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2008 NFL Draft Preview – Seattle Seahawks
by Joseph
Mays
NFL Draft Analyst
4/21/08
Introduction
The
Seahawks have captured four consecutive NFC West titles. Every
year another team is expected to unseat them and every year Seattle
sits on top. There is no doubting Seattle is a talented
team. But they have flaws. These flaws tend to be brushed
over by the fact that the NFC West is a weak division. These
flaws aren’t highlighted until the playoffs, when Seattle’s opponents
are better.
Once the organization realized that the running game was unreliable the
Seahawks became a pass oriented team last year. And it paid
off. Matt Hasselbeck had his best year at QB no matter who was
catching the balls. Seattle ranked in the top 10 in points, total
yards, and passing yards per game. The running game was below
average and was ranked 20th. Not all of the blame should fall on
Shaun Alexander and Maurice Morris. The offensive line declined
sharply after Steve Hutchinson was snatched by Minnesota prior to the
2006 season and has not been revived.
It may be said every year but the time for Seattle to capitalize on its
talent is now. Some key components are getting old. The
Cardinals, 49ers, and Rams could break out any year. Soon the
Seahawks could be looking up in the standings rather than down. A
strong draft class in ’08 could keep them on top.
| Offseason Transactions (as of
April 19) |
| Player |
Action |
Comments |
| Marcus Trufant |
FA |
Franchised |
| D.J. Hackett |
FA |
Signed with Carolina |
| Niko Koutouvides |
FA |
Signed with Denver |
| Chuck Darby |
FA |
Signed with Detroit |
| Kevin Bentley |
FA |
Signed with Houston |
| Ellis Wyms |
FA |
Signed with Minnesota |
| Josh Brown |
FA |
Signed with St. Louis |
| Alvin Pearman |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Ben Joppru |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Floyd Womack |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Jeff Robinson |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Josh Scobey |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Marcus Pollard |
FA |
Unsigned |
| Chris Cooper |
Signing |
From Arizona |
| Omar Lowe |
Signing |
From Atlanta |
| Mike Wahle |
Signing |
From Carolina |
| Julius Jones |
Signing |
From Dallas |
| D.D. Lewis |
Signing |
From Denver |
| T.J. Duckett |
Signing |
From Detroit |
| Jeb Putzier |
Signing |
From Houston |
| Olindo Mare |
Signing |
From New Orleans |
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| 2007 Statistics |
| Offense |
| Points/Game |
24.6 |
10th |
| Yards/Game |
348.9 |
9th |
| Rush Yards/Game |
101.2 |
20th |
| Pass Yards/Game |
247.8 |
8th |
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| Defense |
| Points Allowed/Game |
18.2 |
6th |
| Yards Allowed/Game |
321.8 |
15th |
| Rush Yards Allowed/Game |
102.8 |
12th |
| Pass Yards
Allowed/Game |
219.1 |
19th |
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Areas
of Need
Most of the offense
could use an upgrade or at least some depth. The RB position
appears patched but WR and o-line need work. TE has been in
disarray for a while now. An impact player at DT would be a
welcome addition as well. Seattle has a pick in every round
except the fifth.
Running
Back – The Seahawks added Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett through
free agency so this isn’t a huge priority anymore. Shaun
Alexander may be released after June 1st but a combination of Jones,
Duckett, and Morris should suffice for a year. Seattle may look
to add a young back in the late rounds. One scenario that may
occur, and could change Seattle’s plans, is Jonathan Stewart being
available at 25. If he is I expect them to take him.
Possible Targets (Round) – Jonathan Stewart, Oregon (1); Chauncey
Washington, USC (5); Cory Boyd, South Carolina (5); Justin Forsett,
California (7); Dantrell Savage, Oklahoma State (7)
Wide
Receiver – Deion Branch tore an ACL last year and will miss
significant time, possibly the entire year. Bobby Engram was
phenomenal in 2007 but he is older and could deteriorate quickly.
D.J. Hackett is gone and Nate Burleson has been a disappointment.
Adding a player with one of their first three picks would be wise.
Possible Targets (Round) – Limas Sweed, Texas (1); DeSean Jackson,
California (1); James Hardy, Indiana (1); Jordy Nelson, Kansas State
(2); Earl Bennett, Vanderbilt (2)
Offensive
Line – Walter Jones is a force at LT but he is 34. Rob
Sims and Chris Gray are inconsistent at guard. Mike Wahle will
compete with them for a spot. Finding a guard and tackle in the
middle rounds would add young talent to a group still trying to recover
from the loss of Hutchinson.
Possible Targets (Round) – OT Carl Nicks, Nebraska (2); OG Roy
Schuening, Oregon State (3); OT Oniel Cousins, UTEP (3); OT Anthony
Collins, Kansas (3); OG Mike McGlynn, Pittsburgh (3)
Defensive
Tackle – There are a lot of bodies at DT for Seattle.
However there are no standouts. Brandon Mebane, Rocky Bernard,
and Marcus Tubbs form a solid rotation but adding a stronger presence
would improve their pass rush.
Possible Targets (Round) – Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina (1); Pat
Sims, Auburn (2); Dre Moore, Maryland (2); Red Bryant, Texas A&M
(3); DeMario Pressley, N.C. State (4)
| 2008 Draft Picks |
| Round |
Pick
(Overall) |
Comments |
| 1 |
25 (25) |
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| 2 |
24 (55) |
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| 3 |
23 (86) |
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| 4 |
22 (121) |
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| 6 |
23 (189) |
From Tennessee |
| 7 |
26 (233) |
From Jacksonville |
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