Back for 2007

The draft is over...yawn. The only really interesting thing that happened was losing Darrell Jackson, which was terrible. He was somewhat of a malcontent, but he produced like no other receiver in Seahawks history except Steve Largent. I'll pencil him in for about 10 catches, 120 yards, and 2 touchdowns next year against the Hawks - not to mention a few big third down drive sustaining receptions. Oh well, with Tim Ruskell you have to take the good with the bad. Let's hope his knee starts acting up.

Mansfield Wrotto may end up being a great offensive lineman, but he is too raw to make an impact in the near future. The Seahawks appear to be heading down the road of a frustrating team that lurks on the edge of winning it all for a few years and then tumbles into mediocrity (see: Seattle Mariners). The loss of Jackson is huge with a big void at tight end. I guess I can give everyone a big, "I told you so" regarding Jerramy Stevens.

Just like Stevens, the Seahawks dropped the ball during free agency with respect to tight ends. David Martin and Eric Johnson were available relatively cheap. Martin signed with Miami for 3-years, $3.57 million and Eric Johnson signed a one-year deal with New Orleans. Randy McMichael signed a richer, but fair deal in St. Louis at $11 million over 3 years. The Seahawks were probably wise to pass on Daniel Graham, given that he nabbed a five-year, $30-million deal that includes $15 million in guaranteed money from Denver.

2007 might really be the year the Seahawks defense outshines the offense unless Shaun Alexander and the offensive line recover to 2005 form. That seems at least possible, but will be difficult with a troubled passing game. Deion Branch, D.J. Hackett and Nate Burleson could potentially pull it off, but that is more wishful thinking than anything else. I actually like Marcus Pollard.

The addition of safeties Deon Grant and Brian Russell more than make up for the loss of Ken Hamlin. Hamlin has always been immature and his big hit mentality and on-field antics cost the team a lot last year in terms of stupid penalties, missed tackles, and blown assignments. Hamlin is one of the most talented safeties in the league, but he isn't too bright. The team is deeper on defense than it was last year, and has less injury concerns coming into the season. The loss of D.D. Lewis should not be underestimated, but overall things are looking better on that side of the football. If Mike Green is back to pre-injury form, then the secondary is in good shape. Jim Mora, Jr. helps there as well.