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2009 NFL Mock Draft: Seattle Seahawks

Written April 22, 2009 by Black Widow

2009-seattle-seahawks-mock-draft It wasn’t a pleasant season in Seattle in Mike Holmgren’s final year at the helm, but the Seahawks enter the offseason in prime position to make headway in the upcoming draft with a 4th overall pick and two of the top 37 selections. Seattle will head into the 2009 draft with its highest pick since selecting QB Rick Mirer second overall in 1993. Jim Mora grabs the reigns from Holmgren, and the Seahawks should stick to their “best available athlete” approach in the draft, with numerous needs facing them on both sides of the ball. Below are my top five needs for the Seahawks. For another opinion, SeaTown Sports blog also has a draft preview for Seattle.

1.) Offensive Tackle - The time has come to pursue a replacement for perennial Pro Bowl OLT Walter Jones, who cannot continue dominating in the NFL forever. Jones turned 35 in January and won’t be on the field until summer after undergoing major knee surgery. It was thought that ORT Sean Locklear was Jones’ heir apparent after signing a new contract last offseason, but he regressed in 2008, increasing the need for help at both tackle spots. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: OT Eugene Monroe (Virginia), OT Will Beatty (UConn).

2.) Defensive Linemen – You can take your pick between a big run-stuffing tackle in the middle or a quality pass rusher off the edge. DT Brandon Mebane continued to make strides in his second season, but fellow starting DT Rocky Bernard was a free agent this offseason and decided to take his services to New York with the Giants. The Seahawks signed Colin Cole from the Packers in the offseason, who played all 16 games in Green Bay and recorded 30 tackles despite never making a start. At defensive end, the Seahawks need to keep their fingers crossed that Patrick Kerney can stay healthy after being lost six games into the ‘08 season with a shoulder injury that required additional surgery. But with his reckless style of play, that could be asking a lot. Without Kerney in the lineup for the last 9 games, the Seahawks managed a mere 16 sacks. They did get Corey Redding from the Lions in a trade for Julian Peterson, and Redding has been productive with 12 sacks over the last 3 seasons in all. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: DE Larry English (Northern Illinois), DT Jarron Gilbert (SJSU), DT Corvey Ivin (Georgia), DT Roy Miller (Texas).

3.) Quarterback – The Seahawks have to be concerned with the health of 33-year-old QB Matt Hasselbeck, who missed a career-high nine games in ‘08 with back and knee injuries. Doctors said rest would heal Hasselbeck’s back by the end of January, but it remains to be seen if he can make good on his intentions to be ready for minicamps in late April. Backup Senaca Wallace was the starter in three of Seattle’s final four victories and was very impressive in relief of Hasselbeck. However, Wallace is only considered a very capable replacement part in Seattle. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: QB Mark Sanchez (USC), QB John Parker Wilson (Alabama).

4.) Wide Receiver - Seven different wideouts suffered injuries in 2008, the most notable being Nate Burleson, who was lost for the season with a knee injury that required surgery. The WR corps could really use another burner to go with Burleson, who was the unit’s only real deep threat before getting injured. WR Bobby Engram left for Kansas City in the offseason, and Koren Robinson remains an injury risk who has seen better days. Even with adding T.J. Houshmandzadeh from Cincinnati, the Seahawks still are in search of a deep threat. Good Fits in ’09 Draft Class: WR Derrick Williams (Penn State), WR Brian Robiskie (Ohio State), WR Mike Thomas (Arizona).

5.) Outside Linebacker – The Seahawks designated OLB Leroy Hill as their franchise player this offseason, but that only assures this stud will be around for the 2009 season. Hill missed the final four games with a pinched nerve in his neck. With so much money already tied up with Lofa Tatupu, the chances of Hill staying around after this season are very up in the air. The Seahawks also traded away stud OLB Julian Peterson to the Detroit Lions, furthering the need for an OLB to take his place, which is easier said than done. Good Fits in ’09 Draft Class: OLB Marcus Freeman (Ohio State), OLB Jonathan Casillas (Wisconsin).

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