Seattle Seahawks 2013 NFL Draft Team Needs
Wilson and co. don’t have many weaknesses.
The Seattle Seahawks had a great run in 2012. Not only did they take their next step as a team in terms of overall development, but they also reached the playoffs and found a franchise quarterback (Russell Wilson) in the process.
Believe it or not, there aren’t a ton of holes on this team, as they should be poised for a deep playoff run in 2013. However, to ensure that actually happens, Seattle could add some extra talent on offense and make sure their once lively pass-rush gets back to an elite level after a late-season drop-off.
With that all in mind, let’s dive into their biggest off-season needs as we continue to gear up for the 2013 NFL Draft:
Offensive Needs: WR, TE, RT
Sidney Rice is rarely healthy and Golden Tate and Dough Baldwin are both inconsistent options that are both best suited as #2 or #3 options. If the Seahawks can grab an elite talent in the first round, they’d suddenly have a well-rounded and very deep wide receiver corps. A lot of guys could fit the bill here. I highly doubt Cordarrelle Patterson falls that far, so Seattle is probably looking at guys like Keenan Allen, Tavon Austin and Justin Hunter. Terrance Williams and DeAndre Hopkins are also possibilities. If they wait until round two, USC’s Robert Woods could be a fit, too.
Zach Miller was better in 2012 than he had been in a long time, but he still is a shell of himself and always struggles to stay healthy. The Seahawks need to get Wilson a true threat at tight end to take this offense to the next level, and there are a few guys that could really make a difference. I doubt Seattle takes the plunge in round one, but it’s not impossible to see Stanford’s Zach Ertz falling to them in round two. Jordan Reed or Gavin Escobar in round three are probably the more logical picks, however.
Seattle is in rough shape at right tackle, as Breno Giacomini has all the size and potential in the world, but still hasn’t been able to develop into a consistent pass-protector. It’s time to start over here, and the Seahawks should be able to find a solid tackle in the early rounds. I like the idea of them adding David Quessenberry in round three or four, simply because he’s one of the most versatile offensive linemen in the entire draft. If they want to take a stab at this spot earlier, Barrett Jones could be worth a reach in round one. He’s just as versatile and way more talented.
Defensive Needs: Pass Rush, DT
These two needs really go together, as the Seahawks aren’t without talent on the defensive line or in their line-backing corps, but could really use a better pass-rush up the middle, and need some more help on the outside thanks to Chris Clemons (knee) going down. Defensive tackle is pretty deep in the draft this year, so I expect the Seahawks to grab one somewhere in the early rounds. Defensive end is the real issue, though, so the #25 overall selection might be a great place to start.
Jarvis Jones keeps getting his stock hit, it seems, so you have to think Seattle would be overly giddy if he somehow fell to them. It’s also possible they could trade up to snag him if he falls even outside of the top-15. That all isn’t all that likely, though, so aiming for a nice pass-rusher like Alex Okafor is probably the safer bet. He fits their scheme perfectly and would help bring that nasty pass-rush back to life.
Outside of these two needs, Seattle could spend some luxury middle round picks on some secondary and linebacker depth, depending on who they lose via free agency.
Overall
The big thing here is getting the pass-rush up and running again. Getting an explosive weapon for the passing game is right up there as a need, though, too. If the Seahawks can nail both of those needs down, they’ll be well on their way to getting even better in 2013.
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I wouldn’t call the WR situation a “need” I would call it a “luxury” with Lynch bringing at least 2 guys up, needing a spy on Wilson, and Tate needs one guy to cover him AND another to make sure he goes down, that is a lot of guys that people need to commit to just three guys.
True, but they could be so much better if they had wide receivers that just kill you. Tate and Baldwin don’t scare me and Rice struggles with health every year.
WR is one of the most difficult positions to move up from college to the NFL and I don’t think you want to use a first round pick there. I’d ilke to see a DT in the first round, a WR and TE in two and three and let’s get some new DB and LB in rounds 4-6. Trufant got beat like a drum in the play-offs and we need a consistent nickel back, not someone at the end of their career.
Not a bad approach. I’ve been all over the place with Seattle in mocks, but I do see WR as a need. Sidney Rice can’t be counted on to stay health and Tate and Baldwin aren’t #1 and barely #2 options – if that. They could really use a special guy to solidify the passing game, in my opinion. But if we’re going by their biggest need, it’s without a doubt another pass-rusher.
Alls they need is pass rush and Dt maybe trade for lary Fitzgerald like Baldwin Flynn and second rounder
Cards would never trade him, let alone within their own division
Dwight freeney would be a huge help for us an our young team
100% agree. I still think they draft some help even if they bring someone in off the streets
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I agree with needing a WR. However I don’t really see a number one reciever falling to the hawks through the draft. I would rather see us gong after someone like Wallace or as unlikely as it seems, Fitz. I like Rice but he isn’t and never will be a number 1. I didn’t see any double teams this year on him. He doesn’t scare anyone though he is a great possession reciever. I really think the #1 need is a solid pass rusher in the way of maybe a good outside linebacker that can mix it up and keep the ops guessing. Freeny would be a nice addition as well if the price is right. Worried about Clements. So either outside LB or DE in the first. Barclay in the second IF he falls that far and IF we get rid of Flynn. If not him then go O-Line in second.
nice article. I like how you think. In all honesty if were going to trade up I would love to jump for Dhelon Richardson. I think he can be an elite pass rushing DT and he solves to needs all at once. If we stay pat in the 1st I would love a guy like Keenan Allen. He reminds me of Crabtree but I think he will take to the NFL quicker. As for Barret Jones he’s a real grit player but I dont see him as an OT. He really screams Center to me and of course we have Unger. TE/ Wow I sure think a guy like Ertz would help us. Like Richardson he helps in two ways. He gives Wilson another weapon and he helps with overall blocking and considering how overpaid Miller is the idea of Cutting Zach after another year to save cap space down the line when we have to re-up some of the young guys is appealing. I too like the idea of Jordan Reed in the 3rd of Fauria in the 4/5th.I wish there was an OT worthy of the pick in the first but it would be a james carpenter type reach and gosh i hope we dont do that again. I enjoyed your write up and thanks
I like your comment about Ertz. not sure they need to go TE in round one, but Zach Miller and Anthony McCoy really aren’t cutting it, either. maybe they could target Gavin Escobar later on. Richardson would be a steal for them. I still think defensive end is the top priority, though. thanks for the read and comment!
sorry…Sheldon Richardson
to Brad Winterhawk, high priced Free agents are a sure fire way to screw your cap for the future. Remember Winstrom and Kearney. FA semi busts who were not worth what we gave them. This current team was built through the draft and should continue in that direction. If Freeney, Osi or Abraham will except one year contracts for around 3 mil I am all for it but no multi year strngleholds on our future.
if they can get Freeney (or better yet Abraham) at a good price, they should do it. but you’re spot on about the cap. you don’t want to sell your future for a “maybe” right now. all those guys could have 2-3 great years left, or they could be hitting walls. one thing is for sure: the Hawks need more pass-rush