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[bluejerseyjinx]

Seahawks keep finding undrafted gems

When I quizzed a former Seahawks scout about this approach, he told me, "Coaches need to be patient and know how to teach ... They need to be committed to developing the players." When I asked him about other teams, he replied, "Most coaches want polished players with all of the traits. They don't have the patience for development."


That's where Carroll's experience as a college coach has paid huge dividends for the Seahawks. He is willing to wait a little longer for the light to come on for his young players. After dealing with players ages 18 to 22 at USC, he has a better feel for the progression of today's players and the Seahawks' process-oriented approach yields positive results.

"[Carroll] knows the issues transitioning to the NFL are the same for a top pick or a free agent," the scout told me. "He's willing to put those guys in the same environment and go with the guy who catches on the quickest."

When I look at the next generation of castoffs and misfits poised to make an impact for the Seahawks (see: Trevone Boykin, Tanner McEvoy, Tupou and DeAndre Elliott), I see a number of guys who check off all of the boxes (athleticism, instincts, versatility, positional flexibility and production) that others don't require from their UDFAs. Maybe that's the edge that keeps the Seahawks flying high while others struggle to get off the ground.

ASK THE LEAGUE: Did the Eagles fleece the Vikings?

AFC director of pro scouting: "I think they gave up too much. I'm sure there were other teams with quality quarterbacks that didn't ask them to pay such a hefty price. That being said, the sharks could smell the blood and realize how desperate the Vikings were to get a guy. ... Minnesota will realize they overpaid during draft week when they start looking at the quarterbacks they could've had."

NFC pro personnel director: "Not if they believe that they will be picking at the bottom of the first round [because they are in the playoffs]. Plus, I think it shows how bad Teddy's injury must really be."

Former vice president of player personnel for multiple NFL teams: "Yes. They gave up a lot, but they had to do it. They needed a quarterback, and they needed one in a hurry, so they had to do whatever it took to get one."

AFC senior player personnel executive: "I think so. I believe it was a knee-jerk reaction. ... To give up a first and an additional high pick for a guy who hasn't met expectations after several years in the league is a questionable move."

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000697645/article/seahawks-keep-finding-undrafted-gems-vikings-fleeced-in-trade

I don't feel Minnesota gave up to much for the situation they are in. Those that critique Bradford needs to go back and look at his situation before he arrived in Minnesota. He walked into a horrible situation last year in Philly. Before that he was hurt a lot and missed a lot of time when he was with the Rams. But the Rams have stunk so bad and didn't do a very good job at all protecting Bradford during those years. I don't feel we have seen the best of Bradford. Remember, Bradford was a first round draft choice.

[bwgood77]

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This is hilarious...out of a new book by Steve Young..

Even on the field, I can’t escape the craziness. We play the Colts at home. Partway through the second quarter I’m in the huddle when the head referee taps me on the shoulder. “Can I talk to you for a second?” he says. I step away from the huddle. “Hey, listen, my daughter’s going to BYU,” he whispers. Next thing I know he starts trying to convince me that I should meet his daughter. “I'd like you to take her out,” he says.

I cannot believe this. We’re in the middle of a game! “Oh, okay,” I said. “What's her name?’’ He tells me and I return to the huddle ... Late in the game we’re down 31-23 and I'm trying to mount a comeback. I scramble out of the pocket and take a brutal hit. It causes me to fumble just before the whistle blows to stop the play. I am lying on the ground when the defense recovers the loose ball, all but sealing our defeat. Suddenly out of nowhere a yellow flag lands next to me. The referee whose daughter is headed to BYU calls a personal foul on the defense. First down, Tampa Bay. I get up and brush myself off. Then the ref walks past me and whispers she likes Italian food.