Every draft is exciting for the Seahawks because it means injecting young blood into a championship culture. Because of that culture of competition, each and every one of them has the potential to develop into a great player for this team.
Since our back-to-back Super Bowls, the Seahawks have lost guys like Marshawn Lynch, Russell Okung, Brandon Mebane, Max Unger, James Carpenter, J.R. Sweezy, Zach Miller, etc. This draft (in addition to free agency) is their best opportunity to fill those holes so we can get back to the promised land.
Germain Ifedi is the closest player to a young Russell Okung in this draft class. He has all the potential in the world to excel in the run game and at pass pro as the starting RT. If he can develop into a cornerstone player, this offensive line has a chance to return to being a dominant presence.
Jarran Reed was the BEST run defender in college football last year. He is being added to a defense that allowed the fewest rushing yards in the league, sans Mebane. Reed gives the Seahawks a potential day one starter at NT and the depth in the interior defensive line to continue to dominate against the run along the line of scrimmage. Jordan Hill, Michael Bennett, Frank Clark, etc. will continue to provide the interior pass rushing threats. DT Quinton Jefferson gives them a good pass rushing prospect at the three technique. I don't think you should allow the rest of the league's current antipathy toward stopping the run dampen your excitement over this great selection.
RBs C.J. Prosise, Alex Collins, and Zac Brooks will all provide valuable competition at RB to replace Marshawn Lynch, competing with Thomas Rawls and Christine Michael on a team that is committed to running the ball as much as they throw it. Carroll's initial acquisition of Lynch and his hand picking of undrafted free agent Rawls prove he's pretty damn good at evaluating the running back position.
TE Nick Vannett was a very sure-handed receiver at Ohio State with Zach Miller-like characteristics. He has the huge frame to grow into a solid blocker under Tom Cable's tutelage. Vannett and WR Kenny Lawler give Russell Willson more potential red zone threats.
Center Joey Hunt and guard Rees Odhiambo will provide valuable competition along the offensive line. These are both experienced technicians who excelled in the college game. Both are excellent in pass pro. Odhiambo is a less athletic version of Alvin Bailey, but unlike Bailey, he actually enjoys hitting people. Hunt was the best pass protector in college football last season. We badly needed to upgrade the competition at this position group. Getting two linemen who are proven to be good at what they do should assist that process.
