Shockey To New Orleans

by: Michael Steffes

No one seems 100% on this yet, but Adam Schefter just said on NFL Total Access that the rumor is that the Giants and Saints have a deal in place. It includes the #40 pick and an additional pick or two. According to Mike Florio at PFT, Shockey has not been notified yet.

It would be my guess that the teams have a deal ready to go, but the Saints want to see how the draft falls. It could also be that they want to wait until Glenn Dorsey is off the board so they know they don't need those picks to get him. They have been rumored to be trying to trade with the Rams, if you haven't heard.

Either way, it appears the Hawks aren't interested in getting anywhere near the package the Saints are offering. Expect them to draft a tight end before the weekend is over. Of course, I would have said that last year too. END Read More!

Shockey Update

by: Michael Steffes

Ralph Vacchiano has updated his morning info on Jeremy Shockey. He has taken into account the reports out of Seattle disputing the Seahawks interest.

He seems to be standing by the sources that the Seahawks are interested. He tempers this though by saying...

it’s starting to seem clear that they’re not interested in a bidding war nor are they willing to give up much for Shockey at all. Many NFL sources have been skeptical all along that the Giants will ever do better than the second-round pick they were supposedly offered from the Saints.

If that’s true, Shockey’s not going anywhere. We’ll all find out soon.

This is on par with what I believe. The Seahawks don't have enough bullets in the gun to make a serious play for Shockey, with only 6 picks. Tim Ruskell describes his picks "as gold", so we know he values them highly. Somewhat surprisingly, no one seems to be saying is that Shockey's personality and antics are scaring off the Hawks. It is the price.

Considering Shockey makes more than a rookie would, is much older, and would cost high draft picks. As much as Shockey's production next year would be enticing, there isn't good value in acquiring him. Especially if he continues to miss time with injuries, which seems to be a regular thing. Tim Ruskell values practice time as much as playing on Sunday. The reward looks tempting, but the cost is just too prohibitive.

That said, who knows what would happen if the Giants want to move him a lot more than they are letting on. Remember how surprised we all were last year when all of a sudden Darrell Jackson was being shipped off for only a 4th. END Read More!

Shockey... Fabricated Interest?

by: Michael Steffes

Frank Hughes has a post similar to my earlier post linking to New York Daily News story about the Seahawks interest in Jeremy Shockey.

He has added an update saying their is no legitimacy to the rumor. I have two thoughts on this.

1) it would not be at all surprising to see the New York media sensationalize things. Also, if the Giants are leaking this to their beat reporters, they could be trying to up the ante for New Orleans, the team that has been linked to Shockey for a month or so.

2) With the draft upcoming, it would also not be surprising that if the Seahawks were chasing him that they would deny interest. They have no reason to tip anyone off to their feelings about the tight end class, or what they may do with their second. They also may be kicking the idea around contingently. Maybe they would be interested if #25 comes up and the team can't trade down and the TE they like isn't likely to be available at #55. It could be they are targeting a specific tight end and if that doesn't work out then the rumor becomes truth. Dig it?

For those of you thinking of possible scenarios, consider this. Switching spots in the first and giving away the second round pick doesn't even add up to the value NO's second round pick. However it could be worth it to the Giants if they are targeting someone like Kenny Phillips who may have several suitors in front of NY. Jacksonville and San Diego are likely to be interested. END Read More!

Shockey To Seattle Gaining Steam

by: Michael Steffes

Waking up this morning, there is new momentum in the Jeremy Shockey to Seattle possibility. Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News has an article about the Seahawks interest. He calls Seattle "an intriguing destination." In his blog, here, he calls the Saints and Seahawks his "most ardent pursuers."

No one seems to really be sure if Shockey will be traded this weekend or not, but if he is, at this point there is a enough smoke to believe the Hawks are interested. I broke down the pros and cons of this deal here. Adding Shockey were seem to be a step out of a character for the Seahawks organization. One thing I do like about it, is that is the first tangible proof that they are valuing this season over the future. In many ways, I would love to see a win one for coach mentality, however, I am cautious, because the offense as a whole needs to get younger. Shockey is 28, and will be nearing the end of his effectiveness at the same time as Matt, Big Walt, and others. At that point, a few nears from now, the team would be in drastic need of a rebuild. Also, it would be upsetting to see Tim Ruskell give up another high pick for a player who has a hard time staying on the field. We'll see.... END Read More!

Jeremy Shockey and the Seahawks

by: Michael Steffes

More rumors popped up last night that the Seahawks are interested in Jeremy Shockey. It is understandable that the Hawks would be interested in Shockey. Especially if you buy into the "Superbowl window" theory. The Hawks are looking to find a tight end who could help, and the sooner the better, right?

These rumors are supported by earlier rumors from a Giants beat reporter, even though I am not sure why he stated them the way he did.

I am going to avoid the topic of the credibility of the sources and focus more on the pros and cons of adding a Jeremy Shockey. To continue....


THE CASE FOR SHOCKEY

Jeremy Shockey is an exceptional talent. He looked even more so as a young player before Tom Coughlin arrived. The problem of late has been his health. He hasn't ever played a full 16 games. Is this injuries taking a toll? Or is he being used wrong? It is tough to say, and their may be an interaction between the two.

When Shockey is on the field there is no denying he plays with an attitude. He is an emotional player. That swings both ways, but when it is going good, it can drive an offense to new heights. In fact, I would argue that this is exactly the type of player the Seahawks have been missing. Someone who will hit you in mouth and then tell about it afterwards. While the team has great guys with high character, having a personality like Shockey may actually help the confidence of the offensive unit. Give it a personality so to speak.

If we were to talk about adding a tight end, Shockey far outweighs any of the rookies coming out in the class, at least from a talent and ready to contribute standpoint. So if you want to really improve the position, are willing to pay to do it, and want the production now, Jeremy Shockey might be the best plan.

THE CASE AGAINST SHOCKEY

Shockey comes with some baggage. His personality is tough for some to handle. He has never shied away from a microphone. Do you remember when he ripped his coach in the Qwest field locker room after the Seahawks ripped the Giants. That wouldn't fly around here. Hasselbeck and this nucleus of this team probably has enough quality leadership to keep Shockey in line, but that is not the only problem.

One thing that I think would be a huge roadblock to Jeremy Shockey being a Seahawk is his interpretation of "voluntary workout." Fair or not, when Tim Ruskell showed up in Kirkland he changed the way the player on this team thought about offseason workouts. I linked to an article about it when the program started. The team wants the players here to build commradary and team spirit, well working hard to get ready for the season. Shockey has adamantly held on to his right to work out in Miami. And New York is a lot closer than Seattle. I just can't see Shockey falling in line with the wishes of the general manager when he hasn't shown any willingness to do this before.

Next, what worries me, is his recent actions. Apparently, he went into Jerry Reese's office in the middle of the season and threatened to sit out 08' if his role in the offense didn't change. The part that I see as a red flag is "during the season." The Giants were doing well last year. They looked like a playoff team from about week 6 on. In my opinion, this is a lot like Chad Johnson. You are saying you want to win, but in a way you are taking actions that make that goal harder to achieve.

Finally, he is cost prohibitive. In several ways. First, he is not really worth what he would cost, or what he is getting paid. If you go by Football Outsiders and look at DPAR and DVOA, he was worse than Marcus Pollard last year. And that is hard to do! Would you want to give up a second round pick for Marcus Pollard? Of course not. Shockey should be better, but either way, he won't be around as long as the rookie you would take in that slot, who should also be able to out produce Marcus Pollard. Now, when you compare that to the four year, 13.5 million dollar commitment his contract brings, to what a second rounder makes, it again doesn't work in the Hawks favor. His salaries are approximately, 2 mil this year, 3 in 09', 4 in 10', and 4.5 in 11'. If he does poorly you could release him with out any penalty, but if he does well, how long before Rosenhaus starts clamoring to redo his deal.

Overall, I really like some of what Shockey brings to a team, and an offense specifically. I would LOVE for this team to get more physical, and having a tight end like Shockey would be a start. However, I am not sure he would get on board with the team concept, and I don't have a lot of faith that he would live up to what he would cost. Both in trade value and financially.

Also, and this is just my line of thinking, but I believe it benefits the Hawks to get younger at almost every position on offense now. If the team develops good young players around Hass, then when Hass does make the decision to leave or retire, the QB of the future, who ever it may be, steps into an offense with young and talented players all around him. Adding a Shockey type player means you lose a draft pick and then have to develop another position around the same time as you develop a new player at the most important position. I would prefer long sustained success, as opposed to a mortgage the future and go all out for one more run mentality. But that reasoning behind that is for a different day! Read More!

Ocho Stinko?

by: Michael Steffes

I have gotten numerous emails over the last several months, asking about Chad Johnson. The first round inspired my April Fools Joke, but they have continued. I realize that by posting this I am asking for a discussion about trading for Chad Johnson, which i have strongly resisted, but everybody wants to know if the Hawks might be interested. One word: NO!

However, I thought I would make this into a post, because Danny O'Neil must be getting the same requests. He has a post up that pretty much says it all.

I would even add this. Yes he is not a criminal, but is that all we ask from a player, that he not commit felonies? How about living up to his end of the bargin. He got a contract that makes him the 3rd highest paid wideout, but he needs to be the highest paid. What happens when someone signs a deal bigger than his? Does he do this all over again?

Also, many of you will say winning will cure his ails, but I would like to point out that with the Bengals ahead 17-14 in their only playoff game, Johnson is accused of trying to hit his head coach and o coordinator. Regardless of the details, all parties agree there was a scuffle of some sort. They were in the playoffs and winning, and Chad was so unhappy he wanted to fight the coach. There isn't player in the world, in my opinion, who is worth that hassle. It fractured the team, and they have never recovered. END Read More!

Do You Want A QB?

by: Michael Steffes

Ok, Ok...enough Tom Foolery! I hope no one was made to look too foolish this morning. It was all in the name of a great tradition. For the one commenter who suggested this was inappropriate for someone who wants to be known as a reputable source, well, I guess we know who isn't the fun guy at the party, right. Hopefully, you all found it entertaining. It was all in the name of good fun!!!

How many of you actually clicked on the link??? I had my girlfriend put that together, but it was hard to make it look completely real. Anyway, if you are interested in a real Seahawk discussion, I wrote up something on an article a reader emailed me about and another posted the address to. It is fairly Seahawk relevant. To see....


The debate can go on and on about whether or not the Hawks are really looking at a QB. However, if the idea is to create an illusion so that a team will be willing to trade up into the Seahawks spot, this may be their best chance.

Peter King spent some time with Thomas Dimitroff, the new Atlanta GM. Dimitroff comes from the New England Organization, where they have made some 46 draft day trades in the last 8 years. King thinks the Falcons will be looking to trade into the first to draft Brian Brohm. Then if they still have a couple of seconds, they may trade one for a 09' first rounder.

Either of these scenarios could possibly benefit the Seahawks, although one would think that trading back is more favorable than trading an 09' first. However, if Jonathan Stewart falls, maybe giving up an 09' to get the top tight end on the board wouldn't be so bad. Either way, this draft seems that it is going to full of intrigue with trades a plenty. Hopefully the Hawks will be part of some. Read More!

Seahawks Trade for Disgruntled WR!!!!

by: Michael Steffes

Holy Crap!! Talk about the mother of all stories to wake up to. According to Mike Florio at Profootballtalk.com, The Seahawks have agreed to trade their first round pick for Chad Johnson. How the freak did this happen? Just when you think you understand a teams philosophy for a sec.

This is out of the realm of my understanding. I am baffled. As exciting as it will be to have a big play guy like 85, he doesn't seem to have the type of personality to fit in here. He did say he wanted a chance to win, and while in Tampa, Ruskell and McKay once traded two firsts for Keyshaun Johnson, but you would have thought they learned their lesson.

To check out the rest of my rant.....

APRIL FOOLS SUCKERS!!!!

YOU BEEN HAD!!!!

NO HOW, NO WAY!!!!

GOTCH YA!!!!

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One Team Who Wants To Trade Up

In much of the draft speculation going on, myself, and many of you, feel that the best move for the Hawks is to move back and get more picks. It seems that all the players that would really be good fits are more deserving of being taken in the early second than at the #25. Of course, if Jonathan Stewart slides this could be moot, however, according to Lions Insider and Tom Kowalski, Detroit would like to get back into the late first to draft Jarrod Mayo.

If you are so inclined.....

If you are looking at this in accordance to the draft pick value chart. Seattle's pick at #25 is worth 720 points. Detroit's 2nd, #45 is worth 450, Detroit would need to add in a 3rd, and probably one of their two 5ths to come up to #25. Here is a link to the draft pick value chart, if some you have never seen it.

I think this speculation is kind of fun. It gives you a good foundation for why it is so hard to make some of these deals. Teams have to give up an awful lot. FYI, if you are playing around with numbers, The Hawks currently have #25, #55, & #86. Everything after that won't be determined until compensatory picks are announced. Read More!

Something to Chew On

I thought I would pass this on because I found it to be intelligent and well thought out. Drexel Parry, who contributes to the MVN Titans site in much the same way I contribute to the MVN Hawks site (Power of 12), wrote an interesting piece.

To summarize, he thinks that once Julius Jones chose Seattle, after visiting Tennessee, it has become increasingly probable that either Morris or Alexander ends up w/ the Titans. Mainly because of the Mike Rienfeldt connection.

I wrote yesterday, in response to a question, that I still thought the Hawks could take a running back if the value was there. What I said was....they would either take a running back on day 1 (1st two rounds) and then try and trade Morris overnight, or they would take a back they could slip to the practice squad if necessary, maybe 6th or 7th round.

Having a mid round back gets messy because how do the Hawks know that the back will be capable of filling Morris' role? If they get a top rated guy, they can assume he will be capable of contributing, thus making Morris expendable. Tennessee seems like it would be a perfect fit. Lendale White and Mo Morris are as close to a perfect complement too each other as I can think of.

Before you ask.... Shaun Alexander has ZERO trade value, contract is too big and everybody knows we will release him, or so says the national media. Morris on the other hand has one year left of reasonable deal.

Wonder what we could get? A 5th? We already have their 6th. A 2009 5th or 6th ? Either way, good work making the connection Drexel, wish I had thought of it.

END OF POST Read More!

Hawks Sniffing around Shockey??

Mike Garafolo of the New Jersey Star Ledger is implying that the Hawks were one of the teams supposedly asking about Jeremy Shockey. This is from his blog...

Also, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting former Falcons TE Alge Crumpler is close to signing with the Seahawks. Hmm, I wonder if Seattle nosed around any other teams to see if they were interested in trading their veteran TEs who have been rumored to be on the outs (hint, hint!).

Why not just say it? It has already been released that the Saints were asking about him. Shockey is a handful, no doubt. He would however change the demeanor of this offense. That said, would he claim Holmgren got outcoached if the Hawks lose in NY next year? I think this is the least likely of the three scenarios: Crump, Draft, or Shockey.

END OF POST Read More!

D-Tackles Breaking the Bank

And not by simply sitting on it. Take a look at some of these contracts, and then consider all the teams except for the Raiders had to give up a draft pick or two. Of course Tommy Kelley is the least of the three players.

-Tommy Kelly--Oak-- 7yrs, 50.5 mil, 18 guaranteed

-Corey Williams--Cle--38 mil, 16.3 guaranteed, 23 over the first three years.

-Kris Jenkins--NYJ- 5 years, 35 mil, 20 guaranteed

Keep your eyes on where Shaun Rogers goes....he is the next Very Very large piece to move.

Marcus Stoud may be moving too. He is also....Very large. END OF POST Read More!

Trufant: Trade Bait??

According to this report from Newsday, if the Giants can't get their mitts on DeAngelo Hall, they will turn their trade eye towards the Seahawks Marcus Trufant.

I have seen this idea championed by several fans. I am not sure the Hawks would even consider it. The real question is what would be the cost. Obviously, he could be had via poison pill for two first rounders because he is the franchise player. A trade would seem to suggest something less.

It seems more likely that the Giants would get Hall, considering he is actually being shopped and Marcus isn't, but if that doesn't stop Newsday from writing it, it doesn't stop me from posting it. Discuss....

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Anybody Want A Receiver With the Dropsies

Well apparently the Hawks are interested. This article states that the Hawks are interested in Troy Williamson. They must have missed the week 17 Denver game where he was wide open for a 60 yrd TD and the ball went through his hands and hit him in the face mask, thus falling incomplete. As a fan I say no way, but I will let you voice your opinions as well.

Also, this could be an agent trying to make his player seem in high demand. He was a 1st rounder two years ago, but I can't imagine his value being very high right now. Read More!

Crumpler prefers NFC South/ Hall Available??

Why?? I have no idea, but according to John Clayton says that it is the case. It is right here in some news and notes from around the NFL.

There is also this from the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Apparently, DeAngelo Hall is available through trade. This could be something interesting to keep an eye on. If the Hawks were to show an interest, it would certainly provide insight into Jim Mora's influence. Would Tim Ruskell even consider it?? Could he be talked into it?? It seems there might be a need, but a player like Hall goes against all the principals the Hawks have established in the last few years. Stay tuned and we will see how the offseason develops.
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