Down to the Final Two

by: Michael Steffes

The Seahawks made the official announcement on Owen Schmitt's contract, and announced they agreed to terms with Red Bryant.

There has been no corresponding transactions (release of player) as of yet. Bryant has four years worth of minimum escalating salaries and was given 441K to sign. That buys a lot of cornbread big Red.

The Seahawks have only Lo Jack and Johnny C left to sign. Those deals will likely be announced once we start to hear of players in the general vicinity of where they were taken signed; definitely before next Friday when the first practice is. ~END~ Read More!

Owen Schmitt Signs

by: Michael Steffes

The Seahawks have apparently reached contract agreement with fourth round pick Owen Schmitt. According to PFT, it is a four year deal with the minimum base salaries. Schmitt received 158K to sign.

This leaves Lawrence Jackson, John Carlson, and Red Bryant left to sign. ~END~ Read More!

Signing Draft Choices

by: Michael Steffes

There has been some concern expressed in the comments section about why the Seahawks top draft choices haven't signed. I thought I would pass this along.

John Clayton has unearthed part of the problem. The NFLPA is holding up the process. They are seeking a decision by a special master about how guaranteed money can be paid out to first and second round choices. Follow the link, John Clayton explains it better than I ever could.

Either way, what will probably happen is that once a few mid first rounders sign, it will set the slotting. Then you will see a rash of players signed in the days leading up to their respective camps. In the past the Hawks have often signed their top picks a day or two before camp starts. They will probably strike a deal with Red Bryant and Owen Schmitt a bit before that. I don't personally expect any holdouts, but you never know. Negotiations are tricky because of the owners choice to opt out of the CBA, leaving financial uncertainty on the horizon. ~END~ Read More!

Lo Jack a Bust?

by: Michael Steffes

I found an interesting blog post that may stir some discussion. Eric Edholm of Profootballweekly.com has written an article he calls 50-50. The premise is that half of the first round picks work out and the other half are busts. He is attempting to predict which way the picks will go. He doesn't think to highly of Mr. Tim Ruskell's choice this year...

28. DE Lawrence Jackson — Seahawks
Prediction: Bust
I thought Jackson was a nice college player, but I have heard two scouts say he’s not special in any way and that a lot of his production in college came from the fact that he was surrounded by elite talent at USC. You didn’t often see him double-teamed, which is a good indication he didn’t warrant such treatment. In Seattle’s system, Jackson will rotate a lot. I suspect he’ll never be great, though he could be serviceable.

There could be a few things working here. I don't know Edholm or his work very well, but if we just look at this article, it is possible he has an anti USC bias. He thinks that three of the four Trojans chosen this year, Keith Rivers, Sam Baker, and Lawrence Jackson, in the first round are going to be busts. Sed Ellis is the only one he sees succeeding.

This lead me to research the history of his picks a bit. He did this last year as well. Here is last years article. Because the Hawks didn't have a first, we can't determine if he has anything against the Hawks picks, but it is clear that his selections are just as much of a crap shoot as the actual draft. Notable bust picks from last year include: Joe Thomas, who some have said is already a top 3 tackle in the league; Marshaun Lynch, who while a turd is also a pretty effective runner; and KC's Dewayne Bowe, who came within 5 yards of being the third rookie wideout in 10 years to amass 1000 yards in his rookie season.

In other words, make of this what you will, but it is an interesting read either way. ~END~ Read More!

Coutu Signs

by: Michael Steffes

Along with Tyler Schmitt, the Seahawks also finalized a deal with Brandon Coutu today. Coutu is the kicker out of Georgia taken with the other 7th round pick. Currently the Hawks have both their 7th rounders (Coutu & Forsett), and their 6th rounder, Schmitt, signed. They released three players late last week, which would indicate another rook should be inked soon.

Here is an article from the Examiner, which states this info. END Read More!

Tyler Schmitt Agrees to Terms

by: Michael Steffes

Word around Kirkland is that Tyler Schmitt has agreed to terms and the Hawks should be finalizing the deal soon. It is expected to be a four year gig.

My guess is it will be announced around 1 today. The team seems to enjoy releasing news on Friday afternoons. No word on whose head is on the chopping block, but that could be what is causing the delay. They have to reach the unfortunate player first to make room, and with some of the players spread out around the country right now, that can be delicate.

Two down, 4 to go.

Anyway, in case I am busy when it actually hits the ticker, now you know it is imminent. Thanks to Jose Romero for the heads up. END Read More!

Seahawks Ink First Draft Pick

by: Michael Steffes

The Seahawks have agreed to terms with 7th round running back Justin Forsett. Expect the Hawks to get all of their picks signed between now and training camp. However, everytime they sign someone, someone will have to be released. This time it is Donovan Alexander, who either didn't impress or is the victim of a very deep and talented Seahawks secondary.

Woo Hoo! Good for Justin. He received a 4 year deal. Now all he has to do is make the team. END Read More!

Overall Impressions

by: Michael Steffes

The weekends event deserve a summation. Especially now that you can all share your opinion again. First off let me let me say that I am still not sure what I think about the new format of the draft. I really liked the first day and how is worked. I was not so hot on today. It lasted forever and it started way to early for us west coasters. The late rounds have more picks, and thus it seems like an eternity between picks for you team. Unless you were the Eagles or Ravens who stockpiled 2nd day picks.

You can weigh in on what you think, but what if they did a Friday night segment too? Round one only took 3 1/2 hours. That is the length of a game. Do that in prime time and then two 12-4 sessions. Maybe that works, maybe it doesn't. What ever they do, they need to tell team employees to keep their lips shut on who they are picking before the whole thing starts. Just my opinion, but that was massively anti-climatic.

So on to the Seahawks. To read my thoughts and musing on the Hawks draft...

I thought that all in all the Seahawks were the Seahawks. As much as I think I can break down what they do and prognosticate on it ahead of time, I can't. I thought the first day went much according to plan. At one point I speculated they would go DE. Things might have changed if Baltimore and Atlanta waited and took the Hawks pick. Then it is possible they would have taken Carlson in the early 2nd and went from there. Moving up in the 2nd was smart. No reason to end up with a guy the organization is wishy washy on at the one position you had to deal with. Get your guy and deal with the lost pick later. That was a good decision, even if it seemed early for JC.

As for missing the 3rd rounder, well it seemed we were just one pick short all day. That is why we glossed over the o-line. Ruskell even said he wanted to take a OL guy in the fourth, but since the guy he targeted for the third was there he took him. It is fine with me. Really, you never can have too many linemen, no matter which style or technique they play. Worry about that later and get the guy you think will be best. All three of the first picks will see snaps on week 1, and that is what i like best about them.

The rest of the second day baffled me. Not really because of what the Hawks did, as much as far off all the draft projections are. So much for pay sites being accurate. Roy Scheuning, who I really liked, almost made it to the Hawks 5th rounder. He was supposed to be late 2nd or 3rd. Him going to the Rams made me bitter. However the pick of Owen Schmitt made up for it. I love it. If I were Leonard Weaver, I would be a bit more prepared for this years camp. Especially since the team told him they were gonna wait and see on his next deal. David Kirtman is gone, especially because they took Forsett too. He is a stretch to make the team, as they usually keep 5, but if he does, he will be the Scobey/Hicks mold special team back. He and Wilson will likely return kicks. Nasty Nate should still handle punts, in my opinion, but you never no.

The specialists were needed picks. I am not gonna argue over the semantics of when they were picked, or if you really need to pick players at those positions instead of just signing them. It sounded like Coutu was going to sign with us anyway. Likely they both make roster, even if Mare does too. Thus the team got two contributers (maybe three if Forsett pans out) from the late part of the draft. That is why the Hawks are great at the draft.

There were a lot of things I was right about. Kentwan Balmer and Dustin Keller never had a shot to be Hawks. Neither did a first round WR or another QB. But man Ruskell got me good on the linebackers. I am still sitting here trying to figure out how I missed on that. The must like Herring and Laury more than they let on, at least as linebackers too. Not just special teamers. I will just keep my fingers crossed for health. The may always pick up some scraps at the end of camp if things don't look promising.

Other than that, I hope you enjoyed the coverage Chris and I provided. We had a lot of fun doing it. Not sure what else you could do with the draft. Everybody gets the info at the same time. I would like to think we gave something a bit different, but who knows. One thing I felt awful about was not having comments. That is why when the draft ended, I made it my goal to figure something out. Could be it all changes tomorrow again, I think the new site will be up. A reader wrote me that it was unfair that I did all the lead up and didn't give people a chance to talk. In way that is true and that why I felt bad. As you know, there were other concerns.

Finally, i would just like to say thank you for being patient, and CONGRATS again to Big Seahawk Loser. What a guess! 13 seconds away, unbelievable. Hope you all enjoyed the holy grail weekend of the NFL offseason as much as I did. Read More!

Summary of Hawk draft picks...

by: Chris Sullivan

This is what the Hawks have done over the last couple of days...

Round	Pick	Player	School	Position
1	28	Laurence Jackson	USC	DE
2	38	John Carlson	Notre Dame	TE
4	121	Red Bryant	Texas A&M	DT
5	163	Owen Schmitt	WVU	FB
6	189	Tyler Schmitt	San Diego St	LS
7	233	Justin Forsett	California	RB
7	235	Brandon Coutu	Georgia	K

Not too shabby, but I think we're all still scratching our head over the 6th round long snapper... he's going to have a lot more pressure to perform next year than almost any other long snapper in professional football... yowzers. Good luck, Tyler! Read More!

The Final Pick

by: Michael Steffes

With their second pick in the 7th, #235 overall, the Hawks have selected Brandon Coutu, Kicker from Georgia. This pick has been projected once the Hawks acquired an extra 7th. Now we know the target. Coutu is one of the top kickers, and considering that Tim Ruskell knows the Georgia program very well from his time in Atlanta I am not surprised. Now we will see if he can beat out Mare. Read More!

With the 233rd overall pick, the Seattle Seahawks select...

by: Chris Sullivan

...Running Back Justin Forsett from California! He had a pretty good year in 2007, and is more a Mo Morris type back than he is an Alexander guy. He's apparently got good character, and didn't have too much of a chance at Cal due to another RB named Marshawn Lynch. The guys on NFL Network just said he is a "Brian Westbrook kind of guy" with a chip on his shoulder. I really like this pick, and so did those fellows. I imagine he'll be a practice squad guy this year, unless we deal Morris elsewhere or decide to make him our special teams RB. He's rated 55 by Scouts.com and is very small -- 5' 8" and 194 lbs... we shall see what happens with him!

Read More!

Griz x 2

by: Michael Steffes

Congrats Lex Hillard! Drafted by Miami. He is one tough SOB! Hope you all don't mind me tracking the Griz, but since no Washington schools have made an appearance, I figure they deserve some praise. END Read More!

Hawks Go In Long Snapper in Sixth

by: Michael Steffes

In the Sixth round with the 189th overall pick the Seahawks have chosen to address the huge hole at long snapper by taking Tyler Schmitt from San Diego St.

Schmidt was a four year starter at San Diego St. He specializes in long snapping only. He is a good athlete as he played Defensive End in high school. Many people had him ranked as the 2nd long snapper on the board. Obviously the Hawks liked him better than Tim Bugg.

It will be interesting to see if they get a kicker to pair with Schmidt. This is also two picks in row with the same last name. Way to confuse the trainers Ruskell (and the fans too). END Read More!

With the 163rd pick in the 2008 NFL draft...

by: Chris Sullivan

...the Seahawks take FB Owen Schmitt from West Virginia U (click for a scouting report). This is an unexpected pick and probably spells the end of everybody's favorite broken hand, David Kirtman. I personally can't stand WVU, its among my least favorite schools and I'm persistently rooting against them, but hey, maybe this'll work out. He was pretty good in college though, so I suppose this is a decent pick.

In 2007, he averaged 5.8 yards per carry on 47 attempts. He's a big dude and apparently a bit of a monster, should add something to our blocking game if Weaver can't step up and play like Mack Strong this year. I have to believe that Weaver is still the starter, but Schmitt will likely be getting a lot more play this year than, say, Kirtman got last year. Could be a beast blocking on special teams, too, which is something we'll be needing more of last year, especially if Burleson isn't fielding kicks (since he'll likely be starting for at least the first half of the year...). Read More!

Rams Get Schuening

by: Michael Steffes

Ouch, I am heartbroken! Not only do the Hawks not get him, but the Rams do. He is going to be a mean and nasty guard the Hawks will be dealing with for years to come. I would be surprised if the Hawks addressed O-line with this pick now. Doesn't seem to be much value, unless they go center. Either way I am sure they will find a quality player. END Read More!

Kroy Biermann DE Montana

by: Michael Steffes

Yay!! The first Montana Grizzly taken. He is a DE will a relentless motor who was suspected to make the transition to OLB. If you all didn't know I went to school at Montana, and we were constant National Championship contenders. And still are! Go Griz! END Read More!

Cardinals Get A Running Back

by: Michael Steffes

The Cardinals, who many thought would land Jonathan Stewart, but stayed defense in the first day, finally got a running back to pair with Edge. It is Timothy Hightower out of Richmond.

Hightower is far from a burner, he is a power back. He has good hands too. This is the type of runner that the Stealers would love. He will run you over if you use solid technique in tackling. No surprise Wisenhunt and Grimm are high on him. Good thing the Hawks have some new big bodies to slow down the new and improved AZ ground game. END Read More!

Hawks Take In D Tackle In Fourth

by: Michael Steffes

After having a productive first day the Hawks must have felt comfortable staying where they were in the fourth, especially when watching how the draft board sorted out. The were able to select, Red Bryant, a quality player who may also get in the rotation right away.

With question marks around Rocky and Tubbs, this makes a lot of sense. Bryant is a very very large man (6'4", 318). He will take up blockers in the mold of Tubbs or Mebane. It will be interesting to see if the Hawks try and move up again with quality guys still on the board in need positions.

To read the Scouts inc report on Bryant...

Strengths: Shows good initial quickness for size, aggressive and makes the occasional play in the backfield. Has excellent bulk, though inconsistent in this area can stay low to the ground and is stout at the point of attack. Plays with a mean streak, shows good upper body strength and can shed blocks quickly though a little inconsistent in this area. Has excellent size and can anchor when teams run at him. Flashes an effective rip move and shows a good not great motor when rushing the passer. Gets hands up when isn't going to get to the quarterback, times jumps well and excels at tipping passes. Blocked an extra-point attempt in 2006, blocked a kick in 2004 and can contribute on special teams. Voted permanent team captain in 2006, is a leader of the field and shows a knack for making plays in key situations.

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal closing speed and doesn't always get there when gets a clear path to the quarterback. Takes too long to change directions, doesn't show a wide variety of pass rush moves and doesn't force offensive linemen to redirect in pass protection. Though flashes the ability to collapse the pocket and has the potential to develop into a powerful bull rusher, doesn't always get under blocker's pads or drive legs once in position. Doesn't always use hands to protect legs and struggles to fight over cut blocks. Lacks ideal range and isn't going to make many plays in pursuit. Gets too caught up in individual battles, takes too long to locate the ball carrier and gets caught out of position at times. While started 12 games and appeared in all 13 games in 2007, sustained a season-ending knee injury in 2006 and durability is a concern. Has some problems controlling emotions, lacks ideal discipline and is vulnerable to getting flagged.

Overall: Bryant arrived at Texas A&M in 2003 and redshirted that year. In his first three seasons (2004-'06), he appeared in 32 games (30 starts) at nose guard and right defensive tackle, registering 81 tackles (13.5 for losses) and 5.5 sacks. In 2006, Bryant tore the ACL in his right knee, returned for one game after sitting out a week, and then missed the Aggies' final three games after deciding to undergo season-ending surgery. As a senior he played in all 13 games (and started the first 12), finishing with 46 tackles (six for losses), one sack, two pass breakups, a forced fumble, a blocked kick and a safety. Bryant doesn't have ideal closing speed or athletic ability but he has the quickness, size and toughness to develop into an excellent run stuffer and adequate interior pass rusher if he can stay healthy and sharpen his technique. He projects as a late first-day pick as a result.
Read More!

Carlson: Seahawks Top Rated TE

by: Michael Steffes

According to Danny O'Neil, who just got done talking with Tim Ruskell and Mike Holmgren, John Carlson was the Seahawks top rated tight end. This makes sense. He was the one tight end who truly fits what the Hawks do with a TE.

Holmgren talked on NFLN with the group. It was a really funny interview covering a wide variety of topics. They asked him about why the Hawks passed on Dustin Keller. He said, "the tight end class this year came in all shapes and sizes." "We really wanted a guy who could play inline and handle the defensive ends a bit." "We didn't want to have to scheme him outside." What he is saying is that Keller was too small and was going to be used like an H-Back. The Jets have several blocking TE's, so he works for them. Carlson, or maybe Craig Stevens, if the Hawks some how missed on Carlson, were the only TE's destined to be Seahawks. Bennett has attitude issues that have been chronicled since day one.

A third is a high price to pay, no doubt. However, if he works out, like Lofa did, nobody will care one bit about that third. I will be interested if they decide to use next years picks to get back up into the third. They should have several extra picks next year (compensatory) after losing numerous million dollar free agents. END Read More!

Meet Your New Seahawks

by: Michael Steffes


Here are some highlight videos of the two newest Seahawks. Hope you enjoy!






END Read More!