Round 1 (#28) – LawrenceJackson, DE, USC
The Seahawks moved down here and most thought they were targeting a WR or Dustin Keller.  Instead they threw us somewhat of a curveball and went with four-year starter Lawrence Jackson of USC.  Jackson is the typical Tim Ruskell pick and a guy who has experience at a big-time program and played at a high level throughout his career.  Lost in the shuffle among the other big-time pass rushers in this draft, Jackson is a first round talent with no baggage and the potential to be a starter in the NFL.  The Seahawks already have Darryl Tapp and Patrick Kerney on the ends, but as the Giants showed us this season with Justin Tuck and company, you can never have too many pass rushers.  For a good team with only a few real needs, you really can’t argue with adding a quality pass rusher late in the first round.

 Grade: B

 Round 2 (#38) – John Carlson, TE, Notre Dame
Moving up to secure their guy, the Seahawks filled their #1 need with this pick early in round two.  They gave up a third round choice to get him, but obviously they were worried that the Saints or Bills would take him at 40 or 41.  Carlson is a complete player with good character in typical Tim Ruskell fashion, and should be a big help to Matt Hasselbeck from day one.  Excellent pick, even though it hurts to lose a third rounder for a team could probably win the NFC with a play here or a play there any given year.

 Grade: B+

 Round 4 (#121) – Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
This was another good pick by the Seahawks.  With a need at DT, the Hawks took a guy in Red Bryant who is an ideal two-down nose tackle.  He won’t add to the pass rush and won’t see any time in the nickel package, but Bryant could really end up being a steal as a rotational DT in Seattle.  Experienced and obviously big, Bryant gives the Seahawks a third intimidating body with run-stuffing potential- remember Marcus Tubbs comes back from injury and they picked up Brandon Mebane in last years draft.

 Grade: B

 Round 5 (#163) – Owen Schmitt, FB, West Virginia
We all know the famous helmet-bashing Schmitt did this past season, and he was one heck of a college fullback.  His game translates nice to the NFL, as he has elusive speed, can run with the ball in his hands, and of course delivers big-time hits as a lead blocker.  There’s a good chance Schmitt becomes heir to Seahawk legend Mack Strong at fullback.

 Grade: B

 Round 6 (#189) – Tyler Schmitt, LS, San Diego State
A few years ago the Seahawks took a chance on a WR from Colorado named D.J. Hackett in the sixth round.  As we all know, he proved to be a steal and just signed a big contract with the Carolina Panthers.  Well, instead of taking a shot at a WR here (a need position for the Hawks), the Seahawks took a long snapper.  Yes, a long snapper.  The funniest thing about this pick was the fact that it was well-documented that Tim Bugg of Indiana was clearly the best LS prospect in this draft.  The Seahawks didn’t care and took their guy here in round six, even though they had two picks coming up in the second round.  It was a head-scratching move, but if you saw the Seahawks snapping troubles last year you understand that this was a major need and that of all the sixth round picks in this draft, Schmitt is probably the only one who has an inside track at a starting job as soon as he steps on the field.

 Grade: C+

 Round 7 (#233) – Justin Forsett, HB, Cal
Forsett had a nice career at Cal, but he’s probably a poor mans J.J. Arrington, which doesn’t bode well.  Mix that with the struggles along the Seahawks offensive line and I’m not sure if Forsett will be a great fit in Seattle.  The best case scenario is him developing into a third down back, but with Maurice Morris and T.J. Duckett on the roster, I’m not sure if he’ll even make the final roster.

 Grade: C-

 Round 7 (#235) – Brandon Coutu, K, Georgia
Olindo Mare is on board, but I think Brandon Coutu will win the job as a rookie.  He was the best kicker in the draft and getting him at 235 was a steal in my opinion.  It will be interesting to see if he can adjust to the elements in Seattle, but with a brand new sixth-round long snapper you have to assume that EVERY snap will be perfect, right?

 Grade: B+

 Overall I thought the Seahawks did a very nice job.  They obviously didn’t feel there was a WR who could help them out immediately and I think I agree with them there.  I do think they made a mistake by ignoring the offensive line completely, as that was a huge weakness for them last season.  They are hoping new line coach Mike Solari and OG Mike Wahle will help them in that department for Mike Holmgren’s last season.  GM Tim Ruskell went defensive line early, which wasn’t a surprise and expect Lawrence Jackson to be the Justin Tuck of the Seahawks defense.  Grabbing Carlson was also essential, as TE was their greatest need, and Carlson was arguably the best fit for the Seahawks.  It was another solid draft for one of the league’s best drafting teams over the past few years.

 Overall Grade: B