Wilson's Promotion

Everyone expected rookie quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III to be named starters for their teams. They were pretty much the starters the moment that they were drafted. Many expected fellow rookie Ryan Tannehill to compete and probably win the starting quarterback gig in Miami. Even Brandon Weeden was expected by many to be named the starter in Cleveland. He's a 28-year old rookie. He had to take the reins as soon as possible. All four rookie quarterbacks were taken in the first round of the draft. The hope for all four was for them to start early, preferably immediately. So far it has gone according to plan. All have been named starters. No one expected third round rookie Russell Wilson to be named the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks. Head coach Pete Carroll has named a different starter each year he's been in Seattle. He signed Tarvaris Jackson to be the starter last year. That lasted one year as Jackson was just traded to Buffalo. Matt Flynn was signed this past offseason. The Seahawks outbid at least the Dolphins for Flynn's services. He was supposed to be the starter. Just when you think that the unpredictable Carroll is set with Flynn and Jackson competing for the starting job, the Seahwks draft Wisconsin's Russell Wilson. At the time I was surprised. It seemed a little odd to spend a high pick on a third string quarterback. Instead, Wilson is first string, Flynn second and Jackson is in Buffalo. The Seahawks are heading into the season with a quarterback crew that has two combined starts. It's a gamble.

I like Russell Wilson. I didn't see him play much at North Carolina St. but I saw several of his games after he transferred to Wisconsin. He's bright, athletic, seasoned despite his age, and he simply wins. Pretty much the only knock on Wilson is his 5'11" height. It's always a mistake to ignore a football player simply because he doesn't fit a particular mold. You can find talent in about any shape and size. Russell Wilson is a terrific football player. Each time that I saw him play in college I came away even more impressed. He makes plays and he wins. It's easy to cheer for Wilson. I just hope that Pete Carroll gives him a chance to succeed. He hasn't shown much patience with his quarterbacks.