Pro Football Draft Network | 2012 Pro Football Draft Analysis

1st Round (#25) OT James Carpenter, Alabama

3rd Round (#75) G John Moffitt, Wisconsin

4th Round (#99) OLB K.J. Wright, Mississippi State

4th Round (#107) WR Kris Durham, Georgia

5th Round (#154) CB Richard Sherman, Stanford

5th Round (#156) S Mark Legree, Appalachian State

6^th Round (#173) CB Byron Maxwell, Clemson

7^th Round (#205) DT Lazarius Levingston, LSU

7^th Round (#242) OLB Malcolm Smith, USC

Analysis of Notable Selections:

James Carpenter: Seattle did not view Andy Dalton, Ryan Mallett or Colin Kaepernick as Matt Hasselbeck’s successor.  The team stuck to their conviction to build a strong offensive line.  Seattle is set at left tackle (Russell Okung), but they are in need of a good right tackle.  The Seahawks chose James Carpenter over Gabe Carimi. The former Alabama left tackle was a solid performer in the SEC.  Carpenter also looked comfortable playing at guard during Senior Bowl week.  His ability to play guard may have been the reason Seattle favored Carpenter over Carimi (who may be too tall to play guard).  Seattle tried to trade out of the 1^st round and planned to select Carpenter a bit later.  The team could not find a trading partner and then simply chose the player that they believed in.  Carpenter was selected earlier than many expected, but all that really matters is whether he can play.  Carpenter likely will develop into a reliable right tackle or guard for the Seahawks.  

John Moffitt: The Seahawks continue building a solid foundation on the offensive line by selecting a tough guard.  Moffitt is a big brawler who is very comfortable playing left guard.  Seattle has had a weakness at left guard since they foolishly transitioned tagged Steve Hutchinson who then departed via free agency to Minnesota.  Moffitt is not as good as Hutchinson, but he may bring stability to the left guard position.  Moffitt may struggle at times against quickness, but he gets after defenders when run blocking.  He also has some experience playing center and could help there in a pinch.

K.J. Wright: The Hawks have issues at linebacker.  Leroy Hill’s career has spiraled downhill in terms of production, health (Achilles injury in 2010) and off-the-field issues.  Will Herring is really a backup and not a quality starter.  Wright was productive at Mississippi State.  He flashed some pass rush and coverage skills.  His instincts do not appear to be top-notch.  Wright was a decent selection to bolster a linebacker unit that has disappointed.

Kris Durham: The tall and lanky Georgia wide receiver (6’ 5” and 216 lbs) had an undistinguished collegiate career.  Durham has had his share of injuries (shoulder, ankle, bruised lung and a broken hand).  His ability to handle the increased physical nature of pro ball is questionable.  Durham’s best season was in 2010 when he snagged 32 passes for 659 yards (20.6 per) and 3 touchdowns.  The former Bulldog is intelligent and has good hands.  He also can get downfield (4.4 Forty speed).  The big question with Kris Durham is has he licked the injury bug?  Durham was a decent selection if he can stay healthy.  Seattle wants to establish the run with a good offensive line.  PFDN liked Dion Lewis in this spot as an underrated running back.  Lewis has more upside than Justin Forsett does as a complement to Marshawn Lynch.

2011 NFL Draft Grade: C+

Bottom Line: PFDN liked Seattle’s strategy of sticking to the fundamentals of football.  The Seahawks want to have a strong offensive line after neglecting this unit for too many years.  They let other teams reach for a quarterback.  Carpenter and Moffitt will bolster Seattle’s offensive line.  The rest of their draft was questionable.  K.J. Wright’s instincts at linebacker appear to be average. Kris Durham’s durability is suspect.  Richard Sherman adds much needed height to Seattle’s cornerbacks.  However, he struggles changing direction fluidly and that is a problem.