Seattle Seahawks 2011 NFL Draft Review

Published on May 2, 2011 by Tacoma News Tribune (Feed)     

BY SCOTT GARBARINI, SPORTS NETWORK

1 – James Carpenter, OT, Alabama (6-4, 321); 3 – John Moffitt, OG, Wisconsin (6-4, 319); 4 – K.J. Wright, OLB, Mississippi State (6-3, 246); 4 – Kris Durham, WR, Georgia (6-5, 216); 5 – Richard Sherman, CB, Stanford (6-3, 195); 5- Mark Legree, S, Appalachian State (5-11, 210); 6 – Byron Maxwell, CB, Clemson (6-0, 202); 7 – Lazarius Levingston, DE, LSU (6-3, 292); 7 – Malcolm Smith, OLB, USC (6-0, 226)

Top Picks Analysis: The Seahawks deemed adding talent and a physical presence to the offensive line as the No. 1 goal for head coach Pete Carroll’s second season, hence the selections of Carpenter and Moffitt with the team’s first two picks. Though a slightly surprising first-round choice, Carpenter was an All-SEC performer for the Crimson Tide and has the requisite size and run- blocking skills to step right in at right tackle. Moffitt, the projected starter at right guard, comes out of a Wisconsin program known for churning out quality linemen and competes with a mean streak Carroll likes. The fourth round produced Wright, an athletic and instinctive player who could be a starter down the road, and the 6-foot-5 Durham, who raised his stock by running at his Pro Day with scouts flocking to see college teammate A.J. Green.

Best Value Pick: Wright was a productive three-year starter at Mississippi State with prototype size for strong-side linebacker. He’ll provide good depth and should be an immediate contributor on special teams.

We Question Why: Carroll fell in love with Durham, who was seen as a free- agent type before turning heads at Georgia’s Pro Day and only started one year for the Bulldogs. Finding another piece, most notably a cornerback, to a lackluster defense may have been a more prudent move.

Summary: The Seahawks are building a potentially formidable offensive line filled with high draft picks, but there still isn’t a young quarterback that can make a difference on the roster and a defense that needed a jolt got only some spare parts.

FINAL GRADE: C-

Tags: 6 Foot 5, Appalachian State, coach pete carroll, College Teammate, crimson tide, Garbarini, Georgia 6, Instinctive Player, James Carpenter, John Moffitt, Malcolm Smith, Mean Streak, Mississippi State, nfl draft, Physical Presence, Prudent Move, Richard Sherman, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS, Strong Side, Wisconsin Program