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Seattle Seahawks
Updated 2002 Draft Preview
April 10th, 2002
Cornerback Doug Evans will help solidify the Seahawks defensive backfield.
The Seahawks kept a solid off-season going this week with two moves that will affect the teams draft plans. The first was the free agent signing of cornerback Doug Evans from the Panthers. Evans had eight interceptions last year for the 1-15 Panthers, one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dismal year.
Evans had been released by the Panthers in a cost cutting move to clear space under the salary cap. He was signed to a three-year, 3.8 million dollar deal with a signing bonus reported to be in the $800,000 dollar range.
Evans, 31, has been one of the most productive corners in the league the last several years with 12 interceptions. He's considered an excellent man-to-man press defender and has 26 career interceptions. Evans will compete for the starting cornerback job opposite Shawn Springs, but may actually end up replacing him if Springs does not fully recover from yet another hamstring injury.
The acquisition of Evans provides a much needed veteran presence to stabilize the defensive backfield and probably drops cornerback from the Seahawks list of first day draft priorities.
Reportedly, the signing of Evans did not sit well with third-year cornerback Ike Charlton, and a deal to trade him to the Redskins to be reunited with his college coach Steve Spurrier fell through last week. Still, it seems likely that Charlton will be moved for a second-day draft pick by next weekends draft.
After securing Evans, the Seahawks turned their attention to the defensive line and reached an agreement with New England defensive end Brandon Mitchell. The 6-foot-3, 285-pound Mitchell, 26, started 12 games for the world champion Patriots last season. While not a pass rusher (one sack last season), Mitchell is solid against the run and should provide depth for the Seahawks perilously thin defensive line. He will probably be a two-down player, rotating with veterans Lamar King and Antonio Cochran and giving way to designated pass rusher Chad Brown on obvious passing downs. The acquisition of Mitchell means that the Seahawks can look simply to add the best available defensive lineman at some point on day one of the draft, instead of targeting a specific need position along the line.
In other news, the Seahawks are now pursuing free agent tight end Ken Dilger after being rebuffed in their efforts to sign Baltimore tight end Shannon Sharpe. However, there are several teams in the bidding for Dilger, so tight end may remain the biggest hole in the Seahawks roster as we head into draft day. The team is also said to be flirting with OT Brad Badger, who started last year for the Vikings. Please see the updated roster assessment below for more information.
PREVIOUS NEWS 3/10/02
The Stunning good news emanating from Seahawks headquarters this week was the signing of veteran quarterback Trent Dilfer to a four-year, incentive-laden deal that will give him the starters job heading into training camp. The move was surprising to those that had been paying attention to Mike Holmgren's pronouncements since the end of the season. Holmgren had continued to make it plain that he preferred to continue "developing" Matt Hasselbeck, who played very poorly in the 12 games he started last year after coming over in a trade from Green Bay.
The landscape seemed to change rapidly last week when Holmgren received the dreaded "vote of confidence" from Seahawks president Bob Whitsitt. That, combined with sluggish off-season ticket sales for the Seahawks new stadium and open questioning of his steadfast support for Hasselbeck by major football writers like ESPN's Len Pasquarelli seemed to light a fire under Holmgren, who flip-flopped and gave in to Dilfer on the promise of the starting job.
This could not be better news for Seahawk fans, as for the first time in a decade the team is solid at the pivot, with Dilfer poised to have his best season as a pro next year.
Comings and Goings - Just prior to the Dilfer signing, the Seahawks came to terms with UFA WR/KR Bobby Engram on a one-year, minimum salary deal. Engram caught 29 passes for 400 yards for Seattle last season and also returned six punts for 96 yards for a team-leading 16-yard average. Engram will replace Charlie Rogers as the Seahawks punt and kick returner. Rogers was lost to the Texans in the expansion draft.
Starting RT Todd Weiner signed a five-year contract with Atlanta worth $17.5 million that includes a signing bonus of $5.5 million. Even though former first round pick Chris McIntosh is penciled in to Weiner's spot, SHB has serious doubts about whether the injury plagued and performance-challenged McIntosh can do the job. Still, the kind of money that Atlanta threw at Weiner is probably too much for the Seahawks to afford. The Seahawks remain about $5 million under the NFL's $71.101 million dollar salary cap, and have a visit scheduled with former Broncos and Raven's TE Shannon Sharpe. They have also apparently already had veteran CB's Artrell Hawkins and Jeff Burris in for visits.
The Seahawks also placed the franchise tag on UFA LT Walter Jones, pending agreement on a long term contract, and released DE Michael Sinclair.
UPDATED ROSTER ASSESSMENT
4/10/2002OFFENSE
Most of the Seahawks offensive problems should be alleviated with the signing of Dilfer long term. The offensive line now has a hole at RT with the loss of Todd Weiner, but there are at least four players who might step in there. LT Walter Jones isn't going anywhere, at least for this year. Lack of depth at RB and TE is a problem.
QUARTERBACKS - The Seahawks QB situation has been stabilized with the signing of Dilfer. The problem remains what to do with Hasselbeck, who will have trouble beating out third stringer Brock Huard for the back-up spot.
Trent Dilfer - Status (SIGNED) - Dilfer is the Seahawks best QB, a savvy, smart playmaker with a rocket arm. Dilfer is poised for a breakout season, and thankfully it will be in Seattle.
Brock Huard - Status (RFA) - Huard is the Seahawks second best QB, but has huge questions around him. It is still unknown if he has the durability to play in the NFL full time, and his mechanics are still bad, but he has a big time arm and a great touch on the deep ball.
Matt Hasselbeck - Status (SIGNED) - The jokes about "Matt Mirer" and "Rick Hasselbeck" are familiar and unfortunately, appropriate. Like that other well known bust from the last decade, Hasselbeck has good mobility, an average arm, and precious little accuracy, especially on the deep ball. Shifting defenses confuse him, and he makes poor decisions under pressure, holding the ball when he should dump it, and scrambling when he should stand tall, take a hit and deliver the ball. His future is now cloudy, and the Seahawks should take any opportunity to trade him that might arise.
RUNNING BACKS - Free agency could gut the depth here. If Watters and Strong go, Evans and Graham are hardly ready to step in. A back-up RB with speed is a possible first day priority for the Seahawks. Too bad they passed on Miami's Travis Minor in last years draft to take Evans. FB's are easier to find.
Shaun Alexander - Status (signed) - Alexander stepped in when future hall-of-famer Ricky Watters went down and showed he is a coming star. Alexander led the NFL in rushing touchdowns (14) and has over 1,000 yards in spite of the fact that Watters started 4 games. Alexander has a Marcus Allen-like ability to avoid big hits and slip away from tacklers. He needs work catching the ball and blocking in max-protect, but he has a bright future as a runner. Did a better job protecting the ball in the second half of the season.
Ricky Watters - Status (UFA) Watters is as good as gone, which is a shame because he would be the perfect third down back in the Seahawks scheme. However, Watters still wants to be "the man," and it is doubtful he would accept a part time role. Still, he's a 32 year old RB coming off an injury plagued season, and he may find the market thinner than he expects. We may yet see Watters back in a Seahawks uniform next year. Let's hope. Cleveland has emerged as a possible destination.
Mack Strong - Status (UFA) - Strong is now widely regarded as the best blocking fullback in the league and is given a huge chunk of credit for the Seahawks strong running game. With 3rd rounder FB Heath Evans looking like a bust so far, retaining Strong is important. Strong was sighted hanging around the Seahawks passing camp last week, so it seems likely he will eventually sign for this year.
The Rest - 3rd round pick FB Heath Evans has been a major disappointment, being relegated to a special teams role. It's too early to call him a bust but he is nowhere near ready to step in for Strong. The Seahawks are considering moving Evans to RB. Jay Graham is a journeyman backup.
WIDE RECEIVERS - This is a group that looked very average, with no real impact players but some potential, until Trent Dilfer stepped in as starter late in the season. None of these players overly concerns defensive game planners, and that must change. Jackson looked strong in the late season games. The unit's best player, Engram, is underutilized which hampers the overall passing game. Koren Robinson had disciplinary problems late in the season and that should set off alarm bells. He can't be counted on. An upgrade is needed here and the Seahawks should not pass up a big time talent if one slips to them in round one.
Darrel Jackson - Status (SIGNED) - In his rookie season, Jackson led all first year players in receptions and yards, and has followed it up with a solid sophomore campaign. Better suited to a #2 or #3 role, Jackson has carried the #1 role well, despite inconsistent hands. He's the teams only real big play threat at WR, but it is not like he's a speed demon. He's just adequate.
Bobby Engram - Status (SIGNED) - Engram has been "Mr. 3rd Down" for the Seahawks, with something like 70% of Engram's 25 catches being for first down yardage on 3rd down. He has out played first-rounder Koren Robinson and really should be starting alongside Darrel Jackson. Will return kicks this year also.
Koren Robinson - Status (SIGNED) - Robinson has been a major disappointment in his rookie season, lacking deep speed and overall production. 39 receptions for 536 yards are hardly what the Seahawks had in mind when they spent the #9 overall pick in last years draft on him, but the upside is that he is still young and has shown signs of getting open more frequently in recent games. Broke a couple long plays in the last two games. He was hampered by a bad hamstring injury which slowed his progress in training camp and may have led to some of his problems. Coaches still believe (hope?) he can emerge as an Issac Bruce/Chris Chambers type of deep threat, but so far, he has played more like a third round possession talent. He has only three receptions longer than 22 yards, but they came in a cluster late in the year. Reportedly looked good at the Seahawks recent passing camp.
Alex Bannister - Status (SIGNED) - Bannister (5th round pick in 2001) has only four receptions, but he has great size (6'5"), speed and excellent hands to go with a great work ethic. He is a playmaker on special teams (one blocked punt), and has all the tools to be an impact player at WR in the coming years. A definite keeper.
The Rest - James Williams is entering his third year but has yet to make an impression. Training camp is probably his last shot to stick with the team. (Late Note: Williams had a breakout game in week 16 against the Chargers, catching five balls for 114 yards and a 37 yard TD that showed great run after-the-catch). Fabien Bowens is a special teams standout.
TIGHT ENDS - The Seahawks will need at least one TE from this draft.
Itula Milli- Status (SIGNED) - The Seahawks made their choice at this position as they re-signed veteran Itula Milli. Christian Fauria signed with the world champion Patriots a few days later. 3rd stringer Russell Stewart is an unknown quantity. With Evans and Mitchell coming onboard, finding a consistent pass-catching tight end is perhaps the Seahawks top draft day priority.
OFFENSIVE LINE - A talented yet inconsistent group that struggled early on. The loss of Todd Weiner could be a big problem for this unit, since Chris McIntosh has shown little in his first two seasons. Likely to be a better group next year as there is youth and talent here.
Walter Jones - LT - Status (UFA) - Jones is not an elite LT, but he is just below that level and given how hard it is to find a good one, Jones is and should be priority one. The Seahawks have placed the franchise tag on him so he is not going anywhere anytime soon.
Steve Hutchinson - LG - Status (signed) - Hutchinson is a very promising player who came on strong as a rookie and won almost universal praise. He did not make the Pro Bowl but most observers suspect he will start making regular trips to Hawaii soon.
Robbie Tobeck - C - Status (signed) - Tobeck is the perfect center. You never notice him, which means he must be doing his job.
Chris Gray - RG - Status (signed) - Gray is a solid technician who sometimes gets overwhelmed at the point of attack. Probably better suited to center and would be better off in a backup role there.
The Rest - 2000 first round bust Chris McIntosh will likely get another shot at RT next year, since Weiner is now gone and the team has a first round pick invested in McIntosh. That does not mean he can play. Third year man Floyd Wedderburn was a camp disappointment and lost his RG spot to Gray, but he can play and should be back. 2001 4th round pick Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack and 7th rounder Dennis Norman intrigue the coaching staff and may move up the depth chart next year. Bruce Wiggins is a developmental player at center who may be able to move off the practice squad to the regular roster next year.
DEFENSE
Restocked with veterans, the Seahawks defense started out strong but faded as injuries and age took their toll. The inability of the offense to move the ball and score points -- especially in the second half of games -- wore down this unit. The numbers would probably look better if the offense had been at least decent. Newcomers John Randle and Chad Eaton were great, Levon Kirkland was OK, but FS Marcus Robertson has been a disappointment. The defensive line needs an infusion of youth and the secondary needs some playmakers.
DEFENSIVE LINE - The Seahawks have two solid DT's in John Randle and Chad Eaton, one promising youngster in Antonio Cochran, and a 300 lb first round disappointment in Lamar King. Beyond that, there is little speed, depth or talent, and a major upgrade is needed here.
John Randle - DT - Status (SIGNED) - Randle is the Seahawks best defensive lineman, even at 33 and on the downside of his career, which should tell you something. Still tough, cat-quick and relentless, Randle remains a playmaker in a unit bereft of them. He needs to be spelled more often to keep him fresh, which is a good reason to consider drafting a DT #1 this year. Still plenty of gas left in this tank.
Chad Eaton - DT - Status (SIGNED) - Eaton and Randle make a good team. Eaton is a bit bigger and stronger, and excellent against the run. Randle is obviously the best pass rusher but the pair compliment each other nicely. Eaton is somewhat undersized by NFL standards but generally holds up well and makes plays with his inside quickness.
Lamar King - DE - Status (SIGNED) - King has been something of a bust since being drafted in the first round by Holmgren in 1999. His only solid season was in 2000, when he recorded 43 tackles and 6 sacks, but he struggled this year. Injuries held him out of a lot of games, but he was mostly invisible in the games he did play. Lacks the speed and quickness that edge players need to get to the QB. Might be better suited to DT, where he could rotate with Randle and Eaton. Must step up and contribute next year if he's to resurrect his career.
Antonio Cochran - DE - Status (SIGNED) - Overmatched at DT, where he was drafted in 1999, Cochran has shown flashes this year when allowed to play DE. Cochran does much better in space where his quick first step allows him to get leverage and make a second move. He had 31 tackles, 4.5 sacks and a couple of forced fumbles in very limited action. The Seahawks should be looking at him as a DE starter next year and not allow him to get away.
Brandon Mitchell - DE - Status (SIGNED) - Mitchell is fairly big and quick run stuffer who should enable the Seahawks to run a three-way rotation with King and Cochran.
The Rest - Cedric Woodard is big and strong, but not productive. Matt Labounty came back late in the season and promptly got injured. His career is likely over. John Hilliard has had several starts but has made nothing out of it.
LINEBACKERS - The best overall unit on the defense is led by speedy OLB's Chad Brown and Anthony Simmons and run stuffer Levon Kirkland. If Simmons or Brown were to go down the Seahawks have some quality depth in Marcus Bell and Tim Terry. Depth at MLB is more of a problem, were Isaiah Kascevenski has been strictly a special teams player.
Chad Brown - OLB - Status (signed) - Brown is playmaking machine, whether he is running around blockers or attacking QB's. Brown is better going forward than dropping back in pass coverage, and it would be nice to see the defensive coordinator find ways for him to just attack plays and not worry about coverage. Brown has benefited from being a DE in passing situations this year (7.5 sacks), and maybe it is time to consider switching him to DE full time, instead of drafting a college DE who's not going to be as good a player. Brown is light, but Derrick Thomas played well in the same kind of role in KC and Peter Boulware is looking great doing this in Baltimore. Maybe he could bulk up 10 pounds or so and make the switch.
Anthony Simmons - OLB - Status (signed) - Seahawks are lucky Simmons is not a UFA this year, because it would likely take a huge contract to keep him from the Texans. Simmons is now being recognized around the league as a big-time playmaker, and deservedly so. There are few faster LB's in the league. He's terrific attacking the passer (which he needs to be allowed to do more of) and equally skilled in coverage. Simmons is the complete package, a true tackling machine, and a cornerstone for the defense.
Levon Kirkland - MLB - Status (signed) - At 285 pounds, Kirkland is basically a stand-up defensive lineman. Still very effective at stuffing the run, Kirkland is the main reason that the Seahawks have improved from dead last to 15th in the league against the run. A liability in coverage, Kirkland is only a 2 down player at this stage of his career, which makes you wonder why Steve Sidwell uses him in coverage so often.
Tim Terry - OLB - Status (SIGNED) - Whether he is plastering a returner on a punt, forcing a fumble in coverage or blowing up a screen pass with his quickness, Terry simply makes plays. When he is on the field, things happen, and he has shed his reputation as player who is slow to recognize and attack. Terry is a very quick, talented athlete, and the Seahawks need to find not only a way to retain him but get him on the field more.
Marcus Bell - OLB - Status (signed) - Strictly a special teams player in 2000, Bell is coming along nicely and making the most out of limited playing time. His 21 solo tackles and 1 sack are just a taste of what might come, as he seems to be developing better instincts for the game and is starting to make plays.
Isaiah Kacyvenski - ILB - Status (signed) - Kacyvenski is a straight line player who does not move well side to side, and as a result is pretty much a one dimensional run stuffer. A solid contributor in special teams but an emergency MLB only.
Orlando Huff - OLB - Status (signed) - Raw rookie has talent, but has yet to make an impact.
SECONDARY - The situation in the Seahawks defensive backfield has been stabilized somewhat with the signing of Evans. He'll provide a veteran presence and depth. The unit's best player, CB Shawn Springs, is coming off two straight inconsistent and injury plagued seasons which have seen him miss substantial chunks of time. The safeties continue to be almost invisible in the passing game. Going into the NFC West next season, which means facing the Rams, 49ers and Cardinals six times, this unit needs a major upgrade to avoid Armageddon.
Shawn Springs - CB - Status (signed) - Springs is the secondary's best player, but has suffered through two injury plagued seasons that have seen him drop off significantly from his Pro-Bowl level of 1998-99. When he's on, Springs is as good a cover corner as there is in the NFL, but he has been victimized frequently in the past two seasons as hamstring injuries have slowed him. He needs to get healthy and get his head back in the game.
Willie Williams - CB - Status (signed) - Williams has been healthy this year and has played well (4 interceptions) but his size remains a liability and he is better suited to the #3 CB spot. Until the Seahawks find someone better though, he will remain #2.
Ken Lucas - CB - Status (signed) - This years "solution" to the #2 CB job has been largely ineffective. Burned badly early on for TD's, Lucas has taken to playing cautiously and gives up too much room. Lucas has size and some physical skills, but remains unproductive. He has only one interception despite getting a lot of playing time and being thrown at constantly. May simply lack instincts for the game. Coaches are high on him, however.
Doug Evans - CB - Status (SIGNED) - Evans provides a veteran presence, productivity (eight picks) and a good set of hands to a defense that needs all three. A solid FA pickup.
Paul Miranda - CB - Status (signed) - Former 4th round pick is small but has quick feet and speed. Needs to continue to work on techniques. May be able to step in for Williams in the future.
Ike Charlton - CB - Status (signed) - Charlton is looking like a lost cause, too stiff hipped to play corner, he does not change direction well and lacks closing speed. May be better suited to safety, where he can make reads and move more in a straight line. Will probably be traded at some point in the draft weekend. We'd prefer to see him retained and tried at safety.
Marcus Robinson - FS - Status (signed) - Started strong and then faded as age and injuries took their toll. Those who said he was on the decline and not a productive player any longer look prescient, at this point.
Reggie Tongue - SS - Status (signed) - Tongue, like Robertson, has been a major disappointment since signing as a free agent with Seattle in 2000. Tongue has talent, but seems lost in Steve Sidwell's system and just does not make plays. The Jacksonville game was his only real impact performance, and he struggled to repeat it.
The Rest - Cutis Fuller and Harold Blackmon are back-up rookie safeties who are nothing to get excited about yet. Fuller showed flashes when pressed into service in the Buffalo game.
SPECIALISTS - Place Kicker Rian Lindell has been a model of inconsistency, blowing a lot of makeable kicks. Punter Jeff Feagles is one of the leagues best.
ASSESSMENT
In looking at the Seahawks roster, the most obvious problem is the defense and at tight end. The Seahawks are entering a new division next year (NFC West) and will be facing very potent passing attacks at least six times per year. They must address their weak pass defense in terms of both rush and coverage if they are to avoid finishing last in their division. A tight end for Dilfer to throw to is also a priority. Here's how we evaluate the teams primary draft needs:
Safety - Assuming this position is not addressed in free agency, the Seahawks need a playmaking quarterback for their defensive secondary. The aging Marcus Robertson and the unproductive Reggie Tongue do not seem up to the task.
Depth at Defensive Tackle: Behind Randle and Eaton, the Seahawks have no one who is capable of stepping in and being productive.
Tight End - A pass catching TE would be a nice addition to the offense.
Speed Pass Rushing Defensive End: It is obvious to everyone that the Seahawks lack an edge pressure guy. Fourth year pro Antonio Cochran may solve some of the problem, but Lamar King is not a speed rusher and never will be. Brandon Mitchell is not much of a pass rusher so this could still be a first day priority.
Running back - The team needs a backup to Alexander and a third down specialist.
Wide Receiver - Koren Robinson has been a disappointment.
PLAYERS TO CONSIDER IN ROUND ONE
The Seahawks hold the 20th pick in round one and the 54th pick in round two, and if they don't make any other free agency additions, they will certainly find a player who can help in one of their need areas with these picks. Because of the depth of talent available at their key need positions (DL, S, TE) the Seahawks can take the best player available at a "need" position or simply take the best player on their board, regardless of what position he plays. Let's take a look at a few players who should be around at #20 in the first round and see how they might suit the Seahawks needs.
Daniel Graham - TE - Colorado - Graham is the quintessential TE, with size (6-3, 240), speed (4.52), and terrific hands, route running and blocking skills. Holmgren fell in love with the guy at the Senior Bowl and the only way the 'Hawks pass on him is if Dilger jilts them.
Edward Reed - FS - Miami (Fla.) - Reed is the best pure cover safety to come out of college in a decade. A pure free safety with terrific range, covers skills, great hands and superior instincts, Reed can do something the Seahawks safeties just didn't last year -- make some plays. Some think he can even play corner after his terrific workout. Seahawks already have a lot of young DB's but Reed instantly becomes the best of the lot and upgrades a need area for the team heading into the pass-happy NFC West. Wouldn't be a shock if he is the starter coming out of training camp either, he'd be a major upgrade over Marcus Robertson. Think of Merton Hanks in his prime, but with better size and a bigger hitter.
Anthony Weaver - DT/DE - Notre Dame - Seahawks are known to be high on the versatile swingman. Weaver has an explosive first step, and might be able to rotate at either end or tackle because of his size/speed ratio, dependability and productivity at the college level. Weaver is a tweener, similar to the Seahawks Lamar King, but likely will be more productive at the pro level than King has been.
Larry Tripplet - DT - Washington - Tripplet is a very underrated DT. A super run stuffer and a much better pass rusher than scouts give him credit for, he could rotate with Randle and Eaton and provide depth for the future. Looked every bit as good as North Carolina's Ryan Sims, who will likely be the first DT drafted, at the Senior Bowl.
Javon Walker - WR - Florida State - Walker is the next David Boston. Big fast and strong, he will make a lot of corners lives hell over the next few years. Not necessarily a "need" area for the team but Walker has the talent to be better than either current Seahawk starters Koren Robinson or Darrel Jackson. We'd love this pick, but it probably won't happen.
