Some (random??) thoughts about the Seahawks blueprint

[monkey]

We're now starting year five of Pete's coaching, and yet for some reason even what seems to be a majority of Seahawks fans, still often don't see the big picture, and as a result get upset with what is perceived to be a lack of positive movement in free agency.
I don't blame the pundits, talking heads and other "expert" idiots for not getting it, they never do, but Seahawks fans need to be smarter about things, especially when talking to fans of other teams about the free agency moves.

Ever since free agency started, I've noticed a trend while reading Seahawks fans instant reactions to each of these moves or non-moves and rumors. There seems to be a commonality to the majority of comments I am reading (elsewhere mostly, not here so much).
They are all focused on that move, that specific event, as though it were happening inside a vacuum, and outside of an overarching plan.

When people look at the Seahawks moves or non-moves in a vacuum they tend to see loss...loss of talented players, to teams who are suddenly trying to emulate the Seahawks success. (Leave it to Belicheck to totally rip off Pete's model for the secondary! LOL!)
But these moves and non moves are NOT being done in a vacuum, there IS a plan, there is a blueprint that they (the front office) are following, and are not deviating from.
Let me give you some examples.

Today I have read a lot of pundits, metaphorically rubbing their silly hands together and expressing evil delight in the fact that, according to them, we will not be able to easily replace Golden Tate's production.
A lot of Seahawks fans have responded that, they agree, it will be difficult. (I'd like to shake those fools!)
Then other Seahawks fans, apparently working their way through one or another of the stages of grief, try to reason that "Tate was let go to pay for Harvin's contract", or "to extend Thomas and Sherman".
Naturally, a bunch of other Seahawks fans, who want to make themselves feel better about the recent losses, will jump on board with that comment, and say that it just came down to money, playing right into the hands of the doom and gloomers who say that "Sooner or later the Seahawks will come back to Earth because they cannot afford to keep the team together!"

Here's the problem with all of that though...what all of these moves or non-moves really comes down to, is the blueprint Pete has for how the offense is supposed to look.
Let me explain.

When we drafted Golden Tate we were told that it was to fill the "play maker, Percy Harvin type" of role that Pete had in mind for the receiving corps.
Now that we have the genuine article, we have Percy Harvin himself, Tate became redundant. Tate – 5’10". Baldwin – 5’10". Harvin – 5’11
What we really NEED is a Big Mike Williams type of receiver, not another 5’11" Harvin knock off.

In other words, we let Tate go, so that we can fill his roster spot with a big body receiver in the Mike Williams mold.
Simple as that.
It wasn't primarily to save money, it was primarily to free up a roster spot, so that we could fill it with a big body type of WR. Because it was part of the plan! It's in the blueprint for the receiving corps.

*Quick aside, in case you don't already know; money taken from one area, for example the defensive line, normally gets automatically earmarked for spending on that same area.
While we fans see a big pot of money that you could take from one area to spend in another, GENERALLY speaking, GM's don't work that way. Normally money saved by cutting a WR would tend to be spent on acquiring another receiver.
Rather than looking at all the salary cap money as one big pot from which to take and put back as needs arise, (the way most fans erroneously think it works), GM's tend to try to set a certain amount of money to be spent in each specific area of the team. So for example, they might decide that, they would like to spend 3% towards special teams, 13% towards offensive line 10% towards WR's and 5% towards running backs, etc...
The percentages are guidelines that can be tweaked depending on needs, as things happen, but they usually try to stay within those loose parameters. That way if they cut Clemons, the money they saved on his salary won't be foolishly or accidentally spent on a running back they don't really need.
Make sense?*

Now, back to the discussion at hand; would the Seahawks have kept Tate for the right price? Absolutely!
The front office drafted him because they saw in him the ability to do some of the things that Harvin does. They absolutely valued him...at the right price anyway, but again, with Percy on the team, he had become redundant and therefore replaceable. For the Seahawks, that money they have earmarked for the receiving group, is better spent on getting a big body, than another Harvin knock off.
Tate's a good player, no doubt about it, but it’s his production in the kick return game that will be the hardest to replace, not what he did as a receiver.
Between Baldwin and Kearse, and obviously Harvin, picking up Tate’s production won’t be a problem in the least!

For those people who don’t understand why the team was bothering to look at a recently, badly injured TE, who had well documented dropsies, (Jermichael Finley), the reason can be found in that same Blueprint.
Remember Kellen Winslow Jr.?
Remember how we picked him up to play the “Joker” role in two TE sets?
It didn't work out with him, because he was too slow due to his bad knee, BUT the role is still there waiting to be filled. The blueprint still says that there is supposed to be a "Joker TE in two TE sets", and the team still wants to get one. Badly. They've been wanting one ever since Winslow flopped.

It’s why we drafted Luke Willson...well, aside from the fact that Miller’s contract was becoming prohibitive, and they needed someone to pair up with Miller’s eventual replacement. Willson was drafted primarily to catch passes, not so much for his blocking ability, which we were all told was OK, but not great, and needed some work.
Now, if the front office, after having seen him for a full season, has changed their minds from their original assessment of him, and decided that, "hey maybe he is better suited to be the Y TE instead of the Joker", (that is speculative but the Seahawks looking at Finley might suggest that there is some thought that way), that doesn't change what he was originally brought in to do. He was originally brought in with a specific role in mind, a role specified by the blueprint.

And while Willson was drafted for his speed, McCoy was retained because he can block well and pass catch good enough, like Miller. It's McCoy, not Willson who is in line right now to eventually (likely very soon) replace Zack Miller as the "Y" TE, the TE with his hand down on the line of scrimmage, the TE who does the heavy work blocking, while still being dangerous as a potential pass catcher in two TE sets.

Jermichael Finley, on the other hand, almost perfectly fits the mold of Kellen Winslow Jr., the mold of the "Joker" TE.
People will yell and scream that it's a stupid idea to sign him because he is a lousy blocker...which is true, he is a lousy blocker! Of course, he'd rarely be asked to block, because that won't be the primary role he'd be asked to play. the Joker is supposed to be able to move around, create mismatches pre-snap and then run fast enough to create more mismatches after the snap.

Some people talk as if they think that Pete and John just aren't aware of the fact that Finley isn't a good blocker, or else if they are aware of it, they are too stupid to realize the ramifications of that fact. Others realizing that OBVIOUSLY Pete and John are very aware of his shortcomings in that area, assume that their interest in signing him must mean that it's a money issue...that it's all part of the plan to extend Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman.
It’s not! It's all part of the big blueprint…in fact this whole off season, everything they have and have not done this off season is because they are following that blueprint.
That is why the Seahawks are looking at Finley, NOT because they are too cheap or too broke to spend more money. There is a certain percentage of money that the Seahawks have earmarked for the TE's, and obviously they have enough within that percentage to at least kick the tires on Finley.

Point of all this is, when you look at a specific move, and it just doesn't appear to make sense, step back and think big picture.
Remember what you know about Pete's blueprint for the team.
Remember that, offensively Pete likes to have a bruising RB, a "point guard", distributor QB, who spreads the ball around to a "play maker" WR, and "Big body" WR and a bunch of different role players like slot receiver, Y Tight End, Joker Tight End etc...
Remember that defensively he likes to have a defensive line that can go big on primary running downs to stop the run, then substitute in a bunch of pass rushing DT's and ends on passing downs. He likes to be able to rotate a bunch of different bodies, to keep the D-Line as a whole, fresh for the fourth quarter.
He likes to have athletic SPEEDY LB's who can quickly go sideline to sideline, and who can cover receivers when needed, at a high level of competency.
He likes to have a small fast Safety who can play deep, not letting anything get behind him, and a bigger strong safety who can provide extra run support, while still being good in coverage, and two long corners who know how to use their arms and height, and how to use the sidelines as an extra defender. Etc...

You get the point, we all know what the blueprint looks like, we've seen it in action...at least defensively we have.
Offensively, we've really only seen parts of the blueprint. We've yet to see the whole thing fully assembled.
In fact we have to recall the offenses at USC to really see the whole blueprint that Pete has in mind for the offense.

Back to my point though; don't get caught up in the punditry surrounding these different free agency moves, instead, see them for what they are, attempts at filling holes in the blueprint. If you don't understand why Pete and John are making such and such a move, refer back to the blueprint. It's all right there. It never, ever changes.
Pete has always told everyone EXACTLY what he wants his team to look like on both sides of the ball...pundits just don't always believe him, they assume he's lying because, hey, he's a coach and why would he tell us what he's doing?
But he is telling you what he's doing, he's told us all what his plan is a hundred different times...some folks just haven't been smart enough to believe him.
Now either you like his plan or you don't, either you think his plan will work or you don't, (clearly it does, we just won a Super Bowl as proof that it does.) but don't doubt that he and John HAVE one...they do, and it's what is directing all their free agency moves, as we speak.

[RiverDog]

I don't have a problem with letting Tate go. I would have liked to have kept him but he can be replaced, by a healthy, fully motivated Percy Harvin. Kearse and Baldwin are both starting quality WR's. Keeping Tate was a luxury, almost like an insurance policy on Harvin, that we couldn't afford.

I also agreed with the releasing of Rice, Bryant, Clemons, Browner, McDonald, Maragos, and the others, along with the resigning of Bennett, McCoy, McDaniel, even TJack. I also like the fact that we would appear to be keeping Zach Miller, although I would have thought we would have attempted to restructure his deal by now, but maybe they will eventually. It helps to have McCoy back, too. Since we're thin and getting thinner on the OL, it's an urgent priority to at least have a couple of good blocking tight ends.

The two things I don't like so far is the failure to resign/tag Hauschka and letting Breno go, and the latter is more a lamenting of the situation we've placed ourselves in vs. the failure to match the offer he got from the Jets.

[BillA]

We're now starting year five of Pete's coaching, and yet for some reason even what seems to be a majority of Seahawks fans, still often don't see the big picture...
...Now either you like his plan or you don't, either you think his plan will work or you don't, (clearly it does, we just won a Super Bowl as proof that it does.) but don't doubt that he and John HAVE one...they do, and it's what is directing all their free agency moves, as we speak.

Most excellent post!


Go Hawks,
BillA

[monkey]

The two things I don't like so far is the failure to resign/tag Hauschka and letting Breno go, and the latter is more a lamenting of the situation we've placed ourselves in vs. the failure to match the offer he got from the Jets.

Yep, and I agree wholeheartedly with you on both accounts.
I too would like to see them re-sign Houschka, and I didn't like seeing Breno walk, without having credible depth to take up the slack.
But what we don't know is how much of the salary cap pie has been allocated towards kickers, maybe what Haschka is wanting to get paid is more than what they think it should be, more than they are willing to spend. Maybe, in order to pay him, they would have to take money earmarked for something else and for right now at least, are unwilling to do that until something else gets done first... there are just so many possible variables which we aren't aware of.

The biggest problem with the O-line hasn't been with a lack of effort on the GM's part, it's been with draft busts.
Okung has been solid when healthy, but Carpenter and Moffitt were both big whiffs, and those two picks are what is coming back to bite us now. Had those guys lived up to their draft status, we'd be sitting PRETTY right now, with almost literally zero team needs. Off course, that was the plan...it just didn't work out. These things happen, and I am sure that John and Pete are well aware of the problem/need and will try to rectify it, WITHOUT overpaying and exacerbating the problem. I just don't like it because usually, that means the draft. Which in turn means, starting one maybe two rookies, unless Bailey and Bowie are further ahead than we know. Which is very possible. It is possible that the reason they aren't sweating about this is not because they aren't aware, but because they are comfortable with Bowie and Bailey + whatever draft picks they will make.
And of course, there really are two more stages of free agency left. There's that long slow period after the initial rush, where a team will occasionally release someone after having picked up someone else, creating a sort of second period of free agency.
Then after the draft, there are teams that release players, creating a third period of free agency.
This thing is FAR from over. It's really just getting started.

[RiverDog]

The two things I don't like so far is the failure to resign/tag Hauschka and letting Breno go, and the latter is more a lamenting of the situation we've placed ourselves in vs. the failure to match the offer he got from the Jets.

Yep, and I agree wholeheartedly with you on both accounts.
I too would like to see them re-sign Houschka, and I didn't like seeing Breno walk, without having credible depth to take up the slack.
But what we don't know is how much of the salary cap pie has been allocated towards kickers, maybe what Haschka is wanting to get paid is more than what we think it would be, and in order to pay him, they would have to take money earmarked for something else.
The biggest problem with the line hasn't been with a lack of effort, it's been with player busts. Okung has been solid when healthy, but Carpenter and Moffitt were both big whiffs, and those two picks are what is coming back to bite us now. Had those guys lived up to their draft status, we'd be sitting PRETTY right now, with almost literally zero team needs. Off course, that was the plan...it just didn't work out. These things happen, and I am sure that John and Pete are well aware of the problem/need and will try to rectify it, WITHOUT overpaying and exacerbating the problem. I just don't like it because usually, that means the draft. Which in turn means, starting one maybe two rookies, unless Bailey and Bowie are further ahead than we know. Which is very possible. It is possible that the reason they aren't sweating about this is not because they aren't aware, but because they are comfortable with Bowie and Bailey + whatever draft picks they will make.
And of course, there really are two more stages of free agency left. There's that long slow period after the initial rush, where a team will occasionally release someone after having picked up someone else, creating a sort of second period of free agency.
Then after the draft, there are teams that release players, creating a third period of free agency.
This thing is FAR from over. It's really just getting started.

The thing about Carpenter is that they gave up on him as a tackle very quickly, and filled his spot temporarily with a 'journeyman'. IMO we should have been on the lookout for a long term replacement the day we gave up on him as a tackle. But no draft picks higher than a 7th rounder and not even a visit from any of the top FA's in 2 years? Why aren't we at least looking at guys like Penn and Joseph? I don't get it.

[monkey]

Yeah, I'm with you Riv, I never quite understood some of the O-Line decisions either, (personally, I wonder how much Cable's influence is messing things up) but at the same time, I do know that these guys are aware of the problem, and have a plan in place to fix it.
Really that's all we can ask for in the end. Going into a draft, there is no way to be sure that any of your picks will work out. Going into free agency there is no way to know that the guy you paid big money to will not just take the season off now that he's been paid. Etc...
All you can reasonably be expected to do is have a plan, a good solid plan that has a track record of success, and then stick to it.
I see the Seahawks doing just exactly that.
Before the next season starts, I think we'll have a much clearer picture of this team as a whole, I think that a lot of the depth that we just lost will have been replaced, and I think the O-Line will have been addressed. If that doesn't happen though, it will be because they were not willing to overpay for some stiff that they knew would only make the situation worse, instead of better. It won't be because they weren't aware of the problem, or didn't try to fix it though...I know that much!
Sometimes, sh*t happens, but when you look at the Seahawks, you have to think, man that team is REALLY REALLY GOOD!
We have a legitimate chance to repeat, and that's because Pete's blueprint is solid...it works, it worked at USC, and it's working now in the NFL. (At least the defensive part is anyway, we still haven't seen the whole offensive finished product.)

[savvyman]

I wish the hawks did not have to let the Bug Russian go - But based on what the Jets offered the FO had no other choice.

First we all love the aggressiveness and how Breno plays from the snap through the whistle - he was as good as any Hawk in this respect. And I think after Bennett, Breno was the second most important Seahawk free agent this year (Tate is better at his position but we are so weak at the Offensive Line as everyone seems to agree)

However - to agree to pay an average performing (and below average pass protector) $4.5 million a year - for the next 4 years - is not smart football economics nor available because of all the young stars that will need to be paid in the next two years.

Below is what the Jets agreed to pay Breno - Hawks were smart to let him go - They probably figure that they can get either a star player for $2 million more a year sometime in the future or a serviceable player (like Breno) for $2.5 million less a year.


2014

Cap charge: $2.625 million

Signing bonus: $2.5 million

Roster bonus: $1.0 million (fifth day of league year)

Base salary: $1.0 million (full guaranteed)

2015

Cap charge: $5.125 million

Base salary: $4.5 million ($2.5 million guaranteed)

2016

Cap charge: $5.125 million

Base salary: $4.5 million

2017

Cap charge: $5.125 million

Base salary: $4.5 million

[NorthHawk]

If you want to look at the big picture, you have to look at the whole picture.
We have consistently fortified the DL every year, and at the same time largely ignored the OL (Carp and Moffitt excepted).
The result is we have the weakest link on the team being the OL.
The problem with the draft is the OL has to work together for a while before they can be fully effective. This isn't going to happen as fast with today's CBA because of the limited practices.
The other problem with the OL is keeping Wilson upright.
I can see a situation where Russell's Agent is demanding a premium to re-sign because the OL can't protect him.
Why? Because his career will be shortened and his career earnings diminished. There may be a case for him to pursue FA and take less money elsewhere because the probability of a longer career means he will earn more over the course of his career. This means instead of asking for 20m/year he might ask 22 or 25 (just using the figures to make a point). That in turn means we can't sign both ET and Sherm to long term contracts because that extra money is unnecessarily going to a QB. That OL short sightedness in this example really impacts the big picture.

[monkey]

to agree to pay an average performing (and below average pass protector) $4.5 million a year - for the next 4 years - is not smart football economics

This is so salient a point, you probably could have just stopped right there, no more needs to be said!Perfectly stated.
In fact, from this point on, when we talk about Breno, I think I'll just copy paste this.

[monkey]

That OL shortsightedness in this example really impacts the big picture.

Again, I'm just not convinced it was shortsightedness, so much as bad drafting.
If we had hit on Carpenter and Moffitt, we'd have LITERALLY zero needs on the line. None.
It wasn't shortsightedness, it was whiffing on the picks. Two bad, early round picks that should have been long term pieces to the O-Line puzzle.

[NorthHawk]

That OL shortsightedness in this example really impacts the big picture.

Again, I'm just not convinced it was shortsightedness, so much as bad drafting.
If we had hit on Carpenter and Moffitt, we'd have LITERALLY zero needs on the line. None.
It wasn't shortsightedness, it was whiffing on the picks. Two bad, early round picks that should have been long term pieces to the O-Line puzzle.

When you whiff on picks, you try to make up for it because those selections didn't fill the holes that existed then and still don't now. Instead they focused on Defense the last couple of years.
It will be up to 2 years before any draft pick along the OL is playing well. I'm real worried about Wilson's long term health.
Maybe they are going to be looking at TC cuts. That seems like the only option to save our OL for this year, but it hasn't been a good trend.

[monkey]

That OL shortsightedness in this example really impacts the big picture.

Again, I'm just not convinced it was shortsightedness, so much as bad drafting.
If we had hit on Carpenter and Moffitt, we'd have LITERALLY zero needs on the line. None.
It wasn't shortsightedness, it was whiffing on the picks. Two bad, early round picks that should have been long term pieces to the O-Line puzzle.

When you whiff on picks, you try to make up for it because those selections didn't fill the holes that existed then and still don't now. Instead they focused on Defense the last couple of years.
It will be up to 2 years before any draft pick along the OL is playing well. I'm real worried about Wilson's long term health.
Maybe they are going to be looking at TC cuts. That seems like the only option to save our OL for this year, but it hasn't been a good trend.

Yes, they focused on defense because there were better players available there. There just haven't been many opportunities to get help on the O-Line, at least not reasonable help we didn't have to badly overpay for.
Again, it's not that they are ignoring the line, the picks failed, (Moffitt and Carpenter) and the cost for replacing them was such that it would have made the problem WORSE rather than better.
Would you rather they badly overspend on some stiff like Oher the way that Tennessee did, (What kind of stupid contract was that?!? HUGE overpay!!), or plug the hole with cheaper options like Bailey and Bowie, who at this point grade out pretty much the same as Oher does, for a fraction of the cost?
I know which I prefer!!!
I'd MUCH rather not blow a wad of cash on someone who is no more help than what we already have!
And really that's the choice we had.
IMO they made the right decision.
Now, if someone comes along they don't have to badly overpay to get, someone who is a legitimate upgrade, you can be sure they will try to sign him.
Do you see anyone out there who is a significant upgrade, and or isn't a huge overpay? I don't either...

[HumanCockroach]

It's interesting that people are pointing out that it takes at least two years to decipher whether a lineman is good or not, and that continuity plays a major part in a linemans success, the Seahawks currently have three 2nd year lineman on the roster ( Bowie, Bailey, Hauptman) two of which started and played significant minutes, including playoff minutes last season. It is quite possible, the staff saw not just one, but both as upgrades, and as such had no rush to replace or sign Giacomini and McQuistan ( who IMO has a chance to come back should they not find what they want, remember that whole versatility thing I mentioned?). Not saying anyone is wrong, just pointing out an observation.

No one here knows how high Carroll or Cable is on the young lineman, so it is hard to say they don't feel they already upgraded the line simply by NOT signing or bringing in free agents

[monkey]

I agree HC, that is entirely possible!
Absolutely.

[NorthHawk]

I think this is a structural shortcoming and shouldn't be brushed aside as something that will work itself out.
We only have a few years to get another SB and maybe more before this window closes, so it's imperative that the OL be strong to take pressure off the Defense as the stars begin to age.

We have 2 young OL that may or may not progress. Where is the quality depth? They have an abundance on the DL. So much so they can rotate personnel and switch a DL to LB.
There is none on the OL because Bowie and Bailey are supposed to be it.
We have both Guard positions and one Tackle position that needs addressing - as well we need a player that can play LT when Okung goes down. That's 4 quality starters required.
The only places left to get help is the draft or other teams cast offs. JeanPierre can play Guard in a pinch, but if he gets dinged up there is no depth at C.

[monkey]

By design the D-Line needs a lot more depth. It's for all the different sub packages.
The O-Line doesn't use sub packages, therefore it requires less depth.
Not sure what else to say...I mean fretting about something that the front office is aware of, after the team just won a Superbowl (which pretty much proves that the front office is competent), seems a waste of time to me.
I'm not recommending the TIT approach that was always stupid.
I'm just saying that, until the next season actually starts, they have time to fix the problems you have to assume they are aware of...what's the hurry? There's a long time between now and then, and I feel pretty safe assuming that the problems on the line will be fixed before then or else, Bowie and Bailey are good to go.

[Anthony]

If you want to look at the big picture, you have to look at the whole picture.
We have consistently fortified the DL every year, and at the same time largely ignored the OL (Carp and Moffitt excepted).
The result is we have the weakest link on the team being the OL.
The problem with the draft is the OL has to work together for a while before they can be fully effective. This isn't going to happen as fast with today's CBA because of the limited practices.
The other problem with the OL is keeping Wilson upright.
I can see a situation where Russell's Agent is demanding a premium to re-sign because the OL can't protect him.
Why? Because his career will be shortened and his career earnings diminished. There may be a case for him to pursue FA and take less money elsewhere because the probability of a longer career means he will earn more over the course of his career. This means instead of asking for 20m/year he might ask 22 or 25 (just using the figures to make a point). That in turn means we can't sign both ET and Sherm to long term contracts because that extra money is unnecessarily going to a QB. That OL short sightedness in this example really impacts the big picture.

Good post I agree.

[Anthony]

Yes, they focused on defense because there were better players available there. There just haven't been many opportunities to get help on the O-Line, at least not reasonable help we didn't have to badly overpay for.
Again, it's not that they are ignoring the line, the picks failed, (Moffitt and Carpenter) and the cost for replacing them was such that it would have made the problem WORSE rather than better.
Would you rather they badly overspend on some stiff like Oher the way that Tennessee did, (What kind of stupid contract was that?!? HUGE overpay!!), or plug the hole with cheaper options like Bailey and Bowie, who at this point grade out pretty much the same as Oher does, for a fraction of the cost?
I know which I prefer!!!
I'd MUCH rather not blow a wad of cash on someone who is no more help than what we already have!
And really that's the choice we had.
IMO they made the right decision.
Now, if someone comes along they don't have to badly overpay to get, someone who is a legitimate upgrade, you can be sure they will try to sign him.
Do you see anyone out there who is a significant upgrade, and or isn't a huge overpay? I don't either...

Thats all great and I am sure that will be comforting when Rw is out injured and we are missing the playoffs and likely loosing our franchise QB

[HumanCockroach]

You can't say "brushing" it aside, as pretty much everyone agrees it is group of concern, nor do I think it accurate to assume Wilson WILL be injured behind this line. Injuries happen regardless of the quality of the line, it's part of the game folks, get used to it. Another thing that seems to be regularly glossed over by many is the division the Seahawks play in, how long Wilson holds the ball, and how truly difficult it is to pass protect for a QB that moves a lot.

Now before some of you go off half cocked with the "I am making excuses" or "I am giving them a pass", I am NOT saying they don't need to address it, or that they don't need to upgrade it, I am simply pointing out the facts of the matter. More pass rushers faced more times, plus mobile QB that holds the ball equates to more sacks. I am NOT saying that they shouldn't be looking to build depth and quality, NOR am I saying that it absolves the line of its performance last year, just that that is what happens with those factors involved.

Not arguing a "side" just making observations. I prefer to let things play out. For all anyone knows, the line is going to be phenomenal this season. I saw drastic improvements towards the end of last year. I don't know they won't take a step back, but I am willing to see how the young guys perform prior to calling them worthless or merely depth

[monkey]

Geez you guys, IT'S ONLY FIVE DAYS INTO FREE AGENCY AND YOU GUYS ARE FREAKING OUT BECAUSE THE FRONT OFFICE HASN'T SOLVED EVERY PROBLEM YET!!!

Seriously, think about how you are sounding, freaking out five days into free agency, after the team just won it's first ever Super Bowl.
Hitting the panic button this early in free agency is ridiculous to the absolute extreme.

[Zorn76]

monkey - Great OP, my friend.

I'm reminded in that post why I make a point of reading your stuff. Very well thought out and expressed, particularly on the break down of how the team appropriates funds for any give need / postion.

Where I find myself in the minority, so far, is how it concerns Breno. I just don't see us missing that guy, At All, even though we seemingly don't have a long term solution there yet. But there are some options, and I think a rookie can come right in and match what we had with Giacomini anyway. I really do. I was, and remain, very happy to be rid of the guy. He got high marks from me in terms of his attitude and moxie, but that wasn't enough to make up for the rest of his deficiencies.

And, as you so effectively pointed out, Pete and John do have a plan, and odds are it's one that'll work, perhaps even seeing us repeat in 2014.

Bottom line is, we're gonna be fine.

I just know it.

[monkey]

Thanks bud, I agree. For the first time ever as a Seahawks fan, I'm just not sweating the small stuff, there's no reason to.
It's hard habit to break though, after 30+ years of waiting for the other shoe to drop.

[RiverDog]

I think this is a structural shortcoming and shouldn't be brushed aside as something that will work itself out.
We only have a few years to get another SB and maybe more before this window closes, so it's imperative that the OL be strong to take pressure off the Defense as the stars begin to age.

We have 2 young OL that may or may not progress. Where is the quality depth? They have an abundance on the DL. So much so they can rotate personnel and switch a DL to LB.
There is none on the OL because Bowie and Bailey are supposed to be it.
We have both Guard positions and one Tackle position that needs addressing - as well we need a player that can play LT when Okung goes down. That's 4 quality starters required.
The only places left to get help is the draft or other teams cast offs. JeanPierre can play Guard in a pinch, but if he gets dinged up there is no depth at C.

All good points. Like I said, the philosophy seems to be for the OL to heal thyself. We'd better be taking an OL in two of our first 4 picks in the draft. We're not in a position where one good player will do the trick. We need help at multiple positions on the OL.

Fortunately by bringing Miller back and re-signing McCoy, we have a couple of pretty good blocking TE's. We're going to need them.

[HumanCockroach]

I guess Cable and Carroll should chew up some metal shavings, grit and protein and crap out a couple HOF'rs. They have to BE there. List off the players that were available, who would be sacrificed on the current roster, and state your case, otherwise it's nothing but whining. Would you trade a serviceable guard or right tackle for Wilson? Wagner perhaps? Who was available that set the NFL on fire that the Seahawks could have had instead of Irvin? You want a Saffold instead of a Sherman? A Thomas?

WHO do YOU think was the call? And at WHAT cost? Does it PREVENT Seattle from winning a SB? Does it make them win MORE or less?

It's pretty damn easy to moan and b****, quite another to actually apply the idea. I want them to draft the next Jones, Hutchinson, Pace, and Iutapo this year, should be a peace of cake right? They are all over the place, and the fact that they haven't found those once in a generation talents each and every draft, or through free agency, means they don't care? Please.

[HumanCockroach]

Current cap space is over 20 million, I do wonder how much they are planning on "rolling" over to next season, and whether they plan on locking up Thomas or Sherman this off season..... certainly allows for mobility. Went from like 17th to around 5th in cap room, in five days.

[Eaglehawk]

If you want to look at the big picture, you have to look at the whole picture.
We have consistently fortified the DL every year, and at the same time largely ignored the OL (Carp and Moffitt excepted).
The result is we have the weakest link on the team being the OL.
The problem with the draft is the OL has to work together for a while before they can be fully effective. This isn't going to happen as fast with today's CBA because of the limited practices.
The other problem with the OL is keeping Wilson upright.
I can see a situation where Russell's Agent is demanding a premium to re-sign because the OL can't protect him.
Why? Because his career will be shortened and his career earnings diminished. There may be a case for him to pursue FA and take less money elsewhere because the probability of a longer career means he will earn more over the course of his career. This means instead of asking for 20m/year he might ask 22 or 25 (just using the figures to make a point). That in turn means we can't sign both ET and Sherm to long term contracts because that extra money is unnecessarily going to a QB. That OL short sightedness in this example really impacts the big picture.

Nice post NH. Agreed.

[RiverDog]

I guess Cable and Carroll should chew up some metal shavings, grit and protein and crap out a couple HOF'rs. They have to BE there. List off the players that were available, who would be sacrificed on the current roster, and state your case, otherwise it's nothing but whining. Would you trade a serviceable guard or right tackle for Wilson? Wagner perhaps? Who was available that set the NFL on fire that the Seahawks could have had instead of Irvin? You want a Saffold instead of a Sherman? A Thomas?

WHO do YOU think was the call? And at WHAT cost? Does it PREVENT Seattle from winning a SB? Does it make them win MORE or less?

It's pretty damn easy to moan and b****, quite another to actually apply the idea. I want them to draft the next Jones, Hutchinson, Pace, and Iutapo this year, should be a peace of cake right? They are all over the place, and the fact that they haven't found those once in a generation talents each and every draft, or through free agency, means they don't care? Please.

They also have to be actively looking for them and willing to take a chance by committing some resources. Not even visiting with a starting quality FA or spending anymore than a couple of 7th round picks in two years makes it appear to me as if they're not trying very hard. You can't tell me that in two years there's absolutely no one in the draft or in FA that isn't worth more than the measly capital we've spent that could have helped.

Now we're in the position where we almost have to take an offensive lineman in the draft, and we're without our 3rd rounder.

[NorthHawk]

For me, my gripe is the lack of attention to an obvious weak spot of the team.
What ever happened to the FO that would leave no stone unturned to upgrade the talent. Where have they gone?
The only thing I can come up with is on the Offense they don't much care.

[HumanCockroach]

No, I am definitely not saying that, what I am saying is those moves don't happen in a bubble, which without names, and who would currently not be on this team being factored into the discussion, it is all just moaning. Without saying who should have been signed, how much he would have cost, and who in turn would not currently be on the team, there is no viable grounds to b****.

It would be nice to live in a world where they Seahawks have the best player at every position, and the second best player behind them, but that isn't how it works.

[hoxgmp]

Good post, Monkey. You can't address every need in the first week of free agency. As long as Cable is around, the O-Line should be fine. If we didn't have a highly intelligent, mobile QB, I'd be more concerned. We have basically redshirted our draft picks from last year. Yes, Big Red's locker-room leadership will be missed and Clemons was just starting to come around from his ACL injury by the time we played N.O. in the playoffs but we still have time to address those needs. Scruggs has bulked up to 310 lbs., Hill and Mayowa have had a year to learn and grow in the system, Tharold Simon has the length and agility to follow in the footsteps of Maxwell and Lane, while Jared Allen is still mulling over the Hawks' offer, he may change his mind, you never know. We are not in dire straits.

It will be interesting to see how we go in the draft. Last year, we loaded up on offense, especially on RB, which was a surprise because it was our strength. Who knows what we will do this year. It all depends on where the run is by the time we pick at #32. There should be quality linemen available along with some speedy receivers since there is so much depth in this draft at multiple positions. We may even trade down to recoup our 3rd round pick we lost in the Harvin trade especially if teams try to make a run on the second tier QB's at that point in the draft. The best news was Miller agreeing to restructure his contract, making it more incentive-laden so it would clear cap space to address other needs. I think we are in good hands with Carroll and Schneider. Still too early to hit the panic button.

[NorthHawk]

Regarding the OL, it's been 2 years of largely ignoring the worst part of the team, not just this year.
Again, where has the quest to improve all aspects of the team gone? Why is the OL being neglected when it is clearly in need of an upgrade and with their Franchise player behind it?

[HumanCockroach]

Not sure you can knock them for not using more picks on the line to protect the "franchise" QB, when they certainly didn't know he was that the same season he was drafted in the third round. They have used their first pick on an offensive lineman in half of their drafts thus far. Not sure if people were expecting some sort of draft with 9 o lineman being taken, or something, but of the 4 first round picks this FO has had, 2 have been spent on lineman. They aren't ignoring it, just haven't hit on them, however to be fair, hasn't been many picks of O lineman, that have during that time, regardless of what some attempt to say about it.

Obviously they have NOT been impressed with the quality of free agents. It seems like a lot of folks are saying they are ignoring it, when it just as easily could be that the players they have are graded better than the ones available, or that those available are lacking, where they pick also factors in.

Like I said, it does NOT happen in a bubble. Who do you give up for a mediocre lineman? Pretty satisfied with where they are.

On a side note, I found it bizarre that Schlereth was on 950 and said the Seahawks O line was one of, if not the best unit in the NFL. He pointed out the injuries as a huge factor, and expects them to be the best next season if they can stay healthy. It. Is just interesting hearing outsiders laud them, while the fans of the team sound ready to string up the Hawks FO and coaching staff....

[NorthHawk]

The Rams dominated every part of our OL last year - and they will be even tougher this year as will all of the teams we face.
The same for the Cards and 49ers. That's 6 games against real good DLs.

We have to improve every year at OL just to keep up with the Defenses we will be playing because teams are taking our and SF blueprints to success and copying them.
This isn't something new, we've known there were problems for years now.
You can't tell me that over the last 2 years no FAs of value were signed by any team. We didn't even bother to try to get any of them.
I can understand bringing in players to have a look and not coming to an agreement of salary, but to not even kick the tire on any is incredibly short sighted. It's especially true now that they have found their Franchise QB.

Did Schlereth watch when we tried to find a replacement for Okung during his yearly injury spell? The line play was horrible - we had nobody who could legitimately play at LT and the interior was no better. Sure the experience helps, but those players that got experience were the depth. It's a lot to gamble that they will improve enough with that experience to be able to handle Quinn and Long off the edge, not to mention blitzing LBs from other teams.

[RiverDog]

Not sure you can knock them for not using more picks on the line to protect the "franchise" QB, when they certainly didn't know he was that the same season he was drafted in the third round. They have used their first pick on an offensive lineman in half of their drafts thus far. Not sure if people were expecting some sort of draft with 9 o lineman being taken, or something, but of the 4 first round picks this FO has had, 2 have been spent on lineman. They aren't ignoring it, just haven't hit on them, however to be fair, hasn't been many picks of O lineman, that have during that time, regardless of what some attempt to say about it.

Obviously they have NOT been impressed with the quality of free agents. It seems like a lot of folks are saying they are ignoring it, when it just as easily could be that the players they have are graded better than the ones available, or that those available are lacking, where they pick also factors in.

Like I said, it does NOT happen in a bubble. Who do you give up for a mediocre lineman? Pretty satisfied with where they are.

On a side note, I found it bizarre that Schlereth was on 950 and said the Seahawks O line was one of, if not the best unit in the NFL. He pointed out the injuries as a huge factor, and expects them to be the best next season if they can stay healthy. It. Is just interesting hearing outsiders laud them, while the fans of the team sound ready to string up the Hawks FO and coaching staff....

That's only a half truth. They obviously have not been impressed with the quality of free agents relative to what we can afford and/or relative to the budget they've established for offensive linemen.

I'm beginning to wonder if one of the reasons why they drafted Russell then elevated him above Flynn was because they had no intentions of developing a competent offensive line designed to protect a traditional pocket passing quarterback, and that they figured that they were going to need a quarterback that could run like a deer.

[HumanCockroach]

And yet you both continue to refuse to put a NAME on your comments, until that happens, not sure what complaint you can have. I have said REPEATEDLY that I also want the line upgraded, not sure why the observation that you are complaining without providing an iota of actual information, that could improve the situation, is so hard to grasp. The FO makes the decisions, you complain without adding anything other than that complaint and want cudo's for complaining? Anyone can complain, or claim to know better, but until some actual, factual, information is provided, it is complaining, and nothing more.

I haven't seen a single cost effective upgrade either in the draft that was available to this FO, OR a cost effective upgrade in free agency that has been available at the time that was affordable without sacrificing the players they just used to win a SB, unlike others I can admit a mistake in that regard, so enlighten me, WHO was available, and WHO would have been removed, what kind of cash are we talking about, and WHO is aloud to leave to accomplish it.

[NorthHawk]

Here's a list of OT/OG Free Agents this year.
Are you trying to tell me there isn't a single one save Van Roten that they might want to look at? There are some that are clearly too much money, but there are a bunch that might have been or still be worth a look.

Branden Albert OT Chiefs Dolphins
Justin Anderson OT Colts
Khalif Barnes OT Raiders Raiders
Cameron Bradfield OT Jaguars Jaguars 2 years
Charles Brown OT Saints
Levi Brown OT Steelers
Rashad Butler OT Steelers
Gabe Carimi OT Buccaneers Falcons 1 year, $850,000
Tyson Clabo OT Dolphins
Anthony Collins OT Bengals Buccaneers 5 years, $30MM
David Diehl OT Giants
Jason Fox OT Lions
Andrew Gardner OT Texans
Breno Giacomini OT Seahawks Jets 4 years, $18MM
Jordan Gross OT Panthers Retired
Ryan Harris OT Texans
Austin Howard OT Jets Raiders 5 years, $30MM
Winston Justice OT Broncos
Jeff Linkenbach OT Colts Chiefs 1 year, $900,000
Sean Locklear OT Falcons
Bryant McKinnie OT Dolphins
Eugene Monroe OT Ravens Ravens 5 years, $37.5MM
Marshall Newhouse OT Packers
Michael Oher OT Ravens Titans 4 years, $20MM
Mike Otto OT Titans
Tony Pashos OT Raiders
Donald Penn OT Buccaneers
Dennis Roland OT Bengals
Rodger Saffold OT Rams Rams 5 years, $31.7MM
Jonathan Scott OT Bears
David Stewart OT Titans
Zach Strief OT Saints
Will Svitek OT Patriots
Jeremy Trueblood OT Falcons
Jared Veldheer OT Raiders Cardinals 5 years, $35MM
J'Marcus Webb OT Vikings
Guy Whimper OT Steelers
Eric Winston OT Cardinals
Sam Young OT Jaguars Jaguars 2 years
Jon Asamoah OG Chiefs Falcons 5 years, $22.5MM
Zane Beadles OG Broncos Jaguars 5 years, $30MM
Kevin Boothe OG Giants
Eben Britton OG Bears
Bruce Campbell OG Panthers
Willie Colon OG Jets
Oniel Cousins OG Browns
Harvey Dahl OG Rams
Vladimir Ducasse OG Jets
Mike Gibson OG Cardinals
Geoff Hangartner OG Panthers
Leroy Harris OG Lions
Richie Incognito OG Dolphins
John Jerry OG Dolphins
Charlie Johnson OG Vikings Vikings 2 years, $5MM
Mike Johnson OG Falcons Falcons 1 year
Davin Joseph OG Buccaneers
Shawn Lauvao OG Browns Redskins 4 years, $17MM
Jamon Meredith OG Buccaneers Buccaneers 2 years
Paul McQuistan OG Seahawks
Uche Nwaneri OG Jaguars
Rich Ohrnberger OG Chargers
Seth Olsen OG Vikings
Chad Rinehart OG Chargers Chargers 2 years, $6MM
Mike Pollak OG Bengals Bengals 3 years, $5MM
Geoff Schwartz OG Chiefs Giants 4 years, $16.8MM
Chris Scott OG Panthers
Matt Slauson OG Bears Bears 4 years, $12.8MM
Jason Spitz OG Seahawks
Shelley Smith OG Rams Dolphins 1 year, $5.5MM
Wade Smith OG Texans
Brian Waters OG Cowboys
Travelle Wharton OG Panthers
Garry Williams OG Panthers Panthers 1 year
Brandon Carter OG Cowboys
Greg Van Roten OG Packers Seahawks 1 year, $730,000
David Arkin OG Dolphins

[HumanCockroach]

Here's a list of OT/OG Free Agents this year.
Are you trying to tell me there isn't a single one save Van Roten that they might want to look at? There are some that are clearly too much money, but there are a bunch that might have been or still be worth a look.

Branden Albert OT Chiefs Dolphins
Justin Anderson OT Colts
Khalif Barnes OT Raiders Raiders
Cameron Bradfield OT Jaguars Jaguars 2 years
Charles Brown OT Saints
Levi Brown OT Steelers
Rashad Butler OT Steelers
Gabe Carimi OT Buccaneers Falcons 1 year, $850,000
Tyson Clabo OT Dolphins
Anthony Collins OT Bengals Buccaneers 5 years, $30MM
David Diehl OT Giants
Jason Fox OT Lions
Andrew Gardner OT Texans
Breno Giacomini OT Seahawks Jets 4 years, $18MM
Jordan Gross OT Panthers Retired
Ryan Harris OT Texans
Austin Howard OT Jets Raiders 5 years, $30MM
Winston Justice OT Broncos
Jeff Linkenbach OT Colts Chiefs 1 year, $900,000
Sean Locklear OT Falcons
Bryant McKinnie OT Dolphins
Eugene Monroe OT Ravens Ravens 5 years, $37.5MM
Marshall Newhouse OT Packers
Michael Oher OT Ravens Titans 4 years, $20MM
Mike Otto OT Titans
Tony Pashos OT Raiders
Donald Penn OT Buccaneers
Dennis Roland OT Bengals
Rodger Saffold OT Rams Rams 5 years, $31.7MM
Jonathan Scott OT Bears
David Stewart OT Titans
Zach Strief OT Saints
Will Svitek OT Patriots
Jeremy Trueblood OT Falcons
Jared Veldheer OT Raiders Cardinals 5 years, $35MM
J'Marcus Webb OT Vikings
Guy Whimper OT Steelers
Eric Winston OT Cardinals
Sam Young OT Jaguars Jaguars 2 years
Jon Asamoah OG Chiefs Falcons 5 years, $22.5MM
Zane Beadles OG Broncos Jaguars 5 years, $30MM
Kevin Boothe OG Giants
Eben Britton OG Bears
Bruce Campbell OG Panthers
Willie Colon OG Jets
Oniel Cousins OG Browns
Harvey Dahl OG Rams
Vladimir Ducasse OG Jets
Mike Gibson OG Cardinals
Geoff Hangartner OG Panthers
Leroy Harris OG Lions
Richie Incognito OG Dolphins
John Jerry OG Dolphins
Charlie Johnson OG Vikings Vikings 2 years, $5MM
Mike Johnson OG Falcons Falcons 1 year
Davin Joseph OG Buccaneers
Shawn Lauvao OG Browns Redskins 4 years, $17MM
Jamon Meredith OG Buccaneers Buccaneers 2 years
Paul McQuistan OG Seahawks
Uche Nwaneri OG Jaguars
Rich Ohrnberger OG Chargers
Seth Olsen OG Vikings
Chad Rinehart OG Chargers Chargers 2 years, $6MM
Mike Pollak OG Bengals Bengals 3 years, $5MM
Geoff Schwartz OG Chiefs Giants 4 years, $16.8MM
Chris Scott OG Panthers
Matt Slauson OG Bears Bears 4 years, $12.8MM
Jason Spitz OG Seahawks
Shelley Smith OG Rams Dolphins 1 year, $5.5MM
Wade Smith OG Texans
Brian Waters OG Cowboys
Travelle Wharton OG Panthers
Garry Williams OG Panthers Panthers 1 year
Brandon Carter OG Cowboys
Greg Van Roten OG Packers Seahawks 1 year, $730,000
David Arkin OG Dolphins

Which ones? And what is the cost? Also, we aren't talking about just filling roster spots right? We are talking about upgrades. So which ones are cheaper or equal cost options to Breno/ McQ/ Carpenter and Sweezy/ Bailey/ Bowie? I see a list with a lot of names, none that either fit the financial restraints, or significant improvement in play over what is here or was. Also, I have ZERO doubt the Seahawks WILL bring some of these ( as well as players that end up being cut in training camp) and look at signing them, as well as how there draft goes. The fact of the matter is those that have been signed in the first five days as a whole have been DRASTICALLY overpaid, and NOT someone the Seahawks could have signed.

The list doesn't in the least answer my question, which is who would you bring in, and who would you give up to have that player on this team? A list means nothing. WHO do YOU want? Who fits?

[HumanCockroach]

Here's a list of OT/OG Free Agents this year.
Are you trying to tell me there isn't a single one save Van Roten that they might want to look at? There are some that are clearly too much money, but there are a bunch that might have been or still be worth a look.

Branden Albert OT Chiefs Dolphins
Justin Anderson OT Colts
Khalif Barnes OT Raiders Raiders
Cameron Bradfield OT Jaguars Jaguars 2 years
Charles Brown OT Saints
Levi Brown OT Steelers
Rashad Butler OT Steelers
Gabe Carimi OT Buccaneers Falcons 1 year, $850,000
Tyson Clabo OT Dolphins
Anthony Collins OT Bengals Buccaneers 5 years, $30MM
David Diehl OT Giants
Jason Fox OT Lions
Andrew Gardner OT Texans
Breno Giacomini OT Seahawks Jets 4 years, $18MM
Jordan Gross OT Panthers Retired
Ryan Harris OT Texans
Austin Howard OT Jets Raiders 5 years, $30MM
Winston Justice OT Broncos
Jeff Linkenbach OT Colts Chiefs 1 year, $900,000
Sean Locklear OT Falcons
Bryant McKinnie OT Dolphins
Eugene Monroe OT Ravens Ravens 5 years, $37.5MM
Marshall Newhouse OT Packers
Michael Oher OT Ravens Titans 4 years, $20MM
Mike Otto OT Titans
Tony Pashos OT Raiders
Donald Penn OT Buccaneers
Dennis Roland OT Bengals
Rodger Saffold OT Rams Rams 5 years, $31.7MM
Jonathan Scott OT Bears
David Stewart OT Titans
Zach Strief OT Saints
Will Svitek OT Patriots
Jeremy Trueblood OT Falcons
Jared Veldheer OT Raiders Cardinals 5 years, $35MM
J'Marcus Webb OT Vikings
Guy Whimper OT Steelers
Eric Winston OT Cardinals
Sam Young OT Jaguars Jaguars 2 years
Jon Asamoah OG Chiefs Falcons 5 years, $22.5MM
Zane Beadles OG Broncos Jaguars 5 years, $30MM
Kevin Boothe OG Giants
Eben Britton OG Bears
Bruce Campbell OG Panthers
Willie Colon OG Jets
Oniel Cousins OG Browns
Harvey Dahl OG Rams
Vladimir Ducasse OG Jets
Mike Gibson OG Cardinals
Geoff Hangartner OG Panthers
Leroy Harris OG Lions
Richie Incognito OG Dolphins
John Jerry OG Dolphins
Charlie Johnson OG Vikings Vikings 2 years, $5MM
Mike Johnson OG Falcons Falcons 1 year
Davin Joseph OG Buccaneers
Shawn Lauvao OG Browns Redskins 4 years, $17MM
Jamon Meredith OG Buccaneers Buccaneers 2 years
Paul McQuistan OG Seahawks
Uche Nwaneri OG Jaguars
Rich Ohrnberger OG Chargers
Seth Olsen OG Vikings
Chad Rinehart OG Chargers Chargers 2 years, $6MM
Mike Pollak OG Bengals Bengals 3 years, $5MM
Geoff Schwartz OG Chiefs Giants 4 years, $16.8MM
Chris Scott OG Panthers
Matt Slauson OG Bears Bears 4 years, $12.8MM
Jason Spitz OG Seahawks
Shelley Smith OG Rams Dolphins 1 year, $5.5MM
Wade Smith OG Texans
Brian Waters OG Cowboys
Travelle Wharton OG Panthers
Garry Williams OG Panthers Panthers 1 year
Brandon Carter OG Cowboys


Greg Van Roten OG Packers Seahawks 1 year, $730,000
David Arkin OG Dolphins

Which ones? And what is the cost? Also, we aren't talking about just filling roster spots right? We are talking about upgrades. So which ones are cheaper or equal cost options to Breno/ McQ/ Carpenter and Sweezy/ Bailey/ Bowie? I see a list with a lot of names, none that either fit the financial restraints, or significant improvement in play over what is here or was. Also, I have ZERO doubt the Seahawks WILL bring some of these ( as well as players that end up being cut in training camp) and look at signing them, as well as how their draft goes. The fact of the matter is those that have been signed in the first five days as a whole have been DRASTICALLY overpaid, and NOT someone the Seahawks could have signed.

The list doesn't in the least answer my question, which is who would you bring in, and who would you give up to have that player on this team? A list means nothing. WHO do YOU want? Who fits?

Edit: Seahawks signed Van Roten to three year contract. Does this institute an upgrade? Does it change the opinion on the work they are doing on the line? It doesn't because people here expect pro bowl all pros for pennies on the dollar. They aren't there folks. There was what, 2 or 3 on the market with pro bowls to their credit in the last few seasons, and they ALL got huge contracts. So you either DRAFT them, or give them huge dollars. You do NOT pay RT and guards huge money, especially when it is an average crop.

So are we advocating, not paying a Sherman, Wilson, Thomas so we can overpay for a guard or RT, or what?

[c_hawkbob]

Need an updated list man; Albert, Carimi, Oher, Barns ... Just about every name I went to check out is signed somewhere. Even without the signings though that's a pretty uninspiring list.

[NorthHawk]

They signed Van Roten.
Who is he?
An undrafted free agent who missed most of last year with a foot injury.

Might it be possible some of those on the list might have better ability or is this another example of cheaping out on the OL?
With all those on this list why not work some of them out in an attempt to improve the talent base?

So we have the following non Centers:
Okung - 1st round - very good player when healthy.
Carpenter - 1st round - has not yet shown 1st round ability
Van Roten - Undrafted Free Agent hurt last year cut from Packers
Sweezy - 7th Round Converted DT - still learning OL
Bailey - Undrafted Free Agent
Bowie - 7th round
Caylun Hauptmann - Undrafted Free Agent - signed off the Browns Practice Squad

Notice a pattern, here?
After whiffing on Moffit and Carpenter,in 2011, they only selected Sweezy in the 7th round in 2012.

It's surprising how little attention they have given the OL over the last couple of years.