Seattle Seahawks 2012 NFL Draft Review
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1 - Bruce Irvin, DE, West Virginia (6-3, 245); 2 - Bobby Wagner, LB, Utah State (6-0, 235); 3 - Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin (5-11, 204); 4 - Robert Turbin, RB, Utah State (5-10, 222); 4 - Jaye Howard, DT, Florida (6-3, 285); 5 - Korey Toomer, OLB, Idaho (6-2, 234); 6 - Jeremy Lane, CB, Northwestern State (6-0, 184); 6 - Winston Guy, S, Kentucky (6-1, 218); 7 - J.R. Sweezy, DE, North Carolina State (6-5, 298); 7 - Greg Scruggs, DL, Louisville (6-3, 284)
Top Picks Analysis: The Seahawks pulled off what was viewed as the biggest shocker of the opening round by taking the enigmatic Irvin with the 15th overall pick after trading down with Philadelphia. The move was mostly panned as a serious reach, but the junior college transfer is a premium athlete with as much natural pass-rushing ability as anyone in this year's class and had been rocketing into first-day territory. He still carries considerable risk, however, having come from a very troubled upbringing and lacking the bulk to be anything more than a situational one-trick pony, but it's hard to find players with 4,45 speed on a 245-pound frame. Wagner can also fly in addition to being a solid tackler capable of playing inside or out, but will need to improve his awareness before nailing down a starter's role. Seattle made another interesting selection by tabbing Wilson, a terrific leader and scrambler who's hampered by size limitations, in the third round to enter a camp competition with free-agent signee Matt Flynn and holdover Tarvaris Jackson under center.
Best Value Pick: The powerfully-built Turbin is one of this draft's better inside runners and has shown some ability as a receiver as well, though he was plagued by injuries during his time at Utah State. With the Seahawks seeking a physical running back to help ease the burden on workhorse Marshawn Lynch, he could fit the bill.
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Questionable Calls: Every player the Seahawks chose can be categorized as a major roll of the dice. Irvin is undersized and carries character red flags, Wagner is more potential than production, Wilson may not be big enough to succeed at the NFL level and Turbin is a medical risk.
Summary: Head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider's stressing of speed and athleticism was obvious when looking over this list. There are too many gambles to give a high grade, but Irvin's ceiling as a double-digit sack artist and Wilson's multi-dimensional game make this a class worth betting on.
FINAL GRADE: B-