Why Linebacker Is A Good Pick

by: Michael Steffes

Hey, well, I screwed up. The First Take Mock Draft doesn't hit Frank Hughes and the Seahawks until tomorrow. As many of you have seen, I am more than capable of making mistakes on a regular basis. Hope I didn't crush all your hopes and dreams and waste your tivo space. Anyway, set it again for Wednesday. The Titans by the way, chose Devin Thomas, *cough*bust*cough*

So, in this unlikely scenario, Keith Rivers, LB out of USC is still somehow available at the #25 pick. I wanted to go into greater detail on this, so I will anyway, because it doesn't really matter, the Hawks NEED to take a linebacker in this draft, and they need to find a good one. To continue.....

First off, I could argue that the two most important positions for the Seahawks in this draft are tight end and linebacker. Tight end is obvious; there is no true starter on the team. Plus, they need to end this run of one year stop gaps. But anyway....

On to linebacker. Obviously, the linebacking core is considered the strength of the team right now. However, the unit lost important depth over the offseason when Koutouvides and Bentley signed elsewhere. Both of these players were considered starting quality material by teams around the league. That was important for the Hawks to have. Here is why.

First, let me address Leroy Hill. Hill missed two games last year. He missed one each of the two previous years. But in all three of these years, he has left multiple games with nagging injuries, and in almost every case, the defense has declined dramatically. Also, Leroy is a free agent next year, and he just hired a free agency power broker in Todd France. I want Hill to stay. And even if he signs a long term deal, the Seahawks still need a linebacker. One of the reasons is to provide a starting caliber player as a replacement when nagging injuries hit a player like Leroy Hill.

Second, lets look at Julian Peterson. Peterson is 30 years old. He also at one point before the Seahawks signed him, had a very serious achilies tendon injury. Common sense says, at some point, and probably soon, JP will start to slow down. Speed is his game, so this will be unfortunate. It would be surprising if he can keep up this level of play for another 4 years, but even if he does, the team will need to work on his contract. The cap hits in the upcoming years of his deal become increasingly unmanageable. If his play slows, it will be hard for him to be worth what he is being paid. Having a player that can step in for JP, and maintain the level of play, would be a way to maintain the effectiveness of this defense. I believe this will be key to the Hawks maintaining success, especially as they get younger on offense.

I really like what both Laury and Herring bring to the table, but as special teams dynamos. Laury is an undrafted free agent. Herring is a 5th rounder who will be spending this 3rd season at linebacker in 2008. He played safety in college. DD Lewis. been there done that, he is a back up. So the Hawks are going to need a stud linebacker, not this year, but possibly next, and defintely with in the next 2-3. Regardless though, there will be playing time. Betting on JP and Hill both playing 16 games over the next 2 years is a long shot. So thus, the highly rated LB will be given a chance to showcase his skills, and therefore the team can evaluate the JP situation as it goes.

Here are the major benefits. First, it gives the team leverage in the negotiation with Leroy Hill. If Leroy leaves, they have his replacement, rather than having to pay a free agent for possibly less production. Remember it is possible Hill wants to leave no matter what to find a team where he can be the star. Second, by labeling the LB as Julian Peterson's replacement, the team may be able to keep Hill, and have the young guy ready if JP's play declines. Third, by having a guy who seems destine to be a star on the roster, it greatly increases the chances that this defense remains a force for years to come. You take the strongest unit on the team and make it stronger. Much like when the Giants took more DE's in Kiwanuka and Tuck, despite having Strahan and Umenyiora.

So while in the mock draft pick tomorrow, it is feasible for the Hawks to pick Rivers, that seems unlikely in the real draft. Here are some other names to keep your eyes on.

1st round....Jerod Mayo, Ten
2nd round...Xavier Addibi, VT
3rd round...Wesley Woodard, KY
4th round...Jonathan Goff, Vandy
5th round...Bryan Kehl, BYU

All of these players have the speed to handle the Hawks coverage schemes, coupled with the versatility to play on either side. Also, these players are known to have high football IQ's and no character concerns. I expect to see a linebacker come off the board, and possibly even in the first. That would allow the team to address the offense in the other early rounds, where it would seem they could get better value. Read More!

S.A.- NFL DRAFT PREVIEW-Round 7

Well the Seahawks free agency wheelings and dealings seem to have come to an end with the addition of veteran kicker Olindo Mare, and now the Seahawk Addicts draft preview is coming to an end with the projections for the 7th round.

I have kind of increased the number of players included by a few because the shear number of players available to be picked in this spot is daunting. Also, according to Ruskell it is possible we will get a compensation pick, if so it will probably be a 7th, so maybe we will have two. That should be announced early next week. Who knows, maybe the Hawks will get to choose Mr. Irrelevant!

Speaking of irrelevant, lets hope my projections don't turn out to be so. To see the seventh round....

First...Here are the links to the previous projections...
1st...2nd...3rd....4th...6th.

As Always, these are just my opinions, but I am basing them off of things I have learned about the Hawks Draft Master, Tim Ruskell. Things like, he doesn't take players from small schools, and he thinks character is pretty important, etc.

Here are the projections....

SEAHAWK ADDICTS 7TH ROUND PROJECTIONS

Chancy Washington-RB-USC-- Washington is the classic running back who could be a better pro than college player. He just never got the touches necessary for him to be great at USC. He is a physical runner with a good build and runs between the tackles well. He would probably need a year on the practice squad to work on blocking/receiving and understanding the system.

Brandon Coutu-K-Georgia- Coutu has a big leg. He hits kicks from 50+ with no problems. He also has a good leg for kickoffs. He was a little inconsistent at times, but that is why you have a veteran to compete with him. Is this the kicker the Hawks like? Who knows, but he seems to fit the profile of the one who left.

Eric Foster-DE-Rutgers- I didn't know much about this guy until it was announced that the Hawks are brining him in for visit. However the video that reader Erik found says a lot. He just looks like a Ruskell guy. He is smaller, but a fighter. He looks like the quick penetrating tackle the Hawks like to use in their rotation. HERE IS THE VIDEO.

Tim Bugg-LS-Indiana- Not too much I can say except he is the best long snapper around. He was at the combine and supposedly impressed. Most think that he won't be drafted, but if the Hawks want to make sure he has to come to Seattle, they could throw a 7th at him. Wouldn't be the worst idea I have ever heard.

Matt Spanos-C-USC- Big, big, center. 6'5" 300lbs. He is known to play with a nasty streak. He doesn't have a lot of experience at center, but could also play guard. he would be put in a similar position as Steve Vallos. Spend a year on the practice squad, see if there is some promise, and then possibly slide into Chris Gray's role of backup guard/center. He has played against top players during his career, including Sed. Ellis everyday in practice.

Tyler Polumbus-T-Colorado-- This kid could be just they type of tackle prospect the team should be looking at. He has prototypical size at 6'7" and he is atheletic enough to play LT. However he needs some time to grow into the role. Perfect, the Hawks have two tackles. He could be the 4th tackle this year, be the backup next year if Willis departs, and maybe eventually he becomes a very good player in the league. His size and athleticism give him a lot of upside.

Jonathan Zenon-CB-LSU- Typical story of a guy who was a heck of a competitor against very good competition who is a late round pick because of his 40 time. The Seahawks corners don't usually run deep with WR's so much anyway, the safeties do. He is 5'11" 190lbs and a very good athlete. Despite his size he is known to be a physical corner.

Jehuu Caulcrick-FB-Michigan State- Caulcrick is one of the few throwback fullbacks in this draft. He is also the only one likely to be available late in the draft. While FB is not a huge need for the Hawks, it would be nice to have some insurance. Weaver will be a UFA next year, and really I am not sure what to expect from Kirtman. This guy is a bruiser and a good short yardage guy. Not the greatest hands, but a capable lead blocker. If the teams wants to add a more traditional fullback, this could be the guy.


There it is. A reader suggested that we keep score how good the projections are. I want to assure I will be, but I would feel lucky to just have one or two guys the Hawks draft on my lists. Ruskell keeps things close to the vest and very few can predict with any accuracy what he will do. But for now, the projections are done. I think this will free me up to start a series of SA Mock Drafts, starting next week. There is less than a month until the big day....personally, I can't wait.

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S.A.- NFL DRAFT PREVIEW-Round 6

Alright...getting down to the nitty gritty. The Seahawk Addicts draft preview is moving into the sixth round. Obviously at this point, specialists such as kickers are included. No one at this point is guaranteed to make the team. I trended back towards skill position players because it seems Tim Ruskell likes to pick up skill players from good teams who dropped. I think that there could be some value in those type of picks this year. Anyway to see the sixth round chart....

First, Here are the links to the previous projections:

First Round...Second Round...Third Round....Fourth Round.

The theory I have used to make these selections is based on the vast (very little) knowledge I have acquired on Tim Ruskell. You can read a more detailed account in either of the first two projections.

Any way, here are the picks.

SEAHAWK ADDICTS 6th ROUND PICKS

Ali Highsmith-LB-LSU-5'11", 230 lbs, 5.0 40 yrd dash time does not equal high draft pick. However, if you watched this guy play for LSU he was all over the field. Clearly his heart and desire make him do things on the field that don't seem possible with his measurables, like when he ran Darren McFadden down from behind. He is versatile and can play at any LB position. He is a good leader and excels at rushing the passer from the LB position. That fits the Hawks scheme well. Also, at this point he is an excellent value.

Nick Hayden-DT- Wisconsin- It is kind of iffy if he will be available at this point, but it was a reach to take him in the fourth. If he is here expect the Hawks to have him high on their list. He is a hard worker and consistent over achiever. He is known to be dependable and durable. A little light at only 290 lbs, but makes up for it with hard work and good intangibles. They say he is more of a run stuffer than a penetrator, but he had 4.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss in his senior season.

Adrian Arrington-WR-Mich- I was already looking to include him, and then it was announced he was coming to Kirkland for a visit. I think Arrington totally fits the mold of picks like Courtney Taylor and Ben Obamanu. He had some character issues early in his time at Michigan, but he must pass the Hawks filters or they wouldn't be having him for a visit. His value is in his toughness over the middle. He is 6'3" and provides a nice target to throw to. Also was a beast in the red zone, with 5 td passes, despite Manningham often being the preferred target. His best game was his last game in the Capitol One Bowl vs Fla.

Hussian Abadullah-S-Washington St.-There are probably some of you who can tell us more about Abdullah than any scouting report, but here is some of his qualities that the Hawks will like. First off, his bloodlines. His brother is a safety for the Broncos, so he knows what it means to be a pro. Second, he plays with attitude, which is important for a safety. He has decent hands and ball skills and makes plays at key times. Also, was a standout on special teams at WSU, so no question about his value as a young player in the NFL.

Mike Hart-RB-Michigan- Mike Hart has a great college resume, yet some people think he will be lucky to hear his name called on draft day. That is how bad his combine was. Also, it is just too deep a draft class. However, the Hawks will love what he brings to the table, and if he slips this far they may take a flier on him. He is tough as nails, runs hard, attacks the middle of line, and NEVER (except his bowl game) fumbles. He went three years with out a fumble before his last game. He is an adequate receiver and the fact that he doesn't have good speed won't bother the Hawks because they have a perfect compliment in Julius Jones.

Taylor Mehlhaff-K-Wisconson- Not too much can be said, except we need a kicker. He has the strongest leg of the bunch. He is used to kicking in inclement weather. He has a good record on kicks 50 yds or longer. He is a hard worker and if he is available here there is no reason not to take him. Especially if the Hawks don't have a kicker, or have Olindo Mare for him to compete with.

Ok folks... One more to go...or at least until the supplemental picks are announced. Although i am still not sure why Ruskell thinks the Hawks are getting one. Anyway...Now I can watch basketball tonight and know that the heavy lifting for the day is done. Hope you enjoy...

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S.A.- NFL DRAFT PREVIEW-Round 4

And the hits just keep on coming! I have completed my round 4 analysis for the Seahawk Addicts draft preview. I must say, round 4 was the toughest. Mainly because the Hawks don't currently have a 5th rounder, so I was conscious of players they might really like who could go in the fifth as well. Picking in the 4th, Ruskell could grab someone he really likes projected for the fifth. At this point, it is about getting good players and good fits, and very little is considered a reach. Especially when you won't be picking again for 65-70 slots.

Anyway, lets get to the projections. As always, these are educated guesses formed around all I have read and learned about Tim Ruskell. To Continue...

If you haven't been following along, here are the previous projections.

Round 1..............Round 2..................Round 3

In both of the first two projections, the reasoning behind how I made my decisions is discussed. Meanwhile.....

SEAHAWK ADDICTS 4TH ROUND PROJECTIONS

JerMichael Finley-TE- Finley probably has one of the bigger upsides of all the TE's. He is big, fast, and has good ball skills. He has ideal height for the position at 6'4" He is also known to be a team guy and has good intangibles. The knock on him is his blocking. He also could use to put on some weight. He is also kind of inexperienced, he would have benefited greatly from staying another year in Texas. Because of that, he is likely to find himself drafted in the 4th. Expect TE's to slide a little further after the teams with a glaring need take the top 4 or 5.

Brian Kehl-LB-BYU- Kehl is a Ruskell guy to a tee. He is a bit undersized, but makes up for it with quickness, effort, and attitude. He is a big hitter despite his lesser attributes. He was a leader of an overachieving BYU defense. He will be an excellent back up and special team with the possibility to be more. The one knock is that he is a little older at 24 because of taking a mission.

Marcus Griffin-S-Texas- Lots of people have been speculating about Texas players that the Hawks may be interested in, but nobody mentions Griffin. The Hawks interviewed him at the senior bowl, and it is just as likely they are looking a little closer at him. He has great bloodlines, and a great attitude. He is a hard worker who clearly understands football. While his measurables aren't off the charts, he has enough to get by with his smarts. Would be an asset on special teams as a rookie.

Carlton Powell-DT-VT- Powell has the ability to be a very good second day pick. Doesn't have the measurables, only weighing 290, but the numbers don't lie. VT was one of the best rush defenses in the country and Powell was a big reason why. He has started to develop pass rush moves too. He only had 2 1/2 sacks as a senior, but had 15 Qb pressures. Often that is a better indication of his actual success in rushing the passer. He would be a valued addition to the Hawks as he earned awards at VT for both leadership and hustle. It didn't show up right in the chart, but teams have gained NEGATIVE 13 yards on their last 106 running plays towards Powell.

Kirk Barton- T- Ohio St- Could be an excellent use of a 4th round pick. He started almost every game of his four year career at OSU, and played well against top competition. Seahawks have had some success getting linemen from OSU later in the draft. Rob Sims at least is a starter, which more than a lot of 4th round picks can say. If the team is serious about eventually moving Lock to the left side, then Barton could be the right tackle of the future. In the short term he could replace Ray Willis if he leaves as a free agent next year, or as the back up tackle if Willis has success at guard.

Chris Harrington-DE- Texas A+M- Harrington's pops was a Los Angeles Ram. He is the kind of try hard overachiever that Tim Ruskell loves. He has top notch leadership and is a tireless worker. Right now he holds up against the run better than rushes the passer, but that is what would make him a good complement to the current rotation. He is said to have football instincts that can't be taught. Could turn out to be anything from a solid end to the next Aaron Kampman.

Ok, there is round 4. No round 5 selection, so I may take a few days before throwing up the late round selections with the specialists. Also, special thanks to Coach B. I had a different DT in the mix who was kind of a reach, but after reading his comment in the Laws thread I discovered someone I hadn't looked at too much. After a second look, I included him.

THANKS AGAIN FOLKS!!!!
PLEASE KEEP SUPPORTING THE BLOG!!!!!!

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S.A.- NFL DRAFT PREVIEW-Round 3

Here we go, just rolling along. With such a slow Easter Sunday, I managed to get through another round of the draft preview. If any of you may have the opinion that I am just pulling these lists from where the sun don't shine, it really couldn't be further form the truth. I am using three sites, two of which are subscription based and their projections and reports. I am then trying to fit them into what I believe the Hawks may do.

Lets just say my girlfriend wishes the draft was this weekend, and it ain't cause she cares who the next tight end is.

So, with that said, lets move it along to the third round. Just...

If you haven't been keeping up, here are the previous segments...

FIRST ROUND..........SECOND ROUND.

You can read the theory behind my picks before either of the first two projections. And as always, these are just my opinions and educated guesses.

But as for the third round, here are the picks....



Mike McGlynn-OL-Pitt-This could be an under the radar pick that could pay big dividends. McGlynn is one of the more versatile linemen in the draft. He played both guard and tackle during his Pitt career with outstanding success at both. He is known to have outstanding foot work and is excellent in space. Also, McGlynn was Pitts long snapper and supposedly was quite good. So while he develops as a blocker he can contribute as a long snapper on special teams. He could also serve as an emergency center. Also known as a fiery leader with top level intangibles.

Jordy Nelson-WR-Kansas St- Nelson is just a football player who ended up at WR. He played some strong saftey his first year at KSU, and was a QB in high school along with being an all state track star . Lucky for the Hawks he ended up at WR because he makes the perfect WCO receiver. He is 6'3" with a strong frame. He doesn't have elite speed, but isn't slow either. He has arguably the best hands in the draft and excels at yards after the catch. He tops this all off by being smart, hard working and tough. I don't like the Hawks taking a wide out, but if they have to, taking Nelson in the 3rd is as a good a pick as they can make. He is often compared too Joe Jurevicius.

Jeremy Thompson-DE-Wake Forest-Thompson would start as the perfect complement to Tapp. Right now he is a top notch run stuffer at end. His passing rushing should improve dramatically as a pro, especially if he is working next to someone like Pat Kerney every day. He tore an ACL in 05' and he wasn't really full strength until last year, or likely he would be going higher. He fits the Hawks well because at this point he provides depth and is given time to progress.

Jamar Adams-S-Michigan- Adams fits the mold of a Seattle safety perfectly. He may not be the flashy ball hawking type, but he is solid in every facet of his play. He is said to be excellent at diagnosing play action and in run support. His leadership is unquestioned. The UM coaching staff would invite him into coaching meetings for help game planning and working with the defense. He took the young secondary under his wing and had them playing much better by the end of the year.

Duane Brown-OT-Virgina Tech- Brown would be an excellent pick at this point because he could be someone who ends up looking like a steal a few years from now. He came to VT as a TE, but was moved to RT and then LT. He is super atheletic for his position, which would be a plus if the Hawks are thinking about a zone system in the future. Pass protection is his strength, but at as a tackle for the Hawks, that is a good thing. Again, because the Hawks have starters entrenched, he would have time to grow into a starting role.

Jonathan Goff-LB-Vanderbilt- I think Goff is a perfect fit for the Hawks as a backup linebacker who could eventually start. He can play insider or outside and is as stout as they come at 6'2" 245 lbs. He is known as a hard worker and team leader. He is not only smart but has a high football IQ too. Top grade for intangibles. Plus comes from the SEC, so he has played against top competition during his college career.

Whoot Whoot! There you go, round three. Have your way with it. We are starting to dig a bit deeper into the prospect pool, so hopefully I introduced you to some players you may not have been aware of, but now are considering. Will any of them actually be Hawks? Who knows? But is sure is fun to project!




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S.A.- NFL DRAFT PREVIEW-Round 2

It's baaaaaaaack! It is round two time for the Seahawk Addicts Draft preview. The last one seemed to please, although it seems there is quite a debate going on about who the Hawks should take at tight end. If were up to Seahawk Addict readers it would be Fred Davis. I base that on the 600 or so who voted in the recent poll, in which Davis received the most votes.

Blah, Blah, Blah, you guys just want to see who I project the Hawks might look at in round two.

To look at the chart....

Here you go. Here is a recap of how the preview works, in case you were wondering....

I am basing my draft preview off the limited amounts of info I have read about how Tim Ruskell handles the drat. What we know is that he heavily emphasizes character. He also isn't as quick to dismiss a player due to limitations such as size and speed. Right up there next to character is fit. He teaches scouts to find players that fit the teams system. Because of this, often the draft board may be smaller than other teams. From there he breaks the players into small lists of who he thinks will be available at each pick. This is flexible in case people slide. This is what I have tried to do. I am going to put together blocks of players from different positions that could be available at each pick, and who the Hawks could take. My opinion effects this greatly, so you will notice some of my beliefs pervading these analyzes.


Also, here is a link to the FIRST ROUND PROJECTIONS, in case you missed it.

And now for the picks....



























Matt Forte-RB-Tulane- There is a lot of interest lately in Forte. The Hawks haven't been linked to him at all, which kinda makes me think they like him. He is clearly the best fit for the current system. He runs extremely hard. He catches very well. Usually the Hawks aren't big fans of small school players, however Forte could be different. He could have gone to a bigger school, but several members of his family played football for Tulane, so he followed suit. It would have been awfully hard for the Hawks not to notice these traits during his performance at the Senior Bowl.

Tracy Porter-CB-Indiana- I know what many of you are thinking... is it really another 5'10" 190 lb guy to play corner. Yes it is. While we may not like them, Ruskell does, and Porter is one of the better mighty mites around. He has excellent ball skills and excels when he gets the ball in his hands. This is why he is also used in the return game. The big knock against him was reluctance to tackle, but several places noted he improved greatly at this in his senior year.

Dustin Keller-TE-Purdue- At the scouting combine in February, Mr. Keller made himself a lot of money. Prior to that event, I rarely saw him mentioned as an elite TE. Now lots of people have him on the top of the list. This is because he is a very fine athlete. He is fast and explosive. The problem is he is stuck in the grey area knows as H-Back land. At 6'2" 240 lbs, it is imperative that a team be creative to get Keller a free release. He will struggle to clear defenders intent on delaying his route. Also, his ability to hold up at the point of attack in the run game looks questionable at best. Late in the second, it could be worth the chance.

John Carlson-TE-Notre Dame-- Carlson is essentially the exact opposite of Keller. He had a poor showing at the combine and dramatically dropped his stock. Also, he is bigger and much more of a prototypical tight end. The question is whether or not he has the speed to stretch the seam. He seems like he will fit more as a possession/ tough yards kind of player in the mold of Jason Witten. He is a heady player who was touted for his leadership on a young and under performing offense as a senior. I like the idea of getting Carlson in the 3rd, but I wonder if the Hawks could take the chance he doesn't drop that far. The waters get pretty murky after Carlson, and this is the one position the Hawks need contribution from right away.

Xavier Adibi-LB-Virgina Tech--Clearly the Hawks need to add some depth to the linebacking core. Adibi would be a great start. He is a versatile player who played inside in college and is expected to probably man a weakside role at the pro level. He only weighs 235 lbs and ran worse than expected. However, he plays quick. Has great fundamentals in coverage, where he excels. Would be a good pick because he could spend a year playing special teams working on tackling and where his speed would be greatly appreciated. He could also use this time to add some bulk too. He is in the mold of and could be viewed as an eventual replacement for Julian Peterson.

Roy Schuening-G-Oregon St-- I think a lot of people who will be reading this like the idea of adding Schuening. I think he is some one Ruskell will be looking at as well. Especially if the team misses out on Branden Albert. He grew up, and stayed for college, in Oregon, making him a natural to continue his career in the NW. Schuening is a ferocious run blocker with a mean streak on the field. He is also known to have good fundamentals in pass protection. Off the field he is an Academic All Pac 10 first team selection. He is also very durable, making 50 starts for the Beavers in his career.


Ok, there you have it. You can feel free to rip me apart now. But you just wait...I tell ya. Actually, knowing how Tim Ruskell drafts, I would feel lucky just to hit a few of these. But we shall see. I am doing a lot of reading before coming up with the final group for each round, so maybe I will prove to be smarter than I think. Round 3 coming soon.....





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S.A.- NFL DRAFT PREVIEW-Round 1

While most of the World Watches Basketball, including me, I serve up for your consumption the first of what will currently be 6 editions of draft preview. One for each pick. Feel free to debate. That is what the draft is all about, no one agrees. These are my biased projections after factoring in what I know about the Hawks.

Obviously we are inching ever so closely to the draft. I only wish it was closer. However, I thought, because of the lack of anything relevant happening this week, it would be a good time to start working on this. I read about 40 or so scouting reports yesterday, and have begun formulating my draft preview. To see how it is going to work.....

I am basing my draft preview off the limited amounts of info I have read about how Tim Ruskell handles the drat. What we know is that he heavily emphasizes character. He also isn't as quick to dismiss a player due to limitations such as size and speed. Right up there next to character is fit. He teaches scouts to find players that fit the teams system. Because of this, often the draft board may be smaller than other teams. From there he breaks the players into small lists of who he thinks will be available at each pick. This is flexible in case people slide.

This is what I have tried to do. I am going to put together blocks of players from different positions that could be available at each pick, and who the Hawks could take.

My opinion effects this greatly, so you will notice some of my beliefs pervading these analyzes. In this first round projection, you will not see a tackle or a wide receiver, that is because as many of you have seen me write, I don't believe that it makes sense for the Hawks to take those positions, because they would be lost on the depth chart for too long or already have a full complement of players.

So here is the chart, following it will be a little more info on each player.

SEAHAWKS FIRST ROUND DRAFT TARGETS

Jonathan Stewart-- What else needs to be said? He is local, and he is damn good. He wants to be here and he is the thick stout type of runner who would complement Jones right away. He did just have toe surgery and some are predicting he will slip to the second, however if the Hawks want him, they better grab him here. He may go before this anyway.

Antione Cason-- This pick is totally contingent on the Marcus Trufant situation. Would be bother me and many of you to pick ANOTHER corner with our first pick? Of Course! But what else are we going do. If Marcus just has to have 10 mil a year the team may just have to replace him. With a year under his belt, this team could go into 09' with Cason in place of Marcus. He is a big physical playmaker, who also has great leadership and character.

Brandon Albert-- This is an interesting pick, because I am sure the team wants to see how guys like Sims and Wrotto develop. However, because Wahle is aging and won't play more than a few seasons here, and that Albert could possibly become a tackle, make it work in the long run. Ruskell likes Virgina players. Al Groh gets them ready to be pro's like no other college coach. Albert is no different, he will be a productive player for a long time.

Fred Davis-- Look, it appears that Davis might slip. It is even questionable if any tight end is worth a first round pick. This pick, along with Laws, could still happen if the team is able or wants to move back. However, if they can't move back, it is possible they will take him anyway. I think that everyone would agree that the Hawks need a tight end who can contribute right away. That guy is Davis, and he played in a pro system at SC, he should be able to catch on quickly and make an impact.

Trevor Laws--Of all the D Tackles outside of Dorsey and Ellis, this is the guy the Hawks will want. He may be available later, but this is the type of person that Ruskell will draft and not take a chance on missing. He is a high motor, high character, smart, and quick football player. He is probably best compared to Rocky Bernard, who not coincidentally becomes a free agent next year. The Hawks may trade back from 25 or up from 55 and still get try to get this guy, but if that seems unlikely, they may just take him.

Kenny Phillips-- At first I didn't necessarily think to put Phillips on the board, but it actually makes a lot sense. Brian Russell and Deon Grant were great last year, but both are veterans, as are Mike Green and Babs. This team will defintely take a safety. CJ Wallace is a nice story, but I doubt they project him to be a difference maker or even a starter. I think one year of Ken Hamlin and Michael Boulware was all Ruskell needed to make sure the team has good young safeties. Heck, some of you even attribute the corners improvement to the safeties, so this secures the secondary for a long time. Ruskell has taken Atkins and Jennings in successive years, so he has plenty of inside info on Phillips. I couldn't find anyone speaking poorly about his character, so I have to believe that he doesn't fit stereotypical ideal of Hurricane players of old.



ROUND 2 NEXT WEEK.....STAY TUNED












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