Updated Feb 19, 2013 - 1:31 pm
One reason to be wary of pass rusher Paul Kruger?
We've looked at the possibility of the Seahawks pursuing free-agent defensive end Paul Kruger from a few different angles already.
 Paul Kruger |
The conclusion I came to was that while Kruger is young and coming off his first contract – like tight end Zach Miller, receiver Sidney Rice and quarterback Matt Flynn, for instance – signing him to a huge deal would be an unprecedented move for a team that hasn't made such a significant commitment to a free-agent defender from another team. And if that trend is by design, it's hard to imagine Seattle going all out for Kruger.
Next, we discussed how Kruger would fit schematically and how his skill set would appeal to the Seahawks.
Brock Huard noted that Kruger was often asked to drop into coverage as an outside linebacker in Baltimore's 3-4 defense. Huard called Kruger "really intriguing" largely because of his versatility, a trait Seahawks coach Pete Carroll has historically favored in pass rushers.
On Tuesday, the conversation centered around a concern the Seahawks and other teams might have with Kruger should the Ravens opt to not re-sign him.
Elite players at premium positions like pass rusher rarely become available in free agency because their teams usually keep them at all costs. So if Kruger signs elsewhere, would that be an exception or an indication that the Ravens – who know him better than any team – don't consider him elite?
Huard and Mike Salk share their thoughts on that question in the video below.
You can listen to Tuesday's show here.
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LostLeader wrote...Does it matterFebruary 19, 2013 2:52 pm{ "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }- Reply
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sfk360 wrote...LostLeaderFebruary 19, 2013 7:55 pm{ "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
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RWIII wrote...HomeworkFebruary 20, 2013 8:01 am{ "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
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RWIII wrote...FreeneyFebruary 20, 2013 8:10 am{ "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
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RWIII wrote...Pass rush is a premium position.February 20, 2013 8:24 am{ "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
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phatpay wrote...Not paying Diva moneyFebruary 20, 2013 11:37 am{ "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
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Brock Huard has co-hosted the show since 2009. After earning Gatorade Player of the Year honors at Puyallup High School, Brock went on to a record-setting career at Washington and then spent six years in the NFL, including four with the Seahawks. Brock has also spent five years with ESPN working as a college football analyst in the booth and the studio. Brock makes his home on the Eastside with his wife Molly and their three young children.
Danny O'Neil is the son of a logger, a graduate of the University of Washington and has been a working journalist in Seattle since 1999, first at newspapers and since 2012 at 710 ESPN Seattle. He is married to Sharon Pian Chan, associate opinions editor at The Seattle Times. They live on Capitol Hill with their wrinkled, smelly dog.
