The Return / Debut of King Okung

Looks like Russell Okung will make his professional debut for the Seahawks this week in St. Louis. The Hawks really need some consistency on that side of the ball. Their makeshift line has been a revolving door of names dating back to the preseason. In fact, Mansfield Wrotto and Mike Gibson were just released today to make room for Allen Barbre and Breno Giacomini.

There have been high expectations for Okung from the moment the sound of his last name left the announcer’s mouth at the 2010 draft. He is a “can’t miss” prospect with all the tools to build a Hall of Fame type career. He is the heir apparent to the greatest Seahawk of all time. Without playing a single down, he has made more money in the NFL than I will over the next 5 years of my life.

As a Seahawk fan, I can’t help but to be leery of the hype. I have been disappointed so many times by other “can’t miss” draft picks and free agents that I can’t help but be a little cynical about the whole thing. I mean the last time I saw Okung in a game, he fell over (literally) 3 times in a row and then twisted his ankle.

All I am saying is give the guy some time after he gets back to develop a little bit. He has to be frustrated and sometimes a tendency too try to hard can be stifling at this level. Look for Okung to really start turning it on around weeks 9 to 12. I would rather see him gain momentum throughout the season than come on too strong and re-injure himself again. I would rather have him for the conclusion of the season than the start.

The worst part about the whole thing is that we (fans) won’t be able to see Okung play at home for another 3 weeks. Hope he stays healthy, gains momentum, and becomes the dominant player he’s already been paid to be.