Seattle Seahawks 2011 Draft Preview

Published on April 23, 2011 by Tacoma News Tribune (Feed)     

Winning the weak NFC West has put the Seahawks in a tough spot in regards to the draft, as a team that still possesses substantial needs will now be forced to pick in the latter portion of rounds. Seattle is also without a third-round choice as part of last year’s questionable acquisition of backup quarterback Charlie Whitehurst, though it does have extra selections in the fifth and seventh. With Matt Hasselbeck a free agent and uncertain to return, there’s plenty of speculation that the Seahawks may take a signal- caller with their first-round pick (No. 25), with TCU’s Andy Dalton and hometown hero Jake Locker (Washington) viewed as potential fits. Seattle also must bring in some talent for an offensive line that has two starters due to hit unrestricted free agency and at cornerback, which should help the club improve on its No. 27 overall ranking in pass defense. A young pass-rushing end would also be a welcome addition, as would a receiver that could ease the burden on 2010 comeback story Mike Williams.

2010 Record: 7-9

Top Needs: OL, CB, QB

First Three Picks: No. 25, No. 57, No. 99

Number of Selections: 8 (1, 2, 4, 5, 5, 6, 7, 7)

RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2010 – Russell Okung (OT, Oklahoma State), Earl Thomas (S, Texas); 2009 – Aaron Curry (LB, Wake Forest); 2008 – Lawrence Jackson (DE, USC); 2007 – none; 2006 – Kelly Jennings (CB, Miami- Florida); 2005 – Chris Spencer (C, Ole Miss); 2004 – Marcus Tubbs (DT, Texas); 2003 – Marcus Trufant (CB, Washington State); 2002 – Jerramy Stevens (TE, Washington).

Tags: Backup Quarterback, Chris Spencer, Comeback Story, Cornerback, Draft Preview, Earl Thomas, Hometown Hero, Jerramy Stevens, Kelly Jennings, Latter Portion, Marcus Trufant, Marcus Tubbs, Matt Hasselbeck, Nfc West, Offensive Line, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS, Signal Caller, Unrestricted Free Agency, Wake Forest, Welcome Addition