can come in and start right away.
Tweet Of The Day
Today's "Tweet of the Day" comes from actor Hugh Jackman, who shares a photo of himself hanging with Marshawn Lynch.
More From Around The Web
Here at Seahawks.com, digital media reporter John Boyle talks with co-director of player personnel Scott Fitterer about what the Seahawks are looking for this week at the NFL Combine.
Here's the complete press conference and on-field workout schedule for this week's NFL Combine, most of which you can watch live on NFL Network. Seattle Executive VP/General Manager John Schneider will meet with the media on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 12:15 p.m. PT and head coach Pete Carroll will hold a press conference on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 12 p.m. PT.
Matt Calkins at the Seattle Times says the Seahawks should take the best player available as opposed to filling a position of need with the No. 26 overall pick in this year's draft.
Bob Condotta at the Seattle Times comments on running back Fred Jackson's future with the Seahawks.
ESPN.com highlights a combine star that's currently on each NFL roster, and Sheil Kapadia calls out linebacker Bruce Irvin's standout performance at the 2012 combine for the Seahawks.
Speaking of Bruce Irvin, Danny O'Neil at 710Sports.com outlines reasons why the pending free-agent might or might not be back with the Seahawks next season.
Jared Stanger at FieldGulls.com takes a Seahawk-centric look at the NFL Combine.
And in his Monday Morning Quarterback column, Peter King at TheMMQB.com shares thoughts on running back Marshawn Lynch's Hall of Fame chances.
