Trying to Clear up Problems with the O-line
Will Hawks address gaps early in the draft?

Up to this point, few people see the Seahawks using their 26th pick to address problems with the offensive line. Many of the names tied to the Seahawks are on the other side of the ball. The team has lost pieces on both sides, but glaring holes seem to be more evident on the offensive line than the known and revered Seahawk defense.

There may be many reasons for this defensive pick thinking, but reason number one is simple. Pete Carroll is a defensive minded coach with ties to defensive backs since his early coaching days.

This may be a key reason why draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. recently had the Seahawks taking Ohio St corner Eli Apple with their first past pick. At 6 ft 1 and nearly 200 lbs, the fit would maken sense with recent Seattle trends at the position. A position they feel, and have shown, measurables matter. The team, however, did sign Jeremy Lane this off-season and it seemed as If he would start opposite Sherman. 

Even if not Apple, many other experts have the Hawks going defense as I have outlined in a previous article. Many of the team's visits to pro days and brining players to their facility were defensive picks. 

Pete Carroll seems to have a unrelenting faith in the offensive line and perhaps for good reason...

First of all, Seahawks offensive line coach Tim Cable is one of the best in the league. After a rough start last season the team did see increase in proficiancy as time went on. They were effective in the run and began to keep Wilson upright after the first few games of the year. It was not until Okung went down in the playoffs that the team then began to struggle again...with multiple switches across the line to make up for the Okung loss.

Let's dive in a bit deeper into the line. After the playoffs, Carroll basically said the line did not do good enough and they would have to build it up.. This seemed to be a hint towatds free agency and/or the draft, but littlr has been done thus far in free agency.

After loosing Seahawk free agents Okung and Sweezy, you woukld think this would only solidify the idea of the Seahawks using their first pick on the O-line. Because now the holes that already existed after last year are now that more gaping at the position.

I can see not wanting to overpay in free agency, but then draft need is evident at the position(s) of offensive line. Carroll needs to put his personal love relationship with defense aside, and do the right thing at 26...pick the best left tackle available. 

The team is high on Gary Gilliam...and I am too. He is athletic, being a former right end, and may have what it takes. If he doesn't though you are back at square one. On top of this, the defensive side of the ball is deeper in this year's draft, particularly on the line, which should provide them the patience to wait on that side of the ball. 

In a few short weeks we will see just what the team plans to do. I, for one, am holding my breath on pick 26. 

Picture:https://www.flickr.com/photos/toofarnorth/2976432844/in/photolist-5x1ZME...

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