RENTON, Wash. Ray Spalding Suns Jersey . -- 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. Ricky Rubio Suns Jersey . -- The Orlando Magic have made no secret that the future of their franchise will depend on how well they can develop their young players. Jason Kidd Suns Jersey . "You hate when they score," he said with some distaste at the thought. "You take pride in it. https://www.thesunslockerroom.com/Jevon-Carter-City-Edition-Jersey/ . On the day after Billy Horschel posted his 12th straight round in the 60s, won his second straight tournament against a world-class field and picked up an additional $10 million bonus as the FedEx Cup champion, Watson was kicking back in his seat at a Kansas City Royals game.EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. -- Your turn, Josh Freeman. Freeman was named the latest starting quarterback for the scuffling Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday. Freemans second week with the team will culminate on Monday night with him leading the offence against the New York Giants. "It really hasnt been that difficult. Any time you step into a situation where youre the new guy, theres always kind of an awkward getting-to-know-you phase," Freeman said. "But I think that goes back to the character of this organization just from top to bottom: a lot of quality people that are dedicated to winning first and foremost but also being quality human beings off the field. So its been a smooth adjustment." Coach Leslie Frazier also said that Christian Ponder will be the backup, not Matt Cassel, assuming Freeman makes it through the week without problems. "I like the things hes done in his career, along with what hes done since he arrived here with our football team, the time he put in, how well hes adapted to our system," Frazier said. "Hes done enough for us to say we want to give him this opportunity, which is something we had in mind when we acquired him. I think now is the time." Freeman will be the third starter in the last four games for the Vikings (1-4) and the 11th since Daunte Culpeppers season-ending knee injury in 2005. Freeman was cut by Tampa Bay on Oct. 3 and signed by Minnesota to a one-year contract five days later. "Were just going to make plays for whoevers in there and just make it as easy as possible," wide receiver Jerome Simpson said. Freeman started 59 games over four-plus seasons with the Buccaneers. The 25-year-old former first-round draft pick threw for 25 touchdowns and just six interceptions in 2010, his first full season as a starter, but has been up and down since. The Vikings were on the wrong end of one of his best games last year, a 36-17 victory at Minnesota when he passed for 262 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. "The underlying questions Ive been getting from a lot of people: Do I have a chip on my shoulder? Im sure I do," Freeman said. &quoot;But I think its more deeply rooted than just the past six months, 12 months. Penny Hardaway Jersey. " Frazier said he was impressed by Freemans first practice with the team. "From the moment he stepped in the building, he wanted to learn. And the way he handled himself in that practice, it changed my mindset about the possibilities," Frazier said. "We had a timeframe in mind originally but watching what he did from the day he arrived, that cemented it for me that sooner was a possibility." Frazier said he hasnt considered a scenario in which Ponder wouldnt still be on the roster for the rest of the season. Ponder said he wasnt sure about his future here. The trade deadline is Oct. 29. Hes under contract with the Vikings through at least 2014. "I have to figure out whats best for me and everything and for this team. I dont know if thats staying here and going somewhere else," Ponder said. Ponder started the first three games until he broke a rib. Cassel took over and led the Vikings to their only victory. Frazier said he preferred to keep the factors in his decision to put Ponder ahead of Cassel on the depth chart private. The coach also said he had full authority to make Freeman the starter. He acknowledged, though, that owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf and general manager Rick Spielman were consulted. "When youre talking about the quarterback position, which affects your entire franchise, this is not a decision you make alone," Frazier said. Running back Adrian Peterson was missing from practice because of a personal matter. Frazier said he expected him back on Thursday. The coach declined to specify whether his absence was related to the situation in South Dakota regarding his 2-year-old son, who died last week by alleged abuse. A man is in custody in South Dakota. Safety Harrison Smith was also not present for the beginning of practice reporters were allowed to watch. With the game on Monday this week, the Vikings arent required to produce an injury report until Thursday. Smith suffered a turf toe injury to his left foot on Sunday. Frazier said hed provide an update on Thursday. ' ' '