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NFL teams rarely select offensive guards among the top overall choices in a given draft.

Mike Pouncey (15th 2011) and Mike Iupati (17th in 2010) were the only projected guards drafted among the top 17 overall selections in the last 10 drafts.

Before that, Steve Hutchinson was on a short list of highly drafted guards as the 17th player chosen in 2001.

So, how seriously would the Seahawks consider selecting a guard, David DeCastro, with the 12th overall choice this year?

Kevin Calabro, Jim Moore and I spent about 10 minutes Monday discussing that and other issues relating to the Seahawks on 710ESPN Seattle (audio here).

History says 12th overall is earlier than teams select guards, but I would not rule out the possibility.

The Seahawks did not value guards at a high level, in theory, when Mike Holmgren and Ted Thompson decided to select Hutchinson. But they obviously thought Hutchinson was good enough to warrant an exception. On a side note, current Seahawks general manager John Schneider was the Seahawks' player personnel director at the time.

Note: The chart shows guards drafted among the top-17 overall picks since 1995. Robert Gallery and other tackles have moved to guard during their NFL careers. The chart shows only those players drafted as guards. Damien Woody, chosen 17th overall by New England in 1999, was a candidate for inclusion. He was drafted as a center, however.

A few considerations after the NFL's 2012 deadline for naming franchise players passed Monday:

• Two tagged: San Francisco's Dashon Goldson and Arizona's Calais Campbell were the only NFC West players to receive the tag. That was no surprise after the Seahawks re-signed running back Marshawn Lynch. Brandon Lloyd was the only Rams player worth considering for the tag. The Rams badly need receivers. There was some uncertainty over how well Lloyd might produce outside Josh McDaniels' offense.
• No tag for Bryant: A four-year deal with Lynch gave Seattle other options for the tag. The team decided to pass. This was understandable. Seattle values Red Bryant on the field and in the locker room. He's a great fit. But using the franchise tag on him would have required the team to pay about twice the annual rate defensive tackle Brandon Mebane received a year ago. Mebane got $5 million per season. Bryant, as a defensive end, would have commanded an estimated $10.6 million for one year at the franchise price. We'll now find out how much Bryant values the fit he has enjoyed in Seattle.
• Alex Smith update: The San Francisco 49ers still have a week to strike a long-term deal with their quarterback. The franchise tag would have set Smith's annual value at an estimated $14.4 million, perhaps around $5 million more than Smith might receive annually on a multi-year deal. There should be enough good faith between Smith and coach Jim Harbaugh for the 49ers to reach a resolution without much worry. Smith is better off with the 49ers than elsewhere, in my view, and he has to know this.
• Matt Flynn's status: The Packers decided to let their backup quarterback head toward free agency unrestricted by the tag. I had a hard time picturing by-the-book Green Bay general manager Ted Thompson essentially gaming the system by tagging Flynn. Thompson might have realized the trade market for Flynn could be soft if the $14.4 million value set the baseline for any contract another team might sign with the quarterback. No tag means more teams figure to have interest. Would Seattle have interest? Still haven't heard anything substantive along those lines. The assumption here is that Miami will pay a higher price.
• Mario Williams free: The deadline passed without Houston using the tag for outside linebacker Mario Williams. The Seahawks need a pass-rusher. Williams would probably fit best in the "Leo" role Chris Clemons currently fills. Seattle badly wants to upgrade its pass rush, but I haven't sensed the Seahawks will go after Williams at any price. The Texans knew him best and decided against making every effort to keep him.
• Receiver market: Vincent Jackson and Marques Colston were two of the bigger-name receivers to escape the tag. Dwayne Bowe isn't going anywhere after Kansas City franchised him. Pierre Garcon, Robert Meachem and Mario Manningham are three middle-tier wideouts with a shot at free agency. Most NFC West teams could use help at the position. Seattle and St. Louis had some interest in Jackson when he was a franchise player previously. The Rams have changed leadership since then. The receiver pool could dry up further if players get deals done before free agency opens March 13. Teams interested in Pittsburgh restricted free agent Mike Wallace would have to part with a 2012 first-round pick if the Steelers did not match an offer. I'm skeptical the 49ers would go that route.
• Corners of note: The 49ers' Carlos Rogers remains without a deal and could hit the market. Tennessee has no plans to bring back Cortland Finnegan, who has ties to Rams coach Jeff Fisher. Those will be two corners to watch.

The chart shows which players received franchise tags Monday. The NFL has yet to announce the associated values. Franchise players rarely change teams. Drew Brees, as a non-exclusive franchise player, cannot negotiate with other teams. Most franchise players are free to negotiate, but their current teams would receive two first-round draft choices in return if they decided against matching a formal offer.

The news conference introducing Jeff Fisher as the St. Louis Rams' head coach, scheduled for Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET, should provide answers regarding organizational structure.

We should expect Fisher to control the roster and have say over who becomes general manager. We should also expect Fisher's contract to give him at least as much power as the GM.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Fisher will not have a title beyond head coach, but Fisher will have significant say over personnel to go along with a $7 million annual salary. Thomas: "After 17 years working for tightwad owner Bud Adams in Houston and Tennessee, Fisher wanted to make sure he had the resources to put together a strong coaching staff, be active in free agency and have a strong personnel department. Contrary to speculation, it looks like Fisher's only title will be head coach. He's not expected to have 'vice president' or 'executive vice president' attached to his name in St. Louis."

Also from Thomas: Gregg Williams and Brian Schottenheimer are expected to become Fisher's coordinators, although ESPN's Chris Mortensen says former Raiders coach Hue Jackson will interview on the offensive side.

Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch shields Schottenheimer from some of the blame over what went wrong with Mark Sanchez and the Jets this past season. Miklasz: "If we are to blame Schottenheimer for the stalled development of a young QB, then it's fair to give the OC just a nod of praise for what Sanchez did in the 2009-10 postseasons. In six games, with the Jets winning four, Sanchez completed 60.5 percent with 9 TDs and 3 INTs. He played very well in road wins at San Diego, Indianapolis and New England. He also played a good game in last season's AFC championship, completing 61 percent for 2 TDs and no picks in the loss at Pittsburgh."

Also from Miklasz: Rams owner Stan Kroenke hasn't done enough to allay fears of a future franchise relocation.

Andy Cordan of WKRN-TV Nashville says Fisher was recently first on the scene to a traffic accident that left two teenagers injured. Cordan: "Authorities said the 17-year-old driver of a Nissan Altima lost control, ran off the road, hit a pole and overturned. A 13-year-old passenger was thrown from the car and rushed to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital with critical wounds. Fisher didn't want to go on camera but spoke with Nashville's News 2 over the phone. He said he was on his way home when he saw the wreck and stopped. Knowing the teens were hurt, Fisher said he rendered aid the best he could, and stayed with them until medical personnel arrived."

Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News says 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh is embracing the magnitude of the moment as the 49ers prepare to play for a Super Bowl berth.

Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News says 49ers general manager Trent Baalke is extremely happy for quarterback Alex Smith. Baalke: "Like I told him after the game, I don’t know if I’ve ever been happier for an individual than I was for Alex to come through in those moments like he did and to have the type of game he had. And to just see the joy on his face. If anyone deserved it, Alex deserved it. (I’m) very appreciative that he was able to do that."

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com notes that former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. will serve as honorary captain for the NFC Championship Game.

Also from Maiocco: Center Jonathan Goodwin has won the 49ers' annual Bobb McKittrick Award as top offensive lineman.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says Delanie Walker, if cleared to return, would give the 49ers a big boost on offense.

Alex Espinoza of 49ers.com runs through which 49ers earned spots on the annual all-NFL selections published by Pro Football Weekly and the Pro Football Writers of America. General manager Trent Baalke was top executive.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle says Harbaugh thought the Giants played harder than the Packers on Sunday.

Lowell Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says physical evidence from Jim Harbaugh's playing days, including a manged finger, connect the coach with his players. Cohn: "He is scarred because he was a player and he relates to his own players because he once did battle as they now do battle. It is a reality they share with each other, and even in retirement he is the real deal."

Keith Goldner of Advanced NFL Stats revisits comparisons between Smith and Trent Dilfer.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic checks in with former Cardinals and Rams defensive back Aeneas Williams, who is grateful to be a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Williams: "We didn't win a whole lot of games, but I can say this, I had just as much enjoyment playing the game with the Cardinals as I did with the Rams. I'll never forget being around that team with Jake Plummer and those guys and finally breaking through, making the playoffs and winning in Dallas." Noted: Williams is definitely worthy of strong consideration. He came through in the clutch and was a playmaker for an extended period.

Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times says the Bears should consider the Seattle Seahawks' Will Lewis as a candidate to succeed Jerry Angelo as general manager. Jensen: "In the last 14 years, Lewis has worked alongside people such as Ron Wolf, new Oakland Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie, Packers GM Ted Thompson, Seahawks GM John Schneider and Tim Ruskell. Lewis is on the short list of GM candidates the Fritz Pollard Alliance -- an organization that helps to diversify the NFL -- is recommending to teams with vacancies, and he interviewed in 2010 to become the GM of the Cleveland Browns. And while the Packers are the 'it' team, the Seahawks quickly have overhauled their roster since Schneider took over. In 2010, they traded a fourth-round pick and a conditional selection to the Buffalo Bills for former first-round pick Marshawn Lynch. The transaction proved wise, as Lynch set career highs with 1,204 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns this season."

NFL teams generally would not welcome a proven winning coach to a division rival.

The Arizona Cardinals won't mind seeing Jeff Fisher land in St. Louis, however, because the move eliminates their defensive coordinator, Ray Horton, from consideration for the job. Horton interviewed for the position and could have been appealing relative to the other candidates beyond Fisher.

A look at other potential beneficiaries of Fisher's hiring, beyond the Rams:

• Gregg Williams, New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator. Williams worked under Fisher in Tennessee. He had chances to reunite with Fisher previously, but stayed with the Saints. His contract is set to expire after this season, however. That could clear the way for Williams to leave if Fisher decides to target him for the job in St. Louis.
• Lake Dawson, Titans vice president of football operations. Dawson interviewed for the general manager's job in St. Louis while the Rams were trying to land Fisher. Dawson worked with Fisher in Tennessee. A former NFL receiver, Dawson's personnel roots run back to Ted Thompson when both were together with Mike Holmgren in Seattle. Fisher's hiring improves Dawson's chances.
• West Coast-based offenses. Fisher is not known for having strong opinions on specific offensive schemes. I would expect him to take into account input from Rams quarterback Sam Bradford. Bradford fared well as a rookie while running a West Coast offense. Fisher's teams in Jacksonville ran a Mike Shanahan-based variation of the West Coast scheme, similar to what the NFC West last saw when Jeremy Bates was Seattle's offensive coordinator in 2010 (Bates worked under Fisher's former coordinator in Tennessee, the late Mike Heimerdinger, when both were under Shanahan in Denver). ESPN's Mark Schlabach and others have noted that Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, the former head coach at Boise State and Arizona State, could be a consideration as coordinator for the Rams.

Fisher has had time to formulate plans in his mind. We should see signs of clear direction on the GM and coaching staff fronts before long.

Defensive coordinator Ray Horton isn't the only Arizona Cardinals employee expected to interview with the St. Louis Rams this offseason. Steve Keim, director of player personnel, has surfaced as a candidate on the general manager front, according to Mike Jurecki of XTRA Sports 910 in Phoenix.

This is good strategy by the Rams even if they're still focusing primarily on hiring Jeff Fisher as head coach and a Fisher-vetted candidate for GM. The team gets a chance to learn more about its rivals in the division -- rivals that went 6-0 against St. Louis this season and 20-4 against the Rams since 2007.

Keim's name has surfaced previously in media speculation surrounding jobs in the division. That was the case back before the Seattle Seahawks hired John Schneider as general manager. Keim never interviewed with Seattle. His standing took a hit when the Cardinals went 5-11 last season and 1-6 to open 2011. But with the Cardinals rallying to 8-8, the overall success Arizona has enjoyed since 2007 comes back into focus.

The Rams would be wise to check out other candidates in the division as well. San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman and Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley are two assistants I would investigate. Both have overseen units that have gone young over the last few seasons. The 49ers' overall success under Jim Harbaugh should make Roman appealing. Seattle's defensive improvement has been striking.

The fact that current Seahawks coach Pete Carroll retained Bradley from Jim Mora's staff and kept him in place as coordinator also speaks well of Bradley. How many defensive-minded head coaches retain the defensive coordinators they inherit from previous regimes? That is highly unusual.

Seattle's assistant head coach/offensive line Tom Cable also stands out as a candidate to consider. Cable's history with Oakland included some controversial moments, but the Rams would have to like the way Seattle's ground game kept getting strong production despite suffering injuries similar to the ones that undermined the Rams' offense.

The Seahawks' ability to identify and acquire young talent through the draft and off the street should make members of their personnel department appealing to the Rams. Vice president of football operations Will Lewis and senior personnel executive Scot McCloughan are the most experienced high-ranking members of Schneider's staff. Both were with the Green Bay Packers with Ron Wolf and Ted Thompson in the 1990s; McCloughan helped to acquire much of the 49ers' current talent while serving in senior positions with the team.

The 49ers' more recent success in the draft and free agency reflects well on Tom Gamble, the team's director of player personnel.

On the surface, the San Francisco 49ers's decision to sign Brett Swain over more established receivers doesn't make much sense.

Why not sign one of the veterans they brought in for a tryout? T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Chris Chambers and Brian Finneran have combined for 1,394 career receptions. Swain, meanwhile, has six receptions in only 22 games, with no touchdowns.

Signing Swain makes sense only in the context of special teams. He played extensively on the Green Bay Packers' special-teams units last season. Of the more accomplished veterans brought in for tryouts, only Finneran played on special teams last season, and only then in a limited role. He's 35 years old. Swain is 26. The fourth receiver on a game-day roster generally must contribute on special teams, particularly for an offense that keeps two tight ends on the field as frequently as the 49ers do.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says the 49ers did not immediately announce the move to add Swain because the team was still deciding how to clear a roster spot. Noted: That suggests the team isn't ready to place Josh Morgan on injured reserve even though Morgan required surgery to repair the broken leg he suffered making a sideline reception during the final minutes of the 49ers' 48-3 victory over Tampa Bay.

Also from Maiocco: a player-by-player review of the 49ers' offense against the Bucs.

More from Maiocco: a look at the defensive players as well.

Daniel Brown of the San Jose Mercury News checks in with Jerry Rice for thoughts on Alex Smith's improved play this season. Rice: "You can tell [Smith] is more relaxed. He's not holding on to the ball. His decision-making is so much better. The ball is out of his hands just like that. I think as long as they continue that, they're going to have success. All these guys, everybody pitched in -- Frank Gore. Carlos Rogers. Delanie Walker. Vernon Davis. The weight is not on Smith's shoulders, and I think that's why he's playing so well."

Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune says Tom Cable, like the Seahawks' offensive line, is getting better these days. Cable recently underwent major back surgery. Cable: "It’s an old injury that all of a sudden got really bad. So the choice is either you lose the use of your left leg or you go get this done and now you can move forward. I feel great -- it obviously worked. The incision is a big one, so that’s the only real negative left … just letting that heal up."

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com says quarterback Charlie Whitehurst runs through the team's no-huddle offense in unconventional places, including when he's trying to fall asleep at the team hotel. Whitehurst: "I’ve often wondered if people can hear me through the walls."

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch checks in with current Rams players with roots on the Packers' roster, notably Al Harris, who opened last season on the physically unable to perform list, then was released in November. Thomas: "Harris told the Journal Sentinel at the time that Packers coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Ted Thompson led him on, giving him the false impression that he still fit into the team's plans as he completed the PUP-list process. But that was then. With the season-ending knee injury to Bradley Fletcher during the Rams' bye week, Harris might start Sunday against his old team. So Harris is concentrating on the here and now, not a stroll down memory lane."

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic explains the gap between public comments from Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb and coach Ken Whisenhunt regarding whether players are showing up for meetings on time. Somers: "According to sources, (Whisenhunt) told his players that too many details were being ignored, that the sloppiness wasn't going to be tolerated, that it was time to stop sliding into meetings seconds before they were scheduled to start. That speech prompted quarterback Kevin Kolb to tell reporters Sunday that his head coach 'hit the nail on the head. We have to get more detail-oriented. It starts with meetings, showing up to work on time, getting in early, getting your work done, and all the stuff a professional is supposed to do. Maybe it takes a game like this to figure out.'"

Also from Somers: a look at key areas where the Cardinals need to improve.

ESPN's famous NFC West alumnus, Steve Young, calls the retiring Randy Moss one of the all-time greats ... but also someone who should have challenged Jerry Rice.

"Jerry got every ounce out of everything that he had, every day," Young said. "If we had gotten all of Randy Moss every year, all his whole career, I think he'd be knocking on the door of Jerry Rice."

Moss ranked second only to Rice in the 2008 piece we put together ranking the greatest receivers. Raymond Berry, Boyd Dowler, Mike Holmgren, Ken Houston, Warren Moon, Keyshawn Johnson and Ted Thompson were panelists.

John from Gansevoort, N.Y., has no problem with the NFL Players Association encouraging college prospects to skip the televised draft proceedings during a lockout. He says those affiliated with ESPN who expressed views to the contrary are toeing the company line in the interests of enhanced television ratings.

Mike Sando: There's room for multiple views on this one, inside and outside ESPN. Most of the feedback I've heard from the outside lines up with the viewpoint I expressed. Several others used the mailbag to raise questions such as yours.

ESPN Radio's Colin Cowherd supported the NFLPA on this issue during his show Tuesday morning. I was on the show and told him I had no issue with any college prospect deciding on his own to skip the event on principle. The NFLPA would seem petty, in my view, if it pressured prospects to stay away.

My general thought was that the draft should be bigger than a labor dispute. That seems reasonable.

The NFLPA has subsequently clarified its intentions, suggesting it could hold an alternate event for players after NFL teams make their selections. Let's see what they have in store.

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Gregory from San Jose, Calif., thinks the NFL draft could be just fine without the top prospects in attendance. He could see them greeting their new teammates someplace off site. After all, he says, the players are the game, not the owners or the commissioner. Who cares about Rodger Goodell welcoming Cam Newton and posing for pictures?

Mike Sando: I'd enjoy watching draft prospects interact with their new teammates right away.

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Alex from Philadelphia wants to know how much pressure I feel to "toe the company line" and he wonders whether I would be reluctant to express a viewpoint that "went directly against the fiduciary interests" of ESPN.

Mike Sando: I have felt no pressure, ever. I have never even thought of these issues in relation to what they might mean for ESPN. In retrospect, it stands to reason that the networks might favor an 18-game regular-season schedule and the opportunity to generate additional revenue. I'm completely against the 18-game schedule because I think it would dilute the product and put players -- quarterbacks in particular -- at additional risk.

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Tom from Winnipeg thinks NFL owners are doing far more than the NFLPA to hurt players by attempting to extend the schedule, impose a rookie wage scale and skim additional revenue. He thinks there's nothing "petty" about the NFLPA "merely recommending" players skip the draft.

Mike Sando: I was advocating on behalf of the fans and the players because I thought the draft experience for both would suffer if college prospects skipped the draft.

This doesn't mean the NFLPA is wrong on other issues.

As I noted, "The NFLPA naturally wants to make life tougher for the league in big and small ways during the lockout. That is understandable, but urging players to avoid such a quintessential fan-friendly event would come off as yet another slap in the face for the people paying the bills."

This subject has dominated the mailbag in the last 24 hours or so, but there's room to discuss a football-related question. Here goes ...

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John from Walla Walla, Wash., thinks the Seattle Seahawks have too many needs to stand pat in the draft. He thinks they need to trade down for more picks and he wonders about potential trading partners.

Mike Sando: The Seahawks hold the 25th overall choice. They have shown they're willing to deal with just about anyone. Take a look at the seven teams picking right after Seattle in the first round and you'll see the possibilities:

• No. 26: Baltimore. The Seahawks and Ravens swung a trade involving Josh Wilson last season.
• No. 27: Atlanta. Seahawks executive John Idzik worked with Falcons executive Rich McKay in Tampa Bay. Neither makes the personnel decisions, but at least there's a connection.
• No. 28: New England. The Patriots and Seahawks made the Deion Branch trade last season.
• No. 29: Chicago. Former Seahawks president Tim Ruskell works for the Bears now. He worked some current members of Seattle's personnel team.
• No. 30: New York Jets. The Seahawks and Jets made the Leon Washington trade during the 2010 draft.
• No. 31: Green Bay. Seahawks general manager John Schneider worked under Packers general manager Ted Thompson for years. They are close friends.
• No. 32: Pittsburgh. No obvious connections stand out.

The Seahawks' front office has multiple ties to other teams around the league, from Tennessee to San Francisco to Cleveland and beyond.

We know Schneider and coach Pete Carroll aren't afraid to wheel and deal, but it's difficult to project what might happen. How the draft unfolds often dictates the urgency teams feel to move up. Without knowing how the draft will unfold, we cannot know how those pressures will affect trades.

In theory, yes, the Seahawks could use additional picks as they look to upgrade their roster. They are without a third-round choice. They have a long list of potential unrestricted free agents. They have much work to do, in other words, and the lockout could force them to rely more heavily on the draft in getting that work done.

I tend to think we'll have free agency at some point before the season, however.

Ten years have passed since the Seattle Seahawks acquired Matt Hasselbeck from the Green Bay Packers and named him their starting quarterback.

That move worked out well.

Hasselbeck went to three Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl, but now he is 35 years old and without a contract for 2011. The team could still re-sign him, or it could build around a younger quarterback -- perhaps even one with a similar background.

The Philadelphia Eagles' Kevin Kolb is 26 years old and, like Hasselbeck, he learned from Andy Reid. Reid, entering his 13th season as the Eagles' head coach, oversaw quarterbacks in Green Bay during Hasselbeck's rookie season there.

The tie-ins do not end there.

Seattle's new offensive coordinator, Darrell Bevell, spent the past five seasons in Minnesota under Reid's former offensive coordinator, Brad Childress. The offense Bevell plans to run in Seattle shares a heritage with the one Philadelphia had in mind for Kolb when the Eagles drafted him 36th overall in 2007.

In other words, Kolb to Seattle would fit with history and with the present should the Eagles decide to trade him.

"I would give up my first-round pick for him in a heartbeat if I were Seattle," Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. said.

The price of doing business

Kolb has started only seven games, all of them over the past two seasons. He has played well at times, but not well enough to beat out Donovan McNabb or Michael Vick. Those seven starts might not enhance Kolb's value, but with Vick's style inviting injuries, the Eagles could be reluctant to sell their backup.

Just about every player has a price.

In 2001, Seattle sent the 10th overall choice and a third-rounder to Green Bay for Hasselbeck and the 17th overall selection. In 2007, Houston sent the eighth overall choice and two second-rounders, including one in 2008, to the Atlanta Falcons for Matt Schaub and the 10th overall choice.

Seattle does not have a third-round pick in the 2011 draft. It holds the 25th overall choice, a pick slightly more valuable than the price paid for Hasselbeck:

The Hasselbeck trade saw Seattle send the 10th and 72nd choices in the 2001 draft to Green Bay for the 17th choice. The 10th and 72nd choices are worth 1,530 points on the NFL's trade-value chart. The 17th pick is worth 950 points. The difference between those values -- 580 points -- represents the price Seattle paid for Hasselbeck.

The 33rd overall choice is worth 580 points on the chart, meaning the Seahawks gave up the equivalent of the first choice in the second round for Hasselbeck (assuming the current 32-team structure).

With that in mind, it's tougher to envision the other quarterback-hungry NFC West teams parting with a first-rounder for Kolb. The Arizona Cardinals hold the fifth overall choice. The San Francisco 49ers pick seventh.

Seattle, by winning in Week 17 and in the wild-card round, saw its draft position fall from eighth to 25th. The fall hurt their prospects for landing a quarterback early in the draft, but that pick could still help them acquire one by trade.

"They might have to do better than that," Williamson said. "If I were Philly, I would say, 'Let me see what the Vikings are going to give up.' You might get more than Seattle’s first-round pick. But that is a good opening tender. It might get it done."

The right fit

The Seahawks aren't the only NFC West team running a variation of the West Coast offense. The 49ers' Jim Harbaugh is installing one, too. That would, on the surface, make San Francisco a logical destination for Kolb as well.

That was my thinking, anyway, in discussing Kolb's value previously.

"Seattle is the best fit for him in the division," Williamson said. "San Francisco and Arizona want to be more downfield passing teams as opposed to traditional West Coast. Seattle is going to be more and more West Coast. That is what they are built to do, what they are going to do, and what Kolb is going to do."

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll has suggested his offense will change only minimally with Bevell taking over for Jeremy Bates, who was fired. Bates leaned toward Mike Shanahan's version of the West Coast offense, a variation favoring quarterbacks with stronger arms. That explains why Seattle acquired Charlie Whitehurst, a quarterback with a strong arm and shorter-range accuracy deficiencies, from the San Diego Chargers last offseason.

Harbaugh has publicly embraced the Bill Walsh offense, or at least key elements of it. But the style Harbaugh ran at Stanford would presumably carry over.

"On offense, his identity is going to be built around the power run game, play-action pass and a physical presence," ESPN Pac-10 analyst Brock Huard said when the 49ers hired Harbaugh.

Harbaugh has repeatedly talked up 2010 starter Alex Smith, who is unsigned for 2011.

"To jump from Smith to Kolb, I wouldn't give up the Niners' first-round pick, because he is not the perfect guy for them," Williamson said. "I’m not backing Alex Smith by any stretch of the imagination. It just doesn’t seem like you give up on the pass-rusher or cornerback, someone who is going to be a staple of your defense, for Kevin Kolb when he is not the best fit for you offensively."

Alternatives in the draft

Mel Kiper's latest mock draft, available to Insider subscribers, has Seattle selecting Washington quarterback Jake Locker at No. 25. Kiper suggests Locker's accuracy might improve if given more time to throw. Seattle remains in the early stages of rebuilding its offensive line, but Locker wouldn't start right away.

Seattle will make an informed decision on Locker either way, based on Carroll's longstanding relationship with Washington coach Steve Sarkisian.

"I’d rather have Kevin Kolb than Locker," Williamson said. "He is a better fit, more proven, definitely a better NFL player today -- and it's not like he's old. I don’t think Locker fits the West Coast at all. He's too erratic, has a low completion percentage and the ball doesn't come out of his hands clean all the time."

Missouri's Blaine Gabbert and Auburn's Cam Newton will presumably be long gone when Seattle uses that 25th choice. Kiper's latest mock suggests both will be gone even before Arizona selects fifth overall. Early in the evaluation process, Kiper had Arkansas' Ryan Mallett landing in Seattle, but Mallett hasn't even been a first-rounder in the past two Kiper mocks.

As for other top college prospects?

"I wouldn’t use a pick as high as Seattle's for Christian Ponder or Andy Dalton," Williamson said.

The final analysis (for now)

Re-signing Hasselbeck still stands as a viable option for Seattle. Hasselbeck would fit Bevell's offense better than he fit Bates' system. But if Hasselbeck can get a longer-term commitment from a team better positioned to support him and win now -- Minnesota comes to mind primarily -- this could be time for Seattle to move on.

The Seahawks have positioned themselves well enough from a salary standpoint to use free agency if and when a salary cap returns. General manager John Schneider has said he'll be more aggressive than his mentor, Ted Thompson, in pursuing veterans. The team has ample resources to pursue what could be a longer-than-usual list of free agents. And the past year has shown the Seahawks will use the trade market without hesitation.

Those factors make it easier, in theory, to part with with a draft choice for Kolb.

"Keep the front seven intact, get Red Bryant back from injury, add Robert Gallery in free agency, use the second-round pick on a corner and your are a better team than you were a year ago, and the future is set up better than before," Williamson said. "You let Hasselbeck walk, you say Whitehurst could still be a high-upside No. 2, and we have our guy in Kolb. If you can get it done for the 25th pick, I'm not sure how you can pass that up."

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh and staff plan to watch videos showing former coach Bill Walsh and various offensive coordinators installing the offense used during the 1980s. Harbaugh plans to run a version of that offense. Maiocco: "The 49ers recently received a shipment of tapes and DVDs from NFL Films that contains videos of Walsh and some of his offensive coordinators through the years installing the offense. The 49ers' library of videos at the team's offices in Santa Clara had been decimated through the years with numerous coaches 'borrowing' the resources and failing to return them. But through the years, NFL Films backed up many of the tapes. The 49ers taped all meetings during Walsh's time with the club. The 49ers are currently cataloging the contents of the box, and soon Harbaugh and his staff will have a chance to view the videos."

Eric Branch of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat looks at quarterbacks drafted recently and where NFL teams selected them.

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com checks in with general manager John Schneider for thoughts on the Super Bowl. Schneider left the Packers after the 2009 season. Schneider: "I’m really excited for everybody there. I’ve compared the people in Green Bay’s building in a very similar manner to the people here. As soon as you walk into the building here, you can tell there are just really good people and a vibe in the building." Packers GM Ted Thompson left the Seahawks one year before they appeared in a Super Bowl.

Mike Salk and Brock Huard of 710ESPN Seattle examine four Seattle players facing uncertain futures. On Aaron Curry: "Thirty games into his professional career it is hard to find areas of real growth and development in Curry’s game. He struggles to play in space, change direction, redirect receivers, recognize schemes and concepts, and play with any level of anticipation. He can maul a tight end at the point of attack, and use his physical attributes in a straight line bull rush, but there are many linebackers across the league that can perform those duties."

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals' new defensive coordinator, Ray Horton, emphasized pressure as a top priority. Horton: "I'm here to say right now, the first call is going to be a blitz. No question about it."

Also from Somers: Horton made a positive first impression. Somers: "While this is his first job as coordinator, Horton handled his introductory news conference like he had been there before. He was direct, succinct and approachable. I watched him afterward conduct one-on-one interviews with local television stations. While he repeated the same message -- pressure, pressure and more pressure -- he gave each one a little something different. He remembered every interviewer's name and took the time to introduce himself to an intern. Does that stuff matter? Maybe not. But I have had the chance to interview Horton three times over the past week, twice at the Super Bowl, and was impressed each time by his intelligence and ability to convey his message."

Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer says Bengals assistant Louis Cioffi will be joining Horton on the Cardinals' staff. Horton and Cioffi coached together on the Bengals. Reedy: "Cioffi, 37, joined the Bengals in 1997 as a defensive assistant. Horton was hired as defensive backs the same year and coached five seasons here. Horton was also with the Bengals are six seasons as a player and was part of the ’88 team that advanced to Super Bowl XXIII."

Mike Jurecki of XTRA910 radio says the Cardinals let go secondary coaches Donnie Henderson and Rick Courtright.

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com checks in with Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau for thoughts on Horton. LeBeau: "There was never question in my mind he is ready to be a coordinator. He understands the A's to the Z's of defensive football and he’s an extremely bright man. He had a great rapport with the players. He was one of those players who you recognize almost instantly was going to make a great coach."

Roger Hensley of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch asks colleagues whether Mike Karney's recent release means the Rams are shifting away from Steven Jackson toward Sam Bradford. Jim Thomas: "Karney already was being phased out late in the 2010 season when he didn’t dress for four games. But there’s no doubt losing Karney isn’t great news for Jackson. It’s another sign that the offense is being tilted more toward Bradford than Jackson." True fullbacks are having a harder time finding their way onto the field, particularly when they do not contribute much on special teams. Devoting a roster spot to Karney was increasingly difficult last season even though the Rams' offense did value the fullback in certain personnel groupings.

Jenni Carlson of the Oklahoman checks in with Rams quarterback Sam Bradford for thoughts on learning a new offense. Bradford was attending an Oklahoma basketball game. Bradford on a potential lockout: "I think it hampers me and my teammates as much as we let it. Even though there could be a lockout, there could be a strike, we’re gonna have to get together. I think we all understand the importance of the offseason. It’s definitely way too important to let it go by without us being together."

Those responsible for making sure fans had Super Bowl seats weren't responsible for maintaining seats on airplanes leaving Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

I'm home, in other words.

Ten thoughts relating at least tangentially to the NFC West following the Green Bay Packers' 31-25 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl:

• Packers general manager Ted Thompson was doing a good job whether or not Green Bay beat the Steelers. The victory only bolsters his credibility as a primary architect for Super Bowl teams with multiple franchises. Thompson played a role in the Packers' two Super Bowl appearances of the 1990s. He played a bigger role in putting together the Seattle team that appeared in the Super Bowl following the 2005 season. More recently, he won a championship after replacing a successful head coach (Mike Sherman) and legendary quarterback (Brett Favre).
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Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesPittsburgh's Bryant McFadden, 20, had a rough day against Jordy Nelson and the Packers.
• Cornerback Bryant McFadden, traded from Arizona back to Pittsburgh before the 2010 season, had a tough game. After recovering from an abdominal injury to start the Super Bowl, McFadden suffered a hip injury that forced him to leave the Super Bowl. The Packers had already completed a couple passes against him to that point. With McFadden out, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers beat McFadden's replacement, William Gay, for a touchdown. McFadden returned and the Packers continued to have success through the air.
• Former San Francisco 49ers linebackers Diyral Briggs and Matt Wilhelm won Super Bowl rings with Green Bay. The 49ers released Briggs early in the 2010 season. They parted with Wilhelm on the reduction to 53 players even though the move seemed to leave them a little thin, at least at the time. Wilhelm made one special-teams tackle Sunday, after an 18-yard kickoff return. Briggs made one assisted special-teams tackle, after a 2-yard punt return.
• Lots of things would have changed had the 49ers drafted Rodgers first overall in 2005. Around here, we generally approach the subject in terms of what Rodgers might have meant to the 49ers. The Packers would obviously be vastly different, too. Perhaps they wouldn't have drafted a quarterback in the first round. Would they have kept Brett Favre?
• NFC West teams loaded up on pass catchers in the 2008 draft. Donnie Avery, John Carlson, Early Doucet, Keenan Burton and Josh Morgan come to mind. The Packers drafted Jordy Nelson, who caught nine passes for 140 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers. Avery went 33rd overall. Nelson went three spots later.
• The punt Green Bay muffed early in the game did not cost the Packers because they recovered. A turnover there might have changed the game. At the time, I thought of Steelers special-teams coach Al Everest, who was fired by Mike Singletary following the 2009 season.
• The Cardinals plan to again pursue one or more members of the Steelers' defensive staff about possibly becoming defensive coordinator in Arizona. That makes sense. Pittsburgh has been very good on defense overall. The Steelers' pass defense has had problems in the team's past two Super Bowls, however. Rodgers and Kurt Warner combined for 681 yards passing and six touchdowns with one interception in those games.
• On second thought, those passing numbers against the Steelers' defense don't look so bad. Arizona allowed 664 yards passing and seven touchdowns with one interception in its last two playoff games, both after the 2009 season. Rodgers and the New Orleans Saints' Drew Brees did the damage.
• Former 49ers receiver Arnaz Battle played in the game for Pittsburgh, but he did not register a statistic.
• Former Rams defensive tackle Ryan Pickett -- chosen right before Reggie Wayne, Todd Heap and Drew Brees in the 2001 draft -- started at left defensive end for the Packers. He made tackles following runs of 1 and 3 yards.

By the way, thanks to those who offered ideas for the blog via Facebook. Nicely done.

Update: Another thanks goes to those who pointed out ex-Seahawk Howard Green's role in pressuring Roethlisberger into an interception.

Jon from New York writes: One thing you've mentioned a few times on the blog recently is that the vast majority of elite QBs were first-round selections. This year's QB class seems a little weak, however, and I keep hearing that next year's class is supposed to be excellent.

With that in mind, would it be wise for the 49ers to draft a second-tier quarterback -- Christian Ponder, Andy Dalton, etc. -- in a middle round instead of a first-round guy, and then take a first-round guy next year if it looks like it's not working out?

Mike Sando: I do not think the 49ers, or any team, can make draft decisions based on what might be available to them a year later. The 49ers cannot know how early they will draft in 2012, and they cannot know whether they will like any of the quarterbacks available to them at that time. Jake Locker's shifting stock comes to mind.

Until the 49ers have a legitimate long-term starter, they should draft a quarterback in the first round every time they value one as a first-round selection.

NFL teams tend to draft quarterbacks in the first round more frequently than they take them in the second or third rounds. That helps explain why so many more good ones -- and not-so-good ones -- were first-round choices.

Teams have drafted 143 quarterbacks since 2000. They drafted 28 in the first round, 12 in the second round, 14 in the third round, 12 in the fourth round and 77 in the final three rounds.

Sixteen of the 143 have earned Pro Bowl honors. This includes nine of the 28 first-round choices, but only three of the 38 quarterbacks drafted in the second, third or fourth rounds. None of the 23 fifth-round choices has earned a Pro Bowl berth. Three of 30 sixth-rounders and one of 24 seventh-rounders have earned the honors.

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Alex from Spokane writes: Hey Mike, love the blog. I just read an article saying Logan Mankins may become a free agent. If that's the case what do you think the chances are of the Seahawks making a play for him?

Mike Sando: Seahawks general manager John Schneider comes from the Ted Thompson school of personnel. Thompson has never valued guards as much as other teams have valued guards. Thompson has also proven relatively averse to free agency.

That doesn't exclude Seattle from pursuing a player such as Mankins. Schneider has described himself as more apt than Thompson to use free agency. We have already seen Schneider and coach Pete Carroll move aggressively to remake the roster. We have also seen the Seahawks struggle to field a sturdy offensive line. Adding Mankins would finally fill the void left when Steve Hutchinson departed following the 2006 season.

So, in the end, I'm saying there's a chance until we learn otherwise.

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Travis from Cave Creek, Ariz., writes: I have been a Rams fan all of my life I am a football freak. Ever since that Week 17 loss to Seattle, I have been pondering the best possible offseason for the Rams.

It starts in free agency by signing Nnamdi Asomugha to help out a Rams secondary that has been allowing way too many big plays. Then we could go sign a big-time wide reciever to help out Sam Bradford. I'm thinking Vincent Jackson or Santonio Holmes, if they indeed become free agents.

Lastly, in the draft, the Rams need to help out Steven Jackson, and I cannot think of a better way to do that than drafting Mark Ingram at No. 14. Mel Kiper has him going to the Dolphins at No. 15, so there is a great chance of him falling to 14.

How plausible is all of this? And if indeed most or all of these things happened, where do you think the Rams would be going into next year?

Mike Sando: The Rams would firm up their status as NFC West favorites if those things fell into place. And that is one thing I love about the offseason; it dares us to dream.

I think it's questionable as to whether one of those things will happen, let alone all three. Oakland showed a willingness to pay huge money to Asomugha a couple years ago. Why wouldn't the Raiders do it again? Al Davis loves cornerbacks. His team has made strides. Asomugha is a terrific player and team-oriented guy. I would think the Raiders would be the favorites to keep Asomugha.

On the receiver front, yes, I could see the Rams making an aggressive play to acquire one of the better free agents at the position. Going that route before the draft would take off the pressure to find a top-tier talent from the college ranks -- always a risky proposition, especially at receiver after first few overall choices.

At running back, I just do not think the Rams will have an easy time justifying using a first-round selection for the position. They have too many needs at other positions. Jackson should be able to get them through the next couple seasons. The team would not, ideally, use a first-round pick for a running back right now.

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Howie from Jacksonville, Fla., writes: The Jaguars reportedly denied the Rams permission to interview offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter. This struck me as odd. How often does one team deny access to another team's coaches? Isn't that slap in the face to the requesting team? Why would the Jaguars do this? How does Koetter feel about being blocked for possible advancement with another team?

Mike Sando: Teams must allow coaches to interview for head coaching vacancies. In this case, Koetter was already an offensive coordinator. Why should the Jaguars let him interview for a lateral move at the potential expense of their own organization?

My feel from speaking to assistant coaches over the years is that teams regularly deny permission, and that we do not know about it most of the time.

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Randy from Peoria, Ariz., writes: Hello Mike. Arizona needs a quality quarterback to assist for the near term (two years), quality on-field personnel at various positions, a quality defensive coordinator, quality offensive coordinators, good draft choices for future development, players who will not demand inordinate income, fans who will not abandon the team while it searches for a way back to the win column, a moneyed partner for a Bidwill family business, new uniforms (my son designed one I'd like to promote) and the need to suspend reality while we hope the previous nine point will be addressed.

Mike Sando: The Cardinals fans I encounter seem relatively unmoved by the success the team enjoyed during its first three seasons under Ken Whisenhunt. They often seem pessimistic, as if conditioned over the years to expect bad fortune to be lurking right behind success. Getting the right quarterback would make some of those other perceived needs seem a lot easier to overcome.

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Buddy from Highland, Ill., writes: Hey Mike, I'm just gonna ask a question that's been rollin' through my mind since the Rams announced Josh McDaniels' hiring as offensive coordinator and Dick Curl's retirement as quarterbacks coach. How big of a possibility is it that Kurt Warner can return to St. Louis to replace Curl?

I know it depends on what the coaches want and what's going on in Warner's life, but I think this could be a great hire for the team, and not to mention how much the fans would love it.

Mike Sando: No chance, in my view. Warner doesn't want to trade his new lifestyle for the grind and pressure associated with coaching. McDaniels would have no incentive to hire someone with no coaching experience, no experience in his offense and a profile large enough to overshadow the rest of the staff. Mainly, though, I do not think Warner would want to take his life in that direction, at all.

Ted Thompson watched from afar while the 2005 Seattle team he helped build advanced to the Super Bowl.

Green Bay had hired Thompson as general manager before that 2005 season. Five seasons later, the Packers are in the Super Bowl, right on time.

Thompson primarily oversaw Seattle drafts from 2000 through the 2004 season. He took his first NFL personnel job in 1992, with Green Bay, and the Packers were in the Super Bowl following the 1996 and 1997 seasons.

Thompson more recently became a controversial figure in Green Bay for his handling of Brett Favre's departure. I've known Green Bay fans with almost irrational hatred for him.

My own feeling was that the Packers needed to make the switch. Hindsight says Favre and the team could have handled the situation better, but the Packers' advancement to the Super Bowl provides vindication for Thompson, particularly given the course Favre's career ultimately took with Minnesota.

» NFC Approach: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

» Draft Watch: Biggest needs (2/17) | Busts/gems (2/24) | Schemes, themes (3/3) | Recent history (3/10) | Needs revisited (3/17) | Under-the-radar needs (3/26) | History in that spot (3/31) | Draft approach (4/7) | Decision-makers (4/14) | Dream scenario/Plan B (4/21)

Each Wednesday leading up to the NFL draft (April 22-24), the ESPN.com blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today’s topic: Draft approach.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals have shown better draft-day discipline over the last two seasons, with positive results. The trend should continue after Arizona signed coach Ken Whisenhunt and general manager Rod Graves to contract extensions through the 2013 season.

Graves and player personnel director Steve Keim have been with the organization since the 1990s. Arizona has stability and continuity.

The Cardinals should have learned valuable lessons in 2007, Whisenhunt's first as head coach. That was the year Arizona emphasized need over value in the first two rounds, with predictable results. The team went with tackle Levi Brown at No. 5 when running back Adrian Peterson was available. Arizona then sent the 38th and 105th choices to Oakland for the 33rd choice, a pick the team used for nose tackle Alan Branch.

Arizona holds an extra third-round choice this year, giving the team ammunition to trade up in a round. But the last couple of seasons have shown there's value in patience. Cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and running back Beanie Wells landed in Arizona over the last two drafts without the Cardinals maneuvering to get them.

St. Louis Rams

The Rams have taken a play-it-safe approach in the draft over the last couple of years.

Defensive end Chris Long, offensive tackle Jason Smith and linebacker James Laurinaitis were seen as low-risk selections. They also were known for high character.

The Rams have indicated they could be more open to a wider range of personalities as they seek to upgrade their talent level. Their general approach should not change, but a dire need for playmakers might make it tougher to rule out all higher-risk players. General manager Billy Devaney has said he feels much better about the culture at Rams Park, making it easier for the team to consider higher-risk prospects.

Oklahoma State receiver Dez Bryant comes to mind. He's a top-10 or top-15 talent whose immaturity could push him down in the draft. Could the Rams resist him if he somehow fell to them at No. 33?

The Rams could also use additional picks, and that second-round choice could hold additional value as the NFL shifts to a new television-friendly draft format. I also think there's a chance some teams could try to move into the late first round to avoid having to wait overnight. Having a team trade into the first round for a shot at quarterback Colt McCoy could affect the Rams' options at No. 33 and, in turn, their approach.

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers had become a very deliberate, value-oriented drafting team under general manager Scot McCloughan. Their decision to select receiver Michael Crabtree at the expense of more pressing positional needs demonstrated the approach last year.

It's unclear how much the approach might change now that McCloughan has left the organization. Player personnel director Trent Baalke, a McCloughan confidant, shares his former boss' philosophy. One question could be to what extent others in the organization, including coach Mike Singletary, influence the process on draft day itself.

Singletary is known for his enthusiasm. What kind of poker player might he make during a draft without a true GM in place? If the 49ers reach for, say, an offensive tackle, might it be because McCloughan wasn't there to make sure the team stuck with its board?

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks are a little harder to predict because they have a diverse mix of new leadership.

Coach Pete Carroll has the most personnel power ultimately, but general manager John Schneider ranks a close second and the philosophy he brings from Green Bay should help guide the draft. Offensive assistants Jeremy Bates and Alex Gibbs also could influence the approach based on the specific types of players they value.

The Packers accumulated more picks than any other NFL team once Schneider's mentor, Ted Thompson, took over for the 2005 draft. Seattle has also been accumulating choices. Schneider has described himself as more aggressive than Thompson. Carroll oozes energy and aggressiveness.

That combination could lead to a bolder approach in this draft. A trade for Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall would affirm such thinking.

Reporters at the NFL owners meetings in Florida caught up with Packers general manager Ted Thompson and asked him about possibly adding outgoing 49ers GM Scot McCloughan at some point.

Green Bay would be one logical destination for McCloughan given his strong ties to Thompson. The two worked together in Green Bay and Seattle.

McCloughan has said he lost sight of family during his tenure with the 49ers, an indication he might want to take some personal time.

The Packers are one of several logical landing spots. McCloughan has also worked closely with Titans GM Mike Reinfeldt, Browns president Mike Holmgren, Seahawks GM John Schneider and former Packers GM Ron Wolf, who lives in Florida and has a close association with Dolphins executive vice president Bill Parcells.

McCloughan hasn't formally left the 49ers, of course, but his situation could gain some clarity when team president Jed York takes calls from reporters during a conference call scheduled for Monday at 8 p.m. ET.