With the 13th Pick in the Second Round

Seahawks select, Lofa Tatupu

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After trading with Carolina to move up 9 spots, Seattle selected Middle Linebacker/Strong Safety Lofa Tatupu out of U.S.C.Hieght 5'11" Weight 226 Lofa is the Son of former NFL running back, Mosi Tatupu. Seattle acquired this pick from Carolina for the 54th pick and two fourth-round selections.

If they could measure heart, desire and determination, Tatupu would stand tall among the linebackers in this year's draft … He is an athlete that plays bigger than his size. Tatupu has a great combination of speed, quickness and strength. He is a well-proportioned athlete with above-average sideline-to-sideline agility and range. His quickness and instincts are his best assets … While undersized, he plays big. Tatupu shows a nose for the ball and attacks the offense with good determination. He is a solid run defender who, despite a lack of size, plays strong with good hand usage. But he is even more effective when avoiding and slipping blocks to make plays … You will not see him blocked for long, as he is quick to redirect and is the type that will play until the whistle …

In 2004, Tatupu garnered numerous honors. He was an All-America first-team choice by Sports Illustrated, All-Pac-10 Conference first-team pick, and recipient of USC's co-Most Inspirational Player Award, Co-Lifter Award and Bob Chandler Award. He started every game in the middle and again led the team with 104 tackles (57 solos), including six sacks, 13½ stops for losses, two fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, three interceptions and eight pass deflections.

Tatupu was an all-state and all-league
In two years at Southern California, he started 25 games. Tatupu finished his Trojans career with 202 tackles (111 solos), nine sacks for minus-53 yards, 25 stops for losses of 84 yards, seven interceptions for 164 yards in returns and a touchdown, three fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and 18 pass deflections. For his collegiate career, he posted 269 tackles, 12½ sacks, 38 stops behind the line of scrimmage, 10 interceptions, 20 pass deflections, three fumble recoveries and four forced fumbles.