Seahawks position preview: Defensive end breakdowns, starters and cuts
![GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 29: Defensive end L.J. Collier #95 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts on the bench alongside teammates during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Seahawks won 27 to 10. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 29: Defensive end L.J. Collier #95 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts on the bench alongside teammates during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Seahawks won 27 to 10. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2F12thmanrising-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2016-2F04-2F1178426879-850x560-870ba0a56bbb207b02e6af3b4ceb48392d85baab0f7ed1fee1924ed130373690.jpg)
The rookies
Darrell Taylor
Taylor was the 48th pick of this year’s draft out of Tennessee where he became a fan favorite for inspiring the infamous vols fans community on twitter to start the #WGWTFA hashtag, which can not be explained in this family-friendly environment.
As for the football side of things, Geoff Shull broke down the Seahawks pick of Taylor where he offers a more in-depth breakdown. In his final two years at Tennessee, Taylor had 16.5 sacks, 21 TFL, and 4 forced fumbles in 24 games in the uber-talented SEC.
Taylor is put in a unique situation as he has a real chance to immediately get a starting role on a Super Bowl competitor. We’ll have to see if he steps up or falls into a disappointing LJ Collier like depth role his rookie year.
Alton Robinson
Robinson makes his way to Seattle after spending his college years at Syracuse. Robinson has a common fifth-round pick trait with his junior year stats showing day one or two potential but his senior year is why he ended up going in the fifth round.
Alton recorded 17 TFL, 10 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles his junior year but his senior season was disappointing with only 9 TFL, 4 sacks, and 1 FF in the same amount of games.
Geoff Shull broke down this pick as well and explained Robinsons’ style and high ceiling in more detail. Robinson will have to compete for a spot on the team against many vets and rookies this season, and maybe have to wait a year on the practice squad and then try again in the 2021 camp.
Marcus Webb
Webb is one of two undrafted free agent defensive ends who will be competing for a spot on the Seahawks roster. During his time at Troy, Webb was one of the better DE’s in the Sun Belt conference before he was moved to DT his junior and senior seasons where he then became one of the best interior pass rushers in his conference.
Corbin Smith of Seahawks Maven has a breakdown on Webb that provides some good info on him as there is not much out there. Webb is listed as a DE by the Seahawks and will compete in camp at the position because of his size, but maybe his versatility will help him make the roster with similarly poor talent at the DT position.
Eli Mencer
Mencer is a classic FCS prospect out of Albany. There’s not much out there on Mencer except for a ten minute YouTube video against mostly FCS competition that shows Mencer’s incredible skills. During his senior year he accumulated 14.5 sacks (A school record), FCS Leading 5 forced fumbles, and 24 TFL.
Mencer was an absolute beast at Albany, and he only got one game during his time there against a power five team but he made it count as he had a forced fumble against Pitt which you can see on the next page. Mencer also has special teams experience as a former running back to add to his resume which can help him make the roster.