The Seahawks apparently won't add a quarterback this offseason simply to address their need for a long-term solution at the position. General manager John Schneider said as much last week, telling Clare Farnsworth of Seahawks.com that "I just know if you panic at the position, it can set the organization back. So we're not going to do that."

Schneider's comments suggest that the Seahawks won't reach for a quarterback, i.e., drafting one well head of where their grade on him merits. That thinking comes to mind when discussing the possibility of Seattle using its first-round pick on Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill, who, by most accounts, is one of the top quarterbacks in the draft but perhaps not one whose resume and ability would justify a top-15 selection.

Ryan Tannehill has just 19 starts at quarterback, having played receiver for his first two and a half seasons at Texas A&M. (AP)

McShay cited the Vikings' selection of Christian Ponder with the 12th overall pick last year as an example of how a team's need at quarterback can lead it to draft a player who would otherwise likely be taken much later.

"And that's why it won't surprise me, even though most teams will have a later first-, early second-round grade on Tannehill, or some teams I've talked to even think he's later second-round and are convinced," McShay said. "So there's a wide array of opinions on him, but it wouldn't shock me if we wound up seeing Tannehill. I do think he's the third best quarterback, so if he comes off the board at 11 or 12 it certainly would be no greater shock than Christian Ponder a year ago to the Vikings."

Tannehill began his college career at receiver after failing to win the team's starting quarterback job during camp. He led the Aggies in receiving as a freshman and sophomore before taking over as the starting quarterback midway through his junior season. In 13 games last season, Tannehill completed 61.6 percent of his passes and threw for 3,744 yards, 29 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.

Tannehill has just 19 career starts at quarterback, leading McShay to believe that he has plenty of room to develop.

"He still has a lot to learn in an offense that struggled this year at times and was very inconsistent in terms of the supporting cast," McShay said, "but I think with his athleticism, his arm, his ability to make throws on the run and create after the initial play breaks down, there's a lot of potential there. And certainly if you have time to develop him properly he has a chance to be a really good starter in the NFL."

Drafting Tannehill in the first round wouldn't necessarily force the Seahawks to make him their starter right away. Incumbent starter Tarvaris Jackson is under contract for another season, and at a reasonable price. The consensus is that he will at least be on the roster next season, possibly as the team's starter.

Follow Brady Henderson on Twitter @BradyHenderson

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