Seahawks DL Grades: Prioritizing Michael Bennett Was Huge In Super Bowl Repeat Bid

Sept. 22, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive end

(99) and Oregon State Beavers offensive tackle

(77) battle during the first quarter of the game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Draft Pick Additions

• Round 4, Pick 8 (108) – Cassius Marsh, DE, UCLA

This pick gets a high mark from me because of the Seahawks’ needs going into the draft. With Clem gone and the Hawks unable to sign anybody in free agency, the end position had become a higher priority than originally thought. Luckily Seattle doesn’t need somebody to come in right away and be a day one starter, they just need a high-effort guy who can come in and be a specialty-type off the edge. It would also be nice if they could find a serviceable guy against the run, right? Enter; Cassius Marsh. The rap on him is he let’s his emotions get the best of him at times, but the Seahawks are full of those types of characters and with Pete Carroll at the helm they’ve managed nicely. Draft Grade: A

• Round 5, Pick 32 (172) — Jimmy Staten, DT, Middle Tennessee State

I was really hoping that the Hawks would snag Daniel McCullers, the huge 350 lbs kid from Tennessee here to add some extra size, but instead they went for Staten. After evaluating, this kid from MTSU isn’t as big but he is still over 3-bills, has a higher motor and is a more agile athlete overall. I expect him to be in a very intriguing position battle with Jordan Hill, Jesse Williams, Dewayne Cherrington and D’Anthony Smith. If I had to guess right now, I’d put Staten and Hill in the backup spots behind Brandon Mebane and Tony McDaniel. Draft Grade: B- Undrafted Free Agent Additions

• Jackson Jeffcoat, DE, Texas

I’m sky-high on Jeffcoat, as most 12’s are sure to be at some point or another. The UDFA out of Texas is a huge find in the post-draft pool. For more info on my thoughts on Jeffcoat, check out this article.

• Andru Pulu, DL, Eastern Washington

Pulu is a huge-bodied kid who brings some versatility to the initial roster, but I would be shocked if he sticks around long enough to make any lasting impact.