2008 Seattle Seahawks NFL Draft Needs
The Seahawks would love to match what they did in last year’s offseason. Seattle won their fourth straight NFC West Division Title last year and its offseason additions were greatly responsible for accomplishing the feat. Ex-Falcon Patrick Kerney bolstered their pass rush with an NFC-best 14.5 sacks and new safeties Deon Grant and Brian Russell were major upgrades in the secondary. The Seahawks were helped more in free agency than the draft, although DT Brandon Moebane proved to be a big steal in the third round. With age taking over this team, the Seahawks will be looking for a much more productive April courtesy of the 2008 NFL Draft.
2008 Seattle Seahawks NFL Draft Needs:
1.) Offensive Tackle
Elite OLT Walter Jones turns 34 by the start of the season, and finding an eventual replacement is a must. The team’s other starting tackle in Sean Locklear is adequate, but as was the case with most of Seattle’s offensive linemen last year. The massive Ray Willis still offers hope for the future heading into his fourth season, but he hasn’t developed as quickly as the team had hoped.
2.) Offensive Guard
ORG Chris Gray has indicated he will return for what will be his 16th season in the league, but both his pass and run blocking tallied off dramatically in ‘07. Both Willis and Mansfield Wrotto could conceivably fill the bill, but the line is badly in need of more depth, starting with the 2008 NFL Draft.
3.) Running Back
Shaun Alexander is gone after an injury-plagued campaign yielded little production from him last season. The running game was greatly de-emphasized eight games into the ‘07 season in favor of their high octane passing attack. You can bet Mike Holmgren would love to get back to a more balanced attack if he can just find the right RB to fill the big shoes left by Alexander.
4.) Tight End
The Seahawks also need a youth movement at tight end where 36-year-old Marcus Pollard looks to be on his last leg. Backup Will Heller proved to be a pretty impressive red zone target with Pollard sidelined by injury in a couple games, but counting on Heller as a possible starter is a bit of a stretch.
5.) Defensive Tackle
Mebane came on strong with flying colors as a nice third-round pick at defensive tackle. Rocky Bernard could concentrate more on being a stout inside lineman and Craig Terrill performed well enough to earn a 3-year contract. The Seahawks held there own at this position in ‘07, but with Darby getting up in years and Tubbs remaining a major injury risk, more DT depth would come in handy in the future.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Offensive Scheme:
Mike Holmgren returned to his Packers roots midway through the 2007 campaign with an up-tempo scheme featuring multi-receiver sets and quick, short passes. Lots of screens and flares to the team’s running backs are a staple, so look for Seattle to try and find a few backs that are capable of catching the ball out of the backfield on Draft Day. OT Sam Baker of USC, OG Roy Shuening of Oregon Sate and OT Barry Richardson of Clemson would each bring in some much needed youth on the offensive line. TE John Carlson of Notre Dame, TE Brad Cottam of Tennessee and RB Mike Hart of Michigan could be a few names the Seahawks look pick up in the 2008 NFL Draft to help their offense.
2008 NFL Draft Prospects to fit Defensive Scheme:
The Seahawks prefer a base 4-3 with multiple blitz packages designed to put pressure on opposing QB’s from different angles. Zone coverage is stressed with speed over size being a priority. Versatile OLB Julian Peterson is a key weapon in their scheme. DT Trevor Laws of Notre Dame, DT Letroy Guion of FSU and DT Landon Cohen of Ohio are 3 key interior linemen the Seahawks will give a long look to on Draft Day. CB Terrence Wheatley of Colorado, CB Trae Williams of South Florida and ILB Jordon Dizon of Colorado fit the mold of a typical Seahawk defender as well.
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