Coffee & Cigarettes: Seahawks links for Thursday

Links!

Jacksonville Jaguars used scouting, stats in harmony during 2014 NFL draft | Audibles - SI.com
The scene in the movie version of Moneyball, where Brad Pitt-as-Billy Beane sounds off on his scouts for their antiquated ways of thinking was an overdramatized version of the truth, but when professional sports franchises try to implement a serious use of metrics in order to change the odds in what can be an unfair game, there can be growing pains.

Seahawks to visit White House Wednesday | Seahawks Blog | Seattle Times
The Seahawks next Wednesday will take part in what has become one of the more notable traditions for a Super Bowl champion, being honored at the White House by the President of the United States.

Seahawks to be honored at White House on Wednesday
The first Super Bowl champion team in Seahawks history will be honored by President Barack Obama next Wednesday, the White House announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Justin Britt pins hopes on competitive nature
Last week, Justin Britt was wondering who would select him in the NFL Draft, and when. This week, the offensive tackle from Missouri is preparing for the Seahawks’ rookie minicamp after being drafted in the second round.

First look at the Seahawks' wide receiver battle - 710sports.com
The Seahawks now have 12 wide receivers on their roster after adding Paul Richardson and Kevin Norwood in the draft, but they haven't taken more than six into the regular season in any of the past four years. - Blog 710 ESPN Seattle at 710sports.com

On this date: Scott Fitterer promoted to director of college scouting
A look at a memorable moment in Seahawks history that occurred on May 14

Wednesday links: Pro Football Focus breaks down the corners getting paid | Seahawks Blog | Seattle Times
With the debate yesterday about which cornerback in the NFL is the highest-paid, Pro Football Focus decided to break down the games of Richard Sherman, Joe Haden and Patrick Peterson. Lots of good stuff that concludes the numbers point to Sherman as the best, but with the caveat that the way Seattle plays means he doesn’t always have to match up on the opponent’s best receiver — he typically just says on the right side and covers whichever receiver is there.

Ryan Williams didn't see release coming - NFC West Blog - ESPN
Running back Ryan Williams arrived at the Arizona Cardinals practice facility for a 6 a.m. workout on Monday.

New Seahawks know the challenge ahead - NFC West Blog - ESPN
One after another, the Seattle draft choices talked about what it means to get picked by the defending Super Bowls champs.

What Carlos Hyde Brings to the 49ers Backfield in 2014 | Bleacher Report
Even though the value of the running back position is at an all-time low in the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers have made it a point to add talent to their backfield on an annual basis.

Which rookie running backs will get the ball the most? - NFL.com
Around The League predicted Tuesday which rookie quarterbacks would start first for their teams. The article got me thinking about a position that traditionally makes a bigger impact right away.

Mike McCarthy on Finley: 'In my mind, he's a Packer' - NFL.com
Jermichael Finley's NFL future is yet to be determined as he awaits medical clearance for his surgically repaired neck. Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy said he's hopeful the tight end will remain a Packer.

Report: A dozen cities are interested in hosting the NFL draft - CBSSports.com
If the NFL does decide to move on from New York City and bring its draft elsewhere, it'll reportedly have plenty of suitors.

Agent's Take: Top 10 2014 NFL Draft pick deal projections - CBSSports.com
Rookie contracts will increase in value slightly. With that in mind, let's break down what the top 10 picks will make and how the negotiations will progress.

Draft Review: NFC East | National Football Post
Which team improved the most over the weekend?

2014 NFL team-by-team OTA, rookie minicamp dates - CBSSports.com
The NFL has revised the recently announced 2014 team OTA and minicamp schedule with the addition of rookie minicamp dates.

Around the NFL: Insights on 10 trending topics throughout the league | The MMQB with Peter King
1. Ratings Bonanza Although the timing of the draft had nothing to do with it—the same drama would have played out in April or even February—the draft’s boffo television ratings mean it will likely remain in May (or perhaps get pushed back even later).

NFL suffers major setback in concussion cases | ProFootballTalk
The NFL's initial argument in response to the concussion lawsuits is that there should be no concussion lawsuits.  Specifically, the league argues that the labor agreement requires these claims to be pursued via private arbitration.

2014 NFL draft: Breaking down the NFC picks | The MMQB with Peter King
Arizona Cardinals 1.27 Deone Bucannon, S, Washington St. 2.20 Troy Niklas, TE, Notre Dame 3.20 Kareem Martin, DE, North Carolina 3.27 John Brown, WR, Pittsburg St. 4.20 Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech 5.20 Ed Stinson, DL, Alabama 6.20 Walt Powell, WR, Murray St.

NFL Rookies Guaranteed to Prove Experts Wrong in 2014 | Bleacher Report
For months, analysts have praised or torn down various 2014 NFL draft prospects. Now it's time to hit the field, and some of the guys who have been ripped on are going to prove all of the naysayers wrong.

B/R Debate: Is Sherman, Haden or Peterson Best Long-Term Investment at CB? | Bleacher Report
Cornerbacks Richard Sherman and Joe Haden signed record-breaking contract extensions this offseason. Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson appears to be next in line for a big deal.

Will Blake Bortles be the Best QB of the 2014 Class? — FootballPerspective.com
The Jaguars drafted Blake Bortles with the 3rd pick in the 2014 draft. Nineteen picks later, the Browns took Johnny Manziel, and with the 32nd pick, the Vikings traded up to acquire Teddy Bridgewater.

How the Vikings decided Teddy Bridgewater was the right fit. | SportsonEarth.com : Dan Pompei Article
Bad pro day. Weak arm. Small hands. Narrow hips. Quiet personality.