How is the Seahawks 2013 Draft Class Doing?
Nov 17, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Christine Michael (33) carries the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Minnesota 41-20. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Last year the Seahawks took an enormous leap forward as a franchise going from a 7-9 team in 2011 to an 11-5 team in 2012. There were a couple of reasons for this but by far the most compelling reason was the contributions of the 2012 draft class. Russell Wilson is definitely the face of the class, but it also included major contributors like Bobby Wagner, Bruce Irvin and Robert Turbin. Players like J.R. Sweezy, Jeremy Lane, Winston Guy and Greg Scruggs also made contributions. Overall it was an unbelievable haul for this front office. Not only did they find their franchise quarterback but they also infused this team with quality talent on both sides of the ball. People are going to look back on the 2012 Seahawks draftees as the driving force in turning this team into a contender in the years to come. Russell Wilson will be the focal point due to the fact he is a quarterback, but there was a lot of quality there from top to bottom.
It would be unfair to compare the 2013 draft class to the 2012 draft class, partly due to the fact there is no first round pick and partly due to the fact 2012 would be virtually impossible to replicate. However, I thought I would take a stab at checking the temperature on this draft class by grading their contribution so far in 2013 and also their future outlook (at a time when it is definitely too early to tell) . We begin with Christine Michael:
2013 Pick #1: Christine Michael RB Texas A & M (2nd round 62nd overall)
Michael came out of college with a lot of talent but a spotty track record. In the preseason he showed off the explosive ability that got him drafted by this team and looked like a potentially exciting compliment to Marshawn Lynch. However, this year Michael has seen a lot of the bench as Robert Turbin has been the primary backup to Lynch. Although Michael might be a better runner than Turbin, he has yet to show enough in the passing game as a blocker and receiver to earn Pete Carroll’s trust. As a result he has only appeared in 3 games rushing 17 times for 79 yards this year. He looks good with the ball in his hands but it’s unclear how often that’s going to happen.
2013 Contribution: C- (through no fault of his own really)
Future Outlook: B+
2013 Pick #2: Jordan Hill DT Penn State (3rd round 87th overall)
Jordan Hill was a player who was talked about a great deal in training camp and in the preseason as a potential starter. He creates a lot of buzz with his pass rushing ability and looked like a good compliment to Brandon Mebane. Unfortunately, this season he has struggled with bicep issues and has only appeared in three games registering three tackles and half a sack.
2013 Contribution: C-
Future Outlook: B
2013 Pick #3: Chris Harper WR (4th round 123rd overall)
Chris Harper was cut by the Seahawks before the season started. He was then picked up by the 49ers who also cut him. Now he is with the Packers. Whirlwind season for the young man.
2013 Contribution: F
Future Outlook: F
2013 Pick #4: Jesse Williams DT Alabama (5th round 137th overall)
The Seahawks took a flier on Jesse Williams because he has potential to be a stud if healthy. He has been unable to stay healthy so far.
2013 Contribution: F
Future Outlook: C
2013 Pick #5 Tharold Simon CB LSU (5th round 138th overall)
Another incomplete here as Simon is on the IR. He was another bigger corner in the Pete Carroll mold.
2013 Contribution: F
Future Outlook: C
2013 Pick #6: Luke Willson TE Rice (5th round 158th overall)
Luke Willson is a raw, athletic player who has been thrust into the role of 2nd tight end due to the injury to Anthony McCoy. Willson has performed admirably so far and has flashed big play potential. It’s possible that he could be a big contributor for this team someday.
2013 Contribution: B
Future Outlook: B+
2013 Pick #7: Spencer Ware FB LSU (6th round 194th overall)
Spencer Ware was supposed to be the guy to come in and unseat Michael Robinson as the starting fullback on this team. Unfortunately for Ware, Derrick Coleman did just that. Now Michael Robinson is back as well so it’s hard to see where Ware fits down the line. In very limited playing time Ware rushed for ten yards on three carries this year.
2013 Contribution: D
Future Outlook: C-
2013 Pick #8: Ryan Seymour G Vanderbilt (7th round 220th overall)
There is nothing to suggest that Ryan Seymour is anything more than just a guy. However, Tom Cable must have liked him and that says something. It also says something that he was never activated when injuries struck this offensive line. He has been able to stick on a Seahawks practice squad that has had a lot of turnover this year. Possibly a depth player down the line.
2013 Contribution: F
Future Outlook: C-
2013 Pick #9: Ty Powell DE Harding (7th round 231st overall)
Ty Powell was a LEO candidate on a team with far too many LEO candidates. He was released from the practice squad on September 12th.
2013 Contribution: F
Future Outlook: F
2013 Pick #9: Jared Smith DT New Hampshire (7th round 241st overall)
I had totally forgotten Jared Smith existed. That probably has something to do with the fact he is out for the season with some kind of injury. However, he doesn’t appear on the Seahawks injured reserve so it might be an injury settlement. It’s safe to say he isn’t a big part of their future plans.
2013 Contribution: F
Future Outlook: F
2013 Pick #10: Michael Bowie OT Northeastern State (7th round 242nd overall)
As the last of ten picks by the Seahawks in 2013, Bowie has been the most impactful so far. He has started seven games at right tackle for this team with mixed results. There have been times when he has been badly but he also showed promise. Pro Football Focus has him graded out as a +5.9 so far this year due to his +7.3 run blocking grade. He has the size and strength to be one of those powerful right tackles that you can really run behind. His future is uncertain but given that Breno Giacomini is nothing special Bowie will probably continue to get chances to start in the future.
2013 Contribution: B+
Future Outlook: B+
After a bunch of subjective grading it is pretty clear that the Seahawks haven’t gotten a ton out of their 2013 draft class this year. However, there is potential for greater contributions in the years to come. It would have been unreasonable to expect a repeat of 2012, especially without a first round pick. John Schneider is only human. It appears he whiffed on a few late round picks here, but late round picks normally get whiffed on. Seahawks fans have just been too spoiled recently. This is what a more normal draft class looks like. There are minor contributions with potential for growth at the top and a couple of pleasant surprises at the bottom. That’s really not bad at all.