Is Trevone Boykin really going to be the backup QB?
By Keith Myers
With Tarvaris Jackson still unsigned, Trevone Boykin is making a strong case to be the backup quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks.
The Seattle Seahawks currently do not have a backup quarterback. Is that right? OTAs are complete and they still haven’t re-signed Tarvaris Jackson. What gives?
The answer to those questions are “no,” and “Trevone Boykin.” The Seahawks have their backup QB, or at least they hope they do.
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With Jackson still unsigned, Boykin has been gifted the chance to prove that the Seahawks will be fine without Jackson. So far, he’s made the most of that chance.
The Seahawks have been impressed by both his work ethic and the speed that he’s picked things up. When he was signed, Boykin vowed to be in Russell Wilson’s “hip pocket.” It is clear he’s followed through on that promise.
One of the things that has most impressed the team is his leadership skills and command of the huddle. Coming from the air raid offense at TCU, managing a huddle is something he’s never had to do.
This is a tremendous and unexpected development, since Boykin has the physical tools that the Seahawks look for. He’s athletic and can make people miss. He’s got a big arm and throws a nice deep ball. These are tools that any QB needs in order to survive in Seattle’s offense.
ESPN’s John Clayton thinks Seattle had a 5th-round grade on Boykin. Any grade on Boykin would be lower than his skill set would indicate because of the offense that he came out of. If he’s already showing signs of overcoming that transition, than Boykin becomes a viable backup even as a rookie.
The plan all along has been to re-sign Tarvaris Jackson. Plans change, especially when players like Boykin come and and surprise everyone. At this point, all Boykin has to do is show he’s ready for the NFL during preseason games, and he’ll be the backup QB.
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Going with Boykin as the backup QB is definitely a risk. The Seahawks haven’t been nearly as risk adverse as most teams can be. If Boykin is indeed ready, they won’t hesitate to go with the younger and cheaper option.