oldhawkfan
Well-known member
I don't think anyone would disagree that we are in some type of rebuilding mode. Rebuilding, reloading, however you want to name it, this team is in need of an infusion of talent. When PC/JS came on board in 2010 they undertook a complete restoration of the franchise, top to bottom. I don't know that there were any real cornerstone pieces when they took over. Perhaps just a handful of place holders until they found suitable pieces to fit their plan.
I don't remember the exact number, but they made a record of transactions their first couple of years in trying to find, discover and develop talent. With the current changes to the coaching staff, I believe that they are looking at building the next phase of team development. Luckily, they are farther along or at least in a better place as far as having some cornerstones in place in which to build the team around.
Here are the pieces that I believe to be cornerstones on this team. I am not including players not currently under contract for 2018.
Offense:
Russell Wilson....a franchise QB in his prime.
Doug Baldwin......A difference making WR, maybe not a true #1 but a solid WR who has good chemistry with his QB
Here is where I am starting to hear crickets chirping...The rest of the offense is made up of role players and fringe players. There are still some good contributors under contract but no one that I would consider cornerstones. The closest might be Duane Brown but he probably only has a couple of years left. Tyler Lockette has potential to move into a cornerstone but is currently just a luxury to have as a returner.
Defense:
Frank Clark....He looks to be the present and future.
Bobby Wagner....he is what RW is on offense...a franchise MLB
KJ Wright...a perfect compliment to Wagner, versatile in that he can slide over to MLB if needed
Richards Sherman...under contract, shut down corner. If he comes back from Achilles and is on the team he is a cornerstone.
Earl Thomas...best at his position league wide, starting to exhibit baggage that team might not want. His play overshadows baggage.
Michael Bennett is probably no longer a cornerstone but more of a role player. Jarran Reed is not a cornerstone but a very nice piece to have along the d-line. The defense has more cornerstones than the offense and a few more functional pieces with which to build around.
By my count, there are 7 cornerstone pieces upon which to build this team, or rebuild. Much much farther along than 2010-2011. One could argue that those cornerstones are somewhat in flux and could be as low as 5, but could also be much higher depending on what happens in free agency.
Ifs, ands, or, buts:
If certain free agents are retained, they could be considered cornerstones....Richardson (pick one), Jimmy Graham (if the new OC uses him correctly)
I don't remember the exact number, but they made a record of transactions their first couple of years in trying to find, discover and develop talent. With the current changes to the coaching staff, I believe that they are looking at building the next phase of team development. Luckily, they are farther along or at least in a better place as far as having some cornerstones in place in which to build the team around.
Here are the pieces that I believe to be cornerstones on this team. I am not including players not currently under contract for 2018.
Offense:
Russell Wilson....a franchise QB in his prime.
Doug Baldwin......A difference making WR, maybe not a true #1 but a solid WR who has good chemistry with his QB
Here is where I am starting to hear crickets chirping...The rest of the offense is made up of role players and fringe players. There are still some good contributors under contract but no one that I would consider cornerstones. The closest might be Duane Brown but he probably only has a couple of years left. Tyler Lockette has potential to move into a cornerstone but is currently just a luxury to have as a returner.
Defense:
Frank Clark....He looks to be the present and future.
Bobby Wagner....he is what RW is on offense...a franchise MLB
KJ Wright...a perfect compliment to Wagner, versatile in that he can slide over to MLB if needed
Richards Sherman...under contract, shut down corner. If he comes back from Achilles and is on the team he is a cornerstone.
Earl Thomas...best at his position league wide, starting to exhibit baggage that team might not want. His play overshadows baggage.
Michael Bennett is probably no longer a cornerstone but more of a role player. Jarran Reed is not a cornerstone but a very nice piece to have along the d-line. The defense has more cornerstones than the offense and a few more functional pieces with which to build around.
By my count, there are 7 cornerstone pieces upon which to build this team, or rebuild. Much much farther along than 2010-2011. One could argue that those cornerstones are somewhat in flux and could be as low as 5, but could also be much higher depending on what happens in free agency.
Ifs, ands, or, buts:
If certain free agents are retained, they could be considered cornerstones....Richardson (pick one), Jimmy Graham (if the new OC uses him correctly)