Seattle Seahawks Draft Preview: A Different Kind of Pressure
By Todd Pheifer
Apr 26, 2013; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks before the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports
The Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl XLVIII. That still have a fantastic ring, doesn’t it? Even as the 2014 NFL draft approaches, there is still a glow around this franchise and fans get the honor of going into the season as defending champs.
That said, it is time to get back to work.
Isn’t it just better to be at the top? When it comes to the NFL draft, there is pressure on every team. However, the Seahawks have a different type of pressure than the Houston Texans.
Seattle is looking for reinforcements. The teams at the top of the board (Houston, St. Louis Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders) are looking for franchise-defining players. They must make the “right” pick in the first round.
While the analysts squabble about Johnny Manziel, Jadeveon Clowney, Blake Bortles, Greg Robinson, Teddy Bridgewater and Jake Matthews, the Seahawks can put together their plan for strengthing their squad and making another Super Bowl run. The ‘Hawks are looking to reload, not rebound.
Now, do not misunderstand. The NFL is a fickle lead, and elite squads can very quickly find themselves back on the short list of teams that have nowhere to go but up. Seattle cannot afford to sit back, savor their victory and take wild chances on every single pick.
However, it sure is nice to not be one of the teams being routinely discussed by the experts. The Seahawks do not have the pressure of deciding whether to draft a player like Manziel. Seattle does not have to make a high first-round pick that could be on a “bust” list in a few seasons.
Granted, the Seahawks do have some needs to address. The Seahawks have lost a number of players to free agency, including defensive end, offensive line and wide receiver. Someone will need to fill the void. Still, it is nice that fans do not have to hope that this year’s draft will finally earn the franchise a Lombardi Trophy.
Done. Check. Completed.
As the draft approaches, there will be pressure on the Seahawks to stay amongst the NFL elite. They have reached the top of the mountain and they still have to make good choices on May 8-10.
Still a sense of pressure, but along with that remains the wonderful feeling of being the best in the NFL.