2008 Seahawks Draft Reaction

While much of this past weekend was spent at weddings, concerts, and in the car, my mind was otherwise focused on the second round of the NHL playoffs (which are going almost the exact opposite of how I had predicted) and, perhaps more importantly, the 2008 NFL Draft.

Heading into the draft I personally felt there were a few needs that were worthy of attention on the 'Hawks roster. Specifically I felt that running back (a power runner, specifically), tight end, and a run stopper at DT were particular areas of need. I also felt that taking the best kicker possible late in the draft to challenge Mare in camp would also be a wise choice. When the dust had settled late Sunday afternoon, not only had the 'Hawks fulfilled these specific needs but they had done more than this not only in terms of talent but also in regards to the character of the individuals they drafted. Here are the draftees with round and overall pick number indicated...

1. (28) Lawrence Jackson, DE, Southern Cal
2. (38) John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
4. (121) Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
5. (163) Owen Schmitt, FB, West Virginia
6. (189) Tyler Schmitt, LS, San Diego State
7. (233) Justin Forsett, RB, Cal
7. (235) Brandon Coutu, K, Georgia

Of these picks the ones that I'm frankly the most excited about are Bryant and Owen Schmitt. At 6'5", 328 lbs., Bryant is a prototypical NFL run stopper. Especially with the loss of Darby and Wyms in the offseason and Rocky Bernard's recent legal issues this is not only a smart pick but, given when Bryant was chosen, also a definite value choice. Schmitt, who may just have the coolest nickname in NFL history (Runaway Beer Truck), will fit in nicely as a blocker out of the backfield. His versatility, however, means that his role in the offense should go beyond merely being a blocker for the backs.

The most surprising pick, and the one which has received the most criticism, is the drafting of long snapper Tyler Schmitt. While the drafting of a long snapper is rare, even in the later rounds, anyone who watched the 'Hawks struggles with this position last year will understand why this postion was a consideration in the draft. Hopefully Schmitt will solve some of the special teams problems that were evident last year and also contribute to kick coverage situations.

I have to admit that it's been awhile since I've been so excited about a Seahawks draft class. The organization not only chose some amazing athletes with terrific potential at the professional level but they also filled specific needs on the team. I predict that the contribution of this particular draft class will be notable this season with only Forsett a real possibility to end up on the practice squad. Perhaps more importantly, however, is that the first four picks have all tested off the charts when it comes to character and work ethic. Bryant, in particular, appears to be one of those guys that is a great teammate and exceptional leader. In all, the words being used to describe the individual members of this particular Seahawk draft class bode well not only for the long term but for the immediate impact which they might have on the field as well as in the locker room.

Next, mini-camp and an early chance to see how these picks might fit in with the team...