The Seattle Seahawks used the NFL draft to shore up multiple key positions of need after a series of trades netted them 11 total picks.
Three of those picks were used on wide receivers, a clear position of need regardless of whether or not veteran Doug Baldwin decides to retire after undergoing three offseason knee surgeries.
However, despite adding a variety of offensive weapons, NFL.com writer Gregg Rosenthal believes Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was actually one of the veterans who became “collateral damage” during draft weekend.
Rosenthal notes that the loss of Baldwin would hurt the Seahawks in the short term and that their run-heavy offense will only continue to be a focal point without him.
“It’s not like offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and coach Pete Carroll need another excuse to run the ball on early downs,” Rosenthal writes. “What’s Schottenheimer going to do with third year pro David Moore and rookie D.K. Metcalf as the team’s second and third options behind Tyler Lockett?”
While that is a valid question, one could argue Seattle’s decision to draft three receivers, as well as a running back who excels in pass protection, could indicate a potential shift in the strategy toward a more pass-heavy offensive attack — especially after signing Wilson to a four-year, $140 million contract extension this offseason.
Time will tell whether the Seahawks make adjustments to their offense, but saying Wilson was hurt by Seattle’s draft decisions seems like a bold claim, although there is no question that the loss of Baldwin would be hard on the quarterback.
