Seahawks training camp opens Sunday. The Always Compete sign is ON for the offense
The scoreboard at the Seahawks training facility is famous for its “Always Compete” message. Who will be the offensive starters for 2017?
By now I’m sure you’ve read a hundred articles or more on the competition for the starting jobs on the Seahawks roster. Yes, this is the one that will be one hundred percent correct in every bold prediction.
Okay, probably not.
I’ll start with an easy prediction. Someone is going to get hurt, and it’s going to make 12s unhappy. 12s, the player in question, and the Seahawks coaching staff. We can only hope for a couple of silver linings. First, if it has to happen, let it be minimal, and only take the player out for the first couple of games of the season. I won’t even bother talking about the minor stuff that takes players out for a few weeks of camp or even into the preseason. Those injuries, sadly, are a given.
Second, if there is an injury with long-term effects, please let it be at a spot where we have plenty of depth. Everyone knows the positions where we truly can’t afford a long-term injury. And I mean everyone. Michael Bennett commented about this specifically, so let’s say no more about it.
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The competition starts on the offensive line
The consensus is that George Fant will win the left tackle spot. We’ve talked about Fant in-depth quite a bit. It’s worth your time to revisit this, or how he’s the key to the success of the entire line.
Luke Joeckel is the best bet right now to start at left guard. Joeckel has the flexibility to slide to tackle of course, but the coaches (and his past performance) have him slated next to center.
Speaking of that spot, the only position that is close to written in ink is center, manned by Justin Britt. We may not be certain how long we’ll be able to keep him, but he’s practically a lock for 2017. Expect him to get a Pro Bowl start, the first of many.
At right guard, I expect a battle between Mark Glowinski and rookie Ethan Pocic. Pocic, though, is probably more valuable as a player who can play anywhere on the line, and keep everyone fresh. Glowinski would have to truly look – well, lousy, to not win the spot outright.
Last season’s right guard, Germain Ifedi, is expected to take the right tackle gig.