2002 RECORD: 7-9 TEAM RANK (NFL): Defense (28th); Offense (7th) ADDITIONS: Free agents/trades -- S Damien Robinson (Jets), DE Chike Okeafor (49ers), OL Michael Thompson (Falcons), DT Norman Hand (Saints). Draft picks -- 1. CB Marcus Trufant (Washington State); 2. S Ken Hamlin (Arkansas); 3. OT Wayne Hunter (Hawaii); 4a. QB Seneca Wallace (Iowa State); 4b. ILB Solomon Bates (Arizona State); 5. FB Chris Davis (Syracuse); 6. DT Rashad Moore (Tennessee); 7a. K Josh Brown (Nebraska); 7b. WR Taco Wallace (Kansas State). SUBTRACTIONS: S Marcus Robertson (released), P Jeff Feagles (Giants), K Rian Lindell (Bills). Team news | Roster | More on Seahawks draft

		Tue., May 20 As improved as the offense looked last year, is this team good enough on defense to make a playoff run? Landing cornerback Marcus Trufant certainly will help because, with two-year veteran Ken Lucas coming off a 2002 campaign in which he made real strides, it will provide the Seahawks with two outstanding coverage defenders for a lot of years. The biggest acquisition of the offseason, however, was coordinator Ray Rhodes, whose presence alone should upgrade a unit that was the league's fifth most generous last year. For the Seahawks to make any kind of move they have to stop the run. With the NFL's worst rush defense a year ago, there's no place to go but up, of course. Yet the Seahawks are woefully thin inside, and neither of the MLB candidates, Isaiah Kacyvenski or Orlando Huff, is known for being able to step up into a hole. DT Norman Hand, acquired in a trade with New Orleans could help but only if his weight is down and his motivation is up. If the defense could just get into the low 20s, in terms of its overall ranking, the Seahawks might be able to contend. But even that is asking a lot.

The Seahawks finished Year 4 of the Mike Holmgren era on the outside of the playoffs, leaving considerable doubt about whether there would be a fifth year for Holmgren in Seattle. However, Holmgren agreed to give up his front office duties, saving his job and giving him at least one more season on Seattle's sideline. Bob Ferguson takes over as general manager for Seattle.

As disappointing as Seattle's 7-9 record was, the emergence of Matt Hasselbeck was a bright spot last season. Acquired from the Packers prior to the 2001 season to run Mike Holmgren's West Coast offense, Hasselbeck had been a major disappointment over his first season-and-a-half in Seattle. However, an injury to starter Trent Dilfer handed Hasselbeck the starting job in Week 8 and he excelled. From Weeks 9-17, Hasselbeck threw for 2,666 yards, 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions and led the Seahawks to a 5-4 record.

What they've added?
On the offensive side of the ball, the unit should remain relatively intact. The biggest move the Seahawks made was re-signing third-year wide receiver Darrell Jackson. Seattle's leading receiver the last two seasons, Jackson was a restricted free agent and there were several teams rumored to be interested in making him an offer.

The biggest addition on defense -- and overall -- wasn't even a player. Defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes, who resigned as Broncos defensive coordinator following last season, was brought to Seattle to work with a defense that ranked No. 28 overall in the NFL last season. Rhodes, who coached with Holmgren in Green Bay in 1992 and '93, should upgrade Seattle's defense.

Defensive tackle Norman Hand was added on the draft's second day and should help a run defense that gave up an NFL-worst 152.6 yards per game rushing. Hand has had trouble with his weight in the past, but as long as he can help clog the middle of the line, Seattle will be happy. Defensive end Chike Okeafor, who had six sacks last season with the 49ers, was added to improve the pass rush and should be a solid addition.

Seahawks coaches and personnel folks must have been jumping for joy when cornerback Marcus Trufant fell to them at No. 11. The former Washington State cornerback could pave the way for Seattle to shop Shawn Springs. At the very least, Trufant will be Seattle's nickel back to start the season, but he could be hard to keep off the field.

Seattle got another bargain in the third round selecting Hawaii offensive tackle Wayne Hunter. While Hunter won't unseat Walter Jones on the OL, he does provide insurance since Jones is once again involved in a contract dispute and could hold out of training camp.

Fantasy Focus

While Marvin Harrison, Terrell Owens and Eric Moulds stole the fantasy highlights last season, Koren Robinson quietly had a breakout season. He was fantasy's sixth-most productive wideout during the season's second half, ahead of Plaxico Burress and Joe Horn. Now that Matt Hasselbeck is comfortable in Mike Holmgren's West Coast offense, Robinson emerges as a top 10 wideout in fantasy circles. He's supported by a rising quarterback (Hasselbeck), a strong runner (Shaun Alexander) and a solid complementary receiver (Darrell Jackson). A former No. 1 draft pick, Robinson offers the elite physical skills of a top receiver. Entering his third season, Robinson has adjusted to the intricacies of the receiving position. He's now ready to grab the fantasy spotlight in 2003. -- Roger Rotter, ESPN.com Fantasy editor

What they're missing?
While Seattle addressed some of their defensive shortcomings with the additions of Trufant, Okeafor and Hand, defense is still an area of need. Middle linebacker was a weakness last season and would have to be considered one heading into the 2003 season. Isaiah Kacyvenski struggled some in his first season as the starter, eventually getting injured and replaced by Orlando Huff. Currently, Huff and Kacyvenski will battle for playing time in the middle, but this is probably an area the Seahawks will try to upgrade.

One area to watch is the kicking game. The Seahawks lost kicker Rian Lindell to Buffalo, took Josh Brown in the seventh round from Nebraska and currently don't have a kicker on their roster with any NFL experience. You can be almost certain they will bring in a veteran before training camp to compete with Brown. At punter, Rodney Williams has a strong leg, but wasn't in the league last year. Seattle will certainly keep an eye on any veteran punters on the market.

What it all means?
If Seattle can find a way to improve the defense, they could be an interesting team. With the emergence of Hasselbeck and young standouts at WR and RB in Robinson and Shaun Alexander, the Seahawks should put plenty of points on the board.

Over the last six games of the 2003 season -- in which they went 4-2 -- the Seahawks averaged 29 points per game. However, they also gave up over 25 points per game in that six-game stretch and 23.1 for the season. If Seattle gives up 25 points per game in 2003, they'll be sitting at home when the playoffs start.

But if the Seahawks can cut that number to 20 points per game, a trip to the playoffs could be in their future.

Peter Lawrence-Riddell is the NFL editor for ESPN.com.