Seattle Seahawks: Kristjan Sokoli flashes potential, inexperience in 2nd game on offense

The Seattle Seahawks have a habit of making players switch positions. One of the more interesting conversions this year is Kristjan Sokoli, who is trying to convert from the defensive line to the offensive side of the ball.

Sokoli’s college tape was uninspiring, but he blew the athletic tests out of the water pre-draft. The result was the highest SPARQ score ever (or at least that we have data for). The Seahawks decided to select him in the sixth round of the draft and move him to the other side of the ball.

If you want to know why the Seahawks are going through all the effort to convert Kristjan Sokoli into an offensive lineman, just check out this next play. It is a screen pass, and it requires that Sokoli get out in front of the back to provide blocking downfield.

Not only does Sokoli manhandle the defensive linemen in from of him, but he looked faster than the RB once in space. It is too bad that Rawls forgot to catch the ball, because this was going to be a massive gain.

Let’s face it, guys that big aren’t supposed to be able to move like that. That also wasn’t the only play where his athleticism was easy to spot.

The Seahawks also often pulled Sokoli and used him as a lead blocker in the running game.

He does a great job of getting out in front, locating and engaging the defender. He shows great ankle flexibility here. There are very few guys his size that are capable of doing that on a regular basis.

Overall though, the game was a mixed bag for the former defensive lineman. Sokoli also made plenty of mistakes to go with his good plays.

On this next play, he completely whiffed on his block. The defender he was supposed to block was able to get into the backfield and completely blow up the run.

There are also some definite technique issues that must be cleaned up. Sokoli has a tendency to lower his head on contract, which makes his blocks easier to shed.

This play is a great example. Try not to focus on Kona Schwenke (the LT) having absolutely no clue who is is supposed to block.

Overall is was an interesting game for Sokoli. There was some definite times when he flashed. There were also some definite times where he struggled.

For a guy playing in just his second game as an offensive linemen, that is probably ok. The question though, is will he be able to show enough by the end of the preseason to stick on the roster. For now, it is simply too early to tell.

Next: 5 takeaways from Seattle's loss to the Chiefs

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