Tag: Abraham Lucas

Seahawks address offensive line in ESPN’s latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Seahawks address offensive line in ESPN’s latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft

The Seattle Seahawks will own the No. 18 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. As the only 10-win franchise to miss the postseason, it’s the lowest first-round selection among the non-playoff clubs. General manager John Schneider may address a multitude of issues, but none are more glaring than the underwhelming offensive line.

ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid recently released his latest first-round mock draft. Reid has the Seahawks focusing on Geno Smith’s protection by drafting Oregon Ducks offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr.

“The durability concerns surrounding right tackle Abraham Lucas are becoming a long-term issue, as he has been limited to 13 games over the past two seasons,” Reid wrote. “Finding a player who can develop inside at guard and eventually replace Lucas or could slot in at tackle right away should be a priority. The 6-4, 315-pound Conerly made a huge leap in his second season as a starter, allowing only one sack and five pressures. He could be Lucas’ heir apparent or jump in somewhere else on Seattle’s line.”

Lucas performed admirably after returning from injury this season, but there’s no denying that his recurring setbacks are becoming a long-term problem for Seattle. The Seahawks struggled mightily at right tackle in his absence, and need reliability at his position moving forward. It’s also worth acknowledging Lucas will be entering a contract year in 2025.

Seattle’s larger issues are across the interior of their offensive line. Perhaps if Conerly could play guard while Lucas remains at tackle, Schneider would address a more pressing performance issue while simultaneously finding a long-term solution at right tackle should Lucas suffer another setback. Either way, the Seahawks would be adding a quality player to their offensive line by drafting Conerly.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Bears on offense in Week 17

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Bears on offense in Week 17

The Seattle Seahawks did not play an impressive offensive game in Thursday’s 6-3 Week 17 victory over the Chicago Bears. It was the lowest-scoring contest of the 2024 season. Ryan Grubb’s unit gained merely 265 yards of offense and failed to locate the end zone. Despite that, Pro Football Focus graded these three Seahawks as their best-performing offensive players versus the Bears.

Abraham Lucas | 79.2

Abraham Lucas’ 76.5 grade in pass protection was his highest of the campaign in that department. The former Washington State standout was credited with allowing just two pressures and zero sacks to the Bears’ defensive line. It was his second straight performance not having allowed a QB takedown. Lucas also scored extremely well as a run blocker (79.1).

Zach Charbonnet | 78.9

Zach Charbonnet got the start in place of Kenneth Walker III, who was placed on season-ending injured reserve (IR). The opportunistic back rushed for 57 yards via 15 carries. He was limited to 3.8 yards per carry, but also added 19 receiving yards to his offensive totals, accumulating a stellar team-high 76 yards from scrimmage.

Noah Fant | 74.0

Noah Fant was Geno Smith’s most reliable target. The veteran tight end posted team-highs in receptions (four) and receiving yards (43). In a game where yards and points were difficult to come by, Fant was a reliable chain-mover for Grubb’s struggling offense.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Packers on offense in Week 15

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Packers on offense in Week 15

The Seattle Seahawks were dismissed by the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football, losing 30-13. Ryan Grubb’s offense gained just 208 total yards and were limited to 13 measly points. Nonetheless, these three Seahawks were their highest-graded players on offense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 77.3

Jaxon Smith-Njigba continued his ascension as Geno Smith’s go-to target in the passing game. JSN posted team-highs in receptions (10), receiving yards (83), and targets (12). Smith-Njigba did the majority of his work underneath the coverage, averaging just 8.3 yards per catch, though he was on the receiving end of Seattle’s longest completion of the evening, a 25-yard gain in the passing game.

Charles Cross | 76.3

The Packers dominated the interior of the Seahawks’ makeshift offensive line, but Mike Macdonald’s bookend tackles held their own. Franchise left tackle Charles Cross was credited with allowing three pressures and one sack, posting an overall grade of 81.1 in pass protection. That was his second-best grade of the season in protection.

Abe Lucas | 73.8

Right tackle Abraham Lucas was Seattle’s third-highest graded offensive player at 73.8. He occasionally struggled in pass protection, allowing five pressures and two sacks, but was also dealing with a lackluster situation at right guard. Lucas was also a net positive in the running game, earning a grade of 79.7 in that department.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Seahawks RT Abe Lucas inches closer to full strength in Week 12 win

Seahawks RT Abe Lucas inches closer to full strength in Week 12 win

Third-year Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Abe Lucas made his second consecutive start in Sunday’s 16-6 Week 12 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Lucas made his regular-season debut in last weekend’s win over the San Francisco 49ers. Sunday’s showing indicates Seattle’s preferred right tackle is nearing full strength.

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb made the decision to occasionally rotate Lucas out of the lineup against San Francisco, replacing him with rookie blocker Mike Jerrell to allow Lucas to catch his breath. That did not occur versus the Cardinals. He played every offensive snap.

Lucas wasn’t perfect. The former Washington State standout was whistled for two illegal formation penalties. Pro Football Focus credited Lucas with allowing two quarterback pressures and zero sacks.

Lucas graded subpar as a run blocker, earning a 50.3 from PFF’s decision makers. It was significantly lower than his debut run-blocking grade of 79.0 last week. Seattle struggled to effectively run the football. Starting ball carrier Kenneth Walker III was limited to 41 rushing yards via 16 carries (2.6 yards per carry).

Lucas’ ability to play the complete workload of snaps indicates progress. The penalties and occasional setbacks in pass protection and as a run blocker indicates he’s still shaking off the rust. Lucas should continue improving down the critical stretch of Seattle’s 2024 season.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Seahawks RT Abe Lucas should play full workload vs. Cardinals

Seahawks RT Abe Lucas should play full workload vs. Cardinals

Seattle Seahawks right tackle Abe Lucas made his regular-season debut in Sunday’s Week 11 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Mike Macdonald wisely decided to ease Lucas back into the offense given his lengthy stint on the sidelines. Lucas rotated in and out of the lineup, totaling 42 offensive snaps. Rookie blocker Mike Jerrell occasionally replaced him, playing 18 snaps after making a handful of starts earlier this year.

Lucas was outstanding and did not appear rusty. Pro Football Focus credited Lucas with allowing one sack and one additional pressure in pass protection. He earned a pass-blocking grade of 73.4. As a run blocker, the former Washington State standout was Seattle’s second-highest graded lineman at 79.0.

Now that Lucas has some in-game reps under his belt, the expectation is that he’ll play 100 percent of Ryan Grubb’s offensive snaps in Sunday’s upcoming critical Week 12 NFC West showdown versus the Arizona Cardinals. Grubb confirmed that Lucas should play the complete workload. It offers a boost to Seattle’s improving offensive line.

The Cardinals have recorded 24 sacks in 10 regular-season games this campaign. Jonathan Gannon has lost both of his best projected pass rushers, BJ Ojulari and Dennis Gardeck, to season-ending injuries. ESPN Stats & Info credits the Cardinals with a pass-rush-win-rate (PRWR) of 30 percent, the second-worst rate in the entire league through 11 completed contests.

Sunday projects as a favorable matchup for Lucas to play 100 percent of snaps for the first time this season.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. 49ers on offense

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. 49ers on offense

The Seattle Seahawks claimed a massive victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, winning their Week 11 contest within the NFC West 20-17. Starting quarterback Geno Smith executed a game-winning drive by rushing for what was essentially a walk-off touchdown. Analyzing the advanced metrics, these were the Seahawks’ three highest-graded players on offense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | WR | 88.2

Jaxon Smith-Njigba was once again Seattle’s most effective wide receiver, recording 10 receptions for 110 yards. Smith’s game-winning, 11-play drive that gained 83 yards featured two third-down conversions to Smith-Njigba in the clutch. DK Metcalf is back from injury, but JSN is currently Smith’s go-to playmaker.

Olu Oluwatimi | C | 80.8

Sophomore center Olu Oluwatimi was unexpectedly thrust into the lineup after Connor Williams shockingly retired earlier this week. Oluwatimi rose to the occasion, earning an overall grade of 80.8 from PFF as Seattle’s highest-graded offensive lineman. The former Michi had a perfect pass-block-win-rate (PBWR), according to ESPN Stats & Info. ESPN Research credited Oluwatimi with 27 victories and zero losses on qualifying pass-block plays.

Abe Lucas | RT | 76.8

The theme of returning offensive linemen thriving for the Seahawks continued with right tackle Abe Lucas. Making his season debut, PFF credited Lucas with allowing one sack and one additional pressure in pass protection. With a stellar 76.8 grade, his return appears to have immediately solved Mike Macdonald’s season-long revolving door at right tackle.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Seahawks activate RT Abe Lucas from PUP list, George Fant placed on Injured Reserve

Seahawks activate RT Abe Lucas from PUP list, George Fant placed on Injured Reserve

The Seattle Seahawks have just given the 12th Man a jolt of much-needed good news this week. On Wednesday morning, the team officially activated right tackle Abe Lucas off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Lucas has been recovering from a procedure on his knee he had done this past winter, and it cost him the first nine games of the season this year.

Lucas began the 2024 campaign on the PUP list, but was recently designated to return to practice at the end of October. Once he returned to practice, the clock began on a 21-day window to be able to be ready to join the active 53-man roster or be shut down for the remainder of the season. The fact he has been upgraded off the PUP list is a great sign, and points to a potential season debut against the San Francisco 49ers this weekend.

Unfortunately, Lucas returning means someone loses their spot on the 53-man roster, and it appears it will once again be right tackle George Fant. In Week 9, Fant made his return after suffering a knee injury in Week 1. Sadly, his return was short lived as he re-injured his knee, and has once again been placed on injured reserve.

Should Lucas be able to go on Sunday, it will signify a considerable upgrade to a Seahawks offensive line in shambles… especially on the right side. Seattle will need all the help they can get if they want to upset the 49ers.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=1360]

Seahawks place T Stone Forsythe on injured reserve, claim LB Josh Ross on waivers

Seahawks place T Stone Forsythe on injured reserve, claim LB Josh Ross on waivers

The good injury news giveth, and the bad injury news taketh away. Such has been life for the Seattle Seahawks at their right tackle position. On Wednesday afternoon, the Seahawks announced they were placing third-string right tackle Stone Forsythe on injured reserve. He will be out for a minimum of four games.

Forsythe was pressed into service after starter Abe Lucas began the season on the PUP list and backup George Fant was injured in Week 1. Forsythe has struggled for the majority of this season, surrendering by far the most pressures of any tackle in the league according to PFF.

Last week against the Atlanta Falcons, Forsythe missed the first game of the season with a hand injury. Starting in his place was sixth round rookie Michael Jerrell, who performed admirably, and could perhaps be a viable option moving forward at the position.

Still, it’s hard to be too upset with this news, especially considering it came on the same day when it was announced both Lucas and Fant would be returning to practice.

Additionally, the Seahawks claimed linebacker Josh Ross off of waivers. Ross is now reunited with both his former college and NFL defensive coordinator, Mike Macdonald. Ross was a Michigan Wolverine who played his senior year under Macdonald in Ann Arbor, and the first two years of his NFL career with him in Baltimore.

Ross is familiar with Macdonald’s system, and despite playing in only 12 games in the league, having someone with his knowledge is paramount.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=1360]

Seahawks RT’s Abe Lucas and George Fant to return to practice

Seahawks RT’s Abe Lucas and George Fant to return to practice

For what feels like a lifetime at this point, the Seattle Seahawks finally received good news when it comes to the health of their offensive line! On Wednesday it was reported both Abe Lucas and George Fant are officially returning to practice after missing extended time.

Lucas began the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list due to lingering recovery from knee surgery he underwent in January. Lucas’ health has been a growing concern for the Seahawks, as he missed eleven games last year, and has already been out for seven in 2024. Still, it is a good sign he is finally able to get back to practice.

Head coach Mike Macdonald did mention that while Lucas is back at practice, he is not gearing up to return to games just yet. Sadly, this does include this coming weekend’s game against the Buffalo Bills.

As for George Fant, Lucas’ immediate backup, it is also positive he is returning to practice. Like Lucas last year, Fant was injured in Seattle’s Week 1 game, and was placed on injured reserve in late September.

Both players now have a 21-day window of practice to prove they are capable of being activated to the 53-man roster. If they are unable to get ready by then, they will be shutdown for the remainder of the season.

Hopefully, they will not need the entirety of the 21 days allotted to them. While rookie Michael Jerrell played admirably in his start last weekend, the Seahawks need both Lucas and Fant back in action to help this struggling offensive line.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=1360]

Seahawks RT Abe Lucas to start the season on PUP list

Seahawks RT Abe Lucas to start the season on PUP list

The Seattle Seahawks have officially set their 53-man roster. We now know who will be on the sidelines for when the Seahawks host the Denver Broncos in Week 1 on September 8th. However, with knowing who is on the final roster, comes with the realization of who was cut/waived… or added to the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.

Unfortunately, among those is right tackle Abe Lucas, who will begin the 2024 season on the PUP list, alongside safety Jerrick Reed II and defensive tackle Cam Young.

This development for Lucas is, sadly, not all that surpising. Last week, head coach Mike Macdonald gave an injury update to his standout right tackle, and it was hardly optomistic. When asked if Lucas would be ready to go for their Week 1 game against Denver, Macdonald responded with “Right now, I probably don’t want to answer that question.”

At this point, Macdonald already has.

Although it is not surprising, it is still regrettable that Lucas is still dealing with a knee issue he tried to have cleaned up with surgery this offseason. It is year three of Lucas’ NFL tenure and already his health is a considerable point of concern. When healthy, Lucas is arguably Seattle’s best offensive lineman, but his availability is becoming increasingly questionable.

If this health trend continues to go south, Seahawks general manager John Schneider may need to start putting together a contigency plan for Lucas’ long term replacement.

More Seahawks Wire stories

Seahawks officially set their 53-man roster

Full list of Seahawks roster cuts for 2024

Seahawks lose Jamie Sheriff and Jon Rhattigan to waiver claims