Round 1 - DE/OLB Bruce Irvin
Round 2 - ILB Bobby Wagner
Round 3 - QB Russell Wilson
Round 4 - RB Robert Turbin
DT Jaye Howard
Round 5 - OLB Korey Toomer
Round 6 - CB Jeremy Lane
- S Winston Guy
Round 7 - DT J.R. Sweezy
- DT Greg Scruggs
Pete Carroll, their head coach, knows how to build a defense out of seemingly nothing. The key might be that he knows what players can fit the roles in his scheme. After all, his team consists of the largest starting 4-3 defensive end Red Bryant, 323 lb., the tallest starting safety Kam Chancellor, 6'3", and the tallest starting corner tandem with Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman, both 6'3". Surprisingly, rarely do his defensive players disappoint, maybe because no one expects much from them. Finally, to top it off, Carroll and the GM John Schneider shocked the NFL by drafting Bruce Irvin the pass-rushing specialist in the middle of the first round in April. Maybe the best pass rusher coming out of college, he will be limited by his smaller frame, dictating that he will be used almost exclusively on passing downs throughout his career. Serious character concerns made his early selection even more eyebrow raising. However, Seattle was ecstatic to add Irvin so that will make the unfolding story of his career even more compelling to follow.
A little less sensational was their following pick of Bobby Wagner. A solid overall talent, he was fast rising up draft boards because of his excellent Senior Bowl performance and workouts. Playing with heart and consistency, Wagner should enjoy a long career in the NFL. He should probably see significant playing time this year with only injury-prone Barrett Ruud ahead of him.
After bringing in Matt Flynn to compete with incumbent Tarvaris Jackson and hopefully win the starting gig, Seattle drafted their quarterback of the future Russell Wilson. His third round draft status is due entirely to his diminutive stature of 5'11'. Teams hesitate to roll the dice on shorter quarterbacks who tend to struggle seeing over their mountainous offensive linemen. Often, the offensive scheme needs to be tailored to allow them to play to their strength. Boot leg passes and shotgun formations can aid in this. Nevertheless, short quarterbacks can succeed in this league, as is evidenced by Drew Brees and Michael Vick. Wilson combines terrific athleticism with an exceptionally bright mind and strong work ethic. He proved that he can throw consistently from the pocket in Wisconsin, but he really shines when forced to improvise and use his strong right arm to gun the ball downfield.
Built like a truck, Robert Turbin packs a punch when he hits you. He can make his (literal) mark as a power back and goal line specialist. His NFL comparison, Brandon Jacobs runs with the same upright running style as Turbin, which restricts agility and gives the defender more leverage when he tackles the runner. He most likely will not ever lead his team in carries but can still ball.
Jaye Howard's great asset might be his burst off the snap of the ball. He can then penetrate and make some plays in the backfield. He can still bulk up to improve his bull rush though. A starting role in the future is not out of the question.
Next, they went with an athletic linebacker who needs to increase his level of physicality in Korey Toomer. If he impresses in training camp he might develop into a key reserve linebacker for them.
Jeremy Lane, a small school player, possesses the size that defines the team's starting corners. Also blessed with great burst and balance, his key to success is developing his ability to recognize routes as they progress. He is a candidate for the practice squad this year.
With their second sixth round pick, the Seahawks took Winston Guy, another safety with good size. While, he struggles in coverage, he is a sound tackler and can contribute on special teams.
Finally, Seattle drafted two defensive tackles in the seventh round. The first, J.R. Sweezy can add more muscle to improve his game. The second, Greg Scruggs can provide more depth and versatility to a deep defensive tackle position.
This draft gave them the opportunity to add more depth and versatility to an already elite defense. While they made a few questionable picks, they managed to accomplish what they set out to do. Irvin is a classic boom-or-bust player that will be thoroughly criticized if he doesn't work out. The Wagner pick has little chance of failure, being a very safe prospect. With Wilson, the Seahawks might have a steal because he brings a special skill set to the table. Turbin and Howard should contribute in rotations as solid, if unspectacular, players. None of their later picks stand out, but Carroll brings out the best in his players so one or two could surprise.
Pete Carroll, their head coach, knows how to build a defense out of seemingly nothing. The key might be that he knows what players can fit the roles in his scheme. After all, his team consists of the largest starting 4-3 defensive end Red Bryant, 323 lb., the tallest starting safety Kam Chancellor, 6'3", and the tallest starting corner tandem with Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman, both 6'3". Surprisingly, rarely do his defensive players disappoint, maybe because no one expects much from them. Finally, to top it off, Carroll and the GM John Schneider shocked the NFL by drafting Bruce Irvin the pass-rushing specialist in the middle of the first round in April. Maybe the best pass rusher coming out of college, he will be limited by his smaller frame, dictating that he will be used almost exclusively on passing downs throughout his career. Serious character concerns made his early selection even more eyebrow raising. However, Seattle was ecstatic to add Irvin so that will make the unfolding story of his career even more compelling to follow.
A little less sensational was their following pick of Bobby Wagner. A solid overall talent, he was fast rising up draft boards because of his excellent Senior Bowl performance and workouts. Playing with heart and consistency, Wagner should enjoy a long career in the NFL. He should probably see significant playing time this year with only injury-prone Barrett Ruud ahead of him.
After bringing in Matt Flynn to compete with incumbent Tarvaris Jackson and hopefully win the starting gig, Seattle drafted their quarterback of the future Russell Wilson. His third round draft status is due entirely to his diminutive stature of 5'11'. Teams hesitate to roll the dice on shorter quarterbacks who tend to struggle seeing over their mountainous offensive linemen. Often, the offensive scheme needs to be tailored to allow them to play to their strength. Boot leg passes and shotgun formations can aid in this. Nevertheless, short quarterbacks can succeed in this league, as is evidenced by Drew Brees and Michael Vick. Wilson combines terrific athleticism with an exceptionally bright mind and strong work ethic. He proved that he can throw consistently from the pocket in Wisconsin, but he really shines when forced to improvise and use his strong right arm to gun the ball downfield.
Built like a truck, Robert Turbin packs a punch when he hits you. He can make his (literal) mark as a power back and goal line specialist. His NFL comparison, Brandon Jacobs runs with the same upright running style as Turbin, which restricts agility and gives the defender more leverage when he tackles the runner. He most likely will not ever lead his team in carries but can still ball.
Jaye Howard's great asset might be his burst off the snap of the ball. He can then penetrate and make some plays in the backfield. He can still bulk up to improve his bull rush though. A starting role in the future is not out of the question.
Next, they went with an athletic linebacker who needs to increase his level of physicality in Korey Toomer. If he impresses in training camp he might develop into a key reserve linebacker for them.
Jeremy Lane, a small school player, possesses the size that defines the team's starting corners. Also blessed with great burst and balance, his key to success is developing his ability to recognize routes as they progress. He is a candidate for the practice squad this year.
With their second sixth round pick, the Seahawks took Winston Guy, another safety with good size. While, he struggles in coverage, he is a sound tackler and can contribute on special teams.
Finally, Seattle drafted two defensive tackles in the seventh round. The first, J.R. Sweezy can add more muscle to improve his game. The second, Greg Scruggs can provide more depth and versatility to a deep defensive tackle position.
This draft gave them the opportunity to add more depth and versatility to an already elite defense. While they made a few questionable picks, they managed to accomplish what they set out to do. Irvin is a classic boom-or-bust player that will be thoroughly criticized if he doesn't work out. The Wagner pick has little chance of failure, being a very safe prospect. With Wilson, the Seahawks might have a steal because he brings a special skill set to the table. Turbin and Howard should contribute in rotations as solid, if unspectacular, players. None of their later picks stand out, but Carroll brings out the best in his players so one or two could surprise.
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