Seahawks fans saw WR Deion Branch slip to the no. 3 spot on the depth chart behind Nate Burleson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. But, with the departure of Burleson to the Lions, most expected Branch to win back the no. 2 spot. But don't discount Seattle's second-round pick, WR Golden Tate, from winning a starting job, especially since he's been making big plays since day one in mini-camps, according to Pete Carroll.
Pro Football Weekly seems to agree, giving the edge to the youthful Tate over the 31-year-old injury-riddled Branch.
A strong camp from either man should be enough to win the job, which should yield decent stats considering how often QB Matt Hasselbeck will be airing it out.To Continue...
Predicted winner: Tate
The article fails to mention that both players will be learning a new offensive system, which could further level the playing field for Tate. However, Branch has the experience advantage working for him. Let's not forget he was a Super Bowl MVP at one point.
First-rounders remain unsigned on verge of training camp
Both of Seattle's first-rounders, Russell Okung at no. 6 and Earl Thomas at no. 14, remain unsigned as training camp approaches, set for Saturday. However, both should have their contracts nearly inked before then as both Eric Berry (the player taken no. 5) and Brandon Graham (the player taken no. 13) have both finalized their contracts.
The fact that Graham and Berry have signed is significant because this helps provide a basis for what Okung's and Thomas' contracts should resemble.
Hill's legal troubles worsen
LB Leroy Hill continued digging himself into a hole after new charges allege witness tampering and intimidation, according to KIRO 7.
KIRO Team 7 Investigators confirmed Issaquah police launched a new criminal investigation this week into the pro-football player. The allegations include witness intimidation and witness tampering.Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
Hill was supposed to be in court Thursday, starting a misdemeanor trial for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend in April. That was postponed at the last minute and an affidavit for a search warrant might have something to do with it.
