The Seattle Seahawks used their first pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, No. 25 overall, on 6-5, 300-pound James Carpenter, an offensive guard from the University of Alabma.
Carpenter, a native of Augusta, GA., started all 13 games of the 2010 season and 27 straight games at left tackle during his two-year career at Alabama. He was a first-team All-SEC selection by league coaches and second team pick by the Associated Press.
This is the second straight year that the Seahawks have selected an offensive lineman in the first round. Last year, they took Russell Okung of Oklahoma State with their first pick.
Carpetner made the the watch list for the 2010 Outland Trophy, and was named the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week following his performance in Week Eight at Tennessee. He helped the Crimson Tide rank 22nd nationally in total offense, racking up 444.08 yards per game.
During his career at Alabama, he blocked for 16 1,000-yard rushers.
Prior to enrolling at Alabama, Carpenter played two seasons at Coffeyeville [Kan.] Community College and was named to the first-team Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) All-League team.