Are Seahawks too quick to move on from young veterans?
The identity of the Seattle Seahawks is a ferocious defense with a “balanced” offense. Primarily focused on the run in order to open up play-action down the field. The 2018 draft emphasized the Seahawks getting back to their style of football and transitioning to a fresh group of players.
But, does Seattle not have dynamic play makers already on the roster?
Seahawks & Opportunity
In 2011, the Seahawks quietly built a juggernaut. In particular, it is because they gave opportunities to young players. For example, cornerback Richard Sherman’s transition to the NFL is inspiring. Seattle was old and needed to transition to a younger core. For this reason, Sherman played and his performance warranted him to stay on the field to develop. Similar to cornerback Shaquill Griffin in 2017.
Seattle gave opportunities to drafted and un-drafted players. The organization hit it out the park in 2011 on guys who became cornerstones. But until the opportunity to cornerback Richard Sherman took place, no one knew who the stand-out from Stanford was. Or the player he had the potential to become.
Seahawks re-tooling mode
Seven years later, there is a rinse-repeat occurring once again. There are young Seattle veterans who have not been given the chance to elevate their game in National Football League. One example, Is there a clear understanding of what tight end Nick Vannett’s abilities are for Seattle? Not many are aware of them because he played behind Luke Willson and Jimmy Graham.
In the last few seasons, there have been a only handful of young players excelling for Seattle. This is due to obvious reasons. With Pro Bowlers at almost every position, there was no way a rookie can work his way onto the field, besides special teams.
Latest Seahawks to earn their way onto the field
There are only a few who have carved roles on the team and shined. Due to an inconsistent running game, Chris Carson took the reigns at running back until his season ended against the Colts. With a less than average offensive line, Ethan Pocic provided some stability and will look to continue in 2018. Not to mention the impressive performance by Shaquill Griffin with and without Richard Sherman on the field. Honorable mention can go to defensive tackle Naz Jones.
Who is next from the Seahawks 2018 draft?
To many in the Seattle market, the Seahawks had a fantastic draft.
There are initially two players who will find themselves on the field early in 2018. They are running back Rashaad Penny and linebacker Shaquem Griffin. In order to help a struggling rushing attack, Penny is going to have every opportunity coming off an NCAA-leading 2,027 rushing yards at San Diego State. In addition, Seattle used a first-round draft pick on him.
As great of a story as it is for Shaquem Griffin to join Seattle for many reasons, on the field he is a dynamic pass rusher who can drop back into pass coverage. His characteristics are what the Seahawks desire on defense.
A few others are tight end Will Dissly, cornerback Tre Flowers, defensive end Jacob Martin and punter Michael Dickson.
Seahawks in full circle
As generational the prior Seahawks have been, 12s are now witnessing a new wave of dynamic players. This should exude excitement and anticipation for 2018.
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But do not be surprised if a young veteran stakes his case to be the next great Seahawk now that a few greats have departed.