Seattle Seahawks NFL Draft WarRoom

by Jon Dove on Jun 30, 2011 9:00 AM EDT

Mocking the Draft wants to introduce you to an new article series taking a closer look at each team's draft workings. The WarRoom articles will give you a glimpse at the recent draft history and the decision-making structure of each NFL team. We will also include our thoughts about the structure and draft history.

Offensive Scheme: Pete Carroll is an aggressive coach and likes to take chances. While, he doesn't call the offensive plays it is clear that the offense mirror's his aggressive style. The Seahawks were 29th in the league in rushing attempts meaning they tended to lean towards passing the football. However, that stat could be a bit misleading as their offensive snaps were far less than the top offenses.

Last season's offense was anything but consistent and threatening which could be attributed to the limited talent. The receiving corps would have been a disaster if not for the emergence of Mike Williams. The unit still lacks a consistent deep threat, something that could be addressed in free agency. A lot of questions surround the offense including the starting quarterback position.

This unit needs to figure out their true identity and a clue might be found in this year's draft. The Seahawks invested to early picks on offensive linemen James Carpenter and John Moffitt. This could mean the team plans to increase their commitment to the running game. Also impacting the play calling will be assistant head coach Tom Cable who will also be coaching the offensive line. However, still expect to see some aggressive play calling fueled by their aggressive head coach.

Defensive Scheme: Seattle runs a unique defensive system that is headed up by Pete Carroll. He focuses on a different combination of massive run stoppers and undersized speed rushers. One of the defensive ends is asked to play two gap football and hold against the run. While the opposite end is asked to pin his ears back and create pressure. This unique style means that Seattle has to find specific players to fit the scheme.

Again, Carroll's defense likes to create pressure and take risks. Last season they ranked 13th in the NFL with a total of 37 sacks while adding 22 turnovers. The defensive unit will continue to improve as Carroll has a chance to add more and more of his own players.

Draft Thoughts: Last year Carroll and company had a very successful draft bringing in two major building blocks in Russell Okung and Earl Thomas. However, this year's draft looks to be less impressive. They appeared to go need over best player available and reached on almost all of their selections. James Carptener was seen as at best a mid 2nd round selection with some having him rated as low as the 4th round.

There are also some concerns surrounding the fact that Seattle didn't add a quarterback in the draft. They have a hole at the position with Matthew Hasselbeck likely moving on and Charlie Whitehurst not impressing. Only time will tell whether or not the 2011 draft was a wash but it has the potential to set the franchise back.

Five-year record: 33- 47

Coach: Pete Carroll

GM: John Schneider

Recent Draft History: Click Here to see the complete draft history

Best Pick: Earl Thomas

Worst Pick: Lawrence Jackson

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Out of curiosity

Did Carrol bring his “elephant LB” concept he used at USC, and if so who’s in it?

If you reply to a comment/post/fanshot of mine, I will more likely then not respond to it, unless you come off like a d-bag.

by DBroncs1414 on Jun 30, 2011 6:19 PM EDT reply actions

Yes he did

That’s what Dove was referring to with “unique defensive scheme”. Chris Clemons (11 sacks) and Raheem Brock (9 sacks) rotated as the elephant/leo end. It’s more of a DE position with a DE/OLB tweener in it than the LB flex position it was used as at USC.

by Thomas Beekers on Jul 1, 2011 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions

This is sorely lacking meaningful information.

90% of the ‘Offensive Scheme’ section has nothing to do with Seattle’s offensive scheme. No mention of blocking, which is a combo ZBS (Zone Blocking System)/Power-blocking scheme. The passing attack is led by a man who operates a version of the West Coast Offense. The passing game doesn’t really lack a deep threat – it doesn’t use deep passes very often. When they do a healthy Deon Butler would be the main burner going deep.

So, while the idea for this series is nice, a little homework would actually make it worth reading.

Hasseldone.

by Misfit74 on Jun 30, 2011 9:32 PM EDT reply actions