The Blue Bird Herd

These are by no means the only prospects Seattle should consider at these positions, but they jump out at me as nice fits, scheme-wise, for what Pete Carroll and John Schneider are building.

QB

Ricky Stanzi – Iowa – 6’4, 221lbs – All the intangibles and leadership you want in a QB coming into the league.  Mechanical issues throwing the ball, but strong enough arm and poised in the pocket.

Nathan Enderle – Idaho – 6’4, 245lbs - Improved accuracy in short to mid range passing game.  Has size to see the field and arm to make all the throws, but doesn’t possess the rocket you’d expect given his size.  Big jump to NFL from Idaho.

Greg McElroy – Alabama – 6’2, 222lbs - Good pocket presence and solid accuracy when he can set his feet.  Throwing motion hitch and immobility are biggest knocks.  Decent deep ball accuracy and strong enough arm to make NFL throws.

Pat Devlin – Delaware – 6’4, 227lbs – Good size, poise and athleticism and has a nice touch on timing routes.  Played in a spread at Delaware.  Rarely had to zip balls into tight spots, so the arm strength is in question.  A project.

FB

Owen Marecic – Stanford – 6’0, 246 - Blue collar fullback/linebacker at Stanford.  Explosive blocker in the running game showing good technique and balance through the holes.  Short yardage runner with a nose for the goal line.  Not a real pass-catching threat.  A throwback type fullback.

Charles Clay – Tulsa – 6’3, 239 – Athletic fullback with huge value in the passing game.  Versatile enough to line up at fullback, tailback or slot receiver and have an impact.  More of a weapon with the ball than as a blocker as he doesn’t display the punch to rattle defenders when clearing holes.

Henry Hynoski – Pittsburgh – 6’2, 260lbs - Huge mauling back with devastating capability when engaging defenders head-on.  True throwback, second-generation player with high football I.Q. and tremendous effort to the whistle.  A bit stiff and laterally challenged. More of a straight-ahead pounder.

WR

Niles Paul – Nebraska – 6’1, 225 - Gifted athlete with first round talent.  Can beat the press with his hands and blow by defenders with his speed.  Good leaper, and can run every route cleanly.  Major character concerns after DUI and underage consumption charges.  Could be a huge steal in mid rounds.

Terrence Tolliver – LSU – 6’4, 211lbs - Rare size/speed combination.  A legit deep threat on the edges.  Concentration lapses lead to drops.  Questionable instincts but huge athletic upside makes him intriguing middle round prospect.

Cecil Shorts – Mount Union – 6’0, 200lbs – Small-school, explosive receiver with elite athleticism.  Could be used in various ways (return, run, wildcat, etc.) but shows receiver instincts.  Good size/speed combo and good burst/quickness off the line.  Only question is transition to NFL from such a small school.

Greg Salas – Hawaii – 6’1, 205 - Possession-type guy with good hands and solid frame.  Runs through contact and will drag defenders to stretch plays.  Tough competitor with a second gear after the catch.  Loves the jump ball and wins often.  Improv’d most routes in college so questions around his ability to beat press.

Courtney Smith – So. Alabama – 6’4, 220lbs – Big receiver who can run all the routes.  Good hands, and impressive athleticism for his size.  Deceptive speed but not a burner.  Small school to NFL transition may take some time. Late round project, but good upside.

OL

Zach Hurd – OG – Connecticut – 6’7, 335lbs – A massive physical presence on the line, with a mean streak.  Tackle at Conn, but due to foot quickness issues, may be a better fit at guard.  Gets down field and makes blocks in the running game and shows surprising athleticism. Could fit Cable’s scheme

James Brewer – OT – Indiana – 6’6, 332 - Great athlete for his size.  Quick feet and solid technique at tackle.  Versatile enough to be considered at guard as well.  Doesn’t have a mean streak or nasty demeanor, but considering his size and athleticism, one wonders if he can realize such an attitude.