2012 Fantasy Football Rookie Report: Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks

Posted by Andy Miley on 08/29/2012 | 0 Comments

Tags: 2012 fantasy football, dynasty, keeper, quarterback, fantasy football, Russell Wilson, quarterback, Seattle Seahawks, Pete Carroll, Marshawn Lynch, Zach Miller, Sidney Rice, Robert Turbin, Matt Flynn, Doug Baldwin

Crazy Pete Carroll does it again! Seattle is looking to take advantage of their weak division and are stock piling on the offensive side of the ball.  The Seahawks decided that Tavaris Jackson (too inconsistent), Marshawn Lynch (pending suspension), Zach Miller (injury prone), and Sidney Rice (injury prone) were not enough to build their offense around.

As their defense is already formidable, Seattle added a rookie back up running back, Robert Turbin, two new signal callers, free agent signing Matt Flynn and rookie Russell Wilson, and aging receiving vets Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow.  They are looking to take the next step on offense and not rely so much on Lynch's legs and Doug Baldwin's hands.  After Wilson's terrific performance in the preseason, the undersized phenom will get the opening day start and one of his threats to the job, Tavaris Jackson, was traded to the Bills.

Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks

Height: 5' 11" Weight: 204 lbs College: Wisconsin

Scouting Report- If you are looking for warts there are a few aka he is short for a quarterback and struggles with deeper throws over 40 yards.  I re-watched his 2011 game against Ohio State and his recent preseason start against Kansas City.  Wilson has to clean up his atrocious footwork as he doesn't keep his feet planted which limits his arm power.  The young quarterback makes an effort to pass the ball with a good arch which helps his throws get over the offensive line if he is not already bootlegging away from them.  To those that think Wilson will struggle with a big offensive line, please keep in mind the Wisconsin offensive line that he played behind last year is just as big as Seattle's, perhaps bigger.

Now for the good stuff, Wilson has already played in two different types of pro style offenses for two different college teams and was successful with both.  Wilson is a great leader and a smart guy who learned the Wisconsin playbook in less than two months.  He moves around well in the pocket, but doesn't always feel backside pressure.  The young quarterback has a nice touch pass, makes good quick decisions in the pocket, and puts the ball on the outside shoulder where only the receiver can get to the ball.  When he decides to run, Wilson reminds me of a young Steve Young with his effortless glide around defenders.

2012 Analysis- The Seahawks are built to win and now and have a strong running game so it won't fall strictly on Wilson's shoulders.  I would look for him to be an effective passer year one, but not be a weekly fantasy starter.  Remember Wilson's role in a Pete Carroll offense will be playing not to lose most weeks.  The Seattle defense will limit most offenses so don't expect many shootouts.

Wilson should throw for 3,000 yards, 22 touchdowns, and add 350 rushing yards with 3-5 rushing touchdowns this year.  I would look for those numbers to increase next year and watch him be a borderline #1 dynasty quarterback in 2013 and beyond.

Compares to: a better Joe Flacco