Key additions: LB Julian Peterson (free agency); CB Kelly Jennings (first-round pick); DE Darryl Tapp (second-round pick).Key losses: CB Andre Dyson (released); S Marquand Manuel (signed with Packers); LB Jamie Sharper (released).Biggest strength: The linebackers. Without much fanfare, the Seattle Seahawks' linebacking corps may actually be the best the NFL has to offer. Two rookies from last season - MLB Lofa Tatupu and OLB Leroy Hill - both emerged as young stars, and the addition of Pro Bowl veteran Julian Peterson should Reebok Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Realtree camo Jersey
put the trio over the top.Tatupu racked up 104 total tackles, four sacks and three interceptions in his first year, while the unheralded Hill accumulated 7 ? sacks, becoming one of the game's best pass rushers from the outside. Adding Peterson, who was stuck in San Francisco, only makes the group that much better. Although he's dealt with injuries for various parts of his six-year career, the 28-year-old Peterson is a fine LB in terms of on-field performance and leadership. His veteran savvy will be welcomed by both Tatupu and Hill, who still have plenty to learn about the pro game. The unit's best player: Lofa Tatupu. It's funny how the Seahawks were criticized during the 2005 draft for using a second-round pick on Tatupu, who was considered by many gurus to be a reach. Well, if only all reaches turned out this well. The 6-foot, 238-pounder is already among the best middle 'backers in the game, and he's only 23 years of age. Imagining how good the former USC star will end up being in the pros is truly a scary thought, especially since he's still extremely young. Seattle general manager Tim Ruskell and head coach Mike Holmgren got themselves a true steal with this second-rounder.Where the main concern lies: The secondary. With all honesty, the Seahawks' secondary isn't even really a Reebok San Francisco 49ers #21 Frank GORE Realtree camo Jersey
concern, but something had to be slapped into this category. The starting defensive backfield of Kelly Herndon, Marcus Trufant, Michael Boulware and Ken Hamlin has the chance to be outstanding, but the game of football isn't played on paper. Adding former Miami Hurricanes corner Kelly Jennings in the draft's first round should prove to be quite a boon for the group.Breakout player: Bryce Fisher. For the last two seasons with the St. Louis Rams and Seahawks, the 6-3, 268-pound left end has knocked on the door of double-digit sacks, with 8 ? and nine, respectively. Playing on a defense that led the league in total sacks last year, the 29-year-old Fisher is often hidden by big names like Tatupu and tackle Rocky Bernard, among others.However, perhaps not so boldly, this writer will predict that 2006 will be Reebok Washington Redskins #98 ORAKPO Realtree camo Jersey
the year when Fisher finally hits the 10-sack mark, possibly even surpassing the number. Don't be shocked to see the sixth-year man from the Air Force Academy become an absolute force this season.Final outlook: Thanks to their supremely good offense, the Seattle Seahawks have one of the most overshadowed defenses in the NFL. But, with a likely big season on the way, all that's about to change. This unit will end the season ranked in the top 10 in most major categories, including turnovers forced, sacks and points allowed. --Got feedback? Connor J. Byrne responds to readers' comments and questions on a daily basis: cbyrneGet more on the Seattle Seahawks .
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