Renowned NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah recently held an extensive media conference call in anticipation of the upcoming Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. This event serves as a pivotal moment for NFL teams as they assess potential talent for the upcoming draft.

Representing the Seattle Seahawks during this comprehensive 2-hour and 45-minute call, Field Gulls participated among a crowd of at least 160 individuals. The session featured over 200 questions, making it a marathon of inquiries where each participant was limited to just one question. This format ensured that all voices could be heard, although it inevitably limited follow-up discussions.

To provide context for our discussion, here’s the question I posed during the call.

“A major topic of conversation here in the Pacific Northwest is whether the Seattle Seahawks will extend Geno Smith and retain him as their starting quarterback going into 2025. However, even if he remains, there’s a strong possibility that Seattle could draft a quarterback this year, which has only happened twice under John Schneider’s management.

“There appear to be several viable options available in the late first round to early third round. Common names linked to Seattle in mock drafts include Will Howard from Ohio State, Kyle McCord from Syracuse, Quinn Ewers from Texas, and Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss, the latter of whom you suggested could be a candidate for Seattle at the No. 18 overall pick. Considering the expectation for a run-oriented, play-action offense under Klint Kubiak, which of these quarterbacks do you believe would best fit the new offensive scheme in Seattle?”

The subsequent insights are taken directly from the official transcript of the conference call, as provided by NFL Media.

Analyzing Jaxson Dart’s Fit for the Seattle Seahawks

“While it may be a bit too early to consider Jaxson Dart at the 18th pick, I currently have him rated in the 40s, making him my third-ranked quarterback.”

To shed light on Dart’s potential, Jeremiah later provided a more detailed analysis of his qualities during the call. This portion was not in response to my question.

“There are several aspects to appreciate about Jaxson. Some may find it surprising, but I see parallels between him and Jalen Hurts during his draft process. They share similar physical attributes and athleticism. Both players are not only exceptional athletes but also have earned the admiration of their teammates for their professionalism and work ethic both on and off the field. There are many similarities between them. With Hurts, I observed consistent improvement each year, taking significant strides forward.”

“Since entering the league, Hurts has exhibited continuous development, showcasing a strong work ethic, competitiveness, and resilience. These qualities are also evident in Dart.”

[…]

“What I find appealing about Jaxson is his offensive scheme. The approach does not delve deeply into progressions, with Lane Kiffin effectively orchestrating plays that allow for prompt football distribution. Expect to see numerous RPOs and designed deep shots; however, these plays require Dart to refine his timing and decision-making. Occasionally, I’ve noticed that his field vision can sometimes be ahead of his footwork, which leads to moments where he must improve his caution and decision-making under pressure. These are areas where he can grow.”

“I’ve had the opportunity to meet him, and he is an impressive young man with a great demeanor. I believe he possesses many tools that could be developed effectively. This is why I have rated him as the third-best quarterback prospect.”

Assessing Will Howard’s Potential as an NFL Quarterback

“Will Howard demonstrated exceptional performance during the playoffs. Standing nearly 6’4” and weighing 240 pounds, he is a highly competitive player. I admire that he has succeeded at two different programs: Kansas State and Ohio State. He is adept at making touch throws and exhibits quick decision-making skills, often progressing to his third read efficiently.”

“The primary concern surrounding Howard is his arm strength. There were moments during the season where he struggled, particularly in the Oregon game and some turnovers against Penn State. However, I believe he addressed these issues as the season progressed. I’m eager to observe him throw live; I’ve yet to witness his throwing mechanics in person, and I’m curious to see how his arm strength translates.”

Evaluating Tyler Shough’s Experience and Skills

“Tyler Shough from Louisville is an older prospect at 25 years old, possessing an impressive educational background with four degrees. This level of education could make him one of the most knowledgeable players on any NFL roster.”

“He has the physical attributes necessary for success in the NFL, showcasing significant arm strength and the ability to reach his third read. His off-balance throws demonstrate his arm talent. However, he must improve his pocket awareness; he tends to leave the pocket prematurely instead of utilizing his footwork to create opportunities within it. Nevertheless, he is a physically imposing player.”

Analyzing Quinn Ewers’ Development and Future Potential

“As for Quinn Ewers, there are several players on my radar to reassess after the combine, particularly after reviewing the 2023 tape. Although he struggled with injuries this year, he did not progress as I had anticipated. At just 21 years old, he possesses quick feet and a rapid release, but he has developed some undesirable habits along the way.”

“I noted that he did not play with the conviction I expected, often second-guessing what he was seeing on the field. His footwork became sloppy, leading to a lack of cohesion in his overall performance. Despite the team’s success and his ability to make significant throws during the playoffs, his development has not met my expectations.”

“Overall, Ewers’ progression has not aligned with the growth I had hoped to see from him.”

Kyle McCord: A Quarterback with Promise

“The last player to evaluate is Kyle McCord from Syracuse. He reminds me a lot of Derek Carr during his time at Fresno State. McCord exhibits quick footwork and sharp vision on the field. He effectively utilizes RPO concepts and has demonstrated accuracy, especially on downfield throws.”

“He possesses the ability to deliver the ball with velocity when necessary. However, at times, he plays a bit too aggressively, which has led to unnecessary sacks as he tends to run into pressure.”

Determining the Ideal Quarterback Fit for the Seattle Seahawks Offense

“Each of these quarterbacks has unique strengths and weaknesses that make them intriguing prospects. Ideally, it would be best to target them in the third round. Although I believe Dart will be off the board by then, the remaining candidates should align more closely with that round.”

“In terms of compatibility with the Seahawks’ offensive scheme, it may sound unusual, but Tyler Shough stands out as a player I would consider taking a chance on in the third round.”

Interestingly, it took nearly two hours before anyone inquired about Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe. Jeremiah expressed concerns about Milroe’s limitations, particularly regarding his footwork mechanics and overall passing ability.

Shough, now 25 years old and approaching 26 in September, has an extensive college career spanning seven seasons. He began at Oregon, serving as Justin Herbert’s backup before transitioning to Texas Tech and finally Louisville. His final year at Louisville marked his first standard season as a starter, during which he achieved impressive statistics, throwing for 23 touchdowns, six interceptions, and over 3,100 passing yards across 12 games.

Clearly, Jeremiah does not harbor serious concerns about drafting Shough despite his age and status as a late bloomer in college football. Shough delivered strong performances at the Senior Bowl, an event where the Seahawks have established deep connections and have frequently selected players who excel at this showcase.

The Seahawks are currently navigating an uncertain quarterback situation, especially with the critical March 17 deadline approaching for Geno Smith’s $16 million roster bonus. Even if Smith remains with the team, it is prudent to continue evaluating the current quarterback class to determine if Schneider will finally consider selecting a young and promising quarterback prospect—albeit in Shough’s case, he’s not exactly a young talent.