How Seahawks special teams will make a huge difference in 2021

The future’s bright

Ben Burr-Kirven equaled Bellore’s snap count of 293 on special teams last season. BBK was another Pac-12 tackling machine, leading the Pac-12 in tackling in his final season at Washington and winner Pac-12 defensive player of the year.

Now a starting linebacker on defense, BBK continues to be oh so effective on special teams too.

Will Dissly and fellow tight end Jacob Hollister come next in terms of special teams snaps. Hollister has moved on from the Seahawks but had a snap count of 283 on special teams last season whilst Dissly appeared 213 times. Dissly is not just an effective backup TE but has also shown his value on special teams.

Somebody will get the opportunity to pick up the 283 snaps vacated by Hollister in the coming season.

Ryan Neal is the next man up, a special teams snap count of 202 last season. Again, he will be vying for one of the final roster spots in 2021 as a backup safety, nickel back and special teamer. But his work in 2020 on special teams could well be the reason he makes it at the expense of another candidate from the many options available in the secondary.

If it does, kudos to you Ryan for finding more than one way to make a difference.

These five guys added to Myers, Dickson and the kick returners gave the Seahawks the second-best special teams unit in the NFL in 2020 according to the SI.com rankings, only New England were above them.

I have already mentioned the possible addition of Eskridge, Wedington and/or Johnson as returners in 2021, rookie Jon Rhattigan could also be a valuable addition.

So with only Hollister having departed from this excellent unit, coach Izzo has plenty of options as we approach the 2021 season and the Seahawks could well have the best special teams unit in 2021.

And as I said at the beginning these guys could be the unheralded difference makers in 2021, so let’s make sure we show our appreciation for them.