So this is officially the one thousandth article grading the Seahawks’ draft in the failing grade range. Take the “homer” and “fan” out of your analysis and you too would feel this way. But my reasoning may be different than others. Let’s take a few picks and see.
Round 1. The Seahawks choose Bruce Irvin, DE from West Virginia. Irvin may be the best pass rusher in the draft. But he is small, at 245lbs and has had off-field issues. Let me say that I don’t dislike Bruce Irvin. He’ll probably fit in well with the Seahawks and may be a great pass rusher. My issue with this pick lies in the value of who the Seahawks could have picked but didn’t. Let me rattle off a few names. Quinton Coples, Melvin Ingram, Riley Reiff, David Decastro. All of these linemen improve the Seahawks more than Irvin. There are probably half a dozen more. Yes, I also understand he was likely not available at the Seahawks pick in the next round. Bud,t as a value in the first round, it isn’t Irvin that is the issue. It is who is left on the board after your pick.
Round 2. The Seahawks choose Bobby Wagner, ILB from Utah State. Probably the best pickup in the draft for the Seahawks. Undersized for his spot in the NFL and the Seahawks may have to get creative in finding ways for him to contribute. But he has good football instincts and contributes not only on defense but on all four special teams. A good pickup if he can bulk up just a bit and maybe move to Will.
Round 3 The Seahawks choose Russell Wilson, QB from Wisconsin. This kid is a great prospect, but he’s just that. A prospect. My problem here again isn’t so much the player, but more on that later. Its the pick. So you go out and get the hottest free agent QB of the season, back him up by your previous starter who will compete for the starting spot, then go out in the third round and get another QB. Third round players are not insignificant. While in the first two rounds, players are expected to start straight off, third round players are on the bubble. They may start, they may not. But they definitely should be planned as a starter or a project ready to start in year two. And while Wilson may have the potential to be a starter, is there going to be a yearly QB controversy in Seattle? We hope not. Wilson’s other downside as a third rounder is his height. While he has all of the right qualities to be a starter, he is listed as 5’10 1/2″. Taking a look at QB history, can anyone tell me a QB that has been that height and had success in the NFL? Doug Flutie? He was 5’10″. Was his career of note? Maybe. Find me another.
After round 3, the Seahawks finally start choosing players of value to these rounds. The three players above could certainly turn out to be quality players, but for now the grade is below average on this draft for the reasons above. It isn’t the players themselves, its the price the Seahawks paid to get them.
Original Story:
http://seattlesportsnut.com/seattle-s...
|
May 01, 2012
