Charlie Klein
As we were constantly reminded by Alicia Keys in "Empire State of Mind" (the song of choice for the weekend bumpers), New York City has the ability to make a person feel brand new and that its big lights carry just as much power to inspire as Barack Obama. At first I came to interpret this song as only applying to the players being drafted, but then I realized that it also had a lot to do with the teams involved. And for one team in particular, the chorus holds to be particularly true.
Going into the 2010 NFL Draft, as a Seahawks fan I felt like had very little to look forward to in the 2010 season. Having just axed a head coach, team president and general manager, I accepted that there would not be much cause for optimism going into 2010. I was excited about the Pete Carroll hire and I had not heard much of new GM John Schneider (formerly of the Green Bay Packers) but thought he was a better option that Ruskell.
I mean it is difficult to be optimistic about a new season when your team goes 5-11. That being said, I can state without equivocation that the Seattle Seahawks were the clear winners in the 2010 NFL Draft held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City last weekend. Bam.
Going into the draft they had quite a few needs and most of them were addressed. The Seahawks desperately need help on the offensive line and the selection of Russell Okung at sixth overall goes a long way towards solidifying a position of weakness. I was convinced that the Redskins would take Okung at number four, given that he is the "safer" bet of this year's class of tackles. They instead went with the high risk tackle Trent Williams out of Oklahoma. When Okung "fell" to number six, it was a no-brainer. Okung will slide right into left tackle.
Not only did the Seahawks address their offensive line deficiencies, they also took a major step towards improving their secondary by selecting cornerback/safety Earl Thomas out of Texas. Thomas is another player that the Hawks have admitted that they did not think they would be able to take at 14. He was projected as a close second to Tennessee safety Eric Berry in terms of safeties at this year's draft. To get him and Okung in the first round was a massive success for Pete Carroll and John Schneider.
Bereft of an early second round pick, the Hawks missed out on Jimmy Clausen, a player who Mel Kiper believed that if Thomas had not slipped to 14, the Seahawks would have taken. I find that a bit hard to believe considering how many teams passed on Clausen who needed a quarterback (Minnesota, Cleveland, Oakland, etc) but I will save that for another post. In the second round the Seahawks selected the 2009 Biletnikoff Award Winner (for best wide receiver in college football) Golden Tate out of Notre Dame. Tate's incredible ability to get yards after the catch and his nature as a big play threat presents the perfect foil for T.J. Houshmandzadeh in the Seahawks offense. He also provides another weapon for quaterback Matt Hasselbeck.
Not only did the Seahawks draft some quality young players, they were also able to acquire two experienced and talented running backs. Carroll decided to trade a fourth and sixth round pick to the Tennessee Titans to acquire LenDale White and defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson. With the success of Chris Johnson last season, White was no longer needed in Tennessee and Carroll snatched at the chance to get one of his former players. I think this move has great potential to pay off for the Seahawks. No one has ever questioned White's talent. The main source of concern with him is keeping him motivated. Playing for Carroll could reignite his passion for the game and could pay dividends for the Hawks.
Not only did the Seahawks add LenDale White, they also were able to acquire Leon Washington from the New York Jets. I used to hear a lot about Washington from my friends who are Jets fans. To a man they all loved his work ethic and lightning quick feet. I don't want to be too ridiculous, but Carroll may have reassembled the White-Bush combination he had at USC. While Washington may not be the direct equivalent of Bush, he plays the same style of game with almost as much aplomb.
The 2010 NFL Draft for the Seattle Seahawks has me feeling like I just took a trip to New York City. As a fan I feel brand new and inspired by what could be in my team's future. In Carroll We Trust, for now.
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