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Pete Carroll took until the third round before he made the Pete Carroll like pick that everyone had been expecting, drafting Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson led the Badgers to the Rose Bowl and was also selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 2010 MLB Draft. He obviously decided not to play baseball. Last year, Wilson passed for 3,175 yards, 34 touchdowns and was intercepted four times. His wife was also beyond stoked he got drafted.
Nate Davis of USA Today favorable compares Wilson to a mini-me version of Cam Newton.
He's somewhat akin to a short (5-11, 204 pounds) Cam Newton after shining for the Badgers in 2011 with 33 TD passes. His athleticism could get him on the field in non-quarterbacking roles early, but Wilson may quickly push up the depth chart past Josh Portis and maybe even Tarvaris Jackson, who's unsigned beyond 2012.
Wilson stands an inch under six foot with heels on, but his impressive combine results look to be what garnered the twinkle in Carroll's eye.
NFL Draft Prospect Stats - Russell Wilson - Wisconsin Badgers - 710 ESPN Seattle at MyNorthwest.com
That athleticism was on display during the combine as Wilson was among the best at his position in the 40-yard dash (4.55 seconds), three-cone drill (6.97) and 20-yard shuttle (4.09). He also had a 34-inch vertical leap and 118-inch broad jump.
Wilson very solid collegiate career should figure to give him the background and the know-how to make a strong push for playing time come next year as he battles for the QB position.
For more on the NFL Draft, make sure that you check out Mocking the Draft, and SB Nation's dedicated NFL hub. For more on the Seahawks, make you way over to Field Gulls.