|
Seattle has made some solid moves as they look to make it back to the Super Bowl in Mike Holmgren's final season on the sidelines. Find out what positions still need to be addressed to make it a happy ending.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
2007 Record: 10 – 6
2008 Draft Selection: # 25
2008 Adjusted Cap Number: 124.12M
Prominent Player Departures:
WR – D. J. Hackett, DT – Ellis Wyms, Chuck Darby, K – Josh Brown
Areas of Need This Off Season:
Tight End, Wide Receiver, Defensive Tackle, Safety
Free Agents Potentially on the Seahawks' Radar:
TE – Marcus Pollard, Mike Seidman, Jeremy Stevens
WR – David Givens, Darrell Jackson, Aaron Moorehead
DT – Rod Coleman, Ethan Kelley, Larry Triplett
S - Deke Cooper, Jarrod Cooper, Mel Mitchell
Summary:
The Seahawks have enjoyed sharing a division with teams that have underachieved and posed little threat to them as divisional leaders. Seattle took a small step back in 2007, but if they continue with their solid offseason, they will be back among the NFL elite. The biggest move the Seahawks made was crowding their offensive backfield. Shaun Alexander now has a couple of free agents to share the wealth with at running back. T. J. Duckett was brought in early in free agency and then the Seahawks signed former Cowboys running back, Julius Jones. Jones is still relatively young and Duckett is a great 3rd down back that can be brought in for short yardage situations. What does that say about Alexander's role with Seattle? By the time training camp rolls around, Alexander will probably be out of the Emerald City and carrying the rock for a different franchise. Both financially and morale-wise, the 'Hawks would be wise to move the veteran back. Seattle also lost a couple of offensive weapons as D.J. Hackett bolted to the Panthers and Marcus Pollard doesn't look like he will be returning. Free agent Jeb Putzier was brought in and though he is a solid tight end, he is not a difference-maker. A playmaking tight end would be a huge pick-up for Seattle to add a little firepower for Matt Hasslebeck. Former Seahawk outcast Jerramy Stevens is available, but it's highly unlikely Seattle would welcome Stevens back. Veteran Mike Seidman is another free agent option, but he would be a lateral move compared to Putzier. Another option could be taking a high-rising tight end in the draft. Purdue's Dustin Keller is turning heads and skyrocketing up draft boards after his impressive combine. Keller has speed and receiving skills that are akin to Antonio Gates, rather than a well-rounded tight end like Tony Gonzalez. The departure of Hackett means that Seattle is in need of a receiver to complement Deion Branch. Ironically, former Seahawks wide out Darrell Jackson is floating amidst free agent waters. After Jackson, the talent is weak with players like David Givens and Samie Parker. Defensively, the Seahawks are near the top in several categories. The defensive line could use a little tweaking, especially with Chuck Darby and Ellis Wyms leaving town via free agency. Rocky Bernard is still the man in the trenches pushing bodies around, but a complementary tackle next to him would be helpful. Amongst free agency, the Seahawks are looking at veterans like Rod Coleman and Larry Triplett. Neither player is starting material nor a long-term answer to teaming up with Bernard. If Seattle looks to address this need in the draft, a player such as Kentwan Balmer or Trevor Laws would provide the Seahawks with an impact player. Safety is the other area of concern for Coach Holmgren's defense. Deion Grant has been a good safety, but a free safety that could come in and compete would be a welcomed addition. Neither the draft nor free agency are deep at this position, so a player that is cut this summer might be the best way to fill this void. In free agency, Deke Cooper and Jarrod Cooper are available but neither has shined as a starter when given the opportunity with their past teams.
|
