Seahawks Sign Five: Curb Your Enthusiasm

I remember Reggie Williams dominating defensive backs in the Pac-10. His physical style of play and above-average ball skills allowed him to make a lot of catches other receivers couldn’t.

I remember Mike Williams when he was a part of the high-powered offense at Southern Cal. He was only a freshman or sophomore, but his soft hands and size seemed destined for the National Football League. One can only imagine what he would’ve accomplished had he stayed in school longer.

The Seahawks are giving both former first-round picks a second chance, but here is the reality: don’t expect much.

Their respective physical attributes will be welcomed in Seattle – the Seahawks have far too many undersized receivers who cannot beat bump-and-run coverage – but it is doubtful either one will find success in the National Football League. There is a chance one or both of them could achieve a roster spot in August, but I wouldn’t bet that either player makes a noticeable impact during the regular season.

Then again, I’ve been wrong before. I’m usually wrong because my initial beliefs are far too optimistic, but I just can’t see Reggie Williams or Mike Williams surprising everyone and breaking out.

Hopefully I’m wrong. Maybe one of the receivers or other players recently signed will have an impact or develop into solid contributors. But don’t expect anything just because they warranted first-round selections in drafts years ago.

Remember, the Seahawks once signed Ryan Leaf after he was deemed a bust by other NFL teams. Washington State head coach Mike Price called the transaction a “great move by the Seahawks,” but the troubled quarterback was gone only three weeks later.

Here is a quick run-down of who the Seattle Seahawks signed following their three-day minicamp:

Reggie Williams, wide receiver: Williams, 6-foot-4, 212 pounds, was the ninth overall selection of the 2004 NFL Draft. He was one of the most dominating receivers to ever play at the University of Washington and still holds several school records. Has 189 career catches for 2,322 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Mike Williams, wide receiver: Another physical presence at 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, but only has 44 career catches for 539 yards and 2 touchdowns. Williams left Southern Cal following his sophomore season but was forced to sit out a year because he wasn’t three years removed from high school. The Detroit Lions selected him tenth overall in the 2005 NFL Draft.

Ryan Powdrell, fullback: Another former Southern Cal player, Powdrell first entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers. He has also spent time in Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh prior to signing with Seattle. A former linebacker who converted to fullback before his senior season.

Kennard Cox, cornerback: Originally drafted in the seventh round by Buffalo, Cox was unable to secure a spot on the final 53-man roster. Since then, he has spent time on the practice squads in Green Bay and Jacksonville. Possesses good size at 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, giving him a major advantage in both press coverage and run support.

Mitch Erickson, guard: Another player with good size, Erickson is 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds. Undrafted in 2008 despite playing at an All-American level at South Dakota State, he first entered the NFL as a free agent with the Denver Broncos. He has spent most of his professional career as a practice squad player.

Shaun Dolence: dolencesm@gmail.com
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