The Seahawk’s first official offseason for the rookies is in the books. Head coach Pete Carroll and the rest of his assistants were aglow after getting a chance to try out their shiny new toys. Given the Seahawk’s reshuffling of the roster pre-draft, it is a given that this year’s rookie class will be given a chance and expected to make an immediate impact. That being said not every rookie is expected to make that dramatic impact or even make the roster for that matter.
WHAT IS ROOKIE CAMP
The three-day rookie camp includes drafted players, undrafted college free agents, qualifying first-year players, and tryout players. Here is a look at the rookies that are expected to make an impact and how they looked.
TACKLES ARE FOR REAL
When the Seahawks drafted two tackles some eyebrows were raised, and some high fives were exchanged. Seahawks faithful finally saw the team invest in the offensive line. First-round pick Charles Cross and third-round pick Abraham Lucas did not disappoint and left a lasting impression after just two and half days of work.
“I was so caught by the draft picks. I thought everybody was able to show something,” Carroll responded. “The tackles jump out right off the bat. Both guys look well-equipped physically, they look like they can move like we would hope they can move, they’re both bright kids and will pick up their stuff, so the process is under way, and I’m fired up about that.”
KEN WALKER III IS THE REAL DEAL
Running back Ken Walker III to no one’s surprise is looking like that can’t miss pick. The former Michigan State star was awarded two of college football’s most prestigious awards for a running back. The Walter Camp Award and Doak Walker Award were awarded to Walker III after rushing for 1,636 yards and 18 touchdowns last year. The one knock if there can be one for such an accomplished back was his lack of pass-catching and blocking abilities. After rookie minicamp Seahawks fans will be happy to know it was a matter of him not getting the reps as opposed to not having the skill set.
Ken can do everything, we need him to do, there’s no question. We’ve seen him on film. We’ve seen him play the game. We needed to see how he learned and how he picked things up, and he’s going to just roll right through it, so already, we can see areas that we want to work on with individual guys, and we’re really focusing on that right now as they go home this next week and get ready to come back. We want them to be clear on what the things that we want them to work on.”
TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITY
On the defensive side of the ball, second-round pick linebacker Boye Mafe took advantage of a golden opportunity to show he has enough skill to compete for a roster spot. Fifth-round pick Tyreke Smith was unable to participate due to an undisclosed injury. The 6’3 260-pound Smith played at Ohio State and led the Big Ten in quarterback hits his last two years. It is no secret Carroll and newly appointed defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt is looking to bring pressure from the defensive line and linebacker positions. Both Smith and Mafe will line up as edge rushers.
The difference between Smith and Mafe is experience. Mafe a second-round pick from Minnesota did not take football seriously until high school. Meaning he is just scratching the surface of his football talent.
“He did a really good job, and he really had a chance to show. It’s just like molding clay. He’s such a new player to what we’re doing. It’s going to be really exciting to see what he can do because he’s got great physical tools.”
With rookie camp wrapped up the first phase of the Seahawk’s long off-season is in the books. Up next will be a team minicamp that will be followed by a training camp. Which will be followed by the preseason and finally the regular season.
