Believe it or not, the Seattle Seahawks did have a plan in the 2011 NFL Draft. If one were to pay attention to the talking heads on draft shows, it would be reasonable to conclude general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll had no idea what they were doing and didn’t understand the concept of value. As a result, almost every 2011 NFL Draft grade handed out had the Seahawks near the bottom of the pack. But not every one.
Rotoworld’s Evan Silva joined Rob Rang in praising the Seahawks’ NFL Draft picks. Taking a step back, it’s clear Seattle had a plan and attacked the plan in the draft, working to bolster the run game, shore-up the secondary and add depth at linebacker. It was, very clearly, drafting with a purpose (via Field Gulls).
Overview: Seattle made an effort to get more physical in the trenches, and came away successful. Carpenter and Moffitt are all-out brawlers and could both start in season one. Don’t believe what you read elsewhere: Carpenter was NOT a reach. For some reason, Wright flew under the pre-draft radar. He is a high-impact player who, at the very least, will be an imposing special teamer. Maxwell was one of the top gunners in college football, while Durham, Sherman, and Smith all add impressive speed to the roster. LeGree was the premier ballhawk in the draft.
Silva gave the Seahawks a B+, the highest mark I’ve seen anywhere thus far. And his evaluation is in stark contrast to the masses, who generally panned Seattle’s picks as reaches of little value. Even Wright, who seemed like a reach on day three, receives praise, with Silva calling him a high-impact player.
On day one and two, the Seahawks went after run-blocking offensive linemen. On day three, it was all about speed and defense. Seems like a simple, yet effective plan. So, perhaps, the draft wasn’t as bad as many thought after all.
For even more on the draft, head on over to Field Gulls. Check out the rest of our 2011 NFL Draft grades to get caught up on all the picks. For a look back on the draft that was, check out our 2011 NFL Draft StoryStream. Stay with us for more on the draft as it becomes available.