Seattle Seahawks Draft: Is Bruce Irvin the Most Exciting Pick of 2012 NFL Draft?

NFL draft pundits and analysts started immediately after the Seattle Seahawks made Bruce Irvin (DE, West Virginia) the 15th selection of the 2012 NFL draft. They were calling it a major reach, ignoring information on other teams that were targeting Irvin in Round 1.

The national draft pundits can classify a player taken before they feel he should be as a reach. That is their prerogative. 

But the real definition of reach is taking a player before other general managers believe he has value.

Information has come out that several teams were targeting Irvin in Round 1 and the New York Jets called Seattle about stealing their draft pick.

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Among the several teams that either planned to select Irvin or had him on a "short list" of first-round candidates for consideration: the New York Jets (No. 16), Chicago (19th), Green Bay (28th) and San Francisco (No. 30).

Less than five minutes after the Seahawks plucked Irvin, with a pick that surprised many pundits, the telephone rang in the Seattle "war room." On the other end was a Jets' official, good-naturedly cursing a Seahawks' counterpart for having chosen the prospect New York planned to grab one pick later. 

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There were other reports from Michael Lombardi that at least one other team was targeting Irvin with their first pick.

Despite Mel Kiper, Jr. and others refusing to acknowledge Irvin wasn't a reach, fans need to trust that the Seahawks' brain trust had a better feel for what was transpiring in other war rooms.

With that out of the way, fans should be over the initial shock and consternation that Seattle snagged Irvin in Round 1 instead of the second. So how excited should they be about adding him to the roster?

Irvin will take over Raheem Brock's role from 2010 and 2011. Brock had over 600 plays last season, affording Irvin ample opportunities to have an impact this season.

Carroll and Gus Bradley will also groom him to be the Leo defensive end when Chris Clemons is no longer operating in that capacity. That could mean Irvin is afforded an opportunity to sub in for Clemons in rushing situations in 2012.

Clemons has put together two straight seasons with 11.0 sack. Brock had 9.0 sacks in 2010 before slipping last season.

Is it too much of a stretch to think Irvin could notch double-digit sacks this season?

There are plenty of other draft picks that should catch the attention of Seahawks fans.

Bobby Wagner was the Seahawks' second-round selection.

While he played for a smaller school, Wagner was a distinct playmaker for Utah State. He had 147 tackles, 4.0 sacks and a pair of interceptions during the season.

But he saved perhaps his best game for the Senior Bowl. In addition to his seven tackles, Wagner also hauled in an interception en route to claiming the game's MVP award.

Seattle's fourth pick was used on Wagner's teammate Robert Turbin. He is a high-character selection and a promising running back.

Turbin blends the size and strength of Marshawn Lynch with the speed and quickness of Leon Washington. 

Perhaps the best part of this pick is the cohesion it offers the offense.

Lynch missed the game against the Cleveland Browns last season with a hamstring injury. The offense had to adjust its rushing attack with Washington and Justin Forsett.

Their offense never got off the ground—and the ground game never found momentum. 

With Turbin, Seattle can maintain the same approach to the ground game as with Lynch. Turbin obviously needs time to acclimate to the NFL, but he is similar enough to Lynch to create continuity should Lynch miss any time.

Turbin's rookie contract will also be ending about the time Lynch's performance is expected to start to wane. By this time they will know if Turbin can carry the load or if they need to look for a new runner.

Many fans are excited about the record-setting passer the Seahawks selected in Round 3. Some called Russell Wilson a reach, but his 191.8 quarterback rating set an FBS record. He completed 72.8 percent of his passes with 33 touchdowns and just four interceptions.

This was done in a pro-style offense with a Big Ten schedule, making it a meaningful accomplishment. Wilson may be just 5'11", but his high release point has him delivering the ball as high as many quarterbacks in the 6'3" range.

Wilson will have the 2012 season to learn the offense and give the Seahawks an idea if they have a potential starter—or at least a solid backup option going forward.

Additional information on these players and the rest of the 2012 draft class is available in the Seahawks' draft report card.

So, Seahawks fans, what move are you most excited about and which still has you scratching your head?