Ken Lucas - cornerback
It's been some time since Seattle had a starting corner at least 6-foot, 200 pounds. It's been since, well, Ken Lucas was in town.
Now he's back, and Seahawks fans all over are hoping he can be the solution to Seattle's Larry Fitzgerald problem. Not likely.
But at the very least, he'll have to be an integral part in reviving a Seahawks pass defense that ranked dead last in yardage and 29th in interceptions in 2008.
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Of course, Seattle will need much more of a pass rush in order to improve on those rankings. But it won't matter much without Lucas' size and physicality on those big receivers.
Size does matter
In addition to Fitzgerald, the Seahawks will face quite a few big, strong receivers that have overmatched Seattle's smallish corners in the past.
Here's a list of those Seattle will face in 2009:
Obviously even Lucas isn't a match for these players in terms of size. But he's certainly a step up from Kelly Jennings (5-11, 180) and Josh Wilson (5-9, 192).
In fact, looking at Fitzgerald's 2008 matchups, the bulk of his best performances came against sub-6-foot corners while his worst came against those at least that height.
Here's the chart:
Playmaking ability
Lucas brings more than size though. At his best, Lucas has been an amazing playmaker in his career, capable of making plays with the ball in the air.
Even Marcus Trufant in his best years has struggled with the ball in his air, which accounts for much of Seattle's troubles against the long ball.
With Lucas back, the Seahawks now have a cornerback, in addition to the quickly developing Wilson, with the ability to beat receivers while the ball is in the air.
At 30, Lucas is no longer the promising young stud he was when he last suited up as a Seahawk, and it should be expected that his athletic ability won't be what we remember it being.
But with age also comes a little more wisdom. The last time the Seahawks had both Trufant and Lucas starting, they ranked third in the league in interceptions.
If Lucas can return to the playmaker he was in his final season with Seattle and his first with the Panthers, then Seattle should have the secondary to capitalize on what hopefully, cross your fingers, will be an improved pass rush.
When it's all said and done, Lucas may well be the best addition of this offseason, but only if he steps up his game and earns a lucrative contract in 2010.
Number 1 - Jim L. Mora
Number 2 - Chris Spencer
Number 3 - Julius Jones
Number 4 - Gus Bradley
Number 5 - Brian Russell
Number 6 - Lawrence Jackson
Number 7 - Deon Butler
Number 9 - Leroy Hill
Number 10 - Brandon Mebane
Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
