2011 NFL Draft: How the Seattle Seahawks Stack Up with the Rest of the NFC West

We have all heard that the Seattle Seahawks missed in the NFL Draft...big time.  Draft Grades have varied from a solid "B" to "F-," with one ranking calling it the worst-draft ever.  They claim Seattle didn't draft a QB, a DT, and didn't draft the right CB, nor did they get that person early enough.  

Then there are the other comments that Seattle drafted everyone too early, right down to their last pick.  How a Round-7 Supplemental Pick (these can't be traded) can be too early is beyond me.

What really happened is Pete Carroll and John Schneider put together their draft board a little different than what was expected.  Not only did they not go "Best Player Available," they didn't even go "Best Player Available at a Position of Need."

Rather, they looked for the players that were the best fit for the schemes Seattle runs.  They went into the draft with a plan and a list of players that would fill situational gaps in Seattle, and they left feeling as though their needs were met.

National NFL analysts feel as though Seattle made their team worse over the weekend, and Vegas agrees with them.  Seattle went from 50-1 to 80-1 long-shots to win the Super Bowl.  I went into draft weekend dreading what direction the team would go, and thinking we had a 6-10 season in front of us.

After letting things set in, and believing the promise that Seattle does have a plan in place for a QB, the team could actually be better in 2011.

This is how I see the NFC Worst falling out in 2011:

Seattle Seahawks: 8-8
San Francisco 49ers: 7-9 
St. Louis Rams: 7-9
Arizona Cardinals: 3-13

The following slides will provide a breakdown on how each team will get there. 

4. Arizona Cardinals: 3-13

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback John Skelton #19 of the Arizona Cardinals is sacked by Craig Dahl #43 of the St. Louis Rams during the fourth quarter of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona.

Where did they Improve:

CB: They added the best player in the draft, and he will improve their secondary immediately.  However, the unit still has a ways to go. 

RB: Wow...have they given up on Beanie Wells already?  A second round pick on a RB seems odd.

TE: With the receiver turnover, adding a somewhat versatile TE that can roam the middle of the field should help a young QB.  Rob Housler didn't figure to be drafted in the third round, nor is he a big-time prospect.

LB: The Cardinals found value with an ILB and an OLB.  Problem is, they needed two OLBs.

Where did they Miss:

OL: I originally thought the Cardinals would draft James Carpenter in the second round.  They needed to do something here, though.  They drafted a RB when what they really need is a better line.  The Cardinals need two new tackles and a guard.  They drafted...none of them.  Ben Ijalana will make them regret their decision, and no RB will make a difference without some kind of an opening.

QB: It still seems too soon to be starting John Skelton.  The Cardinals need a transition plan or a different franchise QB. 

Whom do they Beat:

vs. Carolina Panthers
vs. Rams in AZ
vs. Wildcard—The Cardinals might just put it all together in one of the games, or face someone that just doesn't show up.  That could be their home games vs. the Seahawks or 49ers, or maybe even the Cowboys.  The Cardinals usually play them tough. 

The Cardinals' schedule just isn't friendly.  They hit the two "easiest" teams from the AFC/NFC Divisional match-ups (Cincinnati and Washington) on the road.  This will make life hard for them.

NFC "seeded" match-ups provide the Panthers and Vikings.  If they had the Vikings at home and Panthers on the road they might be able to pick up two wins, but that isn't the case.

3. St. Louis Rams: 7-9

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 17: Ryan Mathews #24 of the San Diego Chargers is tackled by James Laurinaitis #55 of the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on October 17, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the Chargers 20-17. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat

Where did they Improve:

DE: Robert Quinn gives depth and a transition plan for James Hall.  Quinn will improve the team a little now and a lot later.

TE: Lance Kendricks will give the Rams what they really needed in the offense...a TE that can catch and help spread the field. 

WR: I don't see this as much of a need as some think, but they did add depth.

Where did they Miss:

OLB is a huge need for this team, and they didn't exactly step up.  They grabbed a 224 Lb guy from Stephen F. Austin.  This isn't going to cut it.

DT: This was their second need on defense, and third overall.  However, the Rams failed to address the position.

FS: I understand the Rams don't place a premium on this position, but I don't see anyone on their draft board that can take over at the position.

Whom do they Beat:

vs. Redskins
@ Browns
vs. Seahawks
vs. Cardinals
vs. Bengals
@ Steelers (Pittsburgh may not have much riding on this game)
vs. 49ers

The Rams' schedule is every bit as cruel as the one the Cardinals face.  They face a gauntlet to start the season that they will have an almost impossible time recovering from.  The start out vs. Eagles, @ Giants and vs. Ravens.  Then they host the Redskins going into their bye week.  Week 6 sends them to Green Bay, then Dallas before hosting the Saints.  Sorry, Rams fans, but a 1-6 start is quite possible.

Facing the Eagles in week one is cruel, as the team will be at full strength and Michael Vick won't have had time to get beat up yet.

NFC "seeded" match-ups provide the Saints and Packers.  While this is the second place schedule, these teams had solid drafts and will likely be the best teams in their divisions this season.  

Despite the same record as 2010, this will be a much improved team.  The Rams will be a good team, but they play too many great teams this season.

2. San Francisco 49ers: 7-9

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 02: Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers runs against the Arizona Cardinals during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on January 2, 2011 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Where did they Improve:

QB: This is best defined as a maybe, but not yet.  Some like Kaepernick, others aren't quite as impressed.  If anyone can turn him into an NFL QB, Harbaugh can.

DL: The seventh pick seemed a little high for Aldon Smith, but if he can adjust his playing style he'll be a dangerous pass rusher.  The 49ers could have used a little help with the DT position, though.

DB: The 49ers added a versatile back that can work in their nickel packages and possible offer some help at SS and CB in situational downs.

RB: While his primary purpose is to backup Frank Gore, Kendall hunter is a tough back that will allow Gore to not take as much of a beating and possible make it through all 16 games.

OL: They need depth, and might have added it via two FCS prospects.

Where did they Miss:

DT: The 49ers have some free agency issues, and could have used a big NT.

CB: The 49er secondary was suspect last season, and the could use upgrades at both corners.  Taylor Mays needs to step up at SS.

Whom do they Beat:

vs. Seahawks
@. Bengals
vs. Buccaneers
vs. Browns
vs. Cardinals
vs. Rams
@ Cardinals

Wildcard—49ers get the advantage of hosting the Browns, who look to be better than the Bengals.  This could net them two wins vs. the AFC.

NFC "seeded" match-ups give San Francisco a little reprieve playing the third-place schedule, but not much.  The game in Detroit will be difficult, as will the home game vs. the Buccaneers.

1. Seattle Seahawks: 8-8

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Charlie Whitehurst #6 of the Seattle Seahawks hands the ball off to running back Marshawn Lynch #24 during their game against the St. Louis Rams at Qwest Field on January 2, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Ot

Where did they Improve:

OL: Despite the comments from Trent Dilfer and most analysts, Carpenter wasn't the reach they'd have you believe and Moffit was a great pickup in the third round.

WR: Seattle added Kris Durham, and the critics pounced.  Most mocks had him as a late-round pick.  But several teams planned on "stealing" him in the third or fourth round.  All I will say is 6'5", 4.43, 36".

DB: At first the multiple picks at DB seemed odd.  However, as I look at them as a whole, the players all serve different functions.  They add depth and will play situational roles.

OLB: Seattle needed another body here and added a solid talent.

Where did they Miss:

DT: Seattle has two solid starters, but depth is thin.  They are better here than at DE, where they did draft someone to fill in for Red Bryant, but Seattle must re-sign Mebane and he and Collin Cole need to stay healthy.

QB: Seattle has a plan in place that will be revealed when the labor issues are resolved.

Whom do they Beat:

vs. Cardinals
@ Browns
vs. Bengals
vs. Redskins
vs. Eagles
vs. Rams
vs. 49ers
@ Cardinals

Wildcard—Seattle showed last season they can go into Chicago and win.  Seattle should have an improved OL, and the Bears are yet to address their WRs.  Seattle could steal a win vs. the dark birds...either the Ravens or Falcons.

NFC "seeded" match-ups are above.  They will be difficult games.