Reuters

Drafting poorly is the quickest way to sink a franchise.

There is little debate over whether Tim Ruskell drafted poorly while he was team president of the Seahawks. Only nine players remain from the 2005-2009 drafts when Ruskell was in charge. The best player among them? Probably Brandon Mebane.

Danny O’Neil of the Seattle Times notes that no first-round picks are left from the Ruskell years. Cornerback Kelly Jennings was traded for a roast beef sandwich before the season. Aaron Curry, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2009 draft, is on his way out. Center Chris Spencer is now with the Bears after underwhelming in Seattle. Lawrence Jackson is in Detroit.

If you miss that often in the first round, your franchise is going to take a big step back.

The positive for Seahawks fans: The Pete Carroll regime has done better with first round picks.

Earl Thomas is already one of the best safeties in football. Tackle Russell Okung is a solid starter at worst when he’s healthy. The jury remains out on this year’s first round pick James Carpenter.