Trade makes rookie Bobby Wagner Seahawks' starting MLB

The starting middle linebacker spot for the Seattle Seahawks belongs to rookie Bobby Wagner. That comes following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sending an undisclosed draft pick to the Seahawks for linebacker Barrett Ruud Monday night.

The rookie has been running with the starters since May. Wagner has fared well in Seattle's first two preseason games. In the first game, the second-round pick played well into the second half even as starters and the second team left the game.

"You can see that all of the potential is there," Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll told reporters following the first preseason game. "I said to Bobby, 'I just want you to show that you're confident and okay, you can attack more, and don't worry about making mistakes, you're going to make some.' ... He's going to be a fine player there is no question about it."

Wagner was the 47th overall pick in the draft and the fifth linebacker selected. Here's what we had to say about Wagner in April:

Had an incredibly productive career, and he held up well against top competition. Possesses a powerful frame. He closes in a hurry and does a nice job of getting off blocks. Doesn't get over-active, though, and overrun the play. Locates the ball quickly. Experienced inside and outside. Great straight-line speed. Four-year starter, two-time team captain.

The Saints were hot after a linebacker following injuries to Curtis Lofton and David Hawthorne.

For the Seahawks, this trade will offset the pick lost in the Kellen Winslow II deal. For Winslow, Seattle gave up a seventh-round pick that can be elevated to a sixth-round pick. Seattle also has an extra fourth- or fifth-round pick coming from Oakland from the Aaron Curry deal.

Seattle could be adding another conditional pick if they can find a trade partner for quarterback Tarvaris Jackson.