Crumpler not the answer for Seahawks, NFL Draft provides top TEs Davis and Keller

The Seahawks need a seam-splitting, pass-catching TE so Matt Hasselbeck can truly take advantage of the full range of mismatches the west coast system offers. After the Jerramy Stevens my-arms-are-too-long-to-catch-footballs-and-I-am-a-headcase bust, and the Marcus Pollard I-have-low-miles-but-they-left-me-in-the-garage-for-a-reason failure, their options are free agency, the draft, or... bust.

Now everybody and their uncle is chirping that the Seahawks need to take a good look at free agent Alge Crumpler as the solution to their ongoing need. However, there are two excellent options available in the upcoming NFL draft that the Seahawks should prefer.

Why not to sign Crumpler: First, Alge is 30 years old and has many (good) years of playing behind him. Sure he is good now. However, thinking that he has several years of quality play left in front of him is wishful thinking. In fact, in regard to his age, we heard all the same arguments last year about Marcus Pollard.

Second, the high price it would cost to sign Crumpler will outweigh the production increase he would offer compared to a quality rookie. TE is one of those positions where first day draft picks can come in and contribute right away on an already good team. Also, Crumpler seems, so far to be more comfortable staying in the NFC South. We would have to pull out the big bucks to lure him to the northwest. We need that money to work on the RB, OL, DL, and, now, K positions.

So who should the Seahawks look to? In the NFL today, it is all about value: production for cost. If we can find a TE who is fast enough to beat a middle linebacker upfield with good enough hands to hold on when the safety hits him... then we've got a winner. Better yet if that person is a low(er) priced player who will produce for years to come, now you're talking. Hasselbeck has years left to run this show and giving him a young weapon at TE will keep the show on the road.

Two great draft options:

1. Fred Davis, USC: Fred is an athletic, fast playmaker in the mold of a speedier Daniel Graham. He is not your blocking TE, but the Hawks have two of those on the bench.
2. Dustin Keller, Purdue: Dustin is also a high productivity pass catcher. He also turned in the fasted 40 time (4.53) of all the TEs that ran (Davis did not).

The best part about these two TEs is that they may both be available to Seahawks at their spot in the 2nd round. The latest ESPN Mock (#4) leaves both out of the first round. It is likely Davis would go first. If the Seahawks really believe in Davis and cannot get an elite RB, they may grab him at pick 24. Otherwise, Keller in the 2nd or 3rd would be a great find.

The X-factor:

Signed by the Seahawks last year after going undrafted was Oregon State product Joe Newton. Word from Seahawks coaches in a Seattle Times article summing up the 2007 season was that Joe had been impressive and will make a push to make the team in 2008 regardless of who they draft. He is a huge target at 6'7" and could be a factor.

-MJA