NFL Draft 2012: Five Prospects Who Can Help the Seahawks Fix Things in Seattle

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The Seattle Seahawks finished the 2011 season third in the NFC West at 7-9 and out of the playoffs. Although their record indicates otherwise, the team surprised many last season and the near future looks promising.

With one of the youngest teams in the league, Seattle looks to build on a top ten defense and get key players back from injury on offense. The 'Hawks will get either the 11th or 12th pick in the upcoming draft (to be determined by coin toss with Kansas City).

Although their biggest need is a quarterback, the first round may not be the right time to take one.

Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

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Marshawn Lynch's contract has expired and it is every Seahawks fan's hope that he is re-signed. But in case he isn't, Trent Richardson may still be available to Seattle in the first round.

The former Alabama Heisman Trophy candidate has star potential in the NFL, and if he's available at either 11 or 12 the Seahawks have to take him. He would be the running back of the future and start right away if necessary.

Even if Lynch is re-signed, the two-back system has flourished lately, and Richardson would be a better backfield partner than Justin Forsett or Leon Washington. If he's there when it's Seattle's turn to choose, he's a must. Richardson would be a win/win.

Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

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Seattle's weakest position other than quarterback is linebacker. The leader of that crew is free agent David Hawthorne, who will be highly sought after by other teams in the offseason, as will be veteran linebacker LeRoy Hill.

Vontaze Burfict has a nonstop motor and is one of the toughest players in the country. He would start right away and would have an instant impact on defense as well as long-term staying power in Seattle.

Ryan Tennehill, QB, Texas A&M

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It's no secret that the Seahawks desperately need a quarterback. They aren't getting Andrew Luck or RG3, but the second tier QBs aren't bad options.

Ryan Tannehill and Arizona's Nick Foles are the next best two available according to Scouts, Inc., and either of them could easily slip to the second round.

Tannehill put up good numbers last season at Texas A&M and has the look of an NFL quarterback. At 6'4'' 220 pounds, he would sit nicely in the pocket behind Seattle's big offensive line.

Andre Branch, DE, Clemson

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Although Seattle's defense was much better in 2011 than it had been in previous years, the front line is getting old. Raheem Brock is 33 and a free agent, Chris Clemons is 30 (although he's coming off two consecutive 11 sack seasons), and Red Bryant has been disappointing and is also a free agent.

Clemson's Andre Branch is a great athlete and will bring a ton of talent with him to the pros. He's 6'5'' and 260 pounds, and is entering the draft after a season at Clemson in which he recorded 10.5 sacks.

It's unlikely the Seahawks will bring both Brock and Bryant back, so Branch as a second round pick would be just what the defensive line needs.

Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

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Seattle's secondary is very young for the most part. All but three defensive backs are 26 or younger and played their way to an 11th ranked pass defense.

Atari Bigby and Marcus Trufant are the veterans of the secondary and are both free agents, so that could open the door for Nebraska's Alfonzo Dennard.

He might not have a huge impact instantly, but he would be a solid 2nd or 3rd round pick and would be able to contribute well as a backup corner and to fill in for injuries.