2012 NFL Draft: 10 Players the Seattle Seahawks Should Watch in Day 2

Bruce Irvin?

While I have to say I was hardly surprised the Seattle Seahawks managed to trade down in Round 1, the pick itself was a bit baffling. 

Similar to last year's draft, we are left to wonder whether 'Hawks general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll know something the rest of us don't.  Much like the selection of offensive lineman James Carpenter, outside linebacker Bruce Irvin of West Virginia seemed like a bit of a reach for a pass-rusher.  

Time will tell, but time doesn't stand still, either. 

With the first round officially in the books, I figured I would provide a quick update and a short list of players the 'Hawks should keep an eye on for day two. 

Even though the 'Hawks have technically addressed their need for a pass-rusher, there are plenty of spot on the roster that need to be filled... 

Courtney Upshaw, OLB/DE, Alabama

Is Bruce Irvin going to be groomed to take over for Chris Clemons? 

Meanwhile, as Steve Kelley at the Seattle Times wrote:

"

They could have gone with the safest, sanest pick.

But they took the road not traveled. They chose a player Carroll scouted in college, a guy he wanted at USC, but couldn't get into school.

They had their pick of pass rushers, and they chose the most obscure and the most controversial.

Bruce Irvin better be good.

"

If not, there are other players capable of helping out on defense that the 'Hawks should perhaps consider, such as Courtney Upshaw of Alabama. 

Not sure what happened here, but he's still available. 

A few mock drafts earlier I had Upshaw as the 'Hawks first-round pick.  He could still fill a significant need at outside linebacker and is probably one of the best players on the board.  Whether he's available when the 'Hawks are up next remains to be seen, but they certainly could do worse. 

Vinny Curry, DE/OLB, Marshall

Vinny Curry has been my second-round pick for several mock drafts. 

He probably won't be one of the Seahawks' selections later today, but like Upshaw he's worth keeping an eye on. 

Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

While it's highly unlikely Cordy Glenn will make it to the Seahawks' second choice, how can you not keep an eye on this guy just in case?

With David DeCastro going to Pittsburgh, the big man from Georgia would be a nice addition to Tom Cable's offensive line.  

Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

Similar to Glenn and Upshaw, Jonathan Martin is another player that seemed destined in early mock drafts to go in Round 1, yet somehow fell out of favor. 

To me he's still a solid talent and like Cordy Glenn probably won't last long on day two.

If, however, he makes it to the 'Hawks, it would be hard to pass up on him in Round 2 and he would help further bolster the offensive line. 

Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt

Yet for every player that seems to be heading down the board, others move up in their place. 

Casey Hayward could be seen by some as a third-round choice, but to others he's a second-rounder.

Sports Illustrated's Tony Pauline writes:

"

Shutdown cornerbacks are always a priority on draft day, and Hayward offers some of the most polished ball skills at the position. His rise into the early portion of round two is a result of better-than-expected 40 times at the combine as well as the falling draft stock of cornerbacks who were formerly rated as first-round prospects.

"

Sounds good, but I'm still not sure the 'Hawks should take him in Round 2.  If he's available in Round 3, that's a totally different story.

Chris Polk, RB, Washington

Could the 'Hawks keep Chris Polk in Seattle?  At the very least, it can't hurt to provide Marshawn Lynch a little help. 

In my final mock draft, I had Polk going to the Seahawks in Round 3.

At the same time, with the Buccaneers and Giants grabbing Doug Martin and David Wilson back-to-back to end Round 1, one has to wonder how long Polk will last. The odds of Polk making it to Round 3 may seem slim this morning, but should the 'Hawks take him in Round 2?  After Miami's Lamar Miller, there aren't too many other top-flight runners available.

Perhaps the 'Hawks take a chance on Isaiah Pead from Cincinnati or LaMichael James of Oregon?

Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State

With currently only one pick in Round 3 instead of the two I anticipated, Brock Osweiler may seem like a luxury for the 'Hawks. 

While it's hard to argue that now, after last night you never know what Pete Carroll and John Schneider are thinking. 

For now, I'm not about to rule out the Arizona State quarterback or any other potential quarterback the 'Hawks braintrust are considering taking on day two.  

Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

With the 'Hawks selecting Bruce Irvin to work with Chris Clemons, should the team consider getting Michigan State's Jerel Worthy to pair up with Red Bryant along the defensive line?

Worthy, like many of the players listed here, has been up and down the boards for months now, but if he's sitting around by Round 3 the 'Hawks might be getting a potential steal.  

Another player at the same spot that might be worthy of the Seattle's attention is Washington's Alameda Ta'amu if Worthy is gone by the third round.

Andre Branch, OLB, Clemson

Andre Branch, like Worthy, was another player that saw his stock go up, down and all around. 

Tall and quick, he looks like the kind of player Pete Carroll and John Schneider would find a place for on defense either at linebacker or helping rush the passer. 

Not sure the 'Hawks would take him in Round 2, but he's certainly worth their attention if he drops to the third round. 

Vontaze Burfict, ILB, Arizona State

Last but not least, have the 'Hawks painted themselves into a corner at inside linebacker?

With both Luke Kuechly and Dont'a Hightower gone, whom else should the Seahawks consider?

Vontaze Burfict's issues have been well-documented, but with the selection of Bruce Irvin and the re-signing of Leroy Hill, it seems Pete Carroll is willing to gamble these days. 

By Round 3 Burfict might be a hot commodity, and with supply shrinking by the minute, it could be the right time to call his number.