Position analysis

Every day this week, The Everett Herald takes a look at the top prospects for this weekend’s draft. Today they look at the quarterbacks and running backs.

1) Matt Leinart, USC

2) Vince Young, Texas

3) Jay Cutler, Vanderbilt

4) Charlie Whitehurst, Clemson

5) Brodie Croyle, Alabama

The skinny: Leinart, Young and Cutler are expected to go among the top 10 or 15, and there is serious debate about who is the best prospect. Whitehurst and Croyle are not as flashy but might turn out to be better pros.

Seahawks prognosis: Seattle is not looking for a starter, and the backups are talented but inexperienced, so this does not appear to be a position of need. Then again, Mike Holmgren loves to develop quarterbacks.

1) Reggie Bush, USC

2) DeAngelo Williams, Memphis

3) Laurence Maroney, Minn.

4) LenDale White, USC

5) Maurice Drew, UCLA

The skinny: Bush is likely to be the No. 1 pick, and as many as four others could go in Round 1. Look for White to drop, based on a hamstring injury and questions about his work ethic.

Seahawks prognosis: MVP Shaun Alexander isn’t in danger of losing his job, but the team could be looking for an upgrade over backup Maurice Morris and kick return man Josh Scobey. Fullback could also be an area of need because Mack Strong is aging and near the … wait, we’ve heard that one before.