Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll likes to have his rookies develop on the special teams early in their first season before he gradually works them in on either offense or defense as they get more accustomed to the speed of the NFL game.
DK Metcalf emerged right away as an impact piece on Seattle’s offense, and safety Marquise Blair was starting at free safety for a few weeks, but most of the rest of the rookie class has settled into roles on special teams – with an eye on making that jump in the coming weeks.
Next on the list appears to be defensive back Ugo Amadi, a 2019 fourth round pick who has excelled on the special teams this season after impressing throughout training camp and the preseason.
“He’s doing really well,” coach Pete Carroll said on Monday. “He has been a playmaker on special teams throughout. His opportunities will continue to come about because he has been so consistent in everything he is doing. He hasn’t done anything that isn’t good. His effort is great. His playmaking, his decision making, the savvy, the situations that he’s been in; he’s just been really good. So, I’m anxious for him to contribute more. He’s one of those guys that have been with us long enough, it’s time for him to get some more opportunities so we’re looking for that.”
Carroll also confirmed that Amadi is working primarily at the nickel cornerback position, although he’s still an option at safety as well.
Veteran Jamar Taylor has been the team’s starting nickel all season, but he’s had a rough year and that was never more apparent than last Monday against the 49ers, when he was burned repeatedly early in the game.
“He’s been up and down, and he had a couple plays last week that got away,” Carroll said. “He’s in a competitive situation, and he’s got to keep doing well to hold his spot just like everybody else.”
It sounds like Amadi is right on Taylor’s tail for playing time at the nickel spot, and Sunday’s game against the Eagles could be a chance for Amadi to take the job going forward.
“Coming off the break we have a chance to revisit some of that stuff,” Carroll continued. “If it fits with different positions, and guys, and individuals, we’re looking to take advantage of that.”
The 8-2 Seahawks will take on Philadelphia on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. PT.
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