Seahawks Biggest Training Camp Battle: Right Tackle

The first three days of Seahawks Training Camp are officially in the bag and we are now 10 days away from our preseason opener against the Denver Broncos and 38 days away from the regular season kickoff at CenturyLink against the Green Bay Packers.

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Training camp is just beginning, as is arguably the hottest position battle at the VMAC: the job to be the starting right tackle.

With last year’s suspect protection of Russell Wilson (due to a few significant injuries as well as below average play in general), O-Line Coach Tom Cable is looking for more consistency from his five big men.

When healthy, both LT Russell Okung and C Max Unger are the class of their respective positions, but combined they missed 11 games last season. The right and left guard’s seem to be shored up as well with a more physically fit James Carpenter (down 15 pounds from last season) and a more experienced, more comfortable J.R. Sweezy.

One of the biggest question marks of the offseason has been who exactly is the next man up at RT after the departure of Breno Giacomini to New York?

The Second Year Player:

Michael Bowie    #73    6 foot 4 |332 lbs |22 yrs    Northeastern State

May 10, 2013; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Michael Bowie (73) participates in a rookie minicamp practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Bowie filled in at both the guard and tackle positions last year, and while he showed plenty flashes of brilliance, he showed just as many rookie mistakes.

Reportedly coming into training camp a bit out of shape and already having tweaked his shoulder, according to Pete Carroll, the second year man has his work cut out for him. But perhaps this is exactly what the position battle needs; given the fact that rookie Justin Britt has been getting all of the first team reps due to his injury, this could be the perfect opportunity to come back better and more fit than ever.

The Rookie:

Justin Britt    #68    6 foot 6 |325 lbs |23 yrs    Missouri

Jan 3, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Missouri Tigers offensive linesman Justin Britt (68) in game action Oklahoma State Cowboys at the 2014 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Missouri beat Oklahoma State 41-31. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Drafted in the second round of this year’s NFL Draft, the Seahawks have high hopes for Britt heading into the season.

It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to 12s, but the Missouri man was considered a “reach” by many draft analysts and John Schneider is again looking to work his magic.

Britt boasts plenty of talent however, with a large frame, superior toughness, and good length, as well as Tom Cable’s coveted versatility. As mentioned earlier, Michael Bowie has been out for the first couple days of training camp with a minor shoulder injury, giving Britt the perfect opportunity to prove he belongs with the starters protecting Russell Wilson’s non-blind side.

While it is still too early to know who will win the spot, keep an eye out for both players throughout the preseason.

Those first four run-throughs tend to separate the starters from the second-stringers; as is the case with many Seahawks before them (see Russell Wilson and Jermaine Kearse).