Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
The Seahawks' decision to name Jim Mora their head coach in advance could help their draft preparations by letting their staff coach at the Senior Bowl all-star game in February.
Coaching staffs from the teams drafting first and second overall get first crack at coaching Senior Bowl practices, plus the game itself. The experience can afford organizations a better feel for the top prospects. The Lions and Rams would get first chance at coaching the all-star squads, but both organizations are without head coaches for next season. The Lions are turning over their staff. The Rams will also likely make sweeping changes to their staff. It could be hard for them to get coaches in place fast enough.
If the Lions and Rams aren't in position to coach at the Senior Bowl, the Chiefs and Seahawks would be next in line. You can be sure the Seahawks, holding the fourth overall choice, would jump at the opportunity. For good reason.
The 49ers coached at the Senior Bowl the last three years. In 2007, they drafted Senior Bowl participants Patrick Willis, Joe Staley, Jason Hill, Ray McDonald, Jay Moore and Thomas Clayton. In 2006, they drafted Senior Bowl participants Manny Lawson, Michael Robinson, Marcus Hudson and Parys Haralson.
The 49ers drafted only one Senior Bowl participant last year (offensive lineman Cody Wallace). In that case, the experience might have convinced them to avoid certain players.
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Mike Sando
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.