Seattle Seahawks Draft 2012: Round-by-Round Positional Needs

With the 2012 NFL Draft just over a month away, the Seattle Seahawks now have combine results to analyze and need to begin making decisions about who will be their future players.

Quarterback is arguably the most important position in sports, and Seattle needs one. Unfortunately, they may have played themselves out of a top QB in this year's draft, but they have other holes to fill. With their 12th overall pick, they should be able to pick up a player who can start and contribute right away.

Here are their positional needs and possible players at each spot.

Round 1: Running Back

Seattle faithful sincerely hope Marshawn Lynch can be re-signed, but reports are that the two sides are not close to agreeing on a long-term deal. 

Lynch is coming off the best season of his career, and the Seahawks will likely tag him as their franchise player if an agreement is reached.

If both parties reach a deal, some security at running back is needed. Justin Forsett is a free agent and Leon Washington isn't quite suitable as a starter if Lynch gets hurt.

Alabama's Trent Richardson or Miami's Lamar Miller would make great backups and running backs of the future. Miller, although not as skilled as Richardson, may be a better fit, as he has the ability to step in on third down and change the pace.

He recorded the fastest time in the 40-yard dash at the combine at 4.38 and surely raised his draft stock.

Round 2: Linebacker

Starting linebackers Leroy Hill and David Hawthorne are free agents, and Hill was just arrested for a third time on possession of marijuana charges.

It's unlikely that both will re-sign, and Seattle linebacker depth is weak.

A linebacker like Oklahoma's Ronnell Lewis or Bobby Wagner from Utah State could step in and start at outside linebacker in 2012, providing much needed help.

Round 3: Quarterback

If the Seahawks don't find a QB in the free-agent market or through a trade, there will still be quality at the position available in Round 3.

The St. Louis Rams are reportedly listening to offers for the second overall pick, but Seattle would have to give up quite a bit to move up 10 spots.

Michigan State's Kirk Cousins boosted his draft stock at the combine and may not be available in the third round, but if he is, the Seahawks should take a look.

Brandon Weeden would also be a nice fit, as he could start right away and have a few productive years while another QB is developing or waiting to be signed. 

Round 4: Pass Rusher

Seattle recorded just 33 sacks last season and could use some help along the front line.

Nebraska's Jared Crick showed off his pass-rushing abilities in 2010 and '11 before missing the Cornhuskers' final seven games with a torn pectoral.

Crick in Round 4 isn't too big of a risk and the reward is huge potential. He racked up 9.5 sacks in 2010 as a junior.

Round 6: Safety

The Seahawks have plenty of young corners on their roster, but a backup safety besides veteran soon-to-be free agent Atari Bigby.

Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor played very well in 2012, but overall the safety position lacks depth.

Clemson's Rashard Hall and South Florida's Jerrell Young would be good options in Round 6.

Round 7: David Hawthorne, Marshawn Lynch

Seattle has two seventh-round picks, and it's likely that at least one of them will have no impact for the Seahawks.

'Hawks fans will trade a meaningless seventh-rounder for the return of their most important upcoming free agents, Marshawn Lynch and David Hawthorne.

Both players were major contributors in 2011. Seattle's future success is based on the two of them returning to the Pacific Northwest.

Round 7: Kicker

Why not? 

Steven Hauschka got the job done last year, but Texas A&M's Randy Bullock could challenge him for the placekicker role.

Bullock won the 2011 Lou Groza award and led the FBS with 29 field goals made in 33 attempts.

He wouldn't be a bad tackler on special teams either, measuring in at 5'9'', 212 pounds.