ProFootballCentral.com

 
By: PFC Seahawks Writer Matt Johnson
 
After Bobby Engram’s personal best 94 receptions for 1147 yards, the lone active veteran WR of the Seahawks wants a raise. He called missing training camp a “Possibility” saying “I’m at piece with the decision, and it’s not coming from a place of ego or pride. I’m just trying to get something done that is fair. It’s a business decision on both sides, and I understand where they’re coming from. But I have to do what I think is best for me and my career.”

 This leaves the team short of veteran WR’s since veteran Deion Branch (former Super Bowl MVP) is recovering from ACL surgery. The Seahawks must now rely on 26 year old Nate Burelson to help with the veteran duties. Burelson said “It’s different. But I enjoy it. Going into my sixth year, it’s about time. You get a little more comfortable, a little more settled in. You understand the offense and you are able to teach that to the guys under you.”
 

The Seahawk’s have a young exciting, yet unproven core of WR’s (Ben Obomanu, Logan Payne, Courtney Taylor and Jordan Kent). Engram skipped voluntary mini camps earlier this month, This gave the young WR’s an invaluable chance to practice with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.
 
Ben Obamanu is a 3rd year player and likely in the lead for a WR job. After him it’s a dogfight most likely between Coutney Taylor and Jordan Kent. Kent likely has the size (6 ft. 4 in. and 219 pounds. Kent is also making a name for himself with his speed. Kent formerly an All American sprinter in college, only started playing football in his Junior year of college. The combination of size and speed could make Kent a big threat this year on a team of undersized WR’s. Courtney Taylor (6 ft. 0 in. and 205 pounds) is a more polished WR as far as route running and awareness go but has only a slight upside and average size.
 
Another piece to the puzzle will be the TE , the Seahawk’s drafted John Carlson (Notre Dame) in the 2nd round this year, he is a well rounded TE that fits the West Coast Offense well, He is 6 ft. 5 in. 251 pounds. He is known to have great run blocking and catching abilities.
 
Bobby Engram is in the last year of a 3 year contract, at the age of 35 it is reported that he wants a 2 year extension. During 2006 Engram had a thyroid issue that kept him from playing most of the year, the Seahawks decided not to put him on the non-football injury list allowing him to keep his yearly paycheck. Maybe justifying not giving the veteran a raise. But that’s just speculation.
 
Either way it works out for the Seahawks, I see positives, if Engram does get a deal or shows up for training camp the Seahawks get a true veteran receiver who can show the young guys some tricks, route running, how to get separated from defenders and how to handle themselves off the field, etc. If Engram decides to hold out for training camp the young WR’s will get a chance to practice with not only pro bowl quarterback Matt Hasselbeck but to also go against the 1st team defense. The young guys will have to make a difference during the season, if this team plans to go far. Burelson has mostly been used as a punt/kick returner, Engram is 35 and most likely won’t play all the snaps he’s used to, and Deion Branch is out till at least week 6 and that’s if things go great with the ACL surgery recovery.