Former Texas defensive tackle Poona Ford is a restricted free agent for Seattle this offseason, where the Seahawks can match any offer extended to him from another team.
Ford attended the University of Texas from 2014-2017 and was named the Big 12 Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year as a senior. He compiled 31 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks throughout his final year on the Forty Acres.
He was seemingly overlooked in the pre-draft process due to his size, but his motor impressed many NFL scouts during 1-on-1 drills at the Senior Bowl. Still, Ford was not selected in the 2018 NFL draft.
The Texas ex quickly made a name for himself. After signing with the Seahawks shortly after the draft concluded, Ford made Seattle’s 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie.
He’s now one of Seattle’s top run-stoppers after rocketing up the depth chart and becoming a full-time starter in just his second NFL season. The Seahawks starting nose tackle was recently listed among PFF’s top players from the 2020 NFL season.
Although the Seahawks hope to keep Ford, a team could offer him $5-6 million per season, a number Quinton Jefferson got with the Bills last offseason.
Here are three potential teams, prior to the 2021 NFL draft, that could use Ford to improve their interior defensive line.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders need help along their entire defensive line unit. Las Vegas had the No. 25 ranked run defense in the NFL last season. However, according to PFF, Las Vegas is projected to spend fewer dollars on the interior defensive line than any team in the league this offseason. The unit wasn’t great to begin with, but the Raiders are also expected to lose Johnathan Hankins and Maliek Collins this offseason.
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas allowed 2.3 yards per carry before first contact on average last season, which was the most in the league according to PFF. They were blown off the ball consistently. Signing Ford would improve these issues, but it’d ask a lot for the Cowboys to fork over the dollars required to land him.
Houston Texans
The Texans need…a lot of help. In 2020, they gave up the most rushing yards. After losing their best defensive lineman in J.J. Watt, this becomes a primary need for Houston to address this offseason. They don’t have their first or second-round picks in the upcoming draft (as of now), therefore they must make moves in free agency to improve their defensive line unit.
Keep an eye on the Vikings, Cardinals, Jaguars, Chargers, and Packers as well.