Gooses Seahawks Draft Preview Part 1 (Safeties...The Last Line of Defense)

We've all read the mock drafts. We've all gone to the websites, read the Blogs. And we all have the same question.

Who will the Seahawks draft #1?

1st lets look at needs
1. Cornerback: Andre Dyson is gone and Kelly Herndon is better suited for a backup or nickel role.
2. Defensive End: The team obviously wants to upgrade the pass rush, as evident by its push for John Abraham.
3. Safety: It looks like Ken Hamlin will be able to return from his injuries but even if he is able to make a full recovery there really isn't any depth to speak of behind either him or Michael Boulware.





Most of the drafts are predicting a DE. After filling most of the teams needs via Free Agency. I forsee a reach at the #31 pick. Unless a top CB drops and they pick up Ty Law.

The Hawks will take the Best Safety Available.
I think the depth in the definsive backfiled has to be the #1 concern. With the loss of Lawyer Miloy and the question marks surrounding the hammer Hamlin. I think the best move would be to take a look at a top safety.

1st of all. what to you look for in a Safety?
If you are coaching Gooses 46 Gambler your safety is "As Deep as the Deepest Man"

Well according to most scouts, here is the Breakdown of a safety Prospect

Critical factors
1. Character
2. Ability to learn football
3. Competitiveness and toughness
4. Work habits
5. Athletic ability

Position specifics
1. Man-to-man coverage ability
2. Zone coverage ability
3. Backpedal
4. Break from pedal
5. Run support
6. Tackling ability
7. Closing quickness
8. Deep acceleration
9. Playing the ball
10. Hands

Now who are the Best safeties in the draft?

1. Donte Whitner, Ohio State (5-10 1/8, 204, 4.45) (Projected around #24 to the Bengals) Whitner had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.40 and 4.49, had a 40-inch vertical jump, 11-foot long jump, 4.12 short shuttle, 6.79 three-cone drill, and did 18 lifts

2. Daniel Bullocks, Nebraska (6-0½, 212, 4.40)
Bullocks had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.39 and 4.41, had a 38-inch vertical jump, 10-foot-4 long jump, 4.16 short shuttle, 6.91 three-cone drill, and did 18 lifts


3. Darnell Bing, USC (6-2, 225, 4.58)
Bing did not have a complete workout at the Combine, but did have a 34-inch vertical jump, 10-foot long jump, 4.07 short shuttle, 7.25 three-cone drill, and did 17 lifts. He ran at the USC Pro Day on April 2 and clocked 40 times of 4.57 and 4.59, had a 6.75 three-cone drill, and did 21 lifts

4. Danieal Manning, Abilene Christian (5-10¾, 202, 4.51)
Manning had a complete workout at the Combine. He ran his 40s in 4.46 and 4.55, had a 39-inch vertical jump, 10-foot-3 long jump, 4.07 short shuttle, 7.23 three-cone drill, and did 17 lifts

My predicion is that the Hawks will try to move up to Whitner or potentially use a second rounder for Bing (If they want a prototype Strong safety) or Bullocks (if they want a rangy Free safety)

I think Donte Whitner is the next Roy Williams
With the draft only a week away, the ty Law signing becomes the focus of the draft. they need another corner. A veteran would fit nicely.

I'd love to see Whitner or Bing in a Hawk uniform. I like Bullocks, but there is something about USC players with experience that makes me give the nod to Bing.