Deja vu all over again

First, the Seahawks signed a free-agent quarterback to serve as the presumed starter.

Then, Seattle went and spent a third-round pick on a player that has everybody buzzing about what the future may hold.

Enough about 2012, though. We all know how that turned out.

Oh, you thought I was talking about this year? Well now that you mention it, there is a pretty strong parrallel, isn’t there.

You start by signing a free agent to step into the starting role. In 2012, it was 26-year-old Matt Flynn, who’d been Aaron Rodgers’ backup in Green Bay. This time around it’s Sam Darnold, who’s a year older than Flynn was when Seattle signed him and has been the starter for two different franchises.

Then you add the rookie. In 2012, it was Russell Wilson, whose height was seen by many as a major red flag in terms of his pro potential. This time around, there’s no doubt about Jalen Milroe’s physical traits. He’s 6 feet 2, exceptionally fast and has a very strong arm.

The reason Milroe wasn’t picked earlier in the draft were the uncertainty over his sense of timing as a passer, his ability to anticipate throws and his accuracy.

That’s what makes this year very different. When Wilson was selected by Seattle, height was the one thing that kept him from being seen by more teams as a potential franchise quarterback. I thought it was unlikely Wilson would wind up being the starter as a rookie, but I could see a (narrow) path toward that actually happening.

No sooner had the team completed its three-day rookie minicamp that year — a camp where Wilson was the only quarterback, getting all the reps — and coach Pete Carroll declared that Wilson had shown enough to be part of the team’s quarterback competition that fall.

I don’t see any way that scenario repeats itself this year. Darnold has more experience than Flynn did, he commanded a larger contractual commitment and Milroe isn’t nearly as prepared as Wilson was to be at the helm of an NFL offense.

Yes, I am aware that the Seattle Mariners are on what the kids refer to as a heater, having won 15 of their past 20 games.

I also know that entering this weekend’s games, the Detroit Tigers (20-12) are the only team in the American League with a better record than the Seattle Mariners (18-12).

Furthermore, I realize that this success is due largely to the production of a lineup that I wailed abourt for much of the offseason and spring training.

Given all my complaining, it’s possible you might think I have chosen not to comment on these recent developments in Mariners baseball because it would make all my hand wringing seem stupid misguided unnecessary.

This is not the case. One of the things I pride myself on is my willingness to cop to my own mistakes. Also: I have a great deal of practice in this regard.

The reason I have been somewhat reluctant to jump in with both feet and dance a jig about Seattle’s success on the diamond is that I do not want to jinx it. I’m treating them like a souffle in the oven, tip-toeing around the house and hopeful that I won’t disturb anything.

But best believe that I am aware — and screaming on the inside — about everything that is happening, including the whupping stick that Jorge Polanco is bringing to the plate. #GOMS

The Seahawks do not often move up in the draft, but when they do, it tends to be worth it.

Tyler Lockett, D.K. Metcalf and Jarran Reed were all players that Seattle traded up in the draft order to select. Each wound up re-signing with the team beyond their rookie deals.

Here’s the full list of each instance in which GM John Schneider has traded to move up in the draft order in Rounds 1 - 3, who they chose and what they gave up in draft picks:

• This year’s draft reveals sneaky points about team’s direction

  By Danny O’Neil | The News Tribune