The Seattle Seahawks have not gotten much production out of their two most recent first-round picks.
Running back Rashaad Penny has taken a back seat to Chris Carson, while defensive end L.J. Collier has struggled to carve out a consistent role his rookie season, often finding himself listed as a healthy scratch. He has been active for six games and has only two tackles.
However, coach Pete Carroll indicated that Collier is close to earning a regular role on defense and said he hopes for Collier to play more in Week 12 against the Eagles in Philadelphia.
“We’d love for him to be out there,” Carroll said. “He needs to work. He won’t get better until he gets out there and can learn and contribute and all that. He’s likely to be playing this week. I want to say that every week because I want him out there and we need him out there.”
Collier was taken late in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft out of TCU. He was billed as a hybrid, Michael Bennett-style defensive lineman, but an ankle injury in training camp prevented him from playing in the preseason and hampered his development out of the gate.
That lack of development, along with a relatively healthy defensive front — especially with Ziggy Ansah and Jarran Reed in the mix — has kept Collier on the outside looking in.
“We’ve been so fortunate to have everybody available,” Carroll continued. “It’s just been opportunities. He’s working at it, getting extra coaching and extra work all the time. He’s right on the edge. We’d love to play him.”
Look for Collier to potentially get some snaps on Sunday in Philadelphia as the Seahawks aim to improve to 9-2 on the season.
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