Why The Seahawks Will Win Super Bowl 50

Jan 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Team Irvin tight end Jimmy Graham of the New Orleans Saints (80) catches a touchdown pass in front of Team Carter safety Donte Whitner of the Cleveland Browns (31) in the 2015 Pro Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Take a Super Bowl roster, add a solid draft to it, and you’re going to be counted among the contenders even if all you did was stand pat otherwise.

The Seahawks didn’t stand pat.

The stunning March 10th trade to acquire TE Jimmy Graham from New Orleans still hasn’t completely sunk in yet. There are times I’ll be writing a piece about the team, or discussing them with friends, and it’ll hit me like a ton of bricks that OH MY GOD GUYS WE REALLY GOT JIMMY GRAHAM!!!!!!

His versatility, and sheer dynamic ability to alter the way a defense prepares to face him, will give Russell Wilson the kind of game-changing weapon he’s never had the luxury of enjoying. While we see the defense continue to be the focal point of the Seahawk program, they have been dogged in their attempt to make the offense more explosive.

The Percy Harvin move didn’t pay off.  This one will.

We can also count another intriguing draft among the upgrades.  While Graham provides that rare big target, Tyler Lockett can make a difference every time he gets a chance to touch the ball, regardless of his 5-10 height.  And his potential as an elite punt and kick returner gives the Hawks something they didn’t have last year.  Think about it, they almost won another Super Bowl while giving their offense precisely zero help.  With a limited WR group, and no return potential to speak of, Wilson, Lynch and company were counted on to put together far too many long drives.  This year, you’ll see drives starting at or beyond midfield on a regular basis, making the aforementioned improved offense even that much more dangerous.

Up front they added 3 exciting OL prospects in Terry Poole, Mark Glowinski and Kristjan Sokoli.  It’s possible that only Poole will contribute this year (at LG) but all 3 may end up as long-term future starters.

This offense will score more, which will only make the defense even more dangerous, as they’ll be able to play more aggressively while the team is ahead.

And the defense will be as good as ever. They’re gushing about massive FA signee DT Ahtyba Rubin, and Jordan Hill will return from his late season injury.  DE Frank Clark, for all the hand-wringing over his selection in the 2nd round of the draft, will contribute, and could be a rookie star.

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