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OVERVIEW
As the bitter stench of Super Bowl XL fades away (if only slightly), Seahawks fans can now turn their attention to next year. Despite a few bumps in the free agency road, the Seahawks remain exceptionally strong, balanced and deep, and if they can add a few key pieces they may find themselves in a position to be robbed by the refs in big game again next year.
Despite the most high-profile defection being the loss of Pro-Bowl OG Steve Hutchison, the most obvious weak points on the roster are on defense. In fact, the surest way to tell if a mock-draft writer has done his homework is if he has the Seahawks taking a guard with their first round pick. This is sure sign the guy doesn’t know his ass from a hole in the ground.
Let’s take a look at the Seahawks true draft needs heading into the big weekend.
Offense
Hutchison and WR Joe Jurevicius were the most significant losses of the free agency season. The Seahawks replaced them with New England OL Tom Ashworth and Minnesota WR Nate Burleson, respectively. They were able to re-sign WR\KR Peter Warrick to fill out the receiving corps. MVP RB Shaun Alexander finally got his long-term extension.
Offensive Line – Despite the loss of Hutchinson, the Seahawks have plenty of depth on the OL and should not see a major drop off in production in the running game or pass protection. Veteran OG Pork Chop Womack is ready to step into Hutch’s spot, and there are numerous options if he isn’t up to the task. Perennial Pro Bowl LT Walter Jones will continue to anchor the unit, and Pro Bowl C Robbie Tobek has indicated he isn’t about to step aside for second year C (and last years 1st round pick) Chris Spencer anytime soon. On the right side, veteran Chris Gray will battle it out with Ashworth (a 2-time Super Bowl starter with New England) for the RG spot while Sean Locklear will probably retain his RT starting spot. Veteran Wayne Hunter will continue to back-up at G and T, and last years 4th round pick OT Ray Willis adds depth to the teams’ strongest unit.
Draft Needs: The Seahawks will continue to have one of the best OL’s in the league this year, despite the loss of Hutchinson. There are young players ready to step in if there are injuries to the veteran starters. There is no need for the Seahawks to take an OL in this draft until late on day 2, if at all.
Quarterbacks – Matt Hasselbeck is coming off a great year in which he showed the talent and leadership to lead his team to a Super Bowl win. Unfortunately, Paul Tagliabue and Bill Leavy had other ideas, but that doesn’t change the fact that Hasselbeck is on top of his game and in the prime of his career. Back-up is more problematic, with Seneca Wallace perhaps having more value as a receiver-kick returner than as a back-up QB. He was unimpressive in his regular season appearances. David Greene was practically invisible in his rookie campaign as the #3 QB. NFL Europe QB Gibran Hamdan has been lighting up that league and may press Greene for the #3 spot in training camp.
Draft Needs: None. The Seahawks need a veteran back-up for Hasselbeck, not another rookie project.
Running Backs – Shaun Alexander got his well deserved extension, and should have no trouble playing at or near the same level as did in 2005. The absence of Hutchinson may require a period of adjustment, but don’t expect any significant drop off in production as long as Alexander remains healthy. The Seahawks re-signed back-up Mo Morris after he failed to generate an offer on the open market. Veteran FB Mack Strong remains the league’s best blocking FB, and back-up Leonard Weaver is a power back who might also be able to step in at HB. Josh Scoby is a kick returner and nothing more.
Draft Needs: Morris is a spot back who probably can’t carry the load if Alexander gets hurt. The Seahawks could look for a RB to supplant him on the second day.
Wide Receivers - Unless Darrel Jackson’s knee flares up again, the Seahawks are pretty well set at wide receiver. Jackson will be #1 and newly acquired Nate Burleson will start opposite him. Both are excellent run after the catch guys, as is #3 receiver Bobby Engram. The fourth receiver spot will be a battle between a finally healthy Peter Warrick and speed guy DJ Hackett. Hackett needs to improve his consistency catching the ball, but he has the speed and elusiveness to be effective deep. Jerheme Urban and special teams ace Alex Bannister are both coming off IR and need to have big training camps to make the cut. The team also has a group of street youngsters on the roster.
Draft Needs: Don’t be surprised if the team uses a second day pick as insurance against Jackson’s knee being an ongoing problem.
Tight Ends – Veterans Jerramy Stevens and Itula Mili will hold down the fort at the TE position. Despite a sub-par Super Bowl, Stevens emerged as an extremely effective red zone target in 2005 and should continue to grow into the role in ’06. Mili was the starter until an intestinal blockage cost him his 2005 season. The team signed veteran TE Will Heller from the Dolphins to replace the departed Ryan Hannam, who was a blocking specialist.
Draft Needs: The Seahawks could use a second day pick on a TE if one jumps out at them, but this is not a major need area unless Mili is unable to regain his previous form.
Defense
The defense was probably the NFL’s best at the end of last season, legitimately giving up only 24 points in 3 playoff games against Washington, Carolina and Pittsburgh. Carolina’s lone legit TD was a garbage time bomb, their other TD was on a Steve Smith kick return when Carolina committed a block in the back that was inexplicably reversed. Washington’s lone TD was a fluky tipped pass caught by Santana Moss that should have been intercepted. And, if it wasn’t for officials "mistakes," the Stealers would have only Willie Parker’s 75-yard TD run to show for their efforts in Zebra-Bowl XL. Still, most of the Seahawks team needs are on defense, especially after the team released their best corner, Andre Dyson, in a seemingly unnecessary salary cap move.
Defensive Line – Thanks to their DL, the Seahawks led the league in sacks (50) and were able to stuff the run effectively, especially on big downs when they needed to. They are set at tackle with second year starter Marcus Tubbs coming on and having a big year alongside solid veteran Chuck Darby. The team avoided a major problem by resigning pass rushing specialist (9.5 sacks) Rocky Bernard to five-year deal. They added greater depth by signing former Arizona veteran Russell Davis in free agency. High motor youngster Craig Terrill was surprisingly good filling in at times during the season.
At DE, Grant Wistrom and Bryce Fisher were excellent, but neither is a pure speed pass rusher. There is good depth with veterans Joe Tafoya and Alain Kashema. Robert Pollard is practice squad player and veteran Kemp Rasmussen is a special teams ace who probably won’t play much on the first three downs.
Draft Needs: A speed pass rushing end should be a first day priority.
Linebackers – Thanks to the big money signing of former 49’ers OLB Julian Petersen, this is unit is one of the teams strongest heading into camp. Petersen will line up alongside big-hitting rookies Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill, who are both legit Pro Bowl contenders. Depth is provided by veterans DD Lewis, special teams maven Isaiah Kacyvenski, and youngsters Cornelius Wortham and Niko Koutouvides.
Draft Needs: None. This unit appears set.
Secondary – This is the Seahawks biggest need area. One way or another, they’ve got to stop the revolving door at the CB spot opposite Marcus Trufant. Shawn Springs, Ken Lucas, and now Andre Dyson have all lined up there, but the Seahawks have been unwilling to pay what it takes to retain any of them. Nickel back Kelly Herndon is the starter de jour, but he is not a full time solution. Veterans Jimmy Williams and Jordan Babineaux filled in admirably at times, and Babineaux particularly showed a penchant for making the big play. The team toyed with Ty Law in free agency, but never made an offer. At safety, Michael Boulware is a fixture, but if Ken Hamlin can’t come back 100% it will be a problem, as the team only has ineffective Etric Pruitt behind him.
Draft Needs: A starting CB and a back-up safety are priorities for the Seahawks.
Overall Draft Priorities
Starting CB
– The team needs a starter to line up opposite Trufant. This would enable them to move Babineaux to safety where he would be a more natural fit.Speed Pass Rushing DE – The Seahawks need to start grooming Wistrom’s successor.
Safety – Depending on how the draft falls, the Seahawks would be well served to add a safety for depth purposes
WR – A young speed guy would provide some insurance in case Darrell Jackson’s knee is an unexpected problem.
TE – The team needs to find a solid #3 TE.
RB – It would be nice to add a productive back-up to Alexander the Great.
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