Anytime a team wins the Super Bowl, their general manager is worthy of praise for the job he did putting together the roster.
Seahawks General Manager John Schneider is no exception and the Seahawks’ 43-8 victory on Sunday was a testament to his ability to find talented players all over the place.
Linebacker Malcolm Smith, a seventh-round pick, was named the MVP as part of a defense that featured fifth-rounders Kam Chancellor and Richard Sherman playing major roles. Defensive ends Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett were both value signings as free agents that paid off in major ways and safety Earl Thomas, one of his first two first-rounders (left tackle Russell Okung was the other one) with the team, has blossomed into one of the league’s best defensive players.
Wide receivers Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse were both undrafted and both scored touchdowns in the second half. Those touchdowns were thrown by Russell Wilson, drafted in the third round and given the starting job from the get-go, and followed an electrifying 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Percy Harvin. Harvin also had two big runs in the first half, making the trade for him look pretty good even after Harvin missed all but three games this season.
Running back Marshawn Lynch was also acquired in a trade and by now you’ve likely gotten the point about how much success Schneider has found on all fronts when it comes to personnel. His next task will be keeping the Seahawks at the top of the league and his work so far makes you like his chances.