Instead of doling out big money for Leroy Hill or a free agent, or spending a valuable draft pick, I think Seattle should replace Hill with a linebacker platoon. David Hawthorne could play first down and running downs and Will Herring could play in obvious passing downs.
Will Herring
School: Auburn
49 Consecutive starts. Played three seasons at free safety, but his senior season at outside linebacker.
Stats: 8 interceptions, 9 solo and 6 assisted tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 27 YPC
Height: 6025
Weight: 229
40 Yrd Dash: 4.57
20 Yrd Dash: 2.62
10 Yrd Dash: 1.55
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 18
Vertical Jump: 35
Broad Jump: 10'5"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 3.99
3-Cone Drill: 6.56
David Hawthorne
School: Texas Christian
35 consecutive starts.
Stats: 17 solo and 6 assisted tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks (5 his senior season), 1 interception.
Height: 6000
Weight: 240
40 Yrd Dash: 4.69
20 Yrd Dash: 2.71
10 Yrd Dash: 1.60
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 20
Vertical Jump: 37 1/2
Broad Jump: 08'10"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.45
3-Cone Drill: 7.27
The team would probably take a hit run stopping, but improve its pass defense and at a fraction of the cost.