Seahawks Draft Blog at Bleacher: Five Prospects Worth Watching

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Is it ever too early to talk draft anymore?

With the Seahawks ending a two-game skid ahead of a must-win trip to Arizona, the more optimistic fans will be clinging to playoff hopes rather than looking to April's draft.

Simply put, in the below-average NFC West—you're never out of it until you're out of it.

Seattle could move to within one game of the division lead with victory against the Cardinals. In any other division, the Seahawks would be also-rans already looking to next year.

That said, there's no reason to discuss which prospects they might be keeping an eye on ahead of the 2010 draft.

There are a few things to bear in mind when reviewing any possible direction the team could go. I'm going to presume Tim Ruskell will remain as GM, because it's impossible to second guess an alternative.

Ruskell tends to favor senior prospects in the first round, he doesn't take small school prospects and he values character highly.

You also have to make an educated guess as to the range Seattle will be picking. I don't think they'll be as high as last year (fourth overall) with their own pick, but somewhere in the range of 10-15 seems reasonable.

That would appear to rule out top defensive line prospects like Ndamukong Suh (DT, Nebraska) and Gerald McCoy (DT, Oklahoma), whilst making it difficult for Seattle to target quarterbacks like Sam Bradford (QB, Oklahoma) and Jimmy Clausen (QB, Notre Dame) who are both expected to be taken early in the first round.

Of course, the Seahawks also own a second first round pick from Denver.

The Broncos appear destined to make the playoffs despite a recent two-game losing streak. Assuming they don't make a particularly extended stay in the post season, Seattle should also get a first round pick in the 25-28 range.

So let's look at five potential options in round one:

Charles Brown (OT, USC)

It's easy to draw comparisons between Brown and last year's second overall pick Jason Smith (now with St. Louis). Both are converted tight ends, both needed to add weight during the senior season and both were considered mid-first round picks.

Smith was able to add the necessary bulk, reaching a perfect 309lbs at the combine. In workouts he showed the weight gain hadn't affected his raw athleticism and he began a dramatic climb to the top of many draft boards, culminating in a big contract as a top draft pick.

Brown is currently listed at 285lbs. If he can add 20lbs of bulk before the combine—whilst keeping the quick feet and agility which has made his reputation—like Smith he could rise up the boards. If he's around when the Seahawks make their first selection, he has to be considered.

Few have impressed me more than Brown this year. He's perfect for Seattle's zone blocking scheme and has value as an athletic pass protector and also the upper body strength and drive to be effective in the running game. Walter Jones' days appear (sadly) over in the NFL, drafting Brown would allow the Seahawks to move on. The Trojan could start at right or left tackle as a rookie.

C.J. Spiller (RB, Clemson)

One of Seattle's biggest problems is they don't scare anyone on offense. There's neither a system nor a game breaking playmaker to really threaten the opposition and it's made the Seahawks easy to game plan. Seattle's running game currently ranks amongst the worst in the league (30th) and they need an injection of quality at tail back.

Offensive coordinator Greg Knapp has often spoken about balance and finding players who won't sell the teams play calling. Enter C.J. Spiller of Clemson. An outside bet for the Heisman, he's a threat to score every time the ball's in his hands. Just look at the stats this year: 739 rushing yards, 334 receiving yards, 721 return yards and 12 total touchdowns.

He's an all round prospect that can be used on any play call. Need a guy to run through the middle or bounce outside? Spiller can do that. Want a back that can split out wide and run a solid wheel route or screen? Spiller can do that. Value good pass protection? Guess what—Spiller can even do that. He's also a rarity as a senior running back—satisfying Ruskell's desire to draft four-year prospects.

Spiller may be best in a two-back system, but he's shown this year he can carry the load too when required. His stock continues to rise with every week of massive production and that will only intensify when he lights up the combine. A lack of depth at running back and the skill positions in general will push Spiller up the board and he'll go earlier than most expect.

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