NFC West teams have been stockpiling running backs. They selected six of them in the NFL draft last month. The Arizona Cardinals also added Rashard Mendenhall in free agency. Jacob from Gig Harbor, Wash.
RENTON, Wash. -- A few notes after watching the Seattle Seahawks' rookies practice on a clear, 75-degree day at team headquarters along the Lake Washington shoreline: Veteran presence: Veterans were not allowed on the field, but Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman showed up about 20 yards offshore -- on a personal watercraft.
Jump ahead to 2015 and put yourself in John Schneider's seat as the Seattle Seahawks' general manager. By then, you will have re-signed or lost elite players such as safety Earl Thomas and cornerback Richard Sherman.
The NFL draft becomes a blur on the final day as teams select lesser-known players one after another. By the end, it's helpful to take a look at the bigger picture. 2013 NFC West Draft Picks by General Position Team Seahawks 49ers Cardinals Rams Total Skill positions 3 3 3 3 12 Front seven 4 4 2 1 11 Secondary 1 2 1 2 6 Offensive line 2 1 2 1 6 Tight ends 1 1 1 0 3 Totals 11 11 9 7 38 The chart above shows which general positions NFC West teams targeted.
The Seattle Seahawks entered the 2013 NFL draft with few (if any) pressing needs. The team flaunted it a bit, it seemed, by using a second-round selection for a running back even though Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin combine to make that position one of great strength.
The NFL does not crown division champs in April. Matt Williamson and I kept that in mind when breaking down his pre-draft positional rankings for NFC West teams. Williamson, who scouts the NFL for ESPN.
The Seattle Seahawks' contract extension for safety Kam Chancellor goes against the grain in the NFC West. The rest of the division has been slashing salary at the position. NFC West Safeties: Average Per Year Safety Tm.
Re-signing strong safety Kam Chancellor was a priority for the Seattle Seahawks this offseason. Coach Pete Carroll said so during the NFL owners meeting in Arizona last month. It should come as no surprise, then, that the Seahawks have reached agreement on a new contract with Chancellor, who otherwise could have become an unrestricted free agent following the 2013 season.
The St. Louis Rams posted a 4-26 record against NFC West opponents over the five seasons preceding Jeff Fisher's arrival as head coach. They were 4-1-1 against the NFC West under Fisher in 2012. Matt Williamson Ranks West by Position Team SF SEA STL ARI QB 2 1 3 4 RB 2 1 4 3 WR 3 2 4 1 TE 1 3 2 4 OL 1 2 3 4 DL 4 1 2 3 LB 1 2 4 3 S 2 1 4 3 CB 4 1 2 3 P 1 -- -- -- K -- -- 1 -- Coach 1 2 3 4 The Rams from 2007 through 2011 lost by 11.
Marcus Trufant, Kelly Jennings, Ken Lucas, Josh Wilson and Roy Lewis were the Seattle Seahawks' cornerbacks when Pete Carroll arrived as head coach for the 2010 season. That group consisted of two first-round picks, two second-rounders and an undrafted free agent.
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