Thoughts on the Rookie Class of 2013
Seahawks RB Christine Michael
The 2013 NFL Draft is in the books. After making two trades during the draft, the Seahawks selected 11 players and added 9 undrafted free agents to the roster, which make up the Seahawks 2013 rookie class. Here are some thoughts about a few of the players the Seahawks drafted and what I think about our picks.
If there's one thing myself and other Seahawks fans have learned over the past three years it's this; do not doubt head coach Pete Carroll and DEFINITELY do not doubt general manager John Schneider. Having said this, I am a little flustered about our first selection. The Seahawks selected Texas A&M running back Christine Michael with the last pick of round 2 (pick #62). With a backfield that already includes pro bowler Marshawn Lynch and second-year power back Robert Turbin, I felt there were bigger positional needs to be addressed at the point in the draft especially given the talent that was still on the board at the end of the second round. Michael reminds me of Falcons running back Steven Jackson. After watching film I noted that Michael is a physical running back who is really hard to tackle. He bounces off tackles and has excellent breakaway speed. The one thing I didn't like while watching Michael's film is his footwook. He didn't show his ability to juke defenders and make cuts for extra yards. One other puzzling note is the fact that Michael was not a part of the return game at Texas A&M. With Leon Washington gone and the draft of Michael, it still looks as though Percy Harvin and Golden Tate will be used on kickoff and punt returns this season.
Every year after the draft I like to pick one guy, usually from the later rounds of the draft, who I think could have a major impact with the Seahawks in his rookie season and beyond. Two years ago I picked Richard Sherman and I could not have been more right. I think the reason why I like Sherman so much is he made me look very intelligent. Last year however I picked defensive tackle Jaye Howard, who did not see much playing time on defense last season. This season my impact rookie prediction is defensive tackle Jesse Williams from the University of Alabama. Williams was taken with our first 5th round pick (#137 overall). Williams was projected to be a 3rd round pick but slipped all the way to the 5th round. The Seahawks traded up with the Detroit Lions to snag him. Williams is a 6-3, 325 pound defensive tackle who I feel resembles Alan Branch the most. Williams may be called upon early and often on running downs to plug the holes vacated by Branch.
Coming into the draft, I felt that the two most important positions to fill were outside linebacker and offensive line. The Seahawks did not draft any true linebackers in 2013 and the first offensive lineman drafted came in round 7. The Seahawks already have one of the best offensive lines in the league but the foundation of any offense is the offensive line and it never hurts to add depth. The Seahawks took three offensive linemen in the final round of the draft, selecting Ryan Seymour of Vanderbilt, Jared Smith of New Hampshire, and Michael Bowie of Northeast Oklahoma State. These guys probably won't see any playing time on offense this season but they could have an impact on special teams. I like Seymour the most out of these three picks because he is a hybrid lineman who has spent the most time playing guard, which in my opinion is our weakest spot along the offensive line.
Going into the final day of the draft there were still 30 players on my "big board" who I thought could fit well with what the Seahawks do. The Seahawks only took one of my highlighted players; defensive end/linebacker Ty Powell from Harding. I noted Powell after the Scouting Combine in February because he ran a fast 40-yard dash and also did 28 bench press reps. His combination of speed and strength caught my eye and after watching game film of Powell I was further impressed. Although he played against weak competition at Harding, I liked how Powell played both defensive end and outside linebacker and he did an excellent job penetrating the line and also dropping into coverage on passing plays. He also recorded 8.5 sacks and 40 tackles during the 2012 season. He could also play a big role on special teams with the Seahawks in 2013.
Prior to the draft it was believed that the Seahawks already had a roster that could compete for a championship. After drafting 11 players and adding 9 undrafted rookie free agents, it must be preached that it is going to be extremely difficult for these 20 players to make the 2013 53-man roster. I would not be surprised to see all of our undrafted rookies and over half of our draft picks get cut before the end of the preseason. Although this possibility does not favor these players, it is a situation that Pete Carroll and John Schneider strived for when they arrived in Seattle; to build the roster that includes so much talent that a good number of rookie draft picks are in jeopardy of even making the team.
Tags: Alabama, Alan Branch, Atlanta Falcons, Christine Michael, Detroit Lions, Golden Tate, Harding, Jared Smith, Jaye Howard, Jesse Williams, john schneider, Leon Washington, marshawn lynch, Michael Bowie, New Hampshire, NFL Draft, NFL Scouting Combine, Northeast Oklahoma State, Percy Harvin, Pete Carroll, Richard Sherman, Robert Turbin, Ryan Seymour, seattle seahawks, Steven Jackson, Texas A&M, Ty Powell, Vanderbilt
← Seahawks 2013 Schedule: The Good and the Bad
Rookie Minicamp Wrap-Up →