Pyramid of Value: The Defense and Special Teams

Since it's an over-simplification to classify players by just "re-sign" or "don't re-sign", I've decided to try and place each incumbent Seahawk in one of five tiers. Earlier I did a piece on the offense. Here is an explanation of my rough and very imprecise system:

Tier 1: Must-keep. Productive player, play-making, plenty of mileage left, and difficult or impossible to replace. Getting rid of them would be insane. (Example: Mike Williams)

Tier 2: Should-keep. Guys who are not necessarily world-beaters or irreplaceable, but are decent and contribute to an important spot and would only turn a mild hole into a gaping one if released. Also for over-performing role players. (Example: 2010 Ben Obomanu; 2009 Rob Sims and Josh Wilson)

Tier 3: Expendable. Good for depth or able to benefit from better health, a role change, or further development. Otherwise, quite replaceable. A Tier-2 player could find himself here if he plays a crucial position that demands better-than-average play.

Tier 4: Rookie pass. Rookies who haven't found their way into Tiers 1 or 2. No rookie is a bust after one season.

Tier 5: Should replace. Busts, non-contributing depth, and expensive underperformers. The team would most likely benefit from replacing them.


With defensive coordinator Gus Bradley retained for a third year, the pressure will be on to revive this defense from the bottom-five shaft it's spent two years in. The team claims to be focusing on the line, but too many of the back seven's problems are fundamental in nature and have nothing to do with the pass rush. This entire unit needs, and will experience, gutting.

And here is how I would rank each incumbent defensive and special-teams Seahawk from the 2010 season...



Tier 1:

Earl Thomas, FS - Despite some coverage struggles and growing pains, Thomas has stupendous range and great intensity. He makes plays all over the field. Stardom awaits with experience and an effective pass rush.


Tier 2:

Raheem Brock, DE - Coming off a rotational role, Brock had a career year and turned out to be a surprising force off the edge. He's already older than Patrick Kerney was when he hit the wall. If affordable, Brock offers versatility against both run and pass.