Seahawk Draft Analysis and Grade

Welcome back to Football Friday at Wetland Sports. Its siesta time considering the Huskies completed their Spring Game and the NFL draft is over. Not much to look forward to until August (NFL preseason) because no one cares about mini camps or fall practices. If you really care, I’m guessing that you are either single, or about to become single.

My mock draft from last week deserves a failing grade (do they give out F minuses), thanks in large part to the village idiot also known as Al Davis. Who in their right mind drafts Heyward-Bay #7? Davis passed over two time Biletnikoff winner Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin for a project receiver from Maryland who has never caught more that 5 TD’s in a season. This was a colossal reach for a player in a lackluster conference facing second tier talent. I’m assuming Tom Cable wanted to stab his eyes out with a butter knife. With Davis at the helm, the poor Raiders can look forward to drafting in the top 7 every year.

The Hawks fared much better with an above average draft. I would give Ruskell and the Hawks brass a B-. They could have gotten cute in the first round and traded down or taken the pretty boy (Sanchez) #4, but they chose correctly selecting Curry who can contribute right away. The defense needed serious help in the back 7 and Curry will solidify a defense that ranked near the bottom in 2008. He is a big, physical, fast LB that can cover in the flat and tackle with the best of them. Some pundits think Curry can’t put his hand on the ground on third down and rush the passer since he wasn’t asked to do so at Wake. I think that’s foolish. With his combination of strength and speed, he could take over Julian Peterson’s role and average double digit sacks per season. Curry is that good.

In round 2, Ruskell’s brilliance was on display. He exchanged a second round pick for Denver’s first rounder in 2010. Denver is on the decline and I fully expect the Hawks to draft in the top ten with that pick. With two first round picks next year, the Hawks can get their franchise QB to replace the ailing Matt Hasselback and a top notch RB. I would love to see Sam Bradford or Colt McCoy and Jonathan Dwyer in a Hawks jersey. I’m salivating just thinking about it.

Yet Ruskell and the Hawks weren’t finished on day 1. They traded back into the second round to select C Max Unger. On the surface this is a bit of a head scratcher considering Ruskell drafted C Chris Spencer #26 overall in 2005. I like this selection for several reasons. Chris Spencer has dealt with a slew of injuries over his 4 year career. When healthy his play has been shoddy at best. I doubt he will ever live up to expectations. Max brings versatility to the O-Line. He can play Center or either Guard position. If Spencer fizzles, Mad Max can step in right away. If Spencer takes a huge step toward realizing his potential, Max can take over for the aging Mike Wahle. Wahle is 32 and entering his 12th NFL season. He was cut outright by the Panthers in 2007 for a reason. He just doesn’t have it anymore. Mora will love Unger’s versatility.

In round 3 Ruskell traded up and drafted WR Deon Butler. The Hawks receiving corps have lacked speed for years. Without a deep threat to stretch the field, opposing DB’s have jumped the short routes knowing they can recover in time to defend the double move. Not anymore, Butler has the ability to take it to the house. Like most college receivers, he may need a year or two to get acclimated to the pro game but I expect him catch 30 to 50 balls in 2010. In the least, I’m betting he will get a look this year on Special Teams as a kick returner.

I’m not going to waste time analyzing players selected in rounds 4-7. 99% of these draft picks are either cut by the end of Pre-Season or make the team as a wedge buster or gunner on Special teams.

*Check back next week on Football Friday as I may turn my attention to the Huskies on Montlake.