http://nfl.si.com/2013/04/30/2014-nfl-m ... nl_siextra

Has Seattle taking Colt Lyerla. He'll test off the charts, 4.4-4.5 40 and over 35" vert. Ill bet he shows up around 250 as well. I like the pick, but I don't agree with the #27 pick. 32 cnn not 27.

Thats my dream selection for next year and the whole reason I didnt want a TE this year.

Kip and J are going to have fisticuffs over Lyerla and ASJ this year.

I'll crush that little twerp.

The way I feel about Lyerla is pretty similar to the way I felt about Dion Jordan. Over-rated because of athleticism while lacking natural talent, though a position change could help. Jordan will probably be a disappointment as a 4-3 end in the NFL and I feel the same about Lyerla at TE. That is, unless he's drafted by Seattle. Pete would find a way to make it work.

ASJ I have no comment on. He'll be off the board before Seattle picks and I just can't see Seattle making a dramatic trade up for a tight end. I'm actually hoping his DUI and "indefinite" suspension allow him to tumble into Seahawk pick territory.

That said, Seattle just drafted a running back with their first pick after trading a 1st for Percy Harvin. We have no idea what Seattle's needs could be next year, either.

I think Lyerla is much more likely than ASJ to be a Seahawk, if Seattle does pull the trigger on a TE early. Seattle is fine with unrefined players with awesome athleticism, and Lyerla probably lasts long enough to reach Seattle barring a huge season in 2013.

kearly wrote:The way I feel about Lyerla is pretty similar to the way I felt about Dion Jordan. Over-rated because of athleticism while lacking natural talent, though a position change could help. Jordan will probably be a disappointment as a 4-3 end in the NFL and I feel the same about Lyerla at TE. That is, unless he's drafted by Seattle. Pete would find a way to make it work.

I can see that with Jordan, I cant see that argument with Lyerla. He does everything a tight end is supposed to do very well. And is a very talented and polished football player. Maybe he just doesnt look like it because he's so Beast Mode.

I'm gonna fight you on this one for about 358 more days!

JSeahawks wrote:I can see that with Jordan, I cant see that argument with Lyerla. He does everything a tight end is supposed to do very well.

I think Jordan is the better football player. He's got big weaknesses as a pass rusher but he's awesome in coverage for a big guy and I think he'd make a helluva SAM linebacker. Even as a 4-3 DE, I could see Jordan having a Bruce Irvin type rookie season where he struggles in most games but then has a bunch of two-sack games when he faces the Bryan Bulaga's of the league.

Lyerla, where do I begin? Too little lower body length. Skinny legs. Leaves a lot to be desired as a blocker. I just watched his compilation against ASU and he had zero catches but two whiffed blocks. For a guy with his size and athleticism I was disappointed with his blocking ability and even his blocking effort. He's also a body catcher that just "looks" unnatural out there. The only thing I like about Lyerla is his Gronk-like resilience after the catch. With the ball in his hands his lower body strength suddenly reveals itself. Maybe he just doesn't give a shit as a blocker?

If Lyerla went to ANY other school he'd be a draft afterthought, IMO. He's riding from the same momentum from the "Chip Kelly genius" label that elevated Jordan. Though I guess Carroll shares some of the "blame" too after drafting some pure athletes in recent years and everyone in the NFL is peeking over his shoulder these days.

kearly wrote:Seattle is fine with unrefined players with awesome athleticism

Funny, I just had this realization today when I was trying to get a better read on what the Hawks are all about after this 4th draft.

Not that its an excuse for lack of effort but he was hurt in that ASU game, bruised hip. Got hurt against UW the previous week then sat out the following week. He is a body catcher a lot of the time, i'll agree with you there. But I dont recall ever seeing him have a drop. Maybe you just got him on a bad day because he's a very good blocker. You dont get on the field for Chip Kelly as a WR or TE at Oregon if you're not.

Watch him blocking for Kenjon vs USC. Several plays where he's driving his guy 10 yards down the field.

Kerly just admit you don't like any Oregon player and therefor can't evaluate them. You know I really like what you do here, but when it comes to UO you have a tough time being unbiased.

Never really concentrated on him as a 2014 guy... but any tight end that runs the ball is pretty interesting. Looks very intriguing on tape.

Seems like a decent enough guy, but those tweets... man that was misguided.

How can somebody have a strong lower body and skinny legs?

I don't know about the skinny legs, but I'll take a guy's leg strength who can do a 62" two-footed box jump and waist high pool jump any day.

box jump: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk0CxGPdxvo

pool jump: http://a.yfrog.com/img860/3163/v6cinolo ... vtyplw.mp4

Colt Lyerla definitely has some maturity issues and has issues in the past with picking up the playbook, but I agree with jseahawks in the sense that I wouldn't call him raw as a player.

A highlight video for those interested.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgqbrR8FOYI

Boy Fight!

I'm gonna laugh when Lyerla turns into the next Dante Rosario and ASJ becomes the next Jerramy Stevens. That's the perfect resolution to this. Provided Luke Willson becomes a stud and the Hawks draft neither, of course.

NYCoug wrote:I'm gonna laugh when Lyerla turns into the next Dante Rosario and ASJ becomes the next Jerramy Stevens. That's the perfect resolution to this. Provided Luke Willson becomes a stud and the Hawks draft neither, of course.

I think you just killed Kearly with that comment.

Sarlacc83 wrote:I think you just killed Kearly with that comment.

Who knew all it would take was the oh so obvious ASJ-Jerramy Stevens comparison. Before someone calls me out for being a tool for thinking Lyerla and ASJ will be busts, I don't. Just think it would be perfect for J and kearly. So say, what comment do I have to make to get rid of pe?

CPHawk wrote:Kerly just admit you don't like any Oregon player and therefor can't evaluate them. You know I really like what you do here, but when it comes to UO you have a tough time being unbiased.

I think it has more to do with the fact that Oregon players are atypically unfit for the pros and gimmicky and don't translate to the NFL.

Unger and Ngata notwithstanding -- there isn't a great deal of Oregon starters in the NFL. Most of them are below NFL average fringe players. Even guys who have been somewhat successful (Chung, Stewart, Byrd) have served rather anonymously on bad performing clubs/units.

Oregon's contribution to the NFL talent pool at the top end is not appreciably more distinguished than Washington, Arizona or Arizona State. For the number of players they put into the league, very very few of them actually have turned into much more than camp bodies and practice squad types.

Although that said, I don't believe program history really dictates future prospects chances of making an impact. Lyerla is supremely talented. Certainly has a lot of 'uniqueness'. And considering our thus far fruitless search for a Joker TE, I'd have to think he'd be more attractive to us than ASJ.

NYCoug wrote:I'm gonna laugh when Lyerla turns into the next Dante Rosario and ASJ becomes the next Jerramy Stevens. That's the perfect resolution to this. Provided Luke Willson becomes a stud and the Hawks draft neither, of course.

I actally love ASJ as well. He'll probably be a top 15 pick so won't be an option for Seattle. But I do think Lyerla is a very possible, and even likely option for us.

Imo ASJ is going to be Tony Gonzales and Lyerla is going to be Gronk and in 5 years the two of them will be fighting it out for All Pro honors.

Attyla the Hawk wrote:

CPHawk wrote:Kerly just admit you don't like any Oregon player and therefor can't evaluate them. You know I really like what you do here, but when it comes to UO you have a tough time being unbiased.

I think it has more to do with the fact that Oregon players are atypically unfit for the pros and gimmicky and don't translate to the NFL.

Unger and Ngata notwithstanding -- there isn't a great deal of Oregon starters in the NFL. Most of them are below NFL average fringe players. Even guys who have been somewhat successful (Chung, Stewart, Byrd) have served rather anonymously on bad performing clubs/units.

Oregon's contribution to the NFL talent pool at the top end is not appreciably more distinguished than Washington, Arizona or Arizona State. For the number of players they put into the league, very very few of them actually have turned into much more than camp bodies and practice squad types.

Although that said, I don't believe program history really dictates future prospects chances of making an impact. Lyerla is supremely talented. Certainly has a lot of 'uniqueness'. And considering our thus far fruitless search for a Joker TE, I'd have to think he'd be more attractive to us than ASJ.

I think you're dead wrong here. If anything the NFL is moving more towards the Ducks type system. I love hearing the Ducks are gimmicky. Doesnt being a gimick mean you should be able to stop it when you know its coming? The Gimmick has been kicking ass for about 5 years now. Its so gimmicky that Washington is now trying to copy what Oregon does.

Prior to this year the Ducks havnt had a first round draft pick in 5 years. So its not like they've put a ton of potential all pro players into the league. For the most part the Duck players that are in the league are playing at, or better then, there draft slot.

Now, watch the next 3 or 4 years, they have a ton of nfl prospects coming up. Next year, depending on which juniors go pro I expect as many as 4 or 5 1st rounders (Ifo Ekpre Olumu, Colt Lyerla, Marcus Mariota, Tyler Johnston and De'Anthony Thomas).

ASJ vs Lyerla

Height 6-6 vs 6-5
Weight 266 vs 246

2011 Catches 41 vs 7
2011 yards 538 vs 147
2011 TDs 6 vs 5
2012 catches 69 vs 25
2012 yards 850 vs 392
2012 TDs 7 vs 7(1 was a rushing TD)

Now obviously stats don't tell the whole story but it is a portion. Really I think Lyerla is just a freaky athletic in a measurable sort of way but isn't smooth and super coordinated. He kind of just seems like a guy who is really good at working out. I don't see his athleticism translate all that well to the football field. He is a super freak athlete though as he probably will run a 4.5 40 and have 40" vert. On the other hand ASJ's athleticism translates very well to the football field. He isn't going to have as crazy of combine numbers but he is also taller and lot heavier. He looks very natural out in routes and catching the ball(way more so than Colt). Lyerla has huge bust written all over him. Again, a freak athlete playing football instead of a football player that is a freak athlete. Plus there seems to be some stories of Colt being a roided out psycho. He kind of reminds me of Lattimer from the Program. I hope to hell the seahawks don't draft him in the first 2 or 3 rounds. He has Raider written all over him. If he is going to succeed in the NFL I see him as an Hback type that runs the ball as well as goes out into routes.

polarbill1999 wrote:ASJ vs Lyerla

Height 6-6 vs 6-5
Weight 266 vs 246

2011 Catches 41 vs 7
2011 yards 538 vs 147
2011 TDs 6 vs 5
2012 catches 69 vs 25
2012 yards 850 vs 392
2012 TDs 7 vs 7(1 was a rushing TD)

Now obviously stats don't tell the whole story but it is a portion. Really I think Lyerla is just a freaky athletic in a measurable sort of way but isn't smooth and super coordinated. He kind of just seems like a guy who is really good at working out. I don't see his athleticism translate all that well to the football field. He is a super freak athlete though as he probably will run a 4.5 40 and have 40" vert. On the other hand ASJ's athleticism translates very well to the football field. He isn't going to have as crazy of combine numbers but he is also taller and lot heavier. He looks very natural out in routes and catching the ball(way more so than Colt). Lyerla has huge bust written all over him. Again, a freak athlete playing football instead of a football player that is a freak athlete. Plus there seems to be some stories of Colt being a roided out psycho. He kind of reminds me of Lattimer from the Program. I hope to hell the seahawks don't draft him in the first 2 or 3 rounds. He has Raider written all over him. If he is going to succeed in the NFL I see him as an Hback type that runs the ball as well as goes out into routes.

Another Husky fan, go figure. Put ASJ in the Ducks offense and Lyerla in the Huskies offense and the stats would be flipped. Its not exactly rocket science that the UW offense utilizes the TE much more then the Ducks offense does.

Ducks fan here....

ASJ is far more impressive.

T-Sizzle wrote:Ducks fan here....

ASJ is far more impressive.

Which is fine. And I dont even disagree. I think both of them are really impressive. I'm guessing NFL Scouts will think ASJ is more impressive. Thats not what this thread is about (other then Scotteemojo instigating stuff ) its about Colt lyerla being a Seahawk at the very end of the first round.

I'd be ecstatic if ASJ was there for us when we were drafting. But i'd also be ecstatic if Colt is our pick.

J, that may have some validity but also because of the oregon offense Colt is generally wide open as it is a blown coverage. All UW has is ASJ and teams are keying on him. Even with them keying on him he is still able to far out perform Colt. Watch the way both move and catch the ball. It is easy to see that ASJ is the far better football player and athlete(in a usable way).

One thing I was just thinking about is whether Oregon's offense is good or bad for producing NFL players. Sure, it seems to be pretty good at getting guys drafted but outside of oline and Jonathon Stewart has there been a single good NFL player come from Oregon's offense? Stewart is about the only player who is an NFL starting caliber player. Maybe Blount but it looks like his half a season was a pure fluke. As bad as the UW has been the last 10 years they have about the same level of starting caliber offensive skill position players with Marcel Reece and Locker.

polarbill1999 wrote:J, that may have some validity but also because of the oregon offense Colt is generally wide open as it is a blown coverage. All UW has is ASJ and teams are keying on him. Even with them keying on him he is still able to far out perform Colt. Watch the way both move and catch the ball. It is easy to see that ASJ is the far better football player and athlete(in a usable way).

One thing I was just thinking about is whether Oregon's offense is good or bad for producing NFL players. Sure, it seems to be pretty good at getting guys drafted but outside of oline and Jonathon Stewart has there been a single good NFL player come from Oregon's offense? Stewart is about the only player who is an NFL starting caliber player. Maybe Blount but it looks like his half a season was a pure fluke. As bad as the UW has been the last 10 years they have about the same level of starting caliber offensive skill position players with Marcel Reece and Locker.

The first paragraph you'll never get me to agree with. Who cares the way he looks when he moves? He gets where he needs to be and he does everything a Tight end is supposed to do. Why does it matter how pretty they look doin git? Do you think Marshawn Lynch looks pretty and effective when he's running? He's got giddyups and hitches all over the place and looks anything but fluid, but he's a hell of a football player! In the mean time Chris Warren had one of the most beautiful strides and was a beautiful runner. Who'd you rather have, Lynch or Warren?

I've watched every game Colt has ever played, i've seen him make dozens of catches in heavy traffic. To say he is always wide open is foolish. Besides, isnt that kind of the goal of an offense, to get its guys open? You can't bash a player because he plays in an offense tha tworks.

And as i've already said a few times in this thread I'M NOT ARGUIING THAT LYERLA IS BETTER THEN AUSTIN SEFARIAN JENKINS. I THINK AUSTIN SEFARIAN JENNKINS IS A VERY VERY VERY GOOD TIGHT END AND I WOULD BE THRILLED TO HAVE HIM AS A SEAHAWK.

Btw, there are 3 Oregon Duck tight ends in the NFL right now. How many UW tight ends are there?

Clearly, Colt is a much better TE than ASJ. That is established. How much better is the real question.

Scottemojo wrote:Clearly, Colt is a much better TE than ASJ. That is established. How much better is the real question.

Well, there we go. One of the best football minds on the board said it. I guess it is so.

We need to trade the Raiders or Jaguars for their #1 picks. MUST HAVE CLOWNEY.

ASJ is an absolute freak. He's already pretending he's a Seahawk too.

J, my point is I don't think Lyerla is anything more than a workout warrior. I know you aren't saying he is better than ASJ but I don't think it is anywhere close. Just my opinion though.

I personally think Colt is being sold short, and in fact I see 2-3 NFL TE on UO current roster. Pharaoh Brown will get drafted in a few years also. But in no way would I call colt a better right now then ASJ.

JSeahawks wrote:

Scottemojo wrote:Clearly, Colt is a much better TE than ASJ. That is established. How much better is the real question.

Well, there we go. One of the best football minds on the board said it. I guess it is so.

Shhhhhhhhh. I don't get that many chances to poke Kip.

Just curious but is there a rule that says we couldn't package our 1st, 2nd and possibly even 3rd round picks next year to move up and take ASJ if he is that good? Why must we wait and take another TE who may or may not be a top TE prospect when it sounds like ASJ is by far the leader of the group?

We have so few holes on this team as it is. We can afford to package picks to get "The Guy" if that is what ASJ can do for this team.

Lyerla is on my list of guys to scout this year. I didn't scout him last year, but his athleticism did catch my eye when watching Oregon. At this point I don't think its a stretch to mock him to the late 1st round, a lot can happen over the course of a season. Oklahoma (OT/OG) Lane Johnson at this point last year was not considered a 1st round prospect and as the college season went along he played his way into the 1st round, the same can happen with Lyerla.

De' Anthony Thomas is a very intriguing player and with Tavon Austin being the 8th overall pick in the 1st round does that motivate Thomas to ask the coaching staff to use him more as a WR instead of RB. Thomas is the same size as Austin but he gets more touches at RB than WR. If he wants to be a high draft pick he may want to play more WR which is valued more highly than change of pace RB.

I'm also intrigued with DT Ricky Heimuli. Big DT that was highly recruited but has yet to live up to his potential. Is this his breakout year? Russell Wilson already knows him.


True sophomore (DE) Arik Armstead at 6-8 between 280-290 lbs has unique size and he was one of the top recruites coming out of high school. While he is not eligible for the 2014 draft, he is still a guy worth keeping an eye on.

The opposite is true of DAT. The last two years he's played a lot more in the slot while Lamichael James and Kenjon Barner have been the primary rb's. This year he'll be the starting RB, although I expect he'll still see plenty of action in the slot as well.

Don't forget about CB Ifo Ekpre Olomu, who was an All American as a sophomore. I think either he or DAT will be the first Duck off the draft board next year (if they go pro.... they'll both be juniors).

Armstead was the #1 overall recruit in the country... but that was as an o'linemen. He's still good, but not nearly as good as a d'linemen. I don't think he'll even be the highest drafted Oregon d'linemen from that recruiting class though. I think that will be Deforrest Buckner.

CPHawk wrote:Kerly just admit you don't like any Oregon player and therefor can't evaluate them. You know I really like what you do here, but when it comes to UO you have a tough time being unbiased.

I've raved about several Oregon players over the years, though sadly it's been a kiss of death for their careers. Hopefully Thurmond can be an exception.

There have been FAR more Oregon prospects that received my seal of approval than UW ones in the last four years or so. Unfortunately, the players that seem like the best draft bargains from both schools recently have fallen like rocks on draft day because of medical or character concerns. : (

I don't think it should matter who's team you root for when making evaluations. We're not a bunch of hopeless homers here, we're Seahawks fans that want to see our team draft the best players, regardless of where they come from.

I'm kind of at the point now where I barely care about UW, anyway. Until they have the kind of O-line / D-line that Stanford has, I don't think they'll ever be more than a fringe top-25 type team. Sark is building from outside in, recruiting skill positions while (for the most part) ignoring the trenches. Tim Ruskell tried the same thing. It didn't work so great.

NYCoug wrote:Who knew all it would take was the oh so obvious ASJ-Jerramy Stevens comparison. Before someone calls me out for being a tool for thinking Lyerla and ASJ will be busts, I don't. Just think it would be perfect for J and kearly. So say, what comment do I have to make to get rid of pe?

Just so you know, I've mentioned ASJ and Stevens in the same breath several times already over the past couple years. In terms of physical talent, they are essentially identical. ASJ has terrific hands though and up until his DUI, had no character concerns.

Scottemojo wrote:Clearly, Colt is a much better TE than ASJ. That is established. How much better is the real question.

Obvious trolling aside, I'm not surprised you like Lyerla. He's a bit like a rich man's Vance McDonald.

JSeahawks wrote:Which is fine. And I dont even disagree. I think both of them are really impressive. I'm guessing NFL Scouts will think ASJ is more impressive. Thats not what this thread is about (other then Scotteemojo instigating stuff ) its about Colt lyerla being a Seahawk at the very end of the first round.

I'd be ecstatic if ASJ was there for us when we were drafting. But i'd also be ecstatic if Colt is our pick.

I could totally see Colt Lyerla being a Seahawk 1st round pick next year.

Yea, I think despite being a Husky fan, Kearly has been pretty fair to Ducks in the past. If you recall, I think he was higher on Darren Thomas then any other member of this board was. He's not always right (nobody is) but he is fair, imo.

And don't forget Cliff Harris! Like I said, kiss of death.

If there's one guy I hope I've cursed by talking him up it's LaMichael James. It'd be nice if SF doesn't get the player I thought they were getting when they took him in the 2nd round.

Scottemojo wrote:Clearly, Colt is a much better TE than ASJ. That is established. How much better is the real question.

Obvious trolling aside, I'm not surprised you like Lyerla. He's a bit like a rich man's Vance McDonald.

Ohhhhh, a return troll. Well played. That troll had layers even. And was true.

kearly wrote:And don't forget Cliff Harris! Like I said, kiss of death.

If there's one guy I hope I've cursed by talking him up it's LaMichael James. It'd be nice if SF doesn't get the player I thought they were getting when they took him in the 2nd round.

Cliff is the definition of having all the talent in the world, but he can't get out of his own way. Sad, he has cost himself millions over stupid stuff.

CPHawk wrote:

kearly wrote:And don't forget Cliff Harris! Like I said, kiss of death.

If there's one guy I hope I've cursed by talking him up it's LaMichael James. It'd be nice if SF doesn't get the player I thought they were getting when they took him in the 2nd round.

Cliff is the definition of having all the talent in the world, but he can't get out of his own way. Sad, he has cost himself millions over stupid stuff.

Been arrested 3 times in the last 9 days. He's on a roll!!!

It’s been a rough few weeks for Cliff Harris.

First, the former Oregon cornerback was cut from the Jets and caught smoking marijuana in suburban New Jersey. Then he was arrested over the weekend for domestic harassment outside a Buffalo Wild Wings in Hillsboro, Ore. And today, on his way to a court date for that charge, he was pulled over for speeding and passing in a no-passing zone — all while driving without his license.

http://dailyemerald.com/2013/05/07/form ... yet-again/

Posted by Colt on his twitter.

http://i.imgur.com/ZEg6VSn.jpg

CPHawk wrote:Posted by Colt on his twitter.

http://i.imgur.com/ZEg6VSn.jpg

Supposedly at 6% body fat.

If Luke Willson pans out then no need for either Lyerla/ASJ (although I would love having ASJ in this offense).

I am also not sold on Lyerla.

ASJ is probably my favorite NCAA player. If healthy (and on the field), I think this year will be the year he puts the final touches on his game. If I'm correct, and Price is protected(!) and gives us what he's capable of, I think ASJ will go between 10-15. It would cost us a fortune to move up that high. As much as I'd love to keep him in Seattle, I don't know that with the weapons we currently have, that it would make sense to move up. I do think we will have to address the position in this draft, though.

As an aside; Everyone wants to hate on Jerramy Stevens (and do so with good reason). But I personally think Stevens was better (at UDub) than the great ASJ. Anyone agree or am I totally off base?

On Clowney: Like USC, I used to hate the Raiders. Like USC, I now almost feel sorry for the Raiders. It's no longer fun, or sporting, rooting against them. I am hopeful they have found their QB in Wilson or Flynn so they can grab Clowney. I know Davis would have wanted him. I can't recall a more dominant, disruptive (Raider) since the great John Matuszak.

Thanks for these threads, Kearly. I especially appreciate the film clips (and insight) on players I'm often unfamilar with. Great stuff.

EDIT: Looks like I posted this in the wrong thread. It was meant for the Kearly thread. My bad.