Seahawks clearly relying on Jacob Martin at edge rusher in 2019

The Seahawks need help pressuring the quarterback but they might think the answer is already on the roster in Jacob Martin.

The Seahawks sack totals were a bit misleading in 2018. Seattle finished with 43 which ranked 11th in the NFL. But take away Frank Clark and Jarran Reed, who combined for 23.5 sacks, there wasn’t much else. Clark and Reed are great but they cannot be the only two guys who are consistently able to get to the quarterback. Not if Seattle wants to go deep in the playoffs.

This week, coach Pete Carroll told 710 ESPN Seattle’s John Clayton that he thinks one player who might prove to be a “problem-maker” in 2019 is Jacob Martin.

"He was active, his pressures were up there percentage-wise – three sacks in 200 snaps or something like that – (and) he’s going to be a factor for us again. We need to develop him physically and maintain his girth, he lost weight, he lost 20 pounds over the season, and so that affected him some near the end. But he’s still an attractive guy because of his motor and his quickness."

Martin was a sixth-round choice in last year’s draft. He wasn’t taken because he has huge size but more because of his explosiveness. In fact, Martin is a lot like Clark in that way, Both players are quick off the snap and their speed can disrupt the balance of an offensive tackle. But there is one big difference between the two players: Strength.

Clark is fast and strong and should be in Seattle for years to come. Martin might have excellent quickness but without strength and stamina he will remain a situational player. If that is so, Seattle will not be able to fully rely on him. The questions surrounding Martin include can he maintain size through a season and what are his limitations for gaining pounds and still maintaining his speed? No one knows.

There is no doubt that with a lot more snaps Martin could probably get to eight sacks or so. But is that enough? Seattle really needs a defensive end who can play snaps that aren’t just obvious passing downs. Maybe Martin can be that player.

Other teams are adding pieces to make a playoff run. Dallas just traded for Robert Quinn, for instance. Seattle needs to add pieces, too. Proven, veteran players and not just take chances on what younger guys might do. I hope Martin can be a superstar, but until he proves he can get a lot better Seattle needs to keep searching for the answer to who will play opposite Clark.