Wasn't Sherman a 4th or 5th rounder?
Competition... Yes, it's always been in the NFL. Yes, it's human nature. But not all competitions are equal.
There was lots of competition in 2011 on the O-line. But competition is evident with the talent is top-notch. The OG competition in 2011 is nothing compared to 2016.
Arkin, Costa, Nagy < Martin, Collins, Leary.
Competition is evident where there is talent. And with talent acquisition, sometimes, you have to be lucky. Seattle did not think Wilson and Sherman would produce the way they have. But what they brought changed their franchise.
The last two drafts have skyrocketed our talent level. Jones, L. Collins, Elliott, M. Collins, Prescott, and more have made the competition more evident because of their talent. You can even add in Jaylon Smith. Don't think for a minute the LB's don't notice that beast training on the side. They need to compete now to make their name known before he comes in and dominates. Whoever wins that competition may get to play next to him rather than behind him. Add to that the competitive edge of Lee and you have LB's flying all over the field competing their a** off.
We notice the competition because the talent is much better. Competition means little if the talent is poor...