SEAHAWKS 101

The Seattle Seahawks addressed pressing needs in the NFL draft this week by adding ten rookies to the roster before turning attention to talent in the undrafted free agency. One of the most appealing draft picks is QB Russell Wilson (Wisconsin) picked up with the Seahawks’ 12^th pick in the 3^rd round, making him the earliest drafted quarterback in the franchise since 1993 when Rick Mirer was drafted 2^nd overall. Expected to go early in the draft, but overlooked due to his height, Wilson is a talented and experienced player who should have a lot to offer the Seahawks. Pete Carroll first added to the defensive roster with OLB Bruce Irvin (West Virginia) in round 1 and ILB Bobby Wagner (Utah State) in round 2. With a solid first three picks, the Seahawks gained a lot of speed and unique talent with these players.

Wilson boasts an impressive resume with several single season records at the University of Wisconsin and a brief professional baseball career that he gave up to pursue his love for football. He began his college career at North Carolina State where he quickly became the starting quarterback during his sophomore year and followed with three consecutive 3000+ yard seasons. In 2009, he scored 31 touchdowns then finished his time at NC State with 28 touchdowns in 2010 before transferring to Wisconsin for a career high 33 touchdowns at 72.8 percent and only four interceptions to speak of. Wilson is a natural signal caller whose presence projects unwavering confidence both on and off the field, indicating that he will be a leader on this team regardless of where he fits in with the Seahawks three other quarterbacks.

Some analysts do not agree that the Seahawks needed another quarterback after acquiring Matt Flynn in free agency, but for a team that has been consistently poor at the position since the Hasselbeck-era, this was a good opportunity to secure young talent to develop behind Tarvaris Jackson and Flynn. Pete Carroll has a knack for finding special talent and bringing out their full potential by giving young players experience at the positions that best fit their skill set and the needs of the team. He has yet to announce where Wilson will be on the depth chart, saying only that the team will “figure out where he fits in“ as we go into training camp and the preseason. This is consistent with Carroll’s competition coaching style and should allow Wilson plenty of opportunity to showcase his talents against starter Tarvaris Jackson, back up Josh Portis and newcomer Matt Flynn.

Seahawks fans should look forward to significant development at the quarterback position this season as the men compete to prove themselves worthy of the starting position. Wilson is familiar with the west coast offense the Seahawks often use from his days at NC State and is also experienced with the play action game used at Wisconsin. It is this type of pro-style offensive experience that should set Wilson apart from the rest as he looks to prove himself a worthy draft pick. Could 2012 bring an end to the Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback woes? Quite possibly, and judging by his enthusiasm for the recent additions, Pete Carroll seems to think so.

Tags: Football, NFL, NFL Draft, Pete Carroll, Russell Wilson, Seattle, Seattle Seahawks

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