3 low-key Seahawks who could make a big impact in 2020
By Geoff Shull
Seahawks Player 2: DT Poona Ford
Poona Ford is entering a contract year. I love his fight, motor, run defense and natural, god-given leverage. As it is right now, Ford is likely to start next to Jarran Reed. The remainder of the defensive tackles consist of 6th round draft picks that have yet to play an NFL down, to UDFA.
Position: DT
Age: 24 years old
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 310lbs
Arm Length: 33″
Broad Jump: 111″ inches
Ford is one of my favorite players on the roster. It’s not just how easily POOONNAA rolls off the tongue when he makes a play. It is his burning desire to be great. The massive chip on his shoulder. Finally, his aspiration to beat the conventional size barriers of defensive lineman.
Ford was a top tier talent for Texas. However, he fell out of the draft mainly due to his short stature. However, what people hadn’t realized is that Poona learned how to use his disadvantage, to his advantage. He uses his vine-like arms and his short stature to consistently and effectively gain leverage on his opposing players.
Last season he split time as the predominate run-stuffer with Al Woods. Now, with Wood gone, its time for Ford to step into his own. Last season Ford accumulated 31 tackles, 6 tackles for a loss, .5 sacks and 10 pressures. This was a far cry from what many hoped he would accumulate.
With Seattle electing to not bring another defensive tackle into the fold, they obviously believe in the level of talent Ford possesses. With the added speed at both linebacker and defensive end, the quarterback will likely be forced to stay inside the pocket. This brings a lot of potential for the defensive tackles to feast.
Pro Comparison: Damon “Snacks” Harrison, DT
Role: Full-time starter
Tackles: 58
Sacks: 3.5
TFL: 14