Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Mike Holmgren went against his instincts in 2002 when he used a first-round pick on a talented but troubled tight end named Jerramy Stevens. That decision became a postscript on Holmgren's tenure as the Seahawks' general manager.
Now entering his final season as Seahawks coach, Holmgren felt better about the tight end Seattle added in the second round today. Notre Dame's John Carlson is, in the team's estimation, an upstanding citizen.
"We love everything about the intangibles," Holmgren said. "How he plays the game, how he practices, how he conducts his life. I told Tim [Ruskell, team president] this early on, I think that he is one of these guys, Lord willing and everyone stays healthy, that he can come in and be a really good football player for you for a long time."
The Seahawks use their tight ends in the traditional sense. Yes, they flex them out on occasion, too, but Holmgren likes a tight end to block on the edge as well. Seattle entered this draft without a starter at the position. There wasn't much sizzle at team headquarters today, but the Carlson pick filled a need at a position that has troubled the team.
"John Carlson, to me and to Tim, was the most all-around solid guy," Holmgren said. "He's really a good football player who can play inside at the tight end position. He's a big man, 6-foot-5, 250. Very good hands, good route-runner."
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