2011 Seattle Seahawks: Expectations for Free Agency and the NFL Entry Draft

Pete Carroll inherited a difficult task when he returned to the NFL to become head coach and executive VP of football operations for the Seattle Seahawks. Make that two difficult tasks, actually.

Executive VP of Football Operations
He joined forces with John Schneider to overhaul depleted talent following several years of poor drafting and a rash of injury woes. They utilized aggressive roster moves before, during and after training camp to upgrade talent and trim some excess fat in player and salary ranks.

If not for the uncapped year, the 300 roster moves would not have been possible, and Seattle wouldn't be in the situation it is now...able to continue a roster overhaul during the 2011 offseason.

Head Coach
The Seahawks were led by coaching legend Mike Holmgren for a decade. In one short year, it became evident what he meant to his former team. During the 2009 season, players and coaches were seldom on the same page. Jim Mora routinely questioned player performance in the public eye. Rather than take responsibility for his shortcomings, he passed blame to those under him.

The team needed a leader on the sidelines they could trust; that is exactly what they received with Carroll.

The return to the playoffs (and notching a win in front of the home crowd) was a solid first step. They have something to build on and significant salary room to do so.

Seahawk fans should have immense optimism heading into free agency and the draft, provided the NFL can get a labor agreement in place. Over the coming weeks I'll be writing a series of articles on the following position groups, detailing what Seahawk fans should anticipate from their team.

Offensive Line: Let the Controversy Begin

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: (R) Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks huddles with Russell Okung #76, Tyler Polumbus #78 and other members of the Seahawks offensive line against the Chicago Bears in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at

I figured my initial piece should cover the issue that has plagued the Seahawks for the past four seasons. This article is mostly finished and should be hitting Bleacher Report on Tuesday.

I'll summarize the actions (or lack thereof) taken by former GM Tim Ruskell. I also offer some perspective on the direction a good GM would have gone and talk about what Seattle needs to do to blow open some running lanes and protect whomever happens to be parked under center for the 2011 season.

Spoiler alert: The solution does not involve a Round 1 draft pick for the offensive line. Fans and analysts have mocked Seattle using first and/or second-round picks to shore up line issues; I have a little different perspective that I believe will make the team better now and in the future.

Those of you envisioning a Mike Pouncey or Derek Sherrod being announced at pick 25 can get ready to tear my piece apart, but please keep an open mind until after you read what I have to say.

Quarterback: Is the Future Already Here?

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 08: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates after running back Marshawn Lynch #24 scores on a 67-yard run in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints during the 2011 NFC wild-card playoff game at Q

I have to think that most fans that follow the Seattle Seahawks would answer this question, "Heck no"...or perhaps with a little more graphic modifier.

I believe Charlie Whitehurst does have a future in Seattle. That job is likely as a career backup, but an important role all the same. I'll be looking one step down the depth chart and discussing Nate Davis and how he could figure into Seattle's long-term QB plans.

The next step must include some discussion on the NFL draft, versions 2011 and 2012.

As for the present...we have to figure that No. 8 is the best option the team has to win in 2011. I won't do a complete rehash on why Kevin Kolb isn't worth two-first round picks, but I have begun some comments on what Seattle fans should expect in the short term. The labor discussions do play a role here, as they impact the team's ability to implement a new signal caller.

Regardless of the direction Seattle takes, the QB position will likely be somewhat unsettled for the next few years. As Seattle upgrades talent on the offensive, anything that can be done to create stability under center will be critical.

Shutting Down Opposing Passing Attacks: Role of the DBs

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SEATTLE - NOVEMBER 28: Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe #82 of the Kansas City Chiefs rushes against Earl Thomas #29 and Marcus Trufant #23 of the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on November 28, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Chiefs defeated the Seahawks 42-2

I listed the quarterback quandary before our cornerback issues because the QB is the most important position on the field. However, Seattle has a very pressing need to address the CB and SS positions this offseason.

Steps have already been taken along this path with the addition of Brandon Browner from the CFL, but will that be enough?

Marcus Trufant has put together some very solid performances for the Seahawks. Pete Carroll looked forward to seeing the former Pro Bowl CB during the 2010 season, and at times he did. Slowed by injuries and pain, we also saw a man on the field that was frustrated with a body that didn't respond as it once did.

Walter Thurmond most certainly figures into Seattle's plans going forward. Kelly Jennings hasn't endeared himself to the fanbase, but the same may not be true with the coaching staff. I'll offer some additional comments on his performance and the backfield as a whole.

Shutting Down Opposing Passing Attacks: Generating a Consistent Pass Rush

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TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 26: Defensive end Chris Clemons #91 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates a sack against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

One pleasant surprise for the Seahawks was Pete Carroll and Gus Bradley's ability to scheme their way into a pass rush.

At times they frustrated opposing offensive linemen, QBs and offensive coordinators. The sack attack they threw out against the Chicago Bears early in the season was a prime example of generating suffocating pressure off the ends.

To be successful during the 2011 season, Seattle needs to also apply some pressure up the middle. The team as a whole logged a respectable 37 sacks, but a grand total of two came from the nose tackle positions. Two...as in one for Brandon Mebane and one for Colin Cole. While these two were solid against the run, they seemed to do little more than take up space and act as decoys on passing downs.

Seattle needs to re-sign Mebane and look to find a NT that can offer depth and be useful on passing downs. I'll also discuss the rushing defense and what we can expect from the Seahawks to regain the early success from the 2010 season.

Linebackers: The Not-So-Pleasant Surprise of the 2011 Defense

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SEATTLE , WA - SEPTEMBER 13: Lofa Tatupu #51 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates with Aaron Curry #59 during the game against the St. Louis Rams at Qwest Field on September 13, 2009 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

When analysts were attempting to dissect the 2010 Seattle Seahawk defense during training camp, one group that seemed solid was the linebacker corps.

The promise of having Lofa Tatupu, Aaron Curry and Leroy Hill on the field together was inspiring. David Hawthorne provided a solid insurance policy, as he played very well when he had to replace Tatupu during the 2009 season.

Times have changed. The physical phenom in 59, Aaranimal, played with intensity but without focus. Tatupu played hurt most of the season, slowed by knee injuries. Hill...well, at least Seattle was able to renegotiate his contract so it didn't cost them $5 million for him to sit out another year.

While Seattle seemed to struggle across the board in their passing defense, they were particularly susceptible to being burned by screens and short passes to RBs, along with giving up long gains to opposing tight ends. Some of that falls to the safety positions, but by and large the LB crew was not able to fill holes in pass defense.

Seattle needs to take a strong look at this group and find ways to upgrade talent or improve performance. Carroll has his guy coordinating the unit from the MLB position but won't hesitate to pull the plug on Lofa if his injury issues aren't resolved.

2011 Offensive Weapons: What to Expect from the RB, WR and TE Positions

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SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 19: Head coach Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks talks to wide receiver Mike Williams #17 during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Qwest Field on December 19, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Ima

Following the three aspects of the defense, I'll wrap back around to the offensive side of the ball for a conversation on the skill positions. While Seattle lacks elite talent in these areas, they do have solid playmakers at every position.

Given distinct issues at other positions, I would not anticipate significant movement on draft weekend in these areas.

Now...I type that knowing full well it is impossible to predict what Pete Carroll will do or find on draft day. Should elite talent be unexpectedly available, you can be sure he won't let the player slide past his grip.

I'll look forward to comments and discussion on pending personnel moves as I release each individual article. I'll particularly be interested in thoughts on the QB position, be it now or after that piece is published. I'm not overly comfortable with any of the first round QB prospects in this draft. I'll just say there is a lot of potential there—potential for greatness and potential to bust. Big time.