The do’s and don’ts for Pete Carroll (free agency edition)

This isn’t Pete Carroll’s first go around as an NFL head coach but it is his first off season as a NFL head coach AND executive vice president. Not only is Carroll the EVP and head coach but if there is a discrepancy between Carroll and new general manager John Schneider, Pete Carroll would win the coin flip 100 percent of the time.

According to Seahawks CEO Tod Leiweke the team will be built around both Carroll and Schneider but should their be a discrepancy about a trade/signing/draft pick Carroll would be awarded his decision because the team is going to be built around Carroll’s philosophy.

Now as Pete Carroll and John Schneider continue this rebuilding process this is the year where it can make or break the success of the Seahawks for a long time.

The Seahawks have two first round pick in the upcoming 2010 NFL draft and three of the top 40 picks in the draft so that’s where Carroll and his crack staff can’t slip up.

Carroll also has to use free agency as a source to fill some of the teams needs as well. Carroll has said from day one he wants competition at every position because having competition drives everyone involved and inevitably makes everyone better.

So as Carroll and Schneider get ready to begin their first off season together they are going to need to make the right moves in free agency to set up their success in the draft, which will be the bread and butter of their first off season together.

So with that being said here are a few do’s and don’ts for Pete Carroll and John Schneider in their first free agency.

Do’s:

- (do) Bring in only the players that fit perfectly into both Carroll and Schneider’s philosophy. For example if a player fits into the zone blocking scheme at a need position on the offensive line then bring that player in. If there is some concern at all about a player fitting into the scheme at any position avoid that player because they can’t afford to take risks this off season.

- (do) Sign a defensive back (cornerback or safety) that can be an immediate starter next season. One of the biggest areas for concern with the Seahawks is their defensive backfield, mainly at safety. Jordan Babineaux and Deon Grant where the starting safeties last season. Babineaux recorded over 100 tackles but consistently dropped the ball in coverage so he’s a huge question mark heading into next season. Grant isn’t getting any younger at the age of 30 and entering into his 12th NFL season. The Seahawks need to get more athletic and younger at safety and Pete Carroll can do that via free agency.

Antrel Rolle, 27 (6 year pro,S), Dunta Robinson 27 (7 year pro, CB) and Sean Jones, 27 (7 year pro, S) would most likely be the three targets for Pete Carroll in free agency. Rolle would be a win-win for the Seahawks because he’d fill a void in the secondary as well as taking him away from division rival, the Arizona Cardinals.

Carroll and Schneider would be smart to spend the $8-10 million on Rolle.

- (d0) keep an eye on the amount of money put into free agency even though this is an uncapped year and Paul Allen is the owner, who showed this off season he will spend the high end prices to bring a Super Bowl trophy to the city of Seattle.

Carroll and Schneider said they will not break the bank in free agency however Paul Allen said the exact same thing last year and they wound up signing TJ Houshmandzadeh to a five year, $40 million dollar contract. So coaches and general managers will always say things like this because they have no clue what the market will look like.

So the Seahawks can afford to spend $8-10 million on Antrel Rolle, $8-10 million on Dunta Robinson and then sign a mid level free agent on the offensive line but not much more than that with the Seahawks holding the No. 6 and No. 14 overall picks in the draft.

Don’ts:

-(don’t) sign any free agent running back in free agency. There have been rumors galore about the Seahawks being interested in free agent running backs Thomas Jones, Darren Sproles, Chester Taylor and LaDainian Tomlinson among others.

It won’t happen and Carrol and Co. would be a fool to spend the rumored $4-6 million on any free agent running back this off season. If the Seahawks feel they need an every down back they will address it through the NFL draft because it’s a “core position”.

Pete Carroll and John Schneider both believe in building the core of the Seahawks franchise through the NFL draft. The core positions being quarterback, running back, left tackle, left guard and defensive tackle/end. So don’t look for the Seahawks to be strongly searching for a free agent running back to sign this off season.

- (don’t) sign any player over 30. The Seahawks are a rebuilding franchise and have a lot of aging veterans already on the roster with Matt Hasselbeck (34), Patrick Kerney (33), Walter Jones (36), Deion Branch (30), TJ Houshmandzadeh (32) and Deon Grant (30) all playing at core positions.

The Seahawks need to get younger across the board and especially at the core positions. So what does that mean? The Seahawks have to avoid signing players over the age of 30 in free agency because it won’t fit the new regime and schemes that Carroll and Co. have put in place.

Pete Carroll and John Schneider have put in place and exceptional plan of how they want to reshape and retool the Seattle Seahawks organization and if Carroll and Co. can keep to their core values as well as the “do’s” and “don’ts” listed above there is no reason why the Seahawks can’t still be winners in free agency while at the same time pick up key pieces to add to the roster before the 2010 NFL draft.

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Seahawks notes: Marshall, Mawae, Rolle and LT

In an effort to further inform the readers I’ve decided to have a weekly article about any and all Seahawks notes and rumors from around the league.

With the Seahawks being one of the most “link attached” teams this off season it will be interesting to see what unfolds under this new direction of Seahawks football under head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider.

With the Seahawks having an owner in Paul Allen, who early in the off season made it apparent that he is not afraid to make a bold statement with a lot of cash attached to that statement.

The Carroll example being the hire former USC head coach Pete Carroll to a five year $35 million dollar contract while buying out Jim Mora Jr. of his remaining $12 million.

Now with the coaching and front office slots all filled out it’s that time of the year where those personnel guys make their living with free agency coming up on March 5th and the NFL draft April 22nd-24th.

Heading into the off season the Seahawks have a lot of question marks throughout the depth chart from the starting quarterback to the offensive line to the defensive line and secondary.

The Seahawks will need to fill the “needs” at QB, WR, OL, DL, CB/S as well as overall talent depth throughout the team. Matt Hasselbeck is in the final year of his six year $47 million dollar contract and isn’t getting any younger at the age of 34.

Then at wide receiver the Seahawks lack a dynamic play making receiver with TJ Houshmandzadeh being more of an “over the middle/moving the chains” type of receiver.

Nate Burleson is expected to hit the open market unless a new contract is reached.Deion Branch…well that’s always a question mark and the possible trade rumors with the Patriots don’t make that easier. Deon Butler will be entering his second season in the NFL and fits mostly in a quick slot receiver, not a “play maker”.

The Seahawks have been heavily rumored to Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who is expected to be a restricted free agent, unless there is a new CBA.

On the offensive line the Seahawks don’t know about Walter Jones’ true status and if he will be able to return for a 14th season in the NFL. Then the Seahawks have question marks with right tackle Sean Locklear who became a human turnstile last season and doesn’t look worthy of being a starter in the NFL.

At defensive end they don’t know what to expect from Patrick Kerney who has underperformed since breaking out with 14 sacks in his first season in 2007. Then outside of Kerney the Seahawks don’t have any effective pass rushing defensive end which seriously hurt them last season.

Corner back is also a question mark with Ken Lucas, 31, becoming an unrestricted free agent and Josh Wilson is really more of a fit at safety than corner for his size. So the Seahawks could look to target Joe Haden in the draft for that. At safety Deon Grant isn’t getting any older or better for that matter and Jordan Babineaux, while having over 100 tackles really underperformed as an overall safety and having Darren Sharper becoming an unrestricted free agent the Seahawks would be more inclined to go a different direction and look to target Sharper in free agency.

So with that being said here’s a few rumors and notes about the Seahawks.

- WR Brandon Marshall: There has been a lot made of the trade rumors surrounding Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who is a restricted free agent unless a new CBA is agreed upon. The Broncos want the best deal they can get for Marshall if they decide that they should in fact trade the dynamic receiver.

The Seahawks seem like the most likely team with the most firepower to acquire Marshall. They have two first round picks (No. 6 and No. 14) in the 2010 NFL draft as well as the No.40 pick in the second round. Seattle also have a few players that could be included like wide receiver Deion Branch (worked with McDaniel’s in New England) and linebacker Leroy Hill (underperformed last season, still has great athletic ability).

The Broncos hold the 11th overall pick in the 2010 draft and if a scenario came up where on draft day both Sam Bradford and Jimmy Clausen are both gone before the Seahawks pick at six overall that pick would become great bait for the Broncos who could swap first round picks (No. 6 for No. 11) and the Seahawks would include Deion Branch while the Broncos would include Brandon Marshall.

With that pick at six overall the Broncos could select their replacement for Marshall in Dez Bryant or could go linebacker with Rolando McClain.

-C Kevin Mawae: The 39 year old veteran center will hit the open market once free agency opens up, Mawae’s agent Jim Wyatt said today. “He will definitely hit the market, but [we'll] continue to talk to the Titans.”

With the Seahawks having question marks at both left and right guard there could be the possibility of moving Max Unger, the Seahawks second round pick from 2009 to left guard and plugging in Mawae in a center, giving the Seahawks an experienced NFL center (like former Seahawks center Robbie Tobeck).

Mawae wouldn’t command top dollar so the Seahawks don’t have to worry about breaking the bank on him. Having an experienced NFL center would be very helpful should the Seahawks draft either Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen in the draft, which will most likely happen.

- S Antrel Rolle: The Seahawks biggest division rival, the Arizona Cardinals have taken a few steps back this off season with the loss of quarterback Kurt Warner to retirement and linebacker Karlos Dansby will be hitting the free agent market as the Cardinals won’t franchise him.

However the salary strapped Cardinals could also be sending safety Antrel Rolle along with Dansby to free agency.

Rolle is scheduled to make $8.1 million in base salary this upcoming season along with a $4 million dollar roster bonus on March 1st. The Cardinals, according to Arizona Republic reported Kent Somers are not willing to shell out that much for Rolle.

So now the Cardinals, who already are paying $7.8 million for another safety in Adrian Wilson, have to decided do they want to cut him lose or come to an agreement on a new long term contract.

With the Cardinals still having to work out wide receiver Anquan Boldin’s contract situation as well as other players the most likely route will be to cut Rolle lose, making him an unrestricted free agent.

This could be a perfect situation for the Seahawks who are in desperate need of a play making safety. The Seahawks could make it a win-win for the team. If the Carroll and company get the word that Rolle will be an unrestricted free agent it makes a lot of sense to make a heavy push for the safety.

- RB LaDainian Tomlinson: With the big news coming down Monday afternoon that the Chargers have decided to let go of nine year veteran LaDainian Tomlinson it makes the free agency picture a little more thicker.

There is going to be a lot of rumors about the Seahawks being linked to a lot of running backs from Willie Parker to Chester Taylor to LT but I’d like to take the time to put and end to them before they officially start.

The Seahawks are not in need of a running back with Justin Forsett’s performance last season. So you can ignore the rumors about CJ Spiller or any other running back, unless it’s Ryan Mathews because he’s the only fit in the ZBS.

As the free agency period approaches there is going to be a lot of rumors with the “Seattle Seahawks” tag right next to it so I will do my best to sort out the fact and the national enquirer rumors out there involving the Seahawks.

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Seahawks add Richard, Ulbrich to coaching staff

As the final touches are being made on Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll's coaching
staff there are two more names being added on.

Former Seahawk and USC Trojan DB coach Kris Richard will join Carroll as the assistant defensive backs coach to Jerry Gray (Seahawks DB coach).

Also joining the staff is former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Jeff Ulbrich who will serve as the teams assistant special teams coach to Brian Scheider.

As of now here is the current coaching staff under Pete Carroll.

Offense:

Offensive coordinator: Jeremy Bates
Quarterbacks coach: Jedd Fisch
Running backs coach: Sherman Smith
Wide receivers coach: Kippy Brown
Tight ends coach: Pat McPherson
Offensive line: Alex Gibbs
Assistant offensive line: Art Valero

Defense:

Defensive coordinator: Gus Bradley
Defensive line coach: Dan Quinn
Linebackers coach: Ken Norton Jr.
Secondary coach: Jerry Gray
Assistant secondary coach: Kris Richard

Special teams and strength and condition:

Special teams coach: Brian Scheider
Assistant special teams coach: Jeff Ulbrich
Strength and conditioning coach: Chris Carlisle
Assistant strength and conditioning coach: Jamie Yanchar

Now all the pieces have been put in place on Pete Carroll's coaching staff. Next up for the head man along with GM John Schneider is to begin scouting and evaluating their own players, senior bowl players as well as possible free agent targets.

NOTE: Patrick Kerney has not retired according to two sources in Seattle. There was no retirement party and no papers have been put through the league office.

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Report: Pete Carroll Resigns at USC; Set to become next Seahawks head coach

The wait is over; the Seattle Seahawks and former USC head coach Pete Carroll have come to an agreement to make Carroll the next Seahawks head coach, this according to the LA Times.

Since the Seahawks fired former head coach Jim Mora Jr, the team has been in direct contact with the Trojans head coach. When the news broke around 10 A.M Friday morning the quick names that came out were Vikings defensive coordinator Lesley Frazier (who would fill the NFL's Rooney Rule) and other notable suitors.

Then ESPN's Chris Mortenson reported that the Seahawks had been in contact with USC head coach Pete Carroll, and that the interest was mutual on both sides and that Carroll would become the next head coach of the Seattle Seahawks.

Right after the news broke about Carroll becoming the next Seahawks head coach there was massive uproar from both Trojan fans and Seahawks fans. Many people see Carroll's last stint in the NFL a complete bust, which appalls me.

However over the next 24-48 hours there had been conflicting reports about Carroll's role in Seattle and whether or not that would make or break Carroll's decision to leave Hollywood for Seattle, which has seen a few big names leave SoCal for Seattle.

Reports had come out that Carroll was going to be named the teams head coach and president. Then there were other reports saying that Paul Alan and Tod Leiweke were not going to give full control of the team to Carroll. Then there were even two or three reports saying that Carroll wanted full control and because he wasn't going to get that he was going to return to USC.

Well now there is only one report and that is that Pete Carroll has resigned as head coach at USC and will be named the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks organization as early as Monday, this according to the LA Times.

Now with the hiring of Pete Carrol has also brought along some questions and controversy.

- Why of all coaches did the Seahawks pick Pete Carroll instead of other names like Frazier, John Fox and other NFL names out there. Why did the Seahawks pick a college coach. Well I have the answer for that.

- In some people's eyes the Seahawks basically made a laughing stock of the NFL's Rooney Rule which states that an NFL team must interview a minority candidate for any coaching of font office job before making an official hire. Well the Seahawks did interview Vikings defensive coordinator Lesley Frazier, however some people thought the interview was just to fulfill the rule, not that it was to actually offer him the job.

- How much control over the franchise will Pete Carroll receive? Reports have said it's not about the money for Carroll because he made $4.4 million at USC and will now make $7 million in Seattle but it wasn't about the money it was about the control. Carroll never had control in New York or New England. In Seattle he will at least have 60/40 control, him being the 60 in all personnel decision and over the final 53 man roster.

- Will Carroll have success in Seattle and how long will it take to get that success? Carroll, while some people think is bust in the NFL, still had a 33-31 NFL record and also made it to the playoffs and had a 1-2 record in the playoffs so no matter what he is a step up from Jim Mora Jr. But the last two years the Seahawks have combined for nine wins (4 in 08 and 5 in 09) and before that they had five straight seasons of 9+ wins so they needed to go find someone who is a winner and knows how to build a winning program, something Carroll knows a lot about.

Now the timing of the Carroll to Seattle move is a very opportunistic for Pete Carroll for many reasons.

One, USC is facing, and will continue to face sanctions for the Reggie Bush, O.J Mays (Basketball) and more recently Joe McKnight incidences and Carroll obviously doesn't want to be around for it, and he has a great shot at a job that Carroll has been wanting for a long time and that it to become the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks as well as front office title. Much like Mike Shanahan in Washington. HC/EVP.

Also as Carroll is taking over the Seahawks, they are currently wanting to rebuild the franchise starting with the core and branching out. This is great for Carroll because he wants to be heavily involved in building this franchise the way he wants it and even though the Seahawks will hire a new GM as well both will have a lot of hands on work on the team. Plus with the Seahawks having three of the top 40 picks in the 2010 NFL draft this is the perfect shot for Carroll to get things going early in Seattle with a young QB, possibly Jimmy Clausen who he tried to recruit to USC but wound up losing him to Notre Dame.

Plus Carroll also has safety Taylor Mays, running back Joe McKnight, DE Everson Griffen, WR Damian Williams and OT Charles Brown entering the draft and you can bet that Brown and Mays will be high on his list because both fill needs the Seahawks have.

Not only does Carroll have his seniors(and some juniors) entering the draft but he also has former USC Trojans already on the Seahawks like MLB Lofa Tatupu, DE Lawrence Jackson and other players from the PAC-10 as well.

Any way you look at it this is the "perfect" job opportunity for Pete Carroll in the NFL. Let's run down why this is a great move for Carroll and then separately why it's great for the Seahawks.

Pete Carroll:

- Money, both from the Seahawks stand point of being able to have a now devoted owner in Paul Allen, who is the NFL's richest owner, and also a team that didn't make the playoffs by a mile so will have a easlier time being able to sign free agents.

- Power, I know the Seahawks aren't making Carroll the team president or the GM however I see him in the same role as Mike Shanahan in Washington where he is the head coach, and has 60/40 or 70/30 say in the final roster and all player movements. The Seahawks won't give him 100/0 control but they will give him a majority stake. However as I have learn over the past two days the reason why the Seahawks still want to hire a GM is to keep some form of balance in the organization.

-Division, not many people have spoken about this but I have looked over and realized that it seems harder to win the PAC-10 than it does the NFC West where ESPN's Mark Schlereth said Pete Carroll can bring this team back to a Super Bowl contender and definitely back to winning the NFC West.

-Draft position, this is probably the second best thing next to money/power for Pete Carroll because for a college coach coming into the NFL, and knowing a lot about college scouting and players in college this will be very huge. Carroll is in the position to select a QB like Jimmy Clausen who would fit will with Carroll's offense as well as a young LT like Charles Brown. Also He still has a high second round pick where he could pick up another starter for the long term. So Pete Carroll, also depending on what he does in free agency can really get things going in Seattle if he makes the right draft picks.

Seattle Seahawks:

-The Seahawks wanted a guy like Carroll: The Seahawks said that what they were looking for in a head coach was someone with experience, a great knowledge of the college ranks and someone with impeccable coaching skills. Well Carroll fit's the bill and is also a great players coach, and will sit more than well with the current and new players for the Seahawks.

- Outside the box thinking: The Seahawks hired Jim Mora Jr two years ago and in that contract included the deal that Mora would be named the head coach after Mike Holmgren retired. Well Mora got the job and lost it. Now when the Seahawks were thinking of their next head coach they wanted someone outside the box, someone who a lot of people wouldn't think would be the next Seahawks head coach. Unlike John Fox or Lesley Frazier, Carroll, who has been in the NFL before didn't come up in conversation with a lot of people to be the next Seahawks head coach but he will definitely get this ship turned around.

So with all the details worked out and all the contract finalized there is nothing standing in the way of the Seattle Seahawks naming former USC head coach Pete Carroll as the teams next head coach.

NOTES:

Jeremy Bates will follow Pete Carroll to Seattle as the teams new offensive coordinator, officially waving good bye to Greg Knapp.

Ken Norton will also follow Pete Carroll to Seattle as the teams linebacker coach.

Pete Carroll, as the title shows has officially stepped down as head coach at USC.

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Seahawks, Ryan agree on six year contract

The Seahawks off season has officially started today and no it's not because they hired a new team president and GM. They did not decided to join the coaching fire party that went on today so Mora, Knapp and Bradley all still have jobs with the Seahawks.

No today the Seahawks and Pro Bowl alternate punter Jon Ryan came to an agreement on a six year $9.1 million dollar contract with $1.9 million guaranteed and $1.6 million in signing bonus.

The Seahawks signed Ryan last year after they decided to parted ways with underachieving punter Ryan Plackemeier mid season.

Ryan racked up 4,068 yards on 88 punts with a 46 yard average per punt and 28 touchbacks.

Ryan was set to be a restricted free agent this off season but now doesn't have to worry about his future.

Now the Seahawks next move is to decide on their new team president and GM. Also they will have to decide about their coaching staff as well and mainly if Jim Mora Jr. will be back or not.

2010 NFL Mock draft: First Round

The time has come where we transition from one season into two different seasons. The playoffs and post season and the off season aka looking ahead to the 2010 NFL draft.

So far Cal running back Jahvid Best, Tennessee safetey Eric Berry, Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen and other projected first round picks have already declared for the 2010 Draft.

So with that being said my first mock draft of 2010 is here. My mock draft order follows the offical order.

1) St Louis Rams: Ndamukong Suh, DT Nebraska

Examination: Well the most dominant player in the 2010 Draft, Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is the first player selected in the 2010 NFL draft. With the St Louis Rams going no where but up, and acquiring talent along the way the best place to start is at defensive tackle. With new head coach and former Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnolo putting a lot of attention on the defensive side, it's only fitting that the electric, overpowering 6-3, 295 lbs goes to the St Louis Rams and Steve Spagnolo with the first overall pick in the 2010 draft.


2) Detroit Lions: Russell Okung, OT Oklahoma State

Examination: Well in the 2009 NFL draft the Lions got their "frachise quarterback" in Matt Stafford and it's now time to get someone to protect that $72 million dollar pick. With current LT Jeff Backus not even being able to protect the air it's time to draft their other corner stone of the franchise in Russell Okung. Okung is an athletic monster; at left tackle at 6-8 300 lbs he's a perfect fit in Detroit. Giving Stafford and the offense a solid offensive line anchored by Okung will go a long ways to help the Lions grow to a winning franchise.

3)Tampa Bay Bucs: Eric Berry, S Tennessee

Examination: With Ndamukong Suh off the board the Bucs have to go to the next best defensive player at a position of need. That player would be hard hitting safety Eric Berry from Tennessee. The Buccaneers have Tanard Jackson and Sabby Piscitelli currently starting at strong safety and free safety. Adding Eric Berry in the defensive backfield will help improve their young defense greatly.

4) Washington Redskins: Sam Bradford, QB Oklahoma

Examination: Well it won't matter if Jim Zorn is the head coach in Washington or not but the fact is the Redskins need a new start at quarterback. Last off season they went to Jay Cutler, Mark Sanchez and even Josh Freeman but wound up sticking with Jason Campbell. With Campbell becoming a free agent and not really playing well enough to deserve a return ticket to D.C the Skins will need to find their replacement. Who better than former Heisman trophy winning QB Sam Bradford? Bradford has missed the majority of the 2009 season but already declared for the draft after he announced he would have shoulder surgery. Even with the year off Bradford is the best NFL ready quarterback in this draft class with Jimmy Clausen falling, Tim Tebow finishing behind Bradford and Locker and Ryan Mallet going back to school. So with the fifth overall pick the Redskins will take Sam Bradford.

5) Kansas City Chiefs: Bruce Campbell, OT Maryland

Examination: With Russell Okung off the board and both the Chiefs and Lions having the similar situations of needing to protect their big money quarterbacks, in this case it's Matt Cassel and his $63 million dollar contract. The Chiefs have former first round pick Brandon Albert but he's been under performing this season allowing 10sacks. Albert can also play at the LG position and that would allow the Chiefs to select talented offensive tackle Bruce Campbell to play LT.

6) Seattle Seahawks: Tim Tebow, QB Florida

Examination: Yes, now before everyone starts sending me hate mail for not drafting an OT, RB, WR, DL or anything else I'm going to give you three clear cut reasons why Tim Tebow is the right pick for the Seahawks first of two first round picks. One, Tim Tebow is the best athlete in the draft. He's an inteligent QB who can throw very well and can also make the plays with his feet. Tebow is a left handed version of Jake Locker. Tebow can learn the pro style offense from Hasselbeck for a year and then take over, but can also be a QB that can bring an added piece to make the offense electric his rookie season too. Tebow needs to work on his delivery with Hasselbeck and the new OC. Two, Tebow will give it his all every single play of every single game he's in which might not be starting next season but it could be depending on his progression. But the Seahawks need a player, and especially at QB who will give it his all every game of his career and also a QB who is rarely hurt and very durable. Third and final reason is the fact that Seattle doesn't have a real QB picture long term. Seneca Wallace isn't it and neither is Mike Teel and knowing Tebow's experience in the best conference in CFB in the SEC he's definitely the man for the job in Seattle if Bradford is gone. NOTE: This selection is pending what happens in free agency, if they get a LT and or a LG then Tebow would be a great pick.

7) Cleavland Browns: Dez Bryant, WR Oklahoma State

Examination: Well big ol' Mike Holmgren is now in charge of the Browns organization and knowing the man on a personal level he's gonna make this team a winner. First off he's going to have to bring life to this wastland of an offense and how better to do that then select Oklahoma State wide out Dez Bryant with the sixth overall pick. The pick of Bryant makes sense on a few levels, mainly the fact that they have NO receivers but all around play maker in Josh Cribbs and you will need more than a guy who seems to be the only alert player on offense other than Harrison. Bryant, missing most of 2009 for NCAA violations is still the best play maker at wide receiver in the draft and will help bring water to a desert wasteland in Cleavland, and Brady Quinn will love this pick.

8) Oakland Raiders: Rolando McClain, LB Alabama

Examination: I do apologize to Rolando you have been selected to go into the black hole known as Oakland, and the ageless wonder Al Davis has called your name. Ok enough with the sarcasm and back to the pick. McClain is a blazing outside linebacker and will fit great into what they are doing in Oakland. Speed, speed and oh yea more speed. McClain I could see as the next Patrick Willis if he gets his shot in Oakland. This is a great pick and I wish Rolando McClain luck in Oakland.

9) Buffalo Bills: Trent Williams, OT Oklahoma

Examination: Well so far four players have been selected from the great state of Oklahoma and Trent Williams going to the Bills at nine overall is a steal for the Bills. They could go QB with Jimmy Clausen but he's not that worth it. They could go DT with Gerald McCoy to fit with Marcus Stroud. But going with Williams is the right choice for the Bills. They traded Jason Peters to the Eagles last year and really need to find a replacement for him. They have the rest of the offensive line but left tackle and with the selection if Williams eighth overall they can plug him right in and he'll be a starter for a long time in the NFL.

10) Jacksonville Jaguars: Joe Haden, CB Florida

Examination: Sorry to all Jags fans but your dream of Tim Tebow staying in Florida is over. The Tebow pick, if he was available is not a field move it's a money move. I know the NFL is a business but give yourself a player who you need, not just for money. He's rocking in Seattle with the best fans in the NFL the 12th man. However you do keep shutdown CB Joe Haden in the state of Florida and he fills a need at the second corner back opposite of Mathis. Haden is the best cover corner in the draft by far and he'd be a real added benefit for the Jags defense and Jack Del Rio.

11) Denver Broncos(via CHI): Terrance Cody, DT Alabama

Examination: The first half of the season the Broncos had the best defense in the NFL not allowing a single second half score. Well now they are fighting to get into the playoffs at 8-7. However this pick is thanks to the Jay Cutler trade, who by the way has thrown 25 Int's in his first year in Chicago. Anyone saying encore? Back to the Broncos pick. Mike Nolan has an electric pass rusher in Elvis Dumervil and a talented trio of linebackers. The one thing I see as a weakness is a strong NT in their 3-4 defense. With the selection of Terrance Cody he'd be a great fit in Nolan's defense right in at nose tackle. It just keeps getting better and better for Denver.

12) Miami Dolphins: Gerald McCoy, DT Oklahoma

Examination: The "Big Tuna" is large and in charge in Miami and he's done an excellent job turning around the Dolphins organization in two years but is still missing a top notch defensive/nose tackle on defense. Parcells finally will get his guy with the selection of Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy 15th overall. McCoy is a beast at 6-3, 296 lbs with above average speed and an a tough SOB who will play through injuries giving it all he's got. That's a Parcell's guy. So with the 12th pick in the 2010 draft I have McCoy going to the Dolphins.

13) San Francisco 49ers: Bryan Bulaga, OT Iowa

Examination: The 49ers have just about everything on offense. They have a QB in Alex Smith. A running back in Frank Gore. Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis as receiving options. All they are missing is a left/right tackle depending on where they put Joe Staley. Either way RT/LT will be the only hole the 49ers need to fix on offense and it just so happens that Bulaga is available at 13th overall. This would be a dream pick for the 49ers and I do think they will take him.

14) Seattle Seahawks(via DEN): Taylor Mays, S USC

Examination: Well with Tim Tebow already in the fold via the sixth overall pick the Seattle Seahawks can go to work on their next need, but this time on defense. That need being a young talented safety. Taylor Mays, a Seattle native, would be the next best safety behind Eric Berry and would be a great selection 14th overall. The Seahawks have some other questions at LT, LG, DE and RB but I don't see Charles Brown or Anthony Davis being worth a top 15 pick. The only other possibility would be DE Derrick Morgan from GT. But I'm going to go with safety Taylor Mays to the Seattle Seahawks 14th overall.

15) New York Giants: Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB Texas

Examination: This was one of the hardest predictions I had to make because looking at the Giants they really don't have any major glaring need. However DE Osi Umenyiora was benched this season and it could be that the Giants decide to move Umenyiora this off season. That would bring an opening at defensive end and Sergio Kindle, who reminds me a lot of last years top DE/OLB from Texas Brain Orakpo who went to the Washington Redskins and dominated in his rookie season. Kindle could bring the same presents to the Giants defense, which allowed the 3rd most point in the NFL this season.

16) Tennessee Titans: Derrick Morgan, DE Georgia Tech

Examination: In recent drafts the Tennessee Titans have been known for not drafting need but overall talent. S Michael Griffin, RB Chris Johnson and WR Kenny Britt was a need and a great talent pick. So that's why I have decided to go with Derrick Morgan 16th overall to the Titans. Also the Titans can use a talented, speedy defensive end on the defensive line with defensive coordinator Chuck Cecil.

17) San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Robinson, CB Florida State

Examination: Well their ideal corner back, Joe Haden is already off the board so at this point the 49ers need to address their corner back need with the next best CB in the draft which I believe is FSU's Patrick Robinson. Robinson is in competition with Michigan's Donovan Warren to be the next corner back drafted after Joe Haden. Robinson has top end speed and prototypical height for a No 1. corner in the NFL at 5-11, 192 lbs. The 49ers will have to hone in his skills and keep him from jumping routes too early. He's excellent at reading routes and is great at jumping routes but sometimes jumps too early. The Niners could also go QB with Jimmy Clausen but I don't think they are giving up on Alex Smith so Robinson is the right pick for the 49ers 17th overall.

18) Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Iupati, OG Idaho

Examination: Well this is kind of a tough spot for the Steelers to pick because it's way to early to select OG Mike Iupati but they still need some serious help on the offensive line. Watching Max Starks and Willie Colon against the Dolphins this week just made me hang my head when every time you saw a flag being thrown you knew it was holding on Colon or Starks. So with that being said the Steelers need to improve the talent at OG and they can do that by selecting Mike Iupati 18th overall from Idaho, even though it's a little early.

19) Atlanta Falcons: Navorro Bowman, LB Penn State

Examination: Mike Smith has led the Falcons to consecutive winning seasons for the first time in...well it's been so long I can't remember. The point is their defense has come around but still needs some work. They selected Curtis Lofton at MLB last year and he's done wonders for the Falcons defense. They can improve apon that with the selection of Navorro Bowman 19th overall.

20) Houston Texans: Donovan Warren, CB Michigan

Examination: The Texans came close to making the playoffs for the first time in franchise history but fell just short on week 17, even though they got the win. Going into the off season they have needs at CB, S, DT and maybe another WR if Kevin Walter leaves. Since Mays and Berry are off the board and there aren't any DT's that would work for the Texas and CB is a much bigger need for them. So with the 20th pick overall to the Houston Texans I have them selecting the second best CB in the draft Donovan Warren from Michigan.

21) New York Jets*: Jahvid Best, RB Cal

Examination: Well this is more of a "what can we do to add more talent pick" for the J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets. Thomas Jones, still a productive runner is getting up there in age and they could sure use a player like Best who has the similar game of Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson. Add that with Mark Sanchez and the Jets offense becomes even that much better.

22) Baltimore Ravens*: Arrelious Benn, WR Illinois

Examination: The Ravens offense is almost complete. They have an electric running game with Ray Rice, a stand out quarterback in Joe Flacco and a great offensive line. They have some questions at wide out however and Derrick Mason retires again they will need another big play WR, and Benn would be a huge upgrade over Mason no matter what. So give Joe Flacco the missing piece to the Ravens offense and select Arrelious Benn 22nd overall.

23) Arizona Cardinals*: Charles Brown, OT USC

Examination: With the Cardinals going 10-6, winning the NFC West for the second year in a row they still are a hit and miss team. They need some serious help on the offensive line with Mike Gandy and Levi Brown both playing horrible this season giving up 11.5 sacks combine and 10+ false start penalties. They did good with Chris Wells late in the draft last year. Can they make it two in a row with Charles Brown filling their hole at LT?

24) Green Bay Packers*: Jason Fox, OT Miami

Examination: Well here we have to go with another early selection but the Packers have a serious need on the offensive line and mostly at LT. Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher won't make it another year and protecting Aaron Rogers is going to be crutial to their success. So I have Jacson Fox going to the Packers 24th overall.

25) Cincinnati Bengals*: Brandon LaFell, WR LSU

Examination: RIP Chris Henry before I say anything else. The Bengals haven't put up more than 25 points in a game more than one time this season and that's not good. In the wake of Chris Henry passing and Chad Johnson seeming to have lost a little bit of his greatness the Bengals NEED a true No 2. WR next year.

26) New England Patriots*: Corey Wootton, DE Northwestern

Examination: We all know Bill Belichick doesn't like first round picks but this time he's selecting on the back end so he's ok with it. Belichick likes players who are talented and that don't break the bank. In this case they need a new young defensive end in their 3-4 defense and Wootton would be a great selection 26th overall.

27) Philadelphia Eagles*: Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB TCU

Examination: The team that always comes out winners in the NFL draft, the Philadelphia Eagles are back at it again, this time on defense with talented DE Jerry Hughes from TCU. He would be a great replacement for Victor Abiamiri who has majorly underachieved this season.

28) Dallas Cowboys*: Golden Tate, WR Notre Dame

Examination: It all makes sense. Jerry Jones, big name player from a big name school and at a need position. I don't see Roy Williams sticking around in Dallas because of Miles Austin and the fact that Golden Tate would be a better fit for the Cowboys than Williams. Either way the Cowboys need another WR and Tate is the only remaining one with talent.

29) Minnesota Vikins*: Colt McCoy, QB Texas

Examination: Why not? Colt McCoy is the most accurate passer in the draft and fits well with the Vikings offense, but still would need to adjust into the pro style offense in Minnesota. The Vikins need a QB long term after Favre is gone so make the pick now, don't wait to see what Favre will do, because we never know when he will.

30) San Diego Chargers*: Dan Williams, DT Tennessee

Examination: Jamal Williams is getting up their in age at 34 and they need a young defensive monster at DT for the long term and Dan Williams at 6-3, 327 lbs would fit the bill perfectly.

31) New Orleans Saints*: Sean Weatherspoon, LB Missouri

Examination: Well Weatherspoon is the best available player and the Saints defense is in need of a young talented strong side linebacker. So Weatherspoon would be the right pick for the Saints.

32) Indianapolis Colts*: Anthony Davis, OT Rutgers

Examination: The Colts pretty much have everything on offense except a running game but I still believe in Addai. However they don't' have an elite left tackle to protect their man in Peyton Manning. So with the selection of Anthony Davis at 32 the Colts would get their long term man at left tackle.

NOTE: * means that team is in the playoff and current pick isn't a lock (Overall wise).

Sound off

Seahawks Decade In Rewind: Full of Highs and Lows

What a decade it has been for the Seattle Seahawks organization and the city of Seattle in general. The Seahawks, one of two original expansion teams along with the Tampa Bay Bucs have been to their highest high and their lowest low (still currently going lower) in franchise history, which is arguably the most successful decade in franchise history.

The Seahawks started out in 2000 still in the AFC West with John Kitna as their starting quarterback so when you take a look at the current Seahawks roster the organization has been through a lot of changes, both good and bad this decade.

If you want to compare the start of the decade to the conclusion of it, don’t, it won’t even be close. For example Anthony Simmons was the Seahawks leading tackler at the end of the 2000 season with 119. Ricky Watters ran for 1,242 yards and recorded seven touchdowns while crossing over the 30 year old mark.

Now the Seahawks leading tackler is still a middle linebacker, but in the form of David Hawthorne who has done an exceptional job of filling in for the injured Pro Bowl middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu. Hawthorne has recorded 103 tackles heading into week 16. For the Seahawks running game, they don’t have anything close to Watters or the young Shaun Alexander. They have “never was” running back in Julius Jones who’s rushed for 563 yards and two touchdowns in 149 attempts. Justin Forsett, the better of the two running backs has rushed for 475 yards and four touchdowns in only 90 attempts and at least four less total games.
Clearly a substantial difference in the overall team.

However the 2000 Seattle Seahawks finished 6-10, which the Seahawks still can top but by only one game. So the same start has the same ending to the best decade in Seahawks history.

From 2000-2010 the Seahawks have produced countless Pro Bowlers and a few HOF’s with the likes of left tackle Walter Jones, running back Shaun Alexander (basically retired), Bobby Engram (best slot receiver in Seahawks history), fullback Mack Strong (retired, best fullback in Seahawks history), middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu (3 straight Pro Bowls), and by far the most influential man in this decade, head coach and GM Mike Holmgren all will make this decade one to remember for a long time.

Mike Holmgren, now with the Cleveland Browns as their team president, led the Seahawks to their only Super Bowl appearance in team history and going 13-3 in their miraculous season winning 11 straight games.

Holmgren also brought in quite possibly the best starting quarterback in franchise history in Matt Hasselbeck. Over the last few years Hasselbeck has not been given a fair shot to take this team back to the Super Bowl with a makeshift offensive line, horrendous coaching (Greg Knapp and Jim Mora Jr.) and other injury problems across the board.

With the Seahawks moving into a rebuilding mode, this could be a good sign for Hasselbeck and he may finally get the offensive pieces he needs to take this team back to the Super Bowl starting with a talented offensive line and a real NFL running back.

With all that being said lets travel back in time and go through the highlights, both good and back of each year this decade from 2000 to 2009/2010.

2000 highlights/stats:

• 6-10 in AFC West, 4th in the division
• 320 points scored (20 p/g, 19th in the NFL)
• 405 points allowed (23 p/g, 25th in the NFL)
• -9 in takeaways (23rd in NFL)
• John Kitna starting quarterback: 18 TD’s, 19 Int’s and 2,658 yards passing
• Ricky Watters 1,242 rushing yards, 7 TD’s in 278 attempts. 31 years old
• RB Shaun Alexander first round pick (19th overall), OT Chris McIntosh (22nd overall)

2001 highlights/stats:

• 9-7 in AFC West, 2nd in the division
• 301 points scored (18 p/g, 19th in the NFL)
• 324 points allowed (20 p/g, 18th in the NFL)
• +6 in takeaway/giveaway (11th in the NFL)
• Matt Hasselbeck starting quarterback: 7 TD’s, 8 Int’s and 2,023 yards in 12 games starting
• Shaun Alexander 1,318 rushing yards, 14 TD’s in 309 attempts.
• WR Koren Robinson first round pick (9th overall), LG Steve Hutchinson (17th overall, best LG in Seahawks history) and CB Ken Lucas (2nd round pick)

2002 highlights/stats:

• 7-9 in NFC West, 2nd in the division

• 355 points scored (22 p/g, 16th in the NFL)

• 369 points allowed (23 p/g, 23rd in the NFL)
• +2 in takeaway/giveaway (14th in NFL)
• Matt Hasselbeck starting quarterback: 15 TD’s, 10 Int’s and 3,075 yards in 10 games started.
• Shaun Alexander 1,175 rushing yards, 16 TD’s in 295 attempts.
• TE Jeremy Stevens first round pick (28th overall)

2003 highlights/stats:

• 10-6 in NFC West, 2nd in the division
• 404 points scored (25 p/g, 7th in the NFL)
• 327 points allowed (20 p/g, 15th in the NFL)
• -1 in takeaway/giveaway (18th in NFL)
• Matt Hasselbeck starting quarterback: 26 TD’s, 15 Int’s and 3,841 passing yards
• Shaun Alexander 1,435 rushing yards, 14 TD’s in 326 attempts
• CB Marcus Trufant first round pick (11th overall) and S Ken Hamlin (2nd round pick)
• Mike Holmgren no longer GM, remains head coach

2004 highlights/stats:

• 9-7 in NFC West, 1st in the division
• 371 points scored (23 p/g, 12th in the NFL)
• 373 points allowed (23 p/g, 22nd in the NFL)
• +8 in takeaway/giveaway (9th in NFL)
• Matt Hasselbeck starting quarterback: 22 TD’s, 15 Int’s and 3,382 passing yards
• Shaun Alexander 1,696 rushing yards, 16 TD’s in 353 attempts
• DT Marcus Tubbs first round pick (23rd overall)

2005 highlights/stats:

• 13-3 in NFC West, 1st in division- Super Bowl runner up
• 452 points scored (28 p/g, 1st in the NFL)
• 271 points allowed (16 p/g, 7th in the NFL)
• +10 in takeaway/giveaway (7th in NFL)
• Matt Hasselbeck starting quarterback: 24 TD’s, 9 Int’s and 3,459 passing yards
• Shaun Alexander 1,880 rushing yards, 27 TD’s (NFL record, then broken by LT) in 370 attempts
• C Chris Spencer (1st round pick 26th overall), MLB Lofa Tatupu (2nd round) and OLB Leroy Hill (3rd round pick)
• Shaun Alexander named NFL MVP

2006 highlights/stats:

• 9-7 in NFC West, 1st in division
• 335 points scored(20 p/g, 14th in the NFL)
• 341 points allowed (21 p/g, 19th in the NFL)
• -8 in takeaway/giveaway (27th in the NFL)
• Matt Hasselbeck starting quarterback: 18 TD’s, 15 Int’s and 2,442 yards passing
• Shaun Alexander 896 yards, 7 TD’s in 252 attempts
• CB Kelly Jennings first round pick (31st overall)
• Shaun Alexander missed six games involving the “madden curse”

2007 highlights/stats:

• 10-6 in NFC West, 1st in division
• 393 points scored (24 p/g, 9th in the NFL)
• 291 points allowed (18 p/g, 6th in the NFL)
• +10 in takeaway/giveaway (5th in NFL)
• Matt Hasselbeck starting quarterback: 28 TD’s, 12 Int’s and 3,966 passing yards
• Shaun Alexander 716 yards, 4 TD’s in 207 attempts (10 games)
• CB Josh Wilson second round pick (teams first pick in the draft)
• Seahawks, and Mike Holmgren went to a pass heavy and pass only offense which shot them into the playoffs
• Seahawks traded 1st round pick to New England Patriots for WR Deion Branch

2008 highlights/stats:

• 4-12 in the NFC West, 3rd in the division
• 294 points scored (18 p/g, 25th in the NFL)
• 392 points allowed (24 p/g, 25th in the NFL)
• -7 in takeaway/giveaways (25th in NFL)
• Seneca Wallace starting quarterback: 11 TD’s, 3 Int’s and 1,532 yards passing (8 games started, most by a single Seahawks QB in 08, Hasselbeck had seven and Charlie Frye had one)
• Julius Jones 698 yards, 2 TD’s in 158 attempts (10 games)
• Matt Hasselbeck, WR’s, DB’s where all injured for the majority of the 2008 season.
• DE Lawrence Jackson first round pick (28th overall) and TE John Carlson (2nd round pick, best pick in a long time for the Seahawks)
• Mike Holmgren retires as HC, leaves Seahawks organization

2009 highlights/stats:

• Currently 5-9 in NFC West, 3rd in division (Green Bay and Tennessee coming up)
• 257 points scored so far (18 p/g, 22nd in the NFL)
• 325 points allowed so far (23 p/g, 23rd in the NFL)
• -5 in takeaway/giveaways (22nd in NFL)
• Matt Hasselbeck starting quarterback: 15 TD’s, 12 Int’s and 2,656 yards passing
• Julius Jones 563 yards, 2 TD’s in 149 attempts (12 games)
• LB Aaron Curry first round pick (4th overall), C Max Unger (2nd round pick) and WR Deon Butler (3rd round pick)
• Hasselbeck has missed 2 games. A horrendous offensive line to start the first 10 games. Not much talent on the OL currently.
• Horrendous play calling from offensive coordinator Greg Knapp.
• TJ Houshmandzadeh signed five year, $40 million dollar contract with the Seahawks
• Jim Mora Jr. new head coach
• Tim Ruskell resigns as GM

So as you take a look at each year by year you see how the Seahawks can have consistent success in the future if they learn from the past.

Age has been a problem the last two years with the Seahawks with Walter Jones at 35 and Matt Hasselbeck at 34 both have been great in this decade for the Seahawks but as the Seahawks go into a rebuilding mode Jones will most likely retire and Hasselbeck could as well or finish out his contract and then retire next year.

Either way you chose to look at it, the Seahawks have been a winning franchise this decade until the tail end of the decade which will being to change as the Seahawks look for a new GM.

As a Seahawks writer and fan I will never forget the following great Seahawks this decade. LT Walter Jones, LG Steve Hutchinson, C Robbie Tobeck, RG Chris Grey, QB Matt Hasselbeck, RB Shaun Alexander, WR Darryl Jackson, Mike Holmgren and a few others.

You can follow Lars at Twitter http://twitter.com/larshanson

Check out Lars’ sports blog: http://hansonsportsblog.blogspot.com/

Rebuilding the Seahawks Part 1: The Front Office

This is the first article in a five part series breaking down the rebuilding process for the Seattle Seahawks organization this off season. Starting with the front office and finding their GM to build the framework for a Super Bowl team. Second will be the coaching staff and who the possible GM's would hire. Third will be breaking down the current roster and who is staying and who is going. Fourth will be how the Seahawks should attack free agency and who they should sign realistically. Fifth will be the NFL and who they should take with their first four picks. Then there will be a concluding article summing up what the Seahawks roster will look like after all moves have been made.

So we start with the first part which is finding the replacement general manager for the Seahawks after Tim Ruskell resigned about a month ago.

I'll be giving an updated and in depth list of the possible candidates that the Seahawks could be considering for the job. Seahawks CEO Tod Leiweke, who seems to have a choke hold on the Seahawks franchise, said that the GM must fit the Seahawks, not the other way around.

With that being said here is a list of possible candidates for the Seattle Seahawks general manager and executive vice president position.

1) Tom Heckert-Philadelphia Eagles GM

Examination: With Mike Holmgren officially being checked off the Seahawks list for their general manager position, in which was a complete PR move and really was a half-ass effort to give the Seattle Seahawks fans and the city of Seattle a great Christmas present, turned into coal.

With all that aside Tom Heckert will be very high on the Seattle Seahawks list to fill their GM void. Heckert, who is currently the GM of the Philadelphia Eagles doesn't have the final say in the player personnel decisions like he would if he were in Seattle. Right now head coach Andy Reid has the final say in his roster decisions, and also signed a two year contract extension so Heckert is really spinning his wheels in Philadelphia.

Heckert is highly touted for his skills with the NFL draft and very diligent when he is chosen his draft picks. Something the Seahawks desperately need in their front office after Tim Ruskell failed draft after draft to bring in the right players to make the Seahawks a winning franchise.

Also with the Seahawks having two first round picks it will be very important for Heckert, if he is tabbed as the Seahawks GM to put his exceptional draft skills on display for the Seahawks to have an excellent draft to start their rebuild.

If the Seahawks chose to hire Tom Heckert as their GM/EVP I'm sure he'll want to chose his own coaching staff, something the Seahawks might not let happen.

2) Steve Keim-Arizona Cardinals Director of Player Personnel

Examination: One common trait amongst these possible GM candidates will be that they are all exceptional at player personnel or have excellent draft credentials. Being in Arizona for 11 years Keim has had a hand in bringing in Adrian Wilson, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and countless other outstanding Cardinals players over the years.

With the Seahawks needing talent across their entire football team Keim and his skills would be a huge asset in helping the Seahawks speed up their rebuild.

If the Seahawks tab Keim as their GM he might want to go with his own coaching staff or have current head coach Jim Mora Jr. fire some of the current coaches on the staff but have Mora be the head man.

3) Ruston Webster-Seahawks interim GM

Examination: Ruston Webster, who was tabbed as the interim GM the day Tim Ruskell resigned has already interview for the Seahawks GM position. He'll still be on the list as the third candidate because there are more qualified people for the job.

Webster in his third year as the Seahawks VP of player personnel worked alongside Tim Ruskell to oversee day-to-day management of pro personnel and college scouting departments.

Webster is solid at drafting players but over his last two seasons he, along with Tim Ruskell both dropped the ball so I don't see Webster getting the job.

4) Kevin Colbert-Pittsburgh Steelers GM

Examination: The Steelers have taken a step back this season and finally ended their
six game losing streak with a last second win over the Green Bay Packers. However I still expect changes to be made in the steel city and that could start with their GM heading to Seattle to become the GM of the Seahawks.

Colbert has turned the Steelers into a top five organization this decade winning two Super Bowl titles. Colbert as done an exceptional job building up the Steelers entire roster through the NFL draft with players like QB Ben Roethlisberger, WR Santonio Holmes, LB's LaMarr Woodley and Lawrence Timmons, S Troy Polamalu and RB Rashard Mendenhall among other talented players.

With the Seahawks lacking talented on the majority of the roster bringing in someone like Kevin Colbert to run the show would turn the Seahawks into Super Bowl contenders in a few years.

Colbert would also most likely bring in his own people on the coaching staff.

5) Jimmy Raye-Director of player personnel-San Diego Chargers

Examination: The same situation continues as Raye has had over eight years experience in the scouting and draft department of the San Diego Chargers, something the Seahawks will need to bank on heavy when they are looking for a new GM.

Raye oversees all of the college scouting for the Chargers as well as assisting in all player personnel movements.

Raye would be the next best option if all of the other candidates passed. Raye would also most likely bring in his own people.

6) Randy Mueller-Chargers Senior executive

Examination: Mueller was a former Seattle Seahawks front office executive before Paul Allen hired Mike Holmgren as the GM and HC which forced out Mueller and he left for the Saints.

Mueller drafted Joey Galloway and Walter Jones in his time in Seattle. He'd be a last resort if no one else worked out.

7) Floyd Reese-New England Patriots Senior Advisor

Examination: Reese, a former GM of the Tennessee Titans and ESPN Analyst would be an interesting fit if none of the other candidates worked out for some bizarre reason.

Reese did a solid job building up the Titans organization before retiring to join ESPN.

8) A.J Smith- San Diego Chargers GM

Examination: From 8-10 these will be the extreme long shot candidates to become the GM/EVP/President of the Seattle Seahawks. A.J Smith has done an exceptional job of turning the page on the Drew Breese era to a dominant Phillip Rivers era.

Smith has done a great job building up the Chargers via the NFL draft and that's how the Seahawks will have to attack this rebuilding process as well as getting top free agents.

9) Pete Ward- Colts Senior Executive Vice President

Examination: Ward has been an instrumental part of the Colts success this past decade and would be an excellent fit for the Seattle Seahawks GM job if the Seahawks other candidates don't work out.

10) Bill Polian- Colts President

Examination: I can say without any doubt that the Seahawks won't get to Polian on this list but if for some reason they do he's one of the best in the business and would be a great man to rebuild the Seattle Seahawks organization.


This concludes the list of the top ten list of possible candidates for the Seattle Seahawks GM job. The Next article in this five part series will break down each candidates possible head coach of who he would hire if he became the GM of the Seahawks.

NOTE: Mike Holmgren is officially off the list as a candidate.

You can follow Lars at Twitter http://twitter.com/larshanson

Seahawks lose 24-7 To Bucs: The Matt Hasselbeck Show

The title fits perfectly with the play of the Seattle Seahawks today. Seahawks lose 24/7 all day long, and it's headlined by the "Matt Hasselbeck Show".

Over the last few weeks, Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has looked worse than any quarterback in Seahawks history with his inaccuracy, inconsistency and just downright horrendous play.

In the last three weeks including today's game against the Tampa Bay Bucs Hasselbeck is 101/115 for 701 yards, 4 TD's and 5 Int's (four today).

Now overall, other than the five interceptions you might think those stats look pretty good. Think again, with Hasselbeck overthrowing wide open receivers, not making smart decisions with the football and being very unstable throughout this entire season.

Today Hasselbeck accounted for all five of the Seattle Seahawks turnovers, that's completely unacceptable for any veteran quarterback, which includes Hasselbeck.

Hasselbeck threw four interceptions and lose one fumble.

However the offensive line does not get the blame for the lose. It's all on
Hasselbeck. The offensive line did not allow hurry, sack or hit until midway through the third quarter. Hasselbeck had at least five seconds on each throw he made and still airmailed the ball at least 10+ times.

For a "franchise quarterback" that's just unacceptable.

The Seahawks are in an obvious rebuilding process that is looking to take longer and longer with each passing week.

Let's take a look and see how the Seahawks lose to a 1-12 Tampa Bay Bucs team.

First quarter:

Second quarter:

SEA- 29 yard touchdown pass from Hasselbeck to Carlson (8 plays, 85 yards and 4:09 TOP)

TB- Barth 25 yard FG (5 plays, 15 yards and: 37 TOP)

Third quarter:

TB-Barth 45 yard FG (10 plays, 50 yards and 6:16 TOP)

TB- 22 yard touchdown pass from Freeman to Williams (1 play, 22 yards)

TB- 6 yard touchdown pass from Freeman to Ward (9 plays, 37 yards and 4:30 TOP)
Fourth quarter:

TB-Barth 39 yard FG

Final Score: Tampa Bay 24 Seahawks 7

Final Stats for both teams:

SEA- Matt Hasselbeck: 27/46 for 256 yards, 1 TD and 4 Int's

TB- Josh Freeman: 16/26 for 205 yards, 2 TD's and 1 Int.

SEA- Julius Jones+Justin Forsett: 21 carries for 125 yards

TB- Derrick Ward+Cadillac Williams: 31 carries for 133 yards

SEA- John Carlson: 7 receptions for 86 yards and a TD reception

SEA- TJ Houshmandzadeh: 7 receptions for 73 yards

TB- Kellen Winslow: 6 receptions for 93 yards

TB- Sammie Stroughter: 4 receptions for 46 yards

SEA- David Hawthorne: 10 tackles

TB- Barrett Ruud: 8 tackles

The Seattle Seahawks will be at Green Bay next week in what is sure to be another blow out. A major note for the Seahawks is their head coach calling out the entire team this past week and the entire team toned him out which is not a good sign for the man who has a choke hold on this franchise, CEO Tod Leiwke.

Mora will make more changes this week for sure. Hopefully benching Matt Hasselbeck for rookie Mike Teel will be one of those moves. Teel can open up the offense and really spread it around.

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Mike Holmgren Turns Down Seahawks GM Offer, Clearing Path for Browns Job

This is news coming down within the hour. The city of Seattle has been shining bright on the sports map these past two weeks with the acquisitions of Cy Young award winner Cliff Lee and 2008 ASG MVP Milton Bradley to the Seattle Mariners (MLB) and having Jake Locker officially announce that he would return to the University of Washington for his senior season it seemed like something from the Seahawks had to come.

Since announcing that he wanted to return to the game he left two years ago after he retired as the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, Mike Holmgren wanted to become the next GM/EVP of the Seattle Seahawks if they decided to offer the job.

Well after spending two days with the Cleveland Browns and their owner Randy Lerner about having Holmgren possibly becoming their "Czar" of Football Operations. Holmgren left Cleveland without a contract offer, an agreement and according to reports they did not talk money.

That left the door slightly open for Tod Leiweke and Paul Allen to offer the job to Mike Holmgren. Leiweke has become Seattle's most hated sports related player/person the last few weeks with the way he's decided to run the GM search along with Spencer Stuart, a New York firm.

It was also reported this past week that the Seahawks have a list of 10 possible candidates for their GM position and Holmgren was not on that list.

Now tonight Seattle Times reporter Danny O'Neil reported that Mike Holmgren will not rejoin the Seattle Seahawks after turning down the teams offer of a "senior leadership position" meaning their GM position.

Tod Leiweke said in the report that "Mike has declined our offer to rejoin the team given the structure we proposed. We hold Mike in high regard and wish the Holmgren family the very best with their new horizons."

As I reported last week with four possible candidates for the Seahawks GM position. Kevin Colbert was unavailable for comment about the Seahawks and their GM opening. Holmgren stated "I'd love a chance to become the GM if they decide to reach out to me" about the Seahawks GM opening. Well that can be checked off on their list.

Eagles GM Tom Heckert and Randy Mueller could also not be available for comment about the Seahawks opening.

This news clears the path for Mike Holmgren to accept the Cleveland Browns offer of "Czar" of Football.

Now the question must be asked, who are the other nine on the Seahawks supposed list of candidates. Knowing Tod Leiweke, who is becoming less and less popular in Seattle, could wind up with no other option that current interim GM Ruston Webster, who interview for the position this past week.

You can follow Lars at Twitter http://twitter.com/larshanson

Seahawks Mock Draft: Offense Dominates Early

With the Seahawks now officially eliminated from the playoff picture it's time to join Mora, Leiweke and look toward the future as the Seahawks officially move into their long awaited rebuilding process that is expected to take two or three years.

Now yes the NFL Draft is four months away but it's never t00 early to start thinking about who the Seahawks should target to help kickoff their rebuild.

This team has some talent but as Jim Mora Jr. put it in his press conference, "we need more nasty players". Now Mora wanted to clear the questions and explain what he meant by nasty as well as "dirt bags". He wants to see Sean Locklear shove a defensive end on his arse when there's a run play. He wants to see the offensive line be nasty upfront and not allow a sack all game, and have consistency over the season with it.

Now looking at the current players that project to be a part of the 2010 class there is a great opportunity to build a great young core for the future of this team.

The Seahawks lost All World LT Walter Jones, who didn't play a down this season due to the fact he could never recover from off season knee surgery. So there are major questions at Left Tackle long term. Also Sean Locklear, who was supposed to be the heir apparent to Jones, has failed to live up to those standards this season.

Then the Seahawks have questions about Matt Hasselbeck, how much longer can the great number eight play? He's only got one year left on his contract so most likely he will do exactly what Mike Holmgren did. Play out his contract and retire.

It still gives the Seahawks the chance to take their future starting quarterback, so that whoever that is can learn behind him for one full season and then take over.

Other positions that will be looking to upgrade would be LG/RG, DE, CB and FS as well as running back but Justin Forsett might be the long term answer.

With that being said here is my first mock draft of the "off season" for the Seattle Seahawks.

1st Round Pick (10th overall-projected): Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland- This is a very smart and easy pick for the Seahawks at 10th overall. No one knows if Walter Jones will even play in the NFL next year with his unstable knee problems and even if he does make it back, he's 35 years old and would be entering his 14th season in the NFL.

Either way he's on his way out and Campbell is an excellent left tackle who would fit great on the Seahawks offensive line. They need to get the LT before the QB.

1st round pick (24th overall-projected): Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame- I think people who have Clausen in the top 15 or higher on their draft boards are just asking for it. Clausen doesn't have the top 15 or even top five talent as a complete quarterback.

Clausen has an average arm down the field and has a few other things to work on but will most likely fall to 24th overall to the Seattle Seahawks, also like ESPN's Todd McShay projects.

Clausen fits great with the Seahawks offense as well as the Seahawks wide receivers. They like to go under a lot and with the addition of Clausen would open things up more for TJ Houshmandzadeh who loves to go across the middle.

Now that the Seahawks got their LT in Bruce Campbell can now draft their long term QB in Jimmy Clausen.

2nd round pick(41st overall-projected): Mike Johnson, LG, Alabama- The title says it all. Offense dominates early for the Seahawks and that's exactly what needs to happen in order for this offense to start clicking again.

Johnson is a enormous talent at 6-5, 305 lbs and just what the Seahawks are missing on their offensive line. A dominant Left Guard to finally fill the void of Steve Hutchinson.

With the Seahawks having everything on offense except a stellar offensive line this is just what the Seahawks need. They already have their LT in Campbell, their QB in Jimmy Clausen and now their LG in Mike Johnson.

The Seahawks have officially moved Max Unger to Center, and Mike Gibson, who the Seahawks claimed off waivers, is starting at RG now. So the Seahawks could possibly have a very talented and young offensive line to build around as they rebuild.

4th round pick (105th overall-projected): Jammie Kirlew, DE, Indiana- Well the Seahawks had other needs at more important positions so this is where they will pick their defensive end.

Kirlew has averaged 70+ tackles the last two seasons at Indiana and that's something the Seahawks lack on the defensive line, a great tackle machine. The highest tackle total is Darryl Tapp with 35.

So he might be a project to build up but with this rebuild it's talent that matters and Kirlew has a lot of talent at defensive end.

Since I want this mock draft to be realistic I'm not going beyond the fourth round because of the current timetable. As the draft gets closer it will become more relevant.

So to recap the projected Seahawks 2010 Draft here is what the Seahawks got.

LT Bruce Campbell: 6-6, 312 lbs and ranked 4th on ESPN's rankings at offensive tackle.

QB Jimmy Clausen: 6-2, 217 lbs and ranked 3rd on ESPN's rankings at quarterback.

LG Mike Johnson: 6-6, 305 lbs and ranked 4th on ESPN's rankings at offensive guard.

DE Jammie Kirlew: 6-1, 254 lbs and ranked 19th on ESPN's rankings at defensive end.

In all sense the Seahawks need to start their rebuild on offense with a young, talented quarterback in Jimmy Clausen and get him into the fold right away so he can learn. Then adding two offensive linemen in Bruce Campbell and Mike Johnson will help out the entire offense including Clausen and Forsett.

The Seahawks haven’t had a dominant offensive line since 2005 and that seems to be the one key reason why this offense has dropped the ball the past two years. Also Clausen will help things a lot.

You can follow Lars at Twitter http://twitter.com/larshanson

Michael Crabtree Still All Talk?

Since his days at Texas Tech Wide Receiver Michael Crabtree has been loaded with talk. Rated in the top five by countless scouts and NFL analyst coming into the 2009 NFL Draft, Michael Crabtree was looking like a sure top five lock with the St Louis Rams, Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks holding three of the top four picks in the draft.

However, as we have seen in recent NFL Draft's, hype doesn't guarantee anything. Brady Quinn was a sure lock at 9th overall to the Miami Dolphins. He took a huge draft day fall and landed at 22nd when the Cleveland Browns and Phil Savage traded back into the first round to get "their" quarterback in Quinn.

Now flash-forward to Michael Crabtree in 2009. With all the hype (among other things) coming into the draft surrounding Crabtree it looked as if he would be a sure top 4-7 lock. Well that's not how it went down.

Crabtree was passed up by the Rams, Chiefs, Seahawks, Jets, Raiders (who took Heyward-Bay over him) and the Jaguars all the way down to 10th overall with the San Francisco 49ers.

At the time it looked like a steal for the 49ers, who were looking to add another playmaker to support Frank Gore, Vernon Davis and the other weapons in San Fran.

Well five months later it went from a great pick to a potential huge setback for the 49ers organization when Crabtree threatened to sit out the entire 2009 season and reenter the draft in 2010 in hopes of receiving the contract he wanted and the contract he thought he deserved.

Before Crabtree signed I wrote an article comparing Crabtree and the 49ers to the Cutler-Broncos situation.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/254098-the-michael-crabtree-situation-why-its-worse-than-the-jay-cutler-saga

Finally on October 8th, 2009 Michael Crabtree grew enough brain cells and agreed to a six year $32 million dollar contract with $17 of the being guaranteed.

Before Crabtree had signed the 49ers were looking great and were about to take that next step to the forfront of the NFC West along with the Arizona Cardinals.

Coming into their bye week they were 3-2. Since Crabtree has signed the 49ers are 2-5 and have lost sight of what made then a winner in the first half of the season.

Now even though he has only played seven games in his career I thought it would be interesting to see if Crabtree is really showing signs that he can be that true elite No. 1 Wide Receiver or just another bust.

Here are Crabtree's stats to date in 2009: 32 receptions, 406 yards, 1 TD with a 12.7 avg.

Going a little bit deeper into his stats through the first seven games Crabtree is averaging over four receptions per game and 58 yards per game.

Not bad numbers but what has changed since Crabtree was signed was the 49ers swagger and since officially joining the Niners they have lost their edge they had the first half of the season.

Is it because Crabtree forced the hand of the 49ers front office or is it just because that's the way the NFL goes?

We won't be fully able to judge Crabtree for at least two more years. After that he's either made it or he's out. That's how it is in the NFL.