Wednesday, 9 June 2010

Seventh-round picks sign up

By Rob Staton
The Seahawks agreed terms with their two seventh round picks today. Dexter Davis (DE) and Jameson Konz (WR/TE) both signed deals and join Anthony McCoy (TE) and Kam Chancellor (SS) as rookies to complete contracts. Five members of the 2010 draft class are yet to agree terms. Elsewhere, an eventful week for Golden Tate was made even more noticeable when he was drafted to the MLB. The San Francisco Giants selected him in the 50th round, 1518 overall. I guess the drop to the 50th round could've been donut-related.

Pete Carroll unplugged

Friday, 4 June 2010

Mel Kiper's impact rookies

By Rob Staton
Mel Kiper has posted an article listing the rookies he believes have impact-potential in 2010. You'll need to be an ESPN insider to read the article in full, but there is a Seahawks representative. Kiper names four defensive 'shoe-ins' who he expects will hit the ground running in year one. Aside from Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy and Eric Berry - Earl Thomas is also listed.

"I think Thomas might even have a chance to make a bigger impact early than Eric Berry, just because his pass-coverage skills are so advanced, and his instincts so good that it's hard to imagine that he won't quickly be stepping in front of some passes at the NFL level. Thomas just makes you a better pass-coverage unit, period."
- Mel Kiper, ESPN

My own personal opinion is to only ever be surprised when rookies have a huge impact. Of the top ten picks last year, only Mark Sanchez had a lasting impact. Even still, he was inconsistent and erratic during the regular season. He was helped significantly in the post season by excellent defense and a good running game, but kept things together. Michael Crabtree was excellent considering he missed time early due to an extended hold out, but was too late to help the 49ers make a realistic push for the post season.

Aaron Curry probably would've been listed in a similar 'shoe-in' list last year. Unfortunately, despite a bright start the linebacker saw a decrease in game-time and impact as the Seahawks slumped to 5-11. Both of Seattle's first round picks (and second rounder Golden Tate) will be put on the field quickly. The need for patience is vital though amongst pundits and fans alike. Potential is one thing, execution and consistency is another. A good year for Seattle's top rookie's will be a great understanding of their schemes and the knowledge of what it takes to succeed in the NFL.

If the numbers don't match the quality of experience, it won't necessarily be a negative.

Thursday, 3 June 2010

Chancellor the second rookie to sign

By Rob Staton
Kam Chancellor has agreed terms with the Seahawks on a four year deal, becoming the second rookie to do so. The fifth round draft pick has inked a $2.83m contract. The deal can escalate to a low-end restricted free agent contract in the final year depending on performance. Chancellor is a developmental strong safety who has a chance to have some impact on special teams this year. Although he is a good fit physically to start at SS, don't expect to see two rookies starting at safety for the Seahawks in 2010.

Tuesday, 1 June 2010

Anthony McCoy the first to sign-up

By Rob Staton
Anthony McCoy (TE, USC) became the first member of the Seahawks 2010 draft class to agree terms today. He's signed a four-year deal having been drafted in round six. Although McCoy might not have much impact as a rookie, he's one to keep an eye on. Ultra-talented and with major upside, his off the field issues cost him dearly on draft day. If he wants to be good, he can be. Here's what I wrote about McCoy shortly after the draft.