BetUS $500 Match Bonus
Sign up for a new account with BetUS and deposit $500 or more to get a $500 match bonus!

$20 Free Play at Sportsbook.com
Your first bet is free when you open a new account at sportsbook.com!

2009 NFL Draft Predictions: Seattle Seahawks

Written by Jimmy Boyd on April 21, 2009

seahawks-42109 2008 was a difficult season for a Seattle Seahawks franchise which has ruled the NFC West. Blame some of it on injuries, but this team has plenty of holes on both sides of the ball. They could challenge for a NFC West title again as soon as this year, but getting back to the Super Bowl hinges on adding difference-making talent. Jimmy Boyd breaks down the Seahawks’ biggest draft needs, likely day one targets, and their recent draft track record in this 2009 NFL Draft preview.

Biggest Draft Needs – While holes on the offense have began to emerge on the offensive line and at wide receiver, the defense has not really ever been a dominant unit even during Seattle’s run of division championships. They need a pass rusher, linebacker, cornerback, and safety to start eliminating some of the holes. It’s not the biggest need, but the Seahawks will consider getting an apprentice at QB to learn under Matt Hasselbeck as well.

Likely Day 1 Targets – If Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry were to somehow slip past the top three teams, the Seattle Seahawks will surely be ready to pounce. This dream scenario would allow the Seahawks to gain an immediate impact player to replace Julian Peterson. Curry is regarded as the best overall defensive talent in this year’s draft.

Seattle considered taking a QB in the second round in last year’s draft, but didn’t pull the trigger. A season filled with injuries for starter Matt Hasselbeck will have the Seahawks thinking about taking a QB again. They expect Hasselbeck to be their guy for quite some time, but this would be a pick like the Green Bay Packers made when they took Aaron Rodgers while Brett Favre still had some good seasons left. The Seahawks like Matthew Stafford, but he likely won’t be available. That leaves Mark Sanchez if they become convinced that he can be a star QB at this level.

The Seahawks will have to consider taking an offensive tackle as well with Walter Jones being 35 years old and coming off knee surgery. The Seahawks should be able to get Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith or Virginia offensive tackle Eugene Monroe. Either would provide depth and flexibility. This looks like the safest pick in my book.

Lastly, the Seahawks could decide to nab Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree. While he is not hyped to be the burner that the Seahawks want, the guy has shown that he can make plays and that’s what I would be more concerned about.

Recent Draft Track Record – Mike Holmgren and Tim Ruskell were a solid team on draft day, and I expect Ruskell to continue to hold down the fort on his own. In the last go around for the aforementioned, the Seahawks landed a gem in Notre Dame tight end John Carlson with their second round selection. He finished the season with 55 catches for 627 yards and 5 touchdowns and I expect to see his numbers rise in 2009 if Hasselbeck stays healthy to deliver him the pigskin. First rounder, defensive end Lawrence Jackson, has a strong upside as well.

Make Jimmy Boyd’s Locksmith Sports your one stop shop for all your NFL betting needs. Check out the NFL spreads daily via his live lines link to see which book is posting the best number and see who Jimmy is playing by picking up one of his NFL picks packages.

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in: