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With the NFL Draft now in the rearview mirror we take the Seattle Seahawks "Off The Clock" with pick-by-pick analysis, the Bible's take and our grade.
(1-4) Aaron Curry, OLB (Wake Forest): One of the more emotional players ever to be drafted, Aaron Curry could not hold back the tears of joy after learning he had been drafted by the Seahawks. The tandem of Curry and Lofa Tatupa certainly gives them one of the more formidable linebacking corps in the league. The selection of Curry should also help the development of some of the younger pass-rushers Seattle has drafted in the past couple of seasons, including Lawrence Jackson and Darryl Tapp. With the fourth pick, Seattle may have added the best player in the 2009 Draft.
(2-49) Max Unger, C (Oregon): The Seahawks did a nice job of addressing an area of need given center Chris Spencer’s back issues. Unger isn’t your classic physical drive blocker, but brings size, technique and impressive short-area quickness to the table. Unger is athletic enough to be used on pull and trap blocking. He was an All-Pac 10 performer as a left tackle for the Ducks, so his versatility brings more value than your typical center. (Pick From Chicago)
(3-91) Deon Butler, WR (Penn State): This was a solid pick for the Seahawks. They got a speedy receiver to add to a potent-when-healthy receiving corps. Matt Hasselbeck now has two down-field threats to choose from in Branch and Butler to go along with the short passing game of Burleson and Carlson. Now all they need to do is stay on the field. (Pick From New York/NFC via Philadelphia)
(6-178) Mike Teel, QB (Rutgers): Teel has a very strong arm and is extremely smart on the field, but he lacks speed and the ability to move around in the pocket and needs to be more accurate on his short passes. Learning from veteran Matt Hasselbeck should help him blossom into a well-rounded quarterback in the NFL. A project for sure, but Teel’s arm is better than several of the bigger name prospects and his ability to stretch the field cannot be taught.
(7-245) Courtney Greene, SS (Rutgers): Although he didn’t have a season like he had in 2007, Greene has good range and closing speed for a safety. He lacks natural instinct and ball skills, but makes up for it with his physicality and willingness to lay his body on the line to make a big hit. He should be a very valuable backup in Seattle before he steps into the starting lineup. This was the best value pick by the Seahawks other than Curry. (Compensatory Pick)
(7-247) Nick Reed, DE (Oregon): Reed is a bit undersized to be a true defensive end in the NFL. He was the Defensive Player of the Year in the Pac-10 and made a ton of tackles, but the Seahawks will have to find a position for him and it may take a while for them to figure out where he will be best suited. He will likely see only the practice squad this season, but may end up being a fine value pick. (Compensatory Pick)
(7-248) Cameron Morrah, TE (California): Morrah came out early and, if he had stayed for another year, probably would have been drafted much higher in the 2010 draft. He is a good receiver, but lacks the blocking skills necessary to make it in the NFL. For now, he will be the protégé of John Carlson. Not necessarily a need, but he provides excellent potential for a seventh round pick. (Compensatory Pick)
Team Needs: S, QB, RB, WR, DT, CB, OT
Needs Filled: Three of seven.
Bible’s Take: The Seahawks got one of the most NFL-ready talents in the draft by selecting Aaron Curry. He will be able to step in and make an immediate impact for the Seahawks defense, especially when teamed up with Lofa Tatupa. They also got help on the offensive line with Max Unger. He should also be able to step in and contribute right away for an offensive line that was shaky at best last season. Seattle also helped out quarterback Matt Hasselbeck by adding another downfield threat to complement Deion Branch by selecting the speedy Deon Butler. They filled the need and did a great job getting value with the picks they had. Now they need to hope that Julius Jones can regain his old form from his days in Dallas.
Grade: B
Photo Credit: College Press Box (Wake Forest, Rutgers)
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