Is Germain Ifedi ahead of schedule?
By Dan Viens
Seattle Seahawks rookie offensive lineman Germain Ifedi is drawing raves so far in training camp.
When the Seahawks drafted Texas A&M offensive lineman Germain Ifedi in the first round this year, reviews were mixed. Although most analysts agreed he had impressive athletic traits for a man of his size, there was also a consensus that he was technically raw. Some even surmised that he shouldn’t have been taken so high in the draft.
But after an off season of workouts and mini-camps, and now a week into training camp, Ifedi has drawn rave reviews from coaches and media.
Penciled in immediately as the starting right guard, the idea was that Ifedi would be protected inside while he learns the necessary nuances of the pro game while working on his technique. Not only has he performed exceptionally well in the team portion of practice, but he’s been especially outstanding in one-on-one blocking drills against the likes of Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett. He must be good, because he keeps drawing the ire of Bennett, who’s already been in multiple um…… disagreements with the big rookie.
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And it’s not just the physical side of Ifedi’s game that looks so promising. He’s picked up the playbook so quickly that offensive line coach Tom Cable even had him help demonstrate a new scheme installation to the rest of the group.
That’s rarefied air for a rookie.
Yesterday, there was even talk that the coaches are so impressed with Ifedi that they’re already considering moving him to right tackle, a position they’ve openly said he is destined to play. With 4 time All Pro right guard Jahri Evans visiting team headquarters today, the thought is that Evans would slide in at his usual spot and kick Ifedi outside.
That speculation may be premature, as Keith Myers pointed out today the team tried five different guys at right tackle, while free agent import J’Marcus Webb has apparently been demoted all the way to third string after his early struggles.
The two situations might not be mutual exclusive. Perhaps coaches were trying to find someone who would clearly stand out at RT, making it unnecessary to bring in a veteran so late in camp.
Next: All Pro guard Jahri Evans in for a visit
Whatever ends up happening in the coming days, things up front need to be settled soon. Having Ifedi play as well as he has so early in camp only increases the teams options.