Seattle Seahawks coaching camp is underway! That is the primary one below new head coach Mike Macdonald, and there are quite a lot of questions we hope to have answered relating to Macdonald, his workers, and the general roster. Over the following a number of days we may have key questions throughout each place, aside from the all-encompassing particular groups.
This text will deal with the offensive line. If there was ever a unit that would’ve yielded greater than three questions, it’s this one. In some unspecified time in the future in our lifetimes we’ll be moderately assured that the Seahawks may have a steady, above-average offensive line.
Offensive Line roster (as of Jul. 26):
Seahawks.com
Are we going to see Abe Lucas apply in any respect?
This needs to be the highest query if solely due to Lucas’ worth to the Seahawks offensive line. After a greater than strong rookie season, Lucas missed most of final yr with a knee concern that has prompted an in-season process and an offseason surgical procedure.
Lucas entered coaching camp on the Bodily Unable to Carry out (PUP) checklist, and in contrast to a lot of his teammates, he hasn’t but handed a bodily to get himself activated off PUP.
“We’re attempting to get there was quick as we will,” Coach Mike Macdonald mentioned on Wednesday. “I feel it’d be truthful to say that we had been hoping to go a little bit quicker up so far. We’re within the strategy of bringing him again and now we have a plan for him, however can’t inform you proper now when precisely he’ll be again. As these issues begin to turn out to be clearer, we’ll let you realize for positive. We’re not attempting to drag a quick one on you.”
There’s no actual indication that we’ll be seeing Lucas again any time quickly, however it’s the primary week of camp and maybe he’ll return in the midst of preseason. If not, then we’ll instantly begin questioning if he’ll be a PUP candidate to overlook the primary 4 common season video games.
The massive distinction between no Lucas final yr and no Lucas this yr is the depth at proper sort out. George Fant has been a serviceable starter since his surprising call-up as a Seahawks rookie again in 2016. Stone Forsythe, Jake Curhan, and Jason Peters tried, however the offense was basically totally different once they had been within the lineup. It’ll be attention-grabbing to see if McClendon Curtis turns right into a guard/sort out choice given his reps in camp, after which you’ve rookies Michael Jerrell and Sautoa Laumea as potential choices, even when Laumea may find yourself primarily as a guard.
However with all due respect to these backup choices, having a wholesome Lucas again is a game-changer for Seattle’s OL, and hopefully Lucas’ return is sooner quite than later/by no means.
Who’s going to be the Focus?
Seattle has had zero continuity on the middle place since Justin Britt’s ACL tear in 2019. Ethan Pocic gained the job in 2020, then needed to compete with Kyle Fuller in 2021, Austin Blythe took over the reins in 2022 after which retired, and Evan Brown wasn’t retained this previous season. In steps Olu Oluwatimi because the presumptive favourite to be the 2024 starter… or will or not it’s former Cleveland Browns reserve Nick Harris? What if it’s neither?
As of Friday, the Seahawks haven’t signed former Miami Dolphins beginning middle Connor Williams, however he may be a part of the fold. Williams handed a bodily after assembly with Seattle on Tuesday, excellent news after tearing his ACL final December. When wholesome, Williams was one of many higher facilities within the NFL, making a profitable transition from left guard (the place he performed when he was a Dallas Cowboy). The truth that he’s torn each ACLs is worrying, however it’s encouraging that he’s recovered earlier than anticipated from this final tear.
Williams continues to be simply 27 years previous, so if the Seahawks add him and he wins the beginning job, it’s not a “pale veteran getting in the best way of the event of a younger participant” signing. It’s a “he’s rattling good and theoretically in his prime years” signing to spice up the Seahawks OL instantly.
Who would be the new beginning guards?
Damien Lewis is with the Carolina Panthers, whereas Phil Haynes continues to be unsigned. Seattle will enter Week 1 with a wholly totally different inside offensive line than final yr.
The Seahawks could have discovered one Haynes to switch one other. Christian Haynes was an impressive proper guard on a nasty UConn Huskies staff, and the Seahawks had been capable of land him within the third spherical. He’ll be in competitors with second-year participant Anthony Bradford, who did make 10 begins final season instead of Phil Haynes. It feels greater than notable that Haynes has not had any first-team reps all through camp, even after Bradford missed time with harm.
Left guard is fascinating. Laken Tomlinson didn’t fare nicely throughout his time with the New York Jets, however made the Professional Bowl in his ultimate season with the San Francisco 49ers. His greatest asset is his sturdiness, having not missed a recreation since 2017. Whether or not he’s the most suitable choice at left guard is a distinct story, however historical past proves he reveals up for work.
One different chance we may see is shifting Christian Haynes to left guard (the place he took some reps in minicamp) and depart Bradford at proper guard. On this situation, Tomlinson would presumably fail to make the roster. McClendon Curtis is one other title to keep watch over given his proper guard/proper sort out work this offseason, together with the aforementioned Sautoa Laumea as one other RG choice.
If I had been to guess the beginning OL for Week 1, it could appear to be this:
Charles Cross-Laken Tomlinson-Connor Williams-Anthony Bradford-George Fant
We’ll pace this up in order that the complete protection is accounted for by the mock recreation on Aug. 3. The following preview will deal with the defensive position, together with inside gamers and edge rushers.
