Seahawks Take Chance On QB Russell Wilson
By Keith Myers
If Russell Wilson was 6 inches taller, he’d have been the 2nd or 3rd overall pick. The problem is that he isn’t 6 inches taller. He a QB who’s only 5 ft 10 inches tall. No QB under 6 ft has ever had an impact in the NFL, so I really don’t get this pick at all.
Russell Wilson is an interesting player because of his skills, but because of his height I doubt he ever starts a game at QB. I really hope some other team, ANY other team, would have made this pick. There’s a chance that Wilson will actually be able to do what no other player in the history was able to do, but why is it that the Seahawks have to be the ones rolling the dice on that?
Another problem is that the Seahawk already had 3 QBs on the roster. Flynn is going to be the starter. Wilson now must battle with Jackson for the backup spot. He’ll likely lose since Jackson could step in an play right away if Flynn gets hurt. That means the Seahawks just spend a 3rd round pick on a 3rd string player who wont see the field.
That isn’t how you get better. it isn’t. 3rd round picks should be starters. this is the round you get your starting guards and middle linebackers and running backs. There’s no reason to take a QB with no upside.
Clearly I’m not a fan of this pick at all. I just don’t understand the thinking that would lead to this pick. Earlier this year Pete Carroll told John Clayton that Josh Portis had improved to the point where he’d be a 3rd or 4th round pick in this year’s draft. Doesn’t it make more sense to see if he can continue to improve and possible grow into becoming a starter. Right now he seems like the most likely player to lose his job.
In Wilson’s favor, I should add that he did play behind Wisconsin’s mammoth offensive line and didn’t have any troubles. He’s got an unorthodox throwing motion and long arms for his size that allows him to throw the ball at from a height that is above what taller QB tend to release the ball at. Combining those 2 things, and perhaps Wilson really can overcome his height and play in this league.
I just don’t think the Seahawks were in a position where the needed to roll the dice on Wilson.