Official 2025 Draft Talk Thread

[Sharkonabicycle]

Membou isn't happening, Booker didn't have a good combine

I think Booker and Zabel at 18 are overdrafted... but if I had to take one, I'll take Booker.

 

[Screamin12th]

Yeah Zabel at 18 would be a reach. If they are set on taking Zabel then trade down to the 25-30 range and pick up extra draft capital. Even in that range its a slight reach but he wont be there in the early second. We are not the only team looking for Oline help. Someone will over draft him and even if we find a trade partner to get to 25-30 he might get picked before we get a chance to. He is starting to climb up the boards because of his ability to play all over the line and at a good level. Yes there are Better guards and centers etc out there but none that can play all over the line and at a level that isn't hurting your team. He is with out a doubt the most versatile Olineman in this draft that also can play at a high level.

 

[MrS]

I think Booker and Zabel at 18 are overdrafted... but if I had to take one, I'll take Booker.

Well they won't take either they are taking a WR

 

[Sharkonabicycle]

Yeah Zabel at 18 would be a reach. If they are set on taking Zabel then trade down to the 25-30 range and pick up extra draft capital. Even in that range its a slight reach but he wont be there in the early second. We are not the only team looking for Oline help. Someone will over draft him and even if we find a trade partner to get to 25-30 he might get picked before we get a chance to. He is starting to climb up the boards because of his ability to play all over the line and at a good level. Yes there are Better guards and centers etc out there but none that can play all over the line and at a level that isn't hurting your team. He is with out a doubt the most versatile Olineman in this draft that also can play at a high level.

I don't want a guy that can play all over the line... wtf does that even mean? Hell even look at Thuney. He played left tackle in a pinch but he wasn't really GOOD at it. You'd still rather have him at left guard and have a competent left tackle.

I'm so tired of these 'versatile' lineman. You're going to play one position in the NFL. No team in NFL history moves an offensive lineman 'around' unless there's a serious injury which is a problem in and of itself.

 

[HaroldSeattle]

Well they won't take either they are taking a WR

They might. Some think Kupp is just a shadow of what he was (expensive as hell if that's the case). I don't think there will be a WR worth the 18th pick available. This draft is chalk full of WR2 types and extremely shy on WR1, so Seahawks can wait. Amazing how many WR in the draft are slot types when a good X is needed. Zabel is being mocked to the Seahawks regularly anymore but WR is in play,I think it's later though unless Tet is still on the board and I doubt that's the case.

 

[Sharkonabicycle]

They might. Some think Kupp is just a shadow of what he was (expensive as hell if that's the case). I don't think there will be a WR worth the 18th pick available. This draft is chalk full of WR2 types and extremely shy on WR1, so Seahawks can wait. Amazing how many WR in the draft are slot types when a good X is needed. Zabel is being mocked to the Seahawks regularly anymore but WR is in play,I think it's later though unless Tet is still on the board and I doubt that's the case.

I mean McMillan can be a number one. I don't think Egbuka or HIggins will be. I also think if Loveland/Warren is there ya pull the trigger. I also wouldn't mind Grant as Reed is 33, D Law is 33, Williams is 31.. and Byron needs to stop being thrown in at nose tackle.

I think Kupp was overpaid frankly, but I think 50%+ of that contract was his locker room leadership abilities. Same with D Law. You have Reed/Love at least as locker room leaders on D (before free agency) but this offense had absolutely nobody as a locker room leader on offense until we signed Kupp. That's where I want Booker. He's a locker room leader.

 

[HaroldSeattle]

I don't want a guy that can play all over the line... wtf does that even mean? Hell even look at Thuney. He played left tackle in a pinch but he wasn't really GOOD at it. You'd still rather have him at left guard and have a competent left tackle.

I'm so tired of these 'versatile' lineman. You're going to play one position in the NFL. No team in NFL history moves an offensive lineman 'around' unless there's a serious injury which is a problem in and of itself.

Yeah Thuney played tackle in a pinch but doesn't mean he isn't a great guard. Donovan Jackson played tackle in a pinch is still a great guard. Heck if Zabel had longer arms (only 32 inch arms) he would be drafted to play tackle because he played the position great. In a pinch he filled in both guard positions and was outstanding there also. I get what your thinking " jack of all trades, master of none" BUT the thing is Zabel was master of all of them. Injuries on the OL is a given, having someone you could move around isn't a drawback. Being able to play ONLY one spot is a drawback for example the player you been pushing Haynes has only played right guard ever. That's sort of rare now a days as many player start out in their freshmen year playing guard or center then progress up the ladder to tackle by the time they are senior unless they are pretty limited in some way.

 

[Sharkonabicycle]

Yeah Thuney played tackle in a pinch but doesn't mean he isn't a great guard. Donovan Jackson played tackle in a pinch is still a great guard. Heck if Zabel had longer arms (only 32 inch arms) he would be drafted to play tackle because he played the position great. In a pinch he filled in both guard positions and was outstanding there also. I get what your thinking " jack of all trades, master of none" BUT the thing is Zabel was master of all of them. Injuries on the OL is a given having someone you could move around isn't a drawback. Being able to play ONLY one spot is a drawback for example the player you been pushing Haynes has only played right guard ever. That's sort of rare now a days as many player start out in their freshmen year playing guard or center then progress up the ladder to tackle by the time they are senior unless they are pretty limited in some way.

Steve Hutchinson never played left tackle or center (although he did play DL)... I'd rather just have that than someone who can move over to right tackle.

 

[HaroldSeattle]

I mean McMillan can be a number one. I don't think Egbuka or HIggins will be. I also think if Loveland/Warren is there ya pull the trigger. I also wouldn't mind Grant as Reed is 33, D Law is 33, Williams is 31.. and Byron needs to stop being thrown in at nose tackle.

I think Kupp was overpaid frankly, but I think 50%+ of that contract was his locker room leadership abilities. Same with D Law. You have Reed/Love at least as locker room leaders on D (before free agency) but this offense had absolutely nobody as a locker room leader on offense until we signed Kupp. That's where I want Booker. He's a locker room leader.

Well a nose tackle is a need but there are guys that they can get by with if need be. DL getting old vs OL doesn't even have a LG on the roster.

 

[HaroldSeattle]

Steve Hutchinson never played left tackle or center (although he did play DL)... I'd rather just have that than someone who can move over to right tackle.

I have to chuckle over your anti Zabel stance to be honest because it's not based on logic, you just got it in your head that you don't want him but you really can't say why in a way that makes sense. You simply don't think he's good despite scouting reports that say otherwise and you have dug in and won't change your mind.

 

[Sharkonabicycle]

Well a nose tackle is a need but there are guys that they can get by with if need be. DL getting old vs OL doesn't even have a LG on the roster.

Well fair... again, I'm just kind of all about where folks are being picked. I think 18 is too early for Zabel, I think there's some better talent there, and then there's some great starting talent in the 2nd round for an OL. I love Jackson, Ratledge, and Wilson.

Don't reach just because you need an OL in round 1. There's going to be a lot of solid players in round 2.

And again, I'm sounding like a broken record here, but if you MUST take a LG at 18.. take Booker over Zabel. I want a mauler that is going to tell the rest of the OL to nut up or shut up, and get 1 yard with Charbs running right behind him.

 

[Sharkonabicycle]

I have to chuckle over your anti Zabel stance to be honest because it's not based on logic, you just got it in your head that you don't want him but you really can't say why in a way that makes sense. You simply don't think he's good despite scouting reports that say otherwise and you have dug in and won't change your mind.

He has shorter arms (VERY relevant and immediately dismisses 'he can play all over the line' in the NFL), is penalized quite a bit, doesn't seem to have the lower power needed to succeed in the NFL, probably projects better at a center which I don't think we need...

I've said numerous times on this forum I'm fine if Seattle takes him. It's a B grade for me. I'd rather have other players at 18 is all I'm saying. Not sure where you're getting I'm anti-Zabel lol. If we traded back into the early 2nd rounder and he was still there, great! I was anti Witherspoon.... I'm not going to lose my shit if we take Zabel at 18.

All said, I'd rather have a natural leader and just absolute mountain of a man in Booker. I also don't think Booker should be going 18... so I'd probably grade that a B+ or A-... I think if we stay at 18 someone will be available that is going to help this team more than Booker/Zabel.

 

[HaroldSeattle]

Well fair... again, I'm just kind of all about where folks are being picked. I think 18 is too early for Zabel, I think there's some better talent there, and then there's some great starting talent in the 2nd round for an OL. I love Jackson, Ratledge, and Wilson.

Don't reach just because you need an OL in round 1. There's going to be a lot of solid players in round 2.

And again, I'm sounding like a broken record here, but if you MUST take a LG at 18.. take Booker over Zabel. I want a mauler that is going to tell the rest of the OL to nut up or shut up, and get 1 yard with Charbs running right behind him.

Think we both agree Jackson will be gone by pick 50. I like Ratledge to add some competition but he's not a plug and play player, nobody at pick 50 who can be a guard is a plug and play guy. Plain and simple. That's my main reason for wanting a OL at 18.

it may surprise you hear Booker's scouting report and his issue's with run blocking. Here's what Draft Buzz says in his scouting report:



They rate Zabel above Booker.

 

[HaroldSeattle]

Daniel Jeremiah on Zabel:

Zabel is a versatile offensive lineman with excellent toughness and awareness. He lined up at left tackle in 2024, but he has played four O-line positions during his collegiate career. I believe he’s best suited to play guard at the next level. In pass pro, he has quick feet, stays square and catches/absorbs rushers. His lack of length shows up on the perimeter. He allows defenders to capture his chest, but he still possesses the core strength and balance to stall their push. He shows the savvy to snatch rushers when they get overextended. I love his ability to fit up and drive defenders in the run game. He has a great feel on combo blocks, and he always looks to finish. He has a nasty playing style, but he doesn’t get caught off-balance. He's aced every test this offseason, from the Senior Bowl to the combine. Overall, I see Zabel as a Day 1 starter at guard.


Day 1 starter. Has experience at the position, nasty playing style, drives defenders in the run game, great zone blocker. Guards aren't sexy but are crucial for the offense to be able to operate. Not going to get a day one starter at guard at pick 50 or later. OL was 31st last season, couldn't open running lanes for the RB, pass rush was in the QB face almost immediately. Adding Zabel would be a big step in fixing that.

 

[jerseyhawksfan79]

I mean McMillan can be a number one. I don't think Egbuka or HIggins will be. I also think if Loveland/Warren is there ya pull the trigger.

I'll throw grenades in the ocean if this happens.

 

[HaroldSeattle]

I'll throw grenades in the ocean if this happens.

I some times wonder why all these draft analyst's seem in love with TE's, to me it's a fringe position, but maybe I'm behind the times.

 

[jerseyhawksfan79]

I some times wonder why all these draft analyst's seem in love with TE's, to me it's a fringe position, but maybe I'm behind the times.

I look at it as a luxury pick. If our o-line played as an avg unit I can see waiting till the 2nd round to bolster up but Seattle doesn't have that type of luxury knowing they need minimum 2 o-line guys with their first 4 picks.

 

[MrS]

I some times wonder why all these draft analyst's seem in love with TE's, to me it's a fringe position, but maybe I'm behind the times.

Unless you have a hof guy, its probably the lowest value position besides fullback

 

[Anointed One]

I think Booker and Zabel at 18 are overdrafted... but if I had to take one, I'll take Booker.

Yeah, I'm not really sold on Zabel at 18... 2nd round? Absolutely... I do like Banks the best but he'll probably be gone at that point...

 

[HaroldSeattle]

Yeah, I'm not really sold on Zabel at 18... 2nd round? Absolutely... I do like Banks the best but he'll probably be gone at that point...

Then who do you like at pick 50 or later at LG? Ratledge played exclusively at RG (has a bit of a injury history also). Banks would be good, but IDK if he will be still on the board, he's being mocked any where from top 10 to the end of round 1. Jackson and Zabel will be off board by pick 50.