Jazzhawk
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ESPN Insider article.
Rookie Watch: Wagner's legit
Seahawks offer strong supporting cast, but LB's emergence is no fluke
By Matt Williamson | ESPN.com
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/stor...agner-making-steady-progress-seattle-seahawks
Rookie Watch: Wagner's legit
Seahawks offer strong supporting cast, but LB's emergence is no fluke
By Matt Williamson | ESPN.com
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/stor...agner-making-steady-progress-seattle-seahawks
Bobby Wagner did not burst onto the scene right out of the gate, but he really hasn't had a bad game yet at this level. Game after game, he is getting better and better -- and more productive.
Seattle has now made him an every-down linebacker (earlier in the season, he left the field on passing downs), and they have no regrets about making that promotion.
................But by no means is Wagner freeloading here. He has fantastic range and explosive movement skills without sacrificing leverage or power at the point of attack. He has developed into an astute blitzer to go along with very good skills as a coverage player and run-stuffer. Wagner will only get better, particularly in coverage, as that can be a very difficult transition for rookie linebackers against tight ends, running backs and wideouts on crossing patterns.
An honorable mention before, this is Wagner's first appearance in the top 10. My hunch is he stays here for quite some time.
6 - Russell Wilson, Seahawks QB (third round, No. 75)
Wilson played his best game as a professional as his Seahawks upset New England in Seattle. He was especially impressive to open the game and to close it out. Wilson's 46-yard bomb to Sidney Rice was the difference, and overall, Wilson was successful going downfield. Maybe Seattle is taking the restraints off Wilson to some degree now, which is something I have been calling for since the season began. This guy is a playmaker.
8 - Bobby Wagner, Seahawks LB (second round, No. 47)
Now an every-down player, Wagner had a huge game in Week 6, registering 14 tackles in Seattle's upset win over the Patriots. This is Wagner's first appearance in my top 10 and is yet another reason why the Seahawks have one of the best rookie classes in the league this year.