Against the Rams, Seahawks young players showed why future is bright

The Seahawks may have lost to the Rams on Sunday. But we learned one important thing from the game: Seattle has young players who will be good.

Good news, Seahawks fans! The kids are alright. Seattle may have lost a football game on Sunday to the Rams but the way they lost was not horrible. And there may be some optimism to take from Sunday’s loss.

The young guys can play

The Seahawks made an effort to get younger this offseason. The hopes were that while doing so, Seattle wouldn’t take a huge step backwards. So far, Seattle hasn’t. While the Seahawks are not nearly as good as they were from 2012 through 2015, they showed against the Rams that they not a bottom-third of the league team either.

A large reason for Seattle staying relevant is that many key players are recent draftees. After several barren drafts, general manager John Schneider seems to have hit on the last couple.

Four players from the 2017 draft had huge impacts against the Rams. Chris Carson had 116 yards rushing. David Moore had two touchdown receptions. Cornerback Shaquill Griffin had four tackles including joining in on one for loss. Safety Tedric Thompson, filling in for Earl Thomas, forced a fumble.

And while the 2018 is still players finding what it is like to be an NFL player, punter Michael Dickson has already proven to an excellent and long-term part of the team. Tight end Will Dissly was blocking at a high level and showing excellent hands before he was lost for the year due to injury. And Tre Flowers has had to play a bunch of snaps while still learning the corner position.

Flowers will be fine. So will Rashaad Penny probably and he hasn’t had to show much yet.

The second-contract guys

But Seattle has also started giving second contracts for players who have produced from the more non-productive drafts. Tyler Lockett, for instance, was extended this offseason. And in 2018 the fourth-year receiver is on pace for his best season. Lockett already has four touchdown catches through five games. His previous career high is six.

Frank Clark will also probably be extended and he will be a consistent pass rusher for years in Seattle.

The bottom line is, the Seahawks won’t be a bottom-half of the NFL team for long. Possibly even, the team will be back to being a yearly playoff participant by 2019. With anohter solid draft in 2019, Seattle might be a Super Bowl contender by 2021. There is hope.