Brock Coyle ready when needed for the Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Brock Coyle may not be the biggest star on the Seahawks celebrated defense, but when he plays he gives it his all.

The Seattle Seahawks linebacking corps is no joke. Bobby Wagner, Bruce Irvin, and KJ Wright are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the talent at that position. However Coyle, who was signed as an un-drafted free agent within an hour after the 2014 draft ended, was going to try to make his mark with this team.

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Coyle was born in Connecticut but was raised in the college town of Bozeman, Montana. Football was always a passion for him, yet skiing was the main sport in his life, qualifying for the Junior Olympics at one point. Yet at the age of 16, Brock decided to quit skiing to focus solely on football.

After having a standout career at Bozeman High School, playing both linebacker and fullback, he received offers from Montana State University and the University of Montana. Instead of staying in his hometown to play for MSU, Coyle decided to cross the state and play for the Montana Grizzlies.

In college, Coyle was a named to the Big Sky All Conference Team and was one of the Grizzlies top defensive players. In 2012, he was ranked 28^th in the nation for linebackers. Along with teammate Jordan Tripp, now with the Miami Dolphins, Coyle helped shine a spotlight on the small school’s defense.

Playing for the Seahawks, Coyle was going to have a hard time getting snaps his first year. Sitting behind the talented starters, he would have to make his mark on special teams. However with injuries to Wager and Malcolm Smith, Coyle was called to start in 2 games his rookie season.

In the 6 weeks he played, including those 2 starts, Coyle played a total of 66 defensive snaps. He was used equally against the run and in coverage, yet seemed to be more productive against the run. The most impressive stat he had during those snaps was the number of missed tackles. Coyle missed zero tackles in regular play, 1 missed tackle on special teams. Not too bad for a rookie.

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) is brought down by Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Brock Coyle (52) during the first half in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

With the departure of Smith, the question that arises is will Coyle become a regular back up in 2015? Sitting directly behind Wagner in the #2 spot at middle linebacker, it would make sense that Coyle will see his fair share of opportunities. What he does with those opportunities will be up to him, but if he makes the jump that many players do in their 2^nd year in the league, he, along with Mike Morgan and Kevin Pierre-Louis, could be the solid depth that the Seahawks need in the linebacker position.

Yet sitting behind Coyle in the #3 slot is Quayshawn Nealy, rookie out of Georgia Tech. Nealy has been described as a very instinctual player who could make a splash at training camp. He had a great pro day and was a stand out at the Shrine game, but at 6’1, 235 lbs, Nealy is slightly smaller than Coyle and isn’t always consistent in game film.

Seattle’s main linebackers are stars on the team. Wagner, Wright, and Irvin are some of, if not the best in the league. There are no question marks in the starting positions in 2015. 2016 could be a different situation. Irvin’s option wasn’t picked up by the Seahawks, so if Coyle plays well this year it might give Seattle a little wiggle room with resigning Bruce.

But lets not get ahead of ourselves just yet. 2015 is what is important right now. Brock Coyle could become the insurance fans need to feel comfortable if the injury bug should hit the Seahawks linebackers again like it did last year.

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