239: NFL Combine preview with Rob Staton, Seahawks Draft Blog

The 2019 NFL Combine is being held in Indianapolis this week, February 26 – March 4, 2019, with televised drills beginning on Friday. Rob Staton, of Seahawks Draft Blog, joins the show to talk about how the range of options for Seattle could be very diverse this year. Considering Russell Wilson's contract situation and Seattle's need to fill the backup role, he doesn't believe  drafting a quarterback is off the table (12:18). Brandan and Rob talk about how well New England has done at drafting backups and turning many of those players into assets for players or more draft picks.

Depending on what happens with D.J. Fluker and J.R. Sweezy, Seattle could be in desperate need for additional offensive lineman. Rob talks about his formula for measuring an offensive lineman's explosiveness and how it used to be a marker for lineman the Seahawks would consider drafting (20:03). The Seahawks appear to be set at running back, but it's also interesting to point out that Seattle definitely has a type when it comes to who they want to select in the draft (32:17).

Seattle has three tight ends in Ed Dickson, Nick Vannett and Will Dissly, but could some uncertainty lead them to draft another tight end? Rob talks about one tight end who would provide outstanding value if he slides down the board in the first round (39:20). Wide receiver is another spot that Seattle could be looking to add to from the draft. It's a spot they have usually selected at least a player per year. It's also a position with one key stat to look for at the combine -- speed (44:19). Technique is also a critical component to success for receivers in the NFL, Rob talks about what he watches for in receiver drills to judge how well a player catches passes (51:56).

The Seahawks find themselves in need of a kicker again this offseason. Are there any of them worth considering in the draft this year (54:40).

The talent on the defensive line is strong this season. Rob talks about how watching defensive line drills are among his favorite to watch and who we should be watching (58:47). When the Seahawks have looked for edge rushers in the past, they have gone after players with a 10-yard split around 1.5 seconds. Linebacker could be another key position to watch depending on what happens in free agency, and Rob offers thoughts on players on the strong and weak-side spots (1:10:21).

Getting into the defensive backs, it seems like everyone throughout the NFL knows what a Seahawks-style corner looks like. But could their thinking shift toward filling behind Justin Coleman, as a player who breaks the mold for the body type they've looked at in the past (1:26:19).  Seattle has depth at safety, but Rob talks about the notion if they truly need a star to come in behind Earl Thomas at that spot (1:31:51). Having someone with speed like Thomas has been very helpful, but the combination of speed and ability have been very elusive throughout the NFL.

Follow Rob Staton's work at seahawksdraftblog.com and on Twitter @robstaton. Expect to hear more audio with Rob as we get into the combine this weekend!

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