Seahawks Team Report
By Clare Farnsworth/Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Draft preview
APRIL 5, 2001 Print it
DRAFT WHISPERS
It is impossible to separate free agency and the draft for the Seahawks, because Mike Holmgren isn't.
Holmgren wants to emerge from his third off-season as coach/GM with seven new starters. He figures the club freed enough money under the salary cap to sign four free agents this year. He is counting on the team's first three draft choices (the seventh, 17th and 40th picks) to complete the package.
So far, better than good.
The Seahawks kicked off the free agency period by trading for QB Matt Hasselbeck, a talented but untested backup for the Packers. It was a move that started the smudging of the already thin line that separates free agency from the draft.
That's because the Seahawks gave the Packers their third-round pick and swapped picks in the first round (No. 10 for No. 17) to obtain a player Holmgren wanted at a position where he was desperate for an upgrade from the Jon Kitna/Brock Huard fiasco of last year.
Then came the free-agent signings of defensive tackles John Randle and Chad Eaton, and former Steelers middle linebacker Levon Kirkland. Holmgren still is hoping to re-sign cornerback Willie Williams before the draft to be the nickel back.
The acquisitions of Hasselbeck, Randle and Eaton addressed the most-pressing priorities. The addition of Kirkland set up an anything-can-happen scenario for draft day.
With Hasselbeck already on board, the Seahawks do not have to make a pitch for the top spot, which means Michael Vick. Nor do they have to reach and take Drew Brees just because he is the next-best QB available. Likewise, they do not have to take one of the top college defensive linemen, although they probably will -- at No. 17, if not No. 7.
Holmgren already has had offers to trade up, but probably won't unless he deems there is a must-have player on the board. But on a team that has as many holes as the Seahawks, it is more likely that he would trade down from the No. 17 spot if the right player is not available, adding additional picks to bolster depth or perhaps find another sleeper -- like wide receiver Darrell Jackson, whom they found in the third-round last year.
WISH LIST
The Seahawks' most-glaring need was apparent at their recent passing camp. They had three wide receivers on the practice field -- third-year man Karsten Bailey, as well as Jackson and James Williams, draft picks from last year.
For a team that likes to take 10 wideouts to training camp, that's a cupboard which is as bare as anything Old Mother Hubbard and her poor dog ever had to deal with.
Fortunately for the Seahawks, supply meets demand. They could have a shot at either Michigan's David Terrell or North Carolina State's Koren Robinson at No. 7, or Clemson's Rod Gardner at No. 17.
But Holmgren says there are 10 wide-outs he would feel comfortable with -- a group that also includes Miami's Reggie Wayne and Santana Moss; UCLA's Freddie Mitchell; and Kansas State's Quincy Morgan.
Don't be surprised if Holmgren goes for a receiver with one of his first-round picks, and then revisits the position in the fourth round -- where the Seahawks have three picks, including two compensatory selections.
The other first-round pick could be used to further upgrade the defensive line. Randle is 33 and end Michael Sinclair is 32. The right player could work in a rotation and be groomed as an eventual replacement.
Besides, the Seahawks lacked quality and depth on the line last year, and Holmgren has promised himself never again to be in that situation.
Most of the ends are undersized, although Missouri's Justin Smith has caught the Seahawks' eye because of his pass-rush skills.
The tackles are big and productive, with either Florida's Gerard Warren or Miami's Damione Lewis a tempting possibility -- especially if either of them are still on the board at No. 17. The 324-pound Warren not only has size, but strength and speed. Lewis also possesses the total package, in lesser amounts.
The Seahawks' other needs, which will be addressed in the later rounds, include defensive backs, depth on the offensive line and, because Holmgren probably won't be able to resist, quarterback.
With only two safeties on the roster -- Reggie Tongue, a disappointment after being signed in free agency last year; and CFL refugee Maurice Kelly -- selecting a safety is a distinct possibility at No. 40.
Arizona State's Adam Archuleta and Florida State's Derrick Gibson appear to be the only safeties worthy of being picked that high.
There is more depth at cornerback. Mississippi State's Fred Smoot probably isn't worth a Top 10 pick, and he could be a reach at No. 17, but will likely be gone at No. 40.
A better option might be waiting until the later rounds, where Minnesota's Willie Middlebrooks would be a nice addition because of his combination of size (6-1) and speed (4.3).
SEAHAWKS PICKS
Round Overall
First 7
First 17
Second 40
Fourth 104
Fourth 127
Fourth 128
Fifth 140
Sixth 172
Sixth 190
Seventh 210
Seventh 237 |
