B/R has Eli Mencer as most likely UDFA to make Seahawks roster

According to Bleacher Report, they believe undrafted free agent DE/OLB Eli Mencer is a name to watch when the Seahawks announce their final roster.

Every year there are players that coaches and fans root for. Whether that is because of a player’s likeness, intangibles or heart. There is something that draws people in. This year, there is a distinct possibility that the Seahawks’ Eli Mencer from the Albany Great Danes could be that player.

Eli Mencer split his time between defensive end and outside linebacker in his senior year. He is slightly undersized for a full-time defensive end standing at just 6’1” and 225lbs. However, he could provide a spark as a pass rush specialist on 3rd downs. A good size comparison would be Shaquem Griffin.

His freshman year in college he was brought on as a running back. However, coaches saw untapped potential and moved him on the defensive side of the ball. Initially, the move was made to the linebacker position. In fact, he spent his sophomore and junior years purely as a linebacker.

However, as he gained muscle and confidence, he began to show the coaches some pass-rushing mentalities. This led them to giving Mencer some new opportunities as a defensive end. He did not disappoint. During Mencer’s senior season he accumulated 14.5 sacks, 24 tackles for a loss and 5 forced fumbles. His sacks total broke the program record.

While he displayed potential as a defensive stalwart for Albany. He will undoubtedly be very raw in his technique and production. After all, this is a brand new position for him. His best bet to make the roster his rookie year would be to show promise as a special teams’ ace. He played special teams all 4 years in the NCAA and has the mechanics to be successful here.

All he needs to do is make the roster. If he can get his foot in the door, he can begin pulling information, techniques, and mechanics from some of the more seasoned players on the roster. He has the mold of a Bruce Irvin back in the day. An outside linebacker who rushes the passer. Fortunately, with Irvin back in the fold, he can pull this knowledge directly from the well.

Whether he ends up being the next Doug Baldwin and becoming an undrafted hero. Or he becomes a special teams ace in the form of Nieko Thorpe. The fans, the coaches and the organization will all be rooting for this kid from Altoona to succeed at the next level. He is raw, but he is oozing untapped potential. It will just be up to the Seahawks and their staff to pull it out.