Forget The Seahawks’ #6 Pick In The Draft – The #14 Pick Will Define The Team

To say that the Seahawks current offseason is one of great importance is sort of like saying a kick to the balls can be something of great discomfort.  A new head coach, staff, and front office would be more than enough for any team to experience growing pains.  But there’s a lot more on the line. 

The late season collapse of the Broncos puts the Seahawks in the enviable but not-enviable position of a mid-draft first round pick.  Obviously higher picks are better than lower ones, but when you factor in our own draft spot there is suddenly a whole lot riding on a new front office not fucking up right off the bat.  What do I mean?

Last year’s #14 pick signed a five-year, $19 million dollar deal with $11 million guaranteed.  Last year’s #6 pick was the infamous Andre Smith holdout, which resulted in a four-year deal with $21 million guaranteed.  Just by those numbers alone, the Seahawks will likely be looking at sinking close to $35 million in guaranteed money.  No pressure for the new staff or anything.  That #6 pick, by all accounts, seems quite likely to be one of the top Offensive Lineman to begin the process of replacing Walter Jones’ corpse.  As for the #14, that’s anyone’s guess. 

It seemed like an immediate steal when we made the swap with Denver last year.  Now we’ve got a very risky pick that will have us investing a ton of money into rookies.  The 14 spot isn’t exactly littered with busts, but it’s seen more than it’s fair share of overpaid league average (or below) players.  Yes there was Darrelle Revis there, but there have been a lot of Brodrick Bunkleys.  Fortunately, we have the uncapped year going for us, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we see the team trading down at the #14 unless they feel like there’s a home run there.  Sure, it’s laying up, but with this much at stake it’s probably the right move to do.