By Mazvita Maraire Posted on

Seahawks Trade for Beau Stephens: An Offensive Line Boost

The Seahawks traded a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for No. 148 (fifth-round). With the pick, the Seahawks drafted guard Beau Stephens from  Iowa.  The 6’6 315-pounder was an AP All-American first-teamer.

“ I spoke with line coach John Coach Benton, and  I knew it was gonna be a right fit for me, “ said Stephens.
”Obviously, the zone blocking is a big part of the offense.”  Stephens will have a familiar face to show him around the Vmac and acclimate him to the Seahawks culture in former teammate Mason Richman.

“ So ever since he went to the NFL, it’s been off and on. He’s busy most of the year, so I haven’t been able to hear from all that often, but, uh, when he was back down training in Iowa City, um, he was telling me how cool it was,” said Stephens. “  You know, it, like, we’re gonna be friends for life.”

  The pick by John Schneider and company was a bit of a surprise in how they got there, but not who they selected.

OPPORTUNITY  TO COMPETE

Stephens started all 13 of Iowa’s games last season at left guard, but he also has experience at right guard. When asked if he has a preference, Stephens was noncommittal, saying he was willing to compete wherever the Seahawks plug him in.

“ If I am on the left side, I  have a preference for the backside blocks, and then I’m, if I’m on the right side, I have a preference for the front side blocks.  But otherwise, like, overall, it’s not too much of a difference because I’ve been able to play both,’ said Stephens. “So, wherever they put me, you know, it’s just gonna take a little bit of time, just to be set, and then it’s gonna be full speed ahead after that. “

BIG PICTURE

The prevailing thought is that Stephens will play right and be given a chance to compete or supplant Anthony Bradford.   The Seahawks coaching staff is on record saying that Bradford is a solid player who is an integral part of their offense.  Outside the building, there are contrasting opinions. With Bradford in the last year of his contract, there is no doubt Stephens will have an opportunity to compete for the starting position.

STEPHENS SCOUTING  REPORT

Strengths

  • Doesn’t rush block fits, waiting until he’s balanced and in position.
  • Very good feel for angles and tempo in getting to his landmarks.
  • Makes timely block adjustments against shifting fronts.
  • Stays connected with his hands all the way through block finish.
  • Pass-sets with good posture.
  • Punches instead of catching when throwing his hands into rushers. 
  • Displays sufficient anchor to withstand a bull rush.

Weaknesses

  • Has short arms and average athletic ability.
  • Needs to prove he can succeed in schemes other than zone.
  • Below-average connection accuracy when asked to pull.
  • Two-hand punch can be cleared by well-timed swipes for quick losses.
  • Rarely latches in tight to prevent secondary rush.

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