Russell Wilson Impressing Seahawks

Added on May 14, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

It’s May 14th, so all news coming out of post-draft NFL minicamps should be taken with a huge grain of salt. Rookies always raise eyebrows when they’re the only ones on the field. Add veterans and elite players into the mix and suddenly it becomes much more difficult to stand out. That said, quarterback Russell Wilson probably has an excellent chance to compete for the starting gig in Seattle, considering the competition.

Head coach Pete Carroll was impressed enough to declare Wilson a candidate for the number one spot once training camp opens this summer.

“He’s showed us enough,” Carroll told reporters. “He’s in the competition. And that is going to tax us, as you know. It was already going to be taxing with two. But he’s shown us enough that we need to see where he fits in with these guys.”

Again, reading too much into this would be foolish. The Seahawks signed ex-Packers backup Matt Flynn to a three-year, $26 million contract in March, and still have incumbent Tarvaris Jackson on the roster. Flynn is unproven having made only two starts in four seasons. Jackson was average at best in 2011, setting career highs in touchdown passes and interceptions.

Wilson tumbled to the third round in April’s draft due to his height, 5’11″, after a successful college career split between N.C. State and Wisconsin. He threw for 11,720 yards, 109 touchdowns, 30 interceptions and added 23 rushing scores. If he was three inches taller he might’ve been a first-round prospect.

Basically, all this means is the Seattle quarterback picture just got a lot blurrier. Flynn seems to have the inside track on the starting job, but he won’t have the benefit of Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Jermichael Finley, Donald Driver, James Jones and Mike McCarthy’s offensive system to help make him look good.

If Wilson were to climb to the top of the depth chart, he’d be the shortest starter in the league.

Source: NFL.com