2001 NFL draft day coverage

Seahawks get off to a fast start in the draft

By Ron Pollack, Editor-in-chief
April 21, 2001

I didn’t write anything about the Seahawks decision to select WR Koren Robinson earlier in the first round for this web site because I wanted to wait and see what Seattle did with its other first-round pick before commenting.

Now that the Seahawks have taken OG Steve Hutchinson with that second first-round pick, I’ll offer my opinion.

Bravo!

I love what the Seahawks have done in the first round even though they didn’t take a defensive player as I’d anticipated.

Robinson makes all the sense in the world since the Seahawks were in great need of a first-rate wideout. Robinson has all the talent in the world. He has the ability to be a No. 1 wide receiver, which would allow Darrell Jackson to fill a No. 2 role that I think he is ideally suited for. With Matt Hasselbeck having been added in the offseason, head coach Mike Holmgren has the tools to really improve the offense.

Robinson does arrive with some concerns attached to his name. Most notably his attitude, maturity level and work ethic. Thus, I think it would be a spectacular move if they could bring in all-time great Jerry Rice to provide some veteran leadership and show Robinson that it takes more than just ability to make it big in the NFL. Rice is more than an all-time great. He is an all-time work ethic guy. I’ve heard him described as one of the most insecure superstars ever, and that is said in a good way. What that means is that Rice is always looking over his shoulder, worrying that someone might catch up to him and pass him by. That quality has driven him to his greatness. It would be wonderful if Rice could be brought in to teach some of this to Robinson.

Because Robinson has risk to him in terms of attitude, that makes Hutchinson a perfect pick. Hutchinson is a player who brings sensational intangibles to the table. He plays offensive line like a defensive lineman with a mean and nasty disposition. He’s the kind of guy you want to go to war with. In addition to his great attitude, Hutchinson fills a position of need since Pete Kendall has to be replaced.

The Seahawks may not have upgraded their defense with these two picks, but keep in mind that they have added a lot of firepower to that side of the ball this offseason in FS Marcus Robertson, LB Levon Kirkland, DLs John Randle, Chad Eaton and Jeremy Staat.

The Seahawks’ two first-round picks are a perfect balance for one another, both provided good value when taken and both fill positions of need. What more could you ask for? So far, nothing.

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