Top 25 Seahawks Under 25: Part Four (#10-6)
Aug 23, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) runs for extra yards after catching a pass against Green Bay Packers cornerback Micah Hyde (33) in the 1st quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
The climb to the top of Seattle’s “Top 25 under 25” is nearing the summit and all the players below are exciting talents playing serious roles for the Seahawks this year. We start at #10 with a man who made himself an instant fan favorite as a rookie last year:
#10: Robert Turbin
Height: 5-10
Weight: 222
Age: 23
40 time: 4.50
Years Pro: 2
Career Stats
League |
Games
Games Started
Attempts
Yards
Touchdowns
Yards per Attempt
NCAA
38
30
565
3315
40
5.9
NFL
16
0
80
354
0
4.4
Summary: The Sea-Hulk is a menacing power back that can do a fairly impressive beast mode impression when given the opportunity. Turbin is probably the best pass catcher among Seattle’s tailbacks which means that he may well see a good chunk of the 3rd down duties. In terms of early down work he is said to be in a heated battle with Christine Michael, but I suspect Michael will come out on top. Ultimately Turbin is solid and dependable but he lacks that second gear explosiveness that makes a really special back. I still think he could start for a few teams though. Presuming he cedes 2nd team reps to Michael he might be the best 3rd string half back in the league.
#9: J.R Sweezy
Height: 6-5
Weight: 298
Age: 24
40 time: 4.97
Years Pro: 2
Career Stats
Sweezy’s NCAA career stats are irrelevant because he played DL and he has now been converted to G. Last year Sweezy started 3 games at right guard for the Seahawks.
Summary: Considering Sweezy was a defensive lineman all the way through college he’s doing pretty well for himself at this point. It’s somewhat miraculous he came far enough along last year to start some games for this team. Sweezy’s play last year was spotty, as one would expect, but he has excellent athleticism for a guard and continues to improve. The Seahawks are counting on him to step in and solidify his grasp of the right guard position this year so that he can provide them with a cheap option there for years to come. The fact Seattle traded away John Moffit was a big vote of confidence for Sweezy.
#8: Christine Michael
Height: 5-10
Weight: 220
Age: 22
40 time: 4.43
Years Pro: R
Career Stats
League |
Games
Games Started
Attempts
Yards
Touchdowns
Yards per Attempt
NCAA
39
16
529
2791
34
5.3
NFL
0
0
0
0
0
0
Summary: I wrote an article a couple of days ago doubting Michael’s fantasy potential but I have no such doubts about his talent. He has the same armored vehicle like build as Turbin but with a liberal dose of breakaway speed. Michael will have to be patient for now but when he gets his chance I have no doubt that he will make the most of it.
#7: James Carpenter
Height: 6-4
Weight: 321
Age: 24
40 time: 5.22
Years Pro: 3
Career Stats
James Carpenter was durable at Alabama starting 27 consecutive games but has not been so lucky in his brief NFL career starting in only 16 of a possible 32 games.
Summary: Carpenter is a converted offensive tackle and a man large enough to have a sizable gravitational pull. He has the ability to dominate defensive tackles with his power and has been very effective at times in his career. He looked especially good last year lining up next to Russell Okung. That’s a left side you can really dream on. Unfortunately it is hard enough to keep either one of those guys healthy, let alone both.
#6: Doug Baldwin
Height: 5-10
Weight: 189
Age: 24
40 time: 4.48
Years Pro: 3
Career Stats
League |
Games
Games Started
Receptions
Yards
Touchdowns
Yards per Reception
NCAA
37
12
96
1360
13
14.2
NFL
30
6
80
1154
7
14.4
Summary: Doug Baldwin exploded onto the scene with 788 yards in his rookie season and then came back to earth a little bit last year. He has both quickness and speed and can be very effective out of the slot, but he struggled with nagging injuries last year and never seemed to establish much of a connection with Russell Wilson. Going into this year Baldwin looked like something of a forgotten man as the 4th wide receiver in a run-heavy offense but the injury to Percy Harvin has opened a door for Baldwin to reestablish himself as a weapon for Russell Wilson. Baldwin’s talent never left and I think that people have been too quick to dismiss him despite his production in 2011 as a rookie. Considering how it is often hard for rookie wide receivers to make an impact at the NFL level Baldwin’s 788 yards in his first year are nothing to sneeze at. Look for a rebound year for Baldwin who’s long term prognosis with the Seahawks likely depends on whether they re-sign Golden Tate.
The next edition of “Top 25 Seahawks Under 25” looks at players who range from quality starter to bona fide star. Be sure to check in then.