Seattle Seahawks Cannot Afford To Falter at the 2009 NFL Draft

In 1976, the Seattle Seahawks entered into the National Football League as an expansion team, along with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Since then, the 'Hawks have won six division titles, the 1988 and 1999 AFC West titles, the 2004-2007 NFC West titles, have made their conference championship game twice, the 1983 AFC Championship and the 2005 NFC Championship, and have made the Super Bowl once, in 2005.

Ever since losing the Super Bowl, the Seahawks have never been able to regain that success. Seahawk greats, such as Shaun Alexander, who won the League MVP award in 2005, have since faded from memory.

This season, the Seahawks were not able to defend their NFC West Crown, finishing with four wins and 12 losses; their first losing record and their first missed playoff appearance since 2002.

Not exactly the season Seattle hoped for with Mike Holmgren retiring. With the Mike Holmgren era of Seattle Seahawks football having come to a close, the Jim Mora era begins.

Now more than ever, it is most important for the Seahawks to have a successful draft in order to rebuild their team back to its 2005 strength.

That being said, what should the Seahawks' front office do on draft day in order to rebuild this struggling team? Should Seattle keep their No. 4 pick and sign a high-profile (and expensive) rookie, or try to trade the pick away for players and/or other picks?

Many football fans will tell you that the quarterback is the most important position on the entire football team. Do not listen to anyone who tells you this nonsense. While quarterbacks lead their team, they are not the most important players. The two most vital components to a successful football team are the offensive and defensive lines.

It does not matter how great a quarterback or running back is. If a team does not have a great offensive line, the offense will struggle because their backfield will not be protected. The same thing goes on the defensive side of the ball.

A football team can have the most talented secondary in all of professional football, but if their defensive line is not pressuring the quarterback or stuffing the running game, it will be a long and hard season for that team.

That being said, in order for the Seahawks to return to their glory days atop the NFC, their offensive and defensive lines need a lot of work.

When Seattle won the NFC Championship in 2005, many credited the fantastic play of QB Matt Hasselbeck and RB Shaun Alexander as the common denominator to Seattle's success. While both players had career seasons, it was the stellar Seahawk offensive line that allowed both players to have such career seasons.

Anchored by two all-pro offensive linemen Walter Jones and Steve Hutchinson, the Seahawks ran over and picked apart their foes. The Seahawks still have Jones but lost Hutchinson to the free agency, who currently blocks for the Minnesota Vikings. Still, Jones is only getting older. Seattle must plan ahead and start stocking up on young, talented offensive linemen filled with potential.

The defensive line has been hampered by injuries this season but does not need as extensive work when healthy. That being said, it narrows down the choices as to whom Seattle should select with the No. 4 pick, a young, talented offensive lineman. But whom should the Seahawks select?

There is no question that Andre Smith, the 6'4'', 341lbs tackle from Alabama is the best offensive lineman in this draft. But will he be available? The St. Louis Rams are looking to replace the great Orlando Pace and hold the No. 2 pick. It is safe to say that Smith will probably be taken just before the Seahawks make their pick.

Other notable offensive linemen in the 2009 NFL Draft are Virginia's Eugene Monroe (6'5'' 310lbs), Baylor's Jason Smith (6'4'' 300lbs), and Mississippi's Michael Oher (6'5'' 330lbs).

If St. Louis does the unthinkable and does not pick Andre Smith, the Seahawks should lock Smith up and make him their future franchise lineman. If not, look for the Seahawks to select Eugene Monroe. Monroe's uncanny ability to open huge holes for running backs and to keep defensive lineman out of the backfield is too great for Seattle to look over.

Who else could be considered for the No. 4 pick? Many mock drafts across the world wide web are shouting for Seattle to nab Texas Tech WR Michael Crabtree. What most fans tend to look over is how loaded Seattle's receiving corps is. True, each and every Seattle receiver was plagued by the injury bug this season, but when the corps is healthy, opposing secondaries tremble.

Bobby Engram is getting older, which could be a strong reason for picking Crabtree, but Seattle already has a young, talented receiver with blazing speed and vast potential, Oregon's Jordan Kent. Seattle cannot afford to not select an offensive lineman with their No. 4 pick. By selecting one of the many talented offensive linemen in this draft, Seattle will be setting themselves up for major success in years to come.

Who else should Seattle look for in the 2009 NFL Draft? To restock the defensive line, Seattle could look for a fast, physical lineman to compliment Patrick Kerny. One big name that jumps out is Oregon's Nick Reed, a third team All-American that Seattle could nab with one of their later-round picks.

To strengthen the linebacking corps, Seattle could deal a combo of later-round picks and players to nab an outside linebacker like USC's Brian Cushing to compliment Lofa Tatupu, another USC bred linebacker.

There are many possible scenarios that Seattle's front office can follow once draft day arrives, but one thing remains clear. Seattle must select an offensive lineman with the No. 4 pick.

The impact may not necessarily be instantaneous, but if Seattle plans for the long run and selects one of the many talented offensive linemen with the No. 4 pick, they will see major dividends in years to come.