2011 NFL Draft – Pick 25: James Carpenter, OT, Seattle Seahawks

By Cory J. Bonini on April 28, 2011

The Seattle Seahawks selected Alabama offensive tackle James Carpenter with the 25th overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Athletic OT with positional versatility

Fantasy analysis: Carpenter may lack the elite quick feet that teams look for in left tackles, but his technique is as sound as they come and he is tough as nails. He could eventually start at left tackle, but the Seahawks may feel more comfortable keeping Russell Okung there for the time being. Sean Locklear is a free agent, which even furthers the chance of Carpenter starting at right tackle.

Seattle needs offensive guard help, too, so a switch to the interior isn't out of the question. Offensive line coach Tom Cable did the same thing with Robert Gallery in Oakland, which only improved Gallery's play. Speaking of Gallery, he could follow Cable to Seattle this offseason.

Carpenter is an asset in both run blocking and pass protection having come from an NFL-style system under Nick Saban.