Drafting for defense: Seahawks

October 8, 2008 10:15 AM

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Draft	Rd.	Pick	Seahawks Pick	Pos.	Seattle Starter?	Pro Bowls
2008	1	28	Lawrence Jackson	DE	Yes	0
2007	2	55	Josh Wilson	CB	No	0
2007	3	85	Brandon Mebane	DT	Yes	0
2006	1	31	Kelly Jennings	CB	Yes	0
2006	2	63	Darryl Tapp	DE	No	0
2005	2	45	Lofa Tatupu	LB	Yes	3
2005	3	98	Leroy Hill	LB	Yes	0
2004	1	23	Marcus Tubbs	DT	No	0
2004	2	53	Michael Boulware	SS	No	0
2003	1	11	Marcus Trufant	CB	Yes	1

The premise: The Seahawks' defense, like most in the NFC West, has struggled this season.

A closer look: The chart shows the last 10 defensive players Seattle drafted in the first three rounds.

The facts: Seattle has fared relatively well drafting for defense. Six of the 10 are starters and two have played in Pro Bowls. Two others, Josh Wilson and Darryl Tapp, play extensively. The other two -- Marcus Tubbs and Michael Boulware -- were starters before leaving the team. Injuries derailed Tubbs. Boulware started strong before struggling.

The future: The Seahawks' defensive picks should form the core of a capable unit, but the defensive struggles this season are raising questions.

Seattle Seahawks, drafting for defense, NFL draft, Lawrence Jackson, Josh Wilson, Brandon Mebane, Kelly Jennings, Darryl Tapp, Lofa Tatupu, Leroy Hill, Marcus Tubbs, Michael Boulware, Marcus Trufant

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