This year's NFL draft will soon begin, and football fans across the country are starting to get amped up with thoughts of who their favorite team's picks will be. 

This is the day when everyone who believes they are a draft "expert" will find out if they really are or not.

One of the most important aspects of drawing conclusions about college players and where they will end up after the draft, is understanding the true value of "team needs."

Sure, there are popular favorites we'd all love to have, like LSU CB Patrick Peterson, or Texas A&M DE Von Miller, but how often do we get what we really want?

Shall we say, almost never?!

The Seattle Seahawks are a team entering today's big event desperate for some fresh, young talent.

They will not share in the luxury of having a top 10, 15, or even 20 first round choice, but will have to wait until the 25 spot to name their "pick of the litter."

Who will they choose?

Should they try to acquire a QB protege to ride Matt Hasselbeck's (assuming he is re-signed) coattail into stardom, or should they go after an offensive line stud to help bolster the run and pass game.

Who will it be if they decide to go defense?

Perhaps a CB to add depth to one of the worst ranked pass defending teams in the NFL.

Or, maybe a DE to help the defensive line penetrate and add pressure to opposing QBs.

To better understand exactly where the Seahawks currently stand, I have compiled a list of player positions in immediate need of attention, and assigned a score of 1 (low) to 10 (high), expressing their level of demand.

Immediate Team Needs

Quarterback-10: With aging 13-year veteran Matt Hasselbeck, and third string QB, J.P. Losman on the free agency block, there are two gaping holes at one of the most important positions on the team.

Assuming the Seahawks don't re-sign either player, the QB position ranks highest on their list of needs.

Cornerback-9: Last season Seattle had one of  worst ranked pass defenses in the NFL (27th).

Starters Marcus Trufant, 29 and Kelly Jennings, 27 are rapidly approaching over-the-hill status, and are beginning to show signs of deficiency.

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Acquiring a high-ranking, quality pick at this position would add depth to an aging, lackluster defensive backfield.

Safety-8: Free agent Lawyer Milloy will turn 38 in September, and will be a big question mark going into the new season.

The 'Hawks had a slew of unproven defensive backs on last season's roster, but that list will soon be narrowed down after team cuts and FA.

Drafting a safety between rounds three and five will provide some extra security for a position still up-in-the-air for the 2011-12 season.  

Offensive Tackle-8: Getting some help on the offensive line is a must.

Like their defense, the offense ranked near last after receiving a less than stellar performance from their front five.

Both age and durability are a concern at this position, and will be again if the Seahawks don't add some cushioning in the draft and/or free agency.

Defensive Tackle-7: Penetration will be key for Seattle going into next season.

The DL allowed an average of 118.9 rushing-yards per game, and ranked 21st in the league. It wasn't the worst, but far from the best among 31 other teams.

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

There are other areas that need attention, but none more than those mentioned above.

For sake of clarity, lets take a brief look at how the other positions rank.

Wide Receiver: 6.5

Defensive End: 6

Guard: 6

Middle Linebacker: 6

Center: 5

Outside Linebacker: 5

Tight End: 4

Running Back: 3.5

Special Teams: 2