Best in the NFL, he says. And I think he’s right – on paper. As always, it remains to be seen how things will pan out on the field in 2009. But I am optimistic; I think we did far better than we have in the past few offseasons, and much better than I expected to. Here’s Clayton’s take on things:
1. Seattle Seahawks: General manager Tim Ruskell has had the league’s best offseason to date because he filled needs before the draft and moved further ahead during the draft. Ruskell acquired needed size along the defensive line by getting Cory Redding and wide-body Colin Cole. An already talented linebacker corps improved with the drafting of Aaron Curry and the re-signing of Leroy Hill to a six-year contract. Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh was also a big pickup. Second-round choice Max Unger could help out at left guard and end up being the center of the future. Ken Lucas returns at right corner after four years in Carolina and adds needed size to the position. The topper was getting the Broncos’ first-round pick next year, thanks to a draft-day trade.
The re-signing of Hill was really the frosting on the cake that made me sit up and take notice – the moves so far had been pretty terrific, and the prospect of getting Hill under contract really seemed like asking too much. And yet, Ruskell delivered. I’ve been critical of Ruskell in the past, and will probably never forgive him for the cute moves that led to Steve Hutchinson leaving the team, but he largely redeemed himself this year. Here’s hoping for a solid 2009 after a dismal 2008.
Greatings, Super post, Need to mark it on Digg