Predicting the Seahawks Offensive Linemen in 2017
By Lee Vowell
Starters
Left Tackle – George Fant
Seattle just seems to want Fant to succeed. If he does make that second year jump to solid pro, then John Scheider and Pete Carroll showed genius in signing him as an undrafted free agent in 2016. Should Fant digress from even his 2016 level, the Seahawks might be sunk. Sure, Seattle will win many games, but they will not win a Super Bowl. Left tackle in the NFL makes that big of difference.
Left Guard – Luke Joeckel
Joeckel was originally drafted to be a ten-year starter at left tackle by the Jacksonville Jaguars. That, um…did not work out as planned. Instead, Joeckel was, in turn, ineffective or injured. Sometimes both. Joeckel played left guard fairly well early in 2016, but was then injured again. Seattle needs Joeckel to be healthy and productive. If he and Fant can form a good left side, Seattle’s offense will return to the efficiency of a 2013 level.
Center – Justin Britt
Britt is the one player who is a lock to start week one at his position along the line. He was Pro Bowl-quality in his first season at center. There is no reason to think he will not be even better in 2017 and beyond. The Seahawks should take this opportunity to sign Britt to a long-term extension. His presence at center will solidify the line for several seasons.
Right Guard – Mark Glowinski
Glowinski will be at a new professional position this year. He mostly played left guard previously. Pro Football Focus ranked Glowinski in the bottom quarter of the league at guard. 12s can only hope his move to the opposite side makes him suddenly a better player.
Right Tackle – Germain Ifedi
Ifedi returns to the position he played in college. The Seahawks gave him a year to get acclimated to the NFL, but now the boy must become a warrior. Seattle drafted Ifedi with the idea of him playing right tackle for years. If he is successful, this will be his first year of many at the position in Seattle.