After making three fourth-round selections — DE Cassius Marsh of UCLA, WR Kevin Norwood of Alabama and LB Kevin Pierre-Louis of Boston College — the Seahawks closed out their business in the NFL draft Saturday by taking four players, including another in the fifth, two in the sixth and one in the seventh. They included a defensive tackle, offensive tackle, safety and fullback.
5th round, 172nd overall / Jimmy Staten, DT, Middle Tennessee St.
STRENGTHS: Naturally strong man who posted 30 reps at 225 pounds at his pro day. Good agility for his size, with a 27-inch vertical jump. If he proves to have enough bulk without losing his quickness, Staten offers scheme versatility as a backup at multiple positions.
WEAKNESSES: Comes from a small program, and the jump to the NFL could prove difficult. Can he handle the rigors of staying inside in a 4-3 scheme, or is he best suited to move to end in a 3-4?
OVERVIEW: Staten posted 100 tackles in 49 career games at defensive tackle, including 35 starts. He posted 30 tackles as a senior despite battling a knee injury most of the season. At 6-feet-4 and 310 pounds, he provides some scheme versatility as he could remain inside in a 4-3 or potentially slide outside as a run-stuffing end in a 3-4. To remain at nose tackle in a 3-4, Staten would need to add significant bulk to be able to occupy multiple blockers. Staten visited with the San Diego Chargers before the draft, and also worked out for the Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers while meeting with almost every team at some point during the pre-draft process.
6th round, 199th overall / Garrett Scott, OT, Marshall
STRENGTHS: Has ideal size for the position and exhibits good overall athleticism, which helps him recover when beaten initially. He anchors well in pass protection, has quick, active feet and gets to the second level quickly to engage linebackers. Blocks well on the move.
WEAKNESSES: Scott lacks great functional strength and struggles to drive defensive linemen off the ball. He needs to bulk up his upper body in order to become a significant factor in the run game. Noticeably, he often gets beat off the snap and can be driven back into the quarterback.
OVERVIEW: A three-sport athlete out of Douglas, GA., Scott became a three-year starter for the Thundering Herd. He was a second team All-Conference USA selection as a senior. While that didn’t earn him an invitation to the scouting combine, he did participate in Marshall’s pro day where he was credited with a 5.05-second 40, 25 reps on the 225-pound bench press, a 33½-inch vertical, 9-7 broad jump, 4.40 short shuttle and 7.09 3-cone drill.
6th round, 208th overall / Eric Pinkins, S, San Diego State
STRENGTHS: Displayed solid tackle production production over last two years. Will come up to support the run. Exceptional pro-day performance, clocking a 4.44-second 40-yard dash time at 220 pounds, recording a 39½-inch vertical jump and 25 bench-press reps of 225 pounds. Good work habits.
WEAKNESSES: Two-year starter with just three career interceptions. Average ball skills. Lacks ideal range and can be beaten over the top. Has trouble changing directions, as supported by a 4.31-second 20-yard shuttle time indicating below-average agility. Ordinary eyes and anticipation in coverage. Will be stressed by the quickness of NFL slot receivers.
OVERVIEW: Height-weight-speed prospect who made a statement at his pro day. Drafted by the Seahawks entirely because of his athletic ability. Could be used at corner. A late bloomer, Pinkins is still learning the the game and will probably need to make a mark on special teams to earn a roster spot.
7th round, 227th overall / Kiero Small, FB, Arkansas
STRENGTHS: Blocking is by far the best aspect of his game and he is adept at seeking out defenders at the second and third levels. Has a reputation as a vicious hitter who seeks out contact. Can be used in certain situations as a power runner.
WEAKNESSES: Has never been asked to do much in the running game. Could be a bonanza pick on special teams.
OVERVIEW: Was a former second-team all state running back and Hartnell Community College (CA.) junior college transfer before arriving at Arkansas. Has a short, thick build, with a solid core, and thick legs. He uses his small stature to get up and under pad level to push defenders out of the play.
Seattle Seahawks 2014 draft choices
| Rnd (Overall) | Player | College | Pos. | Ht. | Wt. | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2. (13) | Paul Richardson | Colorado | WR | 6-0 | 175 | 5.2 |
| 2. (32) | Justin Britt | Missouri | OT | 6-6 | 325 | 5.1 |
| 4. (108) | Cassius Marsh | UCLA | DE | 6-4 | 252 | 5.2 |
| 4. (123) | Kevin Norwood | Alabama | WR | 6-2 | 198 | 5.3 |
| 4. (132) | Kevin Pierre-Louis | Bos. Col. | LB | 6-0 | 232 | 5.1 |
| 5. (172) | Jimmy Staten | Middle Tenn. St. | DT | 6-4 | 303 | NA |
| 6. (199) | Garrett Scott | Marshall | OT | 6-5 | 294 | NA |
| 6. (208) | Eric Pinkins | San Diego St | S | 6-3 | 220 | 4.9 |
| 7. (227) | Kiero Small | Arkansas | FB | 5-8 | 244 | NA |
Grade (NFL.com): 9.00-10 — Once-in-lifetime player; 8.00-8.99 — Perennial All-Pro; 7.50-7.99 — Future All-Pro; 7.00-7.49 — Pro Bowl caliber player; 6.50-6.99 — Chance to become Pro Bowl caliber player; 6.00-6.49 — Should become instant starter; 5.50-5.99 — Chance to become NFL starter; 5.20-5.49 — NFL backup or special teams potential; 5.01-5.19 — Better-than-average chance to make NFL roster; 5.00 — 50-50 chance to make NFL roster.
1 Comment
At best an incomplete grade for the draft. The Hawks are unique in that they draft players who fit their system and are confident they will develop later on into the player then need. They don’t need any of their draft picks to step in and play immediaely.