The UDFA’s
With the draft over, the Seattle Seahawks selected a handful of rookies that had yet to be signed by other teams.
Now wait a minute.
Don’t put these prospects down just yet.
Ever heard of Doug Baldwin?
He was the leading receiver on the team last year and he sat through all seven rounds without hearing his name called. Other notable undrafted players include New England wide receiver Wes Welker and San Diego tight end Antonio Gates.
Only four UDFAs made the team last year, so don’t expect to hear everyone’s name come September (Seattle now has a whopping 11 WRs on the roster).
Truth be told, some of these players can become stars.
There are currently ten confirmed undrafted free agents (UDFAs) that have been picked up by the Seahawks:
Phil Bates (WR) – Ohio
Phil Bates impressed many in his final season as a Buckeye. He can gain a lot of extra yards after the catch and always performs well in the open field. His amount of dropped passes rose last year, and other concerns like strength and pattern consistency are likely factors that kept him out of the draft.
London Durham (CB) – McNeese St
Seattle already has two young and promising corners, but there isn’t too much depth at the position. If Durham can push it out and make the team, he could develop into a solid backup and possibly raise his trade value.
Rishaw Johnson (G) – California (Pa.)
Very talented player, many were surprised when he did not get drafted. Seattle has struggled on the offensive line for the past few seasons and did not address any positions in the draft. There were improvements last year, and Johnson has a chance to contribute with his strength and agility in blocking opposing defenders.
Watch out for off the field trouble that dismissed him from Ole Miss in 2010.
Rishaw Johnson a Very talented player, many were surprised when he did not get drafted.
Jermaine Kearse (WR) – Washington
Played very well for the Huskies last season and finished No.2 all-time in TD’s, receiving yards, and receptions. Earned second team All-Pac-12 honors as a freshman and sophomore, and honorable mention All-Pac-12 last year as a senior.
Like Baldwin, he can become a surprise top target for whoever the quarterback is this season.
Sean McGrath (TE) – Henderson State
This is now becoming a tight end league. Sean McGrath will be a great fit to the offense if he can outperform others. Watching his game tape you will see a player with a great burst of speed of the line and good hands.
Jon Opperud (OT) – Montana
Opperud also has a chance to add strength to an offensive line. Making the team will be a challenge, for his best performances were not in his final year of college. If he can break out, he might just have the potential to be a long-term starter on the offensive line.
Deshawn Shead (DB) – Portland St.
Shead quick, smart, and agile, but lacks in the coverage department. When playing off the line, he gives receivers a little too much room. He also missed quite a few open field tackles last year, but he made big plays when they mattered the most.
Expect hard work from him to say the least.
Monte Taylor (DE) – Cincinnati
Lavasier Tuinei - Can a Duck make the Seahawks?
Although the Seahawks took advantage of this need by picking up Bruce Irvin and Jaye Howard in the draft, Taylor will at least have a chance to compete. This guy is quick and explosive off the line, but needs work in stopping the run.
Lavasier Tuinei (WR) – Oregon
Tuinei was awarded the Offensive Player of the Game in the Rose Bowl against Wisconsin. He is more of an open field receiver instead of a vertical threat.
There have been speed concerns when he posted a high 4.57 40 at his Pro Day, but that was an unofficial time. He may convert to TE.
Carson Wiggs (K) – Purdue
Wow, this man can hit field goals. He has a lot of power from deep out and the accuracy to send the kicks through the uprights.
Steven Hauschka is good, but he should expect some sort of competition from Wiggs this offseason.
So Close
There was speculation about Portland State DT Myles Wade coming to Seattle, but we’ve since heard he’s going to Tampa Bay now.
Tough loss.
As most of us at NWSB could see him making the ballclub.
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