Madden 2008 Fantasy Draft Seattle Seahawks

[MannyBeltre]

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Pretty much anything of notice goes here. Such as titles, awards, noteable stats...

Intro: Have never played a franchise with a fantasy draft, and thought I might try something new. I've done it before with friends, but we would just draft and quit after the first pre-season or something. I will have real rookies since I can import classes from NCAA.

[MannyBeltre]

Round 1, #5 Overall

Shawne Merriman, LOLB, #56
http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2007/01/09/PH2007010901727.jpg

Merriman could end up becoming one of the greatest defensive players of our time. A true sack master, he has game changing ability and will be able to single handily make the Seahawks defense one of the toughest in the league. At age twenty-three, Merriman will be able to dominate for a long time. Although players such as Peyton Manning and Tom Brady were still available, President Tim Ruskell says the selection was a no brainer. Coach Mike Holmgren, despite being known as an "offense first" guy, was 100% behind the selection. Only time will tell to see what kind of an impact Merriman has on the defense, and obviously the Seahawks think it will be a tremendous one. Lawrence Taylor version 2.0

[MannyBeltre]

Round 2, #59

Lofa Tatupu, #51, MLB
http://www.northwesthawaiitimes.com/storyimages/Tatupu.jpg

Tatupu, like Merriman, has quickly emerged and become one of the top linebackers in the league. In his first two years in the league, Tatupu has gone to as many Pro Bowls in his young career. He has a tremendous nose for the ball, and is constantly seen in the TV screen around every tackle. He has as good of range as anybody, and is quickly earning a reputation for being one of the smartest middle linebackers in the league. Tatupu looks like he will be the leader of the Seahawks defense, and when teamed with Merriman should already make the Seattle linebacker unit one of the best in the league. Again like Merriman, Tatupu is only 23, and has many years ahead of him. He returns to his previous NFL city, and Ruskell, Holmgren, and Tatupu alike are all very excited he could come back to quarterback the defense.

[MannyBeltre]

Round 3, #70 Overall

Bryant McKinnie, #74, LT
http://espn.go.com/i/magazine/4_20/4_20_mckinnie_2.jpg

McKinnie will be looked at to be the driving force on the Seahawk offensive line. McKinnie may be the biggest left tackle in the league, standing at 6' 8" and 328 pounds. A absolute massive tackle, McKinnie has proven to be able to utilize his body and skill to become one of the better left tackles in the game. Whoever is facing McKinnie will have a tough time getting to the quarterback. Usually the offensive line is a more important position for the Seahawks, but with so much defensive talent they decided to hold on to the third round before making their first selection. McKinnie will be looked at to continue a strong tradition that will be handed from Walter Jones to himself. All the Seahawks need now is a quarterback for him to protect.

[MannyBeltre]

Round 4, #123 Overall

Vince Wilfork, DT, #75
http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/Third_Party_Photo/2006/01/10/1136911868_9654.jpg

Wilfork is a tremendous talent, and the Seahwks viewed him as one of the top defensive tackles in the league. Maybe sensing a regret not to trade up for him in his draft year, the Seahawks made no hesitation in making him their fourth overall selection, adding to two outstanding defensive centerpieces. Wilfork, like Merriman and Tatupu, is still young in age. Wilfork's profile lists his age at twenty-five, another defensive piece that is among the top at his postition and still young. Wilfork definitely will be a force on the run defense, teaming with Tatupu to hopefully make Seattle one of the strong in stopping the run. The Seahawks still have not taken any skill offensive players, which is a suprise since Mike Holmgren is still head coach. But it appears that Holmgren was quite happy when announcing the selection of Wilfork. With Wilfork, the Seahawks are building which what looks like to be a great defense.

[MannyBeltre]

Round 5, #134 Overall

Calvin Johnson, WR, #81
http://www.warroomreport.com/images/players/calvinjohnson.jpg

Every team was eyeing Calvin Johnson, one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft. He has the size, speed, athleticisim, and marketabilty. But still is a rookie selection, forcing Johnson to fall into the fifth round. It appears that the Seahawks had no problem in scooping Johnson up, a player they were considering in the third round. The response to the pick was tremendous when announced at the Seahawks draft party, who were dissapointed in the selection of the last two picks, relative unknowns in McKinnie and Wilfork. Johnson is the first skill offensive player available taken by the Seahawks, a huge indication on where they think he will end up as a player. Johnson will undoubtedly open the season as the #1 reciever on the depth chart. Johnson now needs a quarterback to throw the ball to him, something Ruskell says should be answered in the next couple of rounds.

[MannyBeltre]

Round 6, #187 Overall

DeMarcus Ware, ROLB, #94
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2005/writers/arash_markazi/09/02/hot.read/p1_ware.jpg

Ware has elite athleticism, speed and playmaking potential. He made a very smooth transition from 4-3 end to 3-4 outside linebacker, something that Holmgren will still look to utilize, similar to how Julian Peterson played some downs on the defensive line last year for the Seahawks. He locates the ball easily and has tremendous instincts for a young player. He has outstanding initial quickness and anticipation skills. Being paired up with Merriman should give the Seahawks an elite pass rush, with Ware and Merriman both being among the leaders in sacks last year. The overall linebacker group looks like it will be the best in the league, giving the Seahawks three young linebackers to build the defense, or even team around. Defensive Coordinator John Marshall made his first comments on what he thinks of the draft so far, his response was "Love this more then my wedding".

[MannyBeltre]

Round 7, #198 Overall


Vince Young, QB, #10
http://www.footblog.com/images/0906vince.jpg

The Seahawks have their quarterback, leader, and perhaps face of the franchise. In a draft where quarterbacks where falling later in favor of more physical positions, the Seahawks selected Young over Philip Rivers and former starter Matt Hasselbeck. Young's age, athleticisim, present skill, and high ceiling all put him ahead of the two other possible quarterbacks. Ruskell said they view Young as a future MVP candidate, and a player that can also contribute right away. Young's selcetion easily drew the loudest cheer of the day from the Seahawk fans at the team's draft party. Mike Holmgren seemed just as happy with the selection. While Young isn't the perfect player for the West Coast offense, Holmgren said they would make changes to the offense which would allow Young to use his speed, while also letting quarterback coach Jim Zorn work extensively to develop Young as a better quarterback for the West Coast offense. Young was reached by cell phone after the announcement of his selction, the final Seahawk selection of the day, saying he is very excited to be coming to the Northwest to a team that has a tradition of winning and that is building such a strong defensive team in the draft. He also added that he is looking forward to throwing to Calvin Johnson, someone he said he hopes to become his "Marvin Harrison to throw to."

[Terrorblaze]

I'm sorry but your sig is too distracting and made me laugh. You got four studs listed and along with that an overrated underachieving wideout who will be a weak #3 WR on a FF squad let alone a #2.


"which one of these things is not like the other...."



also whats with taking Captain Roids first? Since he's in Seattle I guess he may be able to shoot all kinds of barry bonds type stuff in his buttcheeks and no one would pay any attention.

[The Duckman]

Holy effing linebackers.

Remind me not to play against this team.

[MannyBeltre]

Round 8, #251 Overall

Andre Gurode, C, #65
http://www.nfljapan.co.jp/season/image/upload/0221Andre%20Gurode.jpg

Gurode is always mentioned as one of the top centers in the league, and became the Sehawks second offensive line selection in the draft. While being more known for being stomped on by Albert Haynesworth, Gurode has been one of the premiere centers in the league. With the addition of Vince Young, the Seahawks said they were trying to find lineman who could do the best possible job defending their investment. Gurode was one of their top choices for the cneter position, and they were very happy to land him where they did. The announcement of Gurode's selection was however overshadowed by the press conference introducing Shawne Merriman, Vince Wilfork, and Vince Young. The selection was announced during the press conference, and Vince Young smiled and nodded his head in approval. Gurode is expected to be introduced tommorow with Bryant McKinnie and Calvin Johnson. Lofa Tatupu came by the Seahawks draft party after being drafted and recieved a standing ovation.

[MannyBeltre]

I'm sorry but your sig is too distracting and made me laugh. You got four studs listed and along with that an overrated underachieving wideout who will be a weak #3 WR on a FF squad let alone a #2.


"which one of these things is not like the other...."



also whats with taking Captain Roids first? Since he's in Seattle I guess he may be able to shoot all kinds of barry bonds type stuff in his buttcheeks and no one would pay any attention.

lol, I actually put Branch there just to see your response. You were hating on the pick, so I put him there as one of my highlighted players. I do think he will have a very good season though, as he is the clear #1 and has no one to get in his way. A full year with Matt Hasselbeck and I expect 1,000+ and 6-7 TD's.

It's a videogame, and Merriman is a beast. Plus he is only 23, no way I couldn't take him.

[georgiafan]

you got one heck of a LB group

[The Duckman]

So how did the rest of this go?

[MannyBeltre]

Just a sec. I had to write these down and will be posting them soon.

[KGB]

Good luck moving the ball on offense against this team. lol

On the other hand, good luck moving the ball on offense with this team.

[PeytonBomber]

Your defense is disgusting. You'll be #1 in run defense for sure.

And, in a few years, your offense should be unstoppable with Vince and CJ.

[MannyBeltre]

Round 9, #262 Overall

Gibril Wilson, SS, #28
http://gothamist.com/images/giants.jpg

Wilson is athletic and aggressive, a perfect for what the Seahawks are looking to add to their already strong defense. He has good speed, range and body control. Wilson plays very hard but has added consistency to his game, something that made him inriguing to the Seahawks. He likes to be physical and will attack receivers over the middle and the line of scrimmage in the run game. Wilson is a good open-field tackler who wraps up and brings some pop. He seems to have natural playmaking ability and a nose for the ball. Tim Ruskell was happy to tab Wilson as the first secondary player drafted by the Seahawks.

[MannyBeltre]

Round 10, #315 Overall

Madieu Williams, FS, #40
http://www.madieuwilliams.org/images/mw_action_07.jpg

Williams was the free safety Seattle was targeting from the beginnng, and they tabbed him with their tenth overall selection with no hesitation. Williams is the second consecutive secondary player taken by the Seahawks, and the sixth defensive player taken. Williams has great play recognition, helping him become one of the first players on the play and creating defensive plays. Williams has an incredible nose for the ball, and should team up with Gibril Wilson to become one of the lethal safety combinations in the league. Few have burst onto the scene like Williams has done the past two years, making him an intriguing selection for the Seahawks as he is still improving.

[MannyBeltre]

Round 11, #326 Overall

Alex Barron, RT, #70
http://assets.espn.go.com/i/pkg/05NFLdraft/250/8638.jpg

Seattle added the second part of their offensive line, drafting Barron to be their starting right tackle. Barron is a very intriguing player, someone who dominated in college and has as high of upside as anybody at the tackle position. Barron looks to be on the line for a long time as he is still young of age, what looks to be a common theme in Seattle's draft. Seattle had considered former Seahawk Sean Locklear with the pick, but decided to go with Barron as they view him to have a much bigger upside. Barron is massive in size, much like third round draft pick and starting left tackle Bryant McKinnie. Seattle is still taking it's time in drafting skill offensive players, most noteably a runningback. Mike Holmgren did say they had someone in mind and the question should be answered soon.

[mtk91]

Good stuff. I'm assuming this is one of the first ones you've done, Wilfork woulda lasted a few more rounds.. I'm pretty sure Ware would have also.

By the way, did Gurode always look that retarded? Haynesworth musta jumped on his head, looks like his brain or some shit is oozing out of his head

[dlips08]

Good stuff. I'm assuming this is one of the first ones you've done, Wilfork woulda lasted a few more rounds.. I'm pretty sure Ware would have also.

By the way, did Gurode always look that retarded? Haynesworth musta jumped on his head, looks like his brain or some shit is oozing out of his head

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15096331/
He’s still adjusting to the bandages on his head and even wore his helmet during warmups Friday to get used to it. Most of the damage is obscured by a skull cap, though there’s a hook-shaped scar under his left eye.

nice team Manny