Wilson throws himself into the mix
Welcome to the three-headed, three-armed competition to be the Seahawks’ starting quarterback this season.
Three? That’s right, third-round draft choice Russell Wilson was impressive enough in the three-day rookie minicamp which ended today that coach Pete Carroll said the QB from Wisconsin will compete with incumbent Tarvaris Jackson and free-agent addition Matt Flynn for the job.
“He’s going to be in the competition,” Carroll said. “He showed us enough, he’s in the competition. That is going to tax us, as we know. It was already going to be taxing with two, but he’s shown us enough that we need to see where he fits in with these guys.”
That competition will begin Monday, when Wilson and the rest of the team’s draft choices will join the veterans in the offseason program.
Sunday cyber surfing: Mother’s Day, and rookies go camping
Good morning, and Happy Mother’s Day. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks today, May 13:
Joe Frollo at USAFootball.com did a Mother’s Day piece that features Seahawks left tackle Russell Okung and his mom, Dorothy: “This weekend also is special for Dorothy as her daughter graduates from Texas A&M. Big brother has always been protective of his little sister – even if it means standing up to mom. ‘When Russell was 6 or 7, his sister was misbehaving, and I spanked her,’ Dorothy said. ‘She ran crying to her brother, who came up to me and told me not to do that. I’ve called him ‘Big Daddy’ ever since. I still do. He is a protective type and takes care of stuff around the house whenever something needs to be done.’ ”
Dave Boling at the News Tribune takes a look at the toughness the running game is developing under line coach Tom Cable: “Scheme? No, commitment and attitude. ‘Where we want to go is being a physical football team that throws the ball on you to score points but runs the ball to beat you,’ Cable said. ‘There are some teams in the league who are exceptional throwing the football. But to be a truly tough-minded football team, you have to run it. You can’t just talk about it, you have to do it.’ ”
Also at the News Tribune, Eric Williams checks in with former Utah State teammates Bobby Wagner and Robert Turbin, who are teammates once again: “ ‘I’ve got a different number, he’s got a different number and it’s like, here we go again,’ Turbin said. ‘It’s just a different helmet on – a different team, a whole different scheme. The greatest thing about it is we know each other enough that we can kind of push each other a little bit to get better.’ ”
Steve Kelley at the Seattle Times looks at how Turbin has used the death of his brother as motivation: “I pointed to Turbin’s massive biceps that practically look as big as a couple of heads of lettuce and asked him where they came from. ‘My brother,’ the Seahawks’ fourth-round pick said. ‘He used to make me work out all of the time when I was little. Even when we’d be watching cartoons he’d make me do push-ups and sit-ups. We would wrestle all the time. He was always pushing me.’ On Feb. 6, Turbin was in Phoenix, preparing for the NFL combine when he got a call at 3 a.m. from his cousin. Lonnie had been shot and killed in Oakland. It would be Turbin’s job to call his father, Ronald, with the tragic news. ‘I would have brought him (Lonnie) with me here to Seattle, to camp,’ said Turbin, 22. ‘Maybe he could have worked around here. Pass out drinks or something. Just be around a positive environment.’ “
Also at the Times, Danny O’Neil looks at quarterback Russell Wilson, who continues to battle questions about his height: “Russell Wilson stood out early on. Wait. That’s a poor choice of words considering all the fuss over Wilson’s height — or more accurately his lack thereof — at 5 feet 11. It’s the size of his arm that was evident long before he became a four-year starter at quarterback, a baseball prospect in the Rockies organization or the Seahawks’ third-round draft pick. This was back when Wilson was in fifth, maybe sixth grade in Richmond, Va., serving as a ball boy for the high-school varsity team, and he left a referee waiting for the football in the middle of the field. ‘For once in his life, Russell must not have been paying attention,’ said Charlie McFall, the coach at the Collegiate School. Instead of running the ball out, Wilson threw it from the sidelines. ‘He just chucked that ball out to him,’ McFall said. ‘I was like, ‘Oooh, I’m going to hang around for this guy.’ “
Tim Booth at the Associated Press checks in with Alex Barron, a veteran who is standing out at the Seahawks’ minicamp: “Alex Barron got down into his three-point stance at left tackle, looked to his right and saw a seventh-round draft pick that has never played on the offensive line at any level of football. Barron’s presence at the Seattle Seahawks’ rookie camp this weekend is a long way from the days when he was a first-round draft pick out of Florida State and starter for the St. Louis Rams. ‘It’s just kind of how it is right now, where I’m at in my career,’ Barron said. ‘Just take the good with the good, the bad with the bad and continue to work hard. That’s all you can do.’ “
Liz Matthews of 710 ESPN also has the word on Wagner at mynorthwest.com: “Wagner spoke to the media Saturday and said that for now he is focusing specifically at the middle linebacker spot. ‘I think it helps learning one position because you’ve got to figure out what’s to the right of you, what’s to the left of you,’ Wagner said. ‘So if I do get to the right I’ll know what’s in the middle and what’s on the other side. I think it’s good playing Mike first.’ “
Here at Seahawks.com, we look at the latest infusion of speed for the defense – first-round draft choice Bruce Irvin and second-rounder Bobby Wagner: “We all saw what the speed of Earl Thomas and Chris Clemons brought to the Seahawks’ defense two years ago. Boiled down to the simplest statistical terms, it was a team-high five interceptions (by Thomas, a rookie free safety) and a club-leading 11 sacks (by Clemons, who had been acquired in an offseason trade). Then there was the infusion of length last season provide by 6-foot-3 strong safety Kam Chancellor; cornerbacks Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman, who are 6-4 and 6-3; and 6-4 strongside linebacker K.J. Wright. Each was in his first season as a starter, all delivered unique contributions to the NFL’s ninth-ranked defense – as this quartet ranked 2-7-8-5 on the team in tackles, led by Chancellor’s 94; combined for 14 of the Seahawks’ 22 interceptions, including Browner’s team-leading six; and also had 54 passes defensed. Now come Bruce Irvin and Bobby Wagner, this year’s first- and second-round draft choices who are turning the team’s three-day minicamp into a dare-to-dream exercise as you ponder just what their speed and length can add to the defense’s already impressive mix of flashing arms and legs. ‘First and foremost, it’s the speed. We really like their speed,’ defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said Saturday, following the second of three two-hour practices in this rookie minicamp. ‘We’re excited about both those guys’ progress.’ ”
In Hawkville, we also take a look at the relationship between Wagner and Turbin: “Teammates. Again. Still. That’s Bobby Wagner and Robert Turbin, the duo from Utah State who shares not only a first name but now a professional team after the Seahawks selected them in the second and fourth rounds of the NFL Draft. And these two are getting some good looks at one another in the team’s three-day rookie minicamp, as Wagner is lining up at middle linebacker with the No. 1 defense and Turbin is getting a lot of touches with the No. 1 offense. ‘It’s great. I actually catch myself rooting for the offense sometimes, which I probably shouldn’t be,’ Wagner said today after another two-hour practice in ideal conditions at Virginia Mason Athletic Center. ‘But it’s great to have a person that you know well and he knows you well. It definitely makes moving here and getting settled here much better.’ ”
There’s also Tony Ventrella’s video recap.
Saturday in Hawkville: For Wagner, Turbin, it’s unity over units
A recap of the activities in Day 2 of the Seahawks’ rookie minicamp for May 12:
FOCUS ON
Teammates. Again. Still. That’s Bobby Wagner and Robert Turbin, the duo from Utah State who shares not only a first name but now a professional team after the Seahawks selected them in the second and fourth rounds of the NFL Draft.
And these two are getting some good looks at one another in the team’s three-day rookie minicamp, as Wagner is lining up at middle linebacker with the No. 1 defense and Turbin is getting a lot of touches with the No. 1 offense.
“It’s great. I actually catch myself rooting for the offense sometimes, which I probably shouldn’t be,” Wagner said today after another two-hour practice in ideal conditions at Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
“But it’s great to have a person that you know well and he knows you well. It definitely makes moving here and getting settled here much better.”
Turbin offered similar sentiments when asked about his former college teammates being his current NFL teammate.
“It’s funny, because I look over there and I see 54 and that’s the same guy that used to wear No. 9 lined up in the same spot at middle linebacker,” said Turbin, who wore No. 6 for the Aggies but is No. 22 for the Seahawks.
“And here I am playing running back. I’ve got a different number. He’s got a different number. It’s like here we go again. It’s just a different helmet on – a different team, a whole different scheme. The greatest thing about it is we know each other enough that we can kind of push for each other a little bit to get better. I know when Bobby is affected by something and he knows when I am. So we’ll be able to communicate about what’s happening to kind of better ourselves so we can produce for this football team.”
And that, more than the college or first name they shared, is why both are here. Wagner will compete for the starting middle linebacker spot with veteran Barrett Ruud, who was signed in free agency. Turbin will be the more-physical presence coach Pete Carroll has been looking for to complement leading rusher Marshawn Lynch.
WHO’S WHERE
The veterans aren’t participating in this minicamp, so it might not matter which players comprise the No. 1 units. But here’s who’s where:
Offense
Quarterback: Russell Wilson
Running backs: Turbin or Vai Taua and fullback James Stampley
Receivers: Phil Bates and Cam Kenney, or Lavasier Tuinei and Jermaine Kearse; and tight end Sean McGrath
Line – from left tackle to right: Alex Barron, J.R. Sweezy, Brent Osborne, Rishaw Johnson, Chima Okoli
Defense
Line: Pierre Allen, Jaye Howard, Renard Williams, Bruce Irvin
Linebackers: Korey Toomer, Wagner, E.J. Savannah
Cornerbacks: Jeremy Lane, London Durham
Safeties: Kareem Moore, Craig Ray
LOOKING FOR LYNCH
The team’s 10 draft choices, as well as seven of the 10 rookie free agents who were signed after the draft, will join the offseason workouts on Monday. Turbin can’t wait to see Lynch in the flesh, rather than on ESPN highlights.
“The greatest thing about it, in my opinion, is that I think Marshawn Lynch is going to make me a better player,” Turbin said. “Not just from a competitive standpoint, but just learning how to do it. I mean, he’s been a pro for about five or six years now. He knows how to do it.
“I’m just a rookie, so I don’t have a clue, you know what I mean? I think he’ll be the perfect guy to be able to look up to as a rookie running back.”
TRY, TRY AGAIN
The club added four more players today to the group that is in this camp on a tryout basis: Central Washington wide receiver Justin Helwege; North Dakota State cornerback Josh Gatlin; Montana tight end Kavario Middleton; and Oregon defensive tackle Terrell Turner.
YOU DON’T SAY
“The motivation is to stay here. A lot of people get here and in three years you never hear from them. So I’m trying to stay here for a while and be a contributor to this team.” – Wagner, when asked what he was using for motivation now that he’s been drafted into the NFL
Saturday cyber surfing: Wilson comes out throwing
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, May 12:
Mike Sando at ESPN.com offers his thoughts from the first practice of the three-day minicamp, including: “Coach Pete Carroll raved about running back Robert Turbin. He loved Turbin’s quickness and feel for the zone running game. Turbin has huge biceps, but his lower body looks like it belongs to a smaller man.”
Eric Williams at the News Tribune has his impressions of the player who made the biggest impression: “The much-anticipated debut of rookie quarterback Russell Wilson in Seattle Seahawks gear took place on the team’s practice field Friday afternoon. Wilson passed with flying colors. The former University of Wisconsin player appeared in command leading Seattle’s offense during the first workout of the rookie minicamp, taking the majority of the snaps during the team portion of practice. Some might debate Wilson’s ability to effectively play the position in the NFL at 5-foot-11, but they can’t question his fastball. As advertised, Wilson showed a strong arm, played with great anticipation and was very accurate on most of his throws. ‘He was putting the ball on the money,’ former University of Washington receiver Jermaine Kearse said. ‘He was throwing great passes and putting the ball where it’s supposed to be, so how can you not catch it?’ ”
Tim Booth at the Associated Press also takes a look at Wilson’s pass-filled practice: “Russell Wilson stepped in behind center for the first minicamp of his professional career on Friday and never took a break. The Seahawks are making sure they get a long look at Wilson this weekend while the Seahawks’ veteran quarterbacks are not around. ‘It’s important for me to understand the offense and continue to grow. I’m trying to learn all the nuances of the quarterback position here,’ Wilson said on Friday. ‘I know the plays enough but I’m trying to learn the ins and outs and whys of football. That’s something that I have to do every day I wake up and in the meeting rooms — just try to learn as much as I can.’ “
Art Thiel at sportspress northwest takes a look at first-round draft choice Bruce Irvin: “Searching for meaning on the first the first day of rookies’ padless football practice against air is barely more productive than looking for life on the moon from one’s porch. But one thing was plain Friday at Seahawks headquarters, even without a telescope — the scouts weren’t lying: Bruce Irvin is meteor-fast. It will be an object of much entertainment for Seahawks fans, and help quiet the debate over the most talked-about pick in the NFL draft’s first round last month. More impressive to coach Pete Carroll, who knew about the speed, was Irvin’s quick take on the more cerebral parts of the enterprise. ‘Bruce worked really hard,’ Carroll said. ‘His command of what we were doing was really good. He’s not going to have any trouble learning what’s happening. He’s been a pleasant surprise in that it comes easy to him – that’s a really good deal for us to be able to push him forward.’ ”
Danny O’Neil at the Seattle Times says it’s going to be more difficult for this rookie class to make an immediate impact: “ ‘Our depth is so much better than a couple years ago,’ coach Pete Carroll said. ‘These guys are going to have to fight for their playing time.’ That reality stands in sharp contrast to the plug-and-play program Seattle followed in Carroll’s first two years in town when first-round picks were starters the first day on the job. That was true for left tackle Russell Okung and free safety Earl Thomas in 2010. It was true for offensive lineman James Carpenter a year ago when he was one of three rookies to start Week 1, along with guard John Moffitt and linebacker K.J. Wright. The path to playing time is not nearly so clear this year. Maybe first-round pick Bruce Irvin will force his way into the lineup, and perhaps linebacker Bobby Wagner is ready to step in immediately at middle linebacker, but neither of those is a foregone conclusion in Seattle. The Seahawks had a top-10 defense a year ago and lost only one starter in the offseason, middle linebacker David Hawthorne.”
PI.com has a photo blog from the practice.
Here at Seahawks.com, we also look at Wilson’s impressive first day: “It was only a rookie minicamp, and the first day at that. But make no mistake: It wasRussell Wilson’s minicamp. The Seahawks’ third-round draft choice took every rep in every team drill during Friday’s two-hour practice – the first of three in this weekend that is all about the rookies. And no rookie got a longer and more intensified looked than Russell. ‘Just knowing who he is and how he was going to approach this, I expected that he’d be really good and he was,’ coach Pete Carroll said after the up-tempo practice on a picture postcard of an afternoon at Virginia Mason Athletic Center. ‘He’s really smart. He’s very experienced. He’s as savvy as a guy could be. And he has a great work ethic. So you put all that together – and good communications with (QB coach) Carl Smith and Darrell (Bevell, the offensive coordinator – and he was ready to go.’ And go Wilson did. From start to finish. Carroll estimated that Wilson got in 70 throws, took ‘twice as many reps as everybody else’ and, he added, ‘I don’t think he had a missed assignment.’ ”
We’ve also got the return of Hawkville, with notes and news from Day One: “Not surprisingly, the speed and tempo of the two-hour practice caught some of the players by surprise. ‘They kind of warned us yesterday,’ first-round draft choice Bruce Irvin said. ‘But I still didn’t know what to expect. It still kind of caught me off guard. I probably lost like about seven, eight pounds today.’ ”
There’s also Tony Venterlla’s video recap, as well as the post-practice Q&As with Wilson, Irvin and Carroll.
Friday in Hawkville: Rookie minicamp off to a fast start
A recap of the day’s activities at the Seahawks’ rookie camp for May 11:
FOCUS ON
Tempo. The first day of the team’s three-day rookie minicamp wasn’t just an initiation for the new players, it was an indoctrination into how things are done on a Pete Carroll-coached team – fast, precise and with a purpose.
Not surprisingly, the speed and tempo of the two-hour practice caught some of the players by surprise.
“They kind of warned us yesterday,” first-round draft choice Bruce Irvin said. “But I still didn’t know what to expect. It still kind of caught me off guard.
“I probably lost like about seven, eight pounds today.”
Also count Phil Bates among those who weren’t quite sure what to expect.
“It was up-tempo. It was fast. It was something that you’d never really done before,” said Bates, a rookie wide receiver from Ohio University who was signed as a free agent after the draft. “It’s something you’ve got to get used it, but at the same time it was fun.”
Fun, with a focus.
“We really pounded these guys with a bunch of stuff to get on the field for the first time,” Carroll said of the mental side of what today was all about. “It’s hard for you to imagine just how much you have to learn to get on the field and run plays, but the coaches did a really good job and the players have studied hard coming in and we were able to go out there and put together a nice practice.
“There were a lot of exciting things.”
VETERAN PRESENCE
The 55-player roster for this minicamp includes three who were on the Seahawks’ practice squad last season: running back Vai Taua, offensive lineman Brent Osborne and defensive end Pierre Allen.
TRYING (OUT) TIMES
The rookie-camp also includes 30 players who are in on a tryout basis:
WR Pat Carter, Louisville
QB Chris Hart, Webber International (Fla.)
QB Josh McGregor, Jacksonville
CB Dionte Dinkins, Fort Valley State
CB Donny Lisowksi, Montana
CB Josh Gatlin, North Dakota State
FB Bryson Kelly, Central Washington
FB James Stampley, LSU
S Craig Ray, Indianapolis
SS Austin Cassidy, Nebraska
FS Kareem Moore, Nicholls State
LB E.J. Savannah, Washington
LS Braedyn Eagle, Portland State
LB Mychal Sisson, Colorado State
TE Shawn Nelson, Southern Mississippi
TE Cooper Helfet, Duke
LB Najel Byrd, Arkansas State
C Jayson Palmgren, Missouri
LB Kyle Knox, Fresno State
LB Shane Horton, USC
DT Renard Williams, Eastern Washington
OG Julian Gray, North Carolina Central
OG Joel Figueroa, Miami
OT Andrew Mitchell, Oklahoma State
OT Alex Barron, Florida State
OT Chima Okoli, Penn State
OT Mark Huyge, Michigan
WR Cam Kenney, Oklahoma
WR Josh Smith, UCLA
DT Zach Masch, Hawaii
Barron, of course, is hardly a rookie. He was a first-round pick in the 2005 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. After starting 74 games in five seasons with the Rams, the 6-foot-7, 320-pound Barron played for the Cowboys in 2010. He began last season on the Saints’ injured reserve list, after damaging a knee during training camp, before being released in October.
“We want to see what he’s got,” Carroll said. “He was a highly regarded player a few years back and he’s been smacked around with injuries and situations and all of that, so we’re going to find out. He handled his own pretty well today and he acted a bit like a veteran. He knew what was going on and was a little bit more comfortable than some of the other guys. So we’ll see in the next couple days and see where that puts at the end of this minicamp.”
THE BATTLE OF FIRST-ROUND PICKS
Barron was the 19th pick in the first round of his draft, while Irvin was the 15th pick overall in this year’s draft. These two found themselves matched against each other often, with Irvin at the “Leo” end spot and Barron working at left tackle.
“Oh man, it’s just going to help me get better,” Irvin said. “He’s a great competitor. He’s a great player. He’s a big dude. So going against him is going to do nothing but make me better. I’m going to come in and I’m going to compete, and he’s going to compete. We’re just going to make each other better, everyday.”
JUST WATCHING
Safety Winston Guy, a sixth-round draft choice, will not participate in this minicamp because he is recovering after having a surgical procedure on his shoulder.
“It’s going to take few more weeks before we can see him physically, and it’s killing him,” Carroll said. “He probably could get through it, but we won’t let him until he’s well.”
The veterans had the day off from their offseason conditioning program that will resume on Monday, but Pro Bowl free safety Earl Thomas, leading receiver Doug Baldwin and fellow wide receiver Ricardo Lockette watched practice from the sideline.
YOU DON’T SAY
“It feels great. A lot of kids want to be in this situation. I’m fortunate to one of the few that made it. Getting a chance to live my dream, so that’s a great feeling and I’m looking forward to being a success.” – Irvin, on starting the next chapter of his life
Golden’s great Canadian adventure
Like a lot of athletes from the United States, when Golden Tate thinks about Canada one thing comes to mind.
“I know when I think of Canada, the first thing I think about is hockey,” the Seahawks’ third-year wide receiver said today.
But Wednesday, Tate found out there’s more to our neighbor to the North. When he participated in the NFL Canada Take a Player to School program, Tate discovered the day was all about football and him.
“They know their sports up there, and we have some Seahawks fans up there,” Tate said. “So it was great.”
Keanen Tregaskis, a 9-year-old student at Cougar Canyon Elementary in Delta, B.C., was the winner of the competition to host Tate. So the day began with Tate stopping by Tregaskis’ house to pick him up for school a limousine.
“Keanen was very, very appreciate and happy, and a very humble kid,” Tate said. “So I was happy to be a part of it.”
When they arrived at the school, close to 100 students were there to greet them. Inside the school’s gym, where the 600-student assembly was held, three large painted murals of Tate hung from the ceiling.
“I felt very, very welcome – from the moment we got out of the limo,” Tate said. “They actually had posters, where they painted my full face and painted me in action shots. So I felt very welcome.”
Tate also led the students through a Play 60 session and signed autographs.
“We focused on bullying is not OK, and 60 minutes of exercise a day – at least – is very important,” Tate said. “It was fun. I really, really enjoyed it. And I hope I can do it again.”
Friday cyber surfing: It’s all about the rookies
Good morning. Here’s what’s “out there” about the Seahawks for today, May 11:
The Seahawks’ rookies have reported and will practice today for the first of three times in their weekend minicamp. Eric Williams at the News Tribune takes a look at how coach Pete Carroll relishes this look at the rookies: “ ‘It’s going to be really cool to see these guys come together,’ Carroll said. ‘There are so many highlight players in this group of kids. We can’t wait to get them on the field with us.’ Most eyes will be on (Bruce) Irvin, a speed pass rusher, and quarterback (Russell) Wilson, two players who were considered surprise selections by national NFL observers – particularly where they were taken in the draft. For Irvin, the focus will be on how long it takes for him to develop into a consistent pass rusher and an every-down player in order to live up to his draft status. In Wilson’s case, his 5-foot-11 stature and ability to deliver accurate passes from inside the pocket will be a constant measuring stick of his success in the NFL.”
Chris Burke at SI.com takes a look at the undrafted free agents who could turn into finds for the teams that signed them, including the Seahawks: “Jermaine Kearse, WR, Washington. We’re kind of on a run of guys catching on with their local teams. Seattle fans ought to be well-aware of Kearse after a strong career at Washington. He has good size and will go over the middle — valuable traits for a team searching for WR help. Others to watch: Rishaw Johnson, G, California (Pa.); DeShawn Shead, DE, Portland State”
During a chat at ESPN.com, NFC West blogger Mike Sando fielded a question about the Seahawks’ creativity in player acquisition: “The 49ers converted Bruce Miller from college defensive end to fullback and got good play from him last season. Miller had not played offense since high school. (J.R.) Sweezy, like Miller, was a later-round pick. Teams have greater freedom to experiment with later-round choices. The key is to be creative without over-thinking things. More broadly, the concern in building around specialized or somewhat unique players – think Red Bryant for Seattle – is that specialized players can be tough to replace if injured. However, that is where staff flexibility can make up the difference. The Seahawks seem to have a good defensive staff and approach. Another potential concern relative to Sweezy is what the move represents: a clear push by an assistant coach to get a player he liked. Tom Cable also drove the selection of James Carpenter a year ago. Drafting players to fit the staff is important, but we should also watch to see if assistants have too much sway.”
Here at Seahawks.com, we take a look at the selection of linebacker Bobby Wagner in the second round, which follows a productive trend for the team: “There’s not just a precedent, it’s a productive precedent. In 2005, Lofa Tatupu – who played for Carroll at USC – was the Seahawks’ second-round draft choice. He not only started as a rookie, he was the leading tackler on the franchise’s first Super Bowl team – the first of a club-record four consecutive seasons that the too-small, too-slow Tatupu would lead the Seahawks in tackles. In 1977, Terry Beeson was a second-round draft choice, and he also led the team in tackles as a rookie – the first of three consecutive seasons Beeson would do it, including a still-franchise record 153 tackles in 1978. In 1978, Keith Butler was selected in the second round of the draft, and he became the franchise’s all-time leading tackler by the time he left after the 1987 season (a total since surpassed by Eugene Robinson). In 1987, Dave Wyman was the team’s second-round draft choice, and he finished second on the team in tackles in 1988 and 1989. In 1990, Terry Wooden was selected in the second round, and he led the team in tackles in 1991 and 1995 and finished second in 1993 and 1994 – although it was as an outside ’backer. But you get the picture; second-round linebackers have been very, very good for the Seahawks.”
We’ve also got an item on how coach Pete Carroll surprised the veterans on Thursday, as well as birthday wishes for Jim Zorn that includes a must-see NFL Films video.
Remember free agency? It’s still going on, and Jason La Canfora at NFL.com has a look at the best remaining players, and where they might fit best.
Zorn to Largent: One more time
NFL Films is celebrating Jim Zorn’s 59th birthday by re-running an interview it did with the Seahawks’ first quarterback and his favorite target: Hall of Fame wide receiver Steve Largent.
In addition to the interview that was done when Zorn was a coach with the Redskins, the feature also has some vintage Zorn-to-Largent footage, complete with the radio calls by the late Pete Gross.
What else do these three have in common? Each is a member of the team’s 10-man Ring of Honor. Largent was the first inductee (in 1989), Zorn was the second (in 1991) and Gross the fourth (in 1992).
Carroll calls an audible
Week Two of Phase 2 in the Seahawks’ offseason program ended with coach Pete Carroll changing things up.
Rather than the full-squad workouts the veterans went through on the outdoor practice fields at Virginia Mason Athletic Center on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, each unit did its own thing today – including quarterbacks Tarvaris Jackson, Matt Flynn and Josh Portis throwing to the wide receivers and tight ends in the indoor facility.
“They’ve worked really hard. They’ve been busting their tails throughout all the workouts,” Carroll said. “So it’s recognition of that, and also I want them to stay strong for next week, too.”
This week couldn’t have gone much better. The players continued to be attentive, and attacked what was presented to them by the coaches. The weather even cooperated.
“This is exactly what we’re looking for, is for the guys to answer the call and compete every day,” Carroll said. “And they’re doing it.”
That’s why they were deemed reward-worthy.
“We’re moving quickly with what we’re doing installation-wise, and all that, so we could afford to do this and keep them strong,” Carroll said. “It’s a long haul here, this offseason, and I want to make sure we’re keeping them fresh and keep building.”
Did the players appreciate Carroll’s gesture? You had to see the smiles on the faces of Pro Bowl free safety Earl Thomas and cornerback Richard Sherman to appreciate just how much they appreciated the change in the schedule.
Now, it’s the rookies turn. The vets went four consecutive days this week – rather than getting their usual Wednesday off – to clear the fields for the rookie minicamp that includes practices on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The rookies, including the team’s 10 draft choices and 10 free agents who signed after the April 26-28 draft, are scheduled to take their physicals today.
What is Carroll eager to see from a group that includes first-round draft choice Bruce Irvin, a pass-rushing defensive end from West Virginia; Utah State middle linebacker Bobby Wagner, a potential starter who was selected in the second round; and Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson, the team’s intriguing third-round pick.
“I want to see everything, and everybody,” Carroll said. “This is not going to be our time to really play winning football so much, it’s about evaluating. So we need to see these guys. So hopefully we’ll get a good look at them and get a good sense for what they can do.”
On this date: McCloughan hired
A look at a memorable moment in Seahawks history that occurred on May 10:
2000: Scot McCloughan is appointed director of college scouting. McCloughan would leave after the team’s Super Bowl run in 2005 to become vice president of football operations and then general manager of the San Francisco 49ers. He returned to the Seahawks last year as senior personnel executive.
