Seahawks: Early observations

It's been nearly a month since the NFL draft and we're still about four months until the season starts. We're in the tweener zone where speculation rules as to whether the Seahawks can reverse their 4-12 season.

One thing we know is that the Hawks' President Tim Ruskell has given us enough personnel alterations to create debate.

The Hawks held a rookie mini-camp recently followed by a week of a voluntary veteran camp. They were without pads, some key guys were injured, serious position competitions haven't started and it certainly wasn't at playing speed. I covered a couple practices for AP and came away with some observations and thoughts as the buildup to the 2009 season begins:

* I had the chance to interview WR Deon Butler, the team's third-round choice out of Penn State. He's a real nice kid. Bright. Engaging. And small. When he lines up, he looks like a junior high flanker, thin legs, short stature (5-foot-10, 182). But he is fast. After 10 yards or so, he managed consistent separation from the DBs. Good hands, too. He may be a gem. I just worry over his durability.

* First-round draft choice LB Aaron Curry was scrambling around the field, looking like he'll fit in nicely. If he plays as well as I think, he'll be the top rookie defender out of this draft.

* Quarterbacks: Matt Hasselbeck looks fit and there is no question he's in charge. He barked out commands. He moved people around. He's the team leader. Seneca Wallace, as I've said in the past, should move to wide receiver. He's a somewhat accurate passer with quick feet but he's not the QB of the future. Jeff Rowe, the third-year slinger out of Nevada, showed excellent accuracy during a precision out-pass drill. On the other hand, Mike Teel, the team's sixth round pick out of Rutgers, was all over the place. He'd look sharp on some sideline passes then overthrew the guy on the next one. It may be nerves but from my perspective Rowe looks better and more valuable.

* TE John Carlson, with a year under his belt, is going to have a terrific year. That's my feeling because there may be more double teams of T.J. Houshmandzadeh - or possibly Butler on the fly pattern - so that Hasselbeck is going to find Carlson free underneath.

* WR Jordan Kent, a longshot when the Hawks drafted him three years ago, is still a long shot. He looks great in a uniform, big (6-4), long stretch, fast, but he wasn't a football player when arrived and he hasn't become one yet, at least not at this level.

* Questions surrounding this team have shifted all winter as Ruskell has signed or drafted players to fill spots. Now I think the question is on the running backs. Are they good enough? Will they provide enough of a threat to open up the passing game? We don't know the answer to that. T.J. Duckett loves to show off for magnificent arms, but he's got to show more than that. Either he or Julius Jones have to be close to a 1,000-yard rusher this season. They have to push each other in camp and let the best guy take the running load. Someone needs to be a force this season. The offense depends on their success.

* The secondary is another concern, especially after the way it was abused last season. The return of Ken Lucas helps but it's still a bunch of small guys without exceptional speed.

There's also a worry about the offensive line, age and injury. But it's always something. At least some things may have been solved.