Seahawks Will Work Out Boise State QB Mike Coughlin

It isn't exactly breaking news, as Mike Coughlin's visit to the Hawks was reported about a week ago, but I came across another story at ESPN that made me want to bring it up again.

Tony Pauline (who, by the way, consistently provides great information) reported on the 25th that the Hawks will work out Boise State backup QB Mike Coughlin (sometime soon I presume). Coughlin didn't get much playing time in his college career behind Kellen Moore. This does not bode well for his NFL prospects - but there is precedent for this - Matt Cassel was a backup to Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart his entire college career and has had a measure of success in the NFL, including a Pro-Bowl appearance after leading the Chiefs to the playoffs in 2010.

I had made the comparison to Cassell at my old post a week ago, and it's not surprising that the ESPN article by Don Banks makes the same comparison in a piece highlighting some draft prospects that have taken unconventional routes to the NFL Draft.

Coughlin might be another Cassel, proving that collegiate experience is overrated. He threw just 28 passes while backing up Boise State star quarterback Kellen Moore the past two seasons, but suddenly an eye-opening showing at the Broncos' pro day last month has everyone in the NFL aware of Coughlin's strong right arm. Boise State coach Chris Petersen has extolled Coughlin to NFL scouts, and former BSU cornerback turned Dallas Cowboy Orlando Scandrick said recently that Coughlin was every bit the quarterback that Moore is, and would be a first-round prospect if he had been the starter.

At 6-5, 212 pounds, Coughlin has the size the NFL loves, and the quarterback-needy Seattle Seahawks were quick to reportedly schedule a pre-draft visit with him. He showed the ability to make every pass needed in the NFL while serving as the Broncos' pro day practice quarterback, and coaches such as Jacksonville offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter were said to be very impressed with his blend of skills. 

Intriguing to say the least. I'm not holding my breath of course, but it's something to watch.