How He Fits With The Seahawks: Obum Gwacham
By Dan Viens
With the 33rd pick in the 6th round (#209 overall) the Seattle Seahawks selected Obum Gwachum out of Oregon State.
Notice I didn’t list his position. Because we might not know it yet. Gwachum finished his career at DE but he began it as a WR. Tuck that away for a minute. We will get back to that.
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MEASURABLES/SCOUTING REPORT:
6’5″, 248 lbs with 34 5/8″ arms. He ran the 40 in 4.72 with a 36″ vertical. Then there’s this from his nfl.com’s Lance Zierlein:
"Elite explosion traits. Has length and foot explosiveness defensive coordinators salivate over. Is relentless and dogged in pursuit of the play and will come from across the field to capture a loose running back."
But there’s also this:
"Exceptional personal and football character with a desire to learn his new position."
Within minutes of his selection, there was speculation that the Seahawks may aim to convert Gwachum back to offense and groom him as a TE.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:
So, as some are pointing out Obum has experience at WR. Played DE most recently. May end up a TE. This is kind of Jameson Konz 2.0.
— Jared Stanger (@JaredStanger) May 2, 2015
Obum ran 4.72, jumped 36". I mean...those are not LEO numbers. Those are TE numbers.
— Jared Stanger (@JaredStanger) May 2, 2015
#Packers liked Gwacham as a potential tight end. Seattle just took him.
— Bill Huber (@BillHuberNFL) May 2, 2015
Indeed, right after that the Packers chose TE Kennard Backman.
HOW HE FITS:
Whether as a DE or TE, Gwacham is a project. He’s a freakish athlete for his size, and based on what I’ve seen so far I could get far more excited about him as a potential stud TE than on the defensive side.
Seattle said they want him on defense for now. That doesn’t mean they won’t change their minds.
Stay Tuned.
Next: How He Fits: OL Mark Glowinski
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