2013 NFL Offseason Team Needs: Seattle Seahawks
Jan 26, 2013, Honolulu, HI, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) scrambles during the 2013 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium. The NFC defeated the AFC 62-35. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Was Russell Wilson a revelation for the Seahawks, or what? This team has a bright future because of that guy’s perseverance and flat out revolutionary play. Though Wilson is small, the way he plays QB packs a serious punch. Seattle Fans have to be excited about this guy.
This is a very talented team from top to bottom, and I think they’ll be in the thick of things with another good offseason. Here are some of my top needs for the Seahawks, in no particular order.
1. Wide Receiver
The Seahawks should start fresh at this position. I think you keep Golden Tate around, but everyone else’s roster spots are fair game. It would be ideal if Sidney Rice could stick around, but at a reduced price. I think he’s finally starting to regain his full health, which could provide Seattle with a dangerous weapon in 2013. This is a position that could really make or break the Seahawks’ 2013 campaign. They need a consistent number one receiver, and I think they have a chance to get Keenan Allen in the later portion of the first round because of his injuries. If not him, they could definitely have a realistic shot at DeAndre Hopkins, who was the best receiver in college football in 2012.
**Traded 1st round pick (25th overall), 7th round pick, and 2014 3rd round pick to the Minnesota Vikings for WR Percy Harvin**
2. Defensive Tackle
The Seahawks have some of the best run-stuffing defensive tackles in the NFL, but I don’t think there’s much of a pass rush threat there. If they can find a way to generate some interior pass rush, this could be an even more dangerous unit.
3. Outside Linebacker
Leroy Hill is doing his best to not be back in Seattle in 2013. He was just arrested this offseason and is an unrestricted free agent this year. I think this is a darkhorse first round position for the Seahawks. There are some really good players in this year’s draft at the OLB position, and the other two LB positions are very strong for the Seahawks with K.J. Wright and Bobby Wagner.
4. Defensive End/Outside Linebacker
2012 produced the draft’s top sack artist with Seattle’s Bruce Irvin. Irvin had eight sacks but only as a situational player. He has a chance to progress, but it’s worth wondering if he’ll ever be more than a situational pass rusher at any level. Chris Clemons was the team’s top pass rusher, and even though he may still have some years left in him, he finished this season with a devastating knee injury. The Seahawks don’t have a consistent three-down player who can get to the quarterback if he’s not going to be healthy. This could be a problem area, and an area where the team needs to progress.
5. Defensive Backfield Depth
Seattle may have the best starting four of any defensive backfield in the NFL with Brandon Browner, Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, and Kam Chancellor. They are big, strong, fast, and they make plays on the ball. That being said, their backups are not very good. This is a team that was able to average more than an interception per game and force takeaways, but they only had interceptions from five different players (including three of the aforementioned). The Seahawks need a nickel defensive back–be it a safety or corner–who can come in and provide them with some additional turnovers and cover tight ends/slot receivers.
6. Backup Quarterback
Matt Flynn should be on the way out via trade this offseason, even though his contract is bad. If that’s the case, the Seahawks will need a new backup QB.