The Philosophy
“As we looked at our team and we looked at the guys on the draft board we knew it was going to be a challenge to take guys because we like the players we have. The depth charts are situated well, and they’re young, and they’re just reaching the prime of their playing time. I look at is as hoping we can add a competitive nature to the position, and that’ll bring out the best in everybody that’s there.” —Head coach Pete Carroll
The Picks
Christine Michael, RB – Round 2, #62 overall (@CMike33)
Fun Fact: Ejected from a game last season after punching an opposing player.
“He’s our kind of runner. He’s a tough, intense, one-cut upfield guy. You don’t know if he’s gonna try to make you miss or run into ya.” —General manager John Schneider
“We ran the ball more than anybody in the NFL last year, so we want this position loaded up.” —Carroll
“You can’t go through drafts passing on talents like Michael. When you start doing that is when you start to make a lot of mistakes.” —Schneider
“He’s an explosive NFL back. He’s a traditional one-cut downhill guy. Marshawn has a little more slide. Christine is: ‘Downhill now.’” —Area scout Matt Berry
“Seattle was going to find it difficult to make a tangible improvement to the team without a round one pick this year. By taking Michael, they managed it anyway.” —Rob Staton, Seahawks Draft Blog
“Michael has the athleticism, size, and physical upside of Adrian Peterson. He even looks like AP a little bit. And as I found out today, they both spent time doing offseason workouts together in Texas. Peterson has better lateral agility and doesn’t have a fumble problem, but in terms of physical dominance, Michael’s potential is sky high.” —Kip Earlywine, Seahawks Draft Blog
“Michael might be the most talented back in this class. If Seattle can keep him focused, Michael has a chance to be a steal at this point.” —ESPN
Similar Picks: Golden Tate (#60, 2010); Darryl Tapp (#63, 2006); Anton Palepoi (#60, 2002); Bob Jury (#63, 1978); Steve Raible (#59, 1976); Jeff Lloyd (#62, 1976).
Jordan Hill, DL – Round 3, #87 overall (@J_HILL_47)
Fun Fact: Led high school team to two Pennsylvania state championships.
“He’ll be right in the rotation. We’ve been trying to get more activity inside and this is the guy we thought was one of the best players in the draft at creating space inside.” —Carroll
“He can get up the field and be disruptive and is really quick laterally. That was a hole for us.” —Schneider
“Hill is a high-floor, low-ceiling option at defensive tackle. He’s good for a few nifty plays a game in the backfield, but he’s not a dominant force. In terms of upside, there were many other DTs who are better that Seattle passed on for Hill.” —Kip Earlywine, Seahawks Draft Blog
“Hill isn’t overly physical, which means his early contributions will be in sub packages.” —ESPN
Similar Picks: Brandon Mebane (#85, 2007); David Greene (#85, 2005); Kris Richard (#85, 2002); Dean Wells (#85, 1993); Chris Warren (#89, 1990); Rickey Hagood (#86, 1984); Scott Phillips (#84, 1981); John Yarno (#87, 1977), Rick Engels (#89, 1976).
Chris Harper, WR – Round 4, #123 overall (@THEChrisHarper)
Fun Fact: Started college career as a QB at Oregon.
“He’s a big, strong, physical receiver. We like that element, that’s different than the guys we have. We see him as an outside receiver.” —Carroll
“Former quarterback with a good understanding of the passing game but still developing as a route runner.” —ESPN
“He has enough speed to threaten the big play and the strength to shield defenders from the ball, often coming through with tough grabs with corners draped over him.” —Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com
“I’ve only been (playing WR) three years. I’m still new but it feels more natural now.” —Chris Harper
“He’ll be a versatile weapon in the offense – he’s played inside and out in Kansas State’s offense – and his downfield blocking must have been super attractive to the Hawks.” —Danny Kelly, Field Gulls
“Harper is the size of MLB Bobby Wagner … 6-0, 234 pounds.” —Dave Boling, Tacoma News Tribune
“Love it!!! This guy is 230 lbs with speed! Over 6 feet!” —@DavisHsuSeattle
Similar Picks: Red Bryant (#121, 2008); Mansfield Wrotto (#124, 2007); Gary Dandridge (#122, 1992); Mark Napolitan (#123, 1985); Chris Castor (#123, 1983); Randy Johnson (#122, 1976); Andy Bolton (#123, 1976).
Jesse Williams, DT – Round 5, #137 overall (@TheMonstar)
Fun fact: Born and raised in Australia, didn’t play football until he was 14.
“He’ll fill a specific role for us. His strength and his ability to compress the cockpit is really intriguing to us.” —Schneider
“We’d like him to play three-technique. We think he’ll play a lot of first and second down and we’ll see how he can push the pocket on third down.” —Carroll
“A disruptor but not a finisher. Has a little bit of upside if he continues to improve array of pass rush moves and develop a better pass-rushing gameplan.” —ESPN
“Williams isn’t going to pressure the quarterback often but his size and strength will make him a force in the middle.” —Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com
“Seahawks get first-round quality DT Jesse Williams in the fifth round? Of course they do.” —Will Brinson, CBS Sports
“Run-stopping is my strength. Hopefully in the NFL I’ll get a better chance at pass rushing.” —Jesse Williams
“The perfect example of the deep talent pool at defensive line in this year’s draft. At 6-3 ½ and 323 pounds, Williams is a powerhouse inside, demonstrated by his 600-pound bench press.” —Eric Williams, Tacoma News Tribune
Read more here: http://blog.thenewstribune.com/seahawks/2013/04/27/seahawks-select-dt-jesse-williams-at-no-137-cb-tharold-simon-no-138-pick-in-fifth-round/#storylink=cpy
“You’re always looking for the guy whose best football is ahead of him. My hunch is that Williams may be one of those guys.” —Danny Kelly, Field Gulls
Tharold Simon, CB – Round 5, #138 overall (@t_simon24)
Fun Fact: Got arrested the Thursday before the draft for allegedly threatening a cop.
“Very long, very aggressive, should fit in very well. He’s coming in to compete outside.” —Carroll
“Good-sized athlete with quick read/react skills. Long arms and uses his reach to make plays on the ball. Not a quick-twitch athlete and lacks elite long-speed.” —NFLDraftScout.com
“I know exactly how (the Seahawks) play. They like tall physical corners. They like to press.” —Tharold Simon
“A right side corner – likely the long-term successor to Brandon Browner.” —Danny Kelly, Field Gulls
Similar Picks: Solomon Bates (#135, 2003); Alex Bannister (#140, 2001); Floyd Wedderburn (#140, 1999); Johnnie Jones (#137, 1985), Steve Durham (#140, 1981).
Luke Willson, TE – Round 5, #158 overall
Fun Fact: Played on the Canadian national junior baseball team alongside current Blue Jay Brett Lawrie.
“For us, the second-best tester of all the tight ends in this draft.” —Schneider
“We think he can get down the field for us, but we’d really like to develop him to do everything.” —Carroll
“(Had) a stellar workout at Rice’s pro day. Wilson posted a 4.49 forty-yard dash time paired with 23-reps on the bench press and a 38-inch vertical leap.” —Roni Wade, Pro Player Insiders
“Athletic tight end prospect with a large upside. Must commit to football and find a team willing to develop his skills” —Draft Insider
“He’s going to be a guy who can give us a downfield threat from that tight end position.” —Seahawks area scout Ed Dodds (via Eric Williams, Tacoma News Tribune)
Similar picks: Mark LeGree (#156, 2011); Jeb Huckeba (#159, 2005); D.J. Hackett (#157, 2004); Roy Hart (#158, 1988); Larry Bates (#156, 1976); Al Darby (#157, 1976).
Spencer Ware, RB – Round 6, #194 overall (@spenceware11)
Fun Fact: 2nd LSU underclassman taken by Seahawks (Simon).
“He’s such a tough guy. I think he really fits the style. We’re hoping that we can groom him as a fullback who can play tailback.” —Carroll
“Runs with a purpose. Plays the game with passion and energy.” —ESPN
“Valuable on third down. A willing blocker and skilled receiver with soft hands and better than average athleticism.” —Billy Gomila, SBNation
“(Ware) ran the 40-yard dash in 4.62 and 4.63 seconds. He posted a 34 inch vertical leap and a 10-foot-1/2 inch broad jump. Ware had a good workout on the day, and caught the ball exceptionally well.” —Gil Brandt, NFL.com
“A solid interior runner who can line up in a power-running offense or be used as a short-yardage back at the next level.” —Draft Insider
“With the backfield getting a bit crowded…(Michael) Robinson’s role and cap hit begins to come into question. Ware is a logical fullback convert, a role he played at times at LSU. Ware is a fantastic pass-catcher out of the backfield and as a former HS Quarterback, has been schooled in reading defenses, similar to Robinson.” —Danny Kelly, Field Gulls
Similar picks: Tony Jackson (#196, 2005); Craig Jarrett (#194, 2002); Ron Mattes (#193, 1985); Eric Lane (#196, 1981).
Ryan Seymour, OG – Round 7, #220 overall (@SEYMONSTER62)
“Fun” Fact: Moved from defensive line to offense early in college career.
“We talk about smart, tough, reliable, and that’s what he is.” —Schneider
“Quick enough to reach front side three-technique and cut off backside one-technique in zone scheme.” —ESPN
“Played effectively at several of line positions, taking snaps at center, guard and tackle.” —Vanderbilt Athletics
Similar picks: Josh Brown (#222, 2003); Dennis Norman (#222, 2001); Judious Lewis (#221, 1985).
Ty Powell, DE – Round 7, #231 overall (@tytan9)
Fun Fact: Was a QB in high school and led his team to a California state championship.
“We like the athleticism and the speed he brings.” —Schneider
“Ranked among the most explosive in his position group in the vertical jump (37″) and three-cone drill (6.98-seconds).” —Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com
“Very high ceiling as a pass rusher. Possesses a quick first step.” —ESPN
Similar picks: Greg Scruggs (#232, 2012); Justin Forsett (#233, 2008); Steve Vallos (#232, 2007); Jeff Kelly (#232, 2002); Rich Grimmett (#231, 1978).
Jared Smith, OG – Round 7, #241 overall (@unhsmitty90)
Fun Fact: Played defense in college, Seahawks will convert him to guard like they did with J.R. Sweezy.
“We’re excited about his upside from an athletic standpoint. Very similar mold as Sweezy.” —Schneider
“Hits all the marks in terms of height, weight and top-end speed. Average arm length (33.5).” —ESPN
“I will always feel that I need to prove to everyone why I belong, but I like having that pressure on me because I know that I will work harder than anyone. Working hard is in my nature from being a New Hampshire Wildcat and I am willing to prove that to anyone.” —Jared Smith
“(Smith) earned the nickname ‘Fat Rabbit’ for his surprising speed and agility within an outsized frame.” —Louis Bien, SB Nation
“As long as (switching positions) gets me to where I’m going, I’m going to work very hard.” —Jared Smith
Michael Bowie, OT – Round 7, #242 overall (@61likebowie)
Fun Fact: Started college career at Oklahoma State, was dismissed for violating undisclosed team rules.
“Big, athletic, great feet, long arms. Has a bit of a background, if he overcomes that has a chance to be a great pro.” —Schneider
“He’s the type of guy they call a developmental swing lineman prospect.” —Mike Mayock, NFL Network
“Bowie has a massive frame, and a lot of upside in terms of athleticism and natural power. However, he is raw.” —ESPN
Similar picks: Malcolm Smith (#242, 2011); Ryan Plackemeier (#239, 2006); Deatrich Wise (#242, 1989); M.L. Johnson (#243, 1987); Adam Schreiber (#243, 1984); Ezra Tate (#240, 1979); Bob Bos (#239, 1976).
The Undrafted Free Agents
Matt Austin, WR, Utah State: “A big, physical wide receiver with great hands.” [USU player page]
Alvin Bailey, OT, Arkansas: “Blessed with a natural anchor to limit his opponent’s opposition.” [NFL draft page]
Kenneth Boatright, DE, Southern Illinois: “Was 26th nationally in TFLs per game (1.23).” [SIU player page]
Ramon Buchanan, LB, Miami: “Was one of the top defenders out of Florida as a recruit.” [CBS draft page]
John Lotulelei, LB, UNLV: “A thick OLB (with) quickness and closing speed.” [NFL draft page]
Ray Polk, SS, Colorado: “Ran the 40 at 4.40 and had a 39-inch vertical jump.” [NFL draft page]
Jordon Roussos, OG, Bowling Green: “BGSU’s offensive line allowed just 13 sacks all season.” [NFLDraftScout page]
Dominique Whaley, RB, Oklahoma: “Walk-on turned into team’s starting RB.” [OU player page]
Craig Wilkins, LB, Old Dominion: “ODU’s all-time leader in tackles, sacks, forced fumbles, and interceptions.” [ODU player page]