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Since Pete Carroll and John Schneider took over as the shot-callers for the Seattle Seahawks, draft day has been the team’s best friend. The Seahawks have found ways to make the most of every pick, and appear to be doing the same at the start of the 2013 NFL Draft.
With the 62nd pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Seahawks selected Texas A&M running back Christine Michael. While he’s far from a sure thing, Michael’s upside and talent are undeniable.
Even with Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin at the position, this move makes plenty of sense for the Seahawks from a talent standpoint. Throughout his college career, Michael showed the elite power and explosiveness that’s hard to find in football these days. On top of that power, he also shows the extra gear to break off long runs and the elusiveness to consistently move the chains.
The biggest reason behind his fall down the draft was his poor attitude, which landed him in head coach Kevin Sumlin’s doghouse during the 2012 season. There will be plenty of questions moving forward regarding his coachability and willingness to hone his craft, but the Seahawks haven’t had too much trouble lately with bringing out the best in their players.
Injuries will also be a worry moving forward for Michael, who suffered two major setbacks throughout his time at Texas A&M. He broke his leg back in 2010 and then tore his ACL in 2011. It’ll be worth watching to see if he can stay healthy as he transitions to the NFL.
With a stacked roster and so many picks available this year, the Seahawks can afford to take a flier on a running back with their first selection of the weekend. They landed a potentially elite ball-carrier who may be the eventual successor of Lynch as the Seahawks’ go-to back. Assuming he catches on early, there’s even room for Michael to make an immediate impact as a change-of-pace back for the Seahawks.
If Michael can live up to his potential and stay off the IR, the Seahawks may have gotten the biggest steal in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Gil Alcaraz IV is a Content Planner/NFL Featured Columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @GilAlcarazIV, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
