An Offseason To Remember: The Seattle Seahawks

Optimism.

Hope.

Renewed Vigor.

These are three emotions a Seattle Seahawk fan rarely feels so close to a post-NFL draft weekend. However, with their top three selections last weekend in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Seahawks provided a silver lining to the clouded 2008 season.

Like sunshine on a Seattle afternoon, Hawks fans were incredibly surprised and relieved when Scott Pioli and the Kansas City Chiefs decided to reach on their third pick and select Tyson Jackson, defensive end from Louisiana State University.

Now, one must humble themselves when calling out a former world champion front office staff member (Pioli), but with his 4.5 sacks last season, Tyson was more than a reach, he may have been more of a first-round-stretch-across-the-table.

However, the Chiefs’ self-belief in Jackson became the Hawks’ gain, as Aaron Curry dropped to the Hawks at pick No. 4.

With the possible departure of formerly franchised linebacker Leroy Hill, the Hawks will look to Curry to step into the starting lineup, with his 4.5 speed, immediately and contribute.

The addition of Curry also softens the blow of trading away Julian Peterson (to Detroit for D-Tackle Cory Redding and a fifth rounder) and the potential departure of Hill.

The Seahawks also strengthened the D-Line by adding Cory Redding and Colin Cole (Green Bay Packers, unrestricted free agent), and the return of Patrick Kerney, who suffered a torn labrum last season.

Now, the Seahawks do play in the pass-happy NFC West, so analyzing the defensive backfield is a must. 

Cornerback (and defensive cornerstone) Marcus Trufant struggled a bit last season, but given the lack of a pass rush, this was not unexpected.

Recently re-signed cornerback Ken Lucas, a free-agent from the Carolina Panthers, allows Seattle to put Kelly Jennings back where he belongs—the bench.

This also entrenches second-year speedster Josh Wilson as the third corner, with the possibility of moving up to the No. 2 corner spot, a role which he played admirably late last year.

Rumor has it that many a Seahawk fan wakes up in the middle of the night, drenched in a cold sweat, kept awake by the horrible nightmare of the next injury to their wide receiving corps.

Thankfully the Seahawks front office has made strengthening the receiver position a top priority in the offseason, exemplified when the team went out and signed free agent T. J. Houshmandzadeh from the Cincinnati Bengals.

With the return of Nate Burleson from a knee injury and Deon Branch to full strength (Hawks fans hope), coupled with the drafting of Deon Butler (Penn State), the Hawks hope to make this a position of strength in the coming season.

The one positive on the offense last season was the emergence of rookie tight end John Carlson, who exploded onto the scene with 55 receptions for 627 yards and five touchdowns, while displaying the poise of a veteran and fly paper-like hands.

Another question mark heading into the offseason was the offensive line, which was addressed slightly by the re-signing of Ray Willis in free agency, but was still considered a grey area heading into the draft.

Many mock drafts had the Seahawks selecting Eugene Monroe, the gargantuan tackle from the University of Virginia, but ultimately the Hawks decided to use their second round pick on similarly-sized center Max Unger from the University of Oregon.

Unger is a player who can contribute all across the line, which translates into him being able to fill in at a number of positions for Seattle. However, the most important position on offense went unchanged this offseason, much to the delight of the locker room and the incredibly loyal fan base.

Matt Hasselbeck, who played sparingly last year due to back and knee injuries is back in camp and looking healthy, while his backup, uber-athletic Seneca Wallace, is at the ready, prepared for more playing time whenever necessary.

Many felt the Hawks would draft the heir to Hasselbeck in this year’s draft, Mark Sanchez, but thankfully, the Seahawks passed.

Drafting a quarterback in the top five would have sent the wrong message to the fan base, but more importantly the players, as it says we’re rebuilding, not reloading.

This franchise was only a few pieces away last year from being a contender, and with their intelligent offseason additions, one has a sense that the club has gotten back to their consistent, high level of play.