What Can We Expect From the 2010 Seattle Seahawks?

After a disappointing 2009 season, the Seahawks look to improve after a productive offseason.

With new coach Pete Carroll taking the reins and new general manager John Schneider as his sidekick, the Seahawks had maybe the best draft in the league.

In the first round with the sixth pick, they had a steal in Russell Okung, who is a mammoth offensive tackle who could start and make a difference. 

Then, with the 14th pick of the draft, they drafted Earl Thomas, who by many experts was also a steal that late and could be ready to play in the NFL.

In the second round, it only got better, drafting wide receiver Golden Tate, a speedy receiver who has excellent hands and can return kicks, too.

And the rest of their draft was considered excellent, with names like Walter Thurmond, Kam Chancellor, and Jameson Konz, who could all make an immediate impact.

But still, going into the 2010 NFL season, the Seahawks have many questions.

Can Matt Hasselbeck improve after a dismal, injury-marred season?

Can Aaron Curry step up and become a superstar?

Can Pete Carroll lead this team to maybe the playoffs in a bad NFC West division?

If these questions are answered "yes," then just maybe the Seahawks could make the playoffs.

Unfortunately, some of these questions might be tough to answer "yes" to.

Hasselbeck is getting old and does not have Brett Favre powers.

Hasselbeck will also have a tough time with the offensive line, which was extremely disappointing last season, letting Hasselbeck get hit so often he seemed like he was almost injured every game.

I think the Curry question could be a "yes," especially if Lofa Tatupu can overcome his injury and be a productive linebacker with Curry. If this can happen, the defense actually might be a bright spot on this Seahawks team.

And, finally, one of the most interesting questions right now: Can former USC coach Pete Carroll lead the Seahawks back to dominance in the NFC West?

I think, as of right now, he is making strides, but it will be tough, especially for a college coach to come in and improve an NFL team like the Seahawks by three or four games.

If you look at history, college coaches don't seem to translate well to the NFL, but hopefully Carroll can rewrite history.

But with all these questions, it could be tough for him to have a warm embrace from the NFL, especially if T.O. comes to Seattle—but that's a whole other story.

So, after a very disappointing season, can the Seahawks pull through this season and regain dominance in the NFC West?

It will be tough, but the pieces are definitely in place.