Matthew Judon should be Seahawks preferred trade target at edge rusher
By Geoff Shull
Ngakoue versus Judon in Seahawks terms
Yannick Ngakoue has been the main player that the media (including myself) has connected to the Seahawks. Perhaps we have been looking at the wrong player this entire time?
Seattle has yet to offer Frank Clark or Jadeveon Clowney top 5 defensive end money, Ngakoue wants to be top 3. Perhaps, Seattle is looking at a different EDGE to fill the void. The Ravens franchise-tagged edge rusher Matthew Judon could be a perfect fit and he will likely cost less in both draft capital and in terms of an extension.
Let’s compare Yannick Ngakoue with Matthew Judon. The stats provided are from the last 3 seasons combined:
Player: Judon Ngakoue
Age: 27 25
Sacks: 24.5 29.5
TFL: 24 14
Forced fumble: 7 9
Missed tackles: 10% 15.2%
Pressure %: 13.4% 11.3%
Games started: 36 47
What can be had from these numbers:
- Ngakoue is a better pure pass rusher. However, Judon is not far behind.
- Judon is far superior in run defense. Last season, Judon’s 9 TFL ranked in the top 15 for the EDGE.
- Judon has a significantly lower missed tackle percentage. We know Coach Carroll values tackling fundamentals above nearly all else. Missed tackles show a mixture of poor fundamentals and anticipation.
- Judon has less starting experience. However, his stats are nearly on par with Ngakoue.
- Given the age difference, Ngakoue should just be entering his prime whereas Judon should be thoroughly in his.
Now that we understand who each player is in terms of stats, let’s look at what a trade for each player could look like:
Or
The Ravens will be more so apt to make a deal for a modest price tag. They are undeniably in their championship window and are in desperate need for cap space. The Jaguars, meanwhile, are in a rebuild. They have the luxury of waiting this out and seeing if a better offer comes along. Therefore, the cost for Ngakoue will likely be closer to Frank Clark than Dee Ford.