Mocking the Draft wants to introduce you to an new article series taking a closer look at each team’s draft workings. The WarRoom articles will give you a glimpse at the recent draft history and the decision-making structure of each NFL team. We will also include our thoughts about the structure and draft history.
Seattle Seahawks NFL Draft WarRoom
Offensive Scheme: Pete Carroll is an aggressive coach and likes to take chances. While, he doesn't call the offensive plays it is clear that the offense mirror's his aggressive style. The Seahawks were 29th in the league in rushing attempts meaning they tended to lean towards passing the football. However, that stat could be a bit misleading as their offensive snaps were far less than the top offenses.
Last season’s offense was anything but consistent and threatening which could be attributed to the limited talent. The receiving corps would have been a disaster if not for the emergence of Mike Williams. The unit still lacks a consistent deep threat, something that could be addressed in free agency. A lot of questions surround the offense including the starting quarterback position.
This unit needs to figure out their true identity and a clue might be found in this year's draft. The Seahawks invested to early picks on offensive linemen James Carpenter and John Moffitt. This could mean the team plans to increase their commitment to the running game. Also impacting the play calling will be assistant head coach Tom Cable who will also be coaching the offensive line. However, still expect to see some aggressive play calling fueled by their aggressive head coach.
Defensive Scheme: Seattle runs a unique defensive system that is headed up by Pete Carroll. He focuses on a different combination of massive run stoppers and undersized speed rushers. One of the defensive ends is asked to play two gap football and hold against the run. While the opposite end is asked to pin his ears back and create pressure. This unique style means that Seattle has to find specific players to fit the scheme.
Again, Carroll’s defense likes to create pressure and take risks. Last season they ranked 13th in the NFL with a total of 37 sacks while adding 22 turnovers. The defensive unit will continue to improve as Carroll has a chance to add more and more of his own players.
Draft Thoughts: Last year Carroll and company had a very successful draft bringing in two major building blocks in Russell Okung and Earl Thomas. However, this year's draft looks to be less impressive. They appeared to go need over best player available and reached on almost all of their selections. James Carptener was seen as at best a mid 2nd round selection with some having him rated as low as the 4th round.
There are also some concerns surrounding the fact that Seattle didn't add a quarterback in the draft. They have a hole at the position with Matthew Hasselbeck likely moving on and Charlie Whitehurst not impressing. Only time will tell whether or not the 2011 draft was a wash but it has the potential to set the franchise back.
Five-year record: 33- 47
Coach: Pete Carroll
GM: John Schneider
Recent Draft History: Click Here to see the complete draft history
Best Pick: Earl Thomas
Worst Pick: Lawrence Jackson
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