The Associated Press
The Seattle Seahawks used their No. 1 pick in today’s NFL draft (No. 4 overall) to pick Aaron Curry of Wake Forest.
Seattle’s choice addresses its most immediate need: finding a replacement for traded Julian Peterson. Franchise player Leroy Hill, the Seahawks’ other starting outside linebacker, also could be gone next year.
Curry’s head was bowed as the league commissioner announced his name inside Radio City Music Hall in New York. Curry then wiped away tears and said he expected to go into Seattle’s defense and “fly around.”
The 6-foot-1, 254-pound Curry will be expected to start immediately this fall.
He is Seattle’s highest pick since Shawn Springs was the Seahawks’ No. 3 choice in 1997.
Curry was the top-rated linebacker in the draft, renowned for his speed and versatility.