SEAHAWKS DRAFT NEED ANALYSIS PLUS SPECULATIVE
(Separated into 5 Tiers: LVL A, B, C, D, F)
LVL(A)bsolute Needs: OT, DT, WLB
OT: McQuistan, Giacomini are in contract seasons w/ McQuistan probably starting at RG makes the need of a quality backup OT essential for now and the future.
DT: With Branch going to Buffalo, and the Seahawks signing a lesser known McDaniel who was a solid rotational tackle behind a pair of stellar DTs (both of whom have been franchised) in Starks and Solai… look for the organization to get an early prospect with the agenda of not only bolstering depth but to crank up the competition between added and holdover players behind Mebane. Its also intriguing to see if Quinn has plans to incorporate Bryant at tackle more often now that Red has experience, viable skills, plus a big contract under his belt and is not just a player relying purely on his raw, athletic talent. As well as, see what D.Q. does to develop his former Gator DT in Jaye Howard into the mix, and what the further progression of Greg Scruggs brings to the table who is reported to have been bulking up. In conclusion, Quinn’s possible direction to move away from Branch, the speculation that Desmond Bryant was high on the free agent target list, and the Bennett/McDaniel additions all point that Quinn could want a quick-twitch-gap-penetrating-pocket-disrupting 3 Tech rather than a giant-gap-controlling-run-stuffing behemoth in this draft.
WLB: I’ve actually settled somewhat in the Malcolm Smith camp for starting WLB, Seahawks have several options that can be switched and rotated around to whatever best suits their game-plan. They have Chanchellor who can play NLB at times if we draft or develop another big Safety on top. We have Avril/Irvin/Morgan that can share some reps at SAM moving K.J. Wright to MIKE, and Wagner to WILL, which would make a formidable Nickel Formation. Nonetheless, the Seahawks need to draft a player who they think can make a difference and compete to be a starter in the future.
LVL(B)urning Desires: TE, 3RB, K
TE: A Miller injury could be fatal to this Offense, which relies on Great Blocking to create time for Deep Passes, as well creating running lanes into the 2nd level. None of our TEs need to be featured in the game-plan as Great Pass Catching TEs. However, they DO require to be Elite Blockers with Reliable Hands capable of Catching in Traffic as Check Down/Safety options.
3RB: Seahawks need to replace Leon Washington with a solid RB capable of being an exceptional return man. I doubt Carroll is wholly sincere about using Harvin as the Primary Returner especially if the Seahawks control the lead.
K: Not the most glaring need but a substantial one. We have reliable options in Hauschka if re-signed, Longwell, and with Wiggs providing competition. But what the Seahawks are looking for is a franchise K that can BOOM them consistently from 50-60 yards if needed to.
LVL(C)ompetitive Upgrading: NCB, 3S, 2QB
3CB: Seahawks have added plenty of CBs each season to push the threshold of competition, it’s a passing league, and all our CBs need to be able to come to play. I don’t think this year is different especially with Browner in a contract year (albeit as an RFA) but questions linger like can Thurmond stay healthy? Will Lane and Maxwell continue to seize the opportunity of taking their game to the next level? What is Will Blackmon’s role if he survives?
3S: We as fans like S, Johnson and Margagos. They’re top notch ST players, and are both serviceable backup safeties but both can be upgraded. Guy is physical and athletic but has yet to show the promise and ability of seizing the Big Safety position that he was drafted and coveted for by Carroll.
2QB: Recently, resigned Josh Portis has undeniable talent, especially in our system but he’s raw, and not fully capable of being a legitimate starter if needed at this point. I also doubt the Seahawks can strike gold with another QB prospect late in this draft which is why QB is in my 3rd Tier of Need. Yet, healthy competition, great coaching, plus an elite preparer like Russell Wilson as mentor/role model and consummate team-mate could prove to go a long way towards any Offensive Prospect’s Development.
LVL(D)epth Concerns: FB, MLB,
FB: Robinson is in a contract year. And the Seahawks have no true back-up lead blocker in the case of injury. It would be smart to find a quality player they like in the later rounds and stash that prospect on the practice squad.
MLB: Farwell is a capable, veteran Linebacker and our best special teamer but in the case of injury, I don’t think you can rely on his ability to be a productive, functional starter if needed. If the value is right this could be a position to upgrade or add bodies late in the draft to get through the crucible that is training camp and preseason.
LVL(F)ully Loaded): WR, G/C DE, SLB, P, LS
Not that any of these players are upgradeable through friendly competition, I just feel like the Seahawks are content with the players they have. At WR, Seahawks now arguably have one of the best and deepest 4 man grouping in the NFL with highly regarded Stephen Williams and holdovers Jermaine Kearse, Deon Butler, Phil Bates, and Charly Martin battling it out for 1 to 2 roster spots. At OG, Seahawks have McQuistan and the potential of James Carpenter to be anchors in the middle. With Moffitt as a decent backup capable of starting, and Sweezy with a mountain of potential to be a strong, impact player in the future plus a nasty competitor in Rishhaw Johnson rounds out the group. If McQuistan, Carp, and Moffitt make it out of TC with great health… Seahawks can save a roster slot by releasing free agent to be LeManuel Jeanpierre and have Moffitt backup C, w/ Sweezy backing up G. Besides WR, DE could be our most pumped and jacked unit on the roster if Clemons can return to health. Also, Irvin is bound to get bigger, faster, stronger while improving his technique and finesse.
Last edited by
Pandion Haliaetus on Fri Apr 05, 2013 1:15 am, edited 1 time in total.
WE ALL WE GOT, WE ALL WE NEED!!!!!!!!!!!