Saturday 13 December 2008

Potential Seahawks win awards, show intent to declare

Andre Smith, offensive tackle for Alabama, won the Outland Trophy this year. With news of Walter Jones being placed on IR there's been some talk of Seattle drafting his eventual replacement in 2009. Interestingly, Smith beat Michael Oher (Ole Miss) and Duke Robinson (Oklahoma) to the award. All three have been touted as potential Seahawks by different sections of the 12th man.

Smith all but announced his intentions to declare after accepting the trophy. "We have a great process that they put juniors through when they have the opportunity to go to the NFL, and that's what I'm relying on."

Elsewhere, corner back Malcolm Jenkins fulfilled a life long dream by winning the Jim Thorpe Award. Despite concerns about his recovery speed, Jenkins is expected to be the first corner taken in the 2009 draft. He beat out Taylor Mays (S, USC) and Eric Berry (S, Tennessee) to win the prize.

Mays, a Seattle native, has made it clear he will seriously consider declaring for the draft. The Seahawks took Lawrence Jackson from USC in the first round last year and Mays could be an option if they are looking for an addition to the secondary.

Finally, here's a look at the CBSSports.com 2008 All-America Team. There are a few names on this list that could be wearing a Seahawks uniform in 2009.

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