Rost: 3 Seahawks rookies who can make or break Seattle’s 2022 season

Maybe no participant issues extra on any workforce than the particular person taking snaps from underneath middle. And whereas the quarterback battle will proceed to be the largest query for the Seahawks heading into coaching camp, there are different positions in Seattle that would make or break the 2022 season.

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Right here’s a have a look at three rookies who may have an outsized impression on a successful season:

RB Ken Walker III

This one’s straightforward. The Seahawks gained’t have Russell Wilson and won’t have Chris Carson. Rashaad Penny is the presumed starter, however he has handled a variety of accidents all through his profession. Pete Carroll needs a balanced strategy on offense, however that necessitates an efficient run sport. No longtime quarterback, well being considerations at working again, and an offense that requires a strong run sport?

Enter: a second-round working again in Ken Walker III. A participant many analysts felt was drafted a bit too excessive – a positional critique, moderately than a personality slight – might be one of many largest keys to a profitable Seahawks offense in 2022.

After all, that doesn’t imply Walker will play a extra very important position than receivers DK Metcalf or Tyler Lockett, and even fellow halfback Penny. However few positions matter extra in Carroll’s offense, and maybe no different place has been as exhausting hit by harm.

Walker’s not less than off to the proper begin. Offensive line coach Andy Dickerson advised reporters final week that he’s been impressed with the rookie.

“Most likely the good factor I’ve seen, simply his willingness and his eyes, the best way he strikes, and simply his capability to know every part,” Dickerson mentioned. “Then his capability. You see him, once more, attempting to know and get a match within the tempo and the timing of how we wish to press this gap and make these cuts and make these choices. I’ve been impressed with him.”

LT Charles Cross

Is a part of this purely about optics? Certain.

It could actually really feel good for the Seahawks’ ninth total decide – a range they obtained as a part of their commerce haul for Russell Wilson – to have a Professional Bowl-caliber season and begin each sport. However that is additionally about scheme and depth.

Whoever the Seahawks’ beginning quarterback is Week 1, chances are high he’s acquired much less beginning expertise than Wilson (within the case of Drew Lock or Geno Smith) or has performed behind a greater offensive line (within the case of Baker Mayfield or Jimmy Garoppolo, ought to a commerce or signing ever come to fruition). Seattle’s finest shot at success with their new passer is a robust run sport and glorious receivers, however it’s additionally going to lean on the success of the offensive line, and no place will probably be extra intently watched than left deal with.

Talking of, one of many dangers in transferring on from veteran Duane Brown was the drop off in expertise at that spot. This was earlier than the workforce drafted Cross, a highly-touted prospect. Ought to Cross be injured or wrestle mightily, you’re as soon as once more a place that lacks starting-caliber depth.

CB Coby Bryant

One other premium place to spherical out this listing, this time with a fourth-round decide versus a top-10 choice.

Hear me out, although: a strong season from this former Cincinnati Bearcat bodes simply as effectively for first-year defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt’s revamped protection given the considerations lingering at this place particularly.

Seattle has promising younger expertise on the defensive position in Darrell Taylor, Boye Mafe, and free agent signing Uchenna Nwosu. They’ve returning vets in linebackers Cody Barton and Jordyn Brooks, and Professional Bowl safeties in Quandre Diggs and Jamal Adams. In the meantime, the cornerback group has began jotted in pencil as an alternative of pen.

Will second-year professional Tre Brown be wholesome in time for the beginning of the season? Can the re-signed Sidney Jones beat out newcomer (and former Steelers first-round decide) Artie Burns? Add to this listing a possible starter in Bryant, who had 4 years of expertise with Cincinnati and fairly a number of extra reps than fellow rookie Tariq Woolen. Woolen brings loads of athleticism and promise, but when Bryant might be serviceable and – importantly – obtainable, it’d simply be sufficient for the protection to shore up its largest query mark.

Stacy Rost’s new Seattle Sports activities 710 AM co-host is former NFL receiver and longtime Seattle Sports activities contributor Michael Bumpus. Bump and Stacy will hit the 710 airwaves for the primary time Monday, June 20 at 10 a.m.

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