Russell Wilson to Seahawks: Seattle Makes Solid Pick and Adds Insurance

When Russell Wilson dropped to the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft on Friday, the Seattle Seahawks probably figured they may as well grab him at No. 75 overall.

For a franchise that has struggled at the quarterback spot since Matt Hasselbeck left town, why not add a quarterback, even if you already have one in place?

The Seahawks made headlines by signing former Green Bay Packers backup Matt Flynn this offseason. However, despite his showing in limited action last season, he's not a sure thing, given he only has two starts in his career. That's why taking a shot at Wilson on Friday wasn't a bad idea.

The big concern with Wilson is that he's under six-foot, which limits his ability to be a pocket passer. But if you design plays like rollouts and play-action passes with him, he has the arm, legs and football IQ to potentially be an effective player. He is a reach given his height, but there have been shorter quarterbacks in the past who have succeeded. Doug Flutie was smaller than Wilson.

And when height is his most glaring weakness, that's actually a tribute to Wilson. There is a lot to like about him. He has very good arm strength, pocket poise and a high, quick release. His athleticism also allows him to make an impact on the ground. Beyond that, he's a tremendous worker and should be a favorite in the locker room.

The Seahawks finished 7-9 for the second year in a row in 2011. A lot of that had to do with their quarterback play. Adding depth at the position is a good move. Who knows, Wilson could surprise. It's worth a gamble in the third round.

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