2008 NFL Draft Preview: Seattle Seahawks' Wishlist
In 2007, Seattle was again one of the better teams in the NFC but ended the same as the last - a heartbreaking playoff loss. The Packers granted (no pun intended) the Seahawks to a lead, but turned it into a rout - running Seattle into the snow for a 42-20 win. Seattle had trouble in the elements and couldn't stop the Packers' offense leading to the lopsided final 56 minutes. The Seahawks ended the regular with 6 wins in the final 8 weeks including impressive wins over Arizona and Baltimore by double-digits. Matt Hasselbeck was his usual productive self, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards, 28 TDs and only 12 INTs. Shaun Alexander struggled to 700 yards and 4 TDs, while Maurice Morris averaged 1 yard/carry more with over 600 yards on the year. Bobby Engram, Nate Burleson and Deion Branch were a productive trio through the air.
Patrick Kerney was well worth the potential 3rd round pick sent to Atlanta for his services. He went to the Pro Bowl, collecting 14.5 and an interception. Julian Peterson, Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill formed one of the best linebacker groups in the NFL. Darryl Tapp was an exciting young talent opposite Patrick Kerney, producing 7 sacks and playing well in the playoff win against Washington.
Heading into the off-season, Seattle needs to think about upgrading the following positions: tackle (Walter Jones is 34 and can groom a replacement in his final years), cornerback (has been suspect for a while now), safety and defensive end (Kerney is 32 and will need someone to spell him in 2008 and beyond). Luckily, most of those positions are very deep in the 2008 NFL draft in April.
With the 24th pick in the 1st round, Seattle can look at cornerback and defensive end for the best player available. Calais Campbell (DE, Miami) is a physical specimen with a high ceiling and Lawrence Jackson (DE, USC) are projected as late-1st round selections. As for cornerbacks, Reggie Smith (Oklahoma) and Aqib Talib (Kansas) are both over 6' tall with good ball skills on the outside.
In the 2nd and 3rd rounds, tackle and safety can be addressed. Gosder Cherilus (Boston College) and John Greco (Toledo) are physical tackles that would provide excellent depth on the offensive line. Safeties Marcus Griffin (Texas) and Craig Stultz (LSU) have big-game experience against talented receivers, making the transition to the NFL ranks easier.
Late round sleepers for Seattle include: Jonathan Zenon (LSU, cornerback), Pedro Sosa (OT, Rutgers) and Chase Ortiz (DE, TCU). The Seahawks have been dominant in the NFC West, but are not strong enough for a Super Bowl run. With the help of a few key rookies, 2008 may be their magical season.
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Published by Chad Parsons
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6 Comments
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Seattle biggest needs are on offense. Tight end is must, offensive linemen, and a running back who wants to play the game. Shawn has lost his hunger and desire for the game, trade him away. Back up 's in defense at safety, and defensive end., and big run stopper. We have the best linebackers in the game. keep looking for another quarterback, and a younger long snapper. Re sign Trufant!! With this being Holmgren last year, and if Matt and guys can healthy. Look foward to an exiciting 2008 with a Holmgren coming out a Super Bowl winner!
Resign trufant, ,O-line Maybe a couple of players through draft or trade,Upgrade at tight-end if possible (keep Heller). I like Jonathan Stewart alot I am not sure if he will drop to are draft position. I think Marcus Tubbs is done so they will need to address this position ,also. I would spend the money this year and mortgage the future somewhat because we will be luck to get Holmgren for more than next season.
they need to get jon stewart in the 1st round than pick up some depth at wide recievers, with poteintals like davone bess and jordy nelson
I agree, the Hawks have more pressing needs at TE (the team has said Pollard will not be back), offensive line and RB. Hutchinson has never been properly replaced and Gray probably will have to be replaced next year. It remains to be seen whether the team thinks upgrading the TE and the O-line will let Alexander become productive again.
I'm assuming that you're assuming that they'll sign quality, high-end replacements at guard, tight end and running back. I guess that would have to be it because those are the most glaring of need heading into the offseason. Cornerback is not and will not be a priority after they re-up Trufant. That will give them Tru, Jennings, Wilson and Babs as the top four - no need for added depth. At defensive end, I could see an addition for depth, but they just drafted Baraka Atkins and traded for Babin last year. I do agree with you on tackle, since Walt is getting older and they need to start grooming his eventual replacement soon. Walt's going into his second straight off-season with shoulder surgery required. Overall, I think you're pretty off on your assessment unless the glaring needs are addressed in free agency.