Re-Drafting The Ruskell Era: A 2005 Retrospect
I would call the unanimous criticism of former GM Ruskell a bit unfair considering he did construct the mediocre defense that aided our powerhouse offense in reaching the Super Bowl.
That was before the jackass let our roster fall apart right before our eyes, and ran my favorite coach of all time out the door.
Now before this turns into an all out lashing, Ruskell did have some good picks; Tatupu, Hill, Mebane, Wilson, and Carlson can all be considered to at least be good starters.
There are however far more duds on his record than studs. This retrospect is meant to give Seahawks fans a look at just how bad some of his misses were.
Now, calling someone out because they missed a stud that happens to play another position than the one they targeted isn’t valid cherry picking.
The criteria for my selections are that they have to play a similar position. For example if the bust played left guard and there was a much better right guard available that is valid.
If the bust played center and the stud was a left tackle that would be invalid; I will however provide a list of the prominent players picked shortly after our pick just for schitzengiggles.
Without further adieu, feel free to shake your heads in shame when you catch some of the names on this list, I know I did.
Our pick, Chris Spencer 25th overall.
I would find it tough for anyone to argue that Chris Spencer can be considered a good starting center. In fact, the only starting center in the league I wouldn’t prefer over him is Geoff Hangartner from the Buffalo Bills.
What could have been:
Logan Mankins, 32nd overall, New England
Anyone who brings up the fact he’s a guard can eat crow, Chris Gray retired around the same time Robbie Tobeck did; the need for a replacement at both positions was blatantly obvious.
Mankins, a one time All Pro, and two time pro bowler with 80 consecutive starts, is widely regarded as one of the best guards in the NFL
Jason Brown, 124th overall, Baltimore
Brown is regarded as a top ten center and commanded a top dollar $40 million contract on the open market from the St. Louis Rams.
Other notable players picked within one round:
Roddy White, Luis Castillo, Logan Mankins, Mike Patterson, Michael Roos, Vincent Jackson, Jonathan Babineux, Darrent Williams, Nick Collins, Corey Webster
Our pick, Davis Greene, 85th overall
The record setting Georgia quarterback never saw the field for the Seahawks and was cut after three seasons.
What could have been…
Kyle Orton, 106th overall, Chicago
Say what you want about the mans athletic ability but he is a productive starter whose been light years better than Alex Smith, the guy picked No. 1 overall in this draft, since entering the league.
In 48 starts for the Bears and Broncos he has amassed 9,121 yards, 51 TD’s and 39 INT’s to go along with a 57.8 CMP %. He has improved every season and just got done passing for a career high 3,802 yards and 21 TD’s in 2009.
I would rather have this guy as our heir apparent than Clipboard Jesus.
Derek Anderson, 213th, overall, Baltimore
Sure, he has been a streaky inconsistent passer in his career.
But Anderson has played pro bowl caliber football in the past and was recently a target of the Seahawks in free agency.
Definitely would rather have something tangible on the roster than nothing, which is what we got with David Greene.
Other notable players picked within one round:
Adam Snyder, Dominique Foxworth, Nick Kaczur, Marion Barber, Brandon Jacobs, Kerry Rhodes, Darren Sproles, Chris Canty
Our pick, Ray Willis, 105th overall
Willis wasn’t necessarily a bust, he is a solid player, but he makes the list because they could’ve done much better.
What could have been…
David Stewart, 113th overall, Tennessee
Picked just nine slots after Willis, Stewart has started every game he has ever suited up for and earned second team All Pro honors last season after helping pave the way for 2,000 yard rusher Chris Johnson.
Todd Herremans, 126th overall, Philadelphia
A well regarded 50 game starter for the Eagles who was actually drafted with a pick that Seattle had previously traded.
He also scored a touchdown against the Hawks as well.
Just imagine an offensive line of Okung, Hamilton, Brown, Unger, Herremans/Stewart…
Other notable players picked within one round:
Adam Snyder, Dominique Foxworth, Nick Kaczur, Marion Barber, Brandon Jacobs, Kerry Rhodes, Darren Sproles, Chris Canty, Trent Cole
Our pick, Jeb Huckaba, 159th overall
Was cut after the 2006 season and never saw regular season action.
What could have been…
Jovan Haye, 189th overall, Carolina
Drafted as a defensive end but converted to defensive tackle, Haye bounced around before enjoying a breakout season in Tampa Bay in 2007, notching 68 tackles in six sacks.
Although his production has dropped since than, he has still started 29 games and recorded 65 tackles and one sack the past two seasons; more than what the Hawks got.
Jonathan Fanene, 233rd overall, Cincinnati
This late round pick has developed into a capable starter for the Bengals and broke out last season with 36 tackles and 6 sacks over ten starts on a resurgent defensive unit.
The woeful Seattle pass rush sure could use someone like him coming into a season where an already below average unit just saw their best player retire.
Other notable players picked within one round:
Michael Boley, Frank Omiyale, Bo Scaife, Chris Kemoeatu,
Keep in mind this draft is widely regarded as Ruskells crown jewel and a fail safe for all of those attempting to validate his tenure in Seattle as a success.
Next up, retrospecting the 2006 NFL Draft.
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