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KIRKLAND – It’s not that the intricate subtleties of blocking are not exciting or important, but when it already has been determined that the first pick of today’s NFL draft will be an offensive tackle there is not a lot of room for athletic flights of fancy.
Indeed, among today’s top 10 picks, seven are projected to be defensive players, with only Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan and Arkansas running back Darren McFadden giving this draft a touch of flair.
Michigan tackle Jake Long already has negotiated a five-year, $57.75 million contract with the Miami Dolphins, leaving little drama for who will chosen with the first pick.
Thereafter, the majority of the picks will be a who’s who of defensive linemen.
“I think overall draft-wise maybe it is average,” Seahawks vice president of player personnel Ruston Webster said of this year’s talent. “I think there is pretty good depth at certain positions. Out of every draft there are always players that come out of the later rounds. But I would say overall it is an average draft.”
This is the first year the NFL is changing the draft’s format, going from three rounds the first day to just two, with the remaining five rounds on Sunday. Also, there will be only 10 minutes between picks in the first round instead of 15 minutes, decisions driven primarily by television ratings.
Seahawks general manager Tim Ruskell said teams have had to adjust accordingly, holding discussions about potential trades beforehand to map out possibilities.
“We have gone 25 years the old way,” Ruskell said. “But there are times when it drags. That can be tough. It will be a different tempo. We have to get used to it. But I think it was a good change. I think it was necessary.”

thenewstribune.com