2013 NFL Offseason: Seattle Seahawks
Draft Grades, Season Previews, Team Needs, Free Agents
Seattle Seahawks (Last Year: 11-5)
2013 NFL Draft Grade: C+
Please note that the overall grade is not an average of all the individual grades. Other things are taken into account like team needs and goals.
Goals Entering the 2013 NFL Draft: The Seahawks have done so well in free agency this offseason that they don't really need to do anything in the 2013 NFL Draft, save for obtaining a right tackle upgrade. All they figure to do is take the top player available to bolster their roster.
2013 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Seahawks barely had any needs to take care of, so they spent the 2013 NFL Draft taking the presumed best players on their board all while making sure they have replacements for the future as well as injury insurance for a potential Super Bowl run.
Having said that, there were a couple of odd choices. I can get Christine Michael, but why Spencer Ware as well? That seems unnecessarily redundant. Also, I don't know what Seattle is going to do with two guards (Ryan Seymour, Jared Smith). It's going to be difficult for both of them to make the roster.
I did love some of the Seahawks' picks though. Chris Harper could succeed Sidney Rice if the injury-prone wideout gets hurt again. Ty Powell was a steal at No. 231. The best pick, however, was Jesse Williams, who was taken 137th overall. Some thought Williams would be a first-round pick, so to get him on Day 3 was phenomenal.
Seattle had an OK draft, but there were too many questionable picks. The right tackle position should have been addressed.
2013 NFL Draft Individual Grades:
62. Christine Michael, RB, Texas A&M: C Grade
I'm all for picking the top player available - it's questionable if Christine Michael qualifies as such - but it has to make some sort of sense. The Seahawks already had Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin in the backfield. Where does Michael fit in? This seems like a wasted selection.
Follow @walterfootball for updates.
87. Jordan Hill, DT, Penn State: C Grade
Even as a Penn State alumnus, I'll say that this is a reach. Jordan Hill probably should have gone in the Round 5 area, but he does fill a need as an interior pass-rusher. The problem is that Hill is terribly inconsistent.
123. Chris Harper, WR, Kansas State: B+ Grade
I thought the Seahawks would go with Quinton Patton, who would have been a better value selection. I do like Chris Harper though. Sidney Rice constantly gets injured, so Seattle needed to find a good Plan B just in case he gets hurt again.
137. Jesse Williams, NT, Alabama: A+ Grade
Jesse Williams, what took you so long? It's unbelievable that he fell this far. Some deemed Williams as a late first-round candidate. I thought he'd fall to the second or third because of the lacking need at the position, but there's no excuse for him lasting this long. He doesn't fill an immediate need for the Seahawks, but he'll be useful down the road.
138. Tharold Simon, CB, LSU: B+ Grade
You have to wonder where Tharold Simon would have gone had he not been arrested on the first night of the draft for intimidating a police officer. There's no questioning that this is a good value pick from a talent standpoint though. Simon is a great fit in Seattle's defense as a tall, lanky corner.
158. Luke Willson, TE, Rice: C+ Grade
I never thought I'd be talking about an "other" Rice tight end, but Luke Willson could have a chance to start down the road because of the lack of talent Seattle has at the position. He's a bit of a reach though.
194. Spencer Ware, RB, LSU: C Grade
Another running back? Why? Spencer Ware fits the range in Round 6, but this seems like a wasted pick.
220. Ryan Seymour, G, Vanderbilt: C Grade
I didn't have Ryan Seymour as a draftable prospect, but it's the seventh round, so who cares? I'm surprised the Seahawks waited this long to address their offensive line.
231. Ty Powell, OLB, Harding: A Grade
Ty Powell probably should have been taken in the fourth round, so I love the value the Seahawks obtained with the Harding product. Powell will provide Seattle with much-needed depth at linebacker.
241. Jared Smith, G/DT, New Hampshire: C+ Grade
Jared Smith was chosen in the right range, though he'll be buried on the depth chart. He may not make the team.
242. Michael Bowie, OT, Northeast Oklahoma State: C+ Grade
Another needed offensive line pick, though Michael Bowie is unlikely to challenge at the poor right tackle spot anytime soon.
*** 2013 NFL TEAM NEEDS BELOW COMMENT BOARD ***
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KD
05-07-2013
03:54 am
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The Seahawks offense is based around:
1.) running the ball 2.) running the ball 3.) running the ball And now the Hawks are beyond loaded at RB with fresh legs on every snap when so many teams are hoping that they can get just one RB to hit 1000 yards. I love it.
Alan
05-01-2013
11:47 am
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I love how all the experts this year are too afraid to blast the 'Hawks this year for their picks. If you look more closely at our roster and players, you would realize that these picks make a lot more sense. A guy like Spencer Ware is more likely to become a FB in the future. With Michael Robinson now in his 30s and commanding so much money, I bet Ware was drafted to be his future replacement at a cheaper cost to save cap space for guys like ET and Sherman. Michael Bowie is more experienced than you might think, he was a teammate of Okung at Okie State. Marshawn had 315 carries last year and is now 27. He has a history of smaller nagging injuries so it only makes sense to take a guy like Christine Michael so you don't pin everything on Turbin, who isn't the best all-around back should that situation arise. Seymour is one of those prospects that might lack physical tools but comes with a higher football iq. I love the Jesse Williams pick too but he admitted to having several injuries hence why he could only lift at the combine. That's why he fell so far in the draft.
On a separate note, your overall grade doesn't make much sense to me. If you add up the GPA of all the grades you just posted, we deserve a B-. Not to nitpick, just saying.
Retrograde
04-30-2013
01:35 am
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rebuttal:
"Worst Draft Class: Seattle Seahawks I won't belabor the point on Irvin, but the Seahawks had another reach with Russell Wilson in the third round. One team told me they had him as a middle third-day pick, and that seemed appropriate for a quarterback who is fighting the odds. Wilson is likely to be mostly a backup in his career. Bobby Wagner was a decent second-round pick, but there were higher-rated players at positions of need available: DT Devon Still, DT Jerel Worthy and DE Vinny Curry...The Seahawks' draft class reeks of reaches and situational players who really won't make a big impact in the short term and, possibly, the long term." http://walterfootball.com/draft2012awards.php
El Bubba
04-29-2013
12:05 pm
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When will you learn? P & J know more about drafting an NFL team than you do, yet every year you give them bad draft grades, and their picks do much better than you think they will.
I should start a blog and see if I can get paid for being wrong as much as you are...it might work for me too!
jj
04-29-2013
02:07 am
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Walt a lot of these guys won't make the team. Pete said the guys in the draft would have a hard time making the team on the radio. I listen to a assload of local radio in town. I'd be surprised if 5 players from this draft make the team
A C+??
04-29-2013
12:27 am
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Why would the Percy Harvin trade not be worth including in this grade? He is a better option than most, if not all, players that were available at the #25 selection, and he filled a need.
Breno is a controversial RT
04-28-2013
11:44 pm
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No doubt, but I would guess that picking at #62 for your first selection, the RT cupboard was bare, especially considering there was a run on the position in the top 5 of the draft, so you put up with him and when his contract expires this coming season, either use the #1 on an RT or get best available free agent.
As for Ware, he's coming in as a FB, so either they hide him on inactive all year or Mike Rob, 30, and his $2.5m due in 2013 is in trouble.
Walter Does it Again!
04-28-2013
11:41 pm
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Hey walter, post a link to last year's Seahawks draft grade at the bottom 😂
Jesse Williams
04-28-2013
08:26 pm
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Williams has had minor knee injuries, that Lance dude is talking out of his ass
Lance
04-28-2013
08:25 pm
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Reports are the Jesse Williams has some sort of knee condition similar to what Bowers has. It would explain why he plummeted so far.
Walter is laoded!
04-28-2013
06:42 pm
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Let me guess what grade Walter will give the Hawks.
There's 7-C's, 2-B's, 2-A's That's 11 draft picks, and if he includes the Percy Harvin trade as a draft pick in this draft class that would make 12 picks and He should give that an A+ grade.. So, In Walter overall grade should be a C+ grade for this draft class... and he will be way off, I would give it a solid B grade.
@Seahawks Derf
04-28-2013
06:09 pm
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Research into Luke Willson will show you that he was plagued by injuries his entire senior season, not to mention he was overshadowed by Vance McDonald, Rice's "go-to" TE. Willson can stretch the field with his speed, and his sophomore and junior seasons he produced better although was still overshadowed by the superior McDonald.
Grading Bruce Irvin on his run defense after one season is bogus... The seahawks knew what they were drafting when they got him.. the best pass rusher in his class... Oh, and last time I checked... DEs make their money and are judged based on what they do on 3rd downs.... So regardless of whether Bruce only amounts to a 3rd down DE, he will still push double digit sacks multiple times in his career. And if you knew anything about the Seahawks, you would know that Marshawn is ALWAYS on the injury report for his back. In my opinion, it is just a smoke screen to get him more rest during the week. He needs it with his running style
Seahawks Derf
04-28-2013
03:58 pm
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I think the Michael pick maybe more telling about Lynch's back. The last few weeks of last season, Lynch was on the injury report but pulled through, maybe this pick will allow for Lynch to actually miss a game if needed. Turbin is a good back but maybe he can't carry the load by himself.
Loved the Williams pick, I thought he would have gone earlier as well. I think you're too generous with the Willson grade....9 catches last year? Yeesh. This should have been a 7th rounder at best. No matter the measurables, if you can't produce you can't produce. Also, for all you clamoring about how great the Seahawks draft, I would ask you how the James Carpenter pick is a steal? Also, little Bruce Irvin did have 8.5 sacks but how did he do against the run? The guy is a 3rd down DE at best, he was run over time and time again against Atlanta. I'm not stating neither one is a bust but am stating Seattle does sometimes reaches on their picks and gets too cute with them when they don't have to.
Davey
04-28-2013
03:58 pm
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The Seahawks roster was at over 70 already before the draft(15+ players over the average at that point)...so look at it that way. Now the Hawks have over 20 to cut right now, and at draft slot #62 on, who realistically was there to draft who could compete on the roster?
I hope Christine Michael works out. I do hope Micheal Robinson finishes his career in Seattle about 5 years from now tho, so I'd not want Spencer Ware replacing him. Sounds like an awesome competition a RB tho. Hopefully Jesse Williams can find a spot rotating on the Dline, and Tharold Simon could be another Brandon Browner (and the Seahawks are gonna have some PAINFUL choices when figuring who to sign in the coming years on that secondary).
Jeff
04-28-2013
11:44 am
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Obviously you have no idea of how Zach Miller's contract is set up going forward as after this year, it becomes very cap friendly. Assumptions make you lose credibility. Either do research or don't talk about stuff you don't know about.
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Season Summary:
The Seahawks were screwed over by the NFL schedule-makers, having to play two East Coast playoff games in as many weeks, including one that was a 10 a.m. local time kickoff. The good news though is that this franchise has a bright future, as the sky's the limit for Russell Wilson. The front office needs to complement him with potent weapons this offseason.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Defensive Tackle: The Seahawks have an outstanding defense, but it can be even better if they manage to add an interior pass-rusher. If they can get to the quarterback more effectively, it'll make their dominant secondary that much more potent. Signed Michael Bennett and Tony McDaniel
- Wide Receiver: It's amazing how great Russell Wilson was as a rookie despite not having a legitimate No. 1 receiver at his disposal. One could be acquired with the 25th pick this April. Traded for Percy Harvin
- Right Tackle: Breno Giacomini is a huge liability at right tackle. He can't pass protect, and he commits way too many penalties. If the Seahawks don't find an upgrade in free agency, they'll have to obtain one in the first few rounds of the 2013 NFL Draft.
- Defensive End: Chris Clemons tore his ACL in early January, so he may not be ready for the start of the 2013 season. As we all saw in the playoff loss to Atlanta, Bruce Irvin cannot be a starter because he gets demolished against the run. Signed Cliff Avril
- Guard: James Carpenter hasn't proven that he can stay healthy. Paul McQuistan isn't very good. The Seahawks could stand to find at least one upgrade on the interior.
- Linebacker: Depth will be needed if Leroy Hill leaves via free agency.
- Tight End: Zach Miller's contract will get pretty bloated in the coming years. The Seahawks may want to bring in a young tight end.
- Kicker: Steven Hauschka is a free agent. Re-signed Steven Hauschka
2013 NFL Free Agent Signings:
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Michael Bennett, DE, Buccaneers. Age: 27. 
Signed with Seahawks (1 year, $5 million)
One of the more underrated players in the NFL, Michael Bennett is a solid pass-rusher and a premier run-defender. He plays all three downs and deserves a big contract.
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Cliff Avril, DE, Lions. Age: 27. 
Signed with Seahawks
Cliff Avril is a relatively young, dynamic pass-rusher, but he tends to struggle in run support. He rejected a 3-year, $30 million deal last offseason.
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Antoine Winfield, CB, Vikings. Age: 36.
Signed with Seahawks (1 year)
Antoine Winfield has enjoyed a great career, but it's quickly coming to an end. Turning 36 in June, Winfield was demoted out of full-time duties at the end of this past season even though he had been playing well. Winfield may still have one strong year left in the tank, but as we saw in the AFC divisional round with Champ Bailey, old corners could fall off without any warning.
- Tony McDaniel, DT, Dolphins. Age: 28. -- Signed with Seahawks
- Brady Quinn, QB, Chiefs. Age: 28. -- Signed with Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
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Steven Hauschka, K, Seahawks. Age: 28.
Re-signed with Seahawks
Steven Hauschka was 24-of-27 last year, but only 1-of-4 from 50-plus. He's just 3-of-8 from beyond 50 the past two seasons.
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Jason Jones, DT, Seahawks. Age: 27.
Signed with Lions
Jason Jones is a quality interior pass-rusher who was lost late in the year to a knee injury.
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Leon Washington, KR, Seahawks. Age: 31.
Signed with Patriots
Leon Washington has been one of the top return specialists over the years, but he'll be 31 at the end of August.
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Leroy Hill, OLB, Seahawks. Age: 30.
Leroy Hill had a solid 2012 campaign as a two-down linebacker until late in the season when he dealt with a lingering hamstring injury.
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Alan Branch, DT, Seahawks. Age: 28.
Signed with Bills (1 year, $3 million)
Alan Branch is sort of a jack-of-all-trades defensive tackle. He has no glaring weaknesses and is at his best when stopping the run.
- Clinton McDonald (RFA), DT, Seahawks. Age: 26.
- Marcus Trufant, CB, Seahawks. Age: 32. -- Signed with Jaguars
- Frank Omiyale, OT, Seahawks. Age: 30.
- Deon Butler, WR, Seahawks. Age: 27. -- Signed with Chargers
- Ben Obomanu, WR, Seahawks. Age: 29.
- Chris Maragos (RFA), S, Seahawks. Age: 26.
- Cameron Morrah, TE, Seahawks. Age: 26.
2013 NFL Free Agent Positions:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 25
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
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