Stuck On A Corner Seahawks Crave A D-Back In Saturday’s Nfl Draft
Even before losing starters Carlton Gray and Corey Harris to free agency, Seattle Seahawks coach Dennis Erickson knew he needed a cornerback in this year’s NFL draft.
After watching Shawn Springs’ impressive workout at Ohio State last month, Erickson realized he wouldn’t have a shot at the best cornerback available even with the Seahawks holding the 11th and 12th picks in the first round.
That’s why the Seahawks traded up two weeks ago, obtaining the No. 3 pick in the draft from the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for the 11th choice overall and Seattle’s picks in the second and fourth rounds.
It is a steep price for an ascending player, but a move that was needed to fill the Seahawks’ biggest need.
“It’s a real key that we get a corner someplace in the draft,” Erickson said.
The Seahawks could have selected a cornerback at No. 11, but not Springs. Or Bryant Westbrook of Texas. And maybe not even Iowa’s Tom Knight, the other cornerback the Seahawks count in their top three.
Springs separated himself from this elite pack with a sudden burst of an effort at his workout: 40 yards in 4.35 seconds on the Seahawks’ stopwatch, with another team getting him as fast as 4.27; jumping 40 inches; pressing 225 pounds 19 times; and displaying natural athletic ability and fluid movements in other drills.
No wonder most teams rank him the best cornerback in the draft. A scout for the Oakland Raiders went that one better, calling Springs the best player in the draft.
“Shawn Springs is a tremendous athlete who can run really fast,” Erickson said. “He’s pretty physical and can cover. We think he can come in and help us right away.”
Springs would give the Seahawks two things they are lacking: a starter to play opposite Willie Williams, who was signed in free agency, and a corner with size.
But what if Springs is gone by the time the Seahawks make their first selection next Saturday? The Seahawks are prepared for the possibility.
Darrell Russell, a defensive tackle from USC, visited the team’s headquarters last week. Peter Boulware, a defensive end from Florida State, also visited. The Seahawks met with Springs and Ohio State offensive tackle Orlando Pace while in Columbus for their workouts.
Pace, Russell, Springs and Boulware are regarded as the best players in the draft, with Westbrook rounding out the top five on most lists.
“If Shawn Springs is not there, that means Darrell Russell is going to be there. Or Pace is going to be there. Or somebody is going to be there who is a pretty good football player,” Erickson said.
The three-hole has been good to the Seahawks in the past. In 1983, they traded up with the Houston Oilers and made running back Curt Warner the third selection overall. In 1990, the Seahawks traded up with the New England Patriots and selected defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy with the third pick.
If the Seahawks don’t get Springs at No. 3, they would have to hope Knight was still available at No. 12. As Erickson puts it, “We need a cornerback, preferably with one of the first two picks.”
If the Seahawks do get Springs, they could trade down from No. 12 or select a player, with Miami wide receiver Yatil Green topping a list of four or five they would consider.
“He’s a big guy who can run fast and will go across the middle. Do I need to say anymore?” said Phil Neri, co-college scouting director.
The 6-2-1/2 Green ran 40-1/2 yards in 4.38 seconds and had a 40-inch vertical jump at the NFL combine in February. He also was recruited to Miami by Erickson, who coached the Hurricanes for six seasons before joining the Seahawks two years ago.
If Green is gone, the Seahawks could trade down and possibly recoup a second-round pick or add another in the third down.