12th Man Rising
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Ranking The Top 10 Most Valuable Seahawks – Part 4

By Greg Haugsven

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Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) celebrates during the third quarter against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Number 3 – Earl Thomas

The only first rounder in the Legion of Boom is the smallest, but that doesn’t mean anything.

I believe that Earl is the engine of the defense. He’s the physical leader as well as the emotional leader. With Thomas manning the deep part of the field it almost allows the Seahawks to play with 12 men. Most teams play with two safeties in the back, one who protects one corner from getting beat over the top and the other does the same for the other corner. But Earl is so fast he can cover sideline to sideline as well as getting up into run support. This allows Chancellor to essentially be a rover. He can also be a fourth linebacker as well if you need him. This is all possible because the speed of Thomas.

That is just what happens on Sunday’s. We all heard the story last year when the Seahawks were loafing around at 3-3. It was Thomas who jumped down the throats of some of the defensive lineman for not practicing like they should have been. From that point on we only lost one game and went on to our second straight Super Bowl.

Like Sherman, Thomas was rewarded with a four-year extension worth $40 million. Money very well spent. He is also very durable starting every game in his five-year career which is very impressive for how hard he plays. We just hope that shoulder heals nicely as I wouldn’t want to see a Seahawks defense without him.

Next up, The top 2 most valuable Seahawks!

Next: Setting expectations for Jimmy Graham in 2015

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