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Eric D. Williams took over the Seahawks beat and Seahawks Insider blog in December. Williams has covered the Seahawks, Sonics and high school sports for The News Tribune since joining the paper in 2006. Eric lives in Tacoma with his wife and two children.
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Sunday, April 29th, 2007
Posted by Mike Sando @ 09:27:34 am
Here's a name we didn't see coming: Mansfield Wrotto from Georgia Tech. He's a 6-foot-3, 317-pound guard who switched from the defensive line last season.
Categories: NFL Draft, 2007 Seahawks Draft
• 55 comments
COMMENTS:
Well, now that we've finally traded D-Jack for a 4th rounder, it's time to trade away more production for less than value. How about Matt for a late 7th rounder, which we can use to shore up the rotation at punter or gunner. Maybe we could draft a one-legged punter to replace the fall-off from Matt?
Great upside, athleticism, and size. I really think they don't like how undersized Beeckman is, which is strange because they seem to love undersized DLs! :-) I love the Baraka Atkins pick, play on a Defense that ranked in the top 10 for the past 4 years. Great character guy too. I think he will be a rush down DE and maybe a passing down DT. I like the pick and the prospect of Wrotto growing into an athletic OG in the next two years. If only Ben Patrick could slip to our 5th!!!
We just traded our most productive wide receiver for this...
He can be slow to setup at times that leaves him exposed and though he has powerful hands, he is only adequate to recover. His footwork needs work and is probably the most critical area to improve before he can compete for playing time.
7-9 this year.
1-15 in 2008.
He can be slow to setup at times that leaves him exposed and though he has powerful hands, he is only adequate to recover. His footwork needs work and is probably the most critical area to improve before he can compete for playing time.
7-9 this year.
1-15 in 2008.
Isn't it a little bit of a rush to judgement to give this draft a D+ considering we didn't even have a 1st rounder. I think Wilson will be an excellent addition, at least in nickel packages initially. I think the Mebane pick is a great one - nothing wrong with adding a DT to the rotation, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Tubbs. And Atkins is damn fast. I have no problem with this draft at all. They added depth on the DL and at OG. Pollard should be good for one maybe 2 more seasons which allows them to go TE in '08. The Jackson trade is a little tough to swallow though.
I was surprised by Wrotto over Beekman, but remember this guy played 1 year at OL. Before that he was on DL. And he was rated right under Beekman by some, despite that! Beekman, by contrast, has played a lot. Wrotto could become a Dielman. Could.
But, I love how middle-aged guys on their computers at home think they are better talent evaluators than the pros.
But, I love how middle-aged guys on their computers at home think they are better talent evaluators than the pros.
I would have opted for Beekman to (and I would REALLY disagree that he can't locate defenders, but getting to them is another story), but Wrotto may be a better fit.
He's at least a year away from starting, but has oodles of upside - much more so than Beekman. His technique is a liability, but he has just about all the altheticism of Grubbs, Blalock, or Alleman.
Not the way I would have gone, but a respectable pick.
He's at least a year away from starting, but has oodles of upside - much more so than Beekman. His technique is a liability, but he has just about all the altheticism of Grubbs, Blalock, or Alleman.
Not the way I would have gone, but a respectable pick.
What a bunch of whiners. Some of you crybabies probably thought Tatupu was a bust as well...right?
Most if not all of our picks so far address our needs thus far. Will all of our picks make it to the starting line? No.
Have we added depth? Yes.
Last year we were decimated with injuries. This year we have fresh legs and not to mention some very smart players coming into mini-camp and summer camp.
SO quit ya whining and start looking at the positives. Man, I'm sure glad the negative people arn't running the Seahawks organization.
Jeez.
Most if not all of our picks so far address our needs thus far. Will all of our picks make it to the starting line? No.
Have we added depth? Yes.
Last year we were decimated with injuries. This year we have fresh legs and not to mention some very smart players coming into mini-camp and summer camp.
SO quit ya whining and start looking at the positives. Man, I'm sure glad the negative people arn't running the Seahawks organization.
Jeez.
Wrotto is going to be a beast. He is only rated so low because he has only played on offense for a year, and that was at tackle which is not where he will play. Quick and strong, he will take a year to learn the position, but should be a good one.
Atkins gives them a different sort of DE, which adds to the diversity of the defense. He will play a lot. I am pleased with the players they have added, although I am critical of the Jackson trade.
Atkins gives them a different sort of DE, which adds to the diversity of the defense. He will play a lot. I am pleased with the players they have added, although I am critical of the Jackson trade.
key words for Wrotto appear to be "upside" and "project".
Mansfield Wrotto
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 317 | 40-Time: 5.37
Official Bio
Strengths:
Has terrific size with long arms...Outstanding athleticism and quickness...Is strong and powerful...Light on his feet...Versatile...Mobile with good range...Played a lot of DI football and was a four-year starter...Adjusts well in space and gets to the second level...Is effective as both a run and pass blocker...Has a ton of potential.
Weaknesses:
Extremely raw and inexperienced when it comes to the position...Will need a lot of work from a technique and fundamentals standpoint...Not a finisher and needs to show more of a nasty steak and killer instinct...He will get knocked back at times.
Notes:
Last name is pronounced "ROTT-o"...Played defensive tackle for the vast majority of his career and only moved to the offensive line as a senior in 2006...He played outside at tackle in college but will likely move to guard as a pro...Very interesting player due to his immense upside but he is probably more of a long-term project.
Mansfield Wrotto
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 317 | 40-Time: 5.37
Official Bio
Strengths:
Has terrific size with long arms...Outstanding athleticism and quickness...Is strong and powerful...Light on his feet...Versatile...Mobile with good range...Played a lot of DI football and was a four-year starter...Adjusts well in space and gets to the second level...Is effective as both a run and pass blocker...Has a ton of potential.
Weaknesses:
Extremely raw and inexperienced when it comes to the position...Will need a lot of work from a technique and fundamentals standpoint...Not a finisher and needs to show more of a nasty steak and killer instinct...He will get knocked back at times.
Notes:
Last name is pronounced "ROTT-o"...Played defensive tackle for the vast majority of his career and only moved to the offensive line as a senior in 2006...He played outside at tackle in college but will likely move to guard as a pro...Very interesting player due to his immense upside but he is probably more of a long-term project.
Stop with the Beekman and Ben Patrick nonsense. Just because you fill a percieved need doesn't mean the player can and or will play up to par. 31 other teams have passed on Beekman and Patrick to this point, so if these guys are pro bowlers waiting to happen everyone is missing the boat. Does that mean they are not going to be good players? No, it simply means they are what they: day 2 picks who may or may not be players.
You cant judge this draft class until the season starts, you have to give a little time to see how good this guys actually can be.
Jackson for a 4th is tough to swallow, there has to be something more to this story besides unhappy contract numbers. No offense to DJack but I do hope his knee is jacked up.
Jackson for a 4th is tough to swallow, there has to be something more to this story besides unhappy contract numbers. No offense to DJack but I do hope his knee is jacked up.
After Ruskell takes the hit off of the opium pipe and is passed out ... how did we know that he would wake up in time to take Wrotto ... I can just picture Ruskell now lying in the opium den, shivering, and crying out WROTTO WROTTO WROTTO WROTTO ... maybe Ruskell was so high he thought the 49ers said "first", when they really said "fourth"
no entry for Baraka Atkins pick, especially since DE Daniel Bazuin wa still on the board? I'm hijacking this thread.
(from nfldraftcountdown.com)
BARAKA ATKINS
Height: 6-41/2 | Weight: 271 | 40-Time: 4.69
Strengths:
Has good size and bulk with a nice frame...Stout against the run...Good strength and power...Agile and quick off the snap...Is versatile with experience at multiple positions...Gets excellent penetration...Plays with good leverage and balance...He was durable...Has a lot of experience...Solid production...Still has some potential.
Weaknesses:
Classic 'tweener who's not big enough to play inside yet doesn't have the ideal speed or athleticism needed for the outside...Was never really able to focus on mastering a single position...Has an inconsistent motor...Not a great pass rusher or sack artist...Questionable work ethic...Was actually benched for a while in '06.
(from nfldraftcountdown.com)
BARAKA ATKINS
Height: 6-41/2 | Weight: 271 | 40-Time: 4.69
Strengths:
Has good size and bulk with a nice frame...Stout against the run...Good strength and power...Agile and quick off the snap...Is versatile with experience at multiple positions...Gets excellent penetration...Plays with good leverage and balance...He was durable...Has a lot of experience...Solid production...Still has some potential.
Weaknesses:
Classic 'tweener who's not big enough to play inside yet doesn't have the ideal speed or athleticism needed for the outside...Was never really able to focus on mastering a single position...Has an inconsistent motor...Not a great pass rusher or sack artist...Questionable work ethic...Was actually benched for a while in '06.
If we are deep in the palyoffs next January, then this draft was a success. Any other judgement before then is just speculation. We have no idea what we actually got until the rubber hits the road. From a position-need standpoint, it looks to me that objectives are being met.
Some of you guys need to find an Internet pharmacy & bulk order some valium.
Overall, the NFL draft is a 50/50 crapshoot. You don't know who has peaked out in ability and who has room to grow into the next level. The professional draftniks can't agree on anything except the 1st round and they move in a herd mentality because there's safety in numbers (e.g. "if we're all wrong, then no one can single out me"!).
And the 2nd day is much lower than a 50/50 crapshoot. You need to give these picks a chance. At least they align with our need areas.
Now, the Jackson deal is very risky and open to some serious debate. But we all need to chill on the picks.
Overall, the NFL draft is a 50/50 crapshoot. You don't know who has peaked out in ability and who has room to grow into the next level. The professional draftniks can't agree on anything except the 1st round and they move in a herd mentality because there's safety in numbers (e.g. "if we're all wrong, then no one can single out me"!).
And the 2nd day is much lower than a 50/50 crapshoot. You need to give these picks a chance. At least they align with our need areas.
Now, the Jackson deal is very risky and open to some serious debate. But we all need to chill on the picks.
how dare you people be critical of these picks? Wasn't Ruskell the same guy who drafted Tatupu and Hill? Didn't he draft Rob Sims last year in the 4th round? Didn't he draft David Greene, Jeb Huckeba, and Tony Jackson? Oh, wait.
So, it all comes down to Wrotto v. DJackson. We will see who has made the bigger impact on his team over the next 2-3 years.
So, it all comes down to Wrotto v. DJackson. We will see who has made the bigger impact on his team over the next 2-3 years.
I see a problem with this pick for the simple reason that we are not getting even a slightly immediate impact player for Jackson. It will take Wrotto 2 years or more to see significant playing time on the offensive line because he is such a raw talent.
Jackson will help SF immediately, and he will want to burn us badly in both of those games. He is as of right now their #1 receiver with Lelie and Jason Hill.
I just hope D-Jack reverts back to his D-Drop days when he plays us. I do not wish that he gets hurt because I like Jackson and hope his success continues with a great orginization, and a great mentality to win like SF.
Jackson will help SF immediately, and he will want to burn us badly in both of those games. He is as of right now their #1 receiver with Lelie and Jason Hill.
I just hope D-Jack reverts back to his D-Drop days when he plays us. I do not wish that he gets hurt because I like Jackson and hope his success continues with a great orginization, and a great mentality to win like SF.
hey guys trust the brain trust of guys who make a living scouting and researching these guys. Wrotto?? who heard of him? well the hawks must have as they picked him over the rest available. Ruskell (i believe0 knows what he's doing, he's done great so far. Actually is anyone we drafted so far been on the medias wish list?? Remember hutch no one liked that pick either. Spencer, hassleback, all no name guys.
Based on what Mike reported earlier on Ruskells thoughts about the Jackson trade, this is addition by subtraction. We dump Darrells contract and bad attitude and injury problems. Plus we give Hackett more plays. This has little to do with the draft pick we got in return. I like the move.
To all those drinking the Tim Ruskell kool-aid: as fans, it's ok to criticize the front office. Really. And I know this will come as a shock, but sometimes Ruskell makes mistakes. I know, it's hard to believe he's fallible, but it's true.
I'd also add that, while most of us commenters are not professional talent evaluators, the players many of us wanted to see drafted -- Josh Beekman, for example -- were drafted at virtually the same spot as the positional player Ruskell drafted (in this example, Mansfield Grotto). So it'll be very easy to evaluate this choice: will Grotto be a better guard than Beekman? My guess is no, and Rob Rang's guess is no (in the sense he had us potentially drafting Beekman in the third!), but hopefully we'll be proven wrong.
I'd also add that, while most of us commenters are not professional talent evaluators, the players many of us wanted to see drafted -- Josh Beekman, for example -- were drafted at virtually the same spot as the positional player Ruskell drafted (in this example, Mansfield Grotto). So it'll be very easy to evaluate this choice: will Grotto be a better guard than Beekman? My guess is no, and Rob Rang's guess is no (in the sense he had us potentially drafting Beekman in the third!), but hopefully we'll be proven wrong.
still available TEs:
Ben Patrick TE 6-04 270 Delaware
Kevin Boss TE 6-06 257 Western Oregon
Joe Newton TE 6-06 257 Oregon State
Michael Allan TE 6-6 242 Whitworth
Clark Harris TE 6-05 261 Rutgers
Jonny Harline TE 6-03 248 BYU
Dante Rosario TE 6-4 250 Oregon
Derek Schouman TE 6-2 233 Boise State
Ben Patrick TE 6-04 270 Delaware
Kevin Boss TE 6-06 257 Western Oregon
Joe Newton TE 6-06 257 Oregon State
Michael Allan TE 6-6 242 Whitworth
Clark Harris TE 6-05 261 Rutgers
Jonny Harline TE 6-03 248 BYU
Dante Rosario TE 6-4 250 Oregon
Derek Schouman TE 6-2 233 Boise State
I will take a wait and see approach, but the only thing I don't get is why did we not get San Fran's first pick in the fourth round for DJACK? We obviously agree he is worth more than a fourth rounder, but if a fourth rounder, why one so late? We may have had the guard from Texas Tech then. Just curious why so low a 4th rounder for him. Either way, I believe we'll be just fine.
"Which Swiss account would you like your check delivered to Mr Ruskell?"
"Uh-huh, and the $2M amount is agreed?"
"OK then, yes we're very pleased too, and you have a good season too!"
Click.
Then the 9ers owners chuckled to themselves, "Yeah, watching us on TV during the playoffs!"
5-11 this year. Sorry JP.
"Uh-huh, and the $2M amount is agreed?"
"OK then, yes we're very pleased too, and you have a good season too!"
Click.
Then the 9ers owners chuckled to themselves, "Yeah, watching us on TV during the playoffs!"
5-11 this year. Sorry JP.
Oh, and Dan Bazuin wasn't still on the board in the fourth -- the Bears took him with the last pick of the second round.
As for Wrotto, I don't know that he would have been my pick -- I'm not as optimistic as the Hawks that Gray and Chop will get us through the year, and I'd rather have someone who could contribute this season, which Wrotto probably isn't -- but aside from his speed, the only real flaws with Wrotto seem to be due to inexperience, and projectably fixable with coaching. If they wanted to go with the player they thought would be a better one long-term, I can see that. (Dielman actually appears to be a pretty good comp.)
As for Wrotto, I don't know that he would have been my pick -- I'm not as optimistic as the Hawks that Gray and Chop will get us through the year, and I'd rather have someone who could contribute this season, which Wrotto probably isn't -- but aside from his speed, the only real flaws with Wrotto seem to be due to inexperience, and projectably fixable with coaching. If they wanted to go with the player they thought would be a better one long-term, I can see that. (Dielman actually appears to be a pretty good comp.)
Here's Nolan Nawrocki's comment on Wrotto:
"If Mansfield Wrotto turns out to be as good of a pro as his potential suggests, Mike Holmgren might be able to forgive Tim Ruskell for letting Steve Hutchinson get away and not being able to sign Kris Dielman in free agency. Wrotto played out of position at right tackle as a senior, but he is big, strong and physical and has a world of potential inside."
By contrast, he described Beekman as "on the short side and . . . not a great athlete, which is why he belonged in the fourth round, but he is tough and very functional in a phonebooth."
Like Baraka Atkins (but in a different way), Wrotto strikes me as a coaching pick -- you trust that your staff can coach the kid up to his potential, and if they do, you have yourself a powerhouse RG. Beekman would give us more right away, but his ceiling is lower.
"If Mansfield Wrotto turns out to be as good of a pro as his potential suggests, Mike Holmgren might be able to forgive Tim Ruskell for letting Steve Hutchinson get away and not being able to sign Kris Dielman in free agency. Wrotto played out of position at right tackle as a senior, but he is big, strong and physical and has a world of potential inside."
By contrast, he described Beekman as "on the short side and . . . not a great athlete, which is why he belonged in the fourth round, but he is tough and very functional in a phonebooth."
Like Baraka Atkins (but in a different way), Wrotto strikes me as a coaching pick -- you trust that your staff can coach the kid up to his potential, and if they do, you have yourself a powerhouse RG. Beekman would give us more right away, but his ceiling is lower.
so everyone is saying that moss traded for a 4th rounder isnt as good as jackson traded for a 4th rounder? you all amaze me paul allen abviously needs to hire from one of you excellent future gm's.everyone of these picks fills a need and has upside and potential. wrotto is a beast i saw 2 games he played in. relax we can reopen this debate before next years draft.
To all those drinking the Tim Ruskell kool-aid: as fans, it's ok to criticize the front office. Really. And I know this will come as a shock, but sometimes Ruskell makes mistakes. I know, it's hard to believe he's fallible, but it's true.
Nobody is claiming Ruskell is perfect. But for those of us coming here for Seahawks news, it's a waste of our time and energy to be hit with an unrelenting wall of pessimism from the same cast of characters each and every time.
Ruskell isn't perfect, but he has already proven he knows more about football personnel than any of us, and he deserves the benefit of the doubt.
Nobody is claiming Ruskell is perfect. But for those of us coming here for Seahawks news, it's a waste of our time and energy to be hit with an unrelenting wall of pessimism from the same cast of characters each and every time.
Ruskell isn't perfect, but he has already proven he knows more about football personnel than any of us, and he deserves the benefit of the doubt.
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