RENTON, Wash. -- John Schneider understands the entertainment and excitement when it comes to the first round of the NFL draft. Its what transpires in those later rounds on the final two days that has separated the Seattle Seahawks from the pack since Schneider and coach Pete Carroll took over in 2010. "I think the first round is a beautiful thing because its so exciting and everybody is really into it. Its entertainment. I get it," Schneider said. "But its all about the work that all the scouts put in throughout the fall, all the way through the draft and into rookie free agency." Schneider and the Seahawks hold the No. 32 pick in the first round, but its the paltry amount of selections that follow for Seattle that stands out with the draft approaching. The Seahawks hold only six picks heading into Thursday night, and it would be the fewest selections by Seattle since 2006 if that number holds. Schneider and Carroll have made no fewer than nine picks in any of their previous drafts in charge and ended up making 11 selections last year. The measly number of picks -- at least in terms of Seattles recent history -- has raised speculation Schneider could be looking to move out of the last spot in the first round so he could acquire more selections on Days 2 and 3. Schneider said even if the Seahawks hold their six picks, it hasnt changed their approach to the draft. "Its just a matter of how it starts coming off," Schneider said. "This year is going to be really unique because of the quarterbacks and how they come off. There are some really talented quarterbacks that should go really high in the draft." Here are five things to watch as the Seahawks draft as NFL champions for the first time: FIFTH-ROUND FINDS: While Seattle has pulled some gems from the middle rounds, something about the fifth round has proved extremely fruitful for the Seahawks. In 2010, Seattle landed strong safety Kam Chancellor. A year later, it was All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman falling to Seattle in Round 5. And last year, Seattle found value in tight end Luke Willson in the fifth round; he went on to catch 20 passes. No surprise, Seattle has a pair of fifth-round picks. "I think coach Carroll and his staff have that natural, they played with young players at USC. Theyre used to it. They dont have a preconceived notion that you need a veteran," Schneider said. "The easiest thing to do is sign a veteran. The toughest thing to do is sign a young player and coach them up and spend extra time with them and develop them and get them ready to play. And this staff has shown an ability to do that year in and year out." LINE GAPS: Seattle will need to fill at least two offensive line spots after right tackle Breno Giacomini and left guard Paul McQuistan left in free agency. Michael Bowie, a seventh-round pick last year, will likely get the first shot at right tackle, but filling the guard spot could come from the draft. The likes of guard Xavier Sua-Filo from UCLA or tackle Morgan Moses from Virginia could possibly be options for Seattle late in the first round. BIG TARGET: Everyone loves big wide receivers, especially Carroll. They were a staple of his offences at USC and Seattle has tried to emulate that first with Mike Williams and then Sidney Rice since Carroll arrived. Rice, who has been injury-plagued since signing with Seattle, is returning, but the Seahawks could use another receiving option with Golden Tate going to Detroit in the off-season. RUN STUFFER: Seattle let go of Red Bryant and Chris Clemons and saw Clinton McDonald sign elsewhere, leaving depth questions on the defensive line. The Seahawks believe Greg Scruggs and Jesse Williams, both injured last season, will be able to help fill the voids. But look for Seattle to try and add depth up front after seeing the benefits of having a rotation last season. THE SURPRISE WILL BE ... Aside from their success in the later rounds, the Seahawks have pulled a few surprises in the draft, especially with their early picks. Whether it was taking Bruce Irvin in the middle of the first round or the decision to draft Russell Wilson after signing Matt Flynn as a free agent, Schneiders group is good for at least one eyebrow-raising selection. . He will be practicing with the Norfolk Admirals (AHL) on a conditioning assignment. - @AnaheimDucks Corey Perry has a knee sprain and will miss the next three to four weeks. . Smiths former Atlanta teammates were glad to hang on for an ugly win.
http://www.customsaintsjersey.com/custo ... 1772e.html. Jason Zucker and Matt Cooke also scored for Minnesota, which has won five of six. Kuemper made five saves in the first, nine in the second, and nine in the third. The rookies best save came with 2:17 left in the third period when he denied former Wild forward Matt Cullen from just outside of the crease on the right side. . Its the second of three meetings between these teams this season. Vancouver was a 2-1 winner on home ice December 22nd. . -- John Senden never imagined it would take more than seven years to win again.HOUSTON -- Houston interim manager Tom Lawless couldnt have asked for a better first game to start his managerial career. Jose Altuve had four hits for the second straight night, Brad Peacock threw 6 1-3 solid innings and the Houston Astros beat the Los Angeles Angels 8-3 on Tuesday night. Altuve became the first Astro to accomplish that feat since Lance Berkman did so in May of 2008. Altuves homer in the third extended Houstons lead to 4-0 and was his sixth straight plate appearance with a hit. "God, hes the best player ever right now," Peacock said of Altuve. "Hes unbelievable to watch. He plays hard. He swings the bat really well." Altuve, who leads the majors with 193 hits, appreciated the compliment. "Every time that your teammates give you that support its going to feel good because youre playing outside not only for the fans, but youre playing for your teammates too," Altuve said. "If they see me that way, I really appreciate it." Lawless took over after the Astros fired Bo Porter on Monday. Robbie Grossman had three hits, including an RBI double in the fifth and Jason Castro added two hits and two RBIs as the Astros jumped out to a 7-0 lead after the fifth. Peacock (4-8) gave up three runs on four hits and struck out five in earning his first win since July 8 at Texas. Houston has won four of its last five. Lawless, who was given the game ball and drenched with water after the game, said winning first the game as a manager ranked pretty high in his career. "They made it look easy," Lawless said. "They came out playing. They did a nice job. We had great pitching. Brad did a great job of pounding the strike zone and mixing up his pitches." Gordon Beckham had three hits, including the first two hits off Peacock, for the Angels, who saw their six-game winning streak snapped. Peacock retired 15 off the first 17 batters he faced, with Chris Iannetta being the only other baserunner he allowed with a fifth inning walk.dddddddddddd Beckham scored on an error in the sixth and drove in Erick Aybar in Los Angeles two-run seventh. Aybar extended his hit streak to a career-high 17 games with a double in the seventh. The Astros jumped on Los Angeles starter C.J Wilson (10-9) early, scoring three runs in the first. Grossman doubled to lead off, and Altuve, Dexter Fowler and Chris Carter followed with singles. Fowler and Carters singles drove in runs before Castro capped the inning with a sacrifice fly. Wilson was tagged for five runs on eight hits with four strikeouts in 3 1-3 innings. The loss was Wilsons first since Aug. 7 and ended a streak of four straight starts in which the left-hander allowed three runs or less. "I think it was one of those games where C.J. just never got into a groove," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "Just wasnt quite as crisp as he needed to be." UP NEXT The short two-game series wraps up with the Angels sending RHP Jered Weaver (15-7) to the mound looking to continue his recent solid pitching. Weaver is 8-1 with a 3.47 ERA since June 21. Houston will counter with RHP Collin McHugh (7-9), who will be looking for his fourth straight win. TRAINERS ROOM Angels: Scioscia said reliever Joe Thatcher (sprained left ankle) could be ready to return in 7-10 days. Astros: LHP Darin Downs (right oblique) and OF Alex Presley (right oblique) were activated from the disabled list Tuesday. REDECORATING A day after Porter was fired the Astros had already done a bit of redecorating in the clubhouse. The motivational quotes that Porter had placed on the strip of wall above the players lockers were gone. Also gone was the large motivational wheel that had been a staple in the clubhouse since Porter arrived. ' ' '
