With just two weeks left in the 2010 regular season, the attention begins to shift towards the 2011 NFL Draft. As teams begin to separate themselves, we've got a better picture of how the order will shake out and who will be drafting in what position. For the Seattle Seahawks, a trip to the playoffs could mean the difference between being inside the top 15 and outside.
Here's where we stand:
If the season ended today, the Seahawks would miss the playoffs. With a 6-8 record, Seattle would have the No. 12 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, ahead of the 6-8 Tennessee Titans. The Carolina Panthers have the No. 1 pick all but locked up, even after a win over the Arizona Cardinals in week 15. The Cardinals, Seattle's NFC West foe, have the No. 4 pick right now.
Should the Seahawks make the playoffs, even with a below .500 record, their draft pick would fall from No. 12 to No. 21, a nine spot difference. The St. Louis Rams, with a 6-8 record as well, currently occupy that No. 21 spot and would flip-flop with the Seahawks.
The full 2011 NFL Draft order can be found here, at SB Nation. With the playoffs still within reach, but a likely first-round exit looming, the Seahawks will either be in position to build for the future with a high draft pick should they miss the playoffs, or attempt to win now in hopes of making a run through the playoffs.