Seattle Seahawks Hidden Roster Gems For 2013 NFL Season
By Erik Lambert
Jan 13, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Seattle Seahawks tight end Zach Miller (86) runs after a catch in the third quarter of the NFC divisional playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 30-28. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
No team has made a clearer statement about overtaking the NFC West than the Seattle Seahawks. After free agency spending spree, they collected loads of young talent in the NFL draft. Did they also add some expected gems to their already stout roster?
Offense – Zach Miller
Sidney Rice, Golden Tate and Marshawn Lynch were the primary actors in setting the stage for the coming out party for quarterback Russell Wilson. However, sometime soon the Seattle Seahawks will want to open up the field a little more in the passing game. That is a big reason why they traded for receiver Percy Harvin. The other piece to the puzzle is at tight end. Zach Miller is somewhat of a forgotten figure in Seattle. After so many solid seasons in Oakland he has sat in obscurity on offense as the team shifted to a ground-and-pound approach. Last season he had just 38 catches for 396 yards. At age 27 he has only missed three games in his career and is likely primed for breakout once he and Wilson get on the same page.
Defense – Jesse Williams
How in the world defensive tackle Jesse Williams fell so far in the draft is a head scratcher for a lot of experts. Prior to the first team going on the clock he was a rumored favorite to possibly jump into the first round or at least the second. Instead he fell all the way to the 5th round, where the Seahawks no doubt gleefully scooped him up. He brings size, a relentless motor and plenty of toughness right where they need it in their defense. The big drawback was a knee injury last season in college. Scouts wondered about his lower body strength even before that problem came up but there is no doubt the kid has enough power and effort to control the line of scrimmage. That means big things for the many talented Seahawk pass rushers.
Special Teams – Chris Harper
At 6’1″ people wouldn’t think that a receiver like Chris Harper would make sense in the return game. On other hand his 4.55 speed and lower body strength exhibit a player who is dangerous with the ball underneath his arm. Given how loaded the Seattle Seahawks offense is at the starting receiver spots, Harper must find a way to make noise on special teams. Though his primary experience is at quarterback and receiver, he has the speed and athleticism to become a serious threat on punt and kickoff returns. That will only create more opportunities for himself and take the burden off Percy Harvin.