With the first day of the 2013 NFL Draft just 5 days away, I
still find myself questioning how Pete Carroll and John Schneider will
prioritize positions and players almost daily.
Throughout their three seasons with the Seahawks, Carroll and Schneider
have tipped their hat over what positions might be targeted in various ways.
Just last year the Seahawks brought in mid-tier free agents (Barrett Rudd, Matt
Flynn, Kregg Lumpkin) in positions they knew they would want to target in the
draft, and then proceeded to draft players at those positions (Bobby Wagner,
Russell Wilson, Robert Turbin). In 2011 Pete Carroll talked a lot about how
they wanted to solidify the offensive line, and then went on to pick two
linemen (James Carpenter, John Moffit). Last year, Carroll talked about how
they wanted to add speed to their defense, and took two absurdly fast defenders
(Bruce Irvin, Bobby Wagner).
Unfortunately, it often doesn't become clear over the hints
Carroll and Schneider are releasing until after the draft. So, here is my best
guess over how Carroll and Schneider will prioritize the positions in this
year’s draft.
1)
Three Technique Defensive Tackle
Player Type: In Carroll’s
three years in Seattle he has preferred size and run stuffing ability at
three-technique. His two three techniques during his time, Brandon Mebane and
Alan Branch, have weighed 311 and 325 pounds, respectively.
Situation: This is a similar
situation to middle linebacker last year, as Seattle lost a solid yet
replaceable starter (Alan Branch/David Hawthorne) and signed a veteran for
close to minimum salary (Tony McDaniel/Barrett Rudd). Then, the Seahawks
selected Utah State linebacker Bobby Wagner in the second round of the 2012
draft. Expect Seattle to look for a three-technique defensive tackle with one
of their first picks in the 2013 draft, just as they did with middle linebacker
in 2012.
Prediction: The Seahawks spend
one of their first two picks on a defensive tackle to compete to start at the
three technique.
2)
Offensive Tackle
Player Type: The Seahawks
prefer run blocking maulers to unagressive pass blockers on the o-line. Breno Giacomini is
known for his fiestiness and effort, and offensive line coach Tom Cable loves
players who play up until the whistle. In 2011, James Carpenter was selected to play
right tackle (now at guard) in 2011 because of his strength and 'bully attitude.'
Situation: Breno Giacomini is
likely to be the starter in 2013, but is a free agent after this year. While
Giacomini is a solid starter at right tackle, his issues with personal fouls
and tendency to end up on his back in pass blocking mean he isn’t likely to be
given a long term contract after this year.
Prediction: The Seahawks draft
an offensive tackle with one of their first two picks to succeed Giacomini in
2014.
3)
Weakside Linebacker
Player Type: The Seahawks like
fast, athletic players at linebacker. 40 times appear to be important to the
Seahawks’ staff when picking linebackers, as both Bobby Wagner and Malcolm
Smith run 40’s in the 4.4’s.
Situation: The Weakside
linebacker position figures to be a two-down spot in 2013, which would lower
the need to draft one high in the draft. Expect a player to be drafted
somewhere in the mid-rounds of the draft to compete with Malcolm Smith.
Prediction: A weakside
linebacker is selected in day three to compete with Malcolm Smith.
4)
Rotating Defensive Lineman (“Jason Jones
Role”)
Player Type: The ‘Jason Jones
Role’ is basically a player that can play end on base downs, or kick
inside on passing downs and push the pocket from the tackle position. Jason
Jones (now with the Lions), was a lanky 6’5”, 276 pounds. Michael Bennett,
signed to replace Jones, is 6’4”, 274 pounds.
Situation: While Michael
Bennett figures to be and upgrade over Jones as both an early down end and pass
down tackle, he is only on a one year deal and will be tough to resign. Greg
Scruggs showed potential in 2012 as an interior rusher but needs to become a
more consistent presence in pushing the pocket. The Seahawks would be smart to
try and pick up someone to develop to take over as an interior rusher in 2014.
Prediction: A player is
drafted on day three to rotate all around the defensive line.
5)
Cornerback
Player Type: Pete Carroll
likes his cornerbacks tall and strong to play press coverage. Every corner
Carroll has drafted during his time in Seattle has been at least 5’10, but he also signed 5’9
Antoine Winfield to play nickel corner. The Seahawks look for long (5’11+)
cornerbacks outside, and smaller players are limited to the slot/nickel role in his defense.
Situation: Seattle’s three
corners of Richard Sherman, Brandon Browner, and Winfield are considered the best trio in the
NFL, but Winfield is on a one year deal and the future of the nickel position
is at question. Additionally, Browner will also be a free agent in 2014 and the
Seahawks could be looking to draft their future starter at right cornerback in
this draft. Pete Carroll drafts a cornerback every year.
Prediction: The Seahawks pick
a cornerback to provide depth in the third day of the draft.
6)
Quarterback
Player Type: The Seahawks want
a player athletic enough to run the read-option elements of the Seahawks' offense, and commited enough to spend as much time watching film as
Russell Wilson. A blend between throwing ability, running ability, and brains
will be necessary to back up Wilson.
Situation: Russell Wilson is
the starter in 2013, but with Matt Flynn headed to Oakland the Seahawks are in
need of someone to compete with Brady Quinn and Josh Portis for the backup
quarterback spot. Brady Quinn was signed because of his athleticism and dedication to the game, look for the same qualities in a quarterback drafted.
Prediction: An athletic and competitive backup quarterback is drafted early on day three.
7)
“Move/Joker" TE
Player Type: The “move” or
“joker” tight end is essentially a tight end that is half tight end, half wide
receiver. The most notable "joker" in the NFL is the New England Patriots’
Aaron Hernandez, who at 6’1”, 245 pounds, can line up at tight end or in the
slot. Usually a move TE has some ability to stretch the field and make yards
after the catch.
Situation: Both Zach Miller
and Anthony McCoy are large blockers/possession receiver types. No player on
the Seahawks roster figures to be a great fit as a joker. Kellen Winslow and
Evan Moore were signed in attempt to fit this role, but neither worked out. Adding depth at the position through the draft is likely.
Prediction: A tight end with plus receiving abilities is selected in the beginning of day three to play as a
joker.
8)
Free Safety
Player Type: To backup Earl
Thomas, the Seahawks need a rangy free safety able to cover the deep middle
third of the field. The free safety should be fast, instinctual, and a sure
tackler.
Situation: While Seattle has
three quality backup safeties (Jeron Johnson, Winston Guy, Chris Maragos), none
offer the coverage abilities that Thomas has. Pete Carroll likes to draft a
safety every year, and one with a similar skill-set to Earl Thomas seems like a need on the
roster.
Prediction: One of Seattle’s
four seventh round picks is spent on a rangy free safety.
9)
Runningback/Returner
Player Type: The Seahawks need
a third runningback with some speed and elusiveness to compliment Marshawn
Lynch and Robert Turbin’s power running. Returning ability is a plus.
Situation: When Leon
Washington was cut, a need was created for a third runningback. Returning
ability is an added benefit, but with players like Percy Harvin, Golden Tate,
Will Blackmon, and Walter Thurmond having returning experience it isn't a
necessity for a drafted runningback.
Prediction: Another of
Seattle’s four seventh rounder’s is spent on a scatback/punt returner.
10)
Wide Receiver
Player Type: Pete Carroll and
John Schneider both seem to prefer lengthy receivers and this draft is full of
them. Pete Carroll likes his “touchdown makers” and will look for a receiver
who is long, athletic and can score touchdowns in a variety of ways.
Situation: The Seahawks
already have three small receivers who are unconventionally effective
(Percy Harvin, Golden Tate, Doug Baldwin). The Seahawks don’t need another
undersized slot receiver, what they need is a receiver in the Sidney Rice mold
(6’4, 202).
Prediction: The Seahawks find a value
pick at receiver in the seventh round.
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