Seahawks, Jake Locker and the 2010 NFL Draft

[jrfspike]

Jim Mora Jr. is an ex husky, and there could be a lot of talk about the Seahawks selecting Locker with their first selection in the draft, if for no other reason than that. At this point Seattle could be selecting anywhere from top 5 to the 20-25 range or both, depending on how the season plays out. I'm not yet convinced that the Broncos are "for real", more or less because I think that the Cowboys are very overrated this year. For ****s and giggles lets assume the Hawks are picking at #7/#8 and again at #20ish. With their first pick they will probably take the best player on the board. If I'm the Seahawks front office, I'm looking at guys like Ndamukong Suh, Eric Berry, Gerald McCoy, Taylor Mays and Dez Bryant. People will disagree and say they should take Brian Baluga or Russell Okung, but neither of those guys are elite LT's, nor will they ever be. Seattle's front office showed last year that they will take the best player available, even if it means getting rid of a pro bowler to do so.

Now with the second pick, I like one of the top QB's, or LT's but I think it's likely that Seattle can hold off for the second round before filling those "needs". If Locker is available I think they take him. Similarly to what the Packers did with Rodgers, I think he sits for a few years and "develops" before giving Hasselbeck the boot. They may also take a player that "falls" out of the top 15, such as Terrence Cody or possibly Okung or Baluga. I doubt any of those three fall that far, but it's early, so their stock may drop off rapidly, who knows.

Here's what Seattle will probably not do. Reach for a player to fill a need in the first round. Ruskell is not fond of drafting offensive linemen in the first round, which may be indicated by Seattles lack of success running the ball. Nevertheless, I think he sticks to his guns and goes another route. If Seattle is picking in the top 10, none of the offensive linemen are better than last years crop, and they could have selected one there if they felt that was the direction they wanted to head in. Similarly, I seriously doubt they will take a running back in the first round. I personally don't like taking a RB unless theres someone like Peterson or Johnson available, and you already have a stellar offensive line. This year, there is no elite RB available, and Seattle's OL is a mess.

If I were Seattle, I would try to build up their defense. They are really only 2-3 Players away from having a solid defense, so here's my mock for them.

With the #8 selection, Seattle selects Eric Berry. Lets face it, most of the teams picking in the top 7 are in dire need of things like QB's, LT's, or a top defensive lineman. Safeties are generally the first to fall, evidenced by last years draft. Berry is arguably the best overall player so if he's available I think they take him.

With the 20th overall selection, the Seahawks should select Jake Locker, Colt McCoy, or Jimmy Clausen. I think Bradford goes in the top 3, but these guys could all rise or fall by the end of the college season. Depending on who's available, and where exactly the pick ends up being I think should go this route. I doubt they will, but I'll address that now.

Oh crap, they forgot to address the OL/RB/CB positions! Joe Haden (CB, Florida) is a guy who could be towards the end of the first round, and made a Seahawks with the 20th-ish selection. They could also trade up, and take him in the second round, like they did to get players like Max Unger and John Carlson. They will likely not have a shot at Suh, McCoy, or Cody here and I would be surprised to see them take a DT/DE/LB again this year. outside of those three players. That being said, if Denver and Seattle both tank, and one of those players is available, be prepared to welcome them to Seattle.

I believe that Seattle is going to stick with Locklear at LT, and Jones at RB at least for the time being. I don't see Locklear ever being elite, but he is serviceable when healthy. Until Jones finally hangs it up, I don't see them adding yet another LT salary to this already expensive under performing offensive line.

Sorry for the length, I hope it was a good read. Feel free to butcher my punctuation, grammar and spelling underneath.

[blue5213]

Okung not elite? Come on.

I think the premise is a bit much-I don't think either Seattle or Denver is bad enough to pick at 8th overall-but let's run with it. Cody just doesn't fit in a 4-3 defense, so he's out. Bradford and Clausen won't fall out of the top five barring absolute catastrophe. Haden will probably be the No. 1 corner, since he has better size and speed than Lindley, so I doubt he falls into the second round. I don't think Locklear is better than Okung, and like you said, the offensive line needs help.

C.J. Spiller and Jahvid Best may not be every-down backs, but they're better than Julius Jones.