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Welcome to Seattle, Earl Thomas

Written by Mike Parker | 22 April 2010

While watching a slew of teams trade up and down all over the board just before their No.14-overall selection earlier tonight, Pete Carroll and John Schneider did the last thing many people thought they'd do: They stayed put.

Schneider, a man known for engineering a great number of draft-day trades in his career with Ted Thompson and the Green Bay Packers, remained steadfast and focused. Nobody pushed the panic button, nobody pulled any preemptive triggers. And when the Seahawks were put on the clock, a young safety from Texas named Earl Thomas all but fell into their laps.

According to various scouts, Thomas excels in coverage and fits the "total package" that makes him an elite prospect at his position. There is no doubt that he'll immediately improve Seattle's secondary, which has already lost Deon Grant in free agency and saw lackluster play from Jordan Babineaux. To me, Thomas's skills on the field have reminded me of Troy Polamalu, who's probably the best safety currently in the NFL. Mike Mayock even said this in regards to Thomas: "He's the most instinctive safety I've ever seen on tape." No small claim by any standard.

Pete Carroll added this about Thomas in a brief chat with Danny O'Neil earlier tonight:

"He's unique in that he has the ability to play corner," Carroll said, "and he has played man-to-man on slots. It showed a spread of his ability level."

And it appeared that the Philadelphia Eagles were all but certain to snag Thomas at No.13 overall, one pick ahead of Seattle, when they traded up to that spot. Remarkably, the Eagles picked up DE Brandon Graham, opening the door for Seattle to do what they did. John Schneider revealed a little insight as to what his strategy was before the moment came:

"Earl was our cutoff in whether or not we would move back," Schneider said. "We had an opportunity to move back, and we did not do that. We stayed there and took Earl."

Seahawk fans can definitely thank the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Eagles alike for making extremely unexpected picks just before the Seahawks made their selection. Personally, I was mostly expecting Derrick Morgan's name to be called at 14, but I can't complain about Thomas being the guy. Thomas can also look forward to being mentored by the expertise of Marcus Trufant, Josh Wilson and Lawyer Milloy in the secondary. This unit will look much better in coverage next year, especially with some added bulk on the defensive line. Hopefully we'll see that happening tomorrow.

Comments (25)Add Comment
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written by nightwulf, April 22, 2010
I've had Thomas as my favorite for #14 since Nov. Barring trading back for more picks, I don't think we could have done better theresmilies/smiley.gif
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written by Ocho, April 22, 2010
So is Milloy going to be re-signed? It would be nice to have him back.
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written by NinjaHawk, April 22, 2010
I still can't believe Philly traded up to #13 and then DIDN'T take Thomas. Taking Brandon Graham that high doesn't make sense, and trading up to get him makes even less. Thank you, Eagles.
Curry as DE
written by GBomb, April 22, 2010
Here's an article where Carroll talks about grooming Curry to cover DE. This is a little window into why Schneider and Carroll didn't draft Morgan at #14:

http://www.profootballweekly.com/2010/01/28/seahawks-planning-unique-role-for-curry
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written by Omar Little, April 23, 2010
I'm not going to lie that first round was pretty damn good from our perspective. Okung was most peoples #1 tackle and we still got him. Regardless if he fits the ZBS or not he is an outstanding pass protector for sure. Huge steal here.

Thomos is an absolute steal prehaps more so than Okung. Right now Eric Berry is better but I think that Thomas has far more upside, and may be the next Ed Reed in a few years. We are lucky to get such a playmaker at 14 IMO. Carroll and company did not disappoint so far with this draft.
Die-Hard Seahawk in Austin
written by seahawkdoug, April 23, 2010
I have had the opportunity to watch Thomas his entire career in UT in Austin. He is a great talent and plays in a "Pro" style defense so it won't be hard for him to move into a starting position for the Seahawks. Of course since there is no competition for his position it goes without saying he will start.
Great start for a new regime.
written by MontanaMike, April 23, 2010
I would have been exstatic over Thomas or Morgan, but my first choice was Berry and the best available LT. This worked out even better. If Curry converts to DE that does change a lot of things. I know people are down about the Whitehurst trade but we got a better option at backup QB at a much lower cost and he's years ahead of any rookie we got now.
To all the naysayers, this looks like a great start for a rebuild. I wonder if Big Walt will help Okung ?
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written by jmedic, April 23, 2010
Yeah I'm not throwing things because of Charlie Whitehurst. A new rookie like Clausen has even more unknowns than Charlie. At least Charlie has been there and done that when it comes to being a back up. Charlie was Clausen 4 years ago! Lets not forget he was a top 5 QB coming out of his draft. Could be a starter but when your sitting behind Rivers.... Love this draft so far. Love it!
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written by Jrock, April 23, 2010
I don't think Carroll is even suggesting moving Curry to defensive end, just saying he wants to get him to the qb and he might put him at end during certain plays. he is not saying anything about him not being an olb
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written by Jrock, April 23, 2010
I am pumped about both of our first picks, but to be honest I'd be much happier if we never touvhed Whitehurst and had pick 40, still alot of talent not to mention to qb's that I think are going to be very good
Charlie has been there and done that when it comes to being a backup?
written by Jrock, April 23, 2010
first of all he was a 3rd stringer, sucked in college and preseason, and then got traded. I don't know if that qualifies as been there done that(at least not very well) College qb's take awhile, and Clauson or colt mccoy could have backed up Hass, and if he got hurt they could have started, or Mike Teel could have started
Dont be shocked if......
written by CWEH, April 23, 2010
......Milloy gets resigned to be the starting safty, while Thomas becomes starting CB. He has the talent and skills to be a good CB or Saftey. Either way, great picks! I'm not a fan of Caroll and Co. but love the picks!
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written by recordblender, April 23, 2010
Day Two! Give us Brian Price, Taylor Mays, or Carlos Dunlop please!!!!!
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written by Omar Little, April 23, 2010
I think if you move Thomas to CB you take away what makes him special at safety. Its a plus he can cover but just because he can doesn't mean he should be a corner, do you think Ed Reed would be Ed Reed a corner?
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written by r2lba, April 23, 2010
recordblender, I agree!!! Maybe not about Taylor Mays, but Brian Price or Carlos Dunlap would be great!
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written by Riggle, April 23, 2010
I wholly agree with you Omar on the use of Thomas. He is a free safety who can cover WRs and should be used that way. Teams will have to plan around that.
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written by Hawksfan80, April 23, 2010
Earl "Dwarf" Thomas will be a bust. But look at the bright side, the Hawks could always trade him to a midget wrestling league!
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