Seahawks can expect breakout years from these three defensive players

The Seahawks should see breakthrough years from these three players on defense. Seattle’s success in 2021 is going to hinge in large part on big performances from these budding stars.

As we discussed earlier – you did talk about it, didn’t you – the Seahawks have big expectations for the 2021 season. No surprise there, right? The Hawks always expect to win it all.

I expect these three defenders to break out in a big way, and make major contributions to Seattle’s road to the Super Bowl. I’ll keep this brief because frankly, we all expect a lot of the same names here.

Three Seahawks on defense that will break out in 2021

Darrell Taylor

Darrell Taylor has popped up a lot in lists like these, like Andy Excell’s article from a few months back. The Seahawks did indeed convert the former Tennesee Volunteer from a pure defensive end to a linebacker spot. If the preseason is any indication, Taylor is going to be all over the field. He could line up as the prototypical LEO or the strongside linebacker. Just so you know, Taylor has plenty of experience playing off the line. Arguably his best years as a Vol came as a hybrid linebacker.

Taylor, as all good 12s know, missed all of what should have been his rookie campaign with a stress fracture. Imagine how different 2020 could have been with Taylor in the lineup. As Lee Vowell wrote just a week ago, Taylor has the speed and especially the ferocity to spend a large part of his time in the opponent’s backfield.

Frankly, I don’t care if Taylor lines up as the free safety a couple of times, because I know somebody’s going to get laid out. Now wouldn’t that be terrifying…Jamal, you’re going to have to drop back in coverage on this one. Sorry, buddy.