They've drafted real well
Seahawks proving experts wrong with 2012 draft class
By John Boyle, Herald Columnist
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There is a lot to like about the Seattle Seahawks' top decision makers.
From the non-stop energy of head coach Pete Carroll to the laid-back demeanor of general manager John Schneider, to their "fantastic collaboration" -- as former Seahawks president Tod Leiweke put it -- that at times seems more fit for a buddy comedy film than an NFL front office.
But the best thing about Carroll and Schneider? They don't give a damn what you or I or any of the so-called experts think when it comes to judging talent. Particularly not on draft weekend.
And heading into today's game in Toronto, the Seahawks are playoff contenders in no small part because Carroll and Schneider weren't afraid to go against the grain in April.
The Seahawks trust the ability of Schneider and his scouting department to evaluate talent, and they believe in Carroll and his coaching staff's ability to develop it. And that's why, eight months after Seattle's 2012 draft class was panned as one of the worst in the NFL, the Seahawks are contending for an NFC playoff spot while relying heavily on rookies, including one at the most important position in the game.
Russell Wilson, the quarterback who was too short and should have been taken in the fifth or sixth round, not the third? He's having one of the best seasons by a rookie quarterback in NFL history. Bobby Wagner, the linebacker from a small college who was athletic but something of an unknown coming out of Utah State? He's the team's leading tackler, has three interceptions, and is calling plays for one of the NFL's best defenses. And Bruce Irvin, the pass rusher who was a huge reach in the first round? He leads all NFL rookies with eight sacks, which already stands as a franchise rookie record.
And let's not forget sixth-round pick Jeremy Lane, who has been a huge contributor on special teams, and who because of injuries and a suspension is now playing meaningful snaps at cornerback. Or running back Robert Turbin, a fourth-round pick who had his first career 100-yard game last week, and who makes the prospect of playing a game without Marshawn Lynch significantly less daunting than it was last season, when the offense disappeared when Lynch was a game-day scratch because of back spasms. Or defensive end Greg Scruggs, the Seahawks' last pick who has carved out a significant role in the defensive line rotation and has two sacks. Or J.R. Sweezy, a seventh-round pick who moved from defensive tackle to guard, and is battling for a starting job despite having not played offensive line since he was a child.
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