Seattle Seahawks: 2010 NFL Draft – The Building Block of Dominance
Walter Thurmond, Seattle Seahawks. (Photo by Mike Morris, via Flickr)
Walter Thurmond, cornerback, fourth round (111)
Picked in the fourth round, Walter Thurmond spent most of his early time in Seattle out of action due to injury. Only appearing in 22 games from 2010-2012, he broke out in 2013 after the suspension of incumbent cornerback Brandon Browner. Thurmond then established himself as a vital contributor in the secondary. Although the Seattle Seahawks would have loved to keep him, his market value led him to move on.
He signed a one-year deal with the New York Giants, then went to Philadelphia for another year. As a starter in Philly, Thurmond showed he still had it in the tank. The veteran started 16 games with three picks. Thurmond hung up his cleats at the end of 2016. He turned down several offers to continue his career to focus on life after football.
Career Stat Line: 52 Games (34 with Seattle), 4 Interceptions (1), 160 Tackles (85)
Accolades: None
Golden Tate III, wide receiver, second round (60)
Golden Tate had a productive final college season at Notre Dame. He won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s best receiver and was named unanimous first-team All American. The Seattle Seahawks couldn’t pass on drafting him in the second round.
A solid starter, he showed his value both as a possession receiver and a returner. The Seahawks drew on his skills in their Super Bowl-winning season as Tate caught 64 balls for 898 yards. At the end of his rookie contract, he signed a five-year, $31M deal with the Detroit Lions.
Playing alongside “Megatron” Calvin Johnson, he has his best year with a pro bowl appearance after 99 receptions for 1331 yards. In 2018 he was traded to Philadelphia for a third-round pick, but it failed to pay off for the Eagles. GT3 once again jumped ship. This time it was for a four-year deal, $37.5M with division rival New york. For his career, Tate grades out as a well-above-average receiver.
Career Stat Line: 148 Games (58), 660 Receptions (165), 7,890 Yards (2195), 44 Touchdowns (15)
Accolades: 1 Pro Bowl (0)
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